Health
Selenium is an element (Se) found in metal sulfide ores. While large amounts of selenium are toxic, trace amounts of selenium are important for several processes in the body, including the promotion of blood sugar metabolism and the synthesis of antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which help neutralize free radicals naturally produced by the metabolism.
Chinese scientists found a link between low selenium blood levels and an increased risk of thyroid disease. They studied more than 6,000 people living in two areas of China. People with low selenium blood levels showed an increased risk of low thyroid function, immune-related thyroid disease and an enlarged thyroid gland.
Increased selenium intake through diet and supplements could prevent many cases of thyroid disease. Natural food sources of selenium include nuts, cereals and mushrooms. Selenium is found in most multivitamin supplements.
(Journal Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100: 4037 - 4047, 2015)
Sudden cardiac death is rare, especially among athletes. In people under 35, a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of death. In older adults, coronary artery disease is usually the culprit.
A study led by Selcul Adabag of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis found that abdominal obesity increases the risk of sudden cardiac death by 100 percent compared to people who are lean around the abdomen. Abdominal obesity was identified by a high body mass index (weight proportional to height), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The results were corrected for the presence of heart disease, heart failure and enlargement of the heart.
The scientists speculated that fat storage in the abdominal area could increase body-wide inflammation levels.
To reduce this level, doctors and nutritionists recommend eating foods high in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.
(Heart, published online November 19, 2014)
Carbohydrates - especially simple carbohydrates - have been labeled the "bad guys" in nutrition. Some scientists have speculated that rapid increases in blood sugar levels cause obesity, insulin resistance and heart disease.
A Harvard study conducted with 163 overweight adults who followed four different diets that included different amounts and types of carbohydrates concluded that dietary carbohydrate composition had no effect on blood sugar regulation, blood lipid levels or systolic blood pressure (the upper blood pressure reading).
Individual lifestyle, including exercise, dietary intake, sleep habits, smoking and stress, has a greater impact on health than dietary factors in isolation.
(Journal American Medical Association, 312: 2531 -2541, 2014)
Tears of the pectoralis major muscle are rare in the general population, but more common among serious bodybuilders and strength athletes. The injury usually occurs during the bench press (with supplements) but can also occur during pass blocking in American football or plyometric upper body exercises.
A literature review conducted by British scientists concludes that a pectoralis major tear is accompanied by severe pain, weakness and deformity of the chest and shoulder. An MRI scan is the best way to assess the severity of the injury - in addition to manual tests.
Serious bodybuilders and strength athletes should receive surgical treatment for most pectoralis major tears. Non-surgical treatment is successful in only 27 percent of cases, while excellent results are reported in 88 percent of surgically treated patients.
(Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, published online January 1, 2015)
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are extremely popular and are touted as important health boosters when used on their own. Health experts often recommend calcium supplements for strengthening bones, improving blood clotting and optimizing nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Vitamin D supplements are recommended for the prevention of cancer, heart disease, fractures and falls, autoimmune diseases, influenza, type 2 diabetes and depression.
A literature review conducted by British scientists warns that the combination of calcium and vitamin D supplements could be dangerous as it could promote heart attacks, increased blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels and insulin resistance.
A study conducted with women showed that a supplement containing a combination of calcium and vitamin D reduced the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer by nearly 20 percent, but increased the risk of heart attack by 24 percent.
Further research is needed on the combination of these supplements due to their widespread use.
(Artheriosclerosis, 238: 388 - 398, 2015)
