21 July 2014
A new US study reports that high blood concentrations of antioxidant carotenoids and vitamin E in young adulthood may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in middle age.
The observational study measured the blood concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin E of 4,810 partici- pants (mean age 25 years) and documented cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) during 25 years (1). The results showed that participants with high carotenoid and/or vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels had a signi- ficantly decreased risk for developing CVD, compared to participants with low levels. High blood gamma-tocopherol concentrations seemed to increase CVD risk.
The researchers commented the findings indicate that an antioxidant rich, plant based dietary pattern in young adulthood – including fruits and vegetables with carotenoids as well as alpha-tocopherol-rich olive and sunflower oils – may reduce the risk for CVD events through middle age. Serum antioxidant concentrations were measured because they much better reflect nutritional status and its potential association with disease risk than self-reported intakes (e.g., by food frequency questionnaires). Earlier study results indicated that gamma-tocopherol, found in soybean, canola and corn oils, may have different effects on health than alpha-tocopherol (2). In the US, the average blood plasma level of gamma-tocopherol is four or more times higher than those of European countries that consume sunflower and olive oil.
30 July 2019
Vitamin K consists of a group of vitamins that support blood clotting, bone metabolism and also help to regulate blood calcium levels. What may not be so obvious about vitamin K is its ability to maintain a person’s mobility.
21 October 2013
According to a new study from France a diet rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin during midlife may contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in one’s old age.
15 February 2016
Professor Celeste de Jager of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, specializes in the effect of nutrition on cognitive decline in the elderly. In recent years, she has been closely involved in the VITACOG randomized controlled trial which found that a vitamin B intervention reduced circulating homocysteine levels, leading to a reduced rate of cognitive decline. Her most recent paper demonstrates that this effect is dependent on the patient having omega-3 fatty acid levels in the upper-normal range.
