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How eczema research on skin bacteria may lead to a treatment for itching

March 11, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

One of the most upsetting and misunderstood signs of eczema is itching. A recent study examined the condition’s propensity to cause itching using human tissue, animal models, and nerve fibers. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus may play a significant role in the puzzle, the researchers concluded. They anticipate that their research will eventually result in a variety of skin conditions being treated. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a prevalent skin condition that impacts approximately 223 million individuals worldwide. Itching is one of the main symptoms. Scratching can temporarily ease the pain, but it can also aggravate inflammation, damage the skin, and raise the risk of skin infections. Carsten Flohr, a professor at Kings College London and a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, said that scratching has a significant impact on the quality of life for those who suffer from eczema. It affects how well people sleep as well as how much they sleep. It also has an impact on children’s enjoyment of school and adults’ social and professional lives. People who have eczema often experience itching as a constant problem, according to National Eczema CEO Andrew Proctor. One of the most challenging aspects of having atopic eczema for the millions of affected children and adults is the constant itching. where the skin is damaged and becomes more itchy as a result of scratching to relieve the itch, increasing the temptation to scratch.

The skin is considered to be the largest organ of the body and plays a myriad of vital roles. It protects against pathogens, dehydration, mechanical damage, and ultraviolet light. It also carries receptors that provide sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch. Importantly for eczema, it also contains receptors called proprioceptors, which produce the sensation of itch.

Like many other parts of the body, the skin is home to a thriving microbial community the skin microbiome, which contains vast numbers of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. Although there is growing interest in the human microbiome, scientists have a long way to go before they understand its complex roles in health and disease. Your skin bacteria and skin immune system talk to each other and they talk to the bacteria in your gut. Just like with your gut, having a diverse balance is the key to a happy microbiome. Understanding how bacteria interact with each other as well as the skin and the immune system may one day help treat various skin conditions.

When S. aureus was first applied to mice’s skin, the researchers claimed that this increased the animals’ risk of developing dermatitis. Moreover, compared to mice without S. aureus, these mice scratched a lot more. Next, by concentrating on the enzymes that S. aureus produces, researchers aimed to comprehend how the bacteria could cause this itching response. The ten proteases that S. aureus produces were the scientists’ main focus. Protease V8 was eventually found to be the main trigger of the itching response; mice that received V8 injections alone began to scratch. The researchers also demonstrated that eczema-affected skin patches had higher V8 levels than unaffected skin.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-diseases-such-as-eczema-can-cause-sleep-disturbances-study-finds#The-link-between-skin-disease-and-sleep-disturbance
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/bacteria-therapy-improves-eczema-children
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20231127/common-bacteria-may-be-cause-itchy-skin-study
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema

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Yogurt can help reduce type 2 diabetes risk

March 11, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

Yogurt has been associated with several health benefits, including a potential reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Several studies have suggested that yogurt consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, possibly due to its nutrient content and its effects on factors such as weight management and insulin sensitivity. Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that may contribute to gut health. Some research suggests that probiotics may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, which are important factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, yogurt is low in carbohydrates and has a relatively low glycemic index, meaning it has less of an impact on blood sugar levels compared to high-carbohydrate foods. Including yogurt as part of a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, it’s essential to note that while yogurt can be a healthy addition to the diet, it’s not a guarantee against developing type 2 diabetes. Other lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking, also play crucial roles in diabetes prevention. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations and diabetes prevention strategies.

Manufacturers of yogurt are permitted by federal regulators to make restricted statements on their packaging suggesting that yogurt could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to the officials, specific language can be used to make qualified health claims as long as it is made clear that the claims are supported by scant data. According to experts, the decision might be perplexing for customers, who might read the label incorrectly and believe that yogurt is a foolproof method of lowering type 2 diabetes.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), yogurt manufacturers can now assert that consuming yogurt made from dairy products regularly may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The FDA selects which health claims are approved when manufacturers’ claims are substantiated by enough data. Manufacturers of yogurt are not allowed to suggest unless they have a valid health claim that eating yogurt lowers the risk of diabetes on their products or in their advertising. They can now converse with one in three adult Americans, though, who may be thinking about changing their diet to improve their health and have prediabetes. Before you reach for a spoon, here are some things to know about the new claim and whether it applies to your favorite yogurt.

Based on 28 observational studies that suggest a potential association between regular yogurt consumption and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, a new qualified health claim was developed that centers around yogurt. The yogurt health claim, like other qualified health claims, can only be explained to customers in extremely precise and authorized language. For instance: Consuming yogurt regularly at least two cups, or three servings may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The FDA has determined that the evidence for this claim is weak. Based on limited scientific evidence, eating yogurt regularly at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. For the claim which is limited to dairy-based yogurt products to be deemed compliant with the enforcement discretion, it must additionally contain language regarding two cups (or three servings) per week.

1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in the US each year, making it one of the top 10 causes of death. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the great majority of these cases; fortunately, lifestyle modifications like increasing physical activity and eating more nutrient-rich foods can reduce the risk of this condition. Yogurt doesn’t seem to directly lower blood sugar or insulin sensitivity, although blood sugar is a major factor in type 2 diabetes and diet plays a part in management. That being said, yogurt still has health benefits for those who are susceptible to the illness. Even though more research is required to fully understand how yogurt may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, Hackworth said that researchers have a few theories, including “pointing to the overall complexity of yogurt and its matrix of proteins, fats, and micronutrients which may have bioactive activities that contribute to lower risk of type 2 diabetes.” Yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that provides a good or excellent source of nine essential nutrients: calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, zinc, selenium, and iodine. The whey protein in dairy products and live, active cultures may also have an impact on the risk of diabetes, according to research cited by Hackworth. Some research supports these theories. Yogurt is a fermented food containing live cultures, to start.

