Magnesium consumption and reduced risk for sudden heart failure

New findings on dietary intake of magnesium were highlighted in an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Results from a 26 year follow-up study indicated that the highest dietary intakes of magnesium were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death when compared with the lowest average intakes. The prospective cohort study, starting in 1980, evaluated 88, 375 healthy women over a 26 year period. During this follow-up period, 505 cases of sudden cardiac death were noted by researchers. The role of magnesium was analyzed through subsequent research including 99 cases of sudden cardiac death and 291 women who did not die. Results indicated the importance of plasma magnesium and its role in cardiac death in women. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Dietary sources include green, leafy vegetables, unpolished grains and nuts. Unfortunately, the average daily magnesium intake in the U.S. is below the USDA’s RDA (320 mg/day for women and 420 mg/day for men). This article reinforces the importance of trace minerals such as magnesium in human health.

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Calcium plus vitamin D effectively boost bone mineral density.

Research has proven there is a clear link between vitamin D blood levels and bone mineral density (BMD). In many people, but especially in the elderly, vitamin D deficiency is common. In the elderly this deficiency often occurs due to reduced exposure to sunlight, as well as a reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is necessary for the intestinal absorption of calcium. When levels are low, less calcium enters the body and is therefore unavailable for bone mineralization and support. This overall depletion leads to reduced bone structure and strength, which is often more prevalent in older women. A recent study published in Osteoporosis International (March 2010), reported a positive increase in BMD in postmenopausal women after daily supplementation with vitamin D and calcium. The Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention- Fracture Prevention Study (OSTPRE-FPS) followed 593 women, the average age being 68.5 years, either receiving daily supplementation or none at all, over a three year period. Supplementation consisted of vitamin D 400 IU and calcium 500 mg, twice daily. Study results showed a significant total body BMD increase in those receiving supplementation when compared to those not supplemented. This study, as do other studies, supports the need for vitamin D and calcium supplementation for strengthening and retaining skeletal health.

To read more on this study:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/m016330581332017/fulltext.pdf

Probiotics for Stress and Related Conditions

Probiotics are “ live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” as defined by the World Health Organization. The health benefit of probiotic supplementation is usually associated with digestive/ gut issues, but a recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests a new health benefit. The study investigated the relationship between probiotic supplementation and stress reduction. Participants were randomized in this double-blind placebo-controlled study, receiving either a probiotic formulation or placebo for 30 days. To assess psychological distress, an array of anxiety, stress, and depression questionnaires was used. These preliminary results reveal that a combination of certain probiotic strains display beneficial psychological effects in healthy human volunteers.

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Vitamin C may help improve mood.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the best known and longest used antioxidants. First found to be vital in the prevention and treatment of scurvy, vitamin C has since been shown to have beneficial effects on many aspects of human health. A recent study in Nutrition (August, 2010) showed that supplementation with vitamin C helped to improve mood (as assessed by response scores) in hospitalized patients by 34%. Hospitalized patients, rarely given vitamins during their stay, are at risk for hypovitaminosis— resulting from insufficiency in one or more vitamins. Vitamin insufficiencies have been associated with mental and emotional disorders, physical impairments and disease states. In this study, patients were supplemented with 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily. These patients were found to have improvements in the levels of some immune cells and improvements in overall mood as verified by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) – a test that rates an individual’s mood profile. These results help to support the vital role vitamin C plays in human mental and physical health.



To read more on this study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20688474

Fatty Acids and Antioxidants for Pancreatic Health

A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer investigated the relationship between intake of specific fatty acids, antioxidants and pancreatic health. Data collected from residents in the San Francisco Bay Area revealed positive associations between consuming omega-3 fatty acids (> 850 mg) and high total intake of vitamins C and E from supplements and pancreatic health. In contrast, diets high in saturated fats and some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats were associated with increased risk of an unhealthy pancreas. These results help to support the numerous benefits of supplementation with omega-3’s and antioxidants.

click here for more details on this study.

Probiotic Supplementation Gains New Scientific Acceptance

Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) as a supplement were proposed in western medicine some 100 years ago. In fact, the introduction of fermented foods containing bacteria to promote wellness and healing have been used by many cultures over thousands of years. Finally with new scientific techniques, probiotic supplementation is gaining new validity. Physicians and others are using probiotic supplementatlion for a variety of conditions including: inflammation of the gut, respiratory illnesses, allergies, infectious diarrhea to name a new. It appears that probiotic supplementation can enhance our immune function by: improving intestinal barrier function against harmful microbes, exerting ant-inflammatory effects, enhancing mucosal antibody defenses and others.

