02 February 2010
Low levels of vitamin B6 may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, says a new study.
The study with 1,205 people found that higher levels of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, were linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, as well as lower levels of 8-OHdG, a marker for oxidative stress, both of which are related to heart disease risk (1).
CRP is produced in the liver and is a known marker for inflammation. Increased levels of CRP are a good predictor for the onset of both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin B6 may influence cardiovascular disease risk through mechanisms other than the reduction of the amino acid homocysteine, the researchers commented.
15 April 2014
The main function of vitamin E is to protect against damage of reactive oxygen species. It also has non-antioxidant functions in cell signaling, gene expression and regulation.
1 May 2013
There is a substantial scientific evidence base to support important roles of omega-3 fatty acids in growth and development, in lowering the risk of many chronic human diseases and in contributing to the therapeutic regimen of those with advanced diseases or those requiring nutrition support.
1 December 2014
Optimizing vision throughout the lifespan is a public health priority worldwide, not only because of its central importance to quality of life, but also because of the health care costs associated with the loss of vision in an aging population. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key pathogenic mechanism of compromised vision, and the antioxidant properties of some nutrients show the capacity to modulate disease conditions linked to oxidative stress. Considerable evidence has accumulated showing that vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene and zinc help support vision and may be protective against the development or progression of some common – especially age-related – eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition, increased intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – all concentrated in the eye – have been associated consistently with lower likelihood of sight-threatening conditions. There has also been some promising research with B vitamins in age-related eye diseases and with vitamin A and DHA in the rare disease retinitis pigmentosa (see also Key nutrients for healthy vision).
