Scientists have long known that severe B12 deficiency can cause neurological problems, but the exact threshold for deficiency-related damage remains unclear. A recent study found that older adults with B12 levels in the lower end of the normal range showed signs of neurological dysfunction. Researchers measured B12 levels and conducted brain scans on 231 healthy older adults. Participants underwent tests to evaluate brain function, including visual processing speed and cognitive performance. The researchers also assessed blood biomarkers associated with nerve damage and brain health. They ... brain micronutrients vitamin b12 neurodegeneration
Read moreAnxiety disorders affect millions of adults each year, and emerging evidence suggests that diet influences symptoms. Oxidative stress likely contributes to anxiety, but antioxidants may help counteract its effects. A recent study found that people with severe anxiety consumed fewer antioxidants than those without anxiety and that increasing antioxidant intake substantially reduced anxiety symptoms. Researchers first compared the daily antioxidant intake of adults with and without severe anxiety. Then, they carried out an interventional study, providing 40 adults with severe anxiety with an a... diet mental health anxiety antioxidant
Read moreStrict vegetarian diets are gaining popularity, but concerns remain about their safety during pregnancy. A recent study found that pregnant women following strict vegetarian diets are 2.7 times more likely to have a small-for-gestational-age infant, with their newborns weighing an average of 240 grams (about half a pound) less at birth. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies involving more than 72,000 participants. They examined key pregnancy outcomes, including birth weight, the risk of small-for-gestational-age infants, gestational diabetes, hypertensiv... diet pregnancy development vegetarian
Read moreAlthough iron is essential for many physiological processes in the body, it can also be harmful, inducing oxidative stress and hindering neurogenesis. The body typically stores iron in protein complexes until needed, but these storage processes decline with age, leading to iron accumulation in body tissues. A recent study revealed that iron can build up in the brain, impairing cognitive function. Nevertheless, dietary components can help reduce iron accumulation in the brain and maintain cognitive health. Researchers examined the brain health of 72 cognitively healthy older adults by conductin... brain diet iron polyphenol
Read moreMagnesium is critical for various biochemical processes, including DNA repair and replication. It also helps regulate homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, can increase the risk of heart disease and other serious health problems. A recent study found that low magnesium levels might contribute to increased DNA damage, particularly when accompanied by high homocysteine levels. Researchers measured the blood levels of magnesium, homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 in 172 healthy middle-aged people. They also assessed DNA damage by examining specific biomarkers in the blood cells, suc... dna damage magnesium homocysteine
Read moreConsuming honey improves blood glucose and cholesterol levels, a recent analysis shows. Raw, unprocessed honey from a single floral source provides the greatest health benefits. Researchers reviewed the findings of 18 studies that investigated the effects of honey consumption on various cardiometabolic risk factors, including body fat, glucose levels, blood lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and others. They also noted the effects of processing and sourcing on honey's effects. They found that honey lowered fasting blood glucose, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides and incre... diet metabolism cardiovascular
Read moreAging induces a number of disease-related changes to the cardiovascular system, including dysfunction of the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. Eating fruits and vegetables, which are rich in a variety of beneficial bioactive compounds, may slow cardiovascular aging. Investigators tested the effects of anthocyanin compounds from blueberries on flow-mediated dilation. Flow-mediated dilation refers to the capacity of an artery to expand in response to increased blood flow. It is a widely accepted measure of vascular endothelial function, and poor flow-mediated dilation is a recognized fe... diet heart disease cardiovascular
Read moreDr. Rhonda Patrick answers audience questions on various health, nutrition, and science topics in this Q&A session. ... rhonda exercise aging vitamin c omega-3 stem cells fasting magnesium vitamin e vaccine vitamin k allergies resveratrol sauna time-restricted eating blood sugar breast milk
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