05 January 2012
According to a new study from the Netherlands, low maternal folate status during early pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of childhood emotional problems.
In the population-based cohort study, plasma folate concentrations were measured and folic acid supplement use was assessed for women in early pregnancy (1). In addition, children’s emotional and behavioral prob-lems were assessed for 3209 children at the age of 3. The study results showed that children of mothers with prenatal folate deficiency were at higher risk of suffering emotional problems but not behavioral problems. A higher risk of emotional problems was also found in children whose mothers started using folic acid supple-ments late or did not use supplements at all than among children whose mothers started supplementation before conception.
The researchers concluded that adequate maternal folate status during early pregnancy seems to be associ-ated with a decreased risk of emotional problems for their offspring. In earlier studies, maternal prenatal folate status has already been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, but the association with child emo-tional and behavioral problems is still unclear.
15 August 2012
Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and is associated with more severe illness, two recent studies from the US and Canada have revealed.
13 April 2012
A new review says that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids does not seem to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Experts criticize that the review did not include many studies that showed a preventive effect.
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.
