Mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids benefit eye health revealed

Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits. Over the last several years, research involving omega-3 fatty acids has revealed a positive, direct effect on eye health. Retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as other diseases that affect the nerves and tissues of the eye, negatively impact the lives of millions, often leading to impaired vision or blindness. A new study in Science Translational Medicine (February 2011) reviewed the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on eye health and the pathways by which its beneficial effects occur. It was found that 4-HDHA, a metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, selectively promoted the growth of healthy blood vessels while inhibiting the growth of abnormal (unhealthy) vessels. Researchers believe these findings further highlight the beneficial effects of this omega-3 fatty acid and may serve as a foundation for exploring new treatment regimes for eye-related diseases as well as other diseases that affect the body.

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Micronutrients may work in tandem with probiotics

Probiotic supplementation continues to grow at a rapid pace as consumers learn more about the benefits that probiotics have to offer. When used in the formulation of foods, probiotics have the ability to increase bioavailability of certain micronutrients, including zinc and iron. A recent study published in BioFactors has determined that micronutrients, when taken in combination with certain probiotics, may boost the beneficial effects of the bacteria. The study looked specifically at the influence of selected micronutrients, phytochemical and dietary factors (including zinc, iron, quercetin, gallic acid, phytic acid and oxalic acid) on the growth of probiotics. Both quercetin and zinc sulphate showed positive effects for Lactobacillus acidophilus and other lactobacilli and bifidobacteria species. Researchers also observed that zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, quercetin and oxalic acid inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, suggesting their presence might assist probiotics in the resistance against pathogens. As more studies will be needed to determine the exact clinical significance micronutrients have on probiotics, this study reinforces the great benefits of probiotics and suggests how probiotics in combination with other nutrients may boost those benefits even more.

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Optimal levels of vitamin D may help to reduce the occurrence of frailty in the elderly.

Research has proven there is a clear link between vitamin D blood levels and several health related conditions. Unfortunately this research has failed to discover a clear understanding of what is or isn’t the optimal level of vitamin D necessary to achieve and retain good health. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (December 2010), measured plasma levels of vitamin D and assessed frailty status in 4551 elderly women approximately 69 years of age. Results of testing showed vitamin D levels between 20 ng/ml - 30 ng/ml appeared to provide optimal protection against the development of frailty. Levels below or above this range were associated with an increased risk for frailty, with the lowest levels offering the greatest risk. Researchers pointed out that the number of women whose vitamin D status exceeded 30 ng/ml was relatively small and so further research is necessary to give a better understanding of how higher vitamin D levels affect the body.

To read more on this study:
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/95/12/5266

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