Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Why We Might Never Know the Truth About Ultra-processed Foods

• Ozempic Maker Says Unapproved Compounded Drugs Being Sold in Canada

• Measles Cases in the U.S. Are Already Triple Last Year’s Total

• Higher Omega-3 Levels Linked to Lower Risk of Depression, Study Finds. Individuals With Higher Estimated Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Less Likely to Suffer From Major Depressive Disorder. We Cannot Efficiently Synthesize Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Which Must Be Obtained Through Diet or Supplements

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Why We Might Never Know the Truth About Ultra-processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, include things like chicken nuggets, soda, and some breads. They're a big part of what many people eat, especially in the UK, where they make up over half of the calories people consume. These foods go through a lot of factory steps and often have long, hard-to-say ingredients. They're usually full of fat, sugar, or salt.

Many health experts believe that these foods are not good for us. Studies have linked eating a lot of UPFs to serious health problems like cancer and heart disease. However, there's no clear proof that UPFs cause these issues directly.

Running a study that could prove this for sure would be very complex and expensive. It would involve watching what people eat very closely and making sure they stick to the study rules, which is hard to do.

Funding for such studies is tough to get, and it's hard to keep people in these studies for a long time. This makes it even more challenging to find clear answers.

Some scientists, like Duane Mellor, say we can only suggest what might be risky about UPFs but can't say for sure. They are looking at how certain additives in UPFs affect our bodies.

Understanding UPFs is complicated. For now, a good rule is to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and less sugary and fatty snacks.

Source: bbc.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Maker Says Unapproved Compounded Drugs Being Sold in Canada

The company that makes Ozempic, a drug for diabetes and weight loss, has warned that some unapproved versions are being sold in Canada. These versions are called compounded drugs. They are mixed by pharmacies or medical professionals. However, these specific drugs have not been checked for safety and could be dangerous.

Novo Nordisk, the Ozempic manufacturer, reported this issue to Health Canada. They noted that only they can sell drugs with semaglutide. It's the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Canadian and U.S. health authorities allow this.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies used compounding more often when other medicines were hard to find. But now, Novo Nordisk is worried that these compounded drugs are being made and sold just to save money, not because there is a real need.

The U.S. FDA is concerned. Some patients took much more than the needed dose. This caused serious health problems and hospital visits. Symptoms included nausea and fainting.

Novo Nordisk is fighting back with lawsuits in the U.S. against places that sell these unsafe compounded drugs. They urge patients to only use approved versions of their medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic. These approved drugs are specifically measured for safe use every week.

It's important for Canadians to only use medicines approved by Health Canada to avoid any health risks.

Source: globalnews.ca

HEALTH

Measles Cases in the U.S. Are Already Triple Last Year’s Total

This year, the U.S. has seen a significant jump in measles cases. By July, health officials reported 188 cases in 26 states and D.C. Luckily, there have been no deaths. But, 93 people, mostly kids under five, needed hospital care.

In comparison, last year saw just 58 measles cases from four separate outbreaks. The current numbers are alarmingly close to those of 2019. Back then, over 1,200 cases almost made the U.S. lose its status as a country that had eliminated measles.

This increase is mostly due to fewer people getting vaccinated and a rise in measles cases around the world. Most of those who caught measles this year had not been vaccinated or their vaccination status was unclear. A large number of these cases were linked to people traveling internationally.

Experts emphasize the importance of having at least 95% of the community vaccinated to prevent measles from spreading. Only 93% of U.S. kindergarteners are up to date with their MMR vaccinations. This is a decrease from previous years.

The surge in measles cases is a stark reminder of how crucial vaccinations are. It shows the dangers of not vaccinating and the impact of misinformation about vaccines. To protect public health, we must stay informed and vaccinate. This is key to keeping diseases like measles at bay.

Source: nbcnews.com

Higher Omega-3 Levels Linked to Lower Risk of Depression, Study Finds. Individuals With Higher Estimated Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Less Likely to Suffer From Major Depressive Disorder. We Cannot Efficiently Synthesize Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Which Must Be Obtained Through Diet or Supplements

Recent research found that people with more omega-3 fatty acids in their body might have a lower risk of major depressive disorder. The strongest link to a reduced risk of depression was found with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3.

Omega-3s are special fats that our bodies can't make by themselves. We need to eat them or take supplements. You can find omega-3s in foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, fish, and algae. These fats are vital for brain health, reducing inflammation, and heart health.

The study used genetic data from over 100,000 people. The data came from the UK Biobank and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. It found that people with genes for high omega-3s were less likely to be depressed.

However, the researchers also said the effect of omega-3s on lowering depression is small. This means omega-3s are just one part of what affects depression, which can be caused by many things.

Rebecca Carnegie, the main researcher, said this study helps us. It shows how our diet can affect our mental health. Future research might explore how specific omega-3s, like EPA and DHA, can help prevent or manage depression. This is especially for people who don't get enough of these fats from their diet.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.