Multivitamins Lower Risk of Death from Heart Disease

Long-term regular consumption of a multivitamin may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 16%, according to recent findings published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. In addition, an intake of vitamin E over 215 mg per day over the course of ten years may result in a 28% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). This flies in the face of a well-publicized study about the ineffectiveness of these supplements on heart disease in particular.

University of Washington researchers reported that multivitamins did not decrease the risk of either total mortality, or cancer mortality. On the other hand, vitamin C and vitamin E were associated with small decreases in risk of total mortality. Specifically, the use of multivitamins and vitamin E decreased risk of death from CVD by 16% and 28%, respectively. These results after analyzing the 10-year use of multivitamin, vitamins C and E supplements of 77,719 Washington State residents aged between 50 and 76 that was obtained by questionnaire. (Pocobelli, G. et al. Am J Epidem. Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1093/aje/kwp167.)

This research contradicts conclusions from a controversial meta-analysis published originally in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2007, Vol. 297, pp. 842-857.), which reported that supplements of vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16%.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with 1 in 3 people dying from complications attributable to it. Prevention is key, and it makes sense to do all you can to reduce your risk. Take a comprehensive daily multivitamin to protect your cardiovascular health.

Pregnant Women Lack Vitamin D

9/25/2009 8:47:00 AM

BELFAST, Northern Ireland—Pregnant women, even those who use supplements, have insufficient levels of vitamin D, according to a new study

Researchers at Queen's University compared vitamin D levels in 99 Caucasian pregnant women at 12, 20 and 35 weeks of gestation to 38 non-pregnant women. Vitamin D levels were lower in the pregnant women with 96 percent classified as insufficient at 12 and 20 weeks, and 75 percent classified insufficient at 35 weeks.

Women who took multivitamins had higher levels of vitamin D than those who did not take a supplement, but levels were still classified as too low.

The researchers recommend pregnant women take higher dose vitamin D supplements in order to avoid rickets, schizophrenia and type 1 diabetes in their children.

Vitamin D Recommendations for Kids

By Peggy L. Manuel, MD, FAAP

Contributing Writer - Integrative Health Expert
About the Author
August 6, 2009


1. Newborns

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends 400 IU vitamin D3 daily starting from birth. Liquid vitamin D drops containing 400 IU per drop can be used.

2. Children Over 1 Year Old

Research suggests that about 1,000 IU vitamin D3 per 25 lb. may be needed in addition to any multivitamins or vitamin D milk, even in sunny areas like Southern California. For a child one year or older, 1,000 IU vitamin D3 daily may be reasonable (especially in winter or when sick). 1,000 IU daily or 2,000 IU every other day (M/W/F) works fine.

3. Anyone Over 12 Years Old

Research suggests that about 2,000 IU vitamin D3 daily (in addition to multivitamins, milk or sunshine) may be needed. After 2 - 3 months of supplementation, persons with dark skin, health concerns and those who are overweight may wish to request a blood test for 25OHvitaminD level to see if more supplementation would be helpful.

4. Pregnant or Breast-Feeding Women

Research suggests women need 3,000 - 5,000 IU daily while pregnant, and 4,000 - 6,000 IU vitamin D3 daily while breast-feeding for optimum health. These recommendations are not yet endorsed by the American College of OB-GYN, although they are considering revising upward the current recommendations.

Note on Sunshine: Those preferring to use sunshine to obtain sufficient vitamin D levels should be aware that sun exposure would need to be between 10 am and 2 pm without sunblock, and does not work through windows. The ideal amount of time would be about one-fourth the amount of time before burning. (Sunburns are strongly discouraged.) These recommendations are not presently endorsed by most dermatologists due to concerns about photoaging and skin cancer. For more information, visit the Vitamin D Council or GrassrootsHealth. (See especially the video with Dr. Michael Holick and the Disease Prevention Incidence Chart.)

Vitamin D Benefits: Researchers recommend a goal of 40-60ng/ml 25-OH vitamin D levels (60-75ng/ml for cancer patients per cancer researcher Donald Trump, MD). The benefits of sufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels include preventing rickets, strengthening muscles, bones and teeth, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of falling, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease and death from all causes, as well as boosting the immune system against viruses (including influenza), bacteria, and tuberculosis. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of depression, preeclampsia in pregnancy and perhaps even autism.

Why men get Fat

By: Poon Chian Hui

Men, put down that double cheese burger and listen when women tell you that you are often clueless about good nutrition.

Women tend to be more proactive about their health and seek nutritional advice more often than men, who tend to view food as a matter of enjoyment.

A 2005 study in The Journal Of Men's Health And Gender noted that this difference in attitude may be linked to the trend of men being more likely to be overweight.

Nutritional woes of ageing men include decreased metabolism. This means an even higher risk of weight gain, said dietitian Pauline Chan, managing director of The Nutrition Place.

'With decreased metabolism, a high-fat diet can lead to obesity and cause health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and even stroke," she said.

Instead, they should eat easily digestible and nutritious food, as their ability to absorb nutrients tends to be less efficient, said Ms Jenny Goh, a senior nutritionist at Fitness and Health International.

