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.

There is a close link between imbalances in the gut flora and the development of Parkinson’s disease, according to a Japanese study where scientists observed that patients with Parkinson’s disease lack certain gut bacteria that are related to the synthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamins B7 and B8). This results in a reduced presence of certain compounds that normally counteract leaks in the intestinal mucosa, so toxins can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. According to the researchers, supplementation with these B vitamins may help restore the intestinal mucosa and can be useful in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

The two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are of vital importance to the development of a baby’s brain and central nervous system during pregnancy and the first years of life. The best sources of these fatty acids are oily fish and fish oil supplements. There is widespread deficiency of these fatty acids, which increases the risk of a lower IQ, ADHD, depression, or other neurological disturbances in the baby, according to a review article published in Nutrients. It is also important for brain health to balance one’s intake of omega-3 and omega-6.

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease. Our modern lifestyle plays a role, and vitamin D deficiency in early childhood also seems to increase the risk of developing the disease later in life, according to a study that is published in World Allergy Organisation Journal. The health authorities recommend that pregnant women and small children take a vitamin D supplement.

Promising results have been seen with the use of vitamin D supplements in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerous colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, there is missing information about blood levels of vitamin D and the prognosis for these patients. A new study that is published in International Journal of Surgery reveals that blood levels of vitamin D are directly linked to the risk of surgical removal of morbid intestinal tissue.

All the different awareness campaigns for sustainability and eating plant-based diets have inspired more and more people to become vegetarians or vegans. However, there are health aspects that need attention. Vegetarians and vegans in particular have lower intakes of protein, vitamin D, and many other essential nutrients, according to a new Spanish study that is published in Nutrients. It is therefore recommended that adult vegetarians and vegans take vitamin D supplements to counter their risk of osteoporosis and other diseases related to vitamin D deficiencies.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer form among men. In terms of existing therapies, there is room for improvement. According to a Polish study that is published in Nutrients, higher levels of selenium and zinc in the blood can improve survival. The study authors mention that these two nutrients also protect against other cancer forms.

There is a growing interest among scientists in selenium’s role in the brain and nervous system, and a placebo-controlled study published in Frontiers in Nutrition shows that selenium supplementation is useful as an adjuvant in migraine therapy. The study authors describe that oxidative stress may involved in migraine attacks and mention that selenium has a protective effect due to its role as an antioxidant. Earlier studies have shown that other antioxidants like Q10 and magnesium also have a therapeutic value by way of other mechanisms that may work synergistically.

Magnesium is important for numerous physiological functions. In a new review article published in Nutrients, researchers have looked at the relation between the body’s magnesium levels and a variety of different ageing markers. Also, they hypothesize that optimal intake of magnesium throughout life is an easy and inexpensive way to obtain healthy ageing.

Ageing is characterized by increased physical and mental frailty that reduces one’s ability to deal with various external stress factors. Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in oily fish and fish oil supplements are believed to prevent frailty through their immune-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties, but studies have shown conflicting results. Nonetheless, daily intake of two grams of omega-3 appears to reduce frailty. According to a large population study that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition, it is also important to include moderate quantities of high-quality omega-6.

Vitamin D’s role in bone health is well established, but according to a study that is published in Human Nutrition & Metabolism, a combination of vitamins D and C has a better effect against week bones and bone fractures in patients with diabetes. The study authors address vitamin C’s role in bone health but also mention the importance of having enough magnesium, which is needed to regulate the body’s calcium distribution.