Minneapolis-based Cargill has announced that its Regenasure ingredient, the only non-animal glucosamine available on the market, has been determined generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The announcement permits the ingredient to break out of the supplements market and break into a variety of foods and beverages. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, with estimated sales of $730m in the US in 2004.
"Regenasure glucosamine with GRAS status allows our food and beverage customers to confidently incorporate glucosamine into new of existing products, allowing them to innovate in mainstream markets and address consumer joint health needs with ease," said Bill Gruber, VP of Cargill Acidulants.
The fungus-derived ingredient, being the only non-animal glucosamine available (other glucosamine products are derived from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps) eliminates fears over shellfish allergues, and is also Kosher/Halal certified.
According to Cargill, the ingredient is also highly soluble and clean tasting.
Proving its ease of formulation, Coca-Cola launched a Minute Maid beverage this month with the ingredient, with each serving containing half the daily amount of glucosamine demonstrated by clinical trials to be effective in promoting joint health (750 mg).
The joint health benefits of glucosamine have been reported in numerous clinical trials, most notably the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), sponsored by the National Institute of Health, that studied the effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements on 1583 people with osteoarthritis and found that the combination supplement was highly efficacious in reducing moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain (New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 354, pp. 795-808).
The ingredient is reported to work by rebuilding cartilage in the joints.
Cargill's Regenasure also gives manufacturers a more stable source, since the introduction of trade tariffs at the end of 2004 halved the profits made by shrimp farmers in China and other producing countries, causing many to give up the business and glucosamine prices to soar.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
More tiny babies being born in UK
More babies are born at dangerously low birth weights in Britain now than in 1989, a report says.
The study was carried out by the Fabian Society, a left-leaning think-tank, which called the finding a "scar on the national conscience".
It calls for more financial support for at-risk women, better access to antenatal services and one-to-one care for all newborns in intensive care.
A minister said the recommendations must be studied carefully.
The researchers found that in 2006, 78 out of every 1,000 babies were born weighing less than 5lb8oz (2.5kg). That amounted to a total of more than 50,000 babies.
In 1989, 67 out of every 1,000 babies were born under weight.
Low-birth weight is linked to an increased risk death and disability, and a range of long-term health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression.
The report found that older women and teenagers were most likely to have a low birth weight baby.
It said more work was needed to cut teenage pregnancy rates, and employers should offer more support to women, so fewer felt compelled to put off having a child.
The report also found lone parents were nine times as likely to have a stillbirth as other parents.
Babies born to working-class mothers were twice as likely to die before their first birthday as those with middle-class parents.
Mothers of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin had a high risk of having low birth-weight babies - their babies are on average 300g lighter than those of white mothers.
These mothers also attended fewer antenatal appointments than other ethnic groups.
Lead researcher Louise Bamfield conceded that medical advances meant more low birth weight babies were now surviving, but she said social deprivation and low income were significant factors.
She said: "If Britain had the same record on low birth weight as the best countries in Europe, 24,000 babies would have much improved life chances.
"The facts should shock us all. Britain has the worst rate of every country in western Europe, except Greece.
"And being born very small creates health risks throughout life - and will affect the health of babies they will themselves have years later."
Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said: "We have made important progress since 1997 on reducing child poverty and creating the early years agenda.
"We must now be bolder and develop the new policies to make building a fairer society the central theme of Labour's next term in office.
"The Fabian Society's evidence on inequalities at birth must be studied carefully by government and the Labour party. The political argument will need to be won too."
Andy Cole, chief executive of Bliss, the premature baby charity, said: "Around 40,000 babies are born underweight each year in England alone, and many will undoubtedly spend time in a neonatal unit before going home.
"The very first days after birth are critical for their health and it is vital that the recommended standard of one-to-one nursing for babies in intensive care is made mandatory."
The study was carried out by the Fabian Society, a left-leaning think-tank, which called the finding a "scar on the national conscience".
It calls for more financial support for at-risk women, better access to antenatal services and one-to-one care for all newborns in intensive care.
A minister said the recommendations must be studied carefully.
The researchers found that in 2006, 78 out of every 1,000 babies were born weighing less than 5lb8oz (2.5kg). That amounted to a total of more than 50,000 babies.
In 1989, 67 out of every 1,000 babies were born under weight.
Low-birth weight is linked to an increased risk death and disability, and a range of long-term health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression.
The report found that older women and teenagers were most likely to have a low birth weight baby.
It said more work was needed to cut teenage pregnancy rates, and employers should offer more support to women, so fewer felt compelled to put off having a child.
The report also found lone parents were nine times as likely to have a stillbirth as other parents.
Babies born to working-class mothers were twice as likely to die before their first birthday as those with middle-class parents.
