Showing posts with label vitamin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vitamin. Show all posts
Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Improve Memory and Cognition as we Age
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Researchers from the Australian National University have shown that essential B vitamins combat stress that results in a loss of memory and normal thought patterns that cause abnormal brain aging. Publishingin The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists found that long-term supplementation of daily folic acid and vitamin B-12 promotes improvement in cognitive functioning after a period of two years, particularly in immediate and delayed memory performance.
B vitamins are crucial for nerve transmission and are needed in higher amounts as your stress level increases. Health-minded adults will want to ensure that they obtain an optimal daily dose of these important vitamins from diet or supplemental sources.
Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12 Fight Brain Stress and Inflammation in the Elderly
The study leader, Dr. Janine Walker and her team conducted a two year intervention among elderly participants confined in a community-dwelling environment. All participants exhibited symptoms of depression and were under moderate stress due to environmental and lifestyle conditions. The study was designed to determine if nutritional intervention could prevent cognitive decline under randomized and controlled conditions.
Researchers supplemented one group of studyvolunteers with an oral dosage of 400 micrograms of folic acid and 100 micrograms of vitamin B-12 daily. This group was compared against a control set of participants that received a placebo. The results were measured at twelve and twenty-four month intervals using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status Standardized Test and the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (to determine processing speed). An Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly was administered at two years to provide a final analysis of cognitive function.
B Vitamin Duo Synergistically Improves Memory Performance in Aging Adults
The study authors found that the group receiving the supplemental B-vitaminsexperienced significantly better memory function when compared to the control subjects. The research team determined that stress results in inflammation to neuron structures in the brain and inhibits electrical and chemical transmissions between nerves that are required to form new memories and maintain a healthy degree of cognitive function. The body uses B-vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B-12 to fight brain inflammation and ensure proper brain communications.
After the two year study period, Dr. Walker concluded“Long-term supplementation of daily oral 400 mcg folic acid and 100 mcg vitamin B-12 promotes improvement in cognitive functioning after 24 months, particularly in immediate and delayed memory performance.” The entire family of B-vitamins has been shown to lower the impact of brain stress and inflammation. Health-conscious adults will want to combine a daily supply of B-vitamins with the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA to dramatically lower the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline.
Vitamin D may reduce risk of uterine fibroids according to NIH study
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Women who had sufficient amounts of vitamin D were 32 percent less likely to develop fibroids than women with insufficient vitamin D, according to a study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomata, are noncancerous tumors of the uterus. Fibroids often result in pain and bleeding in premenopausal women, and are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the United States.
The study of 1,036 women, aged 35-49, living in the Washington, D.C., area from 1996 to 1999, was led by Donna Baird, Ph.D., a researcher at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH. Baird and her collaborators at The George Washington University and the Medical University of South Carolina screened participants for fibroids using ultrasound. They used blood samples to measure the primary circulating form of vitamin D, known as 25-hydroxy D. Those with more than 20 nanograms per milliliter of 25-hydroxy D were categorized as sufficient, though some experts think even higher levels may be required for good health. The body can make vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun, or vitamin D can come from food and supplements.
Study participants also completed a questionnaire on sun exposure. Those who reported spending more than one hour outside per day also had a decreased risk of fibroids. The estimated reduction was 40 percent. Although fewer black than white participants had sufficient 25-hydroxy D levels, the estimated reduction in prevalence of fibroids was about the same for both ethnic groups.
"It would be wonderful if something as simple and inexpensive as getting some natural sunshine on their skin each day could help women reduce their chance of getting fibroids," said Baird.
Baird also noted that, though the findings are consistent with laboratory studies, more studies in women are needed. Baird is currently conducting a study in Detroit to see if the findings from the Washington, D.C., study can be replicated. Other NIEHS in-house researchers, led by Darlene Dixon, D.V.M., Ph.D., are learning more about fibroid development, by examining tissue samples from study participants who had surgery for fibroids.
"This study adds to a growing body of literature showing the benefits of vitamin D," said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program.
Facts About Vitamin D For Skin Cancer Prevention
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Facts About Vitamin D For Skin Cancer Prevention
This Vitamin D facts show that the real network between skin cancer and ultraviolet rays is overexposure. Our body produces Vitamin D when the skin we have is exposed to this rays of natural sun light. The beneficial rays regarding natural sunlight cannot enter glass. In our home or in the car, we cannot receive the beneficial Vitamin D from the sun.
It is quite hard to receive adequate degrees of Vitamin D from our diet. Sunlight is one of the most reliable ways. It would take no less than ten large glasses regarding Vitamin D fortified milk daily just to secure a very minimum level regarding supply. The further your home is from the equator, the longer sun exposure is necessary to generate Vitamin D. Europe, the UK and most US states are not even close the equator.
If you have dark pigmented skin you may want 20 to 30 times as often exposure as fair skinned visitors to generate the same level of Vitamin D. Because in this sunlight deficiency, prostate cancer malignancy is prevalent among black men.
A sufficient higher level of Vitamin D is required for absorption of calcium in your intestines. A deficiency in this vitamin renders calcium products useless. Chronic deficiencies of Vitamin D takes many weeks of supplementation and sunlight contact with reverse and rebuild the bones and nervous process.
One of the Vitamin D facts that a lot of people wouldnt suspect will be that overuse of sunscreen blocks your ability to generate Vitamin and mineral D by 95%. This can create a deficiency and actually cause disease. Note i said "overuse of sunscreen", as sunscreen and safety clothing are necessary beyond a lot of exposure.
