Among healthy people over the age of 75 who have the genotype associated with higher risk for Alzheimer’s, low levels of vitamin B-12 are associated with significantly worse performance on memory tests. Scientists already knew of a genetic predisposition for...
seniors
Arthritis Awareness: Vitamin D may play important role
Getting more vitamin D appears to improve muscle strength and physical function for vitamin D-deficient patients with knee osteoarthritis, say researchers. Previous studies have linked low vitamin D with a greater risk for severity of knee osteoarthritis; however,...
Alzheimer’s Answer? Vitamins E and C make a powerful combo
Elderly persons who take individual vitamin E and C supplements together may reduce their risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), according to researchers. Previous studies have shown that antioxidant vitamins may protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals and...
Vitamins Cut Health Care Costs: Billions could be saved if more took them
If governments covered the cost of a daily multivitamin for the older population, it could save health care costs in the long run, according to an economic impact study by a US health care consulting company, The Lewin Group. They determined that increased daily...
The B-12 Battle: Elderly may be most at risk for deficiency
Growing older carries more risks, among them the risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency. Emerging evidence points to B-12 deficiency as an increasingly common reason behind high levels of homocysteine in the blood — a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Deficiencies of...
Sunscreens and Bug Sprays Don’t Mix: Combination may harm children and seniors
According to a recent study at the University of Winnipeg, using sunscreens and DEET-based insect repellents may increase the skin absorption of chemical ingredients and endanger health – particularly in seniors and children. People may wish to apply these products...
Low B-12 in seniors common and risky
It is estimated that up to 15% of those over age 60 have varying degrees of B-12 deficiency. The longer their deficiency goes undetected, the longer their brains and nervous systems will undergo progressive deterioration, culminating in a greater risk for the...
Ginkgo boosts brain function and more
Ginkgo contains two potent compounds — terpene lactones and flavone glycosides — which make blood platelets less sticky and combat free radical damage. Ginkgo is commonly used as an antioxidant to help improve circulation and brain function. At the Department of...
Whey/creatine combo builds muscle
Looking to make gains in the gym before swimsuit season? Researchers at Victoria University in Australia report that supplementation with whey protein isolate and creatine produced significant muscle fibre growth increases that also led to increases in strength. For...
Multivitamin helps seniors stay sharp
Researchers at Memorial University in Newfoundland wanted to determine if vitamins and trace minerals could influence cognitive function in healthy seniors. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 86 men and women, 65 years or older, took either a...