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In yet another study extolling the virtues of vitamin D, it has been noted that not only were low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction but also with controlling factors known to be associated with coronary artery disease.

A French study demonstrated that as little as 3 weeks of fish oil supplementation elicited a significant, positive effect on adrenal function.

In a recent study with healthy, elderly patients, zinc supplementation was demonstrated to result in a safe and efficient boost in the lymphocytic stress response. Supplementation with 20mg per day of zinc for 48 days resulted in a markedly increased level of Hsp70 (70kDa heat shock protein) in the lymphocytes of the subjects. The authors concluding remarks stated that "proper dietary zinc intake may emerge as a chaperone inducer and an anti-aging mechanism in the immune system."

A study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher levels of the omega 3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reduced the severity of depression in elderly patients, particularly if they were taking antidepressants.

Australian researchers found significant positive changes in serum markers in overweight and obese men supplemented with psyllium post-prandially. A single dose of psyllium caused a decrease in arterial exposure to TAG and modified chylomicron responses.

A recent Japanese study using athletes found that C0Q10 supplementation led to significantly lower levels of muscle injury as compared to placebo. Protective effects were noted after a short period of time: a mere twenty days.

As lipids in the body are exposed to free radicals, they oxidize via a process called peroxidation. When cholesterol is subject to peroxidation, cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) aka oxysterols are formed and these oxysterols are known to possess cardiovascular damaging properties. A current study found that animals fed a high fat diet but given vitamin C and selenium had significantly lower COPs and similar oxidation markers.

Recently, a group of researhcers from the Arizona Cancer Center found that nearly 80% of Arizonians had suboptimal vitamin D levels (<30 ng/ml).

including a decrease in both lean body mass and total body water, and an increase in body fat, along with a corresponding reduction in the basal metabolic rate. Basic nutritional requirements, however, are not reduced. As such in this population, critical dietary nutrients include antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, carotenoids and zinc, as well as vitamins and minerals, which serve to provide immune support, and to reduce the risk of disease in this population.

In one study magnesium, zinc and vitamin C were implicated as being significantly correlated to bone mineral density in multiple regression models, which were controlled for age, fat and lean tissue, physical activity and energy intake. As such, a comprehensive approach, encompassing multiple vitamins and minerals must be considered for optimal bone health.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition associated with reduced blood flow in the legs can be caused from arterial narrowing or fatty plaque accumulation. Data analyzed from nearly 5,000 study participants found the greatest prevalence of PAD in participants with the lowest levels of vitamin D.

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School suggest that pre-menopausal women with the highest intakes of both calcium and Vitamin D, from dietary and supplemental sources, may lower their risk of developing breast cancer by nearly 40%.

A study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that patients supplemented with probiotics noted improvements in the immune function of white blood cells.

A sixteen week study found that essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation resulted in significant increases in lean body mass, muscle strength, and physical function.

59% of study participants were able to reduce their daily NSAID intake by ~30%. Authors of a recent study determined "fish oil supplementation should be considered in RA patients to help them reduce their NSAID intake in order to attenuate the risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse events associated with these drugs.

While the role of folic acid supplementation in women has long been recognized for preventing fetal developmental anomalies. A new study has found a significant correltaion between high folic acid intake and decreased level of DNA/chromosomal abnormalities in men has brought newfound attention to the importance of paternal dietary factors.

An Australian study reported that a combination of vitamin D3 and calcium saw increases in bone mineral density in senior men, and the effects were still evident 18 months after the cessation of supplementation.

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found a significant correlation between magnesium intake and reduced risks of cerebral infarction in male smokers, and was most pronounced in those under 60 years of age.

A review article in the Journal of Neuroimmunology concluded that vitamin D not only effected clinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis, but also enhanced regulatory T cell function.

A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition found that essential amino acid supplementation of seniors saw beneficial gains in lean body mass, strength, and overall physical functioning.