Low Selenium levels linked with increased risk of knee osteoarthritis

A possible link between selenium levels and knee osteoarthritis was discovered for the first time and results were recently presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Participants included 940 people with arthritis that are part of a long-term osteoarthritis study in Johnston County, North Carolina. Researchers analyzed toenail clippings from the subjects to measure selenium, and used x-ray films to determine the extent of osteoarthritis.

For every tenth part per million selenium detected in the subjects, there was a 15-20 percent reduction in the risk of knee osteoarthritis. When participants were divided into three groups, those with the highest selenium had a 40 percent lower risk of arthritis than those in the lowest selenium group and had only about half the chance of severe arthritis in both knees. More research is necessary to determine exactly how selenium affects cartilage, but researchers noted that the antioxidant nature of selenium may be responsible for its apparent benefit.

http://www.rheumatology.org/press/2005/jordan.asp

Phenols found in olive oil benefit blood vessels

According to a new study published in the November 2005 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, phenolic compounds found in olive oil may help explain the cardiovascular health benefits associated with the Mediterranean Diet.

Phenolics are plant-based compounds believed to have antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and anticlotting properties that are found in higher concentrations in virgin olive oil.

In this study researchers found an improvement in the functioning of the endothelium (the inner lining) of small blood vessels, and in the concentrations of certain components of blood serum, after study subjects consumed a polyphenol-rich meal. But no such changes were found after the same study subjects consumed a low-phenolic meal.

Although more studies are needed to confirm these results, these findings may help to explain some of the heart health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2005; Nov: 15(46) 1864-1868.

Supplements reduce health care costs

A recent comprehensive review of existing scientific research literature found positive health effects associated with both omega-3 fatty acids and the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. The Lewin Group critically reviewed the scientific evidence of the two supplements' ability to reduce the risk of disease and developed estimates of potential health care savings. With health care costs skyrocketing and the age of the population increasing, living independently for longer has become increasingly important.

The group reviewed several hundred studies dating back over thirty years to arrive at an estimated cost savings of 3.1 billion dollars over the next five years with the daily use of omega-3 fatty acids. They estimated that the reduction in coronary heart disease in the elderly population would result in 384,303 fewer hospitalizations and physician fees.

Loss of central vision caused by age-related macular degeneration results in numerous elderly becoming dependent on the community or a nursing facility. The researchers used over 15 years of research on lutein and zeaxanthin to estimate a potential net savings of 2.5 billion dollars over the next five years. Approximately 98,219 individuals could avoid the transition to dependence during this time through daily intake of 6-10 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Based on health insurance costs for the age group over 65, the five-year estimated savings resulting from daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids and lutein with zeaxanthin is approximately 5.6 billion dollars.

For further information please see: http://www.supplementinfo.org/anm/articlefiles/265-FINAL_DSEA_%20FACT_SHEET.pdf

High folate intake may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease

Study findings have suggested an association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and several vitamins when used as preventive agents. In a recent study published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia, researchers examined whether total intake of antioxidant vitamins (E, C, carotenoids) and B vitamins (folate, B6, and B12) is associated with a reduced risk of AD.

Participants were 579 nondemented elderly volunteers from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who completed dietary diaries and recorded supplement intake. After more than 9 nine years of follow-up, AD developed in 57 participants. Higher intake of folate, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 were associated individually with a decreased risk of AD after adjusting for age, gender, education, and caloric intake. When these 3 vitamins were analyzed together, only total intake of folate at or above the RDA was associated with a significant decreased risk of AD.

The findings of this study suggest that total intake of folate at or above the RDA may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's and Dementia 2005 Jul:1 (1):11-18.