The findings suggest that dietary choices could help manage high blood pressure in older age, a condition linked to greater risks of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Two Weeks, Twice a Day

The study involved 36 adults in their 60s and 70s and compared their responses with 39 younger adults under 30.

Participants drank concentrated beetroot juice twice a day over a two-week period. They also took a placebo version, with nitrate removed, for another two weeks.

Older adults saw a noticeable drop in blood pressure after the nitrate-rich beet juice period, but the same was not true when they consumed the placebo. Younger adults, despite drinking the same juice, did not experience a significant change in blood pressure.

The Microbiome Connection

The researchers highlighted the oral microbiome, the collection of bacteria living in the mouth, as a central factor. In older adults, beet juice led to fewer potentially harmful bacteria such as Prevotella and more beneficial bacteria such as Neisseria.

These bacteria are essential because they help convert dietary nitrate into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels loosen, which makes circulation smoother and reduces blood pressure. As people age, their natural ability to produce nitric oxide declines, making them more reliant on this bacterial pathway.

While younger adults also experienced microbiome changes, their blood pressure did not fall. Researchers suggest this is because younger people already produce more nitric oxide naturally, so extra dietary nitrate has less impact. In contrast, older adults tend to have higher blood pressure and less nitric oxide, making them more responsive to dietary interventions.

Expert Views

Professor Anni Vanhatalo from the University of Exeter explained that increasing nitrate-rich vegetables in the diet could be a simple, low-cost way to support vascular health in older age. She noted that beets are not the only option—spinach, rocket (arugula), fennel, celery, and kale also provide dietary nitrate.

Co-author Professor Andy Jones added that these results pave the way for larger studies that consider lifestyle factors and differences between men and women in response to dietary nitrate.

Dr. Lee Beniston of the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, which helped fund the work, said the study highlights how nutrition, oral bacteria, and ageing are closely linked.

Other Research on Beets and Blood Pressure

This is not the first time beets have been linked to heart health. Previous meta-analyses found that beetroot juice can reduce systolic blood pressure in adults. The effects, however, vary depending on dose, duration, and individual health conditions.

Some experts also caution that excessive nitrates can be harmful, especially if they form compounds called nitrosamines in the stomach. For most people, however, eating vegetables high in nitrates is safe and beneficial.

Practical Takeaways

For older adults looking to support heart health, small dietary changes may help:

Daily habit: A small shot of beetroot juice once or twice a day may reduce blood pressure in just two weeks.

Alternative vegetables: Spinach, celery, rocket, and kale also provide nitrates.

Oral care: Avoid strong antiseptic mouthwashes, which can wipe out helpful bacteria that aid nitrate conversion.

Heart health basics: Combine a nitrate-rich diet with exercise, reduced salt intake, and good sleep for long-term benefits.

[Source]

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However, the study also reveals a surprising and critical distinction: not all bodies of water are created equal when it comes to human health. Living within roughly 30 miles of the ocean or gulf was tied to a longer lifespan, but city residents near inland rivers and lakes showed the reverse trend, averaging about 78 years—slightly below the national norm.

The Coastal Advantage: More Than Just a View

The study’s lead researcher, Jianyong “Jamie” Wu, and his team delved into the complex factors that might explain this stark difference. Their analysis points to a mix of environmental and social factors that give coastal areas a significant health advantage.

One of the most significant findings was the difference in climate. Compared to inland locations, coastal areas usually have gentler climates with cooler summers and far fewer days of extreme heat. These cooler summers can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and stress on the body. This is a crucial finding, as rising global temperatures have been linked to an increase in mortality, particularly in urban heat islands.

Air quality also tends to be better along the coast, where steady sea breezes scatter pollutants and keep the atmosphere cleaner. This contrasts sharply with many inland cities situated along rivers, which often have higher levels of air pollution from industry, vehicles, and other urban sources.

The study also highlighted the socioeconomic benefits of coastal living. Coastal areas often boast higher incomes and greater opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as walking, cycling, and water sports. These factors contribute to a healthier lifestyle, reducing the risk of conditions like obesity and heart disease.

