Selenium supports a number of different selenium-dependent proteins that are important for our energy turnover, metabolism, immune defense, fertility, and antioxidant protection. Selenium also has a special affinity for mercury and is therefore able to bind to this heavy metal and counteract its harmful impact on the brain, the nervous system, and other tissues. Once selenium is bound to mercury, however, the different selenoproteins are no longer able to use it. We are all exposed to a certain amount of mercury and that may result in a borderline deficiency of selenium. The problem is that other factors weigh in such as selenium-depleted crops because of the lack of selenium in the European farmland. What is important to realize is that mercury toxicity is insidious and certain fish such as predatory fish and whales in the upper part of the food chain contain large concentrations of mercury. However, therapeutic doses of selenium can prevent the toxic effect of the heavy metal, according to a new review article published in Scientific Research.

Type 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire. An alarmingly many people have metabolic syndrome – or pre-diabetes – which is characterized by insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels and abdominal obesity (apple-shaped body). Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are associated with enormous human and socio-economic costs. In this article, we will look closer at chromium, vitamin D, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 plus relevant diet changes to see how they can positively affect blood sugar levels, cholesterol balance, and weight control. We will also take a closer look at supplements that are able to prevent diabetic neuropathy, a disorder that can lead to amputations.

According to a pilot study from Los Angeles, patients with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood are 75 percent less likely to die from a COVID-19 infection. The scientists behind the study assume it is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of the omega-3 fatty acids and their ability to regulate the immune defense, which is often completely derailed in serious cases of COVID-19. The scientists also mention other nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties.

- plus large cuts in public healthcare

Lack of vitamin D is rather common. It increases the risk of infections and a host of serious diseases. German cancer researchers have estimated that if all Germans from 50 years and older took a daily vitamin D supplement it would prevent 30,000 cancer-related deaths annually and gain over 300,000 years of life. In addition to that, it would lead to huge reductions in public healthcare. The health-related and financial benefits of optimizing the population’s vitamin D status fits in nicely with previous research and calculations from Denmark.

The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing and we are currently being threatened by B117 and other mutated versions of the virus. Some people are immune, some get mild infections, and some develop life-threatening complications. A team of international scientists has tried to find out why people react so differently. It appears vitamin D deficiency plays a major role. According to a new study that is published in the science journal Endocrine in January 2021, low blood levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of being hospitalized. The scientists behind the new study point to vitamin D supplements as an inexpensive and fast way to improve patients’ health.

According to a new English study, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids during the childhood years may lower your risk of developing asthma later in life but only if you have a specific gene variation. In addition, a previous Australian study reports that lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in adults is associated with poorer asthma control. Diet generally seems to play a major role in the development of the disease and overweight individuals appear to benefit more than others from increasing their omega-3 intake. The big question is how much do they need to take?

Vitamin D controls a host of different biochemical processes that are of importance to our health. Moderate vitamin D deficiency is rather common, and severe deficiency is one of the reasons why chronically ill cancer patients are put in intensive care and die within a year. Cancer patients who have been in intensive care can actually benefit from takin vitamin D supplements, according to an Austrian study that is published in Nutrients. The study supports earlier research that demonstrates different anti-cancer mechanisms in vitamin D.

Lack of vitamin C can cause bleeding from the gums, the eyes, and possibly even complicated internal bleeding, according to a study from the University of Washington. It is vital to get enough vitamin C from your diet because the nutrient is important for the collagen production, the immune defense, and numerous other functions. You may have an increased need for vitamin C if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, if you bruise easily, or if you show other signs of lacking this essential nutrient.

It is well-known that omega-3 fatty acids counteract inflammation, which is the common thread in most chronic diseases. A team of scientists from Tufts University in the United States has now discovered that the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which we get from oily fish and fish oil supplements have different anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Their study is published in the science journal Atherosclerosis and supports earlier studies that have shown how important omega-3 is for preventing circulatory diseases, rheumatism, and other lifestyle diseases.

- especially among boys

Vitamin D controls a variety of processes in the brain and that is important for the child in a number of different ways. According to a new study from University of Queensland, Australia, there is an increased risk of autism – especially among boys – if the mother lacks vitamin D during her pregnancy. The explanation lies in the fact that the vitamin deficiency can affect levels of sex hormones in the brain. Several studies link vitamin D deficiency to autism and show that vitamin D supplements can improve hyperactivity and other signs of impaired functioning in children with autism.

- with four key nutrients

Your birth attest reveals your actual age but your biological age gives a more accurate picture of your health and life expectancy. Our biological age and cardiovascular health are closely connected, with atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness representing a progressive process that eventually leads to the majority of deaths. Nonetheless, you can do a lot yourself by making sure to get sufficient amounts the nutrients that are most vital for good cardiovascular health. In this article, we will look closer at some current studies of vitamin K2, Q10, selenium, and omega-3, all of which are essential nutrients that prevent, each in their own way, atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, and premature death as a result of having high heart age.

The kidneys cleanse our blood. Well-functioning kidneys are vital for the circulatory system and good health in general. Normal functioning of cells, including kidney cells, hinges on a host of different selenium-containing proteins and coenzyme Q10. Studies show that older people in many parts of the world, Europe included, have deficiencies of both substances. Therefore, a team of Swedish scientists conducted a study where they looked at selenium status and kidney function in a group of seniors. They gave selenium yeast and coenzyme Q10 or placebo to the participants for a period of four years. The results showed that the supplemented group as compared with the placebo group had improved kidney function according to several parameters. The positive effect on cellular energy metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress was attributed to the two supplements. The study is published in the science journal Nutrients.