From eye health to athletic performance, the food we consume plays an important role in keeping us healthy and balanced. This week’s Nutrition News covers the latest in nutritional research, unveiling how what we eat could be better supporting different facets of our lives.
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Study reveals nutrients that support eye health
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) poses a multifaceted challenge to eye health, marked by a disrupted tear film and damage to the ocular surface. In a groundbreaking study, discussed in the article “Nutrition and dry eye syndrome: Dietary interventions could play a role in managing condition – new data”, focusing on Korean women aged 40 and above, the link between DES and nutrition is explored. With a staggering 7.7% prevalence among 92,888 female participants, this research sheds light on the pivotal role of specific dietary components.
The study, utilising data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2019), identified a compelling correlation between certain dietary nutrients and DES. Fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, water, and an array of vitamins emerged as the core elements, showcasing an inverse association with DES prevalence. These findings advocate for a diet rich in blue-backed fish, perilla seeds, seaweed, eggs, sweet potatoes, and various fruits and vegetables commonly found in the Korean diet.
Conversely, a higher intake of carbohydrates, sugar, fat, cholesterol, sodium, iron, and zinc correlated with an increased risk of DES, although, of course, maintaining a balance of these food groups and nutrients is essential for general health and well-being. The study delves into the intricate interplay of nutrition and ocular health, highlighting the significance of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E in maintaining tear film stability and protecting against inflammation.
As DES continues to gain prominence as a critical public health issue in South Korea, particularly among economically active women over 40, this research marks a significant stride toward understanding the nuanced relationship between diet and ocular health. While acknowledging study limitations, such as self-reported data, the findings urge further exploration for more nuanced diagnostic approaches and the development of specific dietary recommendations for the effective prevention and treatment of DES.
The study paves the way for future research to develop targeted dietary guidelines, offering a glimmer of hope for those grappling with the discomfort, sensitivity to light, and diminished vision characteristic of DES.
Obesity reaches more than 1 billion worldwide
While it’s been regularly publicised that obesity is becoming a big problem around the world, global estimates recently published in The Lancet and reported by the BBC in the article ”More than a billion people obese worldwide, research suggests”, suggest that over a billion people worldwide are now grappling with obesity. The data, from 2022, unveils a staggering count of about 880 million adults and 159 million children living with obesity. The epicentres of this health crisis are found in Tonga and American Samoa for women and American Samoa and Nauru for men, where 70-80% of adults are affected.
Notably, the UK stands at the 55th and 87th positions for men and women, respectively, out of 190 countries. This calls for major paradigm shifts in obesity and weight management globally. The ramifications of obesity are profound, elevating the risk of severe health conditions such as, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and impacting heart health.
Examining global obesity rates across nations, the US claims the 10th spot for men and the 36th for women, while India ranks 19th lowest for women and 21st lowest for men. China, on the other hand, holds the 11th lowest position for women and the 52nd for men.
Senior researcher Prof Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London emphasises the role of food availability, marking a shift in the global landscape. Aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods coupled with challenges in accessing healthier alternatives contributes to this crisis.
The comprehensive report spanning from 1990 to 2022 reveals a fourfold increase in childhood obesity and a doubling in women and tripling in men among adults. Simultaneously, the proportion of adults classified as underweight has fallen by 50%, albeit remaining a critical concern, especially in impoverished communities.
World Health Organization (WHO) director general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscores the importance of holistic prevention and management of obesity from early life through diet, physical activity, and proper care. However, achieving this demands collaboration among governments, communities, and the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impact of their products.
Study links chlorella with exercise recovery
Chlorella, the green, unicellular alga discussed in the 22nd February Nutrition News, is making waves in the realm of exercise nutrition. While previous studies have explored its clinical benefits, a recent double-blinded, randomised cross-over study delves into the impact of short-term chlorella supplementation on exercise performance in young healthy adults.
The study, reported in the article “Chlorella may improve exercise tolerance and recovery: Study” involving 20 participants, investigated the effects of a 2-day regimen of 6 g/day chlorella supplementation on submaximal and maximal exercise intensities. Intriguingly, the results showcased a significant reduction in blood lactate levels during submaximal exercise and post-maximal exercise tests following chlorella supplementation. The O2 pulse, a key indicator of cardiovascular efficiency, saw a noteworthy increase during both submaximal and maximal exercise intensities.
However, the study did not observe improvements in V˙O2max and WRmax, indicating that the benefits of chlorella might be more pronounced in specific aspects of exercise performance. While the mechanisms behind these findings remain unexplored, the study adds valuable insights to the potential of chlorella.
Chlorella's appeal lies in its multifaceted properties, boasting a rich composition of complete proteins, carotenoids, photosynthetic pigments, and vitamins. Past research has hinted at its vasodilatory and antioxidant properties, making it an attractive candidate for performance support.
As the exercise nutrition landscape continues to evolve, chlorella emerges as a nutrient worth exploring, especially for athletes seeking to support their training and performance. While this study provides a snapshot of its short-term impact, future research could unravel the mechanisms behind the observed changes and delve into its application in specific athletic populations.
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Alison is the 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.