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New research from the University of Texas has found that the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E may significantly reduce lung cancer risk, especially for those taking the highest levels of the supplement. The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reports that the alpha-tocopheral supplementation decreased lung cancer risks by over 50% in their recent study.

Vitamin E has eight different forms, the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols, and the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocotrienols. The current research suggests that the alpha-tocopherol alone reduced cancer risk, while the other tocopherols that were tested showed no effect by themselves. These are very important distinctions to be clear about, especially in light of the studies earlier this year which reported the opposite findings about vitamin E and lung cancer risks (the VITAL study). Summaries of these earlier findings did not detail the individual forms of vitamin E, while the new research findings from the Anderson Cancer Center does just that.

Alpha-tocopherol is currently the primary source in European dietary regimines, while gamma-tocopherol is the most prevelant in the American diet. It only stands to reason then that the wide-ranging survey conducted earlier this year in Washington for the VITAL study would not show the benefits which are believed to be specific to the alpha form of vitamin E. Consistent and independent reductions in lung cancer risk have been shown in the current studies at the University of Texas, an ongoing project whose most recent results were published in the most recent International Journal of Cancer. These new results are from the first study to compare the different forms of tocopherols and the associated risks for lung cancer, and so are a substantial contribution to knowledge in the field.

Making sure you are getting the right kind of vitamin E in this case is essential then, especially if you are currently or have in the past used tobacco products. It is a simple matter to check that you get the proper form of vitamin E, as every supplement you will consider will be clearly identified, front and back, as well as on the "Supplement Facts" label. One merely needs to look for Alpha Tocopherol (or Tocopheryl).

For more info about vitamin E and lung cancer risk, here are a few links for your consideration:

DSIB: Vitamin E

Orthomolecular.org: Vitamin E Prevents Lung Cancer

Nutria Ingredients: Vitamin E may slash lung cancer risk

This is the third installment of our series highlighting the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health ninth annual report on the significant advances in dietary supplement research. Today we will look at new items about research with selenium and folic acid.

Selenium and HIV
Selenium deficiency is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but the effects of selenium supplementation on this disease are as of yet not known. Last year Miami researchers began a controlled trial to shed some light on this promising lead.

After nine months of treatment with selenium supplementation, significant results were discovered. It appears that an increase in selenium levels are associated with decreasing HIV-1 viral loads, as well as increased CD4 counts, a measure of immunity. The supplementation cause no untoward or adverse events in test group. The overall results suggest that carefully controlled selenium supplementation suppresses the advance of HIV in those populations afflicted with HIV-1. Though more research into the subject is certainly needed, it appears that selenium supplementation may be a safe and inexpensive adjunct therapy for HIV.

DSIB: Selenium

Archives of Internal Medicine: Suppression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Viral Load With Selenium Supplementation

Folic Acid and Hearing
Folic acid, a B vitamin needed for cell replication and growth, is best known for its preventative properties against birth defects. It is now believed that it may play an essential role in preventing hearing loss in aging populations as well.

High blood homocysteine, which are generally associated with heart disease, has been linked to age-related hearing loss as well. Folic acid supplements have been found to reduce blood homocysteine levels, but their exact effects regarding hearing loss have been unclear until recently. Last year however, researchers in the Netherlands set out to determine if folic acid supplementation could slow atherosclerotic progression (age-related hearing loss). It appears that it may manage to slow the decline of hearing for low frequencies of sound, but the supplementation was not found to have a benefit for high frequencies. It is a promising beginning, and hopefully this positive finding is just the first in series of studies that are exploring the relationship between hearing loss and folic acid.

DSIB: Folic Acid

Annals of Internal Medicine: Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Hearing in Older Adults

Folic Acid and Blood Arsenic
More that 100,000,000 people are exposed to water sources contaminated with arsenic, increasing risks for illnesses and disease, including cancer. Fortunately, in the face of this rather disturbing figure, there is good news along with the unpleasant: Folic acid supplementation reduces blood arsenic levels.

Research in troubled areas of Bangladesh, where arsenic issues have been documented in the past, has found marked support for folic acid supplementation. Folic acid managed to detoxify and lower total blood arsenic levels significantly, and it is believed that this finding will make an important contribution in the future, helping to combat arsenic-induced illness and suffering.

DSIB: Folic Acid

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Folic acid supplementation lowers blood arsenic

For more of this series, check out part 1 and part 2.

Vitamin E is has a well earned reputation as an aid for heart health. With its ability to reduce the risk of heart attacks and blood clots, it is rightly elevated to the status of an essential in the diet of millions of Americans. But like many other incredibly useful supplements, the benefits of vitamin E are dependent on proper dosage.

As long as scientists have known of the benefits of vitamin E, they have known as well that an excess of vitamin E causes bleeding by interfering with vitamin K, an essential vitamin for blood clotting. Researchers have yet to map out exactly how the two vitamins interact, but they are coming closer day by day.

