Medical Health Information

Dietary supplements in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease: what is it?

Numerous studies have shown the interest of some tracks in the nutritional prevention of Alzheimer's disease. This degenerative disease of the brain is particularly evident in a loss of recent memory, a decline in intellectual function and progression to dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation in the neurons of a substance, the "peptide bêtaamyloïde" form of senile plaques (amyloid).

The accumulation of this peptide promotes the formation of free radicals (harmful for neurons) is involved in the intellectual disability of the early phase of the disease as well as neuronal death.

What avenues nutrition?
Tracks nutritional prevention of Alzheimer's disease are the subject of numerous studies with input from non-pharmacological and nutritional level:
- In polyunsaturated essential fatty acids omega-3;
- Antioxidants (substances that protect cells) including vitamins C, E and flavonoids as well as B vitamins (B1, B6, B9, B12).

Track of essential fatty acids omega-3
A diet high in saturated fatty acids (bad fats of animal origin) and / or deficient in essential fatty acids and antioxidants is associated with an increased risk of decline in mental function associated with age.
Recent studies have demonstrated the protective effect of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and DHA (derived from omega-3) on the risk of cognitive decline or dementia.

Track antioxidants
The accumulation of amyloid plaques promotes the formation of free radicals (harmful to the membranes of neurons) that are neutralized by antioxidants in the body, but the brain is not provided in antioxidants.
In addition, low blood levels of vitamins C and E (antioxidants that protect cells) multiply by 2.5 to 2.9 the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Studies on the effects of dietary supplements on Alzheimer's disease showed:

- Interest intakes of vitamins C and E in the early forms of the disease;
- The importance of B vitamins in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease because of their important role in the production of neurotransmitters (including acetylcholine). However, the first symptoms are accompanied by a decreased secretion of acetylcholine.
In practice

All these tracks brings nutritional nutrition experts advocate a Mediterranean-type diet or Crete.
The Mediterranean diet reduce by 13% the risk of developing dementia of Alzheimer type (Cesari F, Sofi F, Abbate R et al. Adherence to Health Status and Mediterranean Diet: A Meta-analysis. BMJ 2008 337: a1344).

Nutritional prevention of Alzheimer's disease is therefore:

- To focus on fruit and vegetables (antioxidant intakes);
- Drink at least twice per week of fatty fish from cold seas rich in omega-3 and its derivatives (DHA and EPA) that stabilize the membranes of neurons;
- Use of vegetable oils rich in good fats (olive oil, rapeseed oil, walnut oil, hazelnut ...);
- To make everyday complex carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia, brain unappreciated.

In case of unbalanced or deficient diet:
- Food supplements based omega-3 (fatty fish from cold seas) and certain vegetable oils "special seasoning" enriched in DHA may be useful (two tablespoons cover 50% of the recommended daily intake DHA);
- A diet rich in vitamins C, E, B1 and B6 as well as some trace elements (dose nutritional and non-pharmacological) seems interesting in the early forms of the disease as well as mental and intellectual functions.

Supplements in case of memory disorders: what is it?

Food supplements in case of memory disorders are useful in states of fatigue, stress, overwork, pressure of modern life, many factors that affect the performance of immediate memory: vacuum passages, forgetfulness, loss objects, forgetting names, names, memory lapses ...

These memory problems are often found from the fifties and with advancing age, the speed of nerve impulses responsible for transmitting information to the brain decreases from 10 to 30% from 50 years.

They can occur independently of a degenerative disease affecting the brain or complications of stroke.
To feed the brain

The brain needs oxygen and regular physical activity promotes oxygenation of brain cells.

Food supplements in case of memory disorders aim to provide the brain with the nutrients it needs, which promote metabolic exchanges in the circuits of neurons.

How can we improve memory?

The memory can be improved in several ways:

• By providing energy supply to the brain's primary fuel: glucose supplied by the diet with simple carbohydrates (sugar and sweets) and complex (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes ...)
• Providing elements tonic for the brain: calcium and phosphorus (milk and cheese), wheat germ, brewer's yeast and dried fruits;
• Improving cerebral circulation, which promotes better nutrition of the brain, including ginkgo biloba and periwinkle, which have a beneficial effect on cerebral circulation;
• Improving exchanges between brain cells - subcarences disturbed because of food-related current industrial and refined - with some micronutrients:
• Vitamins A, C, E and some trace elements such as zinc, selenium have antioxidant effects (fight against cellular aging);
• Vitamins B6, B9 and B12 help maintain cognitive functions (memory, concentration, reasoning);
• oils oily fish, first cold pressed, rich in DHA (fatty acid derived essential fatty acids omega-3) is an essential element of the membranes surrounding nerve cells;
• phospholipids, specific elements of brain cells that promote exchanges between neurons;
• Stimulating the nervous system with stimulants such as guarana (a kind of substitute for coffee) and cola that promote alertness and concentration, and ginseng improves mental ability.

