Why was this study done? This study was designed to investigate the assessment of vitamin A status in humans. What did the study find? The study determined that fasting is the best state to determine vitamin A status as many blood changes occur following a carotene-rich meal. Acute Effects of Dietary Carotenes on Serum Alpha…
Why was this study done? Iron depletion is common female athletes and may be common in male athletes. Reasons for lowered iron status in athletes are unknown, but hypothesized to be a result of red blood cell destruction, or increased iron uptake by myoglobin and other enzyme systems. This study was designed to see the…
Why was this study done? Two of the keys to a successful weight loss program are a low-calorie diet and increased exercise. These two strategies are often combined without understanding the effects of each individual part. This study was designed to separate a low-calorie diet from aerobic conditioning to determine which has more effect on…
Why was this article written? At the time this article was written, the jury was still out on whether Omega-3 Fish oils were beneficial or not. This article reviewed the evidence to date on the relationship between fish oils and heart disease (atherosclerosis). Marine Lipids and Atherosclerosis: A Review Authors: Davidson MH, Liebson PR. Cardiovasc…
Why was this study done? Consuming fish on a regular basis has a positive benefit for cardiovascular health. It is thought that the reason for this relationship is that Omega-3 fish oils improve blood lipid (cholesterol, triglyceride) levels. This study was designed to investigate the relationship of differing doses of omega-3 fish oil (1, 3,…
Why was this study done? The proper macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, fat) makeup of a meal is a hotly contested field of research. This study was designed to investigate the effects of a standard carbohydrate meal of approximately 58 grams, consumed along with varying amounts of protein 0, 15.8, 24.1, 33.6, and 49.9 grams to determine…
Why was this study done? Differing shapes of identical chemicals (called isomers) can have differing effects on humans. The “cis” isomer of beta-carotene have shown in animal studies to have lower vitamin A activity, but humans have different physiology than animals. This study was designed to investigate how different isomers of beta-carotene act in humans.…
Why was this article written? Because most people have at least one nutritional deficiency (and maybe more than one) multivitamins are suggested for use by many health professionals and associations. Multivitamins help to fill in gaps in nutrition, providing nutrient missed in normal diets. A multivitamin can be a safe, nutritious, and inexpensive part of…
Why was this article written? Creating good personal care products requires both an understanding of science and an appreciation for art of combining ingredients. Salon Testing: Art or Science? Authors: Whittam J. Cosmetics and Toiletries, 1988. 103: p. 43-6.PDF Article: Cosmetics and Toiletries, 1988.
Why was this study done? Cholesterol lowering can be accomplished through non-pharmacological means (diet, exercise, weight loss) and dietary fiber plays an important role in a cholesterol-lowering plan. This study was designed to investigate the effects of both solid and liquid guar gum on plasma lipid levels (cholesterol, HDL, LDL) in people with moderately high…