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9/6/2009 Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince Train

PopSugarUK — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:12:57 -0700

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Sugar Bits - Paul Abdul Is Leaving American Idol

PopSugarUK — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:55:00 -0700

Paul Abdul has confirmed she is leaving American Idol - Paula's twitter
Joe Jackson will not be involved in raising Michael's children - People
Jeremy Clarkson has caused complaints after joking about Germany's invasion of Poland - Daily Mail
Jamie Oliver's company made profits of £6.8million in the last tax year - Mirror
Peter Andre is reportedly even more keen for a "quickie" divorce after seeing pictures of Katie Price topless in a pool with new boyfriend Alex Reid - The Sun
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is still top of the UK box office, taking another £7.5million - Guardian

Link Time!

PopSugarUK — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

US and UK 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' want Lindsay Lohan - Holy Moly
Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone to have a Greek or Turkish honeymoon - Grazia
Madonna and Jesus call it quits. She claims they're just friends - Handbag
Could Omer Bhatti be Michael Jackson's secret biological son? - the FABlife
Naomi Campbell donates an aligator Hermes handbag to charity - Elle UK
Blake wants £6m from Amy saying that he inspired 'Back to Black' album - Cosmo UK
Katie Price wants another footballer, but will it be Ronaldo or Frank Lampard for the second time? - Get Lippy
Read the review on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Screenjabber
Lady Gaga is covered in Kermit the Frogs on German TV - PopJustice

Emma Watson Talks Wishbones, Work & Wet T-Shirt Contests

PopSugarUK — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:13:49 -0700

As FabUK showed you yesterday, Emma Watson is the cover star of May's Interview Magazine, looking flawless in the close-up shots that grace the pages - taken by Nick Knight - and stylish in the black and white images inside the magazine. Journalist Derek Blasberg conducts a lively interview with the newly nineteen year old star of the Harry Potter movies, and talks to Emma about her study hopes for the future, whether she'll continue to act after the series of movies is complete and her friendships with Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint as well as much more. Here are some extracts:

On wanting the part of Hermione: "I loved the books-I was a massive fan. I just felt like that part belonged to me. I know that sounds crazy, but from that first audition, I always knew. At the beginning, they were casting the other characters as well - but I always knew I was going out for Hermione. She came so naturally to me. Maybe so much of myself at the time was similar to her. Of course, all this terrified my parents-there were literally thousands and thousands of girls going out for the audition, and my parents were anxious about what I would do if I didn’t get it. They were trying to make me stay realistic-but I wasn’t having any of it. I was going to get that part. This is a sweet thing: My dad did a roast on a Sunday, and he gave me the wishbone, and I obviously made the wish that I would get this role. I still have that wishbone upstairs in my jewellery box."
On criticism after she expressed being unsure about acting as a career after HP: "Ha! I was a little bit shocked by people’s responses, too. Maybe it’s because, at the moment, there are so many people who want to be famous, so how could I not want this? Or, how could I not want to keep it forever? But I guess I just want to be sure it’s what I want. I was so young, and I don’t think I really knew the greatness of what I was signing on for. I really want to study. I would love to try theater. I need to try stuff out. But I say all this now-I’m sure I’ll still be here in 10 years, making Harry Potter 30."

To read more from Emma on juggling Uni and filming, her trip to Mexico and to get a closer look at some more of the images that accompany the article, just read more.

On trying to juggle University and filming: "At the moment, we’re there at about 6:30 a.m., which means I’m picked up at about 5:45 a.m. We’re filming both the seventh and eighth movies at once, and I’m trying to do all of my scenes now and through the summer so I’ll be available for university come September-though it already looks like I’ll be working on Christmas and March breaks."
On Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint: "In the last book, they’ve left Hogwarts, and they’re traveling around together. It feels right that it started with the three of us and it’s ending with the three of us. It’s about our friendship. To be honest, we see so much of each other when we’re working that hanging out together would be overload. I love them, but I need to see other friends off set. They’re like my siblings now... We’re three different people, too. We will always be very important to each other. But, at the same time, after eight Harry Potter films, we’ll be ready to go and do other things, and be other people, and have time for ourselves."
On the last day of shooting: "I can’t [think about it]. I will be . . . uncontrollable. It’s been half of our lives. It’s made us, it’s formed us. It’s such a big part of my life, so it will be really sad-and so much of the crew who have been there since the beginning are like my family."

