Vitamin Information Center

Since advice about what to eat for optimal health has evolved over time with advances in nutrition science, dietary recommendations are sometimes seen as contradictory. However, a review of three leading dietary guides by researchers at the National Cancer Institute found their essential recommendations are consistent despite the different methodologies used to create the guides.

The NCI researchers compared recommendations and nutrient values of the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s DASH Eating Plan and Harvard’s Healthy Eating Pyramid. The study showed that, even though the guides were derived from different types of nutrition research, they share consistent messages: Eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains; eat less added sugar and saturated fat; and emphasize plant oils.

Recommendations are similar regarding almost all food groups for both types and amounts of foods people should eat. Primary differences were seen in the types of recommended vegetables and protein sources and the amount of recommended dairy products and total oil. Overall nutrient values were also similar for most nutrients, except vitamin A, vitamin E and calcium.

The researchers conclude: “The evidence base for optimal diets continues to evolve. However, inherent in these guides is a pattern of eating that focuses on nutrient-rich foods and limited calories from added sugar and solid fat.”

This research was published in the March 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

PASADENA, CA–(Marketwire - May 28, 2008) - Keeping cholesterol at a healthy level is a major concern for millions of Americans. An estimated 33% of Americans have cardiovascular disease, it kills nearly 2,500 people a day and more than half are women. In fact, cardiovascular disease kills 16 times as many women as the next 16 causes of death combined.

Women in their post-menopausal years are at higher risk, especially those using estrogen therapy. However, according to a recent study, the risk is magnified in women who already have high cholesterol. Vitamin B complex, especially B3, B6, B12, folic acid and biotin, may help lower cholesterol, and the risk.

Cardiovascular disease is often related to cholesterol — the fat-like substance in the blood that builds up on the interior walls of the arteries. As the build-up accumulates, the interior diameter of the arteries narrows and blood flow to the heart is restricted. Blood clots can also form along arterial walls. The reduced blood flow can cause heart attacks; the blood clots can cause strokes.

The increase in heart disease for post-menopausal women has long been known. At one time it was assumed to be caused by the decrease in estrogen and, consequently, estrogen replacement therapy was thought to lower the risk. However, preliminary results of a 2000 study conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) indicated otherwise, and those results have subsequently been confirmed.

A new study, part of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and sponsored by the NHLBI, found the risk to be even greater for woman who already have high cholesterol.

Numerous studies on the vitamin B complex components have found it effective at lowering cholesterol. In fact, at least one drug company is currently trying to get a vitamin B based medication on the market.

However, women who need to lower their cholesterol may have the answer in vitamin B complex supplements.

Lowering cholesterol is important for women’s health no matter what their age, but pre-menopausal and menopausal women would be wise to start taking vitamin B complex supplements immediately so they can lower their cholesterol prior to their post-menopausal years and the possible need for estrogen therapy.

More information about women’s health is available at http://www.feelgoodforlife.com.