Feel Your Best During Menopause
Southwest Washington Medical Center offers ways for women to grow older gracefully.
Showing posts with label women's health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women's health. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tomato Juice Can Reduce Osteoporosis, Claims New Research
Tomato Juice Can Reduce Osteoporosis, Claims New Research
Naturally- Rich In Antioxidants, Carotenoids, Phytochemicals, The New Study Demonstrates Benefits For Supporting Bone And Joint Health...
Tomato juice can significantly increase the presence of cell-protecting antioxidants that help to fight against osteoporosis, according to new research. Reporting in Osteoporosis International, calcium researchers at the University of Toronto (UT) claim that 30mg of lycopene found in tomatoes, the equivalent to two glasses of tomato juice, is enough to help prevent the brittle-bone disease.
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass, which leads to an increase risk of fractures, especially the hips, spine and wrists. An estimated 75 million people suffer from it in Europe, the US and Japan. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men and previous research indicates that diabetes decreases bone turnover that is associated with impaired osteoblastic maturation and function. Boosting bone density in high-risk and post-menopausal women could ease
the burden of osteoporosis.
Lycopenes - High Potency Antioxidant Power!
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. According to the University of Toronto scientists, it is a potent carotenoid, a group of naturally occurring pigments essential for plant growth with a high ability to quench singlet oxygen.
Due to this ability to decrease oxidative stress, lycopene has been associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases.
According to the researchers, no intervention studies have been published demonstrating the effect of the antioxidant lycopene on bone, and that the objective of the study thus was to determine whether lycopene would act as an antioxidant to decrease oxidative stress parameters that result in decreased bone turnover markers.
Methodology and Evaluating Results
Post-menopausal women aged 50 to 60 were restricted from consuming anything containing lycopene for a month. The participants were split into four groups over four months. Each group of participants either consumed a 15mg lycopene supplement, a glass of tomato juice naturally containing 15mg
of lycopene, a gourmet Japanese tomato juice with 35mg of lycopene or a placebo.
Serum collected after the washout, 2 and 4 months of supplementation, was assayed for cross-linked aminoterminal N-telopeptide, carotenoid content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid, and protein oxidation. By the end of the initial lycopene-free month, in every participant, "There was an
increased reobsorption of bone. In other words, within a month, the participants were more prone to the risk of osteoporosis," explained the researchers from Calcium Research Laboratory who conducted the study.
After four months, results showed that lycopene-supplementation had significantly increased serum
lycopene compared to the placebo group. The lycopene groups had significantly increased antioxidant capacity, decreased oxidative stress parameters and decreased bone reobsorption markers.
The results of the study showed a significant increase in serum lycopene after supplementation with juice or lycopene capsules, which resulted in a decrease in the bone resorption marker NTx in postmenopausal women:
"This reduction in NTx may be due to the ability of the absorbed lycopene to reduce the oxidative stress parameters in these women. Our findings are the first to show that lycopene intervention, given in capsule or juice form, supplying at least 30 mg/day, may decrease the risk of osteoporosis by decreasing oxidative stress and bone resorption." concluded the researchers.
Source: Osteoporosis International (published online)
"Supplementation with the antioxidant lycopene significantly
decreases oxidative stress parameters and the bone resorption
marker N-telopeptide of type I collagen in postmenopausal women"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice,
Naturally- Rich In Antioxidants, Carotenoids, Phytochemicals, The New Study Demonstrates Benefits For Supporting Bone And Joint Health...
Tomato juice can significantly increase the presence of cell-protecting antioxidants that help to fight against osteoporosis, according to new research. Reporting in Osteoporosis International, calcium researchers at the University of Toronto (UT) claim that 30mg of lycopene found in tomatoes, the equivalent to two glasses of tomato juice, is enough to help prevent the brittle-bone disease.
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass, which leads to an increase risk of fractures, especially the hips, spine and wrists. An estimated 75 million people suffer from it in Europe, the US and Japan. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men and previous research indicates that diabetes decreases bone turnover that is associated with impaired osteoblastic maturation and function. Boosting bone density in high-risk and post-menopausal women could ease
the burden of osteoporosis.
Lycopenes - High Potency Antioxidant Power!
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. According to the University of Toronto scientists, it is a potent carotenoid, a group of naturally occurring pigments essential for plant growth with a high ability to quench singlet oxygen.
