Research Review: 12/2005

It's time for HSR's annual research review, a collection of the year's most exciting new studies and research. Due to space constraints, narrowing down the 2005 collection was an arduous task; however, stay current with breaking research on health conditions from allergies to zinc deficiency every month in HSR and online at www.hsrmagazine.com, and in our related publication Natural Products INSIDER at www.naturalproductsinsider.com.

Cancer Prevention

Soy Lowers Risk of Prostate, Breast Cancer

Consumption of soy foods may lower risk of prostate cancer, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer (117, 4:667-9, 2005) (www.interscience.wiley.com). Using a random-effects model, statistical analysis of eight population studies conducted in the United States, Canada and Asia demonstrated a 30-percent reduction in the risk of prostate cancer in men who regularly consumed foods containing soy protein.

Biopolymer Engineering Presents Research

Biopolymer Engineering Inc. (www.biopolymer.com) presented data on its yeast-based beta-glucans at the Japanese Society for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated the yeast-based beta-glucans enhance the effectiveness of cancer monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. The company’s research also shows that the beta 1,3/1,6 molecular structure of the yeast beta-glucan is more potent than mushroom glucan products.

Inositol Inhibits Liver Cancer

Supplementation with inositol hexaphosphate/IP6 (as InoCell Inositol & Cal-Mag IP-6, supplied by Proprietary Nutritionals) had chemo-preventive effects against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats (Asian Pacific J Cancer Prev, 6:41-7, 2005).

Intravenous Vitamin C Kills Cancer Cells

Ascorbic acid can selectively kill cancer cells when delivered intravenously at high concentrations, according to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Iowa and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ten cancer and four normal cell types were treated with high concentrations of ascorbate for one hour. Subsequent formation of hydrogen peroxide caused death of cancer cells occurred by apoptosis and pyknosis/necrosis, independently of metal chelators, whereas normal cells were unaffected by the treatment. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (102, 38:13604-09, 2005) (www.pnas.org).

Vitamin E May Not Inhibit Cancer

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (http://jama.ama-assn.org) (293, 11:13338-47, 2005), researchers found no clear evidence that men and women with vascular disease or diabetes and who took 400 IU of vitamin E daily for seven years reduced their risk of cancer compared to others with these conditions who took a placebo. The report also showed those taking vitamin E had a 13 percent increased risk of heart failure. However, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) took authors of a research report to task for research methodology used in the study, arguing the study was not large enough to determine whether vitamin E could prevent specific cancers, and its results emphasize the need to study vitamins and other natural products prior to making public health recommendations.

Vitamin E Lowers Prostate, Lung Cancer Risk

High serum levels of the major vitamin E fractions alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol lower prostate cancer risk (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 97, 5:396-99, 2005) (http://jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org). In addition, gamma-tocopherol halts growth of lung cancer cells, according to a study conducted by Purdue University researchers and printed online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (www.pnas.org).

Beta-carotene Thwarts Colon Cancer

Beta-carotene’s suppression of COX-2 may represent the molecular mechanism by which the compound acts as an anti-tumor agent in colon carcinogenesis (J Nutr, 135:129-136, 2005) (www.nutrition.org).

Low Arginine Levels Linked to Cancer

Decreased serum arginine levels may accompany cancer, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 5:1142-1146, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). Researchers measured plasma arginine concentrations postabsorptively in breast, colon and pancreatic cancer patients with various degrees of disease-related cachexia (physical wasting associated with chronic illness), and in control subjects matched for age and sex. Arginine levels were lower in patients with cancer than in control subjects, irrespective of tumor type, amount of cancer-related weight loss, tumor stage or body mass index (BMI).

Iron Promotes, Zinc Inhibits Gastrointestinal Cancer

Higher intake of heme iron is associated with higher risk of cancer of the upper digestive tract, while higher intake of zinc is associated with diminished risk of contracting this disease (Int J Cancer, 117, 4:643-47, 2005) (www.interscience.wiley.com).

Green Tea May Prevent Prostate Cancer

After one year taking green tea catechins, only one in a group of 32 men at high risk of developing prostate cancer were diagnosed with the disease, compared to nine out of 30 in a control group. Italian researchers found epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) targeted prostate cancer cells for death, without damaging benign controls. The results were reported at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Anaheim, Calif. (www.aacr.org).

Lycopene Thwarts Prostate Cancer

Epidemiological evidence links consumption of lycopene to reduced prostate cancer risk, according to a study published online in the Nov. 15, 2004, issue of the FASEB Journal (www.fasebj.org). Scientists from DSM Nutritional Products conducted a rat study to investigate the effect of lycopene in normal prostate tissue, and concluded, according to the results, that lycopene reduced local prostatic androgen signaling, IGF-I expression, and basal inflammatory signals in normal prostate tissue. All of these mechanisms can contribute to the epidemiologically observed prostate cancer risk reduction by lycopene, the scientists noted.

Magnesium Intake Reduces Colorectal Cancer Risk

Swedish researchers examined the effects of dietary magnesium in the prevention of colorectal cancer in the Swedish Mammography Cohort, consisting of 61,433 women aged 40 to 75 years without previous diagnosis of cancer at baseline from 1987 to 1990. During a mean follow-up of 14.8 years, 805 incident colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed. After adjustment for potential confounders, an inverse association of magnesium intake was observed with the risk of colorectal cancer. The inverse association was observed for both colon and rectal cancers, with a higher rate found in those with colon cancer. The study’s results were published in the January issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (293:86-89, 2005) (http://jama.ama-assn.org).

