Tag Archives: Public health

Diet, disease, Health, Healthy eating, processed foods, Public health

How reliable are the findings that suggest emulsifiers in processed foods may increase cardiovascular risk, and what further research is needed to confirm or refute this association?

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A ground-breaking study by The BMJ sheds harsh light on the potential dangers lurking within our favorite processed foods in a shocking revelation that could shock the food industry. Brace yourself for this unsettling truth: those seemingly harmless emulsifiers, the very substances that make our indulgent treats extra mouthwatering, might actually be silently plotting against our cardiovascular health. Yes, you read that right. The very same additives found in pastries, ice cream, and ready meals could be putting our hearts at risk. It’s time to take a closer look at what we’re really consuming.

Food additives, including emulsifiers, undergo regular safety assessments based on the scientific evidence available. However, recent studies indicate these emulsifiers may disrupt gut bacteria and heighten inflammation levels, potentially increasing susceptibility to cardiovascular problems.

To investigate the potential health risks further, researchers in France undertook a study to establish possible links between exposure to emulsifiers and the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. These diseases affect blood flow and blood vessels in the heart and brain. The study involved 95,442 French adults with no history of heart disease and averaged follow-up records for seven years. Participants provided detailed dietary records and any major CVD events they experienced.

The study revealed that higher intake of specific types of emulsifiers—total celluloses (E460–E468), cellulose (E460), and carboxymethylcellulose (E466)—was positively correlated with higher risks of CVD and, specifically, coronary heart disease. In addition, higher intakes of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471 and E472) were related to higher risks across all studied outcomes. Among these emulsifiers, specific types were associated with higher risks of CVD and cerebrovascular diseases.

It is essential to note that this is an observational study and cannot definitively establish causality. The researchers acknowledged limitations such as the high proportion of women and the generally higher educational background of the participants, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Despite these limitations, the study could prompt a reevaluation of regulations concerning the use of food additives in the food industry to protect consumers.

Given these findings, several public health authorities recommend reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods to limit exposure to these potentially harmful additives. This study serves as a cautionary note, urging both the public and regulatory bodies to scrutinize the long-term effects of substances that are so widely incorporated into modern diets.

According to the text, the specific types of emulsifiers that are positively correlated with higher risks of CVD and, specifically, coronary heart disease are total celluloses (E460–E468), cellulose (E460), and carboxymethylcellulose (E466). The text also mentions that recent studies indicate these emulsifiers may disrupt gut bacteria and heighten inflammation levels, potentially increasing susceptibility to cardiovascular problems. To limit exposure to these potentially harmful additives, several public health authorities recommend reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Cited Works:
News-Medical.net. “High Intake of Emulsifiers May Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease,” September 7, 2023 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230907/High-intake-of-emulsifiers-may-increase-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease.aspx.

Komulainen, Pirjo. “The Association of Vascular and Neuroprotective Status Indicators with Cognitive Functioning: Population-Based Studies (Verisuonisairauksien RiskitekijöIden Ja AivoperäIsen HermokasvutekijäN Yhteys Kognitiiviseen Toimintakykyyn – VäEstöTutkimus)” https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/15167220.pdf.

disease, Health, mental health, Public health

Exploring the Link Between C-Reactive Protein and Mood Disorders: Insights from Recent Research

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Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect millions of individuals worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. Over the years, research has highlighted the role of chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system dysregulation in the development of mood disorders. A protein of interest in this context is C-reactive protein (CRP), which is involved in the recognition and elimination of pathogens and damaged cells through inflammatory mechanisms. While previous studies have demonstrated elevated CRP levels in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), the understanding of CRP’s role in other mood disorders, like bipolar and unipolar depression, remains limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, a recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders set out to explore the association between CRP levels and mood disorders, shedding light on the potential implications for understanding these complex conditions.

The study conducted a retrospective analysis, enrolling patients diagnosed with a mood disorder. The researchers utilized psychopathological rating scales to assess general psychopathology and collected blood samples for further analysis of CRP levels. By examining these factors, the study aimed to gain insights into the role of CRP in both unipolar and bipolar depression, expanding our understanding beyond MDD.

The findings of the study hold significant implications for the field of mood disorders. First and foremost, the association between CRP levels and mood disorders suggests that neuroinflammation could be a relevant factor in the pathophysiology of these conditions. This understanding opens doors to exploring new treatment approaches that target inflammatory mechanisms and immune system dysregulation. By identifying distinct subgroups of patients based on their inflammatory patterns, personalized treatment strategies can be developed, potentially improving outcomes and prognosis.

Furthermore, monitoring CRP levels could serve as a prognostic indicator, helping clinicians assess disease progression, predict treatment response, and identify individuals at higher risk for relapse or complications. Tracking changes in CRP levels over time during treatment may also provide valuable insights into treatment effectiveness and guide adjustments to optimize patient care.

The study also highlighted the influence of chronotype, with individuals exhibiting an eveningness-type chronotype displaying higher CRP levels. Incorporating chronotype considerations into the management of mood disorders could provide a more comprehensive approach, taking into account an individual’s chronobiological rhythms and potential impact on inflammation.

