Choline is an essential nutrient for the body but can also come with some health risks.

Choline or C5H14NO is an essential nutrient that helps the body utilize fats and cholesterol. Specifically, it stops fats from accumulating in the liver and helps them get into the cells. C5H14NO is necessary for the health of the liver, the kidneys and the protective myelin sheathing around the nerve cells.

A 1983 study seemed to link C5H14NO to heart disease. Dietary choline comes in the form of phosphatidylcholine, or lecithin. Some medical researchers believe that when it reaches the gut, the bacteria there turn it into C5H14NO and a gas called trimethylamine.

The latter is then sent to the liver. This detoxifies it and turns it into a compound called trimethylamine oxide, or TMAO. It’s this latter, the researchers claim, that causes heart problem risks.

Now, a new research from Cleveland Clinic specialists took a further look at the effects of C5H14NO. Study results were released in a paper in the Circulation journal.

New Study Links Choline To The Increase In Blod Cloths

The study involved 18 volunteers and was led by Dr. Stanley Hazen. All the research participants were given choline supplements or 500 mg on a daily basis. Reportedly, after a month, the blood of the participants was more likely to clot.

This was determined as the team analyzed the volunteers’ TMAO levels. These were seen to have a ten-fold increase. At least when compared to their levels before the study. Dr. Hazen stated that the TMAO probably “supercharges” the platelet function. More exactly:

“What is clear from this study is if you increase the choline in your diet, the TMAO level goes up and that changes your platelet function.”

However, there are still many variables that must be taken into account. For example, the team stated that vegan or vegetarian participants had lower choline levels even after taking the supplements. This is because C5H14NO is more common in meats, eggs, and dairy. It is also abundant in foods such as liver, red meats, or egg yolks, among others.

Also, the research team pointed out the following facts. Taking the supplements did not actually increase the participants’ risk of heart problems. However, it did raise their TMAO and their risk of developing blood clots. The researchers stated that their study is based on a small number of participants and was not that long. Not enough to determine a link between choline and heart disease.

As it is, more studies on the matter are needed. Choline is still an essential nutrient as it was shown that, in low levels, it does actually lead to heart problems, among others. Still, the team states that people should not consume excessive C5H14NO. The substance can be naturally taken in from foods, and supplements should be used only if prescribed by the doctor.

Image Source: FreeGreatPicture

A study from University of Pennsylvania researchers brought came with new data on the brain stimulation treatment.

To date, an effective solution for memory loss hasn’t been identified. As it is, a recent study from University of Pennsylvania researchers has sparked new life into a brain stimulation treatment previously disputed as only marginally beneficial.

The study, published in Current Biology, brings the world one step closer to solving memory loss in patients with epilepsy, brain trauma, or dementia.

It’s All in the Timing of the Brain Stimulation

This research was part of the Department of Defense’s Restoring Active Memory initiative. The goal of the four-year program is to develop an implantable device capable of restoring memory function.

While this study targeted and was completed for epilepsy patients, the DOD got involved due to the memory loss problems exhibited by soldiers who suffered traumatic head injuries.

The research team examined the process of deep brain stimulation using implanted electrodes. Previous attempts with this method showed mixed results. In some cases, it improved memory. However, the same pulses also worsened the recall is some of the instances. This study cleared up the confusion by proving that the effectiveness depends on the timing.

When the electric stimulation was delivered during a memory loss moment, the patients’ memory actually benefited from it. At the same time, when their memory was functioning well and they went through with the procedure, the electrical impulses seemed to impair their recall. As such, the team determined that the deep brain stimulation improved the memory function only if administered at the right moment.

This research could bring the “closed loop” treatment one step forward towards being used. A closed loop system of implanted electrodes works by monitoring the brain function in memory areas. As it does so, it also delivers a pulse. But only when the function is low. These sensitive systems could help bring the subtle difference needed for memory improvement.

This study could represent a turning point in neuroscience. The puzzle of the deep brain stimulation’s complicated nature could be one step closer to clarification. More research is needed to distil this concept into an actual therapy.

Image Source: Flickr

Adult ADHD is a mental health condition characterized by difficulty maintaining attention.

Adult ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by difficulty maintaining attention. Currently, it affects more than 3 million people in the United States each year.
Since the cardinal symptoms of ADHD include trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior, Adult ADHD has a profound impact on life activities. Persons with this disorder report relationship difficulties and a poor work performance. They are characterized as being impulsive and having a risk-taking behavior.

Brief Account of Adult ADHD

Some problems linked to inattention include making careless mistakes, having trouble organizing activities, and losing necessary materials. Many adults attribute such difficulties to a lack of energy, forgetfulness or other issues.

These are also erroneously associated with an advancing age. Some have even engineered their lives to avoid activities requiring a high degree of focus. Other adults have underlying medical issues such as untreated diabetes or thyroid issues that make completing tasks difficult.

For these reasons, consulting with a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other professionals with specialized ADHD training is of particular importance. In an adult, hyperactivity can take the form of fidgeting, interrupting during conversations, or restlessness.

Between 10% and 60% of children become adults with ADHD. Those who have this condition and are not diagnosed until adulthood must have exhibited inattentive or impulsive behavior before age 12 to receive a formal diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Although a variety of factors, ranging from gluten sensitivity to parenting techniques, have been blamed for ADHD, a recent study has linked it to brain structure differences. This was determined by using medical imaging.

Adult ADHD is a relatively common condition that is completely treatable with talk therapy, medication or, most often, a combination approach. If you think that either a loved one or yourself are affected, you need to see a licensed specialist for screening and a possible treatment.

Image Source: Flickr

A new study claims that running can allegedly help prolong the life expectancy by around 3 years.

A new study claims that running can allegedly help prolong one’s life. The researchers state that only two hours of such an exercise per week can help expand one’s lifespan with about three years. Reportedly, neither the speed nor the mileages of the run will matter.

The new research was carried out by Iowa State University scientists. They published their results in the Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. For their study, the team re-analyzed information and data gathered by previous researchers carried out at the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas some three years ago.

These found that running on a weekly basis for some 5 to 10 minutes every day at about less than 6 miles per hour can reduce the mortality risk by even up to 30 percent.

Running Is Reportedly Beneficial Even If Performed At A Slow, Or Rather Short Rate

Now, this new study echoes and reinstates some of the original findings and also comes with new information. For example, they found that the actual pace or mileage of a run do not actually matter. Instead, just the physical activity in itself is enough to reduce the risk of premature death. This was estimated to fall by about 40 percent.

The research team then introduced factors such as drinking, smoking, or various health problems. Nonetheless, the findings still ‘held true’ even in such cases.

Based on the previously gathered data, the team also went to establish that runners engaging in such a physical activity for 2 hours every week, could significantly expand their life expectancy. This could grow by three years or even more. Also, this would translate into less than 6 months of actual running over a 40-years period.

However, people should not expect a further addition in years, no matter how much they run. The team also stated that are as yet unsure what actually cause these benefits, or of why running can extend the life expectancy. They offered the lifestyle as a potential reason, but more research on the matter is still needed.

Image Source: Pexels