Due to this ability to decrease oxidative stress, lycopene has been associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases.
According to the researchers, no intervention studies have been published demonstrating the effect of the antioxidant lycopene on bone, and that the objective of the study thus was to determine whether lycopene would act as an antioxidant to decrease oxidative stress parameters that result in decreased bone turnover markers.
Methodology and Evaluating Results
Post-menopausal women aged 50 to 60 were restricted from consuming anything containing lycopene for a month. The participants were split into four groups over four months. Each group of participants either consumed a 15mg lycopene supplement, a glass of tomato juice naturally containing 15mg
of lycopene, a gourmet Japanese tomato juice with 35mg of lycopene or a placebo.
Serum collected after the washout, 2 and 4 months of supplementation, was assayed for cross-linked aminoterminal N-telopeptide, carotenoid content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid, and protein oxidation. By the end of the initial lycopene-free month, in every participant, "There was an
increased reobsorption of bone. In other words, within a month, the participants were more prone to the risk of osteoporosis," explained the researchers from Calcium Research Laboratory who conducted the study.
After four months, results showed that lycopene-supplementation had significantly increased serum
lycopene compared to the placebo group. The lycopene groups had significantly increased antioxidant capacity, decreased oxidative stress parameters and decreased bone reobsorption markers.
The results of the study showed a significant increase in serum lycopene after supplementation with juice or lycopene capsules, which resulted in a decrease in the bone resorption marker NTx in postmenopausal women:
"This reduction in NTx may be due to the ability of the absorbed lycopene to reduce the oxidative stress parameters in these women. Our findings are the first to show that lycopene intervention, given in capsule or juice form, supplying at least 30 mg/day, may decrease the risk of osteoporosis by decreasing oxidative stress and bone resorption." concluded the researchers.
Source: Osteoporosis International (published online)
"Supplementation with the antioxidant lycopene significantly
decreases oxidative stress parameters and the bone resorption
marker N-telopeptide of type I collagen in postmenopausal women"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice,
Monday, May 9, 2011
Milk Helps Women Lose Fat
MILK POWER! Just 2 Glasses A Day Tones Muscles and Helps Keep The Fat Away In Women
Women who drink two large glasses of milk a day after their weight-lifting routine gained more muscle and lost more fat compared to women who drank sugar-based energy drinks, a McMaster study has found.
The study appears in the June issue of Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise. "Resistance training is not a typical choice of exercise for women," say researchers in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. "But the health benefits of resistance training are enormous: It boosts strength, bone, muscular and metabolic health in a way that other types of exercise cannot."
A previous study showed that milk increased muscle mass and fat loss in men. This new study was more challenging because women not only steer clear of resistance training they also tend to steer away from dairy products based on the incorrect belief that dairy foods are fattening.
"We expected the gains in muscle mass to be greater, but the size of the fat loss surprised us," said the researchers. "We're still not sure what causes this but we're investigating that now. It could be the combination of calcium, high-quality protein, and vitamin D may be the key, and. conveniently, all of these nutrients are in milk.
Over a 12-week period, the study monitored young women who did not use resistance-training exercise. Every day, two hours before exercising, the women were required not to eat or drink anything except water. Immediately after their exercise routine, one group consumed 500ml of fat free white milk; the other group consumed a similar-looking but sugar-based energy drink. The same drinks were consumed by each group one hour after exercising.
The training consisted of three types of exercise: pushing (e.g. bench press, chest fly), pulling (e.g. seated lateral pull down, abdominal exercises without weights), and leg exercises (including leg press, seated two-leg hamstring curl). Training was monitored daily one on one by personal trainers to ensure proper technique.
"The women who drank milk gained barely any weight because what they gained in lean muscle they balanced out with a loss in fat" they explained. "Our data show that simple things like regular weightlifting exercise and milk consumption work to substantially improve women's body composition and health.
Women who drink two large glasses of milk a day after their weight-lifting routine gained more muscle and lost more fat compared to women who drank sugar-based energy drinks, a McMaster study has found.
The study appears in the June issue of Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise. "Resistance training is not a typical choice of exercise for women," say researchers in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. "But the health benefits of resistance training are enormous: It boosts strength, bone, muscular and metabolic health in a way that other types of exercise cannot."
A previous study showed that milk increased muscle mass and fat loss in men. This new study was more challenging because women not only steer clear of resistance training they also tend to steer away from dairy products based on the incorrect belief that dairy foods are fattening.
