Researchers conducted a meta-analysis that included four studies with a total of 11,377 participants, to analyze the connection between serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine, and the formation of intracranial aneurysms.* 

An intracranial aneurysm is a weakness in a blood vessel in the brain that can leak or rupture. This can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is bleeding that occurs between the brain and the tissues that cover it and can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Research has indicated that high homocysteine levels (which are often accompanied by low levels of serum folate and vitamin B12) could be a risk factor. 

Results of the meta-analysis showed an association between elevated homocysteine levels and the formation of intracranial aneurysms. There were also indications that folic acid and vitamin B12 could have a protective effect against intracranial aneurisms. 

Editor’s Note: The protective effect of folic acid and vitamin B12 against intracranial aneurysms is possibly due to the ability of these vitamins to break down homocysteine in the body.

* J Clin Neurosci. 2025 May:135:111190.

Vitamin D Helps Control Glucose in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Vitamin D supplementation could improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 randomized, controlled trials involving 2,982 participants.*

Thirteen of the studies evaluated vitamin D at less than 2,000 IU daily and 26 evaluated vitamin D at greater than 2,000 IU daily.

Researchers found that, compared to placebo, vitamin D supplementation resulted in an 8 mg/dL reduction in fasting blood glucose. It also led to modest, but impressive, reductions in A1c (a measure of long-term glucose control), fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR (a measure of insulin resistance). 

The effects were most prominent in patients who were overweight, vitamin D deficient, or had an A1c of 8% or greater at the start of the study.

Editor’s note: “Our study suggests that vitamin D supplements can be recommended as complementary treatment for [type 2 diabetes] patients,” the researchers concluded.

  * Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024 Dec;26(12): 5713-5726. Epub 2024 Oct 2.

Omega-3’s Anti-Inflammatory Effects Against Chronic Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids and their derivatives (called specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs) have anti-inflammatory effects.* 

Pre-clinical research has shown that they help resolve chronic inflammation. To determine the impact of specialized pro-resolving mediators on humans, researchers measured the following levels in 21 adults aged 53 to 73 who had low-grade inflammation: 

1. Plasma phospholipid omega-3 content (a marker of dietary intake)
2. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
3. Anti-inflammatory markers

The results showed that as the omega-3 fatty acid levels increased, various markers of inflammation decreased. This suggests that higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation. 

Similarly, as levels of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from omega-3s increased, markers of inflammation decreased. 

Editor’s note: The results of this study support the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids and their derivatives in subjects with chronic inflammation.

* Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 2025 Jan:176:106948. 

Billions of People on Earth Have Inadequate Intake of 7 Key Micronutrients

Of the estimated 8.2 billion people in the world, more than half are not consuming enough of seven important micronutrients, according to a study in Lancet Global Health.*

For this study, researchers estimated the intakes of 15 essential micronutrients using data collected from the Global Dietary Database. 

  Based on nutrient intake from food alone (excluding fortification and supplementation), the scientists found that more than five billion people don’t consume enough iodine, vitamin E, and calcium. 

Additionally, more than four billion people don’t get enough iron, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin C.

Editor’s note: “Deficiencies in these and other micronutrients collectively contribute to a large burden of morbidity and mortality,” the authors stated. They asserted that the study’s results can be used by public health practitioners to target populations in need of intervention.

* Lancet Glob Health. 2024 Oct;12(10): e1590-e1599. Epub 2024 Aug 29.