A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, found improvements in self-reported measurements of menstrual pain with a blend of Boswellia and Turmeric Extract.
60 women with painful menstruation unrelated to any uterine pathology (primary dysmenorrhea), participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. All the women who took part in this trial experienced moderate to severe menstrual cramping. One group of participants was given a single dose of the Boswellia and Turmeric supplement while the remaining participants received a placebo. All participants were administered their treatment when their menstrual pain reach a severity level of 5 or above on a numerical rating scale of 0 to 10. Participants were evaluated every 30 minutes for 6 hours after they were given either the Boswellia Turmeric Supplement or the placebo. Changes in pain relief and pain intensity were tracked.
The mean total improvement in pain scores was 12.6 times greater in the supplement group when compared to the placebo group. At every 30 minute time period statistically significant differences were observed between the supplement group and the placebo group.
Menstrual discomfort which usually begins during the first few day of a women’s menstrual cycle can last for a period of between 48-72 hours. Approximately half of women in their reproductive years experiences menstrual discomfort which can disrupt daily routines and affect a person’s quality of life for several days each month.
Further studies are needed.
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The devastating effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are better reduced with Lutein and Zeaxanthin than with Beta-Carotene or Omega 3’s according to a study of almost 3000 individuals.
In an original 2006 AREDS cohort study, participants with AMD were randomly assigned to take Omega-3, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, or a placebo with a secondary introduction of low or high doses of Zinc.
Equal participants were divided into 4 major groups:
AREDS2 supplements (Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Vitamins C and E, Zinc and Copper)
Just Omega-3s
AREDS2 supplement plus Omega-3s
Placebo
In the second AREDS2 five year study all the individuals still participating in the study were given the Lutein/Zeaxanthin AREDS2 blend since the earlier study had determined no late-AMD effect for the Omega-3 DHA/EPA blend. 90% of the remaining individuals still participating in the study were believed to have taken the AREDS2 blend mailed to them. Using the Kaplan-Meier event probability model, it was estimated that 47.9% of the Lutein/Zeaxanthin group saw progression to late AMD by the 10 year mark compared with 49% not taking Lutein/Zeaxanthin and 52.2% of participants supplementing with Beta Carotene alone.
This current five year cohort analysis is a follow up to the 2 AREDS/AREDS2 clinical trials sponsored by the National Eye Institute. Researchers found the Lutein/Zeaxanthin blend reduced the progression of Age Related Macular Degeneration by an additional 10-20%.
In the United States, Age related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly population. It is believed that approximately 288 million people will be affected by AMD by the year 2040.
Further research is needed.
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A new study has found supplementing with L-Carnitine in the form of Carnipure tartrate may increase platelet count in people who have tested positive for Covid-19. This suggests that L-Carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT), which is the salt form of the amino acid L-Carnitine, may have a protective effect against thrombosis-induced complications.
This study was a randomized controlled trial and used 2 cohorts of participants. Cohort 1 consisted of participants all testing negative for Covid-19. Cohort 2 consisted of 122 participants all of whom tested positive for Covid-19 and were displaying either mild symptoms of were asymptomatic.
Both cohorts were randomized to receive either a 3 gram oral dose of LCLT supplement daily or a placebo. The study lasted 21 days. Measured endpoints included infection in Cohort 1 and disease progressions in Cohort 2.
Cohort 1 reported 4 cases of Covid-19 during the follow up period. These participants were equally split between the supplement and placebo group. However, platelet count was significantly increased in the supplement group in Cohort 2 compared to the placebo group. Also fibrinogen levels (these are the major structural components of a clot) were significantly reduced in the LCLT group. Chest tomography images of the Cohort 2 supplement group showed significant improvements in lung lesions which suggest that LCLT may aid in helping slow the progression of Covid-19.
Researchers believe that L-Carnitine supplementation offers a protective effect during Covid-19 infection due to its ability to modulate coagulation by increasing platelet count which results in clinical improvements in patients with Covid-19.
L-Carnitine is responsible for transporting long-chain fatty acids in to the mitochondria of the cell for oxidation. Previous studies highlight L-Carnitine’s involvement in the mediation of inflammatory pathways by reducing inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress. Covid-19 is characterized by significant inflammation. Cytokine storms have been known to cause organ failure.
