2003 Research Review

BONE & JOINT

Ayurvedic Formula Improves Osteoarthritis Symptoms

In a clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a polyherbal formulation, 50 men and women with osteoarthritis received either a placebo or a product containing ingredients such as Boswellia serrata and Commiphora wightii. After six months, there was a 66-percent reduction in the number of joints experiencing osteoarthritis among the treatment group and a 52-percent reduction in the placebo group. In terms of pain, the treatment group reported a 46-percent decrease in pain and in the placebo group, 29 percent. (The product used in the study was JointCare® from Himalaya USA.)

Collagen Aids in Cartilage Repair

In vitro research indicated a possible protective role of Type II collagen. Collagen stimulated the biosynthesis of chondrocytes (cartilage cells), which may demonstrate how the protein regulates collagen turnover in cartilage tissue. Conducting in vitro research, scientists investigated the effects of various sorts of collagen supplementation: collagen hydrolysate, native Type I collagen, native Type II collagen or a collagen-free protein hydrolysate. The collagen hydrolysate led to a dose-dependent increase in Type II collagen secretion.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin Effective for Osteoarthritis

A topical glucosamine and chondroitin preparation was found to be effective for relieving the pain of osteoarthritis after four weeks compared to placebo. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a topical preparation or placebo for use over an eight-week period. At four and eight weeks, patients in the treatment group reported a greater average reduction in pain than the placebo group, and the reduction was greater after eight weeks than four. (The active preparation used in this study was JointFlex® from SmartScience Laboratories Inc.)

Omega-3-Rich Diet Helps With Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Mediterranean diet, which is high in omega- 3s, may be more beneficial than a Western diet for suppressing disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis of at least two years’ duration and who were receiving stable pharmacological treatment were enrolled. From baseline to the end of the study, patients following the Mediterranean diet showed an increase in “vitality” and a decrease in “compared with one year earlier”; the control patients reported no significant change by the end of the study.

SAM-e Acts Like NSAIDs on Osteoarthritis

In a review of randomized trials of variable quality, researchers found a number of compounds that reduced the symptoms of osteoarthritis, although none that have been shown to arrest progression of the disease or regenerate damaged cartilage. Although few clinical trials on S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) exist, preliminary evidence indicates that it relieves pain to a degree similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects.

Soy Protein Wards Off Osteoporosis

Soy protein may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in peri- and postmenopausal women. To investigate this hypothesis, a study was created involving a total of 71 women who were randomly assigned to either 40 g/d of soy protein or milk-based protein for three months. Overall, both protein supplements positively influenced serum IGF-I, known to correlate with bone formation. However, soy protein had a more pronounced effect on IGF-I than the milk-based protein. In addition, women on the milk-based protein experienced a 33-percent increase in urinary calcium excretion, whereas soy protein did not have such an effect.

Vitamin B12 Associated with Osteoporosis

Vitamin B12 status may be associated with bone health in elderly women. Researchers studied data gathered from elderly men and women and discovered women tended to have higher plasma vitamin B12 than men. Variation in bone mineral content and bone mineral density in women was linked with plasma vitamin B12, as well as weight, height and energy intake, although these associations were not the same in men. Researchers also noted women with a marginal or deficient level of vitamin B12 were more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than women with normal status.

Vitamin D More Bone Healthy Than Calcium?

Adequate intakes of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis-related hip fractures in postmenopausal women. Although calcium shares the bone-health spotlight with vitamin D, an 18-year prospective analysis of approximately 73,000 postmenopausal women showed that neither a high-calcium diet nor milk intake appeared to reduce the risk of fracture.

Women consuming more than 12.5 mcg/d of vitamin D from food plus supplements were 37-percent less likely to suffer a fracture compared to women consuming less than 3.5 mcg/d.

Vitamin K Status Important in Women’s Bone Health

Low dietary vitamin K intake has been associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in men and women. This prompted researchers to study cross-sectional associations between self-reported dietary vitamin K intake and bone mineral density of the hip and spine in men and women. Women in the lowest quartile of vitamin K intake had significantly lower mean bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck and spine than did those in the highest quartile of vitamin K intake, respectively. No significant association was found between dietary vitamin K intake and BMD in men, however.

