Bonnie's Blog on Hiatus until January 4, 2011.

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Corn Refiners Association study sad

Consuming fructose from added sugars at levels in the average American diet does not lead to weight gain or an increased risk for heart disease when part of a weight-stable diet, according to new data presented today at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2010. "These findings demonstrate that added sugars, whether from table sugar or high fructose corn syrup (corn sugar), do not promote weight gain or increase total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol when coupled with a balanced diet," says James Rippe, M.D., a cardiologist who is director of Lifestyle Medicine Initiative at Orlando Regional Healthcare and the study's chief investigator.

The study followed 64 overweight and obese people who were placed on a weight-stable diet for 10-weeks. The diet incorporated sucrose or high fructose corn syrup-sweetened low-fat milk, at 10% or 20% of calories. After 10 weeks, there was no change in body weight in the entire group. In addition, there were no changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL(low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), apolipoprotein B (elevated levels of APOProtein B represent an increased risk for heart disease), or mean LDLparticle size. Group assignment also had no effect on HDL(high-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "good" cholesterol). The research for this study was supported by a grant from the Corn Refiners Association (CRA).

Bonnie - I do give them credit. The CRA does not give up easily. They are a powerful lobby and have deep pockets. I wonder how they got this cardiologist to agree to a study with this few subjects and for such a short period of time. Maybe this doctor has not peered over the hundreds of studies, some of them then times the size of this study and over much longer periods of time showing the negative effects of HFCS.

Which Health Professional is Healthiest?

When it comes to eating a balanced diet, taking vitamins or other dietary supplements, exercising regularly, and engaging in other wellness behaviors, dietitians come out on top among eight healthcare professional populations according to the "Life…supplemented" Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Studies. The 2009 study shows that 96 percent of dietitians report trying to eat a balanced diet; 96 percent of dietitians report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—74 percent say they take them regularly; 83 percent say they exercise regularly; 80 percent say they maintain a healthy weight; 86 percent say they regularly visit their own healthcare professional and 72 percent claim they get a good night's sleep. While dietitians rank highest, other healthcare professional groups are also practicing healthy lifestyle habits. Following are the results, by healthcare professional group (listed alphabetically):

CARDIOLOGISTS
Of the cardiologists surveyed, 80 percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 57 percent of cardiologists report taking dietary supplements, at least seasonally—37 percent say they take them regularly; and 67 percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they maintain a healthy weight; and 49 percent say that they regularly get a good night's sleep. Only 34 percent of cardiologists report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly. Sixty-six percent claim that they try to manage their stress levels.

DERMATOLOGISTS
Eighty-one percent of dermatologists surveyed report they try to eat a balanced diet. Seventy-five percent of dermatologists report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—59 percent say they use them regularly. Additionally, 70 percent say that they exercise regularly; 79 percent agree that they maintain a healthy weight; 64 percent report that they regularly get a good night's sleep. Only 56 percent of dermatologists say they visit their own healthcare professional regularly. Seventy-one percent say they try to manage their stress levels.

NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Eighty-four percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet. Ninety-five percent of nurse practitioners report taking dietary supplements at least seasonally—71 percent claim doing so regularly. Sixty-four percent claim to exercise regularly. Nurse practitioners try to manage their stress level, as reported by 86 percent of those surveyed; 76 percent say that they regularly visit their own healthcare professional; while 63 percent, claim to get a good night's sleep. Only 59 percent of nurse practitioners say they maintain a healthy weight.

OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS (OB/GYNs)*
Eighty-one percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 80 percent of Ob/Gyns report taking supplements, including 56 percent who say they use them regularly. When it comes to engaging in regular exercise, 68 percent claim to do so. Sixty-eight percent of Ob/Gyns also report that they maintain a healthy weight. Only 57 percent report getting a good night's sleep, and slightly more than half (51 percent) say that they visit their own healthcare professional regularly.

ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
Seventy-seven percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet; 75 percent of orthopedists say they use dietary supplements at least seasonally, with 50 percent saying they use them regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent also report that they maintain a healthy weight. When it comes to managing their stress levels, eight out of 10 orthopedists (80 percent)report doing so. Orthopedists are less likely to get a good night's sleep (56 percent report that they do) and visit their own healthcare professional regularly (40 percent report doing so).

