The information given by Naturopath Russell
Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for
the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Health-care
Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there
expert advice.
Getting our Body Back To
Normal After The Festive Season
The latest evidence on the benefits of vitamin supplements
Female dietary antioxidant intake
from supplements and time to pregnancy in unexplained infertility
Glucosamine
and chondroitin supplements
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer is there a link ?
Enhance Athletic Performance And Muscle Strength
What
You Need To Know About Heart Attacks
Nutritional insurance, Are multivitamins beneficial or of no
use?
Ibuprofen or Paracetamol in the prevention, and treatment of respiratory
infections
Reduce your risk of stroke
reduce your risk of skin cancer
Colds and Flu
How to choose a multivitamin
Weight loss, burn it off
What is a balanced diet
All about vitamin D3
*******************************
Female Triathletes May Face Health Problems Such as Incontinence
Women
who compete in triathlons are at increased risk for pelvic floor
disorders, including incontinence, and other health problems, a new
study says.
"There has been a surge in popularity of high-impact sports such as
triathlons, but little has been known until now about the prevalence of
pelvic health and certain other issues associated with endurance
training and events," study author Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald, a physiatrist
at Loyola University Health System, said in a university news release.
The term "pelvic floor" refers to the muscles that support the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder or bowel.
Researchers surveyed more than 300 female triathletes, with a median
age range of 35 to 44. On average, they ran 3.7 days a week, cycled 2.9
days a week and swam 2.4 days a week.
One-third said they had pelvic floor disorder symptoms, such as
urgency urinary incontinence (16 percent), stress urinary incontinence
(37 percent), bowel incontinence (28 percent) and pelvic organ prolapse
(5 percent).
The survey also revealed that 29 percent of the women had abnormal
bone density, 24 percent had menstrual irregularities, and 22 percent
had disordered eating. These are components of the so-called female
athlete triad, according to the study, which is to be presented Thursday
at an American Urogynecologic Society meeting in Washington, D.C.
While the research shows an association between triathlon training
and certain health issues, it doesn't establish a cause-and-effect
relationship.
Pelvic floor disorders and the female athlete triad are often
ignored, study author Dr. Johnny Yi, a urogynecologist at Loyola, said
in the news release. "Doctors should be aware of how common these
conditions are in this group of athletes and treat patients
appropriately to avoid long-term health consequences," Yi said.
Data and conclusions presented at meetings are typically considered
preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
SOURCE: Loyola University Health System, news release, July 24, 2014 THURSDAY, July 24, 2014 (HealthDay News)
*********************************8
Research Reveals Why Pot Can Make People Paranoid
Factors such as worrying, low self-esteem and anxiety can contribute to the condition, study says
THURSDAY, July 17, 2014 British researchers say
they've identified several psychological factors that can contribute to
short-term paranoia in some people who use marijuana.
The paranoia is caused by the main active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the researchers.
"The study very convincingly shows that cannabis [marijuana] can
cause short-term paranoia in some people," study leader Daniel Freeman,
professor of clinical psychology at the University of Oxford in England,
said in a university news release.
"But more importantly it shines a light on the way our mind
encourages paranoia. Paranoia is likely to occur when we are worried,
think negatively about ourselves, and experience unsettling changes in
our perceptions," he added.
The study included 121 volunteers, ages 21 to 50, who had used
marijuana at least once before. Two-thirds of them were injected with
THC and the other third received a placebo. The dose of THC was
equivalent to one strong joint.
After the injections, half of those who received THC had paranoid
thoughts, compared with 30 percent of those who received the placebo.
The researchers concluded that THC was directly responsible for
increased paranoia in one in five of those who received the drug.
Paranoia declined as THC left the bloodstream.
The researchers also found that psychological factors such as
worrying, low self-esteem, anxiety and experiencing a number of
disturbing changes in perception caused by THC contributed to feelings
of paranoia, according to the study published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.
THC also caused a number of other psychological effects, the study
authors said. These included: anxiety; worry; poor mood and negative
thoughts about self; poorer short-term memory; and various changes in
perception, such as sounds being louder and colors brighter than normal,
and altered sense of time.
"The study provides a great deal more information about the immediate
effects of cannabis, but it did not investigate clinically severe
disorder. The results don't necessarily have any implications for
policing, the criminal justice system, or legislation," Freeman said.
"It tells us about the little-discussed paranoid-type fears that run
through the minds of so many people from time to time. The implication
is that reducing time spent ruminating, being more confident in
ourselves, and not catastrophizing when unusual perceptual disturbances
occur will in all likelihood lessen paranoia," he concluded.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about
SOURCE: University of Oxford, news release, July 17, 2014
**************************
INSOMNIA HOW TO GET A NATURAL NIGHT'S SLEEP Russell Setright
Napoleon once said that a man needs four, a woman needs six and a fool needs eight hours sleep a night. I don't believe that this is the truth; however, many people believe they need more sleep than they are actually getting. What is more important is the quality of sleep. If we are tossing and turning and waking up continuously during the night or are woken up during the deep sleep stage, then we would indeed feel run down and exhausted the next morning. While some people may require eight hours sleep, others can be well rested and function properly with as little as four hours sleep. This depends on the physical activity and lifestyle of the individual. Other factors such as age and pregnancy also affect the length of sleep required. A young baby requires up to twenty hours sleep a day whereas someone in their seventies only requires four to six hours a night. True insomnia results when we are unable to achieve the amount of sleep we need. In fact almost one-third of the population can be affected with this common condition. We need sleep for our nervous system to function properly. If we are deprived of sleep for long periods, we may suffer from irritability or even hallucinations and delusions. The causes of insomnia include biochemical imbalances and psychological problems. Biochemical imbalances can be treated by diet and natural remedies. We go through four stages of sleep. The first stage of sleep is the lightest where there is slow eye rolling, some muscle twitching and a drop in body temperature. Sleep deepens slightly during the second stage. EEG (electroencephalograph) measurement shows some bursts of activity. When we reach stage three, this is a much deeper sleep and the EEG now slows to a larger wave pattern. About forty minutes after falling asleep stage four occurs. This is when we are at our lowest ebb. We stay in this pattern for approximately forty minutes and the EEG pattern is now a slow wave. It is also at this stage that bed-wetting can occur in children. It is possible to be easily awakened just before this very deep sleep of stage four. We may all have experienced how difficult it is to fall back to sleep if awakened at this stage. We now return to stage one that is called REM (Rapid-Eye-Movement) sleep. This is our dreaming phase when our breathing becomes irregular and our eyes move quickly from side-to-side although they are still closed. If we do no achieve REM phase, we can awake still feeling a need for sleep. This is also a phase where the slightest sound can wake the light sleeper. This pattern continues 4 to 5 times a night concluding with our awakening. Exercise, dietary adjustments and the addition of herbs can help many poor sleepers achieve this normal sleep pattern, one which will make them more mentally alert, rested and active. A combination of the herbs, valerian, Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm), Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower) and Humulus lupulus (Hops) will help us to achieve a more restful sleep without daytime drowsiness and addiction. They are best taken about an hour before bed with a glass of warm low fat milk or soymilk. These herbs have been traditionally used for their sedative and gentle anxiety relieving effects. Passionflower also helps to relieve insomnia due to mental worry and anxiety, racing thoughts or "mind chatter" by helping to calm the mind. Dietary changes can help insomniacs. Serotonin, a natural hormone that helps regulates mood, appetite and sleep is converted from the amino acid L-tryptophan with the aid of vitamin B6. L-tryptophan is also converted into vitamin B3. To ensure that L-tryptophan (a natural occurring amino acid found in protein foods such as milk) is converted with the aid of vitamin B6 to serotonin and not vitamin B3, we may need to include extra B3 and B6 vitamins in our diet ensuring this conversion as adverse mood/emotional conditions can affect the ability to fall asleep as well as reducing sleep quality. A warm drink of low fat milk or soymilk before bedtime can help ensure adequate intake of dietary L-tryptophan as both are sources of dietary L-tryptophan. To help adequate absorption of tryptophan into the brain, dietary protein is best minimised in the evening meal and instead substitute carbohydrates as the main component of the meal. There are other factors that will help improve sleep. One of these is going to bed at the right time. If our bodies only require six hours sleep to be fully rested, then going to bed at 8.00 p.m. at night will result in wakefulness at approximately 2 am. in the morning. Many people unfortunately may think this is insomnia and take sleeping tablets so they can resume their sleep pattern for the rest of the night. This habit, especially when taking prescribed sleeping medication, does not give the same quality of sleep as natural sleep nor does it rest the body in the same way. It would be much better to postpone going to bed until later in the night and enjoy the extra time by either reading or partaking in some other relaxing pastime in preparation for a good night's sleep. However one of the most important factors in being able to have a good night’s sleep is the production of melatonin (the hormone of sleep). Melatonin the sleep hormone Melatonin, often referred to as the sleep hormone, in humans it is produced by the pineal gland in the presence of darkness and reduced light (night time). The melatonin signal forms part of the system that regulates the sleep–wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature, the central nervous system (specifically the suprachiasmatic nuclei, or SCN) also plays an important part in controlling the daily cycle in most components of the paracrine and endocrine systems. In the morning bright light (sunlight) stops the production of melatonin and is needed to wake up fully. A lack of darkness at night and or bright sunlight in the morning can interfere with your body clock. Bright light at night from smart phones and pads which emit a blue light interferes with your melatonin production more than other light wavelengths do. As a result this bluish light throws the body's biological clock, the circadian rhythm, out of whack and sleep suffers. Worse, research shows that it may contribute to the causation of some cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Some tips for a good night’s sleep Go to bed at the right time to give you the hours needed for a good nights sleep, turn off or dim the lights two hours before bed. If you need a night light, red colour light does not interfere with melatonin production and makes a good night light. DON”T get on the smart phone and Pad in bed. Avoid eating a large protein meal just before bedtime and also restrict the intake of caffeine found in coffee and cola drinks. A good drink before going to bed is a cup of chamomile tea. This is relaxing and tasty and will help you sleep well and awake well rested and ready to tackle the day. When you get up in the morning go out into the sunlight. This is very important as it will help keep your body clock in equilibrium. Sleep well and enjoy your life more.
AUSTRALIANS OFFERED A NEW OPTION FOR WINTER WELLNESS
New Blackmores Kaloba® - clinically proven for acute
bronchitisand acute sinusitis
As antibiotic resistance becomes increasingly
widespread, health organisations including the NPS (National Prescribing
Service) are urging people to seek advice from a health care practitioner for
the best treatment option for their illness this cold and flu season.
Acute bronchitis and acute sinusitis are two
conditions that in approximately 90% of cases are viral and can be managed with
a more natural option.
New to Australia, Blackmores Kaloba® Oral
Liquid is a clinically proven naturally derived option for acute bronchitis and
acute sinusitis. It has been demonstrated to significantly improve recovery
time of acute bronchitis and relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis and
sinusitis.
For centuries, the active ingredient in Kaloba®,
herb Pelargonium sidoides, has been
traditionally used in South
Africa for respiratory conditions. The
common name for this herb is umckaloabo which is derived from the Zulu language
and means ‘heavy cough’.
It’s probably no surprise to you that 94% of
Australians claim to suffer a cold, cough or flu at least two to three times a
year and they are the most prevalent contagious illnesses in Australia.
But what you might not know is that cold and flu
can develop into acute bronchitis, which is associated with substantial costs
to the community in terms of absenteeism and loss of productivity.
It is common for people suffering from acute
bronchitis to go straight to their GP for a recommendation on the best course
of action.
General Practitioner, Dr Jeff Jankelson says, “Acute
bronchitis is a very common condition. It’s responsible for one out of 25 GP
consultations, so that’s almost 5% of GP consultations end up with a diagnosis
of acute bronchitis. It’s a very common condition and we need sensible ways of
managing it.”
“In the last decade we have learnt that nearly all cases
of acute bronchitis are viral in origin. I look to prescribe a solution that is
effective in reducing the duration of the symptoms and enables the person to go
back to school or work,” said Jankelson.
“I recommend Blackmores Kaloba® to certain patients
with acute bronchitis and acute sinusitis in my own medical practice and I’ve
found it effective in both conditions. There is a rapid onset of treatment, the
person produces more mucus, there’s greater clearance from the lungs and the person’s
recovery time is reduced. So there is a significant obvious change and that
satisfies me as a doctor,” he said.
Blackmores Kaloba® is a registered product and has
been extensively studied. Research done on patients with acute bronchitis and
acute sinusitis has shown Kaloba® to be effective, reliable and well-tolerated.
It also may shorten the duration of acute bronchitis, improving recovery
time.
Blackmores Director of Education Pam Stone
says, “As a naturopath I’m always looking for natural products that support the
body when ill. Blackmores Kaloba® has been shown to help reduce the number of
days people feel unwell and help them get better quicker. Blackmores is proud
to offer Australian families a proven, effective complementary medicine to help
manage such prevalent conditions this winter.”
ABOUT KALOBA
Blackmores Kaloba® Oral liquid is registered on the
ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods), and has been reviewed for
safety and efficacy. Other key features include:
AUST R product
Effective, well tolerated treatment for the family. Approved
children’s doses for family members over two years (with acute
bronchitis)*
Convenient drop dosage
Two pack sizes, 20 mL and 50 mL
Kaloba® has been used extensively in Europe since 1999 and is one
of the lead selling over-the-counter preparations in its category in Europe
Kaloba has been extensively studied with at least 10 clinical
trials (including 5 pivotal, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials)
*Children under 6 years should only be treated with
Kaloba after previous consultation with a doctor
Setright R, Multivitamins, Are multivitamins beneficial or
of no use? Setright Letter, 2014 May;03:13:1-2
The Setright Letter
Are multivitamins beneficial or of no use?
An Independent review of Complementary Medicine Evidence
Russell Setright
************************
Introduction
Taking
multivitamins is said to help the immune system, improve memory, enhance
wellbeing, reduced risk of Autistic Spectrum disorder, and reduce cancer risk,
birth defects, cataracts and Macular Degeneration. Some have stated that taking
vitamins in any form is a waste of money and there is no evidence that they are
beneficial to health. These are big statements but is there any evidence to
support the use of multivitamins?
Although
there are many studies that have found supplementation with single vitamins and/or
minerals that include, fluoride for dental health, iodine for children’s intellectual
development, folic acid for the prevention of certain birth defects, calcium
for bone health to name but a few are beneficial in reducing the incidence of
some diseases and/or adverse health conditions.
However,
the statement, “there is NO evidence to support multivitamins use”, still
persists.
A
literature search was undertaken on the use of vitamin/mineral combinations
(multivitamin formulas) and there effect on health.
Following
are few examples of clinical trials and studies that have reported the positive
effects of multivitamin supplementation.
*******************************
Immune
function
Basically there are two types of
immune-functions; our adaptive immune system, which is activated when we mount
a defence against a new invader and then retain antibodies and memory for
immunity in the future. And our innate immune system, the almost immediate
reaction your body has, for instance, when you get a cut or a skin infection.
In primates, this action of
"turning on" an optimal response to microbial attack only works
properly in the presence of adequate vitamin D.
The benefits of improved nutrition
by the use of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on immune function and
general wellbeing have been demonstrated.
A study found supplementation
with a multivitamin containing the B group of vitamins, vitamins C and E +
selenium slowed the progression of the HIV virus by half in the first two
years(1)
Previous studies have also found
that HIV progression is slowed in those taking multivitamin mineral formula
compared to placebo (2) However, this is the first trial to look at early intervention
that is before HIV infection has progressed to AIDS. The authors of the study stated
that immune system support given by multivitamin + selenium combination could
explain the statistically significant benefit in the reduction of HIV progression
to AIDS.
Cancer
There are many types of cancer.
The most common causes are thought to be due to immune suppression, free
radical disease, poor diet, or toxic substances. However, most cancers have one
thing in common. Cancer cells form tumours that destroy or compress other
normal tissues. These malignant tumours are characterised by unrestrained cell
growth and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Up to 25% of
Australians may develop some type of cancer, however, it is important to
remember that cancer is a word not a death sentence. Early detection and prompt
treatment combined with a good diet and improved lifestyle can make the
difference between health and disease
An 11 year plus study, Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) II) of
14,641 male health professionals who were randomly assigned to receive a daily
multivitamin or placebo has again found that vitamin supplement users receive a
number of important health benefits; the study found that a daily multivitamin use may reduce the risk of developing
cancer by 8% and although no significant reductions were observed
for major cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke, the study
did find among a smaller number of multivitamin users who already had
cardiovascular disease at the start, there was a significant reduction in the
risk of dying from a heart attack by 44 per cent (3)
Multivitamin supplementation may
also help protect women from certain cancers. A study of7,728 women who developed invasive breast
cancer was undertaken and a comparison of mortality rates revealed that women
with invasive breast cancer who took multivitamin/mineral supplements were 30
percent less likely to die from their cancers than women with invasive breast
cancer who hadn't taken the supplements(4)
Another study of 1,100 current
and former smokers found that those supplementing with multivitamins had a 43
per cent reduction in gene suppression/damage (gene methylation) in the airway
epithelium of smokers. Suppression of this process, such as caused by smoking,
is associated with the development of cancer.
