A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial published online in October 2012 indicates that green tea and tai chi reduce oxidative stress in post-menopausal women with osteopenia. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 44 million Americans have low bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis. It is estimated that one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Furthermore, approximately half of all Americans over age 50 are expected to have osteopenia or osteoporosis by 2020.

The subjects included 171 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The women were assigned to one of four intervention groups:

placebo alone
500 mg daily of green tea polyphenols
placebo plus 60-minute group exercise, three times per week of tai chi
500 mg daily green tea polyphenols, plus 60-minute group exercise three times weekly of tai chi
Researchers collected blood and urine samples at the beginning of the study and again after one, three and six months. The investigators assessed levels of the oxidative DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine, and concentrations of serum and urine green tea polyphenol components.

The investigators found that elevated concentrations of serum and urinary green tea polyphenol components demonstrated a good adherence for the trial. All three intervention groups showed significant reduction of urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine concentrations at three and six months compared to the placebo group.

The researchers stated, “Our study demonstrated that green tea polyphenols and tai chi interventions were effective strategies of reducing the levels of oxidative stress, a putative mechanism for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and more importantly, working in an additive manner, which holds the potential as alternative tools to improve bone health in this population.”

Reference:

Qian G, et al. PLoS One. 2012;10:e48090.

In a recently published study, researchers determined that flaxseed oil plus alpha lipoic acid reduces cardiovascular risk factors associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Nearly 75 percent of cardiovascular-related deaths are attributed to atherosclerosis, as it can cause heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attacks and peripheral artery disease. Atherosclerosis is found in 80-90 percent of Americans over the age of 30.

Researchers evaluated the impact of flaxseed oil and alpha lipoic acid in rats fed a high-fat diet. The scientists fed the rats a diet of:

20 percent fat from lard,
75 percent lard and 25 percent flaxseed oil plus alpha lipoic acid,
50 percent lard and 50 percent flaxseed oil plus alpha lipoic acid, or
Flaxseed oil and alpha-lipoic acid.
Alpha lipoic acid was dissolved in flaxseed oil to a final concentration of 8 gm/kg. After 10 weeks, the rats were evaluated for lipids, antioxidants and markers of lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

The researchers found that supplementation with flaxseed oil and alpha lipoic acid significantly increased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as increasing levels of glutathione, indicating enhanced plasma antioxidant defense capacities.

Additionally, the investigators showed that flaxseed oil plus alpha lipoic acid reduced lipid peroxidation, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol to LDL-cholesterol ratio. Furthermore, supplementation with this combination significantly reduced the markers of inflammation C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6.

The researchers concluded “Supplement of flaxseed oil and alpha lipoic acid combination may contribute to prevent atherogenesis by improving plasma oxidative stress, lipid profile and inflammation.”

Reference:

Xu J, et al. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;1:148.

According to a study published in December 2012, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a decreased risk of depression in women. Depression affects twice as many women as men, and it is estimated that one in four women will experience severe depression during their lifetime.

Investigators evaluated 8,369 women aged 50-55 years in a cross-sectional analysis and 7,588 women in the same age group in a longitudinal analysis. The subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire at the beginning of the study. Depressive symptoms were evaluated at the beginning of the study and again after three years using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.

The researchers found that a higher consumption of a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with an 18 percent decrease in the likelihood of depressive symptoms in the cross-sectional analysis at the beginning of the study. The investigators also determined that a higher consumption of a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with a 17 percent decrease in the likelihood of depressive symptoms over three years in the longitudinal analysis. Other dietary patterns did not remain significantly associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting the data for confounding factors.

The study authors concluded, “Consumption of a 'Mediterranean-style' dietary pattern by mid-aged women may have a protective influence against the onset of depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that dietary patterns have a potential role in the prevention and management of depressive symptoms.”

Reference:

Rienks J, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2012 Dec 5. [Epub ahead of print.]

Foster parents that present a copy of a valid certification with the state at the time of their appointment will receive a special rate. Dr. Douglass wants to be sure you take care of yourself too.

A study published in December 2012 reports that supplementation with vitamin D3 reduces infections in individuals with increased susceptibility to recurrent respiratory infections. It is estimated that the average adult has two to three upper respiratory infection-type illnesses per year, while the average child has six to 10 per year.

In this double-blind randomized-controlled trial, researchers assessed 140 subjects with antibody deficiency, including selective IgA subclass deficiency, IgG subclass deficiency or common variable immune disorder; and subjects with four or more respiratory tract infections of per year without immunological diagnosis.

The subjects received 4,000 IU vitamin D3 or placebo daily for one year. The investigators evaluated the subjects for respiratory tract infection symptoms, malaise, antibiotic consumption, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels, microbiological findings and levels of antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and HNP1-3 in nasal fluid. The scientists used this data to calculate an overall infectious score.

The researchers determined that the overall infectious score was significantly reduced in the subjects receiving vitamin D3 supplementation compared to the placebo group. More specifically, the researchers showed that the vitamin D group had an overall infectious score of 202, as compared to the placebo group with a score of 249.

The study authors concluded, “Supplementation with vitamin D3 may reduce disease burden in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections.”


Reference:

Bergman P, et al. BMJ Open. 2006

Acupuncture Reduces Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
In October 2012, a new clinical trial reported reduction of irritable bowel symptoms with acupuncture treatment. It is estimated that irritable bowel syndrome affects three to 20 percent of the population, with most studies ranging from 10 and 15 percent.

The subjects included 233 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome for an average of 13 years and score of at least 100 on the IBS Symptom Severity Score. The researchers randomly assigned 116 subjects to receive 10 weekly individualized acupuncture sessions plus usual care, while the other 117 subjects continued with usual care alone. The investigators assessed the subjects for the IBS Symptom Severity Score every three months for 12 months.

The study authors found that after three months, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in IBS Symptom Severity Score, and revealed that acupuncture was associated with a reduced IBS Symptom Severity Score. The researchers determined that successful treatment—defined as a 50 point or greater reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score—was seen in 49 percent of the acupuncture group and 31 percent of the control group. Furthermore, the investigators found that this benefit largely persisted at six, nine and 12 months.

The investigators concluded, “Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome provided an additional benefit over usual care alone. The magnitude of the effect was sustained over the longer term. Acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option to be offered in primary care alongside other evidenced based treatments.”

Reference:

Macpherson H, et al. BMC Gastroenterol. 2012;1:150.