The investigation into the association between CRP levels and mood disorders represents an exciting step forward in understanding the complex nature of these conditions. By recognizing the role of chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system dysregulation, researchers and clinicians can explore innovative treatment approaches tailored to patients’ specific inflammatory profiles. The findings offer the potential for improved prognostic indicators, personalized interventions, and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving mood disorders. As further research unfolds, this knowledge could pave the way for more effective and targeted strategies to alleviate the burden of mood disorders and enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide.

Cited works:

C-reactive protein levels and mood disorders: Insights from a retrospective study. https://www.psypost.org/2023/07/c-reactive-protein-levels-and-mood-disorders-insights-from-a-retrospective-study-166293?fbclid=IwAR2gD32l5gnPGgvnU_GEPExCBs0rh5v20Tj4NNYjb85qzn48qY_Vhiy9gLA

Diet, Fitness, Health, mental health, Public health

Do you think that persons who experience anxiety and depression could benefit from taking vitamin B6?

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According to recent research, vitamin B6, a popular vitamin supplement, may benefit those who suffer from anxiety and depression. However, in the UK, researchers recruited 478 participants with anxiety or depression and randomly allocated them to receive high dosages of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or a placebo. They then evaluated the subjects before and after they had taken the tablets for a month. Compared to those taking a placebo, those taking the B6 supplement reported significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. They conclude that some people may be able to prevent the adverse effects of prescription drugs by taking vitamin B6 supplements. However, with your doctor first before beginning a new supplement.

disease, Health, Public health

What is the unusual virus known as monkeypox that has now been verified in the United States and Europe?

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Primarily prevalent in Central and West Africa, monkeypox may be transmitted to both animals and humans.

Symptoms of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patient’s hand, from a 2003 case in the United States. In most instances, the disease causes fever and painful, pus-filled blisters. New cases in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal are spreading possibly through sexual contact, which had not previously been linked to monkeypox transmission.
CDC/Getty Images

Some illnesses confirmed in the United Kingdom have “no travel ties” to locations where monkeypox is present. An expert finds it remarkable that instances are surfacing simultaneously in many nations. The monkeypox virus is distinct from the coronavirus that shook the globe. Existing smallpox vaccines might protect the population in the event of an outbreak.

Katzourakis states: “We do not have the capability for anything to spread throughout the world at anywhere like the pace seen with covid.” The first documented monkeypox case in the United Kingdom moved to Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization. The CDC reports that six Americans are being screened for monkeypox after sitting near a British patient on an airplane. There are no evident connections between the most recent two cases and previous ones, suggesting the potential of community transmission. According to an expert, most Americans will never encounter a case of monkeypox in their lives.

Obtaining the genetic sequence of the virus responsible for recent instances will enable scientists to determine whether they are dealing with a novel strain. The 1980 elimination of smallpox has allowed residual poxviruses to circumvent dwindling defenses.

disease, drugs, Health, medications, Public health

Did you know that they’re calling blood pressure medications due to cancer causing impurities?

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Pfizer Inc. recalls a blood pressure medication due to possible cancer-causing impurities.

The Pfizer logo is displayed at the company’s headquarters in New York last year.
Mark Lennihan/AP

On Monday, the firm informed users about multiple contaminated batches of Accuretic and two additional forms of the drug-quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets due to the presence of nitrosamine at levels over the recommended daily dosage. Nitrosamines can be found in water and food, such as cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and vegetables that have been cooked or smoked. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “everyone is exposed to nitrosamines. ” People exposed to these impurities for a long time may be more likely to get cancer. The drugs are used to treat hypertension to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, most notably strokes and myocardial infarctions. According to the firm, the recall is voluntary, and as of Monday, the company has received no complaints of adverse occurrences associated with the medications. In addition, although chronic intake of N-nitroso-quinapril may be related to an elevated risk of cancer in humans, the FDA notes that there is no immediate danger to patients using this drug. Message from the Sponsor Pfizer urges customers who use the pills to see their physician or pharmacist determine whether they received a contaminated batch.

Reference

Pfizer launches a recall of blood pressure drugs due to a potential carcinogen. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/22/1088075045/pfizer-blood-pressure-recall-carcinogen?fbclid=IwAR19uBZdd6vxW64B7DDn-brE0LgmkdDr1BYJ6Mk8O9om4ION9hjfyf6SQDg

disease, drugs, Health, medications

Public health authorities and drug manufacturers need to be open regarding the side effects of coronavirus vaccine

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Public health authorities and drug manufacturers need to be open regarding the side effects of coronavirus vaccines, doctors say. Doctors met with CDC advisers as states plan to administer doses as early as next month. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines need two doses at different intervals. Participants in the trials registered high fever, body aches, extreme headaches, day-long fatigue after the shots. “We need to make patients aware that this will not be a walk in the park,” says Dr. Sandra Fryhofer. Nurse practitioners recommend that drug manufacturers should use terms such as “response” instead of “adverse reaction” to explain side effects. “If this proves to work, people are going to toughen up,” says the nurse practitioner.

“These are immune responses,” says Stinchfield, a former member of the committee who voted. “If you feel something after vaccination, expect to feel that” Pfizer and its partner BioNTech applied for an emergency license for their coronavirus vac.

Reference

Doctors say CDC should warn people the side effects from Covid vaccine shots won’t be ‘a walk in the park’. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/23/covid-vaccine-cdc-should-warn-people-the-side-effects-from-shots-wont-be-walk-in-the-park-.html