The authors stated the study is
further evidence that nature-identical, synthetic micronutrients in
multivitamins can be effective in disease risk reduction as micronutrients from
vegetables and fruits(5)
In an animal study The authors
concluded that "multivitamin and mineral supplements synergistically
contribute to the cancer chemopreventative potential, and hence, regular
supplements of multivitamins and minerals could reduce the risk of colon cancer(6)
Memory
and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s
disease accounts for around 50 per cent of all senile dementia sufferers and
without doubt, as we grow older, this form of dementia is the most dreadful.
This disease is distinguished by a steady and progressive loss of memory due to
the deterioration of brain function and wasting. This deterioration is also
associated with the presence of tangles of fibres and plaques within the brain
nerve cells.
Alzheimer’s
disease may begin at any age after forty but is most likely to affect
individuals over fifty years of age. Over the years there has been a better
understanding of this disease, but with all our modern technology and
knowledge, modern medicine still has no answer to its treatment and/or cause.
There
are many theories regarding the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, ranging from
genetic deficiencies to slow acting viruses and although these may indeed have
merit. Nutritional deficiencies and toxic mineral accumulation over the years
may be the key to the cause of both Alzheimer’s disease memory loss and other
types of senile dementia.
Studies have found thatmultivitamins supplementation may also
improve memory, mood and general wellbeing.A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was performed and a
meta-analysis of 10 studies was undertaken. The results found that
supplementation with multivitamins were found to enhance immediate free recall
memory (7)
In an older Cross-sectional and
prospective study of dementia among 65 years or older people were assessed in
1995 to 1997 for prevalent dementia and AD, and again in 1998 to 2000 for
incident illness and supplement use was ascertained at the first contact.
The authors concluded that the
use of vitamin E and multivitamin containing vitamin C supplements in
combination is associated with reduced prevalence and incidence of AD.
Antioxidant supplements merit further study as agents for the primary
prevention of AD(8)
Wellbeing
The effects of multivitamins are
most often researched in the elderly. However this study looks at multivitamin
mineral supplementation and psychological functioning in healthy middle aged
adults.
The study shows how a proprietary
multivitamin and mineral supplement improves mood and mental performance while
also reducing stress, mental tiredness and fatigue in healthy males.
In a randomized, double-blind and
placebo-controlled study, 215 men in full-time employment aged between 30 and
55 were given either a multivitamin or a placebo for a period of 33 days.
Thegroup reported significantly
improved ratings of general mental health, reduced subjective stress and
increased ratings of 'vigour', with a strong trend towards an overall
improvement in mood.(9)
Another study found that vitamin
and mineral supplements can enhance mental energy and well-being not only for
healthy adults but for those prone to anxiety and depression(10)
Autism
Spectrum Disorder
The term “Autism Spectrum
Disorder” includes Autism/Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental
Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
ASD often causes individuals to
struggle to understand and relate to other people and to their environment and
this can often result in extreme behaviour, which can be seen as tantrums in
children or rudeness in adults. It is the only way they have to indicate how
anxious they are feeling
Supplementing with multivitamins
peri-conventionally may help reduce the incidence. A study found that women who
reported not taking a daily prenatal multivitamin immediately before and during
the first month of pregnancy were nearly twice as likely to have a child with
an autism spectrum disorder as women who did take the supplements and the
associated risk rose to seven times as great when combined with a high-risk
genetic make-up, a study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute (11)
Macular
Degeneration
The most common cause of
blindness in Australia is macular degeneration (MD) with 12,000 cases of late
stage MD diagnosed each year. MD affects twice as many women as men.
The symptoms of MD include
blocked central vision or empty spaces, straight lines appear distorted or wavy
and colours can be hard to distinguish. MD usually affects people over the age
of 50 years and its onset has been associated with long-term exposure to
sunlight, smoking and a lack of the important dietary antioxidants including
vitamin C, E and the minerals zinc and copper. Studies have found that
supplementing with a combination of the above antioxidants can reduce the
incidence of the disease by up to 25 per cent and may reduce the progression of
the degeneration resulting in vision loss by around 19 per cent. Also
emerging epidemiological and clinical data for the carotenoids lutein and
zeaxanthin and for omega-3 fatty acids.is positive(12)(13)(14)
Cataracts
A
cataract, or a clouding on the lens, is a problem that affects people as they
grow older. Vision is affected and the eyes can have a watery look. The work
comes from the Greek for 'falling water'.
The cause is not fully
understood but it is believed free radicalscan be one of the causes. It is more common for cataracts to develop in
elderly people. Research has found supplementing with antioxidant nutrients
(beta-carotene, vitamin E and C) may reduce the occurrence.
Daily multivitamin supplement use
over a long period was found to lower cataract and ARMD risk in men, The study
was part of the Physicians' Health Study
II (PHS II) and was a randomized, double-blind study from 1997 to 2011 of
14,641 U.S. male doctors age 50 and older. 50 per cent took an antioxidant
formula and multivitamin supplements daily. The other half took a placebo.
The results showed a 9 to 13 percent
decrease in risk of developing cataracts for those that took the supplements(15)
Birth
Defects
There are a number of factors
that contribute to an increased risk of birth defects. These include
nutritional status of the parents, sex of the infant, birth weight, and
environmental factors. It is more probable that birth defects are caused by a
combination of these factors, all of which should be modified in our endeavour
to reduce the problem.
Spina bifida, one of the most
prominentneural tube defects, isa congenitalbirth defect that affects more than one in 2,000 babies. During the
third and fourth weeks of embryonic life, the neural groove, which runs along
the back of the embryo, fuses to form the neural tube, the forerunner of the
central nervous system. If the neural tube in the spine does notfully close during the prenatal period, this
leaves the spinal cord unprotected and may result in protrusionof part of the contents of the spinal canal
through this opening. There are three forms of the condition, ranging from very
slight to very severe.
To number of studies examine the
effect of multivitamin supplementation on the incidence of children being born certain
birth defects have been undertaken. One of these examined the incidence of
cleft pallet and supplementing with multivitamins. Eighty-six cases and 172
controls were enrolled. The results found that mothers who took a vitamin supplement
were significantly less likely to have a child with cleft pallet(16)
Another study was undertaken to
determine the association between prenatal multivitamin supplementation and
congenital genitourinary tract anomalies.
In this study a total of 46,850
births were registered and 122 (26/10,000) of them were identified to have a
genitourinary tract anomaly.
The results found that prenatal
multivitamin supplementation during the first, second, and third trimesters of
pregnancy was associated with a reduction in the risk of these anomalies.
The authors of the study
concluded that maternal prenatal multivitamins may reduce the risk of
congenital genitourinary tract anomalies, not only during the first 8 weeks of
gestation but also later in pregnancy(17)
Multivitamins containing folic
acid appear to be more effective at preventing neural tube defects than high
dose folic acid supplements, It concludes that multivitamins should contain
between 0.4 - 0.8 mg of folic acid for pregnant women to prevent neural tube
defects and some other congenital abnormalities.
This randomized and two-cohort
controlled trials showed that periconceptional multivitamin supplementation can
reduce the occurrence of some other structural birth defects. The first
intervention trial was a randomized controlled trial involving 2,819
participants supplemented with multivitamins containing 0.8 mg of folic acid,
and 2,683 unsupplemented participants. The second trial was a two-cohort
controlled trial involving 3,069 participants supplemented with the same
multivitamins, and 3,069 unsupplemented participants.
A comparison of these results found
multivitamins containing 0.8 mg of folic acid were more effective for the
reduction of neural-tube defects than high dose folic acid supplements. Also, only
multivitamins were able to reduce the prevalence at birth of obstructive
defects of urinary tract, limb deficiencies and congenital pyloric stenosis.
Folic acid was effective in preventing some part of rectal/anal
stenosis/atresia, and high dose of folic acid had effect in preventing some
orofacial clefts.
The authors concluded that the
findings are consistent that peri-conceptional multivitamin and folic acid
supplementation reduce the overall occurrence of congenital abnormalities in
addition to the demonstrated effect on neural-tube defects (18)
Multivitamins
and Cardio Vascular Disease Prevention
Cardiovascular disease is the largest killer of Australians
yet one of the most preventable. There is no doubt that lifestyle and diet play
a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease but can
supplementing with multivitamins help prevent CVD?
A study of 1708 patients aged 50 years or older who had
myocardial infarction (MI) at least 6 weeks earlier and had serum creatinine
levels of 176.8 mol/L (2.0 mg/dL) or less. Intervention: Patients were randomly
assigned to an oral, 28-component, high-dose multivitamin and multimineral
mixture or placebo. The results found that high dose multivitamin
supplementation benefits were not statistically significant and reported no evidence
of harm or adverse events(19)
Another study of US
male physicians, taking a daily multivitamin was foundnot to reduce major cardiovascular events,
MI, stroke, and CVD mortality after more than a decade of treatment and
follow-up. All caused mortality was only slightly (not significantly significant)
reduced.
Further analysis showed that the small number of
multivitamin users with CVD at the study’s start were significantly less likely
to die from a heart attack, with a 44% reduction in risk.
The authors of the study acknowledge that multivitamins may
play a role in populations with nutritional deficiencies, and the study results
are not representative of the large number of people with marginal intakes of
various vitamins and minerals(20)
Reported
Negative studies
The following study (Women's
Health Initiative clinical trials) was reported in the media as a negative,
this was a misleading statement as although the results of the study were mostly
not statistically significant.
The results found those who
supplemented with multivitamins had a small reduction in the incidence of all
the diseases studied. Also in this study, there was a modest inverse
association between use of stress-type multivitamins and stomach and kidney
cancer and an inverse association of multivitamins without minerals and stomach
cancer (21)
Another study published in July
2011 in the European Journal of Nutrition with the purpose to prospectively
evaluate the association of vitamin/mineral supplementation with mortality from
cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and all-causes.
What was reported was the study
found significantly increased risks of cancer and all-cause mortality among
baseline non-users who started taking supplements during follow-up.
However the authors stated, “this
may suggest a "sick-user effect," which researchers should be
cautious of in future observational studies”.
What was not reported was, The
study found that long-term users of antioxidant vitamin supplements had a 48%
reduced risk of cancer mortality and 42% lower all-cause mortality(22).
Discussion
There is no doubt that obtaining our vitamins and minerals from
food sources is best. However as a result of poor lifestyle, financial, taste
and other circumstances many people are not receiving the RDA of some vitamins
and minerals from their diet.
In Australia Governments have attempted to address this by
mandating the addition of some vitamins and minerals to food and water;
however, deficiencies still exist.
Prevention is better than cure and the data are consistent.
Multivitamin supplementation may help reduce the incidence of many disease and adverse
health conditions, but may not be a cure.
References
1.Marianna K. Baum,Adriana Campa,et al.Effect of Micronutrient Supplementation on Disease Progression in
Asymptomatic, Antiretroviral-Naive, HIV-Infected Adults in BotswanaA Randomized
Clinical Trial JAMA. 2013;310(20):2154-2163.
2.JiamtonS, PepinJ, SuttentR,et al.A randomized trial of the impact of multiple micronutrient supplementation
on mortality among HIV-infected individuals living in Bangkok. AIDS.
2003;17(17):2461-2469
3. Gaziano J, Sesso HD, Christen WG,
et al. Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cancer in Men: The Physicians' Health
Study II Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 2012; DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.14641
4..S. Wassertheil-Smoller, A. P. McGinn,
N. et al. Multivitamin and mineral use and breast cancer mortality in older women
with invasive breast cancer in the women’s health initiative. Breast Cancer
Research and Treatment, 2013; DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2712-x
5. C.A. Stidley, et
al.Multi-Vitamins, Folate, and Green
Vegetables Protect Against Gene Promoter Methylation in the Aerodigestive Tract
of Smokers, Cancer Research 2010 Jan 15;70(2):568-74
6. Albert Baskar Arul, Ignacimuthu
Savarimuthu, et al Multivitamin and
mineral supplementation in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced experimental colon
carcinogenesis and evaluation of free radical status, antioxidant potential,
and incidence of ACF. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2012; 90
(1): 45 DOI: 10.1139/y11-100
7.Grima NA, Pase MP, Macpherson H, et
al. The effects of multivitamins on cognitive performance: a systematic review
and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dis. 2012;29(3):561-9. doi:
10.3233/JAD-2011-111751.
8.Peter P. Zandi, PhD; James C.
Anthony, PhD et al. Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Disease in Users of Antioxidant
Vitamin Supplements. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:82-88.
9.Northumbria University (2010, May
20). Multivitamins can add sparkle for healthy young people News Release
10.Panel discussion July 15 2013
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo® held at
McCormick Place.
11.Rebecca J. Schmidt, Robin L. Hansen,
et al. Prenatal Vitamins, One-carbon Metabolism Gene Variants, and Risk for
Autism. Epidemiology, 2011
12.Aslam T, Delcourt C, et al.
Micronutrients in age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmologica.
2013;229(2):75-9. doi: 10.1159/000343708. Epub 2012 Nov 20.
13.Chew EY1, Clemons TE, et al. Long-term
effects of vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and zinc on age-related macular
degeneration: AREDS report no. 35.Ophthalmology.
2013 Aug;120(8):1604-11.
14.Chew, E. Presentation at Retina
Subspecialty Day, American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, Las Vegas
USA, 10 Nov, 2006.
15. William G. Christen, Robert J. Glynn, et
al. Effects of Multivitamin Supplement on Cataract and Age-Related Macular
Degeneration in a Randomized Trial of Male Physicians. Ophthalmology, 2014; 121
(2): 525 DOI
16.McKinney CM1, Chowchuen B et al.
Micronutrients and oral clefts: a case-control study. J Dent Res. 2013
Dec;92(12):1089-94. doi: 10.1177/0022034513507452. Epub 2013 Oct 4.
17.Fernández N1, Henao-Mejía J et
al.Association between maternal
prenatal vitamin use and congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract in
a developing country. J Pediatr Urol. 2012 Apr;8(2):121-6. doi:
10.1016/j.jpurol.2011.07.005. Epub 2011 Sep 17.
18.Czeizel AE. The primary prevention of
birth defects: Multivitamins or folic acid?. Int J Med Sci 2004; 1:50-61.
19.Lamas GA, Boineau R, Goertz Cet al. Oral high-dose multivitamins and
minerals after myocardial infarction: a randomized trial., Ann Intern Med. 2013
Dec 17;159(12):797-805.
20.Sesso HD1, Christen WG et al.
Multivitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the
Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2012 Nov
7;308(17):1751-60.
21.Marian L. Neuhouser, PhD; Sylvia
Wassertheil-Smoller, PhD et al. Multivitamin Use and Risk of Cancer and
Cardiovascular Disease in the Women's Health Initiative Cohorts,Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(3):294-304.
22.Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann
S. Vitamin/mineral supplementation and cancer, cardiovascular, and all-cause
mortality in a German prospective cohort (EPIC-Heidelberg). Eur J Nutr. 2011
Jul 22.
The
information given by Naturopath Russell Setright in this article is for general
educational purposes only and not for the treatment of any disease or
condition. Always see your Healthcare Practitioner for any suspected disease
accident or condition and follow there expert advice.
Free Radicals and Health
Are you confused; are free radicals good or bad?
A free radical is defined as any atom or molecule that has an unpaired
electron. This means the very oxygen we breathe is a free radical. A common
mistake that some make is that all free radicals are bad. It is excess free
radicals that if not controlled by antioxidants that can be harmful. One
example of a free radical that is beneficial is the nitric oxide radical (NO.).
Nitric oxide is a gas which seems to act as a messenger between cells and as a
neurotransmitter, as well as relaxing blood vessel walls and helping the flow
of blood. Tobacco smoking damages the gene responsible for the production of
nitric oxide while vitamin D3 and vitamin C enhances endothelial nitric-oxide
synthase.
The free radical theory of disease proposes that many degenerative
diseases and even ageing result from damage to our cells by activated oxygen
species (AOS), which include free radicals and non-radical species. Free
radicals have an unpaired electron, and because nature likes everything to be
in pairs, free radicals are very reactive, and try to react with other
molecules or free radicals and gain an extra electron to form a pair. Oxygen
free radicals are generated in our bodies from a variety of sources, including
the metabolism of the oxygen that we breathe, the destruction of pathogens in
our blood stream by white blood cells (phagocytosis) and the metabolism of
alcohol and other chemicals that we ingest.
