Oldie-but-goodie nutrient making headlines again

Dear Reader, The oldie-but-goodie supplements keep making front-page news. Well, in the journals I read anyway. This is something you'll want to archive and show your primary care doctor the next time he rattles off his standard joke: that the only thing supplements give you is expensive urine. According to a new study, daily supplements of vitamin C may help boost energy levels, as well as reduce the incidence of the common cold. It never ceases to amaze me that researchers keep testing vitamin C's effects on the common cold. How many studies have to prove it works before people finally believe it? Anyway, back to the study... Researchers recruited 30 young men with low to average vitamin C levels and randomly assigned them to one of two groups. One group was given 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day for eight weeks. The other group got a placebo. By the end of the study, the men taking vitamin C experienced an astonishing 40-percent increase in their physical activity score, compared to those in the placebo group. The researchers think that since vitamin C combats oxidative stress, that could, in turn, combat fatigue too. They're certainly on the right track. Here's a little bit more of the science behind this discovery: Vitamin C possesses neuroprotective properties and influences the brain's oxidative fuel supply, thereby instilling a sense of well-being. This sense of well-being naturally translates into boosting energy and activity levels. And I'm all for anything that will get people more active. As far as the findings on the common cold--not only did the men in the vitamin C group report fewer colds overall, but the duration of the colds they did experience was reduced by whopping 59 percent. And to think these impressive benefits came from a modest 1,000 mg dose of vitamin C per day. Just imagine what these researchers might have found if they upped it to an optimal dose of this essential nutrient. I recommend at least 3,000 mg of vitamin C per day. U.S. plagued by expanding waistlines  I'm not sure why we needed a study to prove something we can all see with our own eyes every time we step outside. But here you have it: new research reveals U.S. waistlines are getting bigger.  A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that average waist circumference increased from 37.6 inches in 1999 to 38.8 inches in 2012. And the prevalence of abdominal obesity increased significantly from 46.4 percent to 54.2 percent during the same period.  In other words, more than HALF of the people in this country are "abdominally obese." For men, that means having a waist that's 40 inches or more. And, for women, 34.6 inches.  I know it's not politically correct, but I'll say it anyway: This isn't a good look--for anyone. But this goes far beyond a vanity issue. This trend is downright deadly. And what infuriates me about it is that the "experts" refuse to acknowledge the real reasons why so many Americans are getting bigger and bigger with each passing year. Take a look at what these researchers said, for example:  "The reasons for increases in waist circumference... remain speculative, but several factors, including sleep deprivation, endocrine disruptors, and certain medications, have been proposed as potential explanations."  Now, I'm not denying those factors DO play a role in weight. But, seriously, have these researchers been under a rock when it comes to the dismal state of nutrition in this country? Have they missed all the daytime-TV commercials for fast food chains? Sandwiches made of waffles, maple syrup and various kinds of processed meat? All-you-can-eat buffets? Unlimited breadsticks? Bottomless fries?  And what about exercise? Where's the mention of that?  I'll say it again: There's no use doing these studies if the real reasons for exploding waistlines are ignored. But I take them as another chance to remind you that youhave the power to stop this dangerous trend... at least in your own life. You know the drill: stick to the New Hamptons Health Miracle, make friends with your local farmer's market, and walk for at least 20 minutes a day.  Until next time,    Dr. Fred  Sources:  "A measureable benefit': Vitamin C supplements may boost activity levels & reduce colds in young men," NutraIngredients, 8/4/14 ( http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/A-measureable-benefit-Vitamin-C-supplements-may-boost-activity-levels-reduce-colds-in-young-men)  "Vitamin C Supplementation Slightly Improves Physical Activity Levels and Reduces Cold Incidence in Men with Marginal Vitamin C Status: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Nutrients 2014; 6(7): 2572-2583  "Trends in Mean Waist Circumference and Abdominal Obesity Among US Adults, 1999-2012." JAMA, 2014; 312 (11): 1151  "Waistlines of U.S. adults continue to increase," ScienceDaily, 9/16/14 (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140916162401.htm)