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Sep 22, 2010

Vitamin C Prevents Cancer, Stroke, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that can prevent major diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. Some animals can even produce their own vitamin C, but for humans we must find it in food sources.

Vitamin C has been studied extensively for its effects on the body. We have known for years that it is essential in preventing scurvy. It also has many other functions in the body. It creates collagen, which aides the body in tissue repairs in everything from skin to bones and tendons. It simulates neurotransmitters and aids in brain function, and provides energy for cells. It is also important in reducing cholesterol and preventing gallstones. Just small amounts reduce heart attacks, cancer, and stroke risks. In larger amounts it has been shown to lower diabetes risks.

Dr. Kerry Ferguson

Sep 21, 2010

Study Shows Infant Formulas are Badly Contaminated with Aluminum

Researchers have measured the aluminum content of several milk-based and soy-based formulas and found very high levels of aluminum content in each brand. The levels are especially high in soy-based and lactose intolerant substitutes. Levels of up to 700 micrograms per liter were found, which means infants could be ingesting up to 600 micrograms of aluminum per day. Even more concerning, levels are highest in pre-term formulas for premature infants. To compare, these levels are about 40 times higher than the content of breast milk, and much higher than levels allowed in drinking water.

Manufactures are not required to measure or filter aluminum content. It is considered to be a contaminant most likely from equipment used to pasteurize, process, and store formulas. The soybean plant itself is known to absorb aluminum from soils.

A research article from Keele University in Staffordshire demonstrates the vulnerability of infants to early exposure of aluminum. Aluminum has been associated with Alzheimer’s and has been shown to have both an immediate and delayed toxicity in infants.

Dr. Kerry Ferguson

Sep 16, 2010

Vitamin D proven far better than vaccines at preventing influenza infections

Vitamin D appears to be 800% more effective than vaccines at preventing influenza infections in children.

A clinical trial led by Mitsuyoshi Urashima and conducted by the Division of Molecular Epidemiology in the the Department of Pediatrics at the Jikei University School of Medicine Minato-ku in Tokyo found that vitamin D was extremely effective at halting influenza infections in children. The trial appears in the March, 2010 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr (March 10, 2010). doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.29094)

The results are from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 334 children, half of which were given 1200 IUs per day of vitamin D3.
In the study, while 31 of 167 children in the placebo group contracted influenza over the four month duration of the study, only 18 of 168 children in the vitamin D group did. This means vitamin D was responsible for an absolute reduction of nearly 8percent. Flu vaccines, according to the latest scientific evidence, achieve a 1 percent reduction in influenza symptoms.

This is just one more benefit to the long list of the benefits of vitamin D. Unfortunately, these days the best way to get adequate levels of this super vitamin is through supplementation. Our exposure to the sun (only 15 min a day provides vitamin D synthesis) is not keeping up with demands on the body. As fall and winter cold season nears, it is important to get a good daily dose in.

Dr. Kerry Ferguson