Topic of the Month

Established and potential functions of vitamin C

In Topic of the Month · December 1, 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.

Topic of the Month

Body functions of vitamin E

In Topic of the Month · November 1, 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.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrients and vegetarians

In Topic of the Month · October 1, 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.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrients and physical activity

In Topic of the Month · September 1, 2012

The number of people who exercise, and their understanding of the role of nutrition in sports performance, is increasing: The percentage of Americans and Europeans who are physically active increased significantly over the last decade (1-3). In addition, people are tending to stay active for longer (4). The body needs carbohydrates, protein, fats (especially polyunsaturated omega­-3 fatty acids), vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. Prolonged exercise performed on a regular basis may result in increased micronutrient losses from the body or in an increased rate of turnover, resulting in the need for an increased dietary intake. Today’s science of sports nutrition is sophisticated, revealing new insights about the measurable benefits of micronutrients, the amounts needed thereof, and the appropriate timing of intake.

Topic of the Month

Docosahexaenoic acid and brain health

In Topic of the Month · August 1, 2012

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for health but the human body is not capable of producing them, hence they have to be consumed in the form of food. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining health as well as normal growth and development. They have become popular because of their potential benefits for the cardiovascular system. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Less well-known are the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids – particularly of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – on the brain. As a key structural element, DHA is highly concentrated in the brain and appears to be important for its development as well as for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrients and mental energy

In Topic of the Month · July 1, 2012

Mental energy is seen as a combination of high cognitive functioning, high levels of alertness, a motivation to do more and a positive, optimistic mood. Depending on individual circadian rhythms, mental energy levels can change within a 24 hour time period. There is no clear explanation for occasions where mental performance is at its highest in some people and lowest in others. Besides genetics, sleep and pain, oxygen supply and water intake can also influence mental energy or arousal. In addition, the types of foods consumed can enhance or reduce one’s level of mental energy. While glucose is the favorite energy source for the nerve cells, caffeine can increase reaction speed and enhance alertness. Micronutrients such as B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins, coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids are also known to influence mental energy.

Topic of the Month

Synergies between micronutrients and medicines

In Topic of the Month · June 1, 2012

The globally rising need for and use of medicines continues unabated. In the context of an ever widening range of medicinal therapies and a constantly growing number of pharmaceutical substances, interactions between bioactive substances are very significant. In the past, interactions between drugs and micronutrients received little attention in pharmaceutical and medical practice, but now medication-induced disturbances of micronutrient status are leading to a number of undesirable pharmacological effects. More-over, concomitant food intake can reinforce or diminish the bioavailability and effect of a pharmaceutical substance. In some cases, synergistic effects can arise from interactions between pharmaceuticals and micronutrients: micronutrients may complement medicinal treatment and enhance its effectiveness or reduce potential side-effects.

Topic of the Month

Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health

In Topic of the Month · May 1, 2012

Observational studies and randomized controlled trials have examined the cardiovascular effects of fatty fish consumption and long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from dietary supplements. Several clinical trials have documented significant benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for cardiovascular health. Although much has been learned, some questions remain unanswered, including: what are the precise physiological effects and molecular mechanisms that account for the observed benefits for cardiovascular health; and what are the magnitudes and dose-responses of effects on specific diseases and the potential differences in various populations? National and international guidelines now give consistent recommendations for the general population: to consume at least 250 mg/day of long-chain n-3 PUFA or at least two servings of oily fish per week (1, 2).

Topic of the Month

Micronutrients and inflammatory diseases

In Topic of the Month · April 1, 2012

Chronic, low-grade, tissue inflammation is a significant risk factor in the development of a variety of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and auto-immune diseases. Moreover, many discomforts, such as chronic pain, memory problems, mood swings, and general muscle fatigue, can be connected in some way to an underlying inflammatory condition. An important development in nutritional science in recent years has been the discovery of anti-inflammatory properties of certain micronutrients and their potential to prevent or treat certain diseases or conditions.

Topic of the Month

Drug-induced micronutrient insufficiencies

In Topic of the Month · March 1, 2012

The use of medication worldwide is growing continually, not least because of the rising age of the population. Today there are many people who take more than three different kinds of medication daily (1,2). In highly developed countries, it is particularly common for patients to be prescribed medication long-term, most frequently for the treatment of widespread chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. It is also a common practice in those regions to take over-the-counter medicines, including painkillers and medication for stomach ulcers (3,4). When several kinds of medication are taken concomitantly, the risks and side effects increase. In contrast to other adverse drug reactions, the inter-action between medications and micronutrients is only gradually gaining the attention of experts and the wider public. A number of medicines influence the metabolism of vitamins, minerals and trace elements in such a way that they could lead to insufficiencies or even deficiency symptoms in patients (5,6).