Interesting statistics on aging!

The September 2009 issue of Functional Ingredients (a trade magazine for the nutraceutical industry) included an intriguing article on the relationship between healthy aging, quality of life and dietary supplements. It included a number of staggering statistics on aging persons and I wanted to share some of them with you:

• 1/3 of people over the age of 65 fall down each year. One in five require medical attention and one in 10 break a bone
• Falls are responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 people in the US each year
• Nearly 40% of fatal falls involve people older than 85 years
• By age 60, four in 10 men and half of all women report joint pain in one or more joints
• For the US population as a whole, 50 million suffer from arthritis
• Peak bone density is reached at age 35. By age 80, women will have half the calcium in their bones that they did at half that age
• Dementia affects about five percent of people ages 70-80, 24% of people ages 80-90 and more than 40% of people older than 90
• Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States

While these are sobering statistics, the article goes on to share remarkable research about the supporting role of dietary supplements in aging:

• Alzheimer's patients with low levels of serum vitamin D score lower on metal state examinations compared to patients with adequate vitamin D
• Studies indicate that calcium and vitamin D supplements, in combination, support bone density
• A 2007 randomized, placebo controlled clinical intervention study among 325 postmenopausal women receiving 45mcg/day of vitamin K2 for three years found that hip-bone strength remained unchanged where the bone strength of those in the placebo group decreased significantly.
• Epidemiological studies indicate that higher intakes of vitamins E, K and B12 as well as magnesium, copper, manganese and boron are associated with higher bone density
• Fish oil (DHA in particular) continues to gain support as protective against dementia

The take away message here is that we can all make a decision, at any age, to age as well as possible. Our diet, lifestyle and supplementation choices can have a huge impact on our health and well-being throughout the aging process.

Omega-3 for Healthy Men

A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition explored the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart health in healthy subjects. Over 57,000 subjects were enrolled in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort study. During the follow-up of almost 8 years, over 1,000 of those subjects had developed acute coronary syndrome. The report concluded men with increased intakes of EPA and DHA had a decreased associated risk of acute coronary syndrome than compared to those with less EPA and DHA in their diet.

British Journal of Nutrition Abstract

Male Sexual Performance: What You Should Know

What is good for heart health is also good for healthy sexual health.

Researchers now appreciate the physiologic connection between heart health and penile health. That connection may indeed be related to nitric oxide production, the way in which our body regulates vascular tone. Healthy nitric oxide production is needed for both general vascular health and for healthy penile circulation. Discover which supplements helps support healthy nitric oxide production.

Prime Time™ contains a specific combination of ingredients to promote healthy nitric oxide production, maintain normal levels of testosterone, and promote normal blood vessel dilation.

Ask your health professional if Prime Time is right for you or someone you know.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Gluten-Free Diet + Antioxidants!

According to a new report published in Clinical Biochemistry, those with celiac disease have a significantly reduced antioxidant capacity due to a reduction in levels of the antioxidant glutathione. The study found increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, in children with active and silent celiac disease, which shows higher levels of reactive oxygen species. The researchers were led to conclude “Consumption of an antioxidant-rich diet and appropriate dietary supplements may complement the normal gluten-free diet.” For more information, please click the link below.

Clinical Biochemistry

Study Identifies Vitamin D’s Benefits for Diabetic Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among those with diabetes mellitus. Recent findings suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in this population. By ensuring adequate vitamin D status via supplements, according to researchers from Washington University in St Louis, the problem may be avoided.


To see the abstract, click here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19667238?dopt=Abstract

Wall Street Journal explores omega 3s

Did anyone see yesterday's Wall Street Journal? Check out the article "Beyond the Heart, What Else Can Omega 3s Do?" in the Health & Wellness section. The article explains that while omega 3s are commonly known for their role in promoting heart health, they are also being researched for their potential role in the treatment of other conditions including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis.

The article goes on to explore the mechanisms by which omega 3s are believed to help maintain heart health including reducing inflammation and triglyceride levels.

To learn more about the roles of omega 3s in promoting health click here to read the online version of this article.

Vitamin D is best as a supplement!

According to the latest update from the Harvard Medical School, vitamin D supplements are the best way to deliver a person's vitamin D requirements.

Food such as fish or eggs contain vitamin D, but industry leaders strongly urge it’s not enough and while you can also get it through sunlight, it’s much easier to take a supplement which supplies adequate amounts.

To read more, please click the link below.

NutraIngredients