News
Increased vitamin D intake could save Germany billions in health costs
2 April 2010
Ensuring adequate intakes of vitamin D could save the German population about €37.5 billion in health care costs, according to a new review.
01 July 2011
According to a new Dutch study, adequate dietary intakes of micronutrients with antioxidant properties can reduce the risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in those at high genetic risk.
In the case-control study, the dietary intake of micronutrients was assessed in 2167 individuals (aged over 55 years) at risk of AMD, using a food frequency questionnaire (1). In addition, genetic variants (polymorphisms) related to a high risk of developing AMD were determined. The study results showed that during the follow-up (median, 8.6 years) the 517 participants who developed early AMD were slightly older (mean age 68.1 years), had a higher frequency of high risk genotypes, and lower intakes of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid) and zinc.
The researchers concluded that higher dietary intake of antioxidants, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can attenuate the incidence of early AMD in those carrying important genetic risk variants. To achieve this benefit, it would not appear necessary to consume excessive amounts of these nutrients; the recommended dietary allowance will suffice. Given that there are no other interventions that are readily available, or offer prevention at such low cost, the findings would stress the importance of sufficient intake of these nutrients in young susceptible individuals to postpone or prevent the devastating effects of AMD. Therefore, clinicians should provide dietary advice.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries, accounting for 50% of blindness. Approximately 2.5 million elderly individuals are affected by late AMD in Europe and
21 million worldwide. The development of AMD is complex, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing. Inflammation and oxidative stress are known to be fundamental pathways. Two genetic variants have been identified to be linked significantly to a higher risk of AMD: together, these variants contribute to late AMD in more than 80% of cases. The only protective factors for AMD known to date are nutrients.
2 April 2010
Ensuring adequate intakes of vitamin D could save the German population about €37.5 billion in health care costs, according to a new review.
24 December 2009
Vitamin C shows promise in slowing down the ageing process, a new study reports.
1 October 2012
Vegetarian diets have been practiced since ancient times. The popularity of vegetarian diets in recent years has been fuelled by ethical considerations, health concerns, environmental issues, and reli-gious factors. The reason a person chooses to be vegetarian influences the pattern of foods they consume, from only eating plant foods to permitting dairy and/or egg products in the diet. When a vegetarian diet is appropriately planned, it can be nutritionally adequate for individuals through all stages of the life cycle and can promote health and lower the risk of major chronic diseases. Avoiding nutrient-dense meat or animal-based diets means paying close attention to the diet in order to ensure balanced nutrition and an adequate micronutrient intake.