| E-NEWS UPDATES - FOR THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

January - April 2008

Questionable Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

In 2007 there has been a number of reports suggesting that vitamin supplementation provides little or no health benefits and even increased health risks. Even though some of the studies found statistically significant improvements in subgroups, the conclusions were "these reductions were small and of questionable clinical importance." Many of the studies included the use of single nutrients and some included a combination largely of two or three antioxidants and some studies involved a simple multi-vitamin.

Comment: These findings are of course understandable in that these studies do not involve the assessment of individual nutritional requirements. Nor do they take into consideration drugs that affect nutritional requirements or coexisting health conditions, diet, individual absorption efficiency, etc. Too much emphasis is often placed on an individual nutrient, such as vitamin E and heart disease for example. The development of cardiovascular disease is contributed to by multiple factors and vitamin E may or may not play a significant role in many types of heart disease. Nutritional interrelationships and balance, particularly among minerals are much more important than the impact of a single vitamin or mineral supplement. Nutritional therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than to a condition. For instance, through HTMA studies, we can determine over a dozen factors involved in diabetes. To study just one nutritional factor, such as chromium, would lead to a similar conclusion that chromium itself may not be that beneficial in the treatment of many individuals with diabetes. However, there are other factors that are as important or are more important than chromium alone in controlling insulin and glucose regulation, and when used in the proper combination can significantly impact diabetes.

There is a substantial flaw in most of the medical studies involving nutritional supplementation. This flaw is the use of a medical model to study nutrition in the same way drugs are studied. Nutrition does not suit or fit into this medical or drug paradigm. Nutrients work in concert with each other including vitamin-to-vitamin relationships, vitamin to mineral and mineral-to-mineral relationships as well as their effect on the neuro-endocrine and immune systems. Antagonisms among these relationships must also be taken into consideration. Vitamin E works in concert with vitamins A, C, K, B12, B6 and folic acid, and is influenced by hormones as well. Beneficial findings for the effects of Vitamin E in any health condition would depend upon these and other factors rather than just vitamin E status alone.

Adverse Effects of Cellular Immune Stimulation and HIV

Researchers have been working on vaccines that would produce a cellular immune response and not a humoral immune response in relation to HIV-specific cytotoxic T-cell response. In doing so, they hoped that the vaccine may lower viral set point and slow disease progression in those who acquired HIV. However, in the trial vaccines neither prevented infection or lowered viral set point. In fact, the recipients of the vaccine appeared to be at higher risk for HIV acquisition and had a twofold increase in the incidence of infection. As a result the international trials were stopped.Del Rio, C. Aids Clin. Care Nov. 2007.

Comment: These results support our findings at Trace Elements through HTMA studies that AIDS is associated with an autoimmune or overactive cellular immune response. Instead of supporting the thymus (cellular immune response), focus should be on suppressing it and or supporting humoral immunity which is typically suppressed in ARC and AIDS patients.

Depression and Inflammation

It is known that depression is more likely in individuals who have low intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically n –3 fatty acids. Since these fats modulate pro-inflammatory events, it is suggested that low-grade systemic inflammatory conditions could contribute to depression. Inflammation also involves the HPA axis, the immune response as well as the CNS. Das, UN. Is depression a low-grade inflammatory condition? Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 85,6, 2007.

Calcium Found Not to Prevent Hip Fractures

Prospective cohort studies suggest that calcium intake is not significantly associated with decreasing the risk of hip fracture in men or women. Controlled studies have shown no reduction in hip fracture risk with calcium supplementation and may even increase risk. The authors summarized their report stating, “future studies of the prevention of hip fracture or any non-vertebral fracture in women should not consider calcium supplementation alone, but rather, should focus on the optimal combination of calcium plus vitamin D and possibly also the correction of phosphate deficiency by using calcium-phosphate supplements. Bischoff-Ferrari, HA, et al. Calcium intake and hip fracture risk in men and women: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 86,6, 2007.

Comment: This study supports our past findings here at Trace Elements and subsequent recommendations for the assessment and treatment of osteoporosis. HTMA studies have long ago revealed that osteoporosis or increased fracture risk is not associated with calcium deficiency alone. There are over thirty factors associated with proper bone integrity which need to be considered when forming an appropriate prevention and therapeutic regimen for individuals with hip fractures or that are at increased risk of fractures.

