15 March 2009
Increased intakes of carotenoids may lower the risk of hip fracture in older men and women, according to a 17-year study from the US.
The researchers measured the intakes of total and individual carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein plus zeaxanthin. Intakes were assessed using a questionnaire (1). Over the course of 17 years of follow-up, the researchers documented 100 hip fractures. The highest average intake of all carotenoids was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture and non-vertebral osteoporotic fracture. Of the individual carotenoids studied, lycopene was found to have the greatest protective effect.
These results suggest a protective role of several carotenoids for bone health in older adults. Aging populations and the additional strain from obesity increase the numbers affected by osteoporosis. Already the lifetime risk for a woman to have an osteoporotic fracture is 30–40% and in men the risk is about 13%.
15 June 2011
According to a new US study, folic acid intake from dietary supplements or fortified grain products is unlikely to exacerbate problems associated with low vitamin B12 levels.
14 July 2014
According to a new international review low blood vitamin D levels seem to have a causal role in the development of high blood pressure.
1 November 2011
One in every seven people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger. Yet the vast amount of people who suffer from “hidden hunger” are often neglected.
