The prohormone/nutrient vitamin D is well recognised to play numerous roles in the generation and management of human health, and for over a decade papers in their thousands have been published exploring its usefulness. But have they determined an oral dose that is lower than we need? A paper out in the Journal of Preventative Medicine and Public Health suggest we have – that an oral adult dose of 10,000iu is a daily requirement and that blood levels ≥100 nmol/L should be aimed for.[1]

The Abstract says: Since 2006, type 1 diabetes in Finland has plateaued and then decreased after the authorities’ decision to fortify dietary milk products with cholecalciferol. The role of vitamin D in innate and adaptive immunity is critical. A statistical error in the estimation of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D was recently discovered; in a correct analysis of the data used by the Institute of Medicine, it was found that 8895 IU/d was needed for 97.5% of individuals to achieve values ≥50 nmol/L.

There are two types of nutrient deficiencies, frank deficiencies (such as scurvy from ascorbic acid deficiency or goitre from iodine deficiency) and subclinical deficiencies (a clinically silent reduction in physiological, cellular and/or biochemical functions). It is the latter that is most concerning as it is hard to diagnose and predisposes to numerous chronic diseases.

Because serum magnesium does not reflect intracellular magnesium, the latter making up more than 99% of total body magnesium, most cases of magnesium deficiency are undiagnosed. Furthermore, because of chronic diseases, medications, decreases in food crop magnesium contents, and the availability of refined and processed foods, most people in modern societies are at risk for magnesium deficiency.

A review article by Dr Carrie Decker ND. Anyone who has ever listened to their own heart with a stethoscope has likely found the lub-dub pattern reassuring, whether they are a doctor or not. The rhythmic regularity of the heart beat at rest can lull us into meditation, much like it helps an infant go

Eosinophilic (ee-uh-sin-uh-fil-ik) oesophagitis (EoE) is a recognised chronic allergic/immune condition. A person with EoE will have inflammation of the esophagus. The oesophagus is the tube that sends food from the mouth to the stomach.

In EoE, large numbers of white blood cells called eosinophils are found in the tissue of the oesophagus. Normally there are no eosinophils in the oesophagus. The symptoms of EoE vary with age. In infants and toddlers, you may notice that they refuse their food or are not growing properly. School-age children often have recurring abdominal pain, trouble swallowing or vomiting. Teenagers and adults most often have difficulty swallowing, particularly dry or dense, solid foods. The oesophagus can narrow to the point that food gets stuck. This is called food impaction and it is a medical emergency.

Given the variable agreement regarding the pathogenicity of Blastocystis, there is no consensus as to which patients, if any, should undergo treatment for Blastocystis infection. Apart from medications, the use of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and garlic at specific doses and concentrations have been equally as effective. Unquestionably practitioners and patients find this subject

There are many advocates current and historic that see the ‘low carbohydrate’ diet as a compelling approach to managing a variety of health disorders, including obesity and many of its associated co-morbidities.

In this article published by the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, the authors seek to identify if there any risks associated with this style of nutrition.[1] In this review, they analyse LCDs, which are inherently higher in cholesterol, saturated fats, and animal products, to assess their effects on weight loss, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and lipid levels.

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There are of course many challenges in compiling data sets around eating profiles and then translating this into meaning full approaches to health management. This meta-analysis, of observational studies concludes that a diet high in vegetables reduces risk of cancer and heart disease.[1]

Background: Beneficial effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on health outcomes have been supposed in previous studies.

Objectives: Aim of this study was to clarify the association between vegetarian, vegan diets, risk factors for chronic diseases, risk of all-cause mortality, incidence, and mortality from cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, total cancer and specific type of cancer (colorectal, breast, prostate and lung), through meta-analysis.

Methods: A comprehensive search of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted.

In a special issue of the research journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta Biomembranes, entitled Membrane Lipid Therapy: Drugs Targeting Biomembranes, Garth Nicolson PhD, MD (H) and Michael Ash DO, ND published an invited review on the role of a specially prepared mixture of glycerolphospholipids on human health, via their interactions with cell membranes and natural replacement of damaged membrane phospholipids.[i] Exploring the vital role that glycerolphospholipids play both in cell membranes and intracellular organelles, such as mitochondria, this review along with other recent articles^2,3 explore practical ways to replace damaged lipids within these important structures. This allows cellular membranes to maintain their chemical and electrical barrier functions and also act as cellular signals to promote positive changes in cellular functions and health.

Everyone recognises that in the context of the human body the gastrointestinal tract consists of an enormous surface area. In turn, it has some well understood roles in human health and that includes being optimised to efficiently absorb nutrients, water, and electrolytes from the food we ingest. Yet at the same time, it needs to