News
UV exposure may lower folate levels
9 April 2014
A new Australian study reports that pregnant women who take a supplement with folic acid may be at risk of reducing the folate effect through sun exposure.
17 January 2013
Saudi Arabian women with low blood vitamin D concentrations may have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer, a new study reports.
In the observational study, blood vitamin D concentrations of 120 women with breast cancer (stages I–IV), aged 18 to 75 years, and 120 women with no history of breast cancer were measured (1). The study results showed that the mean vitamin D levels were significantly lower in women with breast cancer (9 ng/ml) compared to the control participants (15 ng/ml). 60% of the participants with cancer and 38% of the healthy women had vitamin D levels below 10 ng/ml. Women with vitamin D levels below 10 ng/ml had six times the odds of getting breast cancer compared with four times the odds of women with levels from 10 to 20 ng/ml.
The researchers concluded that women residing in Saudi Arabia are at a high risk of having an insufficient vitamin D supply and of developing associated health disorders. Saudi women are thought to have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency because of their darker skin pigmentation and reduced UV exposure due to cultural clothing practices. The study findings confirm past research in other Saudi Arabian population groups, the scientists noted.
According to data from the Saudi Arabian National Cancer Registry, breast cancer was the most common cancer diagnosed in 2007, accounting for 26% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women. Breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed in women under 40 in Saudi Arabia than in the US.
9 April 2014
A new Australian study reports that pregnant women who take a supplement with folic acid may be at risk of reducing the folate effect through sun exposure.
15 November 2012
Recent research has indicated a variety of possible health implications linked to vitamin B12 deficiency without apparent symptoms. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common worldwide.
1 September 2012
The number of people who exercise, and their understanding of the role of nutrition in sports performance, is increasing: The percentage of Americans and Europeans who are physically active increased significantly over the last decade (1-3). In addition, people are tending to stay active for longer (4). The body needs carbohydrates, protein, fats (especially polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. Prolonged exercise performed on a regular basis may result in increased micronutrient losses from the body or in an increased rate of turnover, resulting in the need for an increased dietary intake. Today’s science of sports nutrition is sophisticated, revealing new insights about the measurable benefits of micronutrients, the amounts needed thereof, and the appropriate timing of intake.