05 November 2013
According to a new data analysis from Belgium, a regular and adequate vitamin D supply seems to increase lower limb muscle strength in the elderly.
The meta-analysis included 19 randomized controlled trials – with a total of 4,824 participants (with a mean age of 66 years) – that assessed the potential effect of vitamin D supplementation on grip strength and/or lower limb muscle strength (1). The analysis showed that participants with increased intakes of vitamin D had significantly higher global muscle strength, especially in the lower limbs, when compared to the placebo group.
The researchers commented that these findings support earlier studies suggesting that vitamin D plays an important role in skeletal muscle tissue and that vitamin D deficiency is associated with low muscular stre- ngth and an increase in the risk of falling (2). Various studies have demonstrated a relationship between vitamin D and physical performance (3). Although most of these studies were conducted in female-only pop- ulations, some studies which included both men and women reported similar results.
15 April 2014
The main function of vitamin E is to protect against damage of reactive oxygen species. It also has non-antioxidant functions in cell signaling, gene expression and regulation.
24 September 2014
A new US study suggests that an increased consumption of fish with omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to a lower risk of hearing loss in women
21 October 2015
Only a few studies have been carried out to assess the effect of blood serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and the risk of cervical cancer. The findings from these studies were inconsistent. However, a new study conducted with 1,200 participants from the city of Harbin, in Northern China, has yielded promising results, indicating that alpha carotene, beta carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C could be beneficial in reducing the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese women. The effect was particularly noticeable in women who suffered from the effects of passive smoking.
