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#544: Genetic Variants and Response to Nutrients – Martin Kohlmeier, MD PhD

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Listen Here: For a full list of apps, go here. Or simply search “Sigma Nutrition” in your app of choice.Or listen directly on the Sigma website here. Introduction In the realm of nutrition science, individual differences are more profound and impactful than many realize. For decades, we’ve developed dietary recommendations with a “one-size-fits-all” approach, assuming that most people respond similarly to specific nutrients. But Dr. Martin Kohlmeier, a pioneer in precision nutrition, challenges this very notion. How might an individual’s genetic makeup alter their need for certain nutrients? With advances in nutrigenetics, we’re beginning to see how personalized nutrition could …

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#543: Eye Health & Nutrition – Prof. John Nolan

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Listen Here: For a full list of apps, go here. Or simply search “Sigma Nutrition” in your app of choice.Or listen directly on the Sigma website here. Introduction In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ocular nutrition with Professor John Nolan, exploring how specific nutrients can play crucial roles in preserving eye health, improving vision and supporting cognitive function. With age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting millions globally, Professor Nolan sheds light on groundbreaking research showing how certain carotenoids—natural pigments found in plant foods—could impact eye health and perhaps even neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. But what are …

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#521: How Does Coffee Impact Our Health?

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The relationship between coffee and health is complex, encompassing areas like blood lipids, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, anxiety, and depression. Coffee has an interesting nutrient profile and contains diverse bioactive compounds that influence metabolism.

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#496: ATBC Cancer Prevention Study – Crucial Lessons

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The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC) stands as a seminal and pioneering research endeavor within the domain of epidemiology and cancer prevention. Conducted in Finland, the study aimed to examine the potential protective effects of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and beta-carotene supplementation against the occurrence of various cancer types, particularly lung cancer, among male smokers.

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#451: Potassium & Blood Pressure: Influence of Sex & Sodium

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It has been consistently shown in research that elevated dietary sodium consumption is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, low levels of dietary potassium intake are associated with these same risks. However, there is some debate on how to characterize these relationships.

In a study published in European Heart Journal in July 2022, using data from the EPIC-Norfolk study, researchers attempted to answer whether the associations between potassium and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease: 1) differ between men and women? and 2) depend on daily sodium intake.

In this episode Dr. Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon discuss the details of this study and then link it to the overall evidence base and what this may mean for potassium (and sodium) intake considerations.

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#444: Folate – Intake, Genetics & Health Outcomes

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Folate (also known as viatmin B9) actually relates to a collection of folates; both natural dietary folates and synthetic forms, primarily folic acid. This folate/folic acid that is consumed via the diet or supplementation is a precursor for the formation of tetrahydrofolate (THF), which is a carbon donor and acts a cofactor for a number of enzymes that play important roles in several processes. In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss the role of folate in the methlyation cycle, the impact of folate insufficiency/deficiency, genetics variatnts of the MTHFR gene (and other genes) that impact folate metabolism, and the impact of folate on health outcomes; including heart disease, birth defects, cancer, and brain health & cognition.

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#443: Kevin Klatt, PhD, RD – Can Choline Help Improve DHA Status?

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A recently published study by Klatt and colleagues examined the impact of choline supplementation alongside DHA supplementation, versus DHA supplementation alone, on DHA status in pregnancy. It is known that DHA is a critical nutrient at this time for healthy development of the child. And through a number of mechanisms discussed later, it has been hypothesized that choline could lead to greater DHA status.

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#406: Polyphenols & Cognitive Health

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In this episode we discuss the potential impact of dietary polyphenols on cognitive health; including cogitnitve funciton, memory, and risk of dementia and Alzeimher’s. We talk about some potential mechanisms, cohort studies, and then direct controlled trials.