In this month's Nutrition Review, Oregon State University researcher Maret Traber takes a look at the possible explanations behind the interactions of the two vitamins. A principle text she used in her exploration of the question is the Harvard based Women's Health Study, in which 40,000 healthy women over 45 years old took part over the course of 10 years. The women were assigned to either a placebo group or to a group which received vitamin E supplements of 600 international units (IU) a day. Vitamin E's protective effect was strongest for women 65 and older, while across the entire population of the study, the vitamin E group had an astonishing 24% fewer deaths from heart disease. Amongst the older populations of the study, this number rose to a 49% reduction in deaths from heart disease!

“That’s a significant benefit,” Traber said. Indeed. Still, caution must be the byword in all medical situations: “In some people high doses of vitamin E increase the tendency to bleed. Women enrolled in the study had an increase in nose bleeds.”

With this in mind, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine set the limit off the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E at 1500 IU, still well above the modest amount that proved so beneficial in the Women's Health Study.

As to how or why the two individual vitamins interact, the jury is still out. Traber's reviews suggest that perhaps a shared metabolic pathway in the liver is the cause of the vitamin E and vitamin K interaction. As vitamin E increases in the liver, vitamin K declines. To fully understand this connection, more research is needed. In the meantime, it seems very prudent to take your vitamin E, and to take it within the recommended dosage guidelines.

DSIB: Vitamin E

DSIB: Vitamin K

Nutrition Reviews Abstract: Vitamin E and K interactions – a 50-year-old problem

This is the second installment of our series highlighting the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health ninth annual report on the significant advances in dietary supplement research. Today we will sum up a new items about research with garlic, green tea, and vitamin A.

Garlic and Heart Disease

It has long been known that garlic may reduced one's risks for heart disease by increasing reactive oxygen species, helping high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, platelet aggregation, and blood coagulation. How garlic does this however, has not been fully understood. When crushed, the allicin properties of garlic decompose into organic polysulfides. It has now been found that the polysulfides can then be metabolized, increasing the hydrogen sulfide in blood vessels. Hydrogen sulfide induces smooth muscle cell relaxation, as well as decreasing hypertension.

Only a handful of plants other than garlic contain these sulfur compounds, and garlic is the only one of these with a dietary use. With this new knowledge of what the active process is, researchers now believe that garlic supplements may be tailored based on their ability to produce hydrogen sulfide in relevant blood cells and tissues. This should bring about more efficient and reliable supplements, along with a firm, demonstrable case for including garlic in your long-term diet.

DSIB: Garlic

National Academy of Sciences: Hydrogen sulfide mediates the vasoactivity of garlic

Green Tea and Breast Cancer

Worldwide, green tea consumption is second only to water. Widely renown for its medicinal properties, green tea is a great source of polyphenols, especially the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols have antioxidant properties which are believed to be responsible for the majority of the health benefits found in green tea.

Green tea and lower incidences of breast cancer have been shown in many studies, as well as the relationship between the tea and the risk of recurring breast cancer.

It has now been identified for the first time that FOXO3a, a gene activated by EGCG, has a role in the inhibition of an invasive phenotype in breast cancer cells. This new research showed that EGCG works to repress of pathways available to the cancer activating cells, thus diminishing their ability to transform into cancerous tumors. These findings offer new molecular evidence for the understanding of the anticarcinogenic effect of green tea.

DSIB: Green Tea

Cancer Research: Activation of FOXO3a by the Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Induces Estrogen Receptor {alpha} Expression Reversing Invasive Phenotype of Breast Cancer Cells

Vitamin A Guidelines

In 2002 the International Vitamin A Consultative Group (IVACG) recommened that dosage for new mothers in vitamin A deficent areas be increased from previous World Health Organization (WHO) outlines which were set forth in 1997. A study conducted with young mother and infants in rural Gambia was undertaken to test the effectiveness and necessity of these new recommendations.

There was some concern that the increase in dosage might be dangerous, that vitamin A in such quantities might have negative interactions on immunization vaccines and generate oxidative stress.

These concerns did not bare out in the study, there were no adverse events from either set of procedures, but it was found that there were not any observable outcome differences between the IVACG recommendations and the previous WHO scheduling doses. While the results did not show an increased risk with the higher doses, the study supported reverting to the previous WHO recommendations, as there were no noticiable benefits to the higher doses at present.

DSIB: Vitamin A

Lancet: Effectiveness of an early supplementation scheme of high-dose vitamin a versus standard who protocol in gambian mothers and infants : a randomised controlled trial

For more of this series, check out part 1 and part 3.

The Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health have just released their ninth annual report on the significant advances in dietary supplement research, a summation of 25 selected breakthroughs in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) field. Over a series of posts here we'll sum up the principle findings for you, and link to some additional resources for each study. Hope you enjoy the first of our series!

It has long been accepted that due to fluctuating estrogen levels, menopausal and postmenopausal women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis. As various undesirable side effects from estrogen-replacement therapies have reared their heads over the years, alternative options have become increasingly popular. Genistein is an isoflavone and phytoestrogen found in soybeans which has been shown to aid in reducing bone loss levels in postmenopausal women. The benefits of genistein appear to be considerably age-based, as it has actually been correlated to negative results in younger populations, especially pregnant women. Despite this, when genistein was taken as a supplement in older women, it was found to help new bone formation and density, while decreasing bone loss. Additionally, genistein testing has shown favorable results for blood-sugar control and heart health.

DSIB: Genistein

Annals of Internal Medicine: Effects of the Phytoestrogen Genistein on Bone Metabolism in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Wome

Fenugreek seeds have been used since ancient times for both medical concerns and as a spice for cooking. It has been used for treating people suffering from diabetes, open wounds, abscesses, bronchitis, and digestive and kidney problems. Only recently though has the seed been scientifically evaluated for its anti-diabetic effects.

Alkaloids and proteins high in lysine are thought to be behind the seed's beneficial properties, and fiber content is thought to help lower blood sugar. Experimental testing on dogs and smaller mammals have shown that the fiber works to limit blood glucose levels and and enhance antioxidant levels. Fenugreek has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels without lowering "good" cholesterol (HDL).

Serum insulin and insulin secretion were unaffected by fiber supplementation, and research results indicated that the dietary fiber of fenugreek caused overall anti-diabetic effects and enhancement of peripheral insulin activity. Currently, nearly 8% of the US population is afflicted with some stage of diabetes.

DSIB: Fenugreek

British Journal of Nutrition: Soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed improves glucose homeostasis in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancing insulin action

Several species of the Salacia genus have long been used in Indian medicine. Uses have ranged from treating obesity and gonorrhea to alleviating asthma and rheumatism patients. Salacia oblonga in particular has gained popularity of late due to its potential for treating diabetics.

Recent research which tested the effects of Salacia oblonga has found that the root extract of the plant works to control glucose and insulin responses after high carbohydrate meals for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that Salacia may be very beneficial for managing glucose after meals, especially when the patient has been without food for a significant amount of time before the meal.

The American Journal of Clinicial Nutrition: Extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes

For more of the series, check out part 2 and part 3.

As fall and wintry weather descends upon us, researchers from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina have a simple solution to deal with the oncoming flu season: Onions!

Onions are rich in quercetin, a compound that boosts the immune system and may protect against influenza. Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called flavonoids, and in tests on animals it appears that the substance negates susceptibility to flu, countering the effects of physical stress that greatly increase the odds of becoming ill.

This recent research is an extension of programs that found last year that the flavonoid in quercetin could reduce the occurrence of illnesses for those who exercise extensively. It now appears that this may be applicable to all forms of physical stress. It is also thought that the compound could reduce blood tension in individuals with hypertension.

"Quercetin was used because of its documented widespread health benefits, which include antiviral activity, abundance in the diet and reported lack of side effects when used as a dietary supplement or food additive," said lead researcher Mark Davis.

So, if you're running about a lot, in an organized fashion or not, quercetin may be your best friend this fall. Further research is going ahead to see how quercetin may be optimized for health care. For the time being, adding onions to your diet is a grand idea. (And if onions aren't your thing, quercetin can be found in smaller amounts in apples, green tea, black tea, leafy green vegetables and beans.)

For more on this study have a look at the links below:

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology:
Quercetin reduces susceptibility to influenza infection following stressful exercise

NutraUSA: Apples and Onions

(Image: Time)

Recent research has found that tart cherries are beneficial to heart health and your waistline, and yogurt can greatly reduce the odds of bladder cancer.

To the cherries first: University of Michigan researchers studying tart cherries have found that high levels of antioxidants in the fruit help prevent heart disease. Additionally, in studies on obese rats, the fruit was found to reduce body fat by about 15%. The cherries have been observed to be particularly slimming around the waist area, the spot which contributes the greatly to heart disease risks. A newly minted superfruit, tart cherries also have the potential to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol, other major heart health concerns.

And have some yogurt with your cherries, why not - Swedish scientists have found that two servings of yogurt can reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by up to 40%. The study, published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, had a very large sample size and course, over 80,000 patients and nine years. Amongst these numbers they found that the risk of cancer in yogurt eating males decreased by 36%, while it decreased 45% for females. The findings did not extend their results for other dairy products however. Intake of yogurt is generally thought to be correlated with individuals who have healthier overall lifestyles, and it was noted that nearly half bladder cancer cases in men and a third in women are caused by smoking. Women are three times as likely to be inflicted with bladder cancer.