"We expected the gains in muscle mass to be greater, but the size of the fat loss surprised us," said the researchers. "We're still not sure what causes this but we're investigating that now. It could be the combination of calcium, high-quality protein, and vitamin D may be the key, and. conveniently, all of these nutrients are in milk.
Over a 12-week period, the study monitored young women who did not use resistance-training exercise. Every day, two hours before exercising, the women were required not to eat or drink anything except water. Immediately after their exercise routine, one group consumed 500ml of fat free white milk; the other group consumed a similar-looking but sugar-based energy drink. The same drinks were consumed by each group one hour after exercising.
The training consisted of three types of exercise: pushing (e.g. bench press, chest fly), pulling (e.g. seated lateral pull down, abdominal exercises without weights), and leg exercises (including leg press, seated two-leg hamstring curl). Training was monitored daily one on one by personal trainers to ensure proper technique.
"The women who drank milk gained barely any weight because what they gained in lean muscle they balanced out with a loss in fat" they explained. "Our data show that simple things like regular weightlifting exercise and milk consumption work to substantially improve women's body composition and health.
Funding for the study was provided by McMaster University, CIHR, and the Dairy Farmers of Canada. Story Source: McMaster University, Journal Reference:Body Composition and Strength Changes in Women with Milk and Resistance Exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2010;
Friday, May 6, 2011
Gov't: Some Products Falsely Claim to Treat STDs
Gov't: Some Products Falsely Claim to Treat STDs
Agencies Warn Makers of Unproven Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Two federal agencies are cracking down on bogus claims made by companies that tout their products as treatments, cures, or preventive medications for sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a joint effort to remove “dangerous” products that make such claims, specifically, Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
Letters were sent to companies that make the products, warning that they are violating federal law because they have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.
Read More on WebMD
Remember, although a healthy diet and nutritional supplements may improve immune function, reduce symptoms or support a quicker recovery, always consult your physician immediately for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease.
Agencies Warn Makers of Unproven Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Two federal agencies are cracking down on bogus claims made by companies that tout their products as treatments, cures, or preventive medications for sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a joint effort to remove “dangerous” products that make such claims, specifically, Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
Letters were sent to companies that make the products, warning that they are violating federal law because they have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.
Read More on WebMD
Remember, although a healthy diet and nutritional supplements may improve immune function, reduce symptoms or support a quicker recovery, always consult your physician immediately for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Prevents PMS
Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Prevents PMS
A mix of essential fatty acids (EFA) has been shown to significantly reduce thesymptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Researchers writing in BioMedCentral's open access journal Reproductive Health tested the EFA tablets by carrying out a randomised, controlled trial in 120 women.
Researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, conducted the tests. They reported "The administration of 1 or 2 grams of essential fatty acids to patients with PMS resulted in a significant decrease in symptom scores. The administration of the dietary supplement did not result in any changes in the total cholesterol in the patients evaluated."
Women who were given supplements containing 2 grams of a combination of gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, other polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E reported significantly eased PMS symptoms at both 3 and 6 months after they began the treatment. Few adverse events were recorded and these were mild, insignificant and did not appear to be directly related to the medication.
Speaking about the results, the researchers said, "The negative effect of PMS on a woman's routine activities and quality of life may be significant, in addition to the repercussions on economic costs resulting predominantly from a reduction in productivity. Essential [fatty acids] supplementation can now be said to show much promise as a treatment."
Journal Reference: Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive Health, 2011
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
A mix of essential fatty acids (EFA) has been shown to significantly reduce thesymptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Researchers writing in BioMedCentral's open access journal Reproductive Health tested the EFA tablets by carrying out a randomised, controlled trial in 120 women.
Researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, conducted the tests. They reported "The administration of 1 or 2 grams of essential fatty acids to patients with PMS resulted in a significant decrease in symptom scores. The administration of the dietary supplement did not result in any changes in the total cholesterol in the patients evaluated."
Women who were given supplements containing 2 grams of a combination of gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, other polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E reported significantly eased PMS symptoms at both 3 and 6 months after they began the treatment. Few adverse events were recorded and these were mild, insignificant and did not appear to be directly related to the medication.
Speaking about the results, the researchers said, "The negative effect of PMS on a woman's routine activities and quality of life may be significant, in addition to the repercussions on economic costs resulting predominantly from a reduction in productivity. Essential [fatty acids] supplementation can now be said to show much promise as a treatment."
