Anna Soref

April 24, 2008

2 Min Read
Beat

C and E Study Makes WAVES
A November 2002 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that antioxidant vitamins offer no benefit to postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease. But industry associations have been quick to point out flaws in the research.

The journal reported the results of the Women's Angiographic Vitamin and Estrogen trial—known as WAVE—which looked at the effects of hormones and vitamins on the blood vessels of 423 women with coronary heart disease. The study concluded that the antioxidant vitamins E and C not only don't protect postmenopausal women from cardiovascular disease, but may cause more harm. The study's authors recommend that this population of women be discouraged from taking high doses of vitamins E and C.

However, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the study showed no effects beyond random variations in response to the vitamins. CRN believes the experiment design was flawed, with discrepancies in the treatment groups. CRN also pointed out that more than 20 studies have demonstrated the safety of vitamins E and C.

DHA: The Edible Lullaby
Infants born to mothers with higher levels of DHA have better sleep patterns, according to recent research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers found that babies of women with high DHA levels had more quiet sleep and less sleep-wake transition time compared with the babies of low DHA-level mothers. The scientists believe high-DHA-level infants have better-developed central nervous systems, which are responsible for their more peaceful sleep patterns.

Living the Good Organic Life
Nell Newman, daughter of actor Paul Newman, has brought the driving ethic behind Newman's Own Organics food products to the page with The Newman's Own Organics Guide to a Good Life (Villard, 2003). The book presents information on the world's current environmental status, including a look at food, transportation and energy issues, along with chapters on gardening, shopping, pet care and generosity. With a combination of facts, anecdotes and humor, Newman offers realistic suggestions for lifestyle changes for a better environment and a more enjoyable life.

—A.S.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXIV/number 2/p. 42

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