L-Carnitine May Have A Protective Effect on Covid-19

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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Ginkgo Biloba’s Cognitive Benefits for Stroke Survivors

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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Essential Fatty Acids Linked to Slower Decline in ALS

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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Isoflavone Supplements May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

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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Multivitamin Study in Healthy Older Men Stresses Micronutrient Status

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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Turmeric May Improve Post-Exercise Recovery in Elite Athletes

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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CoQ10 May be Effective in Reducing Inflammatory Markers

A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding CoQ10 and its effects on common inflammatory markers was recently released.  Over 6,700 studies were identified through the original database search and 31 studies that met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis were chosen for this study.

Participants were divided into 6 categories according to their health status.  The categories distinguished between healthy subjects and subjects with CVD (cardiovascular disease) and other diseases.  Participants were given a daily dose of CoQ10 with potencies ranging from 30mg to 500mg.  The duration of the studies lasted between 2 weeks to 48 weeks.

This meta-analysis chose studies that used 3 common inflammatory markers frequently used in CoQ10 studies; CRP (C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6) and TNF-alpha (Tumor necrosis factor alpha).   TNF-alpha is mostly produced by macrophages which contribute to the production of IL-6 and CRP which directs the ongoing inflammatory process in the body.

CRP

Over 20 of the studies examined, which included over 1100 participants measured CRP after CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 was found to significantly reduce circulating CRP levels. Benefits were seen in participants who received 100-200 mg of CoQ10 daily while maximum effects were seen in participants supplementing with 300-400 mg of CoQ10 daily.  Participants over the age of 50 in 16 of the RCTs saw significant benefits in the reduction of circulating CRP.  Additionally CRP was significantly reduced in healthy people and participants with CVD saw a decreased trend of CRP levels after supplementing with CoQ10.

IL-6

Over 20 of the studies, which included over 850 participants, looked at the efficacy of CoQ10 on circulating IL-6 concentrations.  CoQ10 was shown to significantly reduce the levels of circulating levels of IL-6.  Significant reductions in IL-6 levels were seen in participants who received between 200-300 mg of CoQ10 daily.  Additionally CoQ10 supplementation appeared to have a greater effect on IL-6 levels in males when compared to females.  Also significant reductions in IL-6 levels were seen in participants with CVD and other diseases after CoQ10 supplementation.

TNF-alpha

17 RCTs with over 720 participants, examined the impact of CoQ10 on circulating TNF-alpha levels.  Supplementation with CoQ10 was shown to significantly reduce TNF-alpha levels.  Higher dosages of CoQ10, between 300-400mg daily, were shown to have a greater effect on reducing circulating TNF-alpha levels in participants under 50.  Additionally significant decreases in TNF-alpha levels in participants with CVD and other diseases were observed while no significant effect was seen in healthy participants.

Researchers concluded that daily supplementation with 300-400 mg of CoQ10 daily significantly reduced levels of circulating TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP levels and increased the concentration of circulating CoQ10 in the general study population. Also they concluded that these findings provided more evidence of the role that CoQ10 supplementation plays on reducing the level of inflammatory factors in healthy and diseased people.

Now a little more information about CoQ10:

Structurally related to Vitamin K, CoQ10 (Co Enzyme Q10) is not a vitamin.  It is a coenzyme that helps to utilize oxygen as part of its important role in cellular energy metabolism.  Research has also shown that CoQ10 functions in a number of other beneficial ways in the body.  Here is a brief overview of these benefits:

Antioxidant Protection:

CoQ10 is able to quench free radicals without itself becoming a free radical.  This unique property is only shared by one other antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Cardiovascular Support:

Research has shown that CoQ10 promotes a healthy cardiovascular system including specific support for the hearth and healthy blood pressure levels.

Diabetes Support:

Research has shown that some diabetic patients who use diet to control their blood sugar may have a deficiency of CoQ10, which may be further exacerbated by certain commonly used anti diabetic drugs.  Such of deficiency of CoQ10 in the pancreas could impair aspects of energy metabolism and the biosynthesis in insulin.

Healthy Gums:

Research indicates that CoQ10 helps to promote healthy gums.  In Japan, over half the dentists recommend coQ10 supplements.

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Deep Sleep May Mitigate Alzheimer’s Memory Loss

A new study just out from the University of California, Berkeley found Deep Sleep, also known as non-Rem slow wave sleep, may act as a buffer against memory loss in older adults facing an increase risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.  A protein in the brain, beta-amyloid is linked to memory loss.  This new research shows improved amounts of deep, slow-wave sleep may provide a protective factor against the decline in memory that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. 

