Review of the Medical Literature
INTRODUCTION: Chronic health conditions in children and adults are increasing rapidly each year in the United States. Scientists agree the rate of increase is far beyond that which can be explained by increased recognition, identification or genetics, therefore, environmental factors are clearly implicated. Health conditions of concern include per-capita increases in autism, ADD, Type 1 & 2 diabetes, child cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, arthritis, early-onset Alzheimer's & colon cancer, MS, chronic infections and more. To help with understanding why these conditions are increasing, we have created a unique website for the public, media and scientific community. Our main page provides a brief summary of the study with a link to a more in-depth explanation and analysis. All studies are peer-reviewed "gold-standard" studies from the NIH database. Summaries have been carefully written to take often complex medical and scientific topics and making it easy to understand for the average reader.
ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL)
Tylenol is a pain medication that contains the petroleum-based compound acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol). This section reports on the large number of studies linking this neuroactive compound to autism and ADHD. In 1980, the FDA recommended that aspirin not be given to children due to increased Reye's syndrome. Instead, drugs containing acetaminophen (such as in Tylenol) were recommended for pain and fever. Interestingly, this is the same point in time when autism rates increased dramatically in the U.S. Below are summaries of peer-reviewed studies finding the drug acetaminophen is increasing rates of autism, ADHD, and intellectual deficits. Other studies have also shown higher rates of asthma and allergies as well. As acetaminophen is designed to (and does) cross the blood-brain barrier, this fact alone strongly suggests potential for negative impacts on brain cell signaling pathways during delicate periods of neurological development.
Tylenol is a pain medication that contains the petroleum-based compound acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol). This section reports on the large number of studies linking this neuroactive compound to autism and ADHD. In 1980, the FDA recommended that aspirin not be given to children due to increased Reye's syndrome. Instead, drugs containing acetaminophen (such as in Tylenol) were recommended for pain and fever. Interestingly, this is the same point in time when autism rates increased dramatically in the U.S. Below are summaries of peer-reviewed studies finding the drug acetaminophen is increasing rates of autism, ADHD, and intellectual deficits. Other studies have also shown higher rates of asthma and allergies as well. As acetaminophen is designed to (and does) cross the blood-brain barrier, this fact alone strongly suggests potential for negative impacts on brain cell signaling pathways during delicate periods of neurological development.
September 26, 2025
Worse cancer outcome when taking acetaminophen
University of Navarra Summit, Spain
Source: Annals of Oncology, Sep 2022
In summary, Bessede et al(7) provide data from a series of
analyses, including analysis of blood samples from three
prospectively enrolled trials of patients treated with ICI
where pretreatment APAP and APAP metabolite levels were
measured and associated with poorer response rates, PFS,
and OS. Further, the authors provide supportive orthogonal
data from in vivo mouse models, ex vivo analysis from
blood of healthy donors, and pre-on proteomic analysis
from patients treated with ICI. In all, the data support the
conclusions that APAP appears to blunt ICI effectiveness
perhaps through activating regulatory immune elements,
namely Tregs. The major weakness of this analysis is the
potential for confounding. While the authors attempted to
limit this by performing multivariate analysis and used data
from three distinct clinical trials, it is hard to tease out the effect of the fact that patients treated with APAP may be those with worse disease on some level. For example, the
most common use of APAP in patients with cancer is for
cancer-related pain, either as a single-agent or in combination with an opiate and/or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, and it is possible that patients with disease severe enough to cause pain may also be associated with worse outcomes. Further, there are dozens of
metabolites shown, but not named, in the paper that are
associated with worse and better outcomes, and it is not
clear whether any of these are metabolites from agents
known to improve or worsen outcomes from ICI and
whether these may confound the data. Despite these limitations, however, the central conclusion from this comprehensive work is concerning and suggests that one of the most widely used drugs in patients may mitigate the
benefit of cancer immunotherapy. While this study requires
validation before we radically eliminate the use of APAP in
our patients, the data require all of us who treat patients
with ICIs to reexamine whether our patients on APAP really
need to be.
September 26, 2025
Reduced antibody response after vaccination
National and Kapodistrian Univ of Athens
Source: Pneumonia (Nathan), Apr 2021
ABSTRACT
Background: Prophylactic administration of antipyretics at the time of immunization seems to decrease some side effects, however, reduced immune responses have been reported in some studies. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of prophylactic use of antipyretics on the immune response following administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).
Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies concerning the immune response to PCVs after antipyretic administration was performed up to November 2020 in the electronic databases of Pubmed and Scopus.
Results: Of the 3956 citations retrieved, a total of 5 randomized control trials including 2775 children were included in the review. Included studies were referred to PCV10 (3 studies), PCV7 and PCV13 (one study each). The prophylactic administration of paracetamol decreased the immune response to certain pneumococcal serotypes in all included studies. The effect was more evident following primary vaccination and with immediate administration of paracetamol. Despite the reductions in antibody geometric mean concentrations, a robust memory response was observed following the booster dose. Besides, antibody titers remained above protective levels in 88-100% of participants. The use of ibuprofen, that was evaluated in two studies, did not seem to affect the immunogenicity of PCVs .
Conclusion: Although the reviewed studies had significant heterogeneity in design, paracetamol administration seems to affect the immune response for certain serotypes. The clinical significance of reduced immunogenicity especially before booster dose needs further investigation.
September 24, 2025
Circumcised babies (given Tylenol) more likely diagnosed with autism and hyperkietic disorder
Aalborg University, Dept of Epidemiology, Denmark
Source: Journal Royal Society of Medicine, Jul 2015
ABSTRACT
Objective: Based on converging observations in animal, clinical, and ecological studies, we hypothesized a possible impact of ritual circumcision on the subsequent risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young boys.
Design: National, register-based cohort study.
Setting: Denmark.
Participants: A total of 342,877 boys born between 1994 and 2003 and followed in the age span 0-9 years between 1994 and 2013.
Main outcome measures: Information about cohort members' ritual circumcisions, confounders and ASD outcomes, as well as two supplementary outcomes, hyperkinetic disorder and asthma, was obtained from national registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with foreskin status were obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.
Results: With a total of 4986 ASD cases, our study showed that regardless of cultural background circumcised boys were more likely than intact boys to develop ASD before age 10 years (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11-1.93). Risk was particularly high for infantile autism before age five years (HR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.36-3.13). Circumcised boys in non-Muslim families were also more likely to develop hyperkinetic disorder (HR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.11-2.96). Associations with asthma were consistently inconspicuous (HR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.84-1.10).
Conclusions: We confirmed our hypothesis that boys who undergo ritual circumcision may run a greater risk of developing ASD. This finding, and the unexpected observation of an increased risk of hyperactivity disorder among circumcised boys in non-Muslim families, need attention, particularly because data limitations most likely rendered our HR estimates conservative. Considering the widespread practice of non-therapeutic circumcision in infancy and childhood around the world, confirmatory studies should be given priority.
September 24, 2025
How Tylenol (acetaminophen) increases autism - understanding the endocannabionid system in the brain
University of Texas, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience
Source: Molecules, Mar 2021
AUTHORS STATEMENT BELOW
We have reviewed the link between the endocannabinoid system and ASD [8]. As shown in Figure 1 from our 2013 paper, the ECS consists of the classical cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) along with the endocannabinoids that activate them, primarily anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. Diacylglycerol lipase (DAG lipase) is responsible for the synthesis of 2-AG, and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) is the key enzyme for the synthesis of anandamide. The enzyme responsible for 2-AG degradation is monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and the enzyme that degrades anandamide is fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The endocannabinoid receptors regulate cells by reducing the activation of adenylyl cyclase, thereby decreasing the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The ECS provides regulation for the immune system through CB2 receptors on immune system cells. CB1 receptors are found atthe highest concentration in the brain and the peripheral nervous systems, where they provide a regulatory function that is required for proper synaptogenesis, axon growth and positioning, and neuronal cell fate [9]. The lack of proper control over axon growth could result in improper development of the corpus callosum, which provides a pathway for axons traversing the brain from one hemisphere to the other.
Acetaminophen is a commonly administered analgesic drug, and research has indicated that its use in children may increase the risk for autism. This risk may be due to a decrease in endocannabinoid tone in the brain. It may be possible to increase this tone through use of cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBDV, in order to increase endocannabinoid activity in the brain.
We have also shown that the MMR vaccine along with acetaminophen use may indirectly increase the risk for ASD [3]. This may be because acetaminophen use disrupts the normal functioning of the ECS to fight infection from the three vaccine viruses in the MMR vaccine. This would keep inflammatory cytokines at high levels in the brain and could disrupt the normal growth and myelinization of axons for neurons in the brain. We have reviewed the increase in inflammatory cytokines in the brain of individuals with ASD.
n summary, evidence for the association of acetaminophen use with increased risk of ASD has been presented. In ASD children, abnormal functioning of the ECS may be the result of acetaminophen use. Further research needs to be performed to evaluate if CBD, CBDV, or other cannabinoids, will be effective treatments for ASD.
September 23, 2025
Autism rates 6-times higher taking Tylenol after measles vaccine
University of California, San Diego
Source: Autism, May 2008
The 6 scientists in the study concluded by stating - "This preliminary study found that acetaminophen use after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination was associated with autistic disorder."
ABSTRACTThe present study was performed to determine whether acetaminophen (paracetamol) use after the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination could be associated with autistic disorder. This case-control study used the results of an online parental survey conducted from 16 July 2005 to 30 January 2006, consisting of 83 children with autistic disorder and 80 control children. Acetaminophen use after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination was significantly associated with autistic disorder when considering children 5 years of age or less (OR 6.11, 95% CI 1.42-26.3), after limiting cases to children with regression in development (OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.11-14.3), and when considering only children who had post-vaccination sequelae (OR 8.23, 95% CI 1.56-43.3), adjusting for age, gender, mother's ethnicity, and the presence of illness concurrent with measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. Ibuprofen use after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination was not associated with autistic disorder. This preliminary study found that acetaminophen use after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination was associated with autistic disorder.
September 23, 2025
Evidence Tylenol for fever increases autism by increased inflammation from immune dysregulation
Univ of Texas Health Sci Center, School of Med
Source: Autism Open Access, Apr 2016
AUTHORS CONCLUDING STATEMENT
In summary, we have presented evidence for the association of acetaminophen use with ASD. Our theory of how this may occur can be explained in the following illustration. Suppose a susceptible young boy has a fever due to a viral infection or after the MMR vaccination. His parents give him acetaminophen, which increases endocannabinoid stimulation in his brain, making him feel better and bringing down his fever. But the increased activation of the endocannabinoid system also decreases immune system function, which prolongs the illness and leads to even more acetaminophen use. Eventually, the boy recovers, but his endocannabinoid system has been dysregulated to a lower level to compensate for the prolonged over-activation. Now the neurons in his brain are not getting the proper guidance for their growth through CB1 receptors, and further suffer from increased inflammation due its lack of CB2 regulation in immune system cells. The boy develops ASD. When the boy gets a fever, his parents again give him acetaminophen but it no longer works well since his endocannabinoid tone is at a low level, and his parents switch to ibuprofen. Also, when he gets a fever, the increased anandamide levels briefly increase endocannabinoid tone and improve his sociability. After the fever, the endocannabinoid tone again drops back to low levels and his sociability decreases again. His condition, however, may be reversible with new cannabinoid medications to increase endocannabinoid system activation and allow his brain to slowly recover. Research needs to be conducted to see if PEA, cannabidiol, or other cannabinoids will be effective treatments for ASD.
September 23, 2025
Important "endocannabinoids" low in children with autism
Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Israel
Source: Molecular Autism, Jan 2019
ABSTRACT
Background: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major regulator of synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation. Alterations of the ECS have been demonstrated in several animal models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In some of these models, activating the ECS rescued the social deficits. Evidence for dysregulations of the ECS in human ASD are emerging, but comprehensive assessments and correlations with disease characteristics have not been reported yet.
Methods:
Serum levels of the main endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA or anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their related endogenous compounds, arachidonic acid (AA), N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), were analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 93 children with ASD (age = 13.1 ± 4.1, range 6-21; 79% boys) and 93 age- and gender-matched neurotypical children (age = 11.8 ± 4.3, range 5.5-21; 79% boys). Results were associated with gender and use of medications, and were correlated with age, BMI, and adaptive functioning of ASD participants as reflected by scores of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II (VABS-II), and Social Responsiveness Scale-II (SRS-2).
Results:
Children with ASD had lower levels (pmol/mL, mean ± SEM) of AEA (0.722 ± 0.045 vs. 1.252 ± 0.072, P < 0.0001, effect size 0.91), OEA (17.3 ± 0.80 vs. 27.8 ± 1.44, P < 0.0001, effect size 0.94), and PEA (4.93 ± 0.32 vs. 7.15 ± 0.37, P < 0.0001, effect size 0.65), but not AA and 2-AG. Serum levels of AEA, OEA, and PEA were not significantly associated or correlated with age, gender, BMI, medications, and adaptive functioning of ASD participants. In children with ASD, but not in the control group, younger age and lower BMI tended to correlate with lower AEA levels. However, these correlations were not statistically significant after a correction for multiple comparisons.
Conclusions:
We found lower serum levels of AEA, PEA, and OEA in children with ASD. Further studies are needed to determine whether circulating endocannabinoid levels can be used as stratification biomarkers that identify clinically significant subgroups within the autism spectrum and if they reflect lower endocannabinoid "tone" in the brain, as found in animal models of ASD.
September 23, 2025
Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders higher in children given acetaminophen
University of California, Epidemiology
Source: JAMA Pediatrics, Apr 2014
ABSTRACT
Importance Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is the most commonly used medication for pain and fever during pregnancy in many countries. Research data suggest that acetaminophen is a hormone disruptor, and abnormal hormonal exposures in pregnancy may influence fetal brain development.
Objective
To evaluate whether prenatal exposure to acetaminophen increases the risk for developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)–like behavioral problems or hyperkinetic disorders (HKDs) in children.
Design, Setting, and Participants
We studied 64 322 live-born children and mothers enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort during 1996-2002.
Exposures
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was assessed prospectively via 3 computer-assisted telephone interviews during pregnancy and 6 months after child birth.
Main Outcomes and Measures
To ascertain outcome information we used (1) parental reports of behavioral problems in children 7 years of age using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; (2) retrieved HKD diagnoses from the Danish National Hospital Registry or the Danish Psychiatric Central Registry prior to 2011; and (3) identified ADHD prescriptions (mainly Ritalin) for children from the Danish Prescription Registry. We estimated hazard ratios for receiving an HKD diagnosis or using ADHD medications and risk ratios for behavioral problems in children after prenatal exposure to acetaminophen.
Results
More than half of all mothers reported acetaminophen use while pregnant. Children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy were at higher risk for receiving a hospital diagnosis of HKD (hazard ratio = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.19-1.59), use of ADHD medications (hazard ratio = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.15-1.44), or having ADHD-like behaviors at age 7 years (risk ratio = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27). Stronger associations were observed with use in more than 1 trimester during pregnancy, and exposure response trends were found with increasing frequency of acetaminophen use during gestation for all outcomes (ie, HKD diagnosis, ADHD medication use, and ADHD-like behaviors; P trend < .001). Results did not appear to be confounded by maternal inflammation, infection during pregnancy, the mother’s mental health problems, or other potential confounders we evaluated.
Conclusions and Relevance
Maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for HKDs and ADHD-like behaviors in children. Because the exposure and outcome are frequent, these results are of public health relevance but further investigations are needed.
FINAL CONCLUSIONS
Using prospective data from a well-designed large cohort of pregnant women with a long duration of follow-up and registry-based outcome assessment, we found that prenatal exposures to acetaminophen may increase the risk in children of receiving a hospital diagnosis of HKD or ADHD medication and of exhibiting ADHD-like behaviors, with higher use frequency increasing risk in an exposure-response manner. Because the exposure is frequent, these associations might explain some of the increasing incidence in HKD/ADHD but further studies are needed.
September 23, 2025
Increased asthma, eczema and allegies from acetaminophen
Medical Research Institute, New Zealand
Source: Lancet, Sep 2008
The findings that Tylenol and acetaminophen increase asthma, allergies, and eczema should not be surprising as immune system alterations have been shown to occur from these drugs as well.
Background:
Exposure to paracetamol during intrauterine life, childhood, and adult life may increase the risk of developing asthma. We studied 6-7-year-old children from Phase Three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) programme to investigate the association between paracetamol consumption and asthma.
Methods:
As part of Phase Three of ISAAC, parents or guardians of children aged 6-7 years completed written questionnaires about symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema, and several risk factors, including the use of paracetamol for fever in the child's first year of life and the frequency of paracetamol use in the past 12 months. The primary outcome variable was the odds ratio (OR) of asthma symptoms in these children associated with the use of paracetamol for fever in the first year of life, as calculated by logistic regression.
Findings:
205 487 children aged 6-7 years from 73 centres in 31 countries were included in the analysis. In the multivariate analyses, use of paracetamol for fever in the first year of life was associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms when aged 6-7 years (OR 1.46 [95% CI 1.36-1.56]). Current use of paracetamol was associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of asthma symptoms (1.61 [1.46-1.77] and 3.23 [2.91-3.60] for medium and high use vs no use, respectively). Use of paracetamol was similarly associated with the risk of severe asthma symptoms, with population-attributable risks between 22% and 38%. Paracetamol use, both in the first year of life and in children aged 6-7 years, was also associated with an increased risk of symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema.
