iron deficiency Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Intravenous Iron Benefits Patients with Heart Failure & Iron Deficiency

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:11:10 +0000

Duke Health – Despite numerical improvements in mortality, hospitalizations, and exercise ability, data did not reach the pre-specified level of statistical significance DURHAM, N.C. – More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency, which is associated with worse symptoms, poor quality of life, and diminished exercise ability. A new study led by Duke Health researchers with global collaborators finds an intravenous iron treatment provides a measure of benefit to these patients, but the results are nuanced. More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on Aug. 26. It evaluated the intravenous drug, ferric carboxymaltose, by looking at data on mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity from more than 3,000 global study participants over a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. While the results didn’t meet the study’s higher threshold for statistical significance, the therapy demonstrated a numerical improvement across mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity. The research team also noted results from a pre-specified pooled analysis with two previous studies of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure, all comparing the drug to placebo for a fuller look at the available data. “In the broader review using all three studies, we saw a 14% reduction in cardiovascular deaths and total cardiovascular hospitalizations and a 12% reduction in cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization events overall across data from more than 4,500 participants collectively,” said Robert Mentz, M.D., corresponding author of the study, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, and member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute. “As a practicing heart failure cardiologist, I have felt comfortable prescribing intravenous iron for patients with heart failure prior to this study given the known benefits on improvement in quality of life and exercise capacity,” Mentz said. “Now that we have these results, we have important additional data that show this therapy has potential benefits on clinical outcomes, which could help a broad group of patients with heart failure and iron deficiency across the globe.” The study was funded by American Regent, Inc., which manufactures ferric carboxymaltose, and is part of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. In addition to Mentz, study authors include Jyotsna Garg, Frank W. Rockhold, Javed Butler, Carmine G. De Pasquale, Justin A. Ezekowitz, Gregory D. Lewis, Eileen O’Meara, Piotr Ponikowski, Richard W. Troughton, Yee Weng Wong, Lilin She, Josephine Harrington, Robert Adamczyk, Nicole Blackman, and Adrian F. Hernandez. To read the original article click here.

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Fingernail Health Clues to Internal Health. What Do Yours Say?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:03:35 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Is it possible that your fingernails hold the secrets to your health? Can they show you nutrition deficiencies, underlying systemic issues, injuries, or toxic loads from medications? Amazingly, they hold clues into the mysteries that make up your overall health. While your fingernail health is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool, it can help you recognize potential issues that can be further investigated. What do your nails say about your overall health? Find out today! What Fingernail Health Says About Your Overall Health 1. Soft or Weak Nails Soft or weak nails often bend before snapping. Like brittle nails, soft nails may be a fingernail health sign that points to overexposure to moisture or chemicals like detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish remover. However, weak nail may also be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. Other signs of vitamin B deficiency include pins and needles tingling in hands and/or feet, fatigue, pale skin, fast heart rate, mouth pain or swelling, red smooth tongue, and/or depressed moods or mental health changes (1, 2, 3). How can you improve fingernail health when they are soft and weak? Reduce the amount of chemical exposure to your nails. Give your nails a break from polish and/or remover. If other sign point to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, try to increase your intake. 2. Pitted Nails When you look at your nails, do you see evidence of pitting? Nail pits are small round depressions or notches appear in the nails. Nail pitting is common in those with skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. It can coexist with psoriatic arthritis, or may be related to alopecia areata — an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss (4). How can you improve fingernail health if you see nail pitting? If you see nail pitting, it’s worthwhile to talk to your medical provider. Often, this is associated with inflammation or disorders of other connective tissue including skin and joints. You may talk about ways to decrease overall inflammation while supporting connective tissue health. 3. Peeling Fingernails Peeling fingernails can be tricky. It is often due to external trauma. However, it can also be caused by having a low iron status internally. So, which is it for you? One way to figure it out is to look at your toenails. If they are peeling as well, it’s more likely to be an internal, possibly iron, issue. Other iron deficiency symptoms include unexplained fatigue, dark undereye circles, spooned nails (see below), heavy, rather than springy, legs when you walk or run, or newly formed paleness. Iron-deficiency can be assessed and diagnosed with laboratory tests including serum ferritin (5). How can you improve fingernail health when they are peeling? If caused by external trauma, refrain from using your fingernails as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or using acrylic polish on nails. If caused by iron deficiency, talk to your medical provider about testing serum ferritin levels and/or adding iron-rich foods or supplements. 