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Dr. Edward Boshnick |
Nutrition and Your EyesMACULAR DEGENERATION STUDIES GLAUCOMA STUDIES DIABETIC EYE STUDIES CATARACT STUDIES STROKE, HEART DISEASE & BLOOD PRESSURE RESEARCH CANCER RESEARCH ANTI-AGING, OSTEOPOROSIS, ALZHEIMER & DIABETIC RESEARCH ARTHRITIS RESEARCH EYE DISEASE RESEARCH MACULAR DEGENERATION STUDIES 1. A preliminary study showed those consuming lutein from either spinach or supplements demonstrated improvement of some of the early vision loss from "dry" macular degeneration. Richer, J. Amer Optom Assoc; Jan 1999. 2. Consuming lutein daily, w/ it's co-nutrient zeaxanthin (Ed. Note: equiv. to 4-8 ounces of spinach daily, depending on reference) for five months was shown to increase macular pigment density, which protects from harmful blue wavelength light believed to be most responsible for macular degeneration. Landrum, et al. Exp Eye Res 1997 Jul;65(1):57-62 3. High macular pigment density was associated with the retention of youthful visual sensitivity, which suggested that increasing macular pigment may retard age-related declines in visual function. Hammond, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1997 Aug;38(9):1795-801. 4. Persons who had the lowest serum levels of lycopene, the most abundant carotenoid in the serum, were twice as likely to have macular degeneration when compared to those with the highest levels. Mares-Perlman, et al. Arch Ophthalmol 1995 Dec;113(12):1518-23 (Ed. Note: Consumption of high levels of lutein and lycopene (a carotenoid found in tomatoes) has also been associated with dramatically lower cancer rates for lung and prostate cancer!) 5. Those consuming lutein rich foods (spinach and collard greens) five days per week were 8 times less likely to develop macular degeneration as those consuming them once per month Seddon, et al. JAMA 1994 Nov 9;272(18):1413-20 (Ed. Note: Consumption of large amounts of spinach has been associated with kidney stones due to their high levels of oxalic acid, and also may be contradindicted in those taking blood thinners due to its vitamin K. Standardized lutein supplements may be preferred.) 6. The ARMD population manifested decreased intake of vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Patients with advanced ARMD taking antioxidants twice daily maintained vision in their better functioning eyes significantly better than those taking a placebo. Richer, J Am Optom Assoc 1996 Jan;67(1):12-29 J Am Optom Assoc 1996 Jan;67(1):30-49 7. Smokers with early macular degeneration who consumed the lowest amounts of carotenoids were nearly 6X as likely to develop advanced macular degeneration than those consuming the highest amounts. Seddon, et al. J. Amer Med Assoc; 1994. 8. In a clinical trial 60% of subjects with ARMD or diabetic macular edema who received 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15,000 IU of beta carotene and selenium showed either improvement or no further progression of their disease. So Med J, 1987. 9. The evidence suggests that carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins may help to retard some of the destructive processes in the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium which are responsible for age-related degeneration of the macula. Am J Clin Nutr 1995 Dec;62(6 Suppl):1448S-1461S 10. The minerals copper and zinc are required to synthesize superoxide dismutase and other enzymes in the retina which scavenge free radicals, preventing the oxidative damage which plays a role in the development of drusen, an early sign of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Olin, et al: Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1995 Apr;208(4):370-7 11. Glutathione and its related enzyme precursor amino acids (N-Acetyl-Cysteine, L-glycine, and glutamine and selenium are protective against damage to human retinal pigment epithelium cells. Sternberg, Davidson, Jones, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1993 Dec;34(13):3661-8 12. Quercetin protected bovine retinas in vitro from induced lipid peroxidation, especially when combined with vitamin E, suggesting a potential protective effect in ARMD. Ophthalmic Res 1996;28(3):184-92. 