Interpretation:
Use of paracetamol in the first year of life and in later childhood, is associated with risk of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema at age 6 to 7 years. We suggest that exposure to paracetamol might be a risk factor for the development of asthma in childhood.
September 23, 2025
Asthma & autism linked to Tylenol by immune inflammation
National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
Source: Medical Hypotheses, Jan 2012
ABSTRACT
Autism and autism spectrum disorders are enigmatic conditions that have their origins in the interaction of genes and environmental factors. In this hypothesis, genes statistically associated with autism are emphasized to be important in inflammation and in innate immune pathways, including pathways for susceptibility to asthma. The role of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in an increased risk for asthma is described, and a possible similar link to an increased risk for autism is suggested.
There is strong epidemiological evidence that acetaminophen use in late pregnancy and/or in the first year of life increases the risk of subsequently acquiring childhood asthma and related allergic disorders. This may be due to direct effects on immunological pathways or secondary effects such as through alterations in blood serotonin, glutathione, or transsulfuration. Fever has been shown to have a modifying effect on behaviors in autism, and acetaminophen is widely used to treat childhood fever as well as symptoms associated with childhood infections and childhood vaccines. Acetaminophen use has been shown to be associated with autism in a preliminary study63.
September 23, 2025
Higher acetaminophin in cord blood higher ADHD and autism in childhood
Johns Hopkins University
Source: JAMA Psychiatry, Oct 2013
ABSTRACT
Importance:
Prior studies have raised concern about maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children; however, most studies have relied on maternal self-report.
Objective:
To examine the prospective associations between cord plasma acetaminophen metabolites and physician-diagnosed ADHD, ASD, both ADHD and ASD, and developmental disabilities (DDs) in childhood.
Design, setting, and participants: This prospective cohort study analyzed 996 mother-infant dyads, a subset of the Boston Birth Cohort, who were enrolled at birth and followed up prospectively at the Boston Medical Center from October 1, 1998, to June 30, 2018.
Exposures:
Three cord acetaminophen metabolites (unchanged acetaminophen, acetaminophen glucuronide, and 3-[N-acetyl-l-cystein-S-yl]-acetaminophen) were measured in archived cord plasma samples collected at birth.
Main outcomes and measures: Physician-diagnosed ADHD, ASD, and other DDs as documented in the child's medical records.
Results:
Of 996 participants (mean [SD] age, 9.8 [3.9] years; 548 [55.0%] male), the final sample included 257 children (25.8%) with ADHD only, 66 (6.6%) with ASD only, 42 (4.2%) with both ADHD and ASD, 304 (30.5%) with other DDs, and 327 (32.8%) who were neurotypical. Unchanged acetaminophen levels were detectable in all cord plasma samples. Compared with being in the first tertile, being in the second and third tertiles of cord acetaminophen burden was associated with higher odds of ADHD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] for second tertile, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.40-3.69; OR for third tertile, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.77-4.67) and ASD diagnosis (OR for second tertile, 2.14; 95% CI, 0.93-5.13; OR for third tertile, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.62-8.60). Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses found consistent associations between acetaminophen burden and ADHD and acetaminophen burden and ASD across strata of potential confounders, including maternal indication, substance use, preterm birth, and child age and sex, for which point estimates for the ORs vary from 2.3 to 3.5 for ADHD and 1.6 to 4.1 for ASD.
September 17, 2025
Pain killers containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) increase autism
DUKE University, NC & Harvard Medical School
Source: Journal Internal Med Research, Mar 2017
ABSTRACT
The wide range of factors associated with the induction of autism is invariably linked with either inflammation or oxidative stress, and sometimes both. The use of acetaminophen in babies and young children may be much more strongly associated with autism than its use during pregnancy, perhaps because of well-known deficiencies in the metabolic breakdown of pharmaceuticals during early development. Thus, one explanation for the increased prevalence of autism is that increased exposure to acetaminophen, exacerbated by inflammation and oxidative stress, is neurotoxic in babies and small children. This view mandates extreme urgency in probing the long-term effects of acetaminophen use in babies and the possibility that many cases of infantile autism may actually be induced by acetaminophen exposure shortly after birth.
FOOD DYE
Petroleum-based food dyes have been used for decades to color food items including baked goods, cheese, children's cereal, candy and even meat. The coloring provides no nutritional value or taste but is used to increase product appeal. Here, we'll review older and newer studies providing evidence that artificial colors can have detrimental effects on human biology. This includes harmful effects on the brain, immune system, gut microbiome and organ function.
Petroleum-based food dyes have been used for decades to color food items including baked goods, cheese, children's cereal, candy and even meat. The coloring provides no nutritional value or taste but is used to increase product appeal. Here, we'll review older and newer studies providing evidence that artificial colors can have detrimental effects on human biology. This includes harmful effects on the brain, immune system, gut microbiome and organ function.
May 26, 2025
Intestinal barrier damage caused by red dye 40
McMaster University, Canada
Source: Nature Communications, May 2023
ABSTRACT
Chemicals in food are widely used, leading to significant human exposure. Allura Red AC (AR) is a highly common synthetic colorant; however, little is known about its impact on colitis. Here, we show that chronic exposure of AR at a dose found in commonly consumed dietary products exacerbates experimental models of colitis in mice. While intermittent exposure is more akin to a typical human exposure, intermittent exposure to AR in mice for 12 weeks, does not influence susceptibility to colitis. However, exposure to AR during early life primes mice to heightened susceptibility to colitis. In addition, chronic exposure to AR induces mild colitis, which is associated with elevated colonic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) levels and impairment of the epithelial barrier function via myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Importantly, chronic exposure to AR does not influence colitis susceptibility in mice lacking tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), the rate limiting enzyme for 5-HT biosynthesis. Cecal transfer of the perturbed gut microbiota by AR exposure worsens colitis severity in the recipient germ-free (GF) mice. Furthermore, chronic AR exposure elevates colonic 5-HT levels in naïve GF mice. Though it remains unknown whether AR has similar effects in humans, our study reveals that chronic long-term exposure to a common synthetic colorant promotes experimental colitis via colonic 5-HT in gut microbiota-dependent and -independent pathway in mice.
April 25, 2025
Red & yellow food colors alter hormones
Dept of Physiology, MGR Med University, India
Source: Journal Xenobiotics, Nov 2024
ABSTRACT
Processed foods, accounting for most consumable food categories today, contain considerable amounts of food additives. Food additives are substances added to food products to improve taste, consistency, appearance, or shelf life. Various food additives, such as phthalates, bisphenol A, tartrazine, erythrosine, artificial sweeteners, and parabens, have been identified as potential sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in processed foods. EDCs are substances that frequently interfere with the regular functioning of the endocrine system, creating an unusual environment in the biological system, which leads to adverse health effects such as the disruption of hormone synthesis, receptor binding, and signal transduction pathways, as well as energy metabolic homeostatic disorders which potentially increasing the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and may also trigger allergic reactions. Consequently, they can also impact mammary gland development, and reproductive function, further leading to developmental abnormalities. This review aims to insights into the various food additives that act as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and to describe their applications in the food industry, as well as the failure of hormonal homeostatic mechanisms, which eventually result in hazardous health effects. It also outlines strategies to reduce the use of food additives and suggests alternative additives with minimal or no endocrine-disrupting properties, highlighting their importance for maintaining human health.
April 25, 2025
Red dye causes DNA damage, inflammation, microbiome changes in mice
College of Pharmacy, Univ of S. Carolina
Source: Toxicology Reports, Sep 2023
ABSTRACT
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among young people has been on the rise for the past four decades and its underlying causes are only just starting to be uncovered. Recent studies suggest that consuming ultra-processed foods and pro-inflammatory diets may be contributing factors. The increase in the use of synthetic food colors in such foods over the past 40 years, including the common synthetic food dye Allura Red AC (Red 40), coincides with the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). As these ultra-processed foods are particularly appealing to children, there is a growing concern about the impact of synthetic food dyes on the development of CRC. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of Red 40 on DNA damage, the microbiome, and colonic inflammation. Despite a lack of prior research, high levels of human exposure to pro-inflammatory foods containing Red 40 highlight the urgency of exploring this issue. Our results show that Red 40 damages DNA both in vitro and in vivo and that consumption of Red 40 in the presence of a high-fat diet for 10 months leads to dysbiosis and low-grade colonic inflammation in mice. This evidence supports the hypothesis that Red 40 is a dangerous compound that dysregulates key players involved in the development of EOCRC.
In conclusion, our study, distinguished by meticulous dietary control and selected CRC-related outcome measurements, underscores Red 40's adverse effects. The combination of in vitro and in vivo models facilitates nuanced exploration of CRC-relevant mechanisms. Nonetheless, our study does possess limitations, including the need for more detailed mechanistic insights into observed changes. As we continue to examine how Red 40 triggers low-grade inflammation, with emphasis on relevant microbial species, we acknowledge the challenges in extrapolating results from animal models to human contexts. To this, the current study advances our understanding of Red 40's detrimental effects on health, highlighting the potential of chronic exposure to elevate CRC risk. We demonstrate that Red 40 inflicts DNA damage, particularly in the presence of a HFD, which leads to altered gut microbiota and subsequent inflammation in the distal colon. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence illustrating Red 40's adverse impact on colorectal carcinogenesis. Future endeavors should incorporate human studies to deepen insights into Red 40's role in EOCRC's natural history, alongside further laboratory investigations to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
April 25, 2025
Hyperactive (ADHD) behavior improved immediately after petroleum food dyes removed from diet
York College PA, St. George Univ, Harvard Med School
Source: Cureus, Sep 2022
ABSTRACT
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in children. The exact cause of ADHD is not known, but, along with genetic factors, it is possible that environmental factors including toxins and diet may affect symptom severity. Of these dietary components, artificial food coloring (AFC), while approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been suspected to be associated with ADHD symptoms. Of the nine FDA-certified food colors, two are used for artificial blue coloring: Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2. There is limited literature describing the possible role of blue AFC in causing symptoms of ADHD in children. This paper provides a review of the literature surrounding artificial food coloring and its ability to affect the neurodevelopment of children in a way that could increase the behavioral indicators of ADHD. To do this, search criteria were established using a combination of MeSH terms about blue AFCs and ADHD and were entered into PubMed, along with limits on article types and publication dates from January 2000 to June 2022. There was a total of 20 articles that met this search criterion. These articles were reviewed by authors, and the ones not relevant to the topic were excluded. In total, four studies were chosen to be included in this article. After reviewing the literature, it was found that restriction diets, specifically those excluding AFCs, may affect symptom severity. The source of these changes is not known, but possible mechanisms include AFCs causing nutritional deficiencies and allergic reactions or altering neurotransmitter levels. More research is necessary to describe the neurotoxicity of artificial blue dyes in humans.
CONCLUSION
The studies that were reviewed in this article show that diet, especially consumption of artificial food coloring, produces statistically significant increases in ADHD symptoms in children. The mechanism for how AFCs cause such neurological and behavioral changes is not definitively known, but there are a few possible explanations. These include some well-studied hypotheses for the mechanism of ADHD that AFCs could contribute to, such as the dopamine hypothesis, but some less-studied causes like nutritional deficiencies and histamine release may also be possible. While several studies examine the effect of a combination of AFCs on ADHD symptoms in children, there is very little research done on just Blue No. 1 or Blue No. 2 in children. This is illustrated by the low number of studies reviewed in the article after the PubMed search on blue AFC and ADHD, limiting the strength of the conclusions that can be made from the results. In mice and rats, Blue No. 1 specifically has been found to affect neurodevelopment and hyperactive behavior, while Blue No. 2 has not been shown to have any definitive toxicity. There is a need for more research to determine how these individual compounds affect humans, especially because of the ability for Blue #1 to cross the blood-brain barrier. Understanding how artificial blue food dyes affect the brain and behavior of humans through increased research on the topic could provide alternative treatment options for children with ADHD.
April 25, 2025
Immune system weakened by white food coloring
Dept of Food, Huaiyin Normal University, China
Source: Environmental Toxicology, Oct 2017
ABSTRACT
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been extensively used in industry, medicine, and daily life, and have shown potential toxic effects for animals or humans. We noted that the effects of TiO2 NPs on the immune system and its mechanism of action in animals or humans have not been elucidated. Thus, mice were exposed to the TiO2 NPs (0, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 mg kg-1 body weight) for 9 consecutive months. Exposure to TiO2 NPs was accumulated in the thymus, leading to a decrease in body weight and increases in the weight of the thymus or thymus indices. In the blood, exposure to TiO2 NPs significantly decreased white blood cell, red blood cell, reticulocyte, haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; and increased mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, platelets, and mean platelet volume. The reductions of lymphocyte subsets, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, B cell, and natural killer cell, were observed in the TiO2 NP-treated mouse thymus. Appearance of starry-sky aspect of the cortex that is given by the body of macrophages, bleeding, severe hemolysis or congestion, fatty degeneration, and cell apoptosis or necrosis were observed in the thymus following TiO2 NPs exposure. Importantly, TiO2 NPs increased expression of nucleic factor-κB(NF-κB), IκB kinase1/2, interleukin-1β, interleukin -4, regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted, cyclooxygenase 2, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, purinergic receptors-7, interferon-inducible protein 10, hypoxia inducible factor 1-α, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p-p38, and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 protein, respectively; whereas suppressed expression of IκB, peroxisome proliferater-activated receptor-γ, trefoil factor 1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α, and prostaglandin E2 proteins in the thymus, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that TiO2 NPs exerts toxic effects on lymphoid organs and T cell and innate immune cell homeostasis in mice and that these immunotoxic potential effects may result from the activation of NF-κB-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway.
April 25, 2025
Artificial food colors worsen EEG and ADHD symptoms in adults
Dept of Psychology, American University, Wash. DC
Source: Nutritional Neuroscience, Jan 22
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Removing artificial food coloring (AFC) is a common dietary intervention for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but has not been tested in young adults. This pilot study examined the effects of AFC on ADHD symptoms and electroencephalography (EEG) in college students with and without ADHD.
Methods: At baseline, control and ADHD participants completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), simple and complex attention measures, and resting-state EEG recordings. ADHD participants (n = 18) and a subset of controls (extended control group or EC, n = 11) avoided AFC in their diet for 2 weeks and then were randomized to a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover challenge. Subjects received either 225 mg AFC disguised in chocolate cookies or placebo chocolate cookies for 3 days each week, with testing on the third day each week. Baseline comparisons were made using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum tests and challenge period analyses were run using General Linear Modeling.
Results: The ADHD group had significantly greater scores on the ASRS (p < 0.001), confirming a symptom differential between groups; however, there were no differences in attentional measures or EEG at baseline. The AFC challenge resulted in an increase in posterior mean gamma power (p = 0.05), a decrease in posterior relative alpha power (p = 0.04), and a marginal increase in inattentive symptoms (p = 0.08) in the ADHD group. There were no effects of AFC in the EC group.
Discussion: This study indicates that AFC exposure may affect brainwave activity and ADHD symptoms in college students with ADHD. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
INFANT FORMULA
Powdered infant formula has been shown to contain a number of toxic contaminants including excessive fluoride and toxic metals. A chemical contaminant of great concern is 3-MCDA which is formed indirectly after seed oils are refined and heated to over 400 degrees. Studies on this and other toxic contaminants will be reviewed.
Powdered infant formula has been shown to contain a number of toxic contaminants including excessive fluoride and toxic metals. A chemical contaminant of great concern is 3-MCDA which is formed indirectly after seed oils are refined and heated to over 400 degrees. Studies on this and other toxic contaminants will be reviewed.
May 1, 2025
Toxic chemicals of concern in baby formula
Consumer Reports
Source: Consumer Reports Publication, Mar 18 2025
Read the full article from Consumer Reports study for recommendations and specific brands with the highest levels of infant formula contaminants. This can be seen at -
https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-formula/baby-formula-contaminants-test-results-a7140095293
April 30, 2025
Iron high - DHA low in infant formula compared to European standards
Boston Children's Hospital, Univ of Rochester
Source: Nutrients, Apr 2023
ABSTRACT
Requirements for iron and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of infant formula varies by country. Powdered full-term infant formula purchase data from all major physical stores in the US between 2017-2019 were obtained from CIRCANA, Inc. Iron and DHA composition and scoop sizes for each formula were obtained from manufacturers. The equivalent liquid ounces of prepared formula were calculated. Average iron and DHA content were compared between formula types and to both US and European formula composition requirements. These data represent 55.8 billion ounces of formula. The average iron content of all formula purchased was: 1.80 mg/100 kcal. This iron concentration is within the FDA regulations. However, it exceeds the maximum allowable iron concentration of infant formula (Stage 1) set by the European Commission of 1.3 mg/100 kcal. A total of 96% of formula purchased had an iron concentration of >1.3 mg/100 kcal. DHA is not a required ingredient in US formulas. The average DHA content of all formula purchased was: 12.6 mg/100 kcal. This DHA concentration is far below the minimum required DHA concentrations of infant formula (Stage 1) and follow-on formula (Stage 2) set by the European Commission of 20 mg/100 kcal. These are novel insights into the iron and DHA intake of formula-fed infants in the US. As international infant formulas have entered the US market due to the formula shortage, parents and providers need to be aware of regulatory differences in formula nutrient composition.
April 30, 2025
Chemical 3-MCPD in infant formula
U.S. Food & Drug Administration, MD
Source: Food Addit Cntrl Pt A Chem Anal Cntrl Expo Risk Assess, Jan 2020
ABSTRACT
Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD), 2-monochlorpropanediol (2-MCPD), and glycidol are process-induced chemical contaminants found in refined vegetable oils. Due to their toxicological properties, there is potential concern regarding exposure to these compounds, particularly for formula-fed infants where refined edible oils are the primary fat source in commercial infant formulas.
In order to assess exposure, 55 commercial oil samples, specifically intended for use in infant formula, were collected in 2015 from various infant formula manufacturers in the United States and analysed using a LC-MS/MS direct detection method. At the time of collection, there were no validated methods for the analysis of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formula.
Therefore, analysis of these commercial oil samples served as an alternative for confirming the presence of these ester contaminants in infant formula. Bound 3-MCPD and glycidol concentrations in these oils ranged from below the limit of quantitation (< LOQ) to 5.13 µg g-1 and < LOQ to 6.14 µg g-1, respectively. Highest ester concentrations were observed in palm olein samples. Concentrations of bound 3-MCPD and glycidol in the commercial oils were consistent with previously published occurrence studies at the time, suggesting that oils used in the manufacture of infant formula were similar (or processed in a similar manner) as refined oils marketed directly to consumers in 2015.
In order to determine if conditions during infant formula production impact the presence of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in the finished products, concentrations in oils were compared to concentrations in finished infant formula collected at approximately the same time. The comparison revealed that conditions used in the manufacture of infant formula likely initiate the destruction or conversion of glycidyl esters to other compounds, resulting in lower amounts of bound glycidol in the final product relative to the concentrations originally present in the refined oils.
FLUORIDE
A number of newer studies have shown the levels fluoride added to community water systems today can negatively impact brain development, IQ and child behavior. New concerns are showing white and brown staining of children's teeth (fluorosis) is occurring at low and typical fluoride levels found in treated water. These studies are discussed below.
A number of newer studies have shown the levels fluoride added to community water systems today can negatively impact brain development, IQ and child behavior. New concerns are showing white and brown staining of children's teeth (fluorosis) is occurring at low and typical fluoride levels found in treated water. These studies are discussed below.
October 8, 2025
Autism link - fluoride & aluminum combine greatly increasing neurotoxicity
Institute of Tech & Business, Czech Republic
Source: Int J Environ Res Public Health, Sep 2019
ABSTRACT
The continuous rise of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalent in the past few decades is causing an increase in public health and socioeconomic concern. A consensus suggests the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors in the ASD etiopathogenesis. Fluoride (F) is rarely recognized among the environmental risk factors of ASD, since the neurotoxic effects of F are not generally accepted. Our review aims to provide evidence of F neurotoxicity. We assess the risk of chronic F exposure in the ASD etiopathology and investigate the role of metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, immunoexcitotoxicity, and decreased melatonin levels. These symptoms have been observed both after chronic F exposure as well as in ASD. Moreover, we show that F in synergistic interactions with aluminum's free metal cation (Al3+) can reinforce the pathological symptoms of ASD. This reinforcement takes place at concentrations several times lower than when acting alone. A high ASD prevalence has been reported from countries with water fluoridation as well as from endemic fluorosis areas. We suggest focusing the ASD prevention on the reduction of the F and Al3+ burdens from daily life.
September 16, 2025
Lower IQ at ages 5 and 10
Karolinska Institute of Environ Med, Sweden
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, Apr 2025
In their concluding remarks, the researchers stated, "This study adds to the growing evidence that even low-level fluoride exposure early in life may adversely impact child cognition. Prenatal exposure was associated with lower cognitive abilities with no indication of a threshold..... Both perceptual reasoning and verbal ability appeared to be affected. Because even minor changes in cognition at a population level can have important implications for public health, the overall results raise concerns about the existing guidelines and standards for fluoride in drinking water."
ABSTRACT
Background:
There are indications that fluoride exposure considered to be beneficial for dental health may not be safe from a neurodevelopmental perspective.
Objective:
We assessed the impact of prenatal and childhood fluoride exposure on cognitive abilities at 5 and 10 years of age.
Methods:
We studied 500 mother–child pairs from the MINIMat (Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions in Matlab) birth cohort in rural Bangladesh. Urinary fluoride concentrations were measured in pregnant women at gestational week 8 and in their children at 5 and 10 years of age using an ion-selective electrode and adjusting for specific gravity. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale for Intelligence, Third Edition, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition, at 5 and 10 years of age, respectively. Associations of urinary fluoride concentrations (log2-transformed) with cognitive abilities (raw scores) were assessed with multivariable-adjusted linear or spline regression models. Water fluoride concentrations at the time of the follow-up of the children at 10 years of age were also measured.
Results:
Maternal urinary fluoride concentrations (median: 0.63mg/L, 5th to 95th percentiles, (0.26 to 1.41mg/L) were inversely associated with full-scale raw scores at 5 and 10 years, B (95% confidence interval), minus 2.8 (minus 5.1 to 0.6) and minus 4.9 (minus 8.0 to 1.8), respectively, by exposure doubling. In cross-sectional analysis at 10 years, child urinary fluoride (overall median, 0.66mg/L, 5th to 95th percentiles, 0.34 to 1.26mg/L) above minus 0.47 on the log2-scale (corresponding to 0.72mg/L) was inversely associated with full-scale raw scores, B (95% confidence interval), minus 12.1 (minus 21.2 to 3.0).
The association at 5 years of age was also negative but nonsignificant. For both prenatal and childhood exposure, associations were most noticeable with perceptual reasoning, but also verbal scores. The estimate for the association between urinary fluoride at 10 years of age and perceptual reasoning became 18% lower after adjustment for prenatal exposure. Inconsistent sex-specific differences were observed.
Conclusion:
Urinary fluoride concentrations measured prenatally and during childhood (child urinary fluoride concentrations above − 0.47 on the log2 scale, corresponding to 0.72mg/L) were associated with lower cognitive abilities, especially perceptual reasoning and verbal abilities, in Bangladeshi children 305-Unexpected worsening of fluorosis from 1986 to 2012
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30931722/
University of Toronto, Canada
Source: JDR Clinical Translational Research, Oct 2019
Fluorosis is a condition where fluoride causes unsightly white and brown stains on teeth and is caused by too high an exposure to fluoride. Looking at data from national US surveys, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fluorosis in 12-15 year old children was 22% in 1986-87. It rose to 41% in 1999-2004 and reached 65% in the 2011-2012 survey. In a second study on the topic (reviewed herein), the rate of child fluorosis went up even further to 87.3% in 2013-2014. Interestingly, it was reduced to 68.2% in 2015-2016, which is right after the government reduced fluoride from 1.2 to .07 mg/L. The rate of combined moderate and severe fluorosis increased the most, going from 1.2% in the 1986-87 sample to 3.7% in 1999-2004 and then 30.4% in 2011-12. As fluorosis is associated with increased neurological problems in children, this trend is of concern. Explanations for the increase in fluorosis include exposure from brushing teeth as well as increased fluoride residues in food (coming from fertilizer applications).
June 2, 2025
Testosterone decreased by typical fluoride levels
Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Source: Environmental Pollution, May 2020
ABSTRACT
Fluoride mediated disruption of sex steroid hormones has been demonstrated in animals. However, evidence from humans was limited and contradictory, especially for children and adolescents. Based on data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016, a total of 3392 subjects aged 6–19 years were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Both plasma and water fluoride levels were quantified electrometrically using the ion-specific electrode. Sex steroid hormones of total testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were tested in serum. Percent changes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in sex steroid hormones associated with tertiles of fluoride levels (setting the first as reference) were estimated using adjusted linear regression models by stratification of gender and age. Compared with subjects at the first tertile of plasma fluoride, percent changes (95% CIs) in testosterone were −8.08% (−17.36%, 2.25%) and −21.65% (−30.44%, −11.75%) for the second and third tertiles, respectively (P trend less than 0.001). Male adolescents at the third tertile of plasma fluoride had decreased levels of testosterone (percent change = −21.09%, 95% CIs = −36.61% to −1.77%). Similar inverse associations were also found when investigating the relationships between plasma fluoride and estradiol. Besides, the data indicated decreased levels of SHBG associated with water and plasma fluoride among the male adolescents (percent change of the third tertile = −9.39%, 95% CIs = −17.25% to −0.78%) and female children (percent change of the second tertile = −10.78%, 95% CIs = −17.55% to −3.45%), respectively. The data indicated gender- and age-specific inverse associations of fluoride in plasma and water with sex steroid hormones of total testosterone, estradiol and SHBG in U.S. children and adolescents. Prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm the causality.
May 8, 2025
High levels of fluoride found in food crops grown using treated water
AME's Dental College & Hospital, India
Source: J Family Med Primary Care, Jul 2022
.............................................
Known as jowar, this corn neighbor contained nearly 17-times more fluoride when grown using treated water than when grown using non-fluoridated water (8.8 ppm vs 0.52 ppm). This means 4 ounces of corn (a half cup) contains the same amount of fluoride as 2 liters of water and should be of great concern. Fluoride is known to accumulate in soil over time which could explain the apparent rising levels of fluoride in food crops.
ABSTRACT:
Background and aim: A staple food crops have varied role in diet of people living in particular regions of world; hence, it is critical to recognize their productivity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate fluoride concentration in staple food crops grown in highly fluoridated and non-fluoridated regions and its correlation with soil.
Method: Total 36 samples were collected of which 18 samples consisting of each three samples of rice, redgram and jowar were selected. Likewise 18 corresponding soil samples from both areas were collected. All samples were ashed for 4-6 hours at 550°C in muffle furnace. The samples were allowed to cool, after which 10 ml distilled water was added to each sample and fluoride concentration was determined using ion selective electrode method, before each sample analysis the instrument was standardized using fluoride containing TISAB (III) buffer solution. The data was tabulated and subjected to cross-sectional observational statistical analysis using SPSS software applying unpaired t-test and Pearson's test.
Result: The mean fluoride concentration in crops and soils were rice (0.79 ppm), redgram (4.26 ppm), jowar (8.8 ppm) and in soil of rice (1.23 ppm), redgram (1.23 ppm) and jowar (1.21 ppm) respectively in fluoridated area. Where as in non-fluoridated area rice (0.07 ppm), redgram (0.81 ppm), jowar (0.81 ppm) and in soil of rice (0.61 ppm), redgram (0.07 ppm) and jowar (0.52 ppm) respectively. The resultant correlation between staple food crops with their corresponding soils were found highly significant in both regions with P value <0.005; hence, crops in fluoridated region exhibited increased fluoride retention, whereas crops in non-fluoridated region had optimal fluoride levels.
Conclusion: Fluoride concentration in food crops has strong correlation with their respective soils and water irrigation properties.
May 7, 2025
Fluoride combination causes elevated effects
Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey
Source: Neurological Research, Nov 2023
This can grossly underestimate the true risk as different neurotoxins in combination can result in greatly enhanced toxicological effects in a process known as synergism. In this 2023 study with 72 albino rats, researchers exposed animals to both fluoride and the pesticide rotenone in either isolation and in combination. Levels of exposure included that which could equal fluoride levels found in humans. When animals were exposed to both chemical compounds simultaneously, far greater levels of damage were detected compared to what each chemical was causing individually. This included a significant reduction in the critically important antioxidant glutathione, which functions to remove cell damaging free radicals and recently shown to detoxify environmental toxins as well. . Along with the reduction in glutathione, the two chemical combination was found to damage DNA in subsequent brain tissue analysis. The observation of fluoride causing increased damage to cells in combination with another chemical would suggest the true harm from fluoride is grossly underestimated and highlights the importance of incorporating synergism into future toxicological studies of neurological effects.
ABSTRACT:
Objective: Environmental toxins are known to be one of the important factors in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study was designed to investigate the possible contribution of fluoride (F) exposure to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in rats with PD induced by rotenone (ROT).
Materials and methods: A total of 72 Wistar albino male rats were used in the experiment and 9 groups were formed with 8 animals in each group. ROT (2 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously (sc) for 28 days. Different doses of sodium fluoride (NaF) (25, 50 and 100 ug/mL) were given orally (po) for 4 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) and cholinesterase (AChE/BChE) enzyme activities were evaluated in serum and brain tissue homogenates.
Results: Rats treated with ROT and NaF had significant increases in serum and brain MDA, NO content, and decreases in GSH. In addition, the combination of ROT and NaF triggered oxidative DNA damage and resulted in increased AChE/BChE activity.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that NaF and ROT may interact synergistically leading to oxidative damage and neuronal cell loss. As a result, we believe that exposure to pesticides in combination with NaF is one of the environmental factors that should not be ignored in the etiology of neurological diseases such as PD in populations in areas with endemic fluorosis.
May 6, 2025
Kidney-Liver function reduced as fluoride increases
Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine, NY
Source: Environmental International, Nov 2019
Background:
Hepato and nephrotoxicity of fluoride have been demonstrated in animals, but few studies have examined potential effects in humans. This population-based study examines the relationship between chronic low-level fluoride exposure and kidney and liver function among United States (U.S.) adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate whether greater fluoride exposure is associated with altered kidney and liver parameters among U.S. youth.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2016). We analyzed data from 1,983 and 1,742 adolescents who had plasma and water fluoride measures respectively and did not have kidney disease. Fluoride was measured in plasma and household tap water. Kidney parameters included estimated glomerular filtration rate (calculated by the original Schwartz formula), serum uric acid, and the urinary albumin creatinine ratio. Liver parameters were assessed in serum and included alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, gamma glutamate transferase, and albumin. Survey-weighted linear regression examined relationships between fluoride exposure and kidney and liver parameters after covariate adjustment. A Holm-Bonferroni correction accounted for multiple comparisons.
Results:
The average age of adolescents was 15.4 years. Median water and plasma fluoride concentrations were 0.48 mg/L and 0.33 μmol/L respectively. A 1 umol/L increase in plasma fluoride was associated with a 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower estimated glomerular filtration rate - a 0.29 mg/dL higher serum uric acid concentration and a 1.29 mg/dL lower blood urea nitrogen concentration. A 1.0 mg/L increase in water fluoride was associated with a 0.93 mg/dL lower blood urea nitrogen concentration.
Conclusions:
Fluoride exposure may contribute to complex changes in kidney and liver related parameters among U.S. adolescents. As the study is cross-sectional, reverse causality cannot be ruled out; therefore, altered kidney and/or liver function may impact bodily fluoride absorption and metabolic processes.
May 5, 2025
Gut microbiome dysbiosis
Henan Univ of Sci and Technology, China
Source: Environmental Pollution, Jan 2022
As the full study are behind a "pay-wall," I am not able to get detailed results of specific fluoride levels and biological effects. However, considering that fluoride can have any effect on this critical defenses. for these changes.
ABSTRACT
Colon microenvironment and microbiota dysbiosis are closely related to various human metabolic diseases. In this study, a total of 72 healthy female mice were exposed to fluoride (F) (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L F−) in drinking water for 70 days. The effect of F on intestinal barrier and the diversity and composition in colon microbiota have been evaluated. Meanwhile, the relationship among F-induced colon microbiota alterations and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) expression and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) level also been assessed. The results suggested that F decreased the goblet cells number and glycoprotein expression in colon. And further high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing result demonstrated that F exposure induced the diversity and community composition of colonic microbiota significantly changes. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis identified 11 predominantly characteristic taxa which may be the biomarker in response to F exposure. F-induced intestinal microbiota perturbations lead to the significantly decreased SCFAs levels in colon. Immunofluorescence results showed that F increased the protein expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-22 (P < 0.01) and disturbed the expression of interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) and IL-22R (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, the increased expression of IL-17A and IL-22 cooperatively enhanced the mRNA expression of AMPs which response to F-induced microbiota perturbations. Collectively, destroyed microenvironment and disturbed AMPs are the primary reason of microbiota dysbiosis in colon after F exposure. Colonic homoeostasis imbalance would be helpful for finding the source of F-induced chronic systemic diseases.
Snippets from the orginal article
Animals and treatment
A total of 72 healthy female 21-day-old Kunming mice were purchased from the Experimental Animal Centre of Zhengzhou University, which were fed with a standard diet and housed under a 12 h light/dark cycle at a temperature of 22 °C ± 2 °C room for one week. After 7 days of acclimation, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of 18. The experimental design is as follows: mice in control group were given distilled water and standard diet, whereas the mice in the F groups were fed with...
Effect of F on the morphology, goblet cells number and glycoprotein expression in colon
Fig. 1 showed that, compared with the control group (Fig. 1A1), F exposure induce histopathological lesions in colonic tissues consisting of shortening and atrophy of colonic gland, mild to moderate necrosis of enterocytes, and a decrease in the number of goblet cells (Fig. 1B1, C1 and D1). With increasing F dose intake, the damage of colon tissue was more serious.
