Vitamin D is important for multiple metabolic processes. However, overweight individuals have difficulty with activating the form of vitamin D that we get from supplements, and that impairs their utilization of the nutrient. Therefore, vitamin D supplements work differently on those who take them to prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, according to a large American study called VITAL. A group of scientists looked closer at the study and found that overweight people may have an increased need for vitamin D.

- also in type 2 diabetes

Stable blood sugar levels are essential for our health, our energy levels, and our mood. However, millions of people across the globe suffer from insulin resistance and have impaired glucose uptake in their cells. Insulin resistance also occurs in people with type 2 diabetes. In a review article that is published in Advanced Biomedical Research, the authors look closer at magnesium’s role in connection with insulin resistance, blood sugar levels, and energy turnover. They conclude that magnesium supplementation may be relevant for people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and it is even important to get enough magnesium for preventing these conditions that come with an enormous human and socio-economic price tag.

COPD, a lung disease that is primarily a result of smoking, is one of the leading causes of death. Asthma, however, may also become life-threatening if it is left untreated. According to a meta-analysis published in Journal of Global Health, vitamin D supplementation may improve lung function in both diseases. The authors look at how vitamin D strengthens the immune defense and controls inflammation.

Over the past decades, it has been common practice to use zinc in creams and salves for treating various skin disorders. Zinc has wound-healing, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for such purposes. In a review article that is published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the authors look closer at zinc’s role in skin health. They also look at whether zinc supplementation may positively affect eczema, acne, psoriasis, herpes, and other skin diseases. The authors also address the fact that around one third of the world’s population is zinc-deficient.

Considerably fewer cases of melanoma are found among people who take vitamin D supplements regularly compared with those who don’t. This was demonstrated in a new Finnish study that is published in Melanoma Research. The study supports earlier research that shows that lack of vitamin D doubles your risk of dying of melanoma.

The brain is particularly vulnerable towards oxidative stress and local inflammation that can set the stage for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. However, it turns out that certain selenium-containing antioxidants are able to protect the brain neurons against damage. Also, selenium supplements can improve cognitive performance in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a meta-analysis that is published in Nutrients.