Despite a preponderance of articles vindicating the need to supplement some nutrients, we still see negative studies that plant doubt and confusion in people less informed. Such studies tend to be sponsored by pharmaceuticals. They often choose the wrong cohorts to minimize the salutary effects of supplementation. Fortunately, positive articles are readily available. See below. Hugo Rodier, MD
Vitamin K2 reduces nocturnal leg cramps in older adults
“Healio (11/7/24, Amorosi) reports “vitamin K2 reduced the frequency, intensity and duration of nocturnal leg cramps in older adults, findings from” a randomized study showed. Researchers found that “study participants who received vitamin K2 supplements had markedly fewer episodes of nocturnal leg cramps compared with placebo and no treatment-related adverse effects.” The findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.”
Comment: low vitamin K2 is a result of suboptimal consumption of cruciferous vegetables. Squash, peas and okra, kale, spinach, artichokes are high in magnesium, which also help with leg cramps. GABA may also help.
Pediatric migraine drugs more effective with vitamin supplements
November 06, 2024
“Supplementing pregabalin and topiramate with vitamin B2 or D enhanced their efficacy for preventing pediatric migraines. No drugs had a significant impact on participants’ quality of life. Meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open.”
Comment: vitamin B2, vitamin D3 and others have been shown to have salutary effects on practically all body functions.
Vitamin D supplements lower blood pressure in seniors with obesity
“HealthDay (11/12/24, Thompson) reports, “Vitamin D supplements might lower blood pressure in seniors” with obesity, “reducing their heart health risk, a new study says.” Researchers found that “taking more than the recommended daily dose will not provide additional health benefits.” The findings were published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.”
Comment: I don’t agree with the advice not to take more than the recommended dose. Better to check blood levels. Some patients need more vitamin D, particularly those who live in northern latitudes and have darker skin.
Fish oil may help protect people from cancer
“HealthDay (11/5/24 Thompson) reports, “The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in fish oil supplements might help protect people from cancer, a new study claims.” Investigators found that “participants with higher levels of omega-3s had lower rates of colon, stomach, lung and other digestive tract cancers.” The data also indicated that “high omega-6 levels led to lower rates of 14 different cancers, including brain, melanoma, bladder and more.” The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer.”
Comment: the positive effect of omega oils on our immune-detox system is well documented, especially in people on diets high in processed oils like trans-fats.
People who consumed limited amounts of sugar early in life are less likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure decades later
“The New York Times (10/31/24, Kolata) reports, “People who were restricted to limited amounts of sugar in the first few years of life were less likely to develop diabetes and high blood pressure decades later, a new study has found.” Researchers “reported that those exposed to sugar rationing early in life had a 35% lower risk of diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure in middle age.” Study results indicate that “the onset of those chronic diseases was also delayed by four years for diabetes and two years for high blood pressure.” The findings were published in Science.”
Comment: high sugar in the blood stream leads to stiffening of the arteries. Ask your dry cleaner—he/she uses starch to stiffen up your shirts and blouses. See below.
High-sugar diet worsen cognition, cardiometabolic health
Healio Minute, August 06, 2024
“Consuming a high-sugar diet over 10 days was associated with memory issues as well as negative cardiometabolic health compared with a low-sugar diet. “We’re interested in lifestyle/behavioral factors, but modifiable risk factors, like diet, are aspects that are a little bit more controllable,” Kevin P. Decker, PhD. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.”
Comment: supporting circulation to the brain is vital for its function. Diabetes Type III now refers to poor circulation to the brain secondary to high sugar levels in the blood.
Eliminating these 14 risk factors may prevent nearly half of dementia cases
Healio Minute, July 31, 2024
“Tackling 14 risk factors for dementia in childhood could prevent or delay nearly half of cases worldwide, according to a report from the Lancet Commission presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. These include two risk factors — high cholesterol and vision loss — newly identified by the commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care.”
Nourishing the mind: Fasting for brain health
J. Cell Metabolism June 2024, page 1635
“Aging and obesity are intertwined in a vicious circle that leads to declining general and brain-specific functions. Kapogiannis and colleagues demonstrate that implementing just 8 weeks of two distinct low-calorie regimes can enhance cognition and biochemical markers of aging in older people with obesity.”
Comment: again, brain health is all about reducing inflammation and improving circulation. A health low calorie diet will do that.
Midlife Residential Greenness and Late-Life Cognitive Decline among Nurses’ Health Study Participants
J. Environmental Health Perspectives 2024;132, Issue 7
“Midlife residential exposure to greenspace may slow cognitive decline by increasing opportunities for physical activity and social connection, restoring attention, or reducing stress or adverse environmental exposures. Higher midlife greenness exposure is associated with slower cognitive decline later in life.”
Comment: we love trees!
Sex hormones in the gut soar during pregnancy — thanks to busy bacteria
J. Nature, 31 May 2024
“Two species in the gut microbiome transform corticosteroids into progestins, which can affect mood and behavior.”
Comment: what women eat affects pregnant women’s mood through the microbiome. Have pickles handy.
Altered Microbial Transcription in Long-term PPI Use
J. Gastroenterology online: March 21, 2024, p405-408.e3
“Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to reduce gastric hydrochloric acid to treat disorders related to acid exposure, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease. Although PPIs are often prescribed for long-term use and generally considered safe, they may exert evolutionary pressure on gut microbial communities through altered host immunity, increased gastric pH, and disruption of the gastric acid barrier.”
Comment: and they curtail absorption/digestion of key nutrients.
