Seasonal allergies affect millions of people in the UK each year with aggravating symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, running nose and itchy skin. These hay fever symptoms are the result of the immune system’s reaction to harmless pollen particles in the same way it would respond to harmful antigens. In this immune response, immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) detect the pollen ‘antigens’ and activate mast cells and T helper cells (specifically type 2 or Th2 cells). The increase of Th2 cells and the mast cell histamine release in the mucosa and peripheral blood result in inflammation, hay fever symptoms and atopic conditions.
 UnBEELievable Bee Products including MAX Strength and DAILY Defence contain many of the ingredients that helps to support you in the Hay Fever season Conventionally, hay fever is managed by using anti-histamine drugs to reduce symptoms. However, a more holistic and curative approach to treating hay fever is to modulate the immune system, reduce the histamine response and to focus on reducing inflammation. Certain nutrients and natural remedies can be helpful in achieving these therapeutic goals and in creating a long term, effective treatment for hay fever and other atopic conditions.
Elderberry has been used medicinally for centuries in the UK and in Europe. Elderberry is widely known for its effective use in treating viral infections. Elderberry is also rich in Vitamin C and the bioflavonoid quercetin, both of which are powerful antioxidant and anti-histamine nutrients. These actions can help to reduce mast cell histamine response and reduce mucosa inflammation. Recent clinical studies have found elderberry effective at treating allergic sinusitis and rhinitis.
Reishi mushroom has been used historically as an immune tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Scientific researchers in the western world are now beginning to understand the active constituents that are responsible for the mushroom’s immune supporting actions. Reishi contains the bioflavonoid triterpene which inhibits histamine release. It also contains oleic acid and cyclooctasulphur compound which have antihistamine actions. In addition to these anti--allergic actions, reishi contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients which may be helpful in reducing hay fever symptoms.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid found naturally in algae. Studies have shown that astaxanthin is effective in modulating the immune system, specifically siting its role in balancing the Th1 and Th2 cells. By rebalancing these T helper cells, astaxanthin aids in reducing the hypersensitivity to pollen allergens. Astaxanthin is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient. These actions may help to reduce the symptoms related to the inflammation of the mucosa.
Bee propolis contains a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It also has significant immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory actions. Propolis is one of nature’s most potent anti-oxidant substances, exceeding Vitamin E in anti-oxidant actions. Propolis also has been found to effectively modulate the immune system without over stimulating it. The combination of these actions may be helpful in creating a long term treatment for hay fever.
Written by Erin McCann NT mBANT from UnBEElieveable Health and Being-Balanced
Pollen counts are continuing to rise across Europe, predicting months of misery for unprepared hay fever sufferers. A new study has found that pollen counts are rising by around 3% each year in urban areas, and that this rise may be caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (1).
Lead researcher Annette Menzel, from the Technical University of Munich, calls this the “carbon dioxide effect”. Plants use carbon dioxide to thrive, just as we use oxygen. She explains, “we know from experiments in the real world and in climate chambers that CO2 does promote the amount of pollen that trees produce.”
 Hay Fever Sufferers may find probiotics and quercetin & bromelain supplements useful In hayfever sufferers, pollen triggers the release of histamine, an inflammatory chemical that causes sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and an increase in mucous production. The condition is often treated with anti-histamine drugs and decongestants such as nasal sprays.
For those looking for a more natural way to relieve symptoms, there are a number of nutrients that act as anti-histamines. For example, Vitamin C enhances the action of the enzyme histaminase, which breaks down histamine. Quercetin, a natural bioflavonoid, reduces the activity of mast cells – the cells that release histamine and other inflammatory messengers. It is present in onions, shallots and garlic and is available in supplement form. Quercetin is often taken alongside bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples that may help reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with hay fever.
A more holistic way of approaching the condition might be to support the immune system, altering the way that your body’s immune cells respond to pollen. This would help to prevent histamine from being released in the first place. Preliminary research suggests that probiotics may be an effective way of doing this.
