News
A simple new test for vitamin B12 deficiency has been developed
7 November 2014
Researchers in Canada have developed a novel method to test for vitamin B12 deficiency with a single drop of blood.
12 April 2013
According to a new Canadian review, insufficient blood vitamin D levels in pregnant women seem to be linked to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and low birth weight of newborns.
The meta-analysis included 31 observational studies investigating the serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concen-trations and courses of pregnancy of more than 7,000 women (1). The analysis showed that women with low vitamin D levels had an average 21% increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, a 35% increased chance of developing preeclampsia and a 43% increased chance of giving birth to a baby small for its gestational age. No significant differences were found in length and head circumference at birth.
The researchers commented that these results are concerning given recent evidence that vitamin D insufficiency is common during pregnancy, especially among high risk women (particularly vegetarians), women with limited sun exposure, and ethnic minorities with darker skin. Well-designed randomized controlled trials would be needed to determine the dose-response relationship between vitamin D supple-ments and improved pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Supplements, diet and exposure to sunlight are ways of optimizing vitamin D concentrations, and these strategies should be used together.
7 November 2014
Researchers in Canada have developed a novel method to test for vitamin B12 deficiency with a single drop of blood.
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).
6 November 2018
Created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization, World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14. There are close links between diabetes and heart health. General practitioner, Hilary Jones, shares his tips for a heart healthy diet that supports the health of all adults, and especially those with diabetes.