13. Deficiency of taurine, an amino acid, has been shown to lead to retinal degeneration and supplementing it has been used with some success to prevent, treat and stabilize retinal changes. Altern Med Rev 1998 Apr;3(2):128-36. Oftalmol Zh 1989;(8):463-5 Brain Res Brain Res Rev 1991 May-Aug;16(2):151-69 J Neurosci Res 1987;18(4):602-14 14. After 18 months, subjects with macular degeneration who took antioxidants on a consistent basis were 2.5X more likely to improve on visual acuity testing, and four times less likely to deteriorate in their worst eye, compared to those who took them less consistently. Olson, et al. J. Cat Refr Surg, Mar 1991. 15. Patients with confluent soft drusen, or "pre-wet" ARMD, were found to have evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency. B. Lane, Ann Mtg Amer Coll of Nutrition, 1991. 16. General measures for prevention and remediation of macular degeneration would include a combination of supplementation with trace elements, antioxidants and other vitamins, ozone therapy, increasing physical fitness, improving nutrition (e.g. avoiding hydrogenated oils), abstaining from smoking, and protection from excessive light exposure. Eur J Med Res 1997 Oct 30;2(10):445-54 17. There is an association between both low serum selenium levels and current smoking status and age-related macular degeneration. Doc Ophthalmol 1992;81(4):387-400 Mayer, et al. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 1998 Feb;76(1):62-7 18. There was an inverse relationship between dietary pro-vitamin A carotenoid and vitamin E consumption and the incidence of large macular drusen, and between zinc and the incidence of pigmentary abnormalities. Am J Epidemiol 1998 Jul 15;148(2):204-14 19. The evidence suggests that carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins may help to retard some of the destructive processes in the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium that lead to age-related degeneration of the macula. Snodderly, Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62(6 suppl):1448S-61S 20. Subnormal zinc and vitamin E serum levels may be associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration. Ishihara, et al. Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 1997 Mar;101(3):248-51 21. In a study of adults over 60 there was found to be a significant link between risk of macular degeneration and low blood levels of vitamin E as well as increased sun exposure. Belda, et al Mech Ageing Dev 1999 Mar 1;107(2):159-64 GLAUCOMA STUDIES (Return to Top) 1. In a study of open angle glaucoma patients who received 150mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid each day, 45-47% of the eyes had enhancement of color visual fields and visual sensitivity when compared to controls using only topical medical therapy. More advanced cases had an even better response compared to their controls. Filina, et al., Vestn Oftalmol 1995 Oct-Dec;111(4):6-8 2. Pretreatment with alpha lipoic acid has been found to reduce neuronal damage from excitotoxic damage from cyanide, glutamate and iron ions, demonstrating a strong neuroprotective effect for this substance in nerve tissue. (Ed. Note: Recent evidence points to the importance of neuroprotection against glutamate in glaucoma patients, with many medications now heavily promoting this property!) J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 1995 Jul;15(4):624-30 (Other ALA Studies) 3. The eyes of open angle glaucoma patients were found to have significantly lower vitamin C levels, as well as higher levels of lipic peroxidation byproducts compared to normals. Aleksidze, et al. Oftalmol Zh 1989;(2):114-6 4. Patients suffering from open angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma who were given magnesium twice daily showed improvement of the visual field and reduced peripheral vasospasms (which can cause glaucoma, stroke and heart attack) after four weeks of treatment. Gaspar, et al; Ophthalmologica 1995;209(1):11-3 5. Glaucoma patients treated with vitamin B12 for over 5 years demonstrated better visual acuity and better overall control of their disease. Glacome, 1992; Nippon Ganka Kiyo. 1965 Mar.; Oftalmol Zh. 1965; 20(6); Klin Oczna 1974 Nov;44(11):1183-7 6. Besides beta carotene, other carotenoids found in dark green leafy vegetables appear to be much more essential to the health of the eye. Several studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin supplements may slow vision loss in glaucoma, and in some cases improve eyesight. Science News, Volume 146. 7. Vascular changes which hinder the blood flow and impair nutrition of neuronal tissue might be the primary cause of glaucoma. