Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Vitamins do little to lower type 2 diabetes risk

Vitamins do little to lower type 2 diabetes risk

Many people routinely take vitamins and supplements, the "magic bullets" that will keep them from disease.

Yet the science demonstrating health benefits to support such widespread use is often contradictory or lacking. In the case of a large National Institutes of Health (NIH)-backed study published in the journal Diabetes Care, the science shows little benefit, at least in reducing an adult's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

An international group of researchers from the United States and China were interested in exploring the potential benefits of regular vitamin and supplement use in reducing a person's likelihood of developing diabetes.

Existing research had suggested that some of the biological mechanisms involved in both heart disease and diabetes might be offset by antioxidant vitamins and minerals.

To see whether vitamins could protect against type 2 diabetes, researchers from the NIH, Harvard Medical School and the Chinese Academy of Medical Science analyzed health data from 232,007 participants in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, gathered in 1995-1996 and followed up in 2000.

This large group of older Americans, ranging from 50 to 71 years in age, and all diabetes-free at the start of the study, answered questions about regular vitamin and supplement use, general health, weight, race, age, gender, education, marital status and lifestyle habits such as exercise, diet, and smoking.

More than half of the participants said they took multivitamins and/or supplements routinely and most of those routine users took them daily.

By the end of the study period in 2000, 14,130 cases of diabetes had been diagnosed among the participants.

After taking traditional diabetes risk factors into account, the lead researcher, Dr Yiqing Song of Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, and his colleagues, compared the vitamin users and non-users and concluded that taking multivitamins neither increased nor reduced "future diabetes risk".

Of note, however, was the finding that users of either vitamin C or calcium had a lower risk of diabetes than non-users, they wrote.

"This result was surprising," Dr Song says. "The evidence suggests a benefit but the evidence is marginal" and a more powerful clinical trial is needed to confirm what can only be a suggestion from this observational study, he says.

"There's a possibility that (calcium or vitamin C) might protect, but we don't know for sure, we need more data," he says.



taken from : China Daily

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Life> Health Taking the fizz out of energy drinks

Taking the fizz out of energy drinks

People with high blood pressure and heart disease should be careful when drinking energy drinks. Provided to China Daily

While many people are aware of their caffeine content, few know of their hidden ingredients that, when combined with alcohol, can have serious consequences.

Even though energy drinks are hugely popular and can be bought just about anywhere - from corner markets and big-box stores to gyms, researchers writing in November's Mayo Clinic Proceedings urge caution in using them. "What we know is that a typical energy drink can have as much as a quarter cup of sugar, and more caffeine than a strong cup of coffee," says the lead researcher, Dr John Higgins of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Caffeine content ranges from 70 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg per 16-oz (473 ml) serving. In comparison, an 8 oz cup of coffee can contain between 40 mg and 150 mg depending on how it is brewed.

The problem, Higgins says, is what is not known.

Quantities of other ingredients, such as the herbal stimulant guarana, the amino acid taurine, and other herbs, minerals and vitamins that may make up proprietary energy blends are rarely listed, he says.

The concern is how these ingredients combine with caffeine to affect heart rate, blood pressure, and even mental states - particularly when consumed in large amounts, with alcohol, or by athletes engaging in heavy exertion.

Higgins and colleagues reviewed the medical literature between January 1976 through May 2010 for studies involving energy drinks or their ingredients so they could present "real-world recommendations to both the athletic community and the general population".

They found there has been little research into the health effects of energy drinks. The small studies conducted, usually in physically active healthy young adults, have shown the drinks can increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Evidence of more serious effects such as seizures, heart attack and death are anecdotal, the authors write.

Based on the way caffeine and some other ingredients normally affect the body, though, they warn the energy drinks can seriously dehydrate a user, particularly "weekend warriors" or athletes working out vigorously.

Norway, Denmark and France banned one of the brands, Red Bull, after a study showed "rats that were fed taurine exhibited bizarre behavior, including anxiety and self-mutilation".

"We're not rats," Higgins admits, but "consumption has been shown to be positively associated with high-risk behavior," he and his colleagues write.

Of particular concern to Higgins is the sale of energy drinks with alcohol.

"You go into any bar in Houston and order a Red Bull and vodka. It charges people up and might give them a sense that they are more capable than they are," he says.

Regulation of the drinks could go a long way to solving these problems, Higgins says. The energy drink market was valued at some $5 billion worldwide.

Given the knowns and the greater number of unknowns, however, the authors recommend the drinks be consumed with caution.

Non-athletes should drink no more than one a day, never mix them with alcohol, drink lots of water after exercising, and tell their doctor if they experience any ill effect. People with high blood pressure should not drink them at all and people with other health conditions such as heart disease should consult their doctor before using the drinks.

Energy drinks are often promoted to and used by athletes looking for that "extra push". The researchers recommend against it, however. Even though the drinks "appear safe", the possibility of dehydration and increased blood pressure make water or lower-octane sports drinks, which contain electrolytes, some minerals and carbohydrates, a better choice.

"My rule of thumb is, don't drink them," the researcher says.

