PRESS RELEASE
March 14, 2012, 1:38 p.m. EDT
ROCHESTER, Minn., Mar 14, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Here are highlights from the March issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Visit www.HealthLetter.MayoClinic.com or call toll-free for subscription information, 1-800-333-9037, extension 9771.
Rise in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Linked to Obesity
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise in the United States, according to the March issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
NAFLD causes excess fat to accumulate in the liver. As the fat builds, some patients experience fatigue, weight loss and pain in the upper right abdomen. A buildup of fat in the liver can result in inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). The more serious form of this illness can cause severe liver damage and eventually lead to liver failure or liver cancer in about 5 percent of those with the illness.
In the early stages, NAFLD doesn't cause signs or symptoms. The disease is often discovered during routine blood tests that show that certain liver enzymes are elevated. Additional blood tests and imaging may confirm the diagnosis.
Researchers believe the increasing incidence of NAFLD is associated with rising rates of obesity. Experts estimate that about two-thirds of obese adults and half of obese children may have fatty livers.
There are no specific therapies for the disease. Instead, doctors focus on treating risk factors. Recommendations include:
Weight loss: Losing excess weight can improve and possibly even reverse fatty liver disease to some degree.
Healthy diet: Many people who have the disease also have increased levels of fat (lipids) in their blood, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Doctors recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains with limited amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats. Cutting out fast food may be particularly helpful as this food is associated with progressive inflammation and scarring in people with NAFLD.
Physical activity: A recent study of adults with NAFLD suggests that vigorous physical activity may help reduce damage from fatty liver disease.
Liver protection: People with the disease should avoid drinking alcohol and any unnecessary use of medication that can put the liver at risk. For example, high doses of acetaminophen, a pain reliever found in many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, can cause liver damage.
A Vitamin a Day Might not Keep the Doctor Away
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Over the past few years, studies have found that vitamins previously considered beneficial may not be helping -- and may be causing harm. The March issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter provides an overview on the latest advice about taking vitamins.
The newest research is from the Iowa Women's Health Study. This 20-year study of 38,000 women age 55 and older showed that taking a multivitamin appears to increase the risk of premature death. Evidence from this study and others suggest there is no need to take most supplements for general health or disease prevention. Exceptions appear to be calcium supplements and vitamin D for bone health.
The Mayo Clinic Health Letter highlights some potentially risky supplements:
Vitamin E: A 2005 review of research found that taking daily vitamin E supplements of 400 international units (IU) or more and possibly as low as 150 IU a day may pose health risks, including increased risk of premature death.
Vitamin A: A large study of postmenopausal women found that long-term intake of at least 6,660 IU of vitamin A acetate or palmitate may increase the risk of hip fractures. However, other research hasn't come to the same conclusion.
Folate and folic acid (vitamin B-9): Supplementation helps prevent birth defects, but evidence of other benefits has been elusive. The Iowa Women's Health Study suggests that folic acid supplements might increase the risk of premature death by 5.9 percent. Other studies have linked folic acid supplements with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Vitamin B-6: Large daily doses -- more than 100 milligrams (mg) -- can cause nerve damage over time. In the Iowa study, vitamin B-6 appeared to increase the risk of premature death by 4.1 percent.
Vitamin B-3 (niacin): High doses can help lower high cholesterol levels. This treatment should be done under a doctor's supervision because side effects can include severe liver disease.
Trace minerals: Copper, chromium, magnesium, selenium and zinc are among the essential trace minerals. There is no solid evidence that trace mineral supplements have any benefit in the absence of deficiencies -- which are rare. The Iowa Women's Health Study indicated that the risk of premature death increased 3.6 percent in those taking magnesium, 3 percent in those taking zinc, and 18 percent in those taking copper supplements.
It's always wise to consult with a doctor about any diet supplements. There are situations where supplements are beneficial to health. But healthy individuals who take supplements as an "insurance policy" against inadequate nutrition may in fact be increasing their health risks.
Transient Global Amnesia: Memory Temporarily Interrupted
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A one-time memory loss -- for up to 24 hours -- might not be a sign of a brain injury or dementia. Instead, it could be transient global amnesia. The March issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers this uncommon and puzzling form of amnesia
People with transient global amnesia experience sudden loss of recent memory and can't form new memories. The episode usually lasts six to 12 hours but may last up to 24 hours. During that time, people know who they are and recognize family and friends. Complex tasks, such as driving, are still possible. In the midst of transient global amnesia, those affected don't know where they are or how they got there. They would likely ask the same questions repeatedly. Once the episode is over, life returns to normal -- absent any memories from that short time.
This form of amnesia is most common in adults age 50 and older and usually occurs only once. The underlying cause is unknown. There's debate about what triggers an episode. Reported events have been linked to sudden immersion in cold or hot water, strenuous physical activities, emotional or psychological stress, and pain. Some have found an association with migraines.
Although temporary, transient global amnesia warrants immediate medical attention. Diagnosis is based on excluding more serious neurological conditions such as stroke, seizure or head injury. Transient global amnesia is not a predictor of future memory loss or a risk factor for other more serious conditions.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call 1-800-333-9037 (toll-free), extension 9771, or visit www.HealthLetter.MayoClinic.com .
About Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org and www.mayoclinic.org/news .
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic
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