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Omega-3s improve muscle mass, increase walking speed Study evidence is mounting that fatty acids, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are critical for regulating, building, and sustaining skeletal muscle mass, and for maintaining muscle function with age. This review of 10 placebo-controlled omega-3 fish oil trials of different lengths and dosages, covered 552 participants, aged at least 60. Overall, in trials lasting longer than six months, for those taking more t

Vitamin E and carotenoids One factor that may contribute to cognitive decline with age is oxidative stress—when levels of pro-oxidants exceed levels of antioxidants in the body. Doctors believe brain matter, which is rich in fatty acids, is particularly vulnerable to this antioxidant/oxidant imbalance. Earlier studies suggest that diets rich in antioxidants, and taking antioxidant supplements, can protect brain function with age. In this study, doctors measured dietary and ci

Oxidative stress, inflammation This is the first study to measure antioxidant vitamin levels in those with oral cancer. Doctors in this study theorized cancer develops through oxidative stress and inflammatory processes linked to metabolic disorders. Doctors measured CoQ10, beta-carotene, and metabolic factors in 194 people with oral cancer. More than half of participants had high blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipids; and abdominal obesity, regardless of the stage of their

Green tea extract Earlier studies revealed green tea extract improved glucose levels in type 2 diabetes, but results in diabetes lipid studies have been mixed. In this review of seven placebo-controlled trials, lasting four to 16 weeks, doctors evaluated the results among 512 participants aged 50 to 65, with type 2 diabetes and body mass index scores from 24 to 30.4. Doses of green tea extract ranged from 400 mg to 10,000 mg per day. In studies lasting at least eight

Berberine and probiotics Recent trials suggest it is possible to manage glucose levels in type 2 diabetes through diet. In this study, 409 people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes took a placebo, berberine alone, probiotics alone, or these two together. The probiotics were lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. After 12 weeks, those taking berberine together with probiotics saw a reduction in long-term average blood sugar levels (A1C), to 6.62 percent from 7.66 percent, or

People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis do not absorb foods well, making many deficient in vitamins and nutrients. In this study, doctors measured nutrient levels in 87 people with an IBD. More than a third were deficient in vitamin D; 18.4 percent were deficient in folate (vitamin B9), and 5.7 percent were deficient in cobalamin (vitamin B12). Those with higher folate levels had lower disease activity and inflammation. Doctors usu

Glucosamine and chondroitin Two natural nutrients, glucosamine and chondroitin, help keep joint cartilage healthy. Here, doctors reveal heart and circulatory benefits, as well. In this study, doctors in 2015 counted deaths in a group of 16,686 adults who had participated in a large trial from 1999 through 2010. Overall, those who had taken glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for at least one year were 39 percent less likely to have died from any cause compared to those wh