PHARMACISTS
Of the pharmacists surveyed, 76 percent report that they try to eat a balanced diet. Eighty-six percent of pharmacists use dietary supplements at least seasonally, and 62 percent say they take them regularly. Fifty-six percent claim that they exercise regularly. More than three quarters—77 percent—of pharmacists say they try to manage their stress levels. Seventy-five percent report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 67 percent claim they maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-five percent report regularly getting a good night's sleep.

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS*
A good majority of primary care physicians say that they try to eat a balanced diet (80 percent); and while only 48 percent of primary care physicians report regular use of supplements, 71 percent say they use them at least seasonally. Seventy-one percent of primary care physicians report that they exercise regularly. Interestingly, only 40 percent of primary care physicians report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 68 percent maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-three percent of primary care physicians say that they get a good night's sleep.

Rolaids recall

Johnson & Johnson issued a recall of its Softchews Rolaids antacids after consumers reported finding wood and metal bits in the tablets. Johnson & Johnson, which recalled some Rolaids products in November, said it was voluntarily recalling all lots of its Softchews products after potentially uncovering problems with a third-party manufacturer that left particles in the medicines. The recall is the latest in a string of pulled products for Johnson & Johnson's McNeil consumer unit that has drawn attention from U.S. authorities and Congress. About 130 lots are affected and include Extra Strength Softchews, Extra Strength Plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom Plus Anti-Gas Softchews.

Steve - this is a good time to remind you that we do not recommend Rolaids or its equivalents as antacids or calcium supplements. The calcium, in carbonate form, is very poorly absorbed. These products also block the absorption of key nutrients.

CoQ10's effect on breast cancer cells

Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 is a key molecule in cellular invasion and metastasis. Mitochondrial ROS has been established as a mediator of MMP activity. Coenzyme Q10 contributes to intracellular ROS regulation. Coenzyme Q10's beneficial effects on cancer are still in controversy but there are indications of Coenzyme Q10 complementing effect on tamoxifen receiving breast cancer patients.

In a Nutrition Journal study, researchers aimed to investigate the correlation of the effects of co-incubation of coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on intracellular H2O2 content and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity in MCF-7 cell line. The results showed that both coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine reduce MMP-2 activity along with the pro-oxidant capacity of the MCF-7 cell in a dose proportionate manner. Collectively, the present study highlights the significance of Coenzyme Q10 effect on the cell invasion/metastasis effecter molecules.

Weight Watchers New System: Bonnie's Take

In its attempt to reflect the changes of nutrition research over the last 15, Weight Watchers has updated its points system. They also admitted that many members were skipping their fruits and vegetables so as to not waste their points. Here are the highlights:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are considered free. However, fruit juice, dried fruit, and starchy vegetables are not free.
  
• The importance of protein and fiber for fullness and warding off hunger.
• The body has to work harder to metabolize protein and healthy fat, thus revving up metabolism.

Bonnie - it is nice to see that Weight Watchers has finally come around to making these changes. Now if they could just do a complete overhaul of their meals!

Comments on Lancet aspirin study

In light of the Lancet study showing that aspirin may reduce cancer risk by 20% over a twenty to thirty year period in healthy individuals, BBC writer Fergus Walsh explains how he is going to start taking aspirin despite aspirin's known risks.

We would warn Mr. Walsh that it does not have to be a black and white issue. While we do not dispute that aspirin can be effective in some individuals for certain chronic diseases, it can be devastating to others. Recent evidence, especially with heart disease and type 2 diabetes, have gone away from recommending aspirin in healthy individuals because its effectiveness does not outweigh the risk of adverse effects.

Mr. Walsh, you do not have to blindly take aspirin for the next 20-30 years without knowing if it is damaging to you (several people shared their horror stories in the comments section of his article). A simple, while expensive, genetic test can discover whether or not you can metabolize aspirin. A good portion of the human population unfortunately does not. So would it not be more responsible to have added this to your article for not just your own safety, but for that of your readers?

P.S. Confirmation of low-dose aspirin's side effects: A recent American Journal of Gastroenterology study found that overall, 42.2% of aspirin-treated subjects developed multiple erosions and/or ulcers. Gastroduodenal ulcers were observed in 17.6% of aspirin-treated subjects. Low-dose aspirin induced a surprisingly high incidence of acute gastroduodenal ulcers, highlighting that aspirin's upper GI risk begins early and may require gastroprotection.

