2016
A diet of anti-inflammatory nutrients is associated with a lower risk of depression in middle-aged Australian women, new study finds
16 September 2013
A new review from the UK confirms a positive impact of a micronutrient-rich diet on cognitive function, and an inconsistent effect on mild cognitive impairment.
In the systematic review, the results of 11 observational studies and one randomized controlled trial, investigating the potential relationship between Mediterranean diet and cognitive functions, were analyzed (1). The study results showed that a greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Results for mild cognitive impairment were inconsistent.
The researchers commented that Mediterranean food, which typically consists of higher levels of olive oil, vegetables, fruit and fish, may help to protect the aging brain by reducing the risk of dementia – a link that is not new. Further research is needed to clarify a potential association with mild cognitive impairment. While observational studies provide suggestive evidence, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm whether or not adherence to a Mediterranean diet protects against dementia, the scientists said.
1 June 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.
7 December 2015
As part of the Food4Me pan-European project, a new sampling and analysis procedure for vitamin D has been developed. The technique enables unsupervised sampling of drops of blood from a fingertip onto a prepared card. A total of 3,778 valid measurements were made from 1,465 participants. The highest mean levels of vitamin D were found towards the end of July, whilst the lowest were towards the end of January. This is consistent with previous population survey data.