Low B6 Linked to Inflammation
New Tufts research has linked low blood levels of vitamin B6 to markers of inflammation that contribute to heart disease and other chronic conditions. Lydia Sakakeeny, PhD, and colleagues analyzed data on 2,229 men and women from the Framingham Offspring study. The researchers found that levels of PLP, an indicator of vitamin B6 levels in the blood, correlated with 13 different markers of inflammation. The same associations weren’t seen with other B vitamins, suggesting a specific link, although the observational study couldn’t prove cause and effect. “Low vitamin B-6 status, based on plasma concentrations of PLP, has been identified in inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes,” Sakakeeny and colleagues noted. “This study, in combination with past findings, further supports our hypothesis that inflammation is associated with a functional deficiency of vitamin B6.” — Journal of Nutrition

High-Protein Diets Could Raise Heart Risk Over Time
Questions about the long-term health consequences of a high-protein, low-carb regimen like the Atkins diet have been raised by a study of 43,396 Swedish women who were followed for almost 16 years. The women, initially ages 30 to 49, were scored for carbohydrate and protein consumption and those scores compared to the 1,270 cardiovascular events recorded during the followup period. Each one-point increase in protein consumption (on a 10-point scale) was associated with a 4% greater risk of cardiovascular events, while the opposite trend was seen for carbohydrate consumption. Combined, each two-point increase on a 20-point protein/carbs scale—equivalent to 5 grams more protein and 20 grams fewer carbohydrates daily—was associated with a 5% higher risk of cardiovascular problems. The associations seemed to be stronger for women whose protein came mostly from animal sources. The findings, researchers commented, “draw attention to the potential for considerable adverse effects on cardiovascular health of these diets when they are used on a regular basis, without consideration of the nature of carbohydrates (complex versus refined) or the source of proteins (plant versus animal).” — BMJ

Spinach Really Does Boost Muscles
Another new Swedish study suggests that Popeye may have been onto something with his gobbling of spinach: In tests with mice, nitrates like those found naturally in spinach, beetroot, chard and lettuce had a “powerful effect” on boosting muscle strength. Researchers fed one group of mice water enriched with nitrate for a week, then compared the animals’ muscles to those of a control group. The mice given nitrate had much stronger muscles, particularly in the legs and feet. They also had higher concentrations of two proteins involved in the body’s calcium balance, an important factor in muscle contraction. The mice were given an amount of nitrate equivalent to what a human would obtain from 7 to 10 ounces of fresh spinach. It was noteworthy, researchers said, that the development of stronger muscles was linked to doses obtainable from a normal diet, especially one tilted more toward vegetables. — Journal of Nutrition

Sprint to Burn Fat Faster
Australian scientists have added to the evidence that high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting, works better than jogging or other moderate aerobic exercise for burning off body fat. They assigned 46 sedentary 20-something men to either an exercise or a control group. Those in the exercise group did 20-minute routines, 3 times a week, in which they sprinted on a stationary bike for 8 seconds, then rested for 12 seconds. After 12 weeks, the sprinters lost an average of 4 pounds of body fat while adding 2.6 pounds of muscle. Most important, scientists said, was that the sprinters saw a 17% reduction in the belly fat stored around internal organs, which has been linked to higher risk for heart disease. Men in the control group, by contrast, gained weight and increased waist circumference. “Sprinting is a very efficient form of exercise,” researchers commented, “and it’s fun.” — Journal of Obesity

Caffeine Associated with Lower Risk of Common Skin Cancer
Could your morning cup of coffee, afternoon tea or diet cola reduce your risk of skin cancer? Data from two large observational studies totaling nearly 113,000 men and women shows that those consuming the most caffeine were significantly less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. Over more than 20 years of followup, those consuming the equivalent of three or more cups of coffee per month were at 17% lower risk than those drinking less than one cup. Overall, as caffeine intake rose, risk of basal cell carcinoma dropped. Coffee, which accounted for more than three-quarters of the caffeine consumption, was also specifically associated with lower risk. Previous animal studies, scientists noted, have shown that topical application of caffeine induces the normal cell death that helps counter tumors. Observational studies in humans of skin cancer and coffee or tea have been inconsistent, but these have failed to distinguish between regular and decaf beverages. The new study did not find a protective association with other forms of skin cancer. — Cancer Research