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Topiramate during early pregnancy increases risk of oral clefts
A new study published in the journal Neurology suggests that women using topiramate during early pregnancy, particularly at the high doses used to treat epilepsy, substantially increase their children’s risk of developing oral clefts....
Possible side effects of Pueraria mirifica supplements for breast enlargement
Many women who consume Pueraria mirifica supplements in hopes of gaining larger breasts have been found to suffer serious side effects including menstrual irregularities and other disorders.
Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica (野葛根) is...
1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified
The World Health Organization (WHO) this week reported findings that 1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified.
Medical products
The WHO press release described the situation as follows:
An estimated 1 in...
Fruit juice NOT recommended for children, particularly infants
According to a recent policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit to children under age 1 and should not be included in their diet.
Infant nutrition
According to Melvin B. Heyman,...
Vitamin B supplements could diminish toxic effects of air pollution
According to a recent American study published in the journal Scientific Reports, vitamin B supplements could significantly diminish the toxic effects of air pollution on the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Vitamin B cocktails
The study,...
China passes first law on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
On Christmas day 2016, China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee passed the country’s first law on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Traditional Chinese Medicine
With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, TCM...
Study finds pregnancy multivitamins ‘are a waste of money’
According to recent research published in the journal Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB), pregnancy multivitamins ‘are a waste of money’ because such supplements do not appear to boost the health of mothers and babies.
Although...
Experimental blood test could help treat depression
As reported in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, scientists in the United Kingdom have developed an experimental blood test that could help psychiatrists select more-effective drugs for patients suffering from depression.
Effects...
More Americans and Chinese Traveling to India for Hepatitis C Treatment
As reported by CNN this week, increasing numbers of Americans are traveling halfway across the world to India to buy the revolutionary Hepatitis C medicine Sofosbuvir, as well as other prescription drugs.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an infectious...
Vaccine safety scares frustrate China’s disease control efforts
Leading into this year’s World Immunization Week, China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) has expressed concern that recent vaccine safety scares will offset its achievements in limiting infectious diseases...
