Protein Supplement Blended From Soy And Dairy More Effectively Builds Lean Muscle April 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A new U.S. study finds that the source of supplemental protein is as important as the quantity and other factors in building lean muscle mass. The randomized clinical trial with 16 healthy adults aged 19 to 30 tested the impact of a soy-dairy protein drink compared to a single (whey isolate) protein drink. Muscle biopsies were taken at the start and after five hours of resistance exercise. The soy-dairy blend (soy, caseinate and whey) increased amino acid delivery for an hour longer than whey alone. The blend also sustained a greater positive amino acid balance, suggesting that there was less muscle protein breakdown right after the drink was consumed. P. T. Reidy et al., "Soy-Dairy Protein Blend and Whey Protein Ingestion After Resistance Exercise Increases Amino Acid Transport and Transporter Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle. ", Journal of Applied Physiology, April 25, 2014, © The American Physiological Society

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Fitness & Exercise Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Reducing Diabetes Risk Can Be As Simple As Increasing Coffee Consumption April 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who wanted to see how changes in consumption of coffee and tea over time affect the risk of type 2 diabetes found some interesting connections in their analysis of three studies involving more than 100,000 people. Increasing coffee consumption by an average of 1.5 cups a day over four years reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11 percent. Those who drank the most coffee (three or more cups a day) had a 37 percent lower risk than those who drank only one cup or less a day. The researchers could not find any link between changes in tea consumption and type 2 diabetes risk. Shilpa Bhupathiraju et al. , "Changes in coffee intake and subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes: three large cohorts of US men and women. ", Diabetologia, April 24, 2014, © European Association for the Study of Diabetes

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

In The Game Of Healthy Nutrition, Snacks Provided At Youth Sports Events Strike Out April 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Children who participate in organized youth sports like baseball usually benefit from the increased physical activity, social interaction and other positive health behaviors. But they are also increasing their risk for being overweight or obese because of the constant exposure to junk food, U.S. researchers report. The observational study tracked foods consumed by players (boys ages 8 to 12) and family members during 12 games at a youth baseball field in North Carolina. Most of the snacks provided at concession stands were high-calorie food items like French fries, candy and cookies. Most beverages were sugar-sweetened. The findings suggest that Little Leaguers may be leaving the ball park having consumed more calories than they expended. Irby, Megan B. et al., "The Food Environment of Youth Baseball. Childhood Obesity", Childhood Obesity, April 24, 2014, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Pre-School/School Teen Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Meta-Study Finds No Evidence That Vitamin D Prevents Falls Among Seniors April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Previous studies have reported evidence of a correlation between vitamin D supplements and a reduced risk of falls among older people. But a new meta-study of 20 clinical trials involving 29,535 people found no evidence at all that vitamin D reduced falls. But because most clinical trials report on only the total number of falls, not the number of falls per person, it cannot be established whether vitamin D might reduce falls in particularly vulnerable older people – i.e., those who fall often. The researchers acknowledged they are not sure whether a large clinical trial “in this vulnerable population” would be feasible. Mark J Bolland et al., "Vitamin D supplementation and falls: a trial sequential meta-analysis. ", The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, April 23, 2014, © Elsevier Ltd

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Bones & Joints Preventative Care Vitamins Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific New Zealand

Exercise Prevents Brain Shrinkage Associated With Alzheimer’s April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Moderate physical activity seems to protect people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease from shrinkage of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for memory and spatial orientation, a U.S. study has found. The researchers tracked four groups of healthy older adults ages 65-89 who had normal cognitive abilities but were genetically at risk for Alzheimer’s. Using magnetic resonance imaging, they measured the volume of the hippocampus at the start and at the end of the 18-month study.  Of all four groups studied, only those at high genetic risk for Alzheimer's who did not exercise experienced a decrease in hippocampal volume (three percent). J. Carson Smith et al., "Physical activity reduces hippocampal atrophy in elders at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. ", Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, April 23, 2014, © Smith et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Mind Mental Alertness Aging Brain Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Community-Based, Structured Weight Loss Programs Work Better For Diabetics April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST People who participate in community-based structured weight loss programs lose more weight on average than those who go it alone, a University of California, San Diego, study has determined. The clinical trial enrolled 227 overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes, half of whom received diabetes self-management education, weight counseling, portioned-controlled food (Jenny Craig), a planned menu and one-on-one counseling. The control group received counseling on diabetes care and weight loss. After six months, 72 percent on the weight loss program that included portion-controlled foods and personalized counseling were able to change their insulin use compared to eight percent of the control group. They also experienced 8.2 percent weight loss, compared to 2.5 percent. Cheryl L. Rock et al., "Weight Loss, Glycemic Control, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Response to Differential Diet Composition in a Weight Loss Program in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ", Diabetes Care, April 23, 2014, © American Diabetes Association

