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Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil on lipid parameters and in vitro LDL oxidation. Nevin KG, Rajamohan T. Clin Biochem. 2004 Sep;37(9):830-5. PMID: 15329324 doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2004.04.010 Conclusion: The results demonstrated the potential beneficiary effect of virgin coconut oil in lowering lipid levels in serum and tissues and LDL oxidation by physiological oxidants. This property of VCO may be attributed to the biologically active polyphenol components present in the oil

Table of Contents Ch. I Is calcidiol an active hormone? 1 Ch. II Vitamin D as a neurosteroid hormone : from neurobiological effects to behavior 29 Ch. III Inhibitors of vitamin D hydroxylases : mechanistic tools and therapeutic aspects 67 Ch. IV Vitamin D analogues as anti-cancer therapies 145 Ch. V Paricalcitol : a vitamin D2 analog with anticancer effects with low calcemic activity 169 Ch. VI Vitamin D use among older adults in U.S. : results form national surveys 1997 to 2002 181 Ch VII Vitamin D deficiency in migrants 199 Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone precursor that contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. Strictly speaking, it is not a vitamin since human skin can manufacture it, but it is referred to as one for historical reasons. It is often known as calciferol. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralisation in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals and hormones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft or misshapen. Vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults -- skeletal diseases that result in defects that weaken bones. This book gathers international research on the leading-edge of the scientific front.

Vitamin D and calcium insufficiency-related chronic diseases: molecular and cellular pathophysiology. Peterlik M, Cross HS. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;63(12):1377-86. Epub 2009 Sep 2. PMID: 19724293 doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.105 A compromised vitamin D status, characterized by low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) serum levels, and a nutritional calcium deficit are widely encountered in European and North American countries, independent of age or gender. Both conditions are linked to the pathogenesis of many degenerative, malignant, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Studies on tissue-specific expression and activity of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes, 25-(OH)D-1alpha-hydroxylase and 25-(OH)D-24-hydroxylase, and of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) have led to the understanding of how, in non-renal tissues and cellular systems, locally produced 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) and extracellular Ca2+ act jointly as key regulators of cellular proliferation, differentiation and function. Impairment of cooperative signalling from the 1,25-(OH)2D3-activated vitamin D receptor (VDR) and from the CaR in vitamin D and calcium insufficiency causes cellular dysfunction in many organs and biological systems, and, therefore, increases the risk of diseases, particularly of osteoporosis, colorectal and breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type I, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the underlying molecular and cellular processes provides a rationale for advocating adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium in all populations, thereby preventing many chronic diseases worldwide.

n-3 Fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: mechanisms underlying beneficial effects. Jung UJ, Torrejon C, Tighe AP, Deckelbaum RJ. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jun;87(6):2003S-9S. PMID: 18541602 Dietary n-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are important nutrients through the life cycle. Evidence from observational, clinical, animal, and in vitro studies indicates a beneficial role of n-3 fatty acids in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Although the precise mechanisms are still unclear, clinical and preclinical studies indicate that the cardioprotective effects of n-3 fatty acids may be attributed to a number of distinct biological effects on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, blood pressure, platelet function, arterial cholesterol delivery, vascular function, and inflammatory responses. Substantial evidence supports n-3 fatty acids as a practical, therapeutic adjuvant for promoting cardiovascular health and preventing and treating disease. n-3 Fatty acids modulate a number of important physiologic responses that can contribute to their cardioprotective effects. The multiple and complex mechanisms through which DHA and EPA exert their action appear to be distinct but also complementary. However, more studies are needed to quantify their protective effects and to define exact mechanisms of action.

"Carotenoids, found in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits, have been found to increase visual performance and may prevent age-related eye diseases, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists. Authors from the University of Georgia compiled the results of multiple studies on the effects of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance. These carotenoids play an important role in human vision, including a positive impact on the retina. After reviewing the various studies, the authors concluded that rmacular pigments, such as lutein and zeaxanthin do have an effect on visual performance. Lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce disability and discomfort from glare, enhance contrast, and reduce photostress recovery times. They can also reduce glare from light absorption and increase the visual range. Lead author Dr. Billy R. Hammond Jr. noted that the research of the effects of lutein and zeazanthin are important because "it is clear that they could potentially improve vision through biological means. For example, a study conducted in 2008 suggests that the pigments protect the retina and lens and perhaps even help prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract"

Tofu and cognitive function: food for thought. Grodstein F, Mayeux R, Stampfer MJ. J Am Coll Nutr. 2000 Apr;19(2):207-9. Review. PMID: 10763901 In addition, a plausible biologic hypothesis is generally an important part of judging epidemiologic relations. While high tofu intake may lead to lower plasma estrogen levels [12], we do not know how tofu influences estrogen levels in the brain; we also know very little about estrogen effects in men. Furthermore, data have not even consistently indicated that low endogenous estrogen levels are directly related to cognitive function in non-demented subjects [13]. The authors also posit a non-estrogen mediated hypothesis for the effects of tofu, namely that soy inhibits hippocampal tyrosine kinase and may block long-term potentiation (the likely mechanism by which humans learn and remember). Still, considerably more work must be done to substantiate this hypothesis. Finally, the single measures of outcome used in this study may have limited value, as cognitive function and brain structure change over time. Factors which predict these measures at one point may or may not be the same as those which predict decline over time; fundamentally, the public health interest is in preventing cognitive decline, as the steepness of the decline trajectory likely provides an early marker for risk of the more clinically relevant result-dementia.

