Latest news with #NationalCancerInstitute
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top GP reveals the massively popular supplement he would never take... because increases risk of death
Almost half of Brits admit to taking a supplement at least once a month in the pursuit of achieving optimum health. But one of the UK's most popular pills could be putting users at an increased risk of deadly liver failure, bone problems and bleeding disorders, an expert has warned. Taking an 'all in one' multivitamin every day may even raise mortality risk, UK-based GP Dr Asif Ahmed said. It comes as a study by scientists from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland last summer, found that taking a daily multivitamin was associated with a four per cent increased risk of death over the course of the 20-year study. The researchers found no evidence that the vitamin pills served any benefit for prolonging life. In an Instagram video seen over 300,000 times, Dr Ahmed said: 'There is only one supplement that I would never take as a doctor. 'Lots of people still take it, despite studies showing it can increase your mortality rate—this is any multivitamin supplement. 'The vast majority of people do not need an all-in-one multivitamin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Asif Ahmed (MBBS, MRCGP, BSc) (@dra_says) 'They [multivitamins] often have more than 100 per cent of the recommended daily allowances for all your vitamins and minerals which can be dangerous.' The NHS says most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet. The average male adult needs around 700 micrograms (µg) of vitamin A a day, and women 600µg, according to the health service. But some multivitamins sold on the high street can contain a much higher dose at 800µg per tablet. Unlike other supplements that are difficult to overdose on, as excess comes out in your urine, multivitamins containing higher levels of vitamin A and vitamin K could also remain in the body as they're fat soluble. Dr Ahmed said: 'For things like vitamin A and vitamin K which are fat soluble it can be quite dangerous and potentially in the long term can lead to liver failure, bone problems, and even bleeding and blood clot disorders.' Fat soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body over time in the liver and fatty tissue. If consumed in excess, however, this can weaken the bones, and damage the kidney and the heart. Taking vitamin D at high doses for an extended period of time can also cause complications like hypercalcemia. This is where excess calcium is deposited into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and kidney disease. Dr Ahmed advised people who are worried they are not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals to take one specific supplement for their needs—for example, vitamin D supplements too boost bone health. Dr Ahmed also said a healthy balanced diet that includes lots of oily fish, fortified foods and fibre is the best way to get all the essential vitamins the body needs. 'One thing that is fantastic that I take every day is a seed mixture,' he said. 'I get the milled version, where they take out the hard shell, to help with digestion and some say it can also increase the nutrient absorption. 'This is super high in fibre and protein and its got so many minerals and vitamins in it as well. It's a food not a supplement so this is probably the best way to make sure you get all the trace elements you need in your diet,' he added. It comes as the latest official figures show the number of Brits being hospitalised for malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies has almost tripled in a decade. In 2022, there were more than 800,000 admissions in England and Wales with conditions linked to poor nutrition, including 'Victorian' illnesses scurvy and rickets. Iron deficiency was the biggest problem, NHS data revealed, with admissions for the bone-weakening condition shooting up by 149 per cent since 2013. Other research has, however, shown that multivitamins may serve no real health benefits. In 2018, a major study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the most popular supplements — multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C — made no difference to the risk of heart disease, stroke or early death. Folate — found in leafy greens and eggs — and other B-vitamins were seen to offer some reduced risk of heart disease, although the authors noted that the evidence for this was 'low to moderate quality'.
