George Prior’s Month Long Journey With 10 Cokes a Day

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In many first world countries, soda addiction has never been stronger even with various health practitioners spelling doom for those who don’t eliminate it from their diet. Admittedly, what makes soda addictive is its high sugar content and that sugar rush one feels each time they pop a can with its amazing fizz and bubbles.

Sometimes, just hearing it from our doctors is not enough to make people change their habits drastically. But, luckily for us, there is a man who was brave enough to go on an adventure with drinking 10 regular cokes a day. And what’s even more amazing is that he documented the adventure with before and after photos of his month-long journey and by all the gods that we hold dear, the transformation is very obvious and may literally help you quit your soda addiction.

Before the 10 Cokes a Day

George Prior is the brave man who went on a month-long 10 cokes a day challenge. He is in his 50s, lives in LA and is a health-conscious guy. Before the challenge, he had a full physical checkup before the journey and everything was in proper order including normal weight, insulin levels, and blood pressure (BP). He also only had 9% body fat. His diet consisted of lots of water, vegetables, berries, and lean meats. He is into the paleo diet.

The Results after a Month of 10 Cans of Coke a Day

George’s before and after photos would be the glaring evidence to the fatty effects of soda, which we all have anticipated. But more than that here are the other effects that George felt:

  • Sleep troubles – studies show that people who frequently drink soda sleep for 5 hours or less, which is below the recommended sleep times for the body to recuperate. Suga and caffeine are to be blamed for this.
  • Fatigue – or low energy is felt throughout the day due to sugar spikes. The crash after a sugar high leaves you worse than before you drank the soda.
  • Headaches – it is believed that the combination of sugar and caffeine may trigger headaches plus the phosphoric acid, acidity, aspartame, and artificial colors contained in the soda.
  • Increase in body fat – remember, George’s body fat started at 9% and increased to a whopping 64%. The rapidity of fat gain is linked to both heart disease and diabetes.
  • Loss of Appetite – he also experienced and discovered that his overall appetite for healthy and regular foods lessened. He also noticed that his taste buds craved sugar-filled foods.
  • BP Levels Increased – his baseline BP reading was pegged at 129/77 and after the testing, it shot up to 143/96. There is a lot of literature that has reported the linked between increased levels of insulin with increased BP levels.
  • Gained Weight – obviously, George gained a total of 23-pounds within the period of one-month even with sticking to his usual healthy Paleo diet. In fact, in a study conducted by Harvard, just by drinking one can of soda a day led to a 5-pound weight gain within a year.

Inspired by www.health.com

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Infant Autism Risk Can be Greatly Reduced with Prenatal Vitamins

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Studies show that taking prenatal vitamins may help decrease the chances of infants developing autism even in families with higher risks. Folate, also known as folic acid, used as a dietary supplement has shown to significantly lower risks of developing ASD, also known as an autism spectrum disorder.

Autism Risk in the Family

Families have a higher risk of having another child with autism if they already have a child that is on the spectrum. Because of their genetics and heredity, they are 14 times more at risk to develop ASD. In JAMA Psychiatry, on February 27, new research was published that showed how even in high-risk families, prenatal vitamins are just as sufficient. Based off these studies, prenatal vitamins lower the risk of developing autism by 50% for these younger siblings.

Rebecca J. Schmidt, Ph.D. first author of the study and assistant professor in the department of public health sciences and the MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, informed Healthline that “Evidence is building for an important role of gestational exposures, including nutrition, in relation to autism. Research from imaging and other studies of the brain show that processes affected in autism occur during pregnancy. Studies have repeatedly shown that taking folic acid supplements was associated with protection from autism in the general population.”

Results of the Study on Prenatal Vitamins

Her studies showed how 241 families with ASD were affected by prenatal vitamins and supplements. They wanted to see if they were affected the same as other families and to see if they also received the same benefits from these supplements. The results showed that 96% of mothers said they took prenatal supplements, but the only ⅓ of supposed mothers took them in the recommended time, which was before pregnancy.

The study also showed that children were less likely to develop severe autism symptoms if the mothers took prenatal vitamins in the first month of their pregnancy. These children also received higher cognitive scores.

The results that came from these studies could profoundly impact public health. It is essential to spread the prevention of ASD for future generations. These findings can guide future expecting mothers with nutritional advice and inform them of health implications that come with supplements.