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh) 1993 Aug;71(4):433-44 8. Chronic open angle glaucoma patients had a statistically significant lower thiamine blood level than controls along with poor absorption of that nutrient. Asregadoo, Ann Ophthalmol 1979 Jul;11(7):1095-1100 9. Lipoic acid may be useful in the treatment of glaucoma and may prevent ischemic optic nerve damage. Altern Med Rev 1998 Aug;3(4):308-11 10. The literature data permit recommending lipoic acid in complex with vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 (pyridoxal phosphate), and vitamin C to glaucoma patients. Filina, AA & Sporova, NA. Vestn Oftalmol 1991 May-Jun;107(3):19-21 11. Vascular obstruction and hindrance of the blood flow and impaired nutrition of neuronal tissue might be the primary cause of glaucoma. Sonnsjo & Krakau, Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh) 1993 Aug;71(4):433-44 12. There is an impairment of normal peripheral blood vessel dilation in normal tension glaucoma. Henry, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1999 Jul;40(8):1710-4 (Ed. Note: magnesium has been shown to decrease peripheral vasospasms, allowing improved blood flow) DIABETIC EYE STUDIES (Return to Top) 1. Alpha Lipoic Acid can significantly reduce diabetic cataract formation, as well as neuropathy, and would seem to be an ideal neuroprotective substance in the treatment of all oxidative brain and neural disorders involving free radical processes. Packer, L., Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994 Nov 17;738:257-64 Packer, L. Free Radic Biol Med 1997;22(1-2):359-78 2. Vitamin E significantly improved glucose tolerance in non-insulin dependent diabetics, which should result in fewer diabetic complications. Paolisso, G, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1993; 57:650-56. 3. Diabetic patients with high serum magnesium levels were less likely to develop severe diabetic retinopathy compared to those with low levels. Diabetes 1978 Nov;27(11):1075-7. 4. Chromium, high-dose vitamin E, magnesium, soluble fiber, and possibly taurine appear likely to lessen risk for macrovascular disease (retinopathy) in diabetics. McCarty, Med Hypotheses 1997 Aug;49(2):143-52. 5. Bioflavonoids were found to normalize blood vessels' permeability in diabetic patients. Valenci, et al. Diabet Med 1996 Oct;13(10):882-8. 6. Seven of fifteen patients with Type I diabetic retinopathy who were given vitamin B12 along with their daily insulin injections were found to have complete regression of retinal signs after 12 months. Kornerup T, Strom L. Acta Paediatr 1958. 7. 79% of 37 patients with visible diabetic retinal abnormalities improved after taking 160 mg of bilberry extract twice daily, compared to 0% of the placebo control group, and 86% of those with abnormalities of angiography findings showed moderate to considerable improvement. Perossini, et al. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 1987. 8. 73% of type I and II diabetics who took chromium supplements reduced their requirement for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Taking chromium and niacin together reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved glucose tolerance. J Trace Elem Exp Med 1995: 8:183-90; Urberg M, Zemel MB, Metabolism 1987; 36:896-99. 9. Low magnesium levels might increase the risk of ischemic heart disease and severe retinopathy in diabetics, while chromium increases insulin sensitivity and raises the 'good' HDL cholesterol. Tuvemo, T. Pediatrician 1983-85;12(4):213-9 10. Low serum carotenoid levels were found to be directly related to an increased risk for diabetes and insulin resistance. Ford, et al. Am J Epidemiol 1999 Jan 15;149(2):168-76 CATARACT STUDIES (Return to Top) 1. Subjects taking vitamin C supplements for more than 10 years had a 45-77% lower risk of early lens opacities (cataracts) and 83% lower risk of moderate lens opacities. Jacques, et al. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct. 1997. S.E. Hankinson, et al. 1992. BMJ: 305: 335-339. 2. Vitamin E, vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, and taurine appear to offer protection against lens damage caused by low level radiation. Bantseev, et al. Biochem Mol Biol Int 1997 Sep;42(6):1189-97. 3. Dietary lutein and cryptoxanthin were associated with 70% lower risk of nuclear cataracts in those under age 65. Lyle, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1999 Feb;69(2):272-7. 4. Dietary intake of riboflavin, vitamins C, E, and carotene, niacin, and thiamine significantly decreased the risk of all cataract types. Combining the different antioxidant nutrients produced the greatest effect. Leske, et al. Arch Ophthalmol 1991 Feb;109(2):244-51. 