Selenium deficiency linked to liver cancer

The findings of a recent study detailed in the American Society of Nutrition journal, show that low levels of selenium have been linked with an increased risk of developing liver cancer. The study blamed western diets and lifestyle choices for the deficiency in the mineral that can be found in foods such as eggs, meat, Brazil nuts, salmon and shellfish, or can be taken in multi or singular supplement form. Read more.

Gardasil might be unsafe for some girls

The New Zealand (NZ) Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has recently dismissed a claim from the makers of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, that a documentary aired on NZ television last November misleadingly gave the impression that the vaccine was unsafe. The BSA instead said that, “The tone of the program was not alarmist, but rather exploratory. It posted the question whether Gardasil might be unsafe for some girls, with reference to the experiences of the girls featured”.

The vaccine-damage support group R.E.G.R.E.T (Reactions and Effects of Gardasil Resulting in Extreme Trauma) is launching a Go Fund Me campaign, “to fund an investigation into the root cause of illness in 380 Irish teenage girls, suffering debilitating, long-term health issues following the HPV vaccination”. Find out more and/or show your support.

Could supplements curb food cravings?

Scientists from Imperial College London and the University of Glasgow have found that consuming an inulin-proprionate ester or inulin, in the form of a powdered food supplement, can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods including chocolate, cake and pizza. The supplement is based on a molecule naturally produced by bacteria in the gut. Inulin is a form of soluble fibre, which when digested, releases the compound propionate, which in turn signals to the brain to reduce appetite. However, using inulin-proprionate ester releases much more proprionate into the gut than straight inulin alone. Read the full article, although be aware that not everyone can tolerate inulin without uncomfortable symptoms.

Acupuncture increases IVF success

A new British study sponsored by Homerton University Hospital has found that acupuncture can double the chances of having a baby with IVF. The telegraph reports that, “…one year on, those who underwent the ancient practice - had achieved pregnancy rates of 46.2 per cent. Among those who had not, pregnancy rates were just 21.7 per cent”. The chairman of the British Fertility Society, Dr Adam Balen, described the findings as “very interesting”.

Will Italy jump on the sugar tax bandwagon?

A small group of politicians in Italy have presented a bill to the Senate proposing a tax on sugary and diet drinks as well as palm oil and industrial trans fats in a bid to stem rising obesity rates. This comes after an international study found that almost one third of boys and almost one fifth of girls under the age of eleven were overweight.