However, meeting dietary requirements may be trickier for men, as they require slightly more nutrients than women due to higher body weight and energy demands, said Ms Chan.

'Unbalanced diets or diets with inadequate nutrients increase the risk of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, bone fractures, infections and overall decline in health status," she said. 'Such consequences of poor health may even lead to depression."

Nutrients that older men may lack are vitamins C and D, the minerals iron, calcium and zinc, protein and fibre.

Some nutrient-packed foods to include in one's diet are wholegrain bread, oatmeal, steamed meat, fish, tofu, leafy vegetables and low-fat milk, she suggested.

Vitamin D deficiency, a longstanding problem for older women, has recently been found to be common in older men as well. An American study published this year determined that 26 per cent of older men aged 65 to 99 are vitamin D-deficient, with 72 per cent not meeting the optimal intake of this vitamin.

Hence, one should also get enough sunlight to enable the skin to produce vitamin D, which is needed in calcium absorption for stronger bones, added Ms Goh.

'The housebound and those living in institutions may face a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency," she said.

'Vitamin D supplements should be considered in such cases."

Older people should also go easy on salt. Their taste sensitivity decreases with age, which leads to greater preference for salty foods.

'High salt intake can worsen existing high blood pressure," Ms Chan warned.

Older men should cut down on condiments like soya sauce and choose natural alternatives like herbs and spices to enhance taste, she said.

Those who suffer from loss of appetite should try eating small but frequent meals, advised Ms Goh.

Helping Your Liver With Alpha R-Lipoic Acid

Discover why Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is being taken by an increasing number of people with chronic liver disease.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

In an effort to prevent liver damage, those with chronic liver disease are engaged in a continuous battle against free radicals. Thus, free radical neutralizers, otherwise known as antioxidants, are always advised to support liver health. A naturally occurring antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), is included in many practitioners’ recommended liver health regimens because it is known to protect – and even restore the integrity of liver cells.

Understanding Cellular Oxidation
Cellular oxidation is the natural process where either oxygen or disease breaks down a substance. By losing an electron, the broken-down matter produces free radicals. Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds, trying to capture a needed electron to gain stability.

Generally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, stealing its electron. When the attacked molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction. Unless this cascade of free radical damage is stopped, cellular damage – or even cellular death – is likely to occur.

Because they can safely bind with free radicals, antioxidants are capable of terminating a destructive rampage before cellular damage is caused. By safely binding with free radicals, antioxidants can stop this injurious chain reaction. Thus, many health professionals suggest that their patients with chronic liver disease take supplements and foods rich in antioxidants to help prevent their hepatic cells from deteriorating.

ALA
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that is used to protect the liver for a variety of reasons.

· Solubility – Unlike other antioxidants, ALA is both fat and water-soluble. Thus, this antioxidant can bind with free radicals in a lean liver or in a fatty liver, and it can confer free radical protection to both interior and exterior cellular structures.

· Regeneration – Antioxidants are typically depleted as they attack free radicals, but there is evidence that ALA may help to regenerate other antioxidants so they can function once again. Such a capability is highly desired when constant liver inflammation threatens to form new free radicals.

· Boosts Glutathione – A primary function of ALA is to increase the body’s production of glutathione, which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver.

· Reduces Liver Enzymes – According to research from the 1970s by Drs. Fredrick C. Bartter and Burton M. Berkson, ALA restores liver enzyme levels back to normal.

Alpha R-Lipoic Acid
Because of the functions described above, Alpha Lipoic Acid is well-known in the health supplement industry to help those with chronic liver ailments. However, information regarding the different forms of ALA – and which one is preferred – is just now being acknowledged.

ALA exists in two forms: Alpha R-Lipoic Acid and Alpha S-Lipoic Acid. Some facts about these two forms include:

· Both forms contain the same number and composition of atoms but have different arrangements.

· Naturally occurring lipoic acid is Alpha R-Lipoic Acid.

· Synthetic lipoic acid contains a 50/50 mixture of the R and S forms.

· Research indicates that the Alpha R-Lipoic Acid alone is far more effective than Alpha S-Lipoic Acid or the mixture.

ALA Cautions
In general, there is little evidence of ALA causing any harm. Although rare, one of ALA’s few reported side effects is a skin rash. Before supplementing with ALA, review the following specific concerns:

· ALA can lower blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should only take this supplement under the supervision of their doctor.

· Several animal studies suggest that people who are deficient in thiamine (vitamin B1), a condition often associated with alcoholism, should not take ALA.

· ALA may lower levels of thyroid hormone, thus those taking thyroid hormones should be monitored if they wish to take ALA.

Until a universal cure is discovered, chronic liver disease demands vigilant attention to preserving as many liver cells as possible. Due to its ability to protect the liver from free radical damage, Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is a logical choice for liver cell preservation. Because it scavenges free radicals, has a dynamic solubility, can regenerate other antioxidants, boosts glutathione and helps normalize liver enzyme levels, ALA should be a top contender in everyone’s liver wellness regimen.