5. Vitamin E taken with bilberry extract stopped the progression of senile cortical cataracts in 97% of the eyes of human subjects. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul, 1989. 6. Low blood levels of vitamin E were associated with approximately twice the risk of both cortical and nuclear cataracts, compared to median or high levels. Vitale, et al. Epidemiology 1993 May;4(3):195-203 7. Smokers were 2.6 times as likely to develop posterior subcapsular cataracts than nonsmokers. Hankinson, et al. JAMA 1992 Aug 26;268(8):994-8 8. Patients with senile cataracts were found to have significantly lower blood and intraocular levels of the mineral selenium than controls. Karakucuk S, et al. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 1995 Aug;73(4):329-32 9. Alpha lipoic acid can help prevent cataract formation as well as nerve degeneration and radiation injury. Packer, et al. Free Radic Biol Med 1995 Aug;19(2):227-50 STROKE, HEART DISEASE & BLOOD PRESSURE RESEARCH (Return to Top) 1. The risk of stroke was 73% lower in those who consumed the most bioflavonoids (e.g. those found in grape seeds, red wine, tea, hesperidin, quercetin, & rutin) compared those who consumed the lowest amounts. Low selenium levels were associated with nearly 4X the risk of dying of stroke among men. Keli, et al. Arch Intrn Med; Mar 1996.nbspnbsp Am J Epidemiol, 122(2):276-82 1985 Aug 2. The incidence of a second non-fatal heart attack was reduced by 77% in men who were taking 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin E daily after one year of treatment. 500 IU of vitamin E significantly reduces LDL oxidation, a major cause of coronary heart disease. CHAOS Study, Lancet; 1996.nbspnbsp Aust N Z J Med 1996 Aug;26(4):496-503 3. Elevated blood serum homocysteine levels, a very significant risk factor for both coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, are lowered by supplementing with folic acid and vitamin B12. BMJ 1998 Mar 21;316(7135):894-8. 4. Niacin use to prevent or treat atherosclerotic heart disease is based on strong and consistent evidence from clinical trials. Guyton, Am J Cardiol 1998 Dec 17;82(12A):18U-23U; discussion 39U-41U 5. It is now becoming clear that a lower than normal dietary intake of Mg can be a strong risk factor for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, atherogenesis and sudden cardiac death. (In the U.S., 90% of the population does not get the RDA.) The amino acid taurine has similar properties. Magnes Trace Elem 1991-92;10(2-4):182-92nbspnbsp Med Hypotheses 1996 Feb;46(2):89-100 6. A high intake of potassium and, possibly, magnesium along with sodium restriction seem to protect against the development of arterial hypertension and the rise of blood pressure with age. Ann Med 1991 Aug;23(3):299-305 7. After adjustment for age, center, and smoking, the risk for myocardial infarction was 37% lower in the highest quintile of selenium as compared with the lowest. Am J Epidemiol 1997 Feb 15;145(4):373-9 8. Increasing the amount of magnesium, calcium, chromium, manganese and other trace minerals that we consume might prevent 150,000 cardiac deaths each year in the U.S. alone (This is over 400 people each day! -Ed.). The National Academy of Science, 1977. Click Here for More Information 9. Black and especially green tea improve the risk factors for heart disease by both hypolipemic and antioxidant mechanisms and possibly a fibrinolytic effect. FEBS Lett 1998 Aug 14;433(1-2):44-6 10. Red wine extract as well as resveratrol (grape skins) and proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract) are equally effective in reducing heart damage from a heart attack, which suggests that these red wine polyphenolic antioxidants play a crucial role in cardioprotection. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1999;25(2-3): 115-20 11. Red wine supplementation was found to increase the 'good' HDL cholesterol and blood carotenoid levels, and may be protective against heart disease. Whitehead, et al. Clinical Chemistry (41-1); 1995. 12. Of those with the highest serum carotenoid levels, smokers had a 36% lower incidence of heart disease and nonsmokers had a 72% lower incidence compared to those with the lowest levels. Morris, et al. JAMA 1994 Nov 9;272(18):1439-41. 