news
Dr Carrie Ruxton with
nutrition-communications.com
Lifestyle factors and ageing
There is growing interest in how diet and lifestyle affects the rate at which our bodies age. New re- search has used the novel measurement of telomere length in chromosomes to look for links between ag- ing and lifestyle. Change in telomere length is a mark- er of cell ageing, with longer telomeres indicating relatively younger chromosomes. Cells that age faster may suggest an increased risk of chronic disease.
Telomere length was assessed in 2,284 women taking part in the Nurses Health study, using a method called polymerase chain reactions which analyses DNA se- quences. Questionnaires were then used to assess diet and lifestyle factors. Results showed that higher intakes of dietary fibre (par- ticularly from wholegrain cereals) were associated with increased telomere length while high intakes of polyunsat- urated fatty acids were associated with shorter telomeres. The findings from this study suggest that certain dietary factors may influence telomere length, but controlled tri- als are now needed to ascertain how dietary constituents might exert their actions. For more information see: Cassidy A et al (2009) Ameri- can Journal of Clinical Nutrition [Epub ahead of print].
Low vitamin B6 and Parkinson’s disease
The amino acid, homocysteine, is often linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Now, this opinion has expanded to suggest that high blood levels of homo- cysteine are harmful to the nervous system and could contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. In a study carried out in Japan, scientists investigated whether intake of B vitamins was associated with risk of Parkinson’s disease.
In a case control study, long-term dietary intake was
measured using food frequency questionnaires in 249 patients with Parkinson’s disease compared with 368 matched controls. The results showed that intakes of fo- late and vitamin B12, vitamins normally linked with lower homocysteine levels, were not related to risk of Parkin- son’s disease, while there was a significant association between low intakes of vitamin B6 and the condition. As this study was not a randomised trial, more evidence is needed before deciding whether or not the apparent link between low B6 intake and Parkinson’s disease is causal.
For more information see: Murakamiet al (2009) British Journal of Nutrition [Epub ahead of print].
product/industry news
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Juvela update patient
resource on gluten-free diets
Juvela has updated their popular patient
resource Want to know more about a gluten-free
diet? to include information on the new allergen labelling, Codex
levels and choosing safe gluten-free foods. A ‘Getting Started’ section provides helpful tips on how to successfully manage a gluten-free diet. For free copies of the leaflet to give to your patients please email
wrackham@juvela.co.uk. For further information please contact: Kate Smith on
01727 760884 or
katesmith@communikate.me
Glutafin makes exciting new additions to its
product range
Glutafin, the expert in gluten-free foods, has added two new delicious products to its range:
• Glutafin Gluten Free Baguettes - available in packs of two, they are scrumptious eaten straight from the pack or cooked in the oven
• Glutafin Gluten Free Mini Crackers - perfect for snacking, in a handy resealable bag, they are flavoursome, crunchy crackers The company has also re-launched its: • Glutafin Gluten Free Wheat Free Fibre Rolls to ensure they are as soft and delicious as the white rolls. In packs of four rolls and with added fibre, they are an excellent option for a healthy balanced diet
All are gluten-free, wheat-free, lactose-free and available on prescription. Glutafin is also supporting its entire product range with an exciting new ‘Appetite for Life’ advertising campaign, designed to encourage people with coeliac disease to carry on enjoying life after diagnosis. For further information visit
www.glutafin.co.uk, Freephone
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glutenfree@glutafin.co.uk
glutenfreedom.info
An independent listing of gluten-free products, resources and suppliers
NHDmag.com June '10 - issue 55
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