28 September 2009
A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 may decrease blood pressure and heart rate in kidney disease patients, reports a new study.
The results of the randomized controlled trial showed that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving omega-3 fatty acids (4 grams) for 8 weeks experienced a 3.3 and 2.9 mmHg decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a reduction of heart rate of 4.0 beats per minute (1). Furthermore, triglyceride levels decreased by 24 percent in this group.
In the group receiving omega-3 fatty acids plus coenzyme Q10 (200 mg), systolic and diastolic blood pressure improved by 2.7 and 3.4 mmHg, respectively. CoQ10 did not benefit blood pressure and was associated with a slight increase in heart rate.
The researchers commented that the finding of an interaction between omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10 on blood pressure is difficult to explain in view of the lack of effect of CoQ10 alone on blood pressure and needs confirmation.
According to the publication, CKD increases the risk of heart disease two- to 50-fold and increases the prevalence of all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension). By lowering blood pressure, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular risk in non-diabetic patients with moderate-to-severe CKD.
9 January 2013
According to a new review, many sections of the population are still not getting enough vitamin D despite opportunities for enhancing intakes via fortified foods and supplements.
1 September 2014
Insufficient and excessive consumption of nutrients can both increase the risk of damage to health. As intake is increased, the risk of developing a harmful nutrient deficiency falls until the intake reaches an amount that is regarded as adequate (recommended daily amount). Above this amount (tolerable upper intake level or UL) toxic effects may be seen that once more increase the risk of damage to health. How the body reacts to the consumption of specific micronutrients depends on the dosage and on the consumer’s baseline nutrient status. If nutrient levels are already high, increasing consumption is likely to increase the risk of toxicity. With vitamins as with all nutrients: more is not always better. This also applies to water-soluble vitamins, although these do not accumulate in the body to the same degree as the fat-soluble vitamins (see also The safety of micronutrients – Part 1: fat-soluble vitamins).
14 January 2013
Children who eat meals together with parents or older siblings, even if only once or twice a week, consume more fruit and vegetables, suggests a new UK study.
