Expert opinion
Video: Prebiotics or Probiotics? Dr. Hilary Jones Breaks Down the Gut Microbiome
24 April 2018
Award-winning physician, Dr. Hilary Jones, breaks down the complex microbiome in this easy to follow video.
19 January 2015
According to a new US study, an adequate supply of B vitamins in women seems to increase their chances of becoming and staying pregnant even when they have high blood concentrations of a common pesticide.
The observational study measured the blood concentrations of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, and the pesticide DDT of 291 Chinese women before conception and documented cases of pregnancy and early miscarriage over 2 years (1). The study results showed that, compared to women with adequate B vitamin and low DDT levels, incidence rates of pregnancy were reduced in women with B vitamin deficiency and high DDT concentrations. In women with a sufficient vitamin B12 supply, DDT was not associated with the incidence of pregnancy. In contrast, in women with a vitamin B12 deficiency, high DDT was associated with a lower incidence of pregnancy. The chance of early miscarriage decreased significantly in women with higher folate levels and high DDT concentrations.
The researchers concluded that sufficient blood concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate may help protect against adverse reproductive effects of DDT exposure. DDT is still used to kill mosquitoes in many countries where malaria remains a serious public health concern. The United States banned the pesticide in 1972. China, where the study was conducted, followed suit in 1984. However, DDT can remain in the body and environment for decades. Previous research has shown that high levels of DDT in the body can increase the risk of early miscarriage. Better nutrition in countries where DDT is still in wide use – including fortifying foods with B vitamins – could improve pregnancy outcomes, the scientists noted.
24 April 2018
Award-winning physician, Dr. Hilary Jones, breaks down the complex microbiome in this easy to follow video.
1 January 2016
It is a universal wish of parents around the globe that their children should sleep longer, deeper and wake as little as possible. There is growing evidence that good sleep is important for the child’s mental development. This article will examine whether simple nutritional intervention, for example with foods high in marine omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins or tryptophan can improve children’s sleep.
11 February 2013
According to a new Swedish study, men who regularly take vitamin C supplements but not multivitamins may be at a higher risk of developing kidney stones.