Calcium Supplements Do Not Alter Exercise Metabolism

Several recent studies showed a link between high calcium intake, particularly dairy foods, and reduced body fat. Calcium might reduce fat absorption, increase fat use, and suppress appetite. British researchers from Northumbria University found that supplementing 1,400 milligrams of calcium had no effect on fuel used during exercise. They examined blood fatty acid levels, glycerol, glucose and lactate. Calcium supplements did not affect appetite. It appears that calcium supplements do not speed weight loss or promote weight control. (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, published online March 19,2014)

Omega-3s Reduce Blood Pressure

Omega-3 fatty acids, from supplements or Omega-3-rich foods such as fatty fish, lower blood pressure as effectively as reducing dietary sodium and alcohol or increasing physical activity. A meta-analysis of 70 studies found that omega-3s reduced systolic pressure by 1.62 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and diastolic pressure by 0.99 mmHg. Changes were even higher in people not treated for high blood pressure (4.51 and 3.05 mmHg). About 60 percent of Americans have high blood pressure. Taking supplements high in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA is a simple way to help lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure by only 2 mmHg reduces the risk of stroke by 6 percent, heart attack by 4 percent, and total death rate by 3 percent. (American Journal Hypertension, published online March 6, 2014)

The Health Benefits Of Wild Rice

Wild rice is a popular food in East Asia and is gaining a foothold in the United States. It is high in vitamins, minerals, protein, starch, fiber and antioxidants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it as a whole grain. A review of literature by scientists from the University of Manitoba in Canada concluded that wild rice, when consumed as part of a healthy diet, contributes to health by supplying antioxidants, reducing blood fats and supplying a good source of fiber. Wild rice has a greater antioxidant capacity than the same amount of white rice. In animal studies, long-term consumption of wild rice reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. Wild rice is a heart-healthy food. (Nutrition Reviews, 72:227-236, 2014)

High Red Meat Intake Linked To Low Sperm Counts

A Harvard School Of Public Health study led by Myriam Afeiche found that consuming processed meats was linked to reduced sperm counts and abnormalities an sperm size and shape compared to men who ate less processed redmeat. Sperm quality is directly related to fertility--the capacity to trigger pregnancy. Researchers found that eating fish was linked to better semen quality. The results were not linked to the intake of total fat or saturated fat. This study did not show that eating processed red meat caused fertility problems--only that they were associated. (Epidemiology, 25: 323-330, 2014)

People Are Eating Less Fish

The average person in the United States eats 14.4 pounds of seafood per year, which is two pounds less than in 2004. In contrast, Japanese people consume 1.20 pounds and Spaniards consume 96 pounds. Fish industry consumer experts speculate that Americans are concerned about food safety and how to cook fish. For example, continued publicity about high mercury levels in large fish has steered Americans away from the product. Seafood companies are trying to emulate the chicken industry, which has witnessed a 143 percent increase in sales during the past few years. Fish producers must convince consumers that their products are safe and convenient. Most Americans consume fish outside the home, so the decrease in fish consumption has hurt seafood restaurants. (The Wall Street Journal, April 14, 2014)

D-Aspartate Promotes Testosterone Sythesis

Aspartate is a nonessential amino acid, which means that the body produces it naturally and it doesn't have to be consumed in the diet. Italian researchers found that a variant of aspartate called D-aspartate promotes testosterone synthesis in the Leydig cells of the testes. Researchers studied D-aspartate supplementation in rats and in lab cultures of rat Leydig cells. There is some evidence that the effects are temporary so the value of long-term supplementation is questionable. (Steroids, published online March 16, 2014)

Diets High In Added Sugar Increase The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

High consumption of foods containing added sugar increases the risk of cardiovascular disease--according to a study from the centers for disease control and prevention. Researchers studied the relationship between extra sugar intake and heart disease deaths between 1988 and 2010 in more than 30,000 people using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Calories from added sugar increased from 15.7 percent in 1988 to 16.8 percent in 2004, and then decreased to 14.9 percent in 2010. People consuming the largest amount of added sugar in their diet increased their risk of heart-related deaths by 175 percent. Overconsumption of added sugar foods increases the risk of cardiovascular deaths. On a positive note, Americans are getting the message and consuming fewer of these foods. (Journal American Medical Association Internal Medicine, 174:516-524, 2014)

Organ Sizes Increase With Weight Gain in Football Players

Size of the liver, heart and kidneys increase as football players gain weight. College football players get considerably bigger between their freshman and senior years. A Japanese study of American football players found that seniors were 25 pounds larger than freshman. The size of the liver, kidney and heart increased proportionally with bodyweight. Brain weight did not change. The researchers compared a group of freshman and senior football players. They also measured changes in organ sizes after one year as a freshman. The study used sophisticated methods such as DEXA, MRI and ultrasound to measure changes in organ weight. (lnternational Journal Sports Nutrition Exercise Metabolism, 23:617-623, 2013)


Best Calcium Supplements
By Steve Blechman and Thomas Fahey, ED.D.
From Muscular Development