Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Depression in Young Women
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than ever, and many experts are concerned that this deficiency may lead to a wide variety of health problems, including depression.
What is S-Equol? Does It Really Work for Menopausal Symptoms?
Approximately 70% of all women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats (also called vasomotor symptoms or VMS) during the menopause transition. Although estrogen-containing hormone therapy is highly effective in managing these symptoms, various studies have raised concerns regarding the risks associated with prolonged use of hormone therapy and many women now use other non-hormonal options to manage their symptoms, including over-the-counter complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), including soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the data regarding the effectiveness of these alternative treatments has been mixed.
New Recommendations Call for Iodine in All Prenatal Vitamins
In the developing baby, iodine is necessary for thyroid function and normal brain development. According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9). The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency.
All Pregnant and Nursing Women Should Have Iodide Supplements
According to a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, all pregnant and breast-feeding women should take a supplement with adequate iodide. It turns out that many American women may be marginally iodine deficient, [...]
Lower Vitamin D Levels Associated with Perinatal Depression
The active form of vitamin D is produced as a byproduct of natural sun exposure; it can also be in certain foods, including some kinds of fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy and grain products. [...]
Folic Acid Supplements Before and After Conception: Prevention of Autism
In a recent editorial in The Annals of Internal Medicine entitled “Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements,” authors make a case that multivitamins are not a good value (Dec 17, 2013 issue). This editorial was based on new research that demonstrated that there was no association between multivitamin use and rates of mortality, cognitive decline and recurrent cardiovascular events in three different studies. The assertion that multivitamins are not worth the money was widely reported in the media.
Research from the CWMH: Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids Effective for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms?
Approximately seventy percent of all women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats during the menopause transition (Stearns et al, 2002). Until recently, estrogen therapy was the treatment of choice for most women who sought treatment for hot flashes, but today many women are pursuing non-hormonal treatments, including over-the-counter complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for the treatment of these symptoms.
Mild to Moderate Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy Associated with Lower Cognitive Functioning
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. We have known for a long time that severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy may affect the cognitive development of the unborn child. According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9). The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency (<50 mcg/g iodine:creatinine ratio).
Soy Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: Higher Doses and More Frequent Dosing May Help
Studies assessing the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for the treatment of menopause-related hot flashes have yielded conflicting results. Most studies have demonstrated that treatments such as soy and black cohosh are not likely to be effective in most women; however, a new study suggests that women who take higher doses (100 to 200 mg)of isoflavones and more frequent dosing (2-3 times per day) may experience a greater reduction in the frequency of hot flashes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Perinatal Depression: Maybe or Maybe Not
The omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), have a broad range of health benefits and may be beneficial for the treatment of mood disorders. Because during pregnancy omega-3 fatty acids are diverted to the developing fetus, some women may develop a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. Previous studies have shown that pregnant women with lower levels of DHA may be more vulnerable to depressive symptoms. Several small studies have attempted to use omega-3 fatty acids to treat perinatal depression but have yielded inconsistent findings.