Consumers Reassured Regarding Benefits of Calcium Supplements

The New Zealand Self Medication Industry (NZSMI), the industry body representing non-prescription consumer healthcare products, said today that the benefits of calcium supplements in strengthening bones outweigh any known risks.

Tim Roper, executive director of the NZSMI, says consumers should maintain their current calcium supplements or consult their doctor if they have any concerns.

Mr Roper welcomed Medsafe's statement at the weekend that there is insufficient proof that there is a link between calcium and heart disease as suggested by a recent study highlighted in the media recently.

"The study, which concluded that calcium supplements modestly increased the risk of heart attacks, was not designed to measure a link between calcium and heart disease. It was limited in its scope and only dealt with people over 70. It's not surprising that people in this age group are more at risk of heart attacks.

"Most people in New Zealand who are taking calcium supplements are younger than the age group investigated. They are usually women under the age of 50 who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menopausal, taking calcium to strengthen bones and maintain bone density."

Mr Roper says media reports on the study also failed to mention that the study group of 70 year-olds were taking calcium supplements without the recommended addition of Vitamin D which aids absorption of calcium into the bones.

He adds that the researchers involved in this study also admit it has "some limitations...and the results may not apply to co-administered calcium and Vitamin D supplements."



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Calcium Supplements Lead to Heart Attack

Thirty percent is the susceptibility to heart attack of people taking calcium supplements.

Dr. Ian Reid of the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland was the head of the study. Higher blood serum levels lead to hardening of the arteries of the heart. These findings are consistent even after considering gender, age and the type of supplements taken.

The study excluded patients who were taking both calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption.

Calcium is not only for bone health but it regulates muscle contraction, which includes heartbeat and normal blood clotting.

Dr. Ian Reid suggests taking in calcium the natural way; through food: milk, yogurt (low-fat, nonfat), cheeses, pudding, soy milk and orange juice fortified with calcium, canned salmon and sardines both with bones, tofu processed with calcium and leafy vegetables.

“Given the modest benefits of calcium supplements, a reassessment of the role of calcium supplements is warranted” the scientists behind the study wrote in the British Medical Journal.

Experts however added, “Anyone who has been advised by their doctor to take calcium supplements shouldn’t stop because of this research alone.”



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Study: Supplement Vitamin D For More Muscle, Less Fat

Vitamin D has seen a lot of popularity lately thanks to discoveries about its mood-boosting abilities. The so-called “sunshine vitamin” (the term refers to the fact that it can be absorbed via sunlight) is now being sold not only on its own but as a part of many other foods and beverages. Milk fortified with Vitamin D, for example, is a big seller. The vitamin is considered to be particularly important for those in areas such as the north east, where the sun doesn’t shine as readily as it does other areas.

But don’t think that just because you live in a warm, sunny climate that you don’t need to worry about Vitamin D. In addition to possibly contributing to your happiness, studies have indicated that Vitamin D can enhance your immune system and protect against disease. In addition, Vitamin D aids in the utilization of calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones. Research has shown that Vitamin D helps keep levels of calcium in the bloodstream at ideal levels. This benefits the function of the nervous system in addition to benefiting bone growth and maintenance (1).

And if you’re still not swayed, perhaps the latest Vitamin D discovery will convince you of the need for this vitamin. Fitness enthusiasts, or anyone generally interested in their physical fitness and appearance, will be interested to see the results of a study from the journal Nutritional Research.

In the study, researchers separated rats into two groups: one fed excessive amounts of calories thanks to a significant amount of added oil for fat content, and the other group fed a high-calorie diet driven by sugar. Each of these groups was split in half, with one half receiving a “sub-optimal” dose of Vitamin D and the other receiving 10,000 IE of Vitamin D, and a slightly higher amount of calcium than what the other half received.

The researchers were surprised to find that despite the overfeeding, the rats receiving the large dose of Vitamin D and calcium actually got thinner and more muscular. According to analysis, the rats receiving the high Vitamin D and calcium doses manufactured more of a protein that helps muscles burn fat for energy. The researchers believe that this change, as well as an increase in insulin receptors prompted by the supplements, led to the improvements in body composition (2). Obviously, this information is valuable for those dieting and those looking to gain lean muscle mass – who couldn’t use extra muscle and less fat? All it takes, according to this research, is a lot more Vitamin D and some calcium – which makes Vitamin D-fortified milk look like an ideal addition to one’s diet, as it would deliver both nutrients plus protein.



