Medical Bulletin 6/May/2023

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Elevated levels of toxic metals in some mixed-fruit juices and soft drinks found in study

Some commonly consumed beverages contained levels of toxic metals that exceed federal drinking water standards, finds a new study.

Five of the 60 beverages tested contained levels of a toxic metal above federal drinking water standards, according to the study from Tulane University. Two mixed juices had levels of arsenic above the 10 microgram/liter standard. A cranberry juice, a mixed carrot and fruit juice and an oat milk each had levels of cadmium exceeding the 3 parts per billion standard.

The sampled beverages, which included those commonly found in grocery stores - single and mixed fruit juices, plant-based milks, sodas, and teas - were measured for 25 different toxic metals and trace elements. Mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks (such as oat and almond) contained elevated concentrations of toxic metals more often than other drinks, according to the findings published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.

Reference:

Toxic metals and essential elements contents in commercially available fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages from the United States,Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, DOI 10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105230

At-home yoga reduces anxiety, improves short-term memory, finds study

Sean Mullen, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, collaborated with fellow Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology researchers Madhura Phansikar, Neha Gothe, and Rosalba Hernandez to design a virtual eight-week moderate-intensity yoga program geared specifically toward full-time working adults experiencing symptoms of stress.

The trial, which appeared in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, led participants through three self-paced remote workouts each week, assessed levels of stress and anxiety in addition to executive functioning. The results showed overall decreases in stress and anxiety.

Reference:

Feasibility and impact of a remote moderate-intensity yoga intervention on stress and executive functioning in working adults: a randomized controlled trial,Journal of Behavioral Medicine, DOI 10.1007/s10865-022-00385-4

How diet quality affects the gut microbiota

Gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract. They contribute to many physiological processes, and a diverse gut microbiota may promote resilience to disruptions that could contribute to disease.

We know that eating a healthy diet affects body weight, cholesterol levels, and heart health. A new study from the University of Illinois focuses on another component: the role of diet in supporting a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota. The researchers conclude that following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) promotes a gut microbiota composition that may support overall health.

“Currently, there is no definition of a ‘healthy’ microbiome. Understanding how diet may influence the structure of the gut microbiota is important so we can make recommendations on dietary approaches,” says Alexis Baldeon, doctoral student in the Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS), part of College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at U of I. Baldeon is lead author of the paper, published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Reference:

“Diet Quality and the Fecal Microbiota in Adults in the American Gut Project,” is published in The Journal of Nutrition [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.018]. In addition to Baldeon and Holscher, authors include Daniel McDonald, Antonio Gonzalez, and Rob Knight.