Drug Combo Effective At Preventing Colon Cancer

Promising results from animal studies have convinced U.S. researchers to plan clinical trials testing metformin and vitamin D3 combined for the prevention, and even treatment, of colorectal cancer. The prospects for such trials are good because both compounds have already been tested separately for safety. In experiments involving two animal models, metformin and vitamin D3 together were much more potent in preventing new colon tumors than either one alone. The researchers also found that it is not necessary to take huge doses of the drugs to prevent cancer. If the results translate to humans, “that will be a highly significant finding in colorectal cancer prevention."

"Combined Use of Vitamin D3 and Metformin Exhibits Synergistic Chemopreventive Effects on Colorectal Neoplasia in Rats and Mice", Cancer Prevention Research, March 30, 2015

Study Offers Detailed Look At Global Economic Impact Of Diabetes

British researchers who analyzed data from 109 studies found that diabetes, in addition to imposing a severe cost burden, also makes it significantly more difficult to find employment or earn a decent wage. The study on the global economic impact of diabetes found that the disease hits the poor hardest, with higher costs for people in low and middle income countries. Detailed information includes the direct costs of the disease (i.e., doctor and hospital visits, medication, lab test costs, and equipment costs), but also indirect costs such as income lost due to early retirement, and lost work hours due to illness. In the U.S., diabetics have the highest healthcare costs, an estimated $283,000 over a lifetime, much higher than in other countries with comparable per capita income levels.

"The Economic Costs of Type 2 Diabetes: A Global Systematic Review.", PharmacoEconomics, March 30, 2015

Study Sheds Light On Relationship Between Bicarbonate And Vision

A U.S. study finds that bicarbonate, which comes mostly from carbon dioxide waste in our cells, changes the way we see by modifying the visual signal generated by rod and cone photoreceptors that detect light. Bicarbonate opposes the effect of light, limiting the size of the photon response and speeding its recovery. Thus, sensitivity to light is slightly lower but our ability to track moving objects is improved. The researchers say they want to see whether controlling bicarbonate levels in the eye might slow the progress of, or even prevent, eye diseases.

"Bicarbonate Modulates Photoreceptor Guanylate Cyclase (ROS-GC) Catalytic Activity. ", Journal of Biological Chemistry, March 30, 2015

Vegetarian Diet Lowers Risk Of Colorectal Cancer

An analysis of the dietary habits and cancer incidence of vegetarians shed light on a significant health advantage over the non-vegetarian diet. The evidence found among nearly 78,000 Seventh-Day Adventist men and women suggests that vegetarians are much less likely to get colorectal cancer. Previous studies have shown that the vegetarian diet potentially reduces the risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and mortality. Compared with non-vegetarians, vegetarians had a 22 percent lower risk for all colorectal cancers, 19 percent lower risk for colon cancer and 29 percent lower risk for rectal cancer. The researchers suggested that these findings should be considered carefully in making dietary choices and in giving dietary guidance.

"Vegetarian Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Colorectal Cancers. ", JAMA Internal Medicine, March 23, 2015

A Basic – Scientifically Proven – List Of Nutritious Seeds, Superfruits

A food writer who surveyed recent scientific studies found nine seeds and so-called “superfruits” that are packed with nutrients and minimally processed. At the top of her list are chia seeds, once smeared over novelty plant pottery, but now used in yogurt, baked goods, nutrition bars, etc. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, phytonutrients and other good things. Also on the list: flax seeds (protein, antioxidants), sunflower seeds (protein, fiber), pumpkin seeds, blueberries, acai berries, tart cherries, avocados, and cranberries.

"The Rising Status of Superfruits and Super Seeds", Food Technology, March 22, 2015

Snack Bar Makers Are Missing An Opportunity In The Heart-Healthy Market

Despite growing consumer demand for heart-healthy and convenient – “grab-and-go” – foods, like bars and snacks, few food manufacturers are developing such products. A recent article notes the tremendous opportunity awaiting snack and bar makers who have yet to take advantage of FDA-approved heart health claims for ingredients like soy protein, phytosterols, fiber, nuts and omega-3s. Marketers, of course, also need to pay attention to the taste of products – consumers won’t swap flavor for health -- but adding ingredients (e.g., high fructose corn syrup, sugar alcohols, etc.) that may be perceived as unhealthy is risky. Still, the author of the article says, “not to be building bars that target heart health is the definition of a missed opportunity."

"Grab-and-Go Heart Health", Food Product Design, March 17, 2015

Physicians Castigate Harmful, Addictive “White Foods”

A growing number of physicians warn of the health dangers of white bread, pasta and other high-glycemic “white foods” like potatoes, rice and sugar. A neurosurgeon who specializes in treating back pain says he won’t eat bread or pasta because they are high on the glycemic index, are not whole foods, and are “tremendously delicious and addictive”. A child psychiatrist says bleaching flour removes the nutrients. “Best to eat fresh breads made from whole or sprouted grains,” says Dr. Rohit Chandra. And Dr. Michael Hirt, a board-certified nutritionist, says GMO standard wheat is particularly harmful, adding that, "If Americans gave up gluten and dairy, 75 percent of the world’s health problems would go away."

"Delicious but Addictive: Why Some Doctors Avoid Eating Bread", The Daily Meal, February 27, 2015