Today's NewsBites

Getting older doesn’t have to mean sleeping poorly. Researchers who analyzed a survey of 155,877 Americans report that people…

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A review of the scientific evidence for the National Cancer Institute finds little support for marketing dietary supplements as protection against cancer — and notes that high doses of some supplements can actually add to cancer risk. Most clinical trials of vitamin and mineral supplements against cancer have disappointed, the reviewers concluded. In the review, except for a lone Chinese study, trials of antioxidant supplements, including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, failed to show anti-cancer benefits. Results for long-term folic acid supplementation versus cancer have likewise been mostly negative. Although some epidemiological studies have linked higher vitamin D levels to lower rates of certain cancers, the review found the evidence insufficient and called for more research on vitamin D. Despite the absence of evidence that supplements prevent cancer (and the possibility of harm), reviewers noted that “marketing claims by the supplement industry continue to imply anti-cancer benefits.” They blamed “insufficient government regulation” of the $30 billion-a-year industry. — Journal of the National Cancer Institute …

Current Articles

Here’s more evidence that eating like a Mediterranean may be good for your brain…

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A diet rich in antioxidants, especially from fruits and vegetables, could help reduce your risk…

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Two new studies offer a glimmer of hope for sufferers of chronic low back pain, from an unexpected source—yoga…

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Ask Tufts Experts

 

I read in your newsletter (February) that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) used 20 nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL) as the optimum blood level of vitamin D for bone health, but that other experts use 30 ng/ml. My recent blood tests at the VA were between 20 and 30 ng/ml. Should I consider taking a vitamin D supplement?

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After reading the list of whole grain foods and refined grain foods in your “Whole Grains Battle Dangerous Belly Fat” article (February 2011 Healthletter), I am hopelessly confused. Why if pasta is made with whole grain flour, crackers are made with 100% whole wheat flour, pancakes are made from buckwheat, are they considered “refined” grains?

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I was interested in your report (September 2011) that the poly- phenols in cranberry juice may reduce artery stiffness in heart patients. Would cranberry supplements, marketed for urinary health, have a similar benefit? These supplements do not contain information on polyphenol content.

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Did you know?

High-protein diets make kidneys work harder—an issue for the more than 20 million Americans who have chronic kidney disease but don’t know it.

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter

For over 25 years, Tufts Healthletter has brought subscribers trustworthy news and real strategies that can add years of healthy living and vigor to life.
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