Many scientists believe that single cell life may have started
spontaneously around 3.5 billion years ago from basic chemicals produced from
the primitive oxygen-free atmosphere by free radical reactions initiated by
ionising radiation from the sun. Then about one billion years later, blue-green
algae appeared and some 1.3 billion years ago the concentration of atmospheric
oxygen, produced by the photosynthesising algae, had reached 1 per cent of the
present value (21 per cent). Utilisation of oxygen to produce energy is highly
efficient, but is not without its problems. Although good oxygenation of our
tissues is absolutely essential for our health, the margin of safety is small.
If the concentration of oxygen in the air we breathe is raised much above the
ambient level of 21 per cent for very long, serious effects can occur as a
result of the formation of high levels of activated oxygen species in our
bodies.
Although these activated oxygen species are essential to life they can
be dangerous if formed at too high a concentration or in the wrong place. It is
our superb antioxidant defences, a range of enzymes (such as catalase) and
molecular substances including vitamins A, C and E in our blood and tissues
(antioxidants) which react with and help control and destroy excessive free
radicals and activated oxygen species before they can cause any damage.
The main reason why the human species has the longest lifespan potential
of any mammal could be our superb antioxidant defences and most of these must
be obtained from the diet or when inadequate from supplements.
Free radicals can be both very beneficial and harmful depending on your
antioxidant status. To help keep free radicals under control ensure the diet
contains a variety of antioxidant rich foods such as berries, fruit and
vegetables.
References
Ascorbic acid enhances
endothelial nitric-oxide synthase activity by increasing intracellular
tetrahydrobiopterin.J Biol Chem. 2000 Jun 9;275(23):17399-406
Lipoic acid and vitamin C
potentiate nitric oxide synthesis in human aortic endothelial cells
independently of cellular glutathione status.Redox Rep. 2002;7(4):223-7.
Vitamin D Is a Regulator of
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Arterial Stiffness in Mice Molecular
Endocrinology Volume 28 Issue 1January
2014
*************************
Fish Oil can help fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Russell Setright
Omega-3 fatty acids supplements again found of benefit in the fight against high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and stroke and any positive effects that improving lifestyle and diet has on blood pressure reduction reduces the incidence of this life threatening disease are important. Fish oil may help A new meta-analysis of 70 studies published in the American Journal of Hypertension March 1014, has found that supplementing with more than 2,000mg of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA ) found in fish oil, had a positive effect in reducing both systolic ( the upper measurement) and Diastolic ( the lower measurement) blood pressure. The strongest effects of the omega-3 supplements were observed among untreated hypertensive subjects and these reductions were found to be greater than reducing dietary salt or alcohol. These results again show the importance of dietary omega-3 oils for maintaining cardiovascular health. Along with increasing exercise, maintenance of ideal weight and a diet low in salt and alcohol, increases in omega-3 dietary intake from oily fish or supplements could be a positive step.
Reference Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid and Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial Am J Hypertens (2014) doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpu024 First published online: March 6, 2014
**************************
Magnesium the Forgotten Mineral
FACT
SHEET
Russell Setright
Russell
Setright is an
accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Remedial Therapist and
Emergency Medical Technician and an educator in Natural medicine, Advanced Life
Support, First Aid, Emergency Critical Care and Rescue. Russell is a Fellow
ANTA, member of ATMS, AREMT, ACRRM, the Australian Medical Writers Association and
an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance. He was registered in the Northern
Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied Professionals Registration
Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Health Sciences and
is Naturopathic consultant to Blackmores Ltd. Russell is also the author of the
Get Well books.
*******************************
Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) is probably the most
underdiagnosed electrolyte deficiency. Magnesium
is involved in DNA and RNA synthesis and magnesium is a cofactor for more than 300 enzyme
systems and is involved in both aerobic and anaerobic energy generation.
Like calcium, much (60 per cent) of our magnesium is
in our bones. Calcium and magnesium work together; magnesium helps regulate the
amount of calcium that enters cells and a sufficiency of magnesium is also
needed to help prevent osteoporosis. Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency may
induce muscle spasms and cramps, particularly at night in bed, as well as
heartbeat abnormalities, poor concentration and attention span, hyper-irritability,
excitability, vertigo and twitching of a cheek and eye muscles.
As magnesium is part of the chlorophyll molecule, green leafy vegetables,
such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are good sources of
magnesium. The Australian adult recommended dietary intake (RDI)
is around 420 mg a day for men and 320 mg a day for women. However, those who
exercise regularly need more, since magnesium is lost in sweat.
Studies have found that low magnesium may be a contributing
factor in some breathing disorders, since magnesium relaxes smooth muscle in
the lung, lowers lung hypersensitivity, and may help reduce the incidence of
wheezing. Furthermore, lung function may improve by including more foods in the
diet that are high in magnesium..
Other studies found that increased dietary magnesium may
help lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension, may also
help reduce the incidence and severity of migraine headaches and since
magnesium is a natural relaxant it may help induce a restful night’s sleep.
It has been known for some time that people living in
areas where the drinking water is hard, that is, high in calcium and magnesium,
have lower rates of heart disease. The cardiac protection by hard water is thought
to be attributed to the enhanced magnesium intake.
Magnesium deficiency may also lead to a low potassium
status. Most potassium in our bodies is intracellular (inside our cells). The
concentration of potassium in blood plasma must be controlled within very
narrow limits, since the correct concentration is vital to the function of the
heart, the nervous system, muscles, and many other bodily functions. Potassium
deficiency may cause tiredness, muscle fatigue, apathy, depression, and
hypertension; in fact many of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
However, because excess potassium can be dangerous, you should not take potassium
supplements unless they are prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Wholegrains, vegetables, and fruit are good dietary sources of potassium.
Magnesium depletion has also
been shown to cause insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion and
magnesium supplements have been reported to improve glucose tolerance and
insulin response in the elderly.
The importance of magnesium is well documented but are we getting enough
of this important mineral from our diets? This question is answered in the
following studies. An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) of 2005–2006 found that a majority of Americans of
all ages ingest less magnesium from food than their respective RDIs and Evaluation of micronutrient intakes of older Australians: The National
Nutrition Survey—1995 found on average, the magnesium consumption
levels of Australian men and women are also below the RDI.
Getting our Body Back To
Normal After The Festive Season
FACT SHEET
Russell Setright
Russell
Setright
is an accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Remedial
Therapist and Emergency Medical Technician and an educator in Natural medicine,
Advanced Life Support, First Aid, Emergency Critical Care and Rescue. Russell
is a Fellow ANTA, member of ATMS, AREMT, ACRRM, the Australian Medical Writers
Association and an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance. He was registered
in the Northern Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied
Professionals Registration Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the
Journal of Health Sciences and is Naturopathic consultant to Blackmores Ltd.
Russell is also the author of the Get Well books.
*******************************
Now that the festive season is coming to an
end, it's time to start the process of repairing our bodies. Those extra sweets
and fatty foods may have added a few kilograms. If this is the case, start
eating a more healthy diet; in particular reduce the total fat content of the
diet to less than twenty five per cent of your energy intake.Studies have found that using diet (correct
eating) to reduce weight is more beneficial to the body than weight loss
derived from exercise alone. Regardless of whether people lost weight,
following the Mediterranean-style diet resulted in a 9 per cent decrease in
levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) known as "bad"
cholesterol.(1)
Add a little regular exercise in combination
with a healthy Mediterranean low fat diet will not only help with good
cardiovascular health but will start shedding the kilos.
If you have been overindulging in alcohol over
the festive season then your liver may also need some attention.
Had a bit too much to drink? Overindulgence
with alcohol often causes lethargy, depression, behaviour changes and
headaches. With headaches some may take paracetamol to help relieve the pain.
However, be careful, too much alcohol and or paracetamol may cause liver
damage. You should never take paracetamol and alcohol together or in higher
than recommended amounts, particularly if you have been drinking heavily the
night before. Headaches from alcohol may also be caused by dehydration and lack
of vitamin B which may be depleted by excessive alcohol intake. The answer is
don’t overdo it and drink water between alcoholic drinks.
The body has a limited capacity to store most
of the B-group vitamins (except B12 and folate, which are stored in the liver).
If your diet has been poor for a few months this may cause B-group vitamins
deficiency. For this reason, it is important that adequate amounts of these
vitamins be eaten regularly as part of a well-balanced, nutritious diet(2). If
you are drinking alcohol and have not been eating properly then taking a
vitamin B supplement could be worthwhile.
Often over the festive season many of us may
have been eating too excess and including foods that are high in sugar,
saturated and trans fats, and artificial colours and flavours. These eating
habits and foods combined with excess alcohol and not enough water may
contribute to indigestion a sluggish liver and constipation that may contribute
to poor elimination of toxins from the body. The build-up of these toxins may
cause headache and lethargy. Even dermatitis and acne, could be directly
related to a poor diet and a poorly functioning digestive system.
Thankfully there are some herbs and lifestyle
changes that could help things get back to normal. Dandelion and milk thistle are
liver tonic herbs that may help maintain a healthy liver. Milk thistle, in
particular, may help protect the liver from damage caused by some toxins and
alcohol(3)
Digestive bitters may also be helpful in
promoting healthy liver function. These bitters stimulate the digestive juices
and action of all digestive organs may help relieve the symptoms of poor
digestion. Digestive bitters should be taken before meals in order to achieve
the maximum benefit.
Ten Quick tips to get
you back in shape, loose those extra kilos and feel great
1.Have a positive
attitude, let’s do it
2.Eat your largest meal in the morning
3.Reduce intake of foods high in sugar and saturated fat
4.Don’t crash diet, it will rob you of energy, slow your
metabolism and the kilos will go back on even faster when you stop.
5.Drink more water, around 6 to 8 glasses throughout the
day
6.Get the metabolism going by taking a brisk 20 minute
walk each morning before breakfast
7.Don’t eat or drink tea or coffee just before bed
8.Get 6 to 8 hours good uninterrupted sleep each night
in the dark. This increase the production of melatonin the sleep hormone.
9.Get your vitamin D3 levels up; walk outside in the
early morning sun or take a vitamin D3 supplement. Also, sunlight shuts down
the production of melatonin.
10.Have fun
1.Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis
and Vascular Biology 2013 Scientific Sessions Meeting Abstract 127 –
Heart-healthy diet helps men lower bad cholesterol, regardless of weight loss
May 2013
3.Kostek H, Szponar J et al, Silibinin and its
hepatoprotective action from the perspective of a toxicologist Przegl Lek.
2012;69(8):541-3The information given by Naturopath Russell Setright in this
article is for general educational purposes only and not for the treatment of
any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare Practitioner for any
suspected disease accident or condition and follow there expert advice.
Vitamins
The latest evidence
on the benefits of antioxidant vitamin supplements
FACT SHEET
Russell
Setright
Russell
Setright is an
accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Remedial Therapist and
Emergency Medical Technician and an educator in Natural medicine, Advanced Life
Support, First Aid, Emergency Critical Care and Rescue. Russell is a Fellow
ANTA, member of ATMS, AREMT, ACRRM, the Australian Medical Writers Association and
an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance. He was registered in the Northern
Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied Professionals Registration
Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Health Sciences and
is Naturopathic consultant to Blackmores Ltd. Russell is also the author of the
Get Well books. The information given by Russell in this article is for general
educational purposes only and not for the treatment of any disease or
condition. Always see your Healthcare Practitioner for any suspected disease,
accident or condition for diagnosis and treatment and follow their expert
advice. And, improving your diet and lifestyle should always be an important
goal.
*******************************
Many people take antioxidant and
multivitamin supplements to help fill the gap caused by dietary deficiencies
and poor lifestyle and to help improve general health and wellbeing. It is also
thought that improving diet and lifestyle may help support the immune system,
improve memory, delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, enhance wellbeing,
reduce the risk of Autistic Spectrum disorders, reduce cancer risk and Macular
Degeneration.
These are big asks, but is there any
evidence? Yes there is, and following are just a few examples from clinical
trials and studies that have reported the positive effects of vitamin
supplementation.
Immune function,
The benefits of improved nutrition by
the use of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on immune function and
general wellbeing was demonstrated. This study found supplementation with a
multivitamin containing the B group of vitamins, vitamins C and E + selenium
slowed the progression of the HIV virus by half in the first two years(1)Past studies have also found that HIV
progression is slowed in those taking multivitamin mineral formula compared to
placebo (2) However, this is the first trial to look at early intervention, that
is before HIV infection has progressed to AIDS. The authors of the study
explain that it is immune system support that the multivitamin + selenium
combination gives that may explain the statistically significant benefit in the
reduction of HIV progression to AIDS.
Cancer
Other benefits of multivitamin
supplementation have found an 8 per cent reduction in overall cancer incidence
in older men who supplemented with a daily multivitamin (3) However, in a
follow up study that looked at CVD and multivitamin use found only a small
reduction in CVD and a small reduction in total deaths among multivitamin users
but these were not statistically significant(4)
Multivitamin supplementation may also
help protect women from certain cancers. A study of7,728 women who developed invasive breast
cancer was undertaken and a comparison of mortality rates revealed that women
with invasive breast cancer who took multivitamin/mineral supplements were 30
percent less likely to die from their cancers than women with invasive breast
cancer who hadn't taken the supplements(5)
Another study examined years of
multivitamin use and risk of colorectal adenoma among 43,641
women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study between 1991 and 2007.
The use of multivitamins was assessed
through biennial questionnaires since 1989 and the authors of the study
reported that use of multivitamins is associated with lower risk of colorectal
adenoma, even with relatively short duration of use(6)
Memory
Multivitamins supplementation may also
improve memory, mood and general wellbeing.a meta-analysis of 10 studies was undertaken and the results found that
supplementation with multivitamins were found to enhance immediate free recall
memory (7)
Alzheimer’s
Disease (AD)
Difficulty with activities of daily living
often affect Alzheimer's patients, which is estimated to affect as many as 5.1
million Americans. These issues are among the most taxing burdens of the
disease for caregivers, which total about 5.4 million family members and
friends.
A
Cross-sectional and prospective study of dementia among 65 years or older
peoplewere assessed in 1995 to 1997 for
prevalent dementia and AD, and again in 1998 to 2000 for incident illness and
supplement use was ascertained at the first contact.
The
authors concluded that the use of vitamin E and multivitamin containing vitamin C supplementsin combination is
associated with reduced prevalence and incidence of AD(8)
In another study, a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial of 341 patients with
Alzheimer’s of moderate severity found there were significant delays in the
time to the primary outcome for the patients treated with selegiline median
time, 655 days; vitamin E 670 days or combination therapy 585 days, as compared
with the placebo group 440 days.
The authors of this study concluded
that in patients with moderately severe impairment from Alzheimer's disease,
treatment with selegiline or alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) slows the progression
of disease(9)
New research from the faculty of Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai working with Veterans Administration Medical
Centers suggests that alpha tocepherol, fat-soluble Vitamin E and antioxidant,
may slow functional decline (problems with daily activities such as shopping,
preparing meals, planning, and traveling) in patients with mild-to-moderate
Alzheimer's disease and decrease caregiver burden. There was no added benefit
for memory and cognitive testing with the vitamin.
The trial of Vitamin E and memantine
in Alzheimer's Disease (TEAM-AD examined the effects of vitamin E 2,000 IU/d,
20 mg/d of memantine, the combination, or placebo on Alzheimer's Disease
Cooperative Study/Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) Inventory Score.
Cognitive, neuropsychiatric, functional, and caregiver measures were secondary
outcomes. A group of 613 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
were in the study.
This trial showed that vitamin E
delays progression of functional decline by 19% per year, which translates into
6.2 months benefit over placebo.
The author previously led a study on
vitamin E in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease(9). Which also
found vitamin E supplements slowed disease progression in this group of
patients as well.(10)
Wellbeing
In a randomized, double-blind and
placebo-controlled study, 215 men in full-time employment aged between 30 and
55 were given either a multivitamin or a placebo for a period of 33 days.
Thegroup reported significantly
improved ratings of general mental health, reduced subjective stress and
increased ratings of 'vigour', with a strong trend towards an overall
improvement in mood.(11)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Women who reported not taking a daily
prenatal vitamin immediately before and during the first month of pregnancy
were nearly twice as likely to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder as
women who did take the supplements -- and the associated risk rose to seven
times as great when combined with a high-risk genetic make-up, a study by
researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute (12)
Macular Degeneration
There is clinical evidence for
potential benefits from vitamin C, β-carotene, vitamin E and zinc, as well as
emerging epidemiological and clinical data for the carotenoids lutein and
zeaxanthin and for omega-3 fatty acids. A survey of the literature suggests
that some specific micronutrients may be of value in treating or preventing AMD(13)(14)(15)
The information given by Naturopath Russell
Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for
the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare
Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition for diagnosis and
treatment and follow there expert advice.
