Restorative Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Knee Pain and Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Knee Osteoarthritis

Restorative Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Knee Pain and Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Knee Osteoarthritis

VitaminDWiki Summary Weekly 50,000 IU for 2 months

	Before	After
Vitamin D	13 ng	38 ng
Quadriceps muscle strength	15 kg	21 kg
Knee pain, WOMAC (0-16)	9	2
Knee pain, VAS (0-100)	39 mm	13 mm

Both vitamin D deficiency and quadriceps muscle weakness are associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and pain. The aim of this study was to determine the restorative effect of vitamin D deficiency on pain and quadriceps muscle strength in knee osteoarthritis. Patients with KOA aged > 30 years, presence of knee pain for at least one month or longer and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (25-OHD) deficiency were recruited in the study. Participants with KOA compatible with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, joint instability, and effusion, history of surgery or inflammatory arthropathies were excluded. Serum 25-OHD was assessed by ELISA method and concentrations <20 ng/ml was considered deficiency. Quadriceps muscle strength was measured by dynamometry method and intensity of knee pain by Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index scored by Likert scale and visual analogue scale. All participants received 50.000 IU oral cholecalciferol weekly for at least two months. The influence of raising serum 25- OHD on quadriceps muscle strength and pain was assessed by calculation of mean changes from baseline at the end of the treatment period using paired t-test. A total of 67 patients with mean age of 50 ± 6.6 years of age were treated for 2 months. Serum 25-OHD reached to sufficient levels in all except one patient. At the end of the study period, serum 25-OHD and quadriceps muscle strength increased significantly as compared with baseline (P=0.007 and P=0.002 respectively), whereas knee pain decreased significantly based on Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index (P=0.001) as well as visual analogue scale scores (P=0.001).These findings indicated that correction vitamin D deficiency in patients with KOA exerts significant favorable effect on quadriceps muscle strength and knee pain.

ActaMedica Iranica, Article in Press (24 May 2015). 

© 2015 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Water, drinking too much? getting the balance right with coconut water

Water getting the balance right

Hydration and Electrolyte balance

   Endurance athletes may know about the dangers of dehydration however many don’t understand the dangers of over-hydration. Although standard recommendations for fluid replacement are available they may be too high for athletes with low sweat rates or too low for those with high sweat rates. It is best to individualize fluid replacement strategies.

During exercise, sweat output often exceeds water intake, producing a body water deficit (hypohydration). Exercise performance can be compromised by a body water deficit, particularly when exercise is performed in hot climates. It is recommended that individuals begin exercise when adequately hydrated. This can be facilitated by  drinking 400 mL to 600 mL of fluid 2 hours before beginning exercise and drinking sufficient fluid during exercise to prevent dehydration from exceeding 2% body weight. A practical recommendation is to drink small amounts of fluid (150-300 mL) every 15 to 20 minutes of exercise (Latzka WA, et al. Water and electrolyte requirements for exercise. Clin Sports Med. 1999 Jul;18(3):513-24) For athletes performing high-intensity exercise in the heat, sweating rates of 1.0–2.5 L/h are common and this needs to be replaced.

   Our electrolyte concentration in the body is controlled by a variety of hormones; these are mostly found in the kidney and the adrenal glands. And these specialized kidney cells monitor the amount of sodium, potassium, and water in the bloodstream The main electrolytes exist in the form of calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium that can be obtained from fluids, supplements, and foods. Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium are vital, and combined with glucose and water is an essential supplement (drink) to any serious athlete who is pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion.

    When exercising at extreme levels over time these electrolytes are lost in sweat and exhaled breathing. Sodium chloride is the primary electrolyte in sweat, with potassium, calcium, and magnesium present in smaller amounts. If not replaced an imbalance can cause muscle spasms, kidney failure and cardiac arrhythmias that can lead to coma and death.

Too much water can kill.