CANCER

Berries May Inhibit Tumors

Angiogenesis is a key event in the production of unwanted blood vessels that feed tumor growth and cancer metastases. A multi-berry product was found to inhibit inducible monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) expression—MCP-1 is known to be responsible for attracting white blood cells to sites of infection or inflammation, which facilitates angiogenesis. Pretreatment of cells with the multi-berry product significantly reduced their ability to form tumors. (The product used in this study was OptiBerry™ from InterHealth Nutraceuticals.)

Carotenoid Combo Protects Skin

A combination of carotenoids may prevent skin damage. Researchers compared the effect of betacarotene (24 mg/d from an algal source) to that of 24 mg/d of a carotenoid mix consisting of three dietary carotenoids, beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene (8 mg/d each), against UV-induced erythema formation (red, raised skin). After 12 weeks, the intensity of erythema 24 hours after irradiation was diminished in both groups that received carotenoids and was significantly lower than baseline after 12 weeks of supplementation. (The carotenoid combo used was Betatene® from Cognis Nutrition & Health.)

Carotenoid Levels Indicative of Cancer Risk

A lower intake of carotenoids may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Biopsies were taken from patients’ colorectal adenomas and from controls’ descending colon. Except for alpha-carotene, all carotenoids could reliably be detected in all specimens. In control patients, carotenoid concentrations were highest in the ascending colon, followed by the descending colon. In colorectal adenomas, all carotenoids were significantly reduced.

Folic Acid Influences Gastric Cancer

Folic acid may stave off gastric cancer. Using patients with atrophic gastritis, researchers assigned participants to various dietary regimens, including one comprising 20 mg of folate plus 1 mg of vitamin B12 intramuscularly per month for one year, then 20 mg two times a week plus 1 mg every three months for the next year. In follow-ups, seven new cases of gastrointestinal cancers were diagnosed, but none in the folic acid group. The folic acid group showed obvious improvement of the gastric mucosal lesions.

Garlic Helps the Prostate

Garlic supplements appear to benefit prostate health. Researchers recruited patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other patients with prostate cancer, all of whom were given a daily aqueous garlic extract supplement in doses of 1 mL/kg. After one month of supplementation, prostate mass was significantly reduced in the BPH patients, although no effect on prostate mass was seen in the cancer patients. Both groups exhibited improved urinary parameters, including decreased frequency and increased flow rates. In addition, the cancer patients exhibited reduced total and free prostate specific antigen (PSA) values.

Green Tea Lowers Breast Cancer Incidence

Green tea may have a hand in breast cancer prevention. Over four years, researchers conducted a population-based, case-control study of breast cancer among Chinese, Japanese and Filipino women in Los Angeles County. They found risk of breast cancer was not related to black tea consumption, but was to green tea consumption. Compared to women who did not drink green tea regularly (i.e., less than once a month), there was a significant trend of decreasing risk with increasing amounts of green tea intake.

Green Tea Protects Skin

By blocking a specific enzyme in the skin, tea polyphenols may be able to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Researchers found a topical cream made with tea polyphenols may work alone or combined with sunscreen to maximize cancer protection. In a mouse model of skin cancer, topically applied green tea polyphenols were seen to decrease levels of JNK-2, an enzyme known to increase in the skin after sun exposure and increase the chance that cancer will develop.

Lycopene Suppresses Liver Cancer

A combination of carotenoids and antioxidants was shown to inhibit liver cancer in high-risk individuals. During a five-year clinical trial, patients taking the treatment regimen—a combination of 10 mg/d of lycopene, 10 mg/d of carotenes (30-percent alpha-carotene and 60-percent beta-carotene), and 50 mg/d of alphatocopherol —exhibited a 50-percent suppression of liver cancer. Researchers concluded the combination holds promise for future clinical application. (The lycopene was Lyc-O-Mato® from Lycored/Biodar.)

