HEALTH MATTERS The Rundown On Recent Findings by Kelley Sullivan

the value of vitamin c
Vitamin C may be good for more than just treating colds. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the amount of this vitamin found in the blood may be linked to asthma in children — those with low levels of vitamin C were shown to be more likely to develop asthma. Although the evidence isn’t conclusive, the findings raise interesting questions regarding the way children process vitamin C, and asthma itself. For more information, visit www.aje.oupjournals.org.

ephedra update
In early February, The Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) finalized the ban on ephedra, a dietary supplement used for weight-loss and body-building, making it the first ban of a dietary supplement. The ban took effect, and therefore put an end to sales, by early April. The F.D.A. began alerting consumers about the deadly effects of this stimulant after even otherwise healthy people were reporting complications from taking the pills. According to an article published by “C.N.N.,” the herb speeds the heart rate and constricts blood vessels. Ephedra poses a major risk for people who suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure. The article went on to state that bans had already passed in individual states including New York, Illinois and California. The F.D.A. continues to evaluate other dietary supplements that may raise health concerns. For more information, visit www.fda.gov.

breast cancer and weight gain
The American Cancer Society reports that women who gain 21 to 30 pounds after the age of 18 are more likely to develop breast cancer than those women who gain five pounds or less; gaining 70 pounds doubled the risk for women. Heather Spencer Feigelson, who led the study, states, “Even modest weight gain since age 18 was associated with increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Avoiding weight gain is one of the few ways we know of to reduce the risk of breast cancer among post-menopausal women.” For more information, visit www.cancer.org.

fluid fallout
It’s a common recommendation when you are fighting off a cold — drink plenty of fluids, but is it actually grounded in medical fact? Dr. Chris B. Del Mar conducted a study that was published in the British Medical Journal as well as Reuters Health, to find out if this home remedy was effective. The experiment found that too much water can actually cause water-logging in the brain. “We don’t know where it comes from. It’s from time immemorial, ancient times.” The study found that the excess water consumption did not change the status of the ill people. Further studies will have to take place before they can determine the safe level of water to drink and the effects of drinking too much. For now, Del Mar’s advice regarding fluids remains simple: “Just be guided by your thirst. Your body will tell you.” For more information, visit www.bmj.mjjournals.com.

american appetites
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) reports the results of a 2000 study which analyzed the daily food consumption of Americans. The study found that women ate an average of 335 more calories daily and men ate 168 more calories daily than in 1971. It might not sound like a lot but those extra calories do add up to excess pounds and may account for the staggering amount of obese adults in the United States. In fact, the rate of obesity has increased from 14.5 percent to 30.9 percent since 1971, according to Jacqueline Wright., a C.D.C. epidemiologist and study author. The daily caloric recommendations are 1,600 calories for women and 2,200 for men. According to the C.D.C., carbohydrates such as cookies, bagels, chips, pasta and sodas are said to be the culprits behind the weight gain. The C.D.C. recommends people watch their diets closely and exercise regularly. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.