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More Possible Vitamin D Benefits

Vitamin D has been making its way into the news more frequently these days. This attention has been slow in coming but researchers seem interested in making up for lost time.

Vitamin D has long been acknowledged for its role of assisting the body in the absorption of calcium. It is essential for strong, healthy bones. But wait, there's more.

While research is in its early stages, some interesting data has been emerging. Recent studies indicate that there may be a correlation between low levels of Vitamin D and mental deterioration.

And it is possible that a correlation exists between low Vitamin D levels and the danger of loss of balance or falls, for older people.

"But vitamin D also seems to have anti-inflammatory effects that may help keep blood vessels healthy, ensuring nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood flow to brain cells, says Amie Peterson, MD, of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland."

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Cod Liver Oil: A Fabulous Source of Omega 3

Cod liver oil is not only a fabulous source of omega 3 fatty acids, important for brain purpose and cardiovascular health, but also a good source of vitamin D and A, especially important in the winter months in parts of the world where there is little sun, and vitamin D deficiency is common. If your shadow is longer than you are when you are in the sun, your body can't make vitamin D. Because there are not many foods that contain much vitamin D, and people have been frightened away from precisely those foods like lard, liver, eggs etc. due to the erroneous belief that cholesterol and saturated fat are unhealthy, cod liver oil would seem to be an excellent choice in the winter, especially since synthetic vitamin D supplements are less reliable than a food for obtaining health benefits. It should also be noted that the Inuit live in darkness for many months of the year - no sun available at all - and they traditionally relied on food sources for their vitamin D - seal blubber and lots of fatty fish. They did not emerge to have any signs of vitamin D deficiency. I would picture that because we are all biochemically different, we would all require different amounts of vitamin D and A to be healthy. There is definitely some indication of that concept based on this study of calcium absorption in Inuit children.

Based from the researches made by www.finlandiapharmacyonline.com, Cod Liver Oil store carries a broad selection of products of name-brand manufacturers; you will find here an extensive selection of Cod Liver Oil at best competitive price. Allnutri's marketplace offers a fine comparison of price, product reviews and updated offers from top rated online health stores.

Cod liver oil is one of the most effective providers of omega-3 fatty acids, and an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Cod liver oil supplements are a necessity for women and their male partners, to be taken for several months before conception, and for women during pregnancy. One hundred grams of regular cod liver oil provides 100,000 IU of vitamin A, almost three times more than beef liver.

The Benefits of Code Liver Oil

1. Helps fight and avoid widespread diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and many others.
2. Known to increase energy levels and concentration
3. Increase resistance against flu and cold
4. reduces risk of depression by as much as 30%
5. Improves cardiovascular health.
6. Research studies made from 1918 to 2001 rated cod liver oil an A+.
7. Contain high amount of vitamin A, D and omega 3 fats.

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This 2010, we are giving overwhelming treats to our valued customers by offering GREAT DISCOUNTS on Best-Selling items plus, FREE SHIPPING for orders over $99.00 for the month of February. Experience and share increased presence, mindfulness and open-heartedness with your loved ones. Don’t let expensive medications and shipping costs hinder you from getting what you want and extending generosity.

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Sunshine and Vitamin D: A Catch 22

I don't want to rub it in for those of you living in more northern locales, but I'm sitting on my back porch today enjoying a 72 degree, perfectly sunny day in mid-February. (This is one of the many reasons why I love living in Austin, TX!) But even in Austin, we've had a pretty rainy and cold winter as far as winters go. For those of you living in Minnesota, no laughing please. And that means there has not been a whole lot of sunshine, which I usually take for granted.

In medical school (almost 20 years ago now - wow, time flies), I learned that sunshine is a key catalyst for humans to convert a chemical in our bodies to vitamin D. And, vitamin D is essential for our body to absorb and utilize calcium and phosphorous - thus, it's critical for healthy bones. Only recently has research pointed to even greater health benefits, like protection from certain types of cancers, autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure.

The sun, not our diet, used to be the easiest way to obtain vitamin D. That is, until sunblock was developed to protect us from dangerous UV rays and skin cancer - hence the Catch 22. You have to choose the lesser of two evils...skin cancer or vitamin D deficiency.