For example, a recent double-blind study found that probiotics decreased levels of IgE (an antibody that stimulates histamine) in hay fever sufferers. Researcher Dr Kamal Ivory claims that the probiotic appeared to change the body’s response to grass pollen, “restoring a more balanced immune response” (2).
The pollen study suggests that allergic conditions such as hay fever will continue to rise. Indeed hay fever seems to be increasingly common across Europe. In the UK alone, there has been a 33% increase in allergic rhinitis in recent years (3). Taking steps now to alleviate the condition and to support your immune system could help you to avoid unpleasant symptoms and enjoy the summer months ahead.
Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC
References
1. Ziello et al (2012) Changes to Airborne Pollen Counts across Europe. PLoS ONE, 7 (4): e34076
2. Ivory et al. (2008) Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis. Clinical & Experimental Allergy 38(8):1282-9
3. Hippisley-Cox et al (2007) Primary care epidemiology of allergic disorders: analysis using QRESEARCH database 2001-2006 QResearch June 2007.
A new study suggests that green coffee extract may be an effective supplement in aiding weight loss (1). The supplement was linked with substantial weight loss, decreased body fat, and a decrease in blood pressure over the short study period.
The research, published in the journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, followed a group of 16 adults over a course of 22 weeks.
 Green Coffee Extract may help weight management (4.) Each participant was overweight or obese, and aged between 22 and 26 years. The study used a high dose capsule (1050mg), a low dose capsule (700mg) and a placebo. The study was a “cross-over” design, meaning that participants cycled through the dose active doses and the placebo, taking each for 6 weeks. Each person essentially acted as his or her own “control”, meaning that the study results were more likely to be accurate and meaningful.
The diets of the participants were monitored throughout. “Their calories, carbohydrates, fats and protein intake did not change during the study, nor did their exercise regimen change,” study leader Vinson said. On average, the participants were eating around 2400 calories per day.
The subjects lost an average of 17 pounds over the course of the study. This was equal to 10.5% of their overall body weight. Each participant also lost an average of 16% body fat. Telephone interviews conducted 4 months after the study ended found that 14 of the 16 subjects had maintained their weight loss.
The caffeine in the supplement is unlikely to have contributed to the result. In total, the supplements provided up to 20mg caffeine – about the amount in a regular cup of coffee.
The active ingredient in the supplement actually appears to be chlorogenic acid. This is a compound naturally present in green coffee which acts as a strong anti-oxidant, quenching free oxygen radicals. Chlorogenic acid has been found to slow down the absorption of fat from the intestine and to activate fat metabolism in the liver (2). It also inhibits sugar absorption and influences glucose metabolism (3). Chlorogenic acid breaks down when coffee beans are roasted, meaning that drinking regular coffee will not offer the same benefits.
The design of the study used only a short break between each ‘cycle’, where the subjects swapped between supplements, and this may have affected the result. Despite this limitation, the authors concluded that the green coffee supplement may be “an effective neutraceutical in reducing weight in preobese adults, and may be an inexpensive means of preventing obesity in overweight adults.”
Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC
References
1. Vinson J, Burnham B, Nagendran MV (2012) Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, linear dose, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 5: 21-27.
2. Shimoda H, Seki E, Aitani M (2006) Inhibitory effect of green coffee bean extract on fat accumulation and body weight gain in mice. BMC Complement Altern Med 17;6:9.
3. Narita Y, Inouye K. (2009) Kinetic analysis and mechanism on the inhibition of chlorogenic acid and its components against porcine pancreas alpha-amylase isozymes I and II. J Agric Food Chem. 14;57(19):9218-25.
4. Image courtesy of Foto76
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is here!
Our busy daily lives see us constantly exposed to free radicals – microscopic organic molecules responsible for ageing and tissue damage. Pollution, sun exposure, diet and stress are just some of the sources of free radicals we deal with every day. They attack skin cells, causing them to break down and so affecting the health and the appearance of our skin.
 Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is a red berry seed oil blend which provides intensive nourishment. Antioxidants provide a counter attack, helping stop free radical damage and providing protection for the skin. This ensures the integrity of healthy cells and helps to maintain a youthful, radiant complexion.
While our main source of antioxidants is through diet, the body is so hungry for these useful molecules that most of them are absorbed into our systems before they reach the outer layer of the skin. Choosing skincare with high antioxidant content ensures that the skin receives its own supply.
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ contains red berry super antioxidants, such as lycopene from tomato and phytosterol from acai berry, providing powerful protection from free radicals and helping to prevent visible signs of premature ageing. Combined with Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, which is high in Essential Fatty Acids and delivers intensive nourishment and hydration to replenish softness and elasticity, these ingredients create the perfect skincare product, one which helps to repair yesterday’s damage and protect from tomorrow’s for healthier younger looking skin.
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is a 100% natural, certified organic red berry seed oil blend – the ‘everything-your-skin-needs’ beauty oil.
Written by Corinne Morley at Trilogy
About the Author:
Corinne Morley is Global Sales and Marketing Manager for New Zealand natural skincare brand Trilogy. A passionate international industry expert, she has a comprehensive beauty background encompassing marketing, sales, training, research and product development, and management roles.
A new study has confirmed the important role that diet plays in acne. The link has been a topic of discussion since it was first noted that acne is rare in non-westernized populations such as the Inuit and tribal populations. Genetics alone does not account for this difference. Environmental factors such as diet have therefore long been suspected.
 We're all in search of beautiful skin...Recent research suggests that diet is important for acne sufferers (2.) The study investigated the effect of a Low Glycemic Load diet on participants with acne. Glycemic Load is way of measuring the effect of a food on blood sugar levels.
The Western diet, based around processed foods and refined carbohydrates, has a tendency to stimulate insulin as well as a hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). These substances trigger off a sequence of hormonal changes, resulting in increased sebum production and changes in skin cell growth.
Participants were divided into two groups. The Low Glycemic Load (LGL) group were instructed to substitute high GI foods with lower GI foods such as barley, wholegrain bread, beans, fruits, vegetables and fish. The control group received no information on Glycemic index, and were instructed to continue their regular diet based on carbohydrate-rich foods.
After 10 weeks of following the programme, those in the LGL group showed decreased inflammation, and a decreased number of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Sebaceous glands were also reduced in size. The authors concluded “these results show that a reduction in glycemic load can result in a reduction in the level of acne lesions.”
For those who are interested in trying a low GL diet, some simple rules can help get you started:
- Include plenty of low GL fruit and veg with every meal. Try broccoli, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, yellow and red peppers, berries and cherries.
- Add a protein rich food – such as fish, chicken, tofu or eggs – to each main meal
- Use pulses such as beans and lentils, rather than pasta or rice, to accompany your meal
- Eliminate highly refined High GI foods, such as sweets, crisps, and foods containing white flour and sugar
- Nutrients such as cinnamon and chromium, such as those in Patrick Holford’s Cinnachrome, can provide additional blood sugar support
All in all, this is great news for all who suffer with acne. It represents a way to take control over a condition that is all too often difficult to treat with prescription drugs and over-the-counter lotions and potions.
Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC
References
(1.) Kwon HH, et al. Preview of article: Clinical and Histological Effect of a Low Glycaemic Load Diet in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Korean Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2012. DOI: 10.2340/00015555-1346
(2.) Image courtesy of Vikor Habbick
Did you know?
Each year, up to 50% of travellers are thought to experience the dreaded ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’ (1.), and with more people going abroad year on year, that’s an awful lot of upset stomachs.
There’s nothing worse: You’ve booked your holiday, looked forward to it for months, packed all of the right clothes, sun creams, insect repellents and so on. You arrive at your destination tired, but thrilled to be there… You settle in to the hotel, enjoy a couple of fabulous local dishes, and hey presto – you’ve been hit with a tummy bug. What now? You have to spend precious holiday time sitting on the loo!
