It is well known that excess abdominal fat increases the risk of chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. The combination of excess abdominal fat and vitamin D deficiency appears to further increase the risk of chronic disease and premature death in people over the age of 50, as shown by a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Here, the researchers describe how vitamin D protects against premature death. It may therefore be beneficial for your health to check whether your waist circumference is within an appropriate range and whether your blood vitamin D level is optimal throughout the year.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common. HSV-1 typically causes cold sores on the lips, whereas HSV-2 typically causes painful blisters and sores on the genitals, buttocks, or thighs. HSV is transmitted through direct contact, and after the initial outbreak, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells for the rest of a person's life. However, many people experience recurring outbreaks. In severe cases, serious complications can also occur. A population-based study published in BMC Infectious Diseases suggests, however, that moderate zinc intake may have a protective effect.

If a woman gives birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is considered premature. The earlier the baby is born, the greater the risk of complications, death, or serious long-term consequences. As is well known, diet during pregnancy is highly important, and it now appears that a deficiency of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA increases the risk of preterm birth. This is demonstrated by a large Chinese study in which the researchers also describe the role these nutrients play during pregnancy. Pregnant women should therefore pay attention to getting enough vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids while at the same time avoiding excessive intake of vitamin A and/or omega-6 fatty acids.

The number of cancer cases is rising alarmingly, and although treatments have improved, cancer survivors still face an increased risk of premature death for a number of reasons. A higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids, however, appears to be associated with longer life, according to a population-based study published in Nutrition Research Journal. The researchers describe how the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fatty fish and fish oil not only affect cancer patients’ long-term survival but may also play a role in cancer prevention through various biological mechanisms.

The most common type of thyroid cancer is called papillary thyroid carcinoma. Although the prognosis is good, many patients experience a reduced quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency also appears to be widespread among patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, contributing to chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, and other symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation, however, appears to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, according to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. It should be noted, however, that many people need higher doses of supplements to optimize their blood levels of vitamin D.

Type 2 diabetes is spreading like an epidemic. Many people who struggle with weight gain and blood sugar also have prediabetes, often without knowing it.
Diet and lifestyle play a major role, and there is also evidence that magnesium supplementation can improve blood sugar and lipid profiles in adults with prediabetes. This is shown by a large meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders. In the long term, it may be beneficial to get more magnesium through a whole-food, plant-rich diet while also getting enough protein and healthy fats to regulate blood sugar and weight.

Healthy teeth are important for overall health and appearance. In this context, the trace element selenium plays a protective role in dental health through the immune system, regulation of inflammation, and its function as an antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress. Selenium supplementation may therefore be a promising therapy for improving dental health and as part of the treatment of periodontal disease and other dental conditions, according to a review article published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Disease. There are also indications that additional supplementation with Q10 may improve the effect on dental health.

Higher levels of vitamin C in the blood and brain are associated with healthier brain structure and stronger brain networks in older adults. This is according to a large Japanese population study published in PLOS One. The researchers also found that people with lower levels of vitamin C in their blood tended to have less gray matter in the brain and weaker connections in brain networks associated with memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. So why does vitamin C have such an important role in brain health, and how can you get enough?

Osteoporosis and bone fractures are associated with many complications and premature death, especially among older adults. Millions of people therefore take calcium supplements, vitamin D, or a combination of both to support bone health. But according to a new meta-analysis published in The British Medical Journal, these supplements provide little or no benefit. The findings also suggest that high levels of calcium in the blood from various supplements may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, blood clots, and cellular stress. It is therefore important to recognize that bone health also involves magnesium and vitamin K2, which help remove calcium from the bloodstream and deposit it in the bones.

The trace mineral selenium is an essential component of several selenium-containing proteins that support overall health. A new meta-analysis published in BMC Public Health found that selenium deficiency is associated with a higher risk of several diseases, including colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Damage to cellular DNA can lead to impaired cell function, cell death, accelerated aging, and mutations that, in the worst case, may develop into cancer. Fortunately, the body has an advanced repair system that continuously corrects DNA damage. New research even suggests that melatonin plays an important role in repairing DNA damage while we sleep.
This finding comes from a placebo-controlled Canadian study of shift workers who took melatonin supplements to compensate for disrupted circadian rhythms. Previous research has shown that the body's natural melatonin production declines with age and can also be reduced by excessive exposure to light from screens and other artificial light sources in the evening. Many people take melatonin supplements to improve their sleep, and the new findings suggest that an additional benefit may be enhanced protection of the body's cells against DNA damage.