Iodine Deficiency Has Negative Impact on Child Cognition

Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse child cognitive development.

CDC Report Reveals Smoking, Obesity Trends in U.S. Adults

In 2008-2010, the prevalence of key health behaviors among U.S. adults varied, with about one in five adults current smokers and 62.1% overweight or obese.

Early Parenteral Nutrition Doesn't Reduce Day-60 Death

For critically ill patients with relative contraindications to early enteral nutrition, the provision of early parenteral nutrition is not associated with reductions in day-60 mortality.

In Obese, Weight Loss Improves Reflux Symptoms

Obese and overweight adults can improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease by losing weight, while regaining even small amounts of weight can worsen symptoms.

Vitamin D May Be Beneficial in Crohn's Disease

For patients with stable Crohn's disease, vitamin D supplementation is associated with improvements in hand-grip strength, fatigue, and quality of life.

Boyhood ADHD Tied to Obesity in Adulthood

Men who had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during childhood are at increased risk of obesity as adults.

Vitamin C Deemed Ineffective as Therapy for Gout

Short-term therapy with vitamin C at modest doses did not have a clinically significant effect on lowering urate levels in patients with gout.

Reducing Body Fat Predicts Exercise-Induced HbA1c Change

Reductions in central adiposity and improved fitness are the most prominent predictors of changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sebelipase Alfa Granted Breakthrough Therapy for Rare Autosomal Disorder

The FDA has granted sebelipase alfa Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of early onset lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Health Effects of Further Lowering Sodium Unclear

Lowering sodium levels to moderate seems to result in improved health outcomes, but the evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of further lowering levels.

Healthy Lifestyle Offsets Cardio Risks From Job Strain

For individuals with job strain, a healthy lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease.

No Change in Sodium Content of Ready Food From '05 to '11

From 2005-2011, there was no significant change in the sodium content of processed and fast-food restaurant foods; and on average, meals at sit-down restaurants (SDRs) contain more than a full day's worth of sodium.

Mild Iodine Deficiency Can Affect Child's Cognition

Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can have long-term adverse effects on a child's cognition.

'Eating More Protein' Strategy Helps Women Lose Weight

Women who report "eating more protein" as a weight loss strategy achieve weight loss over two years.

Joint Supplement Contains Undeclared Allergens

Atriphen has been recalled due to the possibility of causing a severe allergic reaction from two undeclared allergens.

n-3 Fatty Acids No Benefit for High-Risk Cardio Patients

For patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic vascular disease who have not had a myocardial infarction, daily treatment with n-3 fatty acids does not reduce cardiovascular mortality or morbidity.

Additional Nutrients Do Not Reduce Progression to AMD

Adding carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, or both to an antioxidant formulation of vitamins and minerals previously shown to be effective in reducing the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) does not further lower the risk.

Virtual Reality Beneficial for Weight Maintenance

Virtual reality-based weight management may improve weight loss maintenance in overweight and obese adults.

Magnesium, Not Calcium, Linked to Bone Mineral Status

Magnesium, but not calcium, intake seems to be associated with total bone mineral content and density among young children.

Genetic Variant May Explain Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass

A genetic variant associated with weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery has been identified.

LAP-BAND Safe, Effective for Obese With 30-40 BMI

The LAP-BAND adjustable gastric banding system is safe and effective for obese individuals with a body mass index of 30-39.9kg/m².

For Men, Obesity in Youth Ups Cardiometabolic Risk by Age 55

Nearly half of young, obese men have an adverse cardiometabolic event or die before age 55 years.

How Much Nutrition in Diet Impacts Fertility

Fecundity seems to be related to the nutritional components of diet, with high protein intake linked to improved blastocyst development and pregnancy rates.

Report: Prenatal Vitamin C Cuts Wheeze in Infants of Smokers

For women who smoke, vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy is associated with reduced incidence of wheezing in their offspring through the age of 1 year.

Metreleptin Shows Promise for Pediatric Lipodystrophy

NIH study showed metreleptin treatment reduced HbA1c, triglycerides, and liver function tests in children and adolescents with lipodystrophy during a 12-month period.

Less Than 13% of Total Calories Come From Added Sugars

For U.S. adults, about 13% of calories consumed are from added sugars, with the mean percentage decreasing as age and income increase.

Blood Vessel Function Better With Controversial Diet

A controversial diet low in grains, beans, and certain vegetables combined with select supplements can improve blood vessel function.

Mediterranean Diet Improves Cholesterol Measures

Even without weight loss (WL), the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) improves measures of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism in men with metabolic syndrome.

