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We analyzed the association between dietary intake and chronotype as assessed by both Morningness--Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) score and preferred midpoint of sleep in 112 young Japanese women. Dietary intake was assessed by a brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire. A lower MEQ score (evening-type tendency) showed a significant association with a lower energy-adjusted intake of protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins (D, riboflavin, and B6), and vegetables, and with a higher intake of noodles. Furthermore, a later midpoint of sleep showed a significant association with a lower energy-adjusted intake of protein, cholesterol, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins (D, riboflavin, B6, and B12), soy, fish and shellfish, and eggs, and with a higher intake of noodles, bread, and confections. These data suggest that evening chronotype is associated with inadequate dietary habits such as low vitamin and mineral intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of supplementation with multivitamin and mineral on blood pressure and C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese women with increased cardiovascular disease risk as having hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperlipemia. Subjects and Methods: 128 obese Chinese women aged 18-55 years with increased cardiovascular disease risk participated in a 26-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were randomized to four groups, and received either one tablet of high-dose multivitamin and mineral supplement (MMS), or one tablet of low-dose MMS (Low MMS), or calcium 162 mg (Calcium) or identical placebo (Placebo) daily during the study. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and serum concentrations of CRP were measured at baseline and end-trial. Results: At baseline, the subjects had an average age of 42.0 ± 7.1 years and BMI of 30.9 ± 2.8 kg/m². There were no significant differences between the four groups in baseline characteristics. One hundred and seventeen subjects completed the study. After 26-week supplementation, both SBP and DBP were significantly lower in the MMS group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was also a non-significant trend of lower DBP at 26-week in the MMS and calcium groups compared to baseline (p < 0.08). At 26-week, the MMS group also had significantly lower serum concentrations of CRP compared with that of baseline and the placebo group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results showed that supplementation with adequate multivitamin and mineral supplement could reduce blood pressure and serum CRP in obese women with increased cardiovascular disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is hypothesis that in relatively healthy older people supplement usage can be consider as healthy life style habit and as such can positively influence longevity. To determine whether supplement use was associated with all-cause mortality in the participants of the SENECA study. Baseline measurements were carried out in 1988/1989 among 75 to 80-year-old people living in 15 European small towns. All-cause mortality was followed up to April 30, 1999. Data from 920 men and 980 women who were ischemic heart diseases-, stroke- and cancer-free at baseline were included. The multivariate adjusted (for sex, age, years of education, physical activity, BMI, chronic diseases, Mediterranean Diet Score, alcohol use and the place of living) hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mortality by use of any type of nutrient supplement and by particular nutrient supplement use were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. At baseline, 13% of participants used nutritional supplements, 19% of subjects were smokers. During 10 years of follow-up 445 men and 252 women died. Among non-smokers no significant associations between total supplement use and particular nutrient supplement use were observed. Among smokers use of any type of supplements (Multivariate HR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.02–2.28), use of vitamin B1 (Multivariate HR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.00–2.48) and vitamin B2 supplements (Multivariate HR: 1.60; 95%CI: 1.00–2.56) were associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality. The similar tendencies were observed among vitamin B6 and vitamin C supplement users who were smokers. Among smokers, participants of the SENECA study, supplement use increased all-cause mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 130 years of research has focused on removing acute and chronic health threats to produce safe drinking water, but limited research has focused the consequences of removing minerals that affect drinking water taste and health. This paper covers the human sense of taste, typical variations in drinking water taste, comparisons of global taste standards, the role of water chemistry and future research needs for understanding consumer preference, Results of several consumer tap and bottled water acceptability investigations conducted by the authors are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the present knowledge base on soil and human health. After a brief historical introduction the most important issues are introduced. Attention is paid to the soil-to-man chain in the supply of mineral nutrients. The most important elements having positive or negative effects on human health are discussed per element in terms of their role in the human body, sources in the diet, and positive or negative effects. The geographical dimension of geo-medicine is treated with special focus on (1) aspects of malnutrition in developing countries and (2) contaminated lands in Western societies. The paper calls for interdisciplinary cross-links and concludes by listing issues for future geo-medical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, emission and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the jackfruit seed, in powdered form, are recorded. Analysis of the emission spectrum confirms the presence of two hitherto undetected elements, manganese and magnesium. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum reveals the presence of some specific functional groups, attributed to the different bands present in the spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health recommendations encourage the selection of a balanced diet and increasing physical activity to foster health and well-being. Whereas the adverse effects of restricted intakes of protein, fat, and carbohydrate on physical performance are well known, there is limited information about the impact of low intakes of vitamins and minerals on the exercise capacity and performance of humans. Physically active people generally consume amounts of vitamins and minerals consistent with the recommendations for the general public. However, when intakes are less than recommendations, some noticeable functional impairments occur. Acute or short-term marginal deficiencies, identified by blood biochemical measures of vitamin B status, had no impacts on performance measures. Severe deprivation of folate and vitamin B12 result in anemia and reduce endurance work performance. Evidence of vitamin A and E deficiencies in athletic individuals is lacking apparently because body storage is appreciable. In contrast to vitamins, marginal mineral deficiencies impair performance. Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, impairs muscle function and limits work capacity. Magnesium deprivation increases oxygen requirements to complete submaximal exercise and reduces endurance performance. Use of vitamin and mineral supplements does not improve measures of performance in people consuming adequate diets. Young girls and individuals participating in activities with weight classifications or aesthetic components are prone to nutrient deficiencies because they restrict food intake and specific micronutrient-rich foods. This information will be useful to professionals who counsel physically active people and scientific groups who make dietary recommendations to improve health and optimize genetic potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Deals with a study which evaluated bone mineral density and body composition 11 years after the onset of anorexia nervosa. Methods; Results; Discussion.

