American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Tidbits

Bonnie and Steve - As we did in April, once per month we summarize the most important discoveries in our favorite nutrition journal.

Effects of low-glycemic load diet on cardiovascular risk factors in obese young adults -
Compared with a conventional, energy-restricted, low-fat diet, a low-glycemic load diet may be more efficacious for cardiovascular risk and weight loss. While the difference in weight loss was not great (-8.4% low-glycemic to -7.8% low-fat), reduction in triglycerides and PAI-1 were significant in the low-glycemic group. Note - low glycemic load means carbohydrates that take longer turning into sugar than high glycemic load carbohydrates (i.e., apple versus slice of white bread).

Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk -
Dairy consumption may increase prostate cancer risk through a calcium-related pathway. Those consuming low-fat milk was associated with increased risk, but whole milk consumers were not. Researchers cannot confirm, but postulate that because vitamin D is fat soluble, and low-fat milk has very little fat, vitamin D is not absorbed as well as it is in whole milk, and hence, calcium can roam freely. This assumption further cements the critical link between calcium and proper vitamin D absorption.

Micronutrient requirements in older women -
The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and dietary reference intakes are not specific to women living to advanced ages, and little research has been conducted specifically on the micronutrient needs of older women. Older adults are at greater risk for nutritional deficiencies. The need for energy decreases and the requiremnts for protein increase with age. Among the micronutrients, the significant ones that may be associated with deficiencies include vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc, and other trace minerals.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition May 2005