On a positive note, the purpose of this study was to find a substance that could help reduce the ulcers. Researchers found the phospholipid, phospatidylcholine, when added to aspirin, significantly reduced mucosal damage. Only 22% of subjects developed multiple erosions/ulcers and only 5.1% had gastroduodenal ulcers.

Food Dyes: FDA to hold hearing

The Food Advisory Committee will meet to discuss whether available relevant data demonstrate a link between children’s consumption of synthetic color additives in food and adverse effects on behavior. Background material is available at:
http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/Calendar/default.htm.

Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA–2010–N–0001] Food Advisory Committee

This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of a public advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public. The meeting will be held on March 30 and 31, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Person: Carolyn Jeletic, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS–024), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740, 301–436–1913 or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1–800–741–8138 (301–443–0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 3014510564.

Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to the contact person on or before March 23, 2011.

Mitochondria and Alzheimer's connection

What are the earliest brain changes associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? A scientific report published in the October Journal of Alzheimer's Disease finds reduced activity of mitochondria in deceased young adult brain donors who carry a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease -- before the protein changes or microscopic abnormalities commonly associated with the disease and almost five decades before the age at which they might have developed memory and thinking problems.

Arizona researchers studied tissue from a vulnerable part of the brain in 40 young adults who had died and donated their brains for research. 15 of the brain donors carried a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and 25 of the brain donors did not. With the exception of a person with two copies of the APOE4 gene, none of the deceased young adults had the microscopic abnormalities or elevated amyloid protein levels long associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, the activity of an enzyme known as cytochrome oxidase, an energy-making enzyme found in the mitochondria of brain cells, was slightly reduced in the group at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. "Our findings suggest that mitochondrial brain changes contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease," said the study's lead author.

Steve - as we reported earlier regarding the connection between autism and mitochondrial dysfunction, we see a pattern forming around the importance of optimal functioning mitochondria, or what we like to call the powerhouse of the cell. One nutrient we have know for a long time to be beneficial for mitochondria is Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

Natural chemicals don't always translate into good drugs

GlaxoSmithKline formally terminated a clinical trial of an experimental drug designed to harness the potential health benefits of red wine, saying it had minimal efficacy in cancer patients and could potentially exacerbate kidney complications. The U.K. drug maker also reiterated that it isn't planning any further testing of the drug, SRT501, because it is focusing on other compounds designed to work similarly to SRT501 but which differ chemically. GlaxoSmithKline obtained SRT501 with its $720 million purchase of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals in 2008.

Mercury Linked to Alzheimer's

Inorganic mercury, which is still widely used in dental amalgams, is likely a contributing cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to the November issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Overall, investigators found that symptoms and features of AD were reproduced or accelerated when mercury was introduced. As a result of these findings, the researchers called for "the removal of mercury from public and ecologic circuits and replacing it wherever possible by less toxic alternatives. This would be a sensible public health measure that is supported by the current data."

Of 40 studies that tested memory in individuals exposed to inorganic mercury, 32 found significant memory deficits. The study authors also note that some autopsy studies also revealed increased mercury levels in the brain tissue of AD patients.

"In vitro models showed that inorganic mercury reproduces all pathological changes seen in AD, and in animal models inorganic mercury produced changes that are similar to those see in AD," the study authors write.

Bonnie - this should not be a surprise for anyone who reads our blog consistently.

Sweet Potatoes are coming on fast.

Sweet Potatoes step out from under the marshmellows.
New York Times

Top Ten Healthy Holiday Tips

For Healthy Holiday Parties and Family Celebrations

1. Eat before you go to a party, especially foods high in protein and healthy fats. Your blood sugar will be more stable so you won’t eat as much.
   
   
2. Alcohol is loaded with calories. Try substituting with sparkling water or club soda (an added benefit is feeling more full with water so you won’t eat as much). The best advice is choosing non-alcoholic, low calorie beverages such as a virgin bloody Mary, fruit flavored tea, or flavored water (without sugar or sugar substitutes added). If you do consume alcohol, remember that alcohol may inhibit your ability to make smart food choices. Sip your drinks slowly. For each alcoholic beverage, have 8 oz. sparkling water or club soda in between. Add a small amount of lemon, lime, or other fruit juice to your water for added flavor.
   
