16 October 2013
According to a new Canadian study, increased vitamin K1 blood concentrations seem to be linked to better verbal episodic memory performances in seniors.
The observational study measured serum vitamin K1 concentrations and cognitive functions of 320 men and women aged between 70 to 85 years who were free of cognitive impairment (1). The study results showed that participants with higher vitamin K concentrations showed better verbal episodic memory performances based on recall tasks, compared to participants with lower blood levels. No associations were found with non-verbal episodic memory, executive functions (e.g., planning, working memory, attention and problem solving) and speed of processing.
The researchers commented that these findings add evidence to the possible role of vitamin K in cognition during aging, specifically in the consolidation of the memory trace. They emphasized the need to consider vitamin K as a nutritional factor of cognitive health in the aging population. Vitamin K1 is the main vitamin K form in the diet and available data indicates that other forms such as K2 would not significantly contribute to the vitamin K status. Experimental studies have shown that vitamin K is involved in the production of proteins of the central nervous system which are known to possess neuroprotective effects and regulate nerve cell growth (2). In addition, vitamin K participates in the metabolism of sphingolipids; a major constituent of the isolating myelin sheath and neuronal membranes, which are also involved in cell signaling processes.
11 January 2010
The vitamin A precursor beta-carotene has an important function in providing for an adequate supply of total vitamin A, international carotenoid experts state in a published consensus answer.
1 October 2013
Inflammation is a normal reaction of the body intended to remove harmful internal or external irritants and create conditions conducive to repair processes. An inflammatory reaction is a complex process involving numerous elements of the immune system. An excessive immune response or an immune system that attacks the body’s own structures (e.g. certain cells or tissues) can lead to persistent (chronic) inflammation. In this case, the immune system not only attacks pathogenic factors but also damages healthy structures, thus forming the basis for many chronic diseases. In recent years the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases has greatly increased, especially in industrialized countries. A major cause of this increase, apart from genetic factors, is an unhealthy lifestyle, in particular an unbalanced diet and lack of exercise. A diet with plenty of micronutrients, some of which possess anti-inflammatory properties, can help prevent the development of chronic inflammatory diseases.
8 January 2014
According to a new U.S. study, many large, clinical trials investigating vitamin efficacy may be using a biased methodology which is useless in determining the real value of these micronutrients.
