NEWS
Emma Coates Editor Emma has been a registered dietitian for 12 years, with experience of adult and paediatric dietetics.
FOLIC ACID COULD REDUCE RISK OF STROKE Folic acid could help to reduce the risk cells and the of stroke in people with high levels of synthesis and homocysteine and a low platelet count, repair of DNA according to a new study about to be and RNA. published in The Journal of the American "Folic acid is College of Cardiology.1 also capable of Commenting on the study, Dr Gill lowering homoJenkins, a GP and advisor to the Health cysteine levels & Food Supplements Information in the blood. Service (HSIS), notes: "Most strikingly, This is important because high levels in this large analysis involving over of homocysteine are associated with 10,000 people with high blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, those with a low blood platelet count including stroke." and high levels of homocysteine who During the study’s follow-up period took a combined daily dose of both of 4.2 years, a total of 210 first strokes enalapril (a prescription medication occurred in the enalapril-only group, used to treat high blood pressure) and and 161 first strokes in the enalapril-folic folic acid saw a 73% reduction in their acid group. The researchers found the risk of first stroke compared to people risk of first stroke reduced from 5.6% to who took only enalapril daily. 1.8% among patients with a low platelet "Folic acid is an essential B vitamin, count and high homocysteine levels, which is required for making red blood creating a 73% risk reduction in stroke. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Platelet Count Affects Efficacy of Folic Acid in Preventing First
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Stroke. Volume 71, Issue 19, May 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.072
To book your
UNDIAGNOSED AT RISK WITH DELAYS IN COELIAC DISEASE DIAGNOSIS Coeliac UK, the largest independent charity for people who need to live gluten free, product news says that delayed diagnosis of coeliac disease is creating a growing health problem across the UK with undiagnosed patients at risk of suffering with complications of for the next the disease, including irreversible neurological damage. In a study of patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease, who had been issue of referred to a gastroenterology clinic, around three out of five had established NHD call neurological symptoms, including severe headache (45%), balance problems 01342 824073 (26%) and sensory symptoms (14%).¹ The treatment of gluten-related neurological conditions like coeliac disease, is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet. The longer the symptoms go untreated, the more likely there will be no or limited improvement in the condition. When there is gluten-related neurological damage, the glutenfree diet can make a difference, with improvements being related to earlier diagnosis. The charity launched a Research Fund in March this year to raise £5 million towards research into coeliac disease and other gluten-related autoimmune conditions. As part of the launch, the charity has thrown more light on the association with neurological conditions, along with the more severe and lifethreatening form of the disease, refractory coeliac disease type II, which is rare and affects a very small proportion of the coeliac population. For more information and video of case studies see: www.coeliac.org.uk/researchfund<http://www.coeliac. org.uk/researchfund
company's
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Hadjivassiliou M et al. Neurological evaluation of patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease presenting to
gastroenterologists (manuscript submitted)
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www.NHDmag.com June 2018 - Issue 135
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PRODUCT / INDUSTRY NEWS
SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS REDUCED WITH SIMPLE CHANGES TO THE DIET One gram of fish oil a day could help reduce the pain of patients with osteoarthritis, a new study in Rheumatology reports.1 In the largest, most up-to-date study of its kind, researchers from the University of Surrey examined the link between diet and the effective self-management of osteoarthritis. Analysing 68 previous studies in the field, researchers found that a low-dose supplement of fish oil (one and a half standard capsules) could result in pain reduction for patients with osteoarthritis and help improve their cardiovascular health. Essential fatty acids in fish oil reduce inflammation in joints, helping to alleviate pain. Researchers also found that a reduction of weight for overweight and obese patients and the introduction of exercise tailored to mobility could also help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis. A calorie restricted diet, combined with strengthening, flexibility and aerobic exercises, was identified as an effective approach in reducing pain in overweight patients. There is no evidence that a calorie restricted diet does anything beneficial for lean patients with the condition. Adopting a healthier lifestyle will also help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood - high blood cholesterol is known to be associated with osteoarthritis. An increase in foods rich in vitamin K such as kale, spinach and parsley was also found to deliver benefits to patients with osteoarthritis. Vitamin K is needed for vitamin-K-dependent
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For professionals: Complete nutritional assessment Creation and analysis of meal plans and recipes Appointments schedule GDPR compliant For patients: Reminders at mealtimes Water intake reminders Appointments confirmation Chat with their dietitian You can try it for free at: www.nutrium.io (VKD) proteins, which are found in bone and cartilage. An inadequate intake of the vitamin adversely affects the working of the protein, affecting bone growth and repair and increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. 1
Thomas S et al (2018). What is the evidence for a role for diet and
nutrition in osteoarthritis? Rheumatology (Oxford). May; 57(Suppl 4): iv61-iv74. Published online 17/04/18. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/key011
Coming in the July digital-only issue. View it online at www.NHDmag.com
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease • Nutrition and bone health
• Dysphagia in hospital settings • Vitamin D update
www.NHDmag.com June 2018 - Issue 135
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