Inhibiting Oxidative Damage

GliSODin® Protects Against Oxidative Stress

A formulation of wheat gliadin chemically combined with a vegetal preparation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as GliSODin®, from P.L. Thomas & Co. Inc. (www.plthomas.com) prevents hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)-induced oxidative cell stress, according to a prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in Free Radical Research (9:927-32, 2004) (www.tandf.co.uk). Following exposure to HBO, tail moment and isoprostane levels were significantly lower in the group supplemented with SOD, compared to individuals given placebo. Blood GPx activity, which tended to be lower in the SOD-group before the HBO exposure, was significantly lower afterwards. The researchers concluded the orally effective SOD-wheat gliadin mixture can protect against DNA damage, which coincided with reduced blood isoprostane levels, and may therefore be used as an antioxidant.

Selenium as Selenomethionine is Highly Bioavailable

The antioxidant mineral selenium (as Selenium SeLECT L-(+)- Selenomethionine, supplied by Sabinsa Corp. [www.sabinsa.com]) is almost twice as bioavailable as selenium in the form of selenite, according to the results of a randomized supplementation trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 4:829-34, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). One hundred twenty subjects from a selenium-deficient population in China with an average selenium intake of 10 mcg/d were administered tablets containing selenium in doses ranging from 0 to 66 mcg /d selenium selenomethionine or selenite for 20 weeks. Assessment of test subjects’ plasma levels of two selenoproteins revealed selenium as selenomethionine had nearly twice the bioavailability of selenium in the form of selenite.

Luo Han Kuo High in Antioxidants

The Chinese fruit Luo Han Kuo (LHK) has greater antioxidant content than pomegranate, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and cranberry, according to testing conducted by Brunswick Laboratories and sponsored by Longjiang River (www.longjiangriver.com). Researchers tested the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) value of LHK (supplied by Longjiang River Health Products) and several other fruits. LHK as dry powder had an value of 210 ORAC units/g and as fresh fruit had an value of 195 ORAC units/g. The ORAC assay for pomegranate fruit measured 105 ORAC units/g, cranberry measured 93 ORAC units/g and blueberry measured 77 ORAC units/g. According to Longjiang River, the test results also showed LHK had four times as many ORAC units/g than blackberries and raspberries.

Cocoa Flavanols Have Antioxidant Benefits

Research funded by The Hershey Co. (www.hersheys.com) and presented at Cornell University's Functional Foods, Bioactive Compounds and Human Health Conference, suggested "all products" containing natural cocoa have flavanol antioxidants, and the level of antioxidants in commonly available chocolate products is proportional to the amount of cocoa in the products. Researchers measured the antioxidant activity of the three mainstream brands of cocoa, baking chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and chocolate syrup. The results suggested the antioxidant power of the products tested depended on their natural cocoa content. The highest flavanol levels were found in natural cocoa powder, followed by unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and chocolate syrup.

Green Tea Acts as Whole-Body Antioxidant

Researchers from the University of Milan, Italy, found green tea, consumed within a balanced controlled diet, improved overall antioxidative status and protected against oxidative damage in humans, in a study where humans were supplemented with green tea for 42 days (J Nutr Biochem, 16, 3:144-9, 2005) (www.elsevier.com). At the conclusion of the trial, consumption of green tea caused a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant activity, significant decreases in plasma peroxides and reduced DNA oxidative damage in lymphocytes.

In addition, green tea was found to have specific benefits for visceral organs. A Polish trial found green tea may benefit the liver by decreasing oxidative stress caused by ethanol and/or aging (Nutrition, epub ahead of print, Aug. 9, 2005), and Japanese researchers found green tea may inhibit kidney stone formation by inhibiting oxidative stress (J Urol, 173:271-275, 2005) (www.jurology.com).

Cardiovascular Health

Astaxanthin Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Astaxanthin (as AstaREAL, from Fuji Chemical Industry Co. [www.fujichemical.co.jp]) had antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats, including a significant reduction in arterial blood pressure and a delayed incidence of stroke (Biol Pharm Bull, 28, 1:47-52, 2005). The compound induced vasorelaxation in rat aorta, possibly through a nitric-oxide-related mechanism. Pretreatment of animals with astaxanthin also significantly boosted performance in the Morris water maze learning performance test. The researchers concluded the results indicate astaxanthin can exert beneficial effets inprotection against hypertension and improving memory in vascular dementia.

Diachrome® Effective in Reducing CVD Risk Factors

Research presented at the 2nd World Congress on Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS) found a significant correlation between increased urinary chromium levels--a measure of chromium absorption--and reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lipid ratios in people with Type II diabetes. A significant reduction in CVD risk factors was seen in 36 Type II diabetics given Diachrome® (a combination of 600 mcg/d of chromium as chromium picolinate and 2 mg biotin), from Nutrition 21 (www.nutrition21.com) over a 30-day period. The group taking Diachrome also had significantly improved glycemic control, as measured by a reduction in blood glucose levels after consuming a beverage that contained 75 g carbohydrates.

Pycnogenol® Protects Veins During Flight

French maritime pine tree bark (as Pycnogenol®,. supplied by Geneva-based Horphag Research [www.pycnogenol.com]) supplementation significantly protects from thrombotic events or complications from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), conditions associated with prolonged air travel.

The double blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the October 2004 issue of Clinical Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis (10, 4:373-7, 2005) (www.westminsterpublications.com) included 198 subjects either supplemented with 200 mg Pycnogenol or placebo two to three hours prior to prolonged air travel, 200 mg six hours later in mid-flight and 100 mg the day after flying. Flight time lasted on average eight hours and 15 minutes. The researchers concluded Pycnogenol treatment was effective in protecting against thrombotic events (DVT and SVT) in moderate to high-risk subjects during prolonged flights as compared to the placebo group.