Hypervitaminosis D and Osteoporosis

Due to the ever-prevailing increase in the incidence of osteoporosis and resulting fractures, the logical assumption has been to recommend increased intake of calcium and vitamin D. However, this has not quelled the tide of this condition due to the steady rise in incidence. It seems that few have the courage to speak against this mainstream, yet unsupported logic of raising the recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D. A report by Lanske, et al in fact discusses the role of too much vitamin D in the elderly, despite vitamin D being the most commonly recommended vitamin in that age group. High vitamin D intake in animal studies show that the vitamin alters mineral ion metabolism and promotes signs of premature aging, arteriosclerosis, emphysema, osteoporosis, soft tissue calcification and generalized atrophy of the organs. Ablation of the vitamin D pathway reversed these developments and prolonged survival. They cite how uncontrolled vitamin D intake could cause occult vitamin D intoxication and could produce skeletal changes that one would actually expect to find in vitamin D deficiency. Hypervitaminosis D causes hypercalcuria and loss of bone mineral density. This emphasizes once again that the use of vitamin D without clear objectives is an unrealistic approach and can lead to unexpected complications. Lanske, B, et al. Vitamin D and aging: old concepts and new insights. J. of Nutritional Biochem. 18,12, 2007.

Comment: Once again, vitamin D requirements vary from individual to individual and should not be broadly recommended based upon health conditions. Measuring vitamin D levels alone or even evaluating vitamin D intake does not insure adequacy or recognize excesses. Vitamin D has to be assessed in conjunction with other minerals, vitamins, nutrients, health condition, medication use and metabolic characteristics if it is to be used effectively for any individual.

Diabetes and Pollution

Data accumulated from 1999 through 2002 found a strong correlation between organic pollutants and insulin resistance. Increasing number of reports suggest that chronic dietary exposure and accumulation of low concentrations of pollutants, especially organochlorine compounds within the body may be associated with the development of diabetes. Most studies involving diabetes concentrate on genetic and lifestyle factors ignoring the potential effects of xenobiotics. Environmental chemical compounds appear to disrupt the normal metabolism of glucose and lipids, which can also contribute to obesity.Jones, OAH, et al. Lancet. Vol. 371,9609. 2008.

Inhibiting Infection by Chelation

Abscesses form when invading bacteria meet cells of the immune system, most notably neutrophils. These abscesses help confine the spread of infection by restricting microbial growth, but the specific host factors involved in the process have not been well defined. In a report in the 15 Feb 2008 Science, Corbin et al. identified a neutrophil protein, calprotectin, as an important inhibitor of bacterial growth inside abscesses. This protein is involved in signaling other immune cells after tissue damage or inflammation occurs. According to the study, calprotectin also defends against infection by chelating manganese and zinc ions -- metals required by the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus for growth and for counteracting immune attack. The researchers showed that infected mice lacking calprotectin had elevated metal levels and increased bacterial growth in tissue abscesses. Inhibition of bacterial nutrient uptake may thus represent a promising new area of research for the design of antimicrobial therapeutics. As noted in an accompanying Perspective by R.P. Novick, however, whether it is possible to reduce an essential trace metal to a concentration low enough to block bacterial growth without also compromising the functions of host cells remains to be seen.

High Fructose Intake Linked To Increased Gout Risk in Men

More than 46,000 male health professionals aged 40 to 75 completed food-frequency questionnaires at baseline and every 4 years thereafter. During 12 years' follow-up, 1.6% developed gout. After multivariable adjustment, gout risk rose significantly with increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Compared with men who consumed less than one sugary soft drink a month, those consuming five to six drinks a week had a 29% increased risk; one a day, a 45% increase; and two or more daily, an 85% increase. Risk also rose with increasing consumption of other high-fructose products, such as fruit juice, apples, and oranges. As a potential mechanism underlying the association between fructose and gout risk, the authors note that fructose increases ATP degradation to AMP, thereby increasing production of uric acid. Choi, K, et al BMJ, Jan. 31, 2008.

Comment: It should also be noted that fructose lowers tissue copper levels which has been found to be associated with an increase in gout incidence as viewed from hair tissue mineral analysis studies.

Cardiovascular Risk and Calcium Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women

Investigators in New Zealand randomized 1471 postmenopausal women (mean age, 74) to 1000 milligram of daily calcium citrate intake compared to placebo. After 5 years, 21 women in the calcium group had experienced 24 myocardial infarctions (MI), whereas 10 women in the placebo group experienced 10 MI. The results of this study suggest that calcium supplementation does not lower cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women but, instead, could raise it. However, the few differences between the calcium and placebo groups barely achieved statistical significance. Until larger prospective trials are conducted to establish the true cardiovascular risk, if any, of calcium supplementation in these patients, clinicians should weigh these possible risks against the presumed beneficial role of calcium in preventing osteoporosis. Bolland MJ et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ 336:262, 2008

Comment: As we have often stated, calcium supplementation should be based upon individual need and not recommended abritrairly. Although calcium may be beneficial for some individuals it may pose a threat to others. See, Osteoporosis and Contraindications of Vitamin D and Calcium. TEI Newslet. 5,1, 1991. HTMA is proving to be a significant tool in assessing individual nutritonal needs.

