Iron deficiency is the world’s most common nutritional disorder. In this post, I explore the functions of iron, its sources and how deficiency is diagnosed and treated.
Probiotics show promise in protecting bones
In this very first proof-of-concept study, a simple intervention such as taking a daily probiotic appears to offer promise in slowing down bone loss in older women.
Who needs to use protein supplements?
The protein and amino acid supplement market is big business. Bars, shakes, giant tubs of powder and specialist amino acid supplements dominate supplement shelves. But the decision to use protein supplements is based more on slick marketing claims than anything else; protein supplements offer few real performance benefits that an athlete’s normal diet isn’t already delivering. […]
A Christmas Carol of vitamin D deficiency
In my last blog for the year, I thought I would tie in a Christmas theme and what better way than by unpicking Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as a wonderful case study in vitamin D deficiency. Read on for more. A Christmas Carol is a classic tale describing the life of the miserly Ebenezer […]
Antioxidant supplements not a good training aid
Exercise has many health benefits, and one of the ways it achieves this is by the oxidative stress it places on the body. Now new research has found that athletes who take high doses of antioxidant supplements can impair the training adaptations from the beneficial stress which exercise causes. For active people, regular training is […]