NKO™ Combats Hyperlipidemia

A patented form of krill oil (Neptune Krill Oil; www.krillbiz.com) was found more effective than fish oil in improving symptoms of patients with hyperlipidemia, according to a study published in Alternative Medicine Review (9, 4:420-8, 2004) (www.thorne.com). During the three-month study, 120 patients received 2 to 3 g/d of krill oil, 1 to 1.5 g/d of krill oil, 3 g/d of fish oil, or a placebo. Dosage between 1 g/d and 3 g/d reduced glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, compared to both fish oil and placebo.

CardiaBeat™ Lowers CVD Risk

A proprietary delivery platform of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and sterols (CardiaBeat™, from Enzymotec [www.enzymotec.com]) lowers risk factors for CVD, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). Researchers from McGill University in Canada found CardiaBeat fights CVD by promoting beneficial changes in cholesterol levels, as well as lowering oxidative stress.

Beta-glucan Lowers Blood Lipids

Barley beta-glucan reduces serum lipid levels, according to research presented in April at the First International Congress on Pre-Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. In the six-week study, 76 men and 79 women with hypercholesterolemia, aged 25 to 73, followed a four-week low-fat diet prior to baseline. At the beginning of the trial, test subjects were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups or a control group and assayed for blood lipids and other CVD biomarkers. During the course of the study, test groups were administered 3 g and 5 g doses of low molecular weight (LMW) or high molecular weight (HMW) barley beta-glucan (from Cargill) twice daily, in cereal and juice. Post-treatment assessment of blood lipids and other CVD biomarkers revealed improvements in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, markers of glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA model) and a key marker of inflammation (hs-CRP).

Oat Fiber Increases Intestinal Viscosity, Lowers Cholesterol

Concentrated oat fiber (as OatVantage™, supplied by Nurture Inc. [www.nurture-inc.com]) increases intestinal viscosity and reduces cholesterol, according to research presented at the Experimental Biology 2005 Conference. The study found concentrated oat fiber has 18 times more soluble fiber than cooked and uncooked oats, toasted oat cereal or cooked oat bran, and higher intestinal viscosity than cooked oats (by 50 percent), toasted oat cereal (by 70 percent), uncooked oats (by 83 percent) and cooked oat bran (by 202 percent). Concentrated oat fiber also lowered cholesterol by 29 percent.

Chromium Picolinate Formula Lowers CVD Risk In Type II Diabetics

Chromium picolinate formulated with biotin lowers CVD risk factors in Type II diabetics, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s sixth Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. In the randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study, 368 Type II diabetes patients received a placebo or chromium picolinate and biotin (as Diachrome®, from Nutrition 21 [www.nutrition21.com]) for 12 weeks. Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly lowered (by 14 mg/dL) in Type II diabetes patients already receiving statin therapy or other cholesterol-lowering prophylaxes, compared to the placebo group. In addition, test subjects who took Diachrome had significantly lower triglyceride levels (225 mg/dL) compared to individuals in the placebo group (278 mg/dL).

Grape Seed Extract May Inhibit Atherosclerosis

Taking grape seed extract may discourage atherosclerosis, according to three proprietary studies funded by Polyphenolics (www.polyphenolics.com), conducted at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center and presented at the Experimental Biology Conference in San Diego earlier this year. In two of the studies, guinea pigs were used to gauge the effect of grape seed extract on cholesterol accumulation caused by high-fat diets. After 12 weeks, the cholesterol accumulation in the animals’ tissues was significantly lower in animals given grape seed extract. The third study, done in vitro, showed grape seed extract prevented fatty acids in coconut oil from adversely affecting endothelial function in rabbit aortas.

ImmunoLin® Reduces Cholesterol

Consumption of bovine serum immunoglobin (as Immunolin®, from Proliant Health Ingredients [www.proliantinc.com]) may positively modulate the primary lipid indices associated with CVD, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 4:792-98, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). In the randomized, double blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, researchers administered test subjects 5 g of oral serum bovine immunoglobulin protein fraction (bIg). Individuals given bIg had a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) at three weeks and six weeks. At six weeks, TC levels in bIg-treated subjects were significantly different from TC levels in the placebo group, largely due to a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bIg-treated group from baseline.

Lycopene Lowers Blood Pressure

Lycopene lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients, according to a study presented at the American Society of Hypertension’s 20th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition. Researchers linked a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as an increase in urinary nitrate excretion with increased serum lycopene levels. The lycopene in the study was supplied by LycoRed Natural Products Industries Ltd. (www.lycored.com).

Bone/Joint Health

NIH, European Studies Back Efficacy of Glucosamine, Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are effective and well-tolerated treatments for osteoarthritis pain, according to results of two clinical trials presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). In the first trial, called the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), researchers from more than a dozen health care facilities across the United States compared the effects of 500 mg/d glucosamine hydrochloride, 400 mg/d sodium chondroitin sulfate (supplied by Bioiberica S.A. [www.bioiberica.com]), both of these treatments administered simultaneously, 200 mg/d celecoxib (a drug used to relieve arthritis symptoms) and placebo, on patients with knee pain. The researchers found the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate was most effective in relieving severe knee pain, aiding almost 80 percent of study participants; the abstract further noted all treatments were well tolerated.

Similar results were reported in the second study, the European-sponsored Glucosamine Unum In Die Efficacy (GUIDE) trial. Researchers compared the effect of 1,500 mg/d glucosamine sulfate, 3,000 mg/d acetaminophen and placebo on various osteoarthritis pain and mobility indices in 318 osteoarthritis patients (88 percent women) over 24 weeks. Glucosamine sulfate was efficacious in reducing scores on various osteoarthritis symptom indices. The researchers concluded 1,500 mg/d glucosamine sulfate might be the preferred symptomatic medication in knee osteoarthritis.

OptiMSM® Fights Knee Osteoarthritis

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study involving MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) suggested the compound improves pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis when compared to placebo. Fifty patients over age 40 diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive 3 g twice daily of MSM (as OptiMSM®, from Cardinal Nutrition [www.cardinalnutrition.com]) or placebo for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, OptiMSM produced statistically significant decreases in pain, significantly improved patients' ability to perform daily activities, reduced serum homocysteine and lowered urinary levels of malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) when compared to placebo; in addition, no major adverse reactions were reported.

