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…

Glutamine and Fatty Liver Disease

Could Glutamine Protect Against Progression of Fatty Liver Disease?

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition supports oral supplementation with L-Glutamine to prevent the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).  NASH is the second state of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is distinguished by changes due to inflammation that can progress the disease to fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Mice were fed…

Sleep and Probiotics

Study Finds Link Between Gut Microbiota, Sleep Quality and Cognitive Flexibility

According to a new study, poor sleep quality was linked with composition of the gut microbiome and cognitive flexibility in healthy older adults.  Low amounts of bacteria in the phyla Verrucomicrobia and Lentisphaerae, were associated with poor sleep quality as well as performance on specific cognitive tests. Stool samples were provided by study participants.  Data…

Weight Loss and Probiotics

Probiotics Backed for Weight Loss Benefits

A new meta analysis and review shows Probiotic supplementation containing various strains of Lactobacillus have been shown to cause a small but statistically significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. 15 studies of Probiotic supplementation studies were reviewed.  Larger reductions in body weight, BMI (body mass index) and fat percentages were seen in the…

Curcumin and Weight Gain

Could Curcumin Benefit Gut Diversity and Prevent Post-Menopausal Weight Gain?

According to a new study on rats, Curcumin may aid in reversing decreases in the diversity of gut bacteria after an ovariectomy (OVX) which may prevent weight gain often seen in post-menopausal women. The study lasted 12 weeks.  Rats were split into three groups: rats having undergone an ovariectomy and fed distilled water (OVX); a…