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Obesity Society Weighs In On Impact Of Sugar-Sweetened Drinks April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Sugar-sweetened beverages are contributing to the obesity epidemic in the U.S., particularly among children, the Obesity Society said in an official report based on a review of current research. The society recommended that children should minimize drinking sugary beverages and adults should reduce or avoid sugary drinks as part of an overall strategy to reduce calories. Evidence from studies shows that individuals with a higher BMI consume more sugary beverages than leaner individuals, and decreasing their consumption “may reduce overall calorie intake and help individuals with obesity or overweight reach healthy weight goals”. "Reduced Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Can Reduce Total Caloric Intake", Position Statement: The Obesity Society, April 23, 2014, © The Obesity Society

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Pre-School/School Teen Dieting & Weight Control Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Study Determines How Bariatric Surgery Leads To Health Benefits April 22, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S., Danish and Swedish scientists report that bariatric surgery leads to weight loss, but for very different reasons than once thought. The procedure, which also has positive effects on diabetes and heart disease, apparently causes an increase in bile acids in the blood. It is the increase in these acids – not the shrinkage of the stomach – that leads to the health benefits. The findings indicate that bile acids could be a new target for treating obesity and diabetes. Karen K. Ryan et al., "FXR is a molecular target for the effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy. ", Nature, April 22, 2014, © Macmillan Publishers Limited

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Digestive Heart & Cardiovascular Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe Denmark Sweden

Vitamin D Deficiency Among Seniors Linked To Cognitive Decline April 22, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study adds to the mounting evidence that vitamin D deficiency in seniors is associated with cognitive decline over time. The researchers looked at 2,777 well-functioning adults aged 70 to 79 whose cognitive performance was measured at the start of the study and again four years later. Vitamin D levels were measured at the 12-month follow-up visit. Low vitamin D was associated with worse cognitive performance on one of the two cognitive tests used. The researchers were careful to point out they could not determine a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but there was enough associative data to support a campaign to increase vitamin D supplementation among the elderly. Valerie K. Wilson et al., "Relationship Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. ", Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, April 22, 2014, © Wilson et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Mind Mental Alertness Aging Brain Vitamins Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Drug Plus Chinese Remedy Reduces Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis April 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Combining a Chinese herbal remedy with the current drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis is more effective than either treatment alone at easing the symptoms of the disease, Chinese researchers report. Triptergium wilfordii Hook F (or TwHF) has been used traditionally in China to treat joint pain, swelling, and inflammation; it is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in China. In a clinical trial with 207 patients divided into three groups, the group given methotrexate and TwHF daily for six months showed a 50 percent improvement in the number of tender or swollen joints and other criteria including pain, disability, and doctors’ assessment of disease severity. Q.-w. Lv et al., " Comparison of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F with methotrexate in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (TRIFRA): a randomized, controlled clinical trial. ", Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, April 21, 2014, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & European League Against Rheumatism

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Alternative Therapies Bones & Joints Pills & Supplements Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific China

Study Associates Drop In Salt Intake With Fewer Heart Disease Deaths In U.K. April 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST An analysis of data from 31,500 health surveys conducted in the U.K. over eight years finds a connection between a drop in salt consumption and in heart disease deaths. Between 2003 and 2011, daily salt intake fell by an average of 1.4 g, or about 15 percent. During the same period, stroke deaths fell by 42 percent and coronary heart disease deaths fell 40 percent. In addition, risk factors for cardiovascular disease also fell, including average cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking. Average weight (body mass index) rose, and fruit and vegetable consumption rose slightly. F. J. He et al., "Salt reduction in England from 2003 to 2011: its relationship to blood pressure, stroke and ischemic heart disease mortality. ", BMJ Open, April 21, 2014, © He et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Heart & Cardiovascular Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Writer Lists Top Functional Food Trends Of 2014 April 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Americans who once relied heavily on nutritional supplements are switching to fortified and functional foods, according to a food writer who studied industry reports to compile a list of functional food trends. One report found that 90 percent of adults made a strong effort to consume more nutrients, vitamins, minerals, herbs/botanicals and include more fish/oil/omega-3s in their diets. Probiotics are playing a key role in efforts to maintain a healthy digestive system and boost the immune system. Other trends: interest in recognizable and natural ingredients; Hispanic interest in functional foods; emphasis on protein eating; and reliance on functional foods to prevent heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. A. Elizabeth Sloan, "The Top Ten Functional Food Trends", Food Technology, April 21, 2014, © Institute of Food Technologists

