Could chocolate and oranges help prevent frailty in old age?

A study by The University of Nottingham is hoping to establish the health benefits from cocoa and vitamin C.

Researchers who are trying to find ways of helping us maintain muscle mass as we grow old have received funding of £270,000 from the Dunhill Medical Trust to carry out their Chocolate Orange Study.

The study is being run by Beth Philips a postgraduate research associate in the Department of Clinical Physiology. The department is a world leader in the research of skeletal muscle, with a focus on muscle protein synthesis and degradation.

Using state-of-the-art technology — a contrast enhanced ultrasound machine — Beth is monitoring the impact of cocoa and vitamin C on the amount of blood flow that reaches the muscle in both fasted and fed conditions.

In the UK there are now more people over the age of 65 than there are under the age of 18. It is projected that by 2033 the number of people aged 85 and over will reach 3.2 million — that will account for five per cent of the population.

Falling is one of the major causes of premature death in elderly people. From the age of 50 onwards we lose up to 0.4 per cent of our muscle mass every year. This makes us less mobile, more prone to fractures and at higher risk of a potentially life-threatening fall.

Beth said: "There is a well-established correlation between premature mortality and muscle mass loss in the elderly. We have shown that as we age the blood flow to our legs in response to feeding is impaired. This means that fewer nutrients and oxygen are able to reach our muscles which may contribute to muscle wasting and ultimately frailty. We want to know if cocoa and vitamin C can help slow down this deterioration."

Researchers will take blood samples and muscle biopsies from a group of volunteers aged between 18 - 28 and 65 - 75. The study will involve the insertion of four fine canulae for blood sampling, four muscle biopsies and the previously mentioned contrast-enhanced ultrasound measures to assess any changes in blood flow to the leg muscles.

The tests will be carried out in Derby at the University's School of Graduate Entry Medicine.

A study by The University of Nottingham is hoping to establish the health benefits from cocoa and vitamin C.

Researchers who are trying to find ways of helping us maintain muscle mass as we grow old have received funding of £270,000 from the Dunhill Medical Trust to carry out their Chocolate Orange Study.

The study is being run by Beth Philips a postgraduate research associate in the Department of Clinical Physiology. The department is a world leader in the research of skeletal muscle, with a focus on muscle protein synthesis and degradation.

Using state-of-the-art technology — a contrast enhanced ultrasound machine — Beth is monitoring the impact of cocoa and vitamin C on the amount of blood flow that reaches the muscle in both fasted and fed conditions.

In the UK there are now more people over the age of 65 than there are under the age of 18. It is projected that by 2033 the number of people aged 85 and over will reach 3.2 million — that will account for five per cent of the population.

Falling is one of the major causes of premature death in elderly people. From the age of 50 onwards we lose up to 0.4 per cent of our muscle mass every year. This makes us less mobile, more prone to fractures and at higher risk of a potentially life-threatening fall.

Beth said: "There is a well-established correlation between premature mortality and muscle mass loss in the elderly. We have shown that as we age the blood flow to our legs in response to feeding is impaired. This means that fewer nutrients and oxygen are able to reach our muscles which may contribute to muscle wasting and ultimately frailty. We want to know if cocoa and vitamin C can help slow down this deterioration."

Researchers will take blood samples and muscle biopsies from a group of volunteers aged between 18 - 28 and 65 - 75. The study will involve the insertion of four fine canulae for blood sampling, four muscle biopsies and the previously mentioned contrast-enhanced ultrasound measures to assess any changes in blood flow to the leg muscles.

The tests will be carried out in Derby at the University's School of Graduate Entry Medicine.

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Coffee, energy drinkers beware: Many mega-sized drinks loaded with sugar, MU nutrition expert says

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Starbucks recently announced a new-sized 31-ounce drink, the "Trenta," which will be in stores this spring. The mega-sized coffee joins the ranks of other energy drinks that can pack plenty of caffeine and calories. Ellen Schuster, a University of Missouri nutrition expert, says that Americans should be wary of extra calories and sugar in the quest for bigger, bolder drinks.

"The sheer size of new coffee and energy drinks increases consumers' potential for unhealthy calorie and sugar consumption," said Schuster, state specialist for MU Extension and the College of Human Environmental Sciences. "A 'Trenta'-sized Starbuck's lemonade could include 21 teaspoons of sugar – much more than should be consumed at one time, or in one day."

Excess sugar is common in many prepared beverages. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people who consume drinks with added sugars consume more total calories, and studies have found that drinking sweetened beverages is related to weight gain.

Health experts at the Mayo Clinic note that moderate consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages is unlikely to cause harm, but large quantities in excess of 500 mg, or more than four cups of coffee, can cause difficulty sleeping, irritability, restlessness, stomach problems and irregular heartbeat. Especially of concern is caffeine consumption among children and adolescents.

"Energy and coffee beverages are subject to the same nutrition rules as other foods and drinks; it's all about moderation," Schuster said. "Ideally, it's best to avoid drinking calories, because drinks leave you less full than solid foods. By eating calories in the form of high-calorie, high-sugar drinks, people crowd out other nutritious foods. However, like any indulgence, it's fine to order a 'Trenta' drink as an occasional treat."

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Starbucks recently announced a new-sized 31-ounce drink, the "Trenta," which will be in stores this spring. The mega-sized coffee joins the ranks of other energy drinks that can pack plenty of caffeine and calories. Ellen Schuster, a University of Missouri nutrition expert, says that Americans should be wary of extra calories and sugar in the quest for bigger, bolder drinks.

"The sheer size of new coffee and energy drinks increases consumers' potential for unhealthy calorie and sugar consumption," said Schuster, state specialist for MU Extension and the College of Human Environmental Sciences. "A 'Trenta'-sized Starbuck's lemonade could include 21 teaspoons of sugar – much more than should be consumed at one time, or in one day."

Excess sugar is common in many prepared beverages. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people who consume drinks with added sugars consume more total calories, and studies have found that drinking sweetened beverages is related to weight gain.

Health experts at the Mayo Clinic note that moderate consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages is unlikely to cause harm, but large quantities in excess of 500 mg, or more than four cups of coffee, can cause difficulty sleeping, irritability, restlessness, stomach problems and irregular heartbeat. Especially of concern is caffeine consumption among children and adolescents.

"Energy and coffee beverages are subject to the same nutrition rules as other foods and drinks; it's all about moderation," Schuster said. "Ideally, it's best to avoid drinking calories, because drinks leave you less full than solid foods. By eating calories in the form of high-calorie, high-sugar drinks, people crowd out other nutritious foods. However, like any indulgence, it's fine to order a 'Trenta' drink as an occasional treat."

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Lifestyle beats genes in longevity race

An article published online on December 22, 2010 in the Journal of Internal Medicine reveals that our own actions may be more important than inherited factors in dictating how long we live.

For the current investigation, Lars Wilhelmsen and colleagues at the University of Gothenburg evaluated data from the 1913 Men epidemiological study, which enrolled 855 fifty-year-old men in 1963. Subjects provided anthropomorphic, parental and lifestyle data, and were examined for cardiovascular health and other functions. The men were re-evaluated at the ages of 54, 60 and 67.

Thirteen percent of the participants were still living at 90 years of age. These survivors were likelier at age 50 to be nonsmokers, drink moderate amounts of coffee, have higher socio-economic status and have lower serum cholesterol levels compared with men who failed to reach this age, yet the number of years attained by the men's parents did not appear to influence their own longevity.

The most important predictive factors at ages beyond 50 included having low blood pressure and good cardiorespiratory function. When predictive factors at all examinations were analyzed, being a nonsmoker, consuming low amounts of coffee, being of higher socioeconomic status, having low serum cholesterol, and possessing good physical working capacity emerged as significant.

"Our study shows that hereditary factors don't play a major role and that lifestyle has the biggest impact," stated professor emeritus Lars Wilhelmsen of Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. "We're breaking new ground here. Many of these factors have previously been identified as playing a role in cardiovascular disease, but here we are showing for the first time that they are important for survival in general."

"The study clearly shows that we can influence several of the factors that decide how old we get," he added. "This is positive not only for the individual, but also for society as it doesn't entail any major drug costs."

An article published online on December 22, 2010 in the Journal of Internal Medicine reveals that our own actions may be more important than inherited factors in dictating how long we live.

For the current investigation, Lars Wilhelmsen and colleagues at the University of Gothenburg evaluated data from the 1913 Men epidemiological study, which enrolled 855 fifty-year-old men in 1963. Subjects provided anthropomorphic, parental and lifestyle data, and were examined for cardiovascular health and other functions. The men were re-evaluated at the ages of 54, 60 and 67.

