Regular consumption of cod liver oil is associated with reduced basal and exercise-induced C-reactive protein levels; a prospective observational trial : A NEEDED (The North Sea Race Endurance Exercise Study) 2014 sub-study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplement use among recreational athletes is common, with the intention of reducing inflammation and improving recovery. We aimed to describe the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid supplement use and inflammation induced by strenuous exercise. METHODS: C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured in 1002 healthy recreational athletes before and 24 h after a 91-km bicycle race. The use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements was reported in 856 out of 1002 recreational athletes, and the association between supplement use and the exercise-induced CRP response was assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-four subjects reported regular use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements. One hundred seventy-three of these used cod liver oil (CLO). Regular users of omega-3 fatty acid supplements had significantly lower basal and exercise-induced CRP levels as compared to non-users (n = 348, p < 0.001). Compared to non-users, regular users had a 27% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14-40) reduction in Ln CRP response (unadjusted model, p < 0.001) and 16% (95% CI: 5-28, p = 0.006) reduction after adjusting for age, sex, race duration, body mass index, delta creatine kinase, MET hours per week, resting heart rate and higher education. CLO was the primary driver of this response with a 34% (95% CI: 19-49) reduction (unadjusted model, p < 0.001) compared to non-users. Corresponding numbers in the adjusted model were 24% (95% CI: 11-38, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Basal CRP levels were reduced, and the exercise-induced CRP response was attenuated in healthy recreational cyclists who used omega-3 fatty acid supplements regularly. This effect was only present in regular users of CLO. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02166216 , registered June 18, 2014 - Retrospectively registered.

Fish Consumption at One Year of Age Reduces the Risk of Eczema, Asthma and Wheeze at Six Years of Age.

BACKGROUND: The role of dietary fish and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-PUFAs) in the primary prevention of allergic diseases remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the consumption of fish and cod liver oil (rich in n-PUFAs) from pregnancy to the first two years of life, and parental reported allergic diseases at six years of age. METHODS: We used data from the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim study and included mother-infant pairs who had submitted questionnaires detailing both maternal or infant diet and allergic disease at six years of age. RESULTS: Eating fish at least once a week at one year of age was associated with a 28-34% reduction in the odds of current eczema, asthma, and wheeze at six years of age. Cod liver oil consumption at least four times per week at one year of age tended to be associated with a lower risk of allergy-related outcomes at six years. We found no consistent associations between allergy-related outcomes and fish or cod liver oil consumption by mothers. CONCLUSION: The preventive effect of fish consumption is best achieved by increasing dietary fish in the first year of life.

A randomized trial comparing omega-3 fatty acid plasma levels after ingestion of emulsified and non-emulsified cod liver oil formulations.

OBJECTIVES: Emulsified formulations of omega-3 fatty acids may increase plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compared with non-emulsified formulations. The current study evaluated plasma concentrations of DHA + EPA as well as DHA and EPA individually following administration of emulsified vs non-emulsified cod liver oil formulations. METHODS: In this randomized, 2-period, crossover study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02428699), 47 healthy adults received single doses of an emulsified cod liver oil formulation and a non-emulsified cod liver oil formulation, each containing 10% cod liver oil plus 10% cod oil and closely matched DHA and EPA content. Blood samples were collected for 24 h after dosing to analyze DHA and EPA plasma concentrations using a validated methodology. DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA pharmacokinetics were compared using an analysis of covariance model. The incremental area under the plasma concentration curve at 24 h (iAUC0-24 h) for DHA + EPA was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA plasma concentrations reached higher levels in plasma following administration of the emulsified vs non-emulsified formulation. The emulsified cod liver oil formulation produced iAUC0-24 h values for DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA that were 1.66, 1.78, and 1.64 times higher, respectively, than the non-emulsified formulation; iAUC0-10 h values were 1.84, 1.96, and 1.79 times higher, respectively (all p < 0.01). Maximum concentrations of DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA in plasma were significantly higher for the emulsified than the non-emulsified formulation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA plasma concentrations were significantly higher for the emulsified cod liver oil supplement vs the reference non-emulsified cod liver oil supplement.

Cod liver oil consumption at different periods of life and bone mineral density in old age.

