Every Monday I receive an e-mail from Tishcon Corp, a company known for making Q-Gel (a Coenzyme Q10 supplement), that summarizes recent studies relating to nutritional supplements and health.  What I will be doing every Monday from here on in is to summarize the top 4-5 studies I think are important. 

Here goes volume #1:

Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Worse Cognitive Function and Low Mood in Older Adults – This study suggests that vitamin D deficiency is found in the elderly who are suffering from dementia or Alzhemier’s. This is just another reason to make sure (especially in the winter) to get at least 800 i.u.’s of vitamin D a day (400 for children).

Folic Acid Supplementation May Benefit Persons Exposed to Arsenic – This study suggests that folic acid supplementation may protect you against the effects of arsenic. Another good reason to make sure you get adequate folic acid (as well as other B-vitamins) everyday.

Eating Bacon May Increase the Risk of Bladder Cancer – Because of the high levels of nitrites in bacon (and other cured meats) this study reveals that excessive bacon intake (more than 5 times a week) has been associated with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.  Too much of a good thing can be dangerous.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Mineral Augmentation in Adolescent Girls – The data on vitamin D keeps on coming.  Increasing vitamin D supplementation does seem to be beneficial in bone creation.

Higher Intake of Phytoestrogens During Adolescence May Lower the Risk of Adult Breast Cancer – Phytoestrogens, which are found in a number of foods seem to be quite beneficial in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. Better to protect yourself now than wait to develop the disease later seems to be the lesson here.

Eating Nuts May Lower the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease – This study suggested that eating nuts may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, likely due to the increased levels of beneficial fatty acids. A nice place to get really high quality nuts is Jigsaw Health.