News
Omega-3 fatty acids as protection from cardiovascular diseases confirmed
31 March 2012
A new literature review from the US shows a significant reduction of cardiovascular mortality linked to omega-3 fatty acid intakes of up to 200 mg.
01 April 2011
Increased intakes of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E as well as alpha-lipoic acid may be beneficial for type 2 diabetes prevention or treatment, suggest a new Canadian review.
In the review, scientific literature on advances in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes with nutritional supplements published in the past three years was analyzed (1). The study showed that there is increasing preclinical and clinical evidence that nutritional supplements may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with standard care. However, not all research provided positive results. The following essential micronutrients were identified as potentially beneficial: Antioxidants such vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 may play a role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin C seems to be ineffective in prevention but may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Alpha-lipoic acid may play a role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. The researchers noted when health practitioners choose to combine nutritional supplements with pharmaceutical treatment, they must be aware of potential drug interactions with the supplements.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 220 million people worldwide have diabetes; 90% of these people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The standard treatment of type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, and behavioral modification) and the use of pharmaceutical drugs to regulate blood glucose and prevent complications such as cardiovascular and nerve damage. In the past decade, there has been a trend of standard type 2 diabetes care being combined with complementary and alternative medicine therapies, including nutritional supplements.
31 March 2012
A new literature review from the US shows a significant reduction of cardiovascular mortality linked to omega-3 fatty acid intakes of up to 200 mg.
1 September 2012
The number of people who exercise, and their understanding of the role of nutrition in sports performance, is increasing: The percentage of Americans and Europeans who are physically active increased significantly over the last decade (1-3). In addition, people are tending to stay active for longer (4). The body needs carbohydrates, protein, fats (especially polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. Prolonged exercise performed on a regular basis may result in increased micronutrient losses from the body or in an increased rate of turnover, resulting in the need for an increased dietary intake. Today’s science of sports nutrition is sophisticated, revealing new insights about the measurable benefits of micronutrients, the amounts needed thereof, and the appropriate timing of intake.
18 June 2014
A new study from Turkey found that severe vitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnant women and their newborns.