December 2012 - Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential micronutrient required for normal metabolic func-tioning of the body. The vitamin acts as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of colla-gen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters. In addition to enzyme activation, oxidative stress reduction and immune function are thought to be the key functions of vitamin C, suggesting a potential preventive efficacy in cardiovascular disease, cancer, age-related cognitive decline and common cold. There is increasing evidence that the vitamin does not only act as a simple antioxidant but is able to affect reduction/oxidation-sensitive signaling pathways, modulate gene expression and regulate cell differentiation.

November 2012 - For almost a century, the biological role of vitamin E has been a scientific puzzle. Since its discovery, vitamin E has been extensively researched by many scientists in an attempt to fully understand its role in a variety of diseases. The vast majority of published work has focused on vitamin E’s antioxidant properties, which is why it is well known as antioxidant that protects membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Recent research has shown that vitamin E’s capacity to incorporate into plasma membrane and its ability to act there as antioxidant appears to be essential for the vitamin’s role in pro-moting membrane repair - the first evidence of one of vitamin E’s normal body functions.

October 2012 - Vegetarian diets have been practiced since ancient times. The popularity of vegetarian diets in recent years has been fuelled by ethical considerations, health concerns, environmental issues, and reli-gious factors. The reason a person chooses to be vegetarian influences the pattern of foods they consume, from only eating plant foods to permitting dairy and/or egg products in the diet. When a vegetarian diet is appropriately planned, it can be nutritionally adequate for individuals through all stages of the life cycle and can promote health and lower the risk of major chronic diseases. Avoiding nutrient-dense meat or animal-based diets means paying close attention to the diet in order to ensure balanced nutrition and an adequate micronutrient intake.