1.Marianna K. Baum,Adriana Campa,et al.Effect of Micronutrient Supplementation on Disease Progression in
Asymptomatic, Antiretroviral-Naive, HIV-Infected Adults in BotswanaA Randomized
Clinical Trial JAMA. 2013;310(20):2154-2163.
2.JiamtonS, PepinJ, SuttentR,et al.A randomized trial of the impact of multiple micronutrient
supplementation on mortality among HIV-infected individuals living in Bangkok.
AIDS. 2003;17(17):2461-2469
3.Gaziano J, Sesso HD, Christen WG, et al.
Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cancer in Men: The Physicians' Health Study
II Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 2012; DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.14641
4.Howard
D. Sesso et al. Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in
MenThe Physicians' Health Study II Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 2012 DOI:
10.1001/jama.2012.14805
5.S.
Wassertheil-Smoller, A. P. McGinn, N. et al. Multivitamin and mineral use and
breast cancer mortality in older women with invasive breast cancer in the
women’s health initiative. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2013; DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2712-x
6.J
Massa, E Cho et al. Long-term use of multivitamins and risk of colorectal
adenoma in women, British Journal of Cancer , (12 November 2013) |
doi:10.1038/bjc.2013.664
7.Grima
NA, Pase MP, Macpherson H, et al. The effects of multivitamins on cognitive
performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dis.
2012;29(3):561-9. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-111751.
8.Peter
P. Zandi, PhD; James C. Anthony, PhD et al. Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Disease
in Users of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:82-88.
9.Sano
M, Ernesto C, Thomas RG, et al. A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol,
or both as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1216-22.
10.Vitamin
E May Delay Decline in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease .JAMA, JAN-1, 2014
11.Northumbria
University (2010, May 20). Multivitamins can add sparkle for healthy young
people News Release.
12.Rebecca
J. Schmidt, Robin L. Hansen, et al. Prenatal Vitamins, One-carbon
Metabolism Gene Variants, and Risk for Autism. Epidemiology,
2011
13.Aslam
T, Delcourt C, et al. Micronutrients in age-related macular degeneration.Ophthalmologica. 2013;229(2):75-9. doi:
10.1159/000343708. Epub 2012 Nov 20.
14.Age-Related
Eye Disease Study Research Group. Control Clin Trials. 1999; 20 (6):573-600
15.Chew,
E. Presentation at Retina Subspecialty Day, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Annual Meeting, Las Vegas USA, 10 Nov, 2006.
**************************
Female dietary antioxidant intake
from supplements and time to pregnancy in unexplained infertility
About 10
percent of women in the USA between the ages of 15-44 have difficulty conceiving
and or miscarrying, but infertility is not always a woman's problem. Both women
and men can have problems that cause infertility. About one-third of
infertility cases are caused by women's problems. Another one third of
fertility problems are due to the man. The other cases are caused by a mixture
of male and female problems or by unknown problems(1).
It is
therefore important to address both partners and information and possible treatment
of male fertility problem is discussed in, Male Fertility may be improved by
dietary supplements, Russell Setright, FACT SHEET Dec 16, 2013.
A new
study (secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled trial) examined the
role of antioxidant intake from dietary supplements and time to pregnancy(TTP)
was undertaken. This study found that supplements of B-carotene, Vitamin C and
Vitamin E independently and in combination improved time to pregnancy.
The
authors concluded that a shorter TTP was
observed among women with BMI <25 kg/m2 with increasing vitamin C, women
with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 with increasing β-carotene, women <35 y with increasing
β-carotene and vitamin C, and women ≥35 y with increasing vitamin E. (2)
These data
add to the positive effects of dietary antioxidants in the maintenance of good
health.
1.Infertility fact sheet, Office on
Woman’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Ruder
EH1, Hartman TJ et al. Female dietary
antioxidant intake and time to pregnancy among couples treated for unexplained
infertility Fertil
Steril. 2013 Dec 16. pii: S0015-0282(13)03261-5. doi:
10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.11.008. [Epub ahead of print]
Glucosamine
and chondroitin supplements plus analgesic/anti-inflammatory medication may
reduce symptoms of arthritis of the knee.
FACT
SHEET
Russell Setright
A recent
studythat examined data of 600 participants looked at structural changes,
cartilage volume, joint space and pain in arthritis of the knee over a two year
period.
Using magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), to compare the results of supplementary glucosamine
and chondroitin sulphates with or without analgesic/anti-inflammatory(NSAID) drugs
on certain markers of arthritis disease progression.
The results
of this study found significant improvements in some of the joint measurements.
Those taking analgesic/anti-inflammatory medication plus glucosamine and
chondroitin had significantly reduced loss of cartilage
volume at 24 months in the medial central plateau.
Also those
who took both anti-inflammatory pain medications plus glucosamine and
chondroitin supplements had a mild reduction in disease progression and less
pain compared to those who took only pain/anti-inflammatory medications without
the supplements.
The authors
of the study reported that the analgesic/anti-inflammatory
participants who took glucosamine and chondroitin sulphates had a reduced loss
of cartilage volume over 24 months in subregions when assessed with MRI, which
could not be identified by normal X-rays(1)
This study adds
positive data to the complementary medicine approach in the management of osteoarthritic
conditions where anti-inflammatory supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids (fish
oil, Lyprinol and krill oil) (2)(3) and analgesic /anti-inflammatory herbs including
White willow bark are often recommended in combination and
been found to have considerable potential in the symptomatic treatment of
rheumatic disorders (4)(5).
The
combination of glucosamine and chondroitin plus anti-inflammatory dietary
supplements and herbs may be a good combination in helping relieve the symptoms
and indeed the progression of some osteoarthritic conditions without the side-effects of NSAID's
Effective for osteoarthritic pain relief
Helps reduce cartilage wear
Contains the most scientifically validated form of glucosamine; glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride complex
Results expected after 2-4 weeks
Symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis.
Temporary relief of the pain of osteoarthritis.
Has anti-inflammatory properties.
References
1.Johanne
Martel-Pelletier, Camille Roubille1 et al.First-line analysis of the effects of
treatment on progression of structural changes in knee osteoarthritis over
24 months: data from the osteoarthritis initiative progression cohort , Ann Rheum
Dis doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203906
2.Sheila
A. Doggrell, Lyprinol—Is It a Useful Anti-Inflammatory Agent? Evid Based
Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 307121. Published online 2011 August 11.
doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep030
3.Chi-Ho Lee,1 John Hon-Kei Lum et al. Pain Controlling and Cytokine-regulating
Effects of Lyprinol, a Lipid Extract of Perna Canaliculus, in a Rat
Adjuvant-induced ArthritisModel, Evid
Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 June; 6(2): 239–245. Published online 2007
September 26. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nem100
4.Ernst E, Chrubasik S. Phyto-anti-inflammatories. A systematic
review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000;26(1):13-27.
5.Schmid B, Ludtke R, Selbmann HK, et
al. Efficacy and tolerability of a
standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized
placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial.Phytother Res. 2001 Jun;15(4):344-50
The information given by Naturopath Russell
Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for
the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare
Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there
expert advice.
****************************
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer is there a link ?
A
study of 972 women with newly diagnose invasive breast cancer and 1,135
randomly selected healthy controls were evaluated to assess vitamin D /
sun exposure variables and found that increased exposure to sunlight
during adolescence was associated with a 35 per cent reduction in the
risk of breast cancerlater in life.
The
researches concluded that there is strong evidence to support the
hypothesis that vitamin D could help prevent breast cancer. However,
their results suggest that exposure earlier in life, particularly during
breast development, maybe most relevant (Knight
J et al. "Vitamin D and Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer: A
Population-Based Case-Control Study"Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers &
Prevention March 2007, Volume 16, Pages 422-429)
Another
study conducted by Harvard Medical School examined data on more than
10,500 premenopausal and 21,000 postmenopausal women over 45 years of
age and the incidence of breast cancer. The study included information
on supplementation and dietary sources of vitamin D and calcium over an
average of ten years.
The
results reported that a high dietary intake of vitamin D was associated
with a 30 per cent reduction in the risk of breast cancer among
premenopausal women. However, postmenopausal women didn’t experience the
same reduction. This may be the result of reduced ability of vitamin D
synthesis from sun exposure with aging and its contribution to overall
vitamin D status. Sunlight exposure was not taken into account in this
study. (Lin J et al. Intakes of Calcium and Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk in Women Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:1050-1059).
Also,
Women with breast cancer who had adequate serum vitamin D levels (72+
nmol/mL) double the survival rate after 12 years of follow-up than
vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/mL) women. (Fig. 3)
(Study Sees Link Between Vitamin D, Breast Cancer Prognosis A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2008 Sep/Oct ;58:264-265)
These
studies have found that maintaining vitamin D levels from an early age
may reduce the incidence of breast cancer by around 35 per cent. And if
breast cancer is diagnosed may increase 12 year Survival by around 50
per cent.
Also, In a recent study that evaluated dietary and supplementary vitamin D and calciumintake among 3,101 breast cancer patients and 3,471 healthy controls.
The
researchers found no relationship between dietary vitamin D or calcium
intake and breast cancer risk. However, women who reported taking
supplemets of vitamin D, at least 400iu daily were at 24 percent lower
risk of developing breast cancer.
(Anderson L et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online April 14, 2010).
Governments
and Health Care Professionals urgently need to examine the role that
vitamin D deficiency plays in their disease treatment and prevention
plans and consider supplementation and dietary changes as an effective
alternative to dangerous sun exposure practises
The information given by Naturopath Russell
Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for
the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare
Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there
expert advice.
***************************
A
Nutritional Approach To Enhance Athletic Performance And Muscle Strength
FACT
SHEET
Russell Setright
Russell
Setright is an
accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Remedial Therapist and Emergency
Medical Technician and an educator in Natural medicine, Advanced Life Support,
First Aid, Emergency Critical Care and Rescue. Russell is a Fellow ANTA, member
of ATMS, AREMT, ACRRM, the Australian Medical Writers Association and an
Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance. He was registered in the Northern
Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied Professionals Registration
Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Health Sciences and
is Naturopathic consultant to Blackmores Ltd. Russell is also the author of the
Get Well books.
*******************************
Do athletes, joggers,
regular exercisers, body builders and people who do heavy physical work require
special dietary needs?
Athletes may need in
addition to a well-balanced diet, extra protein and nutritional supplements to
meet the extra nutritional requirements needed when pushing their bodies beyond
the normal limit.
Antioxidants; Heavy workouts build up lactic acid in the muscles, which
produces free radicals which can cause cell damage and damage to all major
membranes of muscle tissue, caused by free radicals, following heavy athletic
activity.The dietary antioxidants
containing beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C may help prevent this damage.
Studies have found that
strenuous exercise can also damage the DNA. This damage to the DNA can be a
pre-cursor of many diseases including cancer, and if the DNA of the sperm is
damaged then this could be a contributing factor to some types of birth
defects. Antioxidants may also help prevent this damage and are therefore
important for the serious athlete to include foods high in these nutrients in
the diet(1)
Protein;
Protein
intake plays an integral part in muscle health and in a recent study(2)the
authors propose an intake of 1.0-1.2 g/kg of body weight per day as optimal for
skeletal muscle and bone health. Extra dietary protein is required if you are
engaging in heavy, muscle-ripping exercises.Amino acids, found in protein, are the building blocks of life needed to
repair muscle tissue damaged during heavy exercise. If you don't relieve the
required amount of protein from the diet then don't expect any muscle growth,
in fact, without the required amount of protein the muscles will decrease in
size following heavy exercise.There are
8 essential amino acids which must be obtained from your diet.Eggs and dairy products are the best sources.Use egg whites and skim milk as these will
not increase cholesterol. Also, protein (muscle building) powders are an easy
way of adding that extra protein to the diet. These powders also contains the
antioxidant vitamins E & C, CoQ10 and branch-chain amino.
Branch-chain
amino acids; (BCAA) that include leucine, isoleucine and valine
may also help improve performance. Athletes supplementing with these BCAA
demonstrated an improvement in exercise performance(3) and supplementation may also help reduce muscle
breakdown in athletes(4)
Vitamin
D:
many studies indicate a positive role for supplementary vitamin D3 in the development and preservation of muscle
mass and function in all age groups.
Co
enzyme Q10
This oil-soluble, vitamin-like substance and is
a component of the electron transport chain and participates in aerobic
cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of ATP. Ninety-five per
cent of the human body’s energy is generated this way coenzyme Q10 is synthesized by the body, it
can also be obtained from the diet, with the richest sources being meat,
poultry, fish, soybean and canola oils, and nuts
A
study found that daily supplementation of 300 mg Co Q10 for 6 weeks
significantly enhanced physical performance measured as maximum power output
versus placebo in young healthy trained German Olympic athletes(5)
1.Sureda A,
Ferrer MD et al, Prevention
of neutrophil protein oxidation with vitamins C and e diet supplementation
without affecting the adaptive response to exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.2013 Feb;23(1):31-9
2.Mithal, A. et al.Impact of nutrition on muscle mass, strength, and performance in older
adults. Osteoporosis International, 2012
3..
De Palo EF, Metus P
et al. Branched chain amino acids
chronic treatment and muscular exercise performance in athletes: a study
through plasma acetyl-carnitine levels.Amino Acids. 1993 Oct;4(3):255-66. doi:
10.1007/BF00805827.
4.Blomstrand, E et al Effect of Branch-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation on the Exercise-Induced
Change in Aromatic Amino Acid Concentration in Human Muscle, , ACTA Physiol
Scand, 1992;146:293-298
5.Dietmar AlfMichael E Schmidt et al. Ubiquinol supplementation enhances peak power
production in trained athletes: a double-blind, placebo controlled studyJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:24 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-24
The information given by Naturopath Russell
Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for
the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare
Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there
expert advice.
What
You Need To Know About Heart Attacks
FACT
SHEET
Russell Setright
In Australia our survival out of hospital for
cardiac arrest is decreasing for Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and
is a leading cause of death, with an estimated 15,000 people suffering a
cardiac arrest in Australia every year. Only 6% to13% of cardiac arrest victims
in Australia will survive more than one year past the event(1)
Certain
types of cardiac arrest only respond effectively to defibrillation and if delivered
quickly, up to 75% can survive. Success declines at a rate of 10% with each
minute delayed.(1) If you wait for the Ambulance then the chance or leaving
hospital alive is less that 5 per cent and with the average survival for
in-hospital cardiac arrest at only 10 per cent. This is in contrast with a 71 per cent survival and discharge from
hospital if the cardiac arrest was at Melbourne Cricket Ground(2)
What many
don’t know is that many of the emergency drugs used in-hospital and by
Paramedics is that there is no
convincing evidence that these drugs including atropine, amiodarone, lidocaine, procainamide, bretylium. Buffers,
calcium, hormones or fibinolytics
during human CPR increases survival to hospital discharge(3)
The greatest
chance of survival, up to 75 per cent, is when CPR / BLS and defibrillation are
administered by the nearest person, although CPR is only attempted for about
30% (1) of patients and only 1 in 10 Australians know what to do and 1 in 3 of
those perform CPR.
Prevention is the best way to survive a heart
attack.
1.Keeping cholesterol and weight
under control, don’t smoke, limit alcohol intake, exercise for 20 minutes three
time weekly, increase intake of omega-3 (found in fish oil), foods high in the
B group of vitamins, plant sterols and Co-EnzymeQ10.
2.Have
regular check-ups with your Healthcare practitioner.
3.Ensure you and all the people you
associate with, know how to perform CPR.
Almost
80 percent of the symptoms occurred
between four weeks and one hour before the sudden cardiac arrest.
The new research is part of the 11-year-old Oregon
Sudden Unexpected Death Study, which involves 1 million people in the Portland
metro area. Researchers gathered information about the symptoms and health
history of men 35 to 65 years old who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in 2002-12.
KNOW
THE SIGNS
If you have any of these signs see your doctor or go to hospital now
Among 567 men who had out-of-hospital cardiac
arrests,
53 percent had symptoms prior to the cardiac arrest.
Of those with symptoms,
56 percent had chest
pain,
13 percent had shortness
of breath and
4 percent had dizziness,
fainting or palpitations.
Most men had coronary artery disease, but only about
half had been tested for it before their cardiac arrest(4)
Suspected Heart Attack
If you think you or someone is having a heart attack call 000 nowand get ready to start CPR
If they have fallen unconscious
1 Check for danger to yourself and the casualty
2. Check for a response with a loud voice and a squeeze at the shoulders.
3. If there is no response call 000 now
4. Check for normal breathing for 10 seconds, if not present. Don't waste time start CPR.
1. Start with 30 chest compressions pushing in the centre of the chest on the lower half of the breast bone. Push hard and fast at the rate of 100 per minute compressing the chest 1/3rd. two hands for an adult one for a child and two fingers for a baby.
