Healthy eyes and good vision are essential throughout life. It is widely known that we need vitamin A and other antioxidants. In addition, several B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12) play different biological roles in maintaining eye health and protecting against damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. This is highlighted in a review article published in Clinical Ophthalmology, in which the authors also discuss eye diseases such as AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eyes.

Breast cancer continues to affect a growing number of women, and many experience recurrence after treatment. However, it appears that supplementing with 50 micrograms of vitamin D daily may boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy by as much as 79%, representing major potential for improving treatment outcomes. This is according to a Brazilian population study published in Nutrition and Cancer. According to the researchers, vitamin D plays a significant role in both the development and treatment of breast cancer. This is partly because vitamin D is important for immune function, the elimination of abnormal cells, and the regulation of chronic inflammation.

High blood pressure is a critical factor in cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and premature death. As more and more people develop high blood pressure, and diet plays a crucial role, greater emphasis should be placed on prevention and treatment. A higher selenium intake also appears to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and its harmful consequences when the diet contains too many unhealthy fats. This is shown in a Chinese study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Patients with multiple sclerosis have lower blood levels of vitamin D compared with healthy individuals. In addition, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of relapses, which are new neurological symptoms or flare-ups of previous symptoms, according to a meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Immunology. Strong summer sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, and multiple sclerosis is more common in Nordic countries and populations with limited sun exposure. There is also no guarantee that the official recommendations for vitamin D supplementation are sufficient to optimize blood levels.

- other cancers, and premature death

The incidence of breast cancer has been rising in recent years. Diet, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition all play a role. There is also evidence that the trace element selenium helps protect against cancer, including breast cancer, through several mechanisms. According to a Polish population study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, this appears to apply even among the many women with breast cancer who have high levels of the genotype HRG (histidine-rich glycoprotein).

Liver cirrhosis can lead to serious long-term complications. Common causes include nutrient deficiencies, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic liver inflammation. Many people also have the precursor condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often without being aware of it.
A meta-analysis published in BMC Nutrition shows that zinc supplementation improves liver function across several parameters in patients with cirrhosis.

Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin D to support fetal growth and neurological development. However, fish oil has received less attention, despite its content of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which play a crucial role in the development of the brain, vision, and numerous metabolic functions.
New evidence now suggests that supplementation with fish oil alongside the recommended prenatal vitamins may reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. These findings come from a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. In addition, fatty fish and fish oil supplements appear to offer other benefits for maternal mood and fetal health.

Patients with colorectal cancer often have vitamin D deficiency and chronic inflammation. These are factors that not only increase the risk of developing the disease but also worsen prognosis. However, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation appears to reduce a key inflammatory marker associated with disease progression and poor outcomes, according to a German randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the British Journal of Cancer.