News
Essential fatty acids may mitigate symptoms of the dry eye syndrome
A new review from China concludes that polyunsaturated fatty acids may be an effective therapy for patients with the dry eye syndrome.
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Vitamin E intake shown to be protective of blood plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids
A study from Ireland has shown that intake of vitamin E raises blood plasma α-tocopherol levels, which in turn leads to raised blood levels of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), including the omega-3 fatty acids DHA, EPA and ALA.
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Intake levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids are well below recommended levels for most people in Australia
A new paper shows that most Australians do not meet the recommended intake levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids. Less than one quarter of adults meet the recommendations for optimal health. In women of child-bearing age, the median intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), widely recognized as being essential for an infant’s brain development, is only 51 mg day – only one quarter of recommended levels.
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Food fortification significantly supports micronutrient supply in Ireland
According to a new report the voluntary additions of micronutrients to foods in Ireland have made a favorable nutritional impact on the diets of adults and have not contributed to an increased risk of adverse effects.
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Low serum vitamin D levels increase risk of stress fractures of the foot
A retrospective study of a cohort of 124 patients with stress fractures of the foot showed that 83% of them had circulating serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 40 ng/mL. These results suggest that active patients at higher risk of stress factures may require a higher vitamin D intake than the average individual.
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Modest regular intake of fish oil shown to significantly reduce blood pressure in adults with systolic hypertension
Systolic hypertension is a major risk factor for the onset of strokes and cardiovascular disease. A new double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (1) has shown that a daily dose of fish oil containing 0.7 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) taken for eight weeks was able to reduce systolic blood pressure by a clinically significant 5 mmHg in adults with systolic hypertension.
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Even in the USA, the elderly have difficulty in achieving an adequate vitamin intake
In the USA, 50% of people aged 70 years or older did not consume the EAR (Estimated Average Requirement) for vitamins D, E and K, and 35 to 40% for vitamins C and A. Whilst for the B vitamins, the percentage of older people failing to meet the EAR was between 1 and 30%.
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Low folate levels during pregnancy could lead to children with smaller brains and poorer cognition
A new study involving 256 Dutch children aged six to eight years has shown that low pre-natal folate status leads to reduced brain volume and reduced intelligence.
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13.8% of older adults are deficient in vitamin B12 on admission to long-term care homes in Canada. These levels fall to 7% around one year after admission
Older people are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because of an age-related decrease in absorptive ability. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a range of blood and nervous system abnormalities. A new multi-center study from Canada reveals the extent of vitamin B12 deficiency both on admission to long-term care homes and after one year of residence.
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News
Increased potassium intake may strengthen bones
A new review concludes that a supplementation of alkaline potassium salts may help preserve bone health by lowering the excretion of calcium and acid.