expert opinion

Closing the chapter on omega-3 fatty acids and age-related macular degeneration may be premature

In Expert opinion · December 14, 2015

The results of the recent, comprehensive Age-Related Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) failed to support the prevailing view that marine omega-3 fatty acids could have a protective role in preventing the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Professor Eric Souied, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at both the Hôpital Intercommunal de Créteil and the Hôpital Henri Mondor in France, has carefully reviewed the study and found that the null results could be due to methodological differences between this and other recent studies. He thinks that the evidence from laboratory and other clinical studies still provides hope that omega-3 fatty acids could provide benefits in relation to ARMD.

Topic of the Month

Targeted approach in nutrition to address risk factors in metabolic syndrome

In Topic of the Month · December 1, 2015

Metabolic syndrome is a disorder of energy utilization and storage, diagnosed by the coincidence of overweight or obesity with disturbances of lipid and sugar metabolism and hypertension. Subclinical inflammation and a fatty liver are further components typically associated with this condition. Metabolic syndrome substantially increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Diets targeting weight loss by restricting either carbohydrate or fat intake are an effective approach to improve most conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, but the benefit is not successfully achieved over longer periods. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in nutrients improving metabolism may represent a successful strategy. The role of several related nutrients has been presented and discussed during the 12th European Nutrition Conference (FENS 2015) in Berlin.

expert opinion

By Jingo! – The Irish JINGO project yields detailed information regarding the link between vitamin D deficiency and inflammatory status in older people

In Expert opinion · December 1, 2015

Professor Mary Ward of Ulster University was part of a recent trial in which it was shown that elderly Irish adults (60 years or more) who were deficient in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (<25 nmol/L) were most likely to have the highest levels of inflammatory cytokines when compared to those who were replete (>75 nmol/L). Raised levels of these inflammatory cytokines are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a range of other chronic diseases.

Topic of the Month

Can vitamin C really help with chills and sneezes this winter?

In Topic of the Month · November 1, 2015

Vitamin C is an effective water-soluble antioxidant, able to trap reactive oxygen species (ROS). It forms part of the antioxidant defense system of phagocytes. A comprehensive meta-analysis in 2013 concluded that a dose of 200 mg per day of vitamin C reduces the duration of colds. A recent study suggests that this effect is due to the improved migration of virus-killing neutrophils through chemotaxis.

expert opinion

Using nutrigenomics to uncover how the potent antioxidant properties of hydroxytyrosol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

In Expert opinion · November 1, 2015

In his recent work, Francesco Visioli – Professor of Human Nutrition in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Padova in Italy – has investigated the biological and pharmacological properties of olive oil phenolics, including hydroxytyrosol, and their ability to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

expert opinion

DHA supplementation during pregnancy benefits pregnant women primarily through the prevention of premature birth

In Expert opinion · October 15, 2015

A new analysis of data by Professor Maria Makrides’ group at Adelaide University in Australia has shown that in-patient hospital costs could decrease by 92 Australian Dollars (AUD) on average per pregnancy (single) when a daily supplement of 800 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was consumed during pregnancy, due mainly to the reduced risk of giving premature birth.

Topic of the Month

How nutrition can help patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

In Topic of the Month · October 1, 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD in recent years is thought to be closely associated with similar rises in metabolic syndrome and obesity. There is no cure at present for NAFLD, but changes in eating habits can be beneficial, such as lowering your calorie intake, adhering to a Mediterranean diet, and consuming pre- and probiotics. Specifically, the antioxidant function of vitamin E when consumed in high doses appears to play a useful role in preventing further liver damage. Further, vitamin D has antifibrotic effects, which may prove an effective intervention in future NAFLD studies.

expert opinion

Using marine omega-3s to revitalize brain function in the elderly via restoration of mitochondrial function

In Expert opinion · October 1, 2015

Mitochondria, the cells energy powerhouse, slowly loose function with ageing. Professor Eckert of the Nutritional Neuroscience research group at Goethe University, Frankfurt, has demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction can produce age-related cognitive impairment, but normal function can be largely restored with an intervention of fish oil.

expert opinion

Low dietary intake of folic acid probably accounts for the European failure to reduce spina bifida-levels in newborns

In Expert opinion · September 15, 2015

Dr Rima Obeid, Junior Fellow at the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, of Aarhus University, Denmark, cites low serum folate levels in European women as the reason why there has been no reduction in the incidence in spina bifida and other neural tube defects over the last ten years. She also comments that recent advice from some European Nutritional Societies, reducing the required intake level of folate for young women is only likely to aggravate the problem.

Topic of the Month

The effect of water-soluble tomato concentrate and marine omega-3 fatty acids on platelet activation

In Topic of the Month · September 1, 2015

Platelet activation and aggregation play an integral role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Overactivation can lead to the formation of large thrombi and the blockage of essential blood vessels. Certain micronutrients are able to actively intervene in the biochemical clotting cascade, including the marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and water-soluble tomato concentrate, and may therefore be beneficial to cardiovascular health.