Vascular calcification, the hardening of blood vessels due to calcium deposits, is associated with serious health conditions like heart disease and kidney disease. However, evidence suggests that nutritional factors influence the risk of vascular calcification. A recent meta-analysis found that vitamin K reduces the risk of vascular calcification, especially in the coronary arteries. Researchers analyzed the findings of 14 randomized controlled trials involving more than 1,500 people that examined the effects of vitamin K supplementation on vascular calcification. Of interest were vitamin K's...
Read moreLow vitamin D levels promote brain aging and loss of brain volume and gray matter. A recent study found that the brains of people with low vitamin D levels age faster. Having high vitamin D levels may protect the brain, however. Researchers measured vitamin D levels and reviewed MRI brain studies of more than 1,800 adults to identify associations between vitamin D levels and total brain, gray matter, and hippocampal volumes. They found that having low vitamin D levels was closely tied to brain aging. As vitamin D levels decreased, total brain and gray matter volumes decreased as well, partic... vitamin d brain aging
Read moreVitamins D2 and D3 exert differing effects on the human immune system. Scientists have identified five forms of vitamin D, but the two primary forms relevant to human health are ergocalciferol, commonly referred to as vitamin D2 (produced by invertebrates), and cholecalciferol (produced by mammals), commonly referred to as vitamin D3. Prescription vitamin D supplements in the United States typically provide D2, but over-the-counter dietary supplements and fortified foods typically provide D3. Considerable controversy exists regarding the bioequivalence of D2 and D3. (https://academic.oup.com/... vitamin d immune system autoimmunity
Read moreVitamin C is an essential nutrient, widely recognized for its antioxidant properties. The vitamin protects the body from damage caused by reactive oxygen species and participates in many physiological processes, including immune function, wound healing, fatty acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production, and blood vessel formation, as well as other key processes and pathways. Findings from a new study suggest that vitamin C improves mental health and performance in young adults. The study investigators conducted a cross-sectional study involving 214 young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 ... vitamin c performance mental health antioxidant supplements cognition
Read moreHeart disease, including atheroslcerotic cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of death worldwide. Its associated inflammation and metabolic dysfunction can be prevented with a diet high in nutrient dense foods such as those commonly found in the Mediterranean diet (https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/19/4716). Findings of a new report indicate that a high intake of vitamin K - a micronutrient found at high levels in common Mediterranean meals - might reduce the incidence of atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis refers to the hardening of arteries due to the formation of plaques composed... heart disease vitamin k
Read moreVitamin D plays critical roles in many physiological processes, such as calcium balance, blood pressure regulation, immune function, and cell growth. Poor vitamin D status is implicated in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic diseases, including rickets, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Data from a study presented at the European Endocrine Society's recent conference suggest that free, circulating levels of vitamin D predict future disease risk in aging men better than measures of total vitamin D. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone synthesized in the body in a multistep process... vitamin d
Read moreVitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays critical roles in several physiological processes. Poor vitamin D status has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic diseases. A 2018 review suggested that magnesium is essential for vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D synthesis begins when 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is found primarily in the skin’s epidermal layer, reacts to ultraviolet light and converts to pre-vitamin D. Subsequent processes in the liver and kidneys convert the pre-vitamin to calcitriol, the active form of the vitamin. The enzymes that catalyze these processe... vitamin d magnesium
Read moreFrom the article: > Daily or weekly supplementation halved the risk of acute respiratory infection in people with the lowest baseline vitamin D levels, below 25 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). However, people with higher baseline vitamin D levels also benefited, although the effect was more modest (10 per cent risk reduction). Overall, the reduction in risk of acute respiratory infection induced by vitamin D was on a par with the protective effect of injectable 'flu vaccine against 'flu-like illnesses. Publication (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i6583) ... vitamin d immune system
Read moreDr. Dale Bredesen discusses treatments that may reverse symptoms of mild cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. ... alzheimer's brain diet aging hormones insulin resistance inflammation dementia insulin
Watch nowVitamin D2 (plant-based) and Vitamin D3 apparently have a very important difference when it comes to athletes. Vitamin D2 worsens muscle damage post exercise, vitamin D3 enhances recovery. It is possible that the D2 inhibits or competes for an enzyme that is required to produce D3. The mechanism is not known but what is clear is that taking large doses of D2 does lower D3 levels and this leads to more muscle damage post intense workout. Link to full publication. (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/6/1/63) ... vitamin d exercise vitamin a
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