14 April 2009
Increased intakes of antioxidant carotenoids, particularly lycopene, may reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by about 50%, says a Dutch study.
Scientists reported that data from a population study showed 374 middle-aged and elderly men with highest average intake of all carotenoids had a 58% lower incidence of metabolic syndrome, while the highest intake of lycopene was associated with a 45% lower incidence compared to men with the lowest average intakes (1). A potentially protective effect was also observed for beta-carotene intakes. Intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.
Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by central obesity (as main risk factor), hypertension , and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism. The syndrome has been linked to increased risks of both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease . Fifteen per cent of adult Europeans are estimated to be affected by metabolic syndrome, while the US statistic has estimated 32%.
In conclusion, higher total carotenoid intakes, mainly those of beta-carotene and lycopene, were associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome and with lower measures of obesity and serum triglyceride concentrations, wrote the researchers.
15 January 2015
Vitamin D deficiency is already known to be harmful to physical health, but it may also impact mental health, according to a team of researchers who have found a link between seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and a lack of sunlight.
10 February 2013
By blocking a metabolic pathway that allows tumor cells to grow unchecked, vitamin D may play a role in providing a safe and cost-effective strategy to fight certain types of breast cancer with the poorest prognosis, new research from Spain suggests.
27 April 2012
A new study from France suggests that increased vitamin D intakes can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