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Heart & Cardiovascular Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Pills & Supplements Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Preliminary Tests Show Potential Of Ginseng In Preventing, Treating The Flu April 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study of the herbal medicine ginseng finds that it could be effective in treating and preventing influenza and a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. The researchers first tested the effect of red ginseng extract on human lung epithelial cells infected with influenza A virus, finding that it improves improved the survival of the cells and reduced the expression of genes that cause inflammation. They then tested orally administered ginseng on mice with influenza A, finding that it stimulated antiviral production of proteins important in immune response and fewer inflammatory cells in their bronchial walls. Jong Lee et al., "Immunomodulatory Activity of Red Ginseng against Influenza A Virus Infection. ", Nutrients, April 21, 2014, © Lee et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Alternative Therapies Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Advisories To Pregnant Women About Persistent Contaminants Are Mostly Ineffective April 17, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Canadian and Swedish researchers have found that advising pregnant women about the potential dangers to infants of exposure to quickly eliminated contaminants in fish – e.g., mercury – are generally effective. But advisories don’t work well when it comes to “persistent organic pollutants”: chemicals such as DDT and PCBs banned long ago but still in the environment and the food chain. Persistent pollutants can remain in the body for years, even decades because the human body has a difficult time eliminating them. Women who stop eating fish shortly before or during their pregnancy may only lower their child's exposure to persistent pollutants by 10 to 15 percent. Matthew J. Binnington et al., "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Consumption Advisories: Modeling Prenatal, Postnatal, and Childhood Exposures to Persistent Organic Pollutants. ", Environmental Health Perspectives, April 17, 2014, © Binnington et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Women's Health Babies Pregnancy Safety Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA Canada Europe Sweden

Chromium Supplements Do Not Improve Fasting Blood Sugar April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. researcher who analyzed 30 years of data on chromium supplementation has concluded that chromium has no effect on the fasting blood sugar levels of either healthy or diabetic individuals. It has been suggested that chromium might help the 26 percent of Americans whose fasting glucose is impaired, a precursor of type 2 diabetes. But after combing through 16 studies published from 1985 to 2012, involving 809 adults of all ages (to 67 years), the researchers found no positive effect from chromium chloride, chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate, chromium dinicocysteinate or chromium yeast at doses ranging from 200 to 1,000 μg a day. Christopher H. Bailey et al., "Improved Meta-Analytic Methods Show No Effect of Chromium Supplements on Fasting Glucose. ", Biological Trace Element Research, April 16, 2014, © Springer US

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Food & Nutrition Pills & Supplements Diabetes Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Study Data Show Significant Link Between High-Fat/Sat-Fat Diet And Breast Cancer April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A study by Italian researchers has found an association between a high-fat – including saturated fat –  diet and two types of breast cancer as well as human epidermal growth factor disease. Researchers analyzed data from epidemiological and case-control studies involving nearly 350,000 women. High total and saturated fat intake were associated with greater risk of estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-positive (ER+PR+) breast cancer (BC), and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor-negative (HER2-) disease. S. Sieri et al., "Dietary Fat Intake and Development of Specific Breast Cancer Subtypes. ", JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, April 16, 2014, © Sieri et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Women's Health Breasts Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Cancer & Cancer Prevention Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Italy

Data Confirm That Iron Supplements Improve Exercise Performance In Women April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST An Australian study that examined data collected and merged from 22 small clinical trials confirmed that women who take iron supplements improved their exercise performance and efficiency at all levels of exertion. The researchers saw the effect mainly among women who had been iron deficient or anemic at the start of studies, and in female athletes who were in training. The study also confirmed that iron deficiency impairs exercise performance in women. Iron deficiency also produces fatigue and lethargy,  and often results in iron deficiency anemia. S.-R. Pasricha et al., "Iron Supplementation Benefits Physical Performance in Women of Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ", Journal of Nutrition, April 16, 2014, © American Society for Nutrition

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Women's Health Other Women's Health Fitness & Exercise Pills & Supplements Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific Australia

Compound In Green Tomatoes Strengthens Muscles, Prevents Atrophy April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Harvard University researcher has determined that a compound found in green tomatoes helps build muscle and protect against muscle atrophy caused by cancer, heart failure and orthopedic injuries. Using a systems biology tool called the Connectivity Map, the researcher discovered that tomatidine changes gene expression in ways opposite to changes that occur in muscle cells affected by atrophy. They found that tomatidine stimulates growth of cultured muscle cells from humans, and that healthy mice supplemented with tomatidine grew bigger muscles, became stronger, exercised longer, and avoided muscle atrophy. The compound may also have potential for treating obesity. M. C. Dyle et al., "Systems-Based Discovery of Tomatidine as a Natural Small Molecule Inhibitor of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy. ", Journal of Biological Chemistry, April 16, 2014, © American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Aging Bones & Joints Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Eating More Slowly Helps You Lose Weight, Study Suggests April 15, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Swiss study comparing satiety between normal weight and obese people found that the obese tend to eat faster, take less time to feel full, spend less time eating and yet consume more calories. For the study, obese and normal weight people consumed as many nutritional drinks as they wanted, as fast as they wanted, in the morning on an empty stomach. They then reported when they felt full. On average, the obese people reported feeling sated after just ten minutes, four minutes earlier than those of normal weight. But during those ten minutes they consumed about 85 cal a minute, compared with 50 cal a minute by normal weight participants. The solution? "Eating slowly is not only healthy, but it should also help you lose weight," one researcher said. Anne C. Meyer-Gerspach et al., "Gastric and intestinal satiation in obese and normal weight healthy people. ", Physiology & Behavior, April 15, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Mind Happiness & Contentment Dieting & Weight Control Digestive Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Switzerland

