Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have successfully tested a controllable endoscopic capsule, inspired by science fiction, that has the ability to "swim" through the body and could provide clinicians with unprecedented control when photographing the inside of the human body. The capsule is designed to be swallowed like a pill and can be equipped with a camera. Once inside the patient's digestive track, a doctor can "steer" the capsule through the body using an MRI machine, photograph specific areas of interest, and view those pictures wirelessly.
The ability to steer a capsule, aim a camera, and take pictures of specific areas of concern is a major leap forward with the potential for broad medical implications. The next step in their research is to successfully test the capsule inside a human body. There is no reason to believe the capsule would move differently in a human than it does in a tank of water.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Vitamin D deficiency may cause depression in children
Children with higher levels of the vitamin have a 10 percent lower risk of developing the mental health problem. Research from the Children of the 90s project at the University of Bristol, England shows that the link between low levels of vitamin D and depression is established during childhood. Ensuring children have a good intake of vitamin D could help reduce depression in adolescence and adulthood. The study investigated levels of two forms of vitamin D - D2 and D3 - and found the strongest anti-depression link with D3.
Mineral found in most multi fights deadly toxin
A deadly toxin produced by certain kinds of E. coli, including those that caused an outbreak in Europe last year, can be combated using the element manganese, found in most multivitamins. Manganese protected cells against as much as 4,000 times the amount of that toxin required to cause death in the lab, according to the journal Science.
The toxin, called Shiga, caused the severe diarrhea and kidney damage seen in the European outbreak. Antibiotics aren’t effective and may make the poison worse by causing the bacteria to burst open, releasing more Shiga and making patients sicker. There is no treatment for the infections. Manganese protects cells by blocking the path the Shiga toxin takes to shut down the cell.
Steve - seems so simple right? Highly doubtful this will ever get traction because there is little money to be made, except for those countries where maganese exists.
The toxin, called Shiga, caused the severe diarrhea and kidney damage seen in the European outbreak. Antibiotics aren’t effective and may make the poison worse by causing the bacteria to burst open, releasing more Shiga and making patients sicker. There is no treatment for the infections. Manganese protects cells by blocking the path the Shiga toxin takes to shut down the cell.
Steve - seems so simple right? Highly doubtful this will ever get traction because there is little money to be made, except for those countries where maganese exists.
Fluoride may be contributing to artery calcification
Fluoride may likely be contributing to the epidemic of cardiovascular disease by stimulating calcification of the vascular system, including the coronary arteries. In a study published in the journal Nuclear Medicine Communications, researchers assessed fluoride uptake and calcification in the major arteries of patients who were administered sodium fluoride, the active ingredient in most fluoridated toothpastes. The study revealed that the coronary fluoride uptake value in patients with cardiovascular events was significantly higher than in patients without cardiovascular events. They also found that there was a signification correlation between fluoride uptake and calcification observed in most of the arterial walls, indicating that the fluoride itself likely stimulates the precipitation of calcium within the arteries.
Fluoride may be an essential factor in mediating calcium's contribution to enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fluoride exposure is now ubiquitous, thanks to the fluoridation of public drinking water, medications like Prozac (fluoxetine), non-stick cookware, and toothpaste. Fluoride-induced calcification is not a new finding.
Fluoride may be an essential factor in mediating calcium's contribution to enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fluoride exposure is now ubiquitous, thanks to the fluoridation of public drinking water, medications like Prozac (fluoxetine), non-stick cookware, and toothpaste. Fluoride-induced calcification is not a new finding.
Honeybee death clue found
Guess who is partially to blame?
Honeybee populations have been in serious decline for years, and Purdue University scientists may have identified one of the factors that cause bee deaths around agricultural fields. Analyses of bees found dead in and around hives from several apiaries over two years in Indiana showed the presence of neonicotinoid insecticides, which are commonly used to coat corn and soybean seeds before planting. The research showed that those insecticides were present at high concentrations in waste talc that is exhausted from farm machinery during planting.