What the Study Could Mean

Vice-chair of the department of pediatrics at University of Missouri Health Care and part of Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Dr. Kristin Sohl, stated: “This is a small study that needs to be replicated in a larger sample before true risk reduction calculations and public health policy decisions can be made.”

Although Folic supplements have its pros, studies from Johns Hopkins University have revealed some cons. In 2016, researchers from the university released that mothers with high levels of vitamin b-12 and folic acid supplement had an 18% increase in chances of autism. But, only in extreme cases do prenatal supplements have a role in causing autism.

In the study, the women had excess levels of the vitamins and supplements; this was not the recommended intake by the World Health Organization. Even researchers from the survey agreed that prenatal vitamins were still essential and beneficial to mothers. Sohl adds on “Because many pregnancies are unplanned and because neural tube defects can develop in the first 28 days of fetal development, all women of child-bearing age are recommended to take increased folic acid.”

Parents should take the initiative to visit their doctors and consult about proper supplements and vitamins to take.

Inspired by www.healthline.com

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Why Leafy Greens Protect Liver Health

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In a study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers found out that leafy greens contain compounds that can help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Non-fatty liver disease, also called steatosis, is a disease wherein the fat builds up in the liver. Several studies suggest that NAFLD occurs in up to 40% of adults in the United States. NAFLD is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease especially in many developed nations where obesity rates are high. Experts linked NAFLD with other conditions including metabolic risk factors and obesity.

Leafy Greens Can Help Reduce The Risk For NAFLD

To date, there are no known approved therapies for NAFLD. Thus, if left unaddressed, it can lead to severe conditions including liver cirrhosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. While there are no approved drug treatments for NAFLD, it can still be managed by losing weight, doing more physical exercise, and reducing fat intake. But aside from these strategies, it is also important to eat the right food.

A study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden discovered that the presence of inorganic nitrate in leafy greens could help reduce the incidence of fat buildup in the liver. Senior researcher Mattias Calstrom from the same university noted that inorganic nitrate is essential in reducing the prevalence of NAFLD in mice.

Benefits Of Nitrates On Mice Model Experiments

To conduct the study, mice models were used. The mice were divided into three groups and were fed with different diets. The control group was given a regular diet, the second group was given only a high-fat diet, and the last group was given a high-fat diet with nitrate supplementation.

Studies show that the mice that were given high-fat diet and supplementation had better insulin sensitivity and lower blood pressure compared to those that were never given nitrate supplementation. Nitrate, commonly found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, is an essential compound in the body. Previous studies suggest that nitrates can increase the efficiency of the mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cell – thus improving energy. But more than boosting the energy, studies also show that nitrate can help protect the body against metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Aside from benefiting from the lowered risk for NAFLD, studies also show that there are many other health benefits from taking in foods rich in nitrate. One of the benefits is that it can have positive effects on cardiovascular health.

The Future Of Nitrate Supplementation

Calstrom noted that diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease follow the same mechanism wherein oxidative stress affects the nitric oxide signaling thus resulting in many metabolic disorders. As such, intake of nitrates has a lot of benefits to the body as it can help fight off the effects of oxidative stress. However, it is important to take note that researchers are yet to find out what other compounds make leafy greens very helpful to the body, but nitrates can pave the way to more discoveries.  For now, supplementation with nitrates can lead to new approaches to liver health.

Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com

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Study Shows Increase in Early Death Risk Linked to Ultra-Processed Food

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Ultra-processed food may provide convenience, but it comes with more adverse effects on health than advantages. It is essential for people to think twice before consuming them every day. In a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, there is an increased likelihood of early death among people who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food.

More Adults Consume Ultra-Processed Food

Recently, the consumption of processed foods has increased drastically such that more than 29% of the total calories consumed by an average individual comes from ultra-processed food. This comes in the form of snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and desserts. The consumption of processed foods is linked to higher BMIs especially among the younger generation – the largest consumers of processed foods.

While the number of people who consume processed food is high, many consumers are becoming more health-conscious. Studies show that 91% of consumers in the United States opt to buy food and beverages that are made from ingredients that they can easily recognize. But while this is the recent trend in the consumer market, this does not mean that people avoid ultra-processed food altogether. Because of the fast-paced lives that most people live, they are easily tempted to reach for a packaged meal instead of cooking from scratch because they are pressed for time.