On her possible choice of an American uni: "I never thought that I would want to go to America for university. As a child, I aspired to go to Oxbridge, because that’s where my parents went. When my dad talks about his time there, he says it was the most incredible experience. Well, I did a Shakespeare course at RADA last summer, and three quarters of the students were from abroad, mainly the United States. I started talking to them about what they were doing at their schools, and I respected the approach. Here, I feel the specification is very narrow, whereas in America, you’re encouraged to be broad and choose many different subjects. For someone who has missed as much school as I have, I want to go back and discover what else there is. I always loved school-I was a proper, proper nerd. I just want that back again."
On her trip to Mexico: "I went because I wanted to travel and I had heard such great things about the country...."
Derek: "A young girl in Mexico means spring break! Cancún, baby! Tequila shots at Señor Frogs!"
Emma: "That was the weirdest place ever. In Cancún, I felt like I had walked into an American teen movie. I was only there for two days-thankfully my friends and I were more interested in traveling around other parts of the country. But I seriously thought it was only like that in movies."
Derek: "When I was in high school, we went to Mexico for spring break, and it was surreal. Like, school nerds entering wet-T-shirt contests, and high-school jocks screwing the secretly slutty goth theater girls."
Emma: "It’s so exciting."
Derek: "This is what you missed while you were doing Harry Potter, Emma."
Emma: "I know. I feel so deprived. But Cancún was certainly not my favorite. We went to Ixtapa, where the ruins are. It was a beautiful, chilled-out part of the country. We went to Mexico City, which was amazing, but quite dangerous. We were happy to get out of there in the end. And we went to Cuba-I would tell everyone to go to Cuba now, because in 10 years it will be completely different."

You can read the full interview in the May issue of Interview magazine!

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How-To: Emma Watson's Rainy Day Updo

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Rainy weather didn't stop Emma Watson from looking fresh-faced and chic at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In fact, the loose updo style, complemented with braids and a red hair accent, is perfect for beating warm-weather humidity.

Now, I realize many of you might be sick of hearing about braids and headbands, two trends that have been popular for some time thanks to the ladies of The Hills and Gossip Girl, but you've got to appreciate how Emma turned the look into something fresh. She is, after all, becoming quite the sophisticate. Check out some pictures of the fun style below for inspiration, and get the how-to after the jump.

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To get the how-to, just keep reading.

Harry Potter Stars Take to the Streets of London

PopSugarUK — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are back in Harry Potter mode as they filmed scenes for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I near the Trocadero Center by London's Piccadilly Circus yesterday. The trio were joined by 400 extras to film the "cafe attack" scene. Emma spoke about how full-on filming is in Interview magazine, saying: "At the moment, we’re there at about 6:30 a.m., which means I’m picked up at about 5:45 a.m. We’re filming both the seventh and eighth movies at once". To help relax on set it looks like Emma's followed Keria Knightley's lead, as she was spotted kissing her boyfriend Jay Barrymore on location in Scotland over the weekend. To help with the wait for the release of the sixth film, check out the new trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Bring on 17 July!

To see more pictures of Dan, Rupert and Emma, just read more.

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Mark Miilan/Eddie Van Der Walt/BigPicturesPhoto.com

Hypercholesterolemia

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:56 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that is a natural component of all the cells of the body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Any added cholesterol, which comes through the foods you eat, can cause harm.

High cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. When there is too much cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can create sticky deposits (called plaque) along the artery walls. Plaque can eventually narrow or block the flow of blood to the brain, heart, and other organs.

The normal range for total blood cholesterol is between 140 and 200 mg per decilitre (mg/dL) of blood (usually just expressed as a number). However, the total number doesn't tell the whole story: There are two types of cholesterol -- HDL (high-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol) and LDL (low-density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol). The amount of HDL relative to LDL is considered a more important indicator of your risk for heart disease. There is a third kind of fatty material, triglycerides, found in the blood, that also plays a role (generally as triglyceride levels rise, HDL or "good" cholesterol falls). High cholesterol is characterized by high levels of LDL cholesterol, normal or low levels of HDL cholesterol, and normal or high levels of triglycerides.

More and more Americans have high cholesterol. While heredity may be a factor for some people, lack of exercise plus diets high in saturated fats appear to be the main culprits. High cholesterol can be prevented, often with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) alone. If these do not work, your doctor may recommend medications to bring down your cholesterol levels.

Signs and Symptoms

High cholesterol generally occurs without any symptoms, especially in early stages. The only way to tell if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test.

Causes

In some cases, high levels cholesterol may be inherited -- your liver may make too much cholesterol, or your body may not remove LDL from your blood as efficiently as normal. High cholesterol or triglycerides can also be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes. In most cases, however, high cholesterol is the result of a diet high in saturated fat and a lack of regular exercise. High cholesterol is more common in people who are overweight or obese, a condition that is true of as much as half of the adult U.S. population.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that put a person at increased risk of having high cholesterol. While some factors cannot be altered by changes in lifestyle, many can be changed. The most important risk factors for high cholesterol are:

Obesity
Eating a diet high in saturated fat and trans fatty acids (found frequently in processed and fried foods)
Not getting enough exercise
Family history of heart disease
High blood pressure
Smoking cigarettes
Diabetes

Diagnosis

Since most people have few if any symptoms of high cholesterol, a blood test is the only way to check levels of cholesterol in your blood. If your levels are above 200 mg/dL or your HDL below 40, your doctor may do a fasting lipid profile (a test performed after you abstain from food for 12 hours).

Although cholesterol levels above 200 are generally considered high, the optimal level for LDL cholesterol depends on whether you are at risk for or have heart disease.