Why?
The body’s balance of friendly bacteria is delicate, and can easily be disrupted. Travelling can naturally put strains on the immune system, and when you travel to new environments and eat foreign foods, unfamiliar microbes can irritate the gut wall lining – causing diarrhoea.
 A probiotic supplement such as OptiBac Probiotics - For Travelling Abroad - taken during your holiday could help avoid an upset tummy! Gastroenterologist Dr Georges Mouton recommends taking a probiotic supplement such as ‘For travelling abroad’ by OptiBac Probiotics – especially made to support your gut health during travels. This travel probiotic has been shown to reduce the likelihood of contracting travellers’ diarrhoea to just five per cent (2.). For travelling abroad contains four different probiotics, chosen for their ability to support the immune system, and to flush out pathogenic bacteria before it can cause an upset tummy. Unlike many popular probiotic yoghurt drinks, this vegetarian supplement contains no added sugars or flavourings, and does not require refrigeration. So you can rest assured it wont lose any of it’s potency whilst in transit to your holiday destination.
It is advised to start taking a travel probiotic 3 – 5 days before you go away, to support your digestive health in advance, and then every day during your holiday.
Other precautions?
Other things you can do to minimise your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea include regularly washing your hands and especially before eating and drinking, avoiding raw foods or salads and sticking to bottled water.
So next time you go away, don’t get caught short and remember to protect your digestive health…
Written by OptiBac Probiotics
References
(1.) http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/travelersdiarrhea_g.htm
(2.) McFarland, L. V. (2007) Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of traveller’s diarrhoea. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. Vol. 5, Issue 2, pp. 97 – 105
A recent pilot study, soon to be published in Clinical Nutrition, has tested the effects of the supplement Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) on patients with Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease is digestive condition marked by inflammation and irritation in the intestines. Symptoms include pain, bloating and diarrhoea, and the condition may lead to narrowing of the digestive tract as result of scar tissue build up. Diseased areas of the gut tend not to absorb nutrients efficiently, leading to malnutrition. The exact cause of Crohn’s is unknown, although hereditary and immune factors appear to play a role.
 Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a promising new supplement in the support of Crohn's Disease The study, conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech, found that Crohn’s patients who took supplementary CLA showed significant improvement. 50% of the participants who tried the supplement showed marked improvement in both quality of life and in disease activity.
In conventional medicine, Crohn’s is treated with anti-inflammatory medications as well as drugs that suppress the immune system, such as steroids.
It is thought that CLA has anti-inflammatory effects, which explains its benefits in Crohn’s patients. Furthermore, CLA supplements appear to be free from the side effects associated with anti-inflammatory drugs. In this particular study CLA was well tolerated by all of the participants.
Dietary sources of CLA include dairy products and certain types of meat such as beef and lamb. Unfortunately some sufferers find that foods such as dairy exacerbate Crohn’s symptoms. A good way to include a dietary source of CLA would be to eat kefir, a cultured milk drink popular in countries such as Russia and Romania. This would be easy and inexpensive to make at home using organic milk of grass-fed cows or a milk alternative such as rice milk. It provides a great source of both CLA and probiotics to support digestive health. CLA is also widely available in supplement form.
The recent study was ‘open label’ meaning that no placebo group was used, and participants knew what supplement they were taking. While lead researcher Professor Kim L. Isaacs says the results are promising, he concedes that they will need to be verified in a randomised controlled trial. It is too early to say whether CLA could be considered a treatment for Crohn’s. Hopefully these promising results will encourage more research in this area.
Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC
Reference
Bassaganya-Riera, J., R. Hontecillas, W.T. Horne, M. Sandridge, H. Herfarth, R. Bloomfeld, and K. Isaacs (2012) Conjugated linoleic modulates immune responses in patients with Mild to Moderately active Crohn’s disease. Clinical Nutrition (in press)
April is IBS Awareness Month. This calendar event is aimed at heightening awareness of the causes and symptoms of IBS, and the treatment options available. It also encourages sufferers to talk about their condition and take positive steps to manage their symptoms.
