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%.
8 February 2018
This Valentine’s Day, say it with fish, not flowers! On the one day of the year that we think most of our hearts, be sure to talk to a loved one about the importance of omega-3s for heart health.
30 January 2015
A supplementation of Alzheimer patients with vitamin E, B vitamins and amino acids seems to improve their cognitive performance and mood reports a new US study.
10 December 2013
A new US study suggests that a high-dose vitamin D supplementation may help alleviate pain and depression in women with type 2 diabetes.