The insecticides clothianidin and thiamethoxam were also consistently found at low levels in soil -- up to two years after treated seed was planted -- on nearby dandelion flowers and in corn pollen gathered by the bees, according to the findings released in the journal PLoS One.
Researchers found the toxins in each sample of dead and dying bees. The United States is losing about one-third of its honeybee hives each year. While no one factor is to blame, scientists believe that others such as mites and insecticides are all working against the bees, which are the lifeblood for pollinating food our crops and wild plants.
Honeybee populations have been in serious decline for years, and Purdue University scientists may have identified one of the factors that cause bee deaths around agricultural fields. Analyses of bees found dead in and around hives from several apiaries over two years in Indiana showed the presence of neonicotinoid insecticides, which are commonly used to coat corn and soybean seeds before planting. The research showed that those insecticides were present at high concentrations in waste talc that is exhausted from farm machinery during planting.
The insecticides clothianidin and thiamethoxam were also consistently found at low levels in soil -- up to two years after treated seed was planted -- on nearby dandelion flowers and in corn pollen gathered by the bees, according to the findings released in the journal PLoS One.
Researchers found the toxins in each sample of dead and dying bees. The United States is losing about one-third of its honeybee hives each year. While no one factor is to blame, scientists believe that others such as mites and insecticides are all working against the bees, which are the lifeblood for pollinating food our crops and wild plants.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Can EPA and DHA regenerate nerves?
Research from Queen Mary, University of London suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, have the potential to protect nerves from injury and help them to regenerate. The new study, from the Journal of Neuroscience, suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could play a significant role in speeding recovery from nerve injury.
They simulated the type of damage caused by accident or injury, by either stretching the cells or starving them of oxygen. Both types of damage killed a significant number of nerve cells but enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids in cells gave them significant protection and decreased cell death. Researchers also found that a high level of omega-3 fatty acids helped mice to recover from sciatic nerve injury more quickly and more fully, and that their muscles were less likely to waste following nerve damage.
They simulated the type of damage caused by accident or injury, by either stretching the cells or starving them of oxygen. Both types of damage killed a significant number of nerve cells but enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids in cells gave them significant protection and decreased cell death. Researchers also found that a high level of omega-3 fatty acids helped mice to recover from sciatic nerve injury more quickly and more fully, and that their muscles were less likely to waste following nerve damage.
WSJ gets in on the act with citicholine
We reported on the potential benefits of citicholine for memory loss months ago. It certainly is better from a safety perspective than what is out there now. However, we only recommend it in pure supplement form and not as part of an energy drink or functional food. You should only work with a licensed health professional when taking it as well.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577178970931093522.html?grcc=88888Z0&mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_health
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577178970931093522.html?grcc=88888Z0&mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_health
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bone Density Scans: hate to say we told you so
Bonnie: Once, there was trans fat. Then there was hormone replacement therapy. Recently, it was PSA screening. This is just a smattering of the titanic reversals of fortune for once public health darlings. Now, we have the latest public health reversal: Bone Density Scans.
New research could mean millions of older women can skip frequent screening tests for osteoporosis: If an initial bone scan shows no big problems, many can safely wait 15 years to have another one, says a new study from New England Journal of Medicine. Government advisers and leading doctor groups urge osteoporosis screening, but no one has known how often that should happen. The findings offer the best information to date on that question, experts said. "This is landmark, in the sense that it could allow us to move on to more precise guidelines," said Dr.Heidi Nelson, a researcher at the Oregon Health & Science University who is an expert on the topic. At issues are bone mineral density tests, which usually are done through X-rays and cost around $250. Medicare pays for testing every two years. The new study feeds concerns that the tests are done too often, at least for some women. "It's an expenditure of time, it's exposure to radiation, and it's cost. And there's no reason to expose yourself to any risks if there's going to be no benefit," explained Dr. Virginia Moyer, who heads the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government panel that issues testing guidelines.
