Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Artificial Sweetener Erythritol Linked to Blood Clots, Study Warns

• People Are Overdosing on Semaglutide Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy

• New Research Finds That if You’re Aiming for Muscle Growth, Training Closer to Failure (the Point Where You Can’t Do Another Rep) Might Be More Effective. For Strength, How Close You Push to Failure Doesn’t Seem to Matter as Much

• Type 2 Diabetes Increased by Almost 20% Between 2012 and 2022, According to a New Study From the University of Georgia

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Artificial Sweetener Erythritol Linked to Blood Clots, Study Warns

Recent research raises concerns about erythritol. It's a popular sugar substitute in many sugar-free products. Erythritol has fewer calories and is 70% as sweet as sugar. Its safety is now being questioned.

Approved by the FDA and used since the 1990s, erythritol is common in items like gum, diet sodas, and candies. However, new studies suggest it might not be as harmless as once thought. A study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology shows that erythritol could increase the risk of blood clots. This condition, known as thrombosis, can block blood vessels and lead to serious heart problems.

The study involved 20 healthy people who drank beverages with erythritol. Researchers found that these individuals had a significant increase in blood clotting activity compared to those who drank glucose. This reaction could potentially lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other severe issues.

Despite these findings, experts urge caution. Duane Mellor, a dietician, is one of them. Mellor noted the study's focus on short-term effects. He called for more research to understand the long-term impacts.

More studies are needed. But, the current evidence suggests we should rethink the safety of erythritol in our diets. Many in the medical community are advising caution based on these initial findings.

Source: scientificamerican.com

WEIGHT LOSS

People Are Overdosing on Semaglutide Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy

More people are using the weight-loss shot Wegovy, but there’s a big problem: too many are taking too much. Semaglutide, the main part of Wegovy, also in Ozempic for diabetes, can seriously upset your stomach even in normal amounts. If you take too much, you might end up needing a doctor.

Why are overdoses happening?

Overdoses often happen when people measure their own medicine. This is common with drugs from compounding pharmacies, which mix drugs when there’s a shortage, like with semaglutide since 2022. They give out the medicine in vials with syringes, and it's up to you to get the amount right. This can be tricky because the syringe measurements might not match your dose instructions, leading to taking much more than you should.

What risks come with overdosing?

Taking too much can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Some have also faced dehydration, headaches, and severe pancreas problems, landing them in the hospital.

How to prevent dosing errors?

Make sure you get help from a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you're new to using syringes. If your medicine comes in the mail from an online doctor, double-check how to measure and take it correctly. Always talk to a pharmacist for help instead of looking online, where the info might be wrong.

Be cautious of scams

Watch out for fake online pharmacies offering cheap drugs without a prescription. Stick to trusted sources and check with healthcare professionals to avoid dangerous mistakes.

Source: scientificamerican.com

HEALTH

New Research Finds That if You’re Aiming for Muscle Growth, Training Closer to Failure (the Point Where You Can’t Do Another Rep) Might Be More Effective. For Strength, How Close You Push to Failure Doesn’t Seem to Matter as Much

If you want bigger muscles, working out until you almost can't do another rep might be the best way. But if you're aiming for strength, how hard you push might not matter as much. This comes from new research by Florida Atlantic University and their team.

When you lift weights or do leg presses, it matters if you train to "failure," or until you can't go anymore. It can affect your results. Researchers looked at 55 studies to see how this approach impacts muscle size and strength.

They found that training close to failure doesn't change how much stronger you get; strength can improve just as much without going to the limit. However, for muscle size, training close to failure is helpful. The closer you are to failing, the more your muscles can grow.

The researchers suggest that if you want bigger muscles, try to finish your sets just a few reps before you can't go anymore. But if you're lifting for strength, focus on heavier weights and don't push to failure.

Training close to failure also helps you better judge how many reps you can do, which helps in choosing the right weights. But, it's important to not overdo it to avoid injuries and too much strain on your body.

So, depending on what you want—bigger muscles or more strength—how you train can make a big difference in your gym results.

Source: fau.edu

Type 2 Diabetes Increased by Almost 20% Between 2012 and 2022, According to a New Study From the University of Georgia

Type 2 diabetes has risen by almost 20% in the last ten years, a study from the University of Georgia shows. This health issue is growing in all groups, but it hits non-Hispanic Black adults and those over 65 the hardest.

The study used data from a large health survey, which included over 400,000 people. It found that older adults, those 65 and up, are much more likely to get diabetes compared to young adults aged 18 to 24. Adults between 45 and 64 are also at higher risk.

Income and education levels impact who gets diabetes too. People with lower incomes and less education are more likely to be diagnosed. In contrast, those with higher incomes are 41% less likely to get diabetes, and those with a college degree are 24% less likely.

Sulakshan Neupane, who led the study, says, "Diabetes is increasing every day in the U.S., and it will grow even more in the future." He notes that diabetes costs the country about $412 billion a year in healthcare and lost work.

The study found that diabetes is growing fast in the South and Midwest. Some risks, like age and race, can't be changed. But, Neupane stresses the need to stay active and manage weight to lower the risk of diabetes.

Source: news.uga.edu

✢ 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.