Earlier studies have connected water proximity with better health, but this research is the first to closely compare how different kinds of “blue spaces” influence life expectancy.

Inland Urban Waters: A Different Story

So why do urban residents living near inland rivers and lakes face a shorter life expectancy? The researchers suggest that pollution, poverty, and a lack of safe recreational opportunities play a key role.

Many of America’s major rivers and lakes have historically been and continue to be industrial and transportation hubs. This has led to higher levels of air and water pollution, which can negatively impact public health.

The study also noted that these urban areas often face higher rates of poverty, which is a well-known determinant of health. Lower-income neighborhoods may have less access to quality healthcare, healthy food options, and safe public spaces for physical activity.

Furthermore, the risk of natural disasters like flooding is a significant factor. Flooding can disrupt communities, damage infrastructure, and expose residents to contaminated water, all of which can have long-term health consequences. Tidal movements follow a predictable rhythm, but floods along rivers can strike suddenly and cause severe damage in nearby communities.

A Call to Re-evaluate Our “Blue Spaces”

The findings of this groundbreaking study challenge the widely held assumption that any proximity to water is beneficial. It forces a re-evaluation of how we view and manage our “blue spaces.” The study’s authors emphasize that health inequities, driven by complex environmental and social factors, are a major reason for the differences they observed.

In recent years, life expectancy in the United States has dropped more sharply—and recovered more slowly—than in other high-income countries. This study provides valuable insight into this trend, suggesting that environmental factors tied to geography and socioeconomic status are playing a key role.

While moving to the coast isn’t a realistic option for everyone, the study offers a powerful message for public health officials and urban planners. It highlights the need to address pollution, improve access to safe recreational spaces, and mitigate environmental risks in all communities, especially those near inland waters.

The key to a longer, healthier life may not be just living by the water, but living in a community where the water—and all the factors that come with it—are clean, safe, and supportive of a healthy lifestyle.

The post Living Near the Ocean May Add Years to Your Life, New Study Finds appeared first on Medical Journal Daily.

The study, published in Nature Aging, found that FTL1 builds up in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, as mice get older. Too much of this protein disrupts brain function. Older mice with elevated FTL1 performed poorly on memory tasks. To confirm the link, scientists boosted FTL1 in younger mice.

To confirm the link, scientists boosted FTL1 in younger mice. These healthy mice quickly developed memory problems similar to older ones. But when scientists lowered FTL1 levels in aging mice, something remarkable happened: their memory improved to the level of much younger mice.

How FTL1 Affects the Brain

FTL1 helps store iron inside cells, but when it builds up in the brain, it disrupts how neurons generate and use energy. Neurons need energy to build and maintain connections, which are the pathways for learning and memory.

When FTL1 levels rise, neurons lose power. They cannot store information as effectively, leading to forgetfulness. Scientists also observed that older mice with high FTL1 had fewer connections between brain cells.

The team used advanced tools, including viruses and genetic methods, to change FTL1 levels. They then put mice through memory and learning challenges, such as solving mazes and recognizing objects. After reducing FTL1, older mice performed almost as well as young mice, proving that brain function could be restored.

The research also tested metabolism. Researchers discovered that when FTL1 levels rise, neurons struggle to produce enough energy. When they added NADH, a compound that helps with cell energy, memory problems improved. This suggests that targeting brain energy systems could be another way to help with memory loss reversal.

What This Means for Humans

While the results are exciting, the research is still at an early stage. The experiments were done only in male mice, and the human brain is far more complex. A treatment that works in mice may not work the same way in people.

Currently, there are no safe drugs that directly reduce FTL1 in humans. The methods used in the study involved genetic tools, not medicines. Researchers warn that it could take years before this discovery leads to new therapies.

Still, the findings are important because they focus on normal, age-related memory decline, not just diseases like Alzheimer’s. Almost everyone experiences some memory loss with age. By targeting FTL1, scientists may one day find a way to help a much larger group of people.

