In this issue...
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the November 2008 issue of True North's Tune-Up on this second day of December. We continue to emphasize "up stream" strategies for health in the areas of nutrition, mind-body, and lifestyle. Studies are from peer-reviewed scientific journals. Archived prior issues of the Tune-Up may be found at www.truenorthhealthcenter.org/tune_up_archives.asp. The archives are searchable by topic by typing keywords into the Search bar.
To your health,
B. Joseph Semmes, MD
Director of Research, True North
Diplomate, American Boards of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine (ABIM) and Emergency Medicine
bjsemmes@truenorthhealthcenter.org
Multivitamins: new red flags and controversies
Vitamins have been in the news recently. The SELECT trial of Vitamin E and selenium to prevent prostate cancer was stopped because of lack of efficacy. Vitamins C and E do not appear to protect from cancer (reported at the 2008 American Association of Cancer Research meetings) or heart disease.
Read about this vitamin E and C study
A 2005 Cochrane Collaboration analysis of 19 studies showed Vitamin E taken at doses higher than 400 IU per day may even increase the risk of death slightly. (The Cochrane Collaboration is considered a bedrock of Evidence-Based Medicine but some Vitamin E experts have criticized this analysis for several reasons. Some large studies were not included. Vitamin E is a family of molecules not just a synthetic alpha form. Some of these studies included very ill patients. Our search for 'the truth' is certainly challenging.)
Review Cochrane Collaboration analysis of 19 Vitamin E studies
Multivitamin intake and localized prostate cancer had no relationship in a study involving more than 100,000 men. However, the authors were concerned that men who took more than 7 multivitamins a week increased their risk of aggressive or fatal prostate cancer by 32%.
Learn about multivitamins and prostate cancer
A 2007 study looked at whether taking a high dose (1000 micrograms) of supplemental folate reduced colon cancer occurrence in people at markedly increased risk. These patients had pre-cancerous adenomas (polyps) found during colonoscopy. Those who took 1000 micrograms per day of supplemental folate had a small but significant increased risk of pre-cancerous adenomas or non-colon, especially prostate, cancers.
Read about 2007 supplemental folate study
An October 2008 follow-up report by the same group suggests how complicated interpreting these studies has become. Their extended findings support the idea that although moderate doses of folate may be protective compared with deficiency, at some point of sufficiency, supplementation provides no additional benefit.
Learn about 2008 supplemental folate follow-up report
Blood folate levels may be associated with an increased risk of hormone sensitive (hormone receptor positive) breast cancers in premenopausal women.
Investigate folate and breast cancer connection
A more recent large epidemiological study shows no relationship between various B vitamins and breast cancer.
Read about B vitamin and breast cancer study
True North Medical Director Bethany Hays, MD points out that we are still learning about the role of B vitamins and cancer genes. Ten percent of the population has a slow enzyme (MTHFR) that requires higher doses of folate for good function. Taking a different form of folate (that is methyltetrahydrofolate for you biochemists or Bill Nye the Science Guy) might be helpful to lower the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.
What's a reasonable bottom line for the time being? Read labels on fortified foods and though the research is somewhat sparse, limiting folate intake to 1000 micrograms a day of supplements or fortified foods may be wise. Vitamin E may be safest at a level at or below 400 IU. As usual the picture evolves so "stay tuned."
Physical activity and enhanced fitness improve cognitive function
This high quality Cochrane Review of 11 randomized controlled trials involving older people without cognitive impairment, showed that in 8 of the trials, cardiorespiratory fitness correlates significantly with cognitive speed, auditory attention, visual attention and motor function. This adds to the already convincing evidence that exercise, both aerobic and resistance training are important practices to avoid pitfalls of aging such as dementia, falls, and hip fractures.
Read Cochrane Review linking fitness and cognitive function
Eating processed meat may shorten one's life
Telomere shortening is a cellular marker for aging. In this mixed ethnic group study of 840 adults with detailed dietary diaries, processed meat intake was correlated with shorter telomeres. In comparison, a number of presumably healthy choices such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, seeds and nuts had no relationship positive or negative. Editor's note: Don't abandon those healthy choices. Their impact on health may be unrelated to the aging processes reflected in telomere shortening.
Learn about the Telomere shortening study
Acupuncture relieves pain in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE)
This small pilot study of standard acupuncture treatments for 25 SLE patients with pain showed that acupuncture appears to be safe and moderately effective for pain relief when compared "usual care" given to controls.
Read about acupuncture pilot study
STAY "TUNED"!
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Disclaimer:
Information provided in the True North Tune-Up is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information and links in this e-publication are intended to provide general education on the topics listed, but you should not use the information or links to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare practitioner. True North advises you to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioner prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