Optimal Vitamin D Dosage for Infants Remains Uncertain

Supplementing healthy, term, breastfed newborns with 1,600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily raises plasma levels to the higher target level recommended by some pediatric societies after three months, while lower dosages can raise plasma levels to the lower target level recommended by the Institute of Medicine.

FDA Concerned Caffeinated Foods Could Harm Children

On the heels of the introduction of a new chewing gum containing as much caffeine as half a cup of coffee, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking a closer look at the impact of caffeinated products on children's health.

High Doses of Saw Palmetto Appear Safe Over 18 Months

Extracts of saw palmetto berry used at doses of up to 960mg daily appear to be safe over an 18-month period.

Child Fruit Consumption Up With Pre-Slicing in Schools

Schools that use fruit slicers to pre-slice fruit report increased fruit sales, more fruit eaten, and less fruit wasted.

Teen Moms More Likely to Be Subsequently Overweight

Teen mothers are more likely to be overweight or obese later in life compared to women who do not give birth as a teen.

Recall: Particulates Found in Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection

Hospira had notified the public last August that it initiated a voluntary nationwide user-level recall of one lot of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 100mL, Flexible Container, NDC 0409-7984-23. Hospira is investigating the root cause.

Recall: Undeclared Milk Components in ebA Multivitamin Supplement

Saratoga Therapeutics recalled 900 bottles of ebA Multivitamin Supplement because they may contain undeclared milk components such as milk protein(s) and lactose.

Intestinal Microbiota Tied to Proatherosclerotic Metabolite

Production of the proatherosclerotic metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is dependent on intestinal microbiota metabolism, and increased TMAO levels correlate with the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Obesity Tied to Risk of Prostate Cancer After Negative Biopsy

In men with an initial benign biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate, obesity is associated with the presence of precancerous lesions in the initial biopsy and a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Recall: Nora Apothecary, Alternative Therapies Pull All Products

Nora Apothecary and Alternative Therapies issued a voluntary multi-state recall of all sterile drug products compounded by the pharmacy that have not reached expiry that were compounded and dispensed on or before April 19, 2013.

Food-Tied Parenting Practices Common in Parents of Teens

The use of controlling food-related parenting practices, including food restriction and pressure-to-eat, are common among parents of adolescents and vary according to weight status.

Balanced Solutions Recalling All Compounded Products

Due to concerns with quality control processes, Balanced Solutions Compounding Pharmacy issued a voluntary recall of all lots of sterile products compounded by the pharmacy that are not expired.

Pot Smoking Linked to Some Metabolic Changes

Regularly smoking pot is associated with visceral adiposity and adipose tissue insulin resistance, but not other metabolic changes such as impaired β-cell function or hepatic steatosis.

Glutamine, Antioxidants No Benefit to Critically Ill Patients

For critically ill patients with multiorgan failure, early supplementation with glutamine or antioxidants does not improve clinical outcomes.

Qsymia REMS Modification Now Approved

The FDA has approved Vivus, Inc.'s amendment and modification to the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for Qsymia extended-release capsules. This amendment allows Qsymia to be dispensed through certified retail pharmacies in addition to the existing certified mail-order pharmacies.

Longer Breastfeeding Duration Boosts Risk of Iron Deficiency

Longer breastfeeding duration is associated with increased odds of iron deficiency in healthy children.

Central Adiposity May Affect Renal Hemodynamics

Regardless of body mass index, higher waist-to-hip ratio -- a measure of central adiposity -- is associated with lower glomerular filtration rate, lower effective renal plasma flow, and higher filtration fraction.

Vitamin D Not Tied to Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Type 1 Diabetes

For individuals with type 1 diabetes, low concentrations of vitamin D metabolites are not associated with an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Alert: Fatal Reactions Reported with Dietary Ingredient

The FDA has received 60 reports of illnesses and death associated with weight loss supplements containing dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Reported cases include heart problems and CNS or psychiatric disorders.

Cancer Society: Room for Improvement in Cancer Prevention, Detection

Despite improvements in aspects of cancer prevention and early detection, American Cancer Society urged more systematic efforts to reduce tobacco use and obesity, and expand the use of screening tests could prevent much of the suffering and death of cancer.

Restricting Soda Size May, Gulp, Actually Increase Consumption

Restriction of larger-size sodas, which encourages conversion into bundles of smaller-sized sodas, may increase soda consumption.

Blood Clot Risk During Pregnancy Is Highest Following Stillbirth

The risk of venous thromboembolism among pregnant women is highest if they have had a stillbirth. Risks also increase if the women are obese or have conditions such as varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease, obstetric hemorrhage, preterm delivery, or cesarean section.

Survey: Overweight Adults Back Weight-Loss Health Benefits

Most overweight adults feel that specific weight-loss benefits offered by health plans would be helpful, but few are willing to pay extra for them.

