Int J Vitam Nutr Res
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffects of 3-week consumption of green tea extracts on whole-body metabolism during cycling exercise in endurance-trained men.
The consumption of green tea has been generally associated with beneficial effects on human whole-body metabolism and recent investigations with animals indicate favorable effects of green tea extracts (GTE) on energy metabolism during exercise and aerobic exercise performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a three-week supplementation with GTE on human energy metabolism during submaximal cycling exercise. ⋯ The GTE supplementation did not influence indices of fat and energy metabolism (fatty acids, 3-beta-hydroxybutyrate, triacylglycerol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, lactate, glucose, oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure), inflammation processes (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein), and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances, oxidized low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol), but plasma creatine kinase concentration at rest and during exercise was significantly lower (p = 0.039) and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol concentration at rest was significantly higher (p = 0.043) compared to placebo. In conclusion, these results suggest only slight effects on whole-body metabolism after supplementation with GTE.
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 2009
The vitamin A status of Zambian children in a community of vitamin A supplementation and sugar fortification strategies as measured by the modified relative dose response (MRDR) test.
The main objective of the study was to determine the vitamin A status of Zambian children less than five years of age in a community where strategies of vitamin A supplementation and consumption of vitamin A fortified sugar have been introduced. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 537 children were enrolled. ⋯ Their vitamin A status was compared to the status measured using a similar method in 1996, before vitamin A supplementation through capsule distribution and fortification of sugar was implemented as strategies to reduce vitamin A deficiency in the country. Results showed that the vitamin A status of children improved markedly as a result of these strategies.
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We review the potential of vitamin D for the prevention of falls and fractures. Evidence from randomized-controlled trials will be reviewed for both endpoints, as well as epidemiologic data that correlates higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D status with better bone and muscle health. ⋯ This review concludes that vitamin D at a dose of at least 800 IU per day should be provided to all postmenopausal women and everybody starting at age 60 for optimal bone and muscle health. In combination with a vitamin D supplement, dairy products may be an optimal source of calcium at higher age as milk provides both calcium and protein.
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Hyperhomocysteinemia is an accepted risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and possibly also for cognitive impairment and dementia. It has also been proposed as a marker for the status of the B vitamins, which participate in the metabolism of homocysteine. Therefore, especially in the elderly, it is important to know the prevalence of high homocysteine (tHcy) levels and the influence that B vitamins have on them. ⋯ There is a high prevalence of vitamin B deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia in the studied population. Our data confirm the influence of these vitamins, especially folate, on tHcy levels, but hyperhomocysteinemia cannot be used as the only diagnostic criterion to detect subclinical vitamin deficiency in elderly people, especially to detect vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Edible fats are important food components that enhance palatability by providing texture and enhancing flavour. They also provide essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins. In addition, we enjoy eating foods containing fat, but there is also a negative side; excessive consumption may not be good for health, but we still have doubts to answer the question, What are the right amounts and types of fat we should use and eat?. ⋯ Educational and other public health efforts to address obesity should focus on the need for people to consume smaller portions. Another questions that should be discussed but difficult to answer are: What role can the food industry, marketing and advertising play? And schooling? And to what extent can and should the Governments influence lifestyle choices? "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do" Goethe.