For more information

http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed/18626975

Antioxidants may boost heart health and metabolism.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium and coenzyme Q10 have been shown to have beneficial effects on many aspects of human health. A recent study in Nutrition &Metabolism (July, 2010) showed that not only do antioxidants have significant beneficial effects on several aspects of cardiovascular disease, but may also help to improve blood glucose and lipid metabolism. In this study 70 people, each with at least two cardiovascular risk factors, were randomly assigned to two groups. For six months, one group received an antioxidant combination of vitamins C and E, selenium, and coenzyme Q10, while the other group received a placebo equivalent. The antioxidant treated participants showed significant decreases in blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic), increased levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”), and improvements in arterial elasticity and blood glucose levels. Although a preliminary study, the results help to support the need for antioxidant supplementation in this population.

To read more on this study:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-7-55.pdf

Multivitamin to improve mood and performance

Daily stress takes its toll on the body and requires additional energy and nutrient demands. A recent study in Psychopharmacology has demonstrated that supplementation with B complex, vitamin C and minerals can help healthy individuals improve ratings of stress, mental health and cognitive performance. The study evaluated 210 men between the ages 30 – 55 with full time employment. For 33 days, men received either a placebo or the vitamin/mineral supplementation. At the beginning and end of the 33 day period, participants completed an array of physical and mental tasks as well as multiple questionnaires including mood states, stress, and general health. Results showed that the group who received the B complex, vitamin C and minerals demonstrated improved: cognitive performance, ratings of stress and overall mood. Healthy individuals may indeed benefit from vitamin/mineral supplementation for specific areas of functioning.

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Pine bark extract supplementation may ease the symptoms of hay fever.

A specific brand of Pine bark extract, Pycnogenol®, was recently evaluated for its potential use in alleviating some of the symptoms of hay fever. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is one of most common reasons for seeking medical attention and can often affect work and school performance. In the US an estimated 60 million persons, suffer from hay fever which is characterized with nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, etc. A new study in Phytotherapy Research (June 2010), 39 adults were evaluated in a double blind placebo-controlled study. The supplemental group was given Pycnogenol 5-8 weeks prior to and during tree pollen season. Results with the Pycnogenol group showed a 35 % decrease in eye related symptoms, and a 21 % decrease in nasal symptoms. In addition, the Pycnogenol group showed a 12.5% decrease in the need for antihistamines, as compared to a 50% usage by the control group. This pilot study supports the potential usefulness of Pycnogenol supplementation (when given weeks prior to pollen exposure) for relieving the symptoms of those suffering from seasonal allergies.

To read more on this study:
http://www.kgksynergize.com/_lib/img/Pycnogenol.pdf

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and enhanced exercise performance

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important vitamin-like compound whose recognition in the United States is growing due to its support of cardiovascular health and more. It plays a key role in the production of energy in all cells of the body. As an important fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 protect’s the mitochondria (cell’s energy factory) from free radical damage. A recent article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has evaluated the effects of oral CoQ10 supplementation on performance in supramaximal exercise. Examples of such exercise include sprinting and cycling. The study evaluated 15 healthy and sedentary men during two 8-week periods. Mean power increased with CoQ10 supplementation as compared to placebo, indicating that CoQ10 may be beneficial during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercises by enhancing performance.


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Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and enhanced exercise performance

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important vitamin-like compound whose recognition in the United States is growing due to its support of cardiovascular health and more. It plays a key role in the production of energy in all cells of the body. As an important fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 protect’s the mitochondria (cell’s energy factory) from free radical damage. A recent article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has evaluated the effects of oral CoQ10 supplementation on performance in supramaximal exercise. Examples of such exercise include sprinting and cycling. The study evaluated 15 healthy and sedentary men during two 8-week periods. Mean power increased with CoQ10 supplementation as compared to placebo, indicating that CoQ10 may be beneficial during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercises by enhancing performance.


Click here for article details

Low Vitamin D levels may increase risk of depression in the elderly.

Research has shown that lower blood levels of vitamin D have been associated with the increased occurrence of elderly health issues. A new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (May 2010), followed the vitamin D levels of 531 women and 423 men, over 65 years of age, for a period of 6 years. Participants' depressive symptoms were assessed (using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale-CES-D). Those exhibiting lower blood levels of vitamin D (< 50 nmol/liter) scored significantly higher on the depression scale. The association between blood vitamin D levels and depression was also found to be more observable in women than men. Previous studies have supported the need for vitamin D supplementation for the physical health of the elderly. This study supports the need for vitamin D for their mental health as well.