13. Chromium supplementation dramatically regresses atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits and may prove helpful in humans, as well. Abraham, et al. Atherosclerosis 1982 Apr;42(2-3):185-95nbsp 14. Serial coronary angiograms show that antioxidant vitamin intake reduces the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Hodis, et al. JAMA 1995 Jun 21;273(23):1849-54. 15. Patients who suffered from a heart attack who took CoQ10 and selenium supplements daily greatly reduced their risk of dying during the first year afterwards. Kuklinski, et al, Molec. Aspects Med; V15, 1995. 16. Patients who had definite or possible acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina were half as likely to have cardiac events or to die over a two year period if they took magnesium or potassium supplements daily, and this should be part of the care of these patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther., 34(5):219-25 1996 May CANCER RESEARCH (Return to Top) 1. Total cancer mortality was reduced by 50% in those taking 200mcg of selenium daily. Journ of Amer Med Assoc; Dec 1996 and Redman, et al. Cancer Lett 1998 Mar 13;125(1-2):103-10 2. Many studies strongly suggest that a diet supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene will reduce the risk of cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers by reducing oxidative damage to DNA. Duthie, et al., Cancer Res; Mar. 1997. 3. Vitamin D3 was shown in many studies to inhibit human colon and breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and malignant melanoma cell lines by enhancing cancer cell apoptosis, or cell suicide. Int J Oncol 1999 May;14(5):979-85 4. Premenopausal women with a positive family history of breast cancer were more than three times less likely to develop it when they consumed the most alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, total vitamin C, and total vitamin A. J Natl Cancer Inst 1999 Mar 17;91(6):547-56 5. Alpha-carotene, lycopene and lutein all showed significantly higher potency than beta-carotene in suppressing experimental carcinogenesis. J Cell Biochem Suppl 1997;27:86-91 6. Supplementing a combination of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids was found to be the most effective in protecting against Ultraviolet induced skin damage which results in premature aging and skin cancer. J Photochem Photobiol B 1997 Nov;41(1-2):1-10 7. Green Tea polyphenols known as catechins were shown to inhibit growth in a number of tumor cell lines, and have been shown to increase the body's endogenous antioxidant levels. Chen, et al. Cancer Lett 1998 Jul 17;129(2):173-9nbspnbsp Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Intl, 1998 Vol 44, Iss. 5 pp 1069-1074. 8. Many studies show that garlic consumption is associated with significantly lower risk of stomach, colon, breast and prostate cancers, as well as lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and brain aging.Sumiyoshi. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1997 Oct;110 Suppl 1:93P-97Pnbsp 9. Vitamin E (just 50 IU of alpha tocopherol each day) reduced prostate cancer risk by one-third (gamma tocopherol is even more effective), and selenomethionine reduced the risk by 63%. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998 Mar 18;90(6):416-7 10. There is strong evidence for a protective effect of vitamin A in bladder cancer. Superior protection has been reported with a combination of high doses of vitamins A, B6, C and E plus zinc. For prostate cancer strong evidence exists for a preventive effect of reduced fat intake, vitamin E, selenium and soy proteins. A lesser benefit is also suggested with intake of vitamins D and C. J Urol 1999 Jun;161(6):1748-60 11. A combination of alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and lycopene (a carotenoid found in tomatoes) inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation by close to 90%. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998 Sep 29;250(3):582-5nbsp 12. Regular vitamin supplementation was associated with a 70% reduced risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. Wei, et al. J Clin Epidemiol 1994 Aug;47(8):829-36nbsp 13. High doses of CoQ10 were effective in completely regressing tumors in five breast cancer patients, some of whom had metastasis to other organs. Lockwood, et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995 Jul 6;212(1):172-7 14. Vitamin D3 with dietary antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E, beta carotene, and lipoic acid) may be useful in leukemia therapy. Sokoloski, et al. Leukemia 1997 Sep;11(9):1546-53. 