What is the role of dietary supplements?

Taking food supplements combining vitamins B6, B9, B12, zinc and selenium, gingko biloba, guarana and DHA help maintain memory, concentration and alertness.

Taking supplements rich in phospholipids may also be indicated in cases of memory disorders, including formulas based phosphatidylserine (soybean extract), which is a major component of brain cells.

Food Supplements: What should be wary?

Be wary of excessive intake of guarana and kola, which causes the same side effects as coffee.

Dietary supplements "slimming" include products for thinning, drainage, disposal, detoxification of the body.

Dietary supplements "thinness" are classified into several groups, the main ones are: the "moderators of appetite", the "fat burning", the "suckers" the "detoxifying" the "flat stomach."

Dietary supplements "thinness" are useful aids provided to be integrated into a comprehensive program of thinning (controlled dietary, physical activity ...) and adapt to the needs of the body (eating disorders, retention water, bloating ...).

Regulatory issues slimming food supplements

Dietary supplements "slimming", like all dietary supplements are subject to a European directive (2002-1946/CE) which requires clear labeling and appropriate, with references such as "thin", "disposal", "drainage" .
Use of nutritional supplements slimming

• The "appetite" it is preferable to use occasionally, such as during an output (buffet, festive meal) to not get hungry and do not absorb too many calories.
• The "fat-burning" to supplement the effects of a low calorie diet coupled with physical activity.
• The "suckers" to help fight against water retention and promote the elimination of toxins.
• The "flat stomach" to reduce bloating and intestinal discomfort.

Slimming supplements Practical information

How are food supplements "slimming"?

The "appetite moderators"
They are of vegetable origin plants (karaya, locust bean gum, guar gum), fruits (apple pectin, lemon), seaweed (kelp, spirulina ...).

They contain fiber, mucilages or gums that have the ability to swell from 50 to 120 times their weight in water, which promotes satiety effect of ballast in the stomach. This is why it should be taken with a glass of water.

The "fat-burning"

There are:

• Those who seek to accelerate the energy metabolism and facilitate the mobilization of fat (caffeine, green tea, guarana, yerba mate, citrus aurantium, L-carnitine ...)
• Those (like the trace element chromium) involved in the regulation of glucose (blood sugar);
• Those rich in soft fiber (ispaghula, karaya ...) which reduce the intestinal absorption of dietary fat, high in fiber or animal (such as chitosan extracted from crustacean shells) supposed to stop the action of enzymes on lipid digestion.

The "suckers" and "detoxifying"

These are:

• Plants diuretic effect (birch bark, green tea, cherry stems, piloselle ...)
• Plants with detoxifying action of the liver and gallbladder (rosemary, artichoke, fumitory, horseradish ...)
• Draining plants (grape marc, ash, meadowsweet ...) rich in flavonoids (antioxidants that promote cellular exchanges) and minerals (such as potassium) that facilitate renal elimination.

The "flat stomach"

They contain:

• Lactic acid bacteria (acidophilus, bifidus ...) that occur on the balance of the intestinal flora;
• Soft fiber (mucilage, spirulina, oligofructose ...) that promote bowel movements;
• Mineral and organic compounds (charcoal, clay, mannitol ...) that absorb digestive gases.

What should I be wary?

Be wary of certain dietary supplements slimming slimming fast and unpublished.

Supplements in case of heavy legs: What is it?

Food supplements in case of heavy legs are designed to strengthen the walls of veins and stimulating venous return, drain the water retention and swelling responsible to fight against the formation of free radicals (harmful substances to cells) secondary blood stasis.

Food supplements in case of heavy legs mainly use:

• Plants venotonic (red wine, horse chestnut, witch hazel, holly, cassis, sweet clover, butcher's broom, ginkgo, cypress ...) according to different associations;
• Draining and purifying plant (root, fennel, artichoke, horsetail, couch ...)
• Herbal diuretics (hawkweed, cherry stems ...).

What is the difference between dietary supplements in case of heavy legs and venotonic drugs?

Food supplements in case of heavy legs from the herbal medicines are not in the same way that venotonic drugs (which are not reimbursed) who received clinical trials on their effectiveness.

What are the main constituents of food supplements in case of heavy legs?

The main constituents of food supplements for heavy legs are:
- Flavonoids and tannins venotonic plants;
- Vitamins C, E and PP plants venotonic;
- Assets of suckers and diuretic cleansing herbs;
- Essential fatty acids (omega 3 fatty acids, borage oil, evening primrose oil ...).

Supplements heavy legs Practical information

How do they supplements on heavy legs?

Dietary supplements herbal venotonic enhances the feeling of heavy legs, which is very often the first manifestation of venous insufficiency.