2. followed by two quick breaths, mouth to mouth, and start compressions again
3. send someone to find an AED defibrillator, Clubs usually will have one, turn on and follow the voice instructions. It is easy and the AED will not cause any problem to you or the casualty, there are very safe.
4. Continue CPR until the Ambulance arrives and continue following the instructions from the AED.
The faster you start CPR the better the chances and any CPR is better that no CPR
1.Australian Resuscitation Council report
2.Resuscitation. 2000 Apr;44(2):97-104. Cardiac
arrest outcomes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and shrine of remembrance using
a tiered response strategy-a forerunner to public access defibrillation.
3.Australian Resuscitation Council Guideline
11.5 December 2010
4.Many
sudden cardiac arrests preceded by warning signs American Heart Association
Meeting Report: Abstract 18987 (Hall F, Core 4, Poster Board: 4051) November
19, 2013
************************************
Multivitamins
Nutritional insurance, Are
multivitamins beneficial or of no use?
FACT
SHEET
Russell Setright
Russell
Setright is an
accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Remedial Therapist and
Emergency Medical Technician and an educator in Natural medicine, Advanced Life
Support, First Aid, Emergency Critical Care and Rescue. Russell is a Fellow
ANTA, member of ATMS, AREMT, ACRRM, the Australian Medical Writers Association and
an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance. He was registered in the Northern
Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied Professionals Registration
Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Health Sciences and
is Naturopathic consultant to Blackmores Ltd. Russell is also the author of the
Get Well books.
*******************************
Taking multivitamins is said to help the immune system,
improve memory, enhance wellbeing, reduced risk of Autistic Spectrum disorder, reduce
cancer risk and Macular Degeneration. These are big statements but is there any
evidence? Yes there is and I have included just a few examples of clinical trials
and studies that have reported the positive effects of multivitamin supplementation.
Immune function,
The benefits of improved nutrition by the use of
multivitamin and mineral supplementation on immune function and general
wellbeing was demonstrated in a new study. This studyfound supplementation with a multivitamin
containing the B group of vitamins, vitamins C and E + selenium slowed the
progression of the HIV virus by half in the first two years(1)Past studies have also found that HIV progression is slowed in
those taking multivitamin mineral formula compared to placebo (2) However, this
is the first trial to look at early intervention, that is before HIV infection
has progressed to AIDS. The authors of the study explain that it is immune
system support that the multivitamin + selenium combination gives that may
explain the statistically significant benefit in the reduction of HIVprogression to AIDS.
Cancer
Other benefits of multivitamin supplementation have found an
8 per cent reduction in overall cancer incidence in older men who supplemented
with a daily multivitamin (3) However, in a follow up study that looked at CVD
and multivitamin use found only a small reduction in CVD and a small reduction
in total deaths among multivitamin users but these were not statistically
significant(4)
Multivitamin supplementation may also help protect women
from certain cancers. A study of7,728
women who developed invasive breast cancer was undertaken and a comparison of
mortality rates revealed that women with invasive breast cancer who took
multivitamin/mineral supplements were 30 percent less likely to die from their
cancers than women with invasive breast cancer who hadn't taken the supplements(5)
Memory
Multivitamins supplementation may also improve memory, mood
and general wellbeing.a meta-analysis
of 10 studies was undertaken and the results found that supplementation with
multivitamins were found to enhance immediate free recall memory (6)
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
A Cross-sectional and prospective study of
dementia among 65 years or older people were
assessed in 1995 to 1997 for prevalent dementia and AD, and again in 1998 to
2000 for incident illness and supplement use was ascertained at the first
contact.
The authors concluded that
the use of vitamin E
and a multivitamin containing vitamin C supplementsin combination is
associated with reduced prevalence
incidence
of AD. Antioxidant supplements merit further study as agentsfor the
primary prevention of AD(7)
Wellbeing
In a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study,
215 men in full-time employment aged between 30 and 55 were given either a
multivitamin or a placebo for a period of 33 days. Thegroup reported significantly improved ratings
of general mental health, reduced subjective stress and increased ratings of
'vigour', with a strong trend towards an overall improvement in mood.(8)
Autism Spectrum
Disorder
Women who reported not taking a daily prenatal vitamin
immediately before and during the first month of pregnancy were nearly twice as
likely to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder as women who did take
the supplements -- and the associated risk rose to seven times as great when
combined with a high-risk genetic make-up, a study by researchers at the UC
Davis MIND Institute (9)
Macular Degeneration
There is clinical evidence for potential benefits from
vitamin C, β-carotene, vitamin E and zinc, as well as emerging epidemiological
and clinical data for the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and for omega-3
fatty acids. A survey of the literature suggests that some specific
micronutrients may be of value in treating or preventing AMD(10)(11)(12)
The information given by Naturopath Russell Setright
in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for the
treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare Practitioner
for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there expert advice.
1.Marianna K. Baum,Adriana Campa,et al.Effect of Micronutrient Supplementation on Disease Progression in
Asymptomatic, Antiretroviral-Naive, HIV-Infected Adults in BotswanaA Randomized
Clinical Trial JAMA. 2013;310(20):2154-2163.
2.JiamtonS, PepinJ, SuttentR, et al.A randomized trial of the impact of multiple micronutrient
supplementation on mortality among HIV-infected individuals living in Bangkok.
AIDS. 2003;17(17):2461-2469
3.Gaziano J, Sesso HD, Christen WG, et al.
Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cancer in Men: The Physicians' Health Study
II Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 2012; DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.14641
4.Howard
D. Sesso et al. Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in
MenThe Physicians' Health Study II Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 2012 DOI:
10.1001/jama.2012.14805
5.S.
Wassertheil-Smoller, A. P. McGinn, N. et al. Multivitamin and mineral use and
breast cancer mortality in older women with invasive breast cancer in the
women’s health initiative. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2013; DOI:
10.1007/s10549-013-2712-x
6.Grima
NA, Pase MP, Macpherson H, et al. The effects of multivitamins on cognitive
performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dis.
2012;29(3):561-9. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-111751.
7.Peter
P. Zandi, PhD; James C. Anthony, PhD et al. Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Disease
in Users of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:82-88.
8.Northumbria
University (2010, May 20). Multivitamins can add sparkle for healthy young
people News Release.
9.Rebecca
J. Schmidt, Robin L. Hansen, et al. Prenatal Vitamins, One-carbon
Metabolism Gene Variants, and Risk for Autism. Epidemiology,
2011
10.Aslam
T, Delcourt C, et al. Micronutrients in age-related macular degeneration.Ophthalmologica. 2013;229(2):75-9. doi:
10.1159/000343708. Epub 2012 Nov 20.
11.Age-Related
Eye Disease Study Research Group. Control Clin Trials. 1999; 20 (6):573-600
12.Chew,
E. Presentation at Retina Subspecialty Day, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Annual Meeting, Las Vegas USA, 10 Nov, 2006.
***********************************
Why Complementary Medicine is better than
Ibuprofen or Paracetamol in the prevention, and treatment of respiratory
infections (common cold and Flu)
FACT SHEET
Russell Setright
Most people at one time or another will catch
a common cold or flu. Many different types of viruses cause these infections
and it is these viruses that infect the nose, throat and upper respiratory
tract causing pain, congestion and fever.
Common sense tells us that keeping warm and
avoiding sudden temperature changes, such as, leaving a warm home or office for
the cold outdoors will reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu. Always don
warm clothing when moving from a warm to a cold environment as these sudden
changes in temperature lower resistance to infection without adequate
protection.
Unfortunately many people just continue doing
work and play without rest and use analgesics and other cold formula to just “push
on through”. Although these may ease the aches and pains associated with
respiratory infections they don’t reduce your spreading the cold to others and
in fact may worsen the symptoms and increase time needed till recovery.
Although in some cases we just may need something to get through an important
event taking analgesics may help, but prevention and a reduction of the
duration and symptoms of a respiratory infection is the best way and
complementary medicine may just have the answer.
There are many herbs, vitamins and minerals
that have a positive effect in reducing the incidence, duration and symptoms of
respiratory infection and following is factual information on the most commonly
used.
The
evidence
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
and or Ibuprofen could prolong the symptoms of respiratory infections
A new study found patients were more likely
to come back within a month with worsening symptoms or new symptoms if they
were prescribed ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol for the symptoms of the
common cold. Between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of participants in this study
who were prescribed ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol had elongation and
worsening of the symptoms that required returning to their doctor.(1)
.
Vitamin D3
Low
vitamin D status is associated with higher rate of respiratory infections
A large study of 18,883 people reported strong
association between low blood levels of vitamin D (25OHVitD)and increased respiratory
infections. Those with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having
significantly more recent colds or flu and the risks were even higher for those
with chronic respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD. Those with low
vitamin D levels were nearly 40 per cent more likely to have had a respiratory
infection than those with adequate vitamin D levels (2).
Other findings support the concept of
vitamin D possessing important pleiotropic actions outside of calcium
homeostasis and bone metabolism. In children, an association of nutritional
rickets with respiratory compromise has long been recognized. Epidemiologic
studies clearly demonstrate the link between vitamin D deficiency and the
increased incidence of respiratory infections (3)
Vitamin
D3 supplements found to reduce the incidence of influenza in School children
A recent randomised double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial among School Children in Japan was conducted. The
Children were randomly divided into two groups: One group received daily
supplements of 1200iu daily of vitamin D3, while the other group received a
placebo. The children were then assessed for the incidence of influenza over
the 2008 to 2009 winter period.
The study found that the incidence of
influenza was 10.8 per cent in the vitamin D3 supplemented group, compared with
18.6 per cent in the placebo group; this reduction was even greater for those
who had low vitamin D (25OHVitD), with a 74 per cent reduction in the incidence
of influenza.
Also, asthma attacks were significantly
reduced in asthmatic children in the vitamin D3 supplemented group(4)
Vitamin C
Vitamin
C reduces the symptoms and duration of respiratory infections (common cold)
Correct nutrition is also a necessity, we
should always endeavour to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the
daily diet as these are a good source of vitamin C.
Studies and clinical trials have shown that
supplementing with vitamin C and vitamin E can help strengthen the immune
system reducing the incidence and symptoms of colds and flu (5)
Vitamin C supplementation can start with
bottle fed babies. Blackcurrant and rose hip formulas high in vitamin C are
readily available. These fruit juice formulas should be included in baby’s
daily feeding routine. Children over two years of age can either have a crushed
Children's Chewable Vitamin C tablet added to their food or chew one tablet
twice daily and adults should take between 1,000 mg and 2,000mg daily. In six
trials with participants exposed to short periods of extreme physical or cold
stress or both (including marathon runners and skiers) vitamin C reduced the
common cold risk by half. (6)
In thirty-one comparisons studies that examined
the effect of regular vitamin C supplementation on common cold duration (9745
episodes). In adults the duration of colds was reduced by 8% (3% to 12%) and in
children by 14% (7% to 21%). In children, 1 to 2 g/day vitamin C shortened
colds by 18%. The severity of colds was also reduced by regular vitamin C
administration(7)
Echinacea
Echinacea
found to reduce the incidence and the duration of respiratory infections
Echinacea
is one of the most commonly used herbal products, but controversy exists about
its benefit in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. A meta-analysis evaluating the effect of echinacea
on the incidence and duration of the common cold was undertaken. The
meta-analysis included14 studies were where Incidence of the common
cold was reported
The results found that Echinacea decreased
the odds of developing the common cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1·4
days . The authors concluded that published evidence supports echinacea's benefit in decreasing the
incidence and duration of the common cold.(8)
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin
found to reduce the incidence of the common cold
Lactoferrin is a compound that is naturally
produced in the body by immune cells and it is particularly prevalent in
secretions of the upper airways, eyes and stomach.Bovine lactoferrin supplementation has been
shown to boost the activity of certain immune cells. One study found that the total number of cold-associated
symptoms reported by participants that received a Lactoferrin/whey compound
(Lf/IgF) was significantly less than those in the placebo group. Also, total
days sick with a cold and cold severity were reduced over the clinical trial
period for Lf/IgF over placebo, but the trend was not significant(9)
Health Department Warning
Call the
Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia) if a child, young person or
adult has taken more paracetamol or ibuprofen than is recommended. Paracetamol
is often taken by people who intend to harm themselves (suicide attempts).
Paracetamol in large doses can cause severe liver damage
Use in the elderly
Ibuprofen should not be taken by
adults over the age of 65 without careful consideration of co-morbidities and
co-medications because of an increased risk of adverse effects, in particular
heart failure, gastro-intestinal ulceration and renal impairment.
Use in pregnancy
Category C: Ibuprofen
inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and, when given during the latter part of
pregnancy, may cause closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus, foetal renal
impairment, inhibition of platelet aggregation and may delay labour and birth.
Use of ibuprofen is thus contraindicated during the third trimester of
pregnancy, including the last few days before expected birth
References;
1.P.
Little, M. Moore, et al. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and steam for patients
with respiratory tract infections in primary care: pragmatic randomised
factorial trial. BMJ, 2013; 347 (oct25 2)
2.Adit A.
Ginde, MD, MPH; Jonathan M. et al.Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin
D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Third National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch.Intern.Med. 2009;169(4):384-390.
3.Walker
VP, Modlin RL.The vitamin D connection to pediatric infections and immune function.
Pediatr Res. 2009 May;65(5 Pt 2):106R-113R.
4.Urashima
U, et al. “Randomized trial of vitamin D
supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren” American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 10, 2010.
5.Hemila,
H. “Vitamin C and the Common Cold”
Br. J. Nutrition” 67(1);316, January, 1992
6.Hemilä
H, et al. Vitamin C for preventing and
treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007
7.Harri Hemilä1, et al.Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold Editorial Group: Cochrane Acute
Respiratory Infections Group, Published Online: 31 JAN 2013
8.Sachin
A Shah PharmD a c, Stephen Sander PharmD et al. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common
cold: a meta-analysis The Lancet
Infectious Diseases, Volume 7, Issue 7, Pages 473 - 480, July 2007
9.Luis
Vitettaemail, Samantha Coulson et al, The
clinical efficacy of a bovine lactoferrin/whey protein Ig-rich fraction
(Lf/IgF) for the common cold: A double blind randomized study, Complementary
Therapies in Medicine Volume 21, Issue 3 , Pages 164-171, June 2013
The
risk of Stroke may be reduced by taking antioxidants found in coffee, green tea
and vitamin E supplements.
As life expectancy and the incidence of stroke in Australia is increasing, it would appear that as we get older, dietary and supplementary antioxidants may have an important roll in stroke prevention.
Coffee and Green tea
A study that collected data on 83,000 men and women, 45 to 74 years old, on
green tea and coffee consumption.
During an average of 13 years of follow-up, they found that those who had one cup of coffee a day lowered their risk
for stroke about 20 percent.
And, compared to people who rarely drank green tea, people who drank two to
three cups a day had a 14 percent lower risk of stroke and people who drank at
least four cups lowered their risk by 20 percent.
The risk for a type of stroke called a haemorrhagic stroke, in which a blood
vessel in the brain bursts and blood floods part of the brain was cut by 32 percent among those who drank a
cup of coffee or two cups of green tea daily. About 13 percent of strokes
are haemorrhagic strokes.
Vitamin E and C
In another study found that the antioxidants vitamin E and C reduced death including stroke and CVD, by 24% when
participants were 71 or older. The study among 2,284 men with higher dietary
vitamin C intakes above the median who smoked less than a pack of cigarettes
per day, vitamin E supplements extended
lifespan by 2 years
Reference
1.Yoshihiro Kokubo, M.D., Ph.D., chief doctor,
department of preventive cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular
Center, Osaka, Japan; Ralph Sacco, M.D., past president, American Heart
Association, and chairman, neurology, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine; March 14, 2013, Stroke,
online.
2.Harri
Hemilä andJaakko Kaprio, Vitamin E may
affect the life expectancy of men, depending on dietary vitamin C intake and
smoking Age Ageing (2011) 40 (2): 215-220.
Could supplementary
fish oil, vitamin D3 and aspirin intake have a major affect on reducing the
incidence and progression of skin cancer? A short review.
Russell Setright
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the
world and even with the increased compliance with the sun-safe message and the
increased use of sun block products the incidence of skin cancer in Australia
is increasing with the total number of Non-melanoma skin cancer treatments estimated
to double by 2015 compared to 1997(1). Are there additional messages that
should be given?