Additional research has shown the effect L-Carnitine has had on reducing viral infection risks and some studies showed L-Carnitine was able to inhibit hepatitis C.
Further studies are needed.
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A recent study found Astragalus extract may promote a normal immune function as seen by the herb’s ability to counteract immune suppression which is often caused by strenuous exercise.
18 members of the Polish Rowing Team were recruited to participate in this double-blind study. 10 members of the team were assigned to a group which received a supplement of Astragalus Extract and the remaining 8 members were assigned to a group receiving a placebo. Blood samples were taken 1 minute after completion of exercise and then again 24 hours after the exertion test. Levels of IL2 (interleukin 2), IL4 (interleukin 4), IL10 (interleukin 10), interferon, and lactic acid were also measured. The study lasted 6 weeks.
After the study period, an increase in the initial levels of IL2, IL10, and interferon were seen while a decrease in IL2/IL10 ratios and IL4 were also observed. This suggests that a general activation of the immune system was underway. Additional tests also showed the impact long term intensive training could have on the immune system. Natural Killer (NK) cells however showed no visible changes caused by the long term training in the supplement group whereas the placebo group showed a percentage decrease in NK cells.
Astragalus extract is an adaptogenic and anti-fatigue agent and may help improve endurance and performance. This is the first study to show the impact Astragalus may have on the immune system.
Larger studies are needed.
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According to a small clinical study, Ginkgo Biloba may be more beneficial in boosting memory as well as the brain’s control and command function, in stroke survivors than using aspirin alone.
Over 300 people were randomly assigned to receive either, a 450 mg dosage of Ginkgo Biloba extract (taken in divided dosages) plus 100 mg of aspirin or 100 mg of aspirin alone. The study lasted for 6 months. All the participants began either of the 2 treatments within 7 days of being admitted to any of five different hospitals after having experienced an ischemic stroke. The average age of the participants was 64 years of age. Participants took a validated MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score) at the study onset and then again 12, 30, 90, and 180 days later. This test was used to check for any cognitive impairment, which included any declines in executive function. A lower MoCA score which usually ranges from between 0 to 30 shows a larger degree of cognitive impairment.
Test results at all the bench marks (12,30,90, and 120 days) showed that participants given the Ginkgo Biloba and the aspirin combination, had higher scores for cognitive skills which included both executive functioning and memory when compared with participants who received only the aspirin. Additionally function capacity at day 12 and day 30 showed greater improvements in neurological deficits like speech problems, impaired reflexes and muscle weakness in the Ginkgo Biloba plus aspirin group when compared with the aspirin only group. Few side effects were reported during the 6 month study indicating Ginkgo Biloba and aspirin are safe alternative.
Further long term studies reviewing stroke severity and increased monitoring periods are needed.
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A recent study published online in the journal Neurology, found people suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) who eat certain foods high in Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids may actually have slower physical declines usually from this disease as well as a slightly extended survival rate. It is important to note that this study currently only suggests an association between decline reductions in ALS sufferers.
Almost 450 individuals, who were diagnosed with ALS, participated in this study. Participants had an average age of about 58. The study lasted 18 months. 28% of the original participants (126 people) died by the end of the study. Researchers looked at the participants levels of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids found in their blood. The participants were then divided into 4 groups based on their EFA levels, from lowest to highest amounts.
Test to measure disease progression and symptom severity were given to all participants. These tests measured 12 aspects of physical function like ability to use muscles in the torso, legs, arms and hands, respiratory function, ability to chew, speak and swallow. Each category received a score from zero (no ability) to four (normal ability). Total scores ranged from 0 to 48, higher scores showed less severe ALS symptoms and better function.
Researchers found participants with the highest amount of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid-one of the Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids) showed an average score of 38.3 at the beginning of the study while participants with the lowest amount of ALA had an average score of 37.6. A reduced number of participants assigned to the group with the highest EFA levels (19%) died compared to the participants assigned to the group with the lowest EFA levels (33%). After adjusting for certain factors like ethnicity, sex, and age, the participants with the highest amounts of EFA had a 50% reduced risk of death during the study period compared with the participants with the lowest amounts of EFA.
