Research & Development In Brief
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Vitamins B, C, D, E are brain food
Use of vitamins B, C, D and E could help protect against the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, say the authors of a study in the Jan. 24 issue of Neurology. Older adults who consume more of the four vitamins score higher on global cognition function than those who consume less, according to researchers led by G.L. Bowman at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. They also found subjects who had more omega-3 fatty acids in their plasma had better executive function, while those with higher trans fat had worse cognitive function overall. For each one standard deviation increasing in plasma scores for vitamins B, C, D and E, the global cognition score increased 0.28 standard deviations, and for each standard deviation increase in trans fat plasma scores, subjects had a lower cognitive score of 0.3 standard deviation.
The researchers hypothesize the vitamins’ benefit could come from the antioxidants protecting the brain from atrophy and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis; reduction of β-secretase activity, oxidative stress and hyperhomocysteinemia-induced neurotoxicity; and by maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. They note the fish oil more likely mediates cognition through vascular mechanism, and the higher trans fats may aggravate cognitive function by displacing DHA in neuronal membranes and by increasing the risk of heart disease, systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Omega-3s, lutein, bilberry reduce eye strain
Daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, bilberry extract and lutein may lessen mental fatigue and symptoms of asthenopia, or eye strain, including stiff shoulders, frustration, dry-eye and stuffy head, Japanese researchers conclude. A study in a recent Biomedical Research journal found the ratio of docosahexaenoic to arachidonic fatty acids was significantly higher when the 20 subjects took the supplement combination daily. The subjects’ visual analog scale scores measuring mental fatigue also dropped from more than 50 to less than 40 on average.
The researchers hypothesize DHA supplementation enhanced blood flow of forearm microcirculation – alleviating stiff shoulders and lower back pain. The DHA also could improve their mood based on other research, the authors hypothesize. They also speculate the lutein may ease eye flicker and fatigue by increasing macular pigmentation. They say anthocyanidin in the bilberry may enhance rhodopsin regeneration in the eye, alleviating the same symptoms.
Soybean isoflavone eases menopausal symptoms
A compound derived from daidzein, an isoflavone found in whole soybeans, could reduce or prevent hot flashes and muscle stiffness associated with menopause, Japanese researchers conclude in a study in the Journal of Women’s Health. Researchers led by Takeshi Aso, at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University School of Medicine, found supplementation of 5 mg of the compound, which they identify as “s-(-)equol,” twice a day for 12 weeks reduced hot flush frequency 58.7% compared to baseline. The placebo reduced hot flashes only 34.5% compared to baseline in the multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 160 equol nonproducing, postmenopausal Japanese women. The researchers also found the 77 women who took the supplement experienced significantly less neck and shoulder muscle stiffness.
The researchers did not postulate why s-(-)equol – 7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman – reduced hot flashes, but they hypothesize the supplement decreased muscle stiffness by inducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the mitogen-activated protein kinase system. According to the authors, when certain bacteria are present in the human digestive tract, s-(-)equol is created from the natural conversion of daidzein. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., of Japan, provided the s-(-)equol and financial support for the study.
Micronutrients improve skin appearance
Micronutrient supplementation can improve skin texture and structure by increasing microcirculation, according to a recent Skin Pharmacology and Physiology study. The double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized study found the 26 women who took four JuicePlus+ Fruit Blend and Vegetable Blend supplements daily for 12 weeks experienced a 39% increase in microcirculation of the superficial plexus. This translated to a 9% increase in skin hydration, 6% increase in skin thickness and 16% increase in skin density. The 26 women in the placebo group saw a 31% decrease in cutaneous blood flow during the period and hydration did not change. Skin density increased 7% in the control group.
The active ingredients in the supplement, supplied by manufacturer NSA, of Collierville, Tenn., provided a daily total of 7.5 mg β-carotene, 46 mg vitamin E, 200 mg vitamin C and 400 µg folic acid. The results suggest supplementation with the nutrients could counteract the natural decrease in skin density and thickness due to aging, according to the researchers led by Ulrike Heinrich, of the Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany.