Unfortunately, potency issues and lead contamination are becoming frequent travelling companions, evidenced by recent findings from ConsumerLab.com about St. John's wort and its latest report on ginseng, one of the more popular herbal supplements used by Americans.

Out of 11 supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com, five failed to make the grade. Two brands exceeded safe exposure limits for lead in California (0.5 micrograms per day), ranging from three to six times. In one product, researchers also found traces of quintozene, a pesticide used, among other things, to treat seeds used in growing field crops and vegetables.

Three more supplements contained lesser amounts of ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, ranging from 60-75 percent, including two products containing only American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.).

All the more reason, you should be scrutinizing the supplements you take, not only for the impact they have on your bank account, but their quality, safety and purity. Before you consider another supplement, please take a moment to review CNCA's Nutritional Supplement Quality -- The Facts, then talk to your doctor before selecting one.

ConsumerLab.com August 16, 2010 Subscription Required

I wouldn't be surprised one little bit if you were shaking your head at the headline of today's blog post. Believe me, I was just as stunned reading the various headlines related to this much-discussed and joked-about British study that proposed handing out free statin drugs with fast food purchases in real time when it hit the news too.

After comparing a meta-analysis of seven trials and some 43,000 patients using statins to prevent coronary artery disease to the health risks associated with eating high-fat fast foods, British researchers concluded taking most any statin drug daily was more than enough to offset the extra fat associated with eating a 7-ounce hamburger with cheese and a small shake. It was this finding that prompted Dr. Darrel Francis and his colleagues at Imperial College London to recommend access to free statins -- swimming in plastic bins full of ketchup, mustard and other condiments -- as a "rational modern means to offset the cardiovascular risk" associated with eating high-fat foods.

No question, there was an uproar on both sides of the pond over this study. I can imagine Moms panicking all over the world at the thought of their young daughters being handed a statin drug in Little Mermaid wrappers. Or, perhaps, buying my grandson a Transformers 3-themed Happy Meal with a low dose of Crestor lodged conspicuously on the head of Optimus Prime. Neither one would be a pretty sight…

Rather than doing the easy thing -- reaching for a drug -- wouldn't it be a lot smarter, healthier and cheaper to consider incorporating realistic lifestyle changes like more exercise or better eating habits?

American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 106, No. 4, pp. 587-592, August 15, 2010

Los Angeles Times: Booster Shots August 13, 2010

insciences.org August 12, 2010

Guardian.co.uk August 12, 2010

The news keeps getting better about the health benefits associated with consuming whole foods -- from walnuts to apples -- with this latest discovery by Chinese scientists that a compound found in chili peppers lowered the blood pressure of hypertensive rats.

Capsaicin, the active ingredient that makes chili peppers HOT, was responsible for activating the TRPV1 protein in the lining of blood vessels spurs the natural production of nitric oxide that protects vessels from inflammation.

This isn't the only time scientists have studied the effect of capsaicin on blood pressure (results have varied based on short-term use), but a first look at the benefits of long-term treatment. Researchers suspected a link based on lower rates of hypertension in Chinese regions where eating hot foods like chili peppers was more prevalent. Because these results were based on rats, however, we'll be waiting for awhile until scientists figure out how much capsaicin humans must consume to reduce their blood pressure.

And, for folks who can't eat spicy foods, you're in luck too: A few studies have identified a milder pepper containing capsinoids, structurally similar substances to capsaicin with a tiny hot taste threshold, that may produce a similar effect.

Cell Metabolism, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 109-110, August 4, 2010 Free Full Text Study

ScienceDaily August 3, 2010

We've discussed many of the health problems associated with obesity so often in this space, you may be thinking, "I'm not obese… I've got a 'little' belly on me, but I workout. I'm good." Not so fast…

You may not be overweight or obese by some measures, but the more abdominal fat you have hugging your waist -- especially at middle age -- the greater your chances are of dying from any cause, according to researchers with the American Cancer Society who tracked the health of more than 100,000 men and women from 1997-2006 based on the association between waist circumference and mortality rates.

Patients with waist sizes exceeding 46 and 41 inches in men and women, respectively, nearly doubled their chances of dying, despite their BMI and weight. Even worse, this link between belly fat and higher mortality rates was strongest among women who maintained a normal weight. And, 4 extra inches of belly fat increased a patient's chances of death by 10 percent.

Just a reminder, obesity contributes greatly to various forms of cancer, but you can do a great deal to protect your health and that of your family in the gym and at the dinner table.

Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 170, No. 15, pp. 1293-1301, August 9/23, 2010

Yahoo News August 10, 2010

ScienceDaily August 9, 2010

Whole Foods Market's announcement about taking their first steps toward limiting genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) from their stores in America sounds far more hopeless and unrealistic today than it did a year ago, based on a report from a group of ecologists at the recent 95th meeting of the Ecological Society of America (ESA) in Pittsburgh.

The gist: Despite assurances from the Agri-Business sector, scientists discovered GM yellow canola plants "growing in the middle of nowhere" North Dakota, in places far away from conventional and GM crops, that are resistant to herbicides made by Monsanto (glyphosate) and Bayer Crop Science (gluphosinate) and, in two cases, to both substances.

GM samples of the canola/rapeseed plant (Brassica napus) were found at almost half of the 288 sites scientists investigated along North Dakota roads. Of the roughly 140 sites and 406 plants collected in the state, 347 were genetically modified to resist either pesticide. And, two plant samples showed signs of stacked traits, meaning resistance to both pesticides.

Here's a sobering thought from a University of Arkansas scientist about the evolving genetic makeup of native plants, as told to Scientific American: This is a good model for the influence of agriculture on the evolution of native plants. We can imagine gene flow to native species. If we can imagine that happening, it probably happens.

Evidence for the establishment and persistence of genetically modified canola populations in the U.S (95th ESA Annual Meeting Abstract) August 6, 2010

Discover/80 Beats Blog August 6, 2010

Scientific American.com August 6, 2010

Nature News.com August 6, 2010

Science is only beginning to appreciate the effect better nutrition has on human health, as we've seen an increasing number of studies, for example, tying diet to improved emotional wellbeing and lower cholesterol and, even, slowing the growth of prostate cancer.

The latest in this series of studies linking diet to disease heralds from Australia, as eating a Western diet -- chock full of junk foods, processed meat, candy, red meat and high-fat dairy products -- more than doubled the risk that teenagers would be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as compared to young patients consuming a healthy diet high in vegetables, fish, whole grains and fresh fruit containing folate, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Two interesting caveats posed by Aussie researchers:

1. Scientists aren't completely sure if the presence of ADHD contributes to kids making less-than-healthy food choices or if a poor diet triggers the disorder.

2. Food coloring and other additives may play a behind-the-scenes role in triggering ADHD.

Looking for guidance on choosing the right foods that can help you and your kids live longer and healthier lives? Get up to speed by reviewing our recent three-part series on nature's healthiest superfoods.

Journal of Attention Disorders July 14, 2010

FoodNavigator.com July 30, 2010

PhysOrg.com July 29, 2010

WAToday.com.au July 30, 2010

You may recall a study I posted earlier this year about the link between sugary, sweet soft drinks, often laced with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and pancreatic cancer. Apparently, the connection between sugary substances and pancreatic cancer may be far deadlier than anyone imagined.

UCLA researchers made their alarming discovery after exposing separate sets of pancreatic tumor cells (extracted from patients, then cultured and grown in Petri dishes) to glucose and fructose, respectively, then used mass spectrometry to monitor how these sugars were used by cells.

Although fructose and glucose have a similar molecular structure, scientists learned both substances were metabolized by pancreatic cancer cells very differently. Fructose activates an important pathway that spurs cell division, thus speeding the growth of pancreatic cancer cells.

These results prompted researchers to suggest the federal government mandate a reduction of HFCS in American diets, while the near century-old Corn Refiners Association slammed the study for "several premature and potentially misleading conclusions."

Just a reminder, another recent study estimated the average American's daily intake of added sugars from eating processed foods alone amounts to 21 teaspoons of sugar and more than 350 calories. Hard to imagine all that extra sugar swimming around in our bodies not having some kind of harmful effect on our collective health.

Cancer Research, Vol. 70, No. 15, pp. 6368-6376, August 1, 2010

EurekAlert August 2, 2010

Yahoo News August 2, 2010

More evidence is emerging that consuming alcohol can be good for your health, this time dampening the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), regardless of gender (although this connection was stronger in men).

Scientists compared the health of 873 RA patients to that of some 1,000 folks who didn't suffer from the debilitating disease, using detailed questionnaires, physical exams, x-rays and blood work to pinpoint differences related to alcohol consumption.

The sobering truth for teetotalers like me: Those who imbibed at least 10 days out of each month were four times less likely to develop RA than patients who didn't drink a drop of alcohol. What's more, a patient's RA risks declined depending on the frequency of their alcohol consumption. And, among RA patients who drank alcohol most frequently, their symptoms were less severe compared to the teetotalers and infrequent drinkers

Although scientists weren't absolutely certain about the reasons alcohol had an effect on RA, it may have something to do with suppression of the body's immune system, thus influencing the way this disease develops. In fact, it's entirely possible that RA suppression may vary depending on the kind of alcoholic beverage consumed too.

