11/14/25 - #522

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Lead Levels in Protein Powder, Shakes Flagged by Consumer Reports

• Here's How Much Weight Loss Drugs Could Cost You Under Trump's Deals With Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk

• Heavy Alcohol Use Linked to Risk of Brain Bleed Earlier in Life

• Scientists Have Edited a Gene That May Reduce High Cholesterol Permanently

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Lead Levels in Protein Powder, Shakes Flagged by Consumer Reports

Some popular protein powders and shakes may have small amounts of lead, a toxic metal. Consumer Reports tested 23 products and found that some had as much as 7.7 micrograms of lead in one serving. That’s more than most people get from all their food in a day.

Most of the powders with higher lead levels were plant-based, made from peas, soy, or rice. These plants can soak up lead from the soil or air. When the plants are made into powder, the lead gets concentrated.

Experts say no amount of lead is safe. Over time, it can build up in your body and harm your brain, kidneys, and mood. It can also affect memory and may raise the risk for long-term health problems. The concern is not from using it once, but from using it every day for months or years.

Health Canada says the lead levels found in these powders are within current safety rules. Still, experts suggest most people get protein from whole foods like meat, eggs, cheese, nuts, and beans.

If you do use protein powders:

• Try not to use them daily

• Choose ones tested by independent labs

• Avoid them if you’re pregnant, sick, or buying for children

Some companies say their products meet U.S. or European rules. But the safest choice is to use powders only sometimes—and stick to real food most of the time.

Always check the label. Your health is worth it.

Source: cbc.ca

WEIGHT LOSS

Here's How Much Weight Loss Drugs Could Cost You Under Trump's Deals With Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk

Weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are popular, but they’ve been too expensive for many people. Right now, they cost over $1,000 a month. But new deals made by President Donald Trump with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk could change that.

Starting next year, the monthly cost may drop to between $50 and $350. How much you pay will depend on the dose and whether you have insurance. Medicare will begin covering these drugs for obesity in 2026. Some people on Medicare may only pay $50 a month if they qualify.

To qualify, you must fall into one of three groups:

• People who are overweight (BMI over 27) and have prediabetes or heart disease

• People with obesity (BMI over 30) and high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart failure

• People with severe obesity (BMI over 35)

The government will also offer lower prices for those without insurance through a new program called TrumpRx. Prices for shots like Wegovy and Zepbound will start at $350 and may drop to $250 later. New weight loss pills, once approved, will cost $149 a month.

Eli Lilly also plans to sell Zepbound for as low as $299 a month through its own website. Higher doses may cost up to $449.

Medicaid programs may also get lower prices—$245 a month—but each state must choose to join. Check with your state to see if you’re covered.

These deals could make weight loss drugs easier to afford for many people.

Source: cnbc.com

HEALTH

Heavy Alcohol Use Linked to Risk of Brain Bleed Earlier in Life

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital shows that drinking too much alcohol may raise the risk of a serious stroke called a brain bleed—and it may happen earlier in life.

Researchers looked at 1,600 patients who had brain bleeds not caused by injuries. People who drank three or more alcoholic drinks a day had brain bleeds around age 64, on average. Those who didn’t drink heavily had bleeds around age 75.

Heavy drinkers also had larger bleeds—about 70% bigger—and more damage in the small blood vessels in the brain. These blood vessels help keep the brain healthy. When damaged, they can leak or burst, leading to stroke, memory loss, or problems walking. High blood pressure and low platelets (cells that help blood clot) made things worse.

Even people who had just two drinks a day were more likely to have brain bleeds at a younger age.

Brain bleeds are very dangerous. About half of patients die, and many who survive need help with daily tasks. Only 1 in 5 people can live on their own one year after a brain bleed.

The study suggests that alcohol can raise blood pressure and damage brain vessels, while low platelets make it harder to stop the bleeding.

Doctors say cutting back on alcohol—ideally to no more than three drinks per week—may help protect your brain and heart as you age.

Drinking less could lower your risk of stroke and keep your brain healthier for longer.

Source: massgeneralbrigham.org

Scientists Have Edited a Gene That May Reduce High Cholesterol Permanently

Doctors may have found a new way to lower high cholesterol with just one treatment. In a small study, scientists used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR to turn off a gene in the liver linked to cholesterol and fat in the blood.

The study included 15 people with very high cholesterol. After getting the treatment, their “bad” LDL cholesterol dropped nearly 50%, and their triglycerides dropped 55%. Both are major causes of heart disease, the top killer of adults.

The idea came from a rare gene mutation. Some people are born with a gene called ANGPTL3 turned off. These people have very low cholesterol and rarely get heart disease. Scientists copied this effect using CRISPR.

The treatment is still being tested, but early results are exciting. If it works, people with very high cholesterol may not need to take daily pills or shots for the rest of their lives. One dose might be enough.

Side effects were mostly mild, like skin irritation. One person died during the study, but experts say the death was not caused by the treatment.

More testing is needed to make sure it’s safe. For now, doctors say people should keep taking their current cholesterol medicine.

If future studies confirm the results, this could be a big step forward in preventing heart disease.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication. This treatment is not yet approved for public use and is still being studied.

Source: edition.cnn.com

✢ 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.