Summary This study evaluated vitamin D blood levels in patients with osteoporosis. 1515 female osteoporosis patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with conventional therapy. The results showed that optimal vitamin D concentrations are needed to maximize the effectiveness of conventional osteoporosis therapy. More details can be found in the study. References…
Summary This study investigated the effects of a dietary boron supplement on osteoporosis. The experiments were performed with 32 rats, 24 of which were suffering from osteoporosis. 8 rats with osteoporosis received a dietary boron supplement. After 30 days of treatment, blood levels of boron were determined and the bone conditions were analyzed. The results…
Summary This study determined the effect of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) on bone density. For a 12-month period, 90 elderly people were given either a placebo, vitamin C plus vitamin E or 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid plus 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol. The results suggested that the administration of vitamin C…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between vitamin C deficiency and the development of fractures caused by osteoporosis (“spontaneous” fractures). Analyses of vitamin C-deficient mice revealed a reduction of bone formation (process by which new bone is produced) by more than 90%. The researchers concluded that vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of bone…
Summary This study evaluated the protective effects of soy compounds (isoflavones) against osteoporosis. Mice were administered either 17beta-estradiol, which is a hormone commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis, or soy isoflavones. The results suggested that soy isoflavones effectively mitigated osteoporosis. Further details can be found in the study. References Dae Won Kim, Ki-Yeon Yoo, Yoon-Bok Lee, Keun-Ha…
Summary This review collected studies on the relationship between low dietary magnesium intake and osteoporosis. In one of the experiments magnesium deficiency was induced in rats (at 10%, 25% and 50% of the recommended nutrient requirement), thereby causing bone loss. The authors concluded that low dietary magnesium intake can be associated with an increased risk…
Summary This study investigated the effects of magnesium on bone turnover. Bone turnover is associated with osteoporosis in women after menopause. It represents the total bone that is resorbed and formed over a certain period of time. Blood and urine were analyzed in 20 postmenopausal women who were given either a magnesium supplement or no…
Summary The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an insufficient magnesium intake (half the amount required) on bone health. To this end, blood levels of magnesium were investigated in female rats. The results showed that the insufficient intake of magnesium negatively affected bone health, i.e. by causing a reduced bone mineral…
Summary This study investigated the effects of green tea on bone loss. The experiments were performed using 20 female rats. The researchers found that green tea had a protective effect against bone loss. This effect was also recognized as a possible means to fight oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals production and the body´s antioxidant…
Summary This research explored the question of whether intake recommendations for calcium are sufficient to maintain bone health. For this purpose, the study authors collected data on calcium intake recommendations. Based on their analyses the researchers concluded that current calcium intake recommendations (ranging between 600 mg and 800 mg calcium per day) are too low.…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between blood levels of trace elements (magnesium, zinc and copper) and bone density. 120 postmenopausal women were assigned to the following study groups: participants with osteoporosis, participants with osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis) or participants with normal bone density. The authors found that concentrations of magnesium and zinc were significantly…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of two essential amino acids, arginine and lysine, on bone growth. The experiments were performed with human bone cells (osteoblasts). The researchers found that arginine and lysine had positive effects on bone formation. It was concluded that the administration of these amino acids may be useful in the treatment…
Summary This study investigated the effects of green tea on bone structure. 20 female rats were involved in this 16-week investigation. The results showed that green tea supplementation supported bone structure by suppressing bone erosion and enhancing bone formation. More details can be found in the study. References Chwan-Li Shen, James K Yeh, Barbara J Stoecker, Ming-Chien Chyu, Jia-Sheng…
Summary This review collected studies on the association between green tea consumption and the prevention of age-related bone loss in elderly women and men. Different aspects were investigated such as green tea composition, involvement of oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals production and the body´s antioxidant defenses) and the protective effects of green tea against…
Summary This study investigated the effects of orange pulp, a source of vitamin C and flavonoids, on bone quality. 43 rats were included and treated for 4 months. The results showed that orange pulp improved the bone structure. Further details can be found in the study. References Rori Morrow, Farzad Deyhim, Bhimanagouda S Patil, Barbara J Stoecker …
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between soybean consumption and bone loss after menopause. 24 rats were included in the experiments. The results showed that the supplementation with isoflavone, a compound contained in soybean, prevented the loss of bone density. More details can be found in the study. References Yoon-Bok Lee, Hyong Joo Lee, Kang Sung Kim, Jae-Yong…
