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.

Vitamin D protects against infections, cancer, and many different diseases, but there is a widespread deficiency problem. Also, the official recommendations for vitamin D intake are very low and are no guarantee of having optimal blood levels of the nutrient. A new British study that is published in Clinical Nutrition sheds light on the problems involved with helping an entire population to reach optimal vitamin D status. Apparently, there is no one-size-fits-all because age, gender, skin color, BMI, diabetes, and other factors can affect our ability to synthesize vitamin D and utilize the nutrient.

Schizophrenia is known to impair quality of life and reduce life expectancy. Diet, lack of nutrients, and digestion are all important for the progression of the disease, according to an Iranian study of schizophrenics who were given supplements of vitamin D plus lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. The study is published in Neuropsychopharmacology Reports and reveals that these supplements were able to significantly improve the cognitive skills of the patients. The researchers also mention that these supplements have a role in regulating the body’s production of dopamine, controlling inflammatory processes, and controlling the gut-brain-axis that is important for the communication between the gut and the brain.