Total cholesterol levels:

Desirable: Below 200 mg/dL
Borderline high: 200 - 239
High: Above 240

LDL cholesterol levels:

Optimal for people with heart disease or at high risk: Below 70 mg/dL
Optimal for people at risk of heart disease: Below 100
Optimal: 100 - 129
Borderline high: 130 - 159
High: 160 - 189

HDL cholesterol levels:

Poor: Below 40 mg/dL
Acceptable: 40 - 59
Optimal: 60 or above

Triglyceride levels:

Optimal: Below 150 mg/dL
Borderline high: 150 - 199
High: Above 200

Adults with normal total and HDL cholesterol levels should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. If you have high cholesterol, you should be checked every 2 - 6 months and have liver function tests as well if you are on cholesterol-lowering medication.

Preventive Care

Most people can lower cholesterol levels by eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and losing any excess weight.

Diet

A healthy diet can help you lose any excess pounds. Even losing just 5 or 10 pounds may help you lower your cholesterol. To eat a healthy diet:

Cut down on saturated fats and trans fats. No more than 10 percent of your daily calories should come from saturated fat, and you should avoid trans fats completely. Choose unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and canola oil, instead.
Eat whole grains -- whole wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, oat bran, and brown rice.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Limit cholesterol in your diet. The highest amounts are found in egg yolks, whole milk products, and organ meats.
Eat fatty fish. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat at least 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon or herring) each week.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has developed dietary guidelines that help lower fat and cholesterol intake and reduce the risk of heart disease. The AHA does not recommend very low-fat diets, because new research shows that people benefit from unsaturated ("good") fats, such as those found in olive oil, in their diet.

Many fad diets are popular, but they may not help you lose weight and keep it off -- and in some cases, they may not even be healthy. Any healthy diet will include a variety of foods. If a diet bans an entire food group (such as carbohydrates), it's probably not healthy.

The AHA recommends the following for healthy eating:

Grains: 6 - 8 servings per day (half should be whole grains)
Vegetables: 3 - 5 servings per day
Fruits: 4 - 5 servings per day
Fat-free or low-fat dairy: 2 - 3 servings per day
Lean meat, poultry, seafood: 3 - 6 oz. per day (about the size of a deck of cards)
Fats and oils: 2 - 3 tbsp. per day (use unsaturated fats such as olive oil or canola oil)
Nuts, seeds, legumes: 3 - 5 servings per week
Sweets, sugars: 5 or fewer servings per week (the fewer, the better)

In addition, the AHA also recommends eating 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon, herring, or lake trout) per week; holding sodium (salt, including salt already added to food) to less than 2,400 mg per day; and limiting alcohol intake to one drink a day for women and two for men.

The Mediterranean style diet concentrates on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and moderate, daily wine consumption. This diet is not low-fat. Instead, it is low in saturated fat but high in monounsaturated fat. This diet is naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. It appears to be heart-healthy: In a long-term study of 423 patients who had a heart attack, those who followed a Mediterranean style diet had a 50 - 70% lower risk of recurrent heart disease compared with people who received no special dietary counseling.

Losing Weight

Being overweight increases risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Even a 5- to 10-pound weight loss can lower LDL twice as much as diet alone. Weight loss often results in lower triglyceride levels and increased HDL, too. To maintain a healthy diet, you should aim for a gradual, weekly weight loss of 1/2 to 1 pound.

Getting Exercise

Regular exercise both reduces the risk of death from heart disease and helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise three to five times per week can help you lose weight or maintain a proper weight, reduce LDL and triglyceride levels, and increase levels of HDL. Exercise may also lower blood pressure. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.

Treatment Approach

Lowering your cholesterol level reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol levels there is a 2% reduction in the rate of heart disease. People who already have heart disease or are at higher risk benefit most from lowering their cholesterol.

Changes in lifestyle -- better diet, more exercise -- are the most effective means of both preventing and, in less severe cases, treating high LDL cholesterol levels. In addition to lifestyle changes, specific cholesterol-lowering medications are often prescribed.

Medications

If, after making adjustments to your diet and exercise habits, your LDL cholesterol remains high, your doctor may prescribe medications to lower it. If your cholesterol is extremely elevated (more than 200 mg/dL), you may start drug therapy at the same time you make lifestyle changes. Drugs commonly used to treat high cholesterol include:

Statins (such as lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and fluvastatin) -- These are usually the drugs of choice as they are easy to take and have few interactions with other drugs. Side effects can include myositis (inflammation of the muscles), joint pain, stomach upset, and liver damage. People who are pregnant or have liver disease should not take statins.

Niacin (nicotinic acid) -- In prescription form, niacin is sometimes used to lower LDL cholesterol and can be more effective in raising HDL cholesterol than other medications. Side effects may include redness or flushing of the skin (which can be reduced by taking aspirin 30 minutes before the niacin), stomach upset (which usually subsides in a few weeks), headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and liver damage. Dietary supplements of niacin should not be used instead of prescription niacin, as it can cause side effects. Only take niacin for high cholesterol with your doctor's supervision.