For more on the respective foods help yourself to the info below:

Eurekalert: Research identifies new link between tart cherries and risk factors for heart disease
The American Journal of Cultural Nutrition: Cultured milk, yogurt, and dairy intake in relation to bladder cancer risk
Nutra USA: Yogurt Can Benefit Bladder

According to researchers from Israel and Canada, people can receive vitamin D supplementation in mega monthly doses just as effectively as daily supplementation. Receiving a dose of vitamin D once every four weeks can ensure that you have enough of the vitamin circulating in your system, and monthly dosing can make it easier of people to stick with vitamin D supplementation.

There was some concern that large doses of vitamin D might cause the system to drastically increase calcium levels in the blood, a potentially dangerous situation, but the research shows this worry to be unfounded. As the study progressed no significant differences in calcium levels were found between daily, weekly, and monthly test groups. The only instance of a test subject having inflated calcium levels was actually someone assigned to the daily supplementation group.

The final findings concluded that vitamin D supplementation can be achieved with equal effectiveness for those receiving it daily, weekly, or monthly. With this laid out, it is apparent that the choice for how often individuals receive their doses should be based on whichever dose is easiest for them to keep up with long-term supplementation. If you are keen on your daily vitamins, once a day works as well as it always has, but now there is an option for those of us who may be less regimented. You can check out further info from the study itself, printed in the September 2008 issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, below:

JCEM: Abstract
JCEM: Author Manuscript

(From: sheffield.ac.uk)

One of the largest obstacles for many people who are trying to improve their diet is that eating is often a social event. For families, bettering nutrition and diet can be a complicated endeavor as there are likely to be different dietary needs for members of family units dependent on gender, weight, and age differences. The diverse nature of modern family life must be taken into account for dietary concerns, and yesterday researchers from the University of Sheffield sought to address this issue. Their points for the UK can easily be taken to heart by those of us here in the US.

Professor Jackson of the University of Sheffield said: "If government advice on healthy eating is to have a serious impact, it needs to be framed within a better understanding of the diversity of our everyday family lives. Policies and interventions have often looked to redress a perceived deficit in family relationships and practices (e.g. parenting skills). Although government policy makes some acknowledgement of the impact of poverty and other social factors, this often takes second place to the 'blame' culture."

Much of deficiency in diet is a result of heightened consumption of junk food, often laden with empty calories and egregious fat content--the thing is, these are items are by far the cheapest (and most heavily marketed) items available, and so it is no surprise if junk food is taking up larger portions in the diet of impovershed segments of the population. From the U of Sheffield's press release:

Most people are aware that they need to eat 'five-a-day' but many don't achieve these targets because they are forced to act within their circumstances. Poorer families may be acting rationally when serving 'junk' food to their children knowing that 'healthier' meals will simply go to waste. To truly improve the nation's diet a better understanding of social and cultural conventions is required in order to inform more effective health advice and social policy around families and food.

The preview release is a very interesting look into the socio-economical circumstances of diet, and when more is made available we will share it with you. Below are a link back to the EurekaAlert press release, the homepage for the Changing Families, Changing Food project, as well as a few more facts from the project's research.

University of Sheffield: Changing Families, Changing Food
Eureka Alert: Nutrition advice best served with family in mind

• While the emphasis on women's body size and shape is often seen as a current preoccupation, the research shows that women's magazines have been full of dietary advice since the 1940s, even though the nature of that advice has changed dramatically over time
• The introduction of 'Healthy Start' (food support benefit for pregnant women) has meant that a higher proportion of pregnant and postnatal women met the recommended intakes for key nutrients, like calcium, folate, iron and vitamin C but at a cost of a considerably increased calorie intake. The results also suggested that 'Healthy Start' women ate significantly more portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
• While many people have seen the decline of the 'family meal' as a sign of the breakdown of contemporary family life, the research suggests that even in the Edwardian period (in the early 1900s), family meals were a middle-class aspiration rarely achieved in practice

Nutra USA has an interesting series of articles up online right now about Gut Health. The topic of digestive health, with a focus on probiotics and prebiotics, is very informative, discussing over the course of the series the market, regulation, supply sources, and science behind these digestive health supplements.

One of the principle reasons those in the know are so excited about pro- and prebiotics is that in course of treatment, they have an incredibly quick effect on overall health. With nearly 100,000,000 people in the US alone suffering from digestive problems, these consistently functional supplements are certainly something to spread the word about. If you or someone you know has any digestive issues, this series of articles is a must-read.

DSIB: Probiotics
Market: How Global Consumers View Digestive Health
Regulation: Rules and Health Claims for Gut Health
Supply: Gut Health Supply Low Down
Science: The Wider Impacts of Gut Health