Isoflavone Helps Prostate

A human trial of genistein consumption and prostate cancer was promising. In the study, men with biopsy-proven prostate cancer and elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were given 5 g/d of genistein combined polysaccharide (GCP) for six months. Of the subjects who were on watchful waiting, GCP induced a significant drop in PSA levels among 81 percent of them by up to 61 percent. (The ingredient used in the study, GCP®, is distributed by Maypro Industries in North America; the trademark is owned by Japan-based Amino Up Chemical.)

Soyfoods, Isoflavones Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

Soy appears promising for prostate health. In an evaluation of the effect of soyfood and isoflavone (genistein and daidzein) consumption on the risk of prostate cancer, researchers interviewed men with prostate cancer and age- and residential community-matched controls between the ages of 50 and 89. There was a reduced cancer risk associated with soyfoods, genistein and daidzein.

Vitamin B6 Decreases Colon Cancer Proliferation

Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse association between vitamin B6 intake and colon cancer risk. In a mouse model, researchers investigated the effects of dietary vitamin B6 on colon tumorigenesis. Mice were fed diets containing 1, 7, 14 or 36 mg/kg of pyridoxine for 22 weeks. Compared with the 1 mg/kg pyridoxine diet, 7, 14 and 35 mg/kg pyridoxine diets significantly suppressed the incidence and number of colon tumors and colon cell proliferation.

Yew Tree Offers Promise for Cancer

Research was presented on the anti-cancer use of IDN530, a molecule derived from the Yew tree. The pre-clinical research showed the compound could allow more tolerable, less invasive and more efficient chemotherapy treatment. IDN530 has been shown to be well tolerated when administered orally for longer and more regular periods than chemotherapy drugs, and it has been shown to be efficient against a wide range of human tumors in animal studies, including those that are resistant to drug treatment. (The molecule was discovered by Italy-based Indena.)

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

CLA Helps Cholesterol Levels

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reportedly exerts anticarcinogenic and antiatherosclerotic effects in animals. In a hamster model, the effect of CLA intake was examined with hamsters not fed dietary cholesterol and those fed 3-percent cholesterol. When CLA was fed concurrently with cholesterol, plasma and liver cholesterol were reduced up to 40 percent. The reduced burden on liver and the induction of lipoprotein cholesterol during cholesterol feeding suggests CLA curtailed cholesterol absorption.

DHEA Lends a Hand in Heart Health

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration decreases with age, which is bad news since there is evidence that DHEA has a protective effect against age-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Researchers examined the effect of DHEA supplementation (25 mg/d) on endothelial function in men with hypercholesterolemia. The low-dose DHEA supplementation improved vascular endothelial function, which may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Grapeseed Extract Works Antioxidant Magic on Heart

Free radicals and oxidative stress play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertrophy, atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Researchers found a grapeseed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) provided superior antioxidant efficacy as compared to vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. Among other heart-healthy activities, GSPE supplementation significantly reduced oxidized LDL, a biomarker of cardiovascular diseases. (The extract was ActiVin® from San Joaquin Valley Concentrates.)

Inulin May Reduce Atherosclerosis Risk

Adding inulin to a diet moderately high in carbohydrates and low in fat may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Inulin intake may improve plasma lipids by decreasing hepatic lipogenesis and plasma triacylglycerol concentrations, leading researchers to conclude the non-digestible carbohydrate may be useful for reducing risk factors of atherosclerosis.

Iron Does Not Oxidize LDL

The role of body iron stores in free radicalinduced peroxidation and cardiovascular disease risk has been debated. Researchers went on to analyze plasma samples from healthy men and women aged 20 to 65 years old. Iron status and in vitro LDL oxidation were assessed; no significant relations were found between any measure of iron status and in vitro measures of LDL oxidation. Overall, the results did not support a relation between iron status and LDL oxidative susceptibility, a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

LC-PUFAs Protect Children’s Hearts

Dietary supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) during infancy is associated with lower blood pressure in later childhood. Children who had been supplemented with LC-PUFAs had significantly lower mean blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure than the non-supplemented children. Additionally, the diastolic blood pressure of breastfed children was significantly lower than that of the non-supplemented formula group but did not differ from the LC-PUFA group.

