Expert opinion
The importance of all eight B vitamins in achieving optimum brain health
1 March 2016
08 September 2015
A new study from France reports that elevated blood concentrations of antioxidant beta-carotene seem to reduce the levels of inflammatory markers for cardiovascular disease.
The observational study analyzed data on blood concentrations of antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene) and the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) among about 2000 participants (1). The study results showed that participants with low blood beta-carotene concentrations had elevated CRP concentrations (above 3 mg/l) after 12 years. A subgroup analysis showed that this association was stronger in women, never smokers and participants who used supplements for at least eight years at recommended doses. Low serum vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin C concentrations were not linked to elevated CRP concentrations.
The researchers commented that these findings indicate that and adequate beta-carotene status my help to reduce biomarkers for low-grade inflammation promoting cardiovascular disease long-term. Antioxidant micronutrients have consistent anti-inflammatory properties and appear to be involved in all stages of the inflammatory response. In addition, carotenoids seem to have antioxidant-independent immune-enhancing properties by influencing gene expression (2). Other than the new study, earlier observational studies showed a significant association between higher vitamin C blood concentrations and lower CRP values (3). The new results need to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials, with a dynamic assessment of both nutrient and inflammatory status, the scientists said.
1 March 2016
29 June 2012
According to a new Iranian study, vitamin C and E supplements may protect against increased oxidative stress in women taking oral contraceptives.
20 April 2012
Regular supplementation with vitamin B12 may improve arterial function and reduce atherosclerosis risk for vegetarians, suggests a new Chinese study.