   
3. Don’t make a meal out of appetizers. Sample one or two, then wait for the main course. If fresh vegetables are served as appetizers, fill up on low carbohydrate, low calorie tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, celery, and zucchini. At a buffet, graze to take a taste of enticing items, but spend most of your time with the raw vegetables and heart healthy guacamole and humus dips. Socialize away from the food table so you won’t be tempted to continue eating while talking.
   
   
4. If you know you’ll want to have a rich dessert (instead of fruit), keep the fat and carbohydrate calories low the rest of the day to compensate. Also, forego second helpings of the dinner to save “calorie” room for dessert. Encourage family and friends to take a brisk walk between dinner and dessert. You’ll be surprised by how much less you’ll crave!
   
   
5. Watch out for raw foods (raw fish, steak tartar and eggnog made with raw eggs) or foods left out too long at room temperature. They could harbor harmful pathogens such as salmonella, shigella, listeria, or e coli.
   
   
6. Eat your meal slowly so that you’ll feel full with less food. It typically takes your stomach about 20 minutes to let your brain know that you are full. Try to avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat like heavy gravies. These are typically very high in calories. For example: 8 oz. eggnog = 340 calories, 1 slice pie with whipping cream = 520 calories; 1 cup standard poultry stuffing = 500 calories.
   
   
7. Exercise more to burn more calories during the holidays. Cycling, fast-walking, and cross-country skiing are great ideas. Even shoveling the snow off of your driveway and sidewalk counts.
   
   
8. Offer to bring your favorite healthy recipe to the party and spend most of your time eating it. Let your host keep the leftovers from your dish. If you’re hosting the meal or party, send leftovers home with your guests. It’s a friendly gesture and saves your from temptation!
   
   
9. If you have food sensitivities or allergies, call your host before the party to determine what foods would be safe. There is nothing worse than having an allergic reaction or digestive distress when you are trying to have fun.
   
   
10. Don’t begin a diet during the holidays or become obsessive about avoiding tempting holiday fare. If you restrict yourself too much, you’ll either be depressed or “pig out” later. Remember that the average adult gains 6 lbs. from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. If you can even maintain your weight during the holidays, you’ll be one step ahead when it is time to make your New Year’s resolutions.
    

© Copyright 2010, Nutritional Concepts

Children with autism have mitochondrial dysfunction

Children with autism are far more likely to have deficits in their ability to produce cellular energy than are typically developing children, a new study by researchers at UC Davis has found. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that cumulative damage and oxidative stress in mitochondria, the cell's energy producer, could influence both the onset and severity of autism, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects.

After the heart, the brain is the most voracious consumer of energy in the body. The authors propose that deficiencies in the ability to fuel brain neurons might lead to some of the cognitive impairments associated with autism. Mitochondria are the primary source of energy production in cells and carry their own set of genetic instructions, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to carry out aerobic respiration. Dysfunction in mitochondria already is associated with a number of other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The researchers obtained blood samples from each child and analyzed the metabolic pathways of mitochondria in immune cells called lymphocytes. Previous studies sampled mitochondria obtained from muscle, but the mitochondrial dysfunction sometimes is not expressed in muscle. Muscle cells can generate much of their energy through anaerobic glycolysis, which does not involve mitochondria. By contrast, lymphocytes, and to a greater extent brain neurons, rely more heavily on the aerobic respiration conducted by mitochondria. The researchers found that mitochondria from children with autism consumed far less oxygen (66 percent) than mitochondria from the group of control children, a sign of lowered mitochondrial activity. For example, the oxygen consumption of one critical mitochondrial enzyme complex, NADH oxidase, in autistic children was only a third of that found in control children. Reduced mitochondrial enzyme function proved widespread among the autistic children.

Mitochondria also are the main intracellular source of oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are very reactive species that can harm cellular structures, including DNA. Cells are able to repair typical levels of such oxidative damage. Giulivi and her colleagues found that hydrogen peroxide levels in autistic children were twice as high as in normal children. As a result, the cells of children with autism were exposed to higher oxidative stress.If researchers find some kind of blood marker that is consistent with and unique to children with autism, it changes the way we diagnose this difficult-to-assess condition. The real challenge now is to try and understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in children with autism.