Thirteen percent of the participants were still living at 90 years of age. These survivors were likelier at age 50 to be nonsmokers, drink moderate amounts of coffee, have higher socio-economic status and have lower serum cholesterol levels compared with men who failed to reach this age, yet the number of years attained by the men's parents did not appear to influence their own longevity.

The most important predictive factors at ages beyond 50 included having low blood pressure and good cardiorespiratory function. When predictive factors at all examinations were analyzed, being a nonsmoker, consuming low amounts of coffee, being of higher socioeconomic status, having low serum cholesterol, and possessing good physical working capacity emerged as significant.

"Our study shows that hereditary factors don't play a major role and that lifestyle has the biggest impact," stated professor emeritus Lars Wilhelmsen of Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. "We're breaking new ground here. Many of these factors have previously been identified as playing a role in cardiovascular disease, but here we are showing for the first time that they are important for survival in general."

"The study clearly shows that we can influence several of the factors that decide how old we get," he added. "This is positive not only for the individual, but also for society as it doesn't entail any major drug costs."

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Want More Efficient Muscles? Eat Your Spinach

After taking a small dose of inorganic nitrate for three days, healthy people consume less oxygen while riding an exercise bike. A new study in the February issue of Cell Metabolism traces that improved performance to increased efficiency of the mitochondria that power our cells.

The researchers aren't recommending anyone begin taking inorganic nitrate supplements based on the new findings. Rather, they say that the results may offer one explanation for the well-known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and leafy green vegetables in particular.

"We're talking about an amount of nitrate equivalent to what is found in two or three red beets or a plate of spinach," said Eddie Weitzberg of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. "We know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes but the active nutrients haven't been clear. This shows inorganic nitrate as a candidate to explain those benefits."

In fact, up until recently nitrate wasn't thought to have any nutritional value at all. It has even been suggested that this component of vegetables might be toxic. But Weitzberg and his colleague Jon Lundberg earlier showed that dietary nitrate feeds into a pathway that produces nitric oxide with the help of friendly bacteria found in our mouths. Nitric oxide has been known for two decades as a physiologically important molecule. It opens up our blood vessels to lower blood pressure, for instance.

The new study offers yet another benefit of nitrate and the nitric oxides that stem from them. It appears that the increased mitochondrial efficiency is owed to lower levels of proteins that normally make the cellular powerhouses leaky. "Mitochondria normally aren't fully efficient," Weitzberg explained. "No machine is."

Questions do remain. The new results show that increased dietary nitrate can have a rather immediate effect. But it's not yet clear what might happen in people who consume higher levels of inorganic nitrate over longer periods of time. Weitzberg says it will be a natural next step to repeat the experiment in people with conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to see if they too enjoy the benefits of nitrates.

"Among the more consistent findings from nutritional research are the beneficial effects of a high intake of fruit and vegetables in protection against major disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes," the researchers concluded. "However, the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for these effects is still unclear, and trials with single nutrients have generally failed. It is tempting to speculate that boosting of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway may be one mechanism by which vegetables exert their protective effects."

As an interesting aside, Weitzberg says that the benefits of dietary nitrates suggest that powerful mouthwashes may have a downside. "We need oral bacteria for the first step in nitrate reduction," he says. "You could block the effects of inorganic nitrate if you use a strong mouthwash or spit [instead of swallowing your saliva]. In our view, strong mouthwashes are not good if you want this system to work."

After taking a small dose of inorganic nitrate for three days, healthy people consume less oxygen while riding an exercise bike. A new study in the February issue of Cell Metabolism traces that improved performance to increased efficiency of the mitochondria that power our cells.

The researchers aren't recommending anyone begin taking inorganic nitrate supplements based on the new findings. Rather, they say that the results may offer one explanation for the well-known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and leafy green vegetables in particular.

"We're talking about an amount of nitrate equivalent to what is found in two or three red beets or a plate of spinach," said Eddie Weitzberg of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. "We know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes but the active nutrients haven't been clear. This shows inorganic nitrate as a candidate to explain those benefits."

