Lutein and Brain

Study Ties Nutrition to Brain Health and Intelligence in Older Adults

A new study has found that the pigment found in leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, lutein, may preserve “crystallized intelligence”, the ability to use the knowledge and skills acquired by a person over their lifetime, in older adults. 122 people ranging in age from 65 to 75 years of age participated in this study.  Participants…

Folic Acid and Postpartum Depression

Prenatal Folic Acid Supplementation Helps Lower Postpartum Depression Risk

Supplementing Folic Acid for at six months before giving birth could lower the risk of postpartum depression. Almost 1,600 women who had given birth six to 12 weeks earlier were recruited to participate in this study.  Data on prenatal folic acid supplementation, obstetric history, and lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics was collected.  803 (50.4%) women participating…

Probiotics and Cognition in Alzheimer's

Study Finds Probiotics May Improve Cognition in Alzheimer’s Patients

According to a new study, probiotics may improve cognitive function in humans.  This is the first time research has shown supplementation of probiotics, friendly bacteria, may aid individuals with Alzheimer’s. 52 women and men between the ages of 60 and 95 with Alzheimer’s Disease participated in this randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trial.  The study…

Chlorella and oxygenation

Chlorella Supplementation May Raise Oxygen Uptake and Fight Micronutrient Deficiency

A new study finds Chlorella, a unicellular green alga, may increase maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) as well as nutrient levels in individuals whom are micronutrient-deficient. 34 male college students participated in this recent study.  Participants were split into two groups, one group received a Chlorella supplement and the other group received a placebo.  Participants…

Vitamin D and Fertility

Could Vitamin D Help Women Undergoing Fertility Treatment?

A new meta-analysis and review appearing in Human Reproduction found higher Vitamin D levels were associated with better birth rates in women receiving fertility treatment. 11 studies with over 2,700 women undergoing fertility treatment, frozen embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were reviewed.  Participants Vitamin D status was measured by…