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Research Roundup
| Vitamin D could half pancreatic cancer risk |
Researchers from Northwestern and Harvard Universities report that a daily supplement of Vitamin D could cut the risk of pancreatic cancer in half.
According to Cancer Research UK, about 7,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK, which affects both men and women equally.
The study examined data from 46,771 men aged 40 to 75 years who took part in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, and 75,427 women aged 38 to 65 years who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. Overall 365 cases of pancreatic cancer were identified.
It was found that people taking vitamin D (400 IU/day) reduced the risk of pancreatic cancer by 43 per cent. Less than 150 IU/day was associated with a 22 per cent risk reduction.
"In concert with laboratory results suggesting anti-tumour effects of vitamin D, our results point to a possible role for vitamin D in the prevention and possible reduction in mortality of pancreatic cancer," said Skinner.
Skinner et al. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, 2006 15: 1688-1695
Lifeplan produce Vitamin D 400iu in tablets, in an easy absorbable form, which provides 200% of the Recommended Daily Allowance.
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| Chromium picolinate cut weight gain in diabetes |
A daily supplement of chromium picolinate, in combination with a common anti-diabetic medication, could improve blood sugar levels as well as cutting weight gain by 60 per cent, says a US clinical trial.
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that occurs naturally in small amounts in some foods. It is poorly absorbed by the human body but is known to play an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein.
The study recruited 27 type-2 diabetics and prescribed them to receive the anti-diabetic medication with placebo (sugar) for three months. Subjects were then to receive the medication plus either placebo (12 subjects) or 1,000 micrograms of chromium picolinate (17 subjects) for a further six months.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that people receiving the chromium supplements gained significantly less weight than those in the placebo group. Body weight and total abdominal fat also improved in the supplemented group, compared to placebo.
"Chromium picolinate supplementation significantly attenuated body weight gain and visceral fat accumulation compared with the placebo group", concluded the researcher.
Julie Martin et al. Journal of Diabetes Care, 2006. Vol. 29, pp. 1826-1832
Chromium is often lacking in the UK diet due to modern food processing techniques and a refined diet.
Lifeplan produce Chromium Picolinate200ug capsules, in a highly bioavailable form.
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| Omega-3 fatty acid may reduce dementia risk |
Increased bloods levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) could slash the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease suggests a study from the US.
The research adds to a growing body of science linking intake of the omega-3 fatty acids, mainly DHA, to improved cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and currently affects over 13 million people worldwide.
The aim of the study was to assess the association between DHA levels and dementia. 899 men and women (average age 76) took part in the study and were part of the population-based Framingham Heart Study.
After an average of nine years of follow-up, the researchers documented 99 cases of dementia, including 71 with Alzheimer's disease.
After dividing the participants into 4 groups depending on their DHA intake, researchers found that the group who consumed the highest levels of DHA had a 47 per cent lower risk of developing dementia and 39 per cent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than those in the groups with lower DHA levels.
Martha Clare Morris from the Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago said the study "provides the first evidence that direct measure of DHA in human plasma is related to lower Alzheimer disease risk."
Ernst Schaefer et al. Archives of Neurology, 2006. Vol. 63, pp. 1545-1550
Lifeplan supply Omega 3 Concentrated Fish Oils, which contain a high level of Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Alternatively, Flaxseed Oil and Flaxseed capsules are available, which are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and are registered with the Vegan Society.
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Company registration number : 1843973 Vat Number : 424319372
Registered Office : Unit 1 Elizabethan Way, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4ND
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