This improvement is related to the active principles of these plants venotonic:
- Flavonoids, substances with anti-inflammatory properties and increase the resistance of small capillaries (vessels for network skin);
- Tannins, some of which are rich in niacin which helps fight against venous insufficiency and capillary fragility, others have antioxidant properties that fight against the formation of free radicals;
- Polyphenols and certain antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) are protective substances vessels.

Food supplements for heavy legs often associate:
- Diuretic and depurative plants that affect kidney function and promote the elimination of water;
- And essential fatty acids which facilitate the drainage of tissues.

What can we expect from supplements in case of heavy legs?

Food supplements in case of heavy legs have a beneficial effect on the tone of the vein wall, they reduce vascular permeability (which favors the passage of water in the tissues), providing better blood circulation back.

Taken regular courses of three months, they provide a satisfactory feeling of lightness and well-being improves circulation.

What should I be wary?

In case of heavy legs, you should be wary of inactivity, the heat, prolonged sitting positions, overweight, food industry increasingly processed and salted, heat, alcohol, salt and spices.

Food supplements to fight against visual degeneration: what is it?

Dietary supplements in the prevention of degenerative diseases of the eye include:

• Antioxidants such as carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, selenium, flavonoids;
• Essential fatty acids like omega-3 intake is important for the cells of the retina because the body can not synthesize them.

Two structures of the eye are affected by aging.

Dietary supplements studied prevention of pathologies related degenerative eye the lens (cataract prevention) and the retina (prevention of AMD: Macular degeneration related to age).

• The progressive cataract is a clouding of the lens, rare before age 65, and risk of occurrence increases with age.
• AMD is the leading cause of blindness among people over 55 years in developed countries.

It is linked to a progressive deterioration of cells in the central area of the retina (called the macula) with two forms of AMD may be associated: the dry or atrophic form (80-85% of cases) and the wet or exudative, more serious (15 to 20% of cases).

What is the action of antioxidants in the eye?
Some antioxidants have a protective effect on the aging of the eye by neutralizing or fighting against the formation of free radicals (molecules of aggressive cells) associated with a process of tissue oxidation.

The retina and lens structures are ideal for generating the formation of free radicals, in particular due to a higher oxygen consumption than other tissues.

The protective effect of antioxidants from food supplements on the eye
It is emphasized in the context of studies have shown:

• A preventive efficacy of supplementation (6 years) dietary supplements rich in antioxidants (high doses of vitamins C and E, beta carotene and zinc - exceed the recommended dietary allowances), with 25% reduction in the risk of passing a more severe form (exudative);
• A beneficial effect on the prevention of degenerative diseases of the eye with supplementation (6 mg / d) of two carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), both of which are major constituents of pigments located in the macula of the retina;
• Reduced risk of developing cataracts among women who consume more vegetables rich in vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin;
• Reduced risk of exudative form of AMD with DHA supplementation (derived from essential fatty acids omega-3).

What is the action of antioxidants in the eye?
Some antioxidants have a protective effect on the aging of the eye by neutralizing or fighting against the formation of free radicals (molecules of aggressive cells) associated with a process of tissue oxidation.

The retina and lens structures are ideal for generating the formation of free radicals, in particular due to a higher oxygen consumption than other tissues.
The protective effect of antioxidants on the eye is emphasized in the context of studies have shown:

• A preventive efficacy of supplementation (6 years) dietary supplements rich in antioxidants (high doses of vitamins C and E, beta carotene and zinc - exceed the recommended dietary allowances), with 25% reduction in the risk of passing a more severe form (exudative);
• A beneficial effect on the prevention of degenerative diseases of the eye with supplementation (6 mg / d) of two carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), both of which are major constituents of pigments located in the macula of the retina;
• Reduced risk of developing cataracts among women who consume more vegetables rich in vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin;
• Reduced risk of exudative form of AMD with DHA supplementation (derived from essential fatty acids omega-3).

The interest of these photoprotective antioxidants is to fight against the free radicals generated by the absorption of light at the eye structures and cons of antioxidant defenses decline with aging.

Main foods protective elements of the eye

• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
• Fruits and vegetables yellow, orange, red and green leaves, rich in lutein and zeaxanthin:

- Spinach, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, soy;
- Mangoes, oranges, peaches, papayas.

• Oilseeds and vegetable oils rich in vitamin E.
• Salads (wild purslane, lamb's lettuce) nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, cashew seed ...), vegetable oils (rapeseed, walnut, hazelnut ...) rich in omega-3.
• Oily fish from cold seas (sardine, mackerel, tuna, salmon, herring, cod ...) rich in DHA (derived from omega-3).

What should I be wary?
Be wary of the sun and tobacco attack the body and increase the risk of developing cataracts and AMD.