15. Cancer of the bladder was reduced by 50% in those who drank six or more 8 oz. glasses of water daily when compared to those drinking less than one glass. New Engl J of Med May 1999. 16. Resveratrol, a natural product found in red wine, induced death of human leukemia cells, controls breast cancer metastasis, and may be considered for use as a strong cancer chemopreventive agent in humans. It also has protective effects against heart disease. Surh, et al., Cancer Lett 1999 Jun 1;140(1-2):1-10 Hsieh, et al, Int J Oncol 1999 Aug;15(2):245-52 Chun, et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1999 Aug 19;262(1):20-4 17. Prostate cancer risk was reduced by 74% in men who had normal PSA levels who supplemented selenium over a 4.5 year study. Ongoing selenium supplementation reduced the risk of primary liver cancer by 35.1%. Br J Urol, 276(24):730-4 1998 May Biol Trace Elem Res, 276(24):117-124 1997 Jan MORE STUDIES Free radical induced DNA damage is related to progression of human breast cancers to the metastatic state, indicating that antioxidants may help prevent metastasis. Proc Natl. Acad of Sci, Vol 93; Mar. 1996 ANTI-AGING, OSTEOPOROSIS, ALZHEIMER & DIABETIC RESEARCH (Return to Top) 1. The evidence strongly suggests that the aging process is caused by the cumulative damage free radicals cause in our bodies, and lifespan (and quality of life) may be substantially lengthened by increasing the levels of antioxidant substances (incl. vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, glutathione, & zinc). Orr, et al., Science 1994 Feb 25;263(5150):1128-30. 2. Several indicators of aging, including high MDA levels (an indicator of lipid peroxidation), increased oxidative levels, lower glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in hepatocytes, reduced ambulatory activity and damage in aging were reversed by supplementation with alpha lipoic acid. FASEB J 1999 Feb;13(2):411-8 3. Mitochondrial DNA mutations are responsible for production of free radicals which speed the aging process and the development of age-related diseases, but they may be stopped by lifelong treatment with vitamin E, vitamin C and CoEnzyme Q10, among other free radical fighters. Wallace, Scientific Amer; Aug 97. Alpha lipoic acid dramatically slows the aging process. ABC News, Jan. 1998. 4. Findings suggest an important role for Vitamin C and Vitamin E supplementation in the improvement of immune function in aged females as well as in the prevention and treatment of specific diseases associated with age that are quite prevalent in the developed countries. la Fuente, et al. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1998 Apr;76(4):373-80 5. Nonvertebral fractures were reduced by 50% and bone density was frequently increased in women who took 500 mg of calcium from calcium citrate along with 700 IU of vitamin D for three years. New Engl J. Med; 9/4/97. 6. Daily oral magnesium supplementation may have beneficial effects in reducing osteoporosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 83(8):2742-8 1998 Aug 7. Ginkgo Biloba Extract stabilized, and often improved, cognitive abilities in early Alzheimer disease. LeBars, et al. JAMA; Oct 1997. 7. Vitamin E slowed cognitive loss in moderately severe Alzheimer disease.Sano, NEngl J Med; Apr 1997. Oxford Univ. Study 1998. 8. Two vitamins, vitamin B6 and riboflavin, help maintain glutathione status, an essential antioxidant in the body ,while deficiencies in tocopherol, vitamin B6 and riboflavin produce abnormalities in cell mediated immune response. Ascorbic acid and tocopherols have anti-inflammatory activity. In humans, dietary supplementation with ascorbic acid, tocopherols and vitamin B6 enhances immunity, with the effect being most apparent in the elderly. Grimble, RF. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1997;67(5):312-20 9. Several studies suggest that garlic and it's constituents may improve immune response, enhance memory, lower blood pressure, slow aging, protect against breast cancer & reduce cholesterol production. Kyolic Infrm'n, Vol. 3 10. 73% of type I and II diabetics who took chromium supplements reduced their requirement for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Taking chromium and niacin together reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved glucose tolerance. J Trace Elem Exp Med 1995: 8:183-90; Urberg M, Zemel MB, Metabolism 1987; 36:896-99. 11. Magnesium supplementation was found to decrease blood pressure in insulin-dependent diabetics, and 2,000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation improved both blood sugar control and blood cholesterol and triglycerides in non-insulin dependent diabetics. Ann Nutr Metab, 39(4): 217-23 1995 12. Magnesium and taurine may improve insulin sensitivity and may also lessen risk for the vascular complications of diabetes. Med Hypotheses, 29(5):89-100 1996 Febnbspnbsp Diabetes Care, 15(7):835-41 1992 Jul 13. Alpha lipoic acid suppresses advanced glycation end product (AGE) induced endothelial changes, which plays a major role in diabetic vascular complications. Diabetes, 25(4):1481-90 1997 Sep 14. Alpha lipoic acid is effective in improving glucose effectiveness in both lean and obese Type 2 diabetic patients in and improved insulin sensitivity in lean diabetics. Diabetes Care 1999 Feb;22(2): 280-7 15. The antioxidant thioctic acid (aka lipoic acid) significantly lowered the extent of NF-kappa B binding activity, a factor believed to be a major cause of diabetic complications in Type 1 diabetics. Diabetes Care 1998 Aug;21(8):1310-6 16. Peripheral insulin resistance (the major cause of non-insulin dependent diabetes), which usually responds to a very-low-fat diet, aerobic exercise training, and appropriate weight loss, can also be treated with high-dose chromium picolinate, high-dose vitamin E, magnesium, soluble fiber, and possibly taurine; these measures appear likely to correct the diabetes-associated metabolic derangements of vascular smooth muscle, and thus lessen risk for macrovascular disease. Med Hypotheses 1997 Aug;49(2): 143-52 ARTHRITIS RESEARCH (Return to Top) 1. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were found to have diets too high in fat and too low in pyridoxine, zinc, copper, magnesium and folic acid when compared with normals. Kremer amp Bigaouette; Journ of Rheumatology; 1996, 23-6. 2. Those consuming the lowest levels of vitamin D were associated with 4X higher risk of progression of osteoarthritis and 200% faster loss of cartilage, compared to the highest levels. McAlindon, Felson, et al; Annals Intern Med; 125(5) 1996. 3. Those with osteoarthritis taking high amounts of antioxidants (esp. vitamin C, and less consistently vitamin E and beta carotene) were about 3X less likely to develop knee pain and have progression of the disease. McAlindon, Jacques, et al; Arthr Rheum 39(4)1996. 4. Arthritis patients are at least marginally inadequate in selected nutrients, some of which (vitamin E and zinc) might relate to immunologic events important in perpetuating the disease. Kowsari B, et al. J Am Diet Assoc 1983 Jun;82(6):657-9nbsp 5. Indomethacin, while an effective antiinflammatory agent, is disadvantageous to the repair of joint destruction. Wang B, Chen MZ.nbsp Int J Tissue React 1998;20(3):91-4nbsp For more on arthritis research, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate Click HERE and for MSM, Click HERE. EYE DISEASE RESEARCH (Return to Top) 1. Those with early macular degeneration who consumed the highest amounts of carotenoids were 43-57% less likely to develop advanced macular degeneration. Seddon, et al. JAMA 1994 Nov 9;272(18):1413-20. Related Article 2. Dietary intake of vitamins C, E, and carotene, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine significantly decreased the risk of all types of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. Leske, et al. Arch Ophthalmol 1991. Cheraskin. J Am Optm Assoc; Jan 1996. 3. Glaucoma patients treated with vitamin B12 for over 5 years showed better visual acuity and better overall control of their disease. Glacome; 1992. Those treated with magnesium twice daily showed improvement of visual fields. Ophthalmologica 1995;209(1):11-3 4. In a clinical trial 60% of the subjects with macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema receiving 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15,000 IU of beta carotene and selenium supplements showed either improvement or no further progression of the disease. South Med J; 1987. (Ed. Note: Since other studies have found that beta carotene and vitamin E have had no effect by themselves, a comprehensive approach is likely necessary) 5. Subnormal blood levels of zinc and vitamin E appear to be associated with higher risk of macular degeneration. Ishihara, et al., Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 1997 Mar;101(3):248-51 |
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