Cod liver oil is a traditional source of vitamin D in Iceland, and regular intake is recommended partly for the sake of bone health. However, the association between lifelong consumption of cod liver oil and bone mineral density (BMD) in old age is unclear. The present study attempted to assess the associations between intake of cod liver oil in adolescence, midlife, and old age, and hip BMD in old age, as well as associations between cod liver oil intake in old age and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Participants of the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study (age 66-96 years; n 4798), reported retrospectively cod liver oil intake during adolescence and midlife, as well as the one now in old age, using a validated FFQ. BMD of femoral neck and trochanteric region was measured by volumetric quantitative computed tomography, and serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by means of a direct, competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Associations were assessed using linear regression models. No significant association was seen between retrospective cod liver oil intake and hip BMD in old age. Current intake of aged men was also not associated with hip BMD, while aged women with daily intakes had z-scores on average 0.1 higher, compared with those with an intake of < once/week. Although significant, this difference is small, and its clinical relevance is questionable. Intake of aged participants was positively associated with serum 25(OH)D: individuals with intakes of < once/week, one to six time(s)/week and daily intake had concentrations of approximately 40, 50 and 60 nmol/l respectively (P for trend < 0.001).

Nutritional value of raw pork depending on the fat type contents in pigs feed.

BACKGROUND: The research aimed to assess the nutritional value of raw pork meat obtained from pigs on the feed containing different types of used fat. METHODS: Meat was obtained from pigs fed in 4 experimental groups, from which groups A and B were given the mixture of rapeseed oil and linseed oil in the ratio of 1:2.5 or 2.3:1:0.2 (lard) as the source of fat. In group C, animals were given the mixture of rapeseed oil (1 part), fish oil (cod-liver oil; 2 parts) and lard (0.5 part), whereas group D obtained the mixture of linseed oil in the same ratio as in group B (2.5 parts), but combined with cod-liver oil (1 part). Meat collected for the research was evaluated and underwent chemical analyses in order to determine its nutritional value. The contents of moisture, protein, fat and ash were determined according to the AOAC methods. The carbohydrate content in various samples was determined by subtracting the sum of moisture, protein, ash and fat content from 100. Energy value (EV) was calculated using Atwater factors. The fatty acids content were analysed in homogenized samples using Folch method. Methyl esters of fatty acids were separated by gas chromatography on GC Trace Ultra THERMO company equipped with a RT 2560 RESTEC capillary column (100 m × 0.25 mm × 0.2 µm) with helium as a carrier gas. Result. The modification of the source of fat in pigs feed did not influence the content of protein and total minerals (ash), whereas it significantly influenced the content of fat and moisture. It has been stated that the use of different fat type in pigs feed, contributed to receiving the meat with modified profile of fatty acids. Higher fatty acids of the n-3 was observed in groups B and D (treated with the mixture of oils with a predominance of linseed oil). The fat from the meat of these groups contain less of n-6 and n-9 fatty acid, which improved the quality indicator of the fat expressed as the ratio of n-6 / n-3. Meat obtained from animals of the groups contained significantly less MUFA, and comparable content UFA and SFA. The meat from all experimental groups the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA) remained at a similar level and was 0.5:0.6. Conclusions. The modification of the source of fat in pigs feed did not influence the content of protein and total minerals (ash), whereas it significantly influenced the content of fat and moisture. A different source of fat in pigs feed did not influence the content of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and UFA (unsatur. RESULTS: nd. The research aimed to assess the nutritional value of raw pork meat obtained from pigs on the feed containing different types of used fat. Material and methods. Meat was obtained from pigs fed in 4 experimental groups, from which groups A and B were given the mixture of rapeseed oil and linseed oil in the ratio of 1:2.5 or 2.3:1:0.2 (lard) as the source of fat. In group C, animals were given the mixture of rapeseed oil (1 part), fish oil (cod-liver oil; 2 parts) and lard (0.5 part), whereas group D obtained the mixture of linseed oil in the same ratio as in group B (2.5 parts), but combined with cod-liver oil (1 part). Meat collected for the research was evaluated and underwent chemical analyses in order to determine its nutritional value. The contents of moisture, protein, fat and ash were determined according to the AOAC methods. The carbohydrate content in various samples was determined by subtracting the sum of moisture, protein, ash and fat content from 100. Energy value (EV) was calculated using Atwater factors. The fatty acids content were analysed in homogenized samples using Folch method. Methyl esters of fatty acids were separated by gas chromatography on GC Trace Ultra THERMO company equipped with a RT 2560 RESTEC capillary column (100 m × 0.25 mm × 0.2 µm) with helium as a carrier gas. Result. The modification of the source of fat in pigs feed did not influence the content of protein and total minerals (ash), whereas it significantly influenced the content of fat and moisture. It has been stated that the use of different fat type in pigs feed, contributed to receiving the meat with modified profile of fatty acids. Higher fatty acids of the n-3 was observed in groups B and D (treated with the mixture of oils with a predominance of linseed oil). The fat from the meat of these groups contain less of n-6 and n-9 fatty acid, which improved the quality indicator of the fat expressed as the ratio of n-6 / n-3. Meat obtained from animals of the groups contained significantly less MUFA, and comparable content UFA and SFA. The meat from all experimental groups the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA) remained at a similar level and was 0.5:0.6. CONCLUSIONS: The modification of the source of fat in pigs feed did not influence the content of protein and total minerals (ash), whereas it significantly influenced the content of fat and moisture. A different source of fat in pigs feed did not influence the content of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and UFA (unsaturated fatty acids) in fat, whereas it significantly influenced the participation of  particular fatty acids belonging to monounsaturated (MUFA) and n-3 and n-6 groups.