4. Brittle Nails If your fingernails are rough or splitting, you may have what’s called onychoschizia. It’s actually quite common. Typically, it does NOT point to an internal health problem, but a drying out due to repeatedly wetting and drying your hands and nails, such as when washing hands, doing dishes, etc. How can you improve fingernail health when they are brittle? Try using hydrating lotions on your hands and nails to protect them from wetting and drying. Consider wearing gloves while washing dishes or doing other water-heavy tasks. 5. Fingernail Ridges Do you have thin vertical ridges that run from the tip of your fingernail down to your cuticle? If so, don’t fret, these are usually not a cause for concern or an indication of a health issue. If you have horizontal ridges, it may or may not be an indication of a health condition or a side-affect of treatment. For example, this horizontal grooves, call Beau’s lines, are often caused by chemotherapy and show up across all 20 nails in accordance delivery of the medication. In addition, Beau’s lines have been associated with systemic issues such as measles, mumps, malaria, typhoid fever, scarlet fever and hand-foot-mouth disease – in these cases people are typically diagnosed with the issue and then notice the ridges (6). How can you improve fingernail health when you notice ridges? If you notice vertical ridges, you can ignore them or gently buff the surface of your nail with a fingernail buffer to smooth them. If you notice horizontal lines, you may attribute it to a known medication or medical issue, or you can see a healthcare professional to find the underlying cause. 6. Thick Yellow Nails Yellow nails are actually relatively common. They can be caused by an infection or a reaction to a product, such as nail polish. Yellow, thick nails are a different issue. If you notice your fingernails or toe nail are thick, peeling, and discolored, it could be a nail fungal infection, known as Onychomycosis (7). In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a thyroid condition, skin conditions, or blood sugar abnormalities. How can you improve fingernail health when they are yellowing and/or thick? Suspect a nail product as the culprit? Discontinue use and monitor changes. If not thickening, but also not due to a product, talk to your medical professional about potential causes. If your nails are thickening and yellowing, talk to your medical professional about possible fungal infection and treatment. 7. Black Lines on Nails Black lines on nails are also called a splinter hemorrhage. These black lines, which can appear brown or dark red, may look like splinters, and there may be more than one. Typically, these black lines are caused by trauma to the nail. As the nail grows out, they should disappear if due to injury. When they don’t and in rare cases, the lines could be a sign of an underlying issue, including skin, heart, or nail cell issues (8). How can you improve fingernail health if you see black lines on them? If form trauma, give it time. The lines should disappear as your nail grows out. If there’s no change over a few weeks, talk to your healthcare professional and monitor any other symptoms, such as inflamed skin, night sweats, or bleeding in the nail. 8. Nails with White Spots If you see scattered white spots on your nails, it can be a sign of zinc deficiency. It may also be an allergic reaction to a product, fungal infection (see thick yellow nails), or injury to the nail. Other signs of zinc deficiency include unexplained weight loss, wounds that won’t heal, lack of alertness, decreased sense of smell and taste, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and/or open sores on the skin. How can you improve fingernail health if you see white spots? First, give your nails a break from polish or other products and allow the nail to grow. If the spots remain or reappear, or you have other signs of low zinc status, talk your healthcare professional about possible zinc deficiency and supplementation. 9. Spooned Nails Spoon nails are soft nails turned up around the edges, creating “spoons.” This condition also is called koilonychia and are often are a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by inadequate iron intake or absorption, bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. As mentioned above, other iron deficiency symptoms include unexplained fatigue, dark undereye circles, peeling nails (see above), heavy, rather than springy, legs when you walk or run, or newly formed paleness. Iron-deficiency can be assessed and diagnosed with laboratory tests including serum ferritin (9). How can you improve spooned fingernail health? Since this is often caused by iron deficiency, talk to your medical provider about testing serum ferritin levels and/or adding iron-rich foods or supplements. General Recommendations to Take Care of Fingernail Health Fingernails are an epithelial skin appendage. They are made of a hardened nail plate surrounded by specialized epithelial surfaces. The nail plate (the portion of the nail you see on top) is formed of keratinised epithelial cells. Fingernails are incredibly dynamic and grows distally at a rate of over 3 millimeters per month! As described above, fingernails can display signs of connective tissue health, nutrient deficiencies, and systemic issues. It stands to reason then, to support connective tissue health and adequate nutrient intake. From there, if your fingernails still show abnormalities, you may find evidence of other underlying or systemic conditions. To take care of fingernail health in terms of connective tissue support, reduce inflammation, and adequate nutrient intake, consider adding: Collagen Powder (supports connective tissue) A Food-Based Multivitamin/Multimineral Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Supplements Strategies to Increase Needed Minerals and Glutathione In addition, consider giving your nails regular breaks from harsh polishes, glues, and other chemical agents that may harm them. Bottom Line Your fingernail health may hold clues to your internal health. While they are not a stand-alone diagnostic tool, they can be the first indication of an issue. Take care of your fingernails and monitor any signs or symptoms of abnormalities. What are your fingernails telling you? To read the original article click here.