To read more on this study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20444911

Vitamin K and reduced cancer risk

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that the highest intakes of vitamin K were associated with reduced risk of overall cancer and cancer mortality. There are two forms of vitamin K: phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (vitamin K2). Although both forms are important to health, the latter is associated with reduced cancer risk. These menaquinones can be synthesized in the gut by bacteria and can also be found in fermented foods such as some cheeses. This study followed 24,340 participants between 35 and 64 years old for over 10 years and analyzed cancer incidence with regards to dietary intake. The authors concluded that persons with the highest average intakes of vitamin K2 were 14 percent less likely to develop cancer, compared to those with the lowest average intakes. Furthermore, a 28 percent reduction on cancer mortality was observed for persons with the highest average intakes.

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Pycnogenol Monograph

The American Botanical Council has recently published a monograph summarizing scientific and clinical studies of Pycnogenol®, a patented extract of French maritime pine bark. Seventeen human clinical trials and numerous animal/lab studies were reviewed in the monograph. Pycnogenol has a wide variety of potential uses, with its cardiovascular benefits being the most researched. Pycnogenol may also help to improve endothelial function, improve blood sugar control, decrease edema in the lower legs, benefit children with ADHD and much more. This monograph contains detailed information on Pycnogenol's dosage for various conditions, safety, mechanism of action and summaries of selected clinical trials. Pycnogenol has been extensively studied by numerous academic medical centers for over 40 years to confirm its safety and efficacy.

To view the full monograph click here

Blueberries may protect muscles from oxidative damage.

Blueberries may help to reduce the amount of damage muscles cells and fibers suffer due to oxidative stress during exercise. Containing potent antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols, the blueberry has become one of the most popular research subjects in nutrition. A recent article published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (March 2010) studied the ability of blueberry extract to protect working muscle fibers in vitro (in the lab) from oxidative or free radical damage. Blueberry extract was shown to significantly protect muscle cells, reducing oxidative stress, thereby potentially helping to reduce muscle damage during and after exercise. More research, especially in humans is needed to fully appreciate the impact blueberry and related polyphenols have on overall health.

To read more on this study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

Vitamin D Linked to Immune Defenses

Scientists have discovered that vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses. When there are insufficient levels of vitamin D immune cells such as T – lymphocytes and natural killer cells do not properly fight off infections. T – lymphocyte activation requires vitamin D. Without proper mobilization and activation of T – lymphocytes, our body can not fight off infections adequately.

For the reference article on this new research, go to:
http://www.nature.com/ni/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ni.1851.html

Flavonol intake may reduce the risk of stroke in men and women

Flavonols are compounds commonly found in plants and fruits such as grapes, broccoli, and teas, which have been proven to provide strong antioxidant and health related benefits. In populations where flavonol intake is substantial, the occurrence of stroke and cardiovascular disease is significantly lower. Published in the Journal of Nutrition (January 2010), an analysis compared the results of 6 studies involving 111,067 persons who were followed for 6-28 years. The research showed a strong relationship between high flavonol intake and low nonfatal and fatal strokes. These results help to support the need for flavonol intake and supplementation to prevent and reduce the risk of cardiovascular related incidences.

To read this study: http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/jn.109.116632v1

Vitamin B6 and Heart Health

High blood levels of homocysteine have been associated with cardiovascular disease. A new study in humans, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that higher blood levels of the active form of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5’-phosphate or PLP), may reduce cardiovascular disease risk other than by just reducing blood homocysteine. As levels of PLP increase, an inflammatory protein (CRP) and a marker for oxidative stress decline, both of which may indicate a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease.


For more information on this topic, please visit:
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/91/2/337

Acai benefits cholesterol levels in animals

Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol levels, has long been associated with many unhealthy conditions and disease related states. According to a new study in animals, a diet supplemented with Acai may help to reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol levels. Acai pulp, when given to rats fed a high-fat diet, appeared to help lower levels of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol. Since Acai is well known as a potent antioxidant, high in polyphenols, this may be a contributing factor to the effect seen. More such studies and human clinical trials would be helpful to validate this effect and to determine its role in improving dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia.

For further information on this topic please visit:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20022468