Summary This publication collects recent findings focusing on the anti-toxicity and cancer-preventive properties of selenium and their implications in conventional therapies. The researchers shed light on unintended side effects in chemotherapy and the developments of novel combinatorial chemotherapeutics with selenium compounds. It was concluded that selenium had anti-cancer and protective effects. Further details can be…
Summary This article collects studies on the relationship between carotenoids intake and the risk of esophageal cancer. 10 studies including 1,958 patients with esophageal cancer and 4,529 people without cancer were analyzed. The results suggested that higher intake of carotenoids was associated with lower risk of esophageal cancer. More details can be found in the…
Summary This study analyzed the effects of omega3 fatty acids on inflammation and immune function in patients following esophageal cancer surgery. 60 patients with esophageal cancer were divided into 2 groups (30 patients in each group): in one group, omega 3 fatty acids were added to parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding). The results showed that omega…
Summary The goal of this study was to analyze the influence of daily vitamin consumption on the frequency of esophageal cancer. 99 patients with esophageal carcinoma were compared with 50 people without cancer. The results showed that low intake of vitamins C and E correlated significantly with the development of esophageal cancer. More details can…
Summary Post-surgery infections are the major cause of prolonged hospitalization in patients with tumor of the esophagus. This study evaluated the administration of immune-enhancing nutrients prior to esophageal surgery. A total of 123 patients were investigated. The results suggested that the administration of immune-enhancing nutrients reduced infections and shortened the hospitalization. Further details can be…
Summary This study evaluated the role of vitamin D and beta carotene in the development of esophageal cancer. Data from 100 patients and 200 healthy people were collected by means of questionnaires. The results showed that high blood levels of vitamin D and beta carotene were associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer. More…
Summary This study tested the capability of vitamin B3 (niacin) in treating altered blood fats (dyslipidemias) in diabetic patients. 42 diabetic patients with dyslipidemias were treated with vitamin B3. The results showed that vitamin B3 was effective against dyslipidemias, and it should be considered as an important drug to treat altered blood fats in diabetic…
Summary This study investigated the association between vitamin D blood levels and risk of getting colon cancer. Data from 34 patients were compared with data from 67 participants without cancer. The results showed that the risk of colon cancer decreased in people with higher blood levels of vitamin D. Further details can be found in…
Summary This article focuses on the relationship between calcium intake and the risk of colorectal adenoma. Adenoma is an alteration of cells in which a cancer can arise. Data were collected from different studies and the results showed that calcium intake can decrease the risk of colorectal adenomas. Further details can be found in the…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between blood levels of beta carotene and cancer of the cervix (lower part of the uterus) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (early stage of the tumor). Levels of beta carotene were measured in the blood and cells of a group of women. The results showed that beta carotene was found…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of a nutrient mixture (lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid and green tea extract) on bladder cancer. The experiments were performed using human cells. The researchers concluded that this special nutrient mixture is an excellent candidate for therapeutic use in the treatment of bladder cancer. More details can be found…
Summary The brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients contain amyloid plaques, which are believed to play a key role in the development of this brain disease. This study tested the ability of resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound found in red wine, peanuts, soy beans and pomegranates, in reducing amyloid plaques. Mice were fed resveratrol for 45…
Summary The process of Alzheimer’s disease begins years before disease onset. Scientists have therefore stressed the importance to search for strategies that allow the early prevention of this disease. This study evaluated whether omega-3 fatty acids are able to protect memory functions in healthy older adults. In course of the study, 44 healthy individuals aged…
Summary Omega-3 fatty acids are a key group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found in oily fish and fish oils. They have been proven to provide many health benefits, including improving learning and memory. This scientific publication investigated the association between brain function and the intake of fish and polyunsaturated fatty acids. 21 studies with…
Summary This study evaluated whether omega-3 fatty acids can improve mental performance in patients with Alzheimer´s disease. Mental performance was evaluated in 174 Alzheimer´s disease patients who were given either omega-3 fatty acids or a placebo for 6 months. Subsequently, all participants received omega-3 fatty acids for additional 6 months. The results showed that the…
Summary The progression of Alzheimer’s disease is linked to two factors: the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (highly selective barrier that separates blood from the brain) and the dysfunction of mitochondria (organelles placed in the cells that are involved in energy production). Vitamin C has been reported to function as a modulator of blood-brain barrier…