Dietary supplements: What do we talk about?
Dietary supplements are a concentrated source of 'nutrients' that is to say, the components of food that are normally provided by a varied and balanced diet.

Elements that enter into the composition of dietary supplements can be:

• Vitamins (A, B group, C, D, E, K ...)
• Mineral salts (calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium)
• Trace elements necessary for many body functions with 13 trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese, selenium, iodine, fluorine, cobalt, molybdenum, silicon, boron, lithium)
• Antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin ...)
• Essential fatty acids
• Plants or their active ingredients, probiotics, mucilage ...

What are the regulatory issues?
Dietary supplements are subject to European regulations (Directive 2002/46/EC), which aims to ensure that dietary supplements are specific safeguards for the consumer.

The decree "Dietary Supplements" (No. 2006-352 of 20 March 2006) supplemented by an Order "Vitamins and minerals" May 9, 2006 has brought more safeguards and security by specifying the nutrients that can be used in the manufacture of food supplements.

Which imperatives food supplements should they respond?

The label must include:

• The name of "food supplement"
• The manual
• The recommended daily dose
• The list of components
• And precautions

They come in various forms: capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, teas ...
But these are not drugs.

The principle of formulation is based on nutritional and physiological doses to compensate for the risk of overdose. The maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals are set for a daily portion.

Making procedures
They can be taken occasionally for ten to fifteen days or a period of one to three months, as recommended on the label.

But they should not substitute for a varied and balanced diet that can meet the needs of the body of nutrients.

(Agency for the Safety of Health Products) recommends following the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

Situations in which dietary supplements are useful?
Dietary supplements can be useful in certain situations to complete the diet.

• In case of deficiency (rare in industrialized countries)
• In case of lack of intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements (poverty, elderly, tooth loss, anorexia, diet too restrictive ...)
• In case of increased needs (pregnancy, alcohol, intense physical activity, elderly ...)
• Or prevention of certain diseases (osteoporosis, recurrent cystitis, protection of the retina and the lens of the oxidation ...)

Note that speaks deficit intake component when its contributions are less than 2/3 of the recommended dietary intake (RDI)

What should I be wary?
Be wary of the risk of self-medication with prolonged or taken multiple combinations that can be harmful to health.

It should also be wary of fuzzy circuits mail, online or in some fitness clubs.

What is a food supplement antistress?
The antistress supplements can call:

• With vitamins A, C, E;
• The B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9);
• Some minerals and trace elements (magnesium, manganese, copper ...)
• Some plants (ginseng, hops, lemon balm, lavender, valerian ...);
• Certain amino acids (such as tryptophan) and peptides derived from milk;
• With essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6.

What is the use of dietary supplements antistress?

The antistress supplements may be helpful:

• During periods of overwork, stress tests or protracted loss promote minerals;
• In certain nutritional deficiencies (unbalanced diet or diets too restrictive) that result in a loss of energy, with signs of fatigue and stress (irritability, nervousness, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, memory disorders ... ).

What effects can we expect antistress supplements?

Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties say (to fight against oxidative tissue), which play an important role in the defense reactions of the organism. Careful not to take excessive under penalty of an opposite effect.

Vitamin C also has a tonic effect on the body.
B group vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6 and B9) involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids as well as magnesium and facilitate their proper use by the body.

Magnesium has a relaxing effect on the body. It helps to fight against nervousness, irritability, symptoms of hyperventilation and sleep disorders.

Manganese, copper, selenium and zinc promote resistance to stress.
Ginseng is a physical and mental stimulant. It is not recommended in cases of insomnia.
Hops, orange blossom, lime, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile are herbs that soothe anxiety and help sleep.
Tryptophan (an amino acid) and milk peptides have a beneficial effect on mood and sleep easy.
Pollen, rich in minerals and B vitamins, is invigorating, detoxifying and remineralizing.

Essential fatty acids (rapeseed oil, evening primrose, grapeseed, borage) have a beneficial effect on the nervous and help fight against irritability, anxiety, lack of energy and weariness.

When can I use the antistress supplements?
In case of physical fatigue: combining complementary including vitamin C, vitamin B9, magnesium and iron.
When fatigued with mental fatigue: supplement containing vitamin C, ginseng and minerals like manganese, copper.

When tired point, the early morning: complex of antioxidant vitamins and zinc + selenium.
To fight against stress: magnesium based supplement or wheat germ rich in minerals (including magnesium), vitamin E and B group vitamins or supplement-based essential fatty acids.

In the case of sleep disorders related to a state of anxiety magnesium and / or herbal supplement (hops, passion flower, orange blossom ...) or tryptophan-containing peptides and milk.

What should I be wary?

Be wary of taking joint supplements different which may expose the risk of overdose.