In the United States, between six and 12 million people over 65 live with mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often leads to dementia. About one-third of them develop Alzheimer’s within five years. For these individuals, new options for memory loss reversal could make a huge difference.

A New Direction in Brain Research

For decades, dementia research has centered on proteins like beta-amyloid and tau, which form clumps and tangles in the brain. The UCSF study adds a new angle by showing that iron-related proteins and energy systems may also be key to memory decline.

By focusing on FTL1, scientists are opening doors to treatments that could help almost everyone as they grow older—not just those with Alzheimer’s disease.

[Source]

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The new testing system is currently undergoing trials in Cumbria and the North East of England, and health officials plan to extend its availability to the rest of the UK before the end of the year. If successful, it could offer lessons for healthcare systems worldwide, including the United States, where over 37 million adults live with diabetes and millions remain undiagnosed.

How the Test Works

PocDoc’s test is built around the HbA1c marker, widely recognized as the benchmark for identifying and tracking type 2 diabetes. HbA1c measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, offering a reliable picture of long-term sugar control rather than just a single reading. To use the test, patients begin with a simple finger-prick to provide a small blood sample.

The sample is then applied to PocDoc’s patented microfluidic test cartridge, which is designed to capture and process the biomarker. Using the companion smartphone app, the cartridge is scanned, and results are generated in less than 10 minutes, eliminating the need for laboratory analysis.

By shifting screening away from clinics and into homes, pharmacies, and community spaces, the technology reflects a broader trend in digital health—giving individuals greater control and convenience in monitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Why It Matters for Public Health

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most preventable chronic conditions, yet it continues to grow rapidly worldwide. In the UK, around 5.2 million people live with the disease, and another 1.3 million are undiagnosed. Treating diabetes and its complications costs the National Health Service (NHS) about £8.8 billion annually, nearly 10% of its total budget.

In the United States, the challenge is even greater. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that diabetes costs the U.S. healthcare system $327 billion each year, with nearly $1 in every $4 healthcare dollars spent on treating the disease. Alarmingly, 96 million Americans are estimated to have prediabetes, but the majority do not know it.

For both the NHS and U.S. healthcare providers, earlier detection could significantly reduce long-term costs and complications. Lifestyle interventions, such as improved diet, exercise, and weight management, have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 50% if introduced early.

Professor Julia Newton from Health Innovation Northeast and North Cumbria highlighted this potential: “Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or even reversed through early detection and lifestyle change. Making tests available at the touch of a button could be a game-changer.”

Implications for U.S. Healthcare

The United States faces unique challenges in managing diabetes. While annual screenings are recommended for high-risk groups, access remains uneven—particularly in rural areas, among uninsured populations, and in communities with limited primary care.

Smartphone-based testing could help bridge these gaps. With more than 85% of U.S. adults owning a smartphone, app-driven diagnostics could reach populations underserved by traditional healthcare. Pharmacies, employer wellness programs, and telehealth providers could integrate rapid HbA1c testing into their services, helping millions access earlier screenings.

That said, scaling such a system in the U.S. would require FDA approval, insurance integration, and careful oversight to ensure accuracy. The FDA has previously flagged risks with some health apps that failed to provide reliable alerts. Ensuring data security and equitable access will also be critical.

Still, experts believe that digital-first models could save billions annually by reducing hospitalizations, dialysis treatments, and cardiovascular emergencies linked to late-diagnosed diabetes.

The Future of At-Home Testing

The diabetes test is not PocDoc’s first foray into digital diagnostics. The company also launched a Healthy Heart Check, an at-home cholesterol and cardiovascular risk screening kit. Its success indicates a broader shift toward self-administered, technology-driven preventive care.

If the diabetes test proves successful in the UK, expansion into other markets could follow. For U.S. patients, this would mean faster access to critical health information and greater control over managing their risk factors.

As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising chronic disease costs, tools like the PocDoc test show how technology and preventive medicine can work hand-in-hand. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear or results to trickle in from distant labs, patients could soon hold answers in the palm of their hand—literally.