Summary SPMs (“specialized pro-resolving mediators”) are a group of compounds that are derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is why they also have beneficial effects on Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is associated with brain inflammation and reduced levels of SPMs. The present study evaluated the effects…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between the intakes of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and developing osteoporosis. Vitamin and mineral intakes were estimated from a three-day food record in 120 children. The researchers found that intakes of vitamin D, calcium and potassium were inadequate, whereas sodium intake was considered to be too high. In conclusion,…
Summary This review examined the efficacy of magnesium supplementation on arrhythmias among children undergoing heart surgery. 5 studies were investigated and a total of 348 participants were included. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced arrhythmias in children undergoing heart surgery. More details can be found in the study. References Hee Young Lee, Saurav Ghimire, Eun…
Summary Many heart attack patients have low blood levels of magnesium which, in turn, are associated with heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias). This study analyzed the effect of magnesium supplementation on 118 patients with arrhythmias. It was found that magnesium was able to improve heart rhythm in a number of patients. Based on their results…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on atrial fibrillation, which is a common form of irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia). 2174 healthy men were involved. The results showed that an increased concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood can protect against atrial fibrillation. Further details can be found in the study.…
Summary This study investigated the effects of the amino acid arginine on peripheral vascular disease, a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. 39 patients were given either arginine, a conventional drug or no treatment for 3 weeks. The results showed that arginine improved the symptoms of peripheral arterial…
Summary High levels of the amino acid homocysteine increase the risk of atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the relationship between homocysteine, atherosclerosis and B vitamins. 750 patients with vascular disease were compared with 800 healthy people. Blood levels of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 were determined. The results showed that lower levels of folate…
Summary This study evaluated the effect of vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplementation in patients with heart failure. 9 patients were given vitamin B1 or a placebo for 28 days. The results showed that vitamin B1 had beneficial effects on the heart function of the studied heart failure patients. Further details can be found in the study.…
Summary This research collected studies on the use of dietary supplements in the management of high blood pressure and diabetes. The studies showed that micronutrients were effective and safe substitutes for toxic and expensive conventional drugs. Moreover, it turned out that micronutrients are generally free from side effects. The authors therefore concluded that dietary supplements…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between the intakes of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and developing high blood pressure. Vitamin and mineral intakes were estimated from a three-day food record in 120 children. The researchers found that intakes of vitamin D, calcium and potassium were inadequate, whereas sodium intake was considered to be too high.…
Summary The aim of this study was to examine whether vitamin C is capable of reducing inflammation in obese adults with high blood pressure and/or diabetes. 64 patients were given either 500 mg vitamin C twice a day or no treatment. The results showed that vitamin C reduced inflammation in obese patients with high blood…
Summary The current study analyzed the effect of vitamin D in enhancing the immune system against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that induces tuberculosis. It was reported that T cells (white blood cells that are important for the immune system) can fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis with the help of vitamin D. The experiment were performed with cells.…
Summary This study investigated the blood levels of vitamin A in 100 HIV-positive and HIV-negative tuberculosis patients and 144 blood donors. The results showed that vitamin A deficiency is common in tuberculosis and HIV infection, particularly in those patients who are infected with both diseases. It was also found that nutritional supplementation can be beneficial…
Summary In this study the association between vitamin A deficiency and tuberculosis was investigated. 300 participants were categorized as mild tuberculosis and severe tuberculosis. The results showed that severe tuberculosis was associated with vitamin A deficiency. Further details can be found in the study. References T A Pakasi, E Karyadi, Y Wibowo, Y Simanjuntak, N M D Suratih, M Salean, N…
Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation in tuberculosis patients. 67 patients were given either vitamin D or a placebo. The results showed that all patients receiving vitamin D supplementation had “sputum conversion”, which is an analysis indicating that tuberculosis patients are cured. Further details can be…
Summary This study investigated the blood levels of zinc in tuberculosis patients, with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis therapy. 50 tuberculosis patients and 30 healthy participants were included and tested for their zinc levels. The authors found that zinc can boost the immune system if applied during the course of treatment, thereby…
Summary The present study estimated the blood levels of zinc and albumin (protein) in tuberculosis patients with and without HIV and compared them with the levels in healthy family members. The results showed that zinc and albumin levels were significantly low in tuberculosis patients – irrespective of their HIV status – and that both levels…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between oxidative stress (imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defenses of the body), tuberculosis and the role of green tea extract in repairing the damage caused by oxidative stress. The experiments were performed with mice. The results showed that there are high levels of oxidative…