Athletes drinking too much during exercise can cause over-hydration known as exercise-associated hyponatremia. It occurs when athletes drink even when they are not thirsty and the sodium content of blood is diluted to abnormally low levels. Drinking too much water when profusely sweating over a prolonged exercise period also can overwhelm the kidney's compensation mechanism and reduce the body's ability to remove water (Loyola University Health System. "Drinking too much water can be fatal to athletes."ScienceDaily, 2 September 2014).

Female endurance athletes reportedly have the highest risk for the development of

hyponatremia. As many as 45% of female race finishers in the New Zealand Ironman triathlon

developed hyponatremia compared to 14% of male race finishers (Speedy, D. B., Noakes, T. D., & Schneider, C. (2001). Exercise-associated hyponatremia: A review. Emergency Medicine, 13, 17-2)..

There are many good sports electrolyte replacement drinks available always carry and use these and have them readily available.

Caution

Excessive electrolytes can also cause serious adverse health events. Always follow directions on the supplement/sports drink and as given by your healthcare practitioner.

This may seem difficult to work out but there are some basic guidelines that may help.

1.    Acclimatise

2.    Don’t let fluid loss be more that 2% of body weight.

3.    Drink small quantities of water at regular intervals every 15 – 20 mins during heavy exercise.

4.    At the beginning in the middle and at the end of high intensity exercise that causes profuse sweating use an electrolyte replacement (follow the directions on the product).

5.    If you feel the onset of adverse symptoms cramps, altered level of conciouness or coordination problems. Stop and cool down Revive rest and hydrate Survive know your limits.

Hydration and Children

In a study undertaken at McMaster University in Canada of eight to 10-year-olds involved exercising in a climate chamber, then receiving a drink and being measured for hydration they reported that Milk was better than water to rehydrate kids: The authors stated that Milk is better than either a sports drink or water because it is a source of high quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes and replaces sodium lost in sweat and helps the body retain fluid better.

Timmons, an assistant professor of paediatrics of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, said active children and adults usually don't drink enough to stay hydrated during exercise, so they often have a "hydration disadvantage" when they start their next period of exercise.

Professor Timons also said that one per cent dehydration can have up to a 15 per cent decrease in performance, with an increased heart rate, core temperature and less ability to keep going. Also, dehydration comes with an increased risk of heat-related illness such as heat stroke. McMaster University. "Milk better than water to rehydrate kids, study finds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 August 2011.

Electrolyte Drink

Blackmores Coconut water drink powder sourced from freeze dried, young green coconuts provides delicious real food nutrition for natural hydration and replenishment.

Blackmores Nature Boost minerals sourced from the sea to support muscle function and contribute to energy metabolism with magnesium for normal electrolyte balance.

Blackmore Coconut Water Powder + Nature Boost Magnesium for:

Electrolyte balance

Daily hydration*

Nutritional information

Servings per package: 18 Serving size: 5.0 g	Average Quantity per serving	Average Quantity per 100 g
Energy	61 kj	1230 kj
Protein	0.1 g	1.3 g
Fat, total	0.0 g	0.4 g
- saturated	0.0 g	0.1 g
Carbohydrate, total	3.7 g	74.8 g
- sugars	3.1 g	62.0 g
- fibre	0.0 g	1.0 g
Sodium	9.2 mg	183.3 mg
Potassium	177.8 mg	3556.7 mg
Calcium	80.0 mg	1600.0 mg
Magnesium	44.0 mg	880.0 mg

Burn That Weight Off After The Festive Season

Burn That Weight Off After The Festive Season

Losing weight can be very difficult for many people, while for others, the problem is how to put weight on, even when lifestyle and eating habits are balanced. The difference between these types of people is that their individual metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn up kilojoules) varies.

There are foods that can actually increase your metabolism and help improve weight loss, while other foods can slow down the rate of weight loss and the metabolism by acting on the thyroid gland's production of hormones which are involved in our body's metabolic process.

