Vitamin D (again)

Meanwhile, vitamin D is still hot, hot, hot. Isn’t it time we gave this molecule its deserved hormone status? After all, the vitamin D receptor is found in virtually all cells of the body. Er…and brain, as it turns out.

Yes, researchers at Tufts have completed the first study examining levels of vitamin D in brain tissue. As you might guess, they found that those with higher levels of vitamin D in their brains had better cognitive function (page 18). And it goes on: an “umbrella review” of an inconclusive bunch of meta-analyses finds that yes, adequate levels of vitamin D CAN protect against depression – and reduce its symptoms (page 7). Next question: are psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists screening clients for vitamin D levels? Of course not.

Omega-3s

And talking of brains, University of Texas research has now found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids works just as well for “younger brains” as it does in protecting ageing brains. And according to Claudia Satizabal, PhD, assistant professor with UT’s Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases: “We saw the worst outcomes in the people who had the lowest consumption of omega-3s…Although the more omega-3 the more benefits for the brain, you just need to eat some to see benefits” (report, page 36).

Lutein

And still the research poured in. Lutein is already well-researched as an eye-protective nutrient. Of course the eyes are rooted straight into the brain, so maybe we should have thought of this before, but new research from Hungary – building on a bunch of previous studies in the same vein – informs us that lutein could be a beneficial, supportive treatment in neurodegenerative disorders (page 20).

ME/CFS

As long COVID gets to look more and more like ME/CFS, check out two new studies reported on page 5. 1: Researchers have found “abundant” herpes virus in the brains and spinal cords of ME/CFS patients – and not in controls. 2: Researchers have confirmed that COVID-19 reactivates latent viruses – including EBV – from previous infections. And this is particularly likely to happen in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

And the rest…

And finally, in stark contrast to the misleading and negative study on supplements and heart disease reported last month, comes a new meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Unusually this reviewed 884 studies on nutritional supplements and found “strong evidence” that several offered benefits for cardiovascular benefit. The best of the bunch were omega-3s, folic acid and CoQ10. But they were also impressed with omega-6s, l-arginine, l-citrulline, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, alpha-lipoic acid, melatonin, catechin, curcumin, flavanols, genistein and quercetin – all of which also could help reduce cardiovascular risk.

Baffled

I can’t help wondering whether researchers now beginning to discover the power of supplements will end up somewhat baffled by the complexity of the interlocking web of micronutrients – and we haven’t even stirred in “botanicals” and probiotics. They will also eventually realise that most of the participants in their trials are living with multiple, chronic sub-optimal levels of the nutrients needed to sustain long-term health. Then maybe they’ll think about screening people and things will REALLY start to change.

Maybe not in 2023, but here’s hoping.

• Thanks to Pure Encapsulations, whose sponsorship enables us to send you IHCAN in 100% compostable, “green” bags!

Simon Martin, Editor