[Source]

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How Light at Night Disrupts the Body

Nelson’s research shows that artificial light at night interferes with the body’s internal clock, suppressing melatonin production and disrupting the natural light–dark cycle that governs many biological functions. This disruption affects multiple systems:

Brain and mood: Exposure to dim light during normal sleep hours has been shown in animal studies to increase brain inflammation, reduce levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cause behaviors linked to depression.

Metabolism: Nighttime light alters circadian gene expression, which can impair insulin sensitivity, promote weight gain, and disturb glucose regulation.

Immune function: Irregular light exposure can suppress normal immune responses or cause chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing vulnerability to illness.

These effects can appear even with relatively low light levels—around 5 lux, similar to the glow from a dim bedside lamp. Research has linked such exposure to a greater risk of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders.

From Laboratory Studies to Clinical Trials

While much of the foundational work comes from controlled lab experiments, Nelson’s team is translating these findings into real-world applications through clinical trials. In hospital intensive care units (ICUs), patients are often exposed to bright artificial light around the clock, which may slow recovery. Nelson’s group is testing interventions such as adjusting light wavelengths and timing to improve outcomes for stroke and cardiac surgery patients.

Another study focuses on night-shift nurses, who are at high risk for sleep problems and mood disturbances. By using blue-light visors at specific times, the research aims to help reset their circadian rhythms, potentially improving cognitive performance and overall well-being. These trials explore whether similar strategies could support shift workers in other industries, where irregular schedules make it hard to maintain natural sleep–wake cycles.

Nelson also points out that the time of day can affect research results. Experiments done in the morning might give different outcomes than those done in the evening, but many studies don’t record or control for this. Keeping track of when tests are done could make biomedical research more consistent and reliable.

Practical Steps for Protecting Circadian Health

Nelson’s work underscores that small lifestyle changes can help protect circadian rhythms and reduce the health risks of artificial light at night. Strategies supported by current evidence include:

Limit blue light exposure after sunset: Use warmer-toned light bulbs in the evening and enable night mode on screens.

Block ambient nighttime light: Blackout curtains or eye masks can reduce intrusion from streetlights and outdoor lighting.

Maintain regular sleep–wake cycles: Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps reinforce natural rhythms.

Increase daylight exposure: Spending at least 30 minutes outside in the morning boosts alertness and helps anchor the circadian clock.

Nelson’s recent book, Dark Matters, offers a detailed guide for the public on aligning daily habits with biological timing to improve long-term health.

Artificial light at night is now recognized as a growing public health concern, with research linking it to chronic disease risk and mental health challenges. Nelson’s investigations—from molecular changes in the brain to patient care in the ICU—show that circadian disruption is not just a sleep issue but a multi-system health problem. Adopting circadian-friendly lighting practices and reducing nighttime light exposure could play a key role in preventing illness and improving well-being.

[Source]

The post How Light at Night Affects Brain, Mood, and Metabolism appeared first on Medical Journal Daily.

What is Vein of Galen Malformation?

In a person with Vein of Galen malformation (VOGM), arteries connect directly to veins deep in the brain without the normal network of capillaries in between. Without this slowing mechanism, blood rushes at high pressure into the brain’s deep veins, placing strain on the heart and affecting brain function.

The condition can cause a range of serious problems, including heart failure, a build-up of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), seizures, developmental delays, and sometimes bleeding within the brain. If left untreated, it carries a very high risk of death—some estimates put mortality at more than three-quarters of cases. Even when treated, the risks remain significant.

Most children diagnosed with VOGM undergo a less invasive treatment known as endovascular embolization. In this procedure, doctors insert a catheter—typically through the groin—and navigate it through the blood vessels until it reaches the abnormal connection in the brain. Special materials are then placed to block the abnormal connections. This technique has transformed survival rates and outcomes for many patients.

A Different Kind of Challenge

For Conor O’Rourke, a three-year-old from Liverpool, standard treatment was not enough. His VOGM was first picked up during a routine check, when a consultant spotted that the shape of his head seemed unusual. Further investigation confirmed the diagnosis—but his case would prove far from straightforward.

