Health
Vitamin D not recommended for preventing fractures in older individuals, panel finds
Vitamin D, a nutrient known for promoting bone health, might not be effective in protecting all seniors from injury.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a draft recommendation this week advising against the use of vitamin D for preventing falls and fractures in postmenopausal women and men over 60 years old.
A panel of 16 medical experts reviewed the benefits of taking vitamin D with or without calcium supplements for individuals who live independently.
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The USPSTF concluded that these supplements offer no “net benefit” for the prevention of falls and fractures based on evidence that vitamin D and calcium don’t lower the risk for generally healthy individuals without other deficiencies or medical conditions.
The USPSTF recommendation advises against the use of vitamin D for preventing falls and fractures in some people over 60. (iStock)
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones, according to Mayo Clinic.
“That’s because your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present,” that same source wrote on its website.
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The vitamin also regulates other cellular functions in the body, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
“[Its] neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity,” Mayo Clinic reports.
Vitamin D helps build and maintain healthy bones, according to Mayo Clinic. (iStock)
Vitamin D is most commonly produced in the body by exposure to direct sunlight, which means levels often dip during the less sunny winter months.
This new and developing research, however, suggests that the supplement won’t necessarily protect the bones of aging individuals.
“It’s important to evaluate older adults for any factors, including osteoporosis, that may increase their risk of falls or fractures.”
Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and founder and CEO of Vitalize, clarified that these conclusions are based on a review of “recent randomized clinical trials,” which collectively displayed “no significant difference in fall or fracture risk between those taking the supplements and those who did not.”
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“It’s important to evaluate older adults for any factors, including osteoporosis, that may increase their risk of falls or fractures,” she told Fox News Digital.
“While vitamin D and calcium are key for maintaining strong bones, research suggests that routine supplementation in healthy, independent older adults may not effectively prevent falls or fractures.”
Regular doctor’s visits and physical activity are “proven, reliable measures that make a real difference” in maintaining bone health, one expert said. (iStock)
Dubinsky added that the best way to maintain strong bones and prevent injury is to prioritize physical activity and stay consistent with regular doctor’s visits.
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To protect bone health and decrease the risk of falls, the USPSTF recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week along with regular strength training exercises.
Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury among older adults.
“Exercises that focus on balance and coordination can reduce the risk of falls, while resistance training strengthens bones and helps prevent muscle loss,” Dubinsky said.
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About 14 million adults over 65 reported falling at least once in the previous year, according to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury among older adults, the USPSTF reported. (iStock)
Unintentional falls caused 78 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, making them “the leading cause of unintentional injury among older adults,” according to the USPSTF.
The task force stated on its website that recommendations made by the agency are “independent of the U.S. government.”
“They should not be construed as an official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” they wrote.
Fox News Digital reached out to USPSTF for comment.
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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