UV exposure from the Sun is a risk factor for squamous cell
carcinoma and other non-melanoma skin cancers. However, the evidence that moderate
sun exposure causes melanoma is inconclusive(2)
There is some evidence that non-burning regular sun exposure
such as obtained in the early morning and later in the afternoon seems to have
a protective effect against skin cancer(3) and that progression of malignant
melanoma is associated withsignificantly reduced 25(OH)vit D serum levels that adds to the growing body of evidence that
25(OH)vit D serum levels may be of importance for pathogenesis and progression
of malignant melanoma(4)
Ultra violet radiation from the sun initiates DNA damage in skin cells and
suppresses cell-mediated immunity, allowing sun damaged cells and cancer cells
to escape immune destruction(5) therefore controlling this immune destruction and
resulting inflammation may be a key preventative measure in skin cancer
prevention(6).
Emerging data suggest that fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids),
vitamin D status and the use of aspirin may have a positive effect in reducing
the incidence of both melanoma and other non-malignant skin cancers. These data
are discussed in the following.
FISH OIL AND SKIN
CANCER RISK
Studies have reported that high dietary intake of omega-3
fatty acids found in fish and fish oil are associated with reduced skin cancer
risk. These polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the suppression of cell-mediated
immunity after UV exposure(5)(6)
A new study (Pilkington
SM 2013) examined 5g of supplementary fish oil (omega -3s) in humans in a 3
month clinical trial. After exposing the participants to various doses of UV
exposure, it was found those in the supplemented omega-3 group had
significantly less photo-immunosuppression compared to the placebo group.
Photo-immunosuppression describes the suppression of cell-mediated immunity on
the skin in response to UV. The authors concluded that Oral omega−3 PUFAs
appear to abrogate photo-immunosuppression in human skin, providing additional
support for their chemopreventive role(5)
VITAMIN D AND SKIN
CANCER
Cancers diagnosed in the summer and autumn had a significantly
better prognosis than cancers diagnosis in the winter and spring. This was tentatively
attributed to sun-induced vitamin D. It seems that vitamin D mainly affects tumour
progression.
There is evidence
that excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin damage, ageing and skin
cancers. Excessive exposure to sunlight causing sunburn at any time in life
increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer. However, people who
experience intermittent exposure to high levels of UV radiation such as tanning
on the beach on the weekend, appear to be at greater risk while those who
experience continual exposure to lower levels even if the total dose of UV
radiation is the same, have the lowest incidence of melanoma. That is,
non-burning regular sun exposure such as obtained in the early morning and
later in the afternoon seems to have a protective effect against skin cancer And,
a moderate amount of unblocked sunlight may actually be beneficial to most
people, and could reduce the risk of many other diseases – including, paradoxically,
melanoma itself(3)
Supplementary vitamin D3 and calcium; one study involving 1,200
healthy postmenopausal women who took daily supplements of calcium (1,400 mg or
1,500 mg) and vitamin D3 1,100 IU or a
placebo for 4 years. The results found women who took the supplements had a 60 per
cent lower overall incidence of cancer(6)(7)
ASPIRIN AND SKIN
CANCER
A study that included 59,806 Caucasian women found, after
adjusting for co-factors, those who took
aspirin were less likely to develop melanoma skin cancer during a follow up
of12 years . This study reported that women
who used aspirin had a 21 per cent lower risk of melanoma relative to non-users.
Also, the use of aspirin more than five years had a 30 per cent lower melanoma
risk(8)
DISCUSSION
It would appear that immune modulation and inflammation
control is an important risk management strategy in reducing the risk of skin
cancer development and progression.
In addition to sensible and non-burning sun exposure, the
roll of supplementary vitamin D3, fish oil and aspirin in cancer risk reduction
is becoming more evident, and although further research is always needed, the
data to date is compelling.
1.Marloes Fransen, et al. Non-melanoma skin
cancer in Australia. Med J Aust 2012; 197 (10): 565-568.
2.Garland FC. et al. Occupational sunlight
exposure and melanoma in the U.S. Navy. Arch Environ Health. 1990
Sep-Oct;45(5):261-7.
3.Article, Prevention & Early Detection,
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre 2008
4.Nürnberg B, et al. Progression of malignant
melanoma is associated with reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels.Exp
Dermatol. 2008 Jul;17(7):627
5.Pilkington SM et al. Randomized controlled
trial of oral omega-3 PUFA in solar-simulated radiation-induced suppression of
human cutaneous immune responses. AJCN, 2013
6.Setright R, Is There A Vitamin D Deficiency
Epidemic In Australia, And If So, Is This A Major Contributing Factor To
Disease? Setright Letter, 2010 April;05:12:1-10
7.Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, et
al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: Results of a
randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007; 85(6):1586–1591.
8.Christina A. Gamba et al. Aspirin is
associated with lower melanoma risk among postmenopausal Caucasian women.
Cancer, 2013
COLDS AND FLU
Most
people at one time or another will catch a common cold or flu. Many different
types of viruses cause these infections and it is these viruses that infect the
nose, throat and upper respiratory tract causing pain, congestion and fever.
Common
sense tells us that keeping warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes, such
as, leaving a warm home or office for the cold outdoors will reduce the chances
of catching a cold or flu. Always don warm clothing when moving from a warm to
a cold environment as these sudden changes in temperature lower resistance to
infection without adequate protection.
Vitamin C
Correct
nutrition is also a necessity, we should always endeavour to include plenty of
fresh fruit and vegetables in the daily diet as these are a good source of
vitamin C.
Studies
and clinical trials have shown that supplementing with vitamin C and vitamin E
can help strengthen the immune system reducing the incidence and symptoms of
colds and flu (Hemila, H. “Vitamin C and the Common Cold”
Br. J. Nutrition” 67(1);316, January, 1992)
Vitamin
C supplementation can start with bottle fed babies. Blackcurrant and rose hip
formulas high in vitamin C are readily available. These fruit juice formulas
should be included in baby’s daily feeding routine. Children over two years of
age can either have a crushed Children's Chewable Vitamin C tablet added to
their food or chew one tablet twice daily and adults should take between 1,000
mg and 2,000mg daily. In six trials with participants exposed to short periods
of extreme physical or cold stress or both (including marathon runners and
skiers) vitamin C reduced the common cold risk by half. (Hemilä H,
et al. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews 2007)
Herbal medicine
can help;
Herbs
can be used to treat and prevent infections. These herbs include echinacea,
garlic, astragalus and andrographis.
These
herbs have anti-viral properties and also stimulate the immune system and when
used in combined they may help the body destroy many types of invading bacteria
and viruses.
Another herb, Holy basil has also been traditionally
been used as a remedy for colds and the flu in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to
help clear mucus from the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Holy basil also
has mild anti-pyretic properties that assists in lowering the temperature.
Willow bark
(Salix alba) contains the active
constituent salicin, Willow bark is the natural forerunner of a commonly used
pain relieving medication Aspirin and shares many of its analgesic properties.
Willow bark has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is
indicated for conditions associated with common cold and influenza.
Cod liver oil
Cod
liver oil is another nutrient that has been used for decades in the treatment
of colds and flu. This fish oil contains n-3 fatty acids that help reduce
inflammation, making breathing easier. Also cod liver oil is a good source of
vitamin A which is needed to help strengthen the mucous membranes and vitamin
D3 that helps the immune system.(Expectant mothers should not take more than
2,500 iu of preformed vitamin A)
A
review published in the medical Journal, Can
Fam Physician 2011 Jan;57(1):31-6, reported; For prevention,
vitamin C demonstrated benefit effectsin a large meta-analysis, with possibly increased benefit in patients
subjected to cold stress.
For
treatment, Echinacea purpurea is the most consistently useful variety; it was
effective in 5 of 6 trials and Zinc lozenges were effective in 5 of 9 trials.
Vitamin
D3
Studies
show promise that vitamin D may be effective in protecting against swine flu.
Vitamin D promotes the production of antimicrobial substances that have the
ability to neutralize the activity of various disease-causing agents, including
the influenza virus
(Doss
M et al. Journal of Immunology 2009 Jun 15; 182(12): 7878-87) A
study of 19,000 individuals and found that those who had lowest levels of
vitamin D (25OHVitD) were about 40 percent more likely to have recent
respiratory infection, including flu, compared to those who had higher levels
of vitamin D
(Ginde
AA et al. Archives of Internal Medicine 2009 Feb 23; 169(4): 384-90) A recent randomised double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial among School Children in Japan was conducted. The
Children were randomly divided into two groups: One group received daily
supplements of 1200iu daily of vitamin D3, while the other group received a
placebo. The children were then assessed for the incidence of influenza over
the 2008 to 2009 winter period.
The
study found that the incidence of influenza was 10.8 per cent in the vitamin D3
supplemented group, compared with 18.6 per cent in the placebo group; this
reduction was even greater for those who had low vitamin D (25OHVitD), with a
74 per cent reduction in the incidence of influenza.
Also,
asthma attacks were significantly reduced in asthmatic children in the vitamin
D3 supplemented group. (Urashima U, et
al. “Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal
influenza A in schoolchildren” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March
10, 2010).
Given
this type of information the Canadian Government, Public Health Agency is
investigating the use of vitamin D as a protective measure against Swine flu;
just as our Grandmothers did using cod liver oil.
A
vaporiser is of great help at night when you or your child is sleeping. Don't
forget grandmother's remedy of a few drops of eucalyptus on the pillow at night
and on a handkerchief in the day to clear the nose and make breathing easier.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin
is a compound that is naturally produced in the body by immune cells and it is
particularly prevalent in secretions of the upper airways, eyes and
stomach. Bovine lactoferrin supplementation has been shown to boost the
activity of certain immune cells.
SUPPLEMENTS
There
are a lot of individual supplements in the following list; the good news is
that most of these can be found in combination from your health food store or
pharmacy.
TO BOOST THE
IMMUNE SYSTEM AND RELIEVE GENERAL SYMPTOMS
Vitamin
C1,000mg
twice daily
Vitamin D31,000iu
Lactoferrin100mg
twice daily
Echinacea
ACE plus Zinc1
three times daily
FOR
DAY AND NIGHT RELIEF
Blackmores Cold and Flu Day/Night
(contains)
Echinacea equiv to fresh4.2g
Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy
basil)1.5g
Salix
alba (Willow
Bark) } three times daily
extract equiv. to dry stem bark1.6g
and for night contains eucalyptus oil
and hops for night relief
FOR A
SORE THROAT AND CHEST COUGH
Echinacea
Citrus Throat Lozengesdissolve
one in mouth ever 3 to hours
(also contains eucalyptus)
and
Olive
leaf extract
5ml every 4 hours
Cold
Tablet formulasfollow
directions on bottle
iron phosphate and
potassium chloridefollow
directions on bottle
RUSSELL'S TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A MULTIVITAMIN
Many people have asked me which multivitamin I should
take, as with so many brands and types on the shelves it is difficult to choose.
Here are some tips;
1.All brands that are
manufactured and available in Australia are made under TGA good
manufacturing practise regulations; this is NOT the case in many other countries.
Only buy
Australian!
2.Is the multivitamin made buy a
company that has a long and trusted reputation? Blackmores has been voted the most trusted
brand (Australia).
3.Does the formula meet your
lifestyle expectations such as; Women’s over 50, Children’s multi, Men’s
performance or a general feeling more Alive formula.
4.Finally can you speak or email directly to a Health Care
Practitioner at the Company about your needs and the
product.
If the manufacturer meets all of the above and the
product is within your budget go for it and start feeling more
Alive!
******************************
WEIGHT LOSSBurn That Weight Off
Russell Setright
Losing weight can be very difficult for many people, while for
others, the problem is how to put weight on, even when lifestyle and eating
habits are balanced. The difference between these types of people is that their
individual metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn up kilojoules) varies.
There are foods that can actually increase your metabolism and
help improve weight loss, while other foods can slow down the rate of weight
loss and the metabolism by acting on the thyroid gland's production of hormones
which are involved in our body's metabolic process.
Hot spices including
chilli, mustard or peppers can help you lose weight! Yes, the latest studies
using chilli, mustard seeds and spices showed that weight loss can be increased
by as much as 25% when these spices are added to a calorie controlled diet.
Chillies, or cayenne pepper as it is more commonly known, have been used for
hundreds of years as a remedy for intestinal wind, poor digestion and to
improve circulation. Today it is still included in many people's diet in order
to obtain these benefits.
Scientists now believe that two of the chemicals found in cayenne
could increase weight loss by their action upon the thyroid hormone. A study
carried out at the University of Tasmania found that the metabolic rate of four
out of six people was increased after one meal which contained one tablespoon
of tabasco.
The thyroid gland also requires iodine to function properly.
Increasing your intake of seafoods, or take a kelp or an iodine supplement.
Iodine deficiency causes a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones,
especially thyroxine (T4). This causes an under-active thyroid gland that
results in weight gain, poor memory, reduced intellectual development in
children and reduces energy levels.
To speed up weight loss add a little of the "HOT STUFF "
to your meals either by sprinkling it on or adding it when cooking. Cayenne
pepper can be bought from your health food store in bulk and it is not
expensive; however it is hot, so only use a little at first and build up to a
quarter of a teaspoon at each meal. This should do the trick. If you can't
stand the heat, then take an empty capsule and half fill it with cayenne
pepper. You should then take one with each meal. It is important to include any
hot spices with food as this will help prevent irritation the lining of the
stomach. If you experience an upset stomach then reduce the amount, or
discontinue their use.
If you are serious about
weight loss then don't eat junk foods. Foods that are high in fat and or sugar
as part of the daily diet will still put on weight, even if you do add chilli.
Increase the amount of vegetables other than cabbage, as this vegetable can
have an adverse affect on the metabolism, increasing weight gain. Eat fruit
whole, not dried or juiced as these are usually high in sugar. Include whole
grains, lean meat and low fat dairy products in your diet. Water is a must,
drink between 6 to 8 glasses daily. This is not only needed for good health but
also reduces the desire to pick between meals.
Always have breakfast and reduce the size of the night's meal.
This will also help keep you away from the junk foods during the day.
Include extra protein in the diet to help control hunger; in all
animals including humans we will continue to eat until our optimum dietary
protein has been reached. Evidence suggests that protein-rich foods and diets
may have a greater effect than high fat foods on our feelings of being
satisfied and full after a meal. Increasing protein intake will help reduce
cravings while supporting muscle and bone health.
Weight loss can be achieved without difficult or FAD diets. Just a
change to healthier foods, a little chilli, a protein meal replacement and
regular exercise can really make a difference.
If craving for sweet foods is a problem taking a chromium
supplement may help. Studies have found that a lack of the mineral chromium can
cause sugar cravings. Chromium and the mineral zinc are co-enzymes, and one of
their roles is to help regulate blood sugar levels.
The Ayurvedic herb Coleus
forskohlii, has been used traditionally as a digestive tonic and help
support normal thyroid function and metabolism
Another
clinically tested weight management product is Amorphaphallus rivieri
contained in the product Weight-Less™.Amorphaphallus rivieriis a soluble fibre thatinteracts with liquid in the stomach and mixes with
the meal this increases the thickness and overall bulk in the stomach and
resultants in a feeling of fullness. After eating there is a prolonged feeling
of fullness and reduced sensations of hunger.
Exercise
Exercise regularly each day, twenty minutes each morning before
breakfast after taking your L-Carnitine, is the best, as this will increase
your metabolism, not only during the exercise, but throughout the day.
You should aim at reaching 80 per cent of you maximum heart rate
for age each time you exercise. However, start slowly and see your practitioner
first before starting your exercise program to ensure that you don't have any
medical conditions that would preclude exercise.
Your maximum heart rate (MHR) for age is 220 less your age. ie if
you are 40 years old, then your MHR would be 220 - 40 = 180. Eighty per cent of
180 is 144, and this the maximum heart rate you should aim for during exercise.
The best exercises are brisk walking, swimming and light weight lifting. Weight
bearing exercise also strengthens the bones while at the same time burns off
the excess weight.
SUPPLEMENTS
For
Increased metabolic rate;
Iodine150ug 1
tablet daily
Chilli
powder added to food or in a capsule 2.5
gthree times daily with meals.
Metabolism Advantage
Contains capsicum, chromium, Coleus forskohlii and other important nutrients thatsupports metabolism normal thyroid function and
nutrient requirements during weight-loss
For sugar cravings and
carbohydrate metabolism;
A Sugar Balance formula containing;
Chromium
picolinate (Chromium 16.6 µg) 133.5 µg
Chromic
chloride (Chromium 50 µg) 256 µg
Vitamin
B1 (Thiamine nitrate) 7 mg
Vitamin
B2 (Riboflavin) 8 mg
Nicotinamide
35 mg
Vitamin
B5 (Pantothenic acid from calcium pantothenate 7 mg) 6.4 mg} 1 three times daily
A recent article reported; Men who take vitamin C supplements are at higher-than-average
risk of developing kidney stones. Laura D
K Thomas, Carl-Gustaf Elinder, Hans-Göran Tiselius, Alicja Wolk, Agneta
Åkesson. Ascorbic Acid Supplements and Kidney Stone Incidence Among
Men: A Prospective Study. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2013; DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.2296
This study only shows an association with
high vitamin C intake and kidney stones and NOT a cause and effect. Vitamin C does NOT cause kidney stones. There are
many other contributing factors in the development of kidney stones and these
are discussed in the following.
