An article published in Alternative Medicine Review (2005;10(2):94-111) reviewed the requirements and benefits of vitamin D throughout life, in terms of promotion of optimal health.Read More
Aging
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Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that has no cure. The symptoms include tremors, a shuffling walk, muscle stiffness, stooped posture, and a mask-like, expressionless face. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that boosts cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the cell's energy powerhouse. CoQ10 levels decrease with age and chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Now a large clinical study will determine if CoQ10 can slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease....Read More
Inflammation is associated with aging and many chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer. Inflammatory marker levels including C-reactive protein and cytokines (interleukin-6, IL-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor) may be higher in older adults. Now research reports that age and chronic inflammation were the risk factors most commonly linked with mortality (death). The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, investigated risk factors associated with dying. A collaboration of American researchers analyzed...Read More
Gingko biloba is derived from the ginkgo tree, one of the oldest living tree species, existing for more than 150 million years. Gingko contains potent antioxidants (ginkgolides) that neutralize harmful free radicals (toxic molecules that cause damage to cells) associated with the development of degenerative diseases, heart disease, cancer and aging. Studies suggest that gingko supports brain and memory function and cognitive performance. Now research reports that ginkgo biloba may help protect cells from radiation...Read More
A study from the New York Methodist Hospital was published this May that investigated the effects of a daily fiber supplement for elderly individuals suffering from constipation and chronic laxative use.Read More
Two major trends in the U.S. are affecting public health. The first is a rapidly growing aging population. The second is that Americans are becoming increasingly overweight and obese. Now research reports that healthy aging is linked to women's weight. Women who maintain a healthy weight as adults may increase their odds of being healthy at age 70 and older. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, investigated the relationship between weight and healthy...Read More
A study published in the April issue of Allergy and Immunology examined the effect of Bacillus clausii on the immune response in adults with allergic rhinitis.Read More
Telomeres are located at the tips of DNA chromosomes and shorten with cell aging and oxidative stress. Telomere shortening is associated with human aging and age-related diseases. Studies show that environmental factors and lifestyle choices can affect oxidative stress (damage caused by free radicals). Now research reports that male tea drinkers have longer telomeres than non-tea drinkers. This suggests that antioxidants found in tea may protect telomeres from oxidative damage and shortening. The study, published...Read More
A recent trial tested the efficacy of the statin drug atorvastatin with alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) in patients on dialysis. The study was aimed at investigating the effects on the lipid profile as well as lipid oxidation in this population because of the high incidence of cardiovascular disease.Read More
A study published in the May issue of the Journal of Clinical Pathology was aimed at determining the antioxidant status of patients with Barrett's esophagus compared to healthy controls.Read More
Researchers in London investigated the effects of supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Vitamin E on heart function and functional decline in patients with Friedreich ataxia.Read More
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (November 2004 80(5):1358-1365) shows that high calcium intake from supplements reduces the risk of cancer of the distal colon and rectum.Read More
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (January 2005 81(1):168-174) shows that teenage girls who take calcium supplements for only a year can effect increases in bone mineral density for years afterward.Read More
The study, published in Nutrition Research (2004, vol. 24, no. 5), investigated smoking's effect on plasma vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations on LDL oxidation susceptibility.Read More
The study, published in the journal Stroke (2004, vol. 35, no. 7), identified the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables associated with a lower incidence of stroke.Read More
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (January 2005;81(1):122-129) shows that Green Tea may lower various measures of body fat, as well as being associated with lower MDA-LDL cholesterol (an oxidized form) levels. Read More
Anemia is a disorder of the blood in which there is a reduction in the number of red blood cells or in the quantity of hemoglobin (the iron-containing portion of red blood cells), often caused by an iron or vitamin B12 deficiency. One study found that older persons with anemia have more disabilities, poorer physical performance, and less strength than nonanemic elderly.Read More
Previous research has suggested that resveratrol, an antioxidant compound found in grapes, wine, and other botanicals, may have anticancer benefits. Now, research reports that resveratrol may protect against cancer by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) found in cell nuclei, which controls cell survival and inflammatory responses.Read More
A review published in American Family Physician (2004;70:133-40) covers the conditions for which eating fish and taking fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acid, supplements are most well-researched.Read More
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004;292:2243-2248) shows that DHEA may be useful in treating this syndrome.Read More