Through a number of different mechanisms, yogurt may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Probiotics are good bacteria that are found in yogurt and can have a positive impact on gut health. Probiotics have been linked to decreased inflammation and increased insulin sensitivity, both of which are critical elements in the onset of type 2 diabetes. Nutrient Content: Protein, calcium, and other important nutrients can be found in good amounts in yogurt. As part of a balanced diet, nutrient-rich foods like yogurt can support general health and may help lower the risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes. Low Glycemic Index: Yogurt usually has a low glycemic index, which means that consuming it doesn’t quickly raise blood sugar levels. Selecting foods with a lower glycemic index may lower the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes while also assisting in blood sugar regulation. Weight management: Consuming yogurt may help with weight management, according to some research. Since obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to preventing the disease. Calcium: A vital component of many bodily metabolic processes, yogurt is a good source of this mineral. According to certain research, the risk of type 2 diabetes may be negatively correlated with the amount of calcium consumed. Overall, adding yogurt to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients will help you achieve a balanced diet.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fda-allowing-labels-that-claim-yogurt-can-help-reduce-type-2-diabetes-risk
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/yogurt-may-reduce-type-2-diabetes-risk/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/yogurt-diabetes-qualified-health-claim-8605480#:~:text=The%20FDA%20is%20allowing%20food,you%20won’t%20develop%20diabetes.

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The Relationship Between Pesticides and Parkinson’s

March 9, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

A discussion of how environmental factors, such as pesticides, may affect your risk of Parkinson’s disease. During my recent interview on Wisconsin Public Radio, many of the callers asked questions related to the environmental risks of Parkinson’s disease (PD), specifically, exposures related to farming. Those calls prompted me to delve further into this complicated and murky topic. Before we start discussing specific factors in the environment that may increase the risk of PD, let’s understand some basic ground rules that will help put this topic in perspective person’s genetic makeup is likely more important in determining whether he or she develops PD than any environmental risk factor. This is probably the case even in a person without a known family history of PD. However, environmental exposure may be important in triggering the disease in a person genetically susceptible to it.
It is important to note that any particular environmental exposure that we will talk about, typically increases the risk of PD by a very small amount. The risk will also depend on dosage and frequency of exposure, which means that a small and/or infrequent exposure may have a very small impact on PD risk.

Certain chemical exposures, like coffee or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, seem to lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). All of the variables that can raise or lower a person’s risk for Parkinson’s disease must be considered to fully determine their risk. There are probably other chemicals in our environment that affect the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well. These chemicals are not yet well studied, so I won’t discuss them here. Being in a modern society exposes us to a wide range of chemicals, the risks of which we are not fully aware. Given this context, let’s get started. Research from the 1980s indicated that early exposure to a rural environment and well water was linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in later life. These questions were then the subject of numerous more investigations. Although the results of the studies are inconsistent, overall the evidence points to links between each of the following factors and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease: drinking well water, living in a rural area, working as a farmer, exposure to farm animals, and living on a farm.

Naturally, there is a connection between all of these categories because farmers use pesticides, drink well water, and are more likely than urban residents to live on farms in rural areas where they are also exposed to farm animals. The goal of the studies was to determine why living in a rural area raised the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Is there a higher risk for people who live on farms, or is it just a part of living there? Is it because of pesticide exposure, well water exposure, animal exposure, or something else related to living in a rural area?

Ultimately, the claim that each of these factors raises the risk of Parkinson’s disease is supported by epidemiologic data. It should be noted that all of the elevated risks in these studies are negligible, typically 1-2 times higher than the risk in the general population. A recent study attempted to revisit this issue because farming life has changed since the majority of studies regarding Parkinson’s disease and rural living were conducted decades ago. There is less reliance on well water in rural communities, there has been a significant migration from rural to urban areas, and there is a decrease in the use of pesticides. The incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in rural versus urban areas was examined in a recent study that was done in Finland. Curiously, being a rural resident is still associated with PD risk. Probably, the environmental exposures from decades ago are still reflected in the diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and future research may reveal additional benefits from risk reduction in rural areas brought about by a decline in pesticide use and other farming-related changes. However, the study raises the possibility that our knowledge of the relationship between Parkinson’s risk and rural living is still incomplete.

Since data on this topic is often collected in large populations, it raises the question of which specific pesticides are most concerning given the evidence linking pesticide use to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Frequently, study participants are unaware of the precise pesticide exposures they have had. This makes figuring out which pesticides to stay away from challenging. However, some research was able to look into the dangers of particular substances. The most recent review summed up what is currently known about this subject. Paraquat has the most data connecting it to an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD); exposure to it is linked to a 2-3-fold increased risk of PD over the general population. A very thorough study looked at the relationship between the risk of Parkinson’s disease and exposure to thirty-one pesticides. The two pesticides that should worry people the most, according to the data, are rotenone and paraquat. Reactive oxygen species are intracellular chemicals that produce oxidative stress and cause cell damage. This is how paraquat works. The way rotenone works is by causing damage to the mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy necessary for cell survival. It’s interesting to note that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are prevalent themes in our understanding of what ultimately leads to nerve cell death in Parkinson’s disease.

Several pesticides have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, including:

Paraquat: This herbicide has been strongly linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to paraquat has been shown to induce oxidative stress and damage dopaminergic neurons, which are the cells primarily affected in Parkinson’s disease.
Rotenone: Another pesticide, rotenone, has also been implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease. Rotenone works by inhibiting mitochondrial function and increasing oxidative stress, leading to neuronal damage similar to that seen in Parkinson’s disease.
Organochlorine pesticides: Some studies have suggested a potential link between exposure to organochlorine pesticides, such as dieldrin and lindane, and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. These pesticides have been shown to accumulate in the brain and may contribute to neurodegeneration.
Organophosphate pesticides: Exposure to certain organophosphate pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon, has also been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Organophosphates can interfere with neurotransmitter function and may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease through various mechanisms.

