It is fairly common knowledge that nutrition plays an important role in maintaining health but the research into different nutrients and the links to specific health factors is constant, with new studies published daily. This week’s Nutrition News article covers some of the latest nutritional research including that of amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
Read on to learn how these common nutrients could be supporting your health.
Omega 3 for lung health
Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish, show great promise in maintaining lung health, as revealed by a comprehensive study in healthy adults supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as reported by Science Daily in the article “Omega-3 fatty acids appear promising for maintaining lung health”. This research is presented as the most robust evidence to date of an association between omega-3 fatty acids and lung health, highlighting the importance of incorporating these nutrients into the diet.
Led by Patricia A. Cassano, Ph.D., director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, the study aimed to explore the role of diet in chronic lung disease, an area that has been relatively understudied compared to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Prior studies had suggested the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory properties, but lacked substantial evidence until now.
The researchers conducted a two-part investigation to examine the link between omega-3 fatty acid levels in the blood and lung function over time. In the first part, they followed 15,063 generally healthy Americans from the NHLBI Pooled Cohorts Study for an average of seven years, finding that higher omega-3 levels were associated with a reduced rate of lung function decline. Particularly, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), present in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, demonstrated the strongest associations.
In the second part of the study, the researchers analysed genetic data from over 500,000 European patients in the UK Biobank, using genetic markers as proxies for dietary omega-3 fatty acid levels. The results further confirmed the positive correlation between higher omega-3 levels and better lung function, reinforcing the findings from the longitudinal study.
It is important to note that the study focused on healthy adults. To expand their understanding, the scientists are collaborating with the COPDGene study to investigate omega-3 fatty acid levels in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heavy smokers to determine if the same benefits apply.
These findings provide compelling groundwork for future prospective studies and the potential benefits of anti-inflammatory nutrients for maintaining lung health.
New guidelines for UK GPs on vitamin B12
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published new guidelines for GPs across the UK on vitamin B12. NICE guidelines in England are grounded in solid evidence and offer expert recommendations for healthcare and well-being. These guidelines outline appropriate care and services that cater to the needs of the majority with specific conditions or requirements, including those in unique circumstances or settings. By adhering to these guidelines, health and social care professionals can effectively work towards preventing illnesses and promoting overall well-being.
It is important to note that these new guidelines are still nin their draft stages but indicate the importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin B12 levels.
The guideline titled “Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management” are in draft for consultation as of July 2023.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition that warrants attention and proper management, particularly in individuals aged 16 and above, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. To tackle this health concern effectively, this comprehensive guideline has been developed, encompassing the diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. By raising awareness and utilising specific, inclusive language, the guideline’s aims are to facilitate early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing care for those affected.
The primary focus of this guideline is to offer evidence-based recommendations on how to identify, test, and manage cases of vitamin B12 deficiency. Adequate diagnosis is critical to understanding the underlying cause of the deficiency and producing appropriate treatment plans for affected individuals.
The guideline outlines the recommended procedures for testing vitamin B12 levels accurately. By utilising appropriate tests, healthcare professionals can identify deficiencies promptly, thus enabling timely intervention. Moreover, regular monitoring is emphasised to assess the effectiveness of treatment and watch for potential complications that may arise during the course of management.
One of the key objectives of this guideline is to raise awareness about vitamin B12 deficiency and its potential consequences. By increasing public knowledge about the condition and its risk factors, the guideline aims to encourage individuals to seek medical attention promptly if they suspect any deficiency symptoms.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are among the vulnerable groups at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Hence, the guideline provides detailed recommendations for healthcare professionals to address this concern during prenatal and postnatal care. By closely monitoring vitamin B12 levels and promptly treating deficiencies, healthcare providers can contribute significantly to the overall well-being of both the pregnant individual and their child.
The guideline underscores the significance of a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients. By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, this collaborative effort seeks to optimise patient outcomes and ensure ongoing, comprehensive care for those affected by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition that demands attention and appropriate management. This comprehensive guideline aims to equip healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations to effectively identify, test, and treat vitamin B12 deficiency, including cases arising from autoimmune gastritis. By raising awareness, the guideline strives to ensure better diagnosis, timely intervention, and continuous care for individuals that may be affected, thus improving overall health and well-being.
Could amino acids combat harm to health caused by air pollution?
A new study discussed by Science Daily in the article “Do certain amino acids modify the risk of dementia linked to air pollution?” has uncovered a potential link between higher levels of certain vitamin B-related amino acids and the risk of dementia associated with particulate matter air pollutants. The research, conducted by scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, sheds light on the complex relationship between air pollution, amino acids, and cognitive health.
The study focused on fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which consists of tiny pollutant particles suspended in the air, measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Additionally, the researchers examined two amino acids, methionine and homocysteine, both of which play vital roles in brain function. Methionine is an essential amino acid found in various foods, such as meat, fish, dairy, beans, and eggs. On the other hand, homocysteine is an amino acid produced within cells that can be transformed into methionine through a process requiring vitamin B12 and folate, an essential nutrient for healthy cell growth and function.
The team followed over 2,500 adults living in central Stockholm, with an average age of 73, for up to 12 years. Of the participants, 376 individuals developed dementia during the study period. Interviews, blood tests, physical activity assessments, and dietary questionnaires were conducted to gather relevant data.
By calculating the annual average levels of PM2.5 at the participants' home addresses, the researchers found that those who developed dementia had slightly higher exposure to PM2.5 pollution compared to those who did not. However, it's worth noting that the levels observed were relatively low compared to the average across Europe.
After accounting for various risk factors, such as age, sex, smoking, and education, the researchers discovered that the risk of dementia increased by 70% for every one µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 exposure during the five years leading up to the study.
The study also revealed an intriguing relationship between air pollution and amino acids. Approximately half of the increased dementia risk due to PM2.5 was associated with an interaction between air pollution and high homocysteine levels or low methionine levels.
Dr. Giulia Grande, the study's lead author, emphasised that while homocysteine levels and methionine values played a role in determining dementia risk related to air pollution, multiple pathways likely contribute to the brain damage caused by pollution. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand the intricate biological mechanisms at play.
The study's limitation lies in its focus on the Kungsholmen district of Stockholm, which restricts the ability to make broader comparisons regarding air pollutants. It is also important to note that the study does not prove that pollution or amino acids cause dementia, but it suggests a possible link between them that would benefit from further research and analysis.
The findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between air pollution, amino acids, and dementia risk, contributing to a deeper understanding of how environmental factors impact cognitive health.
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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.