Researchers at the Department of Radiation Oncology, at the Brody School of Medicine at East
Carolina University, in Greenville, NC performed a comprehensive review, an evenhanded evaluation
of the evidence using laboratory, other experimental, and human studies to evaluate what affects
colon cancer risk. They found that a diet rich in fats and calories (not necessarily red meat),
smoking and drinking alcohol, in conjunction with a low intake of vegetables, fruits and fiber as
well as a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The Nutrients Calcium, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Gamma-Tocopherol, and Selenium are protective and
lower the risk. Exercising greater than 30 minutes a day significantly lowers the risk. Estrogen
replacement therapy significantly reduces the risk in postmenopausal women.
The study is published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C, Environmental
Carcinogenesis and Ecotoxicology Reviews, 2004:22.
Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.
At the start of this study the impact of the supplements Green Tea Extract and CLA were not
even thought of yet - studies show these both impact weight.
Nutrients help heart failure patients
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes so weak it is no longer capable of pumping blood
throughout the body. In the SHAPE study in Europe it was found that 40% of the people with heart
failure would die within one year of their first hospitalization. Experts feel that heart failure
patients may use up their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants quicker than healthier individuals.
In this study 30 patients who had stable heart failure for at least 3 months were given either
high dose nutrients or placebo. The nutrient blend included higher levels of Calcium, Magnesium,
Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, D, and Coenzyme Q10. On supplementation
but not on placebo the left ventricular ejection fraction improved by greater than 5%. This is a
measure of how much blood the heart pumps out to the body. There was a 10% improvement in quality
of life and symptoms such as poor sleep, daytime concentration, and exercise capacity. The study is
published in the November 2005 issue of the European Heart Journal.
