The Malaysian Insider :: Features
The Malaysian Insider :: Features |
| Marathon running without proper training can stress the heart, say researchers Posted: 11 Oct 2013 06:31 PM PDT Published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, a new small study finds that recreational marathon running can damage the cardiac muscle, and the effect is particularly widespread among less-fit runners, or those who do not train properly. The good news: the heart bounces back, but it could take a little while. A research team from Université Laval evaluated 20 amateur marathon runners who participated in the Quebec City Marathon. Six to eight weeks before the race, and on the day of the race itself, the scientists observed and tested the participants, as well as testing them again within 48 hours after completing the race. Tests included MRI scans and blood sampling. Findings showed that in half of the runners, the marathon induced a decrease in left and right ventricular function, with some also showing swelling and reduced blood flow. But for the runners who underwent a third MRI after three months of rest, results showed that the effects had reversed. "We also found that heart muscle changes were more common and widespread in runners with lower fitness and less training," said senior author Dr Eric Larose, of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec. "Finally, we observed that these changes were transient." "Although no permanent injury was observed in this group of runners, the findings suggest that there may be a minimum fitness level needed beyond which the heart can bounce back from the strain of training and running a long race." Furthermore, these results emphasise the need for proper preparation before recreational distance runners engage in a marathon race, Larose added. A separate study published last year in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance found that adults aged 50 and older can safely run a marathon without risking serious damage to the heart, as long as they train properly and stay hydrated throughout the race. – AFP Relaxnews, October 12, 2013. |
| Popping vitamin D pills may not boost bone strength – study Posted: 11 Oct 2013 06:30 PM PDT Researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand reviewed 23 studies involving 4,082 healthy adults with an average age of 59. Findings showed that those who took vitamin D supplements for about two years did not have greater bone density or lower risk of osteoporosis than those who did not take them. The studies took place in several countries around the globe, including the UK, US, Norway, Finland, and Australia. Findings were published yesterday in the journal The Lancet. "Our data suggest that the targeting of low-dose vitamin D supplements only to individuals who are likely to be deficient could free up substantial resources that could be better used elsewhere in healthcare," Dr Ian Reid, lead study author, said in a statement. Research earlier this year by the US Preventive Services Task Force found that adding 400 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 mg of calcium to a healthy diet does not lower risk of fractures in post-menopausal women. Unless you are advised by your doctor to supplement with vitamin D, experts say that most of us get plenty from sunlight on our skin or from a healthy diet, including oily fish like salmon and sardines and fortified dairy products and breakfast cereals. – AFP, October 12, 2013. |
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