Latest news with #VitaminA
TimesLIVE
8 hours ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Childhood stunting is also stunting our economy. Here are five ways to fix that
Make a list of the country's 10 priorities for national development. Now whittle them down to five. Does your shortlist include giving children enough nutritious food to eat? If not, you're missing an essential part of what countries need to grow their economies: children who are well nourished and ready to learn, grow up to be skilled and productive workers that drive economic growth. South Africa has a stubbornly high stunting rate, an indicator of chronic malnutrition that measures if a child is too short for their age. It has hovered around 25% since the 1990s. Meanwhile, our per capita GDP — a measure of a country's standard of living — is 10% smaller than it could be if our children were not physically and intellectually damaged by a lack of nutritious food. Despite tough economic circumstances, we can make a massive difference to child nutrition. Peru halved its rate of stunting among children in just eight years (2008 to 2016), and Chile has pretty much eliminated it. Social grants played a large role in those countries. Here, the child support grant (CSG) has also had significant impact, with stunting almost a third lower among eligible children who get the grant when compared to those who don't. But the CSG is not keeping up with food inflation. That means we need to use other strategies that could be implemented immediately. 1. Make proteins cheaper The 15,000 children admitted annually to hospitals with severe acute malnutrition lack protein from food like fish or lentils, energy from carbohydrates like pap and essential minerals and vitamins (micronutrients) like iron, zinc and Vitamin A which are found in fruit, vegetables and meat. Chronically malnourished children often get enough energy, but not enough protein and micronutrients for their bodies and brains to grow optimally. This is one of the main reasons the proportion of underweight children younger than five years is 7.7%, but stunting, which is often linked to poor brain development, is almost four times higher. The body can convert excess carbohydrates into some amino acids — the building blocks of protein — but it can't produce nine amino acids that are essential for normal growth. Child obesity among poorer children is often linked to a shortage of protein as cash-strapped parents buy cheaper processed foods and starches. This is why we are seeing an increase in the percentage of children who are both overweight and stunted.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Study Reveals Alarming Trend In Measles Vaccination Rates
A new study has found that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination rate among American children has fallen about 3% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning with the rise of anti-vaccine misinformation. The change comes after over a decade of more stable MMR vaccination rates, the study's senior author, Lauren Gardner, director of Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering, told HuffPost. The study, published on Monday in JAMA, found that 78% of the 2,066 counties studied experienced a decline in their MMR vaccination rates over the past five years. On average, the rate fell from 93.92% pre-pandemic to 91.26% post-pandemic, marking a 2.67% decline. Of the 33 states included in the study, only California, Connecticut, Maine and New York reported an increase in the median county-level MMR vaccination rate. The lowest MMR rates observed in the study were in Wisconsin, confirming previous findings. The shift means the U.S. is 'moving further away from the 95% herd immunity threshold to predict or limit the spread of measles,' Johns Hopkins University said with the release of the study. Though measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. 25 years ago, it's now surging with more than 1,000 confirmed cases and three confirmed deaths this year in an outbreak largely centered in Texas. Only 3% of those infected are known to have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Even as the outbreak grows, lawmakers in Texas approved a bill earlier this week that would make it much easier for children to enroll in school without the MMR vaccine and other standard inoculations. Since 2018, the Texas Tribune reported, such exemption requests have more than doubled from 45,900 to more than 93,000 in 2024. The observed downturn in MMR vaccine rates comes as anti-vaccine misinformation thrives online at a rate outpacing the interventions to address it, a study out of Columbia University found last year. 'Misinformation is not new and its noxious consequences are not insurmountable, but its effect on vaccine hesitancy through social media is an urgent global threat to public health,' the study's lead author, Kai Ruggeri, said upon its release. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., long one of the loudest voices in the anti-vaccine movement, is also a known spreader of misinformation about the MMR shots. In an April interview with CBS, he claimed the vaccine 'wanes very quickly,' even though evidence shows it lasts most people their entire lifetimes. And in a March appearance on Fox Nation, he pushed baseless claims that Vitamin A could be a treatment for measles. He also falsely claimed that 'a lot of studies' show that natural immunity derived from catching measles can help the immune system fight cancer, cardiac disease and allergies. Amid Measles Outbreak, Texas Looks To Make Vaccine Exemptions Even Easier Measles Alert In New Jersey After Infected Person Attends Sold-Out Shakira Show Measles Cases In The U.S. Just Hit 1,000. RFK Jr. Still Isn't Taking It Seriously.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Is your sunscreen really protecting you? A new report reveals alarming truths behind that SPF label
As temperatures rise and beaches fill, most of us reach for the familiar tube of sunscreen, trusting it to be our shield against the sun's wrath. But a startling new report suggests that this trust may be misplaced. According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens , a staggering majority of products lining U.S. store shelves may not be offering the protection they promise. In fact, fewer than one in four of the 2,200 SPF products evaluated met the organization's criteria for safety and effectiveness. Misleading Labels and Murky Regulations The report casts a harsh light on sunscreen manufacturers and regulatory bodies alike, accusing them of misleading claims and failure to update decades-old standards. Since 1999, federal sunscreen regulations have remained largely unchanged, leaving consumers at the mercy of marketing jargon and obscure ingredient lists. 'Many sunscreens still fall short,' the EWG warns, 'by offering misleading claims about protection and using outdated formulas—some even containing ingredients with potential health concerns.' Among the biggest culprits? Aerosol sprays, which make up 26% of all SPF products in 2025. Although the FDA proposed safety testing for these in 2019 due to inhalation risks and patchy application, it has yet to finalize these rules. Between 2021 and 2023, multiple sunscreen sprays were recalled due to benzene contamination, a known carcinogen—yet the market remains flooded with these popular but problematic products. The Fragrance Trap Another eyebrow-raising concern: undisclosed 'fragrances.' The report reveals that 36% of sunscreen products containing unspecified fragrance ingredients actually hide a cocktail of allergens, hormone disruptors, and even carcinogens. A 2022 federal law mandated the FDA to outline clear guidelines on fragrance allergens by July 2024. But as of May 2025, no such guidelines have been proposed. EWG attributes the delay to regulatory staffing shortages under the Trump administration, further complicating consumer safety efforts. Until transparency improves, the organization urges consumers to seek fragrance-free sunscreens or those bearing the EWG Verified® mark, which signifies ingredient clarity and the absence of harmful additives. The Fall of Oxybenzone and Vitamin A Some silver linings have emerged. Once a common ingredient in non-mineral sunscreens, oxybenzone has seen a dramatic fall from 70% usage in 2016 to just 9% in 2025. The compound is flagged not only for disrupting hormones but also for damaging marine ecosystems—a serious double threat. Vitamin A (often listed as retinyl palmitate) is another ingredient on the decline, found in only 2% of sunscreens today, down from 41% in 2010. Despite its skin-nourishing reputation, Vitamin A can degrade in sunlight, potentially worsening skin damage rather than preventing it. iStock Experts now urge consumers to opt for fragrance-free, mineral-based options and reapply frequently for real protection. (Representational Image: iStock) The Safer Path to Sun Protection So, what should a sunscreen-savvy shopper do in this minefield of misleading products? The EWG guide doesn't just criticize—it also educates. The top advice includes not falling for high SPF labels, which often give a false sense of security. Products boasting SPF 50+ may only offer marginally better protection than SPF 30, while encouraging users to stay in the sun longer than is safe. The guide recommends lotion or stick sunscreens over sprays, choosing mineral-based formulas with ingredients like zinc oxide, and using physical barriers like hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing. And perhaps most importantly: reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating. Sun safety is about more than what's in the bottle. With skin cancer rates rising, knowing what goes on your skin—and into your body—has never been more crucial. This summer, before you bask in the glow of sunshine, take a closer look at what you're trusting to guard your skin. The truth behind your SPF might not be as radiant as you think.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Struggling with Hair Loss? Eliminate These 6 Everyday Foods from Your Diet