It is impossible to generate too much Vitamin D into the body from exposure to the sun. Your body will normally only generate what it needs. A word of warning is that beyond this point you are overexposing you to ultimately the UV rays which is when damage occurs on your skin.
Press on your sternum firmly of course, if it hurts, you might be suffering from a serious Vitamin D deficiency at this time. Before your body is able to use Vitamin D it is activated by your kidneys and liver. In case you have kidney disease or hard working liver damage, the ability of your body to activate Vitamin D might be greatly impaired. Vitamin D from natural sunlight is among the most healing influences in the human body and it is for nothing.
Again, if youre cannot obtain enough sunlight publicity, do take good quality Vitamin D supplements as well as any other vitamin/mineral supplements you may want. Any qualified holistic doctor could help to determine any deficiencies in the human body.
Knowing these Vitamin D facts ahead of time in life and having them throughout your lifetime is a wise decision for any individual. So receive the health advantages of Vitamin D without having to be afraid. Just be smart.
Fight Cold and Flu Avoid Sugar and Include Vitamin C and Vitamin D
Thursday, May 1, 2014
(Article first published as Fight Cold and Flu with Natural Diet and Super Nutrients on Technorati.)
When given the opportunity our body has the amazing capacity to thwart many diseases and illnesses including the common cold and influenza. When we provide our immune system with the necessary tools to fight bacteria and viruses, vibrant health will always be the natural result.
Diet is the single most important lifestyle process that is within your control to help your immune system. Simply put, sugar suppresses our immune system by inhibiting the ability of white blood cells to engulf bacterial and viral invaders.
Health conscious individuals who ensure proper blood levels of vitamin D appear to have the ultimate defense against the cold and flu. The journal Nature Immunology provides details of the synergy between the sunshine vitamin and our adaptive immune killer T cells. Vitamin D is shown to provide the activation key that stimulates T cells into action when invaders are detected.
The typical processed food diet is void of the nutrients we require to fuel our immune system and we become a magnet for a host of circulating pathogens that cause suffering for millions each year. Proper diet and targeted natural immune nutrients will help you and your family to prevent cold and flu by boosting your innate immune response.
Eat Natural Foods, Avoid Sugar to Boost Immunity
The results of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) demonstrates that the amount of sugar in two sweetened beverages lowers immune response by 50% for up to five hours after drinking or eating. A diet filled with complex carbohydrates has no detrimental effect on immunity and the high nutritional content of fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds provide the building blocks required to mount a healthy attack as needed.
Vitamin D Activates Killer T Cells
Virtually every cell in our body has a vitamin D receptor that is only filled when sufficient amounts are circulating in the blood. A deficiency in this essential compound leaves the cellular receptor open and available for viral hijacking. A separate AJCN study shows that vitamin D is far superior to vaccines at preventing the flu. Maintain your vitamin D blood levels between 50 and 70 ng/ml for optimal protection.
Vitamin C Prepares Immune Cells for Action
Vitamin C has been shown to increase the number of infection-fighting white blood cells and stimulates the production of interferon. Interferon provides a protective coating to the surface of cells that prevents penetration by viruses. Research published in the Journal of Immunology explains that up to 5 grams of vitamin C are needed daily to activate the production of interferon for general health and up to 1 gram every hour should be used when fighting a cold or the flu.
The importance of a strong immune response cannot be underestimated. Elimination of sugar and processed carbohydrates from your diet should be the first step in boosting your front line response. Adding natural nutrients including vitamins C and D have proven effective in providing top notch protection against the common cold and flu virus.
Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Fractures in Adults
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes recommendations about the effectiveness of specific clinical preventive services for patients without related signs or symptoms.
It bases its recommendations on the evidence of both the benefits and harms of the service and an assessment of the balance. The USPSTF does not consider the costs of providing a service in this assessment.
The USPSTF recognizes that clinical decisions involve more considerations than evidence alone. Clinicians should understand the evidence but individualize decision making to the specific patient or situation. Similarly, the USPSTF notes that policy and coverage decisions involve considerations in addition to the evidence of clinical benefits and harms.
Summary of Recommendations and Evidence
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of the benefits and harms of combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures in premenopausal women or in men (I statement).
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of the benefits and harms of daily supplementation with greater than 400 IU of vitamin D3 and greater than 1,000 mg of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures in noninstitutionalized postmenopausal women (I statement).
The USPSTF recommends against daily supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D3 and 1,000 mg or less of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures in noninstitutionalized postmenopausal women (D recommendation).
The USPSTF has previously concluded in a separate recommendation that vitamin D supplementation is effective in preventing falls in community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older who are at increased risk for falls (B recommendation).
Rationale
Importance
Fractures, particularly hip fractures, are associated with chronic pain and disability, loss of independence, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality (1). One half of all postmenopausal women will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime.
Appropriate intake of vitamin D and calcium are essential to overall health. The Institute of Medicine has published recommended dietary allowances (Table). However, the benefits and harms of daily supplementation with greater than 400 IU of vitamin D3 and greater than 1,000 mg of calcium to prevent fractures are not clearly understood.