Summary This study analysed oxidative stress – the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body´s ability to counteract their harmful effects through antioxidants – in tuberculosis patients, which is a predisposing factor for renal stone formation. Patients were divided in four groups: healthy people, tuberculosis patients a day before treatment, tuberculosis patients…
Summary This study evaluated the blood levels of antioxidants (vitamins C, E and glutathione) in tuberculosis patients and healthy persons. Reduced levels of antioxidants were found in tuberculosis patients who, consequently, were more susceptible to oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body´s antioxidant defences. More details can…
Summary This review collected scientific studies on the effects of arginine and vitamin D against tuberculosis. It was shown that arginine and vitamin D can reduce treatment time, reduce infectivity and improve treatment efficacy against drug-resistant tuberculosis. Further details can be found in the study. References Anna P Ralph, Paul M Kelly, Nicholas M Anstey Link…
Summary This study evaluated the effect of vitamin D on tuberculosis, as indicated by “sputum culture conversion”, i.e. an analysis showing that a patient is cured of tuberculosis. 146 patients with tuberculosis were given either vitamin D or no supplementation. The results showed that vitamin D administration hastened recovery from tuberculosis. Further details can be…
Summary The present study evaluated the efficacy of vitamin E and selenium in reducing oxidative stress (i.e. enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species causing damage to the cells) in patients treated for tuberculosis. Study participants were allocated to either a study group or a control group. 17 patients from the study group were given vitamin…
Summary This study assessed the effect of green tea catechins in reducing oxidative stress in patients with tuberculosis. Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. 200 patients with tuberculosis were enrolled in the study. 100…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, the main component of green tea) and triclosan (antibacterial agent) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. The experiments showed that EGCG inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis and increased the inhibitory activity of triclosan against this bacterium. More details can be found in the study. References…
Summary Tuberculosis and pneumonia are both infections of the lungs. This study was conducted to analyze the levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and its oxidized forms (dehydroascorbic acid and diketogulonic acid) in the blood of patients with tuberculosis and pneumonia. It was found that ascorbic acid was decreased in these patients, suggesting the necessity…
Summary This study evaluated blood levels of trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium and iron) in tuberculosis patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A total of 155 patients with tuberculosis, including 74 patients suffering from HIV, and 31 healthy participants were investigated. The results indicated that tuberculosis patients had reduced levels of trace elements…
Summary Micronutrient deficiency is a key factor in the progression of tuberculosis. Based on this understanding, the present study evaluated the effect of a micronutrient supplementation, including vitamin A, B, C, E and selenium, in adults with tuberculosis. 471 adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 416 HIV-negative adults with tuberculosis were investigated. The…
Summary This study investigated whether vitamin A and zinc supplementation increases the efficacy of antituberculosis treatment. 80 patients with tuberculosis were divided into 2 groups: one group received vitamin A and zinc daily for 6 months. The second group received no supplementation. Additionally, both groups were given the standard treatment for tuberculosis. The results showed…
Summary The aim of this study was to assess the vitamin D status in children with kidney diseases. For this purpose, blood levels of vitamin D were measured in 127 children with kidney disease. A deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D were observed in more than 43 % of the children. The researchers therefore stressed…
Summary Vitamin D insufficiency is common in patients with chronic kidney disease and may contribute to further disease. This study evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation in children with chronic kidney disease. 44 children were given vitamin D for 6 weeks. The results showed that the vitamin D supplementation was safe and effective in…
Summary The present study investigated the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, a green tea compound) on kidney damage caused by diabetes. The experiments were performed with rats which were given EGCG for 50 days. The results suggested that EGCG alleviated kidney damage caused by diabetes. Further details can be found in the study. References Noriko…
Summary This study determined whether vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium have protective effects against cadmium-induced kidney toxicity, which frequently occurs when the body is exposed to this compound. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium were given to rats 1 hour prior to the administration of cadmium every day. The results showed that vitamin C,…
Summary This study investigated the effect of vitamin C on kidney injury as a result of ischemia-reperfusion (restoration of blood flow to body tissues that were blood flow-deficient). The experiments were performed with 32 rats. The results showed that vitamin C had a protective effect against kidney injury. This effect was attributed to the antioxidative…