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Skeletal

Protein and Bone Healing

Day and DeHeer (2001) considered the role of adequate protein ingestion, and lack thereof, when treating older individuals recovering from bone fractures. Using rat models, the authors explored how poor protein ingestion before fractures affected bone healing; studies prior to the aforementioned experiment considered low protein intake after injury. Day and DeHeer (2001) submitted that the…

Prevention and Management of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be defined as decreased bone mass and a shift in the structure of bone, resulting in a reduced quality of bone (Tufts, 2011). The quality of bone cannot be assessed, however, bone mineral density (BMD) can be screened using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to determine mineral content of bone (Tufts, 2011)….

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Support With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to treat inflammation and pain associated with RA. However, a meta-analysis conducted by Lee, Bae, and Song (2012) suggested research supporting the role of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) in reducing inflammation, with a particular influence upon the amounts of NSAIDs used in RA subjects. A meta-analysis is a…

Osteoarthritis: Support With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Osteoarthritis (OA) can be a source of pain, disability, and socioeconomic cost worldwide (Glyn-Jones et al. 2015). OA is also the most common joint disease globally, and affects approximately 10% of males and 18% of females over 60 years of age. Furthermore, the epidemiology of the disorder is complex and multifactorial, with genetic, biological, and biomechanical…

Protein for Athletes: How Much is Enough?

There exists controversy between scientific literature and popular opinion regarding protein requirements for athletes (Phillips, Moore, & Tang, 2007). Some authorities recommend 0.8g/kg of bodyweight while others recommend as high as 1.7g/kg of bodyweight (Phillips et al., 2007). As a means of reconciling the aforementioned disparity, the following sections will explore the effects of ingesting…

Vitamin D and Hidden Hunger

In my last post, I covered a brief history of Scotland and how they circumvented vitamin D deficiencies. The intent of providing a brief history of the Scots and vitamin D intake was to show the complex interplay of environment, physiology, cultural proclivities, and economics on the effects of health. It was also my intent…

Vitamin D Supplementation; When, How, and Why?

Vitamin deficiencies can, and do, occur on a global scale. It is also true that several factors contribute to deficiencies; populations with complex social and economic circumstances can have insufficient nutrient intakes, due to poor consumption of nutrient rich foods (Shergill-Bonner, 2013). However, environmental factors also play a significant role in the acquisition of nutrients,…

Mild Chronic Dehydration and Implications

Macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) are generally understood concepts among the population, in which awareness is propagated through social media, online sources, DVDs, and class instruction (Johnston et al., 2014). There are also many nutritional approaches (i.e., Atkins, Zone, LEARN, and Ornish diets) that attempt to implement the aforementioned macronutrients to reach favourable weight…