Journal Reference: Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive Health, 2011
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Multivitamin Use Linked to Fewer Heart Attacks for Women
Multivitamin Use Linked to Fewer Heart Attacks for Women
Daily Supplementation of Multiple Vitamins Minerals are Now Recognized as Being Beneficial For Supporting Cardiovascular Health.
Women who take a daily multivitamin may be at a reduced risk of heart attacks, according to new research.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, observed multivitamin use to be inversely associated with myocardial infarction in women with no history of cardiovascular disease. The researchers noted that the association grew stronger with long-term use, and was not affected by how often supplements were taken.
"From a public health point of view, it is important to evaluate whether multivitamins should be recommended to prevent myocardial infarction," stated the researchers from the Divisions of Nutritional Epidemiology at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
The new research shows correlation and not causation, however, and the researchers noted that further research must be completed in order to confirm or refute their findings. If such findings supported this study's observation then it would be important to "clarify what composition of multivitamins (doses and ingredients included) and duration of use is needed to observe beneficial effects on myocardial infarction," wrote the researchers.
Multivitamin and mineral supplements are the most frequently used supplements in industrialized countries, where there is a common belief is that they ensure an adequate nutrient intake, which can help to prevent coronary heart disease.
Most multivitamins contain a wide spectrum of nutrients, including antioxidant vitamins, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and selenium, all of which have been inversely related to heart disease by previous research.
Despite the widespread use of multivitamins, the authors noted the limited data available on the relationship between multivitamin use and coronary heart disease incidence, with only one previously published randomized controlled trial on low-dose multivitamin supplements and heart disease incidence, which showed no significant effects.
Some observational studies have associated multivitamin use with statistically significant effects on the risk of myocardial infarction, with a Dutch study finding a 51 percent lower risk of incidence in a prospective cohort study (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 69, No. 2). Additionally, an American study observed combined use of multivitamins and supplements of vitamin A, C, or E to be associated with a 25 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality.
The new study prospectively investigated the association between multivitamin use and myocardial infarction in a population of over 30,000 Swedish women between 49 and 83 years old.
Lower Risk
In women with no history of cardiovascular disease, the researchers observed that use of multivitamins alone, compared with no use of supplements: was associated with a 27 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction.
They found women using multivitamins together with other supplements had a 30 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction; however the use of supplements other than multivitamins was not significantly associated with such effects.
Researchers noted that the observed associations were similar among regular and occasional users of multivitamin supplements.
On the other hand, multivitamin use, alone or in combination with other supplements, was not statistically significantly associated with myocardial infarction in women with a history of cardiovascular disease.
The association between multivitamin use and myocardial infarction was seen to be stronger among women using multivitamins for more than five years.
Protective Effect?
Researchers suggested the potentially protective effects of multivitamins on myocardial infarctions may the due to antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and B vitamins and minerals included.
"Even if multivitamins contain low amounts of antioxidant vitamins they may be involved in mitigating the atherosclerosis process by scavenging free radicals," suggested the authors.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Published online) "Multivitamin use and the risk of myocardial infarction: a population-based cohort of Swedish women"
Article Courtesy of Vitamin Power
Daily Supplementation of Multiple Vitamins Minerals are Now Recognized as Being Beneficial For Supporting Cardiovascular Health.
Women who take a daily multivitamin may be at a reduced risk of heart attacks, according to new research.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, observed multivitamin use to be inversely associated with myocardial infarction in women with no history of cardiovascular disease. The researchers noted that the association grew stronger with long-term use, and was not affected by how often supplements were taken.
"From a public health point of view, it is important to evaluate whether multivitamins should be recommended to prevent myocardial infarction," stated the researchers from the Divisions of Nutritional Epidemiology at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
The new research shows correlation and not causation, however, and the researchers noted that further research must be completed in order to confirm or refute their findings. If such findings supported this study's observation then it would be important to "clarify what composition of multivitamins (doses and ingredients included) and duration of use is needed to observe beneficial effects on myocardial infarction," wrote the researchers.
Multivitamin and mineral supplements are the most frequently used supplements in industrialized countries, where there is a common belief is that they ensure an adequate nutrient intake, which can help to prevent coronary heart disease.
