Effect of combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 on cancer risk in women:
a randomized trial.
Zhang SM, Cook NR, Albert CM, Gaziano JM, Buring JE, Manson JE.
Journal of the American Medical Association, November 5, 2008, 300(17): 2012-21.
A seven-year long randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 5,442 female subjects evaluated a combined folic acid, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) treatment on cancer risk. Overall, the results showed that the combination had no significant effect on the overall risk of total invasive cancer or breast cancer. However, the authors did note that after performing a detailed statistical analysis a significantly reduced risk was observed for total invasive cancer and breast cancer among women aged 65 years or older. Furthermore, the study solidifies the safety of long term supplemental use of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12.
Abstract: PubMed 18984888
Gum arabic establishes prebiotic functionality in healthy human volunteers in a dose-dependent manner.
Calame W, Weseler AR, Viebke C, Flynn C, Siemensma AD.
British Journal of Nutrition, December, 2008, 100(6): 1269-75.
A four-week long, fifty-four-subject, randomized, double blinded, double-controlled trial with six parallel test groups was published evaluating the efficacy of prebiotic efficacy of gum arabic upon consumption. Varying doses utilized in the study eluded to different amounts of gum arabic with respect to efficacy of the trial. The authors concluded that gum arabic bears prebiotic efficacy within a dose range similar to or lower than inulin, as established via the quantitative development of bacteria in stool samples.
Abstract: PubMed 18466655
Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial.
Dekosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, Kronmal RA, Ives DG, Saxton JA, Lopez OL, Burke G, Carlson MC, Fried LP, Kuller LH, Robbins JA, Tracy RP, Woolard NF, Dunn L, Snitz BE, Nahin RL, Furberg CD.
Journal of the American Medical Association, November 19, 2008, 300(19): 2253-62.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 5 academic medical centers in the United States between 2000 and 2008 concluded that Ginkgo biloba, at 120 mg twice a day, was not effective in reducing either the overall incidence rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in elderly individuals with normal cognition or with mild cognitive impairment. A strong response from the natural health products industry has been received since the publication of the study criticizing the quality of the trial and its short comings.
Abstract: PubMed 19017911
Effect of glucomannan on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sood N, Baker WL, Coleman CI.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October, 2008, 88(4): 1167-75.
Authors from the University of Connecticut Schools of Medicine and Drug Information recently published a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the impact of glucomannan on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure. The authors concluded that glucomannan appears to significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight, and fasting blood glucose, but not HDL cholesterol or blood pressure. The authors also noted that glucomannan did not appear to be as effective for specific subgroups of people, such as pediatric patients, patients receiving dietary modifications, and patients with an impaired glucose metabolism.
Abstract: PubMed 18842808 |
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