AB-PAS and PAS staining showed the distribution of goblet cells and glycoproteins. Obviously, the numbers of AB-PAS positive cells
Discussion
The intestinal barrier plays a pivotal role in maintaining the intestinal homoeostasis. Mucin glycoproteins secreted by goblet cells assemble into mucus layer is the front line of host defense against endogenous and exogenous irritants which play an important role in intestinal infections (Kim and Ho, 2010). Mucin glycoproteins secreted by goblet cells assemble into mucus layer is the front line of host defense against endogenous and exogenous irritants which play an important role in
Conclusion
Our results revealed that F destroy colonic microenvironment, lead to decrease the goblet cells number and glycoprotein secretion. Meanwhile, F disturbed AMPs expression by increased the level of IL-17A and IL-22. Destroyed microenvironment and disturbed AMPs are the primary reason of microbiota dysbiosis in colon after F exposure (Fig. 7). These results would be helpful for understanding the mechanism of F-induced colonic homeostasis imbalance. Colonic homoeostasis imbalance may be the source
May 5, 2025
Bone density decreased by fluoride in US children
Peking University, China
Source: Nutrients, Sep 2024
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the association between fluoride exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016. The fluoride concentrations in the water samples, plasma samples, and urine samples were measured electrometrically using an ion-specific electrode. Total body less head BMD (TBLH BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Weighted generalized linear regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression models were used to analyze the relationships between the three types of fluoride exposure and TBLH BMD. We performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex. A total of 1413 US children and adolescents were included in our study. In our linear regression models, we found inverse associations between fluoride concentrations in water and plasma and TBLH BMD. Additionally, we discovered a non-linear association between fluoride concentrations in water and plasma and TBLH BMD. No significant association or non-linear relationship was found between urine fluoride levels and TBLH BMD. This nationally representative sample study provides valuable insight into the intricate connection between fluoride exposure and skeletal health in children and adolescents.
May 5, 2025
Immune system damage
Harbin Medical Univesity, China
Source: Frontiers in Immunology, May 2024
Although this reduction in immune system quality typically (but not always) occurs at higher doses as seen in animal studies, the fact that fluoride constantly accumulates in the human body over time would suggest older Americans (with a higher body burden of fluoride) would be particularly vulnderable to the immune weakening effects of fluoride.
ABSTRACT
Excessive fluoride intake from residential environments may affect multiple tissues and organs; however, the specific pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. Researchers have recently focused on the damaging effects of fluoride on the immune system. Damage to immune function seriously affects the quality of life of fluoride-exposed populations and increases the incidence of infections and malignant tumors. Probing the mechanism of damage to immune function caused by fluoride helps identify effective drugs and methods to prevent and treat fluorosis and improve people’s living standards in fluorosis-affected areas. Here, the recent literature on the effects of fluoride on the immune system is reviewed, and research on fluoride damage to the immune system is summarized in terms of three perspectives: immune organs, immune cells, and immune-active substances. We reviewed that excessive fluoride can damage immune organs, lead to immune cells dysfunction and interfere with the expression of immune-active substances. This review aimed to provide a potential direction for future fluorosis research from the perspective of fluoride-induced immune function impairment. In order to seek the key regulatory indicators of fluoride on immune homeostasis in the future.
May 4, 2025
Eye diseases linked to fluoride - Review
EnviroManagement Services, Ireland
Source: Int J Environ Res Public Health, Mar 2019
ABSTRACT
This study provides diverse lines of evidence demonstrating that fluoride (F) exposure contributes to degenerative eye diseases by stimulating or inhibiting biological pathways associated with the pathogenesis of cataract, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. As elucidated in this study, F exerts this effect by inhibiting enolase, τ-crystallin, Hsp40, Na+, K+-ATPase, Nrf2, γ -GCS, HO-1 Bcl-2, FoxO1, SOD, PON-1 and glutathione activity, and upregulating NF-κB, IL-6, AGEs, HsP27 and Hsp70 expression. Moreover, F exposure leads to enhanced oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant activity. Based on the evidence presented in this study, it can be concluded that F exposure may be added to the list of identifiable risk factors associated with pathogenesis of degenerative eye diseases. The broader impact of these findings suggests that reducing F intake may lead to an overall reduction in the modifiable risk factors associated with degenerative eye diseases. Further studies are required to examine this association and determine differences in prevalence rates amongst fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities, taking into consideration other dietary sources of F such as tea. Finally, the findings of this study elucidate molecular pathways associated with F exposure that may suggest a possible association between F exposure and other inflammatory diseases. Further studies are also warranted to examine these associations.
May 3, 2025
Testicular cells damaged - testosterone reduced by low fluoride
Department of Biology, Istanbul University
Source: Chemosphere, Dec 2018
ABSTRACT
Fluorine is an essential trace element to which humans and animals are exposed through water, food, air and products used for dental health. Numerous studies have reported the detrimental effects of fluoride on testicular function and fertility; however, the underlying mechanisms of testosterone biosynthesis remain unclear. In this study, Leydig cells, the primary cells responsible for the production and regulation of steroid hormones in the testis, were used to elicit effects of sodium fluoride on the steroidogenic pathway. Leydig cells were treated with 0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/L sodium fluoride for 24 h, respectively. The result of the study showed that sodium fluoride significantly decreased cell viability and cell proliferation, increased cell cytotoxicity and decreased the amounts of testosterone and 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, these results indicated that NaF suppressed the expression of steroidogenic genes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, 3β-hydroxy dehydrogenase type I and 17β-hydroxy dehydrogenase type III) and proteins (luteinizing hormone receptor, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, 3β-hydroxy dehydrogenase), by changing the mRNA expression levels of the transcription factors (steroidogenic factor-1, GATA binding protein-4, nerve growth factor IB and nuclear receptor subfamily 0 group B member 1).
May 3, 2025
Dental fluorisis (spots on teeth) from low fluoride exposure
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Source: Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety, Sep 2020
Higher blood fluoride levels in some children could be explained by the fact that kidneys are the main organ for blood fluoride removal. As some children have significantly less kidney filtration and efficiency than others, this could be a plausible explanation for the discrepancy. Scientists also stated blood levels showed higher levels of fluoride in children than adolescents. In fact, the authors stated that because of this discrepancy, and more detrimental fluoride effects in younger children, they should be given alternative sources of drinking water.
This study suggests that scarring of teeth into adulthood from the addition of fluoride to water systems is to be expected in homes where fluoride is added to water supplies and could psychologically and financially impact many individuals.
ABSTRACT
Drinking water fluoridation was a mid-twentieth century innovation based on the medical hypothesis that consuming low doses of fluoride at the teeth forming years provided protection against dental decays. Numerous studies showed that high level exposure to fluoride could cause dental and skeleton fluorosis. However, there was limited study focusing on the fluorosis effect of low levels of exposure to fluoride. Therefore, our study aimed to examine whether the low level of fluoride exposure (measured in blood plasma and household tap water) was associated with the risk of dental fluorosis based on data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016. We analyzed data in 2098 children and adolescents who had Dean's Index scores, and water and plasma fluoride measures. The Dean's Index score was measured by calibrated dental examiners using the modified Dean's fluorosis classification system. Fluoride was measured in plasma and household tap water. In this study, we found that the rate of fluoride concentration in water above the recommended level of 0.7 mg/L was 25%, but the prevalence of dental fluorosis was 70%. Binary logistic regression adjusted for covariates showed that higher water fluoride concentrations (0.31–0.50, 0.51–0.70, > 0.70 compared 0.00–0.30) were associated with higher odds of dental fluorosis (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.13–1.96, p = 0.005; OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.44–2.58, p < 0.001, and OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.75–3.07, p < 0.001, respectively). The pattern of regression between plasma fluoride and dental fluorosis was similar. Inclusion, our study showed that even low level of water or plasma fluoride exposure was associated with increased the risk of dental fluorosis. The safety of public health approach of drinking water fluoridation for global dental caries reduction are urgently needed further research.
May 1, 2025
Fluoride exposure in pregnancy increases behavior disorders in childen
University of Florida, Gainesville
Source: JAMA Network Open, May 2024
In conclusion, the researchers stated, "In this prospective cohort study of mother-child pairs in Los Angeles, California, prenatal fluoride exposure was associated with increased neurobehavioral problems. These findings suggest that there may be a need to establish recommendations for limiting fluoride exposure during the prenatal period."
ABSTRACT
Importance: Recent studies in Canadian and Mexican populations suggest an association of higher prenatal fluoride exposure with poorer neurobehavioral development, but whether this association holds for US-based populations is unknown.
Objective: To examine associations of third trimester maternal urinary fluoride (MUF) with child neurobehavior at age 3 years in the US.
Design, setting, and participants: This prospective cohort study utilized urine samples archived from 2017 to 2020 and neurobehavioral data assessed from 2020 to 2023 from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) pregnancy cohort, which consisted of predominately Hispanic women residing in Los Angeles, California. Cohort eligibility criteria at recruitment included being 18 years of age or older, less than 30 weeks' gestation, and a fluent English or Spanish speaker. Exclusion criteria included having a disability preventing participation or provision of informed consent, being HIV positive or incarcerated, and having a multiple gestation pregnancy. There were 263 mother-child pairs who completed the 3-year study visit. In this analysis, women who reported prenatal smoking were excluded. Data analysis was conducted from October 2022 to March 2024.
Exposure: Specific gravity-adjusted MUF (MUFSG), a biomarker of prenatal fluoride exposure.
Main outcomes and measures: Neurobehavior was quantified using the Preschool Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), which included composite scores for Total Problems, Internalizing Problems, and Externalizing Problems. CBCL composite T scores range from 28 to 100. T scores from 60 to 63 are in the borderline clinical range, whereas scores above 63 are in the clinical range. Linear and logistic regression models adjusted for covariates were conducted.
Results: A total of 229 mother-child pairs (mean [SD] maternal age, 29.45 [5.67] years; 116 female children [50.7%] and 113 male children [49.3%]) who had MUFSG measured were included in the study. Median (IQR) MUFSG was 0.76 (0.51-1.19) mg/L, and 32 participants (14.0%) had a Total Problems T score in the borderline clinical or clinical range. A 1-IQR (0.68 mg/L) increase in MUFSG was associated with nearly double the odds of the Total Problems T score being in the borderline clinical or clinical range (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.17-2.86; P = .008), as well as with a 2.29-point increase in T score for the Internalizing Problems composite (B = 2.29; 95% CI, 0.47-4.11; P = .01) and a 2.14-point increase in T score for the Total Problems composite (B = 2.14; 95% CI, 0.29-3.98; P = .02).
Conclusions and relevance: In this prospective cohort study of mother-child pairs in Los Angeles, California, prenatal fluoride exposure was associated with increased neurobehavioral problems. These findings suggest that there may be a need to establish recommendations for limiting fluoride exposure during the prenatal period.
May 1, 2025
Increased ADHD from typical fluoride levels
Univ of Toronto, Harvard School Pub Health
Source: Environmental International, Dec 2018
ABSTRACT
Background: Epidemiologic and animal-based studies have raised concern over the potential impact of fluoride exposure on neurobehavioral development as manifested by lower IQ and deficits in attention. To date, no prospective epidemiologic studies have examined the effects of prenatal fluoride exposure on behavioral outcomes using fluoride biomarkers and sensitive measures of attention.
Objective: We aimed to examine the association between prenatal fluoride exposure and symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Method: 213 Mexican mother-children pairs of the Early Life Exposures to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohort study had available maternal urinary samples during pregnancy and child assessments of ADHD-like behaviors at age 6-12. We measured urinary fluoride levels adjusted for creatinine (MUFcr) in spot urine samples collected during pregnancy. The Conners' Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R) was completed by mothers, and the Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) was administered to the children.
Results: Mean MUFcr was 0.85 mg/L (SD = 0.33) and the Interquartile Range (IQR) was 0.46 mg/L. In multivariable adjusted models using gamma regression, a 0.5 mg/L higher MUFcr (approximately one IQR higher) corresponded with significantly higher scores on the CRS-R for DSM-IV Inattention (2.84 points, 95% CI: 0.84, 4.84) and DSM-IV ADHD Total Index (2.38 points, 95% CI: 0.42, 4.34), as well as the following symptom scales: Cognitive Problems and Inattention (2.54 points, 95% CI: 0.44, 4.63) and ADHD Index (2.47 points; 95% CI: 0.43, 4.50). The shape of the associations suggested a possible celling effect of the exposure. No significant associations were found with outcomes on the CPT-II or on symptom scales assessing hyperactivity.
Conclusion: Higher levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy were associated with global measures of ADHD and more symptoms of inattention as measured by the CRS-R in the offspring.
COVID-19
A number of new studies shed light on environmental and dietary factors that increase or decrease risk of coronaVirus infection, as well as newly identified adverse health effects after vaccination. The first posts summarize studies showing greatly increased rates of health effects after vaccination for young adults and children under age 18 which are not seen in older adults.
A number of new studies shed light on environmental and dietary factors that increase or decrease risk of coronaVirus infection, as well as newly identified adverse health effects after vaccination. The first posts summarize studies showing greatly increased rates of health effects after vaccination for young adults and children under age 18 which are not seen in older adults.
July 11, 2025
Moderna vaccine increases myocarditis in men under age 40
University of Oxford, King's College, London
Source: Circulation, Aug 2022
ABSTRACT
Myocarditis is more common after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection than after COVID-19 vaccination, but the risks in younger people and after sequential vaccine doses are less certain.
Methods:
A self-controlled case series study of people ages 13 years or older vaccinated for COVID-19 in England between December 1, 2020, and December 15, 2021, evaluated the association between vaccination and myocarditis, stratified by age and sex. The incidence rate ratio and excess number of hospital admissions or deaths from myocarditis per million people were estimated for the 1 to 28 days after sequential doses of adenovirus (ChAdOx1) or mRNA-based (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273) vaccines, or after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.
Results:
In 42,842,345 people receiving at least 1 dose of vaccine, 21,242,629 received 3 doses, and 5,934,153 had SARS-CoV-2 infection before or after vaccination. Myocarditis occurred in 2861 (0.007%) people, with 617 events 1 to 28 days after vaccination. Risk of myocarditis was increased in the 1 to 28 days after a first dose of ChAdOx1 (incidence rate ratio, 1.33 (95% CI, 1.09–1.62) and a first, second, and booster dose of BNT162b2 (1.52 95% CI, 1.24–1.85; 1.57 (95% CI, 1.28–1.92), and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.33–2.22), respectively) but was lower than the risks after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test before or after vaccination (11.14 (95% CI, 8.64–14.36)) and 5.97 (95% CI, 4.54–7.87), respectively). The risk of myocarditis was higher 1 to 28 days after a second dose of mRNA-1273 (11.76 [95% CI, 7.25–19.08]) and persisted after a booster dose (2.64 (95% CI, 1.25–5.58)). Associations were stronger in men younger than 40 years for all vaccines. In men younger than 40 years old, the number of excess myocarditis events per million people was higher after a second dose of mRNA-1273 than after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (97 [95% CI, 91–99] versus 16 (95% CI, 12–18). In women younger than 40 years, the number of excess events per million was similar after a second dose of mRNA-1273 and a positive test (7 (95% CI, 1–9) versus 8 (95% CI, 6–8)).
Conclusions:
Overall, the risk of myocarditis is greater after SARS-CoV-2 infection than after COVID-19 vaccination and remains modest after sequential doses including a booster dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. However, the risk of myocarditis after vaccination is higher in younger men, particularly after a second dose of the mRNA-1273 vaccine.
July 8, 2025
3 cases neurological problems after Covid-19 mRNA vaccination
Urgent Care/Integrative Medicine, Timeless Health, Miami
Source: Cureus, April 2022
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ABSTRACT
With the worldwide goal of ending the pandemic, mRNA vaccines have been introduced as a valuable tool to help achieve both herd immunity and protect the most vulnerable. Neurological side effects from such vaccines have been increasingly documented, but to date, they are still deemed rare with no caution advised per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As more of the younger population (under 40) are getting vaccinated according to recent approval and CDC recommendations, the real-world safety reporting data on adverse events have yet had time to catch up. We present three distinct neurological events that occurred after the Pfizer mRNA vaccine (BioNTech, Mainz, Germany), without identifiable alternate etiologies, in patients with an average age of 36 years presenting to an urban Florida clinic, all within eight weeks of one another. The presented cases occurred within hours of the second dose and, in one case, after the third booster dose of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine. These cases illustrate rising concerns of risks in widely recognized very low-risk age categories. A clearly delineated risk-benefit strategy likely needs to be implemented.
June 1, 2025
More harm than benefit in young boys receiving Covid-19 vaccine
Universtity of California, Davis
Source: European J of Clinical Investigation, Feb 2022
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Boys with at least one comorbidity (obesity, diabetes etc), do appear to have a reduced risk of hospitalization. It was also stated that if the child at any point did have a natural infection (which can be quantified by natural antibodies), there was no benefit seen from vaccination, thereby suggesting no medical reason to vaccinate a child who has previously had a natural COVID-19 infection.
ABSTRACT
Male patients ages 12–17 years have an elevated risk of mRNA vaccination-associated myo/pericarditis. A risk-benefit analysis of first and second doses of mRNA vaccination in adolescent boys by health status and history of SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been performed.
Methods
Using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), we identified BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) myo/pericarditis occurrence according to CDC criteria. Main outcomes were as follows: 1) post-vaccination myo/pericarditis crude incidence in adolescents aged 12–15 and 16–17; and 2) two risk-benefit analyses by age, sex, comorbidity, variant and history of infection.
Results
Cases of myo/pericarditis (n = 253) included 129 after dose 1 and 124 after dose 2, 86.9% were hospitalized. Incidence per million after dose two in male patients aged 12–15 and 16–17 was 162.2 and 93.0, respectively. Weighing post-vaccination myo/pericarditis against COVID-19 hospitalization during delta, our risk-benefit analysis suggests that among 12–17-year-olds, two-dose vaccination was uniformly favourable only in nonimmune girls with a comorbidity. In boys with prior infection and no comorbidities, even one dose carried more risk than benefit according to international estimates. In the setting of omicron, one dose may be protective in nonimmune children, but dose two does not appear to confer additional benefit at a population level.
Conclusions
Our findings strongly support individualized paediatric COVID-19 vaccination strategies which weigh protection against severe disease vs. risks of vaccine-associated myo/pericarditis. Research is needed into the nature and implications of this adverse effect as well as immunization strategies which reduce harms in this overall low-risk cohort.
April 28, 2025
Harvard study links 34 chemicals to increasing COVID-19
Univ of Paris, Harvard Sch Pub Health, Boston
Source: Environmental International, Oct 2020
Below are five classes of EDCs (endocrine disrupting chemicals) Harvard scientists identified which they believe could be weaken immune function and worsen viral infections.
CHEMICAL #1 - PCB'S
Found in the coloring of common housepaint and sometimes very high in homes built in the 60s and 70s, because of its use in caulking, paint and wood varnish. It's also emitted from coal-fired power plants which then rain down in our waterways, soil and pastures where it concentrates in fish and even reaches high levels in meat of pasture raised cattle.
CHEMICAL #2 - DIOXIN
Found in bleached paper, car exhaust, and emitted at high levels in backyard trash burning and municipal incinerators. Also forms in some pesticides and emitted from coal-fired power plants.
CHEMICAL #3 - PESTICIDES
Cytokine immune disruption potential was also found from a number of common pesticides used in food and homes. This included the pesticides chlordane (found in homes before 1990), chlorpyrifos (in food and newer homes), atrazine (weed killer), cypermethrin, DDT and DDE (which we ingest from foods grown imported from South America that allow DDT).
Since several of these pesticides are found at high levels in foods produced using conventional-based agriculture, it would suggest eating organic could have a protective effect from Covid-19. Some studies have shown high Covid outbreaks near agricutural communities which would seem plausible as well.
CHEMICAL #4 - PLASTICS
When looking through Harvard's cytokine damaging list - there is also mention of a plastic chemical BPA which is used in water bottles, food packaging and even dental fillings. There is also concern for BPA replacements including bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol-S (BPS). This is telling us that even BPA-Free is meaningless as replacement plastics are typically BPS.
CHEMICAL #5 - DISINFECTANTS
Evidence now suggests some of the disinfectant and antibacterial chemicals we previously believed would prevent infection are now showing the potential to increase the risk of infection.
One of these disinfectant chemicals that can mimic immune system cytokines is "triclosan," and while banned in some products, it's still used in a number of U.S. antbacterial lotions, liquid hand soaps, foaming hand anitizers, mouthwash, deodorants, paints and even wooden pencils.
CHEMICAL #6 - COSMETICS
Cosmetics such as facial makeup and lipstick need to be thickened - and the plastic chemical known as phthalates is used for this purpose. Unfortunately, it is also on Harvard's list of immune system influencing chemicals. Cosmetics also need preservatives and contain chemicals called parabens, also on the list of EDCs linked to COVID-19.
April 28, 2025
PFAS chemical increases COVID-19 severity
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston
Source: PLoS One, Dec 2020
INTRODUCTION
PFAS chemicals are added to consumer products to make them resistant to water and oil. They are added to pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, frozen microwave meals, paint and are very common in cosmetics, lipstick and sunscreens.
Recent studies have shown PFAS chemicals decrease numbers of natural killer cells (our main Covid defense) as well as decrease antibody production.
BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THIS STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH NEWSLETTER
People who had elevated blood levels of a toxic chemical called perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) had an increased risk of a more severe course of COVID-19 than those who did not have elevated levels, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
PFBA is part of a class of man-made chemicals known as perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs), which have previously been shown to suppress immune function.
The study, published December 31, 2020 in PLOS ONE, was led by Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health.
PFASs have water- and grease-resistant properties and are used in a wide variety of products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams. PFBA, more than other PFASs, is known to accumulate in the lungs, according to the study.
Researchers looked at PFAS levels in blood samples from 323 Danish individuals infected with the coronavirus. They found that those with higher PFBA levels had higher odds of being hospitalized, winding up in intensive care, and dying than those with lower levels.
The findings suggest that further study is needed to determine whether elevated exposures to other environmental immunotoxicants may worsen COVID-19 outcomes, the authors wrote.
April 28, 2025
Common pesticide weakens COVID-19 immune defense
Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
Source: Toxicology, Sep 2007
When a CoronaVirus is on the verge of starting a major infection in the human body, an immune cell called a natural killer cell is attacking the virus with intensity and desperately trying to sway the see-saw so the virus loses and the body wins. Unfortunately, the common food pesticide chlorpyrifos, appears to have the ability to sway things in favor of the virus winning.
In a study out of Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, Japan, researchers exposed natural killer cells to low levels of chlorpyrifos from 0 to 100 parts per million for 1 to 72 hours. The effect was so great that the cells didn't just become "weak" - the exposures resulted in the death of natural killer cells by a process called apoptosis.
April 28, 2025
Pycnogenol to treat COVID-19
Westfälische Wilhelms-Univer, Germany
Source: Int J Antimicrob Agents, Oct 2020
When the SARS coronavirus enters cells, it results in formation of large amounts of free-radicals. This can potentially lead to damage and death to cells in blood vessels and organs.
Normally, cells in the human body have a defense against these free radicals, including production of antioxidants (such as glutathione) which neutralize excessive free-radicals.
However, those with moderate to severe COVID-19 have been found to have far lower levels of these antioxidant defenses, thereby allowing free-radicals to cause more harm, and providing an explanation for their more severe reaction to the virus.
To compensate for this lack of antioxidant protection from COVID-19 free-radical formation, scientists are suggesting the administration of the over-the-counter supplement called Pycnogenol, which is made from French Maritime Pine Bark.
The logic here is that pynogenol will function to reduce the excessive formation of free-radicals causing oxidative stress, inflammation and damage to cells in the body.
ABSTRACT
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is triggered by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV2) and has rapidly developed into a worldwide pandemic. Unlike other SARS viruses, SARS-CoV2 does not solely impact the respiratory system, but additionally leads to inflammation of endothelial cells, microvascular injuries and coagulopathies, thereby affecting multiple organs. Recent reports of patients who were infected with SARS-CoV2 suggest persistent health problems even months after the initial infection. The French maritime pine bark extract PycnogenolⓇ has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, vascular and endothelium-protective effects in over 90 human clinical studies. It is proposed that PycnogenolⓇ may be beneficial in supporting recovery and mitigating symptoms and long-term consequences resulting from a SARS-CoV2 infection in COVID-19 patients.
April 26, 2025
Natural killer cells protect from COVID-19
University of Alberta, Canada
Source: Int Jrnl Molecular Science, Sep 2020
ABSTRACT
When facing an acute viral infection, our immune systems need to function with finite precision to enable the elimination of the pathogen, whilst protecting our bodies from immune-related damage. In many instances however this “perfect balance” is not achieved, factors such as ageing, cancer, autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease all skew the immune response which is then further distorted by viral infection. In SARS-CoV-2, although the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are mild, as of 24 August 2020, over 800,000 people have died, many from the severe inflammatory cytokine release resulting in extreme clinical manifestations such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Severe complications are more common in elderly patients and patients with cardiovascular diseases. Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in modulating the immune response and in both of these patient groups, NK cell effector functions are blunted. Preliminary studies in COVID-19 patients with severe disease suggests a reduction in NK cell number and function, resulting in decreased clearance of infected and activated cells, and unchecked elevation of tissue-damaging inflammation markers. SARS-CoV-2 infection skews the immune response towards an overwhelmingly inflammatory phenotype. Restoration of NK cell effector functions has the potential to correct the delicate immune balance required to effectively overcome SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers then go on to suggest factors that can improve natural killer function - including exercise.
VACCINES
The benefits of vaccines are well documented for reducing deaths from various diseases. This section reviews studies investigating how vitamin and nutrient status can affect immunological responses that can predispose or lead to a reduction in viral severity. Also included are studies reviewing the effectiveness of vaccines, potential for waning of vaccine protection, side effects and their incidence, as well as dietary and environmental factors now shown to reduce or worsen viral symptoms and/or vaccine efficacy.
The benefits of vaccines are well documented for reducing deaths from various diseases. This section reviews studies investigating how vitamin and nutrient status can affect immunological responses that can predispose or lead to a reduction in viral severity. Also included are studies reviewing the effectiveness of vaccines, potential for waning of vaccine protection, side effects and their incidence, as well as dietary and environmental factors now shown to reduce or worsen viral symptoms and/or vaccine efficacy.
October 8, 2025
Measles infected children low in vitamin A
University of California, Long Beach
Source: Journal of Pediatrics, July 1992
ABSTRACT
Studies from Africa suggest that vitamin A supplementation may reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with measles among poorly nourished children. We studied 20 children with measles in Long Beach, Calif., and found that 50% (95% confidence interval; 28% to 72%) were vitamin A deficient. This frequency among presumably well-nourished American children supports evaluation of vitamin A status as part of the acute management of measles in the United States.
September 21, 2025
Aluminum injected into mice at relevant amounts damages the brain and alters behavior
University of British Columbia, Canada
Source: Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, Nov 2013
ABSTRACT
Our previous ecological studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has demonstrated a correlation between increasing ASD rates and aluminium (Al) adjuvants in common use in paediatric vaccines in several Western countries. The correlation between ASD rate and Al adjuvant amounts appears to be dose-dependent and satisfies 8 of 9 Hill criteria for causality. We have now sought to provide an animal model to explore potential behavioural phenotypes and central nervous system (CNS) alterations using s.c. injections of Al hydroxide in early postnatal CD-1 mice of both sexes. Injections of a “high” and “low” Al adjuvant levels were designed to correlate to either the U.S. or Scandinavian paediatric vaccine schedules vs. control saline-injected mice. Both male and female mice in the “high Al” group showed significant weight gains following treatment up to sacrifice at 6 months of age. Male mice in the “high Al” group showed significant changes in light–dark box tests and in various measures of behaviour in an open field. Female mice showed significant changes in the light–dark box at both doses, but no significant changes in open field behaviours. These current data implicate Al injected in early postnatal life in some CNS alterations that may be relevant for a better understanding of the aetiology of ASD.
Graphical abstract
Repetitive administration of aluminium to neonatal mice in amounts comparable to those to children receive via routine vaccinations significantly increases anxiety and reduces exploratory behaviour and locomotor activities. The neurodisruptive effects of aluminium are long-lasting and persist for 6 months following injection.
May 31, 2025
Pesticide weakens infant immune system - increases risk of measles infection
Dept Pediatrics, University of California
Source: Nature Communications, Jan 8, 2021
DISCUSSION
Pesticides are important tools for malaria control but may have unanticipated effects on human health. We found that bendiocarb, a carbamate pesticide in common use worldwide, is absorbed in pregnant women, transferred to the fetus, and remains detectable in infancy. Exposure to bendiocarb in utero had clear biological effects on the fetal immune system, independent of its impact on malaria vector control. These included dose-dependent alterations in immune cell homeostasis and function, encompassing both lymphoid and myeloid-derived lineages, including decreased FoxP3+ regulatory CD4 cells, increased cord plasma cytokines and chemokines, increased T cell production of inflammatory cytokines, and decreased T cell proliferation. Together, these changes suggest a shift in fetal T cell homeostasis toward an inflammatory response, and away from regulatory differentiation that is believed to be critical for the maintenance of maternofetal tolerance19,20.
ABSTRACT
The use of pesticides to reduce mosquito vector populations is a cornerstone of global malaria control efforts, but the biological impact of most pesticides on human populations, including pregnant women and infants, is not known. Some pesticides, including carbamates, have been shown to perturb the human immune system. We measure the systemic absorption and immunologic effects of bendiocarb, a commonly used carbamate pesticide, following household spraying in a cohort of pregnant Ugandan women and their infants. We find that bendiocarb is present at high levels in maternal, umbilical cord, and infant plasma of individuals exposed during pregnancy, indicating that it is systemically absorbed and trans-placentally transferred to the fetus. Moreover, bendiocarb exposure is associated with numerous changes in fetal immune cell homeostasis and function, including a dose-dependent decrease in regulatory CD4 T cells, increased cytokine production, and inhibition of antigen-driven proliferation. Additionally, prenatal bendiocarb exposure is associated with higher post-vaccination measles titers at one year of age, suggesting that its impact on functional immunity may persist for many months after birth. These data indicate that in utero bendiocarb exposure has multiple previously unrecognized biological effects on the fetal immune system.
May 27, 2025
California measles cases low in vitamin A
Children's Hospital of Orange County, California
Source: Journal of Pediatrics, Jul 1992
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ABSTRACT
Studies from Africa suggest that vitamin A supplementation may reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with measles among poorly nourished children. We studied 20 children with measles in Long Beach, Calif., and found that 50% (95% confidence interval; 28% to 72%) were vitamin A deficient. This frequency among presumably well nourished American children supports evaluation of vitamin A status as a part of acute management of measles in the United States.
April 24, 2025
Vitamin A low in New York City children with measles
Centers for Disease Control
Source: American J of Diseases in Children, Feb 1992
ABSTRACT
Recent studies show that vitamin A levels decrease during measles and that vitamin A therapy can improve measles outcome in children in the developing world. Vitamin A levels of children with measles have not been studied in developed countries. We therefore measured vitamin A levels in 89 children with measles younger than 2 years and in a reference group in New York City, NY. Vitamin A levels in children with measles ranged from 0.42 to 3.0 mumol/L; 20 (22%) were low. Children with low levels were more likely to have fever at a temperature of 40 degrees C or higher (68% vs 44%), to have fever for 7 days or more (54% vs 23%), and to be hospitalized (55% vs 30%). Children with low vitamin A levels had lower measles-specific antibody levels. No child in the reference group had a low vitamin A level. Our data show that many children younger than 2 years in New York City have low vitamin A levels when ill with measles, and that such children seem to have lower measles-specific antibody levels and increased morbidity. Clinicians may wish to consider vitamin A therapy for children younger than 2 years with severe measles. Additional studies of vitamin A in measles and other infectious diseases, and in vaccine efficacy trials, should be done.
April 24, 2025
Vitamin A helpful in treating measles
Austrailian National University
Source: J Trop Pediatrics, Apr 2002
ABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to determine whether vitamin A prevents pneumonia, diarrhoea and other infections in children with measles. A meta-analysis was carried out of randomized controlled trials identified through a systematic search of the medical literature for studies that used vitamin A to treat measles. A total of 492 children, aged from 6 months to 13 years, were supplemented with vitamin A, and 536 children were given placebo in six trials, five of which were conducted in hospitals and one in a community setting. The main outcome measures were: incidence of pneumonia, diarrhoea, croup, and otitis media; and duration of pneumonia, diarrhoea, fever and hospitalization. There was no significant reduction in the incidence of pneumonia or diarrhoea but there was a 47 per cent reduction in the incidence of croup (RR = 0.53; 95 per cent CI = 0.29-0.89) in children who were treated with 200 000 IU of vitamin A on 2 consecutive days. Only one study reported a 74 per cent reduction in the incidence of otitis media (RR = 0.26 95 per cent CI = 0.05-0.92). There was a statistically significant decrease in the duration of diarrhoea, pneumonia, hospital stay and fever in individual studies. It was concluded that vitamin A does have a beneficial effect on morbidity associated with measles and should be used as a treatment for hospitalized measles cases.
April 23, 2025
Measles-Mumps vaccine loses effectiveness at 7 & 17 years
Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research, HHS, MD
Source: Vaccine, Feb 2013
ABSTRACT
The development and wide-spread use of mumps vaccine resulted in a dramatic and sustained decrease in the incidence of mumps disease; however, since 2000, an increase in the size and number of mumps outbreaks in the United States and other countries has sparked renewed interest in the durability of mumps-specific immunity elicited by mumps vaccination. The most likely explanation for mumps cases in previously immunized persons may be secondary vaccine failure, or waning immunity. In the current study, we examined changes in markers of measles and mumps immunity at two timepoints, approximately 7 and 17 years after two-dose MMR-II® vaccination, in a cohort of 98 healthy adults.
Our results indicate that mumps IgG titers exhibited a large and significant decline during this time period, while mumps neutralizing Ab titers were relatively stable. There was a similar discrepancy with measles-specific immune responses. For both pathogens, neutralizing antibody titers were fairly low and, given the length of time since vaccination, may have already declined. These data suggest that specific immune outcomes may wane at different rates and highlight our currently incomplete understanding of protective immune responses to mumps and measles.
April 22, 2025
PFAS chemicals reduce immune antibody protection to measles
Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Univ, NIH
Source: Environmental International, April 2025
Background
Previous studies suggest that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may act as immune suppressants. However, research about the impact of PFAS exposure on antibody responses to the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is limited and inconsistent.
Methods
This report includes 748 mother–child pairs from the Boston Birth Cohort, with 8 PFAS compounds measured in maternal plasma shortly after delivery. IgG reactivities to measles and rubella were profiled in cord blood and venous blood plasma during early childhood, using Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing. Linear regression models were applied to assess the relationships between log2-transformed PFAS and IgG reactivities as measured by Viral Aggregate Reactivity score (VARscore, with inverse normal transformation) for measles and rubella. Quantile g-computation was applied to evaluate the PFAS mixture – VARscore associations.
Results
The detection rate for 8 PFAS compounds ranged from 90 % to 100 % in maternal plasma. Maternal PFAS burden score (P = 0.01), but not individual PFAS compounds, was associated with lower VARscore for measles in cord blood. In 348 children after receiving the MMR vaccine, three maternal PFAS compounds (Me-PFOSA-AcOH, PFHpS and PFHxS) were significantly associated with lower measles VARscore (P < 0.05). Me-PFOSA-AcOH and PFHxS were significantly associated with higher risk of having low reactivity to measles defined as VARscore < 25th percentile. PFAS mixture analysis revealed a significant inverse association between quantile of the PFAS mixture and measles VARscore (P = 0.025) in children after vaccination, with PFHxS as an important contributor to this association. These inverse associations were more pronounced in Black children (compared to non-Black children) and in preterm children (compared to term children). In comparison, no associations were found for rubella VARscore.
Conclusions
This prospective birth cohort study provides suggestive evidence that maternal PFAS exposure is associated with a reduced immune response to the measles vaccine, especially, among Black or preterm children.
April 21, 2025
Breast-feeding reduces measles infection
Dept of Pediatrics, Orebro UnivHospital, Sweden
Source: Acta Paediatrics, Apr 2009
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast-feeding protects against many infectious diseases and may also influence immunization outcomes.
Aim: This study investigated if breast-feeding protects against clinical measles and if it modified the effect of immunization.
Methods: We used logistic regression with data for 10 207 individuals from the 1970 British Cohort study (BCS70). Breast-feeding data were collected at five years of age, and information on clinical measles infection, as well as socio-economic measures was collected at the age of ten years. Breast feeding was categorized as: breast-fed <1 month (n = 1611), breast-fed for 1-3 months (n = 1016), breast-fed for more than three months (n = 1108), breast-feeding of uncertain duration (n = 21) and never breast-fed (n = 6451).
Results: Breast-feeding for more than three months was negatively associated with a diagnosis of clinical measles infection after adjustment for crowding, social class, measles vaccination, parity and sex with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.69 (0.60-0.81) compared with those who never breast-fed. Measles vaccination was highly associated with low risk for measles with: 0.14 (0.13-0.16). Age at acute measles infection was not associated with breastfeeding. Breast-feeding did not notably alter measles immunization efficacy.
Conclusion: Immunization against measles provides effective protection against the disease. A more modest reduction in the risk of a measles diagnosis is associated with breast-feeding. The associations with a diagnosis of measles for breast-feeding and measles immunization are independent of each other.
April 21, 2025
Severe measles vaccine reaction in 10 month old infant
College of Medicine, Alfaisal Univ, Saudi Arabia
Source: Journal Clinical Immunology, Oct 2024
ABSTRACT
Receiving the measles vaccination is crucial for controlling the disease and preventing severe complications. However, adverse reactions can occur in individuals with inborn errors of immunity. This case report details a severe reaction to the measles vaccine in a ten-month-old female with a homozygous mutation in the IFNAR2 gene, leading to immunodeficiency-45. Following vaccination, she developed viremia, meningoencephalitis, and multi-organ failure. Genetic analysis identified a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) in the IFNAR2 gene, which is essential for type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling. This case highlights the importance of incorporating genetic screening into vaccination programs for individuals at risk. It demonstrates the complex relationship between genetic mutations and the immune responses to the vaccines.
April 10, 2025
Measles outbreak in immunized healthcare workers
National Inst for Pub Health & Environment, Sweden
Source: Jrnl of Infectious Diseases, Dec 1980
ABSTRACT
Background.
We investigated a measles outbreak among healthcare workers (HCWs) by assessing laboratory characteristics, measles vaccine effectiveness, and serological correlates for protection.
Methods.
Cases were laboratory-confirmed measles in HCWs from hospital X during weeks 12–20 of 2014. We assessed cases’
severity and infectiousness by using a questionnaire. We tested cases’ sera for measles immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, avidity, and plaque reduction neutralization (PRN). Throat swabs and oral fluid samples were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We calculated attack rates (ARs) by vaccination status and estimated measles vaccine effectiveness as 1 − [ARvaccinated/ARunvaccinated].
Results.
Eight HCWs were notified as measles cases; 6 were vaccinated with measles vaccine twice, 1 was vaccinated once, and 1 was unvaccinated. All 6 twice-vaccinated cases had high avidity and PRN titers. None reported severe measles or onward transmission. Two of 4 investigated twice-vaccinated cases had pre-illness PRN titers of >120 mIU/mL. Among 106 potentially exposed HCWs, the estimated effectiveness of 2 doses of measles vaccine was 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], −207%–93%).
Conclusions.
Measles occurred in 6 twice-vaccinated HCWs, despite 2 having adequate pre-exposure neutralizing antibodies. None of the twice-vaccinated cases had severe measles, and none had onward transmission, consistent with laboratory findings suggesting a secondary immune response. Improving 2-dose MMR coverage among HCWs would have likely reduced the size of this
outbreak.
March 24, 2025
Wisconsin measles children low in Vitamin-D
Wisconsin Division in Health, Wisconsin
Source: Pediatrics, Jun 1993
ABSTRACT
Background: Studies in developing countries have shown that children with measles have low serum retinol concentrations and that lower retinol levels are associated with measles-related mortality. Vitamin A therapy has been shown to reduce mortality among African children with acute measles.
Objectives: To determine whether serum retinol concentration is low among children with measles in the United States and to determine whether retinol concentration is associated with illness severity.
Setting: Pediatric referral hospital and clinic in Milwaukee, WI, during the measles outbreak of 1989-1990.
Patients: One hundred fourteen patients < or = 5 years of age evaluated for serologically confirmed measles with serum obtained within 5 days following rash onset.
Methods: Serum retinol concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Clinical data were collected by hospital record review. A modified Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score was used to assess physiologic instability as a measure of illness severity.
Results: Retinol concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 1.18 mumol/L (median 0.58 mumol/L); 82 (72%) patients had low retinol concentration (< or = 0.70 mumol/L). Median retinol concentrations were lower among hospitalized patients (0.56 vs 0.70, P = .006) and patients with pneumonia (0.52 vs 0.64, P = .02) but higher among children with otitis media (0.63 vs 0.54, P = .01). Higher modified PRISM scores, reflecting greater physiologic instability, were associated with lower retinol concentration (beta coefficient -.0147, P = .025). In multivariate analysis, higher modified PRISM scores were associated with lower retinol concentration (beta coefficient -.0144, P = .025) even after controlling for hospitalization, presence of complications, race, age, receipt of Aid to Families With Dependent Children, gender, and interval from rash onset until serum was collected.
Conclusions: Among these children with measles in an urban United States community, retinol concentrations were depressed, and the degree of depression was associated with illness severity. Vitamin A therapy should be considered for children with measles in the United States who require hospitalization.
SUGAR
Increased intake of dietary sugar is now linked to a number of health disorders including diabetes, obesity and even neurological conditions such as Alzheimers Disease. Sugar is shown to alter beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome and reduce immune function. Studies suporting these findings are reviewed below.
Increased intake of dietary sugar is now linked to a number of health disorders including diabetes, obesity and even neurological conditions such as Alzheimers Disease. Sugar is shown to alter beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome and reduce immune function. Studies suporting these findings are reviewed below.
April 25, 2025
Dietary sugar disrupts gut microbiome increasing metabolic syndrome
Dept Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia Univ, NY
Source: Cell, Sep 2023
ABSTRACT
How intestinal microbes regulate metabolic syndrome is incompletely understood. We show that intestinal microbiota protects against development of obesity, metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetic phenotypes by inducing commensal-specific Th17 cells. High-fat, high-sugar diet promoted metabolic disease by depleting Th17-inducing microbes, and recovery of commensal Th17 cells restored protection. Microbiota-induced Th17 cells afforded protection by regulating lipid absorption across intestinal epithelium in an IL-17-dependent manner. Diet-induced loss of protective Th17 cells was mediated by the presence of sugar. Eliminating sugar from high-fat diet protected mice from obesity and metabolic syndrome in a manner dependent on commensal-specific Th17 cells. Sugar and ILC3 promoted outgrowth of Faecalibaculum rodentium that displaced Th17-inducing microbiota. These results define dietary and microbiota factors posing risk for metabolic syndrome. They also define a microbiota-dependent mechanism for immuno-pathogenicity of dietary sugar and highlight an elaborate interaction between diet, microbiota, and intestinal immunity in regulation of metabolic disorders.
Sugar in mouse diets promotes metabolic disease by upsetting the gut microbial balance and driving loss of the Th17 cells that regulate lipid absorption by the intestinal epithelium.
April 25, 2025
Sugar beverages increase type 2 diabetes
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, UK
Source:
ABSTRACT
Objectives
To examine the prospective associations between consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice with type 2 diabetes before and after adjustment for adiposity, and to estimate the population attributable fraction for type 2 diabetes from consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in the United States and United Kingdom.
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Data sources and eligibility
PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Knowledge for prospective studies of adults without diabetes, published until February 2014. The population attributable fraction was estimated in national surveys in the USA, 2009–10 (n=4729 representing 189.1 million adults without diabetes) and the UK, 2008–12 (n=1932 representing 44.7 million).
Synthesis methods
Random effects meta-analysis and survey analysis for population attributable fraction associated with consumption of sugar sweetened beverages.
Results
Prespecified information was extracted from 17 cohorts (38 253 cases/10 126 754 person years). Higher consumption of sugar sweetened beverages was associated with a greater incidence of type 2 diabetes, by 18% per one serving/day (95% confidence interval 9% to 28%, I2 for heterogeneity=89%) and 13% (6% to 21%, I2=79%) before and after adjustment for adiposity; for artificially sweetened beverages, 25% (18% to 33%, I2=70%) and 8% (2% to 15%, I2=64%); and for fruit juice, 5% (−1% to 11%, I2=58%) and 7% (1% to 14%, I2=51%). Potential sources of heterogeneity or bias were not evident for sugar sweetened beverages. For artificially sweetened beverages, publication bias and residual confounding were indicated. For fruit juice the finding was non-significant in studies ascertaining type 2 diabetes objectively (P for heterogeneity=0.008). Under specified assumptions for population attributable fraction, of 20.9 million events of type 2 diabetes predicted to occur over 10 years in the USA (absolute event rate 11.0%), 1.8 million would be attributable to consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (population attributable fraction 8.7%, 95% confidence interval 3.9% to 12.9%); and of 2.6 million events in the UK (absolute event rate 5.8%), 79 000 would be attributable to consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (population attributable fraction 3.6%, 1.7% to 5.6%).
Conclusions
Habitual consumption of sugar sweetened beverages was associated with a greater incidence of type 2 diabetes, independently of adiposity. Although artificially sweetened beverages and fruit juice also showd positive associations with incidence of type 2 diabetes, the findings were likely to involve bias. None the less, both artificially sweetened beverages and fruit juice were unlikely to be healthy alternatives to sugar sweetened beverages for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Under assumption of causality, consumption of sugar sweetened beverages over years may be related to a substantial number of cases of new onset diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS
Observational cohort studies support that consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with incident type 2 diabetes, and independently of adiposity. This finding was stable in sensitivity analyses assessing influence of population characteristics, potential residual confounding, and publication bias. By contrast, although artificially sweetened beverages and fruit juice showed a positive association with incident type 2 diabetes, the quality of evidence is limited by potential bias and heterogeneity by study design. Although causality has not been established and precision needs to be improved, this study informs the potential efficacy of reducing the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in a contemporary population. Moreover, findings support that neither artificially sweetened beverages nor fruit juice are suitable alternatives to sugar sweetened beverages for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
April 25, 2025
Liver Disease & Cancer elevated from sugar-sweetened drinks
University of So Carolina, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Source: JAMA, Aug 2023
ABSTRACT
Question
Is greater intake of sugar-sweetened beverages associated with greater risk of liver cancer or chronic liver disease mortality?
Findings
In 98 786 postmenopausal women followed up for a median of 20.9 years, compared with consuming 3 servings or less of sugar-sweetened beverages per month, women consuming 1 or more servings per day had significantly higher rates of liver cancer (18.0 vs 10.3 per 100 000 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.85) and chronic liver disease mortality (17.7 vs 7.1 per 100 000 person-years; adjusted HR, 1.68).
Meaning
Compared with 3 or fewer sugar-sweetened beverages per month, consuming 1 or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day was associated with a significantly higher incidence of liver cancer and death from chronic liver diseases.
Abstract
Importance
Approximately 65% of adults in the US consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily.
Objective
To study the associations between intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and incidence of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality.
Design, Setting, and Participants
A prospective cohort with 98 786 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative from 1993 to 1998 at 40 clinical centers in the US and were followed up to March 1, 2020.
Exposures
Sugar-sweetened beverage intake was assessed based on a food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline and defined as the sum of regular soft drinks and fruit drinks (not including fruit juice); artificially sweetened beverage intake was measured at 3-year follow-up.
Main Outcomes and Measures
The primary outcomes were (1) liver cancer incidence, and (2) mortality due to chronic liver disease, defined as death from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver diseases, and chronic hepatitis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for liver cancer incidence and for chronic liver disease mortality, adjusting for potential confounders including demographics and lifestyle factors.
Results
During a median follow-up of 20.9 years, 207 women developed liver cancer and 148 died from chronic liver disease. At baseline, 6.8% of women consumed 1 or more sugar-sweetened beverage servings per day, and 13.1% consumed 1 or more artificially sweetened beverage servings per day at 3-year follow-up. Compared with intake of 3 or fewer servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per month, those who consumed 1 or more servings per day had a significantly higher risk of liver cancer (18.0 vs 10.3 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend = .02]; adjusted HR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.16-2.96]; P = .01) and chronic liver disease mortality (17.7 vs 7.1 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend <.001]; adjusted HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.03-2.75]; P = .04). Compared with intake of 3 or fewer artificially sweetened beverages per month, individuals who consumed 1 or more artificially sweetened beverages per day did not have significantly increased incidence of liver cancer (11.8 vs 10.2 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend = .70]; adjusted HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.70-1.94]; P = .55) or chronic liver disease mortality (7.1 vs 5.3 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend = .32]; adjusted HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.49-1.84]; P = .88).
Conclusions and Relevance
In postmenopausal women, compared with consuming 3 or fewer servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per month, those who consumed 1 or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day had a higher incidence of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease. Future studies should confirm these findings and identify the biological pathways of these associations.
This observational study evaluated incidence of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease among postmenopausal women by comparing intake of 3 or fewer servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per month vs intake of 1 or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day.
April 25, 2025
Alzheimer's disease increases as sugar intake increases
Drexel University & Pennsylvania State University, PA
Source: Nutritional Neuroscience, Nov 2022
ABSTRACT
Background: Despite some reports of cardiometabolic disorders associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), limited studies have been conducted to examine the association between excessive sugar intake (a risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders) and AD risk.
Aim: The purpose of our study was to evaluate if excessive sugar intake has a significant long-term effect on the risk of AD.
Methods: A population sample of 37,689 participants, who enrolled in the United States (US) Women's Health Initiative - Dietary Modification Trial (WHI-DM) in 1993-2005 and its extended observational follow-up study through 1 March 2019, were analyzed. Dietary sugar intake was measured using food frequency questionnaires. AD was classified by reports using a standard questionnaire. A dietary pattern that explained the maxima variations in sugar intake was constructed using reduced rank regression (RRR) technique. Associations of RRR dietary pattern scores and sugar intake (g/day) by quartiles (Q1 through Q4) with AD risk were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with adjusting for key covariates.
Results: During a mean follow-up of 18.7 years, 4586 participants reported having incident AD. The total incidence rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) of AD was 6.5 (6.3-6.7) per 1000 person-years (PYs). The incidence rates (95% CI) of AD by total sugar intake were 6.2 (5.8-6.6), 6.4 (6.0-6.8), 6.6 (6.3-7.0), and 6.9 (6.5-7.3) per 1000 PYs among those in quartiles (Q) 1 to Q4 (toward higher sugar consumption) of total sugar intake, respectively (test for trend of AD incident rates, p < 0.001). Individuals in Q4 of total sugar intake had a 1.19 higher risk of incident AD than those in Q1 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.34, p = 0.01). An estimated increase of 10 g/day in total sugar intake (about 2.4 teaspoons) was associated with an increased AD risk by 1.3-1.4%. Of six subtypes of sugar intake, lactose was significantly associated with AD risk.
Conclusions: Our study indicates that excessive total sugar intake was significantly associated with AD risk in women. Of six subtypes of sugar intake, lactose had a stronger impact on AD risk.
April 25, 2025
Sugar drinks increase stroke, depression, cancer and mortality
Dept of Sports & Health Science, Yangzhou Univ, China
Source: Nutrients, Feb 2022
ABSTRACT
The associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and the risk of stroke, depression, cancer, and cause-specific mortality have not been determined, and the quantitative aspects of this link remain unclear. This meta-analysis therefore conducted a systematic review and dose-response analysis to determine their causal links. The database searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Web of Science up to 10 November 2021. The intervention effects were evaluated by relative risk (RR) with 95% confidences (CI). Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Higher levels of SSB consumption significantly increased the risk of stroke (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.23), depression (1.25, 1.11-1.41), cancer (1.10, 1.03-1.17), and all-cause mortality (1.08, 1.05-1.11) compared with none or lower SSB intake. The associations were dose-dependent, with per 250 mL increment of SSB intake daily increasing the risk of stroke, depression, cancer, and all-cause mortality by RR 1.09 (1.03-1.15), 1.08 (1.06-1.10), 1.17 (1.04-1.32), and 1.07 (1.03-1.11), respectively. The link was curved for depression and cancer risk (pnon-linear < 0.05). Subgroup analysis suggested that higher SSB intake increased ischemic stroke by 10%, CVD-caused mortality by 13%, and cancer-caused mortality by 6.0% than none or lower SSB consumption. It is suggested that SSB accounts for a leading risk factor of stroke, depression, cancer, and mortality, and that the risk rises in parallel with the increment of SSB intake (and is affected by participant characteristics).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated that the risk of stroke, depression, cancer, and mortality increased in parallel to the increment of SSB consumption. The findings have clinical significance since the risk factors are modifiable, and reduction of SSB consumption helps to prevent some chronic diseases and disease-related mortality. However, well-designed prospective studies are still needed to confirm the findings of our reports and to determine the correlation between SSB consumption and the occurrence of some important chronic diseases, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
March 25, 2025
Skipped heartbeats increased from sugar-sweetened & artifically sweetened beverages
Shanghai JiaoTong Univ School of Medicine, China
Source: Circ Arrhythm Electrophisiology, Mar 2024
ABSTRACT
Background: An association between sweetened beverages and several cardiometabolic diseases has been reported, but their association with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), and pure fruit juice (PJ) and risk of consumption with AF risk and further evaluate whether genetic susceptibility modifies these associations.
Methods: A total of 201 856 participants who were free of baseline AF, had genetic data available, and completed a 24-hour diet questionnaire were included. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: During a median follow-up of 9.9 years, 9362 incident AF cases were documented. Compared with nonconsumers, individuals who consumed >2 L/wk of SSB or ASB had an increased risk of AF (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01-1.20] and HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.10-1.31]) in the multivariable-adjusted model. A negative association was observed between the consumption of ≤1 L/wk of PJ and the risk of AF (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.87-0.97]). The highest HRs (95% CIs) of AF were observed for participants at high genetic risk who consumed >2 L/wk of ASB (HR, 3.51 [95% CI, 2.94-4.19]), and the lowest HR were observed for those at low genetic risk who consumed ≤1 L/wk of PJ (HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.92]). No significant interactions were observed between the consumption of SSB, ASB, or PJ and genetic predisposition to AF.
Conclusions: Consumption of SSB and ASB at >2 L/wk was associated with an increased risk for AF. PJ consumption ≤1 L/wk was associated with a modestly lower risk for AF. The association between sweetened beverages and AF risk persisted after adjustment for genetic susceptibility to AF. This study does not demonstrate that consumption of SSB and ASB alters AF risk but rather that the consumption of SSB and ASB may predict AF risk beyond traditional risk factors.
March 25, 2025
Stroke & Dementia higher from artifically sweetened beverages
Dept of Neurology, Boston Univ School of Medicine
Source: Stroke, May 2017
Abstract
Background and purpose: Sugar- and artificially-sweetened beverage intake have been linked to cardiometabolic risk factors, which increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease and dementia. We examined whether sugar- or artificially sweetened beverage consumption was associated with the prospective risks of incident stroke or dementia in the community-based Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort.
Methods: We studied 2888 participants aged >45 years for incident stroke (mean age 62 [SD, 9] years; 45% men) and 1484 participants aged >60 years for incident dementia (mean age 69 [SD, 6] years; 46% men). Beverage intake was quantified using a food-frequency questionnaire at cohort examinations 5 (1991-1995), 6 (1995-1998), and 7 (1998-2001). We quantified recent consumption at examination 7 and cumulative consumption by averaging across examinations. Surveillance for incident events commenced at examination 7 and continued for 10 years. We observed 97 cases of incident stroke (82 ischemic) and 81 cases of incident dementia (63 consistent with Alzheimer's disease).
Results: After adjustments for age, sex, education (for analysis of dementia), caloric intake, diet quality, physical activity, and smoking, higher recent and higher cumulative intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, all-cause dementia, and Alzheimer's disease dementia. When comparing daily cumulative intake to 0 per week (reference), the hazard ratios were 2.96 (95% confidence interval, 1.26-6.97) for ischemic stroke and 2.89 (95% confidence interval, 1.18-7.07) for Alzheimer's disease. Sugar-sweetened beverages were not associated with stroke or dementia.
Conclusions: Artificially sweetened soft drink consumption was associated with a higher risk of stroke and dementia.
March 20, 2025
Diet soda with aspartame increases autism
University of Texas Halth Science Center
Source: Nutrients, Aug 2023
ABSTRACTSince its introduction, aspartame—the leading sweetener in U.S. diet sodas (DS)—has been reported to cause neurological problems in some users. In prospective studies, the offspring of mothers who consumed diet sodas/beverages (DSB) daily during pregnancy experienced increased health problems. We hypothesized that gestational/early-life exposure to ≥1 DS/day (DSearly) or equivalent aspartame (ASPearly: ≥177 mg/day) increases autism risk. The case-control Autism Tooth Fairy Study obtained retrospective dietary recalls for DSB and aspartame consumption during pregnancy/breastfeeding from the mothers of 235 offspring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD: cases) and 121 neurotypically developing offspring (controls). The exposure odds ratios (ORs) for DSearly and ASPearly were computed for autism, ASD, and the non-regressive conditions of each. Among males, the DSearly odds were tripled for autism (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.02, 9.7) and non-regressive autism (OR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 11.1); the ASPearly odds were even higher: OR = 3.4 and 3.7 respectively. The ORs for non-regressive ASD in males were almost tripled but were not statistically significant: DSearly OR = 2.7 (95% CI: 0.9, 8.4); ASPearly OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 0.9, 8.8). No statistically significant associations were found in females. Our findings contribute to the growing literature raising concerns about potential offspring harm from maternal DSB/aspartame intake in pregnancy.
March 18, 2025
Sucralose cancels benefit of cancer immunotherapy
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Univ of Pittsburg
Source: Cancer Discovery, July 30,,2025
ABSTRACT
Gut microbiota composition is directly associated with response to immunotherapies in cancer. How the diet impacts the gut microbiota and downstream immune responses to 55 cancer remains unclear. Here, we show that consumption of a common non-nutritive sweetener, sucralose, modifies microbiome composition, restricts T cell metabolism and function, and limits immunotherapy response in preclinical models of cancer and advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 based immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Sucralose consumption is associated with a reduction in microbiota-accessible 60 arginine, and amino acid supplementation or fecal microbiome transfer (FMT) from antiPD-1 responder mice completely restores T cell function and immunotherapy response. Overall, sucralose consumption destabilizes the gut microbiota, resulting in compromised T cell function and ablated ICI response in cancer.
Statement of Significance:
This study highlights an unappreciated role of sucralose in 65 reducing immunotherapy efficacy in both mouse models and cancer patient samples through shifts in the microbiome and arginine degradation that leads to T cell exhaustion. T cell function and immunotherapy responses are restored through amino acid supplementation.
ANTIDEPRESSANT - ANXIETY MEDICATIONS
While antidepressants (including SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression, the majority of patients report only marginal improvement and 20% reporting no benefit. Placebo also reported nearly as effective as antideprssants. This suggests other treatment options should be made available. Of great concern, antidepressant use in younger age women is increasing with increased rates of birth effects during pregnancy also being reported. These studies are reviewed below.
While antidepressants (including SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression, the majority of patients report only marginal improvement and 20% reporting no benefit. Placebo also reported nearly as effective as antideprssants. This suggests other treatment options should be made available. Of great concern, antidepressant use in younger age women is increasing with increased rates of birth effects during pregnancy also being reported. These studies are reviewed below.
July 28, 2025
Increased birth defects - antidepressants
Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Univ of Poland
Source: Ginekologia Plska, 2017
ABSTRACT
Over the last few years, several reports on the safety of antidepressants use in pregnancy have been published. Studies concerning the adverse effects of exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) during pregnancy on the developing foetus have indicated an increased risk of various congenital malformations and untoward effects such as poor neonatal adaptation syndrome or persistent pulmonary hypertension, but there still remain inconsistencies between various study results. This paper aims at reviewing the literature on the risks of exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy. SSRIs are generally considered as first-line antidepressant treatment in pregnancy, as they are generally safe and effective. To minimize the teratogenic risks, pregnant women should receive the minimal effective dose of the medication. Depression during pregnancy must not be left untreated, and it should also be remembered that the condition may extend into the postpartum period.
July 28, 2025
Major congenital malformations from one antidepressant
University of Montreal, Canada
Source: British Medical Journal Open, Jan 2017
............................................
Objective: Antidepressant use during gestation has been associated with risk of major congenital malformations but estimates can lack statistical power or be confounded by maternal depression. We aimed to determine the association between first-trimester exposure to antidepressants and the risk of major congenital malformations in a cohort of depressed/anxious women.
Setting and participants: Data were obtained from the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort (QPC). All pregnancies with a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or exposed to antidepressants in the 12 months before pregnancy, and ending with a live-born singleton were included.
Outcome measures: Antidepressant classes (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and other antidepressants) and types were individually compared with non-exposure during the first trimester (depressed untreated). Major congenital malformations overall and organ-specific malformations in the first year of life were identified.
Results: 18 487 pregnant women were included. When looking at the specific types of antidepressant used during the first trimester, only citalopram was increasing the risk of major congenital malformations (adjusted OR, (aOR) 1.36, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.73; 88 exposed cases), although there was a trend towards increased risk for the most frequently used antidepressants. Antidepressants with serotonin reuptake inhibition effect (SSRI, SNRI, amitriptyline (the most used TCA)) increased the risk of certain organ-specific defects: paroxetine increased the risk of cardiac defects (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.88), and ventricular/atrial septal defects (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.93); citalopram increased the risk of musculoskeletal defects (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.62), and craniosynostosis (aOR 3.95, 95% CI 2.08 to 7.52); TCA was associated with eye, ear, face and neck defects (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.72), and digestive defects (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.40 to 4.66); and venlafaxine was associated with respiratory defects (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.38).
Conclusions: Antidepressants with effects on serotonin reuptake during embryogenesis increased the risk of some organ-specific malformations in a cohort of pregnant women with depression.
Discoveries are being made explaining the neurobiology underlying autism disorders. This section reviews studies showing these children have severely compromised defenses compared to controls. This includes weaker blood-brain barrier defenses, lower protective antioxidants, increased inflammation, elevated autoimmunity, and decreased microbiome function, with the latter being shown to play a crucial role in reducing brain inflammation. Post mortem studies are showing 3-times higher levels of aluminum in brain tissue. Along with this, animal studies are showing relevant levels of aluminum can damage the brain and alter animal behavior to represent that of autism.
October 8, 2025
Diet soda & aspartame increase autism in males
University of Texas Health Science Center
Source: Nutrients, Aug 2023
Since its introduction, aspartame-the leading sweetener in U.S. diet sodas (DS)-has been reported to cause neurological problems in some users. In prospective studies, the offspring of mothers who consumed diet sodas/beverages (DSB) daily during pregnancy experienced increased health problems. We hypothesized that gestational/early-life exposure to ≥1 DS/day (DSearly) or equivalent aspartame (ASPearly: ≥177 mg/day) increases autism risk. The case-control Autism Tooth Fairy Study obtained retrospective dietary recalls for DSB and aspartame consumption during pregnancy/breastfeeding from the mothers of 235 offspring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD: cases) and 121 neurotypically developing offspring (controls). The exposure odds ratios (ORs) for DSearly and ASPearly were computed for autism, ASD, and the non-regressive conditions of each. Among males, the DSearly odds were tripled for autism (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.02, 9.7) and non-regressive autism (OR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 11.1); the ASPearly odds were even higher: OR = 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 10.4) and 3.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 11.8), respectively (p < 0.05 for each). The ORs for non-regressive ASD in males were almost tripled but were not statistically significant: DSearly OR = 2.7 (95% CI: 0.9, 8.4); ASPearly OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 0.9, 8.8). No statistically significant associations were found in females. Our findings contribute to the growing literature raising concerns about potential offspring harm from maternal DSB/aspartame intake in pregnancy.
October 8, 2025
Fluoride combined with aluminum increases neurotoxicity 3-fold
Institute of Tech & Business, Czech Republic
Source: Int J Environ Res Public Health, Sep 2019
ABSTRACT
The continuous rise of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalent in the past few decades is causing an increase in public health and socioeconomic concern. A consensus suggests the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors in the ASD etiopathogenesis. Fluoride (F) is rarely recognized among the environmental risk factors of ASD, since the neurotoxic effects of F are not generally accepted. Our review aims to provide evidence of F neurotoxicity. We assess the risk of chronic F exposure in the ASD etiopathology and investigate the role of metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, immunoexcitotoxicity, and decreased melatonin levels. These symptoms have been observed both after chronic F exposure as well as in ASD. Moreover, we show that F in synergistic interactions with aluminum's free metal cation (Al3+) can reinforce the pathological symptoms of ASD. This reinforcement takes place at concentrations several times lower than when acting alone. A high ASD prevalence has been reported from countries with water fluoridation as well as from endemic fluorosis areas. We suggest focusing the ASD prevention on the reduction of the F and Al3+ burdens from daily life.
October 6, 2025
Fetal brain development controlled by maternal microbiome
University of Helsinki, Finland
Source: BMC Biology, Oct 2023
ABSTRACT
Background
The maternal microbiota modulates fetal development, but the mechanisms of these earliest host-microbe interactions are unclear. To investigate the developmental impacts of maternal microbial metabolites, we compared full-term fetuses from germ-free and specific pathogen-free mouse dams by gene expression profiling and non-targeted metabolomics.
Results
In the fetal intestine, critical genes mediating host-microbe interactions, innate immunity, and epithelial barrier were differentially expressed. Interferon and inflammatory signaling genes were downregulated in the intestines and brains of the fetuses from germ-free dams. The expression of genes related to neural system development and function, translation and RNA metabolism, and regulation of energy metabolism were significantly affected. The gene coding for the insulin-degrading enzyme (Ide) was most significantly downregulated in all tissues. In the placenta, genes coding for prolactin and other essential regulators of pregnancy were downregulated in germ-free dams. These impacts on gene expression were strongly associated with microbially modulated metabolite concentrations in the fetal tissues. Aryl sulfates and other aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands, the trimethylated compounds TMAO and 5-AVAB, Glu-Trp and other dipeptides, fatty acid derivatives, and the tRNA nucleobase queuine were among the compounds strongly associated with gene expression differences. A sex difference was observed in the fetal responses to maternal microbial status: more genes were differentially regulated in male fetuses than in females.
Conclusions
The maternal microbiota has a major impact on the developing fetus, with male fetuses potentially more susceptible to microbial modulation. The expression of genes important for the immune system, neurophysiology, translation, and energy metabolism are strongly affected by the maternal microbial status already before birth. These impacts are associated with microbially modulated metabolites. We identified several microbial metabolites that have not been previously observed in this context. Many of the potentially important metabolites remain to be identified.
September 28, 2025
Combined chemical exposures increase autism
Baylor University, TX, Univ of California
Source: Environmental Research, Aug 2025
Background:
Previous epidemiologic studies on gestational chemical exposures and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often lack analysis of chemical mixtures or are limited to investigating certain chemical classes.
Objective:
We examined the impact of multi-class chemical mixtures on ASD risk, using data from the MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risks in Babies-Learning Early Signs) cohort.
Methods:
Children were clinically assessed at age 3 and classified as ASD, typical development (TD), or non-TD with other neurodevelopmental concerns. In blood or urine from 105 pregnant mothers, we quantified 42 biomarkers across 5 chemical classes: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, phenols, phthalates, and organophosphate esters (OPEs). We only analyzed 30 biomarkers detected in >50 % of the sample. After identifying clusters with similar chemical profiles via hierarchical clustering, we applied linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to compute LDA exposure summary scores. In covariate-adjusted models, we used LDA scores to assess co-adjusted, multipollutant associations (relative risk [RR]) with ASD or non-TD, via quasi-Poisson regression. We further examined overall mixture effect and chemical interactions with Bayesian kernel machine regression.
Results:
We identified four distinct clusters: PFAS (Cluster 1), OPEs (Cluster 2), parabens and triclosan (Cluster 3), and phthalates and bisphenol A (Cluster 4). Relative to TD, LDA scores for each cluster were associated with increased risk of ASD (RR [95 % CI]: 1.14 [1.03, 1.25], 1.12 [1.01, 1.24], 1.17 [1.07, 1.29], 1.17 [1.07, 1.28] for Cluster 1–4, respectively), whereas clusters 2 and 4 were associated with non-TD (1.07 [1.01, 1.14] and 1.12 [1.05, 1.19], respectively). Cumulative exposure across the four clusters was linked to increased risk of both ASD and non-TD. Potential interactions within and between clusters were observed.
Conclusion:
This study shows that considering multiple chemical classes resulted in stronger associations with ASD and non-TD risk, compared to when investigated separately in our previous studies.
September 21, 2025
Aluminum higher in brain tissue of autistic children
Clinical Genetics Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Source: J of Trace Elements in Med and Biol, 2019
The discovery of aluminum (Al) in quantities unexpectedly high in brain tissue in five patients with autism spectrum disorder [1] has immediately imposed to us the question: from where has this aluminum come? We live in what one leading researcher on the chemistry of aluminum has called "the Aluminum Age" [2] and concerns about the toxicity of ingested Al were expressed over hundred years ago [3] long before it became as widely used as it is today. Al is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust and occurs naturally in the environment, foodstuffs, and drinking water [4]. It is also used in: processed foods, materials and articles such as, Al-containing food packaging, Al foils, cooking utensils and baking trays. It has long been assumed that dietary Al is the main risk source of exposure to biologically available Al. Under physiologic conditions intestinal absorption of aluminum is impossible since biometals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, Cr) and toxic metals (Pb, Hg, Ni, Cd,) are absorbed exclusively in their 2+ state. Aluminum as a trivalent under physiologic conditions cannot be absorbed. Trivalent Al can be absorbed through the intestinal mucosa only in the cases of mucosal damage (infection, inflammation, intoxication as was the case in 1988 in England [5]).
In the paper of Mold et al. [1] the strangest and most intriguing fact is that the highest concentrations of aluminum were measured in the youngest person. The boy was only 15 years old (case A4). Generally accepted claim that dietary aluminum is the main source of exposure to aluminum, inevitably raises the question: how is it possible that in the course of only 15 years of life, this boy "absorbed" such amount of aluminum and deposited it in his brain? On the other hand the boy in that age probably did not use creams containing aluminum, antiperspirant sprays, nor shaved. He also could not have been present in1988 in Camelford, Cornwall (UK). At the age of 15 he could not be a worker in the aluminum industry where he would be exposed to aluminum dust and fumes. Even less it was likely that this boy lived near the place where aluminized grenades exploded! We also do not believe that the boy was a cosmonaut and he travelled in interstellar spaces where divalent aluminum is located. In the work of Mold et al. [1] the year of birth of persons shown in the work is not indicated. We can only assume that the 15-year-old boy was born around the year 2000.
Given all of the above under normal, usual, physiological conditions the most important, the most regular and most predictable even by the law legislated access of aluminum into the human body is through vaccines. According to the vaccination schedule which was established in 2000 in the USA, by the age of 18 months, approximately 4425 μg of aluminum is parenterally delivered into the human body through vaccines [15]. After 2005 with the introducing of new vaccines, the quantity of adjuvant Al has increased up to 4925 μg [15].
Aluminum neurotoxicity has been shown in experiments on mice [16]. Aluminum toxicity has been shown even in one clinical study in which 182 infants were treated with intravenous injections of nutritional formula that contained different quantities of aluminum [17] but received significantly less aluminum than the infants receiving aluminum via vaccines. Recently it was shown that another metal i.e. mercury is also neurotoxic for children even in much less quantities in comparison with aluminum [18]. Toxic effects of Al can be assigned to its physical and chemical properties. Owing to its 3+ charge Al attracts negatively charged ions and electrons but because it cannot transition to other oxidation states besides 3+, Al is not a direct component in any redox reactions but may participate indirectly in Fenton reactions. Moreover, the small ionic radius and the high charge of Al3+ are its important properties by which this metal can exert its toxic activity. The Al ion (0.054 nm) is roughly the same size as the ferric (Fe3+) ion (0.065 nm) and much smaller than magnesium (Mg; 0.072 nm) and calcium (Ca) ions (0.100 nm). Thus, in biological systems, Al can effectively replace these essential biometals in many enzymatic reactions [19,20].
July 9, 2025
Vaccination in pregnancy increases brain damage and autism behaviors in animal offspring
Faculty of Medicine,Izmir Katip Celebi University, Turkey
Source: Neurochemical Research, Jan 2024
................................................
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the swift development and distribution of mRNA vaccines, including BNT162b2, to address the disease. Concerns have arisen about the potential neurodevelopmental implications of these vaccines, especially in susceptible groups such as pregnant women and their offspring. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of WNT, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, specific cytokines, m-TOR expression, neuropathology, and autism-related neurobehavioral outcomes in a rat model. Pregnant rats received the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine during gestation. Subsequent evaluations on male and female offspring included autism-like behaviors, neuronal counts, and motor performance. Molecular techniques were applied to quantify WNT and m-TOR gene expressions, BDNF levels, and specific cytokines in brain tissue samples. The findings were then contextualized within the extant literature to identify potential mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine significantly alters WNT gene expression and BDNF levels in both male and female rats, suggesting a profound impact on key neurodevelopmental pathways. Notably, male rats exhibited pronounced autism-like behaviors, characterized by a marked reduction in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in neuronal counts in critical brain regions, indicating potential neurodegeneration or altered neurodevelopment. Male rats also demonstrated impaired motor performance, evidenced by reduced coordination and agility. Our research provides insights into the effects of the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine on WNT gene expression, BDNF levels, and certain neurodevelopmental markers in a rat model. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these observations in humans and to explore the exact mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the risks and rewards of COVID-19 vaccination, especially during pregnancy, remains essential.
OBESITY
Child obesity has increased dramatically the past 5 decades. Evidence shows excessive calorie consumption is only part of the problem. In fact dozens of synthetic compounds have been identified that mimic hormones involved in appetite control and fat cell production (known as adipogenesis). Bone marrow stem cells have a strong influence on the rate adipogenesis and can be altered by a myriad of EDCs (endocrine disupting chemicals).
Child obesity has increased dramatically the past 5 decades. Evidence shows excessive calorie consumption is only part of the problem. In fact dozens of synthetic compounds have been identified that mimic hormones involved in appetite control and fat cell production (known as adipogenesis). Bone marrow stem cells have a strong influence on the rate adipogenesis and can be altered by a myriad of EDCs (endocrine disupting chemicals).
May 8, 2025
Obesity increases 3-fold from 1960 to 2010
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Source: CDC.gov website
RESULTS
Between 1999–2002 and 2007–2010, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults aged ≥18 years increased from 26.5% to 33.0% among men and from 32.4% to 34.9% among women (Table 1). Controlling for age and race/ethnicity in regression models indicated that the increase in the prevalence of obesity over the study period was statistically significant among men but not among women.
The prevalence of obesity differed substantially across categories of various demographic characteristics (Table 1). Among men, there was little difference in the prevalence of obesity by race/ethnicity, but among women, the overall (1999–2010) prevalence among non-Hispanic blacks (51%) was 10 percentage points higher than that among Mexican-Americans and 20 percentage points higher than that among non-Hispanic white women.
Inverse associations were identified between the prevalence of obesity and educational attainment that were statistically significant among both men and women; differences were much greater among women (Table 1). These associations appeared to be nonlinear. For example, among men, the prevalence was lowest (25%) among college graduates but highest (35%) among those who had completed some college. Among women, the overall prevalence of obesity among those who had completed college was 13–16 percentage points lower than in other groups, but there was little difference in obesity prevalence between those who had not finished high school and those who had completed some college. The analysis of disability status of adults aged ≥60 years indicated that the overall prevalence of obesity among those who reported having difficulties with four or more activities was substantially higher than obesity prevalence among those without a disability (men: 16 percentage points higher; women: 27 percentage points higher).
In contrast to these differences, which were larger among women, the association of obesity with country of birth and language spoken at home was stronger among men (Table 1). Mexican-American men who were born in the United States had 13 percentage points higher overall prevalence of obesity than men born in Mexico (39% versus. 26%), but the equivalent difference among Mexican-American women was only 3 percentage points. Similarly, Mexican-American men who spoke mostly English at home had a 12 percentage points higher overall prevalence of obesity compared with those who spoke mostly Spanish at home (38% versus 26%), while there was no significant difference among Mexican-American women. As assessed by an interaction term (each characteristic x study period) in sex-specific regression models, there was no indication that disparities in obesity prevalence varied across the 12-year study period among either men or women.
Between 1999–2002 and 2007–2010, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents aged 2–17 years increased from 15.4% to 18.6% among boys and from 13.8% to 15.1% among girls (Table 2). After adjustment for age and race/ethnicity in regression models, the increase over the six 2-year study cycles was statistically significant among boys but not among girls.
Differences in the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents over the 12-year study period across categories of the various characteristics were somewhat similar to those among adults (Tables 1 and 2). Substantial differences existed in the prevalence of obesity by race/ethnicity; among boys, prevalence was highest among Mexican-Americans (24%), whereas among girls, prevalence was highest among non-Hispanic blacks (22%). Educational attainment of the adult head of household was associated inversely with obesity among both boys and girls. Overall, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents whose adult head of household had completed college was approximately half that of prevalence among children whose adult head of household did not complete high school. In contrast to the differences among adults, the prevalence of obesity among Mexican-American children did not differ significantly according to either country of birth or language spoken at home.
SEED OILS
When seed oils are manufactured, they are heated to approxmiately 400 degrees F to remove unpleasant odors. During this heating process, toxic contaminants are unintentionally formed from other chlorinated compounds present in the oil. Two of significant concern are 3-MCPD and glycidol which are known to be either carcinogenic and/or genotoxic
When seed oils are manufactured, they are heated to approxmiately 400 degrees F to remove unpleasant odors. During this heating process, toxic contaminants are unintentionally formed from other chlorinated compounds present in the oil. Two of significant concern are 3-MCPD and glycidol which are known to be either carcinogenic and/or genotoxic
May 1, 2025
Pesticides high in seed oil
Warsaw Univ of Life Sciences, Warsaw Poland
Source: J American Oil Chem Society, Sep 2011
The aim of this study was to investigate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (marker and dioxin-like congeners), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (EPA 15 + 1), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (14 predominant congeners) and pesticides (74 compounds) in various cold-pressed vegetable oils. Poppy seed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, pumpkinseed oil, hempseed oil, linaire oil, borage oil and evening star oil were investigated. Results of this study revealed that concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and PAHs were low in majority of the investigated samples. However, high concentrations of organophosphorus insecticides were found. Chlorpyrifos methyl and pirimiphos methyl were the pesticide residues most commonly found in the studied oils. Concentration of 15 + 1 EPA PAHs was within the 17.85 - 37.16 ug kg-1 range, concentration of (marker) PCBs varied from 127 to 24,882 pg g-1, dioxin-like TEQ values were below 0.1 pg TEQ g-1. Concentration of PBDEs was below LOQ in most cases.
May 1, 2025
Pesticides concentrate in peanut oil & during cooking
Chinese Acad of Agricul Sci, Beijing, China
Source: J Science Food Agriculture, Apr 2022
ABSTRACT
Background: Pesticide contamination in oil crops and processed products is an important food safety concern. The study was aimed to investigate the pesticide residue changes in press processing of peanut oil and frying of chips.
Results: Five pesticides - chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, methoxyfenozide, azoxystrobin and propargite - which are often applied during growth period in peanut plants, were selected to investigate their residue changes in cold press processing of peanut oil and frying of potato chips. Results showed that the residues of the five pesticides were decreased by 3.1-42.6% during air-drying before oil pressing. The residues of chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, methoxyfenozide and propargite in peanut oil were 2.05-3.63 times higher than that in peanut meal after cold pressing of the oil, except for azoxystrobin having a slightly lower residue in peanut oil, with 0.92 times that in peanut meal. The processing factors of the five pesticides in peanut oil ranged from 1.17 to 2.73 and were highly related to the log Kow of the pesticides. The higher the log Kow , the more easily was the pesticide partitioned in the peanut oil. Besides, as frying time increase during preparation of chips, the concentration of pesticides in peanut oil decreased gradually by 6.7-22.1% compared to the first frying. In addition, 0.47-11.06% of the pesticides were transferred to the chips through frying with contaminated oil.
Conclusion: This is first report showing that pesticides can transfer from contaminated oil to chips. There exists a potential dietary health risk by using pesticide-contaminated oil for frying chips. This work could provide basic data for accurate dietary risk assessment of pesticide residues in peanut oil and its frying products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
April 29, 2025
Toxic contaminants in seed oils
US Food & Drug Administration
Source: Food Add Contam Pt A Chem Anal Ctrl Expo Risk Assess, 2013
ABSTRACT
Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and glycidol are processing contaminants found in a wide range of edible oils. While both 3-MCPD and glycidol have toxicological properties that at present has concerns for food safety, the published occurrence data are limited. Occurrence information is presented for the concentrations of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in 116 retail and/or industrial edible oils and fats using LC-MS/MS analysis of intact esters. The concentrations for bound 3-MCPD ranged from below the limit of quantitation (< LOQ) to 0.09 mg kg-1 (ppm) in 22 unrefined oils and from 0.005 to 7.2 mg kg-1 (ppm) in 94 refined oils. The concentrations for bound glycidol ranged from < LOQ to 0.03 mg kg-1 (ppm) in unrefined oil samples and from < LOQ to 10.5 mg kg-1 (ppm) in processed oil samples. The highest concentrations for both 3-MCPD and glycidol were seen in refined palm oil and palm olein samples. Palm olein samples also contained a higher percentage of 3-MCPD in mono-ester form than any other type of oil.
TRENDS
Understanding trends in chronic health conditions his critical for predicting the future status in public health. This section will analyze past and current statistics to determine if the prevalence of chronic health conditions are increasing or decreasing. This includes past and current rates of cancer, diabetes, autoimmunity and various neurological conditions.
Understanding trends in chronic health conditions his critical for predicting the future status in public health. This section will analyze past and current statistics to determine if the prevalence of chronic health conditions are increasing or decreasing. This includes past and current rates of cancer, diabetes, autoimmunity and various neurological conditions.
May 2, 2025
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer rising
University of Nebraska Med Center
Source: Annals of Oncology, 1994
ABSTRACT
Between 1973 and 1989, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) increased by nearly 60% in the United States, one of the largest increases of any cancer. In 1993, approximately 43,000 new cases of NHL will be diagnosed and over 20,000 deaths due to NHL will occur. The annual incidence rate of NHL per 100,000 persons in the US has risen from 5.9 in 1950 to 13.7 in 1989. This increase has occurred in both males and females, blacks and whites, and in all age groups except the very young. The largest increase has occurred in the elderly, and rates have increased more rapidly in rural areas. Most of the increase cannot be attributed to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Similar findings have been reported from other developed countries. Epidemiologic studies indicate that environmental factors may play an important role in the etiology of NHL. In this paper, current knowledge concerning the epidemiology of NHL is summarized, with special emphasis on environmental factors of possible etiologic importance, such as drugs, pesticides, solvents and other chemicals, dusts and particles, hair dyes, smoking, Helicobacter pylori infection, and diet. Many different environmental factors of low risk acting on large segments of the population could account for much of the increase in NHL.
May 1, 2025
Whooping cough increasing in U.S.
Shenzhen Children's Hospital, China
Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases, May 2017
"In the United States, there were 48,277 cases of pertussis in 2012, more than any year in the previous 50 years. Approximately 10% of the cases were infants and 50% were adolescents or adults [3]. Mirroring the United States, there has been a global increase in the number of cases among adolescents and adults, mainly because of poor vaccine coverage and waning immunity [2, 4, 5]."
PARAGRAPH 3
The resurgence of pertussis has been noticeable over the past several years. In the United States, there were 48277 cases of pertussis in 2012, more than any year in the previous 50 years. Approximately 10% of the cases were infants and 50% were adolescents or adults [3]. Mirroring the United States, there has been a global increase in the number of cases among adolescents and adults, mainly because of poor vaccine coverage and waning immunity [2, 4, 5]. Despite its dramatic symptoms, pertussis is still likely underdiagnosed due to poor awareness of the disease, misdiagnosis, and lack of diagnostic techniques. This is especially obvious in China, where there were only 2183 reported cases of pertussis in 2012, which is especially significant given the huge population and relatively poor healthcare system [6]. The criteria for diagnosis of pertussis issued by China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention have not been updated for more than a decade and do not include PCR. This may partially account for the low reporting rate [7]. Adolescents and adults with waning immunity and unrecognized pertussis are the most important sources of infection for children. This is why a booster tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acelluar pertussis vaccine (Tdap) (a combination vaccine similar to diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acelluar pertussis vaccine [DTaP] with a lower dose of B. pertussis acellular components) is recommended for persons aged less than or equal to 11 years [8]. In this case, the mother was the most likely source of infection.
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