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American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for July 2005 (second issue)

A study in the American Thoracic Society's journal found that ethambutol can cause ocular toxicity, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency. The researchers recommended monthly visual acuity and color discrimination testing for patients taking high doses of the drug or receiving it for extended periods.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 15, 2005

Raw food vegetarians have low bone mass

A study of strict raw food vegans found they had lower body mass indices and significantly lower bone mass, but normal markers of bone turnover. They also had higher-than-normal vitamin D levels and low inflammation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 28, 2005

Calcium and vitamin D most effective for treatment of Crohn's-related bone loss

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that adding calcium and vitamin D therapy alone provides significant benefit for patients with Crohn's disease who suffer from osteoporosis or osteopenia. The study concluded that physicians should consider BMD testing and drug therapy only for high-risk patients, not those with mild Crohn...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 1, 2005

Some adolescents do not get enough vitamin D

A study of 307 healthy adolescents found that 24.1% were vitamin D deficient, with African Americans and winter seasons having the highest prevalence. Season, ethnicity, diet, BMI, and physical activity were also significant predictors of vitamin D insufficiency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 7, 2004

Teenage girls lacking in vitamin D

A study monitored sun exposure, diet and blood levels of vitamin D in 23 teenage girls from ages 10 to 13 years old. The results showed that almost half of the Bangor area girls had insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood, with 17% having low levels in September.

Novel form of vitamin D shown to grow bone

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a potent Vitamin D analog, known as 2MD, which significantly increases bone density in rats with osteoporosis. The compound has shown no apparent toxicity and may become an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2002

Researchers find that sustained-release fluoride significantly reduces risk for vertebral fractures

A 42-month study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sustained-release sodium fluoride safely reduces the risk for vertebral fractures and increases spinal bone mass in older women with osteoporosis. The treatment combination also reduced bone resorption when adequate calcium and vitamin D were provided.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2001

Obese do not process vitamin D from sunlight as well as lean individuals

Researchers found that obese subjects showed an attenuated response to simulated sunlight, with serum vitamin D concentrations less than half those of lean individuals. Oral administration of vitamin D2 was more effective in raising serum concentrations, suggesting that obese individuals sequester vitamin D in body fat.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 27, 2000

Vitamin D deficiency and bowel diseases connected

Research at Penn State reveals vitamin D deficiency worsens symptoms of Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis in mice, while treatment with Vitamin D supplements reduces inflammation. The connection between vitamin D status and inflammatory bowel disease incidence is also suggested by geographical distribution.

UPCI Researchers Find Drug Improves Cancer-Fighting Ability Of Vitamin D

Researchers at UPCI have found that a steroid drug improves the effectiveness of a vitamin D analogue in killing cancer cells while reducing a potentially life-threatening side effect. The combination of dexamethasone and 1,25-D3 was more effective than 1,25-D3 alone in preventing tumor growth and reducing blood calcium levels.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 20, 1998