Gamma-Tocopherol, Selenium, Vitamin D, Calcium, Folic Acid, exercise and a good diet lower the risk of colorectal cancer

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.