62 older adults were recruited to participate in this study.  Participants were healthy adults and had not been diagnosed with dementia.  Participants slept in a lab and their sleep waves were monitored with an EEG (electroencephalograhy) machine.  PET (positron emission tomography) scans were also used to measure the quantity of beta-amyloid deposits in the brains of each participant.  Half the participants were found to have high amounts of amyloid deposits.  After sleep each participants completed a memory task which involved matching faces to names.

The participants with higher levels of beta-amyloid deposits in their brains and who had higher levels of deep sleep performed better on the memory tests as those who had the same amount of beta-amyloid deposits but who had low levels of deep sleep.  In participants without beta-amyloid deposits deep sleep did not improve memory since there was no additional demand  the resilience factors needed in an otherwise intact cognitive function.  Sleep proved to push cognition upward softening the effects of beta-amyloid on memory.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, destroys memory pathways and in advanced forms of the disease interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.  Approximately 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 have this progressive disease.  Researchers believe that a person’s deep sleep could act as a means to forecast a faster rate of future beta-amyloid buildup in the brain increasing a person’s risk of developing dementia.

Larger studies are needed.

Some Amino acids, herbal extracts and nutritionals are designed to help with falling asleep as well as staying asleep.  Melatonin is the nutritional that supports staying asleep as well as readjusting/resetting the body’s circadian biorhythms.  L-Theanine and GABA, similar in structure, work to influence the ionic drive (particularly chloride) in certain neurons which are involved in the slow down/speed up function. The GABA calms the brain and aids the body into entering Stage 1 sleep.  The herb Griffonia simplicifolia found in 5-HTP is converted into serotonin and ultimately into melatonin in 3 steps.  Other herbs work in a manner similar to Valium by slowing down the brain yielding a calming effect.  Magnesium is included for its relaxing qualities.

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Curcumin May Reduce Common Cold Symptoms

According to a new study, supplementation with Curcumin (Turmeric) may reduct the duration of common cold symptoms.

99 healthy adults participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which lasted for 12 weeks.  The primary outcome of this study was the cumulative number of days a participant experienced common cold symptoms.  Immunity, inflammatory measures, liver function and physical examination measures were all secondary outcomes.  Additionally a safety assessment was also performed.

Researchers found participants who supplemented with a Curcumin supplement showed reduction in common cold symptoms when compared with participants who supplemented with a placebo.  Cold symptoms like sneezing were reduced by approximately 10 days while nasal discharge symptoms were reduced by approximately 14 days, stuffy noses were reduced by approximately 11 days and finally coughs were reduced by approximately 6 days.  No side effects or adverse events were seen.

Apparently Curcumin inhibited the production of prostaglandins and bradykinin (a vasodilator substance) through its anti inflammatory pathways.  Additionally prior studies show that Curcumin suppresses the release of inflammatory cytokines and shows antiviral properties.

Researchers concluded that Curcumin may be important in preventing systemic symptoms caused by viral upper respiratory tract infections.

Researchers did acknowledge that the study had limitation since it relied on the self reporting of cold like symptoms which could be considered more subjective.

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Meta Analysis Support Curcumin’s Weight Management Potential

A new review of a meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition of studies performed with Curcumin (Turmeric) shows weight management may be a new benefit associated with Curcumin supplementation.

This new systematic umbrella review and updated meta-analysis of RCTs (randomized controlled trials) evaluated the effects of 3 types of Curcumin formulations.  14 SRMAs (systematic reviews and meta-analysis) of 39 RCTs were eligible for the umbrella review.  Additionally 82 individual RCT occurred after April of 2021.  This resulted in 50 individual RCTs being selected.  3 types of Curcumin formulations were studies and included whole compounds, with dosages ranging from 2000 – 3000 mg/daily, Curcumin Extracts, with dosages ranging from 500 to 190 mg/daily, and bioavailability enhanced formulas, ranging from 500 to 1000 mg/daily.

Researchers found Curcumin supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW) and waist circumference (WC).  The exact reasons for the beneficial effects of Curcumin on weight loss and other measurements of human body proportions was not completely understood, but researchers believe that are related to reductions in inflammation, fatty acid oxidation, and increased metabolic activity in white and brown fat.  The greatest benefit of Curcumin supplementation was seen in adults with Type 2 Diabetes or who were considered obese.

Further studies are called for.

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