Vitamin Archives

Integrated health strategies can save children’s lives, says UNICEF

The State of the World?s Children 2008: Child Survival – The report provides information on a strategic framework developed by UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank ? at the invitation of the African Union ? to help African countries and others reduce the toll of maternal and child deaths.
– Strategies that can help reduce the number of children who die before their fifth birthday were highlighted today, at the launch of UNICEF’s flagship report – The State of the World’s Children 2008: Child Survival ? in Geneva.

Genetically modified carrots provide more calcium for osteoporosis patients

Genetically modifying carrots to express increased levels of a gene that enables the transport of calcium across membranes of plant cells can make the vegetables a better source of calcium. – A specially developed carrot has been produced to help people absorb more calcium. Researchers studied the calcium intake of humans who ate the carrot and found a net increase in calcium absorption. Adding this carrot to the diet can help prevent such diseases as osteoporosis.

Vitamin D deficiency may increase heart disease risk

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with incident cardiovascular disease. Further clinical and experimental studies may be warranted to determine whether correction of vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. – The same vitamin D deficiency that can result in weak bones now has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Framingham Heart Study researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Most ancient case of tuberculosis found

Professor John Kappelman of The University of Texas at Austin reveals the most ancient evidence of the tuberculosis disease has been found in a 500,000-year-old human fossil from Turkey.
– Although most scientists believe tuberculosis emerged only several thousand years ago, new research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals the most ancient evidence of the disease has been found in a 500,000-year-old human fossil from Turkey.

Kids eat more fruits, vegetables

One of the major contributing factors to the high rate of overweight children in the United States is that they do not consume the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.
– A new UCLA study has found that elementary schools can significantly increase the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income students by providing a lunch salad bar.