Nextrutine® Reduces Pain, Inflammation

A proprietary, open-label study from Next Pharmaceuticals (www.nextpharmaceuticals.com) suggested the company's patent-pending extract of Phellodendron amurense tree bark (Nexrutine®) may help manage pain and inflammation within two weeks. Two hundred eighty patients were supplemented with Nexrutine (up to two 250-mg capsules taken up to three times a day) and asked to fill out a questionnaire on pain. According to the results of the trial, Nexrutine reduced pain and/or inflammation and increased mobility and flexibility in 255 (88 percent) of test subjects supplemented. In addition, 88 percent of individuals supplemented with Nexrutine said they would recommend the supplement to others.

Celadrin® Alleviates Joint Pain

Cetylated fatty acid topical cream (as Celadrin®, from Imagenetix Inc. [www.imagenetix.net]) helps patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) to move more freely and with less pain, enabling them to engage in regular exercise, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (19, 1:115-121, 2005) (http://nsca.allenpress.com). In the study, 40 patients with knee OA were randomized to receive topical cetylated fatty acid twice daily or placebo, and were tested for improvement in OA symptoms (including postural stability) at baseline and following 30 days of treatment. Based upon the results of the study, the researchers concluded 30 days of treatment with a topical cetylated fatty acid cream improved postural stability in patients with knee OA, presumably due to pain relief during quiet standing. They added the over-the-counter treatment may help improve the exercise trainability of people with OA.

UC-II™ Reduces Arthritis Symptoms

Undenatured type II collagen (as UC-II™, from InterHealth Nutraceuticals [www.interhealthusa.com]) significantly reduced pain and lameness associated with arthritis in a four-month dog study conducted at Murray State University Veterinary College. Arthritic, large breed dogs given UC-II at a dose of 10 mg showed the greatest decline in pain and lameness following physical exertion, without side effects or changes in serum chemistry. The study also showed UC-II combined with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate provided significantly better results than glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate alone, suggesting a formulation of these ingredients could provide enhanced benefits to joint health sufferers.

ED-71 Boosts Bone BMD

Active vitamin D (as ED-71, from Chugai Pharmaceutical [www.chugai-pharm.co.jp] increased lumbar and hip bone mineral density (BMD) when administered concurrently with vitamin D3 in osteoporotic patients (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 90, 9:5031-36, 2005) (http://jcem.endojournals.org).

Silicon Promotes Bone Health

Silicon as choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) boosts the bone health benefits of calcium and vitamin D, and increases bone mineral density (BMD) in women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to two studies presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Conference. In the first study, a 12-month clinical trial on 114 women with a mean age of 61 years, researchers administered 1,000 mg/d calcium and 800 IU cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), with or without three different doses of ch-OSA which would typically increase dietary silicon intakes by 12.5, 25 and 50 percent, in this population. Markers of bone formation were monitored. Overall, there was a trend for ch-OSA to confer some additional benefit to calcium and vitamin D3 in bone formation.

In the second study, a clinical trial on women taking HRT, scientists subjected 3,199 perimenopausal women and found significant associations between energy-adjusted silicon intake and BMD at the hip and lumbar spine. When menopausal groups were analyzed separately, the association between energy-adjusted silicon intake and hip BMD was significant for premenopausal women (n = 333) and current HRT users (n = 1,170). The researchers concluded these data indicate dietary silicon intake is positively associated with BMD in postmenopausal women taking HRT.

Magnesium Deficiency Linked to Osteoporosis

Prolonged magnesium (Mg) deficiency leads to osteoporosis in rats, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, (23, 6:704S-711S, 2004) (www.jacn.org). Female Sprague-Dawley rats fed a Mg-adequate diet (2,000 ppm--[group A]) daily were compared with rats fed a Mg-deficient diet (200 ppm Mg--[group B]) over a period of one year. The mean bone density (BD) of the L3–L5 vertebral bone and of the femoral region was significantly higher in group A than in the Mg-deficient group B.

Protein Boosts BMD

Dietary protein intake was positively associated with BMD in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 6:1423-28, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). In the cross-sectional, longitudinal trial on a population-based sample of 1,077 women aged 72 to 78 years, researchers discovered a positive correlation between protein intake and BMD after adjustment for age, body mass index and the effect of other nutrients. Subjects in the lowest tertile of protein consumption (less than 66 g/d dietary protein) had significantly lower qualitative ultrasound of the heel and hip BMD than did subjects in the higher tertiles (more than 87 g/d dietary protein). Based upon the results of the study, the researchers concluded protein intakes above current recommendations for elderly women may be necessary to optimize bone mass.

Omega-3s Preserve Bone Density

Higher intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) appears to help preserve bone mineral density (BMD), according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 4:934-8, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, looked at the association between BMD and the dietary intake of omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs in more than 1,500 men and women over a four-year period. They found a significant inverse association between the ratio of dietary linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid and BMD at the hip; in addition, a higher ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s was associated with lower BMD at the hip. The researchers concluded a more balanced intake of omega-6s to omega-3s could preserve skeletal integrity in older age.

Soy Consumption May Reduce Fracture Risk

Intake of soy appears to reduce the risk of bone fracture among postmenopausal women, according to data from the Shanghai Women's Health Study, a cohort of Chinese women aged 40 to 70 years. Researchers from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., examined the relationship between soy food consumption and fracture risk in 24,403 postmenopausal women over more than four years. After adjustment for dietary factors and osteoporosis risk factors, the relative risks of fracture over quintiles of soy protein intake was assessed. Women in the highest quintile had a 28-percent reduced risk of fracture compared to women in the second highest quintile; the association was more pronounced among women in early menopause. This study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (165:1890-5, 2005) (http://archinte.ama-assn.org).

