Most public water systems that have fluoride added only contain about 25% of the recommended maximum level established as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, there are several populations spread around the US who are at risk for fluoride poisoning due to naturally occurring fluoride in the drinking water. These individuals may consume 1-2 times the maximum amount considered safe by the EPA.

Children in these areas will suffer from flourosis, a discoloration of the enamel coating the teeth. This condition is largely labeled as cosmetic by the government, but may seriously threaten dental and bone health in the face.

As well the latest report from the National Academy of Sciences reported that these children could be at risk for fractures and broken bones later in life. Increased consumption of fluoride can cause a leaching of minerals from the bones, such as calcium and phosphorus. Both calcium and phosphorus make up the majority of the bony matrix in our large bones. This matrix naturally declines with age, and increased fluoride in the drinking water can speed up this process.

Opponents of fluoridated water are singing praise with this latest report. As it stands it may be better to provide protection to your children’s teeth by using fluoride toothpaste and leave the drinking water alone.

Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy can protect against the development of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, where the mother has high blood sugar and the baby grows abnormally large. It can complicate delivery and increase risk of death for both mother and child.

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine examined the effects that exercise and activity prior to pregnancy and on the incidence of gestational diabetes.

Researchers studied women enrolled in the Nurses Health Study who had at least one pregnancy between 1990 and 1998. The used a questionnaire to assess the level of activity prior to becoming pregnant as well as assessing daily activities.

The results showed that women who had a vigorous level of activity prior to pregnancy had 23% less chance of developing gestational diabetes. As well women who walked briskly compared to an easy walk were 34% less likely to develop the condition.

They also looked at the amount of TV that was watched by the women prior to becoming pregnant as a prediction of sessile behavior. Women who watched more than 20 hours of television per week most likely to develop gestational diabetes, regardless of other risk factors such as weight, prior pregnancy outcome and family history. Women who watched less than 2 hours had the least risk and were associated with increased activity.

The results of this study carry serious implications for women of childbearing age. Many women will pledge to get in shape or start some exercise routine once establishing pregnancy, but it may be more important to be healthier before pregnancy.

Women who develop gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life, regardless of risk factors and lifestyle choices. As well infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to be diabetic and obese themselves.

In the last decade, there has been an insurgence of energy drinks flooding the market. These drinks contain numerous ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, sugar, and caffeine. They boast the ability to increase energy, improve performance, and provide improved mental clarity.

Because there is not a written law on labeling or the amount of caffeine that can be legally put in a beverage, most energy drinks do not disclose the caffeine content, nor follow the unwritten FDA proposal of 65 mg per 12 ounces.

The Journal of Analytical Toxicology published information in March of this year that may be shocking to some, but definitely carries with it a warning about the safety of energy drinks on the market today.

They tested the caffeine content of more than 15 popular energy drinks on the market today. They found that one drink contained as much as 141 mg per 8 ounces, while the majority of drinks contained 65-75 mg per 8 ounces, well above the FDA proposed amount.

Caffeine can cause serious health consequences in certain sub-populations. In children, caffeine can result in headaches and sleep disturbance, while women who are carrying children can be at risk for spontaneous miscarriage and low birth weight babies. As well those with heart conditions and anxiety can suffer ill effects of too much caffeine.

Based on the information in this preliminary study, most energy drinks are unsafe for children, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic conditions such as heart disease and anxiety. Because of the lack of labeling laws and regulation of caffeine content, these at risk populations may unknowingly cause serious health consequences.

Environmental sensitivity is a chronic debilitating disease that impacts quality of life. Most individuals diagnosed will have multiple chemical sensitivities that limit their ability to eat various foods, enter different environments, and have anything but a routine life.

Food sensitivities in this population result in prolonged avoidance of certain food groups, and in particular foods that may be an only source for required nutrients.

Study results were published in the winter issue of the Canadian Journal of Dietary Practices and Research. Each of the 12 women in the study recorded dietary intake over a 4-day period. Each diet was analyzed for overall intake including daily-recommended servings; Researchers also completed an independent nutrient analysis for each of the recommended vitamins and minerals. Diets were also assessed using the Healthy Eating Index.

Researchers found the diets of these 12 women diagnosed with ES were deficient. Total servings for each food category were lacking overall. Individual nutrients were decreased, with the most limited intake being folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and magnesium.

When each of the 12 women’s diets was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index, 75% of women scored in the needs improvement category. Milk intake scored the lowest along with dietary variety. The majority of women did not consume any food in the other foods category, which includes mostly sugar and fatty foods.

The results of this study stress the need for women diagnosed with ES to increase dietary variety. This may be best accomplished through specific nutritional counseling focusing on providing meal plans and recipes. Individual nutrient intakes can be positively influenced by increased dietary variety.