Patients with major depression are reported to have lower levels of
vitamin E. This study was performed to investigate whether this was
from a low intake of vitamin E in the diet, or an inability to somehow
absorb or process vitamin E. In this study, 49 Australian patients with
major depression, aged 35 to 59, had their plasma levels of vitamin E
compared to records for healthy Australians. These depressed patients had
significantly lower blood levels of vitamin E than did the healthy
population. Dietary records indicate that of the patients tested, 89%
had met or exceeded the dietary intake for vitamin E. The study is
published in the October 27th issue of the European Journal of Clinical
Nutrition.
Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.
This study corroborates previous research showing inadequate levels
of vitamin E in the bloodstream of patients with severe depression.
However, these low levels were not due to a low intake of vitamin E but some inability to utilize it.
Carotenoids and Vitamin C Decrease the Risk of Stomach Cancer
In a study of 18,244 middle-aged to older men, levels of carotenoids and
other vitamins were noted before a diagnosis of gastric (stomach) cancer
was made. The follow-up period was 12 years. 191 men developed stomach
cancer. High serum levels of Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Carotene, and Lycopene
greatly reduced the risk of stomach cancer versus men with lower levels.
In men who didn't smoke or drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day,
higher blood levels of vitamin C was significantly associated with a
reduced risk of gastric cancer. The study is published in the November
2004 issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and
Prevention, a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research,
and is cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology.
Low Levels of Vitamin E Contributes to Inflammatory Bowel Disorders and Colon Cancer
Inflammatory conditions of the bowel and colon cancer are related to oxidative stress (free radical damage: the condition antioxidants protect
you from). Similar increases in oxidative stress and cell damage are found
in lab animals deficient in Vitamin E. Gene expression research shows that
a lack of vitamin E increases the oxidation of digestive tract tissue and
caused dangerous changes in the cell structure. These changes in colon tissue
are potentially important in the cause of disease of the colon, and are a
consequence of low intake of vitamin E. The study is published in the December
2004 issue of Biochemical Society Transactions.