In fact, up until recently nitrate wasn't thought to have any nutritional value at all. It has even been suggested that this component of vegetables might be toxic. But Weitzberg and his colleague Jon Lundberg earlier showed that dietary nitrate feeds into a pathway that produces nitric oxide with the help of friendly bacteria found in our mouths. Nitric oxide has been known for two decades as a physiologically important molecule. It opens up our blood vessels to lower blood pressure, for instance.

The new study offers yet another benefit of nitrate and the nitric oxides that stem from them. It appears that the increased mitochondrial efficiency is owed to lower levels of proteins that normally make the cellular powerhouses leaky. "Mitochondria normally aren't fully efficient," Weitzberg explained. "No machine is."

Questions do remain. The new results show that increased dietary nitrate can have a rather immediate effect. But it's not yet clear what might happen in people who consume higher levels of inorganic nitrate over longer periods of time. Weitzberg says it will be a natural next step to repeat the experiment in people with conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to see if they too enjoy the benefits of nitrates.

"Among the more consistent findings from nutritional research are the beneficial effects of a high intake of fruit and vegetables in protection against major disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes," the researchers concluded. "However, the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for these effects is still unclear, and trials with single nutrients have generally failed. It is tempting to speculate that boosting of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway may be one mechanism by which vegetables exert their protective effects."

As an interesting aside, Weitzberg says that the benefits of dietary nitrates suggest that powerful mouthwashes may have a downside. "We need oral bacteria for the first step in nitrate reduction," he says. "You could block the effects of inorganic nitrate if you use a strong mouthwash or spit [instead of swallowing your saliva]. In our view, strong mouthwashes are not good if you want this system to work."

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Tennis-mad teen overcomes rare condition that caused spine to curve

TENNIS-mad teenager James Taylor thought he might never be able to play the sport again when a rare painful condition caused his spine to curve.

The 15-year-old, from Edgbaston, faced having metal rods fitted down his back or gruelling spinal fusion surgery when he was diagnosed with Scoliosis.

Athletic James started to suffer from excruciating back pain in June last year and the only NHS treatment was to have a back brace for four years or go under the knife for a high risk major operation.

But that is when mum Alison Taylor, a nursery nurse, discovered there were also new advanced therapy treatments and embarked on the alternative that has now seen James return to the tennis courts.

“Finding out that I had Scoliosis was life changing,” said James, a pupil at Harborne High School.

“Finding out that I had Scoliosis was life changing,” said James, a pupil at Harborne High School.

“I am passionate about tennis and I knew that if I had my spine fused I would never be able to play again. Sitting on the side-lines watching my friends having fun was soul destroying.”

Scoliosis affects just 0.4 per cent of young people and causes the spine to curve. It can eventually crush vital internal organs.

Scoliosis SOS has developed an advanced therapy combined with exercise that manipulates the spine without surgery.

“When my parents told me about the treatment I was ecstatic,” added James, who wants to be a sports therapist. “I love sports so doing exercises to keep my back in good condition and to avoid surgery was not a problem.

“It was amazing to believe that even though my spine was curving, I could prevent it from getting worse by doing a few simple movements. It has given me a new lease of life and I’m looking forward to the summer as I missed out on so many tennis games last year.”

Jo Head, consultant physiotherapist at Scoliosis SOS, said the therapy involves posture re-education, physiotherapy and osteotherapy.

“Hospital consultants are sending more and more patients to us as this is an emerging field,” said Mr Head.

“It is about regaining muscle imbalance in the spine and teaching the brain to stand in line with central alignment. It involves stretches for the spine and avoids surgery.”



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/02/07/tennis-mad-teen-overcomes-rare-condition-that-caused-spine-to-curve-97319-28124434/#ixzz1DW3MUa9H

TENNIS-mad teenager James Taylor thought he might never be able to play the sport again when a rare painful condition caused his spine to curve.

The 15-year-old, from Edgbaston, faced having metal rods fitted down his back or gruelling spinal fusion surgery when he was diagnosed with Scoliosis.

Athletic James started to suffer from excruciating back pain in June last year and the only NHS treatment was to have a back brace for four years or go under the knife for a high risk major operation.

But that is when mum Alison Taylor, a nursery nurse, discovered there were also new advanced therapy treatments and embarked on the alternative that has now seen James return to the tennis courts.

“Finding out that I had Scoliosis was life changing,” said James, a pupil at Harborne High School.

“Finding out that I had Scoliosis was life changing,” said James, a pupil at Harborne High School.