But surgeons discovered a major complication—his jugular veins were blocked. This prevented them from reaching the malformation via the normal route, leaving the swelling unchecked and causing damage to his brainstem and spinal cord.

Faced with no viable alternative, neurosurgeon Conor Mallucci and his team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital designed a new approach. In March, they carried out what is believed to be the world’s first direct open-skull operation for this type of VOGM. By accessing the malformation directly through the skull, they were able to treat it successfully.

Conor’s recovery was described as remarkable. According to his surgical team, he is now “99 per cent cured” and doing well.

Why This Breakthrough Matters

This breakthrough offers hope for children with high-risk cases of Vein of Galen malformation, particularly those whose anatomy or blocked vessels make traditional embolization impossible. By creating an entirely new treatment pathway, it addresses situations where no viable options previously existed and survival chances were low.

Conor’s case also highlights the critical role of early detection—his diagnosis was made possible when an attentive doctor noticed subtle signs during a routine check-up, allowing intervention before further damage occurred.

Finally, it underlines the value of specialist expertise, as Alder Hey is one of only two centers in the UK equipped to carry out such complex pediatric neurosurgery.

Around the world, researchers are also looking at treating VOGM before a baby is born.

In the United States, specialists recently performed the first in-utero embolization, using ultrasound to guide a microcatheter into a fetus’s brain and place small coils to slow blood flow. The baby was delivered with improved heart function and no signs of brain injury. While still experimental, such procedures hint at the possibility of preventing damage before it starts.

The Road Ahead

Even with the best treatment, VOGM is a lifelong condition that requires careful follow-up. Children may need ongoing input from neurosurgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, and developmental specialists to monitor growth and learning.

Historical data from Great Ormond Street Hospital between 2003 and 2008 found that among children who survived treatment, 39% developed normally, 21% had mild developmental delays, and 18% had more significant challenges. These figures show why surgical advances like the one at Alder Hey could make such a difference—not just in saving lives, but in improving how those lives are lived.

[Source: 1,2]

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Researchers analyzed nationally representative data sets from 2017 and 2023 using Rome Foundation criteria, which are the global standard for diagnosing disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). These disorders include common but often misunderstood conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia.

Sharp Increases in IBS and Functional Dyspepsia

The study found that disorders of gut-brain interaction became more common after the pandemic. In 2017, about 38% of people were affected, but by 2023, that number had grown to over 42%. Cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) went up by 28%, increasing from 4.7% to 6%. Functional dyspepsia—a condition that causes ongoing discomfort in the upper stomach without a clear cause—rose even more sharply, jumping nearly 44% from 8.3% to 11.9%.

While these conditions are not new, the increase in their prevalence following the COVID-19 pandemic highlights a concerning trend. Researchers say the data provides the first direct, population-level evidence of how the pandemic has affected gut-brain health.

Long COVID Patients Most Affected

The study also found that individuals with long COVID—persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months after the initial infection—were significantly more likely to report gut-brain disorders. These patients also had higher levels of anxiety and depression and reported a lower overall quality of life.

This connection between long COVID and DGBIs supports previous hypotheses about the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the gut-brain axis. The virus is known to impact both the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system, and researchers suggest these effects may persist long after the acute infection resolves.

Why the Gut-Brain Axis Matters

Disorders of gut-brain interaction happen when the signals between the digestive system and the brain don’t work properly, leading to ongoing gut symptoms without a clear physical cause. This can lead to chronic symptoms such as pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and nausea, without detectable physical abnormalities. These conditions are often linked with psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Rome Foundation criteria used in the study allow for precise diagnosis based on symptom patterns and have helped move these disorders out of the realm of “medically unexplained” and into evidence-based care.

A Call for Updated Care Models

The findings underline the need to adapt healthcare approaches in the post-pandemic era. Experts are calling for integrated treatment strategies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of gut-brain disorders.

