Eye: Lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3, and vitamin D preserve eye health
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 reduce AMD In 1992 through 2001, the first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) tested if an antioxidant combination could reduce chances for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a second phase begun in 2006 (AREDS2), doctors added macular carotenoids; 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin, plus omega-3 fish oil,…
Metabolism: Whey protein and probiotics improved body factors
What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of some or all of these symptoms: elevated blood pressure or sugar; excess abdominal fat; imbalanced cholesterol or triglycerides, with links to overweight and inactivity. Whey protein lowered blood sugar In this study, 18 people with type 2 diabetes took a placebo beverage or one with…
Lipids: Garlic and probiotics improve blood pressure, lipids
Aged garlic extract improved blood pressure People with high cholesterol often have elevated blood pressure, a major factor in heart and circulatory conditions. In this study, 67 adults with moderately elevated total cholesterol levels, and high LDL cholesterol levels, aged at least 18, took a placebo or 250 mg of aged garlic extract per day…
Immunity: Vitamin D, omega-3s, and probiotics support immune function
Vitamin D, omega-3s reduce autoimmune disorders The immune system sometimes mistakenly attacks healthy cells, resulting in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid impairment, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel. In this large study, doctors reviewed records of 25,871 men and women, average age 67, who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day by itself, with…
Heart & Circulation: Artichoke, bergamot, and vitamin D protect health
Artichoke, bergamot, and lipids In an earlier study, participants with mildly elevated cholesterol levels had not responded to bergamot alone. Here, doctors added artichoke leaf extract, hoping to unlock the benefits of bergamot. In this study, 60 men and women, aged 18 to 65, with mildly elevated cholesterol, from 220 to 280 mg per deciliter…
Relief: Alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin D help ease pain
Alpha-lipoic acid When doctors don’t know what causes a symptom, they call it “idiopathic.” This holds true for generalized pain. In this study, 210 adults, aged 18 to 75, diagnosed with idiopathic pain in the joints or muscles, took a placebo, or 400 or 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) per day. Compared to the…
Eye: Lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin preserve vision
Carotenoids improve glaucoma status In glaucoma, nerves and other cells in the retina of the eye degenerate, and it is the leading form of blindness. In this study, 55 people with open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, took a placebo or a combination of carotenoids: 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin,…
Metabolism: Nutrients improved body health measures
Turmeric reduced weight, improved mood This study followed 90 healthy overweight adults, aged 50 to 69, who took a placebo or 979 mg of turmeric extract per day. At four, eight, and 12 weeks, those taking turmeric saw significant decreases in body weight, and improvements in body mass index scores, compared to placebo. At each…
Bone: Nutrients help restore bone density in postmenopause
Vitamin D with bisphosphonates Women with osteoporosis may take bisphosphonates, like alendronate, to increase bone mineral density (BMD), but long-term side effects include jaw and other atypical fractures. One of the ways to reduce side effects is to periodically discontinue treatment, as the bone density benefits continue during the interim, known as the “tail effect.”…
Heart & Circulation: Iron and folic acid provide heart and kidney protection
Circulating iron protects the heart To determine iron deficiency, doctors typically measure iron and ferritin stored in the body. While iron stores may be sufficient, too little circulating iron may prevent the body from working properly, leading doctors to consider “functional” iron deficiency (FID) circulating and stored—rather than “absolute” iron deficiency (AID)— stored iron only.…
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