Parkinsonian Syndrome Caused by Drug Containing Manganese

Methcathinone (ephedrone) is a psychoactive stimulant and frequently use as a recreational drug. The drug is manufactured by the use of potassium permanganate oxidation of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Various chromates may also be used as an oxidant. Chronic use of the drug has lead to neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Individual users showed elevated whole blood manganese levels with MRI evidence of hyper-intensity in regions of the substantia nigra and globus pallidus. Stephen, A, et al. A Parkninsonian Syndrome in Methcathinone Users and the Role of Manganese. N.Eng.J.Med. 358,1009, 2008.

Hair Isotopes Help Identify Where People Have Lived

Water containing hydrogen and oxygen vary in different geographic locations. When a person consumes water locally the hydrogen and oxygen isotopes within the water becomes recorded in the hair. Hair analysis of these compounds can aid in determining where a person is from or pinpoint areas they have visited. This may become an important tool in forensics and police investigations. Hairy Forensics. Science News. Vol. 173,9, 2008.

More on Metabolic Syndrome X

In our previous Newsletter Metabolic Syndrome X-As Defined Through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Patterns, we described this condition as being better described as Diabetes type III. Also, from HTMA studies we concluded that the condition was more related to insulin antagonism due to endocrine factors as well as lipotoxicity, both of which have insulin-antagonism characteristics. A recent commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association supports our findings. The conventional perspective of diabetes type II has centered around glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. But, now it is becoming more recognized that lipids play a major role in glucose metabolism. The underlying insulin resistance (we feel it is actually insulin antagonism), is secondary to the metabolic trauma caused by ectopic lipid deposition or lipotoxicity. As stated by the author, “This finding supports forty-five years of biochemical, physiological, and clinical research pointing to lipid overload as the underlying cause of this disease and of the other coexisting components of the metabolic syndrome. The author also points out the study that was halted in 2008 by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute where aggressive glucose control with intensive insulin therapy lead to an increase in deaths from myocardial infarction or stroke. The study concluded that overpowering the insulin resistance may be harmful since high insulin therapy may force lipogenesis and promote ectopic lipid deposition. Unger, RH. Reinvention Type 2 Diabetes. Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention. JAMA. 299,10, 2008.

Comment: Our HTMA studies show multi-causal factors involved in the development and progression of the metabolic syndrome and include neurological, endocrine and nutritional factors, which must be addressed in the prevention and treatment of this condition. Watts, DL. Metabolic Syndrome X-As Defined Through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Patterns. TEI Newsletter. 17, 1-2, 2007.

Folic Acid and Arsenic

It is estimated that over one hundred million individuals worldwide are exposed to arsenic. The most common exposure is due to the chronic consumption of contaminated water supplies in underdeveloped countries. Of course, arsenic is present in the environment in developed countries as well. A randomized trial was performed involving one-hundred thirty individuals in Bangladesh who were consuming arsenic-containing water and whose folic acid levels were low in the blood. It was found that folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood arsenic levels in these individuals. After twelve weeks blood arsenic levels were reduced by over thirteen percent in the control group compared to only two and a half percent in the placebo group. The authors state that folic acid detoxifies arsenic into a form that can be readily excreted in the urine. Arsenic Poisoning Prevention. JAMA. 298,20, 2007.

Copper, an Anti-Bacterial Agent

In many of our past articles we have discussed the anti-bacterial properties of the mineral copper as well as its co-factors, such as calcium, vitamin D, etc. Copper deficiency is also known to lead to the susceptibility of recurring bacterial infections. Chang-Ling, and colleagues recently reported the effectiveness of attaching copper to indomethacin a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Results found that when copper is complexed with indomethacin the drug is potent against bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli. This complex produced a potent bacteriostatic effect. Chang-Ying, Y., et al. Inhibitory Effect of Copper Complex of Indomethacin on Bacteria Studied by Microcalorimetry. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 122,1, 2008.

Mineral Status and Diabetes

It has been known for decades that mineral status is disrupted in patients with diabetes. This latest study confirms these many earlier findings. The study reported the comparison level of essential minerals found in the whole blood, urine and hair of individuals with diabetes compared to normal. The minerals studied included chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc. Results showed that zinc, manganese and chromium were significantly reduced in the blood and scalp hair samples of diabetic patients compared to control subjects. Urinary levels were also found to be higher in the diabetic population compared to the health control group. Hair and blood levels of copper and iron were found to be higher in affected group. The study concluded that impaired trace-element metabolism might have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of type II diabetes. Kazi, GT, et al. Copper, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Nickel, and Zinc Levels in Biological Samples of Diabetes Mellitus Patients. Biol.trace Elem.Res. 122,1,2008.