New Research Contradicts Report That Said U.S. Children Are Less Obese April 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST All classes of obesity in American children have crept upward over the last 14 years, according to national survey data collected on 26,690 children (ages 2 to 19) between 1999 and 2012.  Applying several definitions of obesity based on height and weight measurements (the body mass index), the researchers found that 17.3 percent of U.S. children ages 2-19 were obese in 2011-2012. At the same time, eight percent met criteria for the two most severe forms of obesity (Class 2 and Class 3). The findings contradict a recent report showing a drop in obesity among young children in the last decade. Asheley Cockrell Skinner et al., "Prevalence and Trends in Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Children in the United States, 1999-2012. ", JAMA Pediatrics, April 14, 2014, © American Medical Association

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Kid's Health Pre-School/School Teen Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Meta-Analysis Of Clinical Trials Proves Vitamin D Supplements Are Safe For Elderly Women April 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Despite a flurry of contradictory reports in recent years, a new U.S. and European study finds that calcium supplements, with or without vitamin D, for osteoporosis are probably safe for older women. The researchers searched clinical trial databases for research conducted between 1966 and 2013, finding 18 (of 661) involving nearly 64,000 postmenopausal women that met stringent inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D does not increase coronary heart disease or increase the risk of death in elderly women. J. R. Lewis et al., "The effects of calcium supplementation on coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.", News release, study presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, April 12, 2014, © Lewis et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Women's Health Other Women's Health Bones & Joints Heart & Cardiovascular Pills & Supplements Vitamins Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe

Junk Food Diet, Obesity, Lead To Lethargic Behavior April 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Diet experiments conducted in rats found that, as expected, animals who ate highly-processed junk food for three months gained considerably more weight than those who ate standard, unprocessed foods. Researchers at UCLA also found that the obese rats appeared lazier than the  lean  rats, taking substantially longer to return to assigned tasks after breaks. After switching the diets for several days, there was no significant change in weight or performance in the two groups: the lean rats did not suddenly get fat, nor did the fat rats get lean. This finding suggests that the long-term pattern, not the occasional binge, is responsible for obesity and cognitive impairments. Aaron P. Blaisdell et al., "Food quality and motivation: A refined low-fat diet induces obesity and impairs performance on a progressive ratio schedule of instrumental lever pressing in rats. ", Physiology & Behavior, April 11, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Obesity Increases Occurrence Of Cancer In Animal Study April 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in mice suggests that obesity itself, not diet, makes the colon receptive to cancer and increases the risk. Two groups of mice were fed a high-fat diet. The group that carried a human gene that protects against colorectal cancer did not gain weight. Mice without the gene became obese. But, more importantly, the obese mice exhibited molecular signals in their intestines that led to the progression of cancer. The normal weight mice did not have those same indicators. Preexisting colon lesions in the animals tended to evolve rapidly into malignant tumors. "The same thing may happen in humans," one researcher said. Ruifang Li et al., "Obesity, Rather Than Diet, Drives Epigenomic Alterations in Colonic Epithelium Resembling Cancer Progression. ", Cell Metabolism, April 09, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Digestive Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Not All Antioxidants Are Created Equal, Or Beneficial, Study Finds April 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST It is generally believed that antioxidants block the harmful effects of omega-6 on DNA. One antioxidant – green tea polyphenol – does have that effect, reducing the formation of a liver cell structure that links a chemical to DNA and may cause mutations, according to a U.S. study in animals. But the U.S. study also shows that the antioxidant vitamin E actually increases damage caused by omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in many cooking oils. Fung-Lung Chung et al., "Antioxidants can protect against omega 6 damage -- or promote it", News release, study presented at the AACR annual meeting, April 04, 2014, © Chung et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Digestive Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Soda Taxes Don’t Reduce Obesity Rates – Study April 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Earlier studies on the impact of taxes on sugary drinks claimed that taxation would reduce obesity by 20 percent. But they were flawed because they relied on household data rather than individual consumption patterns: they assumed people didn’t replace soda calories with calories from another source. But new U.S. research that analyzed national survey data collected between 1989 and 2006 found that hiking soft drink taxes may cut soda drinking, but not total caloric intake because people replace the soda calories. "The impact of soft drink taxes on the body mass index is small in magnitude and not statistically significant," researchers concluded, noting that there should be “fundamental changes to policies” based on soda taxes as a strategy for reducing obesity rates. Jason M. Fletcher et al., "Non-Linear Effects Of Soda Taxes On Consumption And Weight Outcomes", Health Economics, April 04, 2014, © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Bakery, Cannabis Dispensary Network, Offer An Alternative To Smoking Medical Marijuana April 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The Wellness Connection of Maine has partnered with Portland’s Slate’s Bakery to offer edible baked goods containing medical marijuana to patients as an alternative to smoking. Operating with state approval and regulation – Maine first legalized medical marijuana in 1999 – the WCM offers the so-called “medibles”, as well as whole flower cannabis and tinctures, to its 5,000 certified patients at $12 per item. Slate’s Bakery produces peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies along with pumpkin blueberry loaves, each of which contains the equivalent of four to eight doses of marijuana. Patients with painful fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer who ingest cannabis orally, instead of smoking or using a vaporizer, experience symptom relief much longer, up to eight hours. Kathleen Pierce, "Baked goods: Medical marijuana offered in edible form at Maine dispensaries", Bangor Daily News, April 03, 2014, © Bangor Publishing Co.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Alternative Therapies Bones & Joints Other Food & Nutrition Cancer & Cancer Prevention Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Ability To Taste Fats, Sweets Dampened In Obese Women Who Smoke April 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Obese women who smoke are much less sensitive to the taste of fats and sweets, a U.S. study finds, which means they are more likely to consume more fatty, sugary foods to satisfy cravings. The researchers tested four groups of women age 21 to 41: obese smokers, obese nonsmokers, normal weight smokers and normal weight nonsmokers. All were asked to taste vanilla puddings that contained various amounts of fat. The obese smokers perceived less creaminess and sweetness, compared to the other three groups.. "They also derived less pleasure from tasting the puddings," according to the authors. Marta Yanina Pepino et al., "Cigarette smoking and obesity are associated with decreased fat perception in women. ", Obesity, April 03, 2014, © The Obesity Society