Bile acid sequestrants (such as cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam) -- These are used to treat high levels of LDL. Common side effects include bloating, constipation, heartburn, and elevated triglycerides. People who have high levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood) should not take bile acid sequestrants.

Fibric acid derivatives (such as gemfibrozil and clofibrate) -- These medicines are effective at lowering triglyceride levels, and moderately effective at lowering LDL. They are used to treat high triglycerides and low HDL in people who cannot tolerate niacin. Side effects include myositis, stomach upset, sun sensitivity, gallstones, irregular heartbeat, and liver damage.

Probuchol -- This medicine lowers both LDL and HDL. Its use is generally limited to certain types of hereditary high cholesterol or when other cholesterol-lowering medications have been ineffective. Side effects include diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and dizziness

If you do not respond to one class of drugs, you doctor may use a combination of drugs from two classes.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

In addition to eating a healthy diet -- low in saturated fat, with plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables -- some specific foods and supplements may help lower cholesterol.

Fiber -- Several studies have shown that soluble fiber (found in beans, oat bran, barley, apples, psyllium, flaxseed, and glucomannan) lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Fiber can also help you lose weight because it makes you feel full faster. Your doctor will encourage you to get more fiber in your diet. You may also take a fiber supplement. Men should get 30 - 38 g of fiber per day. Women should get 21 - 25 g.

Soy -- Many studies have shown that eating soy protein (tofu, tempeh, miso) rather than animal meat helps lower blood cholesterol levels, especially when you eat a diet low in saturated fat. One study has shown that as little as 20 g of soy protein per day is effective in reducing total cholesterol, and that 40 - 50 g shows faster effects (in 3 weeks instead of 6). One study has shown that soy can help reduce triglyceride levels. The AHA recommends that people with elevated total and LDL cholesterol add soy to their daily diet, and that soy is safe when consumed as part of your regular diet. Before you take soy supplements, however, talk to your doctor. Soy isoflavones may have estrogen-like effects on the body, which might lead to an increased risk of breast and other cancers.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil -- There is good evidence that omega-3 fatty acids (namely EPA and DHA) found in fish oil can help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and reduce the level of triglycerides (fats) in the blood. However, fish oil can also raise levels of both HDL and LDL slightly. When taken as a supplement, it can also act as a blood-thinner, so people who already take blood-thinning medication should only take a fish oil supplement under their doctor's supervision. The AHA recommends that people eat at least two servings of fatty fish (such as salmon) per week, and that fish is safe when consumed as part of your regular diet. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor before taking a fish oil supplement.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- ALA is another omega-3 fatty acid that may protect the heart against heart disease. However, studies have shown conflicting results about its ability lower LDL, and it does not appear to lower triglyceride levels.

Vitamin C (100 - 200 mg per day) -- Several studies suggest that eating a diet high in vitamin C can help lower cholesterol levels, but there is no evidence that taking extra vitamin C through a supplement will help.

Beta-sitosterol (800 mg to 6 g per day in divided doses about 30 minutes before meals) -- Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol, a compound that can stop cholesterol from being absorbed by the intestines. Several well-designed scientific studies have shown that beta-sitosterol does lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the body. Beta-sitosterol may lower the amount of vitamin E and beta-carotene absorbed by the body, so you may want to ask your doctor if you need to take extra vitamin E or carotene.

Policosanol (5 - 10 mg two times per day) -- Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols usually derived from sugar cane and yams. Several studies have indicated it may lower LDL ('bad") cholesterol and possibly even raise HDL ("good") cholesterol. One study found that policosanol was equivalent to fluvastatin (Lescol) and simvastatin (Zocor) in lowering cholesterol levels. It may also inhibit blood clots from forming. However, almost all the studies have been conducted in Cuba or Latin America using a proprietary form of policosanol, so it is hard to evaluate the evidence. Policosanol may increase the risk of bleeding, and should not be taken by people who also take blood-thinning medication.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) -- Researchers believe that CoQ10 may inhibit blood clot formation and boost levels of antioxidants. One study found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were much less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain and were also less likely to die of the condition than those who did not receive the supplements. Still, more research is needed to say whether CoQ10 has any role in preventing or treating atherosclerosis. People who take statins may have low levels of CoQ10. If you take statins you may want to ask your doctor about taking a CoQ10 supplement.

Polyphenols -- Polyphenols are chemical substances found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Test tube, animal, and some population-based studies suggest that the flavonoids quercetin, resveratrol, and catechins (all found in high concentration in red wine, and in grape juice) may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by protecting against the damage caused by LDL cholesterol. However, more studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings.

Resveratrol -- A recent study of resveratrol in mice found that it protected against age-related damage to vital organs, including the heart and liver, even when the mice ate a high-fat diet. Although this study is promising, researchers need to confirm its findings and to determine whether resveratrol would have the same effect in humans. To equal the rate at which the mice were given resveratrol, humans would have to consume enormous quantities. In addition, resveratrol may have estrogen-like effects, and researchers don't yet know whether it would pose the same risks as estrogen supplements.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna, 900 - 1,800 mg per day in two or three divided doses) -- Hawthorn contains the polyphenols rutin and quercetin, and was used traditionally to treat cardiovascular diseases. Animal and laboratory studies show that hawthorn has antioxidant properties that may help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking hawthorn, as it can interact with other drugs taken for heart disease and high blood pressure.