Calorie Reduction, Not Bypass Surgery, Improves Diabetes Control

Calorie reduction rather than the actual Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery seems to account for the improvement in glucose homeostasis in obese patients with type 2 diabetes who undergo RYGB.

Teens With Gynecomastia Have Lower Psychosocial Well-Being

Adolescent males with gynecomastia have lower psychosocial well-being than their unaffected peers.

Population-Wide Weight Loss, Gain Linked to Diabetes Burden

Based on the Cuban experience of 1980-2010, population-wide weight loss and regain seem to correlate with the burden of diabetes and heart disease.

Long-Term Selenium Intake Tied to Prostate Cancer

Toenail selenium, which reflects long-term selenium intake, is associated with a decrease in the risk of advanced prostate cancer, especially during later follow-up.

For Diabetes Patients, a U-Shaped Link Between BMI and Mortality

For patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, body mass index around the time of diagnosis has a U-shaped correlation with mortality.

Less Sodium, More Potassium Can Have Major Health Impact

Lowering salt intake and increasing potassium intake are associated with cardiovascular risk improvements and could have a major impact on global health.

For Teens, Attention to TV Is Linked to Increased BMI Scores

For adolescents, the attention paid to television is positively associated with increased body mass index.

Eating Frequency, Body Weight Are Inversely Linked for Youths

For children and adolescents, there is an inverse association between eating frequency and body weight status, which is evident only in boys when stratified by sex.

Obese Adolescents More Likely to Get Diabetes

The likelihood of diabetes in young adulthood is increased for those who are obese as adolescents and those with persistent obesity, compared to those with adult-onset obesity.

More Research Needed on Use of Prebiotics in Infants

There is some evidence that supplementation with a prebiotic may prevent eczema in formula-fed infants, but more research is needed before routine use of prebiotics can be recommended.

Fitness, Obesity Independently Affect Cardiometabolic Risk

Fitness and obesity are independently associated with cardiometabolic (CM) risk. Obesity was the stronger determinant of CM risk in cases of discordance between fitness and obesity.

Study: U.S. Adolescents Are in Poor Heart Health

Adolescents in the United States are in poor cardiovascular health, with poor diets and insufficient physical activity. While most adolescents had an ideal blood pressure, very few had an ideal Healthy Diet Score.

In-Person Recruitment Most Effective to Reach Moms-to-Be

In-person recruitment at hospital-based prenatal clinics produces the highest yield of early stage pregnant study participants.

Recall: Brass Particles Found in Hospira's Sodium Chloride Injection

After one confirmed report of brass particulates, Hospira is undertaking a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 1000mL, Flexible Container. The particulate was identified in the primary container appearing as several small gray/brown particles.

Nutritional Supplement for Pro Athletes, NutriForce Sports Omegafort, Launched

NutriForce Sports Omegafort 1200mg Omega-3 4x strength capsules has launched. Primarily targeting pro- and high-level amateur athletes, the nutritional supplement is designed to promote performance and post-activity recovery.

Diet Higher in Fiber Linked to Lower Risk of First Stroke

Higher fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of first stroke.

Low Vitamin D Levels Common Among Spinal Fusion Patients

A substantially high number of patients undergoing spinal fusion have a vitamin D deficiency or inadequacy.

Breath Test Ties Hydrogen, Methane to Higher BMI

There is a significant association between having both high methane and hydrogen results on a breath test and having a higher body mass index.

Birth Weight, Early Linear Growth Rate Affect Later Health

In low- and middle-income countries, fast linear growth in the first two years of life is associated with increased adult height and completion of more schooling, while higher weight at birth and later in childhood is associated with increased risk of obesity.

High Weight Loss, Muscle Depletion May Predict Cancer Mortality

Cancer patients with high weight loss, low muscle index, and low muscle attenuation have a poor prognosis--regardless of body mass index.

Supplement Aids Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A supplement containing a combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, and ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly benefits patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Many Mothers Introduce Solid Foods to Infants Too Early

About 40% of mothers introduce solid food to their infants before the recommended four months of age, with an even higher prevalence for formula-fed infants.

Behavioral Weight-Loss Plans Can Help Mentally Ill

A behavioral weight-loss intervention can lead to significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults with serious mental illness.

Higher Weight Gain Seen in Type 2 Diabetes Cases With Intensive Glycemic Control

Weight gain is higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who receive more intensive glycemic control treatment and is associated with a reduction of A1C from baseline.

Skim Milk Does Not Prevent Obesity in Young Children

For preschool children, consumption of 1-percent/skim milk is associated with overweight/obesity. The odds of being overweight or obese were significantly increased for those drinking 1-percent/skim milk compared with those drinking 2-percent/whole milk.

