ScienceDaily: Vitamin News

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08/29/11--08:40: Don't be afraid: very old patients treated with Vitamin K antagonists, if adequately managed, benefit from anticoagulation (chan 2003797)

Results of the EPICA Study (Elderly Patients followed by Italian Centers for Anticoagulation Study), were presented at the ESC Congress 2011 today. This is the largest study on very old patients anti-coagulated with vitamin K antagonists for the prevention of venous thromboembolism and, for the major part (75 percent), for the prevention of stroke because affected by atrial fibrillation.


08/30/11--05:15: Vitamin C may be beneficial for asthmatic children, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Depending on the age of asthmatic children, on their exposure to molds or dampness in their bedroom, and on the severity of their asthma, vitamin C has greater or smaller beneficial effect against asthma, according to a recent study.


08/30/11--05:22: Watching viruses 'friend' a network: Researchers develop Facebook application to track the path of infection (chan 2003797)

PiggyDemic, an application developed by researchers in Israel, allows Facebook users to "infect" their friends with a simulated virus or become infected themselves. This will allow researchers to gather information on how a virus mutates, spreads through human interaction, and the number of people it infects.


09/03/11--07:25: Vitamin A supplements for infants could save thousands of lives a year (chan 2003797)

An international study suggests that giving vitamin A supplements to children in low and middle income countries could significantly cut rates of mortality, illnesses and blindness amongst those below the age of five.


09/06/11--16:16: Micronutrient powders reduce anemia and iron deficiency in infants in low-income countries, review finds (chan 2003797)

Adding a powder that contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc and vitamin A, to the semi-solid foods taken by infants and children between six months and two years of age, can reduce their risk of anemia and iron deficiency, according to a new review.


09/07/11--07:46: A scientific 'go' for commercial production of vitamin-D enhanced mushrooms (chan 2003797)

A new commercial processing technology is suitable for boosting the vitamin D content of mushrooms and has no adverse effects on other nutrients in those tasty delicacies, the first study on the topic has concluded. The technology, which involves exposing mushrooms to the same kind of ultraviolet light that produces suntans, can greatly boost mushrooms' vitamin D content.


09/14/11--09:26: Consumers willing to pay premium for healthier genetically modified foods (chan 2003797)

Consumers are eager to get their hands on, and teeth into, foods that are genetically modified to increase health benefits - and even pay more for the opportunity, new research shows.


09/18/11--11:49: First fluorescence-guided ovarian cancer surgery (chan 2003797)

The first fluorescence-guided surgery on an ovarian cancer patient was performed using an imaging agent attached to a modified form of the vitamin folic acid, which acts as a "homing device" to seek out and attach to ovarian cancer cells. Surgeons were able to see clusters of cancer cells as small as one-tenth of a millimeter -- 30 times smaller than the smallest they could detect using standard techniques.


09/20/11--07:00: African-American men living in poor sunlight areas at risk for vitamin D deficiency (chan 2003797)

African-American men living in low sunlight areas are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency than European-American men living in the same environment. Researchers believe that these findings should change recommendations for daily intake of vitamin D.


09/20/11--07:01: One size doesn't fit all for vitamin D and men: African-American men in northern regions especially need high doses of supplements (chan 2003797)

African-American men living in areas with low sunlight are up to 3.5 times more likely to have vitamin D deficiency than Caucasian men and should take high levels of Vitamin D supplements, reports a new study. The current general recommendation of 600 international units is way too low for all men in northern regions. Low Vitamin D has been linked to prostate cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.


09/22/11--10:45: Vitamin D deficiency linked with airway changes in children with severe asthma (chan 2003797)

Children with severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) may have poorer lung function and worse symptoms compared to children with moderate asthma, due to lower levels of vitamin D in their blood, according to researchers. Lower levels of vitamin D may cause structural changes in the airway muscles of children with STRA, making breathing more difficult. The study provides important new evidence for possible treatments for the condition.


09/26/11--13:58: Low vitamin B12 levels may lead to brain shrinkage, cognitive problems (chan 2003797)

Older people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 markers may be more likely to have lower brain volumes and have problems with their thinking skills, according to researchers.


09/28/11--09:54: Additives meant to protect vitamin C actually cause more harm, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Anti-caking agents in powdered products may hasten degradation of vitamin C instead of doing what they are supposed to do: protect the nutrient from moisture.


