News
Omega-3 fatty acids may benefit mental performance
26 April 2013
Increased intakes of docosahexaenoic acid may improve memory and reaction times among young adults, says a new study from New Zealand.
20 September 2013
New research from Norway reports that supplements containing vitamin D3 can increase blood concentrations more effectively than the D2 form.
The randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a daily supplementation with 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or D3 (cholecalciferol) or a placebo for 8 weeks on serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 concentrations in 107 healthy participants (1). The study was conducted at latitude of 51°47N during winter, when UVB radiation is virtually absent. The results showed that at the beginning of the study the aver-age total 25(OH)D concentration was 40.2 nmol/L, indicating that suboptimal vitamin D status was prevalent among the participants. Over the 8 weeks, total levels of 25(OH)D rose significantly in both supplementation groups, but fell in the placebo group. The greatest increases of total 25(OH)D were measured for those participants taking vitamin D3 supplements (41.5 nmol/L to 88 nmol/L). In the group receiving vitamin D2, the 25(OH)D2 concentrations increased significantly, while the 25(OH)D3 concentration fell significantly (36.4 nmol/L to 16.6 nmol/L) after the 8 weeks.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D3 supplementation can increase the total vitamin D concentration to a greater degree than vitamin D2 supplementation can. Thus, vitamin D3 should be used for supplementation and fortification purposes. The underlying reason for this difference seems to be a substantial decrease in 25(OH)D3 in people taking vitamin D2. The related biological mechanism remains to be elucidated. It is impor-tant to know which form is more effective, given the widespread problem of vitamin D deficiency, the scientists said.
It has long been debated whether the two supplement forms of vitamin D are bioequivalent. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D2 (the type commonly found in plants, mainly mushrooms) is less biologically active than vitamin D3, which is found in animals and produced in human skin.
26 April 2013
Increased intakes of docosahexaenoic acid may improve memory and reaction times among young adults, says a new study from New Zealand.
1 November 2010
Among the components in foodstuff that contribute to health, micronutrients such as vitamins, carotenoids and minerals are essential. A key factor in maintaining health is the ‘ antioxidant ’ capacity of several micronutrients. Such antioxidants are thought to reduce the risks of chronic illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases through their ability to supplement cellular defense systems (e.g. antioxidant enzymes) in removing “ Reactive Oxygen Species ” (ROS) and “Reactive Nitrogen Species” (RNS). ROS and RNS are highly reactive “free radicals,” which are produced during the body’s normal energy-generating process. These free radicals (or “pro-oxidants”) trigger chain reactions, resulting in the rapid oxidation of cellular molecules. The increased exposure to free radicals, known as “ oxidative or nitrosative stress ”, can lead to DNA, lipid and protein damage and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular illnesses and cancer.
6 April 2011
Low serum concentrations of antioxidants seem to be associated with metabolic syndrome, a new US study indicates.