Garlic ( Allium sativum, 900 mg per day of garlic powder, standardized to 0.6% allicin) -- Previous clinical trials have shown that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and destroy plaque. However, more recent studies show no effect on cholesterol. Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding and should not be taken if you are also taking blood-thinning medication.

Red yeast ( Monascus purpureus , 1,200 mg two times per day with meals) -- Several studies indicate that a proprietary form of red yeast (Cholestin) can lower cholesterol levels, and that the herb acts like prescription statin drugs (See "Medications" section). For that reason, you should not take red yeast without a doctor's supervision, especially if you already take statins to lower cholesterol.

Psyllium ( Plantago psyllium, 10 - 30 g per day in divided doses taken 30 - 60 minutes after meals) -- Taking psyllium, a type of fiber, helps lower cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels. If you take medicine for diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking psyllium.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul, 3 - 6 g per day) -- Guggul is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat high cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have found mixed results -- guggul appears to work in Indian populations, but not in people who eat Western-style, high-fat diets.

Other Considerations

Pregnancy

Cholesterol-lowering medications should be avoided during pregnancy.

Prognosis and Complications

Several complications may occur if high cholesterol is left untreated. These include:

Heart disease -- elevated cholesterol levels more than double the risk of heart attack. Lowering cholesterol by 1% reduces the risk of coronary artery disease by 2%.
Stroke -- low levels of HDL cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Insulin resistance -- 88% of people with low HDL and 84% with high triglycerides also have insulin resistance (which leads to high blood sugar levels). Many people with insulin resistance go on to develop diabetes.

Maintaining the proper weight, eating a diet low in saturated fat, and exercising can lower cholesterol levels and improve long-term prognosis.

Supporting Research

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Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinal) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 1997;56(5):379-384.

Bravo E, Napolitano M, Lopez-Soldado I, Valeri M, Botham KM, Stefanutti C. Hypercholesterolaemia alters the responses of the plasma lipid profile and inflammatory markers to supplementation of the diet with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil. Eur J Clin Invest. 2006 Nov;36(11):788-95.

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Castillo-Richmond A, Schneider RH, Alexander CN, et al. Effects of stress reduction on carotid atherosclerosis in hypertensive African Americans. Stroke. 2000;31:568-573.

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Davidson MH, Maki KC, Kalkowski J, Schaefer EJ, Torri SA, Drennan KB. Effects of docosahexeaenoic acid on serum lipoproteins in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Coll Nutr. 1997;16:3:236-243.

de Logeril M, Salen P, Martin JL, Monjaud I, Delaye J, Mamelle N. Mediterranean diet, traditional risk factors, and the rate of cardiovascular complications after myocardial infarction: final report of the Lyon Diet Heart Study. Circulation. 1999;99(6):779-785.

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Gardner CD, Lawson LD, Block E, Chatterjee LM, Kiazand A, Balise RR, Kraemer HC. Effect of raw garlic vs commercial garlic supplements on plasma lipid concentrations in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 26;167(4):346-53.

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Hallikainen MA, Sarkkinen ES, Uusitupa MIJ. Plant stanol esters affect serum cholesterol concentrations of hypercholesterolemic men and women in a dose-dependent manner. J Nutr. 2000a;130:767-776.

Hallikainen MA, Sarkkinen ES, Gylling H, Erkkila AT, Uusitupa MIJ. Comparison of the effects of plant sterol ester and plant stanol ester-enriched margarines in lowering serum cholesterol concentrations of hypercholesterolemic subjects on a low-fat diet. Euro J Clin Nutr. 2000b;54:715-725.

HarrisWS. Omega-3 fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;65:1645S-1654S.

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Pereira IR, Faludi AA, Aldrighi JM, Bertolami MC, Saleh MH, Silva RA, Nakamura Y, Campos MF, Novaes N, Abdalla DS. Effects of soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy on nitric oxide derivatives, low-density lipoprotein oxidation, and vascular reactivity in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2006 Nov-Dec;13(6):942-50.

Plat J, van Onselen ENM, van Heugten MMA, Mensink RP. Effects on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and fat soluble antioxidant concentrations of consumption frequency of margarines and shortenings enriched with plant stanol esters. Euro J Clin Nutr. 2000;54:671-677.

Qin S, Zhang W, Qi P, et al. Elderly patients with primary hyperlipidemia benefited from treatment with a Monacus purpureus rice preparation: a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Paper presented at: American Heart Association 39th Annual conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention; March 1999; Orlando, Fla. Abstract.

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Verhaar MC, Wever RM, Kastelein JJ, et al. Effects of oral folic acid supplementation on endothelial function in familial hypercholesterolemia. Circulation. 1999;100(4):335-338.

