Antioxidant Research
J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Jan;109(1):64-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2008.10.014.
Total antioxidant content of alternatives to refined sugar.
Phillips KM1, Carlsen MH, Blomhoff R.
Author information
- 1Biochemistry Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. kmpvpi@vt.edu
BACKGROUND:
Oxidative damage is implicated in the etiology of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other degenerative disorders. Recent nutritional research has focused on the antioxidant potential of foods, while current dietary recommendations are to increase the intake of antioxidant-rich foods rather than supplement specific nutrients. Many alternatives to refined sugar are available, including raw cane sugar, plant saps/syrups (eg, maple syrup, agave nectar), molasses, honey, and fruit sugars (eg, date sugar). Unrefined sweeteners were hypothesized to contain higher levels of antioxidants, similar to the contrast between whole and refined grain products.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners as alternatives to refined sugar.
DESIGN:
The ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay was used to estimate total antioxidant capacity. Major brands of 12 types of sweeteners as well as refined white sugar and corn syrup were sampled from retail outlets in the United States.
RESULTS:
Substantial differences in total antioxidant content of different sweeteners were found. Refined sugar, corn syrup, and agave nectar contained minimal antioxidant activity (<0.01 mmol FRAP/100 g); raw cane sugar had a higher FRAP (0.1 mmol/100 g). Dark and blackstrap molasses had the highest FRAP (4.6 to 4.9 mmol/100 g), while maple syrup, brown sugar, and honey showed intermediate antioxidant capacity (0.2 to 0.7 mmol FRAP/100 g). Based on an average intake of 130 g/day refined sugars and the antioxidant activity measured in typical diets, substituting alternative sweeteners could increase antioxidant intake an average of 2.6 mmol/day, similar to the amount found in a serving of berries or nuts.
CONCLUSION: Many readily available alternatives to refined sugar offer the potential benefit of antioxidant activity.
PMID: 19103324
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19103324
Article first published online: 1 FEB 2007
Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews Volume 23, Issue 7, pages 539–546, October 2007
Effects of high-dose vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress and microalbuminuria in young adult patients with childhood onset type 1 diabetes mellitus
Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that high-dose vitamin E supplementation reduces markers of oxidative stress and improves antioxidant defence in young patients with T1DM. However, although it positively affects the oxidant/antioxidant status, vitamin E supplementation does not reduce AER (albumin excretion ratein) patients with T1DM and persistent MA (microalbuminuria).
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dmrr.717/abstract
Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews Volume 23, Issue 7, pages 539–546, October 2007
Effects of high-dose vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress and microalbuminuria in young adult patients with childhood onset type 1 diabetes mellitus
- C. Giannini1, F. Lombardo3, F. Currò3, M. Pomilio1, T. Bucciarelli2, F. Chiarelli1 and A. Mohn1,*
Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that high-dose vitamin E supplementation reduces markers of oxidative stress and improves antioxidant defence in young patients with T1DM. However, although it positively affects the oxidant/antioxidant status, vitamin E supplementation does not reduce AER (albumin excretion ratein) patients with T1DM and persistent MA (microalbuminuria).
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dmrr.717/abstract
Biol Res Nurs. 2007 Oct;9(2):117-29.
The effects of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency on the endocrine and paracrine systems.
Alpert PT1, Shaikh U.Author information
Individuals are capable of producing vitamin D with proper exposure to sunlight. However, several factors can interfere with the effectiveness of this process. Most sunscreens filter out UVB light, thus inhibiting vitamin D production. Individuals with more darkly pigmented skin have greater difficulty producing vitamin D because melanin acts as an effective natural sunscreen, requiring longer sun exposure to produce an adequate daily allotment of vitamin D. Additionally, solely breastfed infants whose mothers suffered from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when pregnant have smaller reserves of the nutrient and are at greater risk of developing nutritional rickets. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Long-term vitamin D insufficiency can lead to paracrine effects such as type 1 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. This article reviews the current literature on vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and their relation to different disease states. Potential areas for research are discussed.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17909164
The effects of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency on the endocrine and paracrine systems.
Alpert PT1, Shaikh U.Author information
- 1School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. patricia.alpert@unlv.edu
Individuals are capable of producing vitamin D with proper exposure to sunlight. However, several factors can interfere with the effectiveness of this process. Most sunscreens filter out UVB light, thus inhibiting vitamin D production. Individuals with more darkly pigmented skin have greater difficulty producing vitamin D because melanin acts as an effective natural sunscreen, requiring longer sun exposure to produce an adequate daily allotment of vitamin D. Additionally, solely breastfed infants whose mothers suffered from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when pregnant have smaller reserves of the nutrient and are at greater risk of developing nutritional rickets. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Long-term vitamin D insufficiency can lead to paracrine effects such as type 1 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. This article reviews the current literature on vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and their relation to different disease states. Potential areas for research are discussed.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17909164
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Apr 19;91(15):1058-60.
Relationship of serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and c-reactive protein with insulin resistance during first trimester pregnancy.
Liu T1, Liu Q, Yang D, Fang Z.
This study evaluated levels of fat cell hormones and levels of inflammation in the body. Leptin, TNF-a and CRP levels were associated with insulin resistance while adiponectin levels had a reverse effect on insulin resistance.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21609643
Relationship of serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and c-reactive protein with insulin resistance during first trimester pregnancy.
Liu T1, Liu Q, Yang D, Fang Z.
This study evaluated levels of fat cell hormones and levels of inflammation in the body. Leptin, TNF-a and CRP levels were associated with insulin resistance while adiponectin levels had a reverse effect on insulin resistance.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21609643