Vitamin K is a vitamin typically associated with the ability of blood to clot. It also plays a role in bone health. A recent study looked at the association of dietary intake of different types of vitamin K and mortality, in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk (1). This study had over 7000 participants from the PREDIMED study (a larger study looking at various factors) and they were followed-up for almost 5 years. Energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated using a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary vitamin K intake was calculated annually using the USDA food composition database and other published sources.

Energy-adjusted baseline dietary phylloquinone (a form of vitamin K) intake was inversely associated with a significantly reduced risk of cancer and all-cause mortality after controlling for potential confounders. In more assessments, individuals who increased their intake of phylloquinone or menaquinone (another form of vitamin K) during follow-up had a lower risk of cancer and all-cause mortality (by 33%) than individuals who decreased or did not change their intake. Also, individuals who increased their intake of dietary phylloquinone had a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality risk. This study shows that an increase in dietary intake of vitamin K is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular, cancer, or all-cause mortality in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular disease risk.

When trying to lose weight or improve the fat distribution, people will try multiple different exercises or supplement regiments. This study looked at the timed-ingestion of supplemental protein (in particular, 20g servings of whey protein 3 times daily) added to a regular diet.⁽¹⁾ This was done in overweight and obese adults. They were randomized to receive whey protein only, whey protein and resistance exercise, or whey protein and a multi-mode exercise program. Regional body composition and visceral adipose tissue mass, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and feelings of hunger were measured before and after the 16 weeks of the study. All groups lost body weight, fat mass and abdominal fat. However, those doing the whey and multi-mode exercise program lost significantly more weight and fat mass and gained a greater percentage of lean body mass compared to the other groups. Fasting blood sugar also went down the most in this group, and measures of hunger and satiety were improved. The researchers conclude that exercise training and timed-ingestion of whey protein, independent of dieting and calorie restriction, can improve multiple parameters.

Intravenous vitamin C (IVC) is used as a treatment in integrative oncology. A recent study analyzed human trials and observational studies to develop a better understanding of its effect.⁽¹⁾ Multiple medical databases were searched and included in the review and analysis. In total, there were 2 randomized trials, 15 uncontrolled trials, 6 observational studies, and 14 case reports. The dose ranged from 1g to 200g per infusion, usually done 2-3 times per week. IVC did not appear to increase toxicity or interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs. IVC may improve time to relapse and possibly enhance reductions in tumor mass and improve survival, in combination with chemotherapy. It may also improve quality of life, physical function, and toxicities associated with chemotherapy such as fatigue, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and depression. Some of the case reports show tumor regression and long-term disease-free survival associated with the use of IVC. However, there is limited high-quality clinical evidence on the overall safety and effectiveness, so more research is warranted.

In this relatively recent study, adjunctive naturopathic care was provided to primary care patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.⁽¹⁾ 40 patients with type 2 diabetes were invited from a large integrated health care system to receive up to eight naturopathic visits for up to one year. They had to have hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values between 7.5-9.5% and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being overweight). HbA1c is a measure of blood sugar over 3 months, and values of 7.5-9.5% indicate uncontrolled diabetes. A lot of information was gathered from these patients, including their problem areas, perceived stress, motivation, mood, and objective lab values. Changes were calculated form baseline scores and 6 and 12 months into the study. These values were compared to other patients who were not participating in the study. The results showed that at 6 and 12 months, improvements were found in most reported measures, including glucose testing, diet, physical activity, mood, self-efficacy, and motivation. The HbA1c values decreased in the those who were treated. This research suggests that adjunctive naturopathic care may be helpful for type 2 diabetes, but the exact therapies that are helpful cannot be known until more studies are done.

A new study was published that examined 2 whether separate items could prevent upper respiratory tract infections in university students.⁽¹⁾ First, they wanted to know if vitamin D supplementation (10,000 IU per week) would be helpful. Secondly, they wanted to see if gargling would help with prevention. They conducted their study with a design that allowed testing of both treatments independently and together. 600 students were randomized into the treatment groups and completed weekly surveys. They also submitted nasal swabs. Symptomatic students completed additional symptom diaries. The researchers measured the occurrence of symptoms of respiratory infections and lab confirmed infections. The results showed that 25% of participants reported infections. 23.3% of those taking vitamin D reported infections versus 26.7% taking placebo. 28.3% of those gargling reported infections compared to 21.7% of those not gargling. Overall, vitamin D3 treatment was associated with much lower risk of lab confirmed infection and a lower quantity of viruses. Gargling did not have a huge effect in either direction. The researchers conclude that vitamin D3 is a promising treatment for prevention of respiratory infections.