It’s important to note that while these pesticides have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, not everyone exposed to them will develop the condition. Parkinson’s disease is likely influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and pesticide exposure may represent one piece of the puzzle. Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease.

REFERENCES:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683846/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00255-3/fulltext#section-3d6acba1-acea-4be2-8dc9-b7e14e5b6583
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/the-relationship-between-pesticides-and-parkinsons/

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FDA Approves Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

March 9, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

The FDA has approved Wegovy, an anti-obesity drug, for reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. The label expansion now allows for the once-weekly injection of semaglutide 2.4 mg to be used to reduce risks for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). These events include cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, or nonfatal stroke. The drug should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This approval makes Wegovy the first weight loss medication to also help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight, according to the FDA with type 2 diabetes.

Several clinical trials, including the SUSTAIN and PIONEER trials, have demonstrated that semaglutide can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. These trials have shown a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in participants treated with semaglutide compared to those treated with a placebo or other diabetes medications.

The exact mechanisms by which semaglutide reduces cardiovascular risk are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to its effects on blood sugar control, body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic factors. Additionally, semaglutide may have direct effects on the cardiovascular system, such as reducing inflammation and improving vascular function. Overall, the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide make it an important treatment option for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. However, as with any medication, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider to determine if semaglutide is the right choice for you.

This patient population has a higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke. Providing a treatment option that is proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health, he added. The approval was based on results from the 3-year SELECT trial, which randomly assigned 17,604 patients with cardiovascular disease and body mass index 27 to weekly semaglutide or placebo. None of the patients had diabetes, although two-thirds met prediabetes criteria. The incidence of MACEs was reduced by 20% with the drug. The label will also reflect the risk reduction of 15% for cardiovascular death and 19% for death from any cause. Participants also lost a mean of 9.4% of body weight over the first 2 years with semaglutide vs 0.88% with placebo.

Adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment occurred in 16.6% in the semaglutide group, mostly gastrointestinal effects, and in 8.2% in the placebo group. The maker of the weight loss medication, Novo Nordisk, has also filed for a label expansion in the European Union, with a decision expected in 2024.

Wegovy is now the first weight loss medication to also be approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight, This patient population has a higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke. Providing a treatment option that is proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonist, a class of medications that has gathered much media attention as of late.1 The FDA said that semaglutide should not be used in combination with other medication containing semaglutide or other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The approval was based on efficacy and safety in the multicentered, placebo-controlled, double-blind SELECT (NCT03574597) trial, which had over 17,600 individuals in the cohort. Treatment was randomized between semaglutide or the placebo, with both groups receiving standard-of-care treatment, including management of blood pressure and cholesterol, and healthy lifestyle counseling, including diet and physical activity, according to the FDA. Investigators of the study found that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as CVD death, heart attack, and stroke, which occurred in 6.5% of individuals in the semaglutide group compared with 8% of those in the placebo group.

The FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for a new use: reducing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overweight or obesity. Wegovy is the first weight-loss medication approved for this specific purpose. It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-approves-semaglutide-cardiovascular-risk-reduction-2024a10004ix?src=&form=fpf
https://www.dicardiology.com/content/fda-approves-wegovy-cardiovascular-risk-reduction-adults-known-heart-disease-and-overweight
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-semaglutide-for-new-indication-involving-cardiovascular-disease

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Ozempic may delay kidney disease progression

March 9, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have suggested that it may have potential benefits beyond glycemic control, including possible effects on kidney disease progression. Some research indicates that Ozempic may slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes, though more studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms involved. It’s always essential for individuals to discuss potential treatment options and their implications with their healthcare providers.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that results from the body no longer responding to insulin, the hormone that controls blood glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Semaglutide sold under the brand name Ozempic is a drug that, in conjunction with diet and exercise, improves blood glucose (sugar) control in people with diabetes. Now, trial results show that semaglutide may also reduce the progression of kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease affects one in three adults with diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of chronic kidney disease if blood glucose (sugar) levels are not controlled. The resulting damage to blood vessels and nephrons in the kidneys means they cannot function effectively. As the early stages of kidney disease cause few or no symptoms, people with diabetes should manage their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. They should also get regular checks from their doctor.
Semaglutide which is marketed as Ozempic, is one of a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These mimic a hormone GLP-1 that makes the body produce more insulin, reduces appetite, and gives feelings of fullness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise. As well as helping control blood glucose, it may also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. One study has shown that it could also reduce inflammation, which may explain these other health effects.

Now, the manufacturer of Ozempic Novo Nordisk has announced headline results of their latest trial, suggesting that semaglutide can reduce the risk of kidney disease progression by 24% in people who have type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The detailed results of the FLOW trial will be presented at a scientific conference later this year. They have not yet appeared in a peer-reviewed journal. This is a very significant finding; over 500 million people have diabetes, and 30-40% have chronic kidney disease, and we need treatments to stop or reduce progression of the kidney disease as well as to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease which is high in this population. People with [type 2 diabetes] and [chronic kidney disease] are at amplified risk for cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality and progression to kidney failure. Treatment options capable of mitigating heart and kidney risk in this population are greatly needed, he told us.

Researchers on the FLOW trial recruited 3,533 people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease from 418 locations in 28 countries. They randomly allocated them to semaglutide or placebo. Participants self-administered both semaglutide and the visually identical placebo by weekly subcutaneous injection. Those in the semaglutide group started on a dose of 0.25 milligrams (mg) per week for 4 weeks, increasing the dose to 0.5 mg, then to 1 mg after 8 weeks and for the rest of the trial.