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Women's Health Other Women's Health Brain Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Breast Feeding Has Enduring Health Benefits April 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Breast-feeding has been found to have a long-term beneficial health effect on babies. According to French researchers who studied data collected from 1984 through 2006, breast-fed babies are less likely to be obese at age 20. The beneficial effect of breast-feeding is significant when nutritional intake to age two is considered, researchers said, and is linked to a reduction in body fat at 20 years old. In the statistical model, higher fat intake at two years was  linked to a reduction in fat mass at 20 years. Sandrine Péneau et al., "Breastfeeding, Early Nutrition, and Adult Body Fat. ", The Journal of Pediatrics, April 01, 2014, © Mosby, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Women's Health Babies Breasts Better For You Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe France

“Proof” Of Vitamin D’s Multiple Health Benefits Remains Unconvincing April 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A growing number of scientific studies link vitamin D with reduced risk of conditions like bone mineral disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, etc. But two new literature reviews from U.S. and European researchers say there still isn’t much convincing evidence that vitamin D has a beneficial effect. Only 10 clinical trials of 137 that reported a beneficial outcome from vitamin D intake were thorough enough to be believable. The researchers did find "probable" associations between vitamin D levels and birth weight, dental caries in children, maternal vitamin D levels at term and parathyroid hormone levels in chronic kidney disease patients. What is needed is many more well-designed trials before conclusions can be drawn. E. Theodoratou et al., "Vitamin D and multiple health outcomes: umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies and randomized trials", BMJ, April 01, 2014, © Theodoratou et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Bones & Joints Vitamins Cancer & Cancer Prevention Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom

Does Calorie Restriction In Primates Reduce Mortality? The Debate Continues April 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A 2012 National Institute on Aging report on monkeys and diet found no differences in survival or better overall health among animals that were calorie restricted. But University of Wisconsin researchers conducting a 25-year study on the impact of calorie restrictions on monkeys report just the opposite: a significant lengthening of lifespan and reduction in age-related diseases. The discrepancy may be due to differences in the way the animals were fed in the two studies. The Wisconsin study started with two groups of adults, one of which ate 30 percent fewer calories.  The NIA control monkeys, however, were fed according to a standardized food intake chart and may also have been calorie restricted. Ricki Colman et al., "Caloric restriction reduces age-related and all-cause mortality in rhesus monkeys.", Nature Communications, April 01, 2014, © Colman et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Aging Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Diet Sodas Linked To Cardiovascular Problems In Postmenopausal Women March 29, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Researchers who analyzed data from nearly 60,000 women found a significant relationship between diet drink consumption, heart attacks and mortality in those who had reached menopause. The U.S. study compared cardiovascular outcomes among women who never or rarely drank diet beverages and those who consumed two or more a day. Heavy diet soda drinkers were 30 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack and 50 percent more likely to die from coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary revascularization procedure, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The researchers acknowledged that they had only found an association, not a cause and effect relationship. Ankur Vyas et al. , "Too many diet drinks may spell heart trouble for older women, study suggests", News release, study presented at the American College of Cardiology's scientific session, March 29, 2014, © Vyas et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Women's Health Menstruation & Menopause Aging Dieting & Weight Control Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Evidence Of Health Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet Continues To Accumulate March 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Greek researchers who analyzed data pooled from 19 clinical studies and 162,000 participants found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 21 percent reduced risk of diabetes when compared to control dietary groups. The effect was especially notable among people at high risk for cardiovascular disease: they were 27 percent less likely to develop diabetes. A Mediterranean diet generally features fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, olive oil and even small amounts of red wine. Demosthenes Panagiotakos et al., "Mediterranean diet may lower risk of diabetes", News release, research presented at the American College of Cardiology's scientific session, March 27, 2014, © Panagiotakos et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Food & Nutrition Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Greece