The study involved interviewing 44,551 French adults 45 years old and above for two years. The participants were asked to keep 24-hour dietary records for six months as well as complete questionnaires about their health. It is essential to take note that this study is the first to directly associate the consumption of ultra-processed food with early death thus it is difficult to conclude the study considering that the category of ultra-processed foods is extensive.

The Revolution Against Ultra-Processed Foods

Although this may be the case, the results from the study are aligned with what different regulatory bodies are implying about processed foods. For instance, many countries in Latin or South America noted that the consumption of highly processed foods could be dangerous to health. As a result, they enforced manufacturers to display warnings on their labels. This is especially true among food products that contain high amounts of salt, sugar, fat, and calories. Chile specifically banned TV stations from advertising unhealthy food products, especially to children while changes in the Nutrition Facts labels are ongoing by the Food and Drug Administration.

The study noted that many consumers are becoming more self-aware of their health, so food manufacturing companies should take note and make the necessary changes with their products. They should not only focus on people who are 45 years old and above but also for many young people. In a separate study conducted by the Amplify Snack Brands, 89% of the millennials say that they opt for snacks that taste good first before looking at their health benefits. The challenge here is for food companies to be able to create foods that are not only delicious but also healthy and made from natural ingredients.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

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Toddler Nutrition Falls Short on Vitamins and Minerals

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Toddler nutrition is key to proper development and growth. Children need nutrients like Calcium, Iron, and Vitamin C to name a few in order to grow healthy. While it is ideal for children to bank on their nutrition profile, studies show that many children suffer from nutrient deficiency.

Regan Bailey, associate professor at Purdue University noted that it is hard to track the food intake of toddlers considering that a third of their calorie intake comes from snacking. Unfortunately, the standard American diet did not help much as this particular diet provides too much of the bad things or too little of the good stuff to children. This has led him and his team to release the Feeding Infants and Toddler Study in 2016.  With the help of other nutrition researchers, they studied the food intake of infants, toddlers, and children.

Infants Are Nutrient Deficient

The findings of their study suggest that infants who are less than 12 months old have a nutritionally adequate diet but 20% of them have a low intake of iron that is necessary for preventing anemia. Anemia causes low oxygen being delivered throughout the body by the blood and this may cause cognitive impairment. Once infants start eating table foods, the nutritional gaps start to be evident especially when children are fed with nutritionally-deficient food. And with many parents feeding their children with fast food items and processed snacks, many toddlers consume too much sugar, salt, and saturated fats. Moreover, they get too little fiber, Vitamin D and potassium from their diet.

Why Children Need To Bank On Their Nutrition

According to Bailey, children need to bank on vitamins and minerals so that the different functions in the body can be supported. It is important for children to consume the right foods and the only way to address nutrient deficiency is to encourage them to eat a myriad of foods. Instead of giving them cookies and other salty snacks, encouraging them to eat fruits and vegetables is great.

But more than encouraging them to eat healthily, one of the most important things to address this issue is to also encourage parents to eat healthily. The study noted that parents who have limited food preferences also influence their children when it comes to being finicky with food. By encouraging parents to eat healthily, it can help reinforce good eating habits among children.

The Future Of Toddler Nutrition And How Politics Play A Role

Researchers and policymakers also play a vital role in helping address nutrient deficiency among children. Creating strategies that will provide families with easier access to fruits, vegetables, and whole food ingredients is very crucial. In recent dates, policymakers in the United States created the 2014 Farm Bill that requires different health institutions to include information on toddler nutrition in future dietary guidelines. After all, the guidelines’ currently being used are very old and need updating. While this is a small change, it can add up over time thus creating a ripple of difference all over the world.

Inspired by www.purdue.edu

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The Best Foods to Eat for Energy

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The food that we eat provides our bodies with energy so that we can sustain our day. However, it is important to take note that the energy provided by one particular food is different from other foods. This is the reason why it is important to choose foods that will not only provide energy but also comes with multiple benefits to the body. This article will discuss the best foods to eat for energy.

Beverages

Water tops the list when it comes to its ability to replenish energy. Consumption of water is important because it prevents dehydration. Replenishing lost water can help maintain energy levels.

Coffee contains caffeine that can help make both body and mind energized. It also contains antioxidants particularly polyphenols that have the ability to reduce the effects of free radicals on the body. Moreover, it is also a known stimulant that can increase energy levels.

Green tea, similar to coffee, contains caffeine. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce the effects of free radicals on the body as well as inflammation. But unlike coffee, it provides a better transition than coffee in terms of making people more awake.