In addition, all participants received the maximum labeled or tolerated dose of a RAAS blocking agentTrusted Source unless contraindicated or not tolerated which helps control hypertension, acute myocardial infarctionTrusted Source (heart attack), chronic systolic heart failure, stroke, and diabetic renal disease. Participants had a mean age of 66.6 years, 69.7% were men and 65.7% were white. All participants had type 2 diabetes diagnosed, on average, 17.4 years before the start of the trial and chronic kidney disease. The trial was meant to run until the end of 2024 but was stopped early after it reached its primary endpoint. The endpoint is composed of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular and kidney death, and in particular progression to kidney failure and mortality of cardiovascular events. These are frequent in this population of [type 2 diabetes] with [chronic kidney disease], so that we can reduce this by 24% is important and meaningful for patients.

In the announcement, Novo Nordisk stated that the trial had achieved a statistically significant and superior reduction in kidney disease progression as well as cardiovascular and kidney death of 24% for people treated with semaglutide 1.0 mg compared to placebo. There needs to be repeated assessments with different samples of participants across the world. In the real world setting, people behave differently and have other conditions as well. So, we need more effectiveness trials [because] effectiveness trials find how well a medication works [unlike] efficacy trials that measure how well it works in RCT/lab studies. The recently released headline results are impressive, yet we await the presentation and publication of the complete trial results to fully understand the efficacy and safety outcomes of the trial.

Ozempic is not without side effects. While Ozempic (semaglutide) can be effective in managing type 2 diabetes, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Like many medications, Ozempic does carry the risk of side effects, some of which can be serious. It’s crucial for individuals to discuss these potential risks with their healthcare providers before starting the medication and to monitor for any adverse reactions while taking it.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ozempic-may-delay-kidney-disease-progression-latest-trial-results-show
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ozempic-cuts-risk-of-kidney-disease-related-events-new-trial-shows
https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/pharma-industry/novo-nordisk-ozempic-trial-delays-progression-of-chronic-kidney-disease/108237567?utm_source=top_news&utm_medium=tagListing
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-ozempic-trial-delays-progression-chronic-kidney-disease-2024-03-05/

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In a period of 12 weeks, taking a fiber supplement may enhance cognitive function in older adults.

March 8, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

The typical mild cognitive decline of aging can deteriorate due to diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have no known cures. Elderly people’s brain function may be enhanced by dietary fiber supplements, according to research from King’s College London. Every bodily system, including the brain, slows down as we get older. In a healthy aging brain, it’s normal to experience difficulties with multitasking, word recognition, and name recall Source. The mild cognitive decline of an aging brain can sometimes worsen due to diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. More significant problems like memory loss, the inability to organize or solve problems, trouble speaking or writing, mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and confusion about locations, dates, and times can result from this. Even though there isn’t a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at this time, some medications and healthy lifestyle choices can help slow the disease’s progression. According to recent research, older adults’ cognitive function may be enhanced by dietary fiber supplements, according to King’s College London researchers. Additionally, researchers discovered that participants’ muscle strength was unaffected by the fiber supplements.

The world’s population is aging faster than in the past and people are living longer, according to the World Health Organization Source. Globally, there were approximately 1.4 billion adults 65 and older in 2022; by 2050, that number is predicted to rise to 2.1 billion. Senior author of this study Dr. Claire Steves, professor of aging and health and head of the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, told Medical News Today that new approaches to treat age-related conditions like cognitive decline are crucial given the global increase in aging. According to Dr. Steves, this leads to a rise in age-related illnesses, which significantly affect elderly people’s capacity to lead fulfilling lives on their own. Many age-related conditions currently have no effective treatment, so it is critical that we concentrate our efforts in this area. According to her, further research is necessary to increase our understanding of how to stop, slow, or even reverse age-related declines. Dr. Steves and her colleagues concentrated on two prebiotic supplements in this study: fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a plant-based carbohydrate, and dietary fiber inulin.

Recent studies have demonstrated a connection between our health and wellbeing and the bacteria in our stomachs, also referred to as the gut microbiome. The gut-brain axis—a link between these bacteria and the brain—has been demonstrated by studies. There have also been demonstrated links to the health of the muscles and other organs. According to Dr. Steves, “we decided to test whether improving gut microbial health with a prebiotic could improve brain and muscle function.”. We are aware that FOS and inulin are commercially available prebiotic supplements that are safe, affordable, and linked to a healthy gut flora. Another trial that examined inulin and FOS in a population of people residing in nursing homes also had an impact on us. She went on, “Those who took the inulin and FOS supplement showed improvements in hand grip strength, exhaustion levels, and overall measures of frailty.”. According to earlier research, inulin alters the gut microbiome, lessens neuroinflammation, and speeds up the healing process after traumatic brain injury.

According to studies on FOS, the supplement may help prevent Alzheimer’s by lowering beta-amyloid levels in the brain, as well as help with neuroinflammation reduction and memory enhancement. For this study, 36 pairs of twins older than 60 were enlisted by the researchers. For a duration of 12 weeks, one twin per pair was administered a daily dietary fiber supplement, whereas the other twin was given a placebo. Scientists used video, online surveys, and cognitive tests to keep an eye on study participants. In order to enhance muscle function, participants were also required to consume a protein supplement and engage in resistance training. Because the study was double-blind, neither the analysis team nor the participants knew which they had been given until the end of the investigation. At the end of the study, researchers discovered that the group taking a fiber supplement performed better on tests of brain function, such as the Paired Associates Learning test Source, an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, and tests of processing speed and reaction time.

