http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/vitamins/ Vitamins and minerals. Do vitamins protect your health? Can too many vitamins be harmful? Read all latest medical research on vitamins and minerals. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/vitamins/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103915.htm Scientists have just identified a new reason why some curry dishes, made with spices humans have used for thousands of years, might be good for you. They have discovered that curcumin, a compound found in the cooking spice turmeric, can cause a modest but measurable increase in levels of a protein that's known to be important in the "innate" immune system, helping to prevent infection in humans and other animals. Fri, 25 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523200752.htm Calcium supplements might increase the risk of having a heart attack, and should be "taken with caution," concludes new research. Furthermore, boosting overall calcium intake from dietary sources confers no significant advantage in terms of staving off heart disease and stroke, the findings indicate. Wed, 23 May 2012 20:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523200752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145652.htm Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules produced in the skin to fend off infection-causing microbes. Vitamin D has been credited with a role in their production and in the body’s overall immune response, but scientists say a hormone previously associated only with maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone health is also critical, boosting AMP expression when dietary vitamin D levels are inadequate. Wed, 23 May 2012 14:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133136.htm Children are more likely to have more body fat during childhood if their mother has low levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy, according to scientists. Low vitamin D status has been linked to obesity in adults and children, but little is known about how variation in a mother’s status affects the body composition of her child. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515202122.htm The American Academy of Dermatology today reiterated the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens to protect against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As one component of a daily sun-protection strategy, sunscreen is an important tool in the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Tue, 15 May 2012 20:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515202122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm Neuroscientists have succeeded in undoing the effect of one of the genetic defects that leads to Parkinson's using vitamin K2. The discovery gives hope to Parkinson's patients. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113528.htm Scientists have developed a low-calorie fruit-based high fiber vitamin and mineral nutrition bar called the “CHORI-bar” that improves biological indicators (increased HDL-c and glutathione, lowered homocysteine) linked to risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and associated decline in anti-oxidant defenses. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508163228.htm Researchers hope to use fluorescent light bulbs to slow nearsightedness, which affects 40 percent of American adults and can cause blindness. Tue, 08 May 2012 16:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508163228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160113.htm Brown seems to be the color of choice when it comes to the types of fat cells in our bodies. Brown fat expends energy, while its counterpart, white fat stores it. Now a team of researchers has essentially made white fat take on characteristics of brown fat. Their findings put medical science a step closer in the race to develop novel anti-obesity therapies. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184831.htm A new study suggests that eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be associated with lower blood levels of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501145028.htm To resolve controversy over how much vitamin D is enough to protect older adults' health, researchers tested Cardiovascular Health Study blood samples. They sought links between each person's 25 (OH) D and first heart attack, cancer diagnosis, hip fracture or death. Risks rose when levels fell below 20ng/mL or 50 nmol/L. Results match the low threshold level set by the Institute of Medicine. Association with risk varied seasonally. Levels were lower, and disease event risk higher, in winter. Tue, 01 May 2012 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501145028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134414.htm New research suggests that there could be health hazards associated with consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134215.htm Medical researchers have devised a technique for testing the consequence of variant human gene alleles (alternative sequences of a single gene) by moving them into yeast cells. Once swapped into yeast, colony growth can be compared to reveal functional differences. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105402.htm Vitamin D may be known as the sunshine vitamin, but a new research report shows that it is more than that. According to the report, insufficient levels of vitamin D are related to a deficiency in our innate immune defenses that protect us from infections, neoplasias or autoimmune diseases. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094310.htm A new study shows that vitamin D supplementation in winter can help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132015.htm Scientists believe that two forms of vitamin E – gamma and delta-tocopherols – found in soybean, canola and corn oils as well as nuts do prevent colon, lung, breast and prostate cancers while the alpha tocopherols found in vitamin E supplements provide no such protection. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162205.htm Amid the steady drumbeat from nutrition experts and others to consume a healthier diet -- particularly one rich in fruits and vegetables -- there often is a bias to eat more of the fresh variety for optimal nutrition. But is fresh always best? Not necessarily. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418111810.htm Taking large doses of vitamin C may moderately reduce blood pressure, according to an analysis of years of research. But the researchers stopped short of suggesting people load up on supplements. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418111810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103950.htm Researchers question the wisdom of blocking a receptor in patients prone to cardiovascular disease, especially those taking niacin. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103251.htm A new technique, surrogate organism genetics, has been used to “swap” yeast genes with human genes sequenced from patients with homocystinuria to determine the gene variants likely to respond to vitamin B6 treatment. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120331151134.htm Higher oral doses of plain vitamin D raised levels of calcitriol in prostate tissue. Higher prostate levels of calcitriol, a hormone made from vitamin D, corresponded with lower levels of the proliferation marker Ki67 and increased levels of cancer growth-inhibitory microRNAs in prostate cancer cells, according to new data. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120331151134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163757.htm An antioxidant combination of vitamin E, vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid was not associated with changes in some cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease in a randomized controlled trial, according to a new study. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120312003050.htm An antidepressant combined with a drug derived from vitamin A could be used to treat a common adult form of leukemia, suggests laboratory research. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120312003050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131845.htm Researchers have identified the intracellular mechanisms regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta, the main component of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. The early findings show that vitamin D3 may activate key genes and cellular signaling networks to help stimulate the immune system to clear the amyloid-beta protein. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173557.htm Researchers report a universal approach to personalized cancer therapy based on T cells. It is the first time a system for making an adaptable, engineered T-cell to attack specific tumor types has been proposed, depending on which abnormal proteins, called antigens, are expressed by individual patients' tumor cells. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm Vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of developing stress fractures in preadolescent and adolescent girls, especially among those very active in high-impact activities, according to a new report. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm Treatment with vitamin D reduced the size of uterine fibroids in laboratory rats predisposed to developing the benign tumors, reported researchers. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105139.htm A new method for creating nanofibers made of proteins promises to greatly improve drug delivery methods, aid in regenerating human tissue, and pave the way to an organic method of building nanofibers for tiny, powerful microprocessors. Researchers have discovered how to make nanofibers using the COMP protein found in human cartilage. By adding different metal ions, researchers found the fibers would absorb or release drug molecules. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103920.htm Researchers have discovered specific molecular and signaling events by which vitamin D inhibits inflammation. Low levels of vitamin D failed to inhibit the inflammatory cascade, while levels considered adequate did inhibit inflammatory signaling. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204235.htm As study after study shows the fundamental role vitamin D plays in disease and health, vitamin D deficiency — which often develops insidiously in childhood — should be on every parent’s and pediatrician’s radar, say physicians. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222132737.htm The offspring of women who were given micronutrient supplements (minerals needed in small quantities, such as iron, iodine and vitamin A) before they became pregnant had gene modifications at birth as well as when they were tested at nine months. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222132737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm New research has found that 77 percent of trauma patients had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121814.htm As we age, our skin undergoes a number of changes affecting its texture, volume and appearance. Fortunately, dermatologists can use fillers or lasers to correct the most notable signs of aging and can recommend skin care products with added ingredients that can further repair damaged skin. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141509.htm Could the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in a regular diet help to reduce the risk of colon cancer and protect against carcinogens? A study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that rats given regular multivitamin and mineral supplements showed a significantly lower risk of developing colon cancer when they were exposed to carcinogens. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113310.htm Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151106.htm Researchers discovered that the leprosy pathogen Mycobacterium leprae was able to evade immune activity that is dependent on vitamin D, a natural hormone that plays an essential role in the body's fight against infections. A better understanding of how these pathogens can escape the immune system may be helpful in designing more effective therapies. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135945.htm New research could lead to the design of more effective drugs to combat malaria. The research will enable scientists to learn more about the nature of the enzymes required for vitamin biosynthesis by the malaria causing pathogen Plasmodium. Vitamins are essential nutrients required in small amounts, the lack of which leads to deficiencies. Many pathogenic microorganisms produce vitamins, and these biosynthetic pathways may provide suitable targets for development of new drugs. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126101612.htm HIV-positive mothers have been able to guard against transmitting the disease to their babies by taking antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. Although the drugs prevent children from being born with HIV, they could cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. A new study explores any links between antiretroviral prophylaxis and cleft lip and palate. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126101612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101948.htm At a time of increasing concern about low vitamin D levels in the world's population and increased use of blood tests for the vitamin, scientists are reporting development of a much-needed reference material to assure that measurements of vitamin D levels are accurate. