News
Calcium may increase heart attack risk
2 August 2010
Regularly taking calcium supplements might increase the risk of cardiovascular events, a study from New Zealand suggests.
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.
2 August 2010
Regularly taking calcium supplements might increase the risk of cardiovascular events, a study from New Zealand suggests.
1 July 2012
Mental energy is seen as a combination of high cognitive functioning, high levels of alertness, a motivation to do more and a positive, optimistic mood. Depending on individual circadian rhythms, mental energy levels can change within a 24 hour time period. There is no clear explanation for occasions where mental performance is at its highest in some people and lowest in others. Besides genetics, sleep and pain, oxygen supply and water intake can also influence mental energy or arousal. In addition, the types of foods consumed can enhance or reduce one’s level of mental energy. While glucose is the favorite energy source for the nerve cells, caffeine can increase reaction speed and enhance alertness. Micronutrients such as B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins, coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids are also known to influence mental energy.
5 September 2014
A new US review suggests that people with severe vitamin D deficiency have almost twice the mortality rate of those with vitamin D levels greater than 35 ng/ml.