01 November 2012
According to a new UK study, insufficient blood vitamin D concentrations may be detrimental to musculoskeletal performance in athletes.
The study assessed the vitamin D concentrations of 61 non-vitamin D supplemented UK-based athletes and 30 age-matched healthy non-athletes (1). In addition, it looked how a supplement containing either 5000 IU of vitamin D3 per day or a placebo affected musculoskeletal performance over a period of 8 weeks. The study results showed that 62% of the athletes and 73% of the controls exhibited inadequate serum vitamin D concentrations (25(OH)D below 50 nmol/l). Vitamin D supplementation increased 25(OH)D levels, whereas the placebo group showed no significant change. Additionally, there was a significant increase in 10 m sprint times and vertical-jump in the supplement group while the placebo group showed no change.
The researchers commented that the new data support previous findings that athletes living at northerly lati-tudes (UK = 53° N) exhibit inadequate vitamin D concentrations. Furthermore, the data could suggest that inadequate vitamin D concentration is detrimental to musculoskeletal performance in athletes. Future studies using larger athletic groups are now warranted.
29 October 2010
Vitamin C and E may ameliorate maximal exercise-induced oxidative stress and its erythrocyte damaging effects, according to a Turkish study.
1 December 2014
Optimizing vision throughout the lifespan is a public health priority worldwide, not only because of its central importance to quality of life, but also because of the health care costs associated with the loss of vision in an aging population. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key pathogenic mechanism of compromised vision, and the antioxidant properties of some nutrients show the capacity to modulate disease conditions linked to oxidative stress. Considerable evidence has accumulated showing that vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene and zinc help support vision and may be protective against the development or progression of some common – especially age-related – eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition, increased intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – all concentrated in the eye – have been associated consistently with lower likelihood of sight-threatening conditions. There has also been some promising research with B vitamins in age-related eye diseases and with vitamin A and DHA in the rare disease retinitis pigmentosa (see also Key nutrients for healthy vision).
12 October 2012
According to a new US study, adequate omega-3 fatty acid intakes can reduce inflammation processes in overweight adults and may positively influence disease initiation, progression and resolution.
