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Many middle-aged and older Americans not getting adequate nutrition

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that many middle-aged and older Americans are not getting adequate nutrition. Supplement use was associated with meeting recommended dietary intakes for calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, but potassium intake remained low regardless of supplement use.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 1, 2009

Vitamin E may decrease and increase mortality of male smokers with high dietary vitamin C intake

A six-year vitamin E supplementation study found that high dietary vitamin C intake significantly influenced the effect of vitamin E on mortality in male smokers. Vitamin E decreased mortality by 41% in elderly smokers with high vitamin C intake, while increasing mortality by 19% in middle-aged smokers with similar intake levels.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 14, 2009

Vitamins C and E and beta carotene again fail to reduce cancer risk in randomized controlled trial

A randomized controlled trial found that women taking vitamin C, E, or beta carotene had a similar risk of cancer as those not taking the supplements. Antioxidant supplements were previously thought to lower cancer risk due to high fruit and vegetable intake, but this study contradicts those findings.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 2008

Dietary factors appear to be associated with diabetes risk

Eating a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Consuming more than one soft drink per day or drinking two or more fruit drinks daily increases the risk by 24% and 31%, respectively. In contrast, a low-fat diet does not appear to impact diabetes risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 28, 2008

How vitamin C stops the big 'C'

A Johns Hopkins study found that vitamin C and other antioxidants can inhibit the growth of some tumors in mice, but not by preventing DNA damage. Instead, they may stabilize a tumor's ability to grow under oxygen-starved conditions by disrupting a protein called HIF-1.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 10, 2007

Does vitamin C help prevent or treat the common cold?

A review of clinical research on vitamin C and the common cold found no benefit from supplementation for prevention or treatment. However, vitamin C may have a minor effect on reducing cold duration when taken before symptoms start. Vitamin C was also effective in preventing colds in athletes exposed to extreme physical stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Vitamin E loss through smoking increases health risks

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that smoking depletes vitamin E levels 13% faster than non-smokers, increasing health risks. The research also reveals an interactive relationship between vitamins C and E, highlighting the importance of adequate levels of both antioxidants to prevent disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 14, 2005

Discovery about Vitamin C explains its metabolic value

Researchers at Oregon State University have confirmed the results of an earlier study that found vitamin C involved in DNA-damaging compounds. The new findings reveal how vitamin C reacts with and neutralizes toxic byproducts of human fat metabolism, providing a protective role against genetic damage and inflammation.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2004

Vitamin C may protect against ulcer-causing bacteria, study finds

A large study of nearly 7,000 American adults found that higher vitamin C levels were associated with a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection. The researchers suggest that adequate vitamin C intake may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this association.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2003

Antioxidant vitamins may help transplant patients

A new study suggests that taking supplements of both vitamins C and E can significantly reduce coronary arteriosclerosis in heart transplant patients. After one year, the group receiving antioxidants showed little to no thickening and narrowing of their coronary arteries, while those receiving a placebo experienced significant changes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 3, 2002

Rat genes increase Vitamin C in plants

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to stimulate the production of Vitamin C in lettuce and other plants using rat genes. This breakthrough could lead to longer shelf life and improved nutrition, particularly in developing countries where access to fresh produce is limited.