Benefits of Preventive Medication
In premenopausal women and in men, there is inadequate evidence to determine the effect of combined vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation on the incidence of fractures. In postmenopausal women, there is adequate evidence that daily supplementation with 400 IU of vitamin D3 combined with 1,000 mg of calcium has no effect on the incidence of fractures. However, there is inadequate evidence regarding the effect of higher doses of combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation on fracture incidence in noninstitutionalized postmenopausal women.
Harms of Preventive Medication
Adequate evidence indicates that supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D3 and 1,000 mg or less of calcium increases the incidence of renal stones. The USPSTF assessed the magnitude of this harm as small.
USPSTF Assessment
Noninstitutionalized, community-dwelling postmenopausal women. The USPSTF concludes that evidence is lacking about the benefit of daily supplementation with greater than 400 IU of vitamin D3 and greater than 1,000 mg of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures, and the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined.
The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that daily supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D3 and 1,000 mg or less of calcium has no net benefit for the primary prevention of fractures.
Men and premenopausal women. The USPSTF concludes that evidence is lacking about the benefit of vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium for the primary prevention of fractures, and the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined.
Vitamin D Hailed in the Fight against Heart Disease Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Scientific research bodies extolling the amazing virtues of the prohormone, vitamin D have been published in rapid succession to explain the preventive mechanism shown to prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Three independent reviews demonstrate that maintaining a vitamin D blood level between 50 and 70 ng/mL can provide optimal protection against many chronic diseases.
Researchers’ publishing in the journalNutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases provide evidence that vitamin D is intrinsically involved in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. Disruption of the body’s natural stasis system contributes to diabetes, obesity, elevated blood lipids, high blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, stroke and risk of coronary artery disease. Scientists advise supplementation of 4,000 to 8,000 IU of vitamin D per day to achieve optimal levels, far above the anemic 400 IU currently recommended.
Vitamin D Controls Genetic Receptors to Guard against Chronic Disease
Scientists at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine demonstrate a direct genetic link between low vitamin D levels and the development of amyloid proteins in the brain, commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Reporting in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, researchers looked at gene signaling in relation to the vitamin D receptor in 492 late onset Alzheimer’s patients and 496 control subjects.
When vitamin D receptors were not activated on the surface of individual cells due to poor vitamin D saturation in the blood, precise gene signaling went awry that halted normal clearance of the dementia-related protein clumps. The team conducting the study concluded“Our findings are consistent with epidemiology studies suggesting that vitamin D insufficiency increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”
Test Vitamin D Blood Levels Regularly to Ensure Optimal Range
Researchers in Spain evaluated the vitamin D status of 1,226 individuals in 1996. The participants were again tested eight years later, and vitamin D levels were contrasted with development of diabetes over the course of the study. The results, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, found that those with vitamin D blood levels above 18.5 ng/mL had an 83 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes during the eight year period. No one in the study with a vitamin D score over 30 ng/mL developed type 2 diabetes.
It has become very clear from countless research studies published over the past decade that vitamin D qualifies among the most crucial and essential hormone-based nutrients. And still millions of people continue to place themselves at unnecessary risk by ignoring this information.
Most people above the age of twenty-one should supplement with a minimum of 2,000 IU of vitamin D every day and have their blood tested to ensure they reach the optimal range of 50 to 70 ng/mL. Extensive research provides more than sufficient evidence that maintaining a proper vitamin D level can dramatically lower the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease diabetes and many other chronic illnesses.
Vitamin D can help infection prone patients avoid respiratory tract infection
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Treating infection-prone patients over a 12-month period with high doses of vitamin D reduces their risk of developing respiratory tract infection – and consequently their antibiotic requirement. This according to a new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital published in the online scientific journal BMJ Open.
"Our research can have important implications for patients with recurrent infections or a compromised immune defence, such as a lack of antibodies, and can also help to prevent the emerging resistance to antibiotics that come from overuse," says Peter Bergman, researcher at Karolinska Institutets Department of Laboratory Medicine and doctor at Karolinska University Hospitals Immunodeficiency Unit. "On the other hand, there doesnt seem to be anything to support the idea that vitamin D would help otherwise healthy people with normal, temporary respiratory tract infections."
Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin through exposure to sunlight and obtained through certain foods. In Sweden there is a seasonal variation in vitamin D in the blood, the trough coming during the darker half of the year. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of infection, and it has long been known that the vitamin can also activate the immune defence.
For the present study now published in BMJ Open the researchers examined whether treatment with vitamin D can prevent and relieve respiratory tract infections in particularly infection-prone patients. All the 140 participants from the Immunodeficiency Unit had symptoms of disease in their respiratory tracts for at least 42 days prior to the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, one of which received vitamin D in relatively high doses, the other a placebo. They were also asked to keep a diary recording their state of health every day during the year-long study period.
The results show that symptoms of respiratory tract infection declined by almost a quarter and the use of antibiotics by almost half. Vitamin D treatment was also tolerated well by all patients and gave no serious side-effects.
The effect of vitamin D on respiratory tract infection is controversial, and a major study from New Zeeland published recently in the scientific journal JAMA found that it did not reduce the incidence or severity of viral respiratory tract infections. However, the present study differs from the JAMA study in several important respects, which could explain their different results. The JAMA study examined a group of healthy people with initially normal levels of vitamin D in the blood, and used bolus dose administration (i.e. large doses on fewer occasions), which is thought to be less effective that daily doses.
