News
A poor vitamin D status may increase muscle mass loss
29 August 2014
A new study from China reports that lower blood vitamin D concentrations seem to be linked to greater age-related muscle mass loss independent of other risk factors.
14 May 2013
A supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids does not seem to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, suggests a new study from Italy.
In the randomized controlled trial, 12,513 patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic vascular disease (but not myocardial infarction) received daily omega-3 fatty acids (1 g fish oil including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo for an average of 5 years (1). The study results showed neither greater reduction of mortality risk due to cardiovascular events nor a reduction in the risk of developing further cardiovascular complications among the omega-3 group compared with the placebo group.
The researchers conceded that all participants received pharmaceutical treatment (e.g., with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, diuretic agents, calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, oral hypoglycemic drugs, insulin, statins and antiplatelet agents), which makes the ability to measure (additional) benefits of omega-3 fatty acids less evident. Moreover, a number of participants had already reported fish in their diets (43% consumed fish once a week, 27% consumed fish twice a week). Omega-3 fatty acid blood levels were not measured. Experts commented the publicly available scientific data taken altogether does demonstrate a cardiovascular benefit of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in healthy populations, as well as in the majority of populations with pre-existing cardiovascular ailments; thus, the new results cannot be generalized.
29 August 2014
A new study from China reports that lower blood vitamin D concentrations seem to be linked to greater age-related muscle mass loss independent of other risk factors.
1 December 2014
Optimizing vision throughout the lifespan is a public health priority worldwide, not only because of its central importance to quality of life, but also because of the health care costs associated with the loss of vision in an aging population. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key pathogenic mechanism of compromised vision, and the antioxidant properties of some nutrients show the capacity to modulate disease conditions linked to oxidative stress. Considerable evidence has accumulated showing that vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene and zinc help support vision and may be protective against the development or progression of some common – especially age-related – eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition, increased intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – all concentrated in the eye – have been associated consistently with lower likelihood of sight-threatening conditions. There has also been some promising research with B vitamins in age-related eye diseases and with vitamin A and DHA in the rare disease retinitis pigmentosa (see also Key nutrients for healthy vision).
16 October 2012
According to a new study from Spain, increased intake of vitamin K1 may lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in elderly people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.