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.


Click here for article details

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