Bonnie - what is the most significant nutrient we know of that supports mitochondria? Co-Enzyme Q10

Importance of Beta Carotene

A role of β-carotene in fulfilling the recommended intake for vitamin A is apparent from a variety of studies. Thus, besides elucidating the various functions, distribution, and uptake of β-carotene, researchers publishing in December's Journal Nutrition placed special emphasis on the provitamin A function of β-carotene and the role of β-carotene in the realization of the required/recommended total vitamin A intake in both developed and developing countries. There was consensus that β-carotene is a safe source of vitamin A and that the provitamin A function of β-carotene contributes to vitamin A intake.

IOM's new vitamin D recommendations flawed

We consider the new vitamin D recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) woefully inadequate and detrimental to public health. It is very simple to discount much of this report because the IOM is basing their new recommendations assuming minimal sun exposure and on individuals who DO NOT have the following special concerns:

• Adiposity (overweight or obese)
  
• Persons living at the upper latitudes in North America
• Persons who experience reduced vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure
  Dark skin
  Use of sun screen
  Indoor environments and institutionalized older persons
• Alternative diets or changes in dietary patterns
  Dairy and animal product exclusion
• Use of calcium supplements
• Oral Contraceptive use
• Premature infants
• Interaction between vitamin D and prescription drugs
  

What would be the percentage of the population who get minimal sun exposure (without sunscreen) and DO NOT have one or more of the aforementioned? It would be very small. Much of the country is overweight or obese. Much of the population receives inadequate sun exposure, spends much of their time indoors, and uses sunscreen when they are in the sun. We cannot understand why the IOM would not come up with more individualized recommendations to include all of the aforementioned groups.

At least they leave wiggle room between the RDAs and upper tolerated levels (which we still think are too low). If you are a client of ours, stick with your individualized recommendations.

We are not alone in discounting the IOM's recommendations. We have already heard from clients that their own doctors are telling them to ignore the recommendations. Here is a smattering of quotes from doctors and other health professionals across the country:

• Robert Rountree, MD, a medical author and practicing physician in Boulder, Colorado. “This report does not represent the views of researchers who are true experts in the field,” Rountree said. “For reasons that I don't understand, the panel members deliberately chose to ignore a large body of published information regarding the effects of vitamin D in cancer, cardiometabolic disease, obesity, autoimmune disease and mood regulation and instead focused almost exclusively on studies related to bone health. They also failed to make the case that vitamin D supplements are toxic in the dose ranges currently being recommended (2000 IU to 10,000 IU daily). There is nothing in the IOM report that makes me want to change my current recommendation to aggressively monitor vitamin D levels with frequent blood testing in my patients and to supplement as necessary to maintain adequate levels.”
  

• John Jacob Cannell, MD, takes issue with the new vitamin D guidelines. “After 13 years of silence, the quasi governmental agency, [the IOM’s FNB] recommended that a three-pound premature infant take virtually the same amount of vitamin D as a 300 pound pregnant woman,” Cannell writes. “While that 400 IU/day dose is close to adequate for infants, 600 IU/day in pregnant women will do nothing to help the three childhood epidemics most closely associated with gestational and early childhood vitamin D deficiencies: asthma, auto-immune disorders, and, as recently reported in the largest pediatric journal in the world, autism.”
  

• "There's no way that people will satisfy those recommendations for vitamin D without supplements," says Elizabeth Ward, a registered dietitian in Boston in a USA Today interview.
  
  
• "This is a stunning disappointment," said Dr. Cedric Garland, one of the top researchers who has studied the ability of vitamin D to prevent cancer.
  

Since the IOM announcement Tuesday, these vitamin D studies have been published:

• A study from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the associations between vitamin D status and changes in body mass index, skinfold-thickness ratio, waist circumference, and height in child subjects living in warm weather climates. Vitamin D–deficient children had a greater change in BMI than did vitamin D–sufficient children. Similarly, vitamin D–deficient children had a greater change in subscapular-to-triceps skinfold-thickness ratio and a greater change in waist circumference than did vitamin D–sufficient children. Vitamin D deficiency was related to slower linear growth in girls but not in boys. Vitamin D status was inversely associated with the development of adiposity in school-age children.
  
  
• A Journal Nutrition study confirms that serum 25(OH)D concentrations undergo strong seasonal variation at high latitudes and are influenced by vitamin D intake, skin pigmentation, and sun exposure.
  
