25 January 2013
A combination of daily vitamin D3 plus calcium intakes and an energy-restricted diet may boost fat mass loss, says a new Chinese study.
In the randomized controlled trial, body fat mass was measured in 52 overweight and obese adults with very low calcium consumption (below 600 mg/day), following an energy-restricted diet (-500 kcal/d) and recei-ving daily calcium (600 mg) plus vitamin D (125 IU) or placebo for 12 weeks (1). The study results showed that participants who received supplements displayed a significantly greater decrease in fat loss, compared with the placebo group (-2.8 versus -1.8 kg, respectively). The supplement group also exhibited greater decrease in organ (visceral) fat mass. There were no differences between the groups for overall body weight loss.
The researchers commented that increased intakes of calcium and vitamin D may help obese on energy-restricted diet to lose more adipose tissue. Visceral fat is located between the organs and contributes to belly fat – compared with subcutaneous fat which is found beneath the epidermis. Visceral fat is composed of several adipose depots which may contribute insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension and coronary artery disease.
23 March 2015
A new study from China indicates that increased intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin may improve macular pigment optical density and retinal sensitivity in people with early age-related macular degeneration.
23 October 2009
Health risks arise from a lack of beta-carotene and not from oversupply, experts concluded at a Nutrition Conference.
15 March 2013
A new US study says that women who eat a diet rich in iron may be 30 to 40 percent less likely to develop pre-menstrual syndrome than women who consume lesser amounts.