Lycopene Linked With Heart Health

Researchers studied the hypothesis that the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery would be greater in men (aged 46 to 64) with low serum lycopene concentrations. The men in the lowest quarter of serum lycopene concentration had a significantly higher mean thickness than did the other men. This finding suggests serum lycopene concentration may play a role in the early stages of atherosclerosis. Increased thickness of the intima-media has been shown to predict coronary events; thus, lycopene intakes and serum concentrations may have clinical and public health relevance.

Multivitamins May Prevent Heart Attack

Low-dose multivitamins may prevent heart attack. After examining the association between self-administered multivitamins and heart attack in subjects aged 45 to 70, low-dose multivitamins may prevent primary prevention of myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack.

Plant Protein Good for the Heart

In a review of epidemiological studies, it was found that an increased intake of protein was associated with lower blood pressure and an attenuated increase in blood pressure over time. Furthermore, such studies also suggest the beneficial effects of increased protein intake result from an increased consumption of protein from plant (e.g., soy) rather than animal sources. The mechanisms by which protein could exert its beneficial effects include an increased intake of biologically active amino acids, peptides or highly correlated nutrients.

Soy Protects Menopausal Heart

Daily consumption of soy protein with isoflavones can result in positive vascular effects that are independent of lipid and antioxidant effects in healthy postmenopausal women. For six weeks, they received 25 g/d of three protein products —isolated soy protein with isoflavones, ethanol-washed isolated soy protein with trace isoflavones or total milk protein. Postocclusion peak flow velocity of the brachial artery was significantly lower after treatment with isolated soy protein with isoflavones than after treatment with total milk protein.

Tea Extract Improves Cholesterol

A tea extract was shown to lower LDL cholesterol with no adverse events. Subjects with high cholesterol followed a low-fat diet for 12 weeks and were randomly assigned to take either a 375 mg/d capsule containing theaflavin-enriched tea or placebo. At the end of the study, subjects in the treatment group exhibited a 16.4-percent decrease in LDL cholesterol, as well as a 3-percent to 4-percent increase in HDL cholesterol. (The tea extract was Teaflavin® from Nashai Biotech LLC.)

CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Children & CAM Use

Current estimates of pediatric complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use range from 10 percent to 15 percent. In a survey asking parents if their children saw an alternative care practitioner within the previous year, CAM use was seen to be far less prevalent than what current data suggests. It was found, however, that those children whose parents gave them CAM had a mean age of 10.3 years; of children CAM users, 76.8 percent were white, 54 percent were female and 32 percent lived in the West.

DHA Develops Child’s Brain

There is a growth spurt in the human brain during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first postnatal months, with a large increase in the cerebral content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It was found that maternal intake of DHA during pregnancy and lactation is marginal and that high intake of this fatty acid would benefit the child. Researchers examined the effect of supplementing pregnant women with DHA, and found maternal intake of very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation may be favorable for later mental development of children.

DHA Makes for Longer Term Babies

Intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during the third trimester of pregnancy was found to significantly increase the gestation period. Women in their 24th to 28th week of pregnancy were assigned either 33 mg/d or 133 mg/d of DHA via eggs until delivery. A review of study data indicated the women in the high-dose DHA group carried their infants to term for an average of six days longer than the women in the low-dose group. In addition, researchers noted a slight increase in birth weight, length and head circumference in the infants born to women in the high-dose group. (The DHA was from from Martek Biosciences.)

Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects

Folic acid dose-dependently reduces the risk of neural tube defects when taken in early pregnancy. In a prospective study, researchers used data from 23,000 women whose diet and vitamin intake data was recorded early in the second trimester of pregnancy. For each additional 300 mg consumed per day, the prevalence of neural tube defects declined by .78 cases per 1,000 pregnancies. Compared with women showing the lowest total folate intakes, the prevalence of neural tube defects declined by up to 77 percent among the offspring of those women consuming 720 mg/d of folate.

Genistein May Harm Male Fetus

Exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein can disrupt normal male sexual differentiation. To test this further, researchers supplemented female rats with genistein and found the rats gave birth to male rats with smaller testes and long-term dysfunction in reproductive behavior, in which adult males exposed to genistein were less likely to mount, intromit and ejaculate during mating tests. Males exposed to genistein also had lower testosterone concentrations in adulthood. (The genistein used was from Indofine Chemical Co.)

Ginseng Affects Embryonic Development

Ginseng appears to have negative effects on embryonic development. Researchers investigated ginseng’s effects on a rat embryo culture model during a critical developmental period, and exposed the rat embryos to various concentrations of ginsenoside Rb1, one of 13 identified ginsenosides from Asian ginseng. Those exposed to the ginsenoside had significantly lower morphological scores than control embryos. Specifically, scores for flexion, forelimb and hindlimb were significantly reduced after exposure.

Homeopathy Advised for Diarrhea

In 2003, researchers published a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials for the treatment of acute childhood diarrhea and concluded individualized homeopathy should be considered as an adjunct treatment to oral hydration for this illness.

Homeopathy Not Beneficial for Asthma

Homeopathy is frequently used to treat asthma in children, although there has been no rigorous investigation into this therapy. Children with mild to moderate asthma given individualized homeopathic treatment experienced no statistical change in quality of life compared to those children on placebo. Both groups had also been given conventional asthma treatments.

Iron-Fortified Drink Reduces Anemia Rates

Anemic children living in precarious social economic conditions significantly benefited from taking an iron-fortified whey beverage for one year. In a study of children, 41.9 percent of whom were anemic at baseline, a nutritional drink reduced the rate of anemia to 9.6 percent after one year of supplementation. The drink contained carbs, fat, protein, minerals including iron, and vitamins A and D. (The iron in the drink was Ferrochel®, a ferrous bisglycinate ingredient supplied by Albion Advanced Nutrition.)

COGNITIVE HEALTH/MENTAL WELLNESS

Chromium Picolinate & Depression

Chromium picolinate appears to ease the effects of atypical depression. Patients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder, atypical type, received 600 mcg/d of chromium picolinate or a placebo for eight weeks. Seventy percent of patients using the supplement met responder criteria, compared to none in the placebo group. (The ingredient used in this study was Zeramax™ from Nutrition 21.)

Creatine Improves Intelligence?

In addition to its muscle-enhancing activity, creatine may also be able to improve brain power. Young adult vegetarian subjects (who generally have low levels of creatine) were given either a placebo or 5 g/d of supplemental creatine for six weeks. Results showed creatine supplementation improved both working memory and general intelligence. Researchers issued one note of caution with their good news: Creatine supplementation may have antisocial effects and long-term use has not been declared safe

DHA May Not Help Major Depression

The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) does not appear to help major depression. Depressed patients were randomly assigned to receive 2 g/d of DHA or placebo for six weeks. Response rates were 27.8 percent in the DHA group and 23.5 percent in the placebo group. The difference in response rates between groups did not reach statistical significance.

Folate Deficiency Linked to Depression

Folate deficiency and low folate status have been linked in clinical studies to depression, persistent depressive symptoms and poor antidepressant response. These relationships have not been demonstrated in general populations, however. In a study of 3,000 men and women with no depression, major depression or dysthymia (a chronic depression that is not as bad as major depression), serum concentrations of folate and total homocysteine were measured. Subjects who met criteria for a lifetime diagnosis of major depression had folate concentrations in serum and red blood cells that were lower than those of subjects who had never been depressed. Subjects who met criteria for dysthymia alone had lower red blood cell folate concentrations than never-depressed subjects, but the serum folate concentrations of the two groups were comparable.

Ginseng Better Than Dementia Drug?

A ginseng compound may hold cognitive benefits for stroke patients who suffer from mild to moderate vascular dementia, a cognitive side effect from multiple, small strokes. Volunteers received a compound containing ginseng extracted from roots and leaves and Panax notoginseng (also known as sanchi) three times daily; others received 40 mg of Duxil® (a dementia drug that increases oxygen to the brain) three times daily. In the ginseng compound group, researchers noted a significantly higher increase in total memory scores, such as story recall, delayed word recall and verbal learning, compared to the drug group.