An herb from South America, Yerba Mate provides similar effects to tea or coffee. It also contains antioxidants and essential amino acids to increase the nutrition profile of people. Other studies indicate that it can also help improve the mood of people.

Fruits

Raspberries and BlackberriesThere are many types of fruits that can help provide people with the right energy to sustain their activities. These include bananas, avocados, Goji berries, apples, strawberry, oranges, and others.

It is important to take note that different fruits have different effects on the body. For instance, bananas provide the body with quick access to glucose, which helps improve energy. Avocadoes also contain nutrients and protein that can help maintain energy levels while goji berries contain powerful antioxidants that can help protect cells against oxidative stress. This is also true for apples, dark berries, strawberries, and oranges.

Animal Products

There are many types of animal products that can help boost energy. These include those sourced from fatty fish, yogurt, and eggs. Fatty fish contains a high source of proteins and B vitamins. It also contains high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Yogurt, on the other hand, provides a simple source of carbohydrates as well as healthy fats and protein. Lastly, eggs provide the body with protein, nutrients, and energy. Eggs can also help boost the immune system.

Vegetables

There are many types of vegetables that can help increase energy. One of the most important sources of energy are yams and sweet potatoes. They provide simple carbohydrates so that the body can use them immediately. Other sources include beets, dark leafy green vegetables, and dark chocolate. The best thing about vegetables as sources of energy is that they contain a lot of extra nutrients, minerals, and trace elements. They also contain antioxidants that can help the body fight against the effects of free radicals.

Grains

Grains provide the body with complex carbohydrates that can be broken down to sustain the body for longer. Examples of energy-boosting grains include oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice. Aside from boosting energy, grains also contain fiber that can make the body feel fuller for longer.

Quinoa, on the other hand, is rich in protein and slow-release carbohydrates that provide energy to the body for longer instead of a short burst of energy. Brown rice also comes with a lot of fiber and slow-release complex carbohydrate thus it does not lead to a spike or drop of energy.

Beans And Legumes

Beans are not only rich in plant-based proteins but also carbohydrates. Lentils are cheap sources of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. A cup of lentil contains 18 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbs. Another source of energy is nuts that contain a blend of fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates. They also contain essential fatty acids that can help maintain a healthy fat profile.

Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com

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The Importance of the Right Vitamins

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Take your vitamins! It’s what your mom told you and your mom’s mom told her. 1950’s commercials featuring “vitamins for pep” or other similar slogans abound. Such advice is not without merit on the standard American diet, and research shows that vitamin usage has increased exponentially over the past few decades. The following will examine the need for vitamins, the differences between synthetic and natural vitamins, how to get vitamins from whole foods, and when to consider a vitamin supplement.

Raspberries and Blackberries

Widespread Nutrient Deficiency: An Overview of a Serious Problem

The grocery store shelves are lined with products stripped of nutrients. According to this study, sugar, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, isn’t just worthless as far as nutrition goes; but  sugar (and many other processed products) are actually anti-nutrients, robbing the body of vitamins, triggering an inflammatory insulin response, and impairing nutrient absorption.

Weston A. Price, a Canadian dentist, studied and met with multiple groups of people worldwide in his travels and found that it was only after they began to eat a westernized diet that their health rapidly deteriorated. Diseases from tooth decay to macular degeneration to diabetes abounded. Processed foods and the current diet eaten today have undoubtedly led to this increased awareness of a need for more vitamins in the diet.

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Synthetic Vitamins: A False Solution to a Serious Problem

Synthetic vitamin (under this would be many antioxidant supplements) supplements made through artificial methods in a laboratory. While synthetic vitamins may have a small and occasionally significant role in treating or alleviating various symptoms, they are usually inferior to natural vitamins or vitamins from whole foods and whole food sources.

According to this overview from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (study), whole foods supply a synergistic array of vitamins and minerals, instead of one or two synthetic vitamins in isolation.

To put it another way, just one vegetable contains a host of phytochemicals and complimentary enzymes and nutrients that  make the vitamins and minerals more bioavailable than simply popping a pill of that same vitamin (like vitamin E or C, etc.) in isolation.

This study of 22 people showed that natural vitamin E had twice the availability rate of synthetic vitamin E. In another study turkeys given natural vitamin E vs. the synthetic vitamin E group had higher levels of a-tocopherol in the meat.