 Hot spices including chilli, mustard or peppers can help you lose weight! Yes, the latest studies using chilli, mustard seeds and spices showed that weight loss can be increased by as much as 25% when these spices are added to a calorie controlled diet. Chillies, or cayenne pepper as it is more commonly known, have been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for intestinal wind, poor digestion and to improve circulation. Today it is still included in many people's diet in order to obtain these benefits.

Scientists now believe that two of the chemicals found in cayenne could increase weight loss by their action upon the thyroid hormone. A study carried out at the University of Tasmania found that the metabolic rate of four out of six people was increased after one meal which contained one tablespoon of tabasco.

The thyroid gland also requires iodine to function properly. Increasing your intake of seafoods, or take a kelp or an iodine supplement. Iodine deficiency causes a decrease in the production of thyroid hor­mones, especially thyroxine (T4). This caus­es an under-active thyroid gland that results in weight gain, poor memory, reduced intellectual development in children and reduces energy levels.

To speed up weight loss add a little of the "HOT STUFF " to your meals either by sprinkling it on or adding it when cooking. Cayenne pepper can be bought from your health food store in bulk and it is not expensive; however it is hot, so only use a little at first and build up to a quarter of a teaspoon at each meal. This should do the trick. If you can't stand the heat, then take an empty capsule and half fill it with cayenne pepper. You should then take one with each meal. It is important to include any hot spices with food as this will help prevent irritation the lining of the stomach. If you experience an upset stomach then reduce the amount, or discontinue their use.

 If you are serious about weight loss then don't eat junk foods. Foods that are high in fat and or sugar as part of the daily diet will still put on weight, even if you do add chilli. Increase the amount of vegetables other than cabbage, as this vegetable can have an adverse affect on the metabolism, increasing weight gain. Eat fruit whole, not dried or juiced as these are usually high in sugar. Include whole grains, lean meat and low fat dairy products in your diet. Water is a must, drink between 6 to 8 glasses daily. This is not only needed for good health but also reduces the desire to pick between meals.

Always have breakfast and reduce the size of the night's meal. This will also help keep you away from the junk foods during the day.

Include extra protein in the diet to help control hunger; in all animals including humans we will continue to eat until our optimum dietary protein has been reached. Evidence suggests that protein-rich foods and diets may have a greater effect than high fat foods on our feelings of being satisfied and full after a meal. Increasing protein intake will help reduce cravings while supporting muscle and bone health.

Weight loss can be achieved without difficult or FAD diets. Just a change to healthier foods, a little chilli, a protein meal replacement and regular exercise can really make a difference.

If craving for sweet foods is a problem taking a chromium supplement may help. Studies have found that a lack of the mineral chromium can cause sugar cravings. Chromium and the mineral zinc are co-enzymes, and one of their roles is to help regulate blood sugar levels.

The Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii, has been used traditionally as a digestive tonic and help support normal thyroid function and metabolism

Another clinically tested weight management product is Amorphaphallus rivieri contained in the product Weight-Less™. Amorphaphallus rivieri is a soluble fibre that interacts with liquid in the stomach and mixes with the meal this increases the thickness and overall bulk in the stomach and resultants in a feeling of fullness. After eating there is a prolonged feeling of fullness and reduced sensations of hunger.

Exercise

Exercise regularly each day, twenty minutes each morning before breakfast after taking your L-Carnitine, is the best, as this will increase your metabolism, not only during the exercise, but throughout the day.

You should aim at reaching 80 per cent of you maximum heart rate for age each time you exercise. However, start slowly and see your practitioner first before starting your exercise program to ensure that you don't have any medical conditions that would preclude exercise.

Your maximum heart rate (MHR) for age is 220 less your age. ie if you are 40 years old, then your MHR would be 220 - 40 = 180. Eighty per cent of 180 is 144, and this the maximum heart rate you should aim for during exercise. The best exercises are brisk walking, swimming and light weight lifting. Weight bearing exercise also strengthens the bones while at the same time burns off the excess weight.