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Studies Link THESE 3 Mineral Imbalances to ADHD in Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:00:50 +0000

Sima Ash via NaturalHealth365 – You’re told your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some might say, “Well, he’s a boy. Boys are more rambunctious,” others may suggest medication or blame lack of discipline for your child’s behavior. Still, some may suggest changing diet, taking omega 3’s, and cutting back on artificial food coloring – which I think is good advice. However, studies suggest that certain mineral imbalances could potentially be linked to learning disorders. Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Ferritin Levels, Studies Advise Psychostimulant medications such as Ritalin are often prescribed by physicians to treat a child’s ADHD symptoms. Why are psychostimulants prescribed? Because they affect dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with addiction), and many people diagnosed with ADHD are suspected of having lower dopamine levels. A study published in 2013 states that brain iron is required to synthesize dopamine and that checking iron levels should be considered. In the study, the iron measurements were done by MRI and deemed less invasive. However, checking blood levels of ferritin (a protein found inside cells that store iron) is also a good option. Another study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that 84% of kids with ADHD had significantly lower iron levels compared to only 18% of control group children. Lower levels of ferritin were associated with worse ADHD symptoms. Iron is not something you want to add to your supplement routine without consulting your healthcare practitioner, as excess iron can block the absorption of zinc, copper, and manganese. Getting iron through food is a safer option. Grass-fed beef can be a good source of protein, but if you add a piece of cheese on top, the dairy can interfere with iron absorption. Vegans or vegetarians may want to consider spirulina and other non-animal sources of protein. ALARMING: 95% of Children with ADHD Are Magnesium Deficient, Study Finds A magnesium deficiency can cause irritability, mental confusion, and a decreased attention span. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some experts state that children with ADHD may actually have a mild magnesium deficiency. One study included 75 magnesium-deficient children who were diagnosed with ADHD. Those given magnesium supplements showed improvement in their behavior compared to those who did not receive magnesium. A study out of Poland found magnesium deficiency in 95% of the ADHD children they examined. If Zinc Levels Are Low, Supplementing Can Help A 2004 study found that supplementing with zinc helped reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and impaired socialization symptoms. Zinc sulfate is usually well tolerated. A 2009 meta-analysis discussed the role of zinc and its essential role in more than 100 enzymes. Also noted was that dopamine is one of the most important factors in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Since melatonin helps regulate dopamine and zinc is necessary to metabolize melatonin, zinc is an important factor in treating ADHD. It’s also important to investigate the possible cause of zinc deficiency. Is your child a picky eater and not getting enough of the mineral? Or could your child have elevated lead levels that are causing their zinc levels to become depleted? It is critical not only to supplement but to try and discover the cause of the problem. Supplementing can help, but if your child is a picky eater, it is also important to introduce new foods that will help get more minerals into the diet. Also, if the culprit is lead, then adding vitamin C and considering chelation would be called for. What’s in Your environment? Toxic Chemicals Can Alter Mineral Levels Children are exposed to chemicals, metals, and other environmental factors that can alter their mineral levels. For instance, fluoride in water can increase lead absorption, so it’s important to detoxify if necessary. Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner is recommended to get to the bottom of mineral deficiencies. Sometimes working with multiple practitioners is needed. Sources for this article include: RSNA.org Europepmc.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Women & What You Need to Know About Them

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:26 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Studies have shown that women’s nutrient intake is highly dependent on not only their diets, but factors like their economic status, social and cultural environment, personal habits, age, level of activity and genetics. Experts believe that some of the most common (although certain other deficiencies are still possible and somewhat common) nutrient deficiencies in women include those in: iron vitamin B12 vitamin D calcium magnesium omega-3s iodine folate Some of the ways that vitamin deficiencies in women can be reduced include eating a nutrient-dense diet and/or taking high-quality supplements, ideally those made from real food sources, which helps improve bioavailability. Nutrient and Vitamin Deficiencies in Women It’s believed that around 30 percent of all women are deficient in one or more of the most important vitamins and minerals, and for many women the risk only increases with age. Another scary finding? Estimates show about 75 percent of women would likely develop nutrient deficiencies if supplemental multivitamins didn’t exist What vitamins are women deficient in? Here are nine of the most common: 1. Iron Iron deficiency and anemia are the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the world, especially among