Another study indicated that excess doses of (synthetic) vitamins may actually be more harmful than helpful in those suffering from cancer and other serious complications.

Conclusion

Synthetic vitamins are inferior to whole food vitamins.

cut up peppers and fruits

Whole Foods: The Best Source of Natural Vitamins

It has been clearly established that the best source of vitamins and minerals is in whole foods because of the synergistic effects of various nutrients eaten together. So what does a whole foods diet look like? The following breaks down which foods to eat for certain nutrients and how to increase the bioavailability of the nutrients in those foods.

Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are packed with natural cancer-fighting chemicals and anti-aging benefits. According to this medical review, fruits and vegetables are an important source of natural, dietary antioxidants. In proper amounts, antioxidants play an important role in protecting against cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Another study observed that populations with a high consumption of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables had incredibly lower rates of cancer and diabetes compared to the standard population.

The following classes of vegetables will ensure that the plant-based part of your diet is well-rounded and nutritious.

1. Kale (and Other Leafy Greens)

One cup of packed raw kale delivers over 600% percent of the daily value of Vitamin K (important for blood clotting), 200% daily value of Vitamin A, and hefty doses of vitamins C and B. Kale also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids which may help protect against macular degeneration.

How to use it: For those with weaker digestive systems, kale may be better blended into a smoothie or cooked into a soup. Hearty salad lovers will want to whip up a kale salad massaged with homemade tahini dressing and pumpkin seeds.

Other leafy green alternatives: If you really hate the taste of kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and mustard greens pack a similar nutritional punch with a slightly more mild taste.

2. Sea Vegetables

Sea vegetables are sadly an often-neglected vegetable, supplying a host of nourishing nutrients and minerals. The star nutrient among almost all sea vegetables is the mineral iodine. Iodine is important for proper thyroid function, hormone signaling, energy production and repair. Kelp ranks as the most iodine-rich vegetable with 2523 mcg/gram (over 1500% of the daily value recommended by the USDA). Arame, nori, wakame, kombu, and dulse also pack a decent dose of iodine per gram, as well as other nutrients and minerals in various amounts, including riboflavin, iron, thiamin, manganese, and copper.

How to use them: Small amounts of arame and wakame mixed into lettuce or other leafy green salads are a delicious, savory-salty addition. A strip of kombu added to soups or beans adds a certain umami and may increase the digestibility of the food. Dulse flakes or tiny amounts of kelp powder are tasty sprinkled on cooked rice or eggs.

A Word of Caution: Those with thyroid disorders should consult with their doctor or healthcare provider before supplementing with iodine or consuming iodine-rich seaweed.

3. Root Vegetables

Beets, sweet potatoes, parsnips, potatoes, rutabagas, and winter squashes such as pumpkin and butternuts squash all fall under this category.Beets, sweet potatoes, and winter squashes are loaded with potassium, an important mineral that plays a role in the muscular system (deficiency of it can result in painful leg cramps), digestive system, and cardiovascular system. One study showed that beets helped to regulate blood pressure in overweight adults.

Beets may also help to improve athletic performance because of their natural nitrate content.

It is important to note that the vegetable nitrates in beets are completely different from the harmful, artificial nitrates in processed meats.

How to use them: Make beet chips. Slice the beets thinly using a very sharp knife or slicing tool (more effective and less dangerous). Toss with sea salt and coconut oil and bake in the oven till crispy. Sweet potatoes can be stuffed with a variety of healthy fillings once baked, or simply eaten topped with grass-fed butter or coconut oil to increase nutrient absorption. All the root veggies are delicious in nourishing wintery or fall stews.

4. Cruciferous Veggies

Cruciferous vegetables are among the most widely studied vegetables in terms of their disease-preventing benefits. In this study, cruciferous vegetables over all other types of vegetables were linked to a decreased rate of atherosclerosis in women.

One of the most powerful chemical components of cruciferous vegetables, sulforphane, is making headlines. One medical review noted that sulforphane appears to target cancer cells and modulate their pathways.

Broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, arugula, radishes, and Brussels sprouts are the most common vegetables in the cruciferous category. Broccoli sprouts in particular are a very concentrated source of sulforphane. When it comes vitamins, cruciferous are rich in Vitamins C, E, K, and folate.

How to use them: Broccoli, cauliflower, and kohlrabi can be made into delicious, creamy soups or pre-cooked and added to quiches, frittatas, and salads. Radishes and arugula make spicy, invigorating additions to a salad mix.

