Vitamin E linked to longevity in Alzheimer patients
An increased intake of vitamin E supplements may improve the survival of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, researchers report. «Vitamin E has previously been shown to delay the progression of moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease. Now, we’ve been able to show that vitamin E appears to increase the survival time of Alzheimer’s patients as well,» said […]
Mars: Sterol chocolate reduces cholesterol levels
An industry sponsored, peer reviewed study has found consuming chocolate containing plant sterols and cocoa flavanols can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Published in the March edition of the Journal of Nutrition, the researchers from the University of Illinois, in conjunction with Mars Inc, compared groups eating sterol and non-sterol fortified chocolate with only […]
Lutein, zeaxanthin for AMD protection: more science
Higher intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet may slash the risk of age-related macular degeneration by 65 per cent, suggests a new study from Down Under. «In this population-based cohort study, the authors found that higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin may confer protection against long-term incident neovascular AMD or […]
Lutein, zeaxanthin good for healthy eyes, too
Supplementation with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin could boost retinal health in the eyes, and have benefits for people with seemingly healthy eyes, says a new study. The human macular pigments (MPs), lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), most commonly linked to protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), were found to reduce the deleterious effects of […]
Formulation boost for phytosterol in yoghurts
Researches from the University of Manitoba have reported that, contrary to previous reports, phytosterols do not possess antimicrobial activity, which could detrimentally affect yoghurts. «The objectives of the present study were to investigate the antimicrobial activity of phytosterols in milk and their effect on the growth and survival of starter cultures and potential spoilage organisms […]
Finnish study supports sterols’ safety
The consumption of nonesterified plant sterol-enriched food is safe, suggests a new study from Finland that adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the ingredients. «Fifteen-week consumption of natural non-esterified plant sterol-enriched food does not cause any serious adverse effects during such a period,» wrote the researchers, led by Professor Matti Tikkanen from Helsinki […]
Sterols play major role in dietary portfolio for hearts
Almost one-third of cholesterol reductions achieved by consuming a heart-healthy diet are due to plant sterols, suggests a new study from Canada that supports the ingredient’s efficacy. Forty-two subjects with high cholesterol levels were assigned to eat a diet high in soy protein, viscous fibres, and almonds for 80 weeks, and supplemented with plant sterols. […]
Antioxidants and carotenoids linked to AMD improvements
Supplements of antioxidants and carotenoids may improve retinal health in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggesting a role beyond prevention, suggests a new study from Italy. A combination of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin was found to improve the function of the central retina among 27 people with non-advanced […]
Soy isoflavone linked to blood pressure improvements
Genistein, an isoflavone from soy, may stimulate the expression of an enzyme linked to better blood flow, suggests a new animal study that my have implications for high blood pressure in humans. «Our data suggest that genistein has direct genomic effects on the vascular wall that are unrelated to its known actions, leading to increased […]
Low vitamin E levels linked to greater physical decline
Low blood levels of vitamin E are linked to greater physical decline in older people, suggests a new study from Yale University School of Medicine. The researchers obtained measures for several micronutrients, including folate, vitamins B6, B12, D and E, but only the last vitamin was associated with physical decline for older persons, they report […]
