News
Carotenoids benefit eye health
22 December 2009
A new review confirms that lutein and zeaxanthin benefit visual performance.
16 March 2015
A new review concludes that elderly women who take calcium supplements do not have an increased risk of coronary heart disease or mortality.
The meta-analysis included data from 18 randomized clinical trials with a total of 63,563 participants with 3,390 coronary heart disease (CHD) events and 4,157 deaths (1). In the analysis, results from five trials indicated that calcium supplementation did not increase the risk of CHD events, while data from 17 trials found no overall effect on all-cause mortality. In addition, no significant effects were found for heart attack risk, angina, or chronic CHD.
The researchers concluded that although food-derived calcium is the optimal source to achieve the recommended dietary intake of calcium, in cases where this cannot be reached from food sources alone the use of long-term calcium supplementation with vitamin D in older women should be considered, given the beneficial effects on falls, bone mineral density and fracture outcomes, and all-cause mortality. Despite the clear benefits of calcium and vitamin D for bone health, some scientists had reported significant adverse cardiovascular effects that may be related to excessive calcium intake in different populations.
22 December 2009
A new review confirms that lutein and zeaxanthin benefit visual performance.
1 July 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.
8 February 2013
People with higher blood vitamin D concentrations may have a lower risk of developing depression, says a new study from UK.