Nutrition
Article Abstract:
The relation of vitamins and minerals to health and the prevention of disease and the treatment of obesity are discussed. Studies in Hungary and the US have shown that women who increase their intake of folic acid during pregnancy are less likely to have children with certain neural disorders such as spina bifida. In the Hungarian study women took 800 micrograms of folic acid daily. In the US study, the women took multivitamins with 420 micrograms of folic acid daily. Increasing the intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene has been associated with a reduction in the risk of developing coronary heart disease. High levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood have been associated with heart attacks. Taking increased amounts of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 may mediate the level of homocysteine in the blood and help prevent heart attacks. Alcohol consumption may hinder an overweight person's attempt to lose weight. Patients should abstain from alcohol use while trying to lose weight or balance their fat intake against their alcohol consumption.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Nutrition
Article Abstract:
Elevated blood levels of homocysteine appear to be a risk factor for several different types of vascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Homocysteine has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and may be involved in blood clotting. Folic acid and several other B vitamins can reduce homocysteine levels. In 1995, the US Dietary Guidelines were changed and the most significant change was a stricter weight guideline. The Nurses' Health Study found that the leanest women had the lowest mortality rates. However, other studies have found that men who are very slim and men who are very heavy have higher death rates than normal weight men. People over the age of 65 may not have to worry about their weight, since a little excess weight can protect bones from fracture. High-intensity exercise can increase bone density in the elderly. Vitamin E appears to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, but carotene does not.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Nutrition
Article Abstract:
Obesity may require long-term drug treatment because diet restrictions do not seem to maintain weight loss in severely overweight people. Anorexigenic and other drugs are being reviewed for this use. The most pronounced weight loss takes place six months after the start of drug treatment. Many patients gain weight even with continuation of the drug therapy, but behavior modification may help patients stick to a weight loss program. Individual diets are being recommended for diabetics, with insulin doses to vary depending on exercise and diet of the diabetic. Beta carotene and vitamin E appear to be ineffective in preventing lung cancer. Calcium and vitamin D may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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