"However, the most important difference is probably due to the fact that our participants had much lower initial levels of vitamin D than those in the New Zealand study," says Dr Anna-Carin Norlin, doctoral student and co-lead author of the study along with Dr Bergman. "There is evidence from previous studies that vitamin D supplements are only effective in patients who fall well below the recommended level, which also suggests that it would be wise to check the vitamin D levels of patients with recurrent infections."
Publication: Vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections - a randomized and double blind intervention study, Bergman P*, Norlin AC*, Hansen S, Rekha RS, Agerberth B, Björkhem-Bergman L, Ekström L, Lindh JD, Andersson J (*equal contribution), BMJ Open, online 13 December 2012.
You Dont Have To Be Taking Metformin Or Have Diabetes To Risk Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Before I leave the topic of vitamin B12 (yesterdays post: New Study Links Metformin To Cognitive Impairment, via inadequate vitamin B12), its important to know that you dont have to be taking metformin, or have diabetes at all, to risk a vitamin B12 deficiency. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say between 1.5% and 15% of the US population experience vitamin B12 deficiency. Most people over the age of 50 have such poor absorption of the vitamin that the NIH recommends older adults supplement with B12, either by eating fortified foods or taking dietary supplements.
From the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements:
Quick Fact Sheet on Vitamin B12
Professional Fact Sheet on Vitamin B12
Groups that may not be getting enough vitamin B12 or that have trouble absorbing it:
- Many older adults, who do not have enough hydrochloric acid in their stomach to absorb the vitamin B12 naturally present in food. People over 50 should get most of their vitamin B12 from fortified foods or dietary supplements because, in most cases, their bodies can absorb vitamin B12 from these sources.
- People with pernicious anemia whose bodies do not make the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12. Doctors usually treat pernicious anemia with vitamin B12 shots, although very high oral doses of vitamin B12 might also be effective.
- People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery, or who have digestive disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohns disease. These conditions can decrease the amount of vitamin B12 that the body can absorb.
- Some people who eat little or no animal foods such as vegetarians and vegans. Only animal foods have vitamin B12 naturally. When pregnant women and women who breastfeed their babies are strict vegetarians or vegans, their babies might also not get enough vitamin B12.
Low levels of vitamin B12 show up as numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance - symptoms similar to diabetic neuropathy. Other symptoms include constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, soreness of the mouth or tongue, and megaloblastic anemia. And as we saw in yesterdays post, vitamin B12 deficiency affects cognition, leading to depression, confusion, poor memory, and dementia.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can be detected by a blood test. Also, an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in a blood test can indicate low B12 status and justifies measurement of serum B12 directly.1
Low vitamin B12 levels increase the risk of fractures in older men
Monday, April 21, 2014
Older men who have low levels of vitamin B12 have a higher risk of having fractures. These are the findings of researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy as a part of an international study of a total of 1000 older men.
Osteoporosis is one of the worlds most widespread diseases, and intensive research is under way worldwide to identify its causes and to be able to prevent fractures.
In an extensive study, researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg can now show that low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood increases the risk of fractures in older men.
International research project
This study is a part of an international research project initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US and comprises 11,000 men in total. In their part of the study, the Gothenburg researchers studied 1,000 Swedish men, MrOS Sweden, with an average age of 75, and used various methods to analyze the blood concentrations of the B vitamins B12 and folate, which are found in our food naturally.
Higher fracture risk
The results show that the risk of suffering a fracture six years later was higher among men who had low B12 levels at the beginning of the study than men with normal B12 levels. In the quartile with the lowest B12 content, the risk was elevated by approximately 70 percent compared with the others. The risk increase pertained primarily to fractures in the lumbar region, where the risk increase was up to 120 percent.
"The higher risk also remains when we take other risk factors for fractures into consideration, such as age, smoking, BMI, BMD (bone mineral density), previous fractures, physical activity, the D-vitamin content in the blood and calcium intake," says Catharina Lewerin, researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Does this mean that older men can prevent fractures by eating more vitamin B12?
"It has not been scientifically established, but such studies are under way, including one large Dutch study where older individuals over the age of 65 are treated with both vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin D to investigate the occurrence of fractures.
"Right now, there is no reason to eat more vitamin B12, but rather treatment shall only be applied in confirmed cases of deficiencies and in some cases to prevent deficiencies. For anyone who wants to strengthen their bones and prevent fractures, physical activity 30 minutes a day and quitting smoking is good self care," says Catharina Lewerin.
New method
In this study, the researchers used a relatively new method called holotranscobalamin, which measures the amount of vitamin that is taken up in the cells, which is considered to be a more sensitive test for B12 deficiency.
The article was published online in Osteoporosis International.
Preventing Diabetes Can Vitamin D Protect Against Type 1
Thursday, April 17, 2014
According to the 2005 CDC report, National Diabetes Fact Sheet (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):"About one in every 400 to 600 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes."Thats a lot of children.
To answer the question I posed in my title, a group of researchers in the UK conducted a meta-analysis (a study of studies) of five observational studies that investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.1 Their findings were reported last week in the online edition of the Archives of Disease in Childhood:
"Meta-analysis of data ... showed that the risk of type 1 diabetes was significantly reduced in infants who were supplemented with vitamin D compared to those who were not supplemented."And ...
"There was also some evidence of a dose-response effect, with those using higher amounts of vitamin D being at lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes."Unlike the more common type 2 diabetes, type 1 is an auto-immune disease. It develops when the bodys immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. Beta cells produce the hormone insulin which regulates blood glucose. Without insulin, diabetes results.