Rheumatology July 28, 2010 Free Full Text Study

USA Today July 31, 2010

ScienceDaily July 28, 2010

The poor excuse that passes for food safety in America has reached a new low when a study in the journal Pedatrics warns us about the problems with handling dry pet foods connected to Salmonella, the most frequently reported cause of foodborne illness.

Of the 79 patients living in 21 states tracked in the study who suffered Salmonella-related infections, nearly half of them were children age 2 or younger. Even worse, just handling dry pet food -- presumably, from the bowl or off the floor -- and dirty food bowls, or touching pets that were carriers of salmonella were the problems. According to Dr. Casey Behravesh, a veterinarian working for the CDC and the lead researcher for the study, kids didn't increase their risk of getting sick merely by eating dry pet food.

The Pediatrics study couldn't be timed better, considering Procter & Gamble recalled varieties of its Iams and Eukanuba dry dog and cat foods in late July due to concerns about Salmonella contamination.

This problem underscores the need for thorough and frequent hand-washing by EVERYONE after handling pets and their foods, as well as placing and cleaning your pet's food bowls in the kitchen, according to the study.

FYI, after beginning her research, Dr. Behravesh, the mother of a 4-year-old child, relocated the feeding area for her pets -- a cat, dog and bird -- to a sunroom and away from her kitchen.

Pediatrics August 9, 2010

Yahoo News August 9, 2010

USA Today August 8, 2010

Chicago Tribune: ProblemSolver August 3, 2010

For folks who suffer from celiac disease, their ability to avoid foods with gluten may be much harder than they ever imagined, according to an analysis of "gluten-free" seeds, flours and grains. Of the 22 products bought from grocery stores, seven failed the "gluten-free" test, including flours made of sorghum, soy, millet and buckwheat.

Yes, the survey sampling was very small, says the lead author of the study, just enough information to surprise, yet not enough to serve as a consistent warning to celiac patients, researchers say, about which products to avoid.

Unfortunately, choosing the best and safest products may be even harder for our neighbors to the North if Health Canada follows through on changes to food labeling rules that allow foods made with "pure" oats -- formulated so they haven't been mixed with other grains -- to be labeled as "gluten-free."

Reactions north of the Canada have been surprisingly mixed. After examining the available evidence (more small studies), the Canadian Celiac Association believes patients can eat pure oats safely in small quantities. Conversely, manufacturers that specialize in "gluten-free" foods have been against the proposed change, leading one Ontario-based company to say that they won't be adding "pure" oats out of concern that customers with celiac disease may be harmed.

For the record, there's no current legal regulation or FDA oversight of "gluten-free" foods, although the agency has been contemplating such a move -- strictly on a voluntary basis -- since January 2007.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol. 110, No. 6, pp. 937-940, June 2010

MSNBC July 16, 2010

The Vancouver Sun July 16, 2010

You may recall a recent study I posted in this space that should've eliminated any doubts about the health value of consuming organic foods in large quantities. Just because X food has an organic label -- thanks, in part, to the use of organic pesticides -- doesn't mean you should eat more of it than one formulated from conventional sources and grown with conventional pesticides.

The same analogy may also, unfortunately, be true about the environmental impact associated with using greater amounts of organic pesticides over conventional ones, according to a new study.

Scientists compared the environmental impact of six different pesticides, including two organic formulations, at five different sites over two years to control the spread of soybean aphids and observed how well each pesticide affected the health of flower bugs and ladybugs (both predators of aphids).

Out of all the pesticides tested, an organic, mineral oil solution had the greatest impact, necessitating higher amounts be sprayed on plants to smother aphids. Also, the "less harmful" mineral oil and fungal pesticides killed more of the natural predators that got rid of aphids. To do what's best for the environment, "It's important to look at every compound and make a selection based on the environmental impact quotient, rather than if it's simply natural or synthetic," scientists say.

PLoS One June 22, 2010 Free Full Text Study

ScienceDaily June 23, 2010

Having been a Weight Watchers member for a while, the program has really driven home for me the need to drink plenty of clean, fresh water without really understanding why. It have to do, in part, with water safely and naturally elevating your blood pressure, according to a new study from Vanderbilt University Medical School.

Scientists made the initial discovery a decade ago while observing patients whose bodies had temporarily lost their ability to monitor short-term changes in blood pressure, called baroreflexes, until they drank water. Since then, an American Red Cross study found that drinking a pint of water before donating blood reduced the chances of patients fainting by 20 percent.

This latest series of studies on mice took it a step further, by routing water directly into the stomach or duodenum (the front of the small intestine) which raised blood pressure, then a saline solution that didn't. Eventually, researchers determined water dilutes the plasma in blood vessels leading away from the duodenum, thus reducing the concentration of salt in blood and naturally elevating blood pressures.

Here's the kicker: The presence of water promotes activity in the nervous system, the burning of energy in the body and, consequently, weight loss. According to one estimate, a patient could lose up to 5 pounds a year just by drinking three 16-ounces glasses of water, and doing nothing else.

What an easy way, theoretically speaking, to lose weight.

Hypertension, Vol. 55, No. 6, pp. 1438-1443, June 1, 2010

insciences.org July 8, 2010

Despite what we discuss in this space about the value of exercise, you might be thinking off the top of your head that heading to the grocery store after a brisk workout could be a good thing. You've been sweating on a treadmill, building muscle with free weights or taking a spinning class for your good health, and now the focus turns to replenishing your body with healthy foods.

Don't do it, according to a three-part study that determined feeling energized after a workout can lead you to make poorer food choices.

Of the three experiments, the middle one caught my attention because it compared patients who watched a "calm" but positive clip from the movie Tommy Boy followed by a light workout to others who watched clips from a football game pitting bitter rivals, followed by the same light exercise routine. Afterward, both sets of patients were given the choice of a cup of M&Ms or grapes for a snack.

Researchers discovered patients in the latter group who watched the football game were more likely to choose the chocolaty snack over a whole food treat. And, among patients who reached for the M&Ms after seeing Tommy Boy, then exercising, were more careful about how much candy they ate. These experiments led researchers to conclude that having a positive frame of mind and enough mental energy were necessary to make good food choices.

After watching the trailer for Tommy Boy for the very first time, however, I'm a little leary about any part of that movie being calming to the average human being. You be the judge…

Journal of Consumer Research June 23, 2010

Chicago Tribune/Julie's Health Club June 25, 2010

A future proving ground for research in angiogenesis -- a natural process that governs the delicate balance of blood vessel formation throughout the human body -- and, subsequently, the spread of many chronic diseases, not to mention cancer, will soon be bearing fruits, herbs and vegetables on a farm 25 miles west of Milwaukee.

The goal of the NuGenesis Farm in neighboring Delafield, Wis.: Growing foods with the strongest disease-preventing properties in an organic setting, then testing their impact on human health. Interestingly, the estimated $3 million project, including classrooms and a kitchen, already has one very high-profile donor: Regional health care provider ProHealth Care has already donated 37 acres for the project and plans to lend their medical expertise and buy the whole foods grown at NuGenesis for their hospital in Waukesha.

The real push for NuGenesis has come from Kathy Bero, a driven mother of two who believes eating the best anti-cancer foods in tandem with conventional medical treatments has helped her survive three separate bouts of cancer, including two with breast cancer. Despite some pushback from the medical community, Bero reminded the Journal-Sentinel that support remains strong. "We know this is a need. We know this is an area that's not being fulfilled. Doctors aren’t necessarily comfortable with it, but people are starved for information about this."

After reading about the NuGenesis Farm project, you'll want to take a few minutes to learn more about angiogenesis by watching Dr. William Li's presentation at the recent TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference in Long Beach, Calif.

Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel June 6, 2010

The Angiogenesis Foundation

A theme we emphasize on this blog a lot: Working closely with your doctor BEFORE and WHILE you're taking a supplement to ensure your health isn't being harmed by any unexpected interactions. It's one of the important tenets of our Nutritional Supplement Quality -- The Facts, and a really smart thing for you to do. If your doctor is eager and willing to help, consider yourself among the lucky ones…

Based on observational research conducted by the FDA and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, cardiologists and specialists in training play the "don't ask, don't tell" game very effectively with patients when it comes to their use of supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. How "well" did doctors play the game? Of the 78 patient interactions with 21 cardiologists that researchers observed, physicians failed to ask about OTC drugs and supplements 98 percent of the time.

This second revealing facet of the study may or may not surprise or upset you, however, as much as it did me. As doctors were consulting with their patients, a clinical pharmacist who remained silent during the encounter was observing both parties. After doctors left the room, the pharmacist asked patients about their supplement and OTC drug use. More than two-thirds of the patients monitored (54) took 45 OTC drugs and 86 supplements. By contrast, cardiologists asked patients about their use of both just seven times.

Should you be wary of any possible interaction with a supplement and your doctor hasn't discussed it with you, I urge you to do two things. First, use our extensive Health Information & Answer database to help you determine if there could be a problem with your treatment regimen.

Lastly, spend a little time "training" your doctor to be your trusted and attentive health advocate, if he or she isn't one already. Or, go look for one who will.

Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 153, No. 1, pp. 65-66, July 6, 2010

NutraIngredients-USA.com July 7, 2010