09/29/11--11:46: Oral steroids linked to severe vitamin D deficiency in nationwide US study (chan 2003797)

People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency, according to a study of more than 31,000 children and adults. Their findings suggest that physicians should more diligently monitor vitamin D levels in patients being treated with oral steroids.


10/03/11--10:23: Vitamin D deficiency common in cancer patients (chan 2003797)

More than three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D and the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancer, according to a new study.


10/03/11--13:17: Higher quality diet associated with reduced risk of some birth defects (chan 2003797)

Healthier dietary choices by pregnant women are associated with reduced risks of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts, according to a new study.


10/03/11--16:52: Pale people may need vitamin D supplements (chan 2003797)

Fair-skinned people who burn quickly in the sun may need to take supplements to ensure they get the right amount of vitamin D, new research finds.


10/04/11--09:36: Natural compound helps reverse diabetes in mice (chan 2003797)

Researchers have restored normal blood sugar metabolism in diabetic mice using a compound the body makes naturally. The finding suggests that it may one day be possible for people to take the compound much like a daily vitamin as a way to treat or even prevent Type 2 diabetes.


10/04/11--10:28: Vitamin D could lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Scientists have shown that people with a good vitamin D supply are at lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus.


10/10/11--14:30: Certain dietary supplements associated with increased risk of death in older women, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Consuming dietary supplements, including multivitamins, folic acid, iron and copper, among others, appears to be associated with an increased risk of death in older women, according to a new report.


10/11/11--08:25: Health benefits of broccoli require the whole food, not supplements (chan 2003797)

New research has found that if you want some of the many health benefits associated with eating broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables, you need to eat the real thing -- a key phytochemical in these vegetables is poorly absorbed and of far less value if taken as a supplement.


10/11/11--13:30: Study shows increased prostate cancer risk from vitamin E supplements (chan 2003797)

Men who took 400 international units of vitamin E daily had more prostate cancers compared to men who took a placebo. The findings showed that, per 1,000 men, there were 76 prostate cancers in men who took only vitamin E supplements, vs. 65 in men on placebo over a seven-year period, or 11 more cases per 1,000 men. This represents a 17 percent increase in prostate cancers relative to those who took a placebo.


10/11/11--13:30: Vitamin E supplement may increase prostate cancer risk, national U.S. study finds (chan 2003797)

Men who take a daily vitamin E supplement -- a regimen once thought to reduce cancer risk -- face an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to results of a large national study. The finding comes from a report summarizing the latest results of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT).


10/11/11--13:30: Use of vitamin E associated with increased risk of prostate cancer (chan 2003797)

In a trial that included about 35,000 men, those who were randomized to receive daily supplementation with vitamin E had a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer, according to a new study.


10/12/11--11:20: Vitamin D crucial in human immune response to tuberculosis, scientists find (chan 2003797)

A team of scientists has found that vitamin D plays an essential role in the body's fight against infections such as tuberculosis. Researchers found that the immune system could not be activated effectively to kill the bacteria causing tuberculosis without sufficient levels of vitamin D present. The finding may lead to a new treatment pathway for tuberculosis which is estimated to cause 1.8 million deaths annually.


10/19/11--23:41: Are acid-suppressing drugs prescribed too often in infants? (chan 2003797)

Frequent spitting up, irritability, and unexplained crying in infants can be very distressing to parents. Pediatricians often prescribe acid-suppressing drugs for these symptoms in an effort to treat infants for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, GERD is an uncommon cause of these symptoms in otherwise thriving infants. Experts now caution against the over-diagnosis of GERD and over-prescription of acid-suppressing drugs in infants.


10/20/11--05:48: Women do not get enough vitamin D during the menopause, Spanish study suggests (chan 2003797)

A healthy diet is especially important during the menopause - a period in which the risk of suffering from health problems increases. Various studies analyze the diet of peri- and postmenopausal women in Spain alongside the troubles that come with this transition. The results show that all of those groups studied have a deficient intake of vitamin D.


10/22/11--13:10: Burden of osteoporotic fractures increases dramatically in the Middle East and Africa (chan 2003797)

Osteoporosis is a serious and growing problem throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa, according to new research. Gathering data from 17 countries in the region as well as Turkey, "The Middle East & Africa Regional Audit" is a landmark report examining epidemiology, costs and burden in individual countries as well as collectively across the region.


10/24/11--13:47: High-dose vitamin D may not be better than low-dose vitamin D in treating multiple sclerosis (chan 2003797)

Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), but the first randomized, controlled trial using high-dose vitamin D in MS did not find any added benefit over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation, according to a new study.