Both pancreatic beta cells and immune system cells carry receptors for vitamin D. Future research may shed light on how the vitamin operates among these cells.
1 Vitamin D Supplementation in Early Childhood and Risk of Type 1 Diabetes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
News summary, BBC:
Vitamin D Cuts Risk of Diabetes
Selenium and vitamin D status reduce the effects of aging
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
New research in human volunteers has shown that molecular changes to our genes, known as epigenetic marks, are driven mainly by ageing but are also affected by what we eat.
The study showed that whilst age had the biggest effects on these molecular changes, selenium and vitamin D status reduced the accumulation of epigenetic changes, and high blood folate and obesity increased them. These findings support the idea that healthy ageing is affected by what we eat.
Researchers from the Institute of Food Research led by Dr Nigel Belshaw, working with Prof John Mathers and colleagues from Newcastle University, examined the cells lining the gut wall from volunteers attending colonoscopy clinic. The Institute of Food Research is strategically funded the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and this study was also funded by the Food Standards Agency.
The study volunteers were free from cancer or inflammatory bowel disease and consumed their usual diet without any supplements. The researchers looked for specific epigenetic modifications of the volunteers’ genes that have been associated with the earliest signs of the onset of bowel cancer – an age-related disease. These epigenetic marks, known as DNA methylation, do not alter the genetic code but affect whether the genes are turned on or off. These methylation marks are transmitted when cells divide, and some have been associated with the development of cancer.
The investigators studied the relationship between the occurrence of these epigenetic marks at genes known to be affected in cancer, and factors including the volunteers’ age, sex, body size and the levels of some nutrients in the volunteers’ blood. The biggest influence on gene methylation was age. This fits with the fact that the biggest risk factor for bowel cancer is age, with risk increasing exponentially over 50 years old.
The findings, published in the journal Aging Cell, showed that men tended to have a higher frequency of these epigenetic changes than women, which is consistent with men being at a greater risk of bowel cancer. Volunteers with higher vitamin D status tended to show lower levels of methylation, and a similar effect was observed for selenium status. Again, this is consistent with the known links between higher vitamin D and selenium and reduced bowel cancer risk.
The B vitamin folate is essential for health, but in this study, high folate status was associated with increased levels of epigenetic changes linked with bowel cancer. These findings are consistent with some epidemiological studies suggesting that excessive folate intakes may increase risk in some people. The results of this study showing an association between folate status and epigenetic changes linked to cancer, together with those from another recent study by Nigel Belshaw’s group showing that, in cells grown in the laboratory, they could be induced by exposure to high levels of folic acid, emphasise the need for further research on optimal folate status in humans. The researchers intend to investigate the mechanism for the effect of folate on DNA methylation in a follow-up study.
Obesity is also a risk factor for bowel cancer. This study found relationships between body size (height, weight and waist circumference) and epigenetic changes. How excess body weight induces these epigenetic changes, and the consequences for gut health, are currently being investigated at IFR and in Newcastle University.
In summary, the results of this study support the hypothesis that ageing affects the epigenetic status of some genes and that these effects can be modulated by diet and body fatness.
Excessive consumption of vitamin D caused hypertension
Friday, April 11, 2014
Vitamin D is known for his usefulness to ward off skin cancer and health care. But the researchers found that too much vitamin D bad for blood pressure.
Researchers at John Hopkins University found that taking vitamin D in high doses can cause hypertension or even lead to hardening of the arteries.
"Healthy people who eat a lot of vitamin D supplements without knowing its effect on their health. However they should not take vitamin D supplements without the direction of a physician," said study leader Dr. Muhammad Amer, from the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School od Medicine, as reported by the NY Daily News.
It was discovered after researchers observed 10,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2001-2004. Even so Amer also found that for some types of people such as the elderly and women who experience menopause, a high amount of vitamin D that can be useful.
Amer, individuals should consult their physician before taking supplements of vitamin D. Needs vitamins every person is different. for some people a high intake of vitamin D supplements can be beneficial, but on others too much vitamin D can be dangerous.
Researchers at John Hopkins University found that taking vitamin D in high doses can cause hypertension or even lead to hardening of the arteries.
"Healthy people who eat a lot of vitamin D supplements without knowing its effect on their health. However they should not take vitamin D supplements without the direction of a physician," said study leader Dr. Muhammad Amer, from the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School od Medicine, as reported by the NY Daily News.
It was discovered after researchers observed 10,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2001-2004. Even so Amer also found that for some types of people such as the elderly and women who experience menopause, a high amount of vitamin D that can be useful.
Amer, individuals should consult their physician before taking supplements of vitamin D. Needs vitamins every person is different. for some people a high intake of vitamin D supplements can be beneficial, but on others too much vitamin D can be dangerous.
Link Between Vitamin C and Fat Oxidation
Thursday, March 27, 2014
A small study conducted by researchers at Arizona State University found that low blood levels of vitamin C were associated with decreased fat oxidation - the burning of fat for fuel."Free-living individuals with marginal vitamin C status oxidized 25% less fat per kg body weight during a 60-minute treadmill walk as compared to individuals with adequate vitamin C status."
They site a possible mechanism: Vitamin C is used by the body to make carnitine, and carnitine is necessary for fat oxidation.
They also found that the less fat participants oxidized, the greater their fatigue, leading them to speculate that:
"Vitamin C depletion may result in weight gain by two mechanisms: indirectly by fatigability and exercise intolerance and directly by lipid accumulation."
