Healthy Anti-Aging Resources

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe visual loss in individuals over 50 years of age.  Previous studies suggest that high intakes of oily fish and antioxidant nutrients have been associated with a protective effect against AMD.

The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, oncological, and respiratory diseases.  Recent study published in Archives of Ophthalmology investigated whether dietary nutrients can reduce the genetic risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) conferred by the genetic variants CFH Y402H and LOC387715 A69S in a nested case-control study.

Researchers assessed dietary intake of 2167 individuals (>=55 years) from the population-based Rotterdam Study at risk of AMD, using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and genetic variants were determined. Incident early AMD was determined at 3 follow-up visits (median follow-up, 8.6 years). The synergy index was used to evaluate biological interaction between risk factors; hazard ratios were calculated to estimate risk of early AMD in strata of nutrient intake and genotypes.

Five hundred seventeen participants developed early AMD. Significant synergy indices supported the possibility of biological interaction between CFH Y402H and zinc, β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) and between LOC387715 A69S and zinc and EPA/DHA. Dietary intakes of zinc in the highest tertile, as well as high dietary intakes of β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and EPA/DHA, were associated with reduced risk of early AMD for the CFH Y402H genetic variant.  The highest intake of zinc and EPA/DHA reduced the risk for early AMD in people with LOC387715 A69S genetic variant.

High dietary intake of nutrients with antioxidant properties reduces the risk of early AMD in those at high genetic risk.  The study authors further suggested that clinicians should provide dietary advice to young susceptible individuals to postpone or prevent the vision-disabling consequences of AMD.

Source:
Ho L. et al; Arch Ophthalmol 2011 Jun; 129(6):758-66

A fish-rich diet of the Eskimos’ benefits the Heart

Although 70% Alaskan Eskimos are overweight or obese, they did not show the same risk factors for heart disease as the US population.  They also had a lower prevalence of diabetes.  The latest study suggested that an Omega-3 rich diet may offer protection against some of the harmful effects of obesity.

It has been known that Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with favorable, and obesity with unfavorable, concentrations of chronic disease risk biomarkers.

In a cross-sectional study, the researchers analyzed data from 330 people living in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region of south-west Alaska, who typically consume around 20 times as much omega-3 fats from fish as the average American.  They have similar overweight and obesity levels to those in the US overall but their prevalence of type 2 diabetes is significantly lower, at 3.3% versus 7.7%.

The researchers examined whether high eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid intakes, measured as percentages of total red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids, modify associations of obesity with chronic disease risk biomarkers.

The study found that those with the highest levels of the omega-3 fish oils docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid had the lowest triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels.  High RBC EPA and DHA were associated with attenuated dyslipidemia and low-grade systemic inflammation among overweight and obese persons. This may help inform recommendations for Omega-3 fatty acid intakes in the reduction of obesity-related disease risk.

Source:
Z Makhoul et al; European Journal of Clinical Nutrition; advance online publication 23 March 2011; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2011.39

Dietary supplement use in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration progression

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the developed world among people aged 65 years or older.  The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Group (AREDS) has found that high-dose vitamin supplementation may have a role in preventing the progression of Category 3 and 4 age-related maculopathy.

Oxidative damage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD, secondary to the retina’s high consumption of oxygen, its high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and its exposure to visible light.  Over the last decade, nnumerous cross-sectional and cohort studies have investigated the role of antioxidant supplementation in preventing age-related maculopathy.  The largest randomised controlled trial, undertaken by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Group, compared antioxidant and zinc supplementation to placebo.  The AREDS Group demonstrated a statistically significant odds reduction for the risk of progression to advanced AMD and reduction in the rate of at least moderated visual acuity loss with the use of tablets containing antioxidants plus zinc.

A recent study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal compared dietary antioxidant, zinc, and copper intakes of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States to determine the difference between the actual and suggested AREDS intakes for these nutrients.  The total median intake of vitamins A, C, and E; zinc; and copper is analysed from the most recent nutrition data published by the four countries. Forty multivitamin brands and 32 individual nutrient brands were analysed.

Results from this study revealed that the median intakes of antioxidants, zinc, and copper were comparable across the four countries, but substantially lower than the AREDS-recommended intakes to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD.  Sixteen of the 40 multivitamin preparations contained all recommended nutrients. The study authors suggested that dietary supplementation is required to achieve the AREDS nutrient intake recommendations. This may be achieved by using any combination of multivitamin and individual supplement preparations available.

