New developments in vitamin D, seaweed, ketamine, and vitamin B5.
Every week we discover inspiring, informative, and sometimes shocking health-related news. From new studies to insightful analysis, here is what you need to know this week:
- Vitamin D supplements taken by women during pregnancy reduce the rates of asthma and other breathing difficulties in their children. The researches note: “Based on our findings, we would recommend that all pregnant women consider a daily intake of at least 4400 IU vitamin D3 throughout their pregnancy, starting at the time of conception.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- Seaweed compound may help alleviate pancreatitis and other symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. New research shows that some algae strains contain the anti-inflammatory properties needed to fight irritable bowel symptoms. ALGAE4IBD
- Ketamine treatment can fight the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Patients who received ketamine had their PTSD symptoms reduced by 25% both at one day and one week after therapy. Annals of Pharmacotherapy
- Decreased vitamin B5 may slow the progression of breast cancer. A new study in mice showed the important role of vitamin B5 for cancer cell growth. Although too early for human application, this study shows promising potential for future treatments. Nature Metabolism