Antioxidants are believed to provide a host of health benefits from boosting immunity to fighting cancer. And now researchers say antioxidants like vitamins C and E may preserve muscle function in older adults.

According to Reuters, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh followed 2,000 men and women in their 70s for two years. Participants were surveyed about their eating habits and had their grip strength tested in the beginning and at the end of the study period.

They found what they call a “significant” link between the intake of vitamins C and E and an increase in muscle strength, regardless of initial strength levels.

Lead researcher Dr Anne Newman told Reuters it’s not clear whether the antioxidant-rich vitamins preserved muscle strength or if they’re just indicative of an overall healthy diet. “Since they’re in the food, they could be directly related, or they could be marking diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium – all of which would have beneficial effects,” she said.

Newman and her team previously found that physical activity and protein were important in preserving strength. She said these findings prove that a healthy, balanced diet is imperative for people to avoid becoming frail in old age.

According to WebMD, vitamin C is found in food sources like berries, citrus fruits, red and green peppers and sweet potatoes. Dietary sources that are high in vitamin E include broccoli, carrots, nuts and spinach. Both vitamins are also widely available in nutritional supplement form.

Source: drcutler.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

A series of new studies from University of Alabama researchers, published November 2009, show how antioxidants could help fight respiratory complications of H1N1 flu. Respiratory damage from the virus has taken a toll, leading to death in otherwise healthy individuals. Through a series of experiments, the researchers found that antioxidants, the type found in plant based foods, prevent lung damage from the H1N1 virus.

Respiratory complications of flu occur when a segment of the M2 protein attacks the lining of the lungs, or epithelium. The researchers isolated a segment of the M2 protein. When they removed the segment, they found that the H1N1 virus no longer damaged lung protein. The same thing occurred when antioxidant drugs were added to the cells – antioxidants prevented the M2 protein from causing damage to respiratory cells.

According to Sadis Matalon, co-author of the study, published in the FASEB journal, “The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza and the rapid spread of this strain across the world highlights the need to better understand how this virus damages the lungs and to find new treatments. Additionally, our research shows that antioxidants may prove beneficial in the treatment of flu.”

The study is published in the FASEB journal. Editor-in Chief of the journal, Gerald Weissmann, M.D. says, Although vaccines will remain the first line of intervention against the flu for a long time to come, this study opens the door for entirely new treatments geared toward stopping the[H1N1] virus after you’re sick…” The researchers found that antioxidants prevent lung damage from H1N1 by halting fluid buildup that sets the stage for pneumonia and respiratory failure from H1N1 flu.

To find how antioxidants prevent lung damage from flu, the scientists first looked at the function of lung protein. Next they studied the M2 protein in conjunction with lung protein, finding the segment of M2 protein that caused damage. When they removed the segment of the M2 protein responsible for the respiratory effects of H1N1, the damage no longer continued. Lastly, the researchers used antioxidants drugs in combination with the M2 protein and lung protein, finding that antioxidants prevented lung damage from H1N1 virus. The experiment was performed first on frog eggs, then on human cells, producing the same results each time.

The scientists suggest they may have found H1N1 flu’s weakness. Antioxidants are shown in lab experiments to prevent lung damage from H1N1 flu. The article, titled “Scientists discover influenza’s Achilles heel: Antioxidants”, is published in the November online issue of the FASEB journal. Antioxidants might help in the fight against H1N1 flu and the respiratory damage that occurs to cause severe illness and deaths. Supplements should not be used as a replacement for nutrition from whole foods for overall health and for boosting immunity.

Source: examiner.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

GNC corporate stores are now carrying Pomology’s Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Health formulas. Next time you’re in a GNC, be sure to let them know you’re a fan and maybe pick up a bottle or two.

If you’re looking for the nearest GNC to you, visit their store locator.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites