by Lewis Chang, PhD Data from a recent epidemiological study revealed the bidirectional, pathogenic relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN).1 Both T2D and HTN are important risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Previous epidemiological studies have shown that the presence of HTN predicts future T2D. An international team of researchers from Italy, Mexico and the US were interested in whether the presence of T2D predicted future HTN. Two cohorts were included in this study. The first was the…

Menopausal transition represents a critical period in women’s lives that marks an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Traditional CVD risk factors, such as reduced glucose tolerance, increased blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, tend to become very present during menopausal transition and post-menopausal years which can partly explain the augmentation in CVD risk among women. The natural decline in oestrogen levels during menopause has been associated with the increase in CVD risk among post-menopausal women. Similarly, VMS are postulated to…

Inflammation plays key role in many chronic conditions including IBD, arthritis, diabetes etc. Curcumin, as an active ingredient present in turmeric has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. However, due to its poor bioavailbility in humans (1-2%), there was a need for developing formulations that increased its bioavailability. Curcuminoids in plasma exist in free and conjugated forms. Recent literature suggests that conjugated curcumin metabolites possess low bioactivity and permeability compared to free curcuminoids. Measurement of free curcuminoids…

Sedentary behaviors have been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. In terms of potential mechanisms, research has revealed associations between sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk factors, including higher waist circumference, higher blood pressure, unbalanced glucose and insulin metabolism, and unfavorable blood lipid profile.1 Television watching and its negative impact on health have been well-documented. A recent research study examined whether other types of sedentary behaviors netted a similar, deleterious impact on health. Specifically, the group of public…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  A randomized trial demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) supplementation in combination with aspirin improved cognitive function after an ischemic stroke better than aspirin alone.1 Researchers from Nanjing University Medical School (Nanjing, China) conducted a randomized, open-label, single-blind trial.1 They enrolled 348 patients with an onset of acute ischemic stroke within 7 days from five hospitals in Jiangsu Province (Eastern China). Participants were randomly assigned to GBE (450 mg/day) plus aspirin (100 mg/day) or only aspirin…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Three months of nutritional ketosis provided relief from chronic cluster headache (CCH), according to a study by Di Lorenzo and colleagues.1 Headache complaints are among the most commonly reported neurological disorders. Migraines affect 1 in 7 adults annually and are 2x more common in women than men. In contrast, cluster headache (CH) is rare, affecting < 1% of the population and is 6x more common in men.2 CH is the most severe type of…

DHA or EPA supplementation during gestation increases SPM levels in mothers and newborn babies. Omega-3 fatty acids and metabolic precursors such as specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs, have been associated with reduction of inflammation, and other health conditions.  In pregnancy, omega-3 supplementation has been shown to reduce preterm birth and neonatal concerns. A study by Ellen L. Mozurkewich et al explored if supplementation of EPA- or DHA-rich supplements during pregnancy increases SPM metabolites in serum and cord samples. This study…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  Many nutrition studies utilizing a low fat diet for weight and health management have not consistently demonstrated reductions in cardiovascular events or mortality. In contrast, higher fat diets have netted improved body composition, diet adherence, and satisfying food preferences. However, it is still unknown whether there is an optimal diet composition of fat content for health benefits. A balanced high fat diet (BHFD) is a diet with 50/30/20 ratio of fat/carbohydrate/protein in which the fat component…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN As part of its Breakthrough Devices Program, the FDA authorized marketing for the Brain Trauma Indicator, the first blood test to evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults.1 What is TBI? TBI, also known as “concussion,” occurs following a bump, blow or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury that disrupts the brain’s normal functioning. TBI can cause short- and long-term impairments in thinking, memory, movement, sensation (e.g. vision or hearing) and…

Atrial fibrillation, also referred to as AFib or AF, is the most common type of arrhythmia, characterized by an irregular heartbeat in the atria which reduces flow to the heart ventricles. AF may lead to blood clots, stroke or other heart complications, as well as increased mortality. It is estimated that 2.7 to 6.1 million adults in the US have AF, and that number is expected to increase as the aging population grows.1 AF is not only associated with serious…