Healthnotes Newswire (November 15, 2007)—A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that among children at risk for developing type 1 diabetes, those whose diets contained more omega-3 fatty acids—found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna—were less likely to develop a precursor to type 1 diabetes.

Islet autoimmunity is an immune process where antibodies attack the insulin-secreting (islet) cells in the pancreas. The destruction of these cells leads to type 1 diabetes. Children are considered at risk for islet autoimmunity if they have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes or if a blood test shows they have a specific gene associated with the disease.

The study, called the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) trial, examined the dietary habits of 1,770 children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. Researchers then assessed the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their diets (through use of a parent-reported food frequency questionnaire) and the subsequent development of islet autoimmunity. More omega-3 fatty acids in the diet was associated with a decreased risk of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. Dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was not associated with islet autoimmunity risk.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and to reduce oxidative stress. These mechanisms may help protect against islet autoimmunity but the exact way in which omega-3 fatty acids may protect against type 1 diabetes is not known.

“Our study suggests that in the future, after more research has been done, we may be able to develop nutritional-based interventions to prevent type 1 diabetes,” said Jill Norris, MPH, PhD, lead author of the study and professor of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. “However, it is important to note that because our study is the first study to find this, our findings are preliminary, and should be interpreted with caution until additional research is done.”

(JAMA 2007;298:1420–8)

Jane Hart, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, serves in a variety of professional roles including consultant, journalist, and educator. Dr. Hart, a Clinical Instructor at Case Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, writes extensively about health and wellness and a variety of other topics for nationally recognized organizations, Web sites, and print publications. Sought out for her expertise in the areas of integrative and preventive medicine, she is frequently quoted by national and local media. Dr. Hart is a professional lecturer for healthcare professionals, consumers, and youth and is a regular corporate speaker.

Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. HEALTHNOTES and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.

Whole-Food Cal/Mag Vitamin D3 and K2 Complex
Available in 30, 60, and 120 tablet sizes

• Bone-strengthening calcium your body recognizes as food
• With AlgaeCal®, a proprietary plant source of calcium

Evidence suggests that calcium from whole food sources may produce more favorable effects in bone health than isolated calcium supplements.* Similar to most nutrients, the body can utilize calcium much more effectively when it is paired with its natural co-factors such as magnesium and other trace minerals.

New Chapter® is proud to deliver a calcium complex derived from whole food that delivers these key essential nutrients in their safest, most active form within the infinite complexity of whole food.

The most common form of calcium supplement today is derived from limestone. You don’t eat rocks as part of your balanced diet, why would you choose to supplement your bone health nutritional needs with limestone?

Our bodies understand and seek whole food sources of nutrition, not rocks, which is why New Chapter formulated this product with a whole food plant source of this important nutrient complex. As whole food, it’s easy on the digestive system.

The calcium complex in Bone Strength Take Care™ is derived from a special form of plant called Algas Calcareas (AlgaeCal®) that is harvested from the pristine shores of a protected national reserve park in South America. Much like the vegetables from an organic garden, the algae is harvested live and then cold processed to retain its nutritional value.

Calcium must be completely dissolved in order to be absorbed. The plant-based calcium found in Bone Strength Take Care is porous, which dramatically increases the calcium’s surface area. Stomach acid can then come into greater contact with the calcium, making it easy to dissolve.

In addition to the whole-food source of calcium and magnesium, we have also added other bone-nourishing nutrients to complete the food complex.

Vitamin K is an essential co-factor in calcium absorption and retention. Human cell proteins that don’t get enough Vitamin K can’t hold onto calcium, causing this critical nutrient to drift away from the bone. Vitamin K2 (MK-7), sourced from fermented whole food, gently redirects “lost” calcium back into the bone bank.

Vitamin D3 completes the complex. Numerous studies have found that Vitamin D aids bone support and function.*