Low Protein Levels May Increase Kidney Function Decline in Elderly

Older adults with low blood levels of a circulating protein in the blood may be at an increased risk of experiencing decline in their kidney function, a study has found. The findings showed that higher blood levels of a protein called soluble klotho — with anti-ageing properties — may help preserve kidney function. “We found a strong association between low soluble klotho and decline in kidney function, independent of many known risk factors for kidney function decline,” said David Drew from Tufts University in Massachusetts, US. The kidney has the…

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Cat food recalled for low levels of essential nutrient

The J.M. Smucker Company has announced a limited voluntary recall on 20 canned cat food products from the brands 9Lives, EverPet and Special Kitty because the products may have harmfully low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). Cats with low thiamine in their diets may be at risk of developing a deficiency, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency include gastrointestinal or neurological issues, as well as decreased appetite, salivation and weight loss. Neurological signs can occur in advanced cases and may include wobbling walking…

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Even low levels of manganese can cause manganism

Welders exposed to airborne manganese at estimated levels set under federal safety standards can also develop neurological problems like Parkinson’s disease and the current safety standards may not adequately protect workers from the dangers of the job, a new research has found. According to a study published in the journal Neurology, the more welders are exposed to manganese-containing welding fumes, faster the workers’ signs and symptoms worsen. “We found that chronic exposure to manganese-containing welding fumes is associated with progressive neurological symptoms such as slow movement and difficulty in speaking,”…

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Vitamin D Levels Tied to Breast Cancer Survival

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, high vitamin D levels in the blood may be tied to better odds of surviving and having tumors with less deadly characteristics, suggests a new study. While the new study supports previous research on vitamin D and breast cancer, it can’t prove that boosting vitamin D levels will improve outcomes for women with breast cancer. “Overall, we found a 30 percent reduction of all-cause mortality associated with vitamin D levels at the time of diagnosis,” said the study’s lead author Song Yao, of the…

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Higher Maternal Iron Levels May up Gestational Diabetes Risk

Pregnant women who are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency, may also be at risk if iron is found in excess in their bodies. They are likely to develop gestational diabetes, a study has found. As a strong pro-oxidant, free iron can promote several cellular reactions that generate reactive oxygen species and increase the level of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress induced from excess iron accumulation can cause damage to and death of pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin, and consequently, contribute to impaired insulin synthesis and secretion. In the liver, high…

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Low Vitamin D Levels May up Bladder Cancer Risk

Individuals with Vitamin D deficiency can be at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer, a study has warned. Vitamin D, which is produced by the body through exposure to sunshine, helps the body control calcium and phosphate levels. It can also be obtained from food sources such as fatty fish and egg yolks. According to previous studies, Vitamin D deficiency causes health problems including cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. In the study, the researchers looked at the cells that line the bladder, known as transitional epithelial…

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