Integrative Medicine Alert – July 1, 2010
July 1, 2010
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Vitamin D Supplementation Dosage: A Road Map through the Confusion
Researchers and clinicians now recognize Vitamin D as being a nutrient extremely important for human health. It has connections to many different body systems, with support from clinical trials and basic science research. -
Vitamin D and Pain: Making Sense of It All
An association between bone disease due to vitamin D deficiency (i.e., osteomalacia and pain) has long been established. However, despite epidemiologic studies associating painful conditions with season and latitude, research on vitamin D and pain is confusing. -
Requiring Attention: Pesticides and ADHD
Using NHANES data from 2000 to 2004, researchers collected and analyzed information on urinary organophosphate pesticide metabolite levels and children with a diagnosis of ADHD, as well as ADHD subtypes. They found that children with higher levels of pesticide residue in their urine were more likely to have a diagnosis of ADHD. -
The Effect of St. John's Wort on Hot Flashes in Women
One hundred women with hot flashes, aged 45-55, were randomized to receive St. John's wort (SJW) or placebo for 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, the frequency and severity of the hot flashes were better in the treatment group than in the placebo group, whereas the duration of hot flashes was the same in both groups. -
Mood Munchies: Chocolate and Depression
Increased intake of chocolate was associated with higher rates of depression on a mood screening instrument in this cross-sectional study. Whether cause and effect or self-treatment, the generally accepted idea that chocolate is comfort food appears in doubt. -
Religious Involvement and Infectious Disease
Gillum and Holt assessed the prevalence of six infections by frequency of attendance at religious services. Although results varied by race/ethnicity and factors related to sexual and drug-use practices, there appeared to be lower prevalence among those attending more often. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement
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Pharmacology Watch
New reports about proton pump inhibitors and the effects of gastric suppression, pioglitazone vs vitamin E for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency, and FDA Actions