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EXCLUSIVE America's favorite candies will never be the same... the fallout from RFK Jr's war on food dyes revealed by new Daily Mail poll

EXCLUSIVE America's favorite candies will never be the same... the fallout from RFK Jr's war on food dyes revealed by new Daily Mail poll

Daily Mail​19-07-2025
Robert F Kennedy Jr notched another victory in his 'Make America Healthy Again' war against food dyes – but it seems Big Candy is not as sweet on his crusade.
Last week, some of the nation's biggest ice cream producers agreed to voluntarily phase out artificial food coloring – which the US Health Secretary has claimed is linked to neurobehavioral problems in children, cancer and the chronic disease epidemic in America.
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The signs your body is deficient in vital mineral linked to development and immune function
The signs your body is deficient in vital mineral linked to development and immune function

Daily Mail​

time20 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

The signs your body is deficient in vital mineral linked to development and immune function

An overlooked vitamin might actually be one of the most important for every part of the body. Zinc is the second most abundant metal vitamin found in the body behind calcium, regulating metabolism, immune health, wound healing and cell growth. But about one in six Americans don't get enough of it through foods like meat, eggs and dairy, as well as legumes and whole grains. The body doesn't produce the mineral on its own, so food and supplements are key for getting enough. Deficiencies could lead to an increased risk of severe infections, infertility and even growth delays. It's rare to be deficient in zinc, though people with eating disorders, substance use disorders or gastrointestinal conditions, as well as vegans and vegetarians, might be at a greater risk. Additionally, older adults often consume fewer foods high in zinc, and their bodies may not absorb or utilize zinc as efficiently, increasing their risk of deficiency. Doctors warn that too much zinc can be toxic, however, leading to nausea vomiting and headaches, so it's important to discuss with a professional before considering supplement use. Slow-healing wounds One of the most common symptoms for people who are deficient in zinc, especially in older adults, is slow-healing wounds. Zinc is a control master of the immune system, especially in all stages of wound healing. It helps promote platelet activity, which is essential for blood clotting, and has been shown to lower inflammation from damaged tissue. It also plays a role in skin cell migration, replacing the outer layer of skin and rebuilding skin structure to close cuts and scrapes. Additionally, the mineral has antioxidant properties, which protects cells from damage throughout the healing process. Fast wound healing is critical because it prevents infections and other contaminants from entering through the open spaces and traveling to the bloodstream. Experts recommend using topical zinc sulfate creams on wounds to speed up the healing process. Hair loss Notice hair clumps in the shower or signs of balding? Zinc - or a lack thereof - may be to blame. One of zinc's many responsibilities includes regulating hair growth and hair follicle health by helping to produce keratin, a protein that provides the structural foundation for hair strands. This means not getting enough may disrupt the hair growth cycle, as it makes hair follicles weaker. Zinc may also regulate the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can contribute to hair loss. Over time, a zinc deficiency may cause hair thinning and shedding, eventually resulting in conditions like alopecia areata and male pattern baldness. Acne Acne and breakouts may be common among adolescents and teens in puberty, but a zinc deficiency in a person of any age may also lead to unsightly pimples. When expensive skincare products fail, it may be time to look at zinc intake. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the US, affecting about 50million Americans. One 2020 review found people with acne tend to have lower zinc levels than people without it. The researchers also found that zinc can help quell your breakouts, leaving you with fewer zits. This could be because zinc has anti-inflammatory properties; similar to how it helps with wound healing, it reduces swelling and redness in the skin. It has also been shown to fight bacteria that cause acne and regulate the production of sebum, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Additionally, people with zinc deficiencies have more eczema flare-ups, rashes, and xerosis - dry and scaly skin. These flare-ups occur because the uppermost layer of skin contains the most zinc compared to deeper skin layers. Chronic disease and infections Some evidence also suggests a lack of zinc may fuel chronic diseases. Zinc plays a role in insulin synthesis, storage and secretion, so low amounts of it could inhibit the pancreas from producing enough insulin. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, eventually causing type 2 diabetes. Zinc may also help reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system by increasing the activity of T-cells and natural killer cells, key defenders that protect the body against infections. Recent research has suggested zinc supplementation may help treat common infections like pneumonia. Vision loss Even your eyes may suffer if you don't get enough zinc. Zinc aids in communication between the retinas and the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of nerve tissue in the back of the eye that receives signals and sends them to the brain. Without this line of communication, patients may suffer blurry or distorted vision that can eventually lead to complete blindness. Zinc also helps vitamin A create a pigment called melanin, which protects the eye against UV radiation. Zinc levels in the eyes naturally decline with age, but there is some evidence that supplements, when used in combination with antioxidant vitamins, slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), vision decline that comes with age. Loss of taste If your favorite foods suddenly taste a little off, zinc deficiency could be the reason. Because zinc is required for cell growth and repair, a deficiency would slow the regeneration of taste buds, which naturally break down over time. Fewer taste buds overall decreases the amount of taste receptors in the mouth, which can alter taste. An enzyme called carbonic anhydrase VI, found in saliva, is also dependent on zinc, so this may also disrupt taste perception. And not getting enough zinc disrupts communication between the brain and these diminished taste receptors. Stunted growth Zinc may not get much spotlight, but without it, growth in children can stall. It is essential for healthy growth because of its influence on DNA replication and protein translation. Without enough, cells can't properly divide to make a child grow. Zinc also stabilizes the structure of zinc finger proteins, which are transcription factors that bind DNA and control which genes are turned on or off. This process is essential during bone formation, tissue growth and repair and embryonic development in the womb. A lack of it can slow down growth and development, and deficiency-related symptoms, like loss of appetite and diarrhea, can compound the problem. The mineral may also boost how well vitamin D supports bone health by helping bone cells make more DNA.