Animal Foods: Nutrient-Dense Superfoods

Meat: Liver from grass-fed or pasture-raise beef and chicken is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, a multivitamin in food form. Just a small 1 ounce serving delivers more than the daily value of Vitamin A, B12, B2, and copper, supplying as well hefty doses of iron and choline. Grass-fed lamb meat is high in zinc, important for mental health, memory, and regulating the immune and digestive systems. Grass-fed beef is rich in omega-3’s and pastured chicken is a good source of B vitamins.

Fish: Wild-caught salmon in particular is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In several studies, omega-3’s were shown to help endothelial (artery) function in participants.

Fats: Butter and grass-fed ghee are rich in Vitamins A, D, and K. One study showed that
ghee, long beloved in aryuvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory benefits, is
associated with lower coronary heart disease.

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Should You Take Vitamins?

Since there are so many vitamins and minerals and everything the body needs available in animal foods and plant foods, are vitamins even necessary? For many individuals, yes, vitamins may be very necessary.

Those with impaired digestive systems may be eaten a diet of whole foods but unable to assimilate many of the nutrients. You are more than what you eat, you are what you digest. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding in particular will want to take a high-quality prenatal as an “insurance policy” of sorts to an already nutrient-dense diet.

The key is to choose vitamins made from whole foods, not synthetic vitamin supplements. Most vitamins on the supermarket shelves are made synthetically. If in doubt, you can always call the company and ask about sourcing and processing methods.

Conclusion

Synthetic vitamins, while they may be better nothing when it comes to supplementing deficiencies, are inferior to whole foods. Synthetic vitamins may even be harmful for some individuals as they are largely unregulated. Whole foods are a nutrient-dense source and should form the foundation of vitamin consumption. When necessary or as an insurance policy, a whole foods based supplement may be a necessary and vital addition to an already nutrient-dense diet.

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Folate Deficiency is a Serious Problem

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Folate is one of the B Vitamins found in green leafy vegetables such as peas, broccoli, and spinach. It is also sourced from bananas, mushroom, melons, and shellfish. It has been widely known that folate is an essential nutrient among pregnant women. And while it is recommended that pregnant women should bank on folate, it is also necessary for adults to take in folate. The Danish Health Authority noted that pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive should bank on this vitamin for the healthy development of babies. One of the most significant issues is folate deficiency is irreversible.

Folate Deficiency Is Irreversible

Associate Professor Ying Liu from the Center for Chromosome Stability in the University of Copenhagen noted that deficiency of folate could lead to devastating and irreversible consequences. Lack of this vitamin can affect the way the chromosomes maintain health. Once there is something wrong with the cell division, it can no longer be fixed thus irreversible. Many studies have noted that folate deficiency can lead to age-related dementia, mental illness, and deformation of the brain during fetal development. These brain development anomalies are called neural tube defects, and they include spina bifida and anencephaly to name a few.

Public Knowledge On Folate Deficiency Is Key

Professor Liu also noted that the general public needs to know the adequate level of folate that we need to consume. He said that once the public has such knowledge,  it is easier to see if one has sufficient levels of folate in their blood for successful DNA replication. To tell whether an individual has adequate amounts of folate in his or her blood, blood samples may be taken.

Mapping The Genome

To detect folate deficiency, researchers are looking at the potential of using lymphocytes–a type of white blood cell–to determine the levels of folate. Researchers analyzed part of the genome called FRAXA that contains a genetic sequence CGG. This genetic sequence is associated with mitosis, cell division, and abnormalities in the chromosomes. The study noted that the entire X chromosome becomes unstable after depriving folate.

The study demonstrates that deficiency in folate can lead to abnormalities in the chromosomes. Once there are abnormalities in the chromosome, the daughter cells can inherit the mutation following cell division. This is the reason why the lack of folate in the body can lead to many diseases such as infertility, cancer, and mental health disorders.

Future Direction

This study is remarkable because the researchers are closer to determining the pathway that associates folate deficiency to chromosomal damage. While the research is still in its initial stage, the proponents of the study noted that other parts of the genome contain CGG sequences that can be further studied. Thus, the next step of the researchers is to map the area of the human genome where folate deficiency can influence the most. By doing so, it will be easier for the researchers and even the general public to understand folate deficiency. It can also be used to develop a tool on possibly reversing or halting the damaging effects of folate deficiency.

Inspired by www.futurity.org

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