Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Vitamin D supplements have little effect on risk of falls in older people

A new meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplements do not prevent falls by 15% or more, leaving uncertainty about their benefits for vulnerable older people. The analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials involving over 29,500 participants found no evidence to support the use of vitamin D supplements to reduce fall risk.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 23, 2014

Fewer children at risk for deficient vitamin D

A new study from Loyola Medicine found that only 10.3 percent of US children ages 6 to 18 are at risk for inadequate or deficient vitamin D levels under the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Children who are overweight, female, non-white, and between 14 and 18 years old are more likely to be at risk.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 25, 2014

Some racial disparities in childbirth more environmental than genetic

A new study investigating racial disparities in birth outcomes reveals that environmental factors are more likely to contribute to differences in preterm birth and low birth weight between African-Americans and whites. The findings suggest that addressing socioeconomic inequality and discrimination may be key to reducing these disparit...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 13, 2014

Vitamin D deficiency may compromise immune function

Researchers found a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and biomarkers for inflammation in older Irish adults. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining immune function, and low levels may compromise the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 25, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for Feb. 24, 2014

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of an anti-FGF23 antibody in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia, finding improved renal phosphate reabsorption and increased serum phosphate levels. Additionally, studies on natural killer cells suggest that targeting specific ligands may enhance cancer therapies by protecting tum...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 24, 2014

New analysis suggests that further trials of vitamin D have little chance of showing health benefits

A new analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent heart attacks, strokes, or bone fractures. The study concludes that vitamin D supplements probably provide little to no health benefit, contradicting previous observational studies that linked deficiency to poor health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 23, 2014

Got milk? Evolutionary connection between milk drinking, lactose digestion, and sunlight

A new study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution suggests that strong natural selection acted on lactase persistence in Iberia over the last 7,000 years. The 'calcium assimilation hypothesis' is challenged as sunlight in Iberia allows for vitamin D synthesis, making calcium deficiency less of a concern.

Here comes the sun

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, found that vitamin D deficiency stifferens blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study used genetically modified mice to explore the effects of vitamin D deficiency on blood vessel flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalMolecular Endocrinology·DateJan 17, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 25, 2013

Researchers found ionizing radiation exposure promotes formation of fusion oncogenes in papillary thyroid cancers. In another study, the origin of lethal prostate cancer was traced back to a small, low-grade focus in the primary tumor. Additionally, reduced reactive oxygen species production in diabetic kidneys may contribute to diseas...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Large meta-analysis indicates widespread use of vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis in healthy adults unjustified

A large meta-analysis of 23 studies involving over 4,000 healthy adults found no significant benefit from vitamin D supplements in preventing osteoporosis. The study's authors conclude that continuing widespread use of vitamin D for osteoporosis prevention in healthy adults without specific risk factors is inappropriate.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 10, 2013

More than one-third of populations worldwide may have low levels of vitamin D, study shows

A systematic review reveals that over one-third of the world's population may have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D values were higher in North America compared to Europe and the Middle-East. The review highlights the need for further research and public health measures to improve vitamin D status, particularly in high-risk groups su...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 4, 2013

Calcium supplements may not prevent bone loss in women with breast cancer

A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology found that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not prevent bone mineral density loss in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Women with breast cancer experience a higher rate of bone loss than healthy counterparts, increasing their risk of fractures.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCritical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology·DateAug 27, 2013

Who benefits from vitamin D?

A recent University of Eastern Finland study found that individuals whose expression of certain genes was not altered by vitamin D supplementation may already have a sufficient level of serum vitamin D or be disturbed in their vitamin D utilization. The researchers believe this approach can help identify potential beneficiaries of long...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2013