News
Fair-skinned people may need more dietary vitamin D intake
10 October 2011
Sun-sensitive people tend to be deficient in vitamin D and may need dietary supplements to get adequate blood levels, says a new UK study.
14 October 2009
Taking vitamin B9 (folic acid) and iron supplements during pregnancy may reduce infant mortality up to age 7, new research suggests.
In the randomized controlled trial, almost 5,000 pregnant women were divided into five groups: One group received folic acid only, the second group received folic acid plus iron, the third received folic acid plus iron plus zinc, the fourth received multiple micronutrients, and the final group received vitamin A and acted as the control group (1).
Children of mothers receiving the vitamin B9 (folic acid) plus iron supplements had the lowest mortality rate of 10.3 per 1,000 child-years from birth to age 7, compared to 13.4, 12.0, 14.0, and 15.2 for the folic acid, folic acid plus iron plus zinc, multiple micronutrients, and control groups, respectively. In a setting where maternal iron deficiency and anemia are common, the researchers found a 31 percent reduction in childhood mortality due supplementation with iron-folic acid before and after birth compared to a control.
Furthermore, the supplements reduced the prevalence of low birth weight by 16 percent and the prevalence of maternal anemia during pregnancy and after the birth period by 50 percent. About 40 percent of pregnant women worldwide are estimated to be anaemic.
10 October 2011
Sun-sensitive people tend to be deficient in vitamin D and may need dietary supplements to get adequate blood levels, says a new UK study.
10 June 2016
Awareness of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is high [1]. Consumers rate omega-3 fatty acids as being particularly healthy for the heart, eyes and brain, supported by a strong scientific basis. Yet many myths about omega-3 fatty acids abound. We help you sort fact from fiction in omega-3 science.
12 October 2011
A new US study suggests that supplements containing multiple micronutrients may be associated with an increased mortality for older women. Experts question the hypothesis.