When researchers supplemented the depleted subjects with 500 mg/day of vitamin C, they increased their amount of fat used for energy by a factor of 4.
For the study, published in Nutrition and Metabolism:
Marginal vitamin C status is associated with reduced fat oxidation during submaximal exercise in young adults
Vitamin D Facts For Life
Friday, March 21, 2014
Vitamin D is regularly in the medical news headlines being credited as a treatment and preventive measure for diseases ranging from the common cold to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and Alzheimers. Now we can add improved stamina and physical performance as we age.
By promoting muscle strength, bone growth and repair, Vitamin D has demonstrated the ability to delay age-related illnesses and improve the quality of life in aging adults. Vitamin D supports the healthy function of our cells at the genetic level and its essential that we maintain proper blood levels to ensure continued health and longevity.
Vitamin D Linked With Improved Physical Performance
As we age many of our bodys natural defense systems we have taken for granted all our life begin to weaken, leading to reduced physical performance and poor quality of life. Its estimated that as high as 90% of the senior population is deficient in Vitamin D, and those with the lowest blood levels are directly associated with the most loss of mobility and physical performance using tests of walking, balance, endurance and strength.
Conversely, those individuals with the highest blood levels of Vitamin D retained a much higher degree of physical mobility and muscle function, and suffered a reduced incidence from other significant health concerns. Even higher levels of Vitamin D, achieved only through targeted supplementation and blood testing will result in better outcomes for an aging population.
Vitamin D Prevents and Treats Heart Disease
Heart disease or atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the US. The risk of sudden death from a heart attack can by reduced by as much as a third by ensuring the highest level of Vitamin D through blood testing. Every cell in our body carries a Vitamin D receptor which is required to perform genetic replication. Insufficient levels in the blood means that all the cells are not being saturated with the vitamin and heart disease incidence increases dramatically.
Research shows that those people with the lowest levels of Vitamin D are 45% more likely to develop heart disease and 77% more likely to die from any cause. These studies suggest that Vitamin D may provide these significant health benefits due to its ability to reduce blood pressure, regulate blood sugar and control inflammation, all factors which contribute to heart disease.
Vitamin D Enhances Immune Function
A supercharged immune response is important in the defense against cancer. Everyday cancer cells develop in our body and are normally picked up by an alert immune system. As we age and Vitamin D levels drop, cancer cells escape detection, eventually developing into a tumor. By increasing blood levels of Vitamin D, our T cells are placed on high alert which has been shown to reduce the incidence of 17 different cancers by as much as 77%.
With mounting evidence about the health benefits of Vitamin D, there is still much confusion about how much is needed to maintain proper levels in the blood. Due to variations in body weight, sun exposure, dietary intake and genetic factors, every person will need to supplement independently based on the result of a simple blood test. Most normal weight adults should begin by supplementing with 5000 IU of Vitamin D per day for the first 90 days, and then have a 25OH(D) blood test to check levels. Experts believe that the optimal target range is 50 - 70 ng/ml. Adjust Vitamin D supplementation in 1000 IU increments to increase or decrease blood levels by 10 ng/ml.
Vitamin D has been shown to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases, and targeted supplementation is essential for every adult to prevent illness and extend a healthy life.
With mounting evidence about the health benefits of Vitamin D, there is still much confusion about how much is needed to maintain proper levels in the blood. Due to variations in body weight, sun exposure, dietary intake and genetic factors, every person will need to supplement independently based on the result of a simple blood test. Most normal weight adults should begin by supplementing with 5000 IU of Vitamin D per day for the first 90 days, and then have a 25OH(D) blood test to check levels. Experts believe that the optimal target range is 50 - 70 ng/ml. Adjust Vitamin D supplementation in 1000 IU increments to increase or decrease blood levels by 10 ng/ml.
Vitamin D has been shown to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases, and targeted supplementation is essential for every adult to prevent illness and extend a healthy life.
extract Vitamin Supplements
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Most people do not realise that the frame can absorb the nutrients from liquid vitamin supplements easier than from tablets. It is estimated that sap vitamin supplements are actually absorbed at antecedent five times improved than regular vitamin pills. Of course, there are populous differential benefits that liquid vitamin supplements have over pills. since example, the liquid vitamin supplements are easier to swallow. This alone makes secretion vitamin supplements perable to pills, especially for offspring and anyone else who has trouble taking pills of sector type.
Young children are often unable to gather sufficient nutrients from the foods that they eat but it is almost impossible for them to take vitamin supplements in pill form. fluid vitamin supplements are ideal because they can be given by a dropper, straight case the child's jaws or plane added to their special bottle of water or inside track to safeguard that they receive undiminished of the vitamins that they need to grow. For exactly the level reason, sap vitamin supplements are get for anyone who is weak also not able to eat properly.
Despite the best efforts of most people it is subsequent that most are not obtaining sufficient vitamins also minerals from their slop and that is where liquid vitamin supplements are beneficial. The vitamins in many common pill supplements are really packed over densely. This leads to a lot of the vitamins not being broken down again absorbed as they should acquire whereas serum vitamin supplements do not have the same strenuous. The body is theore play hardball to swig distant fresh of the nutritional value from liquid vitamin supplements than it can from those in the traditional pill form. In fact, the body definite absorbs about 10-20% of the nutrients from vitamin pills compared to around 80-90% that it can absorb from extract vitamin supplements.