Medical News Today
a day ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Anti-aging supplements: Vitamin C, collagen, and more
Vitamin C Curcumin Vitamin E Collagen Resveratrol Omega-3 fatty acids Summary Aging is a part of life, and there are many different ways in which a person may experience the aging process, from skin aging to age-related diseases. Many different vitamins, proteins, and compounds can support the aging process, protecting the body from damage caused by age-related diseases, and C, or 'L-ascorbic acid,' is a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. This means it helps protect the body's cells from free radical damage. As the National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains, free radicals are unstable molecules that may play a role in certain diseases of aging, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Some studies have suggested that vitamin C's antioxidant effects may also influence markers of cellular aging. For example, it may affect the length of structures called telomeres, which sit at and protect the ends of chromosomes. As a 2022 review explains, telomeres shorten with each cell division, increasing the risk of cell damage and age-related diseases. A 2023 study of more than 7,000 participants found that higher dietary intake of vitamin C links to an increase in telomere length. Specifically, each increase in vitamin C intake correlated with a modest increase in telomere length, suggesting a potential slowing of cellular aging. However, further research is necessary to confirm this effect. » Learn more about vitamin C Curcumin belongs to a group of natural compounds called 'curcuminoids', which primarily derive from the underground stems or 'rhizomes' of the turmeric plant. According to the NCI , curcumin may interfere with cell-signalling pathways to disrupt certain hallmarks of cellular aging and cancer development. Some of these pathways concern: inflammation cell proliferation cell death or 'apoptosis' According to a 2024 review, evidence suggests that curcumin may alter levels of proteins involved in the natural aging process, thereby helping to slow age-related cellular changes. Specifically, curcumin may change levels of the proteins 'sirtuins' and 'AMPK', while inhibiting pro-aging proteins, such as 'NF-κB' and 'mTOR'. According to the review, curcumin also has other aging support effects, including: reducing oxidative stress reducing inflammation increasing telomere length However, the 2024 review notes that while curcumin shows promise as an aging support supplement, further clinical trials are necessary to investigate the long-term effects of curcumin supplementation on age-related pathology. Moreover, scientists must work to improve the bioavailability of curcumin without also increasing its risk of side effects. As the NIH explains, vitamin E is the collective term for a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant properties. Some recent studies suggest that vitamin E may be particularly beneficial for reducing the signs of skin aging, especially when used in combination with other antioxidant supplements. In addition, a 2024 review notes that some studies have linked vitamin E to reduced oxidative stress and increased telomere length. » Learn more about vitamin E Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to various body tissues, including the skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Collagen production declines with age, leading to visible signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles or sagging skin. A 2024 study investigated the effects of combined collagen and vitamin C supplementation on skin aging among females ages 40 to 65 years. The study found that a 16-week course of daily supplementation with 5 grams (g) of hydrolysed collagen and 80 mg of vitamin C led to significant improvements in the following parameters, when compared with placebo: skin thickness skin texture wrinkle severity » Learn more about wrinkles Resveratrol is a type of plant compound called a 'polyphenol'. It is primarily found in red grapes, red wine, and certain berries. According to a 2021 review, resveratrol may be a safe and effective compound for the prevention and treatment of aging and age-related diseases. Resveratrol may achieve this via the following mechanisms of action: reducing oxidative stress reducing inflammatory reactions improving cell function regulating apoptosis » Learn more about resveratrol Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that the body does not produce naturally. As such, humans must get these fatty acids from dietary sources, such as flaxseeds or fish, or from supplements. Examples of omega-3 fatty acids include : A 2021 study investigated the aging support effects of a 4-month course of omega-3 supplementation in sedentary, middle-aged adults with excess weight. The researchers divided the participants into three groups: a placebo group, a low dose omega-3 group, and a high dose omega-3 group. The findings suggest that the omega-3 supplementation had the following effects: blocking stress-related decreases in the enzyme 'telomerase', which helps to repair the telomeres on chromosomes reducing levels of the 'stress hormone', cortisol reducing levels of the protein 'interleukin-6' (IL-6), which links with inflammation, aging, and age-related diseases. Moreover, higher doses of omega-3 link to more significant effects, suggesting a possible causal relationship between omega-3 supplementation and aging support. Similarly, a 2025 study showed that omega-3 supplementation helped to slow biological aging over the course of 3 years. These effects were small, but significant. » Learn more about omega-3 fatty acids Aging is an inevitable process that may affect people in different ways. However, certain supplements may help to slow aging or target specific aspects of the aging process. For example, research suggests that vitamin C, vitamin E, and curcumin may all help increase telomere length—a process that appears to protect against aging and age-related diseases. In addition, vitamins C and E are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body's cells against free radical damage. Other substances like curcumin and Omega-3 fatty acids help protect against inflammatory processes that could otherwise contribute to aging. Anyone who is considering starting a supplement should first talk with a doctor. Some supplements can interfere with other supplements or medications a person is taking, so it is important to establish whether a particular supplement or dosage is safe to take. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Aaseth J, et al. (2021). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation–In ageing and disease. Antioxidant. (n.d.). Bischoff-Ferrari H A, et al. (2025). Individual and additive effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise on DNA methylation clocks of biological aging in older adults from the DO-HEALTH trial. Cai Y, et al. (2023). Association between dietary vitamin C and telomere length: A cross-sectional study. Curcumin (curcuma, turmeric) and cancer (PDQ®) – Health professional version. (2024). Izadi M, et al. (2024). Longevity and anti-aging effects of curcumin supplementation. Lee J, et al. (2022). Biochemistry, telomere And telomerase. Madison A A, et al. (2021). Omega-3 supplementation and stress reactivity of cellular aging biomarkers: an ancillary substudy of a randomized, controlled trial in midlife adults. Omega-3 fatty acids. (2024). Schellnegger M, et al. (2024). Unlocking longevity: the role of telomeres and its targeting interventions. Sood B, et al. (2024). Coenzyme Q10. Takuathung N, (2023). Efficacy and safety of the genistein nutraceutical product containing Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, and ceramide on skin health in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Razgonova M P, et al. (2020). Telomerase and telomeres in aging theory and chronographic aging theory. Vitamin E. (2021). Yang T, et al. (2020). Vitamin D supplementation improves cognitive function through reducing oxidative stress regulated by telomere length in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A 12-month randomized controlled trial. Zhou D D, et al. (2021). Effects and mechanisms of resveratrol on aging and age-related diseases. Žmitek K, et al. (2024). The effects of dietary supplementation with collagen and vitamin C and their combination with hyaluronic acid on skin density, texture and other parameters: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Key takeaways Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that occurs in the blood and bone marrow. In its early stages, the symptoms of AML may resemble the flu, and you may have a fever and fatigue. Treatment for AML involves two phases: Remission induction therapy and Consolidation therapy. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that occurs in your blood and bone marrow. AML specifically affects the white blood cells (WBCs) of your body, causing them to form abnormally. In acute cancers, the number of abnormal cells grows rapidly. The condition is also known by the following names: acute myelocytic leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia acute granulocytic leukemia acute non-lymphocytic leukemia There are an estimated 19,520 new cases of AML every year in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). What are the symptoms of AML? In its early stages, the symptoms of AML may resemble the flu and you may have a fever and fatigue. Other symptoms can include: bone pain frequent nosebleeds bleeding and swollen gums easy bruising excessive sweating (particularly at night) shortness of breath unexplained weight loss heavier than normal periods in females What causes AML? AML is caused by abnormalities in the DNA that controls the development of cells in your bone marrow. If you have AML, your bone marrow creates countless WBCs that are immature. These abnormal cells eventually become leukemic WBCs called myeloblasts. These abnormal cells build up and replace healthy cells. This causes your bone marrow to stop functioning properly, making your body more susceptible to infections. It's not clear exactly what causes the DNA mutation. Some doctors believe it may be related to exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and even drugs used for chemotherapy. What raises your risk of AML? Your risk of developing AML increases with age. The median age for a person diagnosed with AML is about 68, and the condition is rarely seen in children. AML is also more common in men than women, although it affects boys and girls at equal rates. Cigarette smoking is thought to increase your risk of developing AML. If you work in an industry where you may have been exposed to chemicals such as benzene, you're also at higher risk. These risk factors don't mean you'll necessarily develop AML. At the same time, it's possible for you to develop AML without having any of these risk factors. How is AML classified? The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system includes these different AML groups: AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities, such as chromosomal changes AML with myelodysplasia-related changes therapy-related myeloid neoplasms, which may be caused by radiation or chemotherapy AML, not otherwise specified myeloid sarcoma myeloid proliferations of Down syndrome acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage Subtypes of AML also exist within these groups. The names of these subtypes may indicate the chromosomal change or genetic mutation that caused the AML. One such example is AML with t(8;21), where a change occurs between chromosomes 8 and 21. Unlike most other cancers, AML isn't divided into traditional cancer stages. How is AML diagnosed? Your doctor will perform a physical exam and check for swelling of your liver, lymph nodes, and spleen. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for anemia and to determine your WBC levels. While a blood test may help your doctor determine whether there's a problem, a bone marrow test or biopsy is needed to diagnose AML definitively. A sample of bone marrow is taken by inserting a long needle into your hip bone. Sometimes the breastbone is the site of biopsy. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. Your doctor may also do a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, which involves withdrawing fluid from your spine with a small needle. The fluid is checked for the presence of leukemia cells. What are the treatment options for AML? Treatment for AML involves two phases: Remission induction therapy Remission induction therapy uses chemotherapy to kill the existing leukemia cells in your body. Most people stay in the hospital during treatment because chemotherapy also kills healthy cells, raising your risk for infection and abnormal bleeding. In a rare form of AML called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), anticancer drugs such as arsenic trioxide or all-trans retinoic acid may be used to target specific mutations in leukemia cells. These drugs kill the leukemia cells and stop the unhealthy cells from dividing. Consolidation therapy Consolidation therapy, which is also known as post-remission therapy, is crucial for keeping AML in remission and preventing a relapse. The goal of consolidation therapy is to destroy any remaining leukemia cells. You may require a stem cell transplant for consolidation therapy. Stem cells are often used to help your body generate new and healthy bone marrow cells. The stem cells may come from a donor. If you've previously had leukemia that's gone into remission, your doctor may have removed and stored some of your own stem cells for a future transplant, known as an autologous stem cell transplant. Getting stem cells from a donor has more risks than getting a transplant made up of your own stem cells. A transplant of your own stem cells, however, involves a higher risk for relapse because some old leukemia cells may be present in the sample retrieved from your body. What's expected in the long term for people with AML? When it comes to most types of AML, around two-thirds of people are able to achieve remission, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The remission rate rises to nearly 90 percent for people with APL. Remission will depend on a variety of factors, such as a person's age. The five-year survival rate for Americans with AML is 27.4 percent. The five-year survival rate for children with AML is between 60 and 70 percent. With early-phase detection and prompt treatment, remission is highly likely in most people. Once all signs and symptoms of AML have disappeared, you're considered to be in remission. If you're in remission for more than five years, you're considered cured of AML. If you find that you have symptoms of AML, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss them. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you have any signs of infection or a persistent fever.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
U.S. Might Drop Daily Alcohol Guidelines, Report Says
The Department of Health and Human Services is considering revising its longstanding recommendations on alcohol consumption, Reuters reported Wednesday—but research published over the past year warns that even moderate drinking can lead to health problems, including multiple types of cancer. New U.S. Dietary Guidelines might soon be issued loosening the longstanding recommendations for ... More daily alcohol use—but researchers still stress the links between alcohol and several types of cancer. Since 1990, U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which are reviewed every five years and were last updated in 2020, have recommended men limit their drinking to no more than two drinks per day, while women should limit their consumption to one drink per day. Three unnamed sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the new guidelines, which could be released as soon as this month, would only include a statement encouraging moderation—but this could still be subject to change before the guidelines are released. Alcohol is associated with increased risk of multiple types of cancer, including mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast and colorectal cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute. HHS did not immediately return a request for comment from Forbes. Dr. Silvia Balbo, a researcher at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the Masonic Cancer Center, said the proposed new guidelines would be a 'missed opportunity' to help educate the public about alcohol risks. 'The question I always get is, how much is it safe for us to drink?' Balbo told Forbes. 'Having a guideline that in general gives you an idea, a rough idea of what it means to drink in moderation is a good start,' Balbo said. Rather than scrapping the old guidelines, she would recommend expanding the existing guidelines to include better information for consumers. 'I think expanding really on what that means would have been more helpful rather than going towards a more generic and vague indication that's not going to really help people orient themselves in what it means to drink in moderation.' Balbo also pointed to the United Kingdom's National Health Service guidelines, which offer charts and calculators to determine exactly how many units are in different drinks. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's office issued an advisory report before he left office in January analyzing the risks of cancer associated with alcohol. 'For certain cancers, like breast, mouth, and throat cancers, evidence shows that this risk may start to increase around one or fewer drinks per day,' the report reads, noting that relative risk of developing certain cancers increases for both men and women who consume two or more drinks per day. Balbo said evidence for a connection between heavy drinking and cancer has been known for decades, but researchers are still working to understand how these cancers develop. Balbo's lab works to understand these mechanisms, particularly those that cause head and neck cancers, and her research was cited in the surgeon general's report in January. According to Balbo, alcohol converts into a compound called acetaldehyde as the body metabolizes it, which then harms the cells found in the mouth, which can cause DNA damage. 'If this DNA damage does not get repaired … it just persists and leads to genetic changes and genomic instability,' Balbo told Forbes in an interview. The surgeon general's report also notes that only 45% of Americans are aware of the cancer risks associated with alcohol. However, 89% understand the link between tobacco and cancer, 81% know about the cancer risks with asbestos, and 91% are aware of the cancer risks from radiation. In December 2024, a review conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found there was 'insufficient evidence to support an association between moderate alcohol consumption and risks of oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, and laryngeal cancers.' The report did note that moderate drinking could pose a higher risk for breast cancer in women. The report has since received heavy pushback from other researchers, including the National Cancer Institute, The New York Times reported in January. