Am Journal of Clinical Nutrition July Highlights

Research you can use from one of our favorite journals.

• The acute ingestion of both solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa improved endothelial function and lowered blood pressure in overweight adults. Sugar content may alter these effects, while sugar-free preparations may augment them.
  
  
• Low cobalamin (vitamin B-12) status is a characteristic finding in breastfed children. Reference limits according to age and breastfeeding status should be considered in early childhood. Bonnie - this should not be a factor if the mother is still taking a high potency prenatal, which I always recommend.
  
  
• Folate depletion contributes to risk of fetal growth restriction. Postnnatal supplementation may be beneficial.
  
  
• Increased intake of marine omega-3 intake in maternal subjects' third trimester may protect offspring from asthma.
  
  
• Regular tea consumption was associated with lower risks of cognitive impairment and decline in 3000 Chinese adults over 55 years of age.
  
  
• The MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism (defect) was associated with significant differences in serum folate and homocysteine concentrations in the US population before folic acid fortification. The effect of this defect was reduced by moderate daily folic acid intake.
  
  
• In breast cancer survivors, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was high. Clinicians might consider monitoring vitamin D status in breast cancer patients, together with appropriate treatments, if necessary.