UnitedHealth investors may seek roadmap on costs as Hemsley takes center stage
UnitedHealth investors may seek roadmap on costs as Hemsley takes center stage

Reuters

time20 minutes ago

  • Reuters

UnitedHealth investors may seek roadmap on costs as Hemsley takes center stage

July 28 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth's (UNH.N), opens new tab newly returned CEO, Stephen Hemsley, will likely face investor scrutiny over the largest U.S. health insurance and services company's efforts to rein in the elevated medical costs behind the withdrawal of its annual forecast. Hemsley returned to the role in May following the abrupt departure of then-CEO Andrew Witty, who stepped down amid rising operational and financial pressures. The company's decision in May to withdraw its 2025 earnings forecast due to soaring medical costs and Medicare-related challenges sent its shares tumbling. So far this year, UnitedHealth's stock has plunged more than 40%, dragging down the broader managed care sector with it. "Investors will be looking for confidence that he (Hemsley) has got a handle on things and that he understands where things may have gone wrong and how they are going to correct it," said James Harlow, senior vice president at Novare Capital Management, which owns 46,333 shares of the healthcare company. Hemsley, who ran the company from 2006 to 2017, has promised to rebuild trust, telling shareholders last month that regaining their confidence is a top priority. The pressure is compounded by a federal investigation into UnitedHealth's Medicare billing practices. The company recently confirmed it was cooperating with both criminal and civil inquiries from the U.S. Department of Justice. These regulatory woes have only added to the uncertainty facing the insurer. Wall Street analysts have lowered expectations throughout this month. Analysts expect a profit of $4.48 per share for the second quarter, according to data compiled by LSEG. That compares with expectations of $5.70 per share in May, when the company suspended its annual profit forecast. UnitedHealth plans to establish "a prudent 2025 earnings outlook and offer initial perspectives for 2026," the company had said in June. "Ultimately, on Tuesday, what we'd expect is more clarity on the way would expect a strategy, a roadmap laid out," said Sahil Bhatia, managing director of life sciences at Manning & Napier. "I think one of the big issues over the last few months has been just the we would expect more consistent execution going forward after laying out that roadmap," Bhatia said. At least two investors said they anticipate UnitedHealth will reset its 2025 profit forecast in the range of $18 to $20 per share, far below the company's previous outlook of $26 to $26.50. This might be conservative but is an appropriate start for Hemsley's first call, said Jeff Jonas, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. UnitedHealth has previously built a reputation to guide conservatively and raise its outlook as the year progresses. But this time, investors warn, withholding guidance altogether would be damaging. "If they continue to not give an EPS outlook for 2025, that will be damaging," Harlow added. Apart from financial turbulence, the company has also faced reputational challenges. It has moved to ease prior authorization requirements after a public outcry following the killing of a UnitedHealth executive last December. The Optum unit, once a growth driver for UnitedHealth, has also emerged as a key area of concern. Last quarter, the company flagged "unanticipated changes" in its Optum business that impacted planned 2025 reimbursements. "Among all the overhangs, Optum Health remains the biggest concern," said Deutsche Bank analyst George Hill. UnitedHealth has also grappled with the fallout from a major cyberattack last year that disrupted claims processing across its Change Healthcare unit.

Kenilworth friends plan Paris charity cycle after health scares
Kenilworth friends plan Paris charity cycle after health scares

BBC News

time20 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Kenilworth friends plan Paris charity cycle after health scares

Two friends have set themselves the challenge of cycling from London to Paris within 24 hours for charity. Ziyad Azad and Aaron Moloney, both from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, want to raise money for two charities, the British Thyroid Foundation and Kidney Research UK. They have set themselves a goal of £1,000. The pair both had health reasons for taking up cycling. Mr Moloney, 26, had a thyroid cancer scare while Mr Azad, 27, said he had many issues incoming with his health if he did not do something about his weight. He said he had weighed 155kg (24st) at age duo are set to depart London on 15 September. Mr Moloney discovered a lump on his neck leading to seven months of biopsies before having surgery to remove it."I was fine and then I wasn't. It was scary, I was scared," he also lost his previously "fit and healthy" grandad to a rare kidney disease in Azad said his weight had impacted his quality of life, such as running out of breath while walking."And at 18, I was borderline diabetic. I had so many health issues that were incoming if I didn't do something about it." 'We made a pact' He added: "After Aaron had his thyroid cancer scare when December rolled around we made a pact to have a new years' resolution and to stick to it."The men started with cycling and quickly found it was an easy way to chat to one another while exercising. Mr Azad said: "As the weeks went on we got better and faster on our bike rides so we said we'd go to Wales or the Peak District."And I then I think it was Aaron who randomly mentioned, 'shall we just ride to Paris?'"It was a joke but we turned that joke into reality.""We're using this challenge not only to push ourselves physically but to raise awareness and funds for the amazing work these charities do," Mr Moloney said. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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