Blogging with Lee

Scientists have found a link between high sodium intake, low potassium intake and the potential for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study shows that too much sodium and too little potassium may increase the risk for CVD.

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic note that the term "cardiovascular disease" is often used interchangeably with the term "heart disease." They clarify: "Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as infections and conditions that affect your heart's muscle, valves or beating rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease."

Reporting in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers said the general finding that high sodium intake and low potassium intake equated with increased chances of CVD was broad-based. "These findings did not differ significantly by sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, hypertension status, education levels, or physical activity."

To learn more about this study coming out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), see my first report today.

In other news, researchers in the U.S. Army have found that supplementing with leucine enhances muscle protein synthesis following exercise. The study appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Find out more in my second report.

Finally today, we look at a study that exemplifies the benefits of supplementation with folic acid by mothers during pregnancy. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that the risk of a child having a severe language delay may be pre-empted if the mother takes folic acid. Read more in my final report.