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.

for more information click here