FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BLOG
Includes over 800 monographs reporting on emerging studies in the medical and scientific literature of practical clinical importance, easily searched for content.
Most prenatal supplements do not provide enough key nutrients
Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that almost no prenatal dietary supplements provide key nutrients in the doses needed for pregnant women.
Maternal autoimmunity associated with ADHD in children
The biology of autoimmunity during pregnancy can have numerous consequences for the health of both mother and offspring; these include such conditions as childhood tics and OCD, autism, congenital heart block; infertility, miscarriage and preterm birth; placental abruption, numerous consequences of antithyroid antibodies, etc.
TSH elevation associated with pregnancy problems
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) when elevated even within the 'normal' range at preconception, can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Cytomegalovirus: neglected problem endangers pregnant women, children
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common congenital infection that causes severe disorders but awareness of this and the preventive measures is strikingly low.
Thyroid autoimmunity and iron deficiency in pregnancy
Thyroid autoimmunity and iron deficiency are linked in pregnancy, posing a risk for numerous adverse fetal and maternal outcomes, including miscarriage.
Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy
Subclinical hypothyroidism has been associated with multiple adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes...On the basis of current evidence, we believe it is reasonable to recommend treating women with new onset subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
Schizophrenia risk increased by maternal inflammation
Schizophrenia is well recognized to have a neuroinflammatory component, and a study just published in the American Journal of Psychiatry links maternal inflammation during pregnancy as reflected in elevated CRP (C-reactive protein) levels with a markedly increased irisk of schizophrenia in offspring.
Histamine intolerance
Histamine intolerance is a widespread phenomenon that can mimic allergy. It plays a role in many diverse conditions including IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), complications of pregnancy, drug hypersensitivity, and intestinal permeability (by means of which it contributes to autoimmunity). It can be objectively evaluated with serum DAO activity. HI can be ameliorated by supplementation with DAO. Practitioners need to be astute in its diagnosis and management.
Iodine deficiency, pregnancy, and autoimmunity
Iodine deficiency is still a serious concern, especially for pregnant women in North America, as reported in a review just published in the journal Thyroid. Despite global improvements since 1990, iodine sufficiency has actually been declining in US adults. Iodine deficiency can be detected with a 24-hour urine collection. Even when supplementation is indicated it must be done cautiously to avoid triggering autoimmune thyroiditis.
Preeclampsia, an autoimmune disease
Preeclampsia throws into turmoil 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide with potentially terrible consequences. Clinicians who participate in the management of pregnancy should appreciate the evidence revealing that preeclampsia is driven by autoimmunity.
SSRI antidepressant use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism
SSRI antidepressant use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism
The use of any non-aspirin NSAIDs during pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous abortion
The use of any non-aspirin NSAIDs during pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous abortion
Sleeping position associated with late pregnancy stillbirth
Sleeping position associated with late pregnancy stillbirth
Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is not associated with pre-term birth
Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is not associated with pre-term birth
Early pregnancy folate associated with child hyperactivity
Early pregnancy folate associated with child hyperactivity
Female reproductive disorders and gluten sensitivity
Female reproductive disorders and gluten sensitivity
Chronic infections like periodontitis promote global inflammation
Chronic infections like periodontitis promote global inflammation