Limitations in this study led researchers to suggest more studies are needed.
Here is some additional information about Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids:
Chemically a fatty acid is an organic acid with an acid group at one end of its molecule and a methyl at the other end. Fatty acids are categorized in the Omega groups 3, 6 or 9 according to the location of their last double bond.
An Essential Fatty Acid is a fatty acid that the body cannot manufacture by itself, in other words they must be obtained through supplementation or through foods. There are 2 fatty acids that are designated as essential fatty acids: linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. There are more fatty acids than these 2 specific essential fatty acids found in the Omega 3-6-9 groups but a healthy body may be able to manufacture them as long as there is enough linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, so they are considered non-essential fatty acids. There are however certain health benefits to be obtained by intaking some of the non-essential fatty acids directly, especially in the case of the Omega 3 fatty acids.
The Need for More Omega 3
Humans evolved on a diet that had approximately a 1:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), today our Western diet contains a ratio of 15:1 – 16.7:1. A typical Western diet is deficient in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and has an overabundance of Omega-6 Fatty Acids when compared to the diet in which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. In a study done by The Harvard School of Public Health over 96,000 deaths in the US were attributed to being caused by an Omega-3 deficiency. Other research shows that excessive amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids and high Omega-6/Omega-3 ratios promote many types of diseases like autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is obvious that increasing Omega-3 Fatty Acid intake is necessary for a healthier population.
Molecular Distillation
The public was made aware of excessive levels of mercury, a neurotoxic heavy metal, as well as PCBs and other toxic organic compounds found in certain fish species from a well-publicized federal advisory in 2001. It was determined that fish oil supplements could also be subject to excessive levels of these neurotoxins. It makes choosing a “CLEAN” fish oil even more important than ever. For this very reason Viva Vitamins uses pure, high quality, molecularly distilled Omega-3 EPA/DHA fish oil in the products they manufacture. Molecular distillation is a process where all heavy metals and PCBs are virtually removed from the fish oil. Additionally extensive testing is performed to verify that all federal standards of purity have not just been met but have been surpassed.
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A recent study found regular intake of White Kidney Bean Extract, Phaseolus vulgaris L., induces weight loss in overweight participants.
120 obese people (60 men and 60 women) between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age participated in this study. Individuals with a history of severe diseases like kidney, heart, liver, or digestive issues, hemtopoietic system illnesses, and psychotic system illnesses were excluded from participating in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups based on body fat weight and body weight. 60 individuals started the study supplementing with a placebo containing maltodextrin and 60 individuals were given 800 mg of White Kidney Bean Extract. Both groups took their supplements 3 times daily before meals. The study lasted 35 consecutive days.
Blood pressure, heart rate, anthropometic measurements and blood samples were taken at baseline and then again at the end of the study period. Participants were told to maintain their same dietary habits throughout the study period. Both before the study’s onset and during the last week of the study period, participants were asked to complete a 3 day detailed food intake questionnaire as well as a review of their daily physical activity, daily exercise, leisure activities and their occupation.
The group supplementing with the White Kidney Bean extract saw a weight loss of approximately 5 pounds compared with less than 1 pound in the placebo group in the 35 days. This represents a significant reduction in weight loss in the White Kidney Bean group. Additionally body mass index decreased by an average of .79 in the White Kidney Bean group while body fat decreased by an average of 1.53% in this group compared to baseline. Subcutaneous fat was also significantly reduced at the four measurement points used. Decreases in both hip and waist circumference was also considered to be significant in the group supplementing with the White Kidney Bean Extract. No adverse effects were seen during the study period.
Researchers concluded that this study shows White Kidney Beach extract can significantly induce weight loss in a relatively short period of time.
Further studies are needed.
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An analysis published in the International Journal of Cancer found women who supplemented with a supplement containing Isoflavones, including Soy, Red Clover, Garlic and Evening Primrose Oil for at least five years, saw a 25% reduced risk of developing breast cancer. These finding were only seen in post-menopausal women.
