Soy Isoflavone Supplement Does Not Improve Symptoms for Patients with Poorly Controlled Asthma

JAMA: Although some data have suggested that supplementation with soy isoflavone may be an effective treatment for patients with poor asthma control, a randomized trial that included nearly 400 children and adults found that use of the supplement did not result in improved lung function or clinical outcomes, including asthma symptoms and episodes of poor asthma control, according to a study in the May 26 issue of JAMA. Soy isoflavones are plant (soybean) derived chemicals that have anti-oxidant effects.

Dietary supplements shown to increase cancer risk

Colorado: While dietary supplements may be advertised to promote health, research shows that over-the-counter supplements may actually increase cancer risk if taken in excess of the recommended daily amount. “We are not sure why this is happening at the molecular level but evidence shows that people who take more dietary supplements than needed tend to have a higher risk of developing cancer,” explains Byers, associate director for cancer prevention and control at the CU Cancer Center.

Frail elderly people take nutritional supplements to retain their independence

Wageningen: Frail community-dwelling elderly people take oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to prolong their independence, whereas the main motive for frail elderly people in care homes is to achieve small improvements in quality of life. These are the conclusions of researchers from Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, based on personal interviews with elderly ONS users. The results will help GPs, nutritionists and pharmacists to give personal advice to the elderly, and improve consumption of these oral nutritional supplements.

Iron and zinc found to be a mood booster for women

DeakinUniversity health researchers have found that increasing iron and zinc intakes can help boost a woman's mood and memory and may be a way to address cognitive decline in old age.

Popular antioxidant likely ineffective, study finds

McGill: The popular dietary supplement ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q₁₀, is widely believed to function as an antioxidant, protecting cells against damage from free radicals. But a new study by scientists at McGill University finds that ubiquinone is not a crucial antioxidant -- and that consuming it is unlikely to provide any benefit.

Dietary/Herbal Supplements are Common Causes of liver failure

Pennsylvania University. US: Study Upends Common Belief that Prescription Drugs are Prime Culprits in Causing Liver Failure.