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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)
19 December 2016
26 April 2010
Seniors with higher blood levels of vitamin D are also likely to have better physical function, suggests a new study.
In the study, blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D – the storage form of the vitamin in the body – were measured in 2’788 people with an average age of 75 at the start of the study, two years later, and then again after four years (1). These levels were then related to the physical function of the participants, measured by a variety of tests including how quickly they could walksix metres, how quickly they could rise from a chair five times, and how well they maintained their balance when asked to adopt a challenging position.
The data showed thatparticipants with the highest levels of vitamin D levels had better physical function. On the other hand, of the participants with the lowest physical function 90 per cent of them had insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D.
The study does not prove causality, however. Since we make vitamin D on exposure to sunlight, it is possible that people with better physical function have higher levels simply because they were able to get outside more often. If future trials support the hypothesis that higher vitamin D may increase physical function in the elderly then increases in recommended intakes may be needed, the researchers commented. Current dietary recommendations are based primarily on vitamin D's effects on bone health. It is possible that higher amounts of vitamin D are needed for the preservation of muscle strength and physical function as well as other health conditions, the scientists concluded.
Vitamin D is well known to support muscle function, and the science supporting the link is sufficiently robust,confirms the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA).
19 December 2016
14 November 2017
In 2013, approximately 8.3 percent of the global population was thought to have Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Learn more about the latest science focused on micronutients impacting Type 2 Diabetes.
24 February 2011
Folic acid may be effective in the primary prevention of ischemic heart disease when aspirin is not taken routinely, a new UK study suggests.