Most multivitamins contain a wide spectrum of nutrients, including antioxidant vitamins, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and selenium, all of which have been inversely related to heart disease by previous research.
Despite the widespread use of multivitamins, the authors noted the limited data available on the relationship between multivitamin use and coronary heart disease incidence, with only one previously published randomized controlled trial on low-dose multivitamin supplements and heart disease incidence, which showed no significant effects.
Some observational studies have associated multivitamin use with statistically significant effects on the risk of myocardial infarction, with a Dutch study finding a 51 percent lower risk of incidence in a prospective cohort study (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 69, No. 2). Additionally, an American study observed combined use of multivitamins and supplements of vitamin A, C, or E to be associated with a 25 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality.
The new study prospectively investigated the association between multivitamin use and myocardial infarction in a population of over 30,000 Swedish women between 49 and 83 years old.
Lower Risk
In women with no history of cardiovascular disease, the researchers observed that use of multivitamins alone, compared with no use of supplements: was associated with a 27 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction.
They found women using multivitamins together with other supplements had a 30 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction; however the use of supplements other than multivitamins was not significantly associated with such effects.
Researchers noted that the observed associations were similar among regular and occasional users of multivitamin supplements.
On the other hand, multivitamin use, alone or in combination with other supplements, was not statistically significantly associated with myocardial infarction in women with a history of cardiovascular disease.
The association between multivitamin use and myocardial infarction was seen to be stronger among women using multivitamins for more than five years.
Protective Effect?
Researchers suggested the potentially protective effects of multivitamins on myocardial infarctions may the due to antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and B vitamins and minerals included.
"Even if multivitamins contain low amounts of antioxidant vitamins they may be involved in mitigating the atherosclerosis process by scavenging free radicals," suggested the authors.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Published online) "Multivitamin use and the risk of myocardial infarction: a population-based cohort of Swedish women"
Article Courtesy of Vitamin Power
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Phyto-Nutrients, Plant Extracts Being Researched For Cancer Risk Reduction...
Herbal Ingredients Show Valuable Breast Health Support
Phyto-Nutrients, Plant Extracts Being Researched For Cancer Risk Reduction...
A dietary herbal supplement containing lignans and indole-3-carbinol may reducethe risk of breast cancer by reducing free estrogen levels, suggest results from arandomized control trial.
A combination of HMR lignan, indole-3-carbinol, calcium glucarate, milk thistle, Schisandra chinesis and stinging nettle was associated with increased hydroxylation of the female hormone estrogen, which in turn is linked to a reduction in the risk ofhormone-sensitive breast cancer, according to findings published in Breast Cancer.
Hormone-sensitive estrogen-receptor (ER) positive and progesterone-receptor (PR) positive tumors are said to be the most common type diagnosed among breast cancer patients in the US. These tumors are stimulated to grow by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
"In pre-menopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogen metabolite [2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE)] and the mean urinary ratio of 2-OHE [toanother another estrogen metabolite 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1)], and this may reduce breast cancer risk," report scientists from Nutrasource Diagnostics and Hackensack University Medical Center.
"In postmenopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogenmetabolite 2-OHE, and this may reduce breast cancer risk. However, the evidence for this is weaker than for premenopausal women because the 2-OHE:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase significantly in this group."
Study details
The researchers recruited 47 pre-menopausal (average age 37, average BMI 27.2 kg/m2) and 49 post-menopausal women (average age 56.5, average BMI 27.5 kg/m2) and randomly assigned to receive either the herbal supplement or placebo for 28 days.
Results showed an increase in urine levels of 2-OHE, as well as in the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio for the herbal group, compared with placebo. An increase in 2-OHE was also observed in post-menopausal women receiving the herbal supplement, but the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase.
"Supplementation with a mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan in women significantly increased estrogen C-2 hydroxylation," report the researchers. "This may constitute a mechanism for the reduction of breast cancer risk as well as risk for other estrogen-related cancers.
"Further studies with higher numbers of subjects are indicated," they added.
Source: Breast Cancer
"Effects of A Breast-Health Herbal Formula Supplement on Estrogen Metabolism in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women not Taking Hormonal Contraceptives or Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
Article Courtesy of Vitamin Power
Phyto-Nutrients, Plant Extracts Being Researched For Cancer Risk Reduction...
A dietary herbal supplement containing lignans and indole-3-carbinol may reducethe risk of breast cancer by reducing free estrogen levels, suggest results from arandomized control trial.