women. According to the World Health Organization, not only does this deficiency affect a large number of children and women living in developing countries, but it is “the only nutrient deficiency which is also significantly prevalent in Industrialized Countries.” It’s estimated that a staggering 30 percent or more of the world’s total population is anaemic, often due to low iron levels. Low iron/anemia can cause fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, brain fog, headaches, dizziness and other issues. Older women, those with anemia, vegans and vegetarians should work with a doctor to make sure they get enough B vitamins and iron since they’re at the greatest risk for these deficiencies. Adolescent girls are at the highest risk for iron deficiencies, and women in general need to be careful to get enough, since demand for iron increases during menstruation due to blood loss. Some ways to increase iron intake include eating a variety of iron-rich foods and those that support enhancement of iron absorption (such as vitamin C foods), in addition to taking an iron supplement. 2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency in vitamin B12 could contribute to symptoms like issues with balance, constipation, weakness, dry skin and cognitive changes. B12 plays an essential role in your health by producing hemoglobin, part of your red blood cells that helps the cells in your body receive life-giving oxygen. 3. Vitamin D Vitamin d deficiency is one of the most common worldwide in both adult women and men (as well as babies and children). Vitamin D can be produced in our bodies when exposed to adequate amounts of UVB radiation from sunlight. Its key role is to regulate calcium absorption. Those with a vitamin D deficiency are unable to absorb that calcium and, in turn, have a hard time strengthening bones. However, vitamin D has several other important roles for overall health, including supporting bone health, cardiovascular health, testosterone and immune function. The National Institutes of Health says that “35% of adults in the United States are vitamin D deficient.” Try to get 10–15 minutes of mid-day sun exposure of the face, hands and arms without protective sunscreen. This may be enough to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, depending on the time of year, latitude and skin pigmentation characteristics. Remember, if your skin is starting to turn pink, you’ve gotten too much sun. 4. Calcium Girls between the ages of 9 and 18 years, as well as women older than 50 years, are believed to be most likely to have to low calcium levels. Overall, between dietary sources and supplements containing calcium, many people still fall short of getting enough calcium — due to reasons including trouble absorbing it and calcium loss from medications and intense exercise. It’s especially important for postmenopausal women to avoid calcium deficiency because this can contribute to bone loss and increased risk for bone fractures/osteoporosis. Women with lactose intolerance as well as vegans may also lack calcium because they avoid eating dairy products, which are some of the most convenient dietary sources. Other factors can affect the amount of calcium absorbed from the digestive tract, including older age (being over 70) and low vitamin D status (vitamin D is needed for proper calcium absorption). 5. Folate Requirements for many micronutrients increase when a woman is pregnant — especially nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and iodine. Folate (which is called folic acid when it’s created synthetically) is critical for a healthy pregnancy and developing fetuses because it helps build the baby’s brain and spinal cord. For pregnant women, supplementing with folate helps decrease the risk of certain birth defects, including spina bifida. To limit the risk of side effects caused by folate deficiency, the American Thyroid Association also recommends all prenatal vitamins contain 150 micrograms of iodine, which should be taken during pregnancy and afterward while breastfeeding. 6. Potassium In the U.S., the National Institutes of Health has determined that based on dietary surveys, many adolescent girls and adult women don’t consume enough potassium on a regular basis. This is why the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans identifies potassium as a “nutrient of public health concern.” According data from large-scale studies conducted in the U.S., the average daily potassium intake from foods is 1,888 milligrams for females up to 19 years and 2,320 milligrams for women over 19. This falls short of the 2,300 to 2,600 milligrams that is recommended for teenage and adult women (or 2,800 for pregnant women). Insufficient potassium intake can contribute to issues such as changes in blood pressure, higher kidney stone risk, interference with bone turnover, increased urinary calcium excretion and changes in salt sensitivity. In addition to eating too few potassium-rich foods, low levels can be due to medication use, diarrhea, vomiting, poor kidney function, laxative use, inflammatory bowel disease and heavy sweating. Severe deficiency (hypokalemia) affects up to 21 percent of hospitalized patients, often due to use of diuretics and other medications. More than 50 percent of individuals with clinically significant hypokalemia are also thought to have magnesium deficiency, since potassium and magnesium work together in many ways. 7. Iodine According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women between the ages of 20–39 have the lowest urine iodine levels compared to all other age groups. Iodine intake is especially important for young women looking to become pregnant or who are pregnant because it plays a role in brain development of the growing fetus. It’s also crucial for making proper amounts of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce the hormones T3 and T4, which help control your metabolism. Most people eating a Western diet consume a good deal of iodized salt found in packaged foods and refined grain products, which has iodine added purposefully to help prevent deficiencies. But an even better way to get the iodine you need is from iodine-rich foods like sea veggies and seafood, the major natural dietary sources of this nutrient. Avoiding an iodine deficiency helps protect you from conditions like hypothyroidism, goiters, fatigue, hormonal imbalances and trouble during pregnancy. 