Research Capsule 11/1/07-1/31/07

This blog entry encapsulates the latest research from our favorite journal, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

• Low vitamin B-12 status was associated with a more rapid cognitive decline in participants aged 65 or older.
  
  
• High dose alpha tocopherol (1200 IU Vitamin E) supplementation in patients with coronary artery disease was found safe and significantly reduced plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation (C-Reactive Protein). In the case of CRP concentrations, CRP was 32% lower with vitamin E group than placebo.
  
  
• Fatty fish, vitamin D-fortified products, regular supplement use, and taking a sun vacation are important predictors for adequate vitamin D stores during winter in cold climates.
  
  
• The dramatic decline in cardiovascular in the United States since 1950 may be possibly be attributable in part to voluntary fortification of the food supply with vitamin B6 and folic acid.
  
  
• For subjects at increased risk of coronary artery disease, monounsaturated fats (i.e. olive oil) provided a greater reduction in risk as a replacement for saturated fat than did carbohydrates.
  
  
• Consumption of equal amounts of EPA and DHA from oily fish on a weekly basis or from fish oil supplements is equally effective at enriching blood lipid markers.
  
  
• Calcium intake is not significantly associated with hip fracture risk in women and can adversely affect fracture risk if not accompanied with vitamin D.
  
  
• L-Carnitine supplements produces a reduction of total fat mass, increases total muscular mass, and facilitates increased capacity for physical and cognitive activity.
  
  
• Short-term, high protein, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets reduce hunger and lower food intake significantly more than do high-protein, medium-carbohydrate nonketogenic diets.
  
  
• In persons with low vitamin D blood markers, more research should be done on vitamin D supplementation as a method to reduce systolic blood pressure in those at risk for hypertension.