Mothers of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin had a high risk of having low birth-weight babies - their babies are on average 300g lighter than those of white mothers.
These mothers also attended fewer antenatal appointments than other ethnic groups.
Lead researcher Louise Bamfield conceded that medical advances meant more low birth weight babies were now surviving, but she said social deprivation and low income were significant factors.
She said: "If Britain had the same record on low birth weight as the best countries in Europe, 24,000 babies would have much improved life chances.
"The facts should shock us all. Britain has the worst rate of every country in western Europe, except Greece.
"And being born very small creates health risks throughout life - and will affect the health of babies they will themselves have years later."
Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said: "We have made important progress since 1997 on reducing child poverty and creating the early years agenda.
"We must now be bolder and develop the new policies to make building a fairer society the central theme of Labour's next term in office.
"The Fabian Society's evidence on inequalities at birth must be studied carefully by government and the Labour party. The political argument will need to be won too."
Andy Cole, chief executive of Bliss, the premature baby charity, said: "Around 40,000 babies are born underweight each year in England alone, and many will undoubtedly spend time in a neonatal unit before going home.
"The very first days after birth are critical for their health and it is vital that the recommended standard of one-to-one nursing for babies in intensive care is made mandatory."
Monday, March 26, 2007
What holds men back?
When it comes to their health, men are notoriously apathetic about seeking help. Sometimes embarrassment gets in the way. Often, though, it's because of outdated attitudes such as "pull yourself together", which don't help men at all.
Another common reason why men delay seeking help is the false belief that if they ignore something, it will go away. In fact, most health problems are simply and easily treated, but the longer they're left, the less this is true. Not only is early treatment more likely to be successful, but it also means less worry and fewer sleepless nights.
Unlike women, men don't usually ask each other for advice about health problems, but they should, because it might save a lot of unnecessary worry.
Fearing the worst
The big fear is that a symptom will turn out to be a life-threatening illness such as cancer, but most health problems are far less serious.
Take, for example, the urinary symptoms that one in three men over the age of 65 experience: getting up at night to urinate, having to urinate more frequently during the day, and feeling an urgent need to go and then passing only a weak dribble.
The most likely cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can be successfully treated.
Catching it early
Other common problems include a lump in the scrotum. The chances are it's not testicular cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's diagnosed, the better - 95 per cent of men survive after treatment.
Bleeding from the back passage isn't usually cancer, but it must always be checked out by a doctor because early treatment is most successful.
Overcoming embarrassment
Another reason why men find it difficult to go and see the doctor is that they're frightened everyone knows why they're there. Traditionally, women are used to talking and asking about their health because they've had to go to the doctor for a variety of reasons, such as contraceptive advice and cervical screening.
Many men are pleasantly surprised when they go to their doctor's surgery. They find that there are other men in the waiting room - men who are there for a variety of reasons, such as lung problems, heart problems, joint problems and rashes.
If you still can't face the doctor
Don't forget the pharmacist. They don't just sell condoms and can offer excellent advice if you're a man who isn't quite ready for the unexplored territory of the doctor's surgery.
Another common reason why men delay seeking help is the false belief that if they ignore something, it will go away. In fact, most health problems are simply and easily treated, but the longer they're left, the less this is true. Not only is early treatment more likely to be successful, but it also means less worry and fewer sleepless nights.
Unlike women, men don't usually ask each other for advice about health problems, but they should, because it might save a lot of unnecessary worry.
Fearing the worst
The big fear is that a symptom will turn out to be a life-threatening illness such as cancer, but most health problems are far less serious.
Take, for example, the urinary symptoms that one in three men over the age of 65 experience: getting up at night to urinate, having to urinate more frequently during the day, and feeling an urgent need to go and then passing only a weak dribble.
The most likely cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can be successfully treated.
Catching it early
Other common problems include a lump in the scrotum. The chances are it's not testicular cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's diagnosed, the better - 95 per cent of men survive after treatment.
Bleeding from the back passage isn't usually cancer, but it must always be checked out by a doctor because early treatment is most successful.
Overcoming embarrassment
Another reason why men find it difficult to go and see the doctor is that they're frightened everyone knows why they're there. Traditionally, women are used to talking and asking about their health because they've had to go to the doctor for a variety of reasons, such as contraceptive advice and cervical screening.
Many men are pleasantly surprised when they go to their doctor's surgery. They find that there are other men in the waiting room - men who are there for a variety of reasons, such as lung problems, heart problems, joint problems and rashes.
If you still can't face the doctor
Don't forget the pharmacist. They don't just sell condoms and can offer excellent advice if you're a man who isn't quite ready for the unexplored territory of the doctor's surgery.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Doctors abandon talks on job row
Junior doctors have abandoned talks with the government's review group set up to solve the recruitment crisis.