A new concept of grouping of minerals, which will be helpful for understanding the actual status of human health, on the basic of elementological biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Carcinogenesis encompasses a prolonged accumulation of injuries at several different biological levels and include both genetic and biochemical changes in the cells. At each of these levels, there are several possibilities of intervention in order to prevent, slow down or even halt the gradual march of healthy cells towards malignancy. Diet modification is one such possibility. A number of natural foodstuffs, especially fruits and vegetables contain substantial quantities of molecules that have chemopreventive potential against cancer development. Such compounds include vitamins, trace elements and a variety of other molecules with antioxidant properties. Carotenoids, flavanoid polyphenols, isoflavones, catechins, and several other components that found in cruciferous vegetables are molecules that are known to protect against the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species. A number of epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that vitamin C and E, Beta-carotene and the essential trace element selenium can reduce the risk of cancer. Consistent observations during the last few decades that cancer risk is reduced by a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains and green tea have encouraged research to identify several plant components especially phytochemicals that protect against DNA damage. Many of these substances block specific carcinogen pathways. Dietary supplements are part of an overall health program, along with a high intake of fruits and vegetables that help to combat damage to cells, which in turn may initiate cancer development. This paper will review current knowledge concerning diet modification and cancer prevention with special reference to minerals and trace elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the goals and methods of mineral stable-isotope research in infants and children. Increasing role of mineral nutrition in the healthcare of children; Methods for evaluating mineral requirements in children; Effects of acute and chronic illnesses on mineral absorption and metabolism.

Investigates the effects of three types of meat diets on zinc absorption, elemental balance and related clinical indexes in a metabolic study of women aged 51-70. Subjects; Diets; Chemical analyses; Zinc absorption measurements; Bone mineral determinations.

Intakes of minerals and factors that might affect their bioavailability were estimated for 255 toddlers aged 1 8-30 mo living in villages in Egypt, Kenya, and Mexico. Mean intakes over 1 y were compared with international-requirement estimates by using a probability approach. The prevalence of iron intakes likely to be inadequate to prevent anemia was estimated as 35% in Egypt, 1 3% in Kenya, and 43% in Mexico. The prevalence of zinc intakes likely to be inadequate to meet basal requirements was estimated as 57% and 25% in Kenya and Mexico, respectively, but only 10% in Egypt, where the use of yeast-leavened breads was judged to have improved zinc availability. There was no suggestion that estimated copper or magnesium intakes were inadequate, but calcium intakes in Kenya and Egypt were well below recommended amounts. Studies of factors affecting mineral bioavailability in the diets of these countries' populations could suggest dietary changes that might improve effective mineral intake with minimal cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the research led by Judith R. Turnlund at the United States Agricultural Research Service Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, California on the nutritional value of copper. Significance of the computer model developed by Turnlund on copper absorption; Other minor nutrients investigated by Turnland and colleagues for their nutritional value.

Presents an overview of studies on the role of minerals in the brain function of humans. Relationship between iron and the ability to focus; Interaction of brain power with zinc; Researchers involved in the studies.