Cod liver oil supplement consumption and health: cross-sectional results from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort study.

Supplement users (SU) make healthy lifestyle choices; on the other hand, SU report more medical conditions. We hypothesised that cod liver oil (CLO) consumers are similar to non-supplement users, since CLO use might originate from historical motives, i.e., rickets prevention, and not health consciousness. CLO consumers were studied in order to identify possible confounders, such as confounding by indication. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) investigates causes of chronic disease. The participants were 25,639 men and women, aged 40-79 years, recruited from general practices in Norfolk, East-Anglia (UK). Participants completed questionnaires and a health examination between 1993 and 1998. Supplement use was measured using 7-day diet diaries. CLO was the most common supplement used, more prevalent among women and associated with not smoking, higher physical activity level and more favourable eating habits. SU had a higher occurrence of benign growths and bone-related diseases, but CLO was negatively associated with cardiovascular-related conditions. Although the results of SU characteristics in EPIC-Norfolk are comparable with studies worldwide, the CLO group is different from SU in general. Confounding by indication takes place and will need to be taken into account when analysing prospective associations of CLO use with fracture risk and cardiovascular diseases.

Irritable eye syndrome: neuroimmune mechanisms and benefits of selected nutrients.

Previous studies showed comorbidity of some ocular, enteral, and affective symptoms comprising irritable eye syndrome. Aims of the present study were to learn more about the pathogenic mechanisms of this syndrome and to evaluate benefits of food supplements on these disorders. In in vitro assay, Lactobacillus acidophilus lysate inhibited interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α generation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages in dose- and size-dependent manner. For a prospective, open-label phase I/II controlled clinical trial, 40 subjects affected by ocular dysesthesia and hyperesthesia and comorbid enteral and anxiety-depression symptoms were randomly assigned either into the treated group, which received a composition containing probiotic lysate, vitamins A, B, and D and omega 3 fatty acids, or into the control group, which received vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. For reference, 20 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were also selected. White blood count (WBC) and lymphocyte and monocyte counts, as well as IL-6 and TNF-α levels, were significantly above the reference levels in both treated and control groups. After 8 weeks, WBC and lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and cytokine levels significantly decreased, and ocular, enteral, and anxiety-depression symptoms significantly improved in the treated group as compared to the control group. This proof-of-concept study suggested that subclinical inflammation may be a common mechanism connecting ocular, enteral, and anxiety/depression symptoms, and supplements affecting dysbiosis may be a new approach to treating this syndrome.

Consumption of lean fish reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a prospective population based cohort study of Norwegian women.

BACKGROUND: The effects of fish consumption and n-3 fatty acids on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have recently been debated. OBJECTIVE: We explored the risk of T2DM in relation to consumption of lean fish, fatty fish, fish products and total fish as well as cod liver oil supplements in a representative sample of Norwegian women. DESIGN: This was a prospective population based cohort study in 33740 women free of T2DM, stroke, angina or heart attack and with detailed information on important co-variates and dietary intake at baseline. Risk ratios and corresponding 95% CI were estimated using Poisson regression with log-person time as offset. RESULTS: Lean fish consumption was inversely associated with T2DM compared to zero intake. Risk ratios and 95% CI for intake of 75 and 100 g lean fish per day were 0.71 (0.51, 0.98) and 0.67 (0.46, 0.98), respectively. There was no effect of intake of fatty fish, fish products, total fish or use of cod liver oil supplements on the risk of T2DM. CONCLUSION: Lean fish consumption of 75-100 g/d had a beneficial effect on T2DM. It remains unclear whether lean fish in itself has a protective effect on T2DM or that lean fish consumers have a protective life-style that we were not able to take into account in this study. Unfavorable effects of fatty fish consumption or use of cod liver oil supplements on T2DM were not observed.

Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in a Norwegian population: the HUNT Study.

Vitamin D deficiency occurs worldwide. Winter season and high Body Mass Index (BMI) are associated with low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). We estimated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a Norwegian adult population and examined factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. A cohort of 25, 616 adults (19-55 years) who participated in both the second and third Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2 (1995-1997) and HUNT 3 (2006-2008)) was established in a previous study. A 10% random sample of the cohort population was recruited for serum 25(OH)D measurements (n=2584), which was used for the current cross-sectional study. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D level <50 nmol/L. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 40%, but varied by season (winter: 64%; summer: 20%). Winter season (adjusted prevalence ratio (PR): 3.16, 95% CI 2.42 to 4.12) and obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2) (PR: 1.74, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.10) were strongly associated with prevalent vitamin D deficiency. Current smoking also demonstrated an increased PR (1.41, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.65). Daily intake of cod liver oil (PR: 0.60, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.77), increased physical activity (PR: 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95) and more frequent alcohol consumption (PR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.95) were associated with a reduced PR. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was high in Norwegian adults. Winter season, high BMI and current smoking were positively associated, and intake of cod liver oil, increased physical activity and more frequent alcohol consumption were inversely associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ameliorates acute pneumonia induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae in BALB/c mice.

The immune benefits associated with the optimal intake of dietary fatty acids are widely known. The objective of the present investigation was to elucidate the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) food source on acute pneumonia induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Three different n-3 PUFA preparations (cod liver oil, Maxigard, and flaxseed oil) were orally supplemented and infection was induced in different groups of experimental mice. Mice fed olive oil and normal saline served as oil and saline controls, respectively. After 2 weeks of fatty acid feeding, no effect on the establishment of infection was observed when acute pneumonia was induced in animals. On the other hand, 6 weeks of n-3 PUFA administration was found to improve resistance in mice, as reduced lung bacterial load coupled with significant improvement in pathology was seen in infected mice. Alveolar macrophages collected from all 3 groups of mice fed n-3 PUFA exhibited a significant decrease in the level of apoptosis following infection with K. pneumoniae and an enhanced in vitro phagocytic potential for the pathogen. Lower lung levels of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and lactate dehydrogenase were associated with a decrease in the severity of tissue damage. There was a significant increase in the lung levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß)). No significant change was observed in the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10). This study highlights that dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation exerts an overall beneficial effect against acute experimental pneumonia. This mechanism is operative through upregulation of nonspecific and specific immune defenses of the host.

Seasonal variation in 25(OH)D at Aberdeen (57°N) and bone health indicators--could holidays in the sun and cod liver oil supplements alleviate deficiency?

Vitamin D has been linked with many health outcomes. The aim of this longitudinal study, was to assess predictors of seasonal variation of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) (including use of supplements and holidays in sunny destinations) at a northerly latitude in the UK (57°N) in relation to bone health indicators. 365 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 62.0 y (SD 1.4)) had 25(OH)D measurements by immunoassay, serum C-telopeptide (CTX), estimates of sunlight exposure (badges of polysulphone film), information regarding holidays in sunny destinations, and diet (from food diaries, including use of supplements such as cod liver oil (CLO)) at fixed 3-monthly intervals over 15 months (subject retention 88%) with an additional 25(OH)D assessment in spring 2008. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and dual hip was measured in autumn 2006 and spring 2007 (Lunar I-DXA). Deficiency prevalence (25(OH)D<25 nmol/L) was reduced in women who went on holiday to sunny destinations 3 months prior to their visit, compared to women who did not go on holidays [5.4% vs. 24.6% in Spring (p<0.001) and 3.8% vs. 25.6% in Winter (p = 0.001), respectively]. Similarly deficiency was lower amongst those who took CLO supplements compared to women that did not consume these supplements [2.0% vs. 23.7% in Spring (p = 0.001) and 4.5% vs. 24.8% in winter (p = 0.005), respectively]. There was no seasonal variation in CTX; 25(OH)D predicted a small proportion (1.8% variation) of LS BMD in spring 2007 [unstandardized ß (SE): 0.039 (0.016), p = 0.017]. Seasonal variation of 25(OH)D had little effect on BMD and no effect on CTX. It appears that small increments in vitamin D (e.g. those that can be achieved by cod liver oil supplements of 5 µg/day) are sufficient to ensure that 25(OH)D is above 25 nmol/L for most people throughout the year. Similarly, holidays in sunny destinations show benefit.

