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The role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of diabetes

The role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of diabetesType 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.

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Overview of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

 

Overview of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

Vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and Q10 are nutrients that we need in certain quantities in order to support vital body functions.
Nutritional supplements containing vitamins and minerals must be labeled in accordance with the reference values.

This overview serves as general information about the different vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids and how they work.

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THE VITAMIN AND MINERAL GUIDE

the Vitamin and Mineral Guide

Can a selenium deficiency cause hypertension?

Can a selenium deficiency cause hypertension?Yes, according to a new study published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine, lack of selenium lowers the kidneys’ sodium excretion via different mechanisms, and that leads to elevated blood pressure. The study results are highly relevant because hypertension and subsequent premature death is a growing global problem. Selenium deficiency is also a widespread problem. One billion people worldwide are believed to be lack this essential nutrient, primarily because of the selenium-depleted agricultural soil in large parts of China, Europe, and other places.

Read mor about the link between low selenium and hypertension

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Comprehensive COVID-19 study: Widespread vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of infection, complications, and death

Comprehensive COVID-19 study: Widespread vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of infection, complications, and deathAccording to a new study based on a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the widespread lack of vitamin D increases the risk of being infected with COVID-19. It also increases the risk of complications and death as the result of a derailed immune defense. At the same time, supplementation with vitamin D appears to reduce both disease severity and death among COVID-19 patients, provided blood levels of the nutrient are optimal.

Read more about a comprehensive COVID-19 study: Widespread vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of infections, complications, and death.

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Trauma patients benefit from early intervention with selenium

Trauma patients benefit from early intervention with seleniumBoth physical traumas and critical illnesses are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress where free radicals can cause potentially life-threatening damage to cells and tissues. Traumas are estimated to be the cause of one in ten deaths. New research suggests that early intervention with selenium may shorten the hospital stay including the days spent in intensive care and reduce total mortality. This was shown in a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition where the researchers looked closer at selenium’s unique antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effect.

Read more about why trauma patients benefit from early intervention with selenium

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B vitamins affect our gut flora

- and vice versa

B vitamins affect our gut floraAll the different B vitamins are of vital importance to our energy levels, nervous system, skin, hair, and health in general. Our daily diet is the primary source of the vitamins but the intestinal flora is able to synthesize, consume, and compete for vitamin B in the host. Interactions between the body and the gut flora is therefore important for how we absorb and utilize the different B vitamins. On the other hand, lack of B vitamins or supplementation with B vitamins can also affect our gut flora, according to a review article that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Read more about B vitamins and their influence on the gut flora and vice versa

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Cardiovascular disease in old age may be related to zinc deficiencies

Cardiovascular disease in old age may be related to zinc deficienciesSeniors have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death. It is commonly known that diet plays a key role in preventing these diseases, and a team of scientists therefore decided to look closer at zinc because of this nutrient’s many functions in the heart and cardiovascular system. The scientists found that older people often lack zinc for different reasons. Therefore, the dietary guidelines for zinc in old age should be reconsidered with regard to cardiovascular health and other zinc-dependent functions.

Read more about the link between cardiovascular disease and zinc deficiency in old age

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Lack of vitamin B and a particular infection increases Inflammation in Crohn’s disease

Lack of vitamin B and a particular infection increases Inflammation in Crohn’s diseasePeople suffering from the Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder, often lack folic acid and vitamin B12. It is also known that this disease can be triggered by an infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), a type of bacteria that can survives in pasteurized milk. A new study that is published in Nutrients has found why lack of folic acid and vitamin B12 disrupts the immune defense, thereby contributing to chronic inflammation that can occur in the wake of an infection with MAP.

Read more about how vitamin D deficiency a particular infection increases inflammation in Crohn’s disease

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Selenium deficiency and how it affects the gut flora, intestinal diseases, and mental health

Selenium deficiency and how it affects the gut flora, intestinal diseases, and mental healthSelenium is an essential trace element of vital importance to our general health. The nutrient is also important for our gut flora, and being selenium-deficient may increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory gut diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerous colitis, and even bowel cancer. Our intestine is also called our “third brain” because both our gut flora and digestion have a significant influence on our mental well-being, according to a review article published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The authors focus on selenium because selenium deficiencies are common in China, Europe, and many other places, and supplementation may be necessary.

Read more about selenium deficiency and its impact on gut flora, gut health, and mental health

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Overweight people have difficulty with utilizing vitamin D

Overweight people have difficulty with utilizing vitamin DVitamin 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.

Read more about why overweight people have difficulty with utilizing vitamin D

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Magnesium’s role in blood sugar management

- also in type 2 diabetes

Magnesium’s role in blood sugar managementStable 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.

Read more about magnesium’s role in blood sugar management – also in type 2 diabetes

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Vitamin D’s role in COPD and asthma

Vitamin D’s role in COPD and asthmaCOPD, 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.

Read more about vitamin D’s role in COPD and asthma

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Eczema and other skin disorders may be caused by zinc deficiency

Eczema and other skin disorders may be caused by zinc deficiencyOver 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.

Read more about how eczema and other skin disorders may be a result of a zinc deficiency

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Chronic fatigue tied Alan to his bed but Q10 capsules saved him:

Chronic fatigue tied Alan to his bed but Q10 capsules saved him "After about one week of taking the Q10 supplement I could feel a huge difference," says 23-year old Alan Piccini, who has been suffering from extreme fatigue and muscle aches ever since he was a child.

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Cholesterol-lowering without side effects:

Cholesterol-lowering without side effects:“Taking capsules with co-enzyme Q10 has freed me of the severe side effects of my cholesterol lowering medicine,” Mrs Franken explains.
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