CCH Health Review
Ideas & Strategies to Improve Your Health
December 2004
Fruits May Protect Children from Leukemia
Children who ate oranges and bananas or drank orange juice most days of the week before age 2 were significantly less likely than other children to be diagnosed with leukemia before age 14, according to research released this month. Previous research has suggested that diet may influence the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, prostate, lung and breast cancers.
Before age 15, more children become sick from leukemia than from any other type of cancer. But until now, the effect of diet on the childhood risk of this cancer was largely unknown.
University of California medical investigators interviewed the mothers of 328 children diagnosed with leukemia and the same number of cancer-free kids. Mothers reported what children ate before age 2.
The researchers found that children who ate oranges or bananas 4-6 times per week were around half as likely to develop leukemia before age 14. Drinking orange juice 4-6 times per week reduced leukemia risk by a comparable amount.
In contrast, cured meats such as lunch meats and hot dogs contain substances that can become carcinogenic in the stomach. Research in rats suggests that eating these meats in pregnancy may increase the risk of brain tumors in offspring.
However, in this report, eating hot dogs or lunch meats had no influence on leukemia, perhaps because vitamin C, along with other vitamins and nutrients contained in fruit, protect the body from the damage the meats can cause, according to the researchers.
This study illustrates the critical importance of feeding your child plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Do not feed your child "convenience foods" such as cured meats, hot dogs, French fries, etc. Leukemia is only one of many health risks you can reduce in your child with a healthy diet.
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, December 2004
Low Iron Levels May Contribute to ADHD
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seem to have iron deficiency, according to the results of a small study. The researchers suggest that such kids may benefit from iron supplements.
Iron deficiency causes abnormal functioning of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine and may contribute to the pathology of ADHD.
Researchers measured iron levels in 53 children with ADHD and in a comparison group of 27 matched children who did not have ADHD. Ferritin levels in blood were used to assess iron stores in the body.
84% of the children with ADHD had abnormal ferritin levels compared with 18% of those who did not have ADHD. Extremely low serum ferritin levels were found in 32% of ADHD children but only one of the non-ADHD kids.
The researchers also saw that the lower the ferritin levels, the more severe were general ADHD symptoms, as well as specific mental deficits.
The researchers suggested that iron supplementation might improve dopamine activity in children with ADHD, thus decreasing the need for psychostimulants.
However, run out to the store to buy an iron supplement for your ADHD child. Your child needs to be evaluated by a physician and have a panel of blood tests before you can know whether iron supplementation is indicated. Giving an iron supplement when none is needed could be harmful.
If you think your child may have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, please call one of our clinics for a consultation. We have a comprehensive protocol for treating ADHD that does not require the use of pharmaceuticals. We can fully evaluate whether your child needs iron, and give you the best dietary sources of iron, as well as the most appropriate type of iron supplement.
Source: Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, December 2004;158:1113-1115
Childhood Obesity Leads to Enlarged Heart
Obese children grow up to have bigger left ventricles in their hearts, putting them at risk for heart disease and high blood pressure, according to a study of 467 adults under medical observation since 1970.
The doctors who conducted the study said that simply being obese means your heart has to work harder, even in childhood. The added burden of high blood pressure and other related health problems can actually contribute to a change in the structure of the heart, they reported.
While the heart enlargement can be stopped and even reversed with appropriate interventions, the data show a need to deal with weight problems sooner in children.
About 9 million U.S. children over age 6 are considered obese, according to the Institute of Medicine. The exact definition of "obesity" in children is not as clear as it is for adults. However, simple observation will give you a good clue as to whether your child is overweight or obese.
Overweight or obese children have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic health problems. If you have a child who is overweight, please consult with one of our physicians so that you will have an effective plan for dealing with his or her overweight problems in a healthy way. We urge you not to delay or overlook weight problems in your children. Their future health is at stake.
Source: Circulation, November 30, 2004
