Integrative Medicine Alert – May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
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A Lot More Physical Activity Needed to Prevent Weight Gain
A prospective study found that women gained weight at similar rates even though their physical activity levels varied substantially. Only women with normal BMI at baseline and higher levels of activity who maintained that activity level also maintained normal BMI. -
"D-feat D Flu?" Vitamin D and Pediatric Influenza
The promising results of this study suggest that timely supplementation with vitamin D3 may help prevent seasonal influenza A, though not influenza B, in school-aged children. A side finding was that children with asthma taking vitamin D3 experienced fewer exacerbations, though not a lesser rate of influenza A infection. I hope this trial will be replicated, and with measurement of 25-OH D levels, in both children and adults, to help tease out the role of vitamin D in flu prevention. -
Hot or Not? 5-HTP for Hot Flashes
The single author of this small pilot study concludes that 50 mg of 5-HTP taken three times a day for 4 weeks is ineffective against menopausal hot flashes. The paper is disappointing in many ways, however, and readers might question whether the actual reason behind the trial was indeed to test 5-HTP. -
Vitamin B6 and Connections to Colorectal Cancer Risk
The authors reviewed 12 articles representing 13 prospective studies searching for a link between vitamin B6 consumption or blood pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP, the main active coenzyme form of B6) and lower rates of colorectal cancer, finding a linear inverse relationship (relative risk 0.52) between blood PLP and colorectal cancer risk. -
Dietary Fat Consumption and Risk of Endometriosis
Consumption of trans fats increases the risk of endometriosis, while long-chain omega-3 fats are protective. -
Got Milk!
An increase in dairy food intake produces significant and substantial suppression of oxidative and inflammatory stress associated with overweight and obesity. -
Helping Hands: Osteopathic Treatment for LBP of Pregnancy
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is one of a number of CAM therapies often considered for the treatment of third trimester lower back pain (LBP). Results of this small trial suggest that manual therapy during late pregnancy may help improve back-specific functioning but has little impact on back pain. While OMT may be appropriate for some pregnant women experiencing LBP, unless the obstetrician is a DO such care requires additional appointments, and ultimately still may not offer significant pain relief. -
Supplement: Health Care Reform Update
Health care clinicians and organizations likely will find that the new health care reform bill's positive features outweigh its drawbacks, experts say. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement
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Pharmacology Watch
Examining the three arms of the ACCORD trial; and FDA Actions: clopidogrel, dexlansoprazole, and tamsulosin.