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140311.htm Researchers have found a genetic variation predisposing children to six-times greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome when taking second-generation anti-psychotic medications. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study showed a close association with two conditions in particular: high blood pressure and elevated fasting blood sugar levels, which is a precursor to diabetes. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124092737.htm For the first time, scientists have obtained a high-resolution, full 3-D image of a small but vital molecule locked up within our cells: the vitamin D receptor. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124092737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118112001.htm Scientists are reporting development of contact lenses that could provide a continuous supply of anesthetic medication to the eyes of patients who undergo laser eye surgery -- an advance that could relieve patients of the burden of repeatedly placing drops of medicine into their eyes every few hours for several days. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118112001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145234.htm Researchers have found that vitamin D reduces the effects of aging in mouse eyes and improves the vision of older mice significantly. The researchers hope that this might mean that vitamin D supplements could provide a simple and effective way to combat age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, in people. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092036.htm People with diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients, according to a new study. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140716.htm Medical researchers argue that vitamin therapy still has a role to play in reducing stroke. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105831.htm Ironically, despite excessive caloric intake, many obese women are deficient in vitamins vital to a healthy pregnancy. This and other startling statistics abound when obesity and pregnancy collide. Together, they present a unique set of challenges that women and their doctors must tackle in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mom and baby. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133705.htm It's rubbed on the skin to reduce signs of aging and consumed by athletes to improve endurance but scientists now have the first evidence of one of vitamin E's normal body functions. The powerful antioxidant found in most foods helps repair tears in the plasma membranes that protect cells from outside forces and screen what enters and exits, new research shows. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135855.htm A new study has identified a gene mutation that researchers estimate dates back to 11,600 B.C., making it the second oldest human disease mutation known. The mutation was described in people of Arabic, Turkish and Jewish ancestry. It causes a rare, inherited vitamin B12 deficiency. The mutation originated in a single, prehistoric individual and was passed down to that individual's descendants. The discovery should permit reliable genetic diagnosis of suspected cases of Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094648.htm Scientists have analyzed fresh orange juice squeezed by machines in catering establishments. They have confirmed that 43% of samples exceeded the acceptable enterobacteriaceae levels laid down by legislation. The researchers recommend that oranges are handled correctly, that juicers are washed properly and that the orange juice is served immediately rather than being stored in metal jugs. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082249.htm A recent study of obese and non-obese children found that low vitamin D levels are significantly more prevalent in obese children and are associated with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194035.htm Scientists have demonstrated, for the first time, that a critical hormone that helps people feel "full" after eating can be delivered into the bloodstream orally. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173957.htm Vitamin D levels are significantly lower in patients with recurrent inflammatory spinal cord disease, according to a new study. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141254.htm Low levels of vitamin C were associated with higher levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein and shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death for heart failure patients, in recent research. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103122421.htm Light-skinned people who avoid the sun are twice as likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency as those who do not, according to a study of nearly 6,000 people. Surprisingly, the use of sunscreen did not significantly affect blood levels of vitamin D, perhaps because users were applying too little or too infrequently, researchers speculate. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103122421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081429.htm A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and patients with a deficiency can have difficulty producing new bone, which can, in turn, interfere with healing following spine surgery. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101141345.htm Vitamin D deficiency is common in Americans, and especially in overweight and obese adolescents, according to the National Institutes of Health. Researchers have found that providing obese adolescents with a high daily dose of vitamin D3 is safe and effective in improving their vitamin D status. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101141345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125820.htm A study of postmenopausal women found no significant mortality benefit from vitamin D after controlling for health risk factors such as abdominal obesity. The only exception was that thin-waisted women with low vitamin D levels might face some risk. The results agree with advice issued last year by the Institute of Medicine that cautioned against vitamin D having a benefit beyond bone health. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115105.htm New research points to a potential role for UV light exposure and vitamin D levels in chronic digestive conditions; Crohn's disease, a serious inflammatory condition in the small intestine; and ulcerative colitis, which similarly affects the colon. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115105.htm