Multiple-Vitamin and Mineral has definite benefit in elderly, acutely ill patients.

Researchers split 225 hospitalized and acutely ill older patients into two groups, one group received a placebo daily for six-weeks and the other group received a Multiple-vitamins, Mineral supplement daily; both along with the hospital diet. The average age of the patients was 75.6 years. At the end of the six-week period those on the Multiple-Vitamin Mineral supplement had improved levels of important vitamins whereas those on placebo had a drop in these same nutrients. The Multiple-Vitamin, Mineral significantly improved depression in these elderly and very sick patients even if they started out with minor to severe depression. The study is published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, online ahead of print.

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis lack protective Carotenoids and have elevated CRP; two novel cardiovascular risk factors

Scientists at Harvard Medical School performed a large population based study that included 5,302 people. It was found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were significantly lower in Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Cryptoxanthin, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and Lycopene; all important Carotenoids for protecting the circulatory system. These patients also had significantly higher blood levels of CRP; c-reactive protein, an inflammation causing protein linked to clogging of the arteries, stroke and heart attack. The patients with RA had novel cardiovascular risk factors. The study is published in the July 30th, 2007 issue of the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism.

Scientists at Harvard Medical School performed a large population based study that included 5,302 people. It was found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were significantly lower in Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Cryptoxanthin, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and Lycopene; all important Carotenoids for protecting the circulatory system. These patients also had significantly higher blood levels of CRP; c-reactive protein, an inflammation causing protein linked to clogging of the arteries, stroke and heart attack. The patients with RA had novel cardiovascular risk factors. The study is published in the July 30th, 2007 issue of the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism.

Increased intake of the Carotenoids Zeaxanthin and Lycopene improve the mental performance of the elderly

French researchers have found that Lutein and Zeaxanthin are needed for healthy brain function in the elderly. The scientists from various medical-university research institutions compared plasma levels of Carotenoids to mental function in 589 highly educated, healthy older people with an average age of 73.5 years. Those with the lowest level of performance on cognitive tests were low in specific Carotenoids and conversely having higher levels of these same Carotenoids; Zeaxanthin and Lycopene seems to protect cognitive function. The scientists tested for these Carotenoids and mental function because they are known to protect the macula of the eyes and the back end of the macula is connected to the brain hinting that they may also be responsible for protecting regions of the brain. This is the first study to definitively link low levels of the Carotenoids to the most deteriorated cognitive function in otherwise healthy older individuals. The study is published in the July 2007 issue of the Journal of Gerontology; Medical Sciences.