News
Vitamin A’s role in energy production identified
10 March 2010
Vitamin A may play a critical role in production of energy in our cells, says new research.
08 February 2010
Adding the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to infant formula may improve the visual acuity of the infants, says a new clinical trial.
In the randomized controlled trial, 244 healthy formula-fed infants between one and nine days of age were randomly assigned to four groups receiving formula supplemented with 0.32 percent, 0.64 percent or 0.96 percent DHA, or iron as control formula (1). The DHA-supplemented formulas also contained 0.64 percent arachidonic acid (ARA).
When the infants reached 12 months of age, measures of the clarity of the infants’ vision showed that those fed the DHA-supplemented formula had significantly better vision than infants fed the control formula. However, higher levels of DHA supplementation than 0.32% of total fatty acids were not associated with additional improvement of visual acuity. The data speak directly to the safety and tolerance profiles of DHA levels as high as 0.96% of fatty acids in infant formula. The safety and tolerance of these higher DHA concentrations was expected, because they are within the range of DHA concentrations found in human milk worldwide, the researchers commented.
While it is agreed that breastfeeding is the best way to ensure an infant receives the nutrients it needs in its first months, formulas are indispensable in cases where mothers are unable to feed their children – be it for health or logistical reasons. Mothers' desire to give their children the best possible start in life means that there is scope for fortification. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) levels of 100 mg of per day are appropriate for 7–24 month-old infants along with 200 mg per day for pregnant and lactating women to contribute to normal development of the eye of the fetus, infant and young children.
10 March 2010
Vitamin A may play a critical role in production of energy in our cells, says new research.
7 February 2014
According to a new study from Turkey women with low levels of vitamin D seem to have thinner femoral cartilage, increasing their risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
1 August 2013
Improved living conditions – arising as a result of better medical care and hygiene, and better nutrition – mean that a large majority of the population in the industrialized world is living longer than would have been possible just a few decades ago. However, living longer does not always equal a better quality of life. The aging process, an inevitable, gradual decline in the function of physical systems, cannot be stopped – but the rate of this decline can be influenced. The changes that accompany the aging process are more a consequence of our way of life than the length of time we have been alive. Many degenerative diseases are the outcome of physical damage caused by poor diet, too much alcohol and tobacco, and too little exercise. A healthy lifestyle which includes an adequate intake of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids can help maintain health well into old age.