SUPPLEMENTS

For Increased metabolic rate;

Iodine  150ug                                                                                   1 tablet daily

Chilli powder added to food or in a capsule                              2.5 g  three times daily with meals.

For sugar cravings and carbohydrate metabolism;

A Sugar Balance formula containing;

Chromium picolinate (Chromium 16.6 µg) 133.5 µg

Chromic chloride (Chromium 50 µg)       256 µg

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine nitrate)                                    7 mg

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)                             8 mg

Nicotinamide                                          35 mg

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid from calcium pantothenate 7 mg) 6.4 mg                } 1 three times daily

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)      8 mg

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)               17 µg

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)                        30 mg

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol 3.4 µg)        134 IU

Folic acid 70 µg

Magnesium oxide-heavy (Magnesium 100 mg)  172.7 mg

Manganese amino acid chelate (Manganese 700 µg) 7 mg

Zinc amino acid chelate (Zinc 4 mg) 20 mg

Protein meal replacement

Super Fruit Smoothie

With 250ml of skim milk Contains 27g (54 per cent)            use to replace one or two meals daily

of daily protein needs

To increase feeling of fullness

Weight-Less™              2 capsules with a large glass of water, three times a day, half an hour before meals.

contains; Amorphaphallus rivieri conc. extract equiv. dry tuber 1.3 g (Luralean™)

Taking the Family on a Holiday? Here are some tips that may help

Taking the Family on a Holiday?

Here are some tips that may help

Russell Setright

*******************************

Travel Sickness

Travel sickness affect all of us at one time or another, however, very young children are usually not affected. Travel sickness among older children is often the result of where the child is placed during travel. Have you ever tried sitting in the back seat of the car during a trip on a long and winding road? The results, even for the seasoned front seat traveller, are all to often disastrous. The reason for this is the brain's inability to understand just what is going on. The eyes and the middle ear are constantly sending conflicting messages to the brain, an example being, when reading or not looking out the window while travelling. To the eye all appears still, the seat in front is not moving and the message to the brain confirms that there is no motion. This is in direct conflict with the middle ear, which senses the centrifugal force as the car negotiates the winding road. The message to the brain here is, "I am moving". These differing and confusing messages cause nausea, vomiting and a general feeling of malaise.

 Prevention of the condition is definitely the best way of experiencing a successful trip. Good eating is a must, avoid fatty greasy foods, even the thought of these can cause problems if you are tottering on the edge of nausea. Alcohol and spicy foods can also cause problems and should be avoided by those prone to travel sickness. It is important not to travel on an empty stomach. A wholesome meal the night before travel with a light breakfast on the day of travel will help prevent problems. Remember to keep the fluids up. Five litres per adult per day is needed in hot climates. This also includes the fluid obtained from solid foods such as fruit.

One of the herbs that has been found helpful in preventing travel sickness is ginger. Ginger is often used as flavouring in cooking, but by taking the root or a tablet made from the root (Travel Calm Ginger) before and during travel can really make a difference in the prevention of motion sickness. Ginger does not have the harsh side-effects of some antihistamines and other travel-sickness medications and ginger helps reduce flatulence, and assists the digestive system.

Delhi Belly And The Dreaded Montezuma's Revenge

(Traveller’s diarrhoea)

This fear of many travellers’, having their trip spoilt by diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that awaits many intrepid travellers. Bacteria called Escherichia coli usually cause this complaint, and it is possible to fall victim to this bacteria by drinking or eating contaminated food or water. It is safer when travelling not to drink the local water if not certain that it is safe to do so. If in doubt, boil and cool the water before drinking. Be careful not to use ice blocks from the hotel fridge if the water in the area is not suitable for drinking. Empty these out and re-freeze them with boiled water.