Selenium Shows Promise in Parkinson’s

An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants has been postulated to lead the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. As a result, researchers examined whether selenium, an antioxidant, could prevent or slow down neuronal injury in a model of Parkinson’s disease. In a rat model in which Parkinson’s was induced, selenium was found to be successful in upregulating antioxidant status and lowering dopamine loss.

Soy Benefits Menopausal Brain

Soy has been found to be especially beneficial in terms of menopausal women’s brain health. In a six-month study, women aged 55 to 74 years were given either a placebo or 110 mg/d of soy-extracted isoflavones; researchers found supplementation had a favorable effect on cognitive function, particularly verbal memory, in postmenopausal women. (The supplement used in the study was Healthy Woman: Soy Menopause Supplement from McNeil-PPC Inc.)

Vitamin E Plus Drug Slows Alzheimer’s

A retrospective chart review was performed on Alzheimer’s patients to examine the long-term effects of combination therapy with donepezil (a pharmaceutical) and vitamin E. Subjects were included if they had taken at least 5 mg/d of donepezil and at least 1,000 IU/d of vitamin E. The long-term combination therapy of donepezil and vitamin E appeared beneficial for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, as their condition progressed at a slower rate than those not on the therapy.

Zinc Not Linked to Intelligence

A negative effect of prenatal zinc deficiency on brain function has been well established in experimental animals, but this association in humans is controversial. Researchers evaluated the effect of prenatal zinc supplementation on the mental and psychomotor development of children whose mothers participated in a double blind trial of zinc supplementation. Test scores were compared between children of women who received 25 mg/d of zinc during the second half of pregnancy and the children of women who received placebo. There were no differences in the test scores of neurologic development between the two groups.

DIABETES

Amino Acids, Protein Help Insulin Response

A mixture of amino acids and protein appeared to enhance insulin response nearly three-fold in Type II diabetics.

Using Type II diabetics and healthy controls, researchers gave both groups carbohydrates on one occasion and then carbohydrates with a free amino acid/protein mixture on a later occasion. (The mixture contained free leucine, phenylalanine and a protein hydrolysate.) Insulin responses were dramatically increased during amino acid/protein supplementation in both control and diabetic patients compared to the occasion when only carbohydrates were ingested.

CLA Helps Diabetics Through Weight Control

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring group of dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid, was found to have an inverse relationship with body weight in Type II diabetics. Subjects received either 8 g/d of mixed CLA isomers (37-percent c9,tll and 39-percent t10,c12) or a placebo for eight weeks. Glucose and body weight were significantly decreased in those taking CLA. (The CLA used in the study was CLA One® from PharmaNutrients.)

Chromium, CLA Enhance Glucose Processing

Research demonstrated a combination of chromium picolinate and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increased muscle glycogen levels—a measure of the body’s ability to process stored glucose. The combination was shown to significantly enhance insulin-stimulated muscle glycogen production, more so than when each nutrient was used alone. (The chromium was Nutrition 21’s Chromax®.)

Insulin, Antioxidants Benefit Type I Diabetics

Those with Type I diabetes may be best served taking a combo of insulin and antioxidants. In an animal model of diabetes, rats were divided into a once-daily insulin group, an insulin plus antioxidant (vitamin E and vitamin C) group and a placebo group. The untreated diabetic animals exhibited adverse events such as severe hyperglycemia and elevated blood pressure. It was found that insulin plus antioxidants was the best therapy, helping to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species and the alteration of nitric oxide metabolism.

Konjac Glucomannan Helps With Type II Diabetes

A polysaccharide may be able to lower cholesterol in diabetics. A konjac glucomannan supplement was given at 3.6 g/d for 28 days, during which time researchers monitored blood lipid and glucose levels in hyperlipidemic Type II diabetics. Compared with placebo, the supplement effectively reduced plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and the total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio.

DIGESTION

B. Longum Helps Ulcerative Colitis

In a mouse model, the inhibitory effects of concomitant treatment with dextran sulfate sodium and B. longum were assessed in terms of total colon length and severity of histological changes in rats induced with ulcerative colitis. Administration of B. longum significantly inhibited both shortening of total colon length and the severity of ulcerative colitis compared to controls. It was confirmed that the administered B. longum resided in the gut and blocked the decrease of Lactobacilli in fecal samples in mice with colitis.

