2016
Increased levels of the protective macular pigment in the fovea of the eye are shown to be positively associated with increased blood serum of lutein, zeaxanthin and DHA in a new human study (1)
06 April 2018
According to a new Egyptian study, vitamin D supplementation may accelerate the clinical improvement of infants treated for chronic congestive heart failure.
To evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D supplementation in infants with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), blood concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic variables were measured in a randomized controlled trial including
80 infants with CHF who were given 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) vitamin D3 oral drops daily or placebo oral drops for 12 weeks (1). The study results showed that in both study groups, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations at the beginning of the study were below the lower end of the reference range (33 to 90 ng/mL). The infants supplemented with vitamin D showed significant improvement in several heart parameters, together with higher anti-inflammatory and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, compared with the placebo group.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D supplementation may have significant benefits as an anti-inflam-matory agent, helping acceleration of the clinical improvement and cytokine profile balance, in infants with CHF. They recommended the use of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in the management of CHF associated with myocardial dysfunction and up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body. Pediatric heart failure is the most common reason that infants and children who have heart disease receive medical therapy and accounts for at least 50% of referrals for pediatric heart transplantation. Its cause is not fully understood. Studies indicate that increased circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the development of CHF. In vitro studies have suggested that vitamin D sup-presses pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases anti-inflammatory cytokines.
9 March 2013
A new study from Israel suggests that regular intakes of supplements with vitamin D may improve cardiovascular health for diabetic patients, with implications for recommended doses.
19 October 2012
A new Australian review suggests that supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and/or omega-3 fatty acids may positively influence cognition, learning, and behavior in children and adolescents, especially those with low socioeconomic status and learning disabilities.