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 […]
Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E combo eyed for cataract reduct
A higher intake of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin E, could reduce the risk of developing cataracts by about 15 per cent, suggests a new study. Over 35,000 women took part in the study, which showed that a high intake of the two carotenoids reduced the risk of cataracts by 18 […]
Daidzein-rich supplement shows menopause potential
A dietary supplement rich in the soy isoflavone daidzein can reduce the incidence of hot flushes by 52 per cent, suggests new research from Harvard Medical School. Moreover, no negative side effects were reported by the researchers, following the 12-week trial with 147 post-menopausal women and published in Menopause, the journal of the North American […]
