Latest news with #vitamin
Hindustan Times
33 minutes ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Oncologist explains hidden dangers of over the counter nutraceuticals: Know their link to cancer before it is too late
When it comes to over-the-counter nutraceuticals, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain supplements. Some supplements can interact with medications, decrease treatment effectiveness or even increase cancer risk. Also read | Gastroenterologists reveal truth about protein supplements: Are whey protein powders safe for your liver and kidney? Some supplements may have unintended consequences, particularly when it comes to cancer risk. Here are some key points to consider.(Shutterstock) Can supplements increase your cancer risk? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sidharth Jain, consultant, surgical oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Indore, explained how over-the-counter nutraceuticals might carry hidden risks including a potential increase in cancer risk. He said, 'In the age of self-optimisation, the over-the-counter nutraceuticals such as vitamins, herbal supplements, and natural boosters have become a flourishing business. Sold as safe, health-boosting products, a lot of consumers feel that these supplements are not harmful for them. However, these products might carry hidden risks, including a potential increase in cancer risk.' Lack of regulation can make it challenging Dr Jain shared that nutraceuticals are not well-regulated as compared to pharmaceuticals. 'They do not have to go through the strict testing that medicines go through in many countries. Such an unregulated nature may result in large disparities in dosage, purity, and ingredient disclosure. Heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, or even unreported synthetic compounds may contaminate some supplements and any of them may affect cell behaviour in a manner that favours carcinogenesis,' he said. Supplements may have unintended consequences New research has been a cause of concern, the doctor further said. For example, high dose antioxidant supplementation, which had been considered protective, has had paradoxical effects, Dr said. 'Beta-carotene and vitamin E supplements have been associated with elevated lung and prostate cancers in some populations. In the meantime, uncontrolled testosterone supplements and hormone-altering supplements can stimulate hormone-sensitive cancer,' he said. Dangers of long-term, unsupervised use According to Dr Jain, long-term, unsupervised use of over-the-counter nutraceuticals makes the issue even worse. 'Many individuals consume multiple supplements simultaneously, a practice known as supplement stacking. The interactions of this practice remain poorly understood, even by clinicians. Supplement stacking can potentially change metabolism, immune responses, and cell signalling pathways, which are possible entry points into chronic inflammation and cancer development,' he said. The illusion of safety The delayed onset of negative effects can make it challenging to identify potential risks of over-the-counter nutraceuticals. Dr Jain went on to explain that the most insidious aspect of these risks is that they are subtle: 'Nutraceuticals do not have immediate negative effects, which makes users feel safe. However, with time, the accumulation of exposure, especially to poorly studied compounds, can set the stage for malignancy.' How to minimise potential risks? How can we move towards safer supplement use, then? According to Dr Jain, the answer is not to demonise over-the-counter nutraceuticals completely. 'Some might have well-established advantages when used properly. Nevertheless, public health must be safeguarded by increased regulation, stronger research, and better labelling standards. Until then, the burden remains on consumers and healthcare providers to scrutinise what's in that 'all-natural' capsule. Because when it comes to cancer risk, what you don't know can hurt you slowly, silently, and over the long term,' he concluded. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- 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.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
In what film did Jennifer Lawrence play a mop's inventor? The Saturday quiz
1 Which national flag has been modified 26 times?2 What is the first letter that doesn't name a vitamin?3 Which late pianist was the first to record all of Beethoven's piano works?4 In legend, what joined the yoke to the pole of a Phrygian wagon?5 In what film did Jennifer Lawrence play the inventor of a mop?6 What was unusual about Cpl Wojtek, who served in the war with the 2nd Polish Corps?7 Which writer last visited Dublin in 1912?8 Which Essex market town is named after a spice?What links: 9 Mark Berry; Stacia Blake; Jed Hoile; Barry Mooncult?10 William Huskisson; James A Garfield; Leo Tolstoy?11 Formerly 1/16 of a rupee; Icelandic narratives; ranging technology; relating to a city; made a god?12 Cleeks; Crushers; HyFlyers; Iron Heads; Majesticks; Torque?13 Gracious and glorious (1); long, our and the (2); save and God (3); King (4)?14 Capitol Complex, Chandigarh; Notre-Dame du Haut; Unité d'habitation; Villa Savoye?15 Catherine the Great; Éamon de Valera; Adolf Hitler; Julia Gillard; Boris Johnson? 1 US.2 F.3 Alfred Brendel.4 Gordian knot.5 Joy.6 He was a bear.7 James Joyce.8 Saffron Walden.9 Dancers who accompanied musical acts: Happy Mondays (Bez); Hawkwind; Howard Jones; Flowered Up.10 Died/fatally injured/assassinated at railway stations: Parkside; US president, Washington DC; Astapovo.11 Palindromes: anna; sagas; radar; civic; deified.12 Teams in LIV golf tour.13 Word distribution in first verse of national anthem.14 Architectural works by Le Corbusier: India; Ronchamp; Marseille and other cities; Poissy.15 Not born in the country they led: Prussia/Russia; US/Ireland; Austria/Germany; Wales/Australia; US/UK.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
In what film did Jennifer Lawrence play a mop's inventor? The Saturday quiz