Raw Food Diet Impacts Bone Mass, BMI

A study comparing several health parameters of individuals following a raw food vegetarian diet with those of individuals following a typical American diet found those following a raw food vegetarian diet for more than three years had lower BMIs (average of 20.5 compared to 25.4 in controls), and lower levels of the inflammatory marker CRP and insulin-like growth factor. Mean bone mineral content and density of the lumbar spine and hip were lower in the vegetarians; however, bone turnover markers were similar between groups. The study appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine (165, 6:684-9, 2005) (http://archinte.ama-assn.org)

Cardiovascular Health

D-Ribose Improves Recovery Following Heart Failure

Ribose, a naturally occurring pentose carbohydrate and component of the energy molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), enhances high-energy phosphates and improves diastolic dysfunction following myocardial ischemia, according to research presented at a meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America. In the two-center study, researchers administered 5 g/d ribose (as CORvalen, from Bioenergy [www.bioenergy.com]) to 23 congestive heart failure (CHF) patients ranked in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classes II-IV. D-ribose significantly improved Veff in patient Classes III and IV, with a trend towards improvement in Class II patients. Oxygen uptake efficiency demonstrated a strong trend in Classes III and IV.

Astaxanthin Decreases Blood Pressure

A study showed astaxanthin may decrease arterial blood pressure as well as protect against damage caused by stroke. Astaxanthin (as AstaREAL®, a natural form of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis, from Fuji Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.) significantly reduced arterial blood pressure and inhibited stroke in hypertensive rats, and reduced damage to the animals’ nervous systems caused by stroke. The researchers concluded the results of the study indicate astaxanthin can exert beneficial effects in protection against hypertension and stroke and in improving memory in vascular dementia. The study was published in Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (28,1:47-52, 2005).

Pomegranate Juice Has Vascular Benefits

Pomegranate juice may slow progression of coronary heart disease (CHD) by improving blood flow to the heart in CHD patients, according to study results published in the American Journal of Cardiology (96, 6: 810-14, 2005) (www.sciencedirect.com). CHD patients with decreased blood flow were given either a glass (240 ml or about 8.5 oz) of pomegranate juice (as POM from POM Wonderful [ www.pomwonderful.com]) or a placebo drink daily. After three months, patients drinking pomegranate juice exhibited a 17-percent increase in blood flow, while the placebo group showed an 18-percent decrease in blood flow.

In addition, pomegranate juice also showed cardiovascular benefits in both laboratory mice and in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (102, 13:4896-4901, 2005 ) (www.pnas.org). The scientists reported antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice reduced progression of atherosclerosis by at least 30 percent in mice who were bred to have high cholesterol. Similarly, the cultured heart cells treated with the juice had a 50-percent increase in nitric oxide (NO) production, which helps blood vessels relax.

Phase III Sytrinol™ Trial Completed

SourceOne Global Partners (www.source-1-global.com) announced it completed the final phase of a three-phase clinical trial on its proprietary cardiovascular compound, Sytrinol™, a patented formula combining citrus flavones and palm tocotrienols. The Phase III results are consistent with those of the first two segments, which found the compound could significantly improve total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by up to 30 percent, 27 percent and 33 percent, respectively, compared to placebo in 120 moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women.

Low GI Diet Decreases Some Heart Disease Risk Factors

Following a low glycemic-index (GI) diet appears to be more beneficial than a traditional low-fat diet in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese youth, according to researchers from Boston Children's Hospital. In their study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 5:976-82, 2005) (www.ajcn.org), the researchers compared the two dietary treatments in 23 obese young adults over one year. The low GI diet emphasized ad libitum consumption of low GI foods, with up to 50 percent of energy from carbs and 35 percent from fat; the low-fat diet restricted calorie intake and fat (<30 percent of energy) with up to 60 percent of the calories from carbs.

Fish Oil Produces Mixed Results Among Arrhythmia Patients

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) from fish oil may not produce beneficial antiarrhythmic effects in patients with heart problems, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (293, 23:2884-2891, 2005) (www.jama.ama-assn.org). In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial performed between February 1999 and January 2003 at six medical centers in the United States, 200 patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and a recent episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) were randomly administered 1.8 g/d of fish oil containing 72-percent n-3 PUFAs or placebo and were followed for 20 to 828 days (median=718 days). Persistent VT or VF events occurred more frequently in patients randomized to receive fish oil. The researchers concluded fish oil supplementation does not reduce the risk of VT or VF among patients with a recent episode of sustained ventricular arrhythmia and an ICD, and may be proarrhythmic in some patients.

However, fish oil lowered heart rate in arrhythmia patients, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 2:416-20, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). Supplementation with 1.5 g/d of marine omega-3 fatty acids decreased heart rate significantly among arrhythmic test subjects, possibly lowering risk of sudden death, although it did not suppress the number of premature ventricular complexes in test subjects.

PUFAs Lower CVD Mortality

EFAs from fish lowered risk of cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged men, according to results published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (165, 2:193-199, 2005) (http://archinte.ama-assn.org). Researchers from Finland investigated the association of dietary linoleic acid (LA) and total polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) intake with cardiovascular and overall mortality in a population cohort of 1,551 middle-aged men. During the 15-year follow-up, 78 men died of cardiovascular disease (CVD), while 225 died of other causes. Total fat was not related to CVD death, while men with the highest levels of LA had a lower mortality rate than men with the lowest LA intakes. Serum and, to a lesser extent, dietary LA and PUFA levels were also inversely related to overall mortality. Researchers noted dietary fat quality seems more important than fat quantity in the reduction of CVD mortality in men.