You may not realize this, but very few foods contain vitamin D naturally. Milk is actually fortified with vitamin D - it's not in there when it comes from the cow. And even then, almost no one drinks enough milk to reach her daily vitamin D requirements. (More on this below). Cod liver oil is a good source of Vitamin D, but not too many people (adults or kids) guzzle this stuff.

Well, I also graduated from medical school thinking I'd never have a vitamin D deficiency living in a sunny place like Texas - especially since I'll sit outside and enjoy the sunshine for 15 minutes everyday without sunblock on (don't tell my dermatologist). Wrong.

Since vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D's health benefits have been such a hot topic of late, I asked my family doctor to test my vitamin D level at my annual physical recently.

At first, she laughed and said, "You're going to be deficient. Everyone is."

I replied, "Humor me. If I see how bad my numbers are, I'll be more inspired to take that vitamin supplement you're going to prescribe."

Well, the joke was on me. My vitamin D level was so low, it didn't even register! I am being a good patient and taking my vitamin D replacement pills now and will be taking a supplement going forward. I'm also going to encourage my own patients (even more than I already have) to take vitamin D supplements after this little experiment.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies under one year of age who are breastfed or who drink less than 32 oz a day of formula need 400 IU of a vitamin D supplement once a day. Infant vitamin supplements like Tri-Vi-Sol or D-Vi-Sol both have 400 IU per dropperful. And, after your child's first birthday, he also needs 400 IU of vitamin D a day. There's 100 IU of vitamin D per 8 oz of cow's milk (whole or 2%). So, if your child drinks the recommended 16 oz a day from age 1-3, he still lacks 200 IU of vitamin D a day. And once your child turns 3, if he isn't drinking at least a quart (32 oz) of skim or non-fat milk a day, he also needs a vitamin D supplement.

And, since many adults are also vitamin D deficient, you might want to consider picking up 1000 IU vitamin D supplements for yourself. And, take a moment to enjoy the sunshine if you've got any where you are!


- Ari Brown, MD, FAAP



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10 superfoods to eat in 2010

The term “superfoods” gets thrown around a lot, especially this time of year. Unfortunately, it’s often attached to nutrient-rich foods that are expensive, obscure or, um, something of an acquired taste.


So our list of superfoods for 2010, developed from conversations with dietitians, kinesiologists and holistic-health experts, is more practical. Our suggestions pack a big nutrient bang per calorie and deliver health benefits you need — but you probably already like and eat many of them, like romaine lettuce, walnuts, even seaweed. (Who knew it’s not just the fish that’s good for you in sushi?)


Resolve to eat these 10 foods, and be a healthier you in 2010.

1. BLUEBERRIES

Why you should eat more: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from disease; they’re high in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, all for about 80 calories a cup. Recent studies have suggested they may help protect against heart disease, cancer (especially colon and ovarian) and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In general, the darker the berry, the more health benefits, so load up on blackberries and elderberries, too.

How to up your intake: Fresh berries can be expensive and anemic-tasting in the winter, but frozen will work just fine, especially in a smoothie or stirred into yogurt. Processing, however, strips them of many nutrients, so that blueberry muffin doesn’t count.

2. QUINOA

What it is: It looks and cooks like a grain, but it’s really the seed from a leafy plant closely related to spinach.

Why you should eat more: Quinoa is a better source of complete protein than the foods it can stand in for, like rice. It provides more iron than most grains, and high levels of potassium and B vitamins. It’s also gluten-free and easily digestible, even for those with wheat allergies.

How to up your intake: Easy to prepare; it cooks in about 15 minutes. Boost the flavour by toasting in a skillet for five minutes before cooking one part quinoa to two parts liquid. Serve as a hot cereal topped with honey and yogurt; use as a substitute for rice pilaf or pasta.

3. SEAWEED

What it is: Most seaweed eaten in this country is nori, best known as those dried, dark-green sheets used in sushi rolls.

Why you should eat more: Seaweed is rich in iodine, which many Americans don’t get enough of. Iodine affects the thyroid, which helps regulate metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and it may boost resting metabolism. Some studies suggest it may even help prevent breast cancer.