Cod liver oil intake and incidence of asthma in Norwegian adults--the HUNT study.

BACKGROUND: Cod liver oil is an important source of vitamin D, but also contains other fat-soluble components such as vitamin A. Before 1999, the cod liver oil formula in Norway contained a high concentration of vitamin A (1000 µg per 5 ml). High vitamin A status is associated with increased risks of several chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between cod liver oil intake and asthma development. METHODS: In the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, a total of 25 616 Norwegian adults aged 19-55 years were followed up from 1995-1997 to 2006-2008. Current analysis based on 17 528 subjects who were free of asthma and had complete information on cod liver oil intake at baseline. Cod liver oil intake was defined as daily intake ≥ 1 month during the year prior to baseline. Incident asthma was reported as new-onset asthma during the 11-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 17 528 subjects, 18% (n=3076) consumed cod liver oil daily for ≥ 1 month over the past year. Cod liver oil intake was significantly associated with incident asthma with an OR of 1.62 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.98) after adjustment for age, sex, daily smoking, physical activity, education, socio-economic status, family history of asthma, and body mass index (BMI). The positive association was consistent across age (< 40/≥ 40 years), sex (men/women), family history of asthma (yes/no) and BMI subgroups (< 25/≥ 25 kg/m(2)). CONCLUSIONS: Intake of cod liver oil with high vitamin A content was significantly associated with increased incidence of adult-onset asthma.

Efficacy of vitamin E to prevent dermal complications of isotretinoin.

Acne treatment depends on whether patents have a mild, moderate, or severe type of acne. The aim of this study was to compare the using of Isotretinoin (Rokutan) with and without oral vitamin E in treating acne. This study was performed on 60 patients on 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin treatment for 6 months. The first group received 800 IU day(-1) Vit E during treatment and the second group recieved 800 Iu day(-1) cod liver oil capsules. All patients were observed for the complications at 1th, 4th and 6th weeks during treatment. Cheilitis was the most common side effect among these patients (69%). Epistaxis was the second side effect in both groups (22%). Other side effects were xerosis, pruritus, epigastric pain and nail fragility. The frequency and the severity of complications were less common at 4th and 6th weeks of treatment. Isotretinoin is a useful and effective drug in treating severe and treatment-resistance acne lesions.

[Dietary habits and their association with blood pressure among elderly Icelandic people]. / Fæduvenjur og fylgni vid blódthrýsting medal eldri Íslendinga.

OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of hypertension, which is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease in elderly people, increases with age. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between diet and blood pressure in elderly Icelanders, with focus on cod liver oil, and to compare their diet to dietary guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Diet was assessed using three-day weighed food records and blood pressure was measured after a 12-hour-fast in 236, 65-91 years old, Icelanders living in the capital area of Iceland. 99 men (42%) and 137 women (58%) participated in the study. RESULTS: According to Nordic nutrition recommendations, intake of nutrients was above lower intake levels among the majority of participants. However, 19% were under this level for vitamin-D, 13% for iodine, 17% of men for vitamin-B6, and 26% and 12% of men and women, respectively, for iron. Systolic blood pressure was inversely associated with cod liver oil intake, even when adjusted for age, body mass index, gender, and antihypertensive medications (P=0.01). Intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids correlated with blood pressure in a similar way. Other dietary factors were not associated with blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that intake of cod liver oil is associated with lower blood pressure among elderly people and may therefore have beneficial effects on health. A notable proportion of participants was at risk of vitamin D, vitamin B6, iodine, and iron deficiency.

[Rickets in a child]. / Beinkrom hja barni.

Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone growth. Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It is difficult to reach the recommended daily dose of vitamin D in children without cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplementation. Several cases of rickets have been diagnosed in Iceland the past few years. Studies suggest a worldwide increase in the prevalence of the disorder. We report on a girl who was diagnosed with rickets at the age of 27 months. She received inadequate amounts of vitamin D supplementation in the form of AD drops and cod liver oil. Because of food allergy she was on a restricted diet which limited her intake of dietary vitamin D. After diagnosis, she received a high-dose vitamin D therapy (Stoss therapy) which corrected the deficiency. Key words: rickets, food allergy, vitamin D.