Source:
Aparna Raniga & Mark J Elder, Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 24-July-2009, Vol 122 No 1299

Disclaimer:  The information provided in the article is strictly educational. It may not be used to promote USANA products, nor is it intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, please consult your health care professional. This information may be copied and freely distributed only if all text remains intact and unchanged.

Vitamin D deficiency has long been associated with poor bone development and has been identified as the cause of rickets. The latest review indicates that vitamin D insufficiency is still very common globally.

The vitamin D status depends on the production of vitamin D3 in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and vitamin D intake through the diet or vitamin D supplements. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is often used to assess vitamin D status. The minimum required serum 25(OH)D for all ages is set at 50 nmol/l. However, current guideline indicates that sufficient serum level should be 75 or 80 nmol/l or even higher.

Usually, between 50% and 90% of vitamin D in the body is coming from the production in the skin. The production of vitamin D3 in the skin depends on sunshine exposure, latitude, skin-covering clothes, the use of sun block and skin pigmentation. In general, serum 25(OH)D is lower with higher latitudes and with darker skin types.

Recent studies from different continents and countries recognized general patterns on the vitamin D status worldwide.
Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l) is highly prevalent in India and China while vitamin D status is better in Japan and South-East Asia.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the Middle-East and there is a relationship with skin covering clothes and staying out of the sun.
A poor to moderate vitamin D status is also common in Africa, probably caused by the dark skin types and cultural habits of staying outside of the sunshine.

Vitamin D status is much better in North America where vitamin D deficiency is uncommon but vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D between 25 and 50 nmol/l) is still common. In the United States and Canada milk is usually supplemented with vitamin D and the use of vitamin supplements is relatively common.

Vitamin D status in Latin America usually is reasonable but there are exceptions and vitamin D insufficiency still occurs quite often.
In Australia and New Zealand a poor vitamin D status was seen in the elderly who were often vitamin D deficient and also in immigrants from Asia. Vitamin D deficiency also occurred in children when the mother was vitamin D deficient.

Within Europe, vitamin D status usually is better in the Nordic countries (Northern Europe) than around the Mediterranean. This may be due to a lighter skin and sun seeking behaviour and a high consumption of cod liver oil in the Northern countries; while in Southern Europe people stay out of the sunshine and have a somewhat darker skin. A very poor vitamin D status was observed in older people and in non-western immigrants, especially in pregnant women.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are globally still very common especially in risk groups such as young children, pregnant women, elderly and immigrants. Moderate sunshine exposure and food fortification with vitamin D can improve the vitamin D status. In order to rise serum 25(OH)D to 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml) or higher, a large part of the population will need vitamin D supplementation in winter or all year long.

Source:
P. Lips, Worldwide status of vitamin D nutrition. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 121 (2010) 297–300

In white adults, being overweight or obese (and possibly underweight) is associated with increased all-cause mortality. All-cause mortality is generally lowest with a BMI of 20.0 to 24.9.

A high body-mass index (BMI) is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, but the precise relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality remains uncertain.

A large analysis reported in the December 2, 2010 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine confirms the relationship between being overweight or obese and a greater risk of dying from all causes.

An international team of researchers pooled data from 19 prospective studies totalling 1,462,958 white male and female participants between the ages of 19 and 84. Body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters, was determined for all subjects. The participants were followed for periods that ranged from 7 to 28 years, during which 160,087 deaths occurred.

Upon enrollment, the average BMI was 26.2. Compared with women whose body mass index was between 22.5 and 24.9, having a BMI of 25 to 29.9 correlated with a 13 percent greater risk of death over the follow-up period. This risk rose with increasing body mass index categories, with women whose BMI was 40 to 49.9 having 2.5 times the risk of death from all causes than those with a BMI of 22.5 to 24.9. Risks among men were similar. Although a small risk of death was also observed for those whose BMI was below 20, the authors suggest that the finding was in part caused by pre-existing disease.

In white adults, overweight and obesity (and possibly underweight) are associated with increased all-cause mortality. All-cause mortality is generally lowest with a BMI of 20.0 to 24.9.

To learn more or to calculate your BMI, please visit the following link:

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Source:
de Gonzalez AB, Phil D, et al. 2010. N Engl J Med 363:2211-9.

High dietary fiber intake, especially from a variety of sources, is related to a reduction in many cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Increased dietary fibre intake is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The results of a cross-sectional study published in the December 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition added unique insight to the growing body of evidence linking higher dietary fibre intake with reduced risk of heart disease.

