Epidemiological studies suggest that soy might be associated with a lower risk of certain chronic diseases. This has lead health regulatory agencies worldwide to approve food-labeling health claim for soy proteins.
Dr. Chao Wu Xiao at the University of Ottawa in Canada finds the data lacking. Continue reading Does soy lower the risk of chronic disease?
The FDA is advising people to discontinue using 3 Zicam Nasal Gel/Nasal Swab cold remedies because they’re associated with the loss of sense of smell that may be long-lasting or permanent. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Zicam cold remedies
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has ruled that within limits, copper oxide can be safely used in food supplements. Continue reading Worried about copper in your supplements?
They’re a hollow fabric cone about 10 inches long made from beeswax, paraffin, or a mixture.
They can cause serious injuries, even when used according to the manufacturer’s directions, says the FDA. Continue reading FDA warns against using ear candles
Researchers from University of Warwick, in Coventry, UK estimated the cost effectiveness of a group cognitive behavioral treatment in people with low-back pain treated in primary care. Continue reading Cognitive behavioral treatment for low back pain
Yes, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland whose findings are based on a mathematical epidemiological model. Continue reading Is it cost-effective to prevent falls in the elderly?
Researchers from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, in The Netherlands measured levels in Asian traditional herbal preparations that are available on the Dutch market. Continue reading Mercury, arsenic, and lead levels in herbals
Few people are deficient in chromium, but supplements may be helpful for some people with diabetes. It’s also commonly found in weight loss products, where it may provide a small benefit.
ConsumerLab.com tested 6 product to see if the tablets contained what was listed on the bottles. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Chromium
Dr. Roger Bayard from The University of Adelaide, in Australia tells us “Traditional herbal substances may contain highly toxic chemicals and heavy metals.”
Then, he goes on to catalog all the ways this can happen. Continue reading Sources of risk when taking traditional herbal medicines
Nutracon is an education and networking conference for the health and nutrition industry. I attended a meeting several years ago and found it worthwhile.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 10 and 11 in Anaheim, California.
Here’s a sample of the agenda. Continue reading Nutracon coming to Anaheim
The late physician/author of Jurassic Park, State of Fear, and ER was once asked by Scott Burgess if genetically modified food (GM) is a boon or threat to the world.
Continue reading Michael Crichton and genetically modified food
Do you find that you’re not getting the weight loss results you want from diet and exercise alone?
If you do and you tried Hydroxycut, be forewarned that this product has been associated with serious liver injury. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Hydroxycut
Researchers from the University of York, in the UK say it’s time to move on from asking if acupuncture is more effective than placebo. Continue reading Acupuncture: Clinically meaningful and cost-effective?
Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to present a broad new health initiative to encourage food manufacturers and restaurant chains in the US to lower the amount of salt in their products.
According to The New York Times. Continue reading Food wars: New York City to push for salt restrictions
“No ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren] dose adjustments appear warranted when the drug is administered orally with St. John’s wort,” according to this study by Dr. Edward Bell in an article published in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. Continue reading St. John’s wort and ibuprofen pharmacokinetics
I recently labeled G. biloba the “biggest loser in 2009” based on the results of The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study that was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.”
Now, Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the Austin, Texas-based American Botanical Council, has weighed with his criticism.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington conducted CAM workshops to study the value of standardized patients on knowledge and clinical skills of third-year medical students. Continue reading Standardized patient histories improve CAM knowledge among medical students
The Texas Department of State Health Services and FDA have notified healthcare professionals and consumers, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, to avoid consuming a product called Nzu, taken as a traditional remedy for morning sickness.
There’s a potential health risks from high levels of lead and arsenic. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Nzu
Low maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy is associated with asthma symptoms in early childhood.
Now, here are the results from the first study of the relationship between vitamin D blood levels in childhood and asthma severity. Continue reading Linking vitamin D levels in children to asthma severity
Ergonomic adjustments (modified keyboard layouts and ergonomic advice) play a major role in treating most work-related complaints.
This Cochrane review concludes that the scientific support is underwhelming. Continue reading Do fancy keyboards improve work-related arm, neck, or shoulder complaints?