FOS, SPS Ward Against Salmonella- Induced Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants. Researchers tested the hypothesis that fermentable fiber reduces infection-associated symptoms and enhances intestinal structure and function in neonates. In a pig model of Salmonella typhimurium, soy polysaccharides (SPS) or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were given for 14 days. S. typhimurium infection produced diarrhea in controls, but not in the SPS or FOS groups.

FOS Helps With Colitis

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) appear to reduce intestinal inflammatory activity. Researchers investigated the effect of FOS on colitis in rats and determined which factors were involved. FOS reduced the gross score for inflammation and pH, and increased lactate and butyrate concentrations—high doses of intracolonic butyrate and lactate reduce the indices of inflammation.

Ginger Wards Off Motion Sickness

Researchers hypothesize ginger ameliorates the nausea associated with motion sickness by preventing the development of gastric dysrhythmias and the elevation of plasma vasopressin (a hormone in the brain). Using volunteers with a history of motion sickness, researchers found pretreatment with ginger (1,000 mg and 2,000 mg) reduced nausea and plasma vasopressin. Ginger also prolonged the latency before nausea onset and shortened the recovery time after dizziness.

Ginger Helps With Post-Operative Recovery

Ginger may help with nausea associated with post-operative recovery. Patients who had undergone gynecological laparoscopy either received 1 g of ginger one hour before the procedure or a placebo. There was a significant difference in the incidence of the nausea between the supplemented (30 percent) and placebo (58 percent) groups. Incidence and frequency of vomiting in the ginger group were lower than those on placebo, but they were not statistically different.

High Carbs, Low Enzymes Lead to Chronic Diarrhea

High intake of carbohydrates (making up 60 percent to 80 percent of a daily diet) may make a person more prone to diarrhea, since a number of small bowel disorders can result in the impairment of absorption and enzyme deficiency. It was found the levels of lactase, maltase and sucrase in those with chronic diarrhea were significantly lower compared with that of controls.

Oligosaccharides Help With Colitis

Prebiotic Improves Bowel Function

The prebiotic polydextrose may improve bacterial levels and overall bowel function. Dietary intake of polydextrose increased fecal concentrations of both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species in volunteers who were randomly assigned to receive 12 g/d of polydextrose plus 50 g/d of glucose or placebo. In addition to improved bacterial concentrations, the subjects in the treatment group exhibited significantly improved bowel function with no reports of abdominal distention, cramps or diarrhea. (The polydextrose used was Litesse® from Danisco Sweeteners Ltd.)

Probiotics Help Ulcerative Colitis

Probiotics may help with ulcerative colitis more than placebo. In a human trial, patients who underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis were randomly assigned to receive either a highly concentrated probiotic preparation or placebo for one year, after which time only two of the 20 patients in the treatment group had a recurrence compared to eight of the 20 patients treated with placebo. (The preparation used in the study was VSL#3, marketed by VSL Pharmaceuticals.)

Vitamin C Protects Against H. Pylori

Researchers found a positive association between serum ascorbic acid levels and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Higher serum levels of ascorbic acid were associated with a decreased prevalence of H. pylori. Because H. pylori is a factor in peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, high intake of vitamin C may ward off such conditions.

DIET & EXERCISE

Bars Equal to White Bread?

The high glycemic and insulinemic response to highcarbohydrate bars may have sports nutrition applications before, during and after exercise. Following an overnight fast, healthy adults in their 20s were fed 60 g portions of one of five meals: a low-carb bar (as Atkins Advantage Bar®), a moderate-carb bar (as Balance Bar®), a high-carb bar (as Power Bar®), white bread or chicken. The high-carb bar had the highest glycemic and insulinemic responses. The researchers found the substitution of other macronutrients for carbohydrate may be effective for reducing postprandial glycemia. However, the insulin response may not decrease to the same degree and, for some bars, may actually be elevated compared with white bread.

