January 29th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with greater asthma severity, report researchers in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. In their recent study, low levels of vitamin D correlated with poorer lung function, increased airway reactivity, and reduced response to steroid treatment in adult asthmatics. As a result of these findings, the researchers suggest that vitamin D supplements might improve symptoms in some asthma patients, but this particular study did not specifically prove that vitamin D supplements would reduce asthma symptoms.
The importance of Vitamin D is considered to be one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2007 and researchers are continuing to find evidence of its critical importance in immune function and many other systems in the body.
In recent years, low Vitamin D levels have been linked with a number of serious, chronic diseases such as weak bones and muscles, mental decline in elderly, diabetes, gum disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, and possibly cancer, stroke, and heart disease have all been found to be associated with low levels of Vitamin D.
Yet despite the importance of this vitamin, a deficiency of Vitamin D remains widespread.
The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) has set the Upper Limits (UL) for vitamin D at 2,000 IU for children, adults, pregnant, and lactating women, and 1,000 IU for infants up to 12 months of age. A simple blood test can measure the circulating Vitamin D levels in your blood. Many doctors have recently been drawing blood levels of Vitamin D to to make sure patients are getting enough vitamin D to optimize good bone health and prevent chronic disease. Ask your doctor about this.
Read more about Vitamin D
Source: Sutherland E, et al “Vitamin D levels, lung function and steroid response in adult asthma” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010; DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200911-1710OC.
Source: “Low Vitamin D Worsens Asthma”, MedPage Today, January 28, 2010
July 24th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Readily available on the internet and shopping malls, electronic cigarettes are marketed to teens and touted as a healthy substitute for cigarettes. E-cigarettes, which are often made to look like real cigarettes, are far from healthy.
The FDA has recently analyzed the ingredients in a small sample of cartridges from two leading brands of e-cigarettes. A chemical used in antifreeze that is toxic to humans was found, as well as other known carcinogens, such as nitrosamines, were detected.
These products have never been submitted to the FDA for evaluation or approval, so at this time the agency has no way of knowing, except for the limited testing it has performed, the various levels of nicotine or the different amounts or kinds of other chemicals that these products deliver to the user. In fact, little is known about the devices.
The devices, known as e-cigarettes, are battery operated and contain nicotine, flavors, and other chemicals that are converted into a vapor that the user inhales. Flavors such as chocolate, cola and bubble gum provide a youthful appeal. Manufacturers provide no health warning on the product and claim that they are a safe alternative to cigarettes because they do not burn tobacco.
The FDA said it has been examining and detaining shipments of e-cigarettes at the borders since Summer 2008, and is currently involved in a lawsuit challenging its jurisdiction over certain e-cigarettes.
Source: “E-Cigarettes Subject of FDA Warning”, MedPage Today, July 23, 2009
June 16th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The FDA has reported serious problems with three Zicam Nasal Gel/Nasal Swab products sold over-the-counter as cold remedies.
The Agency has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of these products. In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products.
The loss of sense of smell may be long-lasting or permanent, according to the FDA, and can adversely affect a person’s quality of life. The loss of ability to smell can also limit the ability to detect the smell of gas or smoke or other signs of danger in the environment.
Anyone using one of these products should discontinue use immediately. People who have experienced a loss of sense of smell or other problems after use of the affected Zicam products should contact their health care professional.
Source: FDA, MedWatch 2009 Safety Summary for Zicam
March 17th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Vitamin D deficiency appears to weaken the body’s defenses against upper respiratory infections such as colds, according to researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital.
A simple blood test can measure the circulating Vitamin D levels in your blood. Many doctors are now drawing blood levels of Vitamin D to make sure patients are getting enough vitamin D to optimize good bone health and prevent chronic disease. This recent study underlines yet another reason to be sure a Vitamin D deficiency is not present.
Learn about ways to make sure you and your family are getting enough Vitamin D.
Source: Ginde A, et al “Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey” Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 384-90.