10/25/11--11:35: Rising to a global health challenge, students coax yeast cells to add vitamins to bread (chan 2003797)

Any way you slice it, bread that contains critical nutrients could help combat malnutrition in impoverished regions. That is the goal of a group of undergraduate students who are enhancing common yeast so that it makes vitamin-producing bread.


10/28/11--08:53: Folate receptors may serve as a front door to ovarian cancer treatment (chan 2003797)

A new strategy that takes advantage of ovarian cancer's reliance on folate appears to give relapse patients extra months of life with few side effects, researchers say.


10/31/11--08:51: Latitude variation in incidence of chronic digestive diseases (chan 2003797)

New research points to a potential role for UV light exposure and vitamin D levels in chronic digestive conditions; Crohn's disease, a serious inflammatory condition in the small intestine; and ulcerative colitis, which similarly affects the colon.


11/01/11--09:58: Vitamin D study suggests no mortality benefit for older women (chan 2003797)

A study of postmenopausal women found no significant mortality benefit from vitamin D after controlling for health risk factors such as abdominal obesity. The only exception was that thin-waisted women with low vitamin D levels might face some risk. The results agree with advice issued last year by the Institute of Medicine that cautioned against vitamin D having a benefit beyond bone health.


11/01/11--11:13: Obese adolescents benefit from high-dose vitamin D supplements: High doses safely combat nutritional deficiencies, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Americans, and especially in overweight and obese adolescents, according to the National Institutes of Health. Researchers have found that providing obese adolescents with a high daily dose of vitamin D3 is safe and effective in improving their vitamin D status.


11/03/11--05:14: Low vitamin D common in spine surgery patients; Deficiency may hinder recovery (chan 2003797)

A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and patients with a deficiency can have difficulty producing new bone, which can, in turn, interfere with healing following spine surgery.


11/03/11--09:24: Caucasians who avoid sun exposure more likely to be vitamin D deficient, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Light-skinned people who avoid the sun are twice as likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency as those who do not, according to a study of nearly 6,000 people. Surprisingly, the use of sunscreen did not significantly affect blood levels of vitamin D, perhaps because users were applying too little or too infrequently, researchers speculate.


11/13/11--11:12: Low vitamin C levels may raise heart failure patients' risk (chan 2003797)

Low levels of vitamin C were associated with higher levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein and shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death for heart failure patients, in recent research.


11/14/11--14:39: Low vitamin D levels may be associated with recurrent inflammatory spinal cord disease (chan 2003797)

Vitamin D levels are significantly lower in patients with recurrent inflammatory spinal cord disease, according to a new study.


11/21/11--16:40: Chew gum, lose weight? Hormone that helps people feel 'full' after eating can be delivered into bloodstream orally (chan 2003797)

Scientists have demonstrated, for the first time, that a critical hormone that helps people feel "full" after eating can be delivered into the bloodstream orally.


12/05/11--05:22: Low vitamin D levels may contribute to development of Type 2 diabetes (chan 2003797)

A recent study of obese and non-obese children found that low vitamin D levels are significantly more prevalent in obese children and are associated with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.


12/14/11--06:46: Microbial contamination found in orange juice squeezed in bars and restaurants, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Scientists have analyzed fresh orange juice squeezed by machines in catering establishments. They have confirmed that 43% of samples exceeded the acceptable enterobacteriaceae levels laid down by legislation. The researchers recommend that oranges are handled correctly, that juicers are washed properly and that the orange juice is served immediately rather than being stored in metal jugs.


12/15/11--10:58: Scientists discover second-oldest gene mutation (chan 2003797)

A new study has identified a gene mutation that researchers estimate dates back to 11,600 B.C., making it the second oldest human disease mutation known. The mutation was described in people of Arabic, Turkish and Jewish ancestry. It causes a rare, inherited vitamin B12 deficiency. The mutation originated in a single, prehistoric individual and was passed down to that individual's descendants. The discovery should permit reliable genetic diagnosis of suspected cases of Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome.


12/20/11--10:37: Scientists identify an innate function of vitamin E (chan 2003797)

It's rubbed on the skin to reduce signs of aging and consumed by athletes to improve endurance but scientists now have the first evidence of one of vitamin E's normal body functions. The powerful antioxidant found in most foods helps repair tears in the plasma membranes that protect cells from outside forces and screen what enters and exits, new research shows.


