Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Taking Vitamin D Supplements During Pregnancy Could Be a Key Strategy to Boost Bone Health in Children Health

• Women Who Followed a Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy Had Kids Who, at 2 Years, Were Less Likely to Be Overweight or Obese (6%) Compared to Those in the Control Group (33%). This Effect is Partly Due to an Epigenetic Modification of Leptin Expression

• U.S. Allows ADHD Drugmaker to Increase Production Limit to Ease Ongoing Shortage

• Adolescents Exposed to Greater Parental Conflict More Likely to Have Sleep Problems as Emerging Adults

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Taking Vitamin D Supplements During Pregnancy Could Be a Key Strategy to Boost Bone Health in Children Health

When pregnant, taking care of your baby's health starts early. A recent UK study found that daily vitamin D during pregnancy helps children's bones at ages 6 to 7.

In the study, called the MAVIDOS trial, pregnant women started taking either 1000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo before they were 14 weeks pregnant. Years later, scientists checked on these women's children. Those whose moms took vitamin D had better bone health.

Healthy bones are important. They help prevent breaks and diseases, like osteoporosis, later in life. The study's good news is this: A daily vitamin D pill can greatly improve a child's growing bone health.

The benefits of taking vitamin D during pregnancy were consistent over time, meaning they lasted for years. This suggests that this small daily step could have a long-term positive impact on a child’s health.

This study supports the idea that getting enough vitamin D when pregnant is a smart choice for the health of babies. It's especially important in places where not getting enough vitamin D is common and bone problems are frequent.

If you're expecting, talk to your doctor about how much vitamin D is right for you. It's a simple way to give your child a head start on having strong bones.

Source: ajcn.nutrition.org

WEIGHT LOSS

Women Who Followed a Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy Had Kids Who, at 2 Years, Were Less Likely to Be Overweight or Obese (6%) Compared to Those in the Control Group (33%). This Effect is Partly Due to an Epigenetic Modification of Leptin Expression

Eating healthy during pregnancy is important. A recent study found that moms who follow a Mediterranean diet while pregnant can help their kids stay a healthy weight. This diet includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish.

Researchers looked at 104 women who were just starting their pregnancies. They divided them into two groups. One group got regular health advice, and the other group got special tips on following the Mediterranean diet. They watched these families until the children turned two years old.

The results were clear. Only 6% of the kids whose moms ate the Mediterranean diet were overweight or obese. In the group that didn't get special diet advice, 33% of the kids were overweight or obese. This shows that the diet can make a big difference in keeping kids at a healthy weight.

The study also found out why this might happen. It has to do with genes, especially the gene for leptin, which controls hunger and how the body uses fat. The diet caused changes in this gene that could help prevent kids from gaining too much weight.

This research suggests that what moms eat during pregnancy doesn't just affect the baby before birth—it can also help the child keep a healthy weight as they grow. Following a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is a simple way to help fight childhood obesity.

Source: nature.com

HEALTH

U.S. Allows ADHD Drugmaker to Increase Production Limit to Ease Ongoing Shortage

To tackle the ongoing shortage of a key ADHD medication, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has decided to allow increased production of Vyvanse and its generic equivalents. Vyvanse, or lisdexamfetamine, is vital for treating ADHD. But, it has been hard to find in pharmacies.

The DEA's decision follows a July request from the FDA. It aimed to ensure enough Vyvanse for those who need it. This medication is in a special category that requires careful monitoring because it has a higher chance of being misused.

The shortage problems started getting worse in October 2022, when another ADHD drug called Adderall ran into production delays. This issue led more people to seek out Vyvanse, increasing the pressure on its limited supplies. In response, the DEA has now approved an increase in Vyvanse production by 6,236 kilograms. This includes 1,558 kilograms aimed at meeting the growing demand in the U.S., and an additional 4,678 kilograms for overseas patients.

This boost in production is vital. It will ensure patients get this medication without delay. The move is timely. Last year, the FDA approved 11 drugmakers to make generic versions of Vyvanse. This should increase supply and stabilize the market.

Source: nbcnews.com

Adolescents Exposed to Greater Parental Conflict More Likely to Have Sleep Problems as Emerging Adults

A study that lasted eight years shows that teens who often saw their parents argue might have more trouble sleeping when they become adults. A report in the journal Sleep Health links family arguments in teens to later sleep problems.

Each year, about 40% of teens see their parents argue, and 22% see fights that get physical. These stressful sights can make it hard for them to sleep well, a problem that can continue into their 20s.

Researchers followed 245 young people from ages 16 to 18 and kept checking on them until they were 23. They used a special wristband to track sleep, looking at how long they slept, how well they slept, and how often they woke up at night.

The results were clear: better sleep as teens meant better sleep at 23. But those who saw a lot of arguing at home tended to sleep less deeply and wake up more often at night.

This study shows that teen family fights can harm adult sleep. The study found no severe sleep issues. But, it suggests that these early experiences could have a lasting effect. It highlights why it's important to help families with a lot of conflicts, to improve both the current and future well-being of young people.

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.