09 December 2013
Blood concentrations of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene are significantly lower in patients with mild dementia, says a new German study.
In the observational study, the blood levels of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene as well as levels of lycopene and coenzyme Q10 were measured in 74 patients with mild dementia and 158 healthy control persons, all aged 65 to 90 (1). The results showed that the serum concentrations of vitamin C and beta-carotene were significantly lower in patients with mild dementia than in the controls.
The researchers commented that the findings indicate it may be possible to influence the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by increasing one’s intake of dietary antioxidants. In order to possibly influence the onset and development of AD, further investigations into potential dietary risk factors would be needed.
Alterations in the brain, caused by amyloid-beta plaques and loss of synapses, are held responsible for the characteristic symptoms of AD. Oxidative stress is believed to promote the development of AD, and so antioxidants may help to protect against neurodegeneration.
28 September 2012
Long-term supplementation with high doses of vitamin A (retinol) and/or beta-carotene are not associated with an elevated risk for bone fracture, suggests a new Australian study.
7 May 2013
According to a new US study, the addition of lutein plus zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids to a supplement that has been proven protective in progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may not significantly further reduce this risk in AMD patients. However, lutein and zeaxanthin may play a role in additionally lowering the risk of AMD progression in patients with low intakes of these carotenoids.
15 March 2010
Increased intakes of magnesium may reduce a man’s risk of colon cancer by over 50 percent, says a new study.
