Health Highlight: Wed.8, Mar.
Today’s highlights: the development of a blood test for anxiety; discussion about dietary supplements; safety concerns with Red Dye 40.
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🔗: IU School of Medicine researchers develop blood test for anxiety
✍🏼 By: IU Newsroom Writer(s) • @IUNewsroom
Summary: Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine have managed to make a blood test for anxiety that looks at biomarkers to find out if someone is likely to get anxiety, how bad their anxiety is now, and which therapies are likely to help them the most.
Context: “The current approach is to talk to people about how they feel to see if they could be on medications, but some medications can be addictive and create more problems. We wanted to see if our approach to identify blood biomarkers could help us match people to existing medications that will work better and could be a non-addictive choice.” said professor of psychiatry Alexander Niculescu, MD, Ph.D.
Support Info: By looking at the RNA biomarkers in their blood, researchers could figure out how anxious a participant was at the moment and match them with medications and nutraceuticals based on how well they might work for them based on their biology.
Analysis: “In addition to medications, there are other methods to treat anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes,” Niculescu said. “But having something objective like this where we can know what someone’s current state is as well as their future risk and what treatment options match their profile is very powerful in helping people.”
Conclusion: The test could be used with other blood tests to get a fuller picture of a patient’s mental health and the chance that they will have problems in the future.
🏷️ Tags: #Anxiety #IUSM #Biomarkers #BloodTest
🔗: Do You Need Dietary Supplements? Vitamins, Minerals, and More
✍🏼 By: NIH News In Health Writer(s) • @NIH
Summary: While most people can get enough nutrients from a healthy diet, some people may benefit from taking nutritional supplements. Supplements are not intended to prevent or treat diseases, but rather to supplement the diet.
Context: The amount of certain nutrients that the body needs varies depending on a person’s age, diet, health conditions, and lifestyle. Pregnant persons, older adults, and people on restricted diets are good examples of individuals with specific nutritional needs.
Support Info: Supplements are regulated by the FDA, but not in the same way that medicines are. It is critical to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which supplements and dosages are best for your situation.
Analysis: More isn’t always better, and ‘natural’ doesn’t always imply safe. Some vitamins and minerals can cause damage in large doses.
Conclusion: “The most important thing is to eat a nutritious variety of foods and maintain a healthy weight,” says Dr. Patricia Haggerty, who studies nutrition and the immune system at NIH.
🏷️ Tags: #NutritionalSupplements #DietarySupplements #FDA #NIH
🔗: Is Red Dye 40 Safe?
✍🏼 By: Cleveland Clinic Writer(s) • @ClevelandClinic
Summary: Red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye that is commonly found in processed foods and beverages. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it, but some studies have linked it to behavioral issues in children. Although more research is needed, some countries have banned red dye 40 due to potential health risks.
Context: Red dye 40 can cause hyperactivity, irritability and depression, allergic reactions, hives, asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, skin irritation, migraines, and potentially more harmful health concerns due to cancer-causing substances it contains such as benzene.
Support Info: “It’s hard to determine the exact cause of certain side effects, as red dye is typically used in conjunction with other food additives that may also lead to symptoms.”
Analysis: To avoid negative effects, avoid foods containing red dye 40 as much as possible. Parents can screen for red dye 40 intolerance by removing all foods containing the dye for a week or two and then reintroducing them to see if there are any changes in behavior.
Conclusion: To minimize the risks associated with red dye 40, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano advises parents to limit processed foods in their children’s diets and model good behavior by avoiding brightly colored foods.
🏷️ Tags: #RedDye40 #FDA #ChildrensHealth #FoodSafety