In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, researchers evaluated the effect of grape seed procyanidin intake on rats fed a high-fat diet. High fat diets are known to cause an increase in inflammation that is often related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Rats were randomly grouped to receive a low-fat (LF) diet, a high-fat (HF) diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with procyanidins from grape seed (HFPE) for 19 weeks. C-reactive protein (CRP) and other compounds that are considered markers for inflammation were measured.

High levels of CRP are an indication of inflammation, and as expected, rats fed the HF diet showed an enhanced production of CRP. In contrast, the rats fed the high-fat diet with added grape seed showed a decrease in plasma CRP. Decreased plasma CRP was attributed to grape seed procyanidins decreasing synthesis of CRP in the liver. Grape seed extract was also related to an increase in adiponectin, an antiinflammatory compound.

These results suggest a beneficial effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders related to inflammation.

Source: J Nutr Biochem 2009 Mar;20(3):210-8

It has been hypothesised that dietary changes associated with a westernised lifestyle may have contributed to the increase in asthma in the developed world. Epidemiological evidence of an inverse association of dietary fruit intake with pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms suggests that dietary antioxidants may modify the development of respiratory disease in susceptible individuals.

Previous studies found that symptomatic asthma in adults is associated with a low dietary intake of fruit, the antioxidant nutrients vitamin C and manganese, and low plasma vitamin C levels.

A new meta-analysis review also suggests that a low dietary intake of vitamin A and C increases the risk of asthma. 40 studies (up to November 2007) of asthma, wheeze, or airway responsiveness in relation to intakes and serum concentrations of vitamins A, C and E were included in this latest review.

Dietary vitamin A intake was significantly (182µg/day) lower at in people with asthma compared to those without asthma; and vitamin A intake was 344µg/day lower in patients with severe asthma compared to those with mild asthma. Lower serum levels of vitamin C were also associated with an increased occurrence of asthma. Vitamin E intake was generally unrelated to asthma status but was significantly lower in people with severe asthma compared to people with mild asthma.

These findings suggest that diet may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of asthma.

Sources: Thorax April 2009 online; Thorax 2006;61;388-393

Multivitamins and Healthy Immune Function

Adequate nutrient intakes are required for the immune system to function efficiently. A good multivitamin can enhance the immune system by supporting the body’s natural defenses on both a structural and cellular level.

An article published in the British Journal of Nutrition summarizes the roles of select vitamins and trace elements in immune function. Adequate intakes of micronutrients are required for the immune system to function efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency suppresses immunity by affecting antibody responses, leading to imbalances in the immune system. This situation increases susceptibility to infections, which increases disease and death risk. In addition, infections aggravate micronutrient deficiencies by reducing nutrient intake, increasing losses, and interfering with utilization by altering metabolic pathways. Inadequate intakes of micronutrients are common in people with eating disorders, smokers (active and passive), individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, certain diseases, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the elderly.

Micronutrients contribute to the body’s natural defenses on three levels by supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa), cellular immunity, and antibody production. Vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral zinc assist in enhancing the skin barrier function. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folic acid, and the minerals iron, zinc, copper and selenium work synergistically to support the protective activities of the immune cells. Finally, all these micronutrients, with the exception of vitamin C and iron, are essential for the production of antibodies.

Overall, inadequate intake and status of these vitamins and minerals may lead to a suppressed immune system, which increases the risk of infections and aggravates malnutrition. Therefore, supplementation with a multivitamin that includes these micronutrients can support the body’s natural defense system by enhancing all three levels of immunity.

Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.

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Research finds glucosamine as effective as ibuprofen for treating TMJ pain.

The randomized double-blind study included 45 adults that received either glucosamine sulfate at 1,500 mg per day or ibuprofen at 1,200 mg per day for 90 days. Assessments included: TMJ pain with function, pain-free, and voluntary maximum mouth opening, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire, and masticatory (chewing) muscle tenderness. Tests were performed at the beginning and at day 90. Acetaminophen (500 mg) given for breakthrough pain was counted every 30 days to Day 120.

Positive clinical responses were seen in 71% of the glucosamine sulfate group and 61% of the ibuprofen group. Patients taking glucosamine sulfate had a significantly greater decrease in TMJ pain with function, effect of pain, and acetaminophen used between Day 90 and 120 compared with patients taking ibuprofen.

Glucosamine sulfate and ibuprofen both reduced pain levels in patients with TMJ degenerative joint disease, but glucosamine sulfate had a significantly greater influence in reducing both pain produced during function and effect of pain with daily activities. Researchers also noted that glucosamine sulfate had a carryover effect.

Source: J Rheumatology 2001 Jun;28(6):1347-55

Where can I find a safe vitamin product to take?

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The frustrating aspect of science is that it is never clear.

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Accordingly to 3 independent medical journals that published major scientific reviews during the period between 1990 and 2003, they say that nearly a 3rd of the results did not hold up.

Where can we find the top brands?

In a in-depth study into the comparison of nutritional supplements, Dr Lyle MacWilliam Msc,FP, goes through a number of products that were seen to have high levels of toxicity and failed to dissolve properly in the body.

For people who care about their health this study can be a useful guide in determining what vitamins can be trusted.

Packed with the latest clinical studies on oxidative stress, inflamation and degenerative diseases, this resource can be very useful.

How The Comparisions Were Done

In the NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements Dr Lyle MacWilliam has created the Blended Standard as the bench mark to rate all nutritional products on the market.

You can access his work here to the right.

What is the best brands of women vitamins on the market?

The top best 5 brands are:

• Which Company…….  97.8 per cent … Get our newsletter to find out
• Solgar Omnium 56.7 per cent
• Thorn Research Al’s Formula 47 per cent
• Clinician Vitamin and Mineral Boost 45 percent
• NFS Nutraceuticals Ultimate Sports Multi 44.5

The best rated vitamins for women have to pass a ten point test for us to be confident that we are getting what we need for our body where women vitamins are concerned.

Where can we find the top brands? All the information is in our newsletter. See what you get by subscribing to our health tips.