Nutrients in the News: Selenium, Tea , Omega-3

I would like to start off with one of my favorite trace minerals: selenium. A study was recently published in the journal Clinical Chemistry regarding a nine-year longitudinal examining the association between plasma selenium levels and increased risk of mortality in an elderly population involving almost 1400 subjects between the ages of 73 and 83. After controlling for other factors, a significant association was found between those individuals with low plasma selenium levels and increased mortality rates by an amazing 54 percent. The results of this study were totally consistent with findings from other large interventional studies including randomized trials suggesting that selenium may play a role in helping to maintain health.

In another study just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, it was noted that women who drank two or more cups of tea every day may cut their risk of ovarian cancer in half. In the study, approximately 61,000 women were followed, on average about 15 years, via questionnaires regarding information on diet, education and other factors. Compared with women who never drank tea, those who drank less than a cup a day had an 18 percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. By drinking one cup a day, their risk was cut by 24 percent while two or more cups decreased their risk by 46 percent.

For those of you who thought that vitamin D was just good for bones, think again. In a study published in the December 2005 edition of the journal Chest, it was found people who had higher vitamin D levels in their blood were felt to have fewer respiratory problems. The researchers based their findings on data involving over 14,000 Americans 20 years and older. These participants were interviewed about their diet and lifestyle changes and underwent pulmonary function tests as well as had blood levels of vitamin D and other nutrients measured. The researchers found that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood scored significantly better on lung function tests than those with the lowest concentrations of vitamin D. I have previously written other newsletters about this versatile vitamin. Aside from the obvious benefits for osteoporosis and bone health, it can also help promote healthy blood pressure, heart function and even immunity. There have even been studies indicating that vitamin D can help with balance in the elderly.

Finally, I would like to mention two studies regarding omega-3 fatty acids. There was another study published in the December 2005 edition of Chest regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study involved 64 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either a liquid supplement rich in omega-3 fats each day or a liquid supplement containing omega-6 fats. After two years, those patients in the omega-3 supplement group showed an overall improvement in lung function tests. The researchers were planning to do another study with a larger group of patients to determine how omega-3 fatty acids could affect long-term prognosis in patients with COPD. There was another study just released, although not published to date, regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids for children's behavior and learning. The study involved 65 children who were given a daily supplement of omega-3 fish oil in combination with evening primrose oil (omega-6) for five months. The children in the study had a seven-month delay in language skill development. During the five-month study, those children taking the supplement made an average seven-month improvement in receptive language ability and a nearly nine-month improvement in expressive language ability. Amazingly, the supplement also appeared to have a positive effect on parent/child relationship.

It never fails to amaze me how powerful nutrients that are found in nature can help restore and maintain health. We at Vitacost.com do understand this and provide our over one million monthly visitors with a tremendous selection of products at the best prices available. I always like to highlight our flagship proprietary brand, Nutraceutical Sciences Institute (NSI), not only for the quality, but also for the value. Having read these above-noted studies, I assume you are more encouraged than ever to take and provide to your family proper nutritional supplementation. The Synergy brand multi-vitamins from NSI offers you a wide selection of formulas from a one-a-day multi-vitamin up to Synergy Platinum which includes a daily dose of 28 capsules, 6 soft gels and 2 chewtabs. No matter which Synergy brand you select, you will be getting a superior product at superior value.

Don't shortchange your health or the health of your family.

By Allen S. Josephs, M.D.
President, Vitacost.com