 IBS can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation and / or diarrhoea The exact cause is unknown, but attacks can be triggered by stress and dietary factors. Typical symptoms of IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome include abdominal pain, a sense of urgency (having to rush to the toilet), bloating and gas, and diarrhoea or constipation.
Might you have IBS?
Learn your ABC for IBS! The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) advises that anyone experiencing the following symptoms for 6 months or longer should be assessed for IBS:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Change in bowel habit
Common myths and misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about IBS, perhaps because many people find IBS difficult or embarrassing to talk about. A clear understanding of IBS can help sufferers to manage the condition more effectively.
1. MYTH: IBS is “all in the head”
FACT: For many years, doctors believed IBS was a psychological condition, only existing in the patient’s head. This misconception is damaging for patients who require practical help to manage IBS. Fortunately physicians now have a better understanding of the condition and can offer practical approaches to relieve symptoms.
2. MYTH: IBS is not a serious condition
FACT: IBS is not life-threatening, and it is not an inflammatory disease like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis. However, IBS can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to function on a day-to-day basis. These are serious concerns and should be treated as such by your GP.
3. MYTH: IBS is related to lactose intolerance
FACT: IBS and lactose intolerance are not linked, although their symptoms are very similar. Some people suffer with both IBS and lactose intolerance. If your symptoms are relieved by cutting out lactose, or by taking lactase supplements, then it is possible you have lactose intolerance rather than IBS.
4. MYTH: Increasing your fibre intake will help IBS
FACT: Although fibre is an important part of a healthy diet, certain types of fibre can actually trigger IBS symptoms. In IBS, the rough edges of insoluble fibre can irritate the digestive tract, causing abdominal pain and cramps. Swapping foods high in insoluble fibre, such as bran flakes, for foods high in soothing soluble fibre, such as oats, can help to manage painful symptoms.
5. MYTH: IBS cannot be diagnosed
FACT: There is an established protocol that GPs can use to diagnose IBS. By assessing symptoms and ruling out other digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, your doctor can accurately diagnose IBS.
6. MYTH: There are no good treatment options for IBS
FACT: There are several prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements that can relieve symptoms for sufferers. Different approaches can work for different people, and it is sometimes necessary to experiment to find what works best for you. Some over the counter medications can actually make symptoms worse if they are used excessively. Dietary and lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. For example, the FODMAP diet has proved helpful to many. Probiotics (especially strains such as Bifidobacterium Infantis), peppermint oil, and soluble fibre supplements such as psyllium husk all represent effective natural approaches to troublesome symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with IBS then a nutritional therapist can advise you on dietary management and helpful supplements. If you suspect you may have IBS then you should initially speak to your GP. After all, one of the most important messages of IBS Awareness Month is that nobody should have to suffer in silence.
Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC
References
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: Diagnosis and Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Primary Care. Feb 2008.
Pregnancy is a time for substantial changes in a woman’s body in many ways, including hormonal, mental and physical. This growth and development process needs fuel and constant support, and the overall nutritional status of the mother is central to the outcome of the pregnancy and health of the baby.
Birth defects, birthing complications and health risks in childhood and adulthood are substantially reduced if the mother has a healthy diet. This not only provides the baby with the fuel to grow and develop, but it also helps after birth as it influences the milk produced during lactation which sets the child up for the future.
A recent review of nutritional requirements in pregnancy and lactation was published in the Professional Nursing journal (1) which explained the increases in the nutritional demands for the pregnant/lactating female and the importance of this both in the short and long term.
The authors described how the energy intake requirements increase during pregnancy and lactation. Peaking in the third trimester, the accompanying weight gain needs to be steady and consistent based on the mothers pre-pregnancy weight (from 32.5-45lb weight gain in underweight mothers, to 12.5-22.5lb in overweight mothers). The authors also commented on research findings for macronutrients; reporting required increases in protein by 25g a day, especially in the final quarter of the pregnancy and an average serving of fish or chicken is approximately 22-24g.
