Magnesium levels shown to affect vitamin D

Researchers at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine have found that magnesium levels significantly impact vitamin D metabolism.

The study, as reported in this article Magnesium levels have effect on Vitamin D: Studyfound that people with the right amount of magnesium levels require less vitamin D supplementation to obtain the right vitamin D levels.

The study highlights the importance of monitoring all recommended NRVs of vitamins and minerals to ensure you don’t become deficient and to understand the metabolism process of these essential nutrients.

Mixed picture of salt reduction from the food industry

Public Health England has published the first review of the food industry’s progress in meeting salt reduction targets set by the government in 2014.

Public Health England’s report on salt reduction declared that just over half of all average salt reduction targets were met in the in home sector but that seven in 10 foods in the out of home sector failed to exceed maximum targets.

The Public Health Minister Steve Brine has said of the findings, “While it is encouraging to see the food industry is making progress towards the salt reduction targets we set in 2014, we know there is more to do.”

Junk food could heighten depression risk

Junk food affects risk of depression

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University have found that a diet of fast food,
cakes and processed meat can increase your risk of depression.

The paper looked at data from 11 existing studies that focused on the link between depression and pro-inflammatory diets, which are those high in cholesterol, saturated fats and carbohydrates, and found that such a diet can make you around 40% more likely to develop depression.

The findings suggest that an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet consisting of olive oil, tomatoes, green vegetables and fatty fish, could work towards lowering depressive symptoms.

Dr Steven Bradburn from the Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan’s School of Healthcare Science said of the findings, “These results have tremendous clinical potential,” citing that, ““This work builds on recent advances in the field by others…which have shown beneficial improvements in depressive symptoms.”

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Alison Astill-Smith author Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.