Vitamin B6 deficiency common in elderly Norwegians living in nursing homes
The study’s findings support the protective effect of vitamin supplementation on maintaining higher plasma PLP concentrations in this elderly population. This observation would be consistent with the notion that older elderly people living in nursing home should be provided with additional dietary vitamin B6 to decrease their risk of developing vitamin B6 deficiency. KEEP READING >>
For Vitafoods Europe, Fortitech creates cutting edge and on-the-go food and beverage formats
During Vitafoods Europe 2013 (May 14-16 in Geneva, Switzerland), visitors to the Fortitech’s stand (18047) will have the opportunity to try a number of the company’s cutting edge and on-the-go food and beverage formats. Through a variety of nutrient-rich samples, conference attendees will experience firsthand how Fortitech has pioneered, perfected and continues to advance custom fortification and product development. KEEP READING >>
DSM-formulated eye health products show benefits in 5-year study
The long-awaited results of the 5-year AREDS2 study, a follow-up to the original Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, have been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. KEEP READING >>
Gymnema
Found in Central and Southern India, gymnema is a rain forest vine that has a long tradition in the treatment and management of diabetes. The Indian name is Gurmar, which means “sugar destroyer.” Its use has been documented in Ayurvedic medical texts for over 2,000 years in the treatment of “sweet” urine. KEEP READING >>
Digestive enzymes
Products classified as digestive enzymes help facilitate digestion, the absorption of nutrients, maintenance of proper pH in the gastrointestinal tract, and act as a barrier against invasion of pathological organisms. Even though there is a lack of scientific research to verify the effectiveness of digestive enzymes, these products have become quite well-accepted and are commonly used. KEEP READING >>
Reishi mushroom
Reishi mushroom is called the “mushroom of immortality” in China, and it has been used as a tonic and strengthening medicine for thousands of years. Applications in traditional healing include increasing intellectual capacity and memory, promoting agility and lengthening the life span. KEEP READING >>
Food Navigator consults Fortitech’s Raw Materials and Ingredients Specialist Russ Hazen about heart health ingredients
Hazen discusses the interplay of scientific discovery, health issues and new product development, noting the “opportunities to develop novel fortified food products targeted” to specific demographics and health conditions. KEEP READING >>
Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in the elderly
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vegetable-rich diets have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease, but the important components of a vegetable-rich diet for cardiovascular health are not fully understood. One recent suggestion is that the inorganic nitrate component of vegetable-rich diets may play a significant role in cardiovascular health. KEEP READING >>
Vitamin D supplementation improves insulin sensitivity
Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are commonly found in many populations worldwide. The effects of inadequate vitamin D status may be seen in many physiological systems in the body, including the ability to properly control blood glucose. Risk factors for vitamin D inadequacy include reduced sunlight exposure, darker skin color, low vitamin D intake and obesity. KEEP READING >>
Iron supplementation improves cognitive performance in South African children
Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. The consequences of iron deficiency can include anemia, as well as suboptimal growth and brain development. Anemia has been previously associated with poorer performance on various cognitive performance tests. It is uncertain, however, whether iron supplementation can improve cognitive function in children who have iron deficiency but no significant anemia. A recently published study conducted in South Africa has now addressed this question in children aged six to 11 years old. KEEP READING >>