Vitamin D Deficiency Among Children Not As Widespread Under New Guidelines March 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Thanks to revised Institute of Medicine guidelines on vitamin D deficiency, far fewer children in the U.S. are considered to have insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D, a U.S. study has found. According to the new guidelines, most people get sufficient vitamin D when their blood levels are at or above 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). (Other guidelines recommend vitamin D levels above 30 ng/mL). The study looked at vitamin D data from 2,877 U.S. children and adolescents ages 6 to 18, finding that under the Institute of Medicine guidelines, 10.3 percent of children ages 6 to 18, or 5.5 million, are at risk. Under previous guidelines, millions more children who had vitamin D levels between 20 and 30 ng/mL would have needed supplementation. Vytas P. Karalius et al., "Prevalence of risk of deficiency and inadequacy of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in US children: NHANES 2003–2006. ", Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, March 25, 2014, © Walter de Gruyter GmbH

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Pre-School/School Teen Pills & Supplements Vitamins Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Watermelon Nutrients Reduce Aortic Blood Pressure In Hypertensive People March 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST More people die of heart attacks in cold weather because cold temperatures cause blood pressure to rise, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood into the aorta. Researchers at Florida State University who conducted a 12-week study with 13 hypertensive middle-aged obese men and women found that consuming a watermelon extract daily reduced aortic blood pressure both at rest and while their hands were immersed in cold water. Participants took four grams of the amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-arginine per day, both from watermelon extract. A. Figueroa et al., "Effects of Watermelon Supplementation on Aortic Hemodynamic Responses to the Cold Pressor Test in Obese Hypertensive Adults.", American Journal of Hypertension, March 25, 2014, © American Journal of Hypertension

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Medical Marijuana Provides Some Symptom Relief In Multiple Sclerosis March 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline stating that medical marijuana pills and oral sprays do ease the symptoms of people with multiple sclerosis, including spasticity, pain from spasticity and frequent urination. The guideline looked at other so-called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for MS, finding no evidence of therapeutic value. Other nonconventional therapies included ginkgo biloba, magnetic therapy, bee sting therapy, omega-3 fatty acids and reflexology. The researchers noted that the marijuana-based therapies often have adverse side effects and should be taken only with the advice of physicians. The FDA has approved certain synthetic marijuana ingredients for treatment of some disease symptoms and drug side effects. V. Yadav et al., "Summary of evidence-based guideline: Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. ", Neurology, March 24, 2014, © American Academy of Neurology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Alternative Therapies Other Conditions Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

UV Exposure Reduces Folate Levels In Pregnant Women March 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Expectant mothers, and women who are trying to get pregnant, who are exposed to ultraviolet radiation may lose some of the health benefits of folate intake. An Australian study of 45 young healthy women aged 18 to 47 showed that high rates of sun exposure accounted for up to a 20 percent drop in folate levels. Folic acid is a B vitamin, and folate is found in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, etc. Folate has been found to reduce miscarriage and neural tube defects such as spina bifida in unborn babies. The women in the study who were most at risk were those outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. with little sun protection. D. Borradale et al., "Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is associated with a decreased folate status in women of childbearing age. ", Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, March 21, 2014, © Elsevier B.V.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Women's Health Pregnancy Skin Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Euromonitor Sees Major Role For Stevia As Soft Drink Sugar Replacement March 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Euromonitor analyst says that reformulation of one in five soft drinks by replacing sugar with stevia would result in significant reductions in annual calorie consumption. By replacing the sugar with stevia in just 20 percent of carbonated beverages, a person who drank two 12-oz. cans a day would reduce the annual intake of calories by 6,132. Analyst Diana Cowland says that cutting the sugar in half of carbonated beverages would result in a drop of 10,147 calories a year for a person drinking two cans a day. Replacing sugar with stevia in beverages is the “best opportunity for manufacturers” to help people reduce their sugar and calorie intake – “an area of high interest to consumers and manufacturers alike”. Diana Cowland, "Reformulation of carbonated drinks could slash more than 6,000 calories per year", Food Navigator, March 21, 2014, © William Reed Business Media SAS

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Dieting & Weight Control Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Supplements Are Not The Only Viable Source Of Healthful Vitamin E March 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Vitamin E has been shown to improve age-related diseases and conditions, like Alzheimer’s and macular degeneration. That fact, and the growing proportion of older people in the world, led Swiss vitamin supplier DSM to recently call for a substantial increase in the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin E. But supplements are not the only viable source, Euromonitor says. The two most common food sources are gamma-tocopherol – found in corn oil, soybean oil and margarine – and alpha-tocopherol, found in wheat germ oil, sunflower and safflower oils, as well as sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. According to Euromonitor, in 2012 nearly 1,500 tons of vitamin E were consumed in food and drink products, of which 40 percent came from oils and fats. Diana Cowland, "Increasing Vitamin E Intake: No Need to Rely Solely on Supplements", Euromonitor International, March 21, 2014, © Euromonitor International