If you fall victim to traveller’s diarrhoea then go onto a fluid only diet for 24 hours. Also, fresh garlic may help kill the invading bacteria in the intestine. When the diarrhoea stops, the gut flora will need balancing. This is best done by eating fresh natural yogurt or by taking an acidophilus and bifidus tablet.(diarrhoea in babies can be dangerous seek professional advice)

Jet Lag

This is a problem that the modern traveller suffers more from than in the past. Longer non-stop flights and the availability of rich foods and alcohol to all travellers are contributing factors. The symptoms of jet lag include irritability, tiredness and the inability to adjust to the new time zones and sleeping hours. These symptoms can have a devastating effect on the first few days of your holiday or business trip. Again, prevention is the best cure; during the flight refrain from drinking alcohol, only eat if you are hungry, and then only eat light meals. It is easy on a long trip to just eat the food as the result of boredom. Drink 6-8 glasses of water every 24 hours and try to change your sleep pattern on the plane. That means instead of watching that movie, try to rest and sleep at the times you will be sleeping when you reach the new time zone. On waking, or every hour when awake take a walk in the isle of the aircraft, and when sitting in your seat stretch all your muscles from time to time. One important exercise is to move the head slowly from side to side four times, then move your head forward and back four times. Stretch your arms over your head once and then rotate your shoulders a few times. This will relax your whole body and help maintain good circulation. Remember that the amount of oxygen in the cabin of the aircraft is less than at sea level and only around the same as on the top of Mt. Kosciusko. This increases fatigue, rest is a must.

Cautions During Long Air Flights

Flying in a plane is safer than driving on the roads, however, because of the lower oxygen level, confined space and reduced air pressure, some people should take extra care when flying. If you suffer from any of the following, it is advisable to have your practitioner assess your condition before flying; angina pectoris, heart failure, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or any chronic lung disease should all be assessed before flying.

People who have a predisposition to circulation disorders, cramps and deep vein thrombosis should take special care. The exercises mentioned in "jet lag" will be beneficial. Supplementing with ginkgo, vitamin E and garlic may help improve the blood supply to the extremities. Taking a magnesium supplement in combination with ginkgo and vitamin E may help to prevent cramps. During long flights the reduced pressure will cause the feet and extremities to swell slightly. This is normal; however, it could propose problems for someone wearing a plaster cast. The swelling under the cast can cause pain and discomfort. Discuss this with your practitioner before flying.

Deep vein thrombosis

A thrombosis is a blood clot. The clot may block a blood vessel, causing potentially serious health effects. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg. A deep vein thrombosis in the thigh carries a risk of pulmonary embolism. This occurs when the clot, or thrombus, loses its attachment to the inside of the vein, leaves the leg and lodges in the pulmonary artery, the main blood vessel to the lungs. If the clot is large enough, it can completely block that artery and cause death.

Symptoms
The symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may include:

• Pain and tenderness in the leg
• Pain on extending the foot
• Swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot
• The skin is red and warm.

If you experience any of the above symptoms see your doctor.

How to help reduce the incidence of DVT

1. Move around and have regular short walks even on an aircraft.
2. don’t smoke
3. reduce alcohol intake
4. Don’t use sleeping tablets on long flights as these can cause poor sleeping posture and reduce circulation to the legs.
5. Drink water.
6. Use support stocking if available.
7. Aspirin and fish oil can help reduce platelet aggregation (blood stickiness) thus reducing the risk of DVT. Talk to your health care professional about these before
8. taking a long flight

Popping Ears

 Flying with a head cold can not only be uncomfortable but can cause damage to the eardrum. If the eustachian tube is blocked with mucus the difference in the pressure between the air in the middle ear and the cabin pressure will be difficult to equalise, causing pain, discomfort and, in some cases, damage to the eardrum. It is important to keep our body's resistance up, vitamin C and the herb echinacea may help. Vitamin C helps reduce the symptoms of the cold and the herb echinacea helps stimulate the immune system and also helps relieve the symptoms. To help clear the ears suck a eucalyptus and menthol lozenge during the flight and take a horseradish and garlic tablet after meals three times daily.

