Expert opinion
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27 January 2017
16 July 2014
A new US study reports that low concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the central nervous system seem to be linked to reduced cognitive ability especially in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
The observational study measured the lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in the retina (macular pigment optical density) – correlating with the concentrations of the carotenoids in the brain – and cognitive functions of 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 24 healthy participants, aged between 65 and 83 years (1). The study results showed that the patients with the lowest lutein and zeaxanthin levels had the most signi- ficant cognitive impairment (including reduced language ability and attention) while corresponding healthy participants showed less effected functions (reduced visual-spatial and constructional abilities).
The researchers commented that it is possible that the lutein and zeaxanthin status may be more strongly related to cognition when individuals are considered with established onset of cognitive decline. Thus, in- creased intakes of the carotenoids potentially should be part of a lifestyle intervention to both improve cent- ral neural function and reduce the probability of progression through the various stages of dementia. This conclusion, however, needs to be verified by a randomized controlled trial.
A growing body of empirical data suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin are directly related to many of the symptoms displayed by patients with mild cognitive impairment (2). Evidence indicates that these pigments also treat many aspects of the underlying pathology such as inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular damage, supporting their role in cognitive function and the possible delay of degenerative brain disease (3).
27 January 2017
1 March 2013
Vitamin K is the name given to a group of essential micronutrients: vitamin K1 (phylloqui-none), the best characterized form, is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, while vitamin K2 (menaqui-none-4, -7, -8 and -9) is found in small amounts in meat, cheese and fermented soy products and is also synthesized by the body’s own gut flora. Vitamin K3 (menadione) is a synthetically manufactured form, but may also occur during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract of vitamin K1 and K2. In practical terms, the two forms K1 and K2 are of greatest importance in human metabolism. The involvement of vitamin K1 in blood clotting and bone metabolism is well documented. It is likely that an adequate intake of vitamin K could also reduce the development of atherosclerosis and the incidence of brain function disorders. Depending on national health authority, the recommended daily intake of vitamin K for adults is between 60 and 120 micrograms.
15 June 2013
Before a scientific assertion is made public it should be scrutinized for credibility. Has the scientist drawn justifiable conclusions, based on the data available from sound scientific research?