research notes
Seniors stay happy with vitamin B
Findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (June, 2010) have found that increased intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce the risk of seniors developing depressive symptoms. The study, which involved 3,500 men and women over the age of 65, demonstrated how the risk of developing symptoms of depression decreased by 2 per cent per year for every 10mg increase in intake of vitamin B6, and for every 10mcg increase in vitamin B12. The benefits appeared to be linked to supplemental intakes of vitamin B, rather than increased dietary intakes. Vitamin B12 may inhibit the accumulation of homocysteine, which may lead to toxic reactions that enhance depression. Studies indicate that around 52 per cent of depressed patients have raised levels of homocysteine.
Ginger may reduce post-exercise pain
Researchers from the University of Georgia have great news for exercise converts and professional athletes – supplementing with raw or heat-treated Ginger reduced muscle pain intensity 24 hours after exercise. Their studies showed that exercise-induced pain was reduced by 25 per cent after daily supplements of 2g of raw Ginger, and by 23 per cent after supplementation with 2g heat-treated form.
The researchers suggested that Ginger (Zingiber officinale) may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Low vitamin D leads to low muscle strength
Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, leading to lower muscle strength, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The study of 90 healthy young women aged between 16 and 22 found that almost 60 per cent had low vitamin D, despite being exposed to adequate sunshine. The muscle fat levels were higher in these women, compared with women with normal vitamin D levels. On exposure to sunshine the body manufactures vitamin D and stores it for future need. However, in some northern hemisphere countries, sunshine levels are so weak during the winter months that no vitamin D at all is able to be made. In these instances, dietary supplements and fortified foods can be the best way to boost vitamin D intake.