In the case of wounds or skin lesions, an active form of vitamin A regulates how stem cells initiate healing processes and produce new skin. This was demonstrated in a study from Rockefeller University that is published in the journal Science. In the future, researchers plan to look closer at how active vitamin A can be used to regulate stem cells as a way of preventing and treating skin cancer.

Vitamin D is important for cellular calcium uptake, bone health, and a number of other functions. There is also a direct link between the widespread vitamin D deficiency problem and brittle bones and osteoporosis among post-menopausal women, according to a large Chinese study that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition. It is important to include magnesium and vitamin K2, as they also contribute to bone health.

Vitamin B3 deserves a lot more attention because of its key role in cellular energy metabolism, the brain and nervous system, our mental health, and our circulatory system. In the cellular powerhouses, we find the derivate form of B3 called NAD, which gives an energy boost. According to a study published in StatPearls, studies suggest that vitamin B3 lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle atrophy, and various cancer forms. Many people have an increased need for the nutrient due to factors such as ageing, genetic variations, and poor utilization of the vitamin.

A type of cancer called chronic myeloid leukemia is characterized by an overproduction of white blood cells that can lead to symptoms like fatigue, infections, and other complications. Another characteristic feature of chronic myeloid leukemia is chronic inflammation that contributes to the disease progression. Vitamin C, however, appears to counteract the inflammation, according to a Brazilian in-vitro study that is published in Nutrients.

Patients admitted to the intensive care unit often lack vitamin D, resulting in more complications, prolonged ICU stay, and increased mortality compared with patients who have adequate vitamin D levels in their blood. This was demonstrated in an Iranian study from three hospitals. The study is published in BMJ Nutrition. Many older people and individuals with chronic diseases generally lack vitamin D, which is a problem.

Selenium supports a variety of different selenoproteins and antioxidants that are important for our immune defense, circulatory system, cancer protection, metabolism, gut flora, fertility, nervous system, and general health. This is described in two meta-analyses that are published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The authors mention that there is widespread selenium deficiency in large parts of the world, Europe included, and that this is a public health problem. The big question is how much selenium we need to effectively prevent and treat many chronic illnesses.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, if their blood levels of vitamin D are high before they start on methotrexate therapy, it lowers their mortality. This was shown in a study published in Nutrients, where the authors looked at vitamin D’s therapeutic properties. Note that the official vitamin D recommendations are too low to optimize blood levels of the nutrient.

Type 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire and is the major cause of vision loss, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and leg amputations. Many people have insulin resistance, the early stage of type diabetes that is associated with fatigue, untimely hunger, and increasing weight. The diet plays a major role and according to a new review article that is published in Human Nutrition and Metabolism, various B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, and zinc influence insulin resistance and diabetes treatment. Previous research has also shown that chromium and magnesium play a role in insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation.

The quality of the diet plays a particularly great role in the first years of a child’s life. The different nutrients help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases later in life. However, modern diet and lifestyle have resulted in widespread deficiency of vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium, and magnesium among children, and that has had serious consequences for their physical and mental health, according to a large German study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The scientists therefore recommend increased focus on the nutritional status of children and supplementation throughout childhood, if necessary.

The rate of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerous colitis is growing, and diet plays a major role. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be a challenge to get enough selenium because of the selenium-depleted soil in our part of the world. Apparently, selenium supplementation can lower the disease activity and improve quality of life in patients with ulcerous colitis.

It is mainly older people and those with chronic illnesses that are vulnerable to COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Also, it’s a fact that lack of essential nutrients impairs your immune defense and may have serious health consequences, whether you are vaccinated or not. A large study of 19 European countries reveals that low blood levels of vitamin D increases the risk of complicated COVID-19 infections, hospitalization, and death. According to the scientists, it is necessary to discuss and optimize people’s vitamin D status to help them resist future pandemics.

Menopause is typically linked to hormonal changes that increase the risk of aching joints, overweight, cardiovascular disease, muscle weakness, and metabolic disturbances. According to a study published in Nutrients, however, high-dosed supplementation with fish oil for eight weeks has a positive effect on blood pressure, muscle strength, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, which can otherwise set the stage for atherosclerosis, joint pain, and number of chronic ailments. Earlier research has also demonstrated that fish oil supplements help against dry mucous membranes and depression that are often caused by brain inflammation.