Comment: Once again this study has confirmed many decades of past studies that unequivocally show that mineral disturbances are present in the development and progression of diabetes, and hair mineral analysis is an excellent tool to determine these mineral imbalances and provides information for specific therapy. I would just like to ask, how long does it take for the evidence to be accepted and put into general clinical practice?

Trace Elements and the Immune System

Lukac, et al reported the importance of trace elements on the immune system. They play an important role in physiological processes that are crucial for normal functioning of the immune system. The authors also state that deficiencies of trace elements are often found with infectious disease and can therefore, influence susceptibility, course and outcome of a number of viral infections. Further, “Some trace elements inhibit viral replication in the host cells and therefore have antiviral activity. Many trace elements act as antioxidants or are able not only to regulate the hose immune response but also to alter viral genome.” Lukac, n, Massanyi, P. Effects of Trace Elements on the Immune System. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Immunol. 56,1,2007.

Comment: The above statement is quite a powerful statement and with such far-reaching implications that I think most people have difficulty grasping it. For years we have discussed the importance of specific nutrients on the immune system. We have also reviewed how HTMA can provide an indication for individual nutritional needs and how they influence various components of the immune response as well alter the course of viral and bacterial infections. (See previous TEI Newsletters; Calcium and Virus Activation 1989. The immune System and Hair Tissue Mineral Patterns. Nutritional, Neuro-Endocrine Immunology. 1994. Autoimmune Disease and Women, 2002.) It seems to me that treatment of individuals suffering from immunological disorders without assessing their nutritional requirements would be considered negligence.

Hair Tissue Levels of Heavy Metals and Calcium Pump Activity

The calcium pump is an important regulator of calcium within cells and in the extra cellular space. Calcium regulation can be disrupted by environmental factors such as toxins that include heavy metals. This study discussed the effects of mercury and lead exposure on erythrocyte calcium pump activity in women at delivery and in their newborns. Lead and mercury levels were analyzed in 81 hair and blood samples obtained at delivery. Calcium pump activity was measured in red cells cord blood and maternal erythrocyte plasma membranes. Results found that hair mercury and lead negatively correlated with calcium pump activity in maternal and cord blood erythrocytes. Huel, G, et al. Hair mercury negatively correlates with calcium pump activity in human term newborns and their mothers at delivery. Environ. Hlth. Perspect. 116,2, 2008.

Comment: Markedly elevated hair calcium levels may be associated with abnormal regulation of the calcium pump, especially if heavy metals are present. Abnormal functioning of the calcium pump can lead to a number of health conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders, etc. Dysregulation of the calcium pump can also be caused by internal factors such as endocrine disturbances as well as nutritional imbalances, which can be viewed in HTMA studies.

 

 

Breast Milk Can Contribute to HIV Infections in Infants?

This theory has now been blown away. Health authorities have now reversed their advice for mothers to stop breast feeding and now say that babies born to HIV-positive mothers in poor countries have a greater chance of avoiding infection if they are breast feed exclusively.

Antacids and Fractures

The popular drugs that block the production of stomach acid have been found to increase the susceptibility to hip fractures in people over 50 years of age.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

If you are a pet owner and have a pet that has developed an over-active thyroid, keep them away from flame retardant materials. An epidemic of hyperthyroidism in cats has been linked to certain flame-retardants that are commonly found in the home on mattresses, clothing, drapes, blankets, carpets, etc. It is probably just a matter of time before canines are also found to be affected.

Fatty Liver and Carbohydrates

It is thought that high fat intake can contribute to fatty enlargement of the liver. But, more recent animal studies found that over-consumption of quickly digested carbohydrates in the form of breads, french fries and sweets are a significant cause of liver enlargement and fatty infiltration.

Ask For Your Steak Rare Instead of Well Done

Apparently when meat is overcooked a chemical is formed that mimics a female sex hormone. This may be the reason breast cancer risk has been linked to red meat intake. It is not necessarily the red meat, but the chemical formed when it is over-cooked.

Calcium, Vitamin D and The Brain

This is interesting. It seems in older individuals who consume more calcium and vitamin D, there is a an increase in the number and size of lesions found in their brains.

Lead and Vitamin D

Although vitamin D is an important nutrient, high intake in the young can increase the uptake of lead from the environment.

 

       

  

 

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