Insidermedicine in 60 - October 14, 2008

From Wellesley - According to research in the Archives of Neurology, a glass of wine every night may help the heart but hurt the brain. In a study of over 1,800 people, most of whom reported drinking just one to seven alcoholic beverages per week, increased alcohol consumption was associated with decreasing brain volume. The decline in brain volume was noted to be greater than what would be expected from age alone, and was associated more strongly in women.

From Texas - Research in the Lancet has confirmed that the arthritis drug Vioxx doubles the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In a study of over 2,100 patients, 59 people taking Vioxx suffered a major event compared to 34 people in the placebo group. However, after a year off treatment the risk dropped back to normal. While Vioxx is no longer on the market, the researchers warn that their findings may apply to similar drugs such as Celebrex and other non-aspirin NSAIDs.

And finally, from Boston - The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled the recommended daily intake of vitamin D in children. The new guidelines state that children should start receiving 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day. The primary purpose of this new recommendation is to help prevent rickets in children, while recent evidence also shows that vitamin D may help fight infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer and diabetes.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• alcohol
• liquor
• beer
• wine
• spirits
• red
• white
• brain
• alzheimers
• vioxx
• arthritis
• medication
• vitamin
• sun
• milk
• supplement
• dairy