 Extra Carbohydrates, such as wholemeal bread and one macronutrient that is required through pregnancy. The diet also needs to consist of 50-65% carbohydrates with a daily minimum of 175g carbohydrates during pregnancy and 210g during breastfeeding. This is equivalent to a daily serving of 250g of wholewheat pasta with 3-4 slices of wholemeal bread.
Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 are vital during this stage of life. An intake of at least 200mg/day of DHA is reportedly needed for reducing birthing complications. Two portions of fish are recommended each week, however due to high mercury contents shark, swordfish and king mackerel should be avoided. Good options would be sardines, herring or salmon. Fatty acids excluding vitamin A may be supplemented in pregnancy and Udos Choice is a popular addition to many pregnancy health regimes.
Micronutrient demands are also escalated during this time and any nutritional deficiency in the mother can considerably impact on the unborn child’s development. As a result the authors commented on the essential need for dietary increases in iron, folic acid, zinc, selenium, chromium, iodine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and pantothenic acid. Additionally, they recommend a multivitamin including these nutrients but without large doses of vitamin A (as this is related to increased birth defects). These nutrients are associated with reduced risks to the child and a better pregnancy outcome.
The authors also reported findings that supplementing calcium in pregnancy is also associated with decreases in complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and pre-term birth as well as improved birthing outcomes.
If you are considering starting a family or are already pregnant or lactating, you may wish to source a multivitamin without vitamin A such as the Bio Health One-A-Day Bio-Caps that contains folic acid, calcium and iron as well as a good quality, pure essential fatty acid supplement. Folic acid and iron can help prevent Spina Bifida and pregnancy-related anaemia, so ensuring intake of these nutrients is particularly important. A wide ranging, balanced diet is essential and should not be replaced by supplements. This considered focus on your health plan may help to provide your child with a healthy future and reduce the risks of complications during these demanding times.
Written by Lauren Foster
References
(1) Labuschagne, I.L., Ackerberg, T.S. & Lombard, M.J. (2012) Optimal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Professional Nursing,16(1), 26-29.
Women who supplement with micronutrients before pregnancy may be boosting the immune health of their baby from birth to adult life, a new study suggests.
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals, such as the B vitamins and the minerals zinc and selenium, that are required by the body in very small quantities in order to perform many crucial bodily processes.
 Micronutrient supplementation before pregnancy can improve your child's immune system The new research took place in Gambia, where individuals born during the ‘wet’ season (when there is less food and nurients available), have higher rates of infection and disease. The women in the study were given either a micronutrient supplement or a placebo until they became pregnant. The study then tested samples of DNA from babies at birth again at 9 months old.
The results suggested that the supplemented mothers had babies with healthier immune systems as a result of methylation changes. “These changes are part of the normal development of the immune system provided adequate nutrition is available.” Explained lead researcher Professor Affara. “Where this is not the case, the result is likely to be reduced ability to fight infection and hence susceptibility to infectious diseases.”
The type of changes in the supplemented mothers were created by a better rate of ‘methylation reactions’. Methylation refers to a special set of chemical reactions in the body. These reactions work like a ‘switch’ in your body, activating beneficial chemicals, and deactivating harmful ones. The methylation cycle is important for immune function, and so if methylation is not working optimally, then our ability to fight infection is impaired.
Professor Affara added: ” If we have an improved understanding of what nutrition is important, we can target nutritional intervention to improve health in later life.”
While many of us are aware of the importance of nutrients such as folic acid in pregnancy, it is becoming increasingly evident that the whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals have an important role to play. The current study certainly indicates that mothers who ensure optimum nutrition before pregnancy are supporting the immune health of their children not only at birth, but throughout their child’s life.
Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC
References
The paper ‘Periconceptional maternal micronutrient supplementation is associated with widespread gender related changes in the epigenome : a study of a unique resource in the Gambia’ will be published in the April 2012 edition of Human Molecular Genetics.
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