2016
A diet of anti-inflammatory nutrients is associated with a lower risk of depression in middle-aged Australian women, new study finds
18 January 2011
A new Australian study shows that blood folate (vitamin B9) levels to increase in the population after mandatory folic acid fortification of bread products.
Analyzing more than 20,000 blood samples collected from a wide spectrum of Australian hospital patients between April 2007 and April 2010, researchers found a 77% reduction (from 9.3% to 2.1%) in low serum folate levels (1). The drop occurred between April 2009 and April 2010 when Australian millers added folic acid to wheat flour for making bread. Among those who experienced a drop in serum folate levels were women of childbearing age. This is one of the key population sub-groups targeted by the supplementation program, because folic acid has the ability to reduce neural tube defects in newborns.
The researchers concluded that this study provides the first clear evidence that the prevalence of folate deficiency in Australia has significantly decreased since the implementation of mandatory fortification. There is ongoing controversy regarding possible harmful effects of folic acid intake from fortified products, driven by conflicting reports regarding whether risk of cancer, heart disease and masking of vitamin B12 deficiency increase after folic acid supplementation.
1 January 2016
It is a universal wish of parents around the globe that their children should sleep longer, deeper and wake as little as possible. There is growing evidence that good sleep is important for the child’s mental development. This article will examine whether simple nutritional intervention, for example with foods high in marine omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins or tryptophan can improve children’s sleep.
13 April 2012
A new review says that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids does not seem to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Experts criticize that the review did not include many studies that showed a preventive effect.