- even during winter

At northern latitudes, our body can only produce vitamin D during the summer months, when the sun sits sufficiently high in the sky. That’s why sun worshippers now get a much-needed boost, as blood levels of vitamin D tend to drop during the winter. However, regular exercise appears to help maintain normal levels of active vitamin D even through the darker months, according to a UK study published in Advanced Science.

Chronic headaches, tension headaches, and migraines are common conditions that affect both quality of life and work capacity. Iron deficiency anemia is also widespread, particularly among women of childbearing age, children, adolescents, the elderly, vegetarians, and very active athletes. According to a meta-analysis published in Anemia, there appears to be a connection between anemia and various forms of chronic headaches. The researchers therefore recommend testing the hemoglobin levels of patients with chronic headaches and treating iron deficiency when present. However, iron supplements should only be taken when a deficiency is confirmed.

Zinc holds several crucial roles in the immune system. A zinc deficiency therefore impairs the metabolism of white blood cells and weakens the capacity of the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. This was outlined in a review article published in the journal Immunometabolism.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that is often detected too late. In worst case, it can lead to blindness. A Swedish study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Cell Reports Medicine, shows that supplementation with various B vitamins can improve the metabolism in the eye, which may slow down the deterioration of the optic nerve. It is also important to get enough of the different B vitamins if you want to prevent the condition.

The widespread use of cholesterol-lowering statins increases the risk of developing diabetes, which is linked to cardiovascular disease. It has also been shown that statins inhibit the body’s endogenous synthesis of Q10, which plays a role in cellular energy metabolism and is also a vital antioxidant that protects cells and the cardiovascular system. A new American population study shows that statin users can reduce their risk of developing diabetes by taking a Q10 supplement.

Many people take calcium supplements for bone health. However, this does not significantly reduce their risk of fractures and may even be associated with a range of serious side effects and premature death because calcium from supplements can accumulate in the blood vessel walls and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. A new review article published in Current Osteoporosis Reports highlights this connection. It is also important to be aware that the body’s calcium absorption, distribution, and bone health depend on vitamins C, D, and K2, as well as magnesium.

There are several possible causes of male impotence, and the risk increases with age. Oxidative stress appears to play a role, as this condition contributes to local atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow to the penis. However, consuming a variety of antioxidants - such as selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various carotenoids - may help reduce the risk of impotence, according to a U.S. population study published in Scientific Reports.

Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for babies, but according to a population study from New Zealand, which is published in Nutrients, breastfeeding women often lack vitamin D, vitamin E, manganese, selenium, and other important nutrients. The authors emphasize how crucial it is for both mother and child to be well-supplied with nutrients, as deficiencies can affect the child's development and the mother's health and mood.

During fetal development and childhood, the brain requires a range of nutrients to build the nervous system and support cognitive development. According to a new review article published in Nutrients, widespread deficiencies in vitamins C, D, and A, as well as iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, and other nutrients, may contribute to the development of autism.

High blood pressure is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and early death. There has primarily been focus on limiting salt (sodium) intake, but now it appears that the balance between sodium and potassium is even more important. According to a study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, consuming bananas, avocados, broccoli, nuts, and other potassium-rich foods can be beneficial in preventing and treating high blood pressure.