8. Magnesium Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body but also one of the most common deficiencies. As an electrolyte, magnesium helps regulate calcium, potassium and sodium, and it is essential for over 300 different biochemical functions in the body. On a global scale, there’s evidence suggesting that soil depletion has resulted in many crops being lower in magnesium than in past generations — plus health conditions like digestive disorders, leaky gut syndrome, chronic stress and ongoing medication use can all lower someone’s magnesium levels. Leg cramps, insomnia, muscle spasms, anxiety, headaches and digestive issues like constipation can all be signs of magnesium deficiency. For older women, the risk of deficiency might be even greater. Studies have shown that many older people don’t eat magnesium-rich foods to begin with, plus they’re prone to experiencing reduced magnesium intestinal absorption, reduced magnesium bone stores and excess urinary loss. Make sure to get enough by consuming magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green veggies, sea vegetables/algae, beans, nuts and seeds, as it’s sometimes challenging to pack a day’s worth of magnesium into a multivitamin. 9. Omega-3 Fish Oils If you don’t consume seafood like salmon, mackerel, sardines, halibut or tuna regularly, chances are you can afford to take an omega-3 fish oil supplement to prevent an omega-3 deficiency. Most people eating a “Western diet” consume plenty omega-6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory and found in many packaged foods and vegetables oils, but not enough omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory. The two need to balance each other out in order for the heart, brain and immune systems to stay the healthiest they can. A ratio of about 2:1 omega-6s to omega-3s is best, helping prevent conditions like arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and more. Eating wild-caught fish several times per week or taking a supplement equal to about 1,000 milligrams daily is the best way to beat inflammation and get enough omega-3s. How Do You Know If You Have a Vitamin Deficiency? There’s a wide range of symptoms that can be tied to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Some of the more common signs of a nutrient deficiency in women can include: Hair loss Mild cognitive impairment, such as changes in memory, concentration, thinking or behavior Weakness Headaches Low libido Pale and dry skin Red, swollen gums Heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats Slow wound healing, yellowing of the skin and bruising Impaired immune function Mood changes Bone and joint pains and in some cases bone fractures Dry eyes and vision changes In severe cases, vitamin deficiency diseases such as scurvy, rickets, beriberi and pellagra (caused by very low vitamin C, vitamin D and B vitamin levels) When a Healthy Diet Is Enough vs. When It Might Not Be What causes a vitamin deficiency? Is it necessarily due to eating a poor diet? Here’s what we know about women being at risk for vitamin deficiencies: As a woman, you’re more likely to experience low levels of certain key nutrients if any of these apply to you: eating a highly processed diet (one low in things like fresh vegetables and fruit) being a vegetarian or vegan being underweight or consuming too little calories in general (“underweight” is generally considered below a body mass index of 18.5 for women) being of reproductive age (the World Health Organization estimates that in poorer countries 27 percent to 51 percent of women of reproductive age are deficient in key nutrients) being over the age of 65 being of low socioeconomic status, a lack of education and poverty consuming high amounts of alcohol taking certain medications for an extended period of time (such as phenytoin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, triamterene, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) having a condition that interferes with normal nutrient absorption in the gut Even if you feel you do eat a pretty nutrient-dense diet, some women are more susceptible to running low in important vitamins than others. Here are some special circumstances that make a woman a good candidate for taking a high-quality, food-based multivitamin supplement daily to prevent common deficiencies: If you’re a vegetarian or vegan: Plant-based eaters who avoid meat are more likely to be low in B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, which is only found in animal foods. A lack of calcium, amino acids (protein), omega-3s, zinc, iodine and iron are also more common in women who don’t eat any animal products, which is why supplements are recommended. In 2009, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) began recommending that vegans and vegetarians make sure to cover their nutritional needs of the vitamins and minerals listed above, most easily by taking a daily multivitamin and omega-3 supplement. If you’re pregnant: Likely more than any other time in a woman’s life, pregnancy creates a special metabolic demand for high-quality nutrients, both to support the...

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