“I am passionate about tennis and I knew that if I had my spine fused I would never be able to play again. Sitting on the side-lines watching my friends having fun was soul destroying.”

Scoliosis affects just 0.4 per cent of young people and causes the spine to curve. It can eventually crush vital internal organs.

Scoliosis SOS has developed an advanced therapy combined with exercise that manipulates the spine without surgery.

“When my parents told me about the treatment I was ecstatic,” added James, who wants to be a sports therapist. “I love sports so doing exercises to keep my back in good condition and to avoid surgery was not a problem.

“It was amazing to believe that even though my spine was curving, I could prevent it from getting worse by doing a few simple movements. It has given me a new lease of life and I’m looking forward to the summer as I missed out on so many tennis games last year.”

Jo Head, consultant physiotherapist at Scoliosis SOS, said the therapy involves posture re-education, physiotherapy and osteotherapy.

“Hospital consultants are sending more and more patients to us as this is an emerging field,” said Mr Head.

“It is about regaining muscle imbalance in the spine and teaching the brain to stand in line with central alignment. It involves stretches for the spine and avoids surgery.”



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/02/07/tennis-mad-teen-overcomes-rare-condition-that-caused-spine-to-curve-97319-28124434/#ixzz1DW3MUa9H

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Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Sabattini S, Marconato L, Zoff A et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression is predictive of poor prognosis in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12: 760, 2010. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant skin tumor in cats. The most frequently affected sites include the nasal planum, pinnae (ears), and eyelids. Development of this skin tumor has been associated with chronic sunlight exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and assess its prognostic role. Nineteen biopsy samples were tested for EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry. Fourteen of 19 tumors (73.7%) were positive for EGFR. EGFR expression was not found to be linked with tumor differentiation and mitotic activity. The data from the study suggest that activation of the EGFR signaling pathway is possibly involved in the progression of SCC. EGFR expression also carries a negative prognostic significance in these tumors. This could indicate that use of EGFR inhibitors in association with conventional treatment may someday be a treatment option. [VT]

Related articles:

Looper JS, Malarkey DE, Ruslander D et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, Vet Comp Oncol 4: 33, 2006.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Sabattini S, Marconato L, Zoff A et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression is predictive of poor prognosis in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12: 760, 2010. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant skin tumor in cats. The most frequently affected sites include the nasal planum, pinnae (ears), and eyelids. Development of this skin tumor has been associated with chronic sunlight exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and assess its prognostic role. Nineteen biopsy samples were tested for EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry. Fourteen of 19 tumors (73.7%) were positive for EGFR. EGFR expression was not found to be linked with tumor differentiation and mitotic activity. The data from the study suggest that activation of the EGFR signaling pathway is possibly involved in the progression of SCC. EGFR expression also carries a negative prognostic significance in these tumors. This could indicate that use of EGFR inhibitors in association with conventional treatment may someday be a treatment option. [VT]

Related articles:

Looper JS, Malarkey DE, Ruslander D et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, Vet Comp Oncol 4: 33, 2006.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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Eating Poorly Can Make You Blue: Trans-Fats Increase Risk of Depression, While Olive Oil Helps Avoid Risk

Researchers from the universities of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have demonstrated that the ingestion of trans-fats and saturated fats increase the risk of suffering depression, and that olive oil, on the other hand, protects against this mental illness.

They have confirmed this after studying 12,059 SUN Project volunteers over the course of six years; the volunteers had their diet, lifestyle and ailments analyzed at the beginning of the project, over its course and at the end of the project. In this way the researchers confirmed that despite the fact that at the beginning of the study none of the volunteers suffered from depression, at the end of the study 657 new cases had been detected.

Of all these cases, the participants with an elevated consumption of trans-fats (fats present in artificial form in industrially-produced pastries and fast food, and naturally present in certain whole milk products) "presented up to a 48% increase in the risk of depression when they were compared to participants who did not consume these fats," affirmed Almudena Sánchez-Villegas, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, first author of the article.

In addition, the study demonstrated a dose-response relationship, "whereby the more trans-fats were consumed, the greater the harmful effect they produced in the volunteers," the expert stated.

Furthermore, the team, directed by Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Navarra, also analyzed the influence of polyunsaturated fats (abundant in fish and vegetable oils) and of olive oil on the occurrence of depression. "In fact, we discovered that this type of healthier fats, together with olive oil, are associated with a lower risk of suffering depression," emphasized the researcher and director of the SUN Project.