The information given by Naturopath Russell Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there expert advice. 

Vitamin A reduces wrinkles associated with aging

Applying vitamin A to the skin appears to improve the wrinkles associated with natural aging and may help to promote the production of skin-building compounds, according to a new report.

The wrinkles and brown spots associated with aging appear first and most prominently on skin exposed to the sun, according to background information in the article. "Human skin not exposed to the sun also ages but less dramatically," the authors write. "In intrinsic, natural or chronological aging, skin loses its youthful appearance by becoming thinner, laxer and more finely wrinkled. These changes are readily appreciated by inspecting the upper inner arm." Thinner skin results from a reduced production of the protein collagen and may slow wound healing, presenting a public health issue. "Safe and effective therapies to reverse the atrophy of natural skin aging do not exist currently," the authors note.

Reza Kafi, M.D., then of the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and now of Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, Calif., and colleagues assessed the effectiveness of vitamin A (retinol) lotion in 36 elderly individuals (average age 87 years). Researchers applied a lotion containing 0.4 percent retinol to participants' right or left upper inner arms, and lotion with no retinol to the other arm, up to three times a week for 24 weeks. Wrinkles, roughness and overall severity of aging were each graded on a scale from zero (none) to nine (severe) before treatment and two, four, eight, 16 and 24 weeks after beginning treatment. In addition, 4-millimeter biopsy specimens of skin were taken from both arms at the beginning and end of the 24-week treatment period.

A total of 23 individuals completed the full study and 13 withdrew from the study prior to completion. When the researchers included the individuals who had dropped out of the study by assuming their skin did not change after their last measurement, wrinkles, roughness and overall aging severity were all significantly reduced in the retinol-treated arm compared with the control arm. The skin biopsies revealed that the retinol increased the production of glycosaminoglycan and procollagen, structural components of the skin.

"Topical retinol improves fine wrinkles associated with natural aging," the authors conclude. "Significant induction of glycosaminoglycan, which is known to retain substantial water, and increased collagen production are most likely responsible for wrinkle effacement [reduction]. With greater skin matrix synthesis [production of compounds that form new skin], retinol-treated aged skin is more likely to withstand skin injury and ulcer formation along with improved appearance."

The research is described in the May issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. (Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:606-612)

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Could supplementary fish oil, vitamin D3, B3 and aspirin have a major effect on reducing the incidence and progression of skin cancer?

Could supplementary fish oil, vitamin D3, B3 and aspirin have a major effect on reducing the incidence and progression of skin cancer?

Russell Setright

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and even with the increased compliance with the sun-safe message and the increased use of sun block products the incidence of skin cancer in Australia is increasing with the total number of Non-melanoma skin cancer treatments estimated to double by 2016 compared to 1997(1). Are there additional messages that should be given?

UV exposure from the Sun is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma and other non-melanoma skin cancers. However, the evidence that moderate sun exposure causes melanoma is inconclusive(2) 

There is some evidence that non-burning regular sun exposure such as obtained in the early morning and later in the afternoon seems to have a protective effect against skin cancer(3) and that progression of malignant melanoma is associated with  significantly reduced 25(OH)vit D serum levels  that adds to the growing body of evidence that 25(OH)vit D serum levels may be of importance for pathogenesis and progression of malignant melanoma(4)

Ultra violet radiation from the sun  initiates DNA damage in skin cells and suppresses cell-mediated immunity, allowing sun damaged cells and cancer cells to escape immune destruction(5) therefore controlling this immune destruction and resulting inflammation may be a key preventative measure in skin cancer prevention(6).

Emerging data suggest that fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids), vitamin D status and the use of aspirin may have a positive effect in reducing the incidence of both melanoma and other non-malignant skin cancers. These data are discussed in the following.

