Topic of the Month

Micronutrients for healthy aging

In Topic of the Month · December 1, 2010

During the aging process, the body changes in many ways affecting its physical function. Some age-related physical changes such as wrinkles, graying hair and weight gain are obvious. Other changes, such as the gradual loss of bone tissue and the reduced resiliency of blood vessels, go unnoticed, even for decades. The rate of these processes can be very different from person to person and depend on a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.

Topic of the Month

Antioxidant micronutrients

In Topic of the Month · November 1, 2010

Among the components in foodstuff that contribute to health, micronutrients such as vitamins, carotenoids and minerals are essential. A key factor in maintaining health is the ‘ antioxidant ’ capacity of several micronutrients. Such antioxidants are thought to reduce the risks of chronic illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases through their ability to supplement cellular defense systems (e.g. antioxidant enzymes) in removing “ Reactive Oxygen Species ” (ROS) and “Reactive Nitrogen Species” (RNS). ROS and RNS are highly reactive “free radicals,” which are produced during the body’s normal energy-generating process. These free radicals (or “pro-oxidants”) trigger chain reactions, resulting in the rapid oxidation of cellular molecules. The increased exposure to free radicals, known as “ oxidative or nitrosative stress ”, can lead to DNA, lipid and protein damage and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular illnesses and cancer.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrient insufficiency: Also a matter of genes

In Topic of the Month · October 1, 2010

The human body needs micronutrients for several vital functions. Insufficient amounts in the body can increase the risk of multiple diseases. Micronutrient requirements vary from person to person and are dependant on age, sex, activity and performance levels, as well as physical and mental health condition. For a long time, insufficiency has been thought to be only a matter of inappropriate intake. Recent research has shown, however, that variable levels of micronutrients across populations seem also to strongly depend on the individual’s genetic profile: differences in DNA sequences, so-called ‘genetic polymorphisms’, among individuals can result in varying metabolic capabilities to utilize (absorb, transport, transform) vitamins etc. after intake. Thus, levels of micronutrients in blood and tissues might be limited by specific genetic variants, potentially increasing the risk of insufficiency and related diseases.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrient insufficiency: Risk groups

In Topic of the Month · September 1, 2010

The conclusions drawn from numerous national nutrition surveys are that there is no prevalence of vitamin deficiencies ("as a statistical mean") in industrialized countries. As long as we eat a balanced diet including the foods recommended by the nutrition societies (e.g. five portions of fruit and vegetables a day), our vitamin requirements will be met. However, the nutrition experts admit that their investigations into vitamin intake in the general population revealed wide variations and that not everybody actually achieves the targeted reference values. Risk groups with comparatively poor dietary habits and inadequate micronutrient intake were identified in every age group.

Topic of the Month

Sun protection – as important inside as outside

In Topic of the Month · August 1, 2010

Vitamins, carotenoids, minerals and nutritional lipids play important roles in maintaining healthy skin throughout life. Looking after the skin is important in order to maintain a strong barrier between the body and the environment. The right mix of nutrients help keep the skin hydrated, protect it from the ravages of time, and offer protection from the aging effects of the sun.

Topic of the Month

Vitamins and the immune system – the defense team

In Topic of the Month · July 1, 2010

The immune system is responsible for the body’s own defenses. It has the task of fighting harmful substances like microorganisms and viruses that have invaded the body. It consists in part of white blood cells (leukocytes) that develop from the stem cells of the bone marrow. These include B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, granulocytes and monocytes. Lymph and blood vessels enable the cells of the immune system to circulate and detect antigens. The stronger the immune system, the better the body can defend itself against pathogens, deactivate damaged cells and disease.

Topic of the Month

The role of micronutrients in pregnant women’s and early childhood’s health

In Topic of the Month · June 1, 2010

There is overwhelming evidence which demonstrates that good nutrition and specific micronutrients can play a major role in maintaining and enhancing physical and mental performance at all life stages as well as delaying the onset of persistent (‘chronic’) diseases. However, there are many social, demographic, economic and lifestyle changes that determine our nutritional status, and for a variety of reasons many more people are not achieving the recommended intakes for specific essential micronutrients.

Topic of the Month

Beta-carotene – benefits and limitations

In Topic of the Month · May 1, 2010

Almost no other micronutrient has generated as much controversial debate as beta-carotene. Celebrated in the early 1990s as the symbol of hope for cancer prevention, a few years later the carotenoid was being designated a health risk by many, with parts of the public media still warning about it today.