Calcium’s Role in Weight Loss

Growing evidence supports a relationship between increased calcium intakes and reductions in body weight specific to fat mass. A review of such studies indicated calcium may play a substantial contributing role in reducing the incidence of obesity and prevalence of the insulin resistance syndrome.

Creatine Combo Gives Greater Power, Leaner Mass

Creatine, in combination with other nutrients, appeared to have more benefits on performance than placebo. Male subjects were given one of three regimens four times daily: 5 g of creatine, 2.6 g of citrate and 2.7 g of sodium phosphate; 5 g of creatine; or a placebo. Peak power increased in the creatine combo group compared to the placebo group, and total work increased in both creatine groups. Gain in body mass was greater in the creatine combo group over the creatine-only group. (The creatine combo was Met-Rx’s Creaphos.)

Creatine/Whey Combo Increases Strength, Lean Mass

Resistance-trained men were found to receive greater gains when taking a combination of creatine and whey. Compared to taking creatine plus carbohydrate or whey alone, the creatine/whey combo (1.5 g/kg/d of each nutraceutical) led to greater increases in strength and lean mass. (The study was sponsored by AST Sports Science.)

Ginseng Not Effective on Performance

Researchers reported ginseng supplementation may not improve either immune function or performance after repeated bouts of strenuous exertion. Active, healthy adults were given either placebo or a standardized ginseng concentrate (400 mg/d of G115, equivalent to 2 g of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer root) for eight weeks. The researchers found immunity was lower after exercise than at baseline. In addition, supplementation failed to improve physical performance or heart rate recovery after exercise.

Glucosamine Lessens Exercise Pain

Research indicates glucosamine may provide pain relief and improve function in persons who experience regular knee pain caused by cartilage injury that might occur during exercise. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 2,000 mg/d of glucosamine or a placebo over 12 weeks. On selfreport evaluations, 88 percent of the glucosamine group reported some degree of improvement in knee pain compared to 17 percent reporting the same in the placebo group.

Iron Lessens Muscle Fatigue

Iron supplementation may reduce muscle fatigue in non-anemic, iron-deficient women. Twenty women were randomly assigned to receive either iron or placebo for six weeks. After treatment, the iron group exhibited less muscle fatigue. This effect was not seen in the placebo group.

L-Carnitine Benefits Improve With Use

L-carnitine appears to work better the longer one takes it. In a rat model, researchers gave 28 mg/kg/d of L-carnitine the last four weeks of a six-week moderate-intensity training program. L-carnitine supplementation increased time to exhaustion, similar to that for trained rats, and the effect was seen to be even greater in the supplemented, trained rats. The most interesting find was that the best impact in trained rats was after three weeks of supplementation.

Leucine Maintains Muscle, Loses Fat

A high-protein diet contains high levels of the amino acid leucine, which is linked to maintaining muscle mass and reducing body fat during weight loss. In a review, women on a high-protein diet for 10 weeks exhibited a decrease in serum cholesterol and triglycerides, better glucose control than the placebo group, and greater satiety after meals.

Low-Carb Diets in Review

In a review of low-carb diets, researchers narrowed their scope to diets that were four days or more in duration and 500 kcal/d or more, and which reported both carbohydrate content and total calories consumed. Diets were found to range between 525 kcal/d and 4,629 kcal/d, four to 365 days, and starting at weights of between 125 and 477 pounds. No study evaluated diets of 60 g/d or less of carbohydrates in participants with a mean age older than 53.1 years. Among obese patients, weight loss was associated with longer diet duration and restriction of calorie intake, but not with reduced carbohydrate content. Lowcarbohydrate diets had no significant adverse effect on serum lipid, fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin levels or blood pressure.

Multi-Ingredient Products Increase Metabolism

A product containing L-tyrosine, green tea extract, cocoa extract, yerba maté and bitter orange was clinically proven to increase peak metabolic rate by 13.4 percent. At the same time, it increased vigor levels significantly while reducing appetite. VO2 (volume of oxygen in the blood) max also significantly increased throughout the duration of the study. (The product used in the study was Xenadrine®-EFX™ made by Cytodyne Technologies.)

IMMUNE FUNCTION

Ashwagandha Exhibits Immune Benefits