The vitamin D-antimicrobial peptide pathway and its role in protection against infection. Gombart AF. Future Microbiol. 2009 Nov;4:1151-65. PMID: 19895218 Vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with increased rates of infection. Since the early 19th century, both environmental (i.e., sunlight) and dietary sources (cod liver) of vitamin D have been identified as treatments for TB. The recent discovery that vitamin D induces antimicrobial peptide gene expression explains, in part, the 'antibiotic' effect of vitamin D and has greatly renewed interest in the ability of vitamin D to improve immune function. Subsequent work indicates that this regulation is biologically important for the response of the innate immune system to wounds and infection and that deficiency may lead to suboptimal responses toward bacterial and viral infections. The regulation of the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide gene is a human/primate-specific adaptation and is not conserved in other mammals. The capacity of the vitamin D receptor to act as a high-affinity receptor for vitamin D and a low-affinity receptor for secondary bile acids and potentially other novel nutritional compounds suggests that the evolutionary selection to place the cathelicidin gene under control of the vitamin D receptor allows for its regulation under both endocrine and xenobiotic response systems. Future studies in both humans and humanized mouse models will elucidate the importance of this regulation and lead to the development of potential therapeutic applications

It's indeed an open secret that quite a lot of ladies are having difficulties in getting pregnant and they're simply at loss in regards to the situation. It doesn't matter what they fight, things simply do not get better and they're fast running out of options. Nonetheless, if you happen to belong to this group of people, you should take consolation in realizing that you are not unique. Additionally, do not put the complete blame on yourself because most of the time, there are biological issues which you simply are powerless about and have no control over. Fortuitously, there are particular methods which are known solely to very few people who could assist you to in getting pregnant. Keep on reading to unearth them in case you are serious about conceiving.

Hunger is defined as the "desire to eat caused by a sensation that comes from a lack of food in the stomach". Therefore, we can identify hunger as a biological impulse that moves us to look for food. Studies that have centered on the moment on which we stop ingesting food show that the main reason why we stop eating is lack of hunger. But do we always stop when we are satiated?

Measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a clinical environment: challenges and needs. Hollis BW. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Aug;88(2):507S-510S. Review. PMID: 18689391 In this article, I provide an overview of the techniques available for measuring 25(OH)D, compare these techniques with one another, and assess their clinical utility. I also briefly discuss the stability of 25(OH)D in biological media and present an overview of the Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in vitamin D-insufficient hip fracture patients after supplementation with ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol. Glendenning P, Chew GT, Seymour HM, Gillett MJ, Goldswain PR, Inderjeeth CA, Vasikaran SD, Taranto M, Musk AA, Fraser WD. Bone. 2009 Nov;45(5):870-5. Epub 2009 Jul 23. PMID: 19631774 doi:10.1016/j.bone.2009.07.015 Cholecalciferol supplementation resulted in a 31% greater increase in total HPLC-measured 25OHD (p=0.010) and 52% greater rise in RIA-measured 25OHD (p0.05). In vitamin D-insufficient hip fracture patients, supplementation with cholecalciferol 1000 IU/day for three months was more effective in increasing serum 25OHD than an equivalent dose of ergocalciferol. However, the lack of difference in PTH lowering between calciferol treatments raises questions about the biological importance of this observation.

"Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in the making of an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes including muscle contraction and the production of protein. CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant."

A nutrition blog by Dr. Ayers Inflammation is the foundation for cancer and degenerative/autoimmune diseases. Small changes in diet and exercise, e.g. omega-3 oils, vitamin D, low starch, plant antioxidants, and maintaining muscle mass, can dramatically alter predisposition to disease and aging, and minimize the negative impact of genetic risks. Based on my experience in biological research, I am trying to explain how the anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle combat disease. Anti-Inflammatory Diet All health care starts with diet. Here are my recommendations for a basic Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Lifestyle. There are over 140 articles on diet, inflammation and disease here, and more articles by Dr. Ayers on Suite101 .

"Lectins are sugar-binding proteins which are highly specific for their sugar moieties. They typically play a role in biological recognition phenomena involving cells and proteins. For example, some viruses use lectins to attach themselves to the cells of the host organism during infection"

Welcome to the English language website for the "Optimal Diet" movement. The Optimal Diet is a dietary model of human nutrition devised and implemented by Dr. Jan Kwasniewski. The Optimal Diet is a movement, which originated in recent years in Poland, and has rapidly spread to a number of countries worldwide, is to improve the well-being, health and biological value of people as individuals, and to correct nutritional mistakes of human kind as a whole, through promotion and implementation of the "optimal" model of human nutrition. Optimal Diet is based on the delivery of the most important nutritional elements, e.g., the most valuable proteins and fats, whilst leaving the body in charge of the distribution of these elements to the most critical areas. The ideal proportion between the main food components of protein, fat and carbohydrates should be in the range of : m m m m 1 : 2.5 - 3.5 : 0.5 In order to work out the correct daily food intake using this proportion, one has to know how many grams of protein needs to be ingested in a day to satisfy body's requirements.

There are many kinds of water. Steam and ice are 2 extremes. Water used to drink is liquid. Liquid water can be affected greatly by the way it is obtained. Distilled water is usually clear of toxins but is also devoid of minerals. Municipally treated water is not too risky from a microbial perspective but contains chlorine and possibly other water treatment and sewage contaminants. Municipal water treatment systems do not remove other waste water contaminants such as excreted drugs, metals, pesticides, insecticides, etc. This is why municipal systems that use deep artesian water are the safest. The best water is obtained from deep artesian wells, uncontaminated by human agency or biologic accidents, where it has filtered through many layers of stone, earth and rocks. The rain water you may drink is very much like distilled water, except it carries with it whatever contaminants are in the atmosphere.

Marambaud P, Zhao H, Davies P. Resveratrol promotes clearance of Alzheimer's disease amyloid-beta peptides. J Biol Chem. 2005 Nov 11;280(45):37377-82. Epub 2005 Sep 14. PMID: 16162502 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]