Probiotics ‘had no statistically significant benefits’ for managing diabetic symptoms – RCT
Probiotics had no statistically significant benefits for glycaemic control, lipid profiles, or weight in people with type-2 diabetes, according to an RCT conducted by Chinese researchers.
Writing in Frontiers in Endocrinology, the researchers said the 16-week intervention showed that probiotic had some effects on fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, and weight.
However, these effects did not reach statistical significance when compared to the control group.
Propolis for the brain: Korean firm explores new uses amid trend for functional, natural foods
Seoul Propolis is exploring novel uses of propolis, such as its effects on cognitive health, amid an ongoing trend where natural and functional foods are sought after.
Working with the Korean government and hospitals, it is at the tail end of a three-year research project.
The research compares the stability and efficacy of different propolis extracts on brain performance and comprises of in-vivo, in-vitro, and clinical study.
Dose and timing: Study shows caffeine intake at 400mg four hours before bed disruptive to sleep
A new study from Australia found that taking 400mg at four hours before bed would be significantly disruptive to sleep.
Writing in Sleep, the researchers said that as compared to placebo, taking caffeine at 400mg four hours prior to sleep would reduce total sleep time by an estimated 50.6 minutes.
However, a lower dose of 100mg, even at four hours prior to bed, would not significantly affect total sleep duration or the time taken to fall asleep.
Vitamin D is an “effective adjunctive” for blood glucose management in people suffering from type II diabetes, says a new meta-analysis.
The benefits of vitamin D supplementation spanned across significantly lower serum fasting blood glucose levels, lower glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin levels, and insulin resistance, said the findings published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism.
The meta-analysis looked at the results of 39 randomised controlled trials.
Curcumin improves insulin, blood glucose levels, and body mass – Year-long Thai trial
Taking 1,500mg of curcumin daily for 12 months has been shown to improve insulin, fasting blood glucose levels and body mass, based on a clinical study conducted in Thailand.
Writing in Nutrition Journal, the researchers said that this could be due to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effect and its role in maintaining healthy beta-cell (β-cell) functions.
Beta-cells, located in the pancreas, are involved in the synthesis, storage, and release of insulin.