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| Dietary Intake of Antioxidants May Reduce Risk for Alzheimer's Disease |
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A meta-analysis, including 7 studies published up to 2011, found that dietary intake of 3 antioxidants: vitamin E, vitamin C, and b-carotene, lowered the risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and that vitamin E exhibited the most pronounced protective effects. {Comments: Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable brain disease affecting approximately six million elderly people in the US and the number is expected to double over the next 20 to 30 years. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the US and the estimated healthcare costs associated with Alzheimer’s care are approximately $200 billion. Since there are no proven drug treatments to cure Alzheimer’s disease, prevention is the best way forward, and researchers are looking into natural ways to slow down the progression of this disease. Brain oxidative stress is a major cause of cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s, it would not be a surprise that antioxidant micronutrient supplements may be an inexpensive and effective method of preventing the disease. The antioxidants not only scavenge free radicals, but also inhibit their formation in the body. The above mentioned meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials observed beneficial effects of the combination of three antioxidants: vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene. In addition, green tea extract is another important antioxidant that is brain permeable. The protection offered by green tea extract in the brain is proposed to be due to its antioxidant and iron-chelating properties. Recent research in the UK and US has also determined that low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the body may contribute to Alzheimer's. Some patients have also shown improvement in the symptoms of Alzheimer's by lowering homocysteine levels with vitamin supplements and anti-oxidants. Another important antioxidant, selenium, is also shown to slow cognitive decline associated in Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is important to note that any single antioxidant alone is not as effective as when in combination with others. The nutrient synergy combination increases the effect of all. For example, it is proven that vitamin C may improve response to folic acid supplementation. Similarly, selenium also helps in recycling another pivotal antioxidant, glutathione. This is why the application of nutrient synergy that has been pioneered by Dr. Rath is effective in providing optimum health benefits. Dr. Rath scientifically documented that nutrients work in synergy with other nutrients. By taking specific combinations of nutrients, we increase the effectiveness of each and do not need to take mega doses of any single nutrient. Read more about nutrient synergy and Dr. Rath's research at www.drrathresearch.org} |