Soy Protein Reduces High Blood Pressure

Increased consumption of soy protein reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (143, 1:1-9, 2005) (www.annals.org). Researchers conducted a randomized, double blind, controlled trial on individuals with untreated systolic blood pressure of 130 to 159 mm Hg, and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 99 mm Hg. Participants received cookies containing isolated soybean protein (40 g/d) or complex carbohydrates. At 12 weeks, participants consuming the soybean cookies were found to have reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressure values by approximately three to four mm Hg more than the carbohydrate cookies. Researchers concluded soy protein supplementation reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suggesting increased intake of soy protein may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension.

Vitamin C May Reduce CHD Risk

Vitamin C was inversely associated with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in a cohort study that examined the relationship between antioxidants and CHD (Am J Clin Nutr, 80, 6:1508-1520, 2004) (www.ajcn.org). Subjects with a daily intake of 700 mg or more vitamin C had a lower risk of CHD. Also, dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins was only weakly related to a reduced risk of CHD after adjustment for confounding factors, and supplemental vitamin E intake was not related to lowered CHD risk.

Folic Acid Promotes Heart Health

Folic acid benefits cardiovascular health, according to three separate studies. An Italian trial conducted on 20 postmenopausal women showed folic acid supplementation lowers plasma homocysteine levels and improves insulin and lipid metabolism, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 90, 8:4622-20, 2005) (http://jcem.endojournals.org). Australian researchers conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study on 41 asymptomatic men with normal or high-normal ambulatory blood pressure and, based upon the results, concluded folic acid is a “safe and effective” means of promoting large artery stiffness and may prevent isolated systolic hypertension (Am J Clin Nutr, 82, 1:26-31, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). And folic acid may decrease incidence of hypertension, according to researchers from Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. After adjusting for confounding factors, the researchers found younger women who consumed at least 1,000 mcg/d of total folate (through food and supplements)--two and a half times the recommended daily intake--had a 46-percent decreased risk of hypertension compared to younger women consuming less than 200 mcg/d. In older women, higher folate intake reduced the risk of hypertension by 18 percent (JAMA, 293, 3:320-9, 2005) (http://jama.ama-assn.org).

Zinc Deficiency May Worsen Atherosclerosis

Poor zinc status may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly by inducing inflammation and decreasing levels of endogenous compounds that protect against atherosclerosis, according to an animal study coordinated at the University of Kentucky (J Nutr, 135:2114-2118, 2005) (www.nutrition.org). Mice on a zinc-deficient diet had significantly increased concentrations of cholesterol and triacylglycerides in the VLDL and HDL fractions. In addition, the zinc-deficient mice had significantly increased levels of inflammatory markers and reduced the DNA binding activity of peroxisome proliferators activate receptors (PPARs). The researchers concluded zinc deficiency can induce a proinflammatory state and decrease the protection of PPAR during atherosclerosis.

Cocoa Flavanols Protect Heart

Scientists orally administered a 100-mg drink containing cocoa flavanols manufactured with Cocoapro®, a patented process from chocolate manufacturer Mars Inc., to 11 smokers in a randomized double-blind crossover format. On the first day of administration, the flavanol content of the drink was high (176 to 185 mg), whereas on the second day the flavanol content was low (<11 mg). There were significant increases in circulating NO at 2 hours after ingestion of the higher-flavanol drink (176 to 185 mg flavanols), in contrast to the lower-flavanol drink. The researchers concluded the circulating pool of bioactive NO and endothelium-dependent vasodilation is acutely increased in smokers following the oral ingestion of cocoa flavanols, and noted the increase in the circulating NO pool may contribute to beneficial vascular health effects of flavanol-rich food. The study appeared in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (46, 7:1276-1283, 2005) (www.cardiosource.com).

Beta-Carotene Protects Against Heart Attack

In a study reported in the July issue of the Journal of Nutrition (135:1763-69) (www.nutrition.org), researchers from Harvard University and the University of Costa Rica reported consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene is inversely related to risk of myocardial infarction. Test subjects who had experienced their first heart attack and beta-carotene levels in the lowest quintile showed a significantly higher risk of heart attack, compared to subjects in the highest quintile. Conversely, lutein and zeaxanthin in adipose tissue or the diet were positively associated with risk of heart attack.

Soy Protein, Casein Lower Serum Lipids

In rats fed a soy protein isolate (SPI) or casein diet for eight weeks, liver weight and plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the SPI group than in the casein group, and various genes involved in physiological functions including lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, transcriptional regulation and energy metabolism were beneficially up-regulated or down-regulated, leading the scientists to conclude SPI intake could maintain homeostasis primarily by modulating lipid and energy metabolism (J Agric Food Chem, 53, 10: 4253 -57, 2005) (http://pubs.acs.org/journals/jafcau).

PUFAs Lower CVD Mortality

Essential fatty acids from fish lowered risk cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged men (Arch Intern Med, 165, 2:193-9, 2005) (http://archinte.ama-assn.org). Researchers from Finland investigated the association of dietary linoleic acid (LA) and total polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) intake with cardiovascular and overall mortality in a population cohort of 1,551 middle-aged men. During the 15-year follow-up, 78 men died of cardiovascular disease (CVD), while 225 died of other causes. Total fat was not related to CVD death, while men with the highest levels of LA had a lower mortality rate than men with the lowest LA intakes. Serum and, to a lesser extent, dietary LA and PUFA levels were also inversely related to overall mortality. Researchers noted dietary fat quality seems more important than fat quantity in the reduction of CVD mortality in men.

