Lower Miscarriage Risk with Multivitamins

Use of a multivitamin in early pregnancy may reduce the risk of miscarriage by 57% suggests a new study of 4,725 women. In this prospective study, women were assessed for use of prenatal or multivitamin formulas in early pregnancy.
Even after controlling for variables like age, education and smoking, it was found that women who reported using either a prenatal vitamin supplement or a multivitamin in early pregnancy had a reduced risk of miscarriage. While this study suggests a positive effect of vitamin supplementation on miscarriage incidence, the finding may also be related to healthier behaviours in vitamin users commented the study authors.

My comment: This is an important finding as it means that we should be focusing on making sure levels of all nutrients, and not just folic acid, are high enough both before we even think about trying to conceive as well as during and after pregnancy.

One of the key indicators of higher miscarriage risk I have come across is when levels of antagonistic copper and zinc are imbalanced. Copper rises as we approach the birth. If it rises too early, we are more at risk of miscarriage. One of the reasons this could happen is because the levels of zinc are too low, allowing copper to start at a higher level earlier on and therefore rise earlier than it should.

I often advise women to have a hair test to check levels of both of these important minerals before they conceive as a safeguard against such a distressing event. I wish that more couples would see me before they begin to start a family, just so we can make sure that nutrient levels are optimal. Optimum levels often equal easier conception and pregnancy, a happier, healthier baby and Mum is less likely to have post natal depression or breast-feeding problems. I have devised and used a really successful pre-conception programme which takes four months to get Mum and Dad into tip-top health. So, if you or someone you know is thinking of starting a family, please get in touch: four months’ preparation is not long, but will pay long-term dividends!

Give Zinc to Elderly To Avoid Pneumonia

Low serum zinc levels associated with increased incidence of pneumonia in elderly.

In a study of nursing home residents, patients with normal serum levels of zinc exhibited decreased incidence, severity and duration of pneumonia symptoms. Residents with low serum zinc levels (less than 70 mcg per decilitre) experienced increased incidence, longer duration of episodes, and required 50% more antibiotic prescriptions.

Simin N Meydani, Junaidah B Barnett, Gerard E Dallal, Basil C Fine, Paul F Jacques, Lynette S Leka, and Davidson H Hamer. Serum zinc and pneumonia in nursing home elderly. Am J Clin Nutr 2007 86: 1167-1173.

I would add a couple of things here. If you know an elderly person either in a home or going to hospital, build them up before they go – and then maintain their supplements as their diet is likley to be poor. My advice would be perhaps an easy to take nutritious powder or a Multivitamin and Mineral, plus a probiotic  and Garlic or Olive Leaf for circulation and to kill off any bugs that may be prevalent in the environment. None of these should affect any other meds they are on, but always make sure you tell the GP/staff what else they are taking. We don’t look after our older people enough – it’s time to start!