Chronic neck pain is often caused by age-related osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. The condition can be associated with a range of other symptoms, including neck stiffness, radiating pain in the arms and a negative impact on mood. Chronic neck pain may also be associated with dizziness and an increased risk of falls, which are a common cause of death among older adults. However, research suggests that a higher intake of magnesium from a wholegrain-rich diet containing plenty of green vegetables may improve prognosis and reduce the risk of premature death in patients with chronic neck pain. These findings come from a large population-based study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.

As the number of older people increases, so does the number of people suffering from dementia. In addition to progressive cognitive decline, people with dementia have an increased risk of infections, systemic inflammation, sepsis, and premature death. There are also indications that deficiency of the trace element zinc is associated with complicated infections and increased mortality. This is shown by a population-based study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, in which the researchers describe the importance of zinc for the immune system and other vital functions.

Doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, healthcare assistants, and other healthcare workers often work night or rotating shifts and experience a certain amount of stress, which contributes to an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. This is reported in a review article published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The researchers discuss how vitamin D deficiency among healthcare workers negatively affects their mental and physical health, with a greater risk of infections, muscle weakness, fatigue, overweight, depression, reduced work capacity, and chronic diseases. The study sheds new light on why it is so important for healthcare workers to have adequate vitamin D levels and why higher-dose supplementation may be necessary to prevent and treat widespread deficiency.

It is no coincidence that many people are affected by influenza and other respiratory diseases during the winter months, when vitamin D deficiency is more widespread. In a review article published in Nutrition Reviews, the authors describe how vitamin D plays a role in several parts of our highly developed immune system. In addition, vitamin D helps regulate inflammatory processes. This function is vital, as overactivation of the immune system in the form of hyperinflammation can make influenza and other respiratory infections complicated and, in the worst-case scenario, life-threatening. It is therefore important to ensure optimal vitamin D levels in the blood throughout the year.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with metabolic disorders and a number of complications such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, eye damage and nerve damage. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease in which the modern refined diet plays a major role. It appears that a higher intake of magnesium from a coarse and green diet, as well as from supplements, can reduce adult diabetics’ risk of premature death due to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and all other causes. This was shown in a population study published in Diabetic Medicine.

Disturbed blood glucose regulation is associated with fatigue, overweight and a range of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, PCOS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diet and lifestyle are known to play an important role, but there are also indications that Q10 supplementation may have a moderate positive effect on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is shown by a new umbrella review published in Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism. The authors also discuss why many people with diabetes have low Q10 levels and the role Q10 plays in energy metabolism and as an important antioxidant.

Selenium is incorporated into a number of selenium-containing proteins that are important for, among other things, the nervous system. They also function as antioxidants that protect cells against damage caused by oxidative stress. A Spanish population study published in Frontiers in Nutrition shows that selenium intake and blood selenium levels may be associated with the intellectual and cognitive performance of university students.

Elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) is a common metabolic disorder that can lead to the formation of crystals in the joints and gout. Elevated uric acid also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it appears that patients who are deficient in vitamin D have an even greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and narrowing of the coronary arteries, according to a large Chinese population study published in PLOS ONE.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and other metabolic disturbances. As a result, the risk of overweight, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms increases. Diet and lifestyle play an important role, and it now appears that zinc supplementation is associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood sugar levels, and markers of oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes. This is shown by a meta-analysis published in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism.

We need iodine for metabolism, the nervous system, cognitive function, and the immune system. In addition, iodine is essential for a child’s growth and development. However, although table salt and bakery bread are fortified with iodine in Denmark and many other countries, iodine deficiency remains a widespread health problem and is becoming more common as the number of vegetarians and vegans increases. Iodine deficiency increases the risk of goiter, an underactive thyroid, reduced resistance to infection, impaired fertility, and breast cancer. Pregnant women who are deficient in iodine are at risk of fetal abnormalities, while children who are deficient in iodine are at risk of intellectual disability or stunted growth. On the other hand, we must also avoid getting too much iodine, as excessive intake can cause health problems as well, according to a new review article published in Nutrients.

Most of the body’s cells and tissues have receptors for vitamin D, including those in the brain and nervous system. A study from Emory University in the United States suggests that older adults who take a high daily dose of vitamin D perform 13 percent better on cognitive tests compared with older adults who do not take a high daily supplement. The researchers therefore assume that high-dose vitamin D supplementation may help reduce early stages of cognitive decline, early signs of dementia, and sleep problems.