Summary The present study assessed the effects of different micronutrient combinations on bone health. 200 healthy people were given either vitamin D, vitamin D plus calcium, multiple micronutrients plus calcium or no treatment. The results showed that the vitamin D and calcium supplementation as well as the supplementation of multiple micronutrients and calcium had beneficial…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of vitamin K on bone loss. 40 healthy women after menopause were given either vitamin K or a placebo for 4 weeks. The results showed that the supplementation with vitamin K can be beneficial in the maintenance of bone health. More details can be found in the study. References…
Summary This study investigated whether vitamin D and calcium can prevent bone deterioration, which is an early sign of osteoporosis. Elderly women, consuming either vitamin D- and calcium-fortified yogurt or non-fortified yogurt, were observed for 56 days. The results showed that the fortification of dairy products with vitamin D and calcium can prevent bone deterioration…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between citrus consumption and bone strength. Citrus compounds were tested on 70 male rats for 60 days. The results showed that citrus compounds had beneficial effects on bone strength. More details can be found in the study. References Kranthi Mandadi, Marilee Ramirez, Guddadarangavvanahally K Jayaprakasha, Bahram Faraji, Makuba Lihono, Farzad Deyhim, Bhimanagouda S Patil …
Summary This study compared the effects of consuming dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D to calcium supplementation alone. 101 women after menopause were given either calcium and vitamin D via fortified dairy products, calcium supplementation or no treatment. The results suggested that the consumption of calcium- and vitamin D-rich dairy products induced positive…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of boron and fish oil (source of omega-3 fatty acids) on bone strength. The experiments were performed with rats and showed that boron and fish oil had beneficial effects on bone. More details can be found in the study. References Yumi Yaegashi, Toshiyuki Onoda, Kozo Tanno, Toru Kuribayashi, Kiyomi…
Summary This study analyzed the association between hip fractures and the intake of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K. A survey provided data from both men and women. The results showed that an increased micronutrient intake is associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture. References Yumi Yaegashi, Toshiyuki Onoda, Kozo Tanno, Toru Kuribayashi, Kiyomi…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of vitamins C and E on bone turnover (total volume of bone that is both resorbed and formed over a certain period of time). Blood and bone density were analyzed in 533 women, of which 22 were current users of supplemental vitamin C or E. The results showed that…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone health. For 6 weeks, 23 participants either consumed an average American diet or a diet containing alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid). The results indicated that omega-3 fatty acids can have a protective effect on bone. Further details…
Summary The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of quercetin on inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. 60 days after oral infection with H. pylori guinea pigs received 200 mg/kg of quercetin daily for 15 days. The results showed that quercetin administration decreased…
Summary The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a multi-nutrient supplement on inflammation. 31 healthy and active people were included who completed one 28 day cycle of placebo and one 28 day cycle of multi-nutrient supplementation. The researchers discovered that the multi-nutrient supplement was effective in improving inflammation in both men…
Summary Aging is known to be associated with inflammation on the one hand and zinc deficiency on the other. This study therefore investigated whether zinc supplementation reduces inflammation in the elderly. 19 healthy elderly people participated in the study. The results showed that zinc supplementation reduced inflammation and, in contrast to other anti-inflammatory drugs, boosted…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation on inflammation in sickle-cell disease (SCD), a disorder of red blood cells. 36 SCD patients were given either 25 mg zinc three times a day for 3 months or a placebo. Zinc-supplemented patients showed a significant decrease in inflammation. These results suggested that zinc supplementation reduced…
Summary In this review, recent findings regarding zinc supplementation in various diseases were presented. In particular, it was shown that zinc supplementation was effective in decreasing markers of inflammation, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in elderly individuals and in patients with sickle cell disease-SCD (red blood cells disorder). In conclusion it was stated that zinc…
Summary This review examined current evidence for the benefit of a dietary supplementation with zinc and other micronutrients in preventing micronutrient deficiencies which result from the conventional treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation. The collected studies showed that micronutrient supplementation can reduce inflammation in patients with gastrointestinal inflammation, boost their immune system and decrease drug side effects…
Summary This study investigated the relationship between vitamin K intake and inflammation. The experiments were performed in rats with inflammation. The animals were either fed a vitamin K deficient diet or a diet supplemented with vitamin K. According to the researchers, the present study indicated that the supplementation with vitamin K suppresses inflammation. More details…
Summary The present study investigated the relationship between vitamin C intake and the risk of gout. Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. 46,994 participants with no history of gout were included in the study. Vitamin C intake was assessed every 4 years through questionnaires. The results showed that higher vitamin C intakes…
Summary The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin C, consumption of fruit and vegetables and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis (inflammation of several joints, IP). Men and women aged 45–74 years were recruited in the study. The researchers discovered that lower intakes of vitamin C, fruit and vegetables were…
Summary The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of curcumin on pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). IL-1beta and TNF-alpha play a key role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA).The effects of curcumin were studied in human cells treated with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha for up to 72h.…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between vitamin E deficiency and lung injury that is accompanied by increased inflammation. The experiments in this study were performed with vitamin E-deficient mice and wild-type mice without vitamin E deficiency. The results indicated that compared to wild-type mice, vitamin E deficient mice had more severe lung damage. The…
Summary This study evaluated the association between vitamin C levels and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a severe atherosclerotic condition frequently accompanied by inflammation. Vitamin C levels were analyzed in 85 PAD patients, 106 hypertensive (high blood pressure) patients without PAD and 113 healthy individuals. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (marker for inflammation) were also…
Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and inflammatory markers (parameters that indicate the severity of inflammation), including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). 69 healthy women aged 25–82 years were involved in the study. The results revealed that higher vitamin D levels were associated with reduced TNF-α concentrations. Therefore,…
Summary This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin. In animal models, quercetin treatment was found to reduce the protein HMGB1, a pro-inflammatory factor stimulated during endotoxemia (presence of bacterial toxins in the blood). The results showed that quercetin attenuates inflammation caused by endotoxemia. Further details can be found in the study. References Daolin Tang, Rui…
Summary This study examined the ability of green tea catechins (antioxidant natural compounds, GTC) to protect human skin against erythema (reddening of the skin due to inflammatory processes) induced by UV radiation (UVR). 16 healthy people were given low-dose GTC (540 mg) with vitamin C (50 mg) daily for 12 weeks. Subsequently, the participants were…
Summary This review evaluated studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases (diseases that occur when the body is attacked by the immune system). Animal experiments and human studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, can be useful in the management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.…
Summary According to research, dietary omega-3 fatty acids have a variety of anti-inflammatory effects that may play a role in atherosclerosis. This review analyzed studies on the relation among omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), inflammation and atherosclerosis. A variety of biologic effects of EPA and DHA have been demonstrated in…
Summary This article analyzed the anti-inflammatory properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). ECGC is a catechin (natural compound) found in the green tea. The experiments showed that ECGC repressed free radicals and inhibited the inflammation development mediated by the white blood cells (neutrophils). The researchers concluded that ECGC is a potent anti-inflammatory compound with therapeutic potential. Further…
Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of antioxidant supplementation (vitamin C plus vitamin E) on inflammatory values after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Men undergoing ACL surgery were given either vitamin C plus vitamin E or a placebo. The researchers concluded that antioxidant supplementation attenuated the increase in inflammatory values…
Summary The aim of the present study was to examine the association between vitamin B6 status and inflammation. For this purpose, a human trial was performed together with experiments in an animal (rat) model of inflammation. The researchers found that inflammation was responsible for the depletion of vitamin B6 in animal and human tissues. Further…
Summary This study tested the hypothesis that vitamin E administration attenuates inflammatory factors (e.g. interleukins IL-6 and IL-1beta) in skeletal and cardiac muscles. The experiments were performed using mice. The researchers found that short-term vitamin E administration reduced inflammation by decreasing IL-6 and IL-1beta levels. Further details can be found in the study. References K…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between vitamin D levels and leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a predictor of the inflammatory status. Vitamin D concentrations were measured in 2160 women and LTL was analyzed by a specific laboratory technique. The results showed that higher vitamin D concentrations were associated with reduced inflammation. Further details can be…
Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of green tea. The study was performed with rats that were fed a pro-inflammatory (high-fructose) diet. The results suggested that drinking adequate amounts of green tea plays a role in the prevention of inflammation-related diseases. Further details can be found in the study. References Xiaojie…
Summary This study analyzed the link between familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), a common degenerative disease of the motor neuron system, and folic acid (FA). Mutations of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are involved in the development of this disease. Using a mice model, the present study demonstrated that SOD1 alteration leads to an increase…
Summary According to research, vitamin C and E – given separately – improve insulin sensitivity, i.e. the body´s ability to respond to the action of the hormone insulin in decreasing blood sugars. This is due to their inhibitory effect on inflammation, which is a key factor in insulin sensitivity. Based on these findings, the present…