Children have a lower tendency to eat vegetables, especially if they are fussy eaters or in their pre-school years. Repeated exposure to vegetables improves children's intake of new vegetables, but there are many individualized differences. A recent study examined the factors that might have an impact on the quantity of vegetables consumed by children.⁽¹⁾ Different factors may predict different response rates to repeated exposure. The researchers included children from three countries aged 4 to 38 months. Three groups were used in each experiment: each child was given between 5 to 10 exposures of a new vegetable (artichoke puree) in one of three versions (basic, sweet, or added energy). The intake was measured before and after the exposure period. Overall, younger children ate more than older children. There were 4 patterns of behaviour in the study. 40% of children were "learners", meaning they increased their intake over time. 21% ate more than 75% of what was offered each time and were labelled "plate-clearers". 16% were "non-eaters" eating less than 10g by the 5th exposure. The remaining children were categorized as "other" because of variability. Age was a predictor of eating pattern, with older children more likely to be "non-eaters". Overall, repeated exposure familiarizes kids with new foods, but also the earlier this happens in life the more it might increase future intake and healthy eating habits. Fussier and older children may require different strategies to increase their vegetable intake.

A rotator cuff tear is an injury to one of the tendons of rotator cuff muscles. It can include any type of irritation or damage to these muscles and is one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. Some animal studies have shown better healing with a longer duration of protection without motion exercise after rotator cuff repair. A new study assessed the effect of immobilization following rotator cuff repair and sought to determine whether there was any difference in clinical outcome related to the duration of immobilization ⁽¹⁾.

In the study, 100 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff were randomized to be treated with immobilization for four or eight weeks. During the immobilization, no passive or active range-of-motion exercises were allowed. 88 patients were evaluated clinically with MRI postoperatively, after exclusion of 12 patients without a postoperative evaluation. The researchers compared range of motion, clinical scores, and retear rates between the groups. The results showed that at follow-up approximately 3 years later, the two groups showed no differences in range of motion or clinical scores. However, the proportion showing stiffness was higher in the eight-week group. As a result, the researchers suggest limiting immobilization to only 4 weeks.

Anxiety is one of the most common diagnoses that occur in the primary care of patients. Women are more predominantly affected. As much as 8% of doctor visits are associated with some form of anxiety. The formal term for anxiety is generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. It is often associated with other issues, such as panic, depression, alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. It usually impairs a variety of functions, including pain and activities of daily living. A study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a pilot program that used multiple complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, focusing on self-care behaviours for the treatment of GAD ⁽¹⁾.

In this study, participants were volunteers from a military treatment facility in the Pacific Northwest. They had a history of GAD or met the criteria for GAD (as assessed by a standardized questionnaire called the GAD-7). The participants received acupuncture treatments once a week for 6 weeks, engaged in yogic breathing exercises, self- and/or partner-assisted massage therapy using scented oils, episodic journaling, nutrition counseling, and exercise. The results showed that there were reductions in anxiety as measured by numerous scales, reductions in depression, and reductions in stress. As an added bonus, many of the participants reduced their prescribed medications. The researchers conclude that a combination of CAM therapies can be extremely helpful for those with anxiety disorders.

When pain menstrual cramping occurs, it is usually cramping in the uterus. It causes restriction in activity and often causes absences from school and work among young women. The medical term for painful menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. Usually the drugs used to treat it are not effective for all women and can often have side effects that limit their use. A recent study was done in San Francisco looking at an injection of vitamin K1 as an acupoint treatment ⁽¹⁾. This means that women who had painful menstrual cramping were randomized into 2 groups. The women were 18 to 25 years old. One group received a vitamin K1 injection into the acupuncture point Spleen-6 in both legs; the point is located just above the inner ankle. The other group received a saline injection (just salt and water, as a fake treatment). They alternated so that each group received the other treatment after 2 weeks. The results of the study showed that using a numeric rating scale from 0-10, the women had an average 2.5-point decrease in pain after the vitamin K1 injection, compared to only a 1.8-point decrease in pain after the saline injection. The intensity and duration of menstrual symptoms were measured on a symptom scale and also decreased following the injections. The majority of the women reported the treatment was tolerable and would come every month if the treatment were available.

The consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels and improvements in this lining may be responsible for the benefits. A recent trial was conducted that included thirty middle-aged, overweight adults in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial ⁽¹⁾. During the active treatment, they were given cocoa, 22 grams per day (through 37 grams of dark chocolate and a sugar-free cocoa beverage). For part of the trial, they were given items that looked similar, but did not contain cocoa. The treatments were identical in total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, and protein (in other words only the cocoa differed between them). The cocoa treatment improved the properties of the inner lining of blood vessels (as measured by something called basal diameter and peak diameter). It also improved blood flow. Arterial stiffness is usually a quality that is associated with worse heart health. The cocoa was able to decrease stiffness as well. The consumption of cocoa had no effect on fasting blood sugar. Overall, the researchers conclude that the high-flavanol cocoa and dark chocolate treatments are associated with enhanced heart health and improve the health of arteries and other blood vessels.

