01/21/25 - #309

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • FDA Bans Use of Red No. 3 Dye in Food, Drinks

  • Semaglutide and Liraglutide, Developed to Treat Obesity, Were Associated With Reduced Risks of Hospitalization Due to Alcohol Use Disorder in People With Obesity or Diabetes. Strikingly, the Reduction in Risk Was Greater Than That Observed With Approved Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

  • Cannabis Users' Risk of Developing Psychotic Disorders Appears to Decrease With Time Once They Stop Using the Drug: About 37 Weeks to Recede to the Same Levels of Those Who Had Never Used It, However Frequent Users of High Potency Strains Might Maintain an Elevated Risk, Even Over the 181 Weeks

  • Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control is Critical. There's a New Option for Tough Cases

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

FDA Bans Use of Red No. 3 Dye in Food, Drinks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned Red No. 3 dye from being used in food, drinks, and some medicines. This dye was used to make things like candy and cakes look bright red. For years, health groups have argued it's unsafe because studies showed it might cause cancer in rats. However, no studies have proven it causes cancer in people.

Despite this, FDA rules are clear: if a dye can cause cancer in animals, it can't be used in foods for humans or animals. Because of this, the FDA decided it's time to stop using Red No. 3.

Food companies must stop using the dye by 2027, and medicine makers must stop by 2028. They will need to find other ways to color their products.

This decision follows similar actions in Europe, where this dye has been banned since 1994. The FDA also stopped using Red 3 in cosmetics back in 1990.

However, Red 40, another red dye used in food, is still allowed. Like Red No. 3, some studies say Red 40 could cause cancer in animals.

The FDA is known for keeping our food safe. They need more money to keep checking on the safety of things like food dyes. The head of the FDA explained that without enough proof, it's hard to make these bans stick because they can be challenged in court.

WEIGHT LOSS

Semaglutide and Liraglutide, Developed to Treat Obesity, Were Associated With Reduced Risks of Hospitalization Due to Alcohol Use Disorder in People With Obesity or Diabetes. Strikingly, the Reduction in Risk Was Greater Than That Observed With Approved Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Recent research shows that two drugs could help people with alcohol problems. They are semaglutide and liraglutide. These drugs are usually used for diabetes and obesity, but they might also reduce hospital visits caused by alcohol use. This finding is important because the drugs worked better than the usual treatments for alcohol issues.

Alcohol use disorder harms people's health and relationships. It makes it hard to control their drinking. Usual treatments include therapy and medicines like naltrexone. They don't work for everyone. Semaglutide and liraglutide belong to a group of drugs that help with blood sugar and hunger. This effect could also lower the desire for alcohol.

The study looked at over 227,000 people with alcohol problems. It found that semaglutide cut hospitalization by 36%. Liraglutide did so by 28%. This was more effective than naltrexone, which only reduced the risk by 14%.

Researchers used careful methods to make sure their results were accurate. However, they say more studies are needed to confirm these findings. They warn that these drugs should not yet be used to treat alcohol use disorder until more research is done.

This study could lead to new ways to help people who struggle with alcohol use, especially those who also have diabetes or obesity. It’s an exciting step forward, but more work is needed to make sure these treatments are safe and effective.

HEALTH

Cannabis Users' Risk of Developing Psychotic Disorders Appears to Decrease With Time Once They Stop Using the Drug: About 37 Weeks to Recede to the Same Levels of Those Who Had Never Used It, However Frequent Users of High Potency Strains Might Maintain an Elevated Risk, Even Over the 181 Weeks

A study from King's College London has good news for those who quit cannabis. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry published the study. It shows that the risk of psychotic disorders decreases after someone stops using cannabis. After about 37 weeks without using it, their risk is the same as someone who has never used it.

The study used data from the EU-GEI case-control study. It included 875 patients with their first episode of psychosis and 1,230 people without psychosis from Europe and South America. It examined things like how often people used cannabis, how strong it was, and how long it had been since they stopped.

Heavy use of stronger cannabis raised the risk of psychosis, even after 181 weeks. Those who had just stopped using cannabis had a much higher risk—almost seven times more than those who never used it. This risk decreases to three times after 5 to 12 weeks of stopping.

Dr. Isabelle Austin-Zimmerman and Professor Marta Di Forti led the study. They say this research is important, especially as more places are making cannabis legal. They call for more studies. But, they stress the need for support for people trying to quit cannabis, especially heavy users of strong types. This study shows that stopping cannabis can be beneficial, but support is crucial during this time.

Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control is Critical. There's a New Option for Tough Cases

High blood pressure can be dangerous. But, for people like Michael Garrity, normal treatments weren't enough. At 62, Garrity found relief from high blood pressure. A new procedure targets nerves in his kidneys.

This treatment, called "renal denervation," is a simple process. Doctors use a small tube to send energy to nerves around the kidneys that affect blood pressure. The FDA approved this method a year ago. It is a new hope for patients with high blood pressure despite many medicines.

Dr. Joseph Garasic, a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital who did Garrity's treatment, said this technique could reduce blood pressure by 8 to 10 points on average. For some people, like Garrity, it can make an even bigger difference and help them use fewer medications.

The American Heart Association recently said this procedure looks promising. Hospitals are now starting to offer it. They need to determine who it will work for and if insurance will cover the costs.

However, it's still important to check your blood pressure regularly. Dr. Randy Zusman from Massachusetts General Hospital advises everyone to get checked every year, even if they feel fine.

Changing your lifestyle is still the best first step to manage high blood pressure. This includes eating healthier, exercising more, and handling stress. But for difficult cases like Garrity's, renal denervation offers a new way to control this challenging condition.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.