Annual Report on Dietary Supplement Studies in 2007
Has a Few Nuggets for Senior Citizens
Selected top papers refer to seniors and folic acid,
genistein, beta-carotene, vitamins E, B, C,
Oct.
23, 2008 - There were just a few valuable nuggets for senior citizens in
the ninth issue of the Annual Bibliography of Significant Advances in
Dietary Supplement Research, which was published today by the Office of
Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The papers selected for the 2007 Bibliography
include research supported by government, industry, and academic
institutions, as well as public-private partnerships.
The research covers a wide array of laboratory,
human studies, and observational studies in the following areas, as well
as others:
● Supplements and Cardiovascular Health
● Supplements and Diabetes in At-Risk Children
● Supplements and Cancer Risk
For each of the 25 papers selected, the
Bibliography provides the full reference citation, a description of the
study’s methods and findings, and discussion of possible implications
for future research
For this issue of the Annual Bibliography, over 400
original scientific papers from 83 journals were initially identified
for consideration. Of these, 223 papers relevant to dietary supplements
were sent to 54 external scientific experts in the fields of nutrition,
public health, medicine and pharmacognosy for evaluation. In scoring the
papers, the expert reviewers considered each study’s design and
statistical evaluation, public health significance, and potential to
advance the field.
The Bibliography contains the 25 top-scoring
papers.
There were only a few of the top papers that
related to older Americans and the results are below.
Folic Acid
One study found taking folic acid slowed the
decline in hearing at the low frequencies, but did not affect hearing
thresholds at the high frequencies. Another found folic acid taken for
three-years improved performance on information processing speed and
memory.
“These findings of a positive benefit of folic acid
on hearing and cognition in the elderly are promising,” the report says.
Genistein
Genistein, a phytoestrogen in soybeans, has
previously been shown to reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women, but
the evidence is not conclusive. In addition, genistein is associated
with increased risk for developing certain cancers in some studies.
“Overall, the findings from these studies suggest
that long-term intake of genistein has favorable effects on bone mineral
density and some cardiovascular risk factors in older women,” according
to the report.
Vitamin E
A secondary analysis of the Women’s Health Study
was conducted to evaluate whether vitamin E supplementation reduced the
risk of venous thromboembolism.
At least 100,000 deaths in the United States result
from deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism induced by venous
thromboembolism.
Although additional confirmation studies are
needed, this study supports the benefits of vitamin E supplementation
(600 IU) in the prevention of venous thromboembolism, especially in
those with prior history or genetic predisposition.
Vitamin B
Findings from this study suggest that B-vitamin
supplementation is not an effective regimen for the prevention of first
or recurrent episodes of venous thromboembolism.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene
In the Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study,
the independent effects and interactions between vitamin C (500 mg
ascorbic acid), vitamin E (600 IU d-α tocopherol acetate), and
beta-carotene (560 mg) on cardiovascular disease were examined in 8171
female health professionals over 10 years. Women enrolled were 40 years
or older with three risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
There were no combined or independent effects of
vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta-carotene on the primary combined endpoint
of vascular disease or on the individual secondary outcomes of
myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or death from
cardiovascular disease.
However, there were fewer observed strokes among
those taking vitamin C and vitamin E.
Overall, there was no observed benefit or harm from
the antioxidants tested alone or in combination. This study does not
support the regular use of antioxidants in reducing the risk of
cardiovascular disease outcomes among women with risk factors for
cardiovascular disease.
Editor’s Notes
Copies may be downloaded from the ODS Web site at
http://ods.od.nih.gov/Research/Annual_Bibliographies.aspx. Single
print copies may also be requested from ODS by phone (301-435-2920) or
e-mail (ods@nih.gov).
Print copies will also be distributed at this month’s Supply Side West
convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the American Dietetic Association’s
Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Chicago, Illinois.
The mission of the NIH Office of Dietary
Supplements (ODS) is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of
dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating
and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating
the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S.
population. For additional information about ODS, visit
ods.od.nih.gov.
The Office of the Director, the central office at
NIH, is responsible for setting policy for NIH, which includes 27
Institutes and Centers. This involves planning, managing, and
coordinating the programs and activities of all NIH components. The
Office of the Director also includes program offices which are
responsible for stimulating specific areas of research throughout NIH.
Additional information is available at
http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The
Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers
and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic,
clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the
causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For
more information about NIH and its programs, visit
www.nih.gov.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Oct.
23, 2008 - There were just a few valuable nuggets for senior citizens in
the ninth issue of the Annual Bibliography of Significant Advances in
Dietary Supplement Research, which was published today by the Office of
Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The more alcohol consumed, the smaller the total
brain volume; stronger in women
Two percent lower lung cancer risk with each glass of
red wine consumed per month