News
Vitamin C and zinc may provide benefits for cold sufferers
25 March 2010
Nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc could help to ward off common colds and flus in sub-groups of the population, according to a scientific review.
01 March 2015
A new study from Finland reports that low blood vitamin D concentrations in childhood seem to increase occurrence of atherosclerosis in adulthood.
In the observational study, the blood vitamin D concentrations were measured in 2,148 participants at age 3 to 18 years and their carotid intima-thickness (IMT) – an indicator of atherosclerosis – was determined at age 30 to 45 years (1). The study results showed that participants with the lowest vitamin D levels in childhood (below 43 nmol/L) had a significantly higher prevalence of high-risk IMT as adults. The association was independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors including serum lipids, blood pressure, smoking, diet, physical activity, obesity indices and socioeconomic status.
The researchers commented that IMT is a marker of structural atherosclerosis, which correlates with cardiovascular risk factors, and predicts cardiovascular events. The importance of vitamin D for cardiovascular health has been the focus of increasing interest. Low levels of vitamin D have been shown to be related to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. The effects of vitamin D on cardiovascular risk seems to operate earlier in the life-course, the scientists said. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent among children worldwide. The study identified children at high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency as those whose diet is poor in sources of vitamin D (either through natural sources or fortified foods), those who do not regularly take food supplements or children who do not have adequate sunlight exposure. Current US guidelines suggest that the optimal vitamin D level in childhood is 50nmol/L.
Juonala M. et al. Childhood 25-OH Vitamin D Levels and Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Published online February 2015.
25 March 2010
Nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc could help to ward off common colds and flus in sub-groups of the population, according to a scientific review.
1 February 2015
An increasing number of studies indicate that nutrition may play a role in the onset and treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Further, more recent evidence on brain metabolism suggests that nutritional habits or deficiencies of certain micronutrients can influence the development and progression of mental illnesses. A targeted intake of individual micronutrients appears to have prophylactic or therapeutic effects on certain mental illnesses. Conversely, mental illnesses such as ADHS, alcohol dependency, and eating disorders can lead to a deficiency of certain vitamins and micronutrients. Even if the evidence for dietary supplements in the treatment of mental illnesses is not sufficient to issue general recommendations, data from observational and randomized controlled studies suggest that their use appears to be practical given certain indicators.
20 September 2019
Nutrition is getting personal! As we uncover new technologies and learn more about our genes, we can work out what is healthiest to put on our plate.