1 Which national flag has been modified 26 times?2 What is the first letter that doesn't name a vitamin?3 Which late pianist was the first to record all of Beethoven's piano works?4 In legend, what joined the yoke to the pole of a Phrygian wagon?5 In what film did Jennifer Lawrence play the inventor of a mop?6 What was unusual about Cpl Wojtek, who served in the war with the 2nd Polish Corps?7 Which writer last visited Dublin in 1912?8 Which Essex market town is named after a spice?What links: 9 Mark Berry; Stacia Blake; Jed Hoile; Barry Mooncult?10 William Huskisson; James A Garfield; Leo Tolstoy?11 Formerly 1/16 of a rupee; Icelandic narratives; ranging technology; relating to a city; made a god?12 Cleeks; Crushers; HyFlyers; Iron Heads; Majesticks; Torque?13 Gracious and glorious (1); long, our and the (2); save and God (3); King (4)?14 Capitol Complex, Chandigarh; Notre-Dame du Haut; Unité d'habitation; Villa Savoye?15 Catherine the Great; Éamon de Valera; Adolf Hitler; Julia Gillard; Boris Johnson? 1 US.2 F.3 Alfred Brendel.4 Gordian knot.5 Joy.6 He was a bear.7 James Joyce.8 Saffron Walden.9 Dancers who accompanied musical acts: Happy Mondays (Bez); Hawkwind; Howard Jones; Flowered Up.10 Died/fatally injured/assassinated at railway stations: Parkside; US president, Washington DC; Astapovo.11 Palindromes: anna; sagas; radar; civic; deified.12 Teams in LIV golf tour.13 Word distribution in first verse of national anthem.14 Architectural works by Le Corbusier: India; Ronchamp; Marseille and other cities; Poissy.15 Not born in the country they led: Prussia/Russia; US/Ireland; Austria/Germany; Wales/Australia; US/UK.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Bread may be to blame for your depression and fatigue — and cause schizophrenia
There's bad news for carboholics. A growing body of research suggests that eating bread, pasta and other grain products may trigger or worsen a wide range of psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and even schizophrenia. Experts warn that some people could be especially at risk, with these mealtime staples quietly sabotaging their brains every time they take a bite. 4 A protein widely found in bread, pasta and other grains could be why some people are depressed or anxious. Westend61 – Advertisement The key culprit, researchers theorize, is gluten. This naturally occurring protein — found in wheat, barley and rye — acts as a binder that gives baked goods and other foods their structure and chew. For most, it's harmless. But in others, gluten sensitivity can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headaches and joint pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Advertisement In more serious cases, it can develop into celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakes gluten for a harmful invader, like a virus. The resulting immune response triggers inflammation and damage in the small intestine — but the effects may go far beyond digestion. 'Inflammation that starts in the gut doesn't stay in the gut. [It] can have a damaging effect on the brain,' Dr. Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist and neuroscientist, told Psychology Today. 'When immune cells are activated, the vagus nerve system sends a signal to the brain that can trigger fatigue and depression-like behavior,' he noted. 4 Most traditional bread products contain gluten. bukhta79 – Advertisement In children, that can look like irritability or symptoms of ADHD. In adults, it may show up as brain fog, mood disorders or more serious psychiatric conditions. Take depression, for example. While around 8% of the general population is diagnosed with major depressive disorder at some point in their lives, studies suggest that people with celiac disease are hit much harder — with some research putting the rate as high as 30%. Celiac disease has also been linked to a greater risk of anxiety, panic disorder and even schizophrenia. In fact, one study found that people with celiac are three times more likely to develop schizophrenia than those without the condition. Advertisement Beyond inflammation, research suggests that damage to the gut lining caused by gluten sensitivity may also contribute to these mental health issues. That damage can interfere with the absorption of nutrients essential for brain function, including B vitamins, iron, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc. Deficiencies in any of these can lead to a variety of psychological symptoms. 4 Some studies suggest a potential link between celiac disease and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. andriano_cz – Scientists have also found that people with schizophrenia often test positive for high levels of antibodies linked to gluten sensitivity, hinting at a possible connection between the two. These antibodies can cross the placenta, and studies show that mothers with elevated levels may increase the risk of psychosis in their children. 'We don't know everything. But it's another step closer connecting the dots about these illnesses,' Deanna L. Kelly, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who has spent the past 15 years leading clinical trials in schizophrenia and severe mental illness, told The Telegraph. Can a gluten-free diet help? The research is mixed. Advertisement Some studies have found that a gluten-free diet can ease anxiety, depression and neurological complications in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. 4 Some people with gluten sensitivity experience mood changes, including depression. SHOTPRIME STUDIO – In one trial, participants with celiac reported lower anxiety levels after following a gluten-free diet for a year. Advertisement But others show no significant improvement — and in some cases, anxiety levels remained elevated even after cutting gluten. Some experts think part of the problem may come from the psychological stress of managing a chronic health condition. 'Being on a gluten-free diet can also lead to some of these psychiatric or mental health issues, because you have to be somewhat hyper-vigilant,' Debra Silberg, a gastroenterologist and chief science officer at Beyond Celiac, told Discover Magazine. 'There's also a fear of going out and becoming exposed to gluten,' she added. Advertisement Across the country, about 1 in every 133 people — roughly 1% of the US population — is estimated to have celiac disease, according to Beyond Celiac. That adds up to around 2 million Americans. Researchers believe the number of people affected by gluten intolerance is much higher. Studies estimate that about 6% of the US population — or roughly 20 million people — may be sensitive to gluten.
