For decades, we’ve been told how dangerous the sun is and how important it is to protect ourselves. Now, a large British population study of more than half a million participants reveals that getting more sun exposure – even using tanning beds – is linked to fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other things. The explanation lies in the UVB rays, which are the best way to get essential vitamin D, but only when the sun sits sufficiently high in the sky. It appears that all the sun awareness campaigns have done more harm than good, because it is vital to get enough sunlight, as long as we don’t get burned. The British study supports an earlier Swedish population study that revealed that lack of sun is every bit as harmful as smoking. People should take a vitamin D supplement during the winter period, and those who don’t get enough sun or who have difficulty with synthesizing vitamin D should supplement all year round.

Aggressive behavior is known to be linked to social and cultural factors, but it can also be rooted in biological factors in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements are able to reduce the problem in both adults and children, according to a meta-analysis that is published in Aggression and Violent Behavior. The authors also mention that omega-3 fatty acids control local brain inflammation that can negatively affect mood and behavior. The diet plays a large and overlooked role in mental health, and the authors say that because aggressive behavior has huge personal and socioeconomic costs it is important to look seriously into possible ways to prevent it.

Graves’ disease, also known as Basedow’s disease, is caused by hyperthyroidism and is associated with a number of different symptoms. A lot of patients also develop Graves’ ophthalmology, a disorder that can result in bulging eyes and impaired vision in severe cases. Apparently, daily supplementation with 200 micrograms of selenium has a positive impact on the eyes and their appearance, according to a Thai study that is published in Orbit.

Magnesium is vital for our health and for cell division. Magnesium deficiency, on the other hand, increases the risk of damage to the cellular DNA, which can result in a number of different chronic degenerative diseases, according to a new study from University of South Australia. The researchers also observed that magnesium helps to regulate a particular amino acid. Elevated blood levels of this compound are known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Many people lack magnesium because of unhealthy eating habits, stimulant abuse, medicine use, and stress.

The number of seniors is on the rise and so is the number of older people with cognitive decline and dementia. It is a huge health burden and not enough is done to prevent it. According to a large population study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, widespread problems with vitamin D deficiency combined with too little physical activity contribute significantly to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in old age. The authors describe the important interaction between vitamin D and exercise, which is vital for brain health and cognitive health.

AMD is a common eye disorder that involves symptoms such as blurred central vision and eventual blindness. There are two types of AMD – a wet and a dry form. Neither is curable. However, in a new analysis of data, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US have found new evidence showing that high-dosed daily supplementation with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin combined with different vitamins and minerals can delay the development of the eye disease and late stages of the dry form of AMD. This could potentially help people with dry AMD maintain part of their central vision. The mentioned antioxidants that are found in eggs and various vegetables may also prevent AMD, altogether.

Alzheimer’s disease is an ailment that takes years to develop. More and more people are affected by this condition, which is the main cause of dementia. Diet and lifestyle play a major role, and it appears that daily supplementation with fish oil can significantly reduce the risk – especially in those who are genetically predisposed for the disease. This was shown in a new study that is published in JAMA Network Open.

Age-related loss of muscle mass is a natural process and may result in increased feebleness and even disability. Strength training and diet play a major role, and older people need more protein, especially an essential amino acid called leucine. In addition, supplements of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics can have a positive impact on muscle mass and muscle strength, according to a review article that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, scientists have focused on vitamin D. This nutrient strengthens and regulates the immune defense in a number of different ways. Numerous studies have shown that lack of vitamin D increases the risk of being infected with COVID-19 and running into complications. High-dosed vitamin D supplementation of COVID-19 patients can lower their risk of being admitted to the intensive care unit and dying of the disease, according to a new meta-analysis that is published in Nutrients.

Stomach cancer is rather common and is a disease with a poor prognosis. There are many things that cause the condition. However, vitamin C is known to reduce the risk, according to a large analysis published in Gastric Cancer. The study also shows that we need a lot more vitamin C than the official recommendations in order to obtain optimal protection against stomach cancer.

Menstrual pain can be quite severe, especially among teenagers and young women, but supplementation with vitamin D seems to reduce the pain, according to a new meta-analysis that is published in Nutrients. Earlier research has shown that fish oil supplements can do the same. Vitamin D and fish oil primarily work by lowering levels of hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins that cause inflammation and are responsible for the painful cramps in the uterus.