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.

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.

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.

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.

Topic of the Month

Some health conditions triggered by poor air quality can be improved by multivitamin supplementation

In Topic of the Month · August 1, 2015

The human immune system can be compromised by indoor and outdoor air pollutants. This can lead to a range of clinical conditions, including acute respiratory tract infections, reduced heart rhythm variability, and skin problems. Subclinical deficiencies of micronutrients can exasperate these effects. This review (1) examines the use of the micronutrient vitamins A, D, E, C, B6, B12, folate, and the trace elements copper, iron, selenium, and zinc to restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance in subjects affected by poor air quality.

Topic of the Month

Can a high dose vitamin E supplementation delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease?

In Topic of the Month · July 1, 2015

A recent study by Professor Maurice Dysken of the University of Minnesota Medical School provides data that indicates that high dose vitamin E supplementation could be useful as a therapeutic treatment to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Topic of the Month

What does «natural» mean in terms of food nutrients?

In Topic of the Month · June 1, 2015

Market research tells us that customers are now searching for food that contains natural ingredients. Manufacturers have responded with ranges of natural ingredients and nutrients. However, clarification of the meaning of “natural” in respect of this usage would be useful for all interested parties.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrients for regeneration and convalescence

In Topic of the Month · May 1, 2015

Phases of intensive physical and mental exertions such as illnesses or physical exercise can be exhausting and the body then needs time to recuperate. A period of convalescence serves to gradually restore health after illness. The term regeneration describes the functional or structural restoration of damaged tissue or organs after physical exercise. As well as complete healing and strengthening, the objective is to prevent recurrences and possible complications like frequent re-infections or chronic exhaustion and loss of performance capacity. Regeneration and convalescence are biologically complicated processes in which the replenishment of energy stores and micronutrient reserves plays an important part. Both during the period of stress and afterwards, a sufficient intake of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals is essential to compensate for the increased demand, prevent deficiencies and support the recovering organism.

Topic of the Month

Micronutrients and diabetes

In Topic of the Month · April 1, 2015

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is an endocrine disorder characterized by insulin insufficiency (type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) and chronically raised blood sugar levels. Vascular diseases (diabetic angiopathies) play a deciding role in the course of the disease. Diabetics are more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke (macroangiopathy), and almost all sufferers are affected by damage to the small blood vessels (microangiopathy), the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy) or nerves (neuropathy). The metabolic status of diabetes sufferers is characterized by permanent oxidative stress due to impaired carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Early and sustained sufficient intake of antioxidant micronutrients that regulate carbohydrate metabolism is therefore particularly important in the prevention of diabetes.

Topic of the Month

The risk of micronutrient deficiencies in old age

In Topic of the Month · March 1, 2015

Since older people often do not process food well, old age may be considered a risk factor for inadequate micronutrient uptake. In the course of the natural aging process, several bodily functions deteriorate. An insufficient supply of micronutrients to the organism can accelerate the natural aging process and aggravate the decline of cell renewal processes, immune defense, eyesight and hearing, and cognitive performance. Further, the presence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer can increase micronutrient requirements. It is therefore all the more necessary to ensure that older people receive an optimal supply of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids. However, many older people are a long way from consuming the recommended daily amounts, even in highly developed industrial nations.