A soy diet may not prevent menopausal symptoms
A recent study published in the journal Menopause evaluated the consumption of soy-related products and the onset of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats in women who were premenopausal at the start of the study. Soy contains phytoestrogens, a plant-based estrogen, and is mainly found in food such as tofu and miso. After the 10-year study, researchers concluded that the intake of soy-containing foods did not prevent the onset of menopausal symptoms women experience. What do you typically recommend to your patients for the prevention of symptoms of menopause
Please read the article in News Track India to find out more.
Consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids is associated with decreased risk of cerebrovascular disease
A recent meta-analysis published inthe British Medical Journal (BMJ) evaluated the association between fish consumption, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and the risk of cerebrovascular disease. Researchers included prospective cohort studies as well as randomized controlled trials and concluded that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and fish are associated with a decreased risk of cerebrovascular disease. How do you educate your patients about all the recent conflicting evidence aboutconsuming fish and omega-3 fatty acids?
For more information, please read the full article in BMJ.
Although implicated in other disease states, trans fats are not associated with insulin resistance and diabetes
Consumption of trans fatty acids has been linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A number of government agencies put a ban on consumption of trans fatty acids after a recommendation from the American Heart Association. A recent meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) evaluated the association between consumption of trans fats and its effects on blood glucose levels, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Researchers concluded that increased trans fatty acid intake is not associated with changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose levels. What dietary counseling do you provide to patients with insulin resistance or diabetes?
To find out more, please read the full article in the AJCN.
Using medications after a natural disaster
In light of yesterday’s storm it is important to re-evaluate our preparedness plan. The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA discusses the safe practices regarding medication use after natural disasters, since medication effectiveness may be compromised. The FDA offers information on medications exposed to heat, temperature changes and unsafe water. What important counseling points do you provide to you patients about medication safety before and after a natural disaster? Considering yesterday’s storm, have you had any inquiries from patients who are interested in learning how to substitute their medications with alternative products?
Please visit the FDA website for more information.
FDA investigates the safety of energy drinks
Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating reports of five deaths that may be associated with “Monster” energy drinks. A 12 oz can of the energy drink contains 105 mg of caffeine, while a 12 oz can of Coca-Cola contains 35 mg. Monster Beverage Corporation is being sued by the family of a 14 year old Maryland girl, who died after drinking two cans of the energy drink in a 24 hour period. How often do you consume energy drinks? What are some safer alternatives to energy drinks?
For more information, please read the article in NY Times.
Daily multivitamin associated with decreased risk of cancer in men
A recent randaomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial published in JAMA evaluated the effect of long-term daily multivitamin supplmentation and the risk of cancer in 14,641 older men. During this 14-year study, researchers found that men who took a daily multivitamin had a small decrease in risk for cancer compared to those that had placebo. Do you have any experience using or recommending food-based multivitamins?
For more information, please read the article in JAMA.
Drinking cranberry juice is not effective in prevention of urinary tract infections
A recent meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Library evaluated whether drinking cranberry juice and taking other cranberry products are effective in the prevention of urinary tract infections in patients with recurrent UTIs. The authors pooled data from 24 studies that involved a total of 4,473 subjects. This systematic review concluded that evidence from these studies does not support the use of cranberry products for prevention of UTIs. What do you generally recommend to patients for the prevention of urinary tract infection?
For more information, please read the article in the Cochrane Library.
Skipping breakfast primes brain to seek high fat, high calorie foods
A new study presented at the Neuroscience 2012 conference in New Orleans shows that skipping breakfast primes the brain to seek out food that are high in fat and high in calories. Researchers found that when patients skipped breakfast, they ate a fifth more calories compared to when they had breakfast in the morning, showing an increased appeal to high calorie foods when fasting. How do you educate patients to avoid skipping breakfast?
To find out more, please read the article in BBC.
Folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 combination does not decrease risk of colorectal adenoma
A double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute evaluated the use of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in 1,470 women, who were part of a larger study, and the risk of colorectal adenoma. Researchers concluded that women who took 2.5 mg of folic acid, 50 mg of vitamin B6, and 1 mg of vitamin B12 showed no decreased risk of colorectal adenoma compared to placebo. What counseling points do you generally provide to patients taking these supplements?
For more information, please read the abstract in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Lycopene associated with decreased risk of stroke in men
In a recent study published in the journal Neurology, researchers found that lycopene, a bright red chemical found in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers,is associated with a decrease in the risk of stroke in men. This 12-year prospective cohort study, which evaluated 1,031 Finnish men between the ages of 46 and 65, showed that men with higher concentrations of lycopene in the blood had a 59% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 55% lower risk of any stroke. How will this research change your recommendations topatients who are at risk for stroke?
For more information, please read the abstract in Neurology.
Natural Products News and Updates 