Over a 12-week period, Dr. Steves stated, “We were pleasantly surprised to find that those who received the prebiotic supplement had an improvement in memory and thinking tests compared to the placebo.”. This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the known relationship between gut bacteria and brain function, and it holds great promise for future research aimed at preserving cognitive function and preventing age-related memory loss. She continued, “We have demonstrated that a basic, affordable, and easily available fiber supplement, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, can actually influence brain function and memory test results.”. This encouraging outcome in just three months shows great potential for improving brain and memory function in our aging population. The supplement and placebo groups did not significantly differ in terms of muscle strength, according to the scientists. Dr. Segil acknowledged that he agreed with the study’s authors that, at this point, it is challenging to report improvements in cognition and for the study to have clinical significance. Even after reading the study, he said, “I like to say you are what you eat,” but sometimes “your brain is what you eat,” so it’s difficult to say that altering your diet will prevent aging, improve your muscles, and sharpen your mind.

However, there is a correlation between poor diet and high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart and cardiovascular risk factors. He continued, “There are definitely things that you shouldn’t eat; it’s harder to say what you should eat.” Despite this, I can’t say whether or not adding fiber will help. Dr. Segil stated that he would prefer blood tests to be conducted in conjunction with this study to observe any changes in participant albumin and sugar levels. He continued, “I would really like to see these tests repeated with some blood tests to give a doctor like myself more meaningful data, to see if these kinds of things change things in the blood.”. The next step would be to determine whether changes in the blood translate to changes in the brain. Richard and Rapozo both expressed interest in seeing similar studies done using prebiotic fiber from whole foods as opposed to supplements.

I would like readers to consider fiber as a component of a whole food approach, which means that it is one of the many nutrients and compounds that we require for a healthy gut. Discover which foods you enjoy and will consume are especially high in fiber: fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, according to Richard. The general consensus is to aim for 25–35 grams of fiber per day. For instance, depending on the type of bean or pulse, 1/2 cup of beans may contain anywhere between 6 and 9 grams of fiber. To determine how much fiber you might be consuming each day, pull up a chart on the internet Source that lists the amounts of fiber in various foods, she advised. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, as well as extra prebiotic fibers—two, rather than all four—are included in high-fiber whole foods, according to Rapozo. Prebiotic fiber-rich common vegetables include garlic, onion, leek, and shallot, as well as asparagus, beets, fennel, green peas, snow peas, corn, and cabbage. Legume foods such as kidney beans, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent providers of prebiotics. Apples, nectarines, peaches, persimmons, watermelon, grapefruit, and pomegranates are examples of fruit sources. Oats, wheat, rye, and barley are examples of whole grains. Pistachio and cashew nuts are also rich in prebiotic fiber.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/taking-daily-fiber-supplement-may-improve-older-adults-brain-function-12-weeks
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-daily-fiber-supplement-older-adults.html
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/daily-fiber-supplement-may-improve-brain-function-12-weeks/
https://www.psypost.org/diet-and-brain-health-fiber-supplement-improves-older-adults-cognitive-function-in-just-three-months/

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B3 vitamin form may aid in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

February 26, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

Over 10 million individuals worldwide suffer from Parkinson’s disease. For now, there is no treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an energy molecule, has been the subject of research for a few years as a potential treatment for the illness. A high dose of NR, a form of vitamin B3, has been shown in a phase 1 clinical trial to help raise NAD+ levels in Parkinson’s disease patients. Parkinson’s disease clinical symptom improvement may be linked to NR supplementation. According to research, Parkinson’s disease affects over 10 million people worldwide, making it the second most common neurodegenerative illness after Alzheimer’s. For now, there is no treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Through the various stages of the disease, symptoms are managed with medication, lifestyle modifications, and occasionally surgery. In recent years, scientists have also investigated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a crucial molecule that aids in the body’s energy production, as a potential Parkinson’s disease treatment.

Previous studies indicate that NAD+ deficiency may be present in Parkinson’s patients, and raising NAD+ levels may be beneficial. According to a phase 1 clinical trial, giving patients with Parkinson’s disease high dose supplements of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+ and a source of vitamin B3, increased their whole blood NAD+ levels and expanded their NAD+ metabolome. These findings may be linked to a reduction in their clinical symptoms. It is still early in the research process, so it cannot be definitively established that supplementing with NR will alleviate Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The journal Nature Communications published the study not too long ago. As stated by Prof. “NR is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor of NAD+,” says co-lead author Charalampos Tzoulis, a professor of neurology and neurogenetics at the University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. According to Dr. Tzoulis, who spoke with Medical News Today, NAD+ is a necessary coenzyme that is involved in a number of biological functions, such as DNA repair, regulation of gene expression, and mitochondrial function—the cell’s powerhouses that handle energy.

He continued, “Research has demonstrated that aberrant energy metabolism, resulting from dysfunction in the mitochondria, occurs in the brain of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and is thought to contribute to the onset and advancement of the disease.”. Dr. NAD+ levels typically decrease with age, according to Daniel Truong, a neurologist who is the medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. Truong was not involved in this study. According to Dr. Truong, energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, anti-aging, and DNA repair are a few possible applications and advantages of NR. According to certain studies, NR may have neuroprotective qualities. The ChromaDex External Research Program (CERPTM) funded this study by donating Niagen®, a patented NR ingredient from ChromaDex, to further the research.