The review was set up to look into failures in the online Medical Training Application Service.
It has proposed offering nearly all junior doctors one interview - over a third currently have none.
But the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee said it was "unacceptable" for doctors offered two or more to now settle for just one.
The online questionnaire was designed to speed up the process for placing doctors in specialist jobs, but a catalogue of complaints have emerged.
Doctors say the forms are badly worded, do not ask pertinent questions, do not allow them to set out relevant qualifications and experience, and have no facility for attaching a CV.
The result, they say, is that the best candidates are not being selected for the right jobs and has left thousands without any interview at all.
Critics are also aggrieved that about 28,000 UK trainees are applying for 22,000 posts under the Modernising Medical Careers reforms, of which MTAS is part.
Doctors' training was revamped in 2005, with the aim of speeding up progress so juniors could reach consultant level in an average of 11 years, rather than the current 14.
However doctors who have been through their initial stage of training under both the old and the new systems are all competing for a limited number of specialist training posts.
This is the point at which a doctor would select to focus on an area such as cancer medicine or paediatrics.
The BMA said its research showed that the one interview proposals - for junior doctors with GMC registration, a work permit and the necessary qualifications - could disadvantage more than 11,000 doctors who have been offered more than one.
The review was set up to look into failures in the online Medical Training Application Service.
It has proposed offering nearly all junior doctors one interview - over a third currently have none.
But the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee said it was "unacceptable" for doctors offered two or more to now settle for just one.
The online questionnaire was designed to speed up the process for placing doctors in specialist jobs, but a catalogue of complaints have emerged.
Doctors say the forms are badly worded, do not ask pertinent questions, do not allow them to set out relevant qualifications and experience, and have no facility for attaching a CV.
The result, they say, is that the best candidates are not being selected for the right jobs and has left thousands without any interview at all.
Critics are also aggrieved that about 28,000 UK trainees are applying for 22,000 posts under the Modernising Medical Careers reforms, of which MTAS is part.
Doctors' training was revamped in 2005, with the aim of speeding up progress so juniors could reach consultant level in an average of 11 years, rather than the current 14.
However doctors who have been through their initial stage of training under both the old and the new systems are all competing for a limited number of specialist training posts.
This is the point at which a doctor would select to focus on an area such as cancer medicine or paediatrics.
The BMA said its research showed that the one interview proposals - for junior doctors with GMC registration, a work permit and the necessary qualifications - could disadvantage more than 11,000 doctors who have been offered more than one.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Do you need to lose weight?
Why a healthy weight is important
If your BMI or your waist measurement is above the healthy range (see What's healthy) you're at increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, especially heart disease and diabetes. You're also more likely to suffer from joint problems and back pain, and you may find you become breathless and may have difficulty sleeping.
The more weight you gain, the more severe these problems may become. The good news is that losing weight will alleviate many of these problems.
Weight loss
Losing weight is about eating fewer calories than you burn off in your everyday life. Try to make small but permanent changes to your lifestyle, rather than opting for a dramatic new diet. You may lose weight more slowly, but you'll reduce the chances of regaining it again later.
Most doctors recommend that, on average, you should aim to lose no more than 1kg (2lb) a week.
If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved
Some weeks you may lose more weight than others. As long as your weight is continuing to decrease overall, there's no need to worry. If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved; instead, focus on the amount and type of foods you are eating and try to be a little more active.
Losing five per cent of your initial body weight in three months, or ten per cent in six to 12 months, is an excellent start. Reward yourself with a special treat - a beauty treatment, a new item of clothing or even a bunch of fresh flowers can all mark your success.
If your BMI or your waist measurement is above the healthy range (see What's healthy) you're at increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, especially heart disease and diabetes. You're also more likely to suffer from joint problems and back pain, and you may find you become breathless and may have difficulty sleeping.
The more weight you gain, the more severe these problems may become. The good news is that losing weight will alleviate many of these problems.
Weight loss
Losing weight is about eating fewer calories than you burn off in your everyday life. Try to make small but permanent changes to your lifestyle, rather than opting for a dramatic new diet. You may lose weight more slowly, but you'll reduce the chances of regaining it again later.
Most doctors recommend that, on average, you should aim to lose no more than 1kg (2lb) a week.
If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved
Some weeks you may lose more weight than others. As long as your weight is continuing to decrease overall, there's no need to worry. If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved; instead, focus on the amount and type of foods you are eating and try to be a little more active.
Losing five per cent of your initial body weight in three months, or ten per cent in six to 12 months, is an excellent start. Reward yourself with a special treat - a beauty treatment, a new item of clothing or even a bunch of fresh flowers can all mark your success.
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