“The data reinforces that long COVID is not just about fatigue or respiratory symptoms,” the researchers note. “It has lasting consequences for gastrointestinal and mental health.”

They also stress the importance of further research into how COVID-19 alters gut-brain signaling and why some individuals are more vulnerable to long-term effects.

[Source]

The post Why More People Are Struggling with Gut Issues After COVID appeared first on Medical Journal Daily.

Why Subtypes Matter

Autism is known for its complexity. Despite being highly heritable, with hundreds of genes linked to it, only about 20% of cases reveal a clear genetic cause. Until now, clinical diagnosis relied on broad categories based on social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. These general classifications miss much of the diversity within the spectrum.

The new study, conducted by researchers at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation, breaks this down. By analyzing data from the SPARK cohort—tracking over 230 traits in children aged 4 to 18—the team used a statistical model to group individuals by shared characteristics and then mapped those to their genetic differences.

The Four Autism Subtypes

1. Social and Behavioral Challenges (37%)
   Children in this group had pronounced social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, along with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Despite these challenges, their developmental milestones—like walking and talking—were largely on track.
2. Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (19%)
   These children showed developmental delays but had mixed levels of core autism traits. They were less likely to show psychiatric symptoms like anxiety or mood disorders.
3. Moderate Challenges (34%)
   This group showed less intense autism-related behaviors and achieved developmental milestones at typical ages. They also had a lower occurrence of additional psychiatric conditions.
4. Broadly Affected (10%)
   The most affected group had wide-ranging difficulties across development, behavior, and mental health, including delays and mood regulation issues. These classifications, though not comprehensive, represent the most clearly distinct clusters in this dataset. The subtypes were also validated in a second, independent group of autistic children.

Genetic Differences Reflect Clinical Profiles

Each subtype showed unique patterns of genetic variation. For example, the Broadly Affected group had the highest rate of damaging de novo mutations—those not inherited from parents. In contrast, the Mixed ASD group had more inherited rare variants. These differences suggest separate biological pathways leading to similar outward symptoms.

The study also revealed that the timing of gene activity varied between groups. In the Social and Behavioral Challenges subtype, mutations occurred in genes that become active after birth, possibly explaining why these children were diagnosed later and did not show developmental delays.

Toward Personalized Autism Care

Experts say the findings offer a starting point for more targeted diagnosis and intervention. “These are not just clinical labels,” says co-lead author Aviya Litman, “they are grounded in biology.” For families, knowing a child’s subtype could help guide expectations, support plans, and treatment choices.

While more work is needed—especially to include more diverse populations—the study provides a framework that could redefine autism care. “It’s a shift from trying to explain all of autism with one model,” says Natalie Sauerwald, co-lead author, “to recognizing multiple biological narratives.”

This research, part of a decade-long effort funded by the Simons Foundation and others, highlights the value of integrating genetics, psychology, and data science. As researchers apply this model to other complex conditions, it opens new possibilities for understanding—and treating—human diversity in health.

[Source]

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Found in Thousands of Low-Calorie Products

Erythritol appears in everything from protein bars to flavored water, offering about 80% the sweetness of sugar without the calories or spikes in insulin. Its widespread use has grown with the popularity of low-sugar and diabetic-friendly diets.

But this sweetener, often labeled as natural due to its presence in some fruits and fermentation processes, may carry hidden risks.

The new study examined how erythritol affects the blood-brain barrier—the brain’s critical filtering system. Researchers exposed brain blood vessel cells to amounts of erythritol comparable to what’s found in a single sugar-free beverage. They observed a damaging cascade: increased oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant activity, and even cell death.

These changes also disrupted the delicate balance between two key molecules: nitric oxide and endothelin-1. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow, while endothelin-1 causes them to constrict. Erythritol lowered levels of nitric oxide while boosting endothelin-1, causing blood vessels to stay narrowed. This narrowing can limit the brain’s access to oxygen and nutrients, increasing the risk of ischaemic stroke.

