News
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce gum disease risk
28 October 2010
Dietary intake of the omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with a decreased prevalence of periodontitis of up to 20 percent, a new US study suggests.
25 July 2012
A new study suggests that vitamin D deficiency among Saudi Arabian children and adolescents can be positively influenced by increased sun exposure and physical activity as well as vitamin D supplementation.
To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with behavioral factors like physical activity and exposure to sunlight, the cross-sectional study examined levels of physical activity and sun exposure as well as blood calcium and 25-(OH) vitamin D concentrations in 331 healthy Saudi children aged 6–17 (1). The study results showed that all children were vitamin D deficient (below 20 ng/ml). Among those who had the same level of sun exposure, those who were physically more active had higher levels of vita-min D, though levels remained deficient.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D deficiency is common among Saudi children and adolescents, and is influenced by both sun exposure and physical activity. The promotion of an active outdoor lifestyle among Saudi children in both homes and schools may counteract the vitamin D deficiency epidemic in this vulnerab-le population. The scientists recommend vitamin D supplementation for all groups, including those with the highest sun exposure and physical activity. The results should help in raising awareness as well as sugges-ting strategies to combat vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia, thereby reducing the instances of various chronic diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Saudis usually limit the time they spend outdoors during the day. In the summer months, for example, parents do not allow their children to engage in outdoor activities during the day. Women in particular receive little or no exposure to sunlight, since they cover their entire bodies with dark veils for cultural and religious reasons.
28 October 2010
Dietary intake of the omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with a decreased prevalence of periodontitis of up to 20 percent, a new US study suggests.
29 October 2009
Supplements of vitamin D may improve risk factors for diabetes such as insulin resistance and sensitivity, says a new study.
28 September 2009
“A study published recently, which followed 161,808 women from the Women's Health Initiative over eight years, claimed to provide ‘convincing evidence that multivitamin use has little or no influence on the risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease, or total mortality in postmenopausal women.’ This message was immediately sent around the world by the news media, leading people everywhere to believe that taking a daily multivitamin does no good and is a waste of money. Is it, really? Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.”