Twenty people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease participated in the phase 1 clinical trial. Over four weeks, participants were given a daily dose of either 3,000 mg of NR in the form of an oral supplement or a placebo. Following that, an ECG, clinical and molecular measurements, and the MDS-UPDRS rating scale were used to evaluate study participants’ degree of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Compared to patients who received a placebo, researchers observed that NR significantly raised NAD+ levels and altered the NAD+ metabolome in whole blood. The Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) was used to measure clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and the study’s findings indicate that high-dose NR was both safe and well-tolerated by study participants. These findings suggest that increasing NAD+ levels may have a symptomatic anti-Parkinson’s effect. According to Dr. Tzoulis, the study demonstrated that a high dose of NR 3 gr [grams] per day of treatment is safe for a month when used short-term and could therefore be investigated in longer-term clinical trials. It is important to emphasize that our study does not prove that this NR dose is generally safe or that taking it for longer than 30 days is safe. Longer-term research is still needed to determine this.

Furthermore, he added, the study demonstrated that taking NR 3 gr daily causes a significant rise in blood NAD levels and associated metabolites without having any negative metabolic effects after 30 days. He did, however, issue a warning, stating that even though the study found a slight clinical improvement linked to NR treatment, this cannot be taken to indicate a clinical effect because the purpose of the study was not to find a clinical improvement. This study’s primary goal was to ascertain the 3,000 mg NR daily’s short-term safety. We must investigate higher-dose regimens in order to fully utilize NR’s therapeutic potential, according to Dr. Tzoulis. The short-term safety of 3,000 mg NR daily is established by this study, opening the door for future therapeutic trials to investigate high-dose options. He continued, “We look forward to the results from our year-long NO-PARK phase 2/3 study on 400 persons with Parkinson’s disease, which is already ongoing at our Center and estimated to conclude by the end of 2024, as conclusive proof on the therapeutic potential of NR in Parkinson’s disease.”. You can view public information about the NO-PARK study at clinicaltrials.gov and neuro-sysmed.com.

Movement disorders neurologist Dr. Rocco DiPaola of the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center told MNT that after reading this study, his initial impression is that it offers a possible treatment that might help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Neuroprotection is a treatment that may help avoid some of the long-term complications associated with advancing disease, but there [are] currently no treatments that offer this. To prove safety, the current study was conducted on a small scale and for a brief period of time. It would take a large-scale trial with [a] longer treatment duration to confirm safety and a neuroprotective benefit. Dr. Truong concurred, pointing out that while the results are encouraging, larger, longer-term trials—especially double-blind ones—are necessary to duplicate and build upon this one study’s findings. He went on, “I find the study’s suggested mechanism of action, which involves raising NAD+ levels and possibly having neuroprotective effects, to be quite intriguing.”. They would like to know how this could be incorporated, taking patient tolerance and safety profile into account, into the current Parkinson’s disease treatment protocols. Dr. Truong continued, “Any possible new therapeutic avenue is of interest given the current status of treating Parkinson’s disease.”. Particularly alluring is the notion of a supplement that might lessen clinical symptoms and even stop the course of the illness.

REFERENCES:

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/more-research-shows-potential-benefits-vitamin-b3-parkinsons
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nr-vitamin-b3-parkinsons-disease-symptoms-study
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/vitamin-b3-supplement-shows-early-promise-parkinsons
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8245760/

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Early meal consumption can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

February 26, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

Eating the first and last meals of the day earlier can help prevent heart disease, according to research. According to them, consuming breakfast before 8 a.m. m. & the final one before 9 p.m. m. can reduce the chance of heart problems. They also say that women experience a greater reduction in risk than men do. A recent study that was published in the journal Nature Communications suggests that eating meals earlier can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers examined data from 103,389 adults who took part in the NutriNet-Santé study, with a median age of 42. We obtained medical records through the UK Biobank database. Dietary records included details about the timing of meals and the total number of times an individual ate in a given day. The average follow-up period for the study was approximately 7 years.

The following results were noted by the researchers in relation to meal timings between 8 a.m. m. and nine p.m. Postponing breakfast was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cerebrovascular disease increased by 6% for every hour that a delay was allowed to persist. having dinner after nine o’clock in the evening. m. was linked to a 28% increased risk of cerebrovascular illness compared to individuals who ate before 8 p.m. m. There was no discernible extra risk connected to the frequency of eating. Eating an earlier evening meal instead of delaying breakfast was linked to a 7% lower risk of cerebrovascular disease for every hour that was spent fasting at night. The researchers also noted that women were more significantly affected than men by the variations in negative associations with the timing of the final meal of the day. According to research, your circadian rhythms play a crucial role in regulating your appetite and burning calories, as stated by Tatiana Ridley, a holistic nutritionist, yoga instructor, and health coach who was not involved in the study.

ccording to her explanation to Medical News Today, circadian rhythms are cyclic endogenous built-in biological patterns that follow a 24-hour cycle and control the timing of physiology, metabolism, and behavior. When your meal timings don’t correspond with your body’s clock, hormones that store fat may be elevated, leading to weight gain. A Circadian Rhythm Diet is based on when breakfast, lunch, and dinner should be eaten. Having said that, I believe that timing meals should be taken into account in relation to our general health. The findings, according to the researchers, are consistent with the theory that consuming one’s first and last meals earlier in the day and fasting for a longer duration at night may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to Virginia-based dietician and diabetes educator Caroline Thomason, RD, CDES, who was not involved in the study, fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is true, in my experience, that some people are not naturally hungry for breakfast. Fasting is a valid approach to eating times, she told Medical News Today, as long as there are no unfavorable effects, like overindulging at night because you skipped breakfast. According to Thomason, the most important advice he gives his patients is to recognize when they are forcing themselves to eat by the clock despite discomfort, extreme hunger, or low energy. For those who don’t naturally enjoy skipping breakfast, research even suggests that it can increase cortisol levels and stress levels.