Diabetes

Chromium Controls Glucose Metabolism, Benefits Diabetics

Two proprietary studies on chromium picolinate shed light on the mineral’s ability to influence blood sugar, according to releases from Nutrition 21 (www.nutrition21.com). In the first study, conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La., and presented at this year’s Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Athens, Greece, researchers found in vitro administration of chromium picolinate (as Chromax®, from Nutrition 21) to skeletal muscle cells increased levels of the metabolic enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), improving energy balance and insulin function.
In the second study, co-administration of chromium picolinate and biotin (as Diachrome®, from Nutrition 21) and prescription treatment regimens to Type II diabetics produced a 0.7-percent to 1.9-percent point reduction in HbA1c levels as well as significantly reduced insulin resistance. Results of the double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center, 12-week study were also presented at the EASD conference.

Cinnamon Extract Benefits Pre-Diabetics

Cinnamon extract (as Cinnulin PF, from Integrity Nutraceuticals [www.integritynut.com]) quells symptoms of diabetes, according to results of a double blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted by Ohio Research Group. According to Integrity, the study showed pre-diabetics supplemented with Cinnulin PF had statistically significant decreases in fasting blood glucose levels, marked improvements in insulin sensitivity and no statistically significant changes in clinical blood chemistries.

Vitamin E Lowers Blood Lipids in Diabetics

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) can be considered an alternative treatment for lipid disorder in diabetes and hypertension diseases due to its effects in decreasing systolic blood pressure, increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol (Clinica Chimica Acta, 351, 1:101-104, 2005) (www.sciencedirect.com).

Carotenoid Levels Inversely Related to Type II Diabetes

Higher plasma levels of carotenoids are inversely associated with incidence of Type II diabetes (Am J Clin Nutr, 82, 3:685-93, 2005) (www.ajcn.org). In a multi-center study, researchers measured fasting plasma glucose, glucose-tolerance and serum concentrations of carotenoids in 1,597 adults from six cities in Queensland, Australia. Two-hour post-load plasma glucose and fasting insulin concentrations decreased significantly with increasing quintiles of serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and lycopene. The levels of the carotenoids decreased significantly with declining glucose tolerance status, with beta-carotene showing the greatest correlation.

Omega-3s Exert Cardioprotective Effects Among Type II Diabetics

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) may benefit patients with diabetes, according to a review published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (105, 3:428-40, 2005) (www.adajournal.org). Benefits of n-3 LC-PUFAs for Type II diabetics listed in the review include lower prevalence of glucose intolerance in populations consuming large amounts of marine n-3 LC-PUFAs; cardioprotective effects without adverse effects on glucose control and insulin activity; lower risk of primary cardiac arrest; reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly sudden cardiac death; reduced triglyceride levels; increased high-density lipoprotein levels; improved endothelial function; reduced platelet aggregation; and lower blood pressure.

Gastrointestinal Health

Probiotics Benefit IBS Patients

Probiotics attenuated gastrointestinal pain, bloating and abdominal cramping in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (Altern Ther Health Med, 11, 4:60-62, 2005) (www.alternative-therapies.com). In addition, Institut Rosell Lallemand (www.lallemand.com) said proprietary research presented at the 20th International Symposium on Neurogastroenterology and Motility held in Toulouse, France, showed its probiotic formulation Lacidofil® (Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11) may inhibit the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Inulin Supports Digestive Health

Inulin supports digestive health by acting as a prebiotic, according to a study published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology (51:143-53, 2004) (www.sciencedirect.com). The prebiotic potential of native chicory inulin (as Oliggo-Fiber®, from Cargill [www.cargill.com]) as assessed in the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) by monitoring microbial community from the colon compartments, its metabolic activity and community structure. Inulin purports prebiotic effects from the proximal to distal colon, the researchers concluded.

Vitamin C Improves Gastric Health

According to a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (17, 8:857-863, 2005) (www.eurojgh.com), vitamin C supplementation combined with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy may improve the condition of gastric mucosa in patients with multifocal atrophic gastritis (MAG), and may interfere with the progress of morphological changes in MAG towards gastric cancer.

Probiotics May Prevent Gut Lesions

Rats given Lactobacillus casei prior to induction of colitis showed greater resistance to inflammatory lesions than animals not pre-colonized with the probiotic, according to a study in Gut (54:955-9, 2005) (http://gut.bmjjournals.com). Treated rats showed a smaller area of mucosal injury, as well as lower rates of translocation of the bacteria to the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver. The researchers concluded introduction of L. casei could modify the gut's inflammatory responses to bacterial challenges.

Another study published in Gut (54:898-900, 2005) found probiotics may prevent mucosal barrier disruption and influence the extent of mucosal injury in colitis patients.

Melatonin Eases IBS Pain

Supplementation with melatonin may decrease abdominal pain in IBS patients with sleep disturbances, according to a randomized study published in the May issue of Gut (54, 6:1136, 2005) (http://gut.bmjjournals.com). Forty IBS patients (aged 20 to 64 years) with sleep disturbances were randomly assigned to receive either 3 mg/d of melatonin or placebo for two weeks. Researchers found melatonin supplementation significantly decreased abdominal pain and increased rectal pain threshold.

Weight Loss

7-Keto™ Promotes Weight Loss

Three-acetyl-7-oxodehydroepiandrosterone (patented as 7-Keto™, from Humanetics Corp. [www.humaneticscorp.com]), a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), produces three times greater weight loss than diet and exercise alone, and increases metabolism, according to the research. The case study, titled "Naturally Enhanced Weight Loss Supported by Science," was presented by John Zenk, M.D., chief medical officer of Humanetics, at the Second Annual World Obesity and Weight Loss Congress.

UP120 Helps Control Weight

A novel composition of free-B-ring flavonoids and flavans from Scutellaria and Acacia plants (as UP120, from Unigen) may help people shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight by influencing fructose metabolism and cytokine production. This premise is backed by research presented by Qi Jia, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Unigen (www.unigenpharma.com), at the Second Annual World Obesity and Weight Loss Congress.

