Low antioxidant levels associated with hardening of the arteries‏

A study looked at 220 men and women without a history of hardening of the arteries. Vitamin A, vitamin E, and Lycopene were decreased by over 50% in the participants who were found out to have hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) when compared to those who did not have any hardening of the arteries. The researchers concluded that regular intake of foods rich in antioxidant vitamins (nutritional supplementation) may slow the progression of hardening of the arteries and its consequences (heart attack or stroke).

Source: Plasma antioxidants and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease. Riccioni G et al. Ann Nutr Metab, 2008;53 (2):86-90

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

Sunlight exposure along with low antioxidant levels increases the risk of macular degeneration

A recent study suggests that protecting the eyes from sunlight exposure (using hats or protective sunglasses) and consuming high levels of dietary antioxidants may significantly reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. The researchers looked at lifetime sunlight exposure and measured blood antioxidant levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, zeaxanthin, and zinc. They evaluated 4,400 older people and found that individuals with the lowest antioxidant levels and greatest sunlight exposure significantly increased the risk of macular degeneration.

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

Vitamin D protects against stroke‏

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death (140,000 per year in the US) in the US and Canada. Adverse drug reactions are the third leading cause of death (180,000 deaths per year in the US) in the US and Canada. Everyone is very concerned about having a stroke because of the major disability it can cause.

A study published in September 2008, revealed that for every small decrease in blood levels of vitamin D there was a startling 86% increase in fatal strokes. The researchers concluded that low levels of 25 hydorxyvitamin D levels are independently predictive of fatal strokes and they suggest that vitamin D supplementation is a promising approach in the prevention of strokes.

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

Magnesium protects against inflammation of your arteries‏

Healthy women who consume more magnesium are less prone to inflammation of their arteries. Investigators noted that the higher your level of magnesium was the lower your C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) was and the lower your E-selectin (a marker of artery inflammation and function) was. Since oxidative stress and inflammation is the root problem in cardiovascular disease, it is important to have optimal levels of magnesium in your body.

Source: Magnesium intake and plasma concentrations of markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in women. Song Y, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Apr;85(4):1068-74.

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

Higher Vitamin D levels lowers the risk of MS‏

Harvard scientists used military personnel to determine vitamin D status and risk of developing multiple sclerosis. They found that as vitamin D levels increased there was a decrease in the risk of developing MS. In fact, the white males who had the highest levels of vitamin D had a 62% decreased risk of developing MS when compared to those who had the lowest level of vitamin D. The researchers concluded that vitamin D may have a protective effect against developing multiple sclerosis.

Source: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis. Munger KL, Levin LI, et al. JAMA. 2006 Dec 20;296(23):2832-8.

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