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The Importance of Choline Supplementation During Pregnancy
Researchers at Cornell University recently published results of their 7-year follow-up study, a randomized and controlled trial investigating the effects of varying maternal intakes of choline in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy on cognitive function, specifically the attention levels of their children. There was a high level of adherence to the study diet; all women…
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Common Orthopedic Procedures Under the Microscope
The BMJ recently published an umbrella review, an evaluation of all systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), of the clinical effectiveness and evidence-base for the top 10 most common elective orthopedic procedures. These procedures included both total knee and hip surgeries, lumbar spine surgeries, carpal tunnel decompression, and several arthroscopic surgeries for…
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The Importance of Children Spending Time Outdoors
In a recently published case-control study, sun exposure preceding the pediatric onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) was compared between 332 children (recently diagnosed) to 534 matched controls at 16 MS centers around the US. After multi-variate adjustment, a dose-dependent effect of sun exposure was associated with a reduced risk for MS; children getting 30-60 minutes…
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The Importance of the Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy
As more data emerges supporting the importance of the gut microbiome during pregnancy, the link between changes in the microbiota during pregnancy and impaired metabolism and GI function also continues to grow. A recent small trial adds to this knowledge base; 32 participants were given a probiotic containing multiple strains of Lactobacillus as well as…
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Approach-Oriented Goals & New Year’s Resolutions
As the new year nears, it may be worth considering the variables affecting the sustainability of typical resolutions, and a study published recently offers a bit of insight. Recruited from the general public, participants interested in joining the study were randomized to one of three groups, all of which were given basic instructions to set…
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Vitamin D & Bone Health During Pregnancy
Another dataset from the ongoing MAVIDOS trial (Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study) was recently published, this one examining bone turnover during pregnancy, how it relates to postpartum indices of bone health, and the effect of vitamin D supplementation. Previous results from this trial, which enrolled over 1100 women in early pregnancy living in the UK,…
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Deer Antler May Upregulate Genes to Combat Fatigue
An interesting study found the effectiveness of deer antler to help with fatigue in mice may be caused by alterations in the expression of genes related to skeletal muscle strength.
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Yoga Improves Menopausal Symptoms
In a recent single-blinded trial, 80 women between the ages of 40-50 who were experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms and not taking hormonal therapy were assigned to either a brisk walking group (control), or a specific form of yoga known as Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY). In this year-long study, participants in the yoga group…
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Coffee & Tea Linked to Lower Stroke/Dementia Risk
In recently published data from the ongoing UK Biobank study, a population based cohort, greater consumption of coffee and tea were both linked to a lower risk for stroke, dementia, and post-stroke dementia. Over 365,000 participants aged 50-74 had data available regarding their beverage consumption, and over a median follow-up of 11.35 years, 2.8% had…
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Gratitude’s Positive Impact on Learning
A most endearing part of our Thanksgiving tradition is reflecting on what we are grateful for. Previous research has revealed that gratitude is directly related to well-being, personal accomplishment and other positive psychological outcomes. This included a significantly reduced risk of a range of diagnoses such as phobia, among others. Gratitude has been shown to…