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Issue # 61.3 - Importance of Lutein and CalciumCalcium supplementation in post-menopausal women This study was designed to investigate whether there was a need for post-menopausal women (who were not using estrogen therapy) to take calcium supplements. It is well known that women are vulnerable to increased calcium loss during and after the menopause due to the decline in estrogen production at this stage of life. Therefore there are two options which can be taken to avoid complications such as osteoporosis and bone fractures. Women can either use hormone replacement therapy or use a high strength calcium supplement. The results of this study showed that there was a positive effect on bone density in those using calcium supplements and that this kind of supplementation is critical for maintaining bone mass. J Nutr Health Aging. 2003;7(5):296-9 Nutritional and Clinical Relevance of Lutein in Human Health Lutein is one of the most widely found carotenoids in the fruits and vegetables we consume on a regular basis. Although lutein is distributed throughout the body, it is mainly found in its highest concentrations in the retina of the eye. Here it helps protect the eye from the potentially damaging effects of UV radiation from sunlight. Lutein has shown no provitamin A activity (it is not converted to vitamin A as with beta-carotene) in man but has been shown to possess biological activities that have attracted great attention in relation to human health. This study collected data from numerous studies using lutein and concluded that regular intakes of this carotenoid is associated with a beneficial impact on visual function and possibly, on the development of other chronic diseases. British Journal of Nutrition 2003, 90, 487-502. |