Monthly Archives: January 2012

Vitamin D, Parathyroid and Insulin Sensitivity

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Clinical evidence suggests that vitamin D may be important in maintaining proper insulin function. Epidemiological research supports this contention because there is evidence that type I diabetes is negatively associated with sun exposure. Vitamin D is hydroxylated in the liver … Continue reading →

Posted in Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Parathyroid Hormone, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Vitamin D, Parathyroid and Insulin Sensitivity

More on the Importance of Breakfast

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Breakfast is an important meal that contains unique foods not eaten at other times. In particular  whole grain cereals are most commonly eaten during breakfast. Whole grain cereals are of interest nutritionally because they have been shown to have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, Cholesterol, HDL, Insulin, LDL, Whole Grains | Comments Off on More on the Importance of Breakfast

Detecting Biotin Deficiency

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Biotin is an essential element in humans required as a prosthetic group for carboxylase enzymes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase I and II, pyruvate carboxylase, methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase and proprionyl-CoA carboxylase. Deficiency of biotin results in hallucinations, depression, muscle pain localised paresthaesia … Continue reading →

Posted in Biotin | Comments Off on Detecting Biotin Deficiency

Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Glycolysis is perhaps the most important pathway in biochemistry because it is central to so many other pathways and is considered important in energy metabolism in almost all living organisms. The third step in the glycolytic pathway involves the conversion … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate

Vitamin D and Obesity

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that a large proportion the individuals from Western nations have insufficient vitamin D levels in their plasma. That is to say that although thy do not show signs of deficiency, they do not have optimal levels of vitamin … Continue reading →

Posted in Insulin Resistance, Obesity, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Vitamin D and Obesity

Phytonutrients in Whole Grains

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Whole grains are defined as grains with the same ratio of bran, germ and endosperm as in the original plant. Grains contain a tough outer bran layer that serves to protect the inner layers from disease, water and sunlight. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol, Diabetes, Fibre, Phenolic Acids, Phytic Acid, Tocopherols, Vitamin E, Whole Grains | Comments Off on Phytonutrients in Whole Grains

The Benefits of Nuts

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Many foods have been identified as having potentially benefits to cardiovascular health. Of particular interest to nutritionists are the metabolic changes induced by nut consumption. Epidemiological studies suggest that frequent nut consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of … Continue reading →

Posted in Almonds, Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol, HDL, Heart Disease, LDL, Nuts, Peanut, Walnuts | Comments Off on The Benefits of Nuts

Biotin Absorption

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The vitamin biotin is actually a group of stereo isomers but in humans only the D-biotin isomer is active. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin needed as a co-factor for a number of carboxylase enzymes. These carboxylases are involved in … Continue reading →

Posted in Biotin | Comments Off on Biotin Absorption

Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Weight Loss

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Conjugates linoleic acid (CLA) is a name given to a group of fatty acids that are isomers of linoleic acid with conjugated double bonds. The cis-9 trans-11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid is found naturally in ruminants and is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Insulin, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Weight Loss

GLA and EPA Interaction

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Starflower (borage) and evening primrose oils are good sources of the n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid γ-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3 (n-6)). In humans GLA is converted to dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, C20:3 (n-6)) which is subsequently converted to the anti-inflammatory … Continue reading →

Posted in Arachidonic Acid, Dihomo Gamma Linolenic Acid, Eicosanoids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid, Inflammation | Comments Off on GLA and EPA Interaction