No Link Between Maternal Vitamin D and Child Bone Mineral Content

No association exists between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and bone mineral content in offspring who are 9-10 years old, according to a new study.

All MedPrep Compounded Products Recalled Due to Mold Scare

MedPrep Consulting Inc. is recalling all lots of all products compounded at its facility after mold was discovered in its magnesium sulfate 2g in dextrose 5% in water, 50mL for injection intravenous solution.

Oral Melatonin Has No Effect on Appetite in Advanced Cancer

Oral melatonin does not improve appetite, weight, or quality of life for patients with cachexia due to advanced cancer.

Obesity Negatively Affects Outcome of Children in Critical Care

Besides the usual risk factors for childhood obesity, the condition may a risk factor for higher mortality in hospitalized children with critical illnesses, oncologic diagnoses, or transplants.

Quitting Smoking Cuts Cardiac Risk, Despite Weight Gain

Even if you take into account the weight gain that usually follows, quitting smoking still reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in people without diabetes, according to a new study.

Study: Breastfeeding Does Not Reduce Obesity Risk for Children

While promoting breastfeeding increases breastfeeding rates, it has no effect on the risk of overweight or obesity in children. The study looked at children at a median age of 11.5 years.

Salty Diet Implicated in Autoimmune Diseases

Three studies found that a salty diet may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Salt seems to cause enzymes to stimulate the creation of the helper T-cells.

Deep Brain Stimulation May Be Option in Chronic Anorexia

For patients with chronic, severe, treatment-refractory anorexia nervosa, deep brain stimulation (DBS) seems to be a safe treatment option.

First Causal Evidence of Visceral Fat-Cancer Connection

Reduction of visceral fat through surgery or diet reduces intestinal tumors in mice, with clear differences between males and females.

Newborns of Obese Mothers Have Thicker Aortic Walls

Maternal adiposity correlates with thickening of the aortic wall in newborns.

Exercise Tied to Mental Health in Bariatric Sx Candidates

Bariatric surgery candidates who meet relatively low thresholds of physical activity are less likely to have recently received treatment for anxiety or depression compared with less active people.

New Results Announced for Oral Erythrocyte Stimulating System

Targeted Medical Pharma announced new results from an open label study of its oral amino acid-based erythrocyte stimulating system (ESS) for the treatment of chronic anemia.

Phase 3b Results Announced for ATX-101 for Reduction of Submental Fat

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals announced positive interim results from a Phase 3b study (ATX-101-11-26) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ATX-101, an investigational injectable drug for the reduction of unwanted submental fat (SMF), also known as double chin.

Overall Sedentary Time Shows Major Cardiometabolic Impact

For patients with known risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus, sedentary time is detrimentally linked to cardiometabolic health markers, and may be a more important indicator than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Review: Growing Body of Evidence Linking Diet to Acne

Evidence suggests that there may be a connection between acne and diet, particularly foods with a high glycemic index.

High-Fat Diet Impairs Satiation Signaling in Obese-Prone

Feeding obese-prone rats a high-fat diet leads to impaired satiation signaling through glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gastrointestinal hormone that suppresses food intake and helps regulate energy balance.

Obesity, Physical Activity Linked to Risk in Subset of Colorectal CA

Obesity and physical inactivity are associated with a higher risk of WNT/β-catenin (CTNNB1)-negative colorectal cancer, but are not associated with CTNNB1-positive cancer risk.

Asprega ProPac Launched for AAD

Scimera BioScience announced the launch of Asprega ProPac (saccharomyces boulardii 20 billion CFUs) delayed-release capsules, a probiotic to relive gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotic therapy including antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).

Bariatric Surgery Outcomes No Better at Centers of Excellence

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy restricting coverage of bariatric surgery to hospitals designated as centers of excellence (COEs) has not been associated with an improvement in bariatric surgery outcomes.

Sleep Restriction Impacts Gene Regulation

Insufficient sleep affects gene regulation, including genes associated with circadian rhythms, sleep homeostasis, oxidative stress, and metabolism.

FeRiva Iron Supplement Launched

Avion Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of FeRiva capsules, a new prescription iron supplement.

USPSTF: Vitamin D, Calcium Supplements Don't Prevent Fx

For non-institutionalized postmenopausal women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against daily supplementation with ≤400IU of vitamin D3 and ≤1,000mg of calcium for primary prevention of fractures, and a lack of evidence impairs the provision of recommendations for other populations.

Fast Food Accounts for >11 Percent of Daily Calories in U.S.

More than 11% of adults' daily calorie consumption comes from fast foods

CDC: Children's Caloric Intake Decreased in Last Decade

Over the last decade, caloric intake has fallen for most age groups among children and adolescents in the United States.