A combination of HMR lignan, indole-3-carbinol, calcium glucarate, milk thistle, Schisandra chinesis and stinging nettle was associated with increased hydroxylation of the female hormone estrogen, which in turn is linked to a reduction in the risk ofhormone-sensitive breast cancer, according to findings published in Breast Cancer.
Hormone-sensitive estrogen-receptor (ER) positive and progesterone-receptor (PR) positive tumors are said to be the most common type diagnosed among breast cancer patients in the US. These tumors are stimulated to grow by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
"In pre-menopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogen metabolite [2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE)] and the mean urinary ratio of 2-OHE [toanother another estrogen metabolite 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1)], and this may reduce breast cancer risk," report scientists from Nutrasource Diagnostics and Hackensack University Medical Center.
"In postmenopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogenmetabolite 2-OHE, and this may reduce breast cancer risk. However, the evidence for this is weaker than for premenopausal women because the 2-OHE:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase significantly in this group."
Study details
The researchers recruited 47 pre-menopausal (average age 37, average BMI 27.2 kg/m2) and 49 post-menopausal women (average age 56.5, average BMI 27.5 kg/m2) and randomly assigned to receive either the herbal supplement or placebo for 28 days.
Results showed an increase in urine levels of 2-OHE, as well as in the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio for the herbal group, compared with placebo. An increase in 2-OHE was also observed in post-menopausal women receiving the herbal supplement, but the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase.
"Supplementation with a mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan in women significantly increased estrogen C-2 hydroxylation," report the researchers. "This may constitute a mechanism for the reduction of breast cancer risk as well as risk for other estrogen-related cancers.
"Further studies with higher numbers of subjects are indicated," they added.
Source: Breast Cancer
"Effects of A Breast-Health Herbal Formula Supplement on Estrogen Metabolism in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women not Taking Hormonal Contraceptives or Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
Article Courtesy of Vitamin Power
Watercress May Suppress Development of Breast Cancer
Important New Research On How Phytochemicals & Nutritive Plant Extracts Are Beneficial For Cancer Risk Reduction
A compound found in watercress may suppress breast cancer development by stopping the function of a protein important in tumor development, according to new research. Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate, a compound found in watercress and other vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, may block key processes in cancer development by interfering with and 'turning off' the function of a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
"The research takes an important step towards understanding the potential health benefits of this crop, since it shows that eating watercress may interfere with a pathway that has already been tightly linked to cancer development," said research scientists from the University of Southampton. The study was supported by the Watercress Alliance.
Cancer Reduction Process
As tumors develop they need more blood, and begin to stimulate surrounding tissues to grow new vessels. It is suggested that phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC blocks the development of blood vessels to cancer cells by reducing the activity of HIF, known as an important positive regulator of blood vessel development.
PEITC has also been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain cancer cells, and, in some cases, even in cells that are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Dietary PEITC has been shown to decrease the translation regulator 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) a protein linked to reducing cancer cell survival and decreased activity of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF).
The researchers observed that watercress extracts inhibited cancer cell growth and HIF activity.
Levels of blood plasma PEITC in samples also showed raised levels following the ingestion of watercress.
The authors reported an analysis of 4E-BP1 in blood cells from participants showed significantly reduced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation up to eight hours after eating the watercress, noting that the function of HIF was altered noticeably.
The authors noted their study offers a "new insight into the potential anti-cancer effects of watercress."
"Although further investigations are required to confirm these findings, this pilot study suggests that dietary intake of watercress may be sufficient to modulate this potential anti-cancer pathway," wrote the researchers.
Source: British Journal of Nutrition (Published online)
"In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: a pilot study"
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
A compound found in watercress may suppress breast cancer development by stopping the function of a protein important in tumor development, according to new research. Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate, a compound found in watercress and other vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, may block key processes in cancer development by interfering with and 'turning off' the function of a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
"The research takes an important step towards understanding the potential health benefits of this crop, since it shows that eating watercress may interfere with a pathway that has already been tightly linked to cancer development," said research scientists from the University of Southampton. The study was supported by the Watercress Alliance.
Cancer Reduction Process
As tumors develop they need more blood, and begin to stimulate surrounding tissues to grow new vessels. It is suggested that phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC blocks the development of blood vessels to cancer cells by reducing the activity of HIF, known as an important positive regulator of blood vessel development.
