Effects of daily almond consumption for six months on cognitive measures in healthy middle-aged to older adults: a randomized control trial.

Background: Age-related cognitive decline is a major public health issue. Almonds are rich in nutrients that benefit cognitive function.

Objective: To investigate the impact of almonds on cognition in elderly adults.

Avocado Consumption Increases Macular Pigment Density in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Lutein is selectively incorporated into the macula and brain. Lutein levels in the macula (macular pigment; MP) and the brain are related to better cognition. MP density (MPD) is a biomarker of brain lutein.

Comparison of plasma alkylresorcinols (AR) and urinary AR metabolites as biomarkers of compliance in a short-term, whole-grain intervention study.

Purpose: Alkylresorcinols (AR) are phenolic lipids present in the bran of wheat and rye. Plasma AR and their urinary metabolites may be suitable biomarkers of whole-grain (WG) wheat and rye consumption. The objective of this study was to examine plasma AR and urinary AR metabolites in response to WG wheat consumption.

Bioavailability of AREDS1 micronutrients from softgel capsules and tablets: a pilot study.

Purpose: The benefits of antioxidant micronutrients in slowing progression to advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was supported by the 4/day tablet form investigated in the Age-related Eye Disease Study 1 (AREDS1) and the 2/day softgel form in the Age-related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2). However, the choices of excipient, dosage form, and ingredient chemistry as well as the patient physiologies and pathologies can influence bioavailability and efficacy. The objective of the study was to explore the influence of dosage form on the bioavailability of the five primary AREDS1 and Tier-2 AREDS2 micronutrients: the metals zinc and copper, β-carotene, and vitamins E and C.

The association between pregame snacks and exercise intensity, stress, and fatigue in children.

To investigate the association between pregame snacks varying in macronutrient content and exercise intensity, physiological stress, and fatigue in young soccer players. One hour before a 50-min soccer game, children (n = 79; 9.1 ± 0.

Nutrients for the aging eye.

The incidence of age-related eye diseases is expected to rise with the aging of the population. Oxidation and inflammation are implicated in the etiology of these diseases. There is evidence that dietary antioxidants and anti-inflammatories may provide benefit in decreasing the risk of age-related eye disease.

Intake of lutein and zeaxanthin differ with age, sex, and ethnicity.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are selectively taken up into the macula of the eye, where they may protect against development of age-related macular degeneration. Accurate assessment of their intakes is important in the understanding of their individual roles in eye health. Current dietary databases lack the appropriate information to ascertain valid dietary intakes of these individual nutrients.

Evaluation of an inexpensive calcium absorption index in healthy older men and women.

Objective: Calcium absorption is an important determinant of calcium retention and bone metabolism. However, most methods of measuring calcium absorption, including the well-established dual stable isotope method, are costly and cumbersome to implement. We evaluated whether an oral calcium tolerance test (OCTT), which involves measuring calcium excretion in a fasting 2-h urine collection and two 2-h collections following an oral calcium dose, may be a useful index of calcium absorption in older adults consuming a fixed calcium intake of 30 mmol/day.

Potassium bicarbonate attenuates the urinary nitrogen excretion that accompanies an increase in dietary protein and may promote calcium absorption.

Context: Protein is an essential component of muscle and bone. However, the acidic byproducts of protein metabolism may have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system, particularly in older individuals with declining renal function.

Objective: We sought to determine whether adding an alkaline salt, potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), allows protein to have a more favorable net impact on intermediary indices of muscle and bone conservation than it does in the usual acidic environment.

Treatment with potassium bicarbonate lowers calcium excretion and bone resorption in older men and women.

Context: Bicarbonate has been implicated in bone health in older subjects on acid-producing diets in short-term studies.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of potassium bicarbonate and its components on changes in bone resorption and calcium excretion over 3 months in older men and women.

Design, Participants, And Intervention: In this double-blind, controlled trial, 171 men and women age 50 and older were randomized to receive placebo or 67.

Effect of a blueberry nutritional supplement on macronutrients, food group intake, and plasma vitamin E and vitamin C in US athletes.

Antioxidants from a blueberry beverage may impact plasma vitamins. We examined vitamins/food selection in 12 college athletes during 30 days compared with placebo. Blood was collected before and after exercise at the beginning of the study (day 1) and then after a 30-day period of taking a daily supplemental beverage (day 30).

Lutein bioavailability is higher from lutein-enriched eggs than from supplements and spinach in men.

Lutein may be protective against diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). At present, data regarding bioavailability of lutein from various sources are insufficient. Healthy men (n = 10) participated in an intervention study with a crossover design.