How to up your intake: Sushi rolls, of course. At Japanese restaurants, also try it tossed in a soy/sesame/rice-wine vinegar dressing as a salad, or floating in miso soup. Or choose rice crackers flecked or wrapped with seaweed, available at Asian grocers.

4. WALNUTS

Why you should eat more: Unlike other nuts, walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, the kind associated with fish like salmon and sardines. These fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke, prevent blood clots, protect against irregular heartbeat, decrease blood pressure and enhance the immune system.

How to up your intake: Walnuts are extremely high in calories, so use moderation; sprinkle on a salad (see recipe) or toss into a trail mix with dried fruit and air-popped popcorn.

5. KEFIR

What it is: A fermented dairy product drink, it’s kind of a cross between buttermilk and yogurt. Once available only in health-food stores, it’s in many mainstream grocers, often near the soy milk.

Why you should drink more: As a dairy product, it’s high in vitamin D, essential for bone growth and development. Recent studies also suggest vitamin D may help the immune system and protect against tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, hypertension and some forms of cancer. Also, while most yogurts contain one to three types of probiotics, which aid in digestion, kefir has 10; it also contains prebiotics, which help probiotics work better. Finally, because it’s fermented, it’s easier to digest by people who are lactose-intolerant.

How to up your intake: Use it to top oatmeal; substitute for yogurt or sour cream in recipes; eat it straight, either fruit-flavored varieties or sweetened with honey, berries and granola in a parfait.

6. APPLES

Why you should eat more: They’re not flashy, but the often-overlooked apple is high in fiber (4-5 grams per apple) and lower in sugar content on the glycemic index than fruits such as bananas or grapes, so they’ll hang around in your stomach a while longer, making you feel full longer. Chewing one can even clean your teeth. Plus, they’re so practical, you have no excuse not to substitute one for that candy bar. They’re relatively cheap, widely available and highly portable — they don’t have to be refrigerated, sliced, cooked or even peeled, and they’re sturdy enough to roll around in your gym bag all day without getting mushy.

7. CHILES

What it is: Any hot variety will do, including jalapenos, poblanos, serranos, Scotch bonnets, cayenne or habaneros.

Why you should eat more: The capsaicin in chiles, which makes them hot, also is believed to have a thermogenic effect — some studies have suggested eating them can increase your metabolism rate and help burn calories. A bonus: Chiles add a ton of flavor for little caloric cost. And because of the heat, you can’t gulp down your food; you have to enjoy it slowly, which gives your stomach time to recognize it is full.

8. LENTILS

What it is: Part of the legume family, they come in a variety of colors — white, yellow, green, red, brown — which all pack roughly the same nutritional punch.

Why you should eat more: A good, inexpensive source of protein popular in world cuisines, especially Middle Eastern and Indian, lentils also provide high levels of folic acid. This nutrient, chronically under-consumed by Americans, helps prevent anemia, may help relieve menopausal hot flashes and is an important nutrient for women who are pregnant, as it’s crucial for fetal development.

9. EGGS (organic, please)

Why you should eat more: Eggs have had a hard time shaking that bad reputation they got in the ‘80s, when cholesterol was a buzzkill. More recent research, however, has shown the complete protein and other nutrients in eggs far outweigh any risks for most people. Eggs are also considered an anti-inflammatory food, meaning they can help reduce bodily inflammation thought to lead to chronic disease including stroke, heart disease and diabetes. They also are a great source of choline, which helps brain functioning, including memory, intelligence and mood, and may help prevent heart disease.

10. ROMAINE LETTUCE

Why you should eat more: All greens are good for you, and the darker the better. They’re natural antioxidants and provide a plethora of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, K, C and foliate. But unlike other greens like kale or collards, romaine needs no cooking or special preparation, is palatable to almost everyone and is available virtually everywhere — Caesar salad, anyone?

4 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

6 cherry or yellow grape tomatoes (sliced in half)

4 toasted walnut halves

1 tablespoon golden seedless raisins

1 / 4 red onion, sliced thinly

2 tablespoons goat or sheep feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 avocado (cut in small cubes)

1/2 small, tart apple (Granny Smiths work great), sliced thinly or cubed

For dressing:

1/2 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon orange juice, freshly squeezed

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. Place salad ingredients into a bowl and toss.

2. Mix dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Serve immediately.

Adapted from www.netnutritionist.com, Gay Riley’s Web site



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