Science shorts: Latest findings from Abbott, Dole, Toei Shinyaku

Oral nutrition improves protein, calcium, vitamin B12 levels among Singapore elderly – Abbott study​​

The use of an oral nutrition supplement for over six months has shown improvements in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12 levels among Singapore’s elderly aged 65 and above, say new findings from a study by Abbott.

The findings, published published on Nutrients, ​also showed a significant increase in vitamin B12 levels post-supplementation.  

A total of 811 seniors took part in this 180-day trial where they were randomised to take two servings of Ensure Life HMB daily or the placebo.

Myo-inositol supplementation effective in managing gestational diabetes – meta-analysis​​

Myo-inositol supplementation is beneficial for managing gestational diabetes and decreasing the need for insulin treatment, according to a meta-analysis of RCTs.

Writing in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine​, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis consisting of four RCTs amounting to a total of 317 patients.

They also found that myo-inositol supplementation showed no impact on birth weight, incidence of caesarean section, or the need of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

King Agaricus KA21 mushroom heals wounds and improves skin elasticity – latest findings​  ​

The KA21 mushroom is effective in repairing skin damage and maintaining skin elasticity, according to new research findings.

The findings were based on tests conducted on mice and surveys that assessed the satisfaction levels on its wound healing effects among plastic surgery patients and animals.

A product of Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer Toei Shinyaku, the functional mushroom was found to have promoted the synthesis of collagen I and III, which are involved in promoting wound healing.

Vitamin E supplementation combined with high doses of vitamin B6 and niacin shows promise in reducing cataract risk – study​  

Targeted supplementation of vitamins E, B6 and niacin could play a key role in maintaining eye health and mitigating the risk of cataract formation, findings from a Chinese study suggest.

The researchers conducted an analysis on the correlations between consumption of vitamins E, B6, and niacin (B3) and cataract prevalence using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008.

Findings were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.​

Green banana and pineapple fibre shown to raise beneficial bacteria – Dole-funded trial​

The supplementation of green banana powder and pineapple fibre powder has been shown to raise the levels of beneficial bacteria deficient in young adults, including Bifidobacterium bifidum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, say findings of a 14-day trial funded by Dole Asia Holdings.

Green banana powder was also shown to benefit overweight or obese individuals.

The study was conducted by researchers from microbiome firm AMILI Singapore, Monash University Malaysia, and Dole Specialty Ingredients.