News
Multivitamin supplements may reduce cancer risk
18 October 2012
According to a new US study, a daily intake of a combination of low-dose vitamins and minerals can decrease total cancer incidence by 8%.
09 August 2013
A new review from China reports that increased blood levels of antioxidant micronutrients such as vitamin E or lutein and zeaxanthin seem to be associated with a reduced risk of developing age-related cataract.
The meta-analysis included 13 observational studies investigating a potential relationship between blood levels of antioxidant micronutrients and the incidence of age-related cataract among a total of 18,999 partici-pants (1). The analysis showed that increased blood concentrations of vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin were linked to a cataract risk reduction of up to 30%. Higher vitamin A and C levels were associated with a 31% resp. 33% reduced cataract risk in Asian but not in Western populations.
The researchers commented that it is theoretically reasonable to deduce that antioxidants might have a pro-tective effect against cataract. Both in vitro and animal experiments have shown that oxidative stress is involved in the development of cataract, and antioxidants can limit lens damage after an oxidative insult. Thus, the elevation of antioxidant blood levels might carry benefits for age-related cataract prevention, especially for people with low levels of blood antioxidants.
Age-related cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Thus far, many observational studies have been carried out to investigate the role of supplemental or dietary antioxidant intake in the prevention of
age-related cataract, with inconsistent results. The number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the topic is limited, and most of these studies involved only a few kinds of antioxidants and had a relatively short duration in view of the long-term process of cataract development. More evidence from long-term RCTs carried out in different populations is needed before practice guidelines can be established, the scientists added.
18 October 2012
According to a new US study, a daily intake of a combination of low-dose vitamins and minerals can decrease total cancer incidence by 8%.
1 April 2012
Chronic, low-grade, tissue inflammation is a significant risk factor in the development of a variety of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and auto-immune diseases. Moreover, many discomforts, such as chronic pain, memory problems, mood swings, and general muscle fatigue, can be connected in some way to an underlying inflammatory condition. An important development in nutritional science in recent years has been the discovery of anti-inflammatory properties of certain micronutrients and their potential to prevent or treat certain diseases or conditions.
15 July 2013
While poor micronutrient intake is more prevalent in low-income countries, developed countries are also affected by insufficient intakes in sub-populations.