Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen October 05, 2005 The omega-3 (linolenic) and omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acids discussed in detail last week are the focus of many clinical trials. Have the clinical studies supported the health claims? Several well-designed cardiovascular health studies support the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexanoic [...]

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen September 28, 2005 Our diet has radically changed over the past century, and with it the balance between two essential omega fatty acids, omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid). An essential nutrient is one that the body cannot make for itself or cannot manufacture enough of on its [...]

Increasing numbers of adolescents, especially girls, are adopting vegetarian diets. Their reasons for choosing a vegetarian diet vary from animal welfare, health benefits and food safety to environmental and sociopolitical concerns. Surveys suggest that approximately 8% of adolescents in the United Kingdom and 6% of older elementary and high-school students in the midwestern United States consume a vegetarian diet.

A change in your diet may not be enough to boost vitamin levels

In medicine, there is an old adage that the most common medical complaints are caused by the most common medical problems. Many of my patients have complained about fatigue. This nebulous creature is one of the most common problems faced by family doctors.

It seems that every week there is another diet or celebrity offering the Holy Grail of diet and health nirvana. Indeed, nutritional science researchers are casting healthy skepticism on their claims.

What do some of the B vitamins and antioxidants do? Are we dealing with marketing hype?

What are vitamins? Do they provide extra energy or boost to your metabolism? Do they help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases? How much is too much? A multibillion-dollar industry relies on the public perception that they are a gateway to better health and disease prevention. This two-part series will look at the facts and myths about vitamins based on the latest research.

A growing number of people are adopting a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. Indeed, a few studies support the Atkins diet, in the short-term, as a safe way to lose weight (the diet is contraindicated for some medical conditions). The Atkins diet can be difficult to follow over the long-term. Atkins recommends vitamin supplements but many forget to take them leading to an increased risk of vitamin deficiencies.

Dumb and dumber.

That’s what Dr. David Mack, chief of pediatric gastroenterology at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, thinks about low-iron infant formulas.

Last week’s column reviewed how what we eat can influence blood insulin levels. Diets high in carbohydrates (sugar) result in elevated insulin levels or hyperinsulinemia. This in turn may lead to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen February 26, 2003 Original Title: A Mars bar a day, pack those pounds away Increasing numbers of people are adopting low sugar (carbohydrate) high protein diets. Some want to lose weight, others wish to avoid further weight gain as they age. How does this change in dietary habits influence [...]

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen September 3, 2002 Original Title: The Fat of the Land Everyday the news bombards us about the latest nutrient or food that will add years to your life, save your skin, hair, heart and promote longevity. This information overload with its weekly contradictions is confusing to the average consumer.

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen February 6, 2002 “The Hurst may have changed, but it’s the same old fanny.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt commenting to novelist Fannie Hurst’s change in appearance after dieting. We learn from experience that men never learn from experience. – George Bernard Shaw Most diets do not work. Despite logic [...]

The prevalence of child obesity is growing at an alarming rate. In the United States, the obesity rate for children and adolescents has increased 50 per cent during the past 20 years. Approximately 22 to 25 per cent of all children in the U.S. and Canada are obese or overweight. It is a worldwide phenomenon, with Japan, Australia, the U.K., Europe, Russia and China reporting dramatic increases as well.

Several nutrients essential to proper growth and development may require supplementing — for example, vitamin D and iron.