Why
Some People Are More Prone to Develop Kidney Stones
Most kidney stones form when the urine
becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium to crystallize and
stick together. Diet plays a role in the condition; not drinking enough water
or eating too much salt (which binds to calcium) also increases the risk of
stones.
Genes are also partly to blame. A common
genetic variation in a gene called claudin-14 recently has been linked
to a substantial increase in risk by around 65 percent increased risk of kidney
stones
Yongfeng
Gong, Vijayaram Renigunta, Nina Himmerkus, Jiaqi Zhang, Aparna Renigunta,
Markus Bleich, Jianghui Hou. Claudin-14 regulates renal Ca transport in
response to CaSR signalling via a novel microRNA pathway. The EMBO
Journal, 2012; 31 (8): 1999 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.49
Prospective
Study of Beverage Use and the Risk of Kidney Stones
After adjusting simultaneously for age, dietary
intake of calcium, animal protein and potassium, thiazide use, geographic
region, profession, and total fluid intake, consumption of specific beverages
significantly added to the prediction of kidney stone risk.
Beverage intake and reduced risk
After mutually adjusting for the intake of other
beverages, the risk of stone formation decreased by the following amount for
each 240-ml serving consumed daily: caffeinated coffee, 10%; decaffeinated
coffee, 10%; tea, 14%; beer, 21%; and wine, 39%.
Beverage intake and increased risk
For each 240-ml serving consumed daily, the risk of
stone formation increased by 35% for apple juice and 37% for grapefruit juice.
The authors conclude that beverage type may have an effect on stone formation
that involves more than additional fluid intake alone.
Curhan C, et al. Prospective
Study of Beverage Use and the Risk of Kidney Stones American Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 143, Issue 3pp. 240-247
Increased water
intake may help reduce the risk of recurrence of kidney stones but more studies
are needed
Kidney stones (also known as
calculi) are masses of crystals and protein and are common causes of urinary tract
obstruction in adults.
For a long time, increased water
intake has been the main preventive measure for the disease and its recurrence.
In this review only one study was found that looked at the effect of increase
water intake on recurrence and time to recurrence. Increased water intake decreased
the chance of recurrence and increased the time to recurrence. Further studies
are needed.
Water
for preventing urinary stonesYige Bao,
Qiang Wei Editorial Group: Cochrane Renal Group Published Online: 13 JUN 2012
Assessed as up-to-date: 18 APR 2012
*****************
As this study did not adjust for all of the above cofactors
I believe that it is therefore unreasonable to come to the conclusion that
vitamin C increases risk of kidney stones. Also, the study found that
multivitamin (containing vitamin C) users did NOT have any increase in risk.
Increasing water and other fluids intake that are
associated with a reduced risk of kidney stones and avoiding a high salt diet
is the best preventative method.
Vitamin C is not synthesised by humans and must be
obtained from the diet.
If dietary intakes are low, supplementation is good
nutritional insurance.
Russell Setright is an accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Acupuncturist and an educator in Advanced Life Support, First Aid, Emergency Care and Rescue. He is an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance and member of ATMS and is Director of Training for Life Survival Training. He was registered in the Northern Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied Professionals Registration Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Health Sciences. Russell is also the past Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Fellow at the Academy of Natural Therapies. He Chaired the Symposium at the International Conference On The Use of Traditional Medicine and Other Natural Product In Health Care at The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia where he also presented his paper and was appointed to the Panel of Consultants at The Nury Institute of Family & Child Development, Malaysia. Over the years, Russell has presented papers and GP update seminars at the University of NSW, Royal Women’s Hospital, Natural Therapies Unit NSW and was also the Naturopathic Director Blackmores Ltd. Russell has been on a number of Governmentassessment panels for degree programs in Australia and New Zealand and is currently a member of the advisory committee NSW Oncology Group, Cancer Institute, NSW Health.
Russell is the author of seven books on complementary medicine with one published in the Chinese and Malay languages and he currently has a Health Talk Back Radio Show with Brian Wilshire on Sydney’s Radio 2GB, Leon Byner on 5AA Adelaide and Richard Perno in Country NSW.
************************
Just Eat a “balanced diet”, is this message misleading?
Again the evidence shows that there is an increase in the incidence of essential nutrient deficiency among Australians.
Let’s get real; if it is deficient in the soil then eating a “balanced diet” is not going to solve the problem.Supplementation in many cases is the most effective way of ensuring we are receiving the important nutrients needed for good health and quality of life.
We are constantly receiving mixed messages about deficiencies and the need for supplementation with messages ranging from, no Australian needs to take vitamins and minerals to we all need to supplement, very confusing!
Let’s look at some facts; Iodine deficiency in Australia is on the increase even with it being added to salt and bread. A recent study in the Medical Journal of Australia, November 2010, reported that from 2001 to 2006, 368,552 neonates for whom they had data on blood samples that were taken at 2 days of age for 47 135 (13%), at 3 days of age for 284 998 (77%) and at 4 days of age for 36 419 (10%).
Analysis of this data by Dr Ashequr Rahman and colleagues from Monash University reported that according to the study, our analysis of neo-natal concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) increases caused by the body's compensatory response to a poor intake of iodine among 95.5 per cent of Victorian children born during 2001 - 2006, indicates the Victorian population is iodine deficient.
According to the Wold Health Organisation, Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which can start before birth, jeopardize children’s mental health and often their very survival. Serious iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and congenital abnormalities such as cretinism, a grave, irreversible form of mental retardation that affects people living in iodine-deficient areas of Africa and Asia.
However, of far greater significance are IDD’s less visible, yet pervasive, mental impairment that reduces intellectual capacity at home, in school and at work. iodine deficiency can reduce ones IQ by up to 15 points. That’s the difference between Forrest Gump and the average Australian and something needs to be done.
Another worrying statistic reported in this study is that iodine deficiency is on the increase in Australia with the percentage of iodine deficient babies more than doubling from 2001 to 2006 and this problem is not unique to iodine; vitamin D, zinc, fluoride, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, to name just a few, are all at levels representing deficiency in a growing number of Australians.
In my view, supplementation in combination with a balanced diet is the best way of addressing this dilemma.
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Setright R, Is There A Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic In Australia, And If So, Is This A Major Contributing Factor To Disease? Setright Letter, 2010 April;05:12:1-10
Vitamin D3, The Super Nutrient.
An Independent review of Complementary Medicine Evidence
By Russell Setright
Please note some of the information in this letter is not displayed on this page. email us if you would life a complete copy.
Russell Setright is an accredited Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Acupuncturist and an educator in Advanced Life Support, First Aid, Emergency Care and Rescue. He is an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance and member of ATMS and is Director of Training for Life Survival Training. He was registered in the Northern Territory under the Health Practitioners and Allied Professionals Registration Act in 1986 and was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Health Sciences. Russell is also the past Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Fellow at the Academy of Natural Therapies. He Chaired the Symposium at the International Conference On The Use of Traditional Medicine and Other Natural Product In Health Care at The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia where he also presented his paper and was appointed to the Panel of Consultants at The Nury Institute of Family & Child Development, Malaysia. Over the years, Russell has presented papers and GP update seminars at the University of NSW, Royal Women’s Hospital, Natural Therapies Unit NSW and was also the Naturopathic Director Blackmores Ltd. Russell has been on a number of Governmentassessment panels for degree programs in Australia and New Zealand and is currently a member of the advisory committee NSW Oncology Group, Cancer Institute, NSW Health.
Russell is the author of seven books on complementary medicine with one published in the Chinese and Malay languages and he currently has a Health Talk Back Radio Show with Brian Wilshire on Sydney’s Radio 2GB, Leon Byner on 5AA Adelaide and Richard Perno in Country NSW.
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Is There a Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic in Australia, and if So, Is This a Major Contributing Factor to Disease and is vitamin D3 the new super nutrient? A summary of evidence.
Abstract
A review of published studies found that a significant number of Australians and New Zealanders have less than optimal serum vitamin D levels, with mild to moderate deficiency ranging from 33 to 84% depending on age, skin colour and/or those in residential care.
These studies have also reported a significant relationship between low vitamin D status and an increase in the prevalence of diseases including; diabetes, CVD, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, hypertension, certain cancers, several autoimmune diseases the Flu and all cause mortality. The data also suggest that normalising blood 25(OH)VitD levels by supplementation with vitamin D3 may have a positive effect in disease prevention.
Methods The literature up to April 2010 was searched without language restriction using the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.
Background
Ecological studies have suggested that mortality from several potentially life-threatening chronic diseases increase in incidence with a decreased exposure to sun light (Grant WB. Ecologic studies of solar UV-B radiation and cancer mortality rates. Recent Results Cancer Res. 2003;164:371-377) Because sun exposure is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, this review will show that the associations found between sun exposure, vitamin D intake and mortality(death) from several chronic conditions could be owing to variations in vitamin D status.
There are two forms of vitamin D that are important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants and obtained by humans through diet. Vitamin D3 is made in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight at wavelengths between 270–300 nm and stored in the blood as calcidiol (25-hydroxy-vitamin D). Both D2 and D3 precursors are hydroxylated in the kidneys and liver to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)vit.D), the non-active 'storage' form, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. 1,25 (OH)2D, the biologically active (hormone) form that is tightly controlled by the body.
One of the functions of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus which helps form and maintain strong bones.
However, research also suggests that increased blood levels of 25(OH)VitD may provide protection from CVD, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, certain cancers, and several autoimmune diseases.
The sun is a significant contributor to our daily production of vitamin D3. However, the amount of sun exposure required to produce enough vitamin D3 is dependent on a number of factors including, skin colour, latitude, types of clothing, body mass, age, cloud cover, atmospheric pollution.
In Australia we are exposed to around 40% more UV rays than the equivalent latitude in the Northern Hemisphere and this creates a dilemma
(Madronich S, et al. Changes in biologically active ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface. Photochem Photobiol B 1998;46:5-19).
Is this increased UV exposure in the Southern Hemisphere and the resulting skin sun damage more detrimental to overall health than vitamin D deficiency?
There is evidence that excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin damage, ageing and skin cancers. Excessive exposure to sunlight causing sunburn at any time in life increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer. However, people who experience intermittent exposure to high levels of UV radiation such as tanning on the beach on the weekend, appear to be at greater risk while those who experience continual exposure to lower levels even if the total dose of UV radiation is the same, have the lowest incidence of melanoma. That is, non-burning regular sun exposure such as obtained in the early morning and later in the afternoon seems to have a protective effect against skin cancer (Article, Prevention & Early Detection, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre 2008).And, a moderate amount of unblocked sunlight may actually be beneficial to most people, and could reduce the risk of many other diseases – including, paradoxically, melanoma itself.
Another example of this paradox is research from the University Of California School Of Medicine. This study found that higher incidence of melanoma occurred among Navy desk workers than among sailors who worked outdoors (Garland FC. et al. Occupational sunlight exposure and melanoma in the U.S. Navy. Arch Environ Health. 1990 Sep-Oct;45(5):261-7).
Also, a study (Nürnberg B, et al. 2008) from the Department of Dermatology, The Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany that examined the progression of malignant melanoma reported. Basal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were lower in melanoma patients as compared to the control group. And progression of malignant melanoma was associated with significantly reduced 25(OH)vit D serum levels. Their findings add to the growing body of evidence that 25(OH)vit D serum levels may be of importance for pathogenesis and progression of malignant melanoma (Nürnberg B, et al. Progression of malignant melanoma is associated with reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels.Exp Dermatol. 2008 Jul;17(7):627).
As, the growing body of evidence supports the theory thatlow blood serum levels of 25(OH)vit D is also associated with an increase of many diseases including CVD, diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, muscular and bone strength and death from all causes
(Dobnig H, et al. Independent association of low serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with all cause mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2008 Jun 23;168:1340-1349).
A strategy of timed low dose sun exposure needs to be developed to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. However, given the vast difference in geographical location, skin type and ethnic origin we have in Australia a “One Fits All” program would be improbable.
As the data are supportive of maintaining adequate serum vitamin D levels, while at the same time reducing the risk of overexposure of UV rays from the sun.
Supplementation with vitamin D3 may be the best way of achieving both goals.
Vitamin D deficiencies in Australia
The data are consistent in that low blood serum levels of 25(OH)VitD (25-hydroxyvitamin D) is at an alarming rate in Australia. Those people with dark or olive skin, the elderly and veiled (80% may have mild deficiency) as well as those who wear protective clothing and always use sun screen have the greatest risk of vitamin D deficiency (FIG 1). In addition, those taking anticonvulsant medication or suffer from renal, hepatic or cardiopulmonary disease or those who have fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, are at risk. (Vitamin D, National Health and Medical Research Council 2010, Ministry of Health. Australian Government).FIG. 1
2: Proportion of women with serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) levels under 22.5nmol/L, according to skin covering and skin colour
Skin colour
Skin covering*
Very dark
Intermediate
Light
Total
Consistently covered
6/6 (100%)
1/2 (50%)
23/25 (92%)
30/33 (91%)
Inconsistently covered
3/5 (60%)
1/3 (33%)
18/24 (75%)
22/32 (69%)
Uncovered
2/2 (100%)
2/3 (67%)
0 (0)
4/5 (80%)
Total
11/13 (85%)
4/8 (50%)
41/49 (84%)
56/70 (80%)
*Consistently covered - women always covered up, including arms, hair and neck, when outdoors; inconsistently covered - women did not usually cover fully in their own garden; and uncovered - women did not generally cover their arms, hair and neck when outdoors.
Nozza J et al. MJA 2001; 175: 253-255
What are Serum 25(OH)VitD Norms?
It has already been established that low serum levels of vitamin D that is below 27.5nmol/Lt results in inadequate
mineralisation / demineralisation of the skeleton that is a contributing factor to rickets in young children. (Vitamin D, National Health and Medical Research Council 2010, Ministry of Health. Australian Government) . In a position statement, a Working Group from the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, the Endocrine Society of Australia and Osteoporosis Australia (2005) defined mild deficiency for adults as serum 25-OHvitD levels between 25 and 50nmol/L which may contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis and less commonlyosteomalacia in adults (NHMRC).
The question often asked is, what blood serum 25(OH)VitD level is considered to be adequate?
Any level below 50nmol/Lt may also place an individual at high risk of vitamin D associated deficiency diseases and all cause mortality. Levels of vitamin D between 73 – 100 nmol/Lt would appear to be adequate.
One Prospective cohort study of 3258 consecutive male and female patients found that those with low levels of serum vitamin D had a 54% to 2.34 times increased risk mortality from any cause when compared to people with adequate levelsof around 72nmol/Lt. (Fig. 2)
Also, this study found that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels that are in the lower 50% of the vitamin D range of the study population have an increased risk for all-cause mortality after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In subgroup analysis, the relationship of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to mortality is consistent regardless of co-morbidity, physical activity level.
The researchers concluded that a low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level can be considered a strong risk indicator for death from any cause in men and women(Dobnig H, et al. Independent association of low serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with all cause mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2008 Jun 23;168:1340-1349).
25(OH)VitD blood levels
(Dobnig H et al 2008)
Fig. 2
25(OH)VitD
Status
nmol/Lt
Deficient
Highest Risk
‹ 37.4
Deficient
High Risk
37.4 - 50
Insufficient
Moderate Risk
50-72
Adequate
Low Risk
›73
CVD and Diabetes
Recent research has found significant association between low serum levels of 25(OH)vit D and an increase in the incidence of diabetes, CVD and metabolic syndrome. This research examined 28 studies that included 99,745 men and women across a variety of ethnic groups. The studies revealed a significant association between high levels of vitamin D (25(OH)VitD) and a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (33% compared to low levels of vitamin D), type 2 diabetes (55% reduction) and metabolic syndrome (51% reduction) ( Levels of vitamin D and cardiometabolic disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis J.Maturitas Volume 65, Issue 3, 225-236, March 2010).
Further evidence relating to the befits of adequate vitamin D levels was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific session in Atlanta March 2010.Researchers from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray, Utah, reviewed 31,000 of their patients aged 50 or older found that those with the lowest levels of serum 25(OH)vitD had a 170-per-cent greater risk of heart attacks than those with the highest serum levels.