  
• Emerging evidence suggests a high prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D (as defined by serum 25(OH)D levels of less than 32 as well as an association between lower serum levels and higher mortality in cancer. Researchers in Nutrition Journal investigated the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation as a means for restoring suboptimal levels to optimal levels in 2198 cancer patients. Patients with baseline levels less than 32 were considered to have suboptimal serum 25(OH)D levels and were supplemented with 8000 IU of Vitamin D3 (four 2000 IU D3 capsules) daily as part of their nutritional care plan.
  
  The response to supplementation from suboptimal to optimal levels was greatest in patients with prostate and lung cancer as well as those with baseline levels between 20-32. Because of this, the impact of improved serum 25(OH)D levels on patient survival and quality of life needs to be further investigated.

IOM's New Vitamin D Recommendations By Life Stage:
Adequate Intake (AI)
Tolerable Upper Level Intake (UL)
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

Infants 0-12 months
400IU - AI
1000IU-1500IU - UL

Children 1-3 years old
600IU - RDA
2500IU - UL

Children 4-8 years old
600IU - RDA
3000IU - UL

Females (including pregnant or lactating) and Males 9-70
600IU - RDA
4000IU - UL

Females and Males 70 and above
800IU - RDA
4000IU - UL

Once Again: magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in women

Researchers examined the association between magnesium, as measured in diet and plasma, and risk of Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome. The analysis, which appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was conducted within the Nurses' Health Study. The association for magnesium intake was examined prospectively in 88,375 women who were free of disease in 1980. 505 cases of sudden or arrhythmic death were documented over 26 y of follow-up. The relative risk of SCD was significantly lower in women in the highest quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile of dietary and plasma magnesium. In conclusion, higher plasma concentrations and dietary magnesium intakes were associated with lower risks of SCD in women. If the observed association is causal, interventions directed at increasing dietary or plasma magnesium might lower the risk of SCD.

This adds more evidence to the even stronger October study in American Heart Journal

Bifidus crucial for a baby's digestion

Infants may more efficient at digesting and utilizing nutritional components of milk than adults due to a difference in the strains of bacteria that dominate their digestive tracts. Researchers report on genomic analysis of these strains in the November 2010 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology identifying the genes that are most likely responsible for this difference.

"Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third-largest solid component of milk. Their structural complexity renders them non-digestible to the host," say the researchers. "Bifidobacterium longum strains often predominate the colonic microbiota of exlusively breast-fed infants. Among the three recognized subspecies, B. longum subsp. infantis achieves high levels of cell growth on HMOs and is associated with early colonization of the infant gut."

The results of this study suggest that B. longum has at least 2 distinct subspecies: B. longum subsp. infantis, adapted to ultilize milk carbon and found primarily in the digestive tract of children, and B. longum subsp. longum, specialized for plant-derived carbon metabolism and associated with the adult digestive tract. "Although early gut colonization is likely dependent on a multitude of dietary and nondietary factors, the delivery of complex oligosaccharides through milk creates an ideal and unique nutrient niche for the establishment of, and colonization by, B. longum subsp. infantis strains," say the researchers. "During weaning, a gradual transitioning from milk-based to plant-based diets generates a shift in carbon availability in the gastrintestinal tract favorable for the expansion and formtion of an adult-like gastointestinal tract microbiota."

Bonnie - this is why it is paramount for formula-fed infants especially to supplement with bifidus and acidophilus as the study below alludes to.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG) reduces the frequency and severity of abdominal pain in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with persistent benefit once treatment is stopped, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported in Pediatrics.

The main study endpoint was overall pain at the end of the intervention period. Frequency and severity of abdominal pain were reduced from baseline with LGG but not with placebo. More than half (59%) of participants had abnormal intestinal permeability test results at study entry. This percentage decreased significantly in the LGG group but not in the placebo group.

Cough meds off the market, kids ER visits drop 50%

The number of babies and toddlers who go to the emergency room because of cough and cold medicines fell by more than 50% after manufacturers stopped selling products labeled for children under 2 in October 2007, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because kids' respiratory systems are still developing, the meds can cause abnormal heart rhythms and seizures, or cause kids to stop breathing. To address safety concerns in older children, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association updated cough and cold medicine labels in October 2008, warning not to give them to children under 4.