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Zambón D, Sabate J, Munoz S, et al. Substituting walnuts for monounsaturated fat improves the serum lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic men and women. Ann Intern Med. 2000;132:538-546.

Zhao G, Etherton TD, Martin KR, Gillies PJ, West SG, Kris-Etherton PM. Dietary alpha-linolenic acid inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):385-91.

Review Date:
3/23/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Vitamin D

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:15 -0700

Overview

Overview
Uses
Dietary Sources
Available Forms
How to Take It
Precautions
Possible Interactions
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Overview

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods. It is also formed in the skin as a result of direct exposure to sunlight. The liver and kidneys convert vitamin D from food sources or sunlight to an active form called calcitriol.

Vitamin D helps the body maintain healthy levels of calcium and phosphorus. The body can only absorb calcium, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D is also needed to build and maintain healthy bones.

People who are deficient in vitamin D are at risk for rickets, a metabolic disease that causes soft, weak bones. Rickets used to be quite common, but because milk products are now fortified with vitamin D, the disease is now rare.

Uses

Getting the proper amount of vitamin D can help prevent a number of serious health conditions.

Osteoporosis

Adequate amounts of vitamin D throughout one's life (in combination with exercise, proper nutrition, calcium, and magnesium) is necessary for preventing bone loss. Low levels of vitamin D and insufficient sunlight exposure (fewer than 20 minutes per day) are associated with osteoporosis. Vitamin D is needed to properly absorb calcium. Calcium, together with vitamin D, can help heal bone fractures from osteoporosis and decrease the risk of future bone breaks.

Other Bone Disorders

Vitamin D protects against the rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones in adults caused by inability to properly deposit calcium). Seniors in northern climates and people who do not receive direct sunlight for at least 45 minutes per week should make sure they are getting enough vitamin D through fortified milk and dairy products, or taking a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin containing vitamin D.

Arthritis

Low intakes of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of arthritis of the hip in older women and to joint changes seen on x-rays of both men and women. Clinical studies evaluating the use of vitamin D for osteoarthritis have found that it prevents the breakdown of cartilage.

Abnormalities of the Parathyroid Hormones

The four parathyroid glands are located in the neck. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps the body store and use calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is often used to treat disorders of the parathyroid gland.

High Blood Pressure

Clinical studies have suggested a link between low levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure. Low levels of vitamin D may play role in the development of high blood pressure in those with kidney disease or an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism). One clinical study suggested that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium helped to lower blood pressure in older women with low levels of vitamin D and high levels of parathyroid hormone. Your doctor will determine if vitamin D may be helpful for preventing or treating high blood pressure.

Cancer

Laboratory studies indicate that vitamin D may have anti-cancer effects. However, no human studies have directly measured how vitamin D impacts cancer risk.

Clinical study findings on vitamin D and specific cancers such as colorectal cancer have been inconsistent. However, a review of the scientific literature shows strong evidence that vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It is best to obtain calcium and vitamin D from the diet. Supplements would most likely be needed to reach the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg/day of calcium). Some population-based evidence suggests that the same amount of vitamin D may improve survival rates in those with a history of breast cancer. More research is needed.

There is some evidence that a certain form of vitamin D inhibits growth of prostate cancer cells in laboratory tests. Fructose, the sugar found in fruits, stimulates the production of this type of vitamin D. Eating several servings of fruit each day is associated with lower rates of prostate cancer.

Synthetic forms of vitamin D3 show promise in the treatment of various cancers, including breast and skin. However, this research is still in the experimental stages.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months because of lack of sunlight. This condition is often treated with photo (light) therapy. A few clinical studies suggest that the mood of those with SAD improves when taking vitamin D supplements. Talk to your doctor about whether this is a safe and appropriate addition to your treatment regimen.

Diabetes

Research shows that supplementing infants and children with doses of 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D and higher may protect against the development of type 1 diabetes. A clinical study conducted in northern Finland (where the annual exposure to sunlight is very limited) found that infants given at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day (generally from cod liver oil) for the first year of life were significantly less likely to develop type 1 diabetes over a 30-year time course than infants who were fed lower amounts of vitamin D.

Interestingly, the recommended daily amount of vitamin D in Finland was as high as 4,000 - 5,000 IU in the early 1960s. In 1964, it was reduced to 2,000 IU per day, in 1975 to 1,000 IU, and 400 IU in 1992. At the same time, incidence of type 1 diabetes has been on the rise in Finland, particularly throughout the 1980s.

Tuberculosis

Low levels of vitamin D may make a person more likely to get tuberculosis. Preliminary reports suggest that vitamin D may be a worthwhile addition to the usual treatment for this infection.

Atherosclerosis

Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of calcium build up in the arteries, a significant component of atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerotic plaque build up in blood vessels can lead to a heart attack or stroke. More research is needed to understand the practical implications of this possible relationship between low vitamin D levels and atherosclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Scientists have observed that MS rates are significantly lower in areas that receive a lot of sunlight and where people eat a lot of fish. Fish is a rich source of vitamin D (see Dietary Sources). The clinical studies have suggested that vitamin D from foods and sunlight may help protect against this condition. However, this does not mean that vitamin D supplements will help prevent or treat MS in people. Further human studies are needed.