12/21/11--07:58: Myths and truths of obesity and pregnancy (chan 2003797)

Ironically, despite excessive caloric intake, many obese women are deficient in vitamins vital to a healthy pregnancy. This and other startling statistics abound when obesity and pregnancy collide. Together, they present a unique set of challenges that women and their doctors must tackle in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mom and baby.


12/21/11--11:07: Vitamin therapy can still reduce stroke, researchers contend (chan 2003797)

Medical researchers argue that vitamin therapy still has a role to play in reducing stroke.


12/29/11--06:20: Alzheimer's: Diet patterns may keep brain from shrinking (chan 2003797)

People with diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients, according to a new study.


01/05/12--10:16: Low vitamin D levels linked to depression, psychiatrists report (chan 2003797)

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists.


01/10/12--07:20: 70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels, experts say (chan 2003797)

A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption.


01/17/12--11:52: Vitamin D could help combat the effects of aging in eyes (chan 2003797)

Researchers have found that vitamin D reduces the effects of aging in mouse eyes and improves the vision of older mice significantly. The researchers hope that this might mean that vitamin D supplements could provide a simple and effective way to combat age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, in people.


01/18/12--08:20: Contact lenses provide extended pain relief to laser eye surgery patients (chan 2003797)

Scientists are reporting development of contact lenses that could provide a continuous supply of anesthetic medication to the eyes of patients who undergo laser eye surgery -- an advance that could relieve patients of the burden of repeatedly placing drops of medicine into their eyes every few hours for several days.


01/24/12--06:27: First complete 3D visualization of vitamin D receptor (chan 2003797)

For the first time, scientists have obtained a high-resolution, full 3D image of a small but vital molecule locked up within our cells: the vitamin D receptor.


01/24/12--11:03: Genetic variation increases risk of metabolic side effects in children on some antipsychotics (chan 2003797)

Researchers have found a genetic variation predisposing children to six-times greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome when taking second-generation anti-psychotic medications. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study showed a close association with two conditions in particular: high blood pressure and elevated fasting blood sugar levels, which is a precursor to diabetes.


01/25/12--07:19: New standard for vitamin D testing to ensure accurate test results (chan 2003797)

At a time of increasing concern about low vitamin D levels in the world's population and increased use of blood tests for the vitamin, scientists are reporting development of a much-needed reference material to assure that measurements of vitamin D levels are accurate.


01/26/12--07:16: Antiretroviral drugs guard against HIV but may lead to birth defects (chan 2003797)

HIV-positive mothers have been able to guard against transmitting the disease to their babies by taking antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. Although the drugs prevent children from being born with HIV, they could cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. A new study explores any links between antiretroviral prophylaxis and cleft lip and palate.


01/27/12--10:59: Research on vitamins could lead to the design of novel drugs to combat malaria (chan 2003797)

New research could lead to the design of more effective drugs to combat malaria. The research will enable scientists to learn more about the nature of the enzymes required for vitamin biosynthesis by the malaria causing pathogen Plasmodium. Vitamins are essential nutrients required in small amounts, the lack of which leads to deficiencies. Many pathogenic microorganisms produce vitamins, and these biosynthetic pathways may provide suitable targets for development of new drugs.


01/29/12--12:11: Stealthy leprosy pathogen evades critical vitamin D-dependent immune response (chan 2003797)

Researchers discovered that the leprosy pathogen Mycobacterium leprae was able to evade immune activity that is dependent on vitamin D, a natural hormone that plays an essential role in the body's fight against infections. A better understanding of how these pathogens can escape the immune system may be helpful in designing more effective therapies.


02/03/12--08:33: Lower levels of sunlight exposure link to allergy and eczema in children, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study.


02/03/12--11:15: Regular use of vitamin and mineral supplements could reduce the risk of colon cancer, study suggests (chan 2003797)

Could the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in a regular diet help to reduce the risk of colon cancer and protect against carcinogens? A study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that rats given regular multivitamin and mineral supplements showed a significantly lower risk of developing colon cancer when they were exposed to carcinogens.


02/07/12--09:18: New anti-aging treatments make it easier to turn back the clock (chan 2003797)

As we age, our skin undergoes a number of changes affecting its texture, volume and appearance. Fortunately, dermatologists can use fillers or lasers to correct the most notable signs of aging and can recommend skin care products with added ingredients that can further repair damaged skin.


02/07/12--10:37: Vitamin D deficiency high among trauma patients (chan 2003797)

New research has found that 77 percent of trauma patients had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D.