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| Life Extension
Update Exclusive Four supplements help protect
against middle-aged weight gain
The findings of research presented at the 19th Annual Convention
of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians held in Seattle
from September 8-11, 2004, revealed a protective role for four nutritional
supplements against midlife weight gain. On average, men gain 10
pounds and women gain 16 pounds of body weight between the ages
of 25 to 54.
M C Nachtigal ND and colleagues from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center in Seattle analyzed data collected in the VITamins
And Lifestyle (VITAL) study, which surveyed men and women between
the ages of 50 and 76 to obtain information on vitamin, mineral,
and herbal supplement use as well as medical history, diet, physical
activity and weight change over the past decade.
The researchers reviewed 15,000 questionnaires submitted by participants
with an average age of 55. Multivitamins, fiber tablets, soy, ginkgo,
St John’s Wort, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, chromium, omega-3
fatty acids and other supplement use was analyzed and correlated
with body weight changes occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.
They found that those who reported using multivitamins, vitamin
B6, vitamin B12 and chromium experienced less weight gain than those
who did not use these supplements. This effect was most noticeable
among those who were overweight or obese at age 45. There was little
difference between men and women in these findings.
It was suggested that chromium and B complex might modify appetite,
leading to the intake of fewer calories. Individuals who are deficient
in B complex may be more likely to overeat, therefore correcting
deficiencies of these vitamins could lead to less calorie consumption.
A clinical trial of the supplements is the next step to confirm
their effect on weight gain in middle-aged men and women. |
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| What's
Hot Low
glycemic index diets work in rodents
A report appearing in the August 28 2004 issue of The Lancet detailed
experiments conducted by David Ludwig MD and colleagues of the Optimal
Weight for Life obesity program at Children's Hospital in Boston
which found that rats provided with a low-glycemic index diet experienced
greater body fat loss and a reduction in cardiovascular disease
and diabetes risk factors compared to rats who consumed a high-glycemic
diet. The glycemic index of a food rates the rapidity with which
it releases sugar into the bloodstream. The consumption of low as
opposed to high glycemic index foods may be helpful when for weight
loss and the treatment of diabetes.
http://www.lef.org/whatshot/2004_08.htm |
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| Protocol
Hypoglycemia
There are three general types of hypoglycemia. Two of them are rare
organic forms involving the pancreas. The third and most common
form is called functional hypoglycemia (FH) and is usually caused
by an inadequate diet too high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Hypoglycemia may be better described as carbohydrate intolerance:
the body is unable to absorb certain carbohydrate loads effectively
without adverse consequences. Different people react differently
to ingested sugars and starches, with some individuals having a
higher tolerance level than others.
Although predisposition to FH may be an inherited condition and
is most often due to dietary factors, it can also be found in people
with such disorders as schizophrenia, alcoholism, drug addiction,
juvenile delinquency, hyperactivity, diabetes, and obesity. In some
people, severe FH can contribute to other illnesses such as epilepsy,
allergies, asthma, ulcers, arthritis, impotence, and mental disorders.
Hypoglycemia may damage brain cells. When hippocampal brain-cell
cultures are deprived of glucose, a massive release of lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) occurs, which is an indicator of neuronal death. The addition
of the vitamin B6 metabolite pyridoxal 5-phosphate has been shown
to inhibit the LDH release. When pyridoxal 5-phosphate is given
before glucose deprivation, a more potent inhibitory effect on LDH
release has been observed. Scientists have suggested that pyridoxal
5-phosphate protects neurons from glucose deprivation-induced damage.
These scientists recommend that pyridoxal 5-phosphate be used prophylactically
to protect against brain-cell death induced by metabolic disorders
such as hypoglycemia (Geng et al. 1997).
Another possible cause of low blood sugar is the inability to release
glycogen (stored sugar in the liver), secondary to vitamin B6 and
chromium deficiency. Some hypoglycemics are helped by the daily
administration of 100-250 mg of pyridoxal 5-phosphate and 200 mcg
of chromium. Chromium is a mineral found in brewer's yeast, whole-grain
breads and cereals, molasses, cheese, lean meats, and dietary supplements.
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-061.shtml
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Featured
Products
Vitamin
B6 capsules
B vitamins are used in the body individually or in combination
with enzymes to help release energy from carbohydrates, fat, and
protein. Vitamin B coenzymes are crucial to the metabolic pathways
that generate the energy needed by every cell in the body. Because
they are co-dependent in their metabolic activities, a deficiency
of one B vitamin can affect optimal functioning of organ systems
throughout the body.
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is an important component of the coenzyme
PLP, which metabolizes amino acids. Because of its amino acid transfer
ability, the body can produce nonessential amino acids from available
amino groups, as well as metabolize protein and urea. Without vitamin
B6, our bodies would not be able to manufacture red and white blood
cells, hormones, insulin, adrenaline, antibodies, neurotransmitters
(such as serotonin that controls sleep patterns, appetite, and sensitivity
to pain), and enzymes.
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Chromium
capsules
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is necessary for carbohydrate
metabolism, glucose regulation, and energy production. Chromium
can also produce anabolic effects, but without side effects.
Chromium polynicotinate is a niacin-bound, absorbable form that
may be used as part of your diet to help maintain a healthy blood
sugar level.
http://www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00169.html |
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If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or past
issues of Life Extension Update, send them to ddye@lifeextension.com
or call 954 766 8433 extension 7716.
For longer life,
Dayna Dye
Editor, Life Extension Update
ddye@lifeextension.com
LifeExtension.com
1100 West Commercial Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
954 766 8433 extension 7716
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