Folic acid is well-known to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy, but new research suggests that the nutrient may also help prevent autism. A new study has found that taking folic acid supplements before conception and during very early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of a child developing autism. These findings are the result… [Continue Reading]
Low Vitamin D Linked to a Long Life
November 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The link between good health and vitamin D has been put into question by a new study. The work has found that low levels of the vitamin are linked to a long life. While low vitamin D has been linked to numerous diseases, researchers suggest that vitamin levels might be a result of the disease,… [Continue Reading]
Red Wine Compound Fails to Improve Metabolism of Healthy Women
October 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While the compound resveratrol, a compound in red wine, has been lauded for its health benefits, a new study suggests that healthy women should look elsewhere if they are trying to boost their metabolic health. The authors of the new study say that previous studies showing the ingredient’s effects have typically been done in older… [Continue Reading]
Herbal and Dietary Supplements Can Interfere With Drugs for the Heart, Metabolism, and Brain
October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While many patients turn to herbal or dietary supplements in addition to their usual medical care, a new study suggests that the treatments often interact with prescription medications. This may pose a risk to their health. A number of herbs and dietary supplements (HDS) can cause potentially harmful drug interactions, particularly among people receiving medication… [Continue Reading]
Vitamin C Boosts Bone Integrity in Animal Model
October 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that in mice prone to bone loss, vitamin C can help. The study reports that mice given the vitamin had their bone density protected. These findings suggest that vitamin C levels might help maintain bone health in at-risk patients. Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have shown for the first time… [Continue Reading]
New Approach to Development of Dietary Supplements Needed, Researchers Argue
October 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new approach to supplement development and production could revolutionize the industry, experts argue, improving consumer confidence in the products. If applied to the $5-billion-per-year dietary supplement industry, “quality by design” (QbD) — a mindset that helped revolutionize the manufacture of cars and hundreds of other products — could ease concerns about the safety and… [Continue Reading]
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Could Ease Aging Process
October 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Evidence is growing for the positive health effects of omega-3 fatty acids. A new study reports that people taking supplements of the oil have a number of changes in their cells that suggest a slower aging process. Taking enough omega-3 fatty acid supplements to change the balance of oils in the diet could slow a… [Continue Reading]
Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Early Heart Attacks
September 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Vitamin D is essential for many aspects of the body’s health, and recent research has suggested it is also essential for heart health and normal blood pressure. A new study shows that having sufficient levels of the vitamin is indeed critical- those will low levels of the nutrient are significantly more likely to suffer from… [Continue Reading]
Vitamin D Supplements Have Little Impact on Cholesterol Levels
September 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Although increasing intake of Vitamin D is often recommended as part of a regimen to reduce cholesterol levels, a new study shows that supplements of the nutrient do not significantly change cholesterol status. The study tracked patients over a two-month period, and there was no difference in cholesterol changes in patients taking Vitamin D supplements… [Continue Reading]
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Increase Aggression of Prostate Cancer
August 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Not only do calcium and vitamin D supplements not prevent bone density loss in men being treated for prostate cancer, but they may actually make the cancer cells more aggressive. In a new study, researchers tested whether the supplements, commonly prescribed to men undergoing chemotherapy, actually work to protect bone health. The answer is no-… [Continue Reading]