Folic acid supplements early in pregnancy may reduce child’s risk of autism by 40 percent

Large study in Norway finds early timing of supplements is critical: Prenatal folic acid supplements appear to reduce the risk for autistic spectrum disorders, according to a study published today (February 13) in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1 in 88 children …

Prenatal folic acid supplementation associated with lower risk of autism

In a study that included approximately 85,000 Norwegian children, maternal use of supplemental folic acid from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of autistic disorder in children, according to a study appearing in the February 13 issue of JAMA. “Supplementation with folic acid around the …

A Diet High in Choline During Pregnancy May Mean Less Stress for Baby

New research from Cornell University indicates that pregnant women who increase choline intake in the third trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of the baby developing metabolic and chronic stress-related diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes later in life (1). The results, published in the latest edition of the Journal of the Federation of …

Increase in RDA for Vitamin C Could Help Reduce Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer

The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of vitamin C is less than half what it should be, scientists argue in a recent report, because medical experts insist on evaluating this natural, but critical nutrient in the same way they do pharmaceutical drugs and reach faulty conclusions as a result. The researchers, in Critical Reviews in Food …

Fukushima Radiation Release is Worse than You Have Been Told

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself by Steve Hickey, PhD; Atsuo Yanagisawa, MD, PhD; Andrew W. Saul, PhD; Gert E. Schuitemaker, PhD; Damien Downing, MD People have been misinformed about the tragedy at Fukushima and its consequences. There is a continuing cover up, the reactors have not been stabilized, and radiation continues to be …

Prenatal Choline May Program Healthier Babies

Increased maternal intake of the nutrient choline could reduce their kid’s chances of developing hypertension and diabetes later in life. In a study led by Marie Caudill, associate professor of nutritional sciences, and graduate student Xinyin Jiang, a group of third-trimester pregnant women consumed 930 milligrams of choline, more than double the recommended 450 milligram …

Researchers Find Potential ‘Dark Side’ to Diets High in Beta-Carotene

New research suggests that there could be health hazards associated with consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene. This antioxidant is a naturally occurring pigment that gives color to foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and certain greens. It also converts to vitamin A, and foods and supplements are the only sources for this essential nutrient. But …

Vitamin E in Diet Protects Against Many Cancers

Researchers find form commonly used in supplements has no such benefit.  Next time you need to choose between vegetable oil and margarine in that favorite recipe, think about your health and reach for the oil. While the question of whether vitamin E prevents or promotes cancer has been widely debated in scientific journals and in …

Big doses of vitamin C may lower blood pressure

Taking large doses of vitamin C may moderately reduce blood pressure, according to an analysis of years of research by Johns Hopkins scientists. But the researchers stopped short of suggesting people load up on supplements. “Our research suggests a modest blood pressure lowering effect with vitamin C supplementation, but before we can recommend supplements as …

Intravenous Vitamin C May be Beneficial in Treatment of Shingles

Intravenously administered ascorbic acid may have beneficial effects on herpes zoster-associated pain, lesions and accompanying complaints. This according to a German study published in the April 2012 issue of the Medical Science Monitor.  Not only the acute symptoms of herpes zoster can be diminished by high-dose vitamin C. Even long-term sequelae, like painful postherpetic neuralgia, may …