J Nutrition July, 2007
[High Vitamin C correlates with being thin ] Plasma Vitamin C Is Inversely Related to Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference but Not to Plasma Adiponectin in Nonsmoking Adults “Of 118 sedentary, nonsmoking adults…54% were obese and 24% were overweight…In summary, plasma vitamin C was inversely related to markers of adiposity, particularly in women…” [Soy lowers prostate cancer risk] Isoflavone-Rich Soy Protein Isolate Suppresses Androgen Receptor Expression without Altering Estrogen Receptor-ß Expression or Serum Hormonal Profiles in Men at High Risk of Prostate Cancer “these data show that androgen receptor expression in the prostate is suppressed by soy protein isolate consumption, which may be beneficial in preventing prostate cancer.”[omega-6 fats increase prostate cancer risk, dairy lowers prostate cancer risk] (n-6) PUFA Increase and Dairy Foods Decrease Prostate Cancer Risk in Heavy Smokers “higher dairy intake had a statistically significant reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer than lower dairy intake… Our findings suggest that associations of dietary fat with prostate cancer risk may vary by type of fat or fat-containing food, and that risk may vary by host factors, including family history and smoking. ”
[Fish oil reduces inflammation/heart disease] Fish Oil Increases Cholesterol Storage in White Adipose Tissue with Concomitant Decreases in Inflammation, Hepatic Steatosis, and Atherosclerosis in Mice “Fish oil feeding significantly reduced plasma lipid levels…white adipose tissue-specific inflammation and insulin sensitivity were improved…fish oil feeding decreased the formation of proinflammatory F2- isoprostanes, markers of oxidative stress…”[EXAMPLE OF META-ANALYSIS-Folate key to good mental health] Heterogeneity and Lack of Good Quality Studies Limit Association Between Folate, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, and Cognitive Function ” We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and cognitive function in the elderly. Our search was conducted in Medline for English-language publications of human subjects from 1966 through November 2006; ..Six of 10 folate studies reported a significant association between low baseline blood folate concentrations and subsequent poor test performance in the global cognitive domain, and 4 of 9 folate studies found associations between low blood folate concentrations and increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies did not reveal an association of vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12 blood concentrations with cognitive-test performance or Alzheimer’s disease, nor was B-vitamin dietary intake associated with cognitive function. ”
[B6 reduces colon cancer risk] Low Intake of Vitamin B-6 Is Associated with Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Japanese Men “Our results support previous evidence that low vitamin B-6 intake is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In particular, a higher intake of vitamin B-6 appears beneficial in men with higher alcohol intake.” [Food with good nutrition is more expensive] Nutrient-Dense Food Groups Have High Energy Costs: An Econometric Approach to Nutrient Profiling ” Consumers wishing to replace some of the foods in their diets with more nutrient-dense options need to be able to identify such foods on the basis of nutrient profiling. ..The meat and the fruit and vegetables food groups had the highest nutritional quality but were associated with highest energy costs. Sweets and salted snacks had the lowest nutritional quality but were also one of the least expensive sources of dietary energy. ” [Table 3 ranks foods – highest nutrient densities were fish, organ meats, vegetables. Lowest were deli meats, refined grains, snacks, added fats.]