Another benefit of liquid vitamin supplements is that they often contain more than solitary type of vitamin and other nutrients. Vitamin pills traditionally contain only one shot which influence that you are spirit to have to take a uncut handful of vitamin pills to execute the horizontal benefits as you do from many of the juice vitamin supplements. Liquid vitamin supplements propose abysmal more excuse and effectiveness being supplying the physique with the vitamins that it needs. The cost of buying the reproduction interject of vitamin pills to obtain the alike results is also inmost more than that of liquor vitamin supplements.
Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Muscle Efficiency
Friday, March 14, 2014
New research shows for the first time a link between vitamin D levels and muscle efficiency. Vitamin D supplementation may also be effective in improving skeletal muscle function. This study is presented today at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Harrogate, UK. The findings may explain the physical fatigue commonly experienced by patients with vitamin D deficiency, with broad implications for a large section of society
Vitamin D is a hormone produced in the skin using energy from sunlight, and to a lesser extent derived from dietary sources. Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health problem as diagnosed cases are on the rise and the hormone is essential for good bone health. Alongside poor bone health, muscle fatigue is a common symptom in vitamin D deficient patients. This fatigue could be due to a problem in the mitochondria: the power stations within each cell of the body. Mitochondria use glucose and oxygen to make energy in a form that can be used to run the cell (an energy-rich molecule called ATP). Muscle cells need large amounts of ATP for movement and they use phosphocreatine as a ready and available energy source to make ATP. The mitochondria also replenish this phosphocreatine store after muscle contraction. Measurement of the time taken to replenish the phosphocreatine store is a measure of mitochondrial efficiency: better mitochondrial function is associated with shorter phosphocreatine recovery times.
Researchers from Newcastle University, led by Dr Akash Sinha who also works within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, investigated phosphocreatine recovery times in patients with vitamin D deficiency. They employed a non-invasive magnetic resonance scan to measure phosphocreatine dynamics in response to exercise in the calf muscles of 12 patients with severe vitamin D deficiency before and after treatment with vitamin D. This is the first time a study of this kind has been conducted.
The team found that phosphocreatine recovery significantly improved after the patients took a fixed dose of oral vitamin D for 10-12 weeks (average phosphocreatine recovery half time decreased from 34.4sec to 27.8sec, p<0.001). All patients reported an improvement in symptoms of fatigue following supplementation. In a parallel study, the group demonstrated that low Vitamin D levels were associated with reduced mitochondrial function (r=-0.41, p=0.009).
The research shows for the first time that vitamin D levels are correlated with muscle efficiency, and that muscle aerobic metabolism improves with Vitamin D supplementation. Whilst this is a small study, it establishes clear proof of principle and (for the first time) a link between vitamin D and mitochondria in man. The mechanisms underpinning this effect are an avenue for future research by the group, who also aim to establish whether vitamin D supplementation could alleviate frailty in the elderly or improve the exercise capacity of athletes.
Study leader Dr Akash Sinha, Clinical Research Fellow at Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "This is the first time a link has been shown between vitamin D status and muscle aerobic function. To do so we used a non-invasive scan to get a unique biochemical perspective on muscle mitochondrial metabolism during exercise: a window into what is really going on in the muscle as it works
"Patients with vitamin D deficiency often experience symptoms of muscle fatigue. Our findings in a small group of patients with very low vitamin D levels show that muscle efficiency significantly improves when vitamin D status is improved.
"Well need further research in more patients to work out how this is happening and whether non-deficient patients can benefit from this too."
Vitamin D proven to boost energy from within the cells
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Vitamin D is vital for making our muscles work efficiently and boosting energy levels, new research from Newcastle University has shown.
A study led by Dr Akash Sinha has shown that muscle function improves with Vitamin D supplements which are thought to enhance the activity of the mitochondria, the batteries of the cell.
A hormone normally produced in the skin using energy from sunlight, Vitamin D can also be found in a few foods – including fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks and fortified cereals but it can also be effectively boosted with Vitamin D supplements.
It is thought around 60% of people in the UK are vitamin D deficient, with children under five, people with dark skin and the elderly being particularly vulnerable. While it has a well-established association with helping in bone formation and a deficiency can lead to rickets, its role in other health issues is just emerging.
The researchers used non-invasive magnetic resonance scans to measure the response to exercise in 12 patients with severe deficiency before and after treatment with vitamin D.
Lead author Dr Akash Sinha who also works within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "The scans provided a unique window into what is really going on in the muscle as it works.
"Examining this small group of patients with vitamin D deficiency who experienced symptoms of muscle fatigue, we found that those with very low vitamin D levels improved their muscle efficiency significantly when their vitamin D levels were improved."
Alongside poor bone health, muscle fatigue is a common symptom in vitamin D deficient patients. This fatigue could be due to reduced efficiency of the mitochondria: the power stations within each cell of the body.
Mitochondria use glucose and oxygen to make energy in a form that can be used to run the cell - an energy-rich molecule called ATP. Muscle cells need large amounts of ATP for movement and they use phosphocreatine as a ready and available energy source to make ATP. The mitochondria also replenish this phosphocreatine store after muscle contraction and measuring the time taken to replenish these stores is a measure of mitochondrial efficiency: better mitochondrial function is associated with shorter phosphocreatine recovery times.
