UK guidelines recommend a daily dose of aspirin as a "preventive" treatment in the diabetics as they are at a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a study published in the BMJ found no benefit from either aspirin or antioxodants in preventing heart attacks. It also increases the risk of internal bleeding.
The study invloved 1,276 adult patients with diabetes mellitus from 16 diabetic clinics in Scotland between November 1997 and July 2001. Participants were randomly assigned in four groups to receive the aspirin tablet + antioxidant capsule, or aspirin tablet + placebo capsule, or placebo tablet + antioxidant capsule or both a placebo tablet and a placebo capsule.
The findings show that in adults with diabetes and no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, there was no evidence that aspirin or antioxidants use prevented heart attacks, strokes, amputations or death. However, the drug was beneficial in people who already have a history of heart attack or stroke.
Experts said the study was "extremely important" because it confirms the concerns of aspirin use by the general population and it is worth revisiting the guidelines.
Source: Belch J, MacCuish A, Campbell I, et al. The prevention of progression of arterial disease and diabetes (POPADAD) trial: factorial randomised placebo controlled trial of aspirin and antioxidants in patients with diabetes and asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease. BMJ 2008; Published 16 October ( f/t via Athens)
Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
4 cups of tea a day cuts heart disease risk
Newspapers reported a review of several studies on tea consumption and its effects that found drinking more than three cups of tea a day cuts the risk of heart attack due to the natural plant antioxidants, polyphenols, in tea. The researcher also found that adding milk to tea made no difference to the effect of tea. The study was funded by the Tea Advisory Panel and the Tea Council.
Although the evidence indicates a positive role for tea in human health, critics say that there are many risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease, people should not rely on drinking tea for protection from heart attacks.
Source: "Black tea and health." Nutrition Bulletin 2008; 33 91-101
Although the evidence indicates a positive role for tea in human health, critics say that there are many risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease, people should not rely on drinking tea for protection from heart attacks.
Source: "Black tea and health." Nutrition Bulletin 2008; 33 91-101
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Flavanol-containing cocoa improves diabetics blood flow
A small study funded by Mars Inc. (who also provided the cocoa drinks used in the study) found that three mugs of specially formulated cocoa (containing high levels of flavanols, a type of antioxidant ) a day for a month improved blood flow through the arteries by 30% in diabetics.
They used FMD ( flow-mediated dilation) in the brachial artery (artery in the upper arm) to measure cardiovascular risk - lower FMD has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular enents. Researchers concluded that "diets rich in flavanols reverse vascular dysfunction in diabetes" and that cocoa could be used as a treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Critics warn diabetics should not start eating chocolate to try to reduce their cardiovascular risk because of the high levels of fat and sugar involved, they should eat more fruit and vegetables that also have high levels of the antioxidants.
Source: "Sustained Benefits in Vascular Function Through Flavanol-Containing Cocoa in Medicated Diabetic Patients - A Double-Masked, Randomized, Controlled Trial" J American College of Cardiology, 2008; 51:2141-2149
They used FMD ( flow-mediated dilation) in the brachial artery (artery in the upper arm) to measure cardiovascular risk - lower FMD has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular enents. Researchers concluded that "diets rich in flavanols reverse vascular dysfunction in diabetes" and that cocoa could be used as a treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Critics warn diabetics should not start eating chocolate to try to reduce their cardiovascular risk because of the high levels of fat and sugar involved, they should eat more fruit and vegetables that also have high levels of the antioxidants.
Source: "Sustained Benefits in Vascular Function Through Flavanol-Containing Cocoa in Medicated Diabetic Patients - A Double-Masked, Randomized, Controlled Trial" J American College of Cardiology, 2008; 51:2141-2149
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Eating 5 tomatoes a day could help protect against sunburn
A small study, presented at the British Society for Investigative Dermatology, of 10 volunteers found eating five tomatoes a day could help protect against sunburn, reported the BBC.
The study suggests that the antioxidant, lycopene, highest concentration when the tomatoes have been cooked, was behind the benefit. However the study suggests that a diet containing tomatoes could provide an extra tool in sun protection but should not be an alternative to sun cream.
The study suggests that the antioxidant, lycopene, highest concentration when the tomatoes have been cooked, was behind the benefit. However the study suggests that a diet containing tomatoes could provide an extra tool in sun protection but should not be an alternative to sun cream.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Vitamin supplements may not protect your heart
Some previous researches have found viatmin C, E and beta carotene linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but a new study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine casts doubt on these findings.
The latest study involved 8000 women who have a history of cardiovascular disease, randomly assigned to 2 groups : one taking vitamin alone or in combination and one a placebo over 9 years. The results showed that the antioxidants, either alone or in combination had no effect on reducing the risk of heart disease or death in high-risk women.
Some experts suggested that the form of vitamin in over-the-counter dietry supplements may be different from the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables and recommended that lifestyle change with healthy diet and regular exercises is the key to prevent heart disease.
Read the abstract - "A Randomized Factorial Trial of Vitamins C and E and Beta Carotene in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Women - Results From the Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study " Arch Intern Med. 2007;167 (15):1610-1618. 13-27 August.
The latest study involved 8000 women who have a history of cardiovascular disease, randomly assigned to 2 groups : one taking vitamin alone or in combination and one a placebo over 9 years. The results showed that the antioxidants, either alone or in combination had no effect on reducing the risk of heart disease or death in high-risk women.
Some experts suggested that the form of vitamin in over-the-counter dietry supplements may be different from the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables and recommended that lifestyle change with healthy diet and regular exercises is the key to prevent heart disease.
Read the abstract - "A Randomized Factorial Trial of Vitamins C and E and Beta Carotene in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Women - Results From the Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study " Arch Intern Med. 2007;167 (15):1610-1618. 13-27 August.
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