News
Low magnesium levels may increase stroke risk
14 April 2009
Study suggests that increasing levels of magnesium could decrease the risk of stroke by 25% through beneficial effects on blood pressure and diabetes.
23 May 2014
According to a new study from Norway the consumption of fatty fish three times per week seems to have a positive impact on sleep in general and also on daily functioning.
The clinical study measured eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations in red blood cells and parameters of sleep (sleep onset latency, efficiency, sleep and wake time) as well as daily functioning of 95 men with sleep problems who consumed either Atlantic salmon or meat (portion size of 150 – 300 grams) three times per week for a period for 6 months (1). The study results showed that participants with regularly fish intake had higher red blood cell concentrations of EPA plus DHA, increased serum vitamin D levels and reported on an improved sleep quality, daily functioning and heart rate variability (HRV), compared to the control group.
The researchers commented that fatty fish is the major dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, nutrients that have been suggested to play potential roles for prevention of sleep problems (2). Earlier stu- dies indicated that regular fish consumption seems to be associated with better cognitive control (related to HRV) in adults (3) and improved sleep quality in children, potentially linked to less learning problems (4). In addition, recent studies have reported about a possible relationship between optimal blood levels of vitamin D (60-80ng/ml) and better sleep quality as well as less sleep disturbances and sleepiness during the day (5). Further investigation is needed in order to gain more knowledge about the specific or exact underlying mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of fatty fish consumption.
14 April 2009
Study suggests that increasing levels of magnesium could decrease the risk of stroke by 25% through beneficial effects on blood pressure and diabetes.
1 March 2012
The use of medication worldwide is growing continually, not least because of the rising age of the population. Today there are many people who take more than three different kinds of medication daily (1,2). In highly developed countries, it is particularly common for patients to be prescribed medication long-term, most frequently for the treatment of widespread chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. It is also a common practice in those regions to take over-the-counter medicines, including painkillers and medication for stomach ulcers (3,4). When several kinds of medication are taken concomitantly, the risks and side effects increase. In contrast to other adverse drug reactions, the inter-action between medications and micronutrients is only gradually gaining the attention of experts and the wider public. A number of medicines influence the metabolism of vitamins, minerals and trace elements in such a way that they could lead to insufficiencies or even deficiency symptoms in patients (5,6).
10 March 2014
A long-term daily use of multivitamin as well as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements may significantly lower the risk of developing cataract in men.