PEITC has also been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain cancer cells, and, in some cases, even in cells that are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Dietary PEITC has been shown to decrease the translation regulator 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) a protein linked to reducing cancer cell survival and decreased activity of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF).
The researchers observed that watercress extracts inhibited cancer cell growth and HIF activity.
Levels of blood plasma PEITC in samples also showed raised levels following the ingestion of watercress.
The authors reported an analysis of 4E-BP1 in blood cells from participants showed significantly reduced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation up to eight hours after eating the watercress, noting that the function of HIF was altered noticeably.
The authors noted their study offers a "new insight into the potential anti-cancer effects of watercress."
"Although further investigations are required to confirm these findings, this pilot study suggests that dietary intake of watercress may be sufficient to modulate this potential anti-cancer pathway," wrote the researchers.
Source: British Journal of Nutrition (Published online)
"In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: a pilot study"
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Increased B Vitamins May Ease PMS Symptoms
Vitamins and Minerals Valuable For Helping Women's Health, According Research
Higher intakes of the B vitamins thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) from the diet may reduce the of premenstrual (PMS) by about 35 percent, suggest important new findings.
According to a new report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the link between B vitamins and PMS is biologically crucial since B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin are known to play important roles in the synthesis of various neurotransmitters involved in PMS.
While most women experience mild emotional or physical premenstrual symptoms, as many as 20% of women experience symptoms severe enough to meet the definition of premenstrual syndrome, which can substantially interfere with daily activities and relationships.
The new study, performed by researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Harvard, and the University of Iowa, indicates that increase intakes of certain B vitamins from food sources may help reduce the incidence of PMS.
Study Details
Using data from 1,057 women with PMS and 1,968 women without PMS participating in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort, the researchers found that women with the highest average intakes of riboflavin two to four years prior to diagnosis were associated with a 35 percent lower incidence of PMS than women with the lowest average intakes.
On the other hand, the researchers did not observe any benefits with other B vitamins, including niacin, folate, B6, and B12. In addition, supplemental intakes of these vitamins was not linked to PMS incidence, they added.
"We observed a significantly lower risk of PMS in women with high intakes of thiamine and riboflavin from food sources only," wrote the researchers. "Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of B vitamins in the development of premenstrual syndrome."
Other Vitamins
Beyond the B vitamins, there is also some evidence for the potential of a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to lower the risk of developing PMS, a condition that affects up to a fifth of all women.
According to a study published in 2005 in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 165, pp1246-1252), researchers from the University of Massachusetts and GlaxoSmithKline reported for the first time that calcium and vitamin D may help prevent the initial development of PMS.
Source: The American Journal of Clinical NutritionPublished online
"Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power Inc
Higher intakes of the B vitamins thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) from the diet may reduce the of premenstrual (PMS) by about 35 percent, suggest important new findings.
According to a new report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the link between B vitamins and PMS is biologically crucial since B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin are known to play important roles in the synthesis of various neurotransmitters involved in PMS.
While most women experience mild emotional or physical premenstrual symptoms, as many as 20% of women experience symptoms severe enough to meet the definition of premenstrual syndrome, which can substantially interfere with daily activities and relationships.
The new study, performed by researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Harvard, and the University of Iowa, indicates that increase intakes of certain B vitamins from food sources may help reduce the incidence of PMS.
Study Details
Using data from 1,057 women with PMS and 1,968 women without PMS participating in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort, the researchers found that women with the highest average intakes of riboflavin two to four years prior to diagnosis were associated with a 35 percent lower incidence of PMS than women with the lowest average intakes.
On the other hand, the researchers did not observe any benefits with other B vitamins, including niacin, folate, B6, and B12. In addition, supplemental intakes of these vitamins was not linked to PMS incidence, they added.
"We observed a significantly lower risk of PMS in women with high intakes of thiamine and riboflavin from food sources only," wrote the researchers. "Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of B vitamins in the development of premenstrual syndrome."
Other Vitamins
Beyond the B vitamins, there is also some evidence for the potential of a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to lower the risk of developing PMS, a condition that affects up to a fifth of all women.
According to a study published in 2005 in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 165, pp1246-1252), researchers from the University of Massachusetts and GlaxoSmithKline reported for the first time that calcium and vitamin D may help prevent the initial development of PMS.
Source: The American Journal of Clinical NutritionPublished online
"Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power Inc
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