Most importantly, it is believed that such frequent scans have led to gross over-treatment with osteoporosis medication.
New research could mean millions of older women can skip frequent screening tests for osteoporosis: If an initial bone scan shows no big problems, many can safely wait 15 years to have another one, says a new study from New England Journal of Medicine. Government advisers and leading doctor groups urge osteoporosis screening, but no one has known how often that should happen. The findings offer the best information to date on that question, experts said. "This is landmark, in the sense that it could allow us to move on to more precise guidelines," said Dr.Heidi Nelson, a researcher at the Oregon Health & Science University who is an expert on the topic. At issues are bone mineral density tests, which usually are done through X-rays and cost around $250. Medicare pays for testing every two years. The new study feeds concerns that the tests are done too often, at least for some women. "It's an expenditure of time, it's exposure to radiation, and it's cost. And there's no reason to expose yourself to any risks if there's going to be no benefit," explained Dr. Virginia Moyer, who heads the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government panel that issues testing guidelines.
Most importantly, it is believed that such frequent scans have led to gross over-treatment with osteoporosis medication.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Less IBD in southern latitudes. Why?
Women living in the southern latitudes of the United States have significantly lower rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than those living in the country's northern regions, according to a study in Gut. Similar trends have been reported in Europe in the past;
The authors hypothesize that the main explanation for the reductions in southern latitudes is related to greater levels of sun exposure and to the higher levels of plasma vitamin D that are associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of IBD is further supported by the observation that animal models of colitis have more severe inflammation in vitamin D receptor knock out animals or animals deficient in 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. In addition, UV radiation is associated with regulation of T cells, as well as the production of interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-10, and the inhibition of IL-12, which suppresses the inflammatory response, the researchers noted.
The authors hypothesize that the main explanation for the reductions in southern latitudes is related to greater levels of sun exposure and to the higher levels of plasma vitamin D that are associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of IBD is further supported by the observation that animal models of colitis have more severe inflammation in vitamin D receptor knock out animals or animals deficient in 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. In addition, UV radiation is associated with regulation of T cells, as well as the production of interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-10, and the inhibition of IL-12, which suppresses the inflammatory response, the researchers noted.
Chicago Cub understands food intolerance
Byrd’s food fight
Outfielder Marlon Byrd is some 25 pounds lighter because he learned he suffered from food allergies.‘‘I went to a doctor in New York and found out I was intolerant to wheat and dairy,’’ he said. ‘‘I was this close to celiac disease [an intolerance to gluten].’’ He has had to eliminate all wheat, dairy and gluten from his diet. ‘‘I can eat meat, vegetables, sweet potatoes and white potatoes. No rice,’’ he said. ‘‘No soy. But coconut [milk]. But I feel great.’’
Contributing: Gordon Wittenmyer Chicago Tribune
Outfielder Marlon Byrd is some 25 pounds lighter because he learned he suffered from food allergies.‘‘I went to a doctor in New York and found out I was intolerant to wheat and dairy,’’ he said. ‘‘I was this close to celiac disease [an intolerance to gluten].’’ He has had to eliminate all wheat, dairy and gluten from his diet. ‘‘I can eat meat, vegetables, sweet potatoes and white potatoes. No rice,’’ he said. ‘‘No soy. But coconut [milk]. But I feel great.’’
Contributing: Gordon Wittenmyer Chicago Tribune
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Aspirin is not for everyone
Finally - we are not the only ones saying it!
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/daily-aspirin-is-not-for-everyone-study-suggests/?ref=health
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/daily-aspirin-is-not-for-everyone-study-suggests/?ref=health
Bathroom scales do not tell the whole story
According to a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, you may gain less weight by overeating on a low-protein diet than on a normal-protein or high-protein diet. Huh?
The reason is you lose lean body mass (muscle and organ tissue) on a low-protein diet and you gain lean body mass on a normal or high-protein diet. The less protein you eat, the more fat you will store. Fat is lighter than muscle.
