News
Low vitamin D may weaken muscles
9 March 2010
Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, leading to lower muscle strength, says a new study.
04 February 2015
A new study reports that the benefits of consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids on prenatal development may offset the risks associated with mercury exposure.
The observational study measured the blood concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the mercury levels in hair samples of 1265 pregnant mothers from the Seychelles (1). At 20 months after birth, their children’s communication skills, behavior, and motor skills were tested. The study results showed that the children of mothers with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy performed better in the neural development tests. Children of mothers with relatively higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids did poorer on tests measuring motor skills. The mercury exposure of the women did not correlate with lower test scores.
The scientists concluded that it is becoming increasingly clear that the benefits of consuming fatty fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, seems to counteract any potentially adverse effects of mercury (through oxidation and inflammation) on brain development. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, compared to omega-6 fatty acids from meat and cooking oils, which can promote inflammation. The Seychelles, a cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean, has proven to be the ideal location to examine the potential health impact of persistent low-level mercury exposure. The nation’s residents consume fish at a rate 10 times greater than the populations of the U.S. and Europe.
9 March 2010
Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, leading to lower muscle strength, says a new study.
5 May 2009
Supplemental magnesium may reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, but seemingly normal magnesium levels.
5 March 2015
Dietary guidelines encourage people to eat a healthful diet – one that focuses on foods and beverages that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promote health, and prevent disease. Although the majority of Americans are not meeting the requirements for a number of essential nutrients, the focus of the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on a healthy diet is causing a significant problem, scientists say. The committee is overlooking this problem because they are preaching this ideal of a healthy diet.