Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in low and middle income countries and can lead to many adverse health consequences, including death.
This Cochrane review evaluated the effect of vitamin A supplementation in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Continue reading Vitamin A supplements prevent morbidity and mortality in children
We commonly take them, but studies show mixed results regarding their health benefits, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina. Continue reading The value of nutritional supplements in older adults
Upper respiratory tract infections frequently exacerbate chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Researchers in Indonesia and Switzerland evaluated the effect of Echinacea purpurea + micronutrients in order to reduce the severity of these infections. Continue reading Lack of effect of an Echinacea cocktail on exacerbations of COPD
I’ve largely ignored these studies in the past, but perhaps it’s worth a second look.
To start, this 1993 study by Dr. David Eisenberg, who is now the director of Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies at Harvard University, is considered a landmark in the field of “unconventional medicine.” Continue reading CAM in the US: Patterns of use
A key outcome of early cancer drug studies is the toxicity of a new experimental drug. The use of CAM in patients with advanced cancer might make it difficult to make this determination.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, studied the prevalence of CAM use in their patients participating in experimental cancer drug treatment studies. Continue reading CAM use among cancer patients during drug trials
Researchers at the MedStar Research Institute, in Hyattsville, Maryland, reviewed studies of nutrition in women.
Those emphasizing gender differences in nutritional requirements were selected for this review. Continue reading Supplements or food to prevent heart disease in women?
Researchers from the Population Health Research Institute, in Ontario, Canada evaluated the effects of dietary options on the risk of heart disease.
It’s a good article for those of us who like neat lists. Continue reading Dietary choices and the risk of heart disease
High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is a precursor of invasive prostate cancer (PCa). Some preliminary evidence suggests vitamin E, selenium, and soy protein may prevent progression of HGPIN to PCa.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital, in Toronto, Ontario tested this hypothesis. Continue reading Vitamin E, selenium, + soy to treat prostate cancer?
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, reviewed allopathic and CAM options.
Let’s focus on CAM. Continue reading Review: CAM to treat menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Researchers in Boston and Washington, DC, determined the prevalence of multivitamins, folic acid, and herbal supplement use. Continue reading CAM use among African American breast cancer survivors
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Vitamin E and the risk of stroke
Low blood levels of vitamins C and D are prevalent in acutely hospitalized patients.
Researchers at McGill University, and Jewish General Hospital, in Montreal, Quebec, looked for a change in mood after raising blood levels of these vitamins. Continue reading Vitamins C, D, and mood disturbance in hospitalized patients
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle, Washington, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Is it possible to prevent prostate cancer with diet and supplements?
Researchers from Rheinischen Friedrich Wilhelms-UniVersitat, in Bonn, Germany think is should.
Here’s a summary of their rationale. Continue reading Should the use of Ginkgo biloba be restricted?
Researchers at the University of Western Australia, in Crawley, studied B6, B12, and folic acid. Continue reading Do B vitamins and folic acid affect cognitive function?
Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. A premature birth takes place more than 3 weeks before the due date. Although the rate of premature birth seems to be on the rise, a healthy lifestyle helps prevent preterm labor and premature birth.
Researchers in the US collaborated to determine whether pregnant women taking vitamins C and E might lower their risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Continue reading Vitamins C and E and the risk of preterm birth
ConsumerLab.com found defects in over 30% of the multivitamins selected for review. Continue reading Are you getting your nutrients from your multivitamin supplement?
During the XVIII International AIDS Conference, researchers at Florida International University, in Miami, and other institutions in the US and Botswana reported the benefits of micronutrients. Continue reading Benefits of micronutrients in people with HIV
HIV infection and the long-term use of antiretroviral drugs are associated with increased mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress.
During the XVIII International AIDS Conference, researchers at Florida International University, in Miami, and other institutions in the US reported beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation on immune function and reducing mitochondrial damage. Continue reading Benefits of antioxidant treatment in patients with HIV
Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical, in Boston, studied the long-term effects. Continue reading Vitamins E and C and the risk of age-related cataract