New beta-carotene study may solve lung puzzle.
04.01.2006 14:17
Beta-carotene belongs to the large group of compounds
known
as carotenoids, which are responsible for many of the green, yellow,
orange, red, blue, and purple colors in fruits, vegetables,
and flowers. Beta-carotene is thought to be an antioxidant, but
its primary role in nutrition is as a source of vitamin A —
the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A as needed.read more...
Lutein and macular degeneration: keeping the public in the dark
01.30.2006 14:16
On December 19, 2005, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration denied a petition by the Cognis Corporation. Cognis wanted to the right to make the following claim for their lutein product:
“Consumption of 12 mg of Xangold® lutein esters per day may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation. FDA has determined that the evidence is supportive, but not conclusive, for this claim. This food/dietary supplement provides __ mg lutein esters per serving.”
read more...
Leukemia patients flock to green tea extract after positive reports
01.14.2006 14:15
A report by Mayo Clinic researchers in 2004
caused a run on green tea extract by leukemia patients. The report,
based entirely on test-tube studies, revealed the effects
of EGCG (a major active tea constituent) on a growth factor
needed by leukemia cells.read more...
Manufacturers increase CoQ10 production in response to increased demand by Parkinson’s and cardiovascular patients.
01.07.2006 14:14
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance used in the treatment of a variety of disorders primarily related to suboptimal cellular energy metabolism and oxidative injury.
Prices of CoQ10
supplements have skyrocketed recently
because of increased demand and limited production capacity. The main
surge in demand occurred as word got out that ‘statin’ drugs
(used to decrease cholesterol in the blood) have a side effect
of causing the depletion of CoQ10 throughout the body. Large
numbers of cardiovascular patients began buying CoQ10 supplements.
Intriguing actions of beta-carotene and lycopene shown in cancer, cardiovascular, athletic, and DNA studies
01.01.2006 14:13
Carotenoids are highly colored substances in plants that
have antioxidant actions when eaten by animals. They are widely studied
by medical researchers for their potential as anti-cancer
agents, and are thought to have other applications stemming from
their ability to reduce the damage done to the body by free
radicals.read more...
Hempseed oil proposed for protecting skin from aging
12.20.2005 21:35
Hempseed oil, made from the seeds of the plant Cannabis
sativa, is one of the best available sources of omega-6 and omega-3
fatty acids. It is particularly valued for its content of (omega-3)
linolenic acid, which is considered to be useful for
preventing cardiovascular problems.read more...
Green tea extract should be in your bird-flu survival kit
12.15.2005 21:34
While we all hope that the looming pandemic of Avian
Influenza (‘bird flu’) will limit itself to just looming and not
actually
happening, it makes sense to prepare for a worst-case scenario
— a highly lethal disease that is very contagious and for which
no vaccine is available. Of course, most people will make few
or no preparations at all, and when the pandemic hits will look
for governmental action to protect them. But others, less
given to living in a fantasy world, are already making their own
preparations.read more...
Grapefruit seed extract heals stomach ulcers in Polish study.
12.09.2005 21:33
Researchers at Jagiellonian University Medical College
recently reported that grapefruit seed extract (GSE), given orally
to rats dramatically reduced the size of
experimentally-induced stomach ulcers. The protective effect was
dose-dependent;
at a dosage of 32 mg extract per kg bodyweight, the area of
ulceration was reduced to 14% of that in placebo-treated rats.
The extract induced the growth of microcapillaries, which are
associated with tissue healing.read more...
Contrasting histories of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
12.01.2005 21:32
An article by Kerry Howley on the Reason Online website
presents a fascinating history of the U.S. FDA which documents the
way in which read more...
San Diego State University kowtows to dietary dingbats.
08.15.2005 21:31
The athletic department at San Diego State University in
California recently cancelled a $75,000 sponsorship arrangement with
a supplement company because the company’s product contains a
banned ‘performance-enhancing’ substance: glutamine. Glutamine
is an amino acid widely used by athletes to ensure that their
muscles do not get metabolized when their bodies are temporarily
depleted of energy reserves.read more...
