Archive for September, 2010

CLA as a Dietary Supplement?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), is the broader term used to describe a mixture of different forms of linoleic acid. Discovered by chance in 1978 by Michael W. Pariza, CLA naturally occurs in small amounts in the meat and dairy products of ruminant animals; that is, animals that chew their cud, such as cows, goats, and sheep, among others. Though research of CLA has yielded conflicting findings, early studies have suggested some potential health benefits related to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, bone density, and obesity.

CLA cannot be produced in great quantity by the human body. Instead, people obtain this naturally-occurring fat from dairy animals that have the ability to convert linoleic acid from plant material into CLA because of microorganism activity in the rumen. As a result of a few initial studies on the health benefits of CLA, particularly the effect CLA may have on fat storage, people have started using man-made forms of CLA as a supplement to their diet.
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Pine bark extract offers no heart benefit
by Julie Steenhuysen

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Popular supplements made from pine bark extract do nothing to reduce blood pressure or lessen other heart risk factors in high-risk patients, U.S. researches said on Monday.

The study is the largest, most scientifically rigorous yet to look at the effects of pine bark extract, a powerful antioxidant. The leading brand is Pycnogenol sold by Natural Health Science, but it is sold by different names by other companies.

Smaller, less rigorous studies have suggested the extract, made from the French maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, helped lower blood pressure. A team at Stanford University in California put this claim to the test.
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Sprinter suing USPLabs for $1.8m in failed doping case
by Anthony Roberts

An American track and field sprinter, Philippe DeRosier, is suing USPLabs for $1.8m, after having been suspended for six months, having failed a drug test after ingesting Jack3D. He’s asking for $1.8m (+ another $300k, in related claims).

He tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexanaminet, thereby forfeiting his earnings from his last track meet in Turkey, and was suspended for six months as a result of the failed drug test.

He qualified for the Olympic trials, and he has/had a promising career as a sprinter, but at 26, he’s running over 10 seconds for the 100m, so while he’s blazing fast, he’s about half a second behind the (absolute) fastest American sprinters (best-ever-times) at the moment.
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Rethinking protein powder

Supplements are touted by their makers, especially for muscle-maxing weightlifters. But who really needs how much — if any?

When it comes to misguided efforts of average people wishing to pack on muscle, protein supplements are way up there. A 2004 study of exercisers at a Long Island commercial gym that was published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition revealed that more than 40% of regular exercisers take protein supplements more than five times a week.

For people looking to get as huge as professional bodybuilders, protein powders do make sense. But for us regular folks who merely want to look good for the beach, bar or bed partner, these probably are unnecessary.
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Putting on the Pounds After Weight Loss? Hit the Gym to Maintain Health Gains

ScienceDaily – Although obesity is a major risk factor for disease, much of the threat may be associated with the metabolic (or cardiometabolic) syndrome, a cluster of risk factors related to diabetes and heart disease. Losing weight can improve health and reduce many of these risk factors. However, many people struggle to keep the weight off long-term. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that people who perform resistance training while regaining weight can help maintain strides in reducing their risks for chronic disease.

“Long-term weight loss maintenance is uncommon without regular exercise,” said Shana Warner, a doctoral student in the MU Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. “It is very important to address other things that can be done to maintain health as opposed to focusing solely on body weight. Our research indicates that following a consistent exercise program can help maintain certain aspects of metabolic health, even in those who experience weight regain.”
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Jay Cutler Wins 4th Sandow, Kevin English Takes 202 Showdown

Taking his place on stage along side 10 men who have also won the Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler must have felt something special in the air. The evening began with a collection of greats who have triumphed in the contest since its inception in 1965 (minus Arnold Schwarzeneggar, who was unable to attend but recorded a speech) and took their place around The Master Blaster himself, Joe Weider.

The announcement of his name at the end of the show was still nearly three hours away, but Cutler appeared cool and confident each time he came under the bright lights. He certainly had a few things to worry about, especially from someone so close to him.
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Day Two – Ms. Olympia Recap, Men’s Pre-Judging Report From Las Vegas
by Joe Pietaro

Back in March, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia deserved to win the Ms. International over Iris Kyle but settled for second place. Tonight at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the difference was even greater but somehow Kyle was able to retain her title. Yaxeni was more defined than Kyle and was poised to win her second Olympia, but will have to wait until next year. A much improved Debi Laszewski finished in third place, Sheila Bleck fourth, Dayana Cadeau fifth and Heather Foster – who had the most entertaining posing routine of the evening – rounded out the top 6.
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Day One – “Meet The Olympians” Highlights, MSTV Interviews
by Joe Pietaro

We have arrived and immediately broke out the video camera to head to the “Meet The Olympians” session. Held on the concourse level of the Orleans Arena, there was plenty of room for the fans and pros alike. Of course Jay Cutler had the longest line to get his autograph, which was winding down the corridor. And this was during the 7:00 VIP hour. At 8, it was open to the general public and that line dwarfed Jay’s. No doubt that a good portion of the people waiting will end up just there, though.