150 million persons depressed worldwide


Thus, the results of the study corroborate the hypothesis of a greater incidence of the disease in countries of the north of Europe compared to the countries of the south, where a Mediterranean dietary pattern prevails. Nevertheless, experts have noted that the incidence of the disease has increased in recent years, so that today some 150 million persons are affected worldwide, where it is the principal cause of loss of years of life in those countries with a medium-to-high per capita income.

This due, according to Almudena Sánchez Villegas, "to radical changes in the sources of fats consumed in Western diets, where we have substituted certain types of beneficial fats -- polyunsaturated and monounsaturated in nuts, vegetable oils and fish -- for the saturated and trans-fats found in meats, butter and other products such as mass-produced pastries and fast food."

In addition, the research -- published in the online peer reviewed journal PLoS ONE -- has been performed on a population with a low average intake of trans-fats, given that it made up only 0.4% of the total energy ingested by the volunteers. "Despite this, we observed an increase in the risk of suffering depression of nearly 50%. On this basis," concluded Miguel A. Martínez, "we derive the importance of taking this effect into account in countries like the U.S., where the percentage of energy derived from these foots is around 2.5%."

Finally, the analysis, headed by the University of Navarra and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, suggests that both depression as well as cardiovascular disease are influenced in a similar manner by diet, and might share similar mechanisms in their origin. This hypothesis is further suggested by numerous studies that indicate the harmful effect of trans-fats and saturated fats on the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers from the universities of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have demonstrated that the ingestion of trans-fats and saturated fats increase the risk of suffering depression, and that olive oil, on the other hand, protects against this mental illness.

They have confirmed this after studying 12,059 SUN Project volunteers over the course of six years; the volunteers had their diet, lifestyle and ailments analyzed at the beginning of the project, over its course and at the end of the project. In this way the researchers confirmed that despite the fact that at the beginning of the study none of the volunteers suffered from depression, at the end of the study 657 new cases had been detected.

Of all these cases, the participants with an elevated consumption of trans-fats (fats present in artificial form in industrially-produced pastries and fast food, and naturally present in certain whole milk products) "presented up to a 48% increase in the risk of depression when they were compared to participants who did not consume these fats," affirmed Almudena Sánchez-Villegas, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, first author of the article.

In addition, the study demonstrated a dose-response relationship, "whereby the more trans-fats were consumed, the greater the harmful effect they produced in the volunteers," the expert stated.

Furthermore, the team, directed by Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Navarra, also analyzed the influence of polyunsaturated fats (abundant in fish and vegetable oils) and of olive oil on the occurrence of depression. "In fact, we discovered that this type of healthier fats, together with olive oil, are associated with a lower risk of suffering depression," emphasized the researcher and director of the SUN Project.


150 million persons depressed worldwide


Thus, the results of the study corroborate the hypothesis of a greater incidence of the disease in countries of the north of Europe compared to the countries of the south, where a Mediterranean dietary pattern prevails. Nevertheless, experts have noted that the incidence of the disease has increased in recent years, so that today some 150 million persons are affected worldwide, where it is the principal cause of loss of years of life in those countries with a medium-to-high per capita income.

This due, according to Almudena Sánchez Villegas, "to radical changes in the sources of fats consumed in Western diets, where we have substituted certain types of beneficial fats -- polyunsaturated and monounsaturated in nuts, vegetable oils and fish -- for the saturated and trans-fats found in meats, butter and other products such as mass-produced pastries and fast food."

In addition, the research -- published in the online peer reviewed journal PLoS ONE -- has been performed on a population with a low average intake of trans-fats, given that it made up only 0.4% of the total energy ingested by the volunteers. "Despite this, we observed an increase in the risk of suffering depression of nearly 50%. On this basis," concluded Miguel A. Martínez, "we derive the importance of taking this effect into account in countries like the U.S., where the percentage of energy derived from these foots is around 2.5%."

Finally, the analysis, headed by the University of Navarra and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, suggests that both depression as well as cardiovascular disease are influenced in a similar manner by diet, and might share similar mechanisms in their origin. This hypothesis is further suggested by numerous studies that indicate the harmful effect of trans-fats and saturated fats on the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Read More