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| Trans fats and nutrient intake linked to Alzheimer’s brain shrinkage |
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Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research. Comments: According to 2011 statistics, approximately 5.4 million people in the US already have Alzheimer’s disease. The annual medical and caregiving costs of this disease are $183 billion and the number of patients is expected to double over the next 20 to 30 years. Vitamin supplements may be a less expensive and more effective method of preventing this disease. This particular study evaluated the levels of vitamins B, C, D and E in elderly participants with known risks of development of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by brain shrinkage. People having high levels of vitamins were found to have larger brain size than those having low levels and this supports the fact that vitamin supplementation can prevent or prolong age-related brain degeneration. Consumption of multivitamins, especially antioxidant vitamins such as C and E, has been a point of research interest for the past few years with opposing results. Indeed, a healthy diet is essential however, in clinical studies vitamins C and E are also shown to reduce the artery wall damage caused by high levels of fats in the blood. Without appropriate antioxidant shield, the free radicals increase the oxidative stress and have a multitude of ill effects on the human body. It is well accepted that antioxidant vitamins in general are critical for long term health whether received through diet or supplements. Yet the confusing media reports on vitamins increasing the life expectancy in one study versus the same vitamins with negative effects in another study discourage people to believe anything about the value of supplementation. Although at present it is estimated that half of the American population use some form of vitamin supplements, they may still doubt their efficacy. However, it is important to note that any single antioxidant is not as effective alone as it is in synergistic combination with other nutrients. This study once again confirms what Dr. Rath discovered over a decade ago: a combination of specific nutrients is more effective than any single nutrient. Any single nutrient taken in mega doses does not provide as much protection as it would when taken in a specific combination. Following Dr. Rath’s discoveries, continued research at Dr. Rath's Research Institute uses proportionately combined specific vitamins, minerals and important amino acids in studying several chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and infectious diseases. Please read more about the importance and applications of nutrient synergy at www.drrathresearch.org |