Health News Tidbits

Health News Tidbits – November 2002

CoQ10 Slows Progression of Parkinson's Disease by Close to 45% -
After incredibly successful results, the National Institutes of Health are fast-tracking the third phase of CoQ10's effectiveness in treating Parkinson's. Research sponsored by the government-funded National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and to be published in the Archives of Neurology, found 1200 mg. daily of CoQ10, a nutritional supplement, slowed the progression of Parkinson's Disease 44% in 80 participants, all in early stages of the disease, over four years using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale. The greatest reduction in progression was found in the activity of daily living. Lower doses of 300 mg. and 600 mg. had benefits.

For more information on this profound and exciting development, click here

Prostate Cancer Screening Treatment Questioned -
According to a report published in the October 5th issue of the British Medical Journal, men who receive prostate cancer screening and treatment do not gain a survival benefit compared to men who do not undergo screening and treatment. The investigation covered two different groups of men -- 94,000 in Seattle, WA (in which the PSA testing rate was 5.4 times higher than men in CT, biopsy rate was more than double, and were five times more likely to have their prostate removed) and 120,621 in Connecticut. Despite the more intensive prostate action in Seattle, the number of men who died from prostate cancer in the two groups over the total 11-year period was nearly equal.

Local (Midwest) Organic Farming on the Rise -
Responding to demand, local farmers are providing more organic foods. Here is a list of some Midwest organic farms:
Kinnikinnick Farms, Caledonia, IL
Prairie Crossing Farms, Grayslake, IL
Gunthrop Farms, LaGrange, IN
Swan Creek Farms, North Adams, MI
Rissman Organic Farm (beef), Waterman, IL
Organic Valley Family of Farms, LaFarge, WI
Sustainable Greens, Three Rivers, MI
Pembroke Farms, St. Anne, IL
Goodness Greeness, Chicago, IL

Folic Acid Can Help Prevent Heart Diseases, Strokes -
Research at the University of Ulster has shown that folic acid and three other related B-vitamins can prevent the accumulation of a high blood level of homocysteine, a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes. The research also confirmed that another B-vitamin, riboflavin, can play an important role in protecting against heart disease and strokes. Around 12% of people have a particular genetic make-up which predisposes them to high homocysteine levels. The research was funded from the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association and the EU.

Nearly a Third of Adults Rated Obese -
31% of Americans are obese. 15% of young people ages 6 to 19 are obese. Two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight. JAMA 10/02

DHA Supplementation Has Positive Effect on Children's Concentration Levels -
A preliminary trial conducted on 200 children aged 3-11 looked at behavioral changes seen over a one-month period when their diets were supplemented, daily, with a DHA concentration syrup with vitamins A, C, D, and E. The study results were presented at "Concentrate on DHA" conference.

Plant Sterols May Provide Useful Alternative to Higher Statin Dose -
Statin and plant sterols used together produce a purely additive effect on LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) reduction in patients (6-8%). This additive effect is equivalent to doubling the dose of statin. Sterols may provide a useful alternative to higher dose statins to reduce their patients LDL. Sterols are recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Foundation as a second line of defense (after diet and exercise) to reduce moderately high cholesterol.
American Journal Cardiology, October 2002

USDA Organic Label Arrives -
Under new USDA guidelines, for something to be labeled organic, it has to be certified by the USDA. To view the seal, click http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Images/4colorsealJPG.jpg. Note: if you see the seal on a package, it means the product only has to be 95% organic. For it to be 100% organic, it must have "100% organic" written on the package.

Fruit Juice, Soda Often Source of Gas -

A report at an October meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology finds that nearly half of normal people get gas from fructose. This corn-based ingredient is found in fruit juices and soft drinks. Among the symptoms include gas, diarrhea, bloating.