In the study, the amount of carbohydrates stayed the same with the low, normal, and high protein groups. Those on the low-protein diet gained about 7 pounds compared with 13 pounds for those on a normal-protein diet and 14 pounds for those on a high-protein diet. The reason: lean body mass decreased by 1½ pounds in the low-protein diet group, compared with a gain of about 6 pounds of lean body mass in the normal-protein diet group and 7 pounds in the high-protein diet group. Protein contributed to the changes in lean body mass.
Bonnie - a "holy grail" comment of sorts came straight from the lead researcher of this study: "The bathroom scale doesn't tell you what the composition of your body is." How many years have I said that of the multifaceted contributions of protein, one of the most important is that it maintains and builds muscle mass while replacing body fat. This is why some of my clients, after several weeks on their food plans, do not see measurable differences on the scale. The difference is hidden: they are replacing body fat with lean muscle mass. This is beneficial for all age groups, but especially so for the elderly.
The reason is you lose lean body mass (muscle and organ tissue) on a low-protein diet and you gain lean body mass on a normal or high-protein diet. The less protein you eat, the more fat you will store. Fat is lighter than muscle.
In the study, the amount of carbohydrates stayed the same with the low, normal, and high protein groups. Those on the low-protein diet gained about 7 pounds compared with 13 pounds for those on a normal-protein diet and 14 pounds for those on a high-protein diet. The reason: lean body mass decreased by 1½ pounds in the low-protein diet group, compared with a gain of about 6 pounds of lean body mass in the normal-protein diet group and 7 pounds in the high-protein diet group. Protein contributed to the changes in lean body mass.
Bonnie - a "holy grail" comment of sorts came straight from the lead researcher of this study: "The bathroom scale doesn't tell you what the composition of your body is." How many years have I said that of the multifaceted contributions of protein, one of the most important is that it maintains and builds muscle mass while replacing body fat. This is why some of my clients, after several weeks on their food plans, do not see measurable differences on the scale. The difference is hidden: they are replacing body fat with lean muscle mass. This is beneficial for all age groups, but especially so for the elderly.
Who makes your supplements?
Bonnie - One of our primary tenets has always been to choose dietary supplement manufacturers who are in control of their products from the raw material stage to the finished product. As you will learn below, this is the exception, not the rule when it comes to most dietary supplements. In some cases, there are formulas that we have used used for decades that are not manufactured in-house. In these instances, we track and investigate each party involved in process of making the formula so we can make sure it meets our standards of quality.
While we all have our favorite brands of dietary supplements, the brands may not be as distinct as we think from a manufacturing perspective. One of the most common manufacturing methods is for a finished product company to contract the manufacturing to another entity. This practice is referred to as contract manufacturing or outsourced manufacturing. Contract manufacturers have been part of the dietary supplement industry from its inception, when most finished product companies were retailers and not manufacturers.
While there are certainly excellent examples of vertically integrated companies that manufacture their own consistently high-quality, unique, and reliable products, it is rare to find a finished product company with a sizable breadth of products that manufactures all its own products. Most companies outsource the manufacturing of some of their products, and some companies outsource all their products.
Why do companies outsource manufacturing?
Manufacturing dietary supplements has become increasingly complex with the requirements of the dietary supplement current good manufacturing processes (cGMPs). However, the main reason is the cost of manufacturing is prohibitive. Manufacturing requires significant investments into infrastructure, quality and regulatory compliance, and technology. For smaller companies, these capital and operating costs may far outweigh the benefits derived from any savings brought by bringing manufacturing in-house.
Challenges of Outsourcing
The use of contract manufacturers presents some challenges. The finished product company bears ultimate responsibility for the quality of the products that bear their label. This means that the finished product company must trust their contract manufacturers. With the globalization of the ingredient supply, outsourcing even by contract manufacturers, and the variability in cGMP compliance by contract manufacturers, can be challenging to assess.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that patients have to trust that their practitioners are performing their due diligence. The longer a product has been offered by a practitioner, the longer the track record. There is a good reason why at our office, we introduce very few new products. And if we do, they have been vetted them for months, if not years, for efficacy and quality. Of course, you can always do a little homework yourself, which we always encourage.
While we all have our favorite brands of dietary supplements, the brands may not be as distinct as we think from a manufacturing perspective. One of the most common manufacturing methods is for a finished product company to contract the manufacturing to another entity. This practice is referred to as contract manufacturing or outsourced manufacturing. Contract manufacturers have been part of the dietary supplement industry from its inception, when most finished product companies were retailers and not manufacturers.
While there are certainly excellent examples of vertically integrated companies that manufacture their own consistently high-quality, unique, and reliable products, it is rare to find a finished product company with a sizable breadth of products that manufactures all its own products. Most companies outsource the manufacturing of some of their products, and some companies outsource all their products.
Why do companies outsource manufacturing?
Manufacturing dietary supplements has become increasingly complex with the requirements of the dietary supplement current good manufacturing processes (cGMPs). However, the main reason is the cost of manufacturing is prohibitive. Manufacturing requires significant investments into infrastructure, quality and regulatory compliance, and technology. For smaller companies, these capital and operating costs may far outweigh the benefits derived from any savings brought by bringing manufacturing in-house.
Challenges of Outsourcing
The use of contract manufacturers presents some challenges. The finished product company bears ultimate responsibility for the quality of the products that bear their label. This means that the finished product company must trust their contract manufacturers. With the globalization of the ingredient supply, outsourcing even by contract manufacturers, and the variability in cGMP compliance by contract manufacturers, can be challenging to assess.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that patients have to trust that their practitioners are performing their due diligence. The longer a product has been offered by a practitioner, the longer the track record. There is a good reason why at our office, we introduce very few new products. And if we do, they have been vetted them for months, if not years, for efficacy and quality. Of course, you can always do a little homework yourself, which we always encourage.
Asthma, allergy and respiratory infections: the vitamin D "hypothesis"
According to commentary in the January issue European Journal of Clinical Allergy and Immunology, the recent discovery that every tissue in the human body has vitamin D receptors and that vitamin D has multiple genetic effects has prompted an increased interest in this hormone. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and on the increase. There is no consensus on the serum vitamin D levels to consider appropriate for global health, the cutoffs for its deficiency, or the doses to use for its supplementation.
Vitamin D seems to correlate closely with host reactions against various respiratory infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of upper and lower respiratory infections in children and a shortage of vitamin D may contribute to asthmatic patients’ symptoms and morbidity rates. There are studies highlighting associations between childhood asthma, fetal lung and/or immune development, and maternal vitamin D intake. An insufficiency of this vitamin also seems to be implicated in the onset of childhood atopy and food allergies.
The hypothesis is that vitamin D could have a central role in these pathological situations and that it may represent a novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategy. This review emphasizes the need for controlled, prospective studies on vitamin D supplementation to clarify what role in the prevention of and treatment for asthma and allergic conditions.
Steve - while it is always nice to see these kinds of comments in prestigious medical journals, as usual, this journal is five years too late in discovering the benefits of this "novel" therapy.
Vitamin D seems to correlate closely with host reactions against various respiratory infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of upper and lower respiratory infections in children and a shortage of vitamin D may contribute to asthmatic patients’ symptoms and morbidity rates. There are studies highlighting associations between childhood asthma, fetal lung and/or immune development, and maternal vitamin D intake. An insufficiency of this vitamin also seems to be implicated in the onset of childhood atopy and food allergies.
The hypothesis is that vitamin D could have a central role in these pathological situations and that it may represent a novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategy. This review emphasizes the need for controlled, prospective studies on vitamin D supplementation to clarify what role in the prevention of and treatment for asthma and allergic conditions.
Steve - while it is always nice to see these kinds of comments in prestigious medical journals, as usual, this journal is five years too late in discovering the benefits of this "novel" therapy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