Researchers reviewed data from over 3,100 women with breast cancer and over 3,400 control subjects. Participants were questioned about their use of Isoflavone supplements. Researchers defined products containing Isoflavone values less than 0.025 mg as being low content products and products containing Isoflavone values of more than .676 mg were termed high content products.
Results showed that women who took supplements containing high Isolflavones had a significant reduction (28% risk reduction) in the risk of developing breast cancer. Further reductions in the risk of developing breast cancer (43% reduction) were seen the longer the supplementation was continued.
No associations in breast cancer risk reduction were seen in the participants with low Isoflavone supplementation. Additionally there was no difference between progesterone-estrogen tumor receptor statuses.
Worldwide, over 1 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer yearly. The highest incidences of breast cancer our found in the US and in the Netherlands. China has the lowest incidence and mortality rates of this deadly disease.
Hormone sensitive ER positive (Estrogen Receptor) and PR positive (Progesterone receptor) tumors are considered to be the most common type breast cancer diagnosed in the US. These tumors seem to be stimulated to grow by the female hormones progesterone and estrogen.
Conflicting reports about the benefits of Soy Isoflavone supplementation occur because Isoflavones are considered to be phytoestrogens – active substances that are derived from plants and have a weak estrogen like effect.
Further research is needed in both pre and postmenopausal women.
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A new study shows Multivitamin Supplementation in older adults may provide health benefits seen in mircronutrient biomarkers. Overall, Multivitamin/Multi Mineral (MV/MM) supplementation prevents declines or improves vitamin status while limiting declines in cellular O2 consumption. These results have important long term implications for immune and metabolic health in healthy older men.
Participants in this single-center, two-armed, parallel, double-blind study were randomly assigned to supplement 1 Multivitamin/Multi Mineral or a placebo daily for the 6 month study period. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at the conclusion of the study. These blood samples were used to determine Vitamin, Mineral, and Mitochondrial metabolic status.
Results showed that even though participants lacked any overall micronutrient deficiencies, the participants who supplemented with the Multivitamin/Multimineral saw improvements in both the blood concentrations and the status of many of the vitamins. Additionally PBMC O2 (Peripheral blood mononuclear cells) consumption was stable in the group supplementing with the Multivitamin/Multimineral supplement when compared to the placebo. This has important implications for energy metabolism during aging and for maintaining proper mitochondrial function. Improved blood concentrations of Vitamins B6, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Beta Carotene throughout the study, participants in the placebo group actually showed declines in blood vitamin concentration and an increased risk of below optimal vitamin status throughout the study period.
It is recommended that future studies of Multivitamins/Multiminerals include using micronutrient biomarkers as benchmarks investigating disease risks only in participants who showed improvements in their micronutrient status.
Further studies are warranted.
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A new study found improvements in whole body and leg soreness as well as reductions in inflammation markers after Turmeric supplementation.
24 professional male footballers were divided into groups. One group consumed 1400 mg of curcumin (35 g of Turmeric) twice daily. The other group received a placebo. After a 96 hour rest period, subjective baseline measurements relating to whole body and leg soreness were collected. Additionally CRP (C-Reactive Protein) levels, CK (Plasma Creatine Kinase) levels, IMTP (Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull) and CMJ (Counter Movement Jump) were also accessed. These data points were then collated immediately after 8 competitive matches and again 40 hours and 64 hours after matches.
Participants who supplemented with the Turmeric experienced reductions in the subjective markers of muscle soreness. Reductions in CRP levels, which are considered hematological markers of inflammation, were also seen at 64 hours post match when compared with the control group. These results compare with results seen in prior studies that showed supplementation with Curcumin reduced inflammatory regulators like COX-2 enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) activation.
It is known that continued periods of high intensity exercise may increase the risk of muscle damage while stimulating the release of reactive oxygen species which create an inflammatory response in the body. While this is a natural process, tissue repair and the removal of free-radicals can increase the risk of injury and reduce sport performance. This is very important to professional athletes who play many games during the season and only have a few days in between games for recovery. Using NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs) are commonly used as a means to reduce muscle soreness; however there is an increased concern about long-term use of these medications and adverse side effect.
Further studies are needed.
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Earthwise Nutrition Center 