FISH OIL AND SKIN CANCER RISK

Studies have reported that high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil are associated with reduced skin cancer risk. These polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the suppression of cell-mediated immunity after UV exposure(5)(6)

A new study (Pilkington SM 2013) examined 5g of supplementary fish oil (omega -3s) in humans in a 3 month clinical trial. After exposing the participants to various doses of UV exposure, it was found those in the supplemented omega-3 group had significantly less photo-immunosuppression compared to the placebo group. Photo-immunosuppression describes the suppression of cell-mediated immunity on the skin in response to UV. The authors concluded that Oral omega−3 PUFAs appear to abrogate photo-immunosuppression in human skin, providing additional support for their chemopreventive role(5)

VITAMIN D AND SKIN CANCER

Cancers diagnosed in the summer and autumn had a significantly better prognosis than cancers diagnosis in the winter and spring. This was tentatively attributed to sun-induced vitamin D. It seems that vitamin D mainly affects tumour progression.

 There is evidence that excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin damage, ageing and skin cancers. Excessive exposure to sunlight causing sunburn at any time in life increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer. However, people who experience intermittent exposure to high levels of UV radiation such as tanning on the beach on the weekend, appear to be at greater risk while those who experience continual exposure to lower levels even if the total dose of UV radiation is the same, have the lowest incidence of melanoma. That is, non-burning regular sun exposure such as obtained in the early morning and later in the afternoon seems to have a protective effect against skin cancer And, a moderate amount of unblocked sunlight may actually be beneficial to most people, and could reduce the risk of many other diseases – including, paradoxically, melanoma itself(3)

Supplementary vitamin D3 and calcium; one study involving 1,200 healthy postmenopausal women who took daily supplements of calcium (1,400 mg or 1,500 mg) and vitamin D3  1,100 IU or a placebo for 4 years. The results found women who took the supplements had a 60 per cent lower overall incidence of cancer(6)(7)

ASPIRIN AND SKIN CANCER

A study that included 59,806 Caucasian women found, after adjusting for co-factors,  those who took aspirin were less likely to develop melanoma skin cancer during a follow up of  12 years . This study reported that women who used aspirin had a 21 per cent lower risk of melanoma relative to non-users. Also, the use of aspirin more than five years had a 30 per cent lower melanoma risk(8)

Vitamin B and skin cancer
 A simple oral dose of an active form of vitamin B3 may be the secret to stopping people with significant sun damage from developing some forms of skin cancer.

New research from the University of Sydney 22nd October 2015 New England Journal of Medicine.has found that a high dose of vitamin B derivative nicotinamide can prevent up to a quarter of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Nicotinamide is an active form of vitamin B3 that is commonly found in meat, fish, nuts and mushrooms, as well as some vegetables.

DISCUSSION

It would appear that immune modulation and inflammation control is an important risk management strategy in reducing the risk of skin cancer development and progression.

In addition to sensible and non-burning sun exposure, the roll of supplementary vitamin D3, fish oil, aspirin and vitamin B3 in cancer risk reduction is becoming more evident, and although further research is always needed, the data to date is compelling.

The information given by Naturopath Russell Setright in this article is for general educational purposes only and not for the treatment of any disease or condition. Always see your Healthcare Practitioner for any suspected disease accident or condition and follow there expert advice.

1.       Marloes Fransen, et al. Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia. Med J Aust 2012; 197 (10): 565-568.

2.       Garland FC. et al. Occupational sunlight exposure and melanoma in the U.S. Navy. Arch Environ Health. 1990 Sep-Oct;45(5):261-7.