Also, according to the authors of this study, the benefits of having more vitamin D were not limited to a cut in heart-attack risk. Those with the lowest readings also had an 80-per-cent greater risk of death, a 54-per-cent higher risk of diabetes, a 40-per-cent higher risk of coronary artery disease, a 72-per-cent higher risk of kidney failure and a 26-per-cent higher risk of depression.
Diabetes
The incidence of diabetes in Australia is increasing and, at the same time we are seeing a corresponding deficiency in vitamin D levels. As the above studies show there is a strong link between the development of diabetes type-2 and vitamin D deficiency. The following study examines the link in childhood type-1 diabetes and vitamin D supplementation. A review and meta-analysisof thedata from five trials that included 6455 infants, of which 1429 were cases and 5026 controls was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. The data from the five observational studies, found that infants who received vitamin D supplements were 29 per cent less likely to develop type-1 diabetes than non-supplemented infants (Zipitis C et al. "Vitamin D supplementation in early childhood and risk of type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis"Archives of Disease in Childhood (British Medical Journal) .2007).
Also, a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, September 2007 looked at 1770 children at high risk of developing type-1 diabetes. Their study reported that an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources may reduce a child's risk of developing type-1 diabetes by 55 per cent.
Vitamin D found in cod liver oil, a popular marine supplement, may have been a contributing factor.
Cardio Vascular Disease
Results of a large case-control study (Health Professionals Follow-up Study) was conducted in 18, 225 men. During the proceeding 10 years of follow-up, 454 men developed nonfatal myocardial infarction or fatal coronary heart disease. After adjustment for matched variables, men deficient in 25(OH)D less than 37.4nmol/Lt were at increased risk for MI (heart attack) compared with those considered to be sufficient in 25(OH)D 74nmol/mL.And, after additional adjustment for family history of myocardial infarction, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, ethnicity, region, marine n-3 intake, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels, this relationship remained significant.
Even men with intermediate 25(OH)D levels were at elevated risk relative to those with sufficient 25(OH)D levels .
The authors concluded that Low levels of 25(OH)D are associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction, even after controlling for factors known to be associated with coronary artery disease (Giovannucci, E. et al. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Men, Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(11):1174-1180).
These benefits in part may be explained by maintaining optimal vitamin D can slow the turnover of leukocytes by inhibiting pro-inflammatory overreaction resulting in a reduction of leukocyte telomere shortening. Shortening of leukocyte telomeres is a marker of aging and a predictor of aging-related disease. Length of these telomeres decreases with each cell division and with increased inflammation.
Astudy that examined whethervitamin D levels would attenuate the rate of telomereattrition in leukocytes, such that higher vitamin D concentrationswould be associated with longer LTL. The results of this study suggested that higher vitamin D (25(OH)VitD) concentrations, which can be modified through vitamin D supplementation, are associated with longer LTL, would explain the potentially beneficial effects of vitamin D on aging and age-related diseases.
(Richards J, et al.Higher serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer leukocyte telomere length in women, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 86, No. 5, 1420-1425, November 2007)
Vitamin D Statins and Cholesterol.
Studies have found that statins, medications used to lower cholesterol, decrease the risk of CVD. However, the dietary-heart-cholesterol hypothesis may need to be questioned as statins may reduce this risk in ways other than lowering cholesterol.
A study examining this hypothesis and benefits produced by statins reports that based on published observations, the unexpected and unexplained clinical benefits produced by statins have also been shown to be properties of vitamin D. It seems likely that statins act as vitamin D analogues(Grimes D, Are statins analogues of vitamin D? The Lancet, Volume 368, Issue 9529, Pages 83 - 86, 1 July 2006).
Further evaluation of this proposed action needs to be undertaken as it could explain in part the reduced incidence of CVD associated with an increase in serum vitamin D levels.
Immune Function
Basically there are two types of immune -functions; our adaptive immune system, which is activated when we mount a defence against a new invader and then retain antibodies and memory for immunity in the future. And our innate immune system, the almost immediate reaction your body has, for instance, when you get a cut or a skin infection.
In primates, this action of "turning on" an optimal response to microbial attack only works properly in the presence of adequate vitamin D.
Vitamin D is vital for the innate immune system to function properly. T cells signal the immune systems killer cells to activate and to do this they require vitamin D. When T cells find an invading pathogen their vitamin D receptor is extended, similar to an aerial.
This receptor searches for available vitamin D and if not found the T cell will not activate. These T cells, once activated will either become killer cells which will attack the invading virus or bacteria or become helper cells that assist the immune system (Von Essen M, et al. Vitamin D controls T cell antigen receptor signalling and activation of human T cells, Nature Immunology, March 2010)
Also, other recent research has underlined an important key role of vitamin D signalling in regulation of innate immunity in humans.
When cells of the immune system such a macrophages sense a bacterial infection they acquire the capacity to convert circulating 25(OD)vitD into 1,25(OH)2 vitD. This production is a direct inducer of expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides, in particular cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP). These antimicrobial peptides are vanguards of innate immune responses to bacterial infection and can act as signalling molecules to regulate immune system function (White JH. et al. Vitamin D as an inducer of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide expression: Past, present and future. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2010 Mar 17)
Adrian Gombart, Associate Professor of biochemistry and a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University commenting on the research conducted by OSU and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre stated. “The fact that this vitamin-D mediated immune response has been retained through millions of years of evolutionary selection, and is still found in species ranging from squirrel monkeys to baboons and humans, suggests that it must be critical to their survival”.
"It's essential that we have both an innate immune response that provides an immediate and front line of defence, but we also have protection against an overreaction by the immune system, which is what you see in sepsis and some autoimmune or degenerative diseases," Gombart said. "This is a very delicate balancing act, and without sufficient levels of vitamin D you may not have an optimal response with either aspect of the immune system."(Oregon State University. "Key Feature Of Immune System Survived In Humans, Other Primates For 60 Million Years." Science Daily 22 August 2009)
Vitamin D and Cancer
A four year, population-based, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska. The study’s primary outcome was fracture incidence, and the principal secondary outcome was cancer incidence. The results of the study found that supplementation with vitamin D3 1100iu and calcium 1500mg or placebo daily after three years produced a 77 percent reduction in breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer and other forms of cancer risk among the supplemented group when compared to the placebo group.
The subjects were 1179 community-dwelling women randomly selected from the population of healthy postmenopausal women.
The authors of the study concluded that improving calcium and vitamin D nutritional status substantially reduces all-cancer risk in postmenopausal women.(Lappe JM, et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jun;85(6):1586-91).
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in black men, and it may be a contributor to their higher risk of cancer when compared with whites. From 1986 and 2002, a total of 99 out of 481 black men and 7019 out of 43,468 white men were diagnosed with cancer.
In analyses adjusted for multiple dietary, lifestyle, and medical risk factors for cancer, black men had a 32 percent higher risk than white men of developing any cancer and an 89 percent greater likelihood of dying from cancer, particularly from cancer of the digestive system cancer.
This study identified vitamin D deficiency as the relevant factor in the higher cancer risk among blacks (Giovannucci E, et al. Cancer Incidence and Mortality and Vitamin D in Black and White Male Health Professionals, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(12):2467–72).
Breast Cancer
A study of 972 women with newly diagnose invasive breast cancer and 1,135 randomly selected healthy controls were evaluated to assess vitamin D / sun exposure variables and found that increased exposure to sunlight during adolescence was associated with a 35 per cent reduction in the risk of breast cancerlater in life.
The researches concluded that there is strong evidence to support the hypothesis that vitamin D could help prevent breast cancer. However, their results suggest that exposure earlier in life, particularly during breast development, maybe most relevant (Knight J et al. "Vitamin D and Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study"Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention March 2007, Volume 16, Pages 422-429)
Another study conducted by Harvard Medical School examined data on more than 10,500 premenopausal and 21,000 postmenopausal women over 45 years of age and the incidence of breast cancer. The study included information on supplementation and dietary sources of vitamin D and calcium over an average of ten years.
The results reported that a high dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with a 30 per cent reduction in the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women. However, postmenopausal women didn’t experience the same reduction. This may be the result of reduced ability of vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure with aging and its contribution to overall vitamin D status. Sunlight exposure was not taken into account in this study. (Lin J et al. Intakes of Calcium and Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk in Women Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:1050-1059).
Also, Women with breast cancer who had adequate serum vitamin D levels (72+ nmol/mL) double the survival rate after 12 years of follow-up than vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/mL) women. (Fig. 3)
(Study Sees Link Between Vitamin D, Breast Cancer Prognosis A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2008 Sep/Oct ;58:264-265)
Fig. 3Cancer Free Survival (RR) 12 years
Serum Vitamin D Status
These studies have found that maintaining vitamin D levels from an early age may reduce the incidence of breast cancer by around 35 per cent. And if breast cancer is diagnosed may increase 12 year Survival by around 50 per cent.
Also, In a recent study that evaluated dietary and supplementary vitamin D and calciumintake among 3,101 breast cancer patients and 3,471 healthy controls.
The researchers found no relationship between dietary vitamin D or calcium intake and breast cancer risk. However, women who reported taking supplemets of vitamin D, at least 400iu daily were at 24 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer.
(Anderson L et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online April 14, 2010).
Prostate Cancer
There have been a number of studies that have reported a decrease in the incidence of prostate cancer associated with higher sun exposure and or serum vitamin D levels.( Schwartz GG, Hulka BS. Is vitamin D deficiency a risk factor for prostate cancer? (Hypothesis). Anticancer Res. (1990) 10(5A):1307–1311)and (Deeb KK, Trump DL, Johnson CS. Vitamin D signalling pathways in cancer: potential for anticancer therapeutics. Nat Rev Cancer (2007) 7(9):684–700) However, other studies have found non-significant difference in the incidence of prostate cancer and vitamin D serum levels in certain age groups.
A recent case-controlled analysis of serum vitamin D levels and the incidence of prostate cancer, found that a statistically significant decrease in risk of prostate cancerwas associated with high serum 25(OH)vitD levels in men under 60 years of age( Ruth C Serum Vitamin D and Risk of Prostate Cancer in a Case-Control Analysis Nested Within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) American Journal of Epidemiology 2009 169(10):1223-1232). However, there was not a marked difference in incidence in men over the age of 60 years.
Another study investigated whether serum levels of 25(OH)D are associated with the prognosis in patients with prostate cancer. This study found that serum 25(OH)D at medium (around 50 - 70 nmol/lt) or high levels (over 70 nmols/Lt) were significantly related to increased survival compared with the low vitamin D levels. Also, patients receiving hormone therapy gave a stronger association. The serum level of 25(OH)D was involved in disease progression and is a potential marker of prognosis in patients with prostate cancer (Tretli S, et al Association between serum 25(OH)D and death from prostate cancer. Br J Cancer. 2009 Feb 10;100(3):450-4).
Although the data are not as conclusive as breast cancer in women, it would appear that like breast cancer early maintenance of vitamin D levels is the most beneficial in reduced incidence and improved prognosis.
Vitamin D and Swine Flu Prevention
Studies show promise that vitamin D may be effective in protecting against swine flu. Vitamin D promotes the production of antimicrobial substances that have the ability to neutralize the activity of various disease-causing agents, including the influenza virus (Doss M et al. Journal of Immunology 2009 Jun 15; 182(12): 7878-87) .
A study of 19,000 individuals and found that those who had lowest levels of vitamin D (25OHVitD) were about 40 percent more likely to have recent respiratory infection, including flu, compared to those who had higher levels of vitamin D(Ginde AA et al. Archives of Internal Medicine 2009 Feb 23; 169(4): 384-90)
A recent randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among School Children in Japan was conducted. The Children were randomly divided into two groups: One group received daily supplements of 1200iu daily of vitamin D3, while the other group received a placebo. The children were then assessed for the incidence of influenza over the 2008 to 2009 winter period.
The study found that the incidence of influenza was 10.8 per cent in the vitamin D3 supplemented group, compared with 18.6 per cent in the placebo group; this reduction was even greater for those who had low vitamin D (25OHVitD), with a 74 per cent reduction in the incidence of influenza.
Also, asthma attacks were significantly reduced in asthmatic children in the vitamin D3 supplemented group. (Urashima U, et al. “Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 10, 2010).
Published Online
Given this type of information the Canadian Government, Public Health Agency is investigating the use of vitamin D as a protective measure against Swine flu; just as our Grandmothers did using cod liver oil.
Vitamin D and Falls
Falling among the elderly is a major contributing factor to loss of enjoyment of life and increased mortality. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials examined the roll of vitamin D supplementation and the incidence of falls.
Both vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 were investigated and the results found that 700-1000 IU supplemental vitamin D per day (vitamin D2 or vitamin D3) reduced falls by 19% for vitamin D2 and up to 26% with vitamin D3.
To reduce the risk of falling, a daily intake of at least 700-1000 IU supplemental vitamin D3 is warranted in all individuals aged 65 and older.
(Bischoff-Ferrari H Aet al. Fall prevention with supplemental and active forms of vitamin D: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials BMJ-British Medical Journal 339:b3692, 2009).
Multiple Sclerosis
Epidemiologic studies have shown a positive correlation of multiple sclerosis (MS) associated with latitude (amount of sun exposure) and increased dietary intake and increased serum levels of vitamin D.An increased dietary intake of vitamin D and increased exposure to UV rays was found to be protective for the development of MS (Beretich BD et al.Explaining multiple sclerosis prevalence by ultraviolet exposure: a geospatial analysis. Mult Scler. 2009 Aug;15(8):891-8).
Dosage safety in MS patients.
A study examining high dose vitamin D supplementation was undertaken among 52 MS patients to examine its effect on calcium metabolism. Their conclusion found thathigh-dose vitamin D
( approximately 10,000 IU/day) in multiple sclerosis is safe, with evidence of immunomodulatory effects.
Classification of evidence: This trial provided Class II evidence that high-dose vitamin D use for 52 weeks in patients with multiple sclerosis does not significantly increase serum calcium levels when compared to patients not on high-dose supplementation. The study also reported that patients in the high-dose supplementary group reported less relapse. (Burton JM et al.A phase I/II dose-escalation trial of vitamin D3 and calcium in multiple sclerosisNeurology. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print])
Dosage and Type, Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3 ?
From examination of the studies the average recommendation for vitamin Dsupplementation is around 1000iu daily with the majority recommending vitamin D3.
This dose is within the safety guidelines established by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, USA state that 2,000iu of vitamin D daily is the tolerable upper limit for adults. However, The USA Food and Nutrition Board are currently reviewing data to determine whether updates to the DRIs (including the upper limits) for vitamin D are needed.
The risk of falling in the elderly and vitamin D intake was evaluated. The results found that 1000 IU supplemental vitamin D per day (vitamin D2 or vitamin D3) reduced falls by 19% and up to 26% with vitamin D3 (BMJ-British Medical Journal 2009, October).
Supplementation with vitamin D3 1100iu and calcium 1500mg or placebo daily after three years produced a 77 percent reduction in breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer and other forms of cancer risk(Lappe JM, et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jun;85(6):1586-91).
Estimate Health Care benefit of vitamin D in Dollars.
A recent study in Germany found that around 45 per cent of Germans were vitamin D insufficient with around 15 to 30 per cent being deficient. This study also pointed out that present sun safety and dietary recommendations would lead to vitamin D deficiency.
The authors claim that this would lead to a increased health Care cost of EU 37 billion annually(Zittermann Aet al. The estimated benefits of vitamin D for Germany. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 10.1002 April 2010)
This would roughly equate to around 15 to 20 billion dollars Australian annual saving in the health budget expenditure, if population vitamin D levels were normalised. This would go a long way in helping improve the budget and other problems experienced by Hospitals in Australia.
Discussion
Although I have only included a few of the many studies that were evaluated, the message is consistent and clear in all of the studies. Vitamin D deficiency is a major health issue and must be addressed.
Excessive sun exposure causes skin damage and in an endeavour to curb the incidence of skin cancer, the advice to cover up, apply sun screen and keep out of the sun is widely being practised. OH&S legislation has made this policy mandatory for workplace and schools.
However, this practise has in part contributed to the vitamin D dilemma in Australia and diseases associated with this deficiency, including melanoma are on the increase and of major concern.
Governments and Health Care Professionals urgently need to examine the role that vitamin D deficiency plays in their disease treatment and prevention plans and consider supplementation and dietary changes as an effective alternative to dangerous sun exposure practises.
Also, periodic 25(OH)VitD blood tests would be advisable.
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a division of Emergency Medics Australia Pty Ltd
Head Office; NSW Email - info@lifesurvival.com.au Phone - +61 2 63343968 Bookings all states Phone 1300270232 Mobile 0439264271
In a survival situation it is important that expert advice be sort from authorities such as Police, SES, Fire Brigade and other local emergency services. The courses are for educational purposes designed to give familiarisation in a variety of survival situations only.