Other

Vitamin D supplementation may also be helpful for people who:

Take corticosteroids or anti-seizure drugs, as these are both known to reduce bone mass.
Follow a strict vegan diet.
Are overweight or obese. (Obesity appears to alter the body's ability to produce vitamin D in the skin and to absorb it through the intestines. As a result, obesity is associated with vitamin D insufficiency.)
Have psoriasis. People with psoriasis may have lower levels of vitamin D . More research is needed.

Dietary Sources

There are two dietary forms of vitamin D:

Cholecalciferol
Ergocalciferol

These are naturally found in foods and are added to milk. It is important to note that the milk used to make yogurt and cheese is usually not vitamin D fortified. Foods sources of vitamin D include:

Cod liver oil (best source). Cod liver oil often contains very high levels of vitamin A which can be toxic over time. Ask your health care provider.
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring
Vitamin D-fortified milk and cereal
Eggs

Available Forms

Vitamin D is manufactured by the skin when it is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. The color of your skin has an effect on the skin's production of vitamin D. A fair-skinned person can meet their vitamin D needs by exposing the face and arms to bright sunlight for as little as 45 minutes a week, while a person with dark skin may need up to 3 hours of exposure to get the same benefit.

Clouds, smog, clothing, sunscreen, and window glass all decrease the amount of sunlight that actually reaches the skin.

In cooler, northern climates, it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight during the winter. People who live in such climates may need supplementation

Vitamin D is included in many multivitamins. It can be found alone in over-the-counter preparations in strengths from 50 - 1,000 IU as softgel capsules, tablets, and liquid. Higher-dose preparations are also available by prescription. For those who have trouble digesting fat, vitamin D injections are also available by prescription.

How to Take It

Adequate daily intakes for dietary vitamin D are listed below. Use of supplements to obtain these recommended amounts may be appropriate for the elderly and those with limited sun exposure. The elderly, in particular, may be at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency since the body's ability to manufacture vitamin D from sunlight as well as the kidneys' ability to convert vitamin D into usable form, decline with age.

Pediatric

Infants birth to 12 months: 5 mcg (200 IU)
Children 1 - 8 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
Children 9 - 13 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
Adolescents 14 - 18 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)

Adult

19 - 50 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
51 - 70 years: 10 mcg (400 IU)
70 years and older: 15 mcg (600 IU)
Pregnant and breast-feeding females: 5 mcg (200 IU)

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Taking too much vitamin D (more than 1,000 IU daily) can cause a number of side effects including:

Excessive thirst
Metal taste in mouth
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Bone pain
Tiredness
Sore eyes
Itchy skin
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
A frequent need to urinate
Muscle problems

Getting too much sunlight, however, will not provide an excess of vitamin D, nor is one likely to get too much vitamin D from food sources alone. Generally, excess vitamin D is a result of taking supplements in too high a dose.

People with the following conditions should be cautious when considering taking vitamin D supplements:

High blood calcium or phosphorus levels
Heart problems
Kidney disease

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin D supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Vitamin D levels may be increased by the following medications:

Estrogen -- Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen appears to increase vitamin D levels in the blood; this may have a beneficial effect on calcium and bone metabolism. In addition, use of vitamin D supplements in conjunction with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) increases bone mass more than ERT alone. However, this benefit may be lost with the addition of progesterone.

Isoniazid (INH) -- INH, a medication used to treat tuberculosis, may raise blood levels of vitamin D.

Thiazide -- Diuretics in this class (such as hydrochlorothiazide) increase the activity of vitamin D and can lead to inappropriately high calcium levels in the blood.

Vitamin D levels may be decreased, or its absorption may be reduced, by the following medications:

Antacids -- Taking certain antacids for long periods of time may alter the levels, metabolism, and availability of vitamin D.

Calcium Channel Blockers (such as verapamil ) -- These medications, used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, may decrease the production of vitamin D by the body.

Cholestyramine -- This cholesterol-lowering medication, known as a bile acid sequestrant, interferes with the absorption of vitamin D (as well as other fat-soluble vitamins).

Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and Other Anticonvulsant Medications -- These medications may accelerate the body's use of vitamin D.

Mineral Oil -- Mineral oil also interferes with absorption.

In addition, Vitamin D may enhance the effects of doxorubicin, a medicine used to treat a variety of cancers. More research is needed.

Some doctors recommend following calcium levels closely if vitamin D is taken with digoxin, a medication used to treat irregular heart rhythms. This is because vitamin D improves absorption of calcium. Calcium, in turn, can increase the likelihood of a toxic reaction from this medication.

Weight Loss Products -- Orlistat (also known as alli), a medication used for weight loss, and olestra, a substance added to certain food products, are both intended to bind to fat and prevent the absorption of fat and the associated calories. Because of their effects on fat, orlistat and olestra may also prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D. Given this concern and possibility, the Food and Drug Administration now requires that vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins (namely, A, E, and K) be added to food products containing olestra. How well the body absorbs and uses vitamin D from such food products is not clear. In addition, physicians who prescribe orlistat add a multivitamin with fat soluble vitamins to the regimen.

