News
Low blood selenium levels may be not linked to higher risk of lung cancer
21 November 2011
Low blood selenium concentrations may not be an independent risk factor for lung cancer in men, according to a new Danish study.
24 October 2011
According to a new US study, vitamin D supplementation of 4000 IU /day for pregnant women is safe and most effective in achieving sufficient levels in women and their newborns.
In the randomized controlled trial, 494 women with a singleton pregnancy were assigned to receive 400, 2000, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation until delivery (1). Blood samples were taken to measure the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in the mothers and the newborn at delivery. The study results showed that the mean 25(OH)D concentrations in the groups were significantly different at delivery and one month before delivery, with the highest levels in the 4000 IU group. No adverse events were attributed to vitamin D supplementation or circulating 25(OH)D levels.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D supplementation of 4000 IU /day for pregnant women is safe and most effective in achieving sufficient levels in all women and their neonates, regardless of race. However, the current estimated average requirement of 600 IU/day during pregnancy is comparatively ineffective, especially in African Americans, in achieving adequate circulating 25(OH)D concentrations of 80 nmol/L or greater.
21 November 2011
Low blood selenium concentrations may not be an independent risk factor for lung cancer in men, according to a new Danish study.
19 March 2014
A new data review suggests that while higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may be linked with a reduced coronary disease risk, the overall evidence is insufficient to encourage high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. Experts commented that the new data analysis should not change the current recommendation of diets high in polyunsaturated fats.
1 July 2011
Many observational studies have shown that a lack of antioxidants represents an additional risk for cardiovascular disease (see Part 1). However, the following intervention studies, which were intended to provide evidence of the effectiveness of antioxidant micronutrients in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, were designed as though the antioxidants could produce an additional health benefit irrespective of the supply status of the individual (see Part 2).