12/25/24 - #290

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
December 25, 2024

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • FDA May Finally Ban Artificial Red Dye From Beverages, Candy, and Other Foods

  • Drugs Like Ozempic Now Make Up 5% of Prescriptions in the US

  • Research Finds 15 Million U.S. Adults Are at Elevated Risk for Heart Failure, 4.3 Million More Than Previously Identified

  • Symptoms of Complex PTSD Predict the Appearance of Psychotic Symptoms in Daily Life, Study Finds | Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD) is a Mental Health Condition That Arises From Prolonged or Repeated Exposure to Traumatic Events

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

FDA May Finally Ban Artificial Red Dye From Beverages, Candy, and Other Foods

The FDA is considering a ban on artificial red food dye in many snacks and drinks. This color additive, Red No. 3, is made from petroleum. It gives jellybeans, lollipops, and sodas their vibrant red color.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of this synthetic dye, which hasn't been re-evaluated by the FDA for over a decade. In a recent meeting, Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods, said they are close to deciding on a petition to ban this dye.

The push to eliminate Red No. 3 gains extra urgency during the holiday season when consumption of colorful treats spikes. Frank Pallone Jr., a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, emphasized the risks of keeping such chemicals in food, especially ones consumed by children.

Internationally, the approach to artificial food dyes is more cautious. The EU requires warning labels on products with certain dyes. They may affect children's behavior and attention.

While the FDA continues to assert that the approved dyes are safe when used properly, the debate persists. Some experts and advocacy groups argue that the evidence of potential harm, particularly to children, justifies a ban. Research and public talks suggest new food regulations may be coming. They might focus more on the long-term effects of synthetic additives.

WEIGHT LOSS

Drugs Like Ozempic Now Make Up 5% of Prescriptions in the US

In 2024, GLP-1 agonists, like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Victoza, became very popular in the U.S. Now, 5% of all prescriptions are for these drugs. Originally, these medications helped people with diabetes by helping their bodies make insulin. They also reduce hunger, which has helped many people lose a lot of weight.

Researchers are looking into more benefits of these drugs. They are studying if these drugs can help with Alzheimer's and reduce addiction cravings, like for alcohol.

However, these drugs are expensive. Many insurance companies don’t cover them, and some people may have to pay up to $1,300 a month. This makes it hard for everyone who needs these drugs to afford them.

Tricia Rodriguez, a scientist at a health data company called Truveta, noticed that a lot of prescriptions for these drugs are not being filled. This is unusual and shows that while many people want these medications, the high costs prevent them from getting them.

If more insurance plans start covering these drugs, many more people might use them. Almost 70% of Americans are overweight or obese, so the potential for these drugs is significant.

Researchers are continuing to study these drugs by looking at medical records. They hope to find new ways these drugs can help people with various health issues. This ongoing research could change how we treat many health problems in the future.

HEALTH

Research Finds 15 Million U.S. Adults Are at Elevated Risk for Heart Failure, 4.3 Million More Than Previously Identified

A new study has found that 15 million adults in the U.S. are at high risk for heart failure, which is 4.3 million more than doctors previously thought. This important information comes from the American College of Physicians. It was published in their journal, the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The researchers used updated tools to check the heart health risks of people. They discovered a significant number of adults who are at high risk for heart failure but not for other types of heart diseases. The study focused on adults between the ages of 30 and 79 who had never been diagnosed with heart disease. They analyzed health data from a large national survey called NHANES, which was collected from 2017 to 2020.

The findings showed that most people at high risk are between 70 and 79 years old. About 14% of these at-risk individuals are Black. The study found that over half of the high-risk people have high blood pressure. Many are also overweight or obese.

To help prevent heart failure, the study recommends focusing on managing high blood pressure and encouraging weight loss. Looking ahead, researchers believe it’s crucial to develop strategies to detect heart failure early and to reduce the risk, particularly among older adults.

Symptoms of Complex PTSD Predict the Appearance of Psychotic Symptoms in Daily Life, Study Finds | Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD) is a Mental Health Condition That Arises From Prolonged or Repeated Exposure to Traumatic Events

A new study shows that people with complex PTSD often have paranoia and hallucinations in daily life. Complex PTSD comes from being in traumatic situations over a long time, such as abuse or being held captive, where escape is difficult.

This condition includes common PTSD symptoms. They are reliving trauma, avoiding reminders, and being overly alert. It also involves issues with emotions, self-view, and relationships. These are known as disturbances of self-organization.

The research, in Psychological Medicine, included 153 people. They were part of a larger study, the Study of Trauma and Recovery (STAR). All participants had PTSD and depression, with many also having other mental health issues. They used an app called m-Path to answer surveys about their feelings and symptoms several times a day.

Results showed that issues with self-organization could predict when someone would have paranoid thoughts and see or hear things that aren’t there within the next 90 minutes. These issues may worsen psychosis symptoms in daily life. They may make life harder for those with complex PTSD.

This study helps us understand how traumatic experiences affect mental health. They influence overall distress and daily functioning. However, participants reported on themselves. The study asked them to think deeply about their feelings. This might affect the results.

✢ 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.