Science shorts: Skin and minerals, tomato concentrate for blood pressure and more

Iron metabolism linked to psoriasis, zinc and selenium intake may reduce atopic dermatitis risk – study​​

Iron metabolism is linked to the onset of psoriasis, and zinc and selenium intake could lower the risk of atopic dermatitis, says new research from China.

Writing in Frontiers in Nutrition, ​a group of China researchers conducted the research based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data and Mendelian randomisation.  

They found that an increase in transferrin saturation levels – which reflects the ratio of serum iron to total iron-binding capacity – is linked with an average 18 per cent increase in psoriasis risk.

Water-soluble tomato concentrate’s efficacy in reducing blood pressure shows promise for novel CVD-preventive approaches – BYHEALTH-funded study​

Water-soluble tomato concentrate has a significant impact on blood pressure regulation, says a BYHEALTH-funded trial.

The trial was conducted on 60 adults aged 35 to 65, where they were randomised to take either 300mg of the concentrate twice daily or the placebo for 45 days.

Writing in Frontiers in Nutritio​n, ​the researchers said the intervention group saw a 4.2 per cent reduction in systolic blood pressure – which was a significant decrease, as well as 3.8 per cent decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

New synbiotic yoghurt offers novel solution for metabolic syndrome management – study​​

A synbiotic yoghurt could help reduce oxidative stress in adults with metabolic syndrome, according to a new RCT.

The 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial involved 44 individuals with a body mass index of 25 to 35 kg/m²​.

They were randomised to take either regular yogurt or one that contained Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, Chloromyces marcosianos​ yeast, as well as vegetables such as celery.

Matcha intake shows tendency for improved sleep quality in seniors – 12-month trial​​

Consuming matcha green tea powder over 12 months has shown the tendency for improved sleep quality among seniors, according to a trial conducted in Japan.

A total of 99 Japanese seniors aged 60 to 85 years old who had subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment were randomised to take either placebo or capsules containing two grams of matcha green tea.

Writing in Plos One​, ​the researchers said that matcha consumption has improved sleep quality, based on the improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores in the intervention group.

Fermented gold kiwi intake shown to reduce self-reported gut discomfort – Eight-week RCT​

The intake of fermented gold kiwi could reduce the severity of self-reported abdominal pain and heartburn, according to an eight-week trial conducted in South Korea.

It also significantly improved the self-reported quality of life, the researchers wrote in Nutrients. ​

The study involved 100 participants who were randomised to take either 10mL of fermented gold kiwi or placebo once daily.