Speaking of the defending champion, Cutler looks amazing. He should be able to retain the Sandow. Kai Greene was all covered up in his infamous hoodie, so we will have to wait and see until tomorrow. The majority of the pros were wearing a tight t-shirt or sleeveless shirt, so you can get a glimpse of what’s to come.
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ATD Again Cited in Sports Supplement Recall

SILVER SPRINGS, Nev.—Advanced Muscle Science announced a voluntary national recall of all lots of its products Arom-X, Arom-X UTT, Arom-XL, 4-AD and Devacol, all marketed as dietary supplements for testosterone boosting and sexual function. The products contain 1,4,6 etioallocholan-dione, known as ATD, an aromatase inhibitor that stops the body’s production of estrogen. FDA informed the company it does not believe ATD is a dietary ingredient, making the products in violation of federal law.
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Use of Anabolic Steroids Increasing

According to The Guardian and The Independent, the Government has urged for a ban over the online import of anabolic steroids.

The anabolic steroids are basically taken by men to strengthen up their muscles and to encourage athletic traits, but have been taken by a quarter of a million people in the UK. The worry is growing over the use of steroids by adolescent boys and young men, which could inflict physical and psychological problems.
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Lifelong Exercising Yields Sensational Results

ScienceDaily – Senior active skiers have twice the oxygen-uptake capacity of seniors who do not exercise. This is shown in new research at Mid Sweden University.

“The findings show that humans have a great potential to maintain a high level of physical work capacity and thereby better quality of life even at advanced ages,” says Per Tesch, professor of sports science.

A year ago Mid Sweden University and the Karolinska Institute launched a study of seniors who are still active skiers. The study attracted a great deal of attention in the media in connection with testing and experiments in Östersund. Some of Sweden’s skiing icons, now more than 90 years old, took part.
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Congress Seeks to put Dietary Supplement Makers in Jail for Ten Years!

Pharmaceutical companies are once again interfering with your ability to access information about dietary supplements.

The Senate is debating a bill that will enable the FDA to put vitamin supplement makers in jail for ten years if they cite findings from peer-reviewed published scientific studies on the label of their dietary supplements or their Web site.

The pretext for these draconian proposals is a bill titled the Food Safety Accountability Act (S. 3767). The ostensible purpose of the bill is to punish anyone who knowingly contaminates food for sale. Since there are already strong laws to punish anyone who commits this crime, this bill serves little purpose other than enriching pharmaceutical interests.
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Vitamin makers settle with states
BY KEITH LORIA

LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) – Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox on Friday announced a $25 million multistate settlement with a dozen vitamin manufacturers that allegedly participated in a price-fixing scheme.

Twelve vitamin manufacturers, accused of inflating the prices of 16 vitamins, were charged in the alleged price-fixing conspiracy, which caused government health care programs to pay more for the products than they should have.

“Strong competition in the free market is important to keep prices low and health care affordable,” Cox said. “My office remains dedicated to ensuring competition thrives and Michigan citizens receive quality, affordable health care.”
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Resveratrol Prevents Brain and Heart Damage While Assisting Weight Loss
by John Phillip, citizen journalist

Resveratrol is the protective bioactive nutrient most commonly found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts and cacao. Resveratrol provides a protective barrier against disease and fungus in plants which is also beneficial to human health. A wealth of information exists to support the function of resveratrol for brain rejuvenation and cardiovascular repair as well as influencing the metabolism of fat leading to natural weight loss.

Resveratrol Improves Endothelial Function Leading to Heart Health
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Alkalize Your Way to Great Health
by Dr. David Jockers, citizen journalist

The human internal ecosystem is stabilized by several different buffering systems that keep the body functioning at a high level for as long as possible. One of these buffering systems is pH. Our blood stream should be slightly alkaline at 7.365 at all times. If it rises or falls one or two tenths of a pH unit it is catastrophic and potentially fatal to the body. Maintaining pH balance through proper diet and lifestyle is one of the most critical tools to optimizing your health.

The body has both short-term and long-term methods for buffering blood pH. In the short-term the kidneys will flush out more acidic wastes and the speed of breathing will increase to pump more alkalizing oxygen into the system and acidic forming carbon dioxide out of the system. If the blood pH becomes too acidic for a chronic period of time it turns to the various tissues to help stabilize the pH. The body will naturally excrete alkaline minerals such as calcium from our bones & teeth. Magnesium is taken from blood vessels, potassium from our neuromuscular system, and sodium from our joints. If these minerals are not replaced, the tissues become weak and degenerate quickly.
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