18 October 2012
Higher magnesium intake seems to be associated with a reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, in particular colon cancer, suggests a new study from China.
The meta-analysis included data from eight prospective studies containing 338,979 participants with 8,000 cases of colorectal cancer (1). The study results indicated that the highest average intakes of magnesium were associated with an 11% reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, compared with the lowest average intakes. When the analysis was restricted to the six studies that adjusted for calcium intake, the results showed that the risk of colon and rectal cancer was 19% and 6% lower, respectively, for the highest average magnesium intakes.
Earlier meta-analyses reported that for every 100 mg per day increase in magnesium intake the risk of colorectal cancer decreased by 12% (2) and the risk of stroke was reduced by about 8% (3). Dietary surveys have shown that a large proportion of adults do not meet the intake recommendations for magnesium – 320 mg per day for women and 420 mg per day for men.
27 March 2012
According to a new literature review, supplements containing antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E, do not show significant effects in preventing mortality, but may increase mortality by up to 3%. Experts criticize that the analysis included trials using high micronutrient doses to prevent or even treat chronic diseases, which would not reflect typical daily usage.
15 April 2013
The biggest changes in the nature of skin occurred during the course of human evolution in equatorial Africa, under regimes of high daytime temperatures and high ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
9 May 2014
According to a new review from China, cancer patients who have high blood vitamin D concentrations when they are diagnosed tend to have better survival rates and remain in remission longer.
