Science shorts: A look into diet and brain health, tocotrienol-rich vitamin E’s benefits for kidney

By Tingmin Koe

- Last updated on GMT

This round up features latest scientific findings on the role of different diets on cognitive health and more. ©Getty Images
This round up features latest scientific findings on the role of different diets on cognitive health and more. ©Getty Images

Related tags Research science

In this round up of the latest scientific findings, we look at how different diets could impact cognitive health, the benefits of tocotrienol-rich vitamin E on renal function in diabetic patients, as well as a review on the benefits of natural astaxanthin.
Med is best: Five diets linked to lower cognitive decline in older Singaporean Chinese

Researchers in Singapore have found five healthy dietary patterns consumed in midlife are associated to a lower risk of cognitive impairment in late life in Chinese adults.

The five diets are​ the alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), AHEI-2010 (alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010), PDI (plant-based diet index), and hPDI (healthful plant-based diet index).

Although all five diets were linked with cognitive benefits, aMed came out on top.

Tocotrienol-rich vitamin E improves diabetic patients’ renal functions nine months post washout: Malaysia RCT

Intake of tocotrienol-rich vitamin E for 12 weeks can improve the renal function of diabetic patients with damaged kidney, and the results persist even nine months after the washout period, a randomised-controlled trial in Malaysia​ has shown.

It found that diabetic patients who previously took tocotrienol-rich vitamin E six to nine months earlier had a lower amount of serum creatinine – signifying better kidney function in removing bodily waste as compared to the placebo group.

For the intervention group, their serum creatinine remained relatively stable, fluctuating by only 0.82 ± 8.33 μmol/l six to nine months post washout, while that of the placebo group fluctuated by 11.3 ± 15.5 μmol/l.

Low levels of dietary selenium intake linked to higher prevalence of osteoporosis – China study

A study on​ the elderly Chinese population found a link between low dietary intake of selenium and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis.

Conducted by researchers from Central South University in Hunan China and University of Nottingham in UK, findings of the cross-sectional study were published in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ​last month.

This is said to be the first study that analyses the direct link between dietary selenium intake and osteoporosis.

'Naturally good': Natural astaxanthin top form for functionality and antioxidant activity – Review

Natural astaxanthin from algae has been “undisputedly demonstrated” to be the most effective form of the ingredient for a variety of health benefits, according to a new review.

The literature review, published in the journal Functional Foods in Health and Disease​sought to assess head-to-head studies comparing astaxanthin from three different sources in animals and in-vitro.

They were:

  • Natural astaxanthin (NAT-AX) that is found in Haematococcus pluvialis, ​a ubiquitous uni-cellular microalgae, which grows in fresh water throughout the world. When these algae undergo environmental stress, they hyperaccumulate NAT-AX as a survival mechanism.
Consumption of chilli pepper may increase physical activity and reduce fat in older adults – Japan study

Capsinoids from non-pungent chilli peppers have been reported​ to increase physical activity (PA), reduce body fat mass, and promote metabolism in older Japanese adults.

According to a study conducted in Japan, researchers said this effect was more pronounced in participants with sedentary lifestyles.

The study was published in the journal, Nutrients​.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Krill oil supports six key areas of healthy aging

Krill oil supports six key areas of healthy aging

Content provided by Aker BioMarine | 26-Feb-2024 | White Paper

The global population is getting older—according to WHO by 2050 the world’s population over 60 years will double and the population above 80 years will...

Nootropics Report 2.0: Brain Health Insights

Nootropics Report 2.0: Brain Health Insights

Content provided by dsm-firmenich | 22-Feb-2024 | Insight Guide

The brain health market is constantly growing and evolving, with more consumers looking for innovative ways to support total mind and body wellness.

Revolutionizing Brain Health with BioKesum®

Revolutionizing Brain Health with BioKesum®

Content provided by Biotropics Malaysia | 20-Feb-2024 | Data Sheet

Revitalize the nootropic industry with new clinically proven herbal extract from Kesum leaves shown to improve executive memory, mood and brain markers...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Nutra Champions Podcast

Nutra Champions Podcast