Brought to by: Melody Ann's 

Parkinson's disease has become one of the most common ailments in North America. According to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, more than two million Americans currently suffer from the disease. In Europe, it's estimated that four million people will have the disease by the year 2050.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports: “Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.”

The Parkinson Study Group (PSG) adds: “Although the illness most often affects older individuals, particularly those over the age of 55, Parkinson's disease may also affect people in their 30s and 40s. PD appears to be slightly more common in men than in women.”

Now a new study shows that vitamin B-6 deficiency may play a role in the development of the disease. The study, coming out of Japan, was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

However, the Japanese study is not the first to link vitamin B-6 intake and the risk of Parkinson's disease. In 2006 researchers from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam reported that people who had daily vitamin B-6 intakes of 230.9 mcg or more had a 54% lower associated risk of developing Parkinson's disease than people who had average daily intakes lower than 185.1 mcg. The study involved 5,289 people over the age of 55.

In other news, scientists in Switzerland report that the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea extracts helps increase fat oxidation in the body and supports healthy weight loss. Turn to my second report for all the facts.

Lastly, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that the intake of zinc gluconate may help reduce anger and depression in young women. Check out my third report to find out what they're talking about.

April 21, 2010