The team found that these recovery rates significantly improved after the patients took a fixed dose of oral vitamin D for 10-12 weeks. The average phosphocreatine recovery half time decreased from 34.4 sec to 27.8 sec. All patients reported an improvement in symptoms of fatigue after having taken the supplements. In a parallel study, the group demonstrated that low Vitamin D levels were associated with reduced mitochondrial function.
Dr Sinha added: "We have proved for the first time a link between vitamin D and mitochondria function.
"Of the patients I see, around 60% are vitamin D deficient and most people living north of Manchester will struggle to process enough vitamin D from sunlight alone, particularly during winter and spring. So a simple vitamin D tablet could help boost your energy levels – from within the cells."
Milk Thistle and Vitamin E Lower Risk of Fatty Liver Disease
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
As a consequence fat is deposited in the liver cells where it triggers inflammation and the release of chemical messengers known as adipokines as the liver attempts to repair itself. Left unchecked, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Emerging research provides powerful nutritional options including milk thistle and vitamin E that can dramatically lower the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
Understanding the Cause of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Study Supports the Antioxidant Power of Vitamin E
Fish Oil Fatty Acids Improve Blood Lipids, Improve Liver Function
EPA and DHA Omega-3 fats have gained notoriety for their ability to positively regulate cholesterol ratios and lower triglycerides. Research published on the British Medical Journal found that supplementing with 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fats per day markedly decreased serum markers of liver cell damage, triglyceride levels and glucose. Any natural therapy that helps the body eliminate triglycerides and lower blood sugar levels will lower the underlying risk factors for NAFLD.
Milk Thistle Shown to Directly Target the Liver
The active compound in milk thistle, known as silymarin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that directly impacts liver function. Researchers have discovered that milk thistle inhibits the release of cytokines from the liver that normally increases with fatty liver inflammation. This action allows the liver to begin the natural healing process while reducing fat accumulation and reducing blood markers associated with liver damage.
Vitamin E, Omega-3 fats and milk thistle each help to restore normal liver function for the millions of men, women and children that suffer the silent effects of fatty liver disease. Including all three of these powerful natural nutrients in your daily disease-fighting arsenal will provide a multi-modal defense against NAFLD.
Scientists Explain How Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fats Synergistically Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
A group of scientists have published the findings from their research in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease that has pinpointed how vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids may enhance the immune systems ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques. Researchers identified key genes and signaling networks regulated by vitamin D3 and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that may help control inflammation and improve plaque clearance.
Vitamin D3 and DHA boost immune response to help prevent amyloid protein tangles
Prior studies have identified the loss of normal ability to break down amyloid proteins before they develop into tangles or plaques as a key process in the development of the memory-robbing disease. Lead study author, Dr. Milan Fiala from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA commented “Our new study sheds further light on a possible role for nutritional substances such as vitamin D3 and omega-3 in boosting immunity to help fight Alzheimers.”
To perform their study, scientists drew blood samples from both Alzheimers patients and healthy controls and then isolated critical immune cells called macrophages from the blood. Macrophages are responsible for splicing the amyloid proteins before they can aggregate around the nerve synapse, effectively stifling electrical and chemical transmissions throughout the brain. Scientists then incubated the immune cells with amyloid-beta and added either an active form of vitamin D3 or the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to gauge effectiveness on inflammation and amyloid-beta absorption.
Supplement daily with Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 Fats to Slash Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
The researchers determined that vitamin D3 and DHA greatly improved the clearance of amyloid-beta by macrophages in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and found subtleties in the effects the two substances had on the expression of inflammatory genes. The study team concluded “We may find that we need to caully balance supplementation with vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids, depending on each patient in order to help promote efficient clearing of amyloid-beta…. this is a first step in understanding what form and in which patients these nutrition substances might work best."
The study team observed that each nutrient (vitamin D and DHA) utilized different receptors and common signaling pathways to prevent amyloid protein aggregation leading to disease. Optimizing vitamin D blood saturation levels and supplementing with a molecularly distilled DHA omega-3 formulation can provide critical support in helping the brain to properly clear amyloid metabolic byproducts and help prevent Alzheimer’s dementia.
Vitamin C in Orange Juice
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Vitamin C in Orange Juice - Vitamin C in 200ml orange juice typically contains 60mg of vitamin C and is equivalent to 100 percent of the recommended daily amount for adults. The health benefits are due to the content of vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. Vitamin C in orange juice is very important in the production of collagen, along with nutritional super Lutein. Yellow pigment linked to reducing the sunlight that causes skin damage and is believed to improve skin elasticity. According to a panel of health experts and beauty, a glass of Vitamin C in orange juice could actually help improve the health of skin, hair and nails.
 |
| Orange Juice |
Fresh Orange Juice
Susan Mahy, Director of the Cosmetic Executive Women UK, said: "These essential nutrients you need for healthy skin, hair and nails are the most beneficial when ingested as part of your meal." "Panel executive women in the field of perfumes, cosmetics and hairdressing concluded that they have a direct effect on the skin,”
 |
| Orange Juices |
Vitamin C in Orange Juices
How much vitamin C is in orange juice?
 |
| Vitamin C in Orange Juice |
The recommended how much vitamin C in orange juice daily allowance of vitamin C is 60mg. This is a figure that is criticized more than probably any other micro-nutrient. Many nutritionist and health professionals dispute this and believe the figure should be much higher and often in the several thousand milligrams a day range. The general consensus is that 60mg a day is enough to ward off disease but not enough for optimum health.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