Supporting Research

American Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. National Academy Press; 2004.

Autier P, Gandini S. Vitamin D supplementation and total mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Sep 10;167(16):1730-7.

Braun J, Sieper J. [Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis] Orthopade. 2001;30(7):444-450. German.

Brawley OW, Parnes H. Prostate cancer prevention trials in the USA. Eur J Cancer. 2000;36(10):1312-1315.

Cashman KD. Calcium and vitamin D. Novartis Found Symp. 2007;282:123-38; discussion 138-42, 212-8.

Gallagher JC, Fowler SE, Detter JR, Sherman SS. Combination treatment with estrogen and calcitriol in the prevention of age-related bone loss. J Clin Endocrin Metabol. 2001;86(:3618-3628.

Giovannucci E. The epidemiology of vitamin D and cancer incidence and mortality: a review. Cancer Causes Control. 2005 Mar;16(2):83-95.

Grant WB, Garland CF. A critical review of studies on vitamin D in relation to colorectal cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2004;48(2):115-123.

Harris SS. Vitamin D in type 1 diabetes prevetion. J Nutr.2005 Feb;135(2):323-325.

Holick MF. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar;79(3):362-371.

Hypponen E, Laara E, Reunanen A, Jarvelin MR, Virtanen SM. Intake of vitamin D and risk of type 1 diabetes: a birth-cohort study. Lancet. 2001;358(9292):1500-1503.

Jänne PA, Mayer RJ. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(26):1960-1968.

Kampman E, Slattery ML, Caan B, Potter JD. Calcium, vitamin D, sunshine exposure, dairy products and colon cancer risk (United States). Cancer Causes Control. 2000:11:459-466.

Kimball SM, Ursell MR, O'connor P, Vieth R. Safety of vitamin D3 in adults with multiple sclerosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;86(3):645-51.

Li YC, Qiao G, Uskokovic M, Xiang W, Zheng W, Kong J. Vitamin D: a negative endocrine regulator of the rennin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2004 May;89-90(1-5):387-392.

Mordan-McCombs S, Valrance M, Zinser G, Tenniswood M, Welsh J. Calcium, vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor: impact on prostate and breast cancer in preclinical models. Nutr Rev. 2007 Aug;65(8 Pt 2):S131-3.

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Facts About Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D. August 2001. Accessed November 1, 2005.

Nutrients and Nutritional Agents. In: Kastrup EK, Hines Burnham T, Short RM, et al, eds. Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisons; 2000.

Pfeifer M, Begerow B, Minne HW, Nachtigall D, Hansen C. Effects of a short-term vitamin D(3) and calcium supplementation on blood pressure and parathyroid hormone levels in elderly women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(4):1633-1637.

Reichrath J. Will analogs of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) open a new era in cancer therapy? [Review] Onkologie. 2001;24(2):128-133.

Reginster JY. Calcium and vitamin D for osteoporotic fracture risk. Lancet. 2007 Aug 25;370(9588):632-4.

Semba RD, Garrett E, Johnson BA, Guralnik JM, Fried LP. Vitamin D deficiency among older women with and without disability. Amer J Clin Nutr. 2000;72:1529-1534.

Thornquist MD, Kristal AR, Patterson RE, et al. Olestra consumption does not predict serum concentrations of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in free-living humans: early results from the sentinel site of the olestra post-marketing surveillance study. J Nutr. 2000;130(7):1711-1718.

Valmadrid C, Voorhees C, Litt B, Schneyer CR. Practice patterns of neurologists regarding bone and mineral effects of antiepileptic drug therapy. Arch Neurol. 2001;58(9):1369-1374.

Wagner CL, Hulsey TC, Fanning D, Ebeling M, Hollis BW. High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in a cohort of breastfeeding mothers and their infants: a 6-month follow-up pilot study. Breastfeed Med. 2006 Summer;1(2):59-70.

Welsh J. Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2007 Sep;28(9):1373-82.

Wilkinson RJ, Llewelyn M, Toossi Z, et al. Influence of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms on tuberculosis among Gujarati Asians in west London: a case-control study. Lancet. 2000;355(9204):618-621.

Wortsman J, Matsuoka LY, Chen TC, Lu Z, Holick MF. Decreased bioavailability of vitamin D in obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(3):690-693.

Review Date:
11/9/2007
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Harry Potter Now Downloadable

PopSugar — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 13:04:20 -0700

Harry Potter Now Downloadable
Why read when you can listen to all 6 of the Harry Potter books on your iPod.

Harry Potter Mania

PopSugar — Sun, 17 Jul 2005 14:51:36 -0700

Harry Potter Mania
Harry Potter sells like crazy - in 24 hours, 6.9 million copies were sold. Cha-ching for J.K. Rowling's yet again. Rowlings makes 36 million in one day.