CoEnzyme Q10 protects nerve cells

Cells in the brain and nervous system depend on optimal mitochondrial function for energy. A recent study in the journal Neurobiology of Disease showed that oxidative stress causes mitochondria to produce excessive free radicals, leading to nerve cell damage and destruction. Due to its function in the mitochondrial energy process and its role as an antioxidant, researchers evaluated CoEnzyme Q10 for its ability to protect nerve cells.

The results of this study revealed that CoEnzyme Q10 inhibits the production of free radicals by the mitochondria and stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane when nerve cells are subjected to oxidative stress. CoEnzyme Q10 may therefore have a potential benefit in reducing the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurobiol Dis. 2005 Apr;18(3):618-27

Calcium reduces colorectal cancer risk in men

Men who get the most calcium have lower risks of colorectal cancer. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition analyzed over 45,000 Swedish men with no history of cancer who were between the ages of 45 and 79. Their food intake and diet were analyzed and they were followed for an average of 6.7 years.

Men whose calcium intake was in the top one-fourth of participants had a 32 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than those in the bottom fourth. Dairy, the main source of calcium in Swedish diets, had the greatest protective effect on the colon. Men who consumed seven or more servings of dairy per day reduced the risk to 54 percent below that of men whose intake was less than two servings per day.

In an editorial in the same issue, researchers added that in addition to calcium, vitamin D may have also played a major role in the reduction of colorectal cancer seen in these men.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 83, No. 3, 667-673, March 2006.

Soy and cruciferous vegetables reduce cancer risk by enhancing DNA repair

Nutrients found in soy and cruciferous vegetables have recently been shown to have anti-cancer activity for hormone-responsive tumors (i.e. breast and prostate cancers). The February 13, 2006 issue of the British Journal of Cancer reported that genistein (a soy isoflavone) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) found in vegetables such as broccoli, enhance DNA repair.

After adding increasing doses of I3C and genistein to two prostate cancer and two breast cancer cell lines, the scientists found a rise in levels of certain proteins which repair damaged DNA. Additionally, when researchers added I3C and genistein together in low doses to the cell lines, the results were synergistic, providing greater benefit than that obtained by either compound alone.

The finding could explain, in part, the protective effect these compounds have shown against some cancers. The study is also among the first to discover a cellular explanation behind the ability of increased vegetable intake to reduce the risk of cancer.

British Journal of Cancer (2006) 94,407-426.

Soy Protein benefits the heart in healthy young men

Although previous research has shown that soy protein can reduce risk factors for heart disease, few studies have involved healthy male subjects. New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied the cardiovascular benefits of soy protein on healthy young men.

Male participants with an average age of 28, consumed milk protein isolate, low-isoflavone soy protein isolate and high-soy protein isolate for 57 days each. The different supplements were given randomly, each separated by a one- month break, to insure the sequence didn't influence the findings. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Ratios of total cholesterol to HDL ("good") cholesterol, and LDL ("bad") cholesterol to HDL were significantly lower with both soy protein supplements, compared to the milk protein supplement.

In healthy young men, soy protein influences blood cholesterol ratios in a direction beneficial for the heart.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 83, No. 2, 244-251, February 2006.