ForsLean® Improves Body Composition

Extract of Coleus forskohlii improves body composition by significantly reducing body fat, according to a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study published in Obesity Research (13, 8:1335-43, 2005) (www.obesityresearch.org).

Researchers from the University of Kansas randomly administered 250 mg of 10-percent forskolin (as ForsLean®, from Sabinsa Corp. [www.sabinsa.com]) or placebo twice daily to 30 overweight and obese men (body mass index 26 kg/m2), for a 12-week period. Compared to the placebo group, test subjects supplemented with forskolin showed a significant decrease in body fat percentage and body fat mass. In addition, forskolin supplementation brought about an increase in bone mass and a significant increase in serum free testosterone levels, compared with placebo.

Advantra Z® Raises Metabolism, Not Blood Pressure

The weight-loss supplement Advantra Z®, a formulation of the medicinal plant bitter orange, or Citrus aurantium (CA), increases resting metabolic rate and does not affect blood pressure (BP), according to two recently published studies.

In the first study (Am J Med, 118, 9:998-1003, 2005), conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, 10 healthy adults took single doses of 46.9 mg CA synephrine (as Advantra Z [ADV], from Nutratech [www.nutratechinc.com]), a multi-component formulation including 5.5 mg CA synephrine (as Xenadrine EFX® [XEN], from Cytodyne [www.cytodyne.com]), and placebo, with one-week washout periods between treatments. XEN supplementation produced increases in systolic and diastolic BP--possibly due to caffeine and other stimulants in the formulation--whereas treatment with ADV--an eight-fold higher dose of CA synephrine--did not affect blood pressure.

In the second study (Obes Res, 13, 7:1187-94, 2005) (www.obesityresearch.org), researchers from Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal used indirect calorimetry to assess whether CA increased metabolic rate. Thermic response to CA was higher in men when taken without food, and higher in women when taken with a meal, possibly due to diminished sympathetic nervous system response to meals in females. The researchers also found CA had no effect on blood pressure.

HCA Suppresses Appetite Via Hypothalamus

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) suppresses appetite by acting on the hypothalamus, according to research unveiled at the annual meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). In an in vitro study, researchers examined slices of rat hypothalamuses pretreated with different concentrations of HCA (as Super CitriMax, from InterHealth Nutraceuticals [www.interhealthusa.com]), measured NPY concentrations in tissue and medium samples and found HCA suppresses appetite by reducing levels of basal neuropeptide Y (NPY), a compound that stimulates energy intake.

CLA Prevents Weight Regain

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced body fat mass (BFM) and prevented weight regain in subjects supplemented for 24 months, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition (13, 4:778-784, 2005) (www.nutrition.org). The findings are a continuation of a study published earlier in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (www.ajcn.org), in which supplemental CLA reduced body fat mass in overweight but otherwise healthy adults by as much as 9 percent. Of the 157 participants who completed the initial study, 134 continued in an open study for another 12 months. All subjects were supplemented with 3.4 g/d of CLA in triglyceride form (as Tonalin®, from Cognis Nutrition & Health [www.cognis.com]). Among other findings, subjects given CLA in the first study did not regain BFM or body weight and experienced reductions in plasma levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

CLA, Exercise Aid Weight Loss

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) combined with treadmill exercise may decrease fat mass and increase lean muscle tissue, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition (7, 135:1124-1130, 2005) (www.nutrition.org). Researchers used safflower oil as a control (0.5 percent) and mixed isomers of CLA (0.4 percent) along with treadmill exercise to determine the effects of CLA (as Clarinol®, from Lipid Nutrition [www.lipidnutrition.com]), combined with exercise on mice fed a high-fat diet. CLA supplementation alone lowered fat mass, confirming results of other studies; fat mass decreased further with CLA and exercise. Lean mass did not increase with exercise or CLA alone, but increased significantly when CLA and exercise were combined. Researchers concluded the fat reduction and lean muscle increase affected by CLA and exercise may be linked to decreased serum leptin and exercise-induced increases in oxygen consumption and energy expenditure.

Study Finds Alternate Theory on CLA’s Activity Against Fat

CLA limited fat formation in pigs through an indirect effect on a key fat degeneration parameter, according to a study published in J Nutr (135:1444-50, 2005) (www.nutrition.org). Pigs given a CLA preparation containing 50-percent CLA isomers exhibited decreased adipocyte size compared to controls. The researchers noted inducible NO synthase expression was lower in pigs fed CLA, suggesting the antiadipogenic effect of CLA is indirect via downregulation of a NO-mediated lipolytic pathway.

Tea Catechins May Reduce Body Fat, LDL

Green tea extract (GTE) increased endurance capacity, energy metabolism and fat oxidation in mice (Am J Physiol Reg Integr Compar Physiol, 288: R708 - R715, 2005) (http://ajpregu.physiology.org). In the 10-week study, swimming times to exhaustion for mice fed 0.2-percent to 0.5-percent GTE were prolonged by 8 percent to 24 percent, depending on dosage. Animals fed GTE also experienced lower respiratory quotients and higher rates of fat oxidation. Plasma lactate concentrations in GTE-fed mice were significantly lower after exercise, while plasma free fatty acid concentrations were elevated, suggesting increased utilization of lipids as an energy source in the animals. The researchers concluded GTE is beneficial for improving endurance capacity by stimulating fatty acid utilization.

Vegan Diet Improves Weight Loss

Researchers from George Washington University found a low-fat, vegan diet can promote weight-loss (Am J Med, 118, 9:991-7, 2005) (www.sciencedirect.com). They assigned 64 postmenopausal women, aged 44 to 73, to either a low-fat vegan diet or a control diet for 14 weeks. There were no restrictions on portion size or calorie intake for the vegan dieters, despite the increased carbohydrate boost of a typical vegan diet; however, women on the vegan diet were told to avoid added oils, nuts and see

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines