Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Corn Refiners Association study sad
Consuming fructose from added sugars at levels in the average American diet does not lead to weight gain or an increased risk for heart disease when part of a weight-stable diet, according to new data presented today at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2010. "These findings demonstrate that added sugars, whether from table sugar or high fructose corn syrup (corn sugar), do not promote weight gain or increase total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol when coupled with a balanced diet," says James Rippe, M.D., a cardiologist who is director of Lifestyle Medicine Initiative at Orlando Regional Healthcare and the study's chief investigator.
The study followed 64 overweight and obese people who were placed on a weight-stable diet for 10-weeks. The diet incorporated sucrose or high fructose corn syrup-sweetened low-fat milk, at 10% or 20% of calories. After 10 weeks, there was no change in body weight in the entire group. In addition, there were no changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL(low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), apolipoprotein B (elevated levels of APOProtein B represent an increased risk for heart disease), or mean LDLparticle size. Group assignment also had no effect on HDL(high-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "good" cholesterol). The research for this study was supported by a grant from the Corn Refiners Association (CRA).
Bonnie - I do give them credit. The CRA does not give up easily. They are a powerful lobby and have deep pockets. I wonder how they got this cardiologist to agree to a study with this few subjects and for such a short period of time. Maybe this doctor has not peered over the hundreds of studies, some of them then times the size of this study and over much longer periods of time showing the negative effects of HFCS.
The study followed 64 overweight and obese people who were placed on a weight-stable diet for 10-weeks. The diet incorporated sucrose or high fructose corn syrup-sweetened low-fat milk, at 10% or 20% of calories. After 10 weeks, there was no change in body weight in the entire group. In addition, there were no changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL(low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), apolipoprotein B (elevated levels of APOProtein B represent an increased risk for heart disease), or mean LDLparticle size. Group assignment also had no effect on HDL(high-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "good" cholesterol). The research for this study was supported by a grant from the Corn Refiners Association (CRA).
Bonnie - I do give them credit. The CRA does not give up easily. They are a powerful lobby and have deep pockets. I wonder how they got this cardiologist to agree to a study with this few subjects and for such a short period of time. Maybe this doctor has not peered over the hundreds of studies, some of them then times the size of this study and over much longer periods of time showing the negative effects of HFCS.
Which Health Professional is Healthiest?
When it comes to eating a balanced diet, taking vitamins or other dietary supplements, exercising regularly, and engaging in other wellness behaviors, dietitians come out on top among eight healthcare professional populations according to the "Life…supplemented" Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Studies. The 2009 study shows that 96 percent of dietitians report trying to eat a balanced diet; 96 percent of dietitians report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—74 percent say they take them regularly; 83 percent say they exercise regularly; 80 percent say they maintain a healthy weight; 86 percent say they regularly visit their own healthcare professional and 72 percent claim they get a good night's sleep. While dietitians rank highest, other healthcare professional groups are also practicing healthy lifestyle habits. Following are the results, by healthcare professional group (listed alphabetically):
CARDIOLOGISTS
Of the cardiologists surveyed, 80 percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 57 percent of cardiologists report taking dietary supplements, at least seasonally—37 percent say they take them regularly; and 67 percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they maintain a healthy weight; and 49 percent say that they regularly get a good night's sleep. Only 34 percent of cardiologists report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly. Sixty-six percent claim that they try to manage their stress levels.
DERMATOLOGISTS
Eighty-one percent of dermatologists surveyed report they try to eat a balanced diet. Seventy-five percent of dermatologists report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—59 percent say they use them regularly. Additionally, 70 percent say that they exercise regularly; 79 percent agree that they maintain a healthy weight; 64 percent report that they regularly get a good night's sleep. Only 56 percent of dermatologists say they visit their own healthcare professional regularly. Seventy-one percent say they try to manage their stress levels.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Eighty-four percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet. Ninety-five percent of nurse practitioners report taking dietary supplements at least seasonally—71 percent claim doing so regularly. Sixty-four percent claim to exercise regularly. Nurse practitioners try to manage their stress level, as reported by 86 percent of those surveyed; 76 percent say that they regularly visit their own healthcare professional; while 63 percent, claim to get a good night's sleep. Only 59 percent of nurse practitioners say they maintain a healthy weight.
OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS (OB/GYNs)*
Eighty-one percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 80 percent of Ob/Gyns report taking supplements, including 56 percent who say they use them regularly. When it comes to engaging in regular exercise, 68 percent claim to do so. Sixty-eight percent of Ob/Gyns also report that they maintain a healthy weight. Only 57 percent report getting a good night's sleep, and slightly more than half (51 percent) say that they visit their own healthcare professional regularly.
ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
Seventy-seven percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet; 75 percent of orthopedists say they use dietary supplements at least seasonally, with 50 percent saying they use them regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent also report that they maintain a healthy weight. When it comes to managing their stress levels, eight out of 10 orthopedists (80 percent)report doing so. Orthopedists are less likely to get a good night's sleep (56 percent report that they do) and visit their own healthcare professional regularly (40 percent report doing so).
PHARMACISTS
Of the pharmacists surveyed, 76 percent report that they try to eat a balanced diet. Eighty-six percent of pharmacists use dietary supplements at least seasonally, and 62 percent say they take them regularly. Fifty-six percent claim that they exercise regularly. More than three quarters—77 percent—of pharmacists say they try to manage their stress levels. Seventy-five percent report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 67 percent claim they maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-five percent report regularly getting a good night's sleep.
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS*
A good majority of primary care physicians say that they try to eat a balanced diet (80 percent); and while only 48 percent of primary care physicians report regular use of supplements, 71 percent say they use them at least seasonally. Seventy-one percent of primary care physicians report that they exercise regularly. Interestingly, only 40 percent of primary care physicians report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 68 percent maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-three percent of primary care physicians say that they get a good night's sleep.
CARDIOLOGISTS
Of the cardiologists surveyed, 80 percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 57 percent of cardiologists report taking dietary supplements, at least seasonally—37 percent say they take them regularly; and 67 percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they maintain a healthy weight; and 49 percent say that they regularly get a good night's sleep. Only 34 percent of cardiologists report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly. Sixty-six percent claim that they try to manage their stress levels.
DERMATOLOGISTS
Eighty-one percent of dermatologists surveyed report they try to eat a balanced diet. Seventy-five percent of dermatologists report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—59 percent say they use them regularly. Additionally, 70 percent say that they exercise regularly; 79 percent agree that they maintain a healthy weight; 64 percent report that they regularly get a good night's sleep. Only 56 percent of dermatologists say they visit their own healthcare professional regularly. Seventy-one percent say they try to manage their stress levels.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Eighty-four percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet. Ninety-five percent of nurse practitioners report taking dietary supplements at least seasonally—71 percent claim doing so regularly. Sixty-four percent claim to exercise regularly. Nurse practitioners try to manage their stress level, as reported by 86 percent of those surveyed; 76 percent say that they regularly visit their own healthcare professional; while 63 percent, claim to get a good night's sleep. Only 59 percent of nurse practitioners say they maintain a healthy weight.
OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS (OB/GYNs)*
Eighty-one percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 80 percent of Ob/Gyns report taking supplements, including 56 percent who say they use them regularly. When it comes to engaging in regular exercise, 68 percent claim to do so. Sixty-eight percent of Ob/Gyns also report that they maintain a healthy weight. Only 57 percent report getting a good night's sleep, and slightly more than half (51 percent) say that they visit their own healthcare professional regularly.
ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
Seventy-seven percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet; 75 percent of orthopedists say they use dietary supplements at least seasonally, with 50 percent saying they use them regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent also report that they maintain a healthy weight. When it comes to managing their stress levels, eight out of 10 orthopedists (80 percent)report doing so. Orthopedists are less likely to get a good night's sleep (56 percent report that they do) and visit their own healthcare professional regularly (40 percent report doing so).
PHARMACISTS
Of the pharmacists surveyed, 76 percent report that they try to eat a balanced diet. Eighty-six percent of pharmacists use dietary supplements at least seasonally, and 62 percent say they take them regularly. Fifty-six percent claim that they exercise regularly. More than three quarters—77 percent—of pharmacists say they try to manage their stress levels. Seventy-five percent report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 67 percent claim they maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-five percent report regularly getting a good night's sleep.
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS*
A good majority of primary care physicians say that they try to eat a balanced diet (80 percent); and while only 48 percent of primary care physicians report regular use of supplements, 71 percent say they use them at least seasonally. Seventy-one percent of primary care physicians report that they exercise regularly. Interestingly, only 40 percent of primary care physicians report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 68 percent maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-three percent of primary care physicians say that they get a good night's sleep.
Rolaids recall
Johnson & Johnson issued a recall of its Softchews Rolaids antacids after consumers reported finding wood and metal bits in the tablets. Johnson & Johnson, which recalled some Rolaids products in November, said it was voluntarily recalling all lots of its Softchews products after potentially uncovering problems with a third-party manufacturer that left particles in the medicines. The recall is the latest in a string of pulled products for Johnson & Johnson's McNeil consumer unit that has drawn attention from U.S. authorities and Congress. About 130 lots are affected and include Extra Strength Softchews, Extra Strength Plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom Plus Anti-Gas Softchews.
Steve - this is a good time to remind you that we do not recommend Rolaids or its equivalents as antacids or calcium supplements. The calcium, in carbonate form, is very poorly absorbed. These products also block the absorption of key nutrients.
Steve - this is a good time to remind you that we do not recommend Rolaids or its equivalents as antacids or calcium supplements. The calcium, in carbonate form, is very poorly absorbed. These products also block the absorption of key nutrients.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
CoQ10's effect on breast cancer cells
Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 is a key molecule in cellular invasion and metastasis. Mitochondrial ROS has been established as a mediator of MMP activity. Coenzyme Q10 contributes to intracellular ROS regulation. Coenzyme Q10's beneficial effects on cancer are still in controversy but there are indications of Coenzyme Q10 complementing effect on tamoxifen receiving breast cancer patients.
In a Nutrition Journal study, researchers aimed to investigate the correlation of the effects of co-incubation of coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on intracellular H2O2 content and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity in MCF-7 cell line. The results showed that both coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine reduce MMP-2 activity along with the pro-oxidant capacity of the MCF-7 cell in a dose proportionate manner. Collectively, the present study highlights the significance of Coenzyme Q10 effect on the cell invasion/metastasis effecter molecules.
In a Nutrition Journal study, researchers aimed to investigate the correlation of the effects of co-incubation of coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on intracellular H2O2 content and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity in MCF-7 cell line. The results showed that both coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine reduce MMP-2 activity along with the pro-oxidant capacity of the MCF-7 cell in a dose proportionate manner. Collectively, the present study highlights the significance of Coenzyme Q10 effect on the cell invasion/metastasis effecter molecules.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Weight Watchers New System: Bonnie's Take
In its attempt to reflect the changes of nutrition research over the last 15, Weight Watchers has updated its points system. They also admitted that many members were skipping their fruits and vegetables so as to not waste their points. Here are the highlights:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are considered free. However, fruit juice, dried fruit, and starchy vegetables are not free.
- The importance of protein and fiber for fullness and warding off hunger.
- The body has to work harder to metabolize protein and healthy fat, thus revving up metabolism.
Comments on Lancet aspirin study
In light of the Lancet study showing that aspirin may reduce cancer risk by 20% over a twenty to thirty year period in healthy individuals, BBC writer Fergus Walsh explains how he is going to start taking aspirin despite aspirin's known risks.
We would warn Mr. Walsh that it does not have to be a black and white issue. While we do not dispute that aspirin can be effective in some individuals for certain chronic diseases, it can be devastating to others. Recent evidence, especially with heart disease and type 2 diabetes, have gone away from recommending aspirin in healthy individuals because its effectiveness does not outweigh the risk of adverse effects.
Mr. Walsh, you do not have to blindly take aspirin for the next 20-30 years without knowing if it is damaging to you (several people shared their horror stories in the comments section of his article). A simple, while expensive, genetic test can discover whether or not you can metabolize aspirin. A good portion of the human population unfortunately does not. So would it not be more responsible to have added this to your article for not just your own safety, but for that of your readers?
P.S. Confirmation of low-dose aspirin's side effects: A recent American Journal of Gastroenterology study found that overall, 42.2% of aspirin-treated subjects developed multiple erosions and/or ulcers. Gastroduodenal ulcers were observed in 17.6% of aspirin-treated subjects. Low-dose aspirin induced a surprisingly high incidence of acute gastroduodenal ulcers, highlighting that aspirin's upper GI risk begins early and may require gastroprotection.
On a positive note, the purpose of this study was to find a substance that could help reduce the ulcers. Researchers found the phospholipid, phospatidylcholine, when added to aspirin, significantly reduced mucosal damage. Only 22% of subjects developed multiple erosions/ulcers and only 5.1% had gastroduodenal ulcers.
We would warn Mr. Walsh that it does not have to be a black and white issue. While we do not dispute that aspirin can be effective in some individuals for certain chronic diseases, it can be devastating to others. Recent evidence, especially with heart disease and type 2 diabetes, have gone away from recommending aspirin in healthy individuals because its effectiveness does not outweigh the risk of adverse effects.
Mr. Walsh, you do not have to blindly take aspirin for the next 20-30 years without knowing if it is damaging to you (several people shared their horror stories in the comments section of his article). A simple, while expensive, genetic test can discover whether or not you can metabolize aspirin. A good portion of the human population unfortunately does not. So would it not be more responsible to have added this to your article for not just your own safety, but for that of your readers?
P.S. Confirmation of low-dose aspirin's side effects: A recent American Journal of Gastroenterology study found that overall, 42.2% of aspirin-treated subjects developed multiple erosions and/or ulcers. Gastroduodenal ulcers were observed in 17.6% of aspirin-treated subjects. Low-dose aspirin induced a surprisingly high incidence of acute gastroduodenal ulcers, highlighting that aspirin's upper GI risk begins early and may require gastroprotection.
On a positive note, the purpose of this study was to find a substance that could help reduce the ulcers. Researchers found the phospholipid, phospatidylcholine, when added to aspirin, significantly reduced mucosal damage. Only 22% of subjects developed multiple erosions/ulcers and only 5.1% had gastroduodenal ulcers.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Food Dyes: FDA to hold hearing
The Food Advisory Committee will meet to discuss whether available relevant data demonstrate a link between children’s consumption of synthetic color additives in food and adverse effects on behavior. Background material is available at:
http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/Calendar/default.htm.
Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA–2010–N–0001] Food Advisory Committee
This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of a public advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public. The meeting will be held on March 30 and 31, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Person: Carolyn Jeletic, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS–024), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740, 301–436–1913 or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1–800–741–8138 (301–443–0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 3014510564.
Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to the contact person on or before March 23, 2011.
http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/Calendar/default.htm.
Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA–2010–N–0001] Food Advisory Committee
This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of a public advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public. The meeting will be held on March 30 and 31, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Person: Carolyn Jeletic, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS–024), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740, 301–436–1913 or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1–800–741–8138 (301–443–0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 3014510564.
Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to the contact person on or before March 23, 2011.
Mitochondria and Alzheimer's connection
What are the earliest brain changes associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? A scientific report published in the October Journal of Alzheimer's Disease finds reduced activity of mitochondria in deceased young adult brain donors who carry a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease -- before the protein changes or microscopic abnormalities commonly associated with the disease and almost five decades before the age at which they might have developed memory and thinking problems.
Arizona researchers studied tissue from a vulnerable part of the brain in 40 young adults who had died and donated their brains for research. 15 of the brain donors carried a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and 25 of the brain donors did not. With the exception of a person with two copies of the APOE4 gene, none of the deceased young adults had the microscopic abnormalities or elevated amyloid protein levels long associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, the activity of an enzyme known as cytochrome oxidase, an energy-making enzyme found in the mitochondria of brain cells, was slightly reduced in the group at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. "Our findings suggest that mitochondrial brain changes contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease," said the study's lead author.
Steve - as we reported earlier regarding the connection between autism and mitochondrial dysfunction, we see a pattern forming around the importance of optimal functioning mitochondria, or what we like to call the powerhouse of the cell. One nutrient we have know for a long time to be beneficial for mitochondria is Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
Arizona researchers studied tissue from a vulnerable part of the brain in 40 young adults who had died and donated their brains for research. 15 of the brain donors carried a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and 25 of the brain donors did not. With the exception of a person with two copies of the APOE4 gene, none of the deceased young adults had the microscopic abnormalities or elevated amyloid protein levels long associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, the activity of an enzyme known as cytochrome oxidase, an energy-making enzyme found in the mitochondria of brain cells, was slightly reduced in the group at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. "Our findings suggest that mitochondrial brain changes contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease," said the study's lead author.
Steve - as we reported earlier regarding the connection between autism and mitochondrial dysfunction, we see a pattern forming around the importance of optimal functioning mitochondria, or what we like to call the powerhouse of the cell. One nutrient we have know for a long time to be beneficial for mitochondria is Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
Friday, December 03, 2010
Natural chemicals don't always translate into good drugs
GlaxoSmithKline formally terminated a clinical trial of an experimental drug designed to harness the potential health benefits of red wine, saying it had minimal efficacy in cancer patients and could potentially exacerbate kidney complications. The U.K. drug maker also reiterated that it isn't planning any further testing of the drug, SRT501, because it is focusing on other compounds designed to work similarly to SRT501 but which differ chemically. GlaxoSmithKline obtained SRT501 with its $720 million purchase of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals in 2008.
Mercury Linked to Alzheimer's
Inorganic mercury, which is still widely used in dental amalgams, is likely a contributing cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to the November issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Overall, investigators found that symptoms and features of AD were reproduced or accelerated when mercury was introduced. As a result of these findings, the researchers called for "the removal of mercury from public and ecologic circuits and replacing it wherever possible by less toxic alternatives. This would be a sensible public health measure that is supported by the current data."
Of 40 studies that tested memory in individuals exposed to inorganic mercury, 32 found significant memory deficits. The study authors also note that some autopsy studies also revealed increased mercury levels in the brain tissue of AD patients.
"In vitro models showed that inorganic mercury reproduces all pathological changes seen in AD, and in animal models inorganic mercury produced changes that are similar to those see in AD," the study authors write.
Bonnie - this should not be a surprise for anyone who reads our blog consistently.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Top Ten Healthy Holiday Tips
For Healthy Holiday Parties and Family Celebrations
- Eat before you go to a party, especially foods high in protein and healthy fats. Your blood sugar will be more stable so you won’t eat as much.
- Alcohol is loaded with calories. Try substituting with sparkling water or club soda (an added benefit is feeling more full with water so you won’t eat as much). The best advice is choosing non-alcoholic, low calorie beverages such as a virgin bloody Mary, fruit flavored tea, or flavored water (without sugar or sugar substitutes added). If you do consume alcohol, remember that alcohol may inhibit your ability to make smart food choices. Sip your drinks slowly. For each alcoholic beverage, have 8 oz. sparkling water or club soda in between. Add a small amount of lemon, lime, or other fruit juice to your water for added flavor.
- Don’t make a meal out of appetizers. Sample one or two, then wait for the main course. If fresh vegetables are served as appetizers, fill up on low carbohydrate, low calorie tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, celery, and zucchini. At a buffet, graze to take a taste of enticing items, but spend most of your time with the raw vegetables and heart healthy guacamole and humus dips. Socialize away from the food table so you won’t be tempted to continue eating while talking.
- If you know you’ll want to have a rich dessert (instead of fruit), keep the fat and carbohydrate calories low the rest of the day to compensate. Also, forego second helpings of the dinner to save “calorie” room for dessert. Encourage family and friends to take a brisk walk between dinner and dessert. You’ll be surprised by how much less you’ll crave!
- Watch out for raw foods (raw fish, steak tartar and eggnog made with raw eggs) or foods left out too long at room temperature. They could harbor harmful pathogens such as salmonella, shigella, listeria, or e coli.
- Eat your meal slowly so that you’ll feel full with less food. It typically takes your stomach about 20 minutes to let your brain know that you are full. Try to avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat like heavy gravies. These are typically very high in calories. For example: 8 oz. eggnog = 340 calories, 1 slice pie with whipping cream = 520 calories; 1 cup standard poultry stuffing = 500 calories.
- Exercise more to burn more calories during the holidays. Cycling, fast-walking, and cross-country skiing are great ideas. Even shoveling the snow off of your driveway and sidewalk counts.
- Offer to bring your favorite healthy recipe to the party and spend most of your time eating it. Let your host keep the leftovers from your dish. If you’re hosting the meal or party, send leftovers home with your guests. It’s a friendly gesture and saves your from temptation!
- If you have food sensitivities or allergies, call your host before the party to determine what foods would be safe. There is nothing worse than having an allergic reaction or digestive distress when you are trying to have fun.
- Don’t begin a diet during the holidays or become obsessive about avoiding tempting holiday fare. If you restrict yourself too much, you’ll either be depressed or “pig out” later. Remember that the average adult gains 6 lbs. from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. If you can even maintain your weight during the holidays, you’ll be one step ahead when it is time to make your New Year’s resolutions.
Children with autism have mitochondrial dysfunction
Children with autism are far more likely to have deficits in their ability to produce cellular energy than are typically developing children, a new study by researchers at UC Davis has found. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that cumulative damage and oxidative stress in mitochondria, the cell's energy producer, could influence both the onset and severity of autism, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects.
After the heart, the brain is the most voracious consumer of energy in the body. The authors propose that deficiencies in the ability to fuel brain neurons might lead to some of the cognitive impairments associated with autism. Mitochondria are the primary source of energy production in cells and carry their own set of genetic instructions, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to carry out aerobic respiration. Dysfunction in mitochondria already is associated with a number of other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The researchers obtained blood samples from each child and analyzed the metabolic pathways of mitochondria in immune cells called lymphocytes. Previous studies sampled mitochondria obtained from muscle, but the mitochondrial dysfunction sometimes is not expressed in muscle. Muscle cells can generate much of their energy through anaerobic glycolysis, which does not involve mitochondria. By contrast, lymphocytes, and to a greater extent brain neurons, rely more heavily on the aerobic respiration conducted by mitochondria. The researchers found that mitochondria from children with autism consumed far less oxygen (66 percent) than mitochondria from the group of control children, a sign of lowered mitochondrial activity. For example, the oxygen consumption of one critical mitochondrial enzyme complex, NADH oxidase, in autistic children was only a third of that found in control children. Reduced mitochondrial enzyme function proved widespread among the autistic children.
Mitochondria also are the main intracellular source of oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are very reactive species that can harm cellular structures, including DNA. Cells are able to repair typical levels of such oxidative damage. Giulivi and her colleagues found that hydrogen peroxide levels in autistic children were twice as high as in normal children. As a result, the cells of children with autism were exposed to higher oxidative stress.If researchers find some kind of blood marker that is consistent with and unique to children with autism, it changes the way we diagnose this difficult-to-assess condition. The real challenge now is to try and understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in children with autism.
Bonnie - what is the most significant nutrient we know of that supports mitochondria? Co-Enzyme Q10
After the heart, the brain is the most voracious consumer of energy in the body. The authors propose that deficiencies in the ability to fuel brain neurons might lead to some of the cognitive impairments associated with autism. Mitochondria are the primary source of energy production in cells and carry their own set of genetic instructions, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to carry out aerobic respiration. Dysfunction in mitochondria already is associated with a number of other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The researchers obtained blood samples from each child and analyzed the metabolic pathways of mitochondria in immune cells called lymphocytes. Previous studies sampled mitochondria obtained from muscle, but the mitochondrial dysfunction sometimes is not expressed in muscle. Muscle cells can generate much of their energy through anaerobic glycolysis, which does not involve mitochondria. By contrast, lymphocytes, and to a greater extent brain neurons, rely more heavily on the aerobic respiration conducted by mitochondria. The researchers found that mitochondria from children with autism consumed far less oxygen (66 percent) than mitochondria from the group of control children, a sign of lowered mitochondrial activity. For example, the oxygen consumption of one critical mitochondrial enzyme complex, NADH oxidase, in autistic children was only a third of that found in control children. Reduced mitochondrial enzyme function proved widespread among the autistic children.
Mitochondria also are the main intracellular source of oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are very reactive species that can harm cellular structures, including DNA. Cells are able to repair typical levels of such oxidative damage. Giulivi and her colleagues found that hydrogen peroxide levels in autistic children were twice as high as in normal children. As a result, the cells of children with autism were exposed to higher oxidative stress.If researchers find some kind of blood marker that is consistent with and unique to children with autism, it changes the way we diagnose this difficult-to-assess condition. The real challenge now is to try and understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in children with autism.
Bonnie - what is the most significant nutrient we know of that supports mitochondria? Co-Enzyme Q10
Importance of Beta Carotene
A role of β-carotene in fulfilling the recommended intake for vitamin A is apparent from a variety of studies. Thus, besides elucidating the various functions, distribution, and uptake of β-carotene, researchers publishing in December's Journal Nutrition placed special emphasis on the provitamin A function of β-carotene and the role of β-carotene in the realization of the required/recommended total vitamin A intake in both developed and developing countries. There was consensus that β-carotene is a safe source of vitamin A and that the provitamin A function of β-carotene contributes to vitamin A intake.
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