Food & Drink
Vitamin D has important role in promoting healthy immune system
Older people who are deficient in vitamin D tend to have compromised immune function, says research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
While the association between vitamin D and bone health is well known, until now little research has looked at its impact on the immune system.
So scientists looked at 957 Irish adults who were older than 60 years and measured their vitamin D levels and inflammation markers (linked to rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease). Continue reading
Combine calcium supplements with exercise to maximise benefits
People who take calcium supplements to prevent bone fracture should ensure they take enough exercise, in the light of research from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Experts looked at the benefits of taking calcium supplement over a period of 10 years in a group of post-menopausal women. The women were split into groups, with some taking 1g of calcium citrate and others taking a placebo. Continue reading
Vitamin D deficiency could be a result of poor health, not a cause
It may be that low vitamin D levels are a consequence of poor health rather than being a cause of it, suggests a research team from New Zealand.
Evidence from 40 clinical trials has been examined by Dr Mark Bolland and his colleagues to establish if vitamin D supplements have a significant impact on reducing bone fracture, heart attack and other issues.
Publishing their results in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the team found no association between the use of vitamin D supplements and significant health improvements in these areas.
Tea consumption may reduce risk of fracture
Drinking a few cups of tea a day could reduce the chance of fracturing a hip bone, says a new study published in Osteoporosis International.
For some time experts have investigated if drinking tea and coffee is associated with the risk of hip fracture – but results of previous research have been inconsistent. So a team from Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine looked at 14 studies involving 195,992 people and 9,958 cases of hip fractures. Continue reading
Overweight boys more likely to have knee problems as adults
Being overweight in childhood can impact on men’s joint health later, says research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Participants (449 people aged 31–41 years) had their height, weight and history of knee injuries recorded and compared to data from their childhood years.
Men who were overweight as boys were more likely to experience knee pain, stiffness and dysfunction later in life, even if they had slimmed down as they got older.
So weight issues in early life could be a direct cause of later knee symptoms among men.
