Patients with kidney failure or undergoing long-term dialysis commonly have elevated levels of free radicals. These free radicals may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, a leading cause of death among dialysis patients. Researchers asked 14 male and...
vitamin e
Drug side effect eased with vitamins
Many neurological disorders such as schizophrenia are treated with anti-psychotic medications. While these medications may help the symptoms of the disorder, long-term use has been known to cause tardive dyskinesia. Repeated involuntary movements throughout the body...
Mixed E best for heart health
Two recent studies confirm that mixed tocopherol vitamin E products may be superior to the more common alpha-tocopherol products — especially in the area of cardiovascular health. Mixed tocopherols are vitamin E supplements that contain alpha-, beta- delta- and...
Antioxidants reduce hardened arteries
Hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is a common heart condition, often associated with type 2 diabetes. In a study at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Ireland, researchers found that vitamin C can help reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness in...
Take vitamin E for post-exercise pain
Vitamin E may be able to counter body damage from exercise, the Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter has reported. Dr Jennifer Sacheck, an exercise physiologist, studied groups of physically active men and found that older people particularly, including very...
Alzheimer’s risk lower with daily multi
Two recent studies have looked into the effects that vitamins and minerals may have on brain function including the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In the first, Canadian researchers gave 96 men and women, 65 years or older, a placebo or a vitamin and mineral supplement...
Antioxidants ease arthritis symptoms
Antioxidants are now known to benefit several “aging conditions,” including heart disease, cataracts and poor immunity. According to two recent studies, people with arthritis may also benefit from these free radical-fighting nutrients, which include selenium, an...
Antioxidant creams smooth skin: study
Pycnogenol, an antioxidant derived from the bark of pine trees, is reputed to help protect skin cells from the damage of UV rays as well as support collagen and elastin production in the skin. Vitamin E, both used internally and topically, is believed to help heal...
Asthma sufferers can breathe easier
Asthma is a lung disease where the airways are chronically inflamed, causing coughing, wheezing, a tight chest and breathlessness. According to the Asthma Society of Canada, over three million Canadians suffer from asthma. During an asthma attack, chemicals are...
Antioxidants cut Alzheimer’s risk
Free radicals are unstable oxygen compounds that damage fats, proteins and DNA. The brain is especially sensitive to free radical (oxidative) damage because of its high content of fatty acids, its high use of oxygen and its low levels of antioxidants. By studying the...