In this study, data was collected from roughly 2,500 men and 3,500 women (5,961 in total). These individuals were already participating in the SU.VI.MAX Study, a trial designed to evaluate the effect of antioxidants on cancer and heart disease incidence over an eight year period. Participants from this study were selected because the SU.VI.MAX Study already required detailed dietary information, making it easy to estimate fibre intakes for the participants.

Higher total and insoluble dietary fibre intakes were associated with reductions in the risks of elevated waist-to-hip ratio (a marker of obesity), hypertension (high blood pressure), plasma apolipoprotein B (LDL cholesterol), apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-I ratio (LDL to HDL ratio), triacylglycerols, and homocysteine. Fibre from cereals was associated with a lower body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and homocysteine concentration; fiber from vegetables with a lower blood pressure and homocysteine concentration; and fibre from fruit with a lower waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure. Fibre from dried fruit or nuts and seeds was associated with a lower body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and fasting apo B and glucose concentrations.

The findings of this study illustrate the significance of increasing fibre intake from various dietary sources. The results also indicate that 25 grams total dietary fibre per day may be the minimum intake required to attain a significant protective effect against cardiovascular disease, and that total dietary fibre intakes of 30-35 grams/day might provide an even greater protective effect.

Source:
Lairon D et al. Dietary fiber intake and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in French adults. 2005. AJCN 82(6):1185-94.

Higher Intakes of Fibre Help Prevent Weight Gain

Newly published research shows that adults with high fibre intakes are less likely to gain weight and inches around the waist.

It is known that dietary fibre may play a role in obesity prevention. However the role that different individual fibre sources play in weight change is less certain. In a recent paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers investigated the association of total dietary fibre, cereal fibre, and fruit and vegetable fibre with changes in weight and waist circumference.

The prospective cohort study included 89,432 European participants, aged 20–78 years, who were initially free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Participants were followed for an average of 6.5 years. Adjustments were made for follow-up duration, dietary variables, and baseline anthropometric, demographic, and lifestyle factors.

Total fibre was inversely associated with weight and waist circumference change during the study period. For a 10 gram/day higher total fibre intake, there was an estimated 39 g/year weight loss and waist circumference decreased by 0.08 cm/year. A 10 gram/day fibre intake from cereals results in 77 g/year weight reduction and 0.10 cm/year reduction in waist circumference. Fruit and vegetable fibre was not associated with weight change but had a similar effect on waist circumference as total and cereal fibre intake.

Over a period of 6.5 years, weight gain and increases in waist circumference would be expected in typical adults. The findings of this research may support a beneficial role of higher intake of dietary fibre, especially cereal fibre, in prevention of weight and waist circumference gain.

Source : Am J Clin Nutr Vol. 91, No. 2, 329-336, February 2010

Combined Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin C Supplementation Improves Vascular Health

Grape seed extract (GSE) is rich in flavonoids including epicatechin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to prevent the oxidation and disappearance of phenol compounds. Recent clinical study demonstrated that the combination of GSE and vitamin C supplement can improve vascular health in people with clinically diagnosed CVD.

Scientists at Boston University School of Medicine and USANA Health Sciences recently conducted a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study to examine the effects of GSE in combination with ascorbic acid on the effect of vascular indices including endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

A total of 42 patients with coronary Artery Disease were treated with an acute dose of GSE (450 mg/day) plus ascorbic acid (1500 mg/day). After a 2-week washout period, patients received either an active (same total dose) or placebo treatment daily for 4 weeks (2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening). Blood samples were collected and vascular testing were performed 2 and 4 hours post treatment (Acute) respectively. Tests were repeated after 4 weeks (Chronic) with the last dose taken the morning of the final day of a particular treatment (Acute-on-Chronic).

The study found that treatment (Acute, Chronic, and Acute-on-Chronic) with the combination of GSE and vitamin C significantly increased serum vitamin C and plasma epicatechin level; Decreased SIN-1 induced 8-isoprostane formation indicating an increase in Plasma Antioxidant Reserve; and improved endothelial function in the peripheral microvasculature (capillaries and arterials).

This finding is significant because oxidative stress is associated with a variety of chronic degenerative diseases including CVD. Thus, treatment with GSE plus vitamin C significantly increases the capacity to guard against the detrimental consequences of oxidative stress in the plasma. The role of endothelial dysfunction (decreased blood flow) in CVD is well established, therefore the finding that GSE plus vitamin C improves endothelial function (increased blood flow) suggests that GSE plus vitamin C supplementation work in a complimentary fashion to improve indices of vascular health by providing both antioxidant protection and improved microvascular endothelial function in patients with clinically diagnosed CVD.