"What we need to remember is the importance of consuming all foods and beverages in moderation," the American Beverage Association says in a statement in response to the study. "Most mainstream energy drinks actually contain about half the caffeine of a similar size cup of coffeehouse coffee," the group states.

Concerning the other ingredients the statement adds: "There is nothing unique about the ingredients found in energy drinks."

Higgins maintains the problem is no one can know for sure what is in the drinks.

"Manufacturers can put whatever in them, advertise however and people consume however. Whenever you have a situation like this, you are going to run into problems," Higgins says.

Reuters







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Mercedez Benz DFashion show

Mercedez Benz DFashion show

A model presents a creation by Mexican designer Gianfranco Reni at the Mercedez Benz DFashion show in Mexico City, October 25, 2010. The Mercedez Benz DFashion show runs until Friday.[Photo/Agencies]



Mercedez Benz DFashion show

A model presents a creation by Mexican designer Gianfranco Reni at the Mercedez Benz DFashion show in Mexico City, October 25, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



Mercedez Benz DFashion show

A model presents a creation by Mexican designer Gianfranco Reni at the Mercedez Benz DFashion show in Mexico City, October 25, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]




Mercedez Benz DFashion show

A model presents a creation by Mexican designer Malafacha at the Mercedez Benz DFashion show in Mexico City October 25, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



Mercedez Benz DFashion show

A model presents a creation by Mexican designer Malafacha at the Mercedez Benz DFashion show in Mexico City October 25, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



Mercedez Benz DFashion show

A model presents a creation by Mexican designer Edgardo Luengas at the Mercedez Benz DFashion show in Mexico City October 25, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



taken from : China Daily

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A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Kate Middleton shows her engagement ring given by her fiance Britain's Prince William in London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton (L) pose for a photograph in St. James's Palace, central London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton (L) pose for a photograph in St. James's Palace, central London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]




A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton (L) pose for a photograph in St. James's Palace, central London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Images of Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton are seen on a souvenir wedding mug in a photo released by Aynsley China in Stoke-On-Trent, England November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Kate Middleton enters a room with her fiance, Britain's Prince William, to pose for a photograph in St. James's Palace, central London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Diana, Princess of Wales, wears her engagement ring and wedding band as she arrives for a lunch function at the London headquarters of the English National Ballet in London in an August 28, 1996 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Prince William is seen making a royal salute as he watches the scene of Trooping the Colour from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with his brother Harry and mother Princess Diana in London in this June 15, 1985 file photograph.[Photo/Agencies]




A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Kate Middleton shows her engagement ring given by her fiance Britain's Prince William in London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]


A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Kate Middleton shows her engagement ring given by her fiance Britain's Prince William in London November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

The fiancee of Britain's Prince William, Kate Middleton, poses for a photograph in St. James's Palace, in

A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Diana, Princess of Wales and her eldest son Prince William are seen waiting for Prince Harry after attending the annual Easter Sunday church service at St.Georges Chapel inside Windsor Castle, west of London in this April 19, 1992 file photograph.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Diana, Princess of Wales, accompanied by her son Prince William (R), is seen arriving at Wimbledon's Centre Court before the start of the Women's Singles final in London in this July 2, 1994 file photograph.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

The girlfriend of Britain's Prince William, Kate Middleton, is seen watching the first race at the Cheltenham Festival horse racing meetingl in Gloucestershire, western England in this March 14, 2007 file photograph.[Photo/Agencies]


A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

The parents of Kate Middleton, Michael and Carole , prepare to read a statement to the media outside their home near Bucklebury, in southern England November 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Britain's Prince William talks to soldiers before a Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan in a November 14, 2010 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Images of Britain's Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton are seen on a proposed souvenir wedding mug designed by, the then, high street retailer Woolworths, in this undated file image released in London on November 17, 2006.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

The girlfriend of Britain's Prince William, Kate Middleton, is seen attending the Cheltenham horse racing Festival in Gloucestershire, western England in this March 16, 2007 file photograph.[Photo/Agencies]




A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Britain's Prince William (L) and his girlfriend Kate Middleton are seen attending the Six Nations international rugby union match against Italy in London in this February 10, 2007 file photograph.[Photo/Agencies]



A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

Britain's Prince William walks with his girlfriend Kate Middleton at RAF Cranwell in this April 11, 2008 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]



taken from : China Daily

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Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for annual Fashion show

Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for annual Fashion show

Victoria's Secret models Alassandra Ambrosio (L) and Adriana Lima (R) pose at a preview for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion show in New York, November 9, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for annual Fashion show

Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion show in New York, November 9, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]






Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for annual Fashion show

Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge checks her phone during a preview for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion show in New York, November 9, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]




Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for annual Fashion show

Victoria's Secret models; (top- L-R) Behati Prinsloo, Erin Heatherton, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Stam, (bottom - L-R) Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepoel, Isabel Goulart and Selita Ebanks pose at a preview for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion show in New York, November 9, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]




Victoria's Secret models pose at a preview for annual Fashion show

Victoria's Secret models (top- L-R) Behati Prinsloo, Erin Heatherton, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Stam, (bottom - L-R) Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepoel, Isabel Goulart and Selita Ebanks pose at a preview for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion show in New York, November 9, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]



taken from : China Daily

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