News
Multivitamins may improve short-term memory
12 March 2012
A new Australian review suggests that daily use of a multivitamin supplement may benefit immediate recall memory.
01 November 2013
A new US survey suggests that at least six out of ten consumers wrongly believe they get enough micronutrients, such as vitamins D and C, to meet their needs.
In the study, 1,005 US adults aged 18 to 80 years were randomly invited to participate in a web-based sur- vey, investigating how much consumers feel they know about nutritional foods versus how many specific nu- trients they are consuming (1). To determine any gaps, the survey results were then compared to the find- ings of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study results showed that there were many differences between how many nutrients people thought they were getting versus how much they were actually intaking. Vitamin D consumption proved to have one of the largest discrepancies: 68% of parti- cipants believed they were obtaining adequate daily vitamin D intake, but NHANES data shows that only 32% of the population actually meets the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin D (600 IU for adults). For other micronutrients such as vitamin C (73% perception vs. 56% consumption) and potassium (61% vs. less than 3%) the discrepancy between perception and reality was also quite strong. For omega-3 fatty acids con- sumers had a comparably more realistic view, as only 50% believed they get enough omega-3 fatty acids to meet their needs.
The researchers concluded that the survey shows significant divergence between people’s beliefs about whe- ther they are getting sufficient amounts of many specific nutrients and the reality of their diets. While there is some disparity between perceived nutrient adequacy and actual nutrient intake, it is notable that most con- sumers recognize the benefits their food can offer, the scientists commented. Indeed, health-promoting foods and food components play an important role in meeting nutrient needs and improving overall health.
12 March 2012
A new Australian review suggests that daily use of a multivitamin supplement may benefit immediate recall memory.
9 January 2013
According to a new US review, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may not be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in patients after all. Experts have criticized the review as flawed. It will not change the current health recommendations by authoritative bodies such as the World Health Organization, recommending an adequate consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in order to maintain health and prevent age-related chronic diseases.
13 January 2014
A new analysis of US intake survey data indicates that people with vitamin D deficiency may be more likely to have community-acquired pneumonia.