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Breast milk is a primary source of nutrition that contains many endogenous compounds that may affect infant development. The goals of this study were to develop reliable assays for selected endogenous breast milk components and to compare levels of those in milk and serum collected from the same mother twice during lactation (2-7 weeks and 3-4 months). Reliable assays were developed for glucose, secretory IgA, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-a, triglycerides, prolactin, and estradiol from participants in a US EPA study called Methods Advancement in Milk Analysis (MAMA). Fresh and frozen (-20°C) milk samples were assayed to determine effects of storage on endogenous analytes. The source effect (serum vs milk) seen in all 7 analytes indicates that serum should not be used as a surrogate for milk in children's health studies. The authors propose to use these assays in studies to examine relationships between the levels of milk components and children's health. health. J Hum Lact. 23(2):144-156. Keywords: human milk, cytokines, immunoglobulins, surrogate, biomonitoring La leche materna es la principal fuente de nutricion que contiene muchos componentes endogenos que pueden impactar el desarrollo infantil. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar pruebas confiables para componentes endogenos seleccionados de la leche materna y para comparar los niveles de estos en la leche y el suero colectados de la misma madre durante la lactancia (2-7 semanas y 3-4 meses). Se desarrollaron pruebas confiables para glucosa, IgA secretora, interleukina-6, factor de necrosis de tumor-alfa, trigliceridos, prolactina y estradiol de participantes en un estudio de la Agencia de Proteccion del Medio Ambiente (EPA) en Estados Unidos llamado Metodos Avanzados en el Analisis de la Leche Materna (MAMA). Se analizaron muestras de leche fresca y congelada (-20[grados]C) para determinar los efectos de almacenamiento en los components endogenos analizados. Comparando los 7 componentes analizados en suero y leche se concluye que el suero no se debe usar como alternativa de la leche en estudios de salud infantil. Proponemos usar estas pruebas en estudios para examinar la relacion entre los niveles de los componentes y la salud infantil., Epidemiologic studies have shown human milk to be a superior food for infants in that it provides optimal nutritional support, immunological benefits, and economic advantages. Breastfeeding has been shown to [...]

Essential health tips about what's normal and what is abnormal and how to stay free from breast cancer are described. An annual breast exam from the concerned doctor might reduce the risk of detecting breast cancers at a later stage and if possible, treatments for the lumps can be done at an earlier stage.

Cardiologists Nieca Goldberg, Joann Manson and Lori Mosca present their views on the best ways to avoid heart disease. They all place strong emphasis on exercise, while Mosca also discusses the importance of healthy eating.

A description of the different types of diabetes and advice on how Type 2 diabetes can be controlled is presented. It is predicted some 2.7 million women are unaware they are suffering from diabetes. Advice on preventing the onset of diabetes is included.

Issues are presented concerning the benefits which can be gained from the use of strength training exercises as a means of reducing the impact of osteoporosis in women. A selection of exercises is described.

Advice on the use of anti-depressant medication and the benefits of psychotherapy are discussed.

Issues are presented concerning the detrimental effect on health of too much iron stored in the body. Scientists now believe that excess intake of iron may be worse for heath than too little.

The belief that all kinds of fats prompt weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease is inaccurate. Nutrition scientists have found monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids to be 'good fats' that should be included in the regular diet.

An active lifestyle and a diet consisting mainly of vegetables and rice or noodles are the reasons why the Chinese are healthier than Americans. The latter lead sedentary lives and eat rich foods that are prevalent in post-industrial societies.

Canadian scientist Claude Bouchard is slowly making headway to discovering reasons for the variances in genetic aspects among people pertaining to body structure, weight gain, weight control and exercise, among others. Bouchard is not probing which genes regulate how quickly people gain weight or get in shape.

Deep breathing, yoga, aromatherapy and herbal remedies are alternative methods of treating every-day aches and stresses. Constipation and insomnia can also be helped by herbs and changes in diet. A glossary of natural treatment terms is included.

Patients must be persistent in fighting for their rights to good medical care under managed care systems. Choosing a nonprofit HMO is one way to avoid problems. Finding a doctor who will help cut through HMO bureaucracy is another good strategy.

Women with breast cancer typically must decide among two or more treatment options. The experiences of four such women are shared. Each woman had to evaluate conflicting medical advice.

A woman describes her introduction to cross-country skiing. She was surprised to find that it is an easy sport to learn and that the steady exercise kept her warm even on frigid days. Nordic skiing burns 600 to 1,200 calories per hour and is less tiring than running.

A buyers' guide is presented to Christmas gifts with ties to beauty, style, nutrition and fitness. The gifts range in price from $25 to $100.

Obesity rates are increasing in the United States and combined with this is a rise in the incidence of diabetes. Nutrition scientist Barbara Moore feels diabetes could become a national health crisis and exercise such as walking needs to be promoted.

The attempts of nutritionist Marion Nestle to counter the influence of food manufacturers on the eating preferences of people are discussed. Her beliefs in the nutritional value of vegetables and in the importance of not overeating are considered.

The benefits of community-supported agriculture are explored. The movement enables consumers to pre-purchase part of the stock of local farmers, giving them easy access to organic produce whilst supporting local farms.

Low carbohydrate, high protein diets are popular because they work. Some people can lose large amounts of weight on these plans but they are a short-term solution, says Professor Marion Nestle, chair of the department of nutrition and food studies at New York University.

Information on the tests that active women need to be properly evaluated for their risk of heart disease is offered. Suggestions include getting a blood cholesterol test every five years. Tips on interpreting the tests are included.

Scientists from reputable institutions such as New York Medical Center and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee are proving that magnets do have therapeutic properties. Primarily used to alleviate pain, researchers are still at a loss how magnets affect the body.

The September 11 attacks on New York and Washington touched everyone in the world. Expat Americans and people with strong ties to the United States suffered doubly because they felt [...]

CHICKEN RUN Here is an issue that appears to inspire as much passion among my neighbours in Glarnerland as the EU question. How to recover a young laying hen who [...]

If a referendum were held today on bank secrecy, chances are the majority of Swiss would vote in favor of keeping it, as they did on the last vote in [...]

Last September, the Federal Council made an announcement considered long overdue by Switzerland,s observant Jewish community. The council declared its intention to overturn the 1893 law banning the traditional kosher [...]

On September 11 thousands of people all over Switzerland raced to their television sets. Most of them who understand English tuned in to CNN International. Where else would you turn [...]

Issues are presented concerning the breeding of a pig which produces lean pork. The treatment of pigs in intensive pig farming units is discussed. A recipe for Sage Pesto Pork Roast with Apricot and Prune Chutney is included.

Issues are presented concerning the benefits which can be gained by certain groups of people from genetic testing. The services offered by gene counselors to those at risk from genetically inherited disease are discussed.

It is now possible to purchase very fresh shellfish even a long distance from the coast. Mollusks contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and are also low in fat in cholesterol. It is worth trying mussels, which are inexpensive and easy to prepare.

Issues concerning the health benefits of berries are discussed. Particular attention is given to the nutritional values of wild blueberries, including antibacterial agents, folic acid and vitamin C. It is emphasized that eating berries can improve health.