Vitamin B6 may sharply reduce the incidence of colon cancer‏

A large Scottish study has shown that increased intake of dietary and supplemental vitamin B6 is associated with a significant decrease in colon cancers. The investigators found that the higher the level of vitamin B6 intake the lower the risk of colon cancer. Subjects with the highest level of vitamin B6 were about 20% less likely to develop colon cancer than those individuals who had the lowest levels of vitamin B6.

Source: Dietary vitamin B6 intake and the risk of colorectal cancer, Theodoratou E, et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2008 Jan; 17(1):171-82

Source: Dr. Strand Health Nuggets (newsletter@Bionutrition.org)

Lower vitamin D levels are linked to greater knee arthritis pain‏

A recent study showed that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who also had low levels of vitamin D experienced worse knee pain and decreased mobility when compared with those who had higher levels of vitamin D. This research was based on studies that show that vitamin D influences both musculoskeletal health and neuromuscular function.

The researchers looked at over 100 men and women with osteoarthritis of the knee. Nearly half of the participants had vitamin D deficiencies. This deficiency correlated to the severity of knee pain and mobility.

Source: Dr. Strand Health Nuggets (newsletter@Bionutrition.org)

High Vitamin C level helps to prevent stroke‏

Investigators noted that high vitamin C levels may reflect healthy lifestyles and possible supplementation. They followed 20,649 men for nearly 10 years. People with the highest levels of vitamin C had a 42% lower risk of stroke when compared to those with the lowest levels of vitamin C. All other factors were accounted for in this study.

This is just another study that shows that the higher your level of antioxidants and in this case vitamin C, the lower your risk of having a cardiovascular even like a stroke. Eating a healthy diet that contains 6 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables along with supplementation is certainly a good idea.

Source: Myint PK, Luben RN, et al. Plasma vitamin C concentrations predict risk of incidence of stroke over 10 years. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jan;87(1):64-9

Lycopene and other antioxidants decrease risk of heart disease‏

As you have been learning, oxidized LDL cholesterol and not native LDL is our enemy because it causes such inflammation of our arteries. Fat soluble vitamins are important because they can actually incorporate themselves into the LDL particle. They have been shown to have the ability to then make this LDL cholesterol less likely to be oxidized by excessive free radicals.

Lycopene and other fat soluble vitamins have been shown to protect our LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized in epidemiological studies and human trials. Therefore, these studies show a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Source: Riccioni G, Mancini B, et al. Protective effect of lycopene in cardiovascular disease. Eur Rev Med pharmacol Sci. 2008 May-June;12(3):183-90.

Carotenoids decrease risk of macular degeneration

One of the most concerning age-related disease is referred to as age-related macular degeneration. It is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. This leads to the degeneration of an area in our eye called the macula, which is responsible for our central vision. When they look at someone, they are not able to see their face, but are able to see the area around their face.

Researchers have identified that the cause of this disease is oxidative stress. Several studies have been done that show that supplementation with a host of antioxidants including two carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin significantly decreases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Source: Neelam K, Hogg Re, et al. Carotenoids and co-antioxidants in age-related maculopathy. Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6):389-401.

Source: Dr. Strand Health Nuggets (newsletter@Bionutrition.org)

Low Vitamin D levels increase cardiovascular risk‏

A report in the Archives of Internal Medicine (June 11,2007) added more evidence in the link of low vitamin D levels and heart disease. These researchers measured the 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D levels in over 15,000 women. Those women who had the lowest levels of vitamin D had significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and elevated triglyceride levels (the other fat in the blood other than cholesterol). These are all risk factors for heart disease and strokes.

These researchers again pointed out the fact that low vitamin D levels carry a significant risk factor to our health. They concluded that current intake of vitamin D is far to low for optimal health. This is why I recommend that my patients should get their vitamin D levels checked and act accordingly. First, to bring their vitamin D levels back up to the recommended level (at least greater than 50 ng/ml) and second, to maintain these levels by taking at least 1,000 to 1,200 IU of vitamin D in supplementation.

Source: Dr. Strand Health Nuggets (newsletter@Bionutrition.org)