It also weakened the cells’ natural capacity to break down blood clots. Normally, they release a compound called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) to break down clots. But erythritol suppressed this mechanism, potentially leaving clots to accumulate and increase the risk of stroke.

Echoes of Earlier Human Studies

The laboratory results align with previous human studies. One 2023 investigation that tracked over 4,000 individuals across the US and Europe found that those with elevated erythritol levels in their blood had nearly double the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke within three years.

Another study showed that 30 grams of erythritol—a typical serving in sugar-free ice cream—can make blood platelets more likely to clump, setting the stage for clot formation.

Erythritol is often promoted as a “natural” alternative to artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, and its chemistry makes it easier to substitute for sugar in recipes. Because it’s technically a sugar alcohol and produced in small amounts by the body, it has largely avoided the negative attention directed at other synthetic sweeteners.

However, experts warn that its natural origin does not guarantee safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Food Safety Authority have approved it for consumption, but the new data suggest long-term effects may not be fully understood.

What This Means for Consumers

Researchers emphasize that their experiments were conducted on isolated cells in laboratory conditions. Human bodies are more complex, and more research—especially studies involving whole-body responses or advanced vascular models—is needed to draw final conclusions.

Still, scientists advise consumers to read labels and be mindful of erythritol intake, especially if they consume multiple servings of sugar-free products daily. Given the links to vascular dysfunction and stroke risk, moderation may be a wise approach.

[Source]

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Although rare, these disorders are serious. It’s estimated that around one in every 5,000 babies is affected by a mitochondrial condition, and for many families, the risk of passing it on is significant. Until recently, options for prevention were extremely limited.

That’s where mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) comes in. Sometimes referred to as three-parent IVF, this technique offers a way to stop these diseases from being inherited in the first place—by replacing the faulty mitochondria with healthy ones from a donor.

How It Works: Rebuilding an Egg Cell

The process starts with an egg from the mother that contains her nuclear DNA but also has mutated mitochondria. Doctors first remove the nuclear DNA, leaving behind the defective mitochondria. They then take a donor egg—which has healthy mitochondria—and remove its nucleus, keeping the healthy mitochondrial material intact.

Next, the mother’s nuclear DNA is inserted into the donor egg. The reconstructed egg now carries almost all of its genetic code from the intended parents and only a small amount from the donor. This egg is then fertilized with the father’s sperm, resulting in an embryo that has the nuclear DNA of the mother and father, and mitochondrial DNA from the donor.

In terms of genetics, the child will have over 99.9% of their DNA from their biological parents. The remaining fraction—less than 0.1%—comes from the mitochondrial donor, and it only affects cellular energy production, not personal traits or appearance.

Why It Matters: Stopping Disease Before It Starts

Unlike treatments that try to manage symptoms, this technique aims to prevent mitochondrial diseases entirely. For families with a history of these disorders, it’s a way to have a genetically related child without the fear of passing on a life-threatening condition.

The method has strict eligibility requirements. It’s only used when there’s a high risk of mitochondrial disease and when other reproductive technologies are unlikely to work. It’s not a tool for genetic enhancement or selection, but a targeted fix for a specific medical problem.

The UK’s Role and Global Outlook

In 2015, the UK became the first country to legalize mitochondrial replacement therapy under regulatory oversight. Clinics like the Newcastle Fertility Centre have since been allowed to offer the procedure under a license, making the UK the only country where MRT is permitted as part of regular medical care.

Although other countries, including the US and Australia, have shown interest in the technology, they have not yet approved it for clinical use. In the US, MRT is currently restricted to research settings.

Lingering Questions and Long-Term Monitoring

While the technique is promising, it is not without uncertainties. A tiny amount of the mother’s faulty mitochondria can sometimes be transferred along with the nucleus, though early results suggest this “carry-over” is minimal and unlikely to cause harm.

Still, long-term follow-up is essential. Scientists are monitoring the health of children born through MRT to better understand how these small amounts of mutant mitochondria behave over time and whether any risks could emerge later in life—or even in future generations.

[Source: 1,2]

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