expert opinion
Comment on the US Institute of Medicine’s vitamin D recommendations released November 30, 2010
Most evidence on vitamin D and calcium concerns bone health.
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Topic of the Month
Micronutrients for healthy aging
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.
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Topic of the Month
Antioxidant micronutrients
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.
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Topic of the Month
Micronutrient insufficiency: Also a matter of genes
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.
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expert opinion
Analyzing the Benefit/Risk Ratio of Antioxidant Supplements
Several research approaches, particularly observational studies, suggest that diets rich in antioxidant nutrients (esp. vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium), and/or supplements containing one or more of these nutrients, are associated with a reduction in the risk of several age-related chronic diseases (e.g. some forms of cancer, cardiovascular, eye, and neurodegenerative diseases).
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Topic of the Month
Micronutrient insufficiency: Risk groups
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.
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Topic of the Month
Sun protection – as important inside as outside
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.
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expert opinion
The impact of carotenoids on cognitive function in the elderly
"Cognitive decline in the elderly is a significant public health issue. Oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline.
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Topic of the Month
Vitamins and the immune system – the defense team
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.
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expert opinion
B-Vitamins and the Risk of Vascular Diseases – Comment on a Scientific Publication
“As part of a randomized, placebo-controlled study, B-vitamins (25 mg vitamin B6, 2.5 mg vitamin B9 plus 1 mg vitamin B12 daily) were administered to 238 diabetics to explore whether these vitamins slow the progression of damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) and prevent cardiovascular diseases (1).