Vitamins

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Carotenoids
• Phytochemicals
• Healthy Foods
• Dietary Health Benefits
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Cancer Growing evidence suggests that vitamins and micronutrients, especially from foods, may play important roles in the prevention or treatment of certain cancers:

• One study found that the risk of prostate cancer risk dropped as consumption of vegetables high in vitamin C, such as broccoli and bell peppers, rose.
• A diet high in cruciferous vegetables has been found to reduce the risk of kidney cancer; low consumption of cruciferous vegetables increases the risk.

On the other hand, high amounts of folic acid (a B vitamin) may be associated with colorectal cancer, and beta-carotene supplements are associated with increased lung cancer risk in smokers and people exposed to asbestos. Macular Degeneration In 2007, the National Eye Institute recommended that people with intermediate or advanced macular degeneration in one eye take a vitamin formula shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in the other eye by 25%. The formula contains vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc. - 0 Comments

Anemia

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Dietary Factors
• Treatment
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights FDA Issues Labeling Changes for Drugs That Boost Red Blood Cells In November 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made several changes to the prescribing labels for erythropoiesis-stimulating drugs. These drugs -- epoietin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) -- increase the production of red blood cells. - 0 Comments

Restless legs syndrome and related disorders

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Treatment

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends medications for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) only for persons who fulfill strict diagnostic criteria and experience too much daytime sleepiness as a result of these conditions. (Excessive daytime sleepiness results from nighttime sleeplessness due to RLS or PLMD symptoms).
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in March 2007 that the dopamine agonist drug pergolide (Permax) has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market. - 2 Comments
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Weight control and diet

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Biological and Medical Caus...
• Cultural and Emotional Caus...
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Weight Loss and Maintenance...
• Weight Management
• Medications
• Other Treatments
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Cancer and Weight Control:

• Cancer prevention guidelines from the American Cancer Society stress the importance of maintaining a healthy weight throughout life. A healthy weight is even more important than eating specific healthy foods, when it comes to cancer prevention.

Drug Warning:

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to buy a product known as the "Brazilian diet pill." This product is labeled as a dietary supplement, but contains several chemicals found in powerful prescription drugs. - 1 Comment
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Magnesium

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Overview
• Uses
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Overview Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in over 300 reactions in the body. It is important for every organ in the body, particularly the heart, muscles, and kidneys. It also contributes to the composition of teeth and bones. - 0 Comments

Calcium

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Overview
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Overview Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, the location of about 99% of the body's calcium. Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. - 0 Comments

Osteoporosis

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Fractures
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Lifestyle Changes
• Medications
• Treatment
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Drug Approvals

• In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zoledronic acid (Reclast) for postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment. Zoledronic acid is given as an injection once a year. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that zoledronic acid can significantly reduce the risk of spine, hip, and other fractures.
• In 2007, the FDA approved raloxifene (Evista) for prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer. - 1 Comment
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Kidney stones

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Other Treatments
• Complications
• Prevention
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights New Research:

• Patients who have the most common type of gastric bypass surgery, the Roux-en-Y, are at increased risk for kidney stones, beginning 6 months after surgery, according to a study published in 2006.

Causes of Kidney Stones:

• Calcium stones form when there is an imbalance in the urine substances that promote and block the formation of stones. Often, the cause of this imbalance is unknown.
• Having acidic urine or too much uric acid in the body leads to the formation of uric acid stones.
• Struvite stones are almost always caused by urinary tract infections due to bacteria that produce certain enzymes.
• Other stones, including cystine and xanthine stones, are usually due to genetic abnormalities.

Treatments:

• In about 85% of patients, the kidney stones are small enough that they pass through normal urination, usually within 2 - 3 days.
• Certain medications can prevent recurrence of stones in people who are at high risk.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a technique that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to break up simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. The shock waves are delivered from outside the body.
• Surgery may be necessary if the stone or stones are too big to pass, and cannot be broken down through ESWL.
• A change of diet and increased drinking of fluids, especially water, will help prevent a recurrence.

Introduction Kidney stones are hard, solid rocks that form in the urinary tract. - 0 Comments

Iron

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Overview
• Uses
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Overview Iron is an essential mineral that contributes to many important physiologic functions in the body. Much of the iron in the body is attached to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells, thereby delivering oxygen to all of the tissues. Extra iron is stored in the liver, bone marrow, spleen, and muscles. - 0 Comments