Children Under 16 Should Not Take Aspirin -
Because of a link to Reye's Syndrome, a disease of the brain and liver, parents are being told not to give aspirin to children under 16 years of age, according to the Medicines Control Agency. Some brands that include Aspirin:
Alka Seltzer XS
Anadin/Anadin Extra
Askit Powders
Aspro Clear
Beechams Powders
Codis 500
Disprin
PR Tablets

Fish-Rich Diet Tied to Lower Dementia Risk -
A October 26th issue of British Medical Journal reported that a study done on 1,400 adults aged 68 or older for at least 2 years, and up to 7 found that those who ate fish or seafood at least once a week were found to be 34% less likely than less-frequent fish eaters to develop dementia over 7 years.

Eye Damage From MSG Consumption -
According to a report in New Scientist, rats were fed three different diets fir six months, containing high or moderate amounts of MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), or none. In rats on the high MSG diet, retinal nerve layers thinned by as much as 75%, as well as diminished visual acuity. The Japanese study appeared in the latest issue of Experimental Eye Research (vol. 75, p 307).

Survey Find Drug Company Research Raises Suspicion -
A survey of 108 medical schools, published in the October 24th issue of New England Journal of Medicine, shows growing concern about conflicts of interest between those doing scientific research and the pharmaceutical companies sponsoring it. Among the study's findings:
-Researchers rarely were allowed in the say in the design of clinical trials, with only 10% of contracts covering how data is collected and monitored and only 5% covering how data is analyzed and interpreted.
-Less than 1% of contracts guaranteed that results would be published and that an independent committee would have control over that. But 40% of the contracts addressed editorial control of manuscripts.
-Only 1% of contracts required an independent board to monitor patient safety. Such boards can stop a study early if treatment is found to be harming participants.

Suggestions say universities must set firm policies protecting their researchers from financial influences.

Food Additives 'Cause Tantrums' -
Research carried out in the British Food Commission found that popular food additives may adversely affect one in four toddlers. Of the 277 three-year-olds were tested for certain food additives, many parents reported significant changes in behavior.

Frequent Pain Medication Linked to Hypertension -
Women between the ages of 31 and 50 who frequently take certain over-the-counter pain-relief medications, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Motrin and Aleve, at least 22 days per month appear to be 86% more likely than others to develop high blood pressure. The study followed 80,020 women who were all initially hypertension-free. Two years later the results were tabulated. Archives of Internal Medicine 2002;162:2204-2208

Vitamin E May Prevent Early Development of Cardiovascular Disease -
Vitamin E has been shown to prevent free radical oxidation (damage) of cholesterol, considered to be an early step in the development of coronary artery disease. The most recent study analyzed dietary intakes of vitamin E and other antioxidants among 307 women, ranging in age from 30-69 years. Women with either low intake or low blood levels of vitamin E were far more likely (two times) to have atherosclerotic plaques at the carotid bifurcation as opposed to those with the highest E and antioxidant intake. Am Coll Nutr, 2002;76:582-587

Isoflavone-Enriched Soy Protein No Help to Young Women -
While numerous research studies have shown benefits of isoflavone-enriched soy protein on menopausal or post-menopausal women, it had no positive effect on the bone density of young women. Out of 28 young women in their early 20's, 15 who took the soy protein supplements and 13 who did not, there was no change in bone mineral density after 12 months. It must be noted that the small scale of this study should warrant further investigation. J of Am Coll Nutr, Oct 2002

ALA May Help With Burning-Mouth Syndrome -
For those with chronic oral pain, help may be on the way. In the double-blind study, the 42 women and 18 men with the syndrome were asked to take either 200 mg. of ALA (alpha lipoic acid) three times daily or the placebo for two months. Of the patients taking ALA, 87% had either a complete resolution or partial improvement in symptoms during the two month study. None of those taking the placebo had a complete resolution of symptoms, and only 40% had significant improvement. One year later, 73% of the patients taking the ALA maintained that improvement. All of the placebo participants deteriorated over the course of the year. J Oral Pathol and Med, 2002;31:267-269

Tai Chi the Perfect Exercise -
The slow motion martial art builds strength, agility, and balance. It also requires intense mental focus. Researchers say it offers the greatest benefit to older men and women who are healthy but inactive. TIME, August 5, 2002; p68

HOME