Source: Shenouda SM al; Grape Seed Extract Plus Vitamin C Improves Indices of Vascular Health 2009; USANA Clinical Research Poster; http://www.usana.com/dotCom/difference/hir/sci_crb; Accessed 6 Sept 2010.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is strictly educational. It may not be used to promote USANA products, nor is it intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, please consult your health care professional. This information may be copied and freely distributed only if all text remains intact and unchanged.

The headlines screamed on the 29th July 2010. Results from a study by researchers were published in the British Medical Journal and reported by (Reuters) – Calcium supplements, which many people consume hoping to ward off osteoporosis, may increase the risk of heart attack by as much as 30 percent, researchers reported Friday. What the study found was that there was a 30 per cent increase in heart attacks in the people who were randomized to take calcium. The researchers conducted an analysis of results from 11 studies.

I am left with a few questions but no answers:
1) Why were these studies done?
2) Who paid for the studies?
3) What type of calcium was used? (Chelated calcium is bioavailable to our cells)
4) What was the dosage?
5) Did the calcium supplements also contain magnesium and Vitamin D3? (Magnesium and Vitamin D3 are required to be present for the body to utilize calcium)
6) Have there been more than 11 studies done? If so, why were they all not included?
7) What was the initial state of health of the participants?

It is no wonder that we, the general public get confused when we read these headlines. One minute we are told that calcium is good for us and we need to have more of it…
(Reuters Health) – Getting a bit more calcium in your diet could help you live longer, new research suggests.

Another piece of research shows the benefits of calcium:
High magnesium and calcium intake linked to lower diabetes risk

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 89: 1059-1067, 2009.

And the latest report implies that we have to stop taking calcium.
Who do we trust?
My suggestion is to learn more about supplements. Learn from the experts.

What do we know about calcium?

• It builds healthy bones
• It helps our muscles to relax/contract
• It is critical for normal nerve conduction
• It helps with cell division
• It helps with electrical conduction in the heart
• It is essential for producing and activating enzymes and hormones that regulate digestion, energy and fat metabolism

And because Calcium is a natural muscle relaxant it also helps you to handle stress and it’s one of the best used sleep aids around!

What about Vitamin D?

• It enhances calcium absorption in the small intestine
• It enhances calcium utilisation in bone formation
• It influences the utilisation of phosphorous – another mineral that is important for strong bones

And magnesium?

• It is an important component of strong healthy bones
• It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids
• It plays an important role in neuromuscular contractions
• It helps regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the body

The synergy of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium form a trio that plays an important part in our health. I have been taking this combination for almost ten years, and I don’t plan on stopping. Become armed with knowledge and don’t let scary headlines frighten you!

Further Reading
Here is a rebuttal to the study from Natural News

Is Calcium supplementation really bad Doctor Gerald Lewis gives his view on the recent paper with authors coming from Auckland New Zealand published in the British Medical Journal (29 July 2010)

For women 40+ who want to live life to the full and stay younger longer

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Soy Food & Isoflavone Intakes Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

A recent study among Chinese women showed that those with the highest intakes of soy foods and soy isoflavones had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer.

Soy food consumption and breast cancer risk has been the focus of controversial recently. A recent case-control study was conducted to assess the relationship between soy food intake and breast cancer risk according to the estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) status of breast cancer.
Participants included 438 Chinese women with primary breast cancer that were matched by age and residence (rural/urban) with 438 women free of cancer. Dietary intake was assessed by face-to-face interviews using a validated food frequency questionnaire.
Researchers observed a statistically significant inverse association between soy isoflavone and soy protein intake with breast cancer risk. The women in the group with the highest soy isoflavone intake had a 46% decreased cancer risk compared to the group with the lowest intake. Women in the group with the highest soy protein had a 38% reduced cancer risk compared to the lowest intake group. A preventive effect of soy food was found for all subtypes of ER and/or PR status of breast cancer. The inverse association was more evident among premenopausal women.
This study suggests that consumption of soy foods and soy isoflavones may reduce the risk of breast cancer, and that the protective effects of soy do not seem to differ by ER and PR breast cancer status.

Source: Zhang C et al. Cancer Sci. 2010 Feb;101(2):501-7