3.       Article, Prevention & Early Detection, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre 2008

4.       Nürnberg B, et al. Progression of malignant melanoma is associated with reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels.Exp Dermatol. 2008 Jul;17(7):627

5.       Pilkington SM et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral omega-3 PUFA in solar-simulated radiation-induced suppression of human cutaneous immune responses. AJCN, 2013

6.       Setright R, Is There A Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic In Australia, And If So, Is This A Major Contributing Factor To Disease? Setright Letter, 2010 April;05:12:1-10

7.       Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: Results of a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007; 85(6):1586–1591.

8.       Christina A. Gamba et al. Aspirin is associated with lower melanoma risk among postmenopausal Caucasian women. Cancer, 2013

Is butter better that margarine?

BUTTER v MARGARINE

Russell Setright

A little butter may be better than margarine, particularly the margarine uses in many packaged foods. Many of these foods contain trans-fats and the amount is not always displayed on the label.

There are many studies which confirm the possible dangers of using margarine and other foods that are high in trans-fatty acids and these studies confirm that the intake of margarine is associated with increased risk of heart attacks.

Trans fats are a particular type of fats that may be produced industrially as partially hydrogenated oils or that are naturally present in food products made from ruminant animals such as dairy products and meat from cattle, sheep or goat.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and a high intake of TFA seriously increases the risk of heart disease  more than any other nutrient on a "per calorie" basis.

Trans-fatty acids & coronary heart disease.

Trans-fatty acids are found in many packaged foods. They are the result of partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils to produce margarines and shortening. It is known they can increase the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol, which may have an adverse effect on cardiovascular disease. In the Nurses Health Study, while evaluating over 85,000 females for cardiovascular disease risk, it was found that the consumption of trans-fatty acids was directly related to the risk of coronary heart disease even when controlling for other risk factors. The risk was stronger for those who had consumed margarine at a constant rate over the last 10 years. Foods that were higher sources of trans-fatty acids include margarines, cookies, biscuits, cakes and white bread. These foods are associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease.

(Willott, Walker C., et al "Intake of Trans Fatty Acids and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Among Women", , The Lancet, March 6, 1993;341:581-585).

Trans-fats in foods

This letter to the editor notes that partial hydrogenation of liquid vegetable oils is a major source of trans-fatty acids which may increase serum levels of low density lipoprotein and decrease high density lipoprotein cholesterol. These hydrogenated vegetable oils are frequently seen in margarine and vegetable shortening. Even through these foods contain no cholesterol, they may have adverse consequences on heart disease. The fast-food industry switched from beef tallow to these vegetable oils because of consumer demand. The intake of trans-fatty acids from the average diet may be high enough to have an adverse effect on dietary treatment, of hypercholesterolemia. The authors conclude that patients and physicians may want to be aware of these artificial sources of fatty acids in their food choices.

Litlin, Lisa, R.D. and Sacks, Frank, M.D.,"Tran-Fatty Acid Content of Common Foods",  New England Journal of Medicine, December 23, 1993:329(26):1969-1970).

Heart attack & trans-fatty acids

This study evaluated the relationship between trans-fatty acids and acute myocardial infarction in 239 patients admitted to 1 of 6 hospitals in the Boston area, and 282 population controls. After adjustment for variables, the intake of trans-fatty acids was directly related to the risk of heart attacks. Intake of margarine, the major source of trans-isomers, was also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. The authors conclude this data supports the hypothesis that intake of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils may contribute to the risk of myocardial infarction. 

(Ascherio, Alberto, M.D., et al, "Trans-Fatty Acids Intake and Risk of Myocardial Infarction", Circulation, 1994;89:94-101).

The presence of small amounts of trans fat in hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils/food products such as margarine will likely cause many to exceed their recommended maximum of 2g daily. Greater transparency in labelling and/or active consumer education is needed to reduce the cardiovascular risks associated with trans fats. (Remig, V. et al. Trans Fats in America: A Review of Their Use, Consumption, Health Implications, and Regulation, Journal of the American Dietetic Association Vol. 110, Issue 4, April 2010, Pages 585–592)