Vitamin K1 intake is associated with higher bone mineral density and reduced bone resorption in early postmenopausal Scottish women

    Researchers measured bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbarspine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in a cohort of Scottish womenaged 49–54 y in 1990–1994 (baseline) and in 1997–2000(visit 2). Womenwith the lowest quartile or lowest 25% of Vitamin K intake had lower BMD especially at the FN after adjustmentfor age, weight, height, menopausal status or use of hormonereplacement therapy, socioeconomic status, and physical activity. The study is published in the May 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Supplemental Lutein and DHA lower the risk of macular degeneration

     Lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may protectagainst age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein is acomponent of macular pigment. DHA is in the retina.This 4-month long study was to determinethe effects of Lutein (12 mg/d) and DHA (800 mg/d) on theirserum concentrations and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) or the health and girth of the macula.

     Forty-nine women aged 60–80 years were randomly assignedto placebo, DHA alone, Lutein alone, or Lutein + DHA supplements. Lutein supplementation increased MPOD andDHA resulted in central increases. Lutein and DHA may aid in preventionof age-related macular degeneration. The researchers were from the Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts and the Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. The study is published in the May 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.