Steve - this is very good news and the FDA should be applauded for taking these measures.

Low Fat Finally Gets the Boot.

Bonnie and Steve:
In one of the biggest missteps of the last forty years, public health educators convinced most Americans that eating low-fat foods was good for their health. After seeing our population become fatter than any time in its history, FINALLY, researchers are putting that catastrophic notion to bed.

The chief proponent of this dietary faux pas, American Dietetic Association (ADA), finally swallowed their pride and admitted at their annual conference there is strong evidence that replacing fat with carbohydrates could be harmful to health. Recommendations to reduce saturated fat intake are largely based on the notion that high levels increase risk of cardiovascular disease, but unless saturated fat is replaced with other fats, many studies have suggested that fat reduction could increase risk of heart disease.

At the conference, four leading experts presented evidence suggesting that low fat diets may be less healthy than those containing at least a moderate amount of fat. In particular, all four agreed that replacing saturated fat with carbohydrates – as has been widely recommended in the United States – is likely to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. "The emphasis should be on displacing saturated fat and trans fat with unsaturated fat because that is where the data is,” one researcher said. “…‘Displace saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat’ was simplified to ‘low fat’. Then ‘low fat’ became ‘low calorie’. The low fat message is still very pervasive, especially in the lay press.”

Chair of the Harvard School of Public Health’s nutrition department Dr. Walter Willett took it even further. “If anything, the literature shows a slight advantage of the high fat diet,” he said. “The focus on fat in dietary guidelines has been a massive distraction…We should remove total fat from nutrition facts panels on the back of packs.” He added that while the pervasive dietary guidance given to consumers has been to eat fats sparingly, to load up on starch and eat non-fat products, “the food industry quickly realized sugar was cheaper than fat and laughed all the way to the bank.” “It was really the type of fat that was important,” he said. “If you replaced saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat there was a reduction of risk.”

“The biggest problem in America at the moment is eating behavior,” Professor of public health and professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, Dr. Lewis Kuller said. “…Eating is a social pleasure and not a therapeutic challenge. We have done a great job of confusing the public.”

Assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School Dr. Mozaffarian agreed with the other speakers about a lack of evidence linking total fat consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. High levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and high triglyceride levels have both been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but Mozaffarian said there has often been overreliance on single biomarkers in drawing conclusions about fats’ impact on heart health, “even one as hallowed as LDL cholesterol”. “Overall dietary quality is very important for cardiovascular risk,” he said. “Saturated fats may raise LDL cholesterol but increasing levels of all fats lowers triglycerides…You can’t look at data across countries and draw conclusions. Nor can you look at animal studies or a single biomarker and draw conclusions from that.”

Concluding the discussion, Dr. Lichtenstein warned against focusing on single nutrients for disease risk reduction. She said: “We need to stop focusing on individual dietary components because when one goes down, another goes up.”

Don't these comments sound awfully similar to what somebody you know has been saying for a long, long time now? This next piece adds even more fascinating fuel to the fire.

Reducing Carbs the key to Quality Longevity?

Excerpts from a recent article in The Daily Mail

The problem is that this longevity does not mean a healthier life, thanks to chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. But now a U.S. geneticist is thought to have discovered a secret to a long life, full of health and energy. And the answer might be as simple as cutting down on carbohydrates.

University of California, San Francisco Professor Cynthia Kenyon, whom many experts believe should win the Nobel Prize for her research into aging, has discovered that the carbohydrates we eat directly affect two key genes that govern youthfulness and longevity. She made her remarkable breakthrough after studying roundworms. By tweaking some of their genes she has been able to help these worms live up to six times longer than normal, as well as make them stay healthy all that time as well.

Professor Kenyon’s work has been successfully repeated in labs around the world — the genes she found controlling aging in worms do the same thing in rats and mice, probably monkeys, and there are signs they are active in humans, too. This work has revolutionized our understanding of aging. Ten years ago, scientists thought aging was probably the result of a slow decay, a sort of rusting. But Professor Kenyon has shown that it’s not about wear and tear, but instead it is controlled by genes.

