News
Increased vitamin C intake may reduce postoperative pain
18 February 2015
According to a new review a vitamin C supplementation before, during and after operation may reduce the risk of developing a complex regional pain syndrome.
05 April 2012
According to a new review from the UK, increased intakes of marine omega-3 fatty acids can reduce joint swelling and pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
This systematic review included 23 randomized controlled trials that took place over the course of 4 to 52 weeks and evaluated the effects of an average daily intake of 3 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – mainly in the form of fish oil supplements – on different aspects of immune responses linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rheumatoidic disease symptoms (1). A meta-analysis showed that RA patients who received EPA plus DHA experienced statistically significant benefits, such as a reduction in joint swelling and pain, in the duration of morning stiffness and in the use of anti-inflammatory medications in comparison to those who took the placebo. The omega-3 fatty acids decreased the production of inflammatory mediators and promoted the production of less inflammatory and inflammation-resolving molecules.
The researchers commented that the meta-analysis showed significant but only modest beneficial effects, as the effects were not consistently reported in all studies. The reasons for a lack of consistency in the study findings were most likely related to the implemented dose of EPA plus DHA, which was probably too low in some of the studies, and to the small sample size of many of the studies, which in many cases probably limited the ability to identify an effect.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the joints and bones, affecting about 1% of adults and is more common in women than in men. Over time it leads to a progressive destruction of cartilage and bone, most likely due to cytokine- and eicosanoid-mediated induction of destructive enzymes. The omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (ARA) is considered to be the major substrate for synthesizing eicosanoids, which are among the most important mediators and regulators of inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and fish oils decrease the ARA content of cells involved in immune responses and decrease the production of inflammatory eicosanoids from ARA.
18 February 2015
According to a new review a vitamin C supplementation before, during and after operation may reduce the risk of developing a complex regional pain syndrome.
27 December 2013
A review of data from national dietary surveys shows that in many countries more than 50% of the population have higher intakes of saturated fatty acids and lower intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids than recommended for preventing coronary heart disease.
20 January 2009
According to a U.S. survey, individuals with low vitamin D blood levels have a higher risk of nose and throat infections. In a secondary analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a survey of the U.S. population, found that individuals with low blood levels of a vitamin D marker (25-hydroxyvitamin D) were also more likely to have an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Specifically, the analysis found that compared to those with levels greater than 30 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml), individuals with less than 10 ng/mL had a 36% higher risk of having a recent URTI; those with 10–<30 ng/mL had a 24% higher risk (1). In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has reemerged, resulting in the resurfacing of diseases such as rickets in children. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, “Older adults, people with dark skin, and people exposed to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (i.e., sunlight) should consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.” The researchers commented that the evidence supporting the benefits of vitamin D continues to build. Given that vitamin D levels are relatively low in most foods and there are serious risks associated with excessive sun exposure, dietary supplements can be an effective alternative for achieving a sufficient intake. However, this study on its own does not mean that higher vitamin D intake will ensure prevention of upper respiratory tract infection. 1.Ginde A. et al. Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009; 169 (4):384–390.