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Mind Mental Alertness Aging Brain Eyes Preventative Care Vitamins Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Anxiety, Depression Associated With Tooth Loss, Gum Disease March 20, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A study presented at a national dental meeting provides evidence that tooth and gum diseases, as well as other biosocial conditions, are closely associated with depression and anxiety. The study analyzed data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss collected in a 2010 telephone survey of 451,000 people aged 19 or older. Of the 76,292 eligible participants, 13.4 percent reported anxiety, 16.7 percent reported depression, and 5.7 percent reported total tooth loss. Careful cross-analysis found that people with dental anxiety often avoid dental care, while people who are depressed neglect their health, including dental health. R. Constance Wiener et al., "Tooth loss linked to depression, anxiety", News release, study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research, March 20, 2014, © Wiener et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Mind Depression Oral Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Teaching People How To Substitute Herbs And Spices Reduces Salt Intake March 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A two-phase U.S. clinical study in which participants were taught strategies for substituting herbs and spices for salt found that those involved in the intervention learned to consume healthier levels of sodium. More than 60 percent of the participants had high blood pressure, 18 percent had diabetes; all were overweight. In phase 1 of the study, all participants ate a low-sodium diet for four weeks, reducing average sodium intake by half. In phase 2, half of the participants spent 20 weeks learning how to use herbs and spices in recipes, how to make low-sodium intake permanent, etc. Those in the intervention group consumed on average 966 mg less sodium daily than the control group, indicating that the coaching process was a more effective way to reduce sodium intake. Cheryl A. M. Anderson et al., "Spices and herbs intervention helps adults reduce salt intake", News release, research presented at the American Heart Association scientific sessions on nutrition and metabolism, March 19, 2014, © Anderson et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Researchers Discover Possible Therapeutic Target For Type 2 Diabetes March 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have found that by controlling levels of fat molecules called phosphatidic acids in the liver, it may be possible to reduce glucose production and control high blood sugar. The  University of Texas scientists, experimenting with mice, believe their findings could lead to the development of a drug that would help the estimated 25 million Americans with type 2 diabetes. In addition, the researchers believe their findings may help understand how cancer develops, because increased phosphatidic acid levels may play an important role in a metabolic pathway that supplies energy to cancer cells. S. Sankella et al., "Hepatic Gluconeogenesis Is Enhanced by Phosphatidic Acid Which Remains Uninhibited by Insulin in Lipodystrophic Agpat2-/- Mice. ", Journal of Biological Chemistry, March 19, 2014, © The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Digestive Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Omega-3 Supplements Do Not Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease Among The Elderly March 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Older people who took part in a five-year U.S. clinical trial testing the impact of omega-3 supplementation for age-related macular degeneration did not show a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The supplements contained, besides omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, the dietary xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, found in green leafy vegetables and in the macula of the human eye. The data showed no significant cardiovascular benefit among older individuals treated with either omega-3 supplements or with a combination of lutein plus zeaxanthin. The results are consistent with mounting evidence from clinical trials, the researchers said. Denise E. Bonds et al., "Effect of Long-Chain omega-3 Fatty Acids and Lutein Zeaxanthin Supplements on Cardiovascular Outcomes. ", JAMA Internal Medicine, March 18, 2014, © American Medical Association

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Aging Eyes Heart & Cardiovascular Preventative Care Pills & Supplements Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Scientists Explain Why Dark Chocolate Is So Good For You March 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Louisiana State University chemists recently told a scientific meeting that dark chocolate is healthful because good microbes (e.g., Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria) in the intestines “feast on chocolate”, growing it, fermenting it and producing compounds that fight inflammation. When absorbed by the body, the compounds reduce cardiovascular inflammation and cut the long-term risk of stroke. But how? It seems that cocoa powder, found in dark chocolate, contains several polyphenolic (antioxidant) compounds such as catechin and epicatechin, as well as some dietary fiber. None of these are well-digested or absorbed. But when they reach the colon, the beneficial bacteria do their job. John Finley et al., "The precise reason for the health benefits of dark chocolate: mystery solved.", News release, presentation at the American Chemical Society annual meeting., March 18, 2014, © Finley et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Digestive Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

No Evidence From Trials That Vitamin D Supplements Improve Depression Symptoms March 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Data from a systematic review of seven clinical trials involving 3,200 depression patients showed that vitamin D supplementation did little or nothing to improve symptoms. The U.S. researchers did find some hints in the data that vitamin D supplements may help patients with clinically significant depression, especially when combined with traditional antidepressant medication. The authors noted, however, that vitamin D supplements may be effective only for those who are already vitamin D deficient, and that future studies should consider how vitamin D dosing and mode of delivery affect depression. J. A. Shaffer et al., "Vitamin D Supplementation for Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. ", Psychosomatic Medicine, March 18, 2014, © American Psychosomatic Society