At 18 days old the average roundworm is flabby, ­sluggish and wrinkled. Two days later it will probably be dead.
Professor Kenyon found that damping down the activity of just one of their genes had a dramatic effect. Instead of dying at about 20 days, the first set of mutant worms carried on living to more than 40 days. They weren’t sluggish and worn out — they behaved like youngsters. In human terms it was the equivalent of talking to someone you thought was about 30 and finding they were actually 60. With more sophisticated genetic manipulation, she now has some worms that have lived for an astonishing 144 days. An increase of that proportion would allow humans to live to 450.

Professor Kenyon found out was why ­drastically reducing calories has such a remarkable effect. She discovered that it changed the way two crucial genes behaved. It turned down the gene that controls insulin, which in turn switched on another gene, which acted like an elixir of life. We jokingly called the first gene the Grim Reaper because when it’s switched on, the lifespan is fairly short. The ­second ‘elixir’ gene seems to bring all the anti-aging benefits — its proper name is DAF 16, but it was quickly nicknamed ‘Sweet Sixteen’ because it turned the worms into teenagers. It sends out instructions to a whole range of repair and renovation genes. Your supply of natural anti­oxidants goes up, damping down damaging free radicals. The Sweet Sixteen gene also boosts compounds that make sure the skin and muscle-building ­proteins are working properly, the immune system becomes more active to fight infection and genes that are active in cancer get turned off.

Discovering the Grim Reaper gene has prompted the professor to ­dramatically alter her own diet, ­cutting right back on carbohydrates. That’s because carbs make your body produce more insulin (to mop up the extra blood sugar carbs ­produce); and more insulin means a more active Grim Reaper. So the vital second gene, the ‘elixir’ one, won’t get turned on.

To test this, last year she added a tiny amount of ­sugary glucose to the normal diet of some of her worms that had had their genes engineered so they were living much longer, healthier lives. The effect was remarkable. The sugary glucose blocked the “youthful” genes and they lost most of the health gains.

Following Kenyon’s lead, other researchers started looking for the Grim Reaper/ Sweet Sixteen combination in other animals — and of course in humans. They found it. One clue came from a small remote community of dwarves living in northern Ecuador who are cancer-free. They are missing the part of the Grim Reaper gene that controls a hormone called insulin-like growth factor. The downside is they only grow to 4ft tall because the hormone is needed for growth.
But this missing bit of the Grim Reaper gene also means they don’t develop cancer and are less likely to suffer from heart disease or obesity.

Research is at its early stage, but raised insulin triggers an increase in cholesterol production in the liver, makes the walls of blood vessels ­contract so blood pressure goes up and stimulates the release of fats called triglycerides.

Besides dietary modification, Kenyon says, another way to reduce insulin levels is to exercise, which makes you more sensitive to it, which in turn means you need less of it. It also gives another health benefit in a surprising way. Exercise actually increases the level of damaging free radicals which stimulates the body to produce more protective anti-oxidants.

Results of the Largest Study on Diet Ever Done
Researchers at the Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE), University of Copenhagen, can now unveil the results of the world's largest diet study: If you want to lose weight, you should maintain a diet that is high in proteins with more lean meat, beans and fewer finely refined starch calories such as white bread and white rice. With this diet, most people can also eat until they are full without counting calories and without gaining weight. Finally, the extensive study concludes that the official dietary recommendations are not sufficient for preventing obesity.

The design comprised the following five diet types:
-A low-protein diet (13% of energy consumed) with a high glycemic index (GI)
-A low-protein, low-GI dietA high-protein (25% of energy consumed), low-GI diet
-A high-protein, high-GI diet
-A control group which followed the current dietary recommendations without special instructions regarding glycemic index levels
-A high-protein, low-GI diet works best A total of 938 overweight adults with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 34 kg/sq m were initially placed on an 800-kcal-per-day diet for eight weeks before the actual diet intervention was initiated.

The average weight regain among all participants was 0.5 kg, but among the participants who completed the study, those in the low-protein/high-GI group showed the poorest results with a significant weight gain of 1.67 kg. The weight regain was 0.93 kg less for participants on a high-protein diet than for those on a low-protein diet and 0.95 kg less in the groups on a low-GI diet compared to those on a high-GI diet.

The study was conducted by eight European research centers and headed by Thomas Meinert Larsen, PhD, and Professor Arne Astrup, DrMedSc and Head of Department at the Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) and is funded by an EU grant of EUR 14.5 million.