12 September 2014
According to a new review from the UK, vitamin D supplementation can increase upper and lower limb strength.
The review and meta-analysis combined the results of six randomized controlled trials with a total of
310 healthy adults 18-40 years old, which investigated a potential effect of vitamin D supplementation on upper and lower limb muscle strength (1). The analysis showed that increased intakes of vitamin D (4000 IU per day to 60,000 IU per week) for 4 weeks to 6 months significantly increased muscle strength of the participants compared to placebo.
The researchers commented that further research should focus on the effect of vitamin D on muscle power, endurance and maximal strength. Vitamin D receptors have been identified in muscle cells which supports the concept of a direct effect of the vitamin on muscle tissue. An earlier review concluded that vitamin D supplementation does not seem to have a significant effect on muscle strength in adults with baseline blood concentrations higher than 25 nmol/L (2). However, an increase in upper and lower limb strength seems to be achieved in adults with vitamin D deficiency.
9 July 2012
The omega3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly referred to as EPA and DHA, may help to generate an optimal balance of the oxidative status by gene regulation, suggests a new German study.
30 March 2016
As part of the national survey on food consumption in France (1), 1,171 adults recorded their food consumption over seven days. Researchers analyzed the results of the study using a statistical method to assess individual food preferences, individual dietary patterns and restrictions imposed by food intolerances (2). They determined the percentage of people who could be provided with 30 essential nutrients by modifying their food intake.
5 August 2011
According to a new study from UK, a protective effect of folic acid against depression outside pregnancy is particularly observed at women with the MTHFR C677T TT genotype.