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption increased among most segments of the American population during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, more recent research indicates that younger millennials and Gen Z are drinking less than earlier generations. A Gallup poll published in 2023 indicated that the number of Americans between the ages of 18-34 who consume alcohol occasionally has fallen by 10 percentage points over the last 20 years. Simultaneously, younger Americans who do drink are consuming fewer drinks per week and cutting back on overdrinking, the same report found. Canada's public health recommendations are close to America's, recommending women drink no more than two drinks per day and men no more than three. The United Kingdom's National Health Service recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week—six glasses of wine or six pints of beer spread out over three days or more. The World Health Organization takes a much stronger stance, warning there is no safe level of alcohol consumption at all and categorizing it as a Group 1 carcinogen—alongside asbestos, radiation and tobacco.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Nurse gets ready to draw blood—what this 5-year-old says through tears leaves viewers in awe
Reece is five years old. He sits on the hospital bed with tears clinging to his lashes, his small frame stiff with fear. A nurse gently prepares the materials for yet another blood draw—one of many he's endured over the course of his cancer treatment. And then, through shaky sobs, Reece begins to speak: 'You're okay. You're brave. You can do this.' The words come out haltingly at first, like he's reminding himself how to breathe. His voice trembles, but it doesn't break. With a determined little fist pump, he adds, 'Heck yeah! Just do it. Yeah boy! That's what I'm talkin' about.' It's a moment that has struck millions online. Captured in a now-viral TikTok posted by his mom, Morgan Handley, Reece's pep talk delivers a powerful emotional gut punch wrapped in internet sweetness. For any parent who has watched their child face something painful, it's deeply familiar. This is bravery in real time: scared, tearful, but moving forward anyway. Reece's courage shines brighter when you understand the journey behind it. At just three years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. (According to the National Cancer Institute, it accounts for about 25% of all childhood cancers in the United States and occurs most often in children aged 1 to 4 years.) Since then, blood draws like this one have become a biweekly ritual—a necessary, but often painful, part of his treatment. Related: How to raise our sons with a full emotional life—from vulnerability to strength The road hasn't been easy. According to Upworthy, his family has navigated the ups and downs of immunotherapy and the side effects that come with it, from rashes to the challenges steroids can bring. Despite this, Reece's resilience remains unshaken. His treatment is expected to conclude in July 2025, when he will ring the bell, a cherished milestone signaling the end of his cancer journey. But while the 'ringing the bell' moment is often celebrated as a victory, the path there is paved with days like this one. Blood draws, needle pokes, and medical tests aren't rare interruptions; they're routine for Reece and many families facing childhood cancer. Related: This mama's honest post about childhood cancer is going viral and it's heartbreaking What makes Reece's pep talk so powerful is how deeply it reflects the emotional tools he's internalized over time. His mantra captures the delicate balance between fear and determination that so many kids experience in hard quiet self-coaching is no accident. Morgan Handley, Reece's mom, shared with Upworthy that their family has long practiced pep talks and emotional encouragement, turning those words into a kind of armor. Over time, Reece has absorbed these scripts and rituals, learning to face pain with resilience. Experts in child development note that young children often internalize the emotional tone set by their caregivers. When parents model calm encouragement and use consistent emotional scripts—especially during repeated stress—it can help children feel more secure and build resilience over time. Reece's courage is, in many ways, a reflection of the love and steady guidance that surrounds him. Related: How to teach kids about cancer—from a Certified Child Life Specialist Watching your child face pain and fear is one of the hardest things a parent can endure. There is often no way to take the discomfort away—only to sit beside it, soften the edges, and help your child walk through it. Behind moments like Reece's are countless hours of emotional scaffolding. Parents like Morgan Handley are managing medications and appointments—and also nurturing resilience, one bedtime pep talk, one calming breath, one whispered 'you can do this' at a time. Related: A letter to new cancer moms They build emotional toolkits: mantras that ground, breathing exercises that regulate, stories that reframe fear. They validate their child's pain while gently offering strategies to move through it., even when their own hearts are breaking. Reece's pep talk may sound simple, but it carries the weight of this emotional labor. It's the echo of every time he's been told he's strong, brave, and not like his grows through practice and love—not something we're simply born with. The outpouring of love and support for Reece has been overwhelming. Commenters from all walks of life are cheering him on: Luv2laugh: 'I didn't see cancer right away! My son had stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma and was in heart failure, he was 16 and had a 10% chance and he is a healthy 22 today!! This guy is gonna be great!! What a great attitude!! Sending love and prayers!!' Dia D: 'How can I love him so much and never met him? Token8885: 'Please tell him he is the most bravest lil guy ever!! ' Biochemgeeek: 'A positive attitude goes such a long way in cancer treatment! So proud of this little dude!!!' Dani: 'What a beautiful little boy! Wishing him lots of blessings and hoping everything turns out great. He's a fighter, he's going to grow up to be an amazing man. ' Related: 6 simple ways to teach kids emotional intelligence (that you're probably already doing) Reece's story shows us how resilience can be quietly built day by day, with love, encouragement, and emotional support. For parents navigating difficult medical journeys with their children, it's a reminder that the scripts we teach, the mantras we share, and the patience we offer all become tools kids carry with them. Related: 4 ways to support challenging behavior in kids, from a Speech Language Pathologist