Hair fall is a common issue that affects both appearance and self-confidence. While genetics, stress, and hormones are well-known causes, your diet could be contributing more than you realize. Some everyday foods can damage hair follicles, disrupt scalp health, and hinder nutrient absorption—leading to excessive hair fall. Here's a breakdown of six common food types you should consider reducing or eliminating if you're noticing increased hair shedding. 1. Sugar Excessive sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, which raises androgen levels like DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This hormone is known to shrink hair follicles over time, making the roots weaker and accelerating hair thinning. 2. Refined Carbohydrates White bread, pasta, and other refined carbs are quickly converted into sugar, spiking blood sugar levels. This can trigger inflammation and disrupt blood circulation to the scalp, weakening hair roots and slowing down growth. 3. Fried and Greasy Foods Foods that are deep-fried or high in unhealthy fats can clog scalp pores and affect overall scalp health. This may result in dandruff, reduced blood flow, and increased hair loss. 4. Artificial Sweeteners Some artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, have been linked to negative metabolic changes and potential disruptions in the hair growth cycle. Though research is ongoing, consistent intake could contribute to shedding. 5. Excessive Vitamin A While Vitamin A supports cell regeneration, too much—especially from supplements or fortified foods—can overstimulate hair follicles. This can push them into a resting state prematurely, causing noticeable hair loss. 6. High-Mercury Fish Fish like swordfish and king mackerel are high in mercury, and frequent consumption can lead to mercury buildup in the body. Elevated mercury levels have been associated with hair thinning, particularly in women. If you're noticing more hair on your brush or pillow, it might be time to evaluate your dietary habits. Reducing the intake of these six foods can help improve scalp health, support hormone balance, and promote stronger, thicker hair growth.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
On daily supplements? The dangerous side effects on liver, kidneys to know
If you're like many people, you might pop a daily multivitamin or other supplements, thinking it's a step toward better health. But have you ever paused to consider whether you truly need them or if they might be doing more harm than good? Supplements are everywhere. From Instagram ads to wellness blogs, we're constantly told that popping a few capsules a day can make us healthier, stronger, and even more energetic. But here's the catch: just because it's labeled 'natural' or sold in a health store doesn't mean it's totally safe especially when it comes to your liver and kidneys. You never know when you over-dose yourself and the risks can be life-threatening Your liver is basically your body's detox boss. It works overtime to break down everything you consume, including medications and supplements. When you take high doses of certain vitamins, herbs, or protein powders, your liver has to process all of it—and that can cause some serious strain. Some supplements, like green tea extract or high-dose vitamin A, have been linked to liver inflammation and even liver failure in rare cases. Your liver is tough, but it's not invincible. Constantly bombarding it with unnecessary or excessive substances can push it over the edge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Now let's talk about kidneys. These two bean-shaped organs act like filters, cleaning your blood and getting rid of waste through your urine. But when you overload your system with supplements—especially ones with too much calcium, vitamin D, or protein—the kidneys have to work extra hard. Over time, this can lead to kidney stones or, worse, kidney damage. People with existing kidney conditions are particularly at risk, and many don't even realize they're making things worse by trying to 'boost' their health with over-the-counter pills and powders. While supplements can fill nutritional gaps, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects: Vitamin A: Too much can cause headaches, liver damage, and even birth defects during pregnancy. Iron: Excessive iron can lead to nausea, vomiting, and organ damage. Vitamin D: High doses may result in calcium buildup, leading to nausea and kidney issues. Vitamin E: Overconsumption can interfere with blood clotting and interact with medications. Herbal supplements: Some, like turmeric and green tea extract, have been linked to liver damage when taken in high doses. What's tricky is that these side effects don't always show up right away. You might feel fine for months, even years, before your organs start waving the white flag. And since supplements aren't as strictly regulated as medications, there's a lot of room for poor quality control, contamination, and incorrect dosages—which makes things even riskier. It's tempting to believe that supplements can compensate for a poor diet or lifestyle. However, research indicates that multivitamins don't necessarily reduce the risk of chronic diseases or extend lifespan. In fact, a study found a 4% higher mortality risk among daily multivitamin users. When supplements make sense There are situations where supplements are beneficial: Specific deficiencies: If you're deficient in certain nutrients, supplements can help. Dietary restrictions: Vegans or those with food allergies might need supplements to meet their nutritional needs. Life stages: Pregnant women, for instance, often require folic acid supplements. So, while supplements can be helpful in certain cases, they're definitely not harmless. Your liver and kidneys are quietly working 24/7 to keep you alive and well don't make their job harder by flooding your system with stuff you might not even need. Always talk to a doctor before adding anything new to your routine. Your organs will thank you. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
