Polyphenol-Rich Cocoa Extract May Help Prevent Onset Of Alzheimer’s

A U.S. study in genetically altered mice finds that a preparation of cocoa extract prevents the protein  β-amyloid (Aβ) from forming the sticky clumps in the brain that damage nerve cells in Alzheimer’s patients. The mice, which were genetically altered to mimic Alzheimer’s disease, were fed lavado cocoa, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. The researchers said that their findings suggest that adequate quantities of specific cocoa polyphenols in the human diet over time may prevent the clustering of Aβ into oligomers that damage the brain, thus possibly preventing the onset of Alzheimer's.

"Cocoa Extracts Reduce Oligomerization of Amyloid-β: Implications for Cognitive Improvement in Alzheimer's Disease. ", J Alzheimers Dis, June 23, 2014

Some Nutritional Sports Supplements Contain Banned Substances Not Listed On Label

A study by Australian scientists shows that some sports-related nutritional supplements sold in that country contain banned substances – specifically androgens – not listed on labels. The undisclosed contents put the general public at risk along with athletes who would test positive for illegal substances. The researchers tested 79 nutritional supplements purchased randomly from Sydney-based stores. They included protein powders, amino acids, creatines, fat metabolizers, "testosterone-boosters”, carbohydrates and stimulant/nitric oxide "pre-workout"-based supplements. Six of the tested products were androgen-positive but androgen was not listed on the label.

"Nutritional sports supplements sold in Australia test positive for banned androgens", News release, study presented at the joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, June 23, 2014

Soy Protein Supplements Are Safe For Diabetic Males

Scientists in the U.K. may have settled the question of whether soy protein supplements, which contain hormones chemically similar to female estrogens, reduce male hormone levels. The question is important because studies have shown that men with type 2 diabetes and heart problems benefit from soy protein supplements. The new research, however, found that soy protein and phytoestrogen supplementation is safe for diabetic men with low testosterone levels to take to improve diabetes control and reduce risk factors for heart disease.

"Soy supplements appear to be safe, beneficial in diabetic men", News release, study presented at a meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, June 23, 2014

Mediterranean Diet Puts Children At Less Risk Of Obesity

Children in eight European countries who ate more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and fish – the basic components of the Mediterranean diet – tended to be less overweight or obese than their counterparts who ate a more Western style diet. Parents of the children completed questionnaires and were interviewed by Swedish researchers to determine dietary habits, especially regarding 43 foods. Children were scored by level of intake of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet, as well as for low intakes of foods such as dairy and meats. Children with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet were 10-15 percent less likely to experience major increases in BMI, waist circumference and body fat.

"Children consuming a Mediterranean diet are 15% less likely to be overweight, study finds", News release, study presented at the European Congress on Obesity, June 19, 2014

Physicians Group Says Diet Supplements Can Be Harmful To The Liver

New guidelines on diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury warn of the impact of herbal and dietary supplements. Most of the products on the market are not well-regulated, the American College of Gastroenterology said, sometimes containing traces of heavy metals and prescription drugs. Drug-induced liver injury has been on the rise over the last decade along with the explosive growth in the use of supplements. The authors of the guidelines cited the example of catechins, a generally safe polyphenol found in green tea, an average cup of which contains 50-150 mg. But some green tea extract pills sold to help with weight loss contain more than 700 mg – particularly dangerous when taken several times a day.

"ACG Clinical Guideline: The Diagnosis and Management of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury. ", The American Journal of Gastroenterology, June 17, 2014

Gluten-Free Diet Also Benefits The Brains Of Celiac Patients – Study

Celiac disease patients –  who have a severe allergic reaction to the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye – benefit both physically and mentally from a gluten-free diet, an Australian study reports. Participants who avoided gluten not only experienced intestinal healing, they experienced improvements in cognition. Celiac patients often report a condition called “brain fog” in addition to the severe intestinal discomfort from eating gluten. “Cognitive performance improves with adherence to the gluten-free diet in parallel to mucosal healing,” the authors concluded.

"Cognitive impairment in coeliac disease improves on a gluten-free diet and correlates with histological and serological indices of disease severity. ", Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, June 16, 2014

Vitamin A Derivative Shows Potential In Fighting Obesity, Diabetes

Canadian researchers have demonstrated in mice the benefits of using retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that retinoic acid reduced the risk of cardiac apoptosis (cell death) in obese and insulin-resistant mice, stimulated the expression of cardio-protective genes reduced by the disease, and protected against the accumulation of collagen in heart muscle. Collagen accumulation is associated with fibrosis and future complications.  The scientists said the findings spotlight  new metabolic effects of retinoids and could lead to development of anti-obesity and anti-diabetic medicines.

"All-trans retinoic acid stimulates gene expression of the cardio-protective natriuretic peptide system, and prevents fibrosis and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes of obese ob/ob mice. ", Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, June 16, 2014

A Healthy Diet Alone Can Significantly Cut The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

Improving your diet – eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and less sugar and saturated fat – reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a U.S. study. The researchers stressed that diet is associated with diabetes independent of weight loss and physical activity, though lifestyle improvements do reduce diabetes risk even further. Eating a healthy diet reduced the risk for type 2 diabetes by about 20 percent, compared to those who made no changes to their diets. Dietary quality was measured using the 110-point Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010.

"Improving Diet Quality Reduces Risk for Type 2 Diabetes", News release, study presented at the American Diabetes Association's scientific sessions, June 14, 2014

Gluten-Specific Enzyme: Answer To A Prayer From Celiac Sufferers?

A new Finnish study suggests for the first time that there may be a non-dietary therapy for celiac disease sufferers.  Half of the participants in the study were given a dose of the gluten-specific enzyme ALV003 each time a small amount of gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye – was eaten. It is very difficult for celiac sufferers to completely avoid gluten because of cross-contamination in food processing. The enzyme decreased gluten-induced intestinal injury without adverse side effects. The control group experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain. The researchers have launched a 500-patient clinical trial to further test the benefits of ALV003.

"Glutenase ALV003 Attenuates Gluten-Induced Mucosal Injury in Patients With Celiac Disease. ", Gastroenterology, June 12, 2014