Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death, and both diet and lifestyle are of huge importance. According to a new meta-analysis, fish oil, folic acid, and Q10 are some of nutrients with the greatest potential to lower the risk. It is important to underline that supplements are not likely to make much of a difference if the dosage is too low or if the quality of the preparations is poor.

After a COVID-19 infection many people experience chronic symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. According to a study that is published in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, supplementing with Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid may help against tiredness and certain other symptoms. The authors describe how Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid support the cellular energy turnover in different ways and serve as antioxidants that protect cells against oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Melanoma is a type of malignant skin cancer that spreads rapidly. Being vitamin D-deficient doubles the risk of dying of the disease, according to a Spanish study that was presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology congress. It is commonly known that sunburns, which one should generally avoid, increase the risk of contracting skin cancer. But we must not forget that the summer sun is our main source of vitamin D and at our latitude, it necessary to take a vitamin D supplement in the wintertime. People who avoid the sun or have difficulty with synthesizing vitamin D in their skin should take a supplement all year round.

Over the past decades, numerous studies have linked low selenium levels in the blood to cardiovascular disease, cancer, increased risk of infection, thyroid disorders, and several other diseases. Due to the widespread problems with selenium deficiency, supplementation with this nutrient is of potential value to our general health. In a review article that is published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, the authors look at selenium’s role in connection with a host of different diseases and metabolic disorders.

Insulin resistance is when the cells’ ability to take up glucose from the blood is impaired. It typically causes abnormal hunger and weight gain. Insulin resistance is also one of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have already demonstrated a link between vitamin D deficiency and the development of insulin resistance. The risk is even greater if you also lack magnesium, according to an American study. Here, the researchers look at interactions between vitamin D and magnesium and how this affects the blood sugar balance and health in general.

Q10 is a key element in the cellular energy turnover and also serves as a protective antioxidant. The human body is able to make most of its own Q10 but as we grow older, our endogenous Q10 synthesis decreases, and this is also the case with certain diseases and as a result of using specific types of medicine. A large meta-analysis has shown that Q10 supplementation is able to reduce chronic fatigue in healthy individuals as well as in people with diseases. Apparently, taking larger doses for longer periods of time works best for energy levels. It is important to choose a Q10 supplement that has the right quality and comes with documentation to ensure that the Q10 molecules are absorbed properly in the blood and reach the energy-producing powerhouses of the cells.