You limit your eating to specific times of the day when you practice intermittent fasting. According to UC Davis Health, the theory behind this strategy is that by doing this, our bodies will be able to access our fat stores for energy more quickly and effectively. The most direct sources of energy are glucose and carbs; in the absence of glucose, we burn fat. The researchers advise having your first meal of the day by 8 a.m. and your last meal by 8 p.m. m. They did not mention intermittent fasting specifically, but one version of this strategy is skipping meals for a full 12-hour period. According to registered dietitian nutritionist Anne Danahy, who was not involved in the study, numerous studies conducted over the years have found that time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, has benefits for the metabolism, specifically for insulin, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight improvements. The fact that this massive study’s results also point to a lower risk of stroke and heart disease is fantastic. According to Danahy, Medical News Today, “I frequently recommend fasting for at least 8 to 10 hours each day.”. It’s as easy as skipping dinner, and a lot of people are shocked at how much just that one small adjustment can improve their mood. A simple strategy to control the extra calories that accumulate from late-night snacking is to fast for eight to ten hours. It frequently results in slightly less weight loss and improved blood sugar regulation. Many people also discover that They sleep better at night when they avoid eating late (as it lessens acid reflux). Danahy also pointed out that a number of studies, including this one, have demonstrated greater advantages to eating dinner earlier and extending the fasting window later in the day and overnight. I concur, but a lot of people find it difficult to implement due to work and family obligations. Front-loading your diet—eating a hearty breakfast and lunch, finishing your dinner with something light (a smoothie, a small serving of protein with vegetables, or soup)—and making an effort to finish by 7 p.m. m. the latest. Naturally, the caliber of your diet also matters, she added. If you eat a lot of junk food while adhering to a rigorous fasting schedule, you won’t experience the benefits. A plant-forward or Mediterranean-style diet is ideal, and you should aim to allow your body to recuperate between dinner and breakfast the following day.

REFERENCES:

https://www.inrae.fr/en/news/eating-meals-early-could-reduce-cardiovascular-risk
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-meals-early-can-reduce-cardiovascular-disease-risk
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/eating-meals-earlier-in-the-day-may-decrease-cardiovascular-risk
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20240103/timing-of-meals-can-affect-risk-of-heart-disease-study-finds

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Researchers discover new protein connected to dementia with early onset.

January 5, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

Researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, have disproved earlier theories regarding frontotemporal dementia by discovering a novel protein called TAF15 that forms aggregated structures in cases of the illness. This finding adds something new to the small list of proteins known to aggregate in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This discovery not only opens the door to more sophisticated diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches, but it also raises the intriguing possibility that TAF15 is connected to both motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia, providing new insights into these crippling conditions. The majority of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, are caused by proteins that aggregate into filaments called amyloids. Most of the time, researchers have identified the specific proteins that cause this aggregation, which allows them to concentrate on these proteins for diagnostic evaluations and treatment planning. Nevertheless, the precise protein causing frontotemporal dementia has not yet been identified by researchers in about 10% of cases. Researchers have now successfully determined the TAF15 protein’s aggregated structures in these specific instances.

The brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, which control emotions, personality, behavior, language comprehension, and speech, begin to degenerate with frontotemporal dementia. Compared to Alzheimer’s disease, this disorder usually shows symptoms earlier in life and is often diagnosed in people between the ages of 45 and 65. That can, however, also manifest in people of all ages. Scientists have discovered aggregated protein structures in their latest work, which could be a central point for future developments in diagnostic evaluations and treatments. Now that the essential protein and its structure have been found, scientists can concentrate on using it to identify and treat this particular type of frontotemporal dementia. This strategy is similar to those that are currently being used to target tau and amyloid-beta protein aggregates, which are characteristic characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers examined protein aggregates in the brains of four patients suffering from this type of frontotemporal dementia at the atomic level resolution using sophisticated cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques. Up until now, researchers have linked this kind of dementia to other neurodegenerative illnesses and believed that a protein called FUS was in charge of aggregation.

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology researchers were able to ascertain that the protein aggregates present in every brain had the same atomic structure by employing cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Remarkably, TAF15, a different protein, rather than FUS, was the guilty party. The researchers explained that this result was unexpected because, up until this study, neither the structural properties of TAF15 nor its involvement in the formation of amyloid filaments in neurodegenerative conditions had been identified. Through insights that were previously unattainable with earlier technologies, cryo-EM is revolutionizing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying dementia and neurodegenerative diseases in a broader context. The complexity of cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers admitted, restricted their analysis to the brains of just four people. However, there is a chance that we will be able to develop instruments for screening hundreds of patient samples in order to determine the degree of these aberrant protein aggregates, now that we have a better understanding of the pivotal protein and its structure. A progressive loss of muscle control is a characteristic of motor neuron disease, which is also experienced by some people with frontotemporal dementia. In this study, two people with both conditions gave their brains for examination.

In these instances, the TAF15 protein was found in aggregated form in brain areas linked to motor neuron disease, according to the researchers. It is possible that TAF15 plays a role in the development of both frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease because two people who had both conditions had identical TAF15 aggregates. The investigators are currently investigating whether patients with motor neuron disease who do not show frontotemporal dementia symptoms have these aberrant TAF15 aggregates. This study further examined the possibility that additional abnormal proteins may be contributory to the neuropathological process of fronto temporal lobar degeneration and dementia (FTLD), stated James Giordano, PhD, MPhil, Pellegrino Center Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center. Giordano was not involved in this research and told Medical News Today. The investigation, which was well-conducted, examined the presence and amount of TAF protein, a variant abnormal protein constituent. TAF protein, along with other known abnormal proteins (like characteristic tau and alpha-synuclein entities), are found in and contribute to the neurodegenerative processes of frontotemporal dementia (FTLD). Dr. According to Giordano, this study importantly demonstrated that TAF protein is also present in the total proteinopathic constituency of the, albeit at a somewhat lesser concentration.

