Recently Researched Effects of Individual Nutrients

Transcription

1 Recently Researched Effects of Individual Nutrients Alpha Lineoleic Acid (Omega 3) 1 ensures the optimal cerebral and cognitive development of the infant the presence of large quantities of EPA and DHA in the diet slightly lengthens pregnancy, and improves its quality Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia and diabetes Omega-3 fatty acids could play a positive role in the prevention of premenstrual syndrome symptoms and postmenopausal hot flushes Bioflavonoids 2 quercetin and other flavonoids have been shown to modify antiinflammatory responses, prevent atherosclerotic plaque formation, prevent platelet aggregation and promote relaxation of cardiovascular smooth muscle flavonoids have been shown to have antiviral and carcinostatic properties may be helpful in treating acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Biotin 3 biotin regulates gene expression and has a wide repertoire of effects on systemic processes biotin has stimulatory effects on genes whose action favors hypoglycemia (insulin, insulin receptor, pancreatic and hepatic glucokinase) biotin decreases the expression of a key gluconeogenic enzyme that stimulates glucose production by the liver the diabetic state appears to be ameliorated by pharmacological doses of biotin Calcium 4 the calcium outflow from bone that occurs to prevent decrease of blood calcium in calcium deficiency causes consequent calcium overflow into soft tissues and the intracellular compartment this consequence of nutritional calcium deficiency may give rise to a number of diseases common in old age including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis

2 Carotenoids 5 recent interest in carotenoids has focused on the role of lycopene in human health unlike some other carotenoids, lycopene does not have pro-vitamin A properties lycopene can prevent oxidation of tissues Choline 6 essential for the structural integrity and signaling functions of cell membranes; for normal cholinergic neurotransmission; for normal muscle function; for lipid transport from liver; and it is the major source of methyl groups in the diet critical during fetal development, when it influences stem cell proliferation and apoptosis, thereby altering brain and spinal cord structure and function and influencing risk for neural tube defects and lifelong memory function Chromium 7 deficiency causes disturbances of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, hypoglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in blood, but a decrease in HDL-cholesterol an excess of trivalent chromium can act as a prooxidant (inhibit antioxidants) Folic Acid 8 sufficient evidence that increased folic acid intake may prevent cancer or cardiovascular diseases is not yet available, hence at present there is no indication for recommending augmented intake for other groups than fertile women Iodine 9 any maternal iodine deficiency results in a range of intellectual, motor, and hearing deficits in offspring this loss in intellectual capacity limits educational achievement economic prowess although globally iodine nutrition has greatly improved, 20% to 30% of pregnancies and thus newborns still do not fully benefit from the use of iodized salt

3 Iron 10 anaemia due to iron deficiency is a very well known concept but what is often not appreciated is the effect of broad canvas of iron deficiency on various tissues, organs and systems in our body in addition to iron deficiency anaemia leading to concept of "Iron deficiency disease" - in this condition not only tissue delivery of oxygen is compromised but to abnormal growth and behavior, mental retardation, reduced cardiac performance and work efficiency and increased susceptibility to infection are also possible Manganese 11 needed for metabolism of amino acids, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates takes part directly in the defense of red blood cells, in the metabolism of iron and in the synthesis of cholesterol of the membranes plays significant role in the free radical defense system Molybdenum 12 crucial for enzymes catalyzing carbon, sulfur and nitrogen metabolism Potassium 13 a transition toward modern diets has led to a substantial decline of potassium intake compared with traditional food habits, and a large fraction of the population might now have suboptimal potassium intake a high potassium intake was demonstrated to have protective effects against several pathologic states affecting the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and bones. fruits and vegetables contain potassium anion salts which exert alkalinizing effects and serve to neutralize fixed acidity in urine the need to ensure a 2.5- to 3.5-g daily K+ supply from fruits and vegetables is important Vanadium 14 vanadium compounds show anti-tumor properties Thiamin 15 some authors claimed that thiamin supported high rate of tumor cell survival, proliferation and chemotherapy resistance and suggested antithiamin therapy for cancer on the other hand, some investigators have reported evidence of prevention of several varieties of cancers by dietary thiamin some studies have demonstrated that tumors can be shrunk by injecting thiamin directly into the tumor

4 Riboflavin 16 there is reasonably good evidence that poor riboflavin status interferes with iron handling and contributes to the etiology of anemia when iron intakes are low riboflavin deficiency has been implicated as a risk factor for cancer animals - this has not been satisfactorily established in humans riboflavin deficiency may exert some of its effects by reducing the metabolism of other B vitamins, notably folate and vitamin B-6 Pyridoxine 17 shown to treat a variety of conditions including anemia, carpal tunnel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome and morning sickness there is also evidence that pyridoxine supports the function of Omega 3 Vitamin C 18 deficiency is frequent in populations at risk including men who live alone, old people, homelessness, patients with psychiatric diseases and food faddists scurvy occurs after 3 months without consumption of ascorbic acid Vitamin C depletion may lead to long-term complications such as increase in cardiovascular and cancer risks or cataracts Vitamin D 19 long-term vitamin D deficiency can lead to diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis Vitamin E 20 experimental and epidemiological proof supports a protective effect of vitamin E in a number of pathological processes such as coronary heart disease, cancer, cataracts, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer disease randomized clinical trials have not confirmed a beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on the progression of these diseases Zinc 21 there is strong evidence to support the fact that zinc, a key constituent or cofactor of over 300 mammalian proteins, may be of particular importance in host defense against the initiation and progression of cancer remarkably, 10% of the U.S. population consumes less than half the recommended dietary allowance for zinc and are at increased risk for zinc deficiency Zinc is known to be an essential component of DNA-binding proteins and several proteins involved in DNA repair dietary deficiencies in zinc can contribute to single- and double-strand DNA breaks and oxidative modifications to DNA that increase risk for cancer development

5 References 1. Biomed Pharmacother Feb-Apr;61(2-3): Epub 2007 Jan Food Chem Toxicol Dec;33(12): J Nutr Biochem Jul;16(7): J Bone Miner Metab. 2000;18(4): Pharmacol Res Mar;55(3): Epub 2007 Jan Annu Rev Nutr. 2006;26: Przegl Lek. 2004;61 Suppl 3: Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen Feb 17;125(4): Food Nutr Bull Dec;24(4 Suppl):S Indian J Med Sci Jan;60(1): Orv Hetil Oct 22;147(42): Biochim Biophys Acta Jul;1763(7): Epub 2006 May J Nutr Nov;134(11): Can J Physiol Pharmacol Jul;84(7): Oncol Rep Dec;14(6): Am J Clin Nutr Jun;77(6): Altern Med Rev Feb;6(1): Rev Med Interne Dec;25(12): Biol Res Nurs Oct;9(2): Ann Med Interne (Paris) Oct;152(6): J Nutr Biochem Oct;15(10):572-8.