12 October 2009
Taking a dietary supplement containing coenzyme Q10 and a selection of antioxidants and minerals can decrease skin roughness and fine wrinkles, according to a new study.
In the study, 60 female subjects were randomly assigned to either the supplement or a placebo (1). According to the researchers, the depth of skin roughness and fine wrinkles were not significantly different between placebo and treatment group at the beginning of the study, but by the end of week 4 there was a significant reduction in the treatment group. By the end of the study after 12 weeks, skin roughness and fine wrinkles had reduced by 21.22 %, compared to a 1.7 % improvement in the placebo group.
A reduction in pore size, skin roughness and fine wrinkles, was seen by those in the treatment group at a significantly higher level than those taking the placebo, but there were no perceived changes in pigmentation levels.
The supplement, taken once daily, contained antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene, green tea extract and vitamin E acetate as well as minerals (zinc and selenium). The researchers hypothesized that coenzyme Q10 helped fight oxidative damage preventing DNA degradation and collagen destruction. In addition, vitamin E acetate might also help to reduce collagen degradation and the minerals zinc and selenium might help to support the cell’s own antioxidant enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase).
12 July 2011
Higher dietary intake of vitamin B6 is associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk, particularly among premenopausal women and of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors, a new study among Taiwanese women suggests.
1 October 2014
As concentrated sources of micronutrients designed to supplement the normal diet, dietary supplements can be used to balance specific dietary deficits or to ensure adequate intakes. However, in some cases too high an intake of micronutrients can have adverse effects on health or cause undesirable side effects; for this reason it is necessary to define maximum intakes to guarantee the safety of their use in dietary supplements. Since the European legislative authority has not yet established uniform maximum intakes across the whole of Europe, manufacturers of dietary supplements and fortified foods are guided by recommended daily amounts and scientifically recognized upper limits for safe total daily intakes. This also applies to safe intakes for minerals present in the body, whether as macro-elements in concentrations of at least 50 mg per kg dry body weight, or as trace elements (micro-elements) in concentrations of under 50 mg per kg body weight (see also The safety of micronutrients – Part 1: fat-soluble vitamins and Part 2: water-soluble vitamins).
27 May 2013
Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may counter oxidative stress in older people with mild cognitive impairment – a warning sign for dementia – suggests a new study from Malaysia.
