31 July 2013
According to new research from the Netherlands vitamin D deficiency may increase the likelihood of having trouble performing daily activities for people who are 55 and older.
The observational study analyzed blood vitamin D concentrations of 725 participants with a mean age of 60 years as well as 1,237 participants with a mean age of 75 (1). Over a 6-year period, limitations in performing basic activities of daily living were documented (such as walking up and down stairs without resting, dressing and undressing, sitting and standing from chair, walking outside for 5 minutes without a break, and using personal or public transportation). The study results showed that the average vitamin D status was 21 ng/ml, with deficiency (below 20 ng/ml) seen in about 50% of older individuals. The average level was 23 ng/ml in the younger group with 41% deficient. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of develo-ping at least one functional limitation.
The researchers commented that the known presence of vitamin D receptors on muscle cells and the positive effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle function indicate that there is a potential positive effect of vitamin D on functional performance. With increasing age, factors additional to vitamin D status would be most likely effecting activity decline. Past studies reported that sufficient vitamin D levels may be associated with increased muscle mass, strength and physical performance.
23 September 2016
Despite the widespread knowledge of vitamin C deficiency, there is considerable variation in recommendations that differ more than two-fold depending on the country issuing the nutrition advice. Is it time these recommendations are increased?
1 April 2013
It is difficult to prove an unequivocal link between dietary habits and the avoidance of specific diseases, especially when the disease can be influenced by several factors. The sum of multi-factorial risks and protective mechanisms affects the development and prevention of diseases like cancer and cardiovas-cular disease over decades. Hence the positive effects of micronutrients on health, as well as the negative consequences of a slight but long-term insufficiency, are often only detectable after a long period of time. Although numerous scientific studies in recent years have shown that there is no significant association between the diet – for example the consumption of fruit and vegetables – and the incidence of certain cancers, there is much to indicate that the regular intake of sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements can contribute to the prevention of cancer and other lifestyle diseases.
31 May 2016
Early pre-term birth (ePTB) is defined as occurring at 34 weeks of pregnancy or earlier and imposes a considerable burden on mother, child and financial resources alike. Taking a 600mg per day supplement of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) during the final two trimesters of pregnancy reduced early pre-term birth (ePTB) with a net average saving of $1,484 per pregnancy, according to a new study from the KUDOS (Kansas University DHA Outcome Study) cohort (1) in the U.S. This could produce total savings of $6 billion per year in the U.S.
