Researchers at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and the University of North Carolina note that having a sufficient level of Vitamin lowers the risk of developing several cancers. In experimental studies, vitamin D has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cells (rapid multiplication) and induce differentiation (restore normalcy) and apoptosis (cause them to die) in normal and malignant breast cells.

A new human clinical trial conducted at Louisiana State University shows that Green Tea high in its primary ingredient EGCG slows the growth and progression of prostate cancer and that EGCG/Green Tea also lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer in the first place. James A. Cardelli, Ph.D., lead author of the study and director of basic and translational research in the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, said the new study is one of the few green tea trials which actually evaluated biomarkers in order to predict prostate cancer’s progression.

Researchers at Tufts University looked for evidence that Vitamin K (looking at K1 only) has a protective effect in relation to a build up of calcified plaque in the arteries of elderly people. Calcified plaque build up in the arteries of the heart is an independent risk for cardiovascular disease no additional help from other risk factors such as obesity or diabetes. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was measured at the beginning of the trial and after a three year period in 388 healthy older men and women.

The popular diabetes drug metformin may contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency, according to a new study. This is not news; previous studies have found that metformin depletes two important B-complex vitamins, folic acid and B12. Both are needed for mental health, to decrease the rate of mental deterioration with aging, to create hemoglobin and red blood cells, to protect the heart and circulation and to decrease the risk of various cancers but this new research opens a new window on possible consequences of b12 depletion due to metformin use; deterioration of the nervous system.

The herb Turmeric, also known as Curcumin, might help fight Alzheimer’s disease, according to initial stages of a study and mounting evidence. The yellowish spice is a core ingredient in curry, and tests on laboratory rats have provided evidence that curry helps prevent dementia. Currently a human clinical trial is under way in California.