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Mind Depression Vitamins Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Sleep Loss Shown To Damage And Even Destroy Neurons March 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in mice found that chronic sleep loss may be more serious than previously thought, mainly because it may lead to irreversible damage to brain cells. Extended wakefulness in the lab animals led to significant loss of the locus coeruleus neurons essential for alertness and optimal cognition. The researchers stressed that more work needs to be done to determine whether a similar phenomenon occurs in humans and to determine how much sleep loss puts people at risk of neural injury. J. Zhang et al., "Extended Wakefulness: Compromised Metabolics in and Degeneration of Locus Ceruleus Neurons. ", Journal of Neuroscience, March 18, 2014, © Zhang et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Mind Sleep & Relaxation Brain Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Positive Memories Of Exercise Are Powerful Motivators To Lead Healthier Lifestyle March 17, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have determined that positive memories of exercising are a good way to get motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The researchers asked 150 students to remember either a positive or negative memory that would increase their motivation to exercise. A control group of students was not asked to recall a motivational memory. The students were asked a week later whether they had increased the time spent exercising. Students who remembered a positive exercise memory reported much higher levels of subsequent exercise than those who were not asked to recall a memory about exercise. Mathew J. Biondolillo et al., "Using memories to motivate future behavior: An experimental exercise intervention. ", Memory, March 17, 2014, © Informa UK Limited

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Alternative Therapies Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Agave Sugar May Be Answer To A Type 2 Diabetic’s Prayer March 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Mexican researchers have determined that a natural form of sugar found in the agave plant – used to distill tequila –  may help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight because, though sweet-tasting, they not digestible and therefore act as a dietary fiber that reduces blood glucose levels. Agavins also increase levels of a hormone that stimulates production of insulin. Agavins are not expensive, have no known side effects, and help support the growth of healthful microbes in the mouth and intestines. Agavins should not be confused with agave nectar or agave syrup (found in health food stores) that contain fructans sugars similar to high fructose corn syrup. Mercedes G. López et al., "Tequila plant possible sweetener for diabetics, helps reduce blood sugar, weight.", News release, presentation at the American Chemical Society annual meeting., March 16, 2014, © López et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America Mexico

Older People Should Focus Less On Weight, Body Mass, More On Building Muscle March 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST New U.S research confirms that building muscle mass, especially as we age, is important in decreasing metabolic risk. The study analyzed data collected between 1988 and 1994 on 3,659 men 55 or older and women 65 or older. Measuring body composition and associating it with death rates, they found that the greater the muscle mass, the lower the risk of death. In other words, people should be worried less about weight and body mass index and more about maximizing and maintaining muscle mass.  The researchers advise physicians to keep these findings in mind when counseling older adults about behavior that might improve health. Preethi Srikanthan et al., "Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-Adults. ", The American Journal of Medicine, March 14, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Aging Better For You Fitness & Exercise Preventative Care Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Study Answers The Question: Should I Do Cardio Or Left Weights First For Maximum Benefit? March 13, 2014: 12:00 AM EST This study by Finnish researchers was set up to determine whether it mattered what order a person does cardio or strength exercises. Are the exercises more effective at increasing performance or muscle mass one way or the other? Participants were men 18 to 40 years old who did two to three supervised cardio and resistance training sessions a week, regularly reversing the order over 24 weeks. The researchers found differences in recovery times for the differently-sequenced routines, but ultimately found that the order of the different routines “does not lead to differences in the adaptations of overall fitness and body composition”. No matter which exercise was performed first, physical performance and muscle size increased during the study “to about a similar extent”. Moritz Schumann et al., "The order effect of combined endurance and strength loadings on force and hormone responses: effects of prolonged training. ", European Journal of Applied Physiology, March 13, 2014, © American College of Sports Medicine

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Men's Health Other Men's Health Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Finland

Proximity To Fast-Food Eateries Linked To Greater Risk Of Obesity March 13, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A British study finds that people who live or work near fast-food restaurants tend to be more obese than those whose access is more limited. The study, based on data from 5,442 adults aged 29-62, showed that when the three exposure possibilities (work, home and commute) were combined, there was a significant relationship between take-out exposure and food consumption. Those who lived or worked close to fast-food take-out outlets had higher body mass indexes. The researchers said that replacing fast-food restaurants with more healthful outlets probably wouldn’t work. But the food offered could be changed for the better because "in the food environment, what matters is the menu … not the venue”. T. Burgoine et al., "Associations between exposure to takeaway food outlets, takeaway food consumption, and body weight in Cambridgeshire, UK: population based, cross sectional study. BMJ", BMJ, March 13, 2014, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom