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MEDICAL RESEARCH: “Pediatric case series evaluating a standardized Candida albicans skin test prod

 

 Editors’ note: This study investigating the value and safety of Candin for clinical use in children demonstrated effectiveness and safety.  Candin is a reagent or skin test for sensitivity to Candida albicans, a yeast microorganism that can cause infection.  The study recommends using Candin in combination with other reagents in infants with anergy to see if they react to antigens other than Candida albicans.  Anergy is described in Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary as the impaired or absent ability to react to common antigens administered through skin testing. Antigens are markers on the surface of cells that stimulate production of antibodies.  In this study, Candin was tested at the same time as a skin test for tuberculosis (purified protein derivative tuberculosis) for comparison of results.

Gluten-free celebrities on the rise! Madonna serves gluten-free goodies.

 

The latest celebrity to announce her affinity for the gluten-free diet is the one and only, Madonna.  In celebration of her 52nd birthday and her son’s 10th, the Queen of Pop will be hosting a party with a King and Queen theme. Madge does not maintain a strictly gluten-free diet, but announced that some GF treats including brownies will be served at the high-profile fête.

This news means more publicity for

Understanding Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Deficiency in Celiac Disease

Riboflavin is a micronutrient, also known as Vitamin B2, which performs many important functions in the body. Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin that releases energy from carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. It plays a key role in specific amino acid production and provides antioxidant protection. Riboflavin is essential for growth and production of red blood cells and maintaining healthy skin, eyes, hair, and nervous system.

Riboflavin Deficiency

More than 34% of Americans get less than the RDA because, unlike other vitamins, riboflavin is not found in many foods.

Riboflavin depletion and/or deficiency is common before starting the gluten-free diet treatment. It frequently results from malabsorption due to damage to the small intestinal lining, but can also be depleted by excretion through diarrhea, excessive sweating or excessive urination. It is important to note that riboflavin deficiency can result from low serum proteins, which is a common occurrence in untreated celiac disease.

When riboflavin deficiency appears after starting the gluten-free diet, it is usually due to

Gluten-Free Romaine Salad with Pears and Brazil Nuts

This versatile salad makes a handsome first course and easily partners with soup, salad or sandwich. Magnesium/ selenium/ zinc laden Brazil nuts and pears naturally tone the bowel. Romaine lettuce is a digestion restorative, providing folic acid, vitamin K, potassium and calcium while carrots add beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.

Study reports those diagnosed with celiac disease have reduced subsequent healthcare costs

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House, a study published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Insurance Medicine reports that researchers from Columbia University and CIGNA HealthCare found that diagnosis of celiac disease substantially reduces subsequent health care costs. 

The research group, led by Peter Green, M.D., a renowned authority in celiac disease from Columbia University,  looked at medical records for 10.2 million CIGNA managed care members.  

DeBoles recalls gluten-free pasta due to undeclared allergen

DeBoles has been in the pasta making business for over 75 years and is sold nationwide.  They make both gluten-free and regular pastas.  DeBoles announced that it is recalling Kids Only! Gluten Free Tubettini Corn Pasta because it may contain undeclared whole wheat alphabet pasta.  The product lot code is listed below:

Chelsea’s gluten-free wedding cake raises awareness about gluten-free diet

Photo source: Entertainment Tonight. etonline.com

Whoever would have thought one of the main pieces of news about Chelsea Clinton’s wedding was her gluten-free wedding cake.  When the national morning news programs learned about the gluten-free wedding cake, made by La Tulipe Desserts in New York’s Westchester County, it was with great confusion that they reported the news.  Most people seem to think that gluten-free products of any type are not any good, so they seemed shocked that the daughter of the former President would need to settle for a gluten-free cake.

Is brown rice syrup really gluten-free?

Brown rice syrup is the go-to for many gluten-free bakers.  Gluten-free recipes everywhere call for the stuff and indeed, it lends a perfectly sweet flavor to cakes, cookies, muffins, and scones.  But the syrup is controversial in the world of gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease because in some cases, it contains gluten.

Some, though not all, brown rice syrup is actually fermented in a process that employs barley.  

Scientists Uncover Further Steps Leading to Celiac Disease

 

 3 06 08

Contact: Sally Webster
s.webster@qmul.ac.uk
44-207-882-5404
Queen Mary, University of London

Scientists who last year identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease, have, following continued research, discovered an additional seven gene regions implicated in causing the condition. The team, lead by David van Heel, Professor of Gastrointestinal Genetics at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, have further demonstrated that of the nine coeliac gene regions now know, four of these are also predisposing factors for type 1 diabetes. Their research sheds light not only on the nature of coeliac disease, but on the common origins of both diseases. It is published online today (2 March 2008) in Nature Genetics.

The Avalanche of New Mercury-Autism Studies

by Mark Geier, MD, PhD & David Geier

July 24, 2010

Dear Everyone: We wanted to share with you the avalanche of new mercury-autism studies published yesterday in the peer-reviewed literature. Yesterday, there were six studies published in one day that implicate a causal role for mercury exposure in autistic disorders.

(1) Sorting Out the Spinning of Autism – Heavy Metals – Mercury – & Incidence

“We analyzed the data reported in some articles that have been, or might be, taken to support the view of no-real-increase or no-environmental-connection. Overall, we have offered a critical view of some of the literature from the perspective of research scientists who have become interested in the topic within the past five years and sought to gauge the actual state of scientific knowledge regarding autism etiology…  To summarize, of the 58 empirical reports on autism and heavy metal toxins, 43 suggest some link may be present, while 13 reports found no link. Even with the tendency for null results not to be reported, it cannot be said there is no evidence for a link between heavy metal toxins and autism: although the question may still be open-in sum, the evidence favors a link.“