A recent clinical trial was conducted to examine the effect of prophylactic probiotics on a number of gastrointestinal concerns in children.⁽¹⁾

Colic, gastroesophageal reflux (or heartburn), and constipation are the most common disorders that lead to referrals to pediatricians in kids who are 6 months of age or younger. These health conditions are often responsible for hospitalizations, feeding changes, use of drugs, anxiety for parents, and other social consequences. This study used the probiotic supplement (specifically, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938). They used the probiotic supplement for the first 3 months of life to see if it would help with preventing the gastrointestinal conditions.

The study was conducted in Italy. They used a placebo-controlled design and performed the research out of 9 different neonatal units. Parents were asked to record a number of different parameters in a diary, including: the number of episodes of regurgitation, duration of inconsolable crying, number of evacuations per day, number of visits to pediatricians, feeding changes, hospitalizations, visits to an emergency department, pharmacologic interventions, and loss of parental working days. The results of the study showed that at 3 months, the probiotic caused a decrease in duration of crying time and in the number of regurgitations per day, and also increased number of evacuations per day. The use of the probiotic also caused financial savings for the patient and the community.

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific areas of the body to promote health. Postoperative nausea and vomiting are common complaints, even despite advances in care. One newly published study examined whether it would be better to use two separate acupuncture points together, or only one point by itself.^[1] Both points are located on the wrist and hand. The researchers looked at 227 surgical patients who underwent general anesthesia and were randomly assigned to two groups. They compared how often nausea and vomiting occurred between the two groups. The results showed that those who only had one acupuncture point experienced a large amount of nausea and vomiting (85.7%). Those who had both acupuncture points experienced less nausea and vomiting (69.6%).

Acupuncture has also been studied without actually inserting needles, and this is called acupressure. It simply means applying pressure to the acupuncture point locations. It can be done with fingers or little pellets. In early pregnancy, nausea and vomiting are common complaints. In one study, pregnant participants were randomized to receive either no treatment, or little pellets to stick on their ears at specific locations.^[2] They filled out questionnaires regarding their symptoms. The study found that those who used the ear pellets had less symptoms, especially 4 to 6 days after they started.

The key factors of the Mediterranean diet consist of eating primarily plant-based foods (like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts), eating healthy fats like olive oil, using herbs and spices instead of salt, limiting red meat, eating fish and poultry, and drinking red wine in moderation. A recent study analyzed a subgroup of another very large study that spanned 7 years in total and followed over 3500 participants.^[1] Participants were randomly assigned and separated by gender, age, and location. They received 1 of 3 diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts, or a control diet that had low-fat. No interventions were provided to increase physical activity or promote weight loss (which could both possibly skew results). The researchers measured and recorded the amount of people who became newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They found that during their follow-ups, those in the diet plus olive oil group developed the lowest amount of diabetes. Those in the nuts group developed less diabetes than those in the control group. The conclusion from this study is that a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil can reduce diabetes risk, especially among people who have a high risk of heart problems.

Green tea is made from the leaves of a herb called Camellia sinensis. It originated in Asia but now has spread through most cultures. Recently, green tea and sour tea have been studied as a possible treatment strategies to help prevent and control the side effects of diabetes.^[1] One study examined whether they would help those diabetics who had mildly elevated blood pressure. There were 100 patients studied in total and they were asked to drink green tea and sour tea three times a day, 2 hours after each meal. They did this for 4 weeks. The results showed that the blood pressure of those drinking both kinds of tea decreased by the end of the trial. When sour tea is discussed, it is usually referring to tea made from the herb Hibiscus sabdariffa. By itself, sour tea has also been studied for its ability to lower blood pressure. In a randomized controlled trial, it was compared versus black tea.^[2] Patients were asked to drink 2 cups a day for 1 month. The results showed that patients who drank the sour tea had decreases in blood pressure, while those who drank black tea had increases in blood pressure. Together, all this information suggests that both green tea and sour tea would be good options.

Getting a positive result on a screening test for cancer, like a mammogram, can be quite distressing. However, mammograms can be effective in decreasing negative consequences from breast cancer. A new study was recently published that measured the effect of false-positive mammograms on the quality of life of women.^[1] They measured quality of life with questionnaires about personal anxiety, health utility, and attitudes about future screening tests. Over one thousand women were included in the study. They found that anxiety was much higher in women with false-positive results. They also found that the women with false-positives were much more willing to undergo further testing and were worried about the possibility of more inaccurate results. This study showed that women's anxiety was only short-lived and not long-lasting. However, previous research into the same topic has found that false-positives cause long-term psychosocial harm, even up to 3 years after the finding.^[2] These previous studies have found that women experienced a roller coaster of emotion, imagined the worst, and were in a state of uncertainty. On the bright side, these women did feel protected, surrounded by their families and being professionally taken care of, which together allowed them to feel strength and hope.