Sun exposure, vitamin D intake and progression to disability among veterans with progressive multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Early life events have been suggested to influence multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility, and to potentially modulate its clinical course. We assessed vitamin D-related exposures from childhood to disease onset and their associations with MS progression. METHODS: Among veterans in the Multiple Sclerosis Surveillance Registry, 219 reported having the progressive form and met the inclusion criteria. Participants reported their past sun exposure, vitamin D-related intake and age at disability milestones using the Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between vitamin D-related exposures and time (years) to disability. RESULTS: Low average sun exposure in the fall/winter before disease onset was associated with an increased risk of progressing to a PDDS score of 8 (hazard ratio, HR: 2.13, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.20-3.78), whereas use of cod liver oil during childhood and adolescence was associated with a reduced risk (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that exposure to vitamin D before MS onset might slow disease-related neurodegeneration and thus delay progression to disability among patients with the progressive subtype.

Effect of the fat composition of a single high-fat meal on inflammatory markers in healthy young women.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a single high-fat meal with different fat quality on circulating inflammatory markers and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to elucidate the role of fat quality on postprandial inflammation. A postprandial study with fourteen healthy females consuming three test meals with different fat quality was performed. Test days were separated by 2 weeks. Fasting and postprandial blood samples at 3 and 6 h after intake were analysed. The test meal consisted of three cakes enriched with coconut fat (43 % energy as saturated fat and 1 % energy as α-linolenic acid (ALA)), linseed oil (14 % energy as ALA and 30 % energy as saturated fat) and cod liver oil (5 % energy as EPA and DHA and 5 % energy as ALA in addition to 31 % energy as saturated fat). In addition, ex vivo PBMC experiments were performed in eight healthy subjects investigating the effects of EPA and ALA on release and gene expression of inflammatory markers. The IL-8 mRNA level was significantly increased after intake of the cod liver oil cake at 6 h compared with fasting level, which was significantly different from the effect observed after the intake of linseed cake. In contrast, no effect was seen on circulating level of IL-8. In addition, ALA and EPA were shown to elicit different effects on the release and mRNA expression levels of inflammatory markers in PBMC cultured ex vivo, with EPA having the most prominent pro-inflammatory potential.

[Cod liver oil. A natural Vitamin D for preserving health]. / Csukamájolaj. Egy természetes D-vitamin az egészség megorzésére.

Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic in industrialized countries due to life-style changes. Recent studies suggest that besides bone-metabolism, vitamin D plays a central role in basic cell function like multiplication, differentiation and metabolism. This may explain that low vitamin D levels represent a risk factor for several apparently different diseases such as infective, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer. Accumulating evidences suggest that an adequate intake of vitamin D may significantly decrease prevalence and clinical outcome of these diseases. Estimated reduction of the economic burden might reach about 10 percent through normalizing vitamin D levels for these diseases. However, high doses of vitamin D monotherapy needs precaution for potential adverse effects and it should be substituted with the recommended doses of vitamin D in combination with synergistic vitamin A and omega 3 fatty acids, such as cod liver oil.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in subjects with reduced glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes - the Tromsø OGTT-study.

The relationships between vitamin D concentrations, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance remain uncertain. During 2008 - 2010, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 3520 subjects from Tromsø, Norway. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured in 1193 subjects with normal glucose tolerance, in 304 with isolated impaired fasting glucose, in 254 with isolated impaired glucose tolerance, in 139 with a combination of the two, and in 194 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Serum 25(OH)D did not differ between subjects with isolated impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, but was lower in all groups of deranged glucose metabolism as compared with normal subjects. These differences could not be explained by differences in intakes of vitamin D from cod liver oil or other supplements and remained statistically significant after adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, physical activity score, and month of examination. When the cohort was divided according to serum 25(OH)D quartiles, there was an improvement in all measures of glucose metabolism (fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose, serum insulin, HbA(1c)) and estimates of insulin resistance (QUICKI , HOMA-IR, ISI(0.120)) with increasing serum 25(OH)D quartile. However, interventional studies are needed to prove a causal relationship between vitamin D and glucose metabolism.