Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Genetic Engineering (GMO) comes to animal products

The FDA has approved the first genetically modified (GMO) animal product, AquAdvantage Salmon, to be used for food. This version of Atlantic salmon grows faster than non-GMO farm-raised Atlantic salmon.

However, in their approval they stated "food from AquAdvantage Salmon is as safe to eat and as nutritious as food from other non-GE Atlantic salmon and that there are no biologically relevant differences in the nutritional profile of AquAdvantage Salmon compared to that of other farm-raised Atlantic salmon."

The GMO salmon may be raised only in land-based hatchery tanks in two facilities in Canada and Panama.

I understand there is no evidence (yet) that this is dangerous; but on the other hand there have to be some differences and I would prefer not to risk possible harmful effects. As well, there was no comment on flavor.

I think this should be labelled. To avoid the GMO salmon stay with wild salmon (and hope it is not mislabeled!).

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm473249.htm

"Hypoallergenic" - inaccurate and misleading

There are many products labelled hypoallergenic. But there is no standard; and, in a recent publication, many of these are found to contain a potent allergen ans skin sensitizer!

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) are preservatives in cosmetics and personal hygiene products. They can be potent skin sensitizers and are included in many patch tests used by allergists and dermatologists.

In this study, it was found that the low concentrations in patch testing could miss many patients who were actually sensitive in higher levels that are often found in cosmetics and creams. In a review of over 700 patients about 10% were found to be allergic in spite of negative patch tests at current concentrations. Three quarters of them responded to elimination of the products.

But the real frightening issue is the number of products that do contain these, and are very often labelled hypoallergenic!

Dermatitis 2013; 24:2

Partial list: (go to http://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2014/132564/
for a more complete list

Huggies Natural care baby wipes “Hypoallergenic"

 One & done refreshing baby wipes “Alcohol-free, gentle ingredients"

 Simply clean baby wipes “Alcohol-free, gentle ingredients"

Nice-Pak Products Baby wipes “Hypoallergenic, alcohol-free"

Parent's Choice Fragrance-free baby wipes “Hypoallergenic with aloe"

Fresh scent baby wipes “Hypoallergenic with aloe"

Rockline Inc. Pure ’n Gentle antibacterial hand wipes
“Hypoallergenic & alcohol-free with natural aloe & vitamin E"

Equate Antibacterial hand wipes “Hypoallergenic, with vitamin E & aloe"
Galvin & lvin London Kids Dubble trubble 2-in-1 shampoo & body wash “Certified organic"

Suave Kids body wash “Dermatologist-tested, gentle, tear-free, dye-free"

Sanrio Hello Kitty bubble bath “Tear-free, gentle, hypoallergenic formula"

Neutrogena Pure & free baby sunscreen SPF 60+ “100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients, #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare"

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Marijuana and Reefer Madness

Marijuana and Reefer Madness

Forty years ago, when I was in college, I would never have believed that marijuana would ever have become legalized. Now that it appears decriminalization is inevitable, I should remind you that although it is quite safe, it is not without some issues.

Reefer Madness ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028346/ ) was a 1936 movie that exaggerated the dangers of marijuana. However, in a recent study that compared siblings and identical twins, one of whom was a regular marijuana user, found there was an almost double risk of psychotic events and schizophrenia. In susceptible individuals chronic use can be dangerous. As well, there are certain compounds in marijuana that can be riskier, while others that may actually help; the problem is there is no standardization among different strains.

Goldman D., JAMA Psychiatry 2015 Aug 26;

In a second study of children who were at risk for schizophrenia (based on genetics) there was also a significantly increased risk in marijuana users (French L et al., JAMA Psychiatry 2015 Aug 26).

And now E-cigarettes are being used to smoke pot. About 6% of 3800 high school students in Connecticut admitted to using hashish or other oils to smoke marijuana through and E-cigarette. The authors are concerned that this relatively ease of use may induce more adolescents to smoke pot. In previous reviews it has been shown that smoking marijuana in teens can produce permanent brain changes. (Morean ME et al., Pediatrics 2015 Sep 7)

To summarize, like other psychogenic agents (like alcohol) recreational occasional use in adults is probably safe. Any use in children and adolescents is inappropriate. Chronic use is unhealthy!

Monday, November 9, 2015

Preventing Cancer

With the US Health department reminding us that processed meats, like hot dogs, can increase your risk of cancer, I decided to mention three recent articles concerning foods and cancer.

It is well known that the Mediterranean Diet (rich in vegetables, grains and olive oils - look it up) can lower your risk for heart disease. Now researchers have discovered that this diet, with use of extra virgin olive oil (not sure why it specified "extra virgin") was associated with a 40-60% lower risk in women for breast cancer. It seems the more olive oil had the lowest risk!

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD Reviewing Toledo E et al., JAMA Intern Med 2015 Sep 14;

Have you ever wondered if those insecticides sprayed in your home are dangerous? Well in a small study researchers found that children exposed to pesticides in their home (but not those sprayed outside) or herbicides that were sprayed in their lawn, caused a significantly increased risk of lymphoma and leukemia (25% for herbicides and 50% for pesticides). Something to think about!

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/719

Finally, the controversy about alcohol use continues. Many studies have shown that small amounts of alcohol daily (up to two drinks for men and one for women) probably lower our risk of heart disease, but higher amounts lose that benefit. Now researchers have found that even in light drinkers there was a small but significant increased risk of breast cancer in women - about 30-40%. In men the risk of cancer was only increased in smokers.

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP reviewing Cao Y et al. BMJ 2015 Aug 18. Rehm J. BMJ 2015 Aug 18

So eat a proper diet, with plenty of extra virgin olive oil. Don't drink too much alcohol. Don't smoke. And don't use herbicides in your yard or pesticides in your home. I would think that the "natural" pesticides such as peppermint or chili spray, or diatomaceous earth may be OK

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Sleep, Genes, Behavior and Illness

Scientists have struggled with why we sleep. A general consensus is that it allows a rejuvenation of the body, repairing and removing toxins, as well as allowing our brains to consolidate information.

Recently, a couple of studies have been published showing some unexpected adverse effects of poor sleep.

In the first, researchers tried to evaluate why some young children seem to sleep less, and asked if this can affect behavior. They found that a certain gene seemed to create a risk for these effects.

A significant association was found between short sleep duration during the first 3 years of life and frustration, fear, discomfort, sadness, and inattention in children with the 5-HTTLPR short allele but not in others!

Martin T. Stein, MD Reviewing Bouvette-Turcot AA et al., Pediatrics 2015 Oct 136:e914

In a second study, 164 volunteer adults were studied in a sleep lab, then infected with the cold virus by nasal spray. They found that those with less than 7 hours sleep, on average, were four times more likely to develop symptoms! They did not do a genetic analysis.

Thomas Glück, MD Reviewing Prather AA et al., Sleep 2015 Sep 38:1353

It appears that sleep duration can affect behavior and risk of illnesses. We do not know what else it may affect. Just try and get enough!