Featured Content
Nutraceutical: Aquamin (multi-mineral supplement from seaweed) and glucosamine sulfate
Indication: Joint pain
Source: Nutrition J, February 17, 2008;7:9
Research: Researchers recruited 70 adults (aged 25 to 75 years) with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) to participate in a randomized, double-blind trial for 12 weeks. They consumed either glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg per day); Aquamin (2400 mg per day); combined treatment of glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg per day) and Aquamin (2400 mg per day); or placebo daily. Primary outcome measures were WOMAC scores and 6 minute walking distances (6 MWD). Laboratory-based blood tests were used as safety measures.
Results: Fifty subjects completed the study and analysis of the data showed significant differences between the groups for changes in WOMAC pain scores over time; however, these data must be reviewed with caution since significant differences were found between the groups at baseline for WOMAC pain and stiffness scores. Only the Aquamin and glucosamine groups demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms over the course of the study. The combination group (like the placebo group) did not show any significant improvements in OA symptoms in this trial. Within group analysis demonstrated significant improvements over time on treatment for the WOMAC pain, activity, composite and stiffness (Aquamin only) scores, as well as the 6 minute walking distances for subjects in the Aquamin and glucosamine treatment groups. The Aquamin and glucosamine groups walked 101 feet (+7%) and 56 feet (+3.5%) extra respectively. Researchers feel this small preliminary study suggests that Aquamin may reduce the pain and stiffness of knee OA over a 12-week period, but that it warrants further study.
Nutraceutical: Isoflavones
Indication: Breast cancer
Source: J Clin Oncol, April 1, 2008;26(10):1677-83.
Research: Because they have large variations in consumption, Asian countries are suitable settings for studies of the effect of relatively high-dose isoflavone intake on breast cancer risk. Nevertheless, no prospective study from Asia has ever assessed blood or urine levels as biomarkers of isoflavone intake. For this study, researchers evaluated a total of 24,226 women, aged 40 to 69 years, who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study. These subjects provided data through a baseline questionnaire and provided blood in 1990 and 1995. They were observed through December 2002.
Results: During a mean 10.6 years of follow-up, 144 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer were identified. Two matched controls for each patient were selected from the cohort. Isoflavone levels were assessed by plasma level and food frequency questionnaire, and the odds ratio of breast cancer according to isoflavone level was estimated using a conditional logistic regression model. Researchers found a statistically significant inverse association between plasma genistein and risk of breast cancer, but no association for plasma daidzein.
Nutraceutical(s): Omega 3 fatty acids
Indication: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Source: Nutr J, February 14, 2008;7(1):8.
Research: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in dietary intake, particularly of essential fatty acids, and determine whether this could explain the typical abnormalities in red blood cell fatty acids observed in previous studies of young children. While most studies of ADHD have focused on either young children or older adults, this one evaluated the diets of 11 ADHD adolescents and 12 adolescent control participants to determine if there is a correlation between fatty acid intake and ADHD.
Results: The study revealed that teens with ADHD take in higher amounts of fats and energy than their non-ADHD peers and that both groups consume equal amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. However, the teens with ADHD showed lower levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and total omega 3 fatty acids, higher levels of omega 6, and lower ratios of omega 3 to omega 6 in comparison to the control participants. It appears that the irregularities in fatty acid levels in adolescents with ADHD are not due to consumption differences, but that teens with ADHD metabolize fatty acids differently than their non-ADHD peers. Researchers say more research will be needed to determine if teens with ADHD would benefit from additional omega 3 supplementation to their diets.
Nutraceutical: Prolibra (specialized whey fraction)
Indication: Weight management
Source: Nutr Metab (Lond), March 27, 2008;5:8.
Research: This study evaluated the specialized whey fraction Prolibra (high in leucine, bioactive peptides and milk calcium) for use as a dietary supplement to enhance weight loss. Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm 12-week study of 106 adults with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 to 42. The study was based on a caloric intake reduction of 500 calories per day and consumption of either a Prolibra or isocaloric ready-to-mix beverage 20 minutes before breakfast and 20 minutes before dinner. Body fat and lean muscle tissue were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Body weight and anthropometric measurements were recorded every 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study.
Results: Both groups lost a significant amount of weight but the Prolibra group tended to lose more weight than the control group; however the amount of weight loss was not significantly different between groups after 12 weeks. Subjects supplementing their diet with Prolibra lost an average 6% of their body fat mass versus an average 3.5% for the control. Researchers said although subjects in both the control and treatment groups lost a significant amount of weight with a 500 calorie reduced diet, subjects taking Prolibra lost significantly more body fat and showed a greater preservation of lean muscle compared to subjects consuming the control beverage. According to investigators, a reduction of 5% of body fat mass has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity-related disease, so the results have practical significance.
Nutraceutical: Vitamin D
Indication: Cardiovascular health
Source: Circulation, January 29, 2008;117(4):503-11.
Research: A growing body of evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect the cardiovascular system, but data from longitudinal studies are lacking. For this study, researchers studied 1739 Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age 59 years; 55% women; all white) without prior cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) levels. Pre-specified thresholds were used to characterize varying degrees of 25-OH D deficiency (< 15 ng/mL, < 10 ng/mL).
Results: Overall, 28% of individuals had levels < 15 ng/mL, and 9% had levels < 10 ng/mL. During a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, 120 individuals developed a first cardiovascular event. Those with levels < 15 ng/mL were 62% more likely to have a cardiovascular event versus those with 25-OH D levels higher than 15 ng/mL. Investigators concluded that vitamin D deficiency is associated with incident cardiovascular disease. But further clinical and experimental studies may be warranted to determine whether correction of vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Nutraceutical: Vitamin K
Indication: Bone mineral content (children)
Source: Br J Nutr, February 18, 2008;1-7 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: In adult bone, vitamin K contributes to bone health, probably through its role as a co-factor in the carboxylation of osteocalcin. In children, the significance of vitamin K in bone mass acquisition is less well known, so the objective of this longitudinal study was to determine whether biochemical indicators of vitamin K status are related to (gains in) bone mineral content (BMC) and markers of bone metabolism in peripubertal children. In 307 healthy children (mean age 11.2 years), BMC of the total body, lumbar spine and femoral neck was determined at baseline and 2 years later. Vitamin K status [ratio of undercarboxylated (ucOC) to carboxylated (cOC) fractions of osteocalcin; UCR] was also measured at both time points. Markers of bone metabolism, sex steroids, vitamin D status and growth hormones were measured at baseline only.
Results: Large variations in the levels of the UCR were found at both time-points, indicating a substantial inter-individual difference in vitamin K status. Improvement of vitamin K status over 2 years (n=281 children) was associated with a marked increase in total body BMC. The UCR was associated with pubertal stage, markers of bone metabolism, sex hormones and vitamin D status. A better vitamin K status was associated with more pronounced increase in bone mass in healthy peripubertal children. In order to determine the significance of these findings for childhood bone health, however, researchers recommended additional pediatric studies.
Click here to download this month's "Bottom Line" monograph on Glucosamine Sulfate provided by Natural Standard.
