Vitamin D, C and covid

Administration of vitamin D to covid-19 patients significantly reduced their risk of being admitted to intensive care. A new study conducted at the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba, Spain and published in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, gave 50 patients (an additional 26 didn’t receive vitamin D) 532 mcg 25(OH)D on day 1 of admission to the hospital, followed by 266 mcg on days 3 and 7, and then 266 mcg once a week until discharge, ICU admission, or death. Only 1 patient in the vitamin D group went on to be admitted to intensive care (ICU), while 13 from the control group required admission to ICU. A second study published in JAMA Network Open underpins the association of low levels of vitamin D with increased risk of contracting covid-19. The struggle to publicise studies on the use of vitamins such as vitamins D and C along with minerals such as zinc to support immune system resilience is highlighted by Patrick Holford in an update on his petition calling on the UK government to make the use of vitamin C part of standard protocols for treating covid-19. Rather than continuing to implement stringent measures to curb social interactions, governments should be advising their citizens to implement basic supplement protocols and recommending the use of cheap and simple nutrition and lifestyle interventions that have maintained our immune resilience throughout history.

Commonly used drugs increase cognitive impairment

A commonly used category of drugs increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study published in Neurology, adds to the growing body of evidence of the link between the use of anticholinergic drugs, commonly used to treat everything from colds and high blood pressure to depression and cognitive decline. Researchers found that the use of this class of drugs doubles the risk of cognitive impairment in those predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s disease. An analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology shockingly reveals that only one in ten medical treatments are supported by high-quality evidence. Such poor-quality science is of serious concern, particularly given the myriad harms posed by the use of drugs and the knowledge that prescription drugs are a leading cause of death.

Herbal supplements sales hit new heights in US

Sales of herbal supplements grew by 8.6% in the US in 2019 as more and more people take an interest in supporting their own health. A large part of the increase has been attributed to the rising popularity of CBD supplements, which showed a whopping 872% increase in sales. Herbs that support immunity have also seen a huge increase.

Australian integrative doctors call for inclusion of integrative medicine in mainstream healthcare

In the wake of the pandemic, the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association has published an open letter calling on ministers of health in Australia and New Zealand to “…embed integrative medicine practise into our national health policies”. The letter points out the reluctance of health authorities to properly examine the evidence for simple, cheap low risk interventions such as the supplementation of key immune supportive vitamins and minerals, something that has been singularly lacking to date. If you’re an integrative practitioner based in Australia or New Zealand you can support the AIMA’s action by signing the letter here.

Oatly boycotted after investment

Oatly is one of the leading brands of plant drinks used as a dairy replacement. Following the announcement of an investment from a consortium led by US private equity firm Blackstone, it’s facing a backlash from previously loyal customers threatening to boycott its products. The issue centres around Blackstone’s alleged donations to political groups in the US and the involvement of businesses part-owned by Blackstone in the deforestation of the Amazon. Oatly (now valued at $2 billion) have defended the decision to partner with Blackstone saying they believe the move will increase the sustainability of their products.

Calls for censorship of online misinformation strengthen

The Center for Countering Digital Hate, based in the UK, have released a report criticising efforts by social media platforms to counter ‘misinformation’ giving more fuel to companies like Facebook to increase their censorship of information deemed to be fake. In Australia efforts to stop the spread of ‘misinformation’ by the Australian government has somewhat backfired after Facebook threatened to stop users from sharing local and international news on its platforms. Although not a surprise to many who follow our work, a new exposé reveals the true extent to which Bill Gates has bought media influence. The investigation found the Gates Foundation has contributed more than $250 million towards journalism globally including funding a report from the American Press Institute used to develop guidelines on maintaining editorial independence! It’s little wonder Mr Gates is portrayed in such glowing, philanthropic, terms by the mainstream media.

CRISPR babies too risky

The use of the genetic modification technique CRISPR is too risky to use on human embryos according to a new report from experts in ten countries convened by the US National Academy of Medicine, the US National Academy of Sciences and the UK Royal Society. Given the amount of unintended off-target errors that have been encountered both in animal and human experiments the decision, which comes as no surprise, is timely and welcome.