20 February 2013
A new study from Spain suggests that regular intake of fish containing vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids may be of importance to maintain bone mass.
The observational study measured fish intake and bone mass of the phalanges of 151 healthy women with mean age of 35 years (1). The study results showed significantly higher bone mass in the group with a fish intake of 5–7 servings per week, compared to 0–2 servings per week. Participants who ate fish frequently (four or more servings per week) had significantly higher levels of vitamin D than the women who ate fish less than three times per week.
The researchers concluded that increased fish consumption may be helpful in maintaining an adequate bone mass. Regular fish consumption is recommended for a healthy diet. Spain has one of the highest annual per capita consumptions of fish worldwide with an average of 100 g per person per day. As (especially oily) fish is a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (such as A and D), minerals (e.g., calcium and magnesium) and trace elements (e.g., selenium and zinc) – nutrients that were shown to have positive effects on bone characteristics – it has been proposed that consuming fish could improve bone health. In Spain, fish consumption accounts for 87% of total dietary vitamin D intake.
5 February 2013
US researchers suggest, based on animal experiments, that dietary vitamin E in the form of gamma- and delta-tocopherol could be beneficial in reducing the risk of, and even treating, certain cancers. Experts criticized that animal models do not accurately reflect human metabolism and that cancer development depends on multiple factors.
11 January 2016
A new paper has re-examined data from the large Australian DOMInO (DHA to Optimize Mother and Infant Outcome) study which looked at the effects of an intervention with a supplement containing the marine omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the birth outcomes of 2,399 pregnant women. The intervention enabled cost savings for the hospitals – particularly in terms of shorter hospital stays – equivalent to an average of 92 AUD per singleton pregnancy (equivalent to 60 EUR or 66 USD), which equates on an annual basis to potential annual savings of between 15 to 51 million AUD (10 to 33 million EUR) for the Australian public hospital system.
17 February 2010
High blood levels of vitamin D may be at a 33 percent lower risk of developing heart disease, says a new review.