The results of the study further support and advance aspects of the amyloid hypothesis of neurodegenerative dementia, according to Dr. Giordano. He added that the discovery of the TAF variant might be a useful diagnostic marker in addition to a possible therapeutic target for the management of FTLD. Jennifer Bramen, M.D. D. Frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD) is an emotionally taxing illness for which there is no known treatment, according to a senior research scientist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California, who was not involved in this study. Dr. Bramen came to the conclusion that FTD is a heterogeneous disease, which makes research on it more difficult. Increased patient treatment options may result from a deeper comprehension of various subtypes.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/scientists-find-new-protein-linked-early-onset-dementia
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231206115845.htm
https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/scientists-identify-protein-linked-to-early-onset-dementia/
https://www.sciencealert.com/unexpected-protein-linked-to-early-onset-dementia-in-huge-discovery

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Supplements containing cocoa extract have been shown to improve older adults’ cognitive function.

January 5, 2024 blogadmin Comments 0 Comment

According to a recent randomized controlled trial, older adults who eat a poor-quality diet may benefit cognitively from taking daily supplements of cocoa extract. The authors found that older adults who regularly ate a high-quality diet showed no cognitive benefit from cocoa extract. Flavanols, which are abundant in cocoa, may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. There is still need for more investigation into the possible cognitive advantages of cocoa. According to a recent study, older adults with routinely poor diet quality may benefit cognitively from taking daily cocoa extracts. Daily doses of cocoa extract did not appear to improve cognitive function in any of the study participants. The authors of the study note a borderline trend for people with inadequate diets, though. The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a randomized clinical trial (RCT) carried out at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, comprised the clinical cohort of participants in this study. The benefits of taking a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement for cancer prevention and a daily cocoa extract supplement for cognitive function were examined in this larger trial, which involved 21,442 older Americans.

A portion of the research’s funding came from Mars Edge, an entity under Mars Inc. committed to the study of nutrition. Among the other donors were the U. S. The FDA, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Harvard Catalyst, Contract Pharmacal Corp., and the National Institutes of Health. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition publishes the findings. The authors claim that there has been inconsistent research on the impact of cocoa on cognitive health. The small effect observed in this study for individuals with poor diet quality points to a need for more investigation. There were 573 older participants in the study, with a mean age of 69.6. Women made up 49.2 percent of this group. At the start of the study, each participant received a thorough cognitive evaluation, and over the following two years, they underwent follow-up testing. A daily supplement containing 500 mg of cocoa extract, which included 80 mg of the antioxidant epicatechin, was given to certain study participants, while control participants were given a placebo. A total of 492 individuals finished the two-year evaluations. After two years, no improvement in cognition was seen in the group as a whole. Specifically, those taking cocoa supplements showed no improvement in executive function, attention, episodic memory, or global cognition when compared to those receiving a placebo. Flavanols, a subclass of flavonoids that are naturally occurring in plants, fruits, and vegetables, are abundant in cocoa. Our trial results provide insight into the cognitive benefits of cocoa extract, said Dr. Chirag M. Vyas, the study’s first author.

The mechanism through which flavanols may improve cognition in individuals with poor diets is not explained by the study, but Dr. Vyas proposed the following theory: by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, cocoa flavanols may improve cognitive function outcomes in older adults with poor diet quality. Studies have linked systemic levels of inflammation linked to cognitive aging and elevated oxidative stress in older adults with poor diets. Dr. According to Vyas’ theory, eating cocoa flavanols may lessen cognitive stressors and may also be influencing other neuroprotective processes. Over the course of a 12-week follow-up period, a 2021 trial found that cocoa flavonoids had a positive impact on cognitive aging. In addition to other plant compounds, nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick, who was not involved in the study, told MNT I advise clients to get plenty of flavonoids. and frequently suggest dark and cocoa chocolate as a fantastic choice with a wide range of culinary applications. Dr. According to Vyas, more investigation is required to clarify the weak link found in the study. Regarding the distinction between cocoa extract and actual cocoa or chocolate, Dr. Vyas replied, There is no simple answer to this question.. Due to compositional differences, the precise effects of chocolate, cocoa powder, and extract on cognitive health may differ, according to him. For instance, a particular compound is isolated to produce cocoa extract.

Even though the COSMOS cocoa extract supplement contains all of the naturally occurring bioactive components of the cocoa bean, we were unable to evaluate the effects of various formulations, separate cocoa extract components, or varying cocoa flavanol concentrations in this trial on cognitive benefits. According to Kirkpatrick, if someone is interested in the flavonoid benefits of cocoa beans, they should consume dark chocolate that is at least 75% cacao or use pure cocoa in their regular meals and snacks, such as topping applesauce or oatmeal with it. would supply that. Customers should search for that 100 percent cocoa, as pure raw cocoa usually contains no added sugar or fat, according to Kirkpatrick. You can use cocoa in a variety of ways, like adding it to yogurt or creating desserts like chocolate mousse. she continued. Dr. Vyas stated that he is not sure if he would advise consuming cocoa to improve cognitive function. According to the results of our trial, using supplements containing cocoa extract did not appear to improve cognitive function overall in older adults, he said. He is hesitant to guarantee a significant benefit just yet, even though the study indicates that older individuals who do not follow a healthy, balanced diet may benefit from consuming cocoa. Notwithstanding these encouraging results, more research is necessary to fully comprehend how cocoa flavanols affect cognition, particularly in more diverse populations and among those with lower-quality diets.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cocoa-extract-supplement-improves-cognition-older-adults
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-12-cocoa-supplement-benefits-cognition-older.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231207151255.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cocoa-extract-may-help-reduce-risk-of-cognitive-decline-in-older-adults

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