News
Adequate beta-carotene intake may decrease risk of cardiovascular disease
5 January 2012
Vitamin D supplements could reduce blood pressure in patients diagnosed with hypertension, states a new study from Denmark.
11 June 2014
According to a new US study low blood vitamin D levels are widespread in women and their early preterm infants at birth. The infants may not receive adequate vitamin D supplementation during hospitalization.
The observational study assessed the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D concentrations at birth of 120 infants born at or before 32 weeks of conception and their mothers (1). The study found vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml in 63% of mothers, 64% of infants at birth, and 35% of infants at discharge from the hospital. Sixty percent of the infants had attained 400 IU of vitamin D by discharge.
The researchers concluded that neither the vitamin D intake, nor the recommended serum vitamin D concentrations above 50 nmol/L (20 ng/ml) were attained in the majority of the early preterm infants. The vitamin D levels of the infants were directly correlated with maternal vitamin D status at birth. Therefore, vitamin D status should be optimized in pregnant women as part of strategy to replete the offspring. The scientists called for increased attention to vitamin D levels and supplementation of vitamin D among early preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units to assure sufficient vitamin D levels. Early preterm infants are at an additional risk for vitamin D deficiency, since they often do not have adequate time for proper development and nutrient transfer from the mother.
5 January 2012
Vitamin D supplements could reduce blood pressure in patients diagnosed with hypertension, states a new study from Denmark.
1 May 2013
It is believed that around a third of all cancer cases could be attributed to dietary and lifestyle factors. The link between nutrition and cancer risk is very complex, and it is difficult to establish the influence of individual dietary factors. The results of reviews have indicated that cancer-preventive diets above all consist of large quantities of plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses. With a low energy density, these foods supply the body with plenty of fiber, as well as varying amounts of essential micronutrients such as vitamins, carotenoids, minerals and trace elements, which are thought to potentially influence the specific mechanisms by which cancers develop. Several of these micronutrients are involved in the maintenance of genetic information (Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA) and may therefore be able to prevent the formation of tumor cells.
14 February 2014
People with higher blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids may have larger brain volumes in old age, suggests a new US study.