Red wine compound saves heart from ageing

A natural compound found in red wine may protect the heart against the effects of the ageing process, a study suggests. In the study, mice were given a diet supplemented with the compound known as resveratrol starting at their equivalent of middle age until old age. These mice experienced changes in their gene activity related to ageing in a way very similar to mice that were placed on a so-called calorie restriction diet that slows the ageing process by greatly cutting dietary energy intake. The resveratrol, like calorie restriction, blocked the decline in heart function typically associated with ageing.

Vitamin D for babies may prevent diabetes
A new analysis of current research provides 8220;the strongest evidence to date8221; that giving small children supplemental vitamin D will help prevent them from developing Type 1 diabetes later on. Vitamin D is produced in the skin with sun exposure. Deficiency in the nutrient can lead to a host of health problems. Because breast milk typically contains little vitamin D, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vitamin D supplements for nursing infants and UK public health authorities say that all children should receive the supplements for at least the first two years of life. The investigators reviewed all published research on vitamin D supplementation and diabetes risk. Overall, they found, infants who were supplemented with vitamin D were 29 per cent less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes than children who had not received supplements.

Smoking worsens arthritis
Among people with rheumatoid arthritis, heavy smokers appear to have a greater loss of muscle mass than those who smoke fewer cigarettes or do not smoke, a study suggests. On the other hand, people with rheumatoid arthritis are prone to gain weight when they stop smoking, and this may negatively impact their quality of life. The researchers compared measures of body mass, body fat, waist circumference, and muscle mass among 392 patients 290 female who had rheumatoid arthritis for 4 to 18 years. They were 63 years old on average. Overall, 69 participants were current smokers, 147 were ex-smokers, and 176 had never smoked, the researchers report in the medical journal Arthritis Research 038; Therapy. Current smokers had significantly lower body mass and body fat than ex-smokers and never-smokers. The groups had similar overall muscle mass, with the exception of heavy smokers who had the lowest muscle mass values.