Health
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?
Australia has seen a surge in vitamin D testing of children, with similar trends reported for adults around the world. GPs are now being urged not to test for vitamin D unnecessarily.
So when is low vitamin D a potential concern? And when might you need to get your levels tested?
How much vitamin D do we need?
We can thank the sun for most of our vitamin D. A chemical in our skin called 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to vitamin D after contact with UVB radiation from the sun.
Vitamin D is not only a nutrient – when metabolised in the body it acts as a hormone. We have receptors for this hormone all around our body and it helps regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D also has many other roles, including helping our immune defences and contributing to DNA repair and cell differentiation.
We can thank the sun for most of our vitamin D. A chemical in our skin called 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to vitamin D after contact with UVB radiation from the sun.
While we get some vitamin D also through our diet, this makes a relatively small contribution. It’s difficult to get much more than one-third of our daily vitamin D requirement from diet without supplementation.
Nutritional vitamin D status is typically measured via a blood test. This checks the calcidiol (calcifediol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentrations, which reflect the average intakes from the sun and diet over the past three to four weeks.
The current recommendation is that we should all aim to have at least 50nmol/L (20ng/mL) at the end of winter.
However, one problem with vitamin D tests is that there is variation in measured concentrations between the laboratories and between the assays, and whether you’re deemed to have a deficiency can depend on the testing method used.
Doctors do not always agree with what is deficiency. While very low concentrations are likely to prompt doctors to recommend a supplement (and, potentially, follow-up testing), some may consider even relatively high concentrations as inadequate.
This is all understandable as research in this space is still evolving, and we know low concentrations do not always cause any symptoms.
Why avoid vitamin D deficiency?
Prolonged, severe vitamin D deficiency will lead to softening of bone tissue and cause diseases such as rickets (children) and osteomalacia (adults).
However, avoiding low concentrations is likely to be good for many aspects of health, with consistent evidence suggesting benefits for infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Randomised trials have also provided evidence for lower cancer and all cause mortality by daily supplementation, although any benefit is likely to be restricted to those who otherwise have insufficient intakes.
Who is at risk of deficiency?
Oranges – A high source of Vitamin C
Most of us do not need tests to have a relatively good idea whether we might be at risk of a clinically important deficiency.
If it’s not late winter, we spend regularly at least some time outside with skin exposed to the sun, and we do not belong to a specific high-risk group, it is unlikely that our levels would be very low.
The two main reasons for vitamin D deficiency typically relate to:
1. not getting (enough) vitamin D through sun exposure. Deficiency risk can be high for anyone who is housebound, such as older or disabled people in residential care. The risk of deficiency increases if we always cover our skin carefully by modest cultural dress, and also dark skin pigmentation is known to reduce vitamin D synthesis.
2. having a chronic disease that alters your requirement. Medications such as anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy, and conditions such as liver and kidney diseases can interfere with vitamin D metabolism. Some digestive diseases can reduce vitamin D absorption from your diet, while obesity will increase your vitamin D requirement and make it more difficult to raise your blood levels.
Am I getting enough sun exposure?
For those who live in the top half of Australia – and for all of us during summer – we only need to have skin exposed to the sun a few minutes on most days.
In Australia, it is possible to get enough vitamin D from the sun throughout the year. This isn’t so for many people living in the northern hemisphere.
For those who live in the top half of Australia – and for all of us during summer – we only need to have skin exposed to the sun a few minutes on most days.
The body can only produce a certain amount of vitamin D at the time, so staying in the sun any longer than needed is not going to help increase your vitamin D levels, while it will increase your risk of skin cancer.
During winter, catching enough sun can be difficult, especially if you spend your days confined indoors. Typically, the required exposure increases to two to three hours per week in winter. This is because sunlight exposure can only help produce vitamin D if the UVB rays reach us at the correct angle. So in winter we should regularly spend time outside in the middle of the day to get our dose of vitamin D.
If you are concerned, you have very dark skin, or are otherwise in a high-risk group, you may want to talk to your GP.
In any case, taking a modest daily dose of vitamin D (1,000-2,000 IU) during the darker winter months is unlikely to cause harm and it may be beneficial.
Why does excess vitamin D testing matter?
When not indicated, testing can cause unnecessary worry and promote a cascade of laboratory, prescription and imaging services that are of low value.
Excessive testing is also a waste of health-care resources, with one single test costing about the same as a years’ worth of vitamin D supplementation.
Very often, we can make relatively small changes to our lifestyles to reduce the risks of vitamin D deficiency.
Food allergens are substances found in certain foods that can trigger an immune response in individuals with food allergies. These allergens are typically proteins or protein fragments that the body mistakenly identifies as harmful, leading to various allergic reactions. Food allergies can range from mild symptoms like hives, itching, and digestive issues to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
The Importance of Addressing Food Allergens
With the increasing prevalence of food allergies, addressing food allergens has become a crucial concern for the food industry, healthcare professionals, and individuals living with these conditions. Effective methods to destroy or reduce the potency of food allergens can improve food safety, expand dietary options for those with allergies, and prevent potential life-threatening situations.
Common Food Allergens
Peanuts and Tree Nuts
Peanuts and tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, are among the most common and severe food allergens. These allergens can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, even with trace amounts.
Eggs
Eggs, particularly the proteins found in egg whites (ovalbumin and ovomucoid), are another major food allergen. Egg allergies are prevalent in children, although some individuals may outgrow this allergy over time.
Milk and Dairy Products
Milk and dairy products contain several allergenic proteins, including casein and whey. Milk allergies are common in infants and young children but can persist into adulthood for some individuals.
Wheat and Gluten
Wheat and gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with wheat allergy or celiac disease. Gluten intolerance and sensitivity are also widespread concerns.
Soy
Soy is a common allergen, particularly in infants and children. Soy-based products, such as soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Fish and Shellfish
Fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, are among the most potent food allergens. These allergens can cause severe and potentially life-threatening reactions, even with minimal exposure.
Methods to Destroy Food Allergens
While complete elimination of food allergens is challenging, various methods can effectively reduce or destroy their potency, making foods safer for individuals with allergies.
Heating and Cooking
Temperature and Duration
Heat treatment is one of the most common and effective methods for reducing or destroying food allergens. Many allergens are proteins, and exposing them to high temperatures can denature or break down their structure, rendering them less allergenic or non-allergenic.
The temperature and duration required to destroy food allergens vary depending on the specific allergen and the food matrix. For example, milk and egg allergens can be effectively reduced or eliminated by cooking at temperatures above 70°C (158°F) for several minutes. Peanut and tree nut allergens may require higher temperatures, typically above 90°C (194°F), to achieve significant allergen reduction.
However, it’s important to note that some allergens, particularly those found in certain seeds and legumes, can be more resistant to heat treatment and may require additional processing methods or a combination of techniques.
Limitations
While heating and cooking can be effective in reducing or destroying food allergens, there are limitations to this method. Some heat-resistant allergens may remain allergenic even after extensive cooking. Additionally, certain foods or dishes may not be suitable for high-heat treatment due to quality or sensory considerations.
Chemical Treatments
Acidic Solutions
Exposing food allergens to acidic solutions, such as vinegar or citric acid, can potentially denature or break down the allergen proteins, reducing their allergenicity. This method is particularly effective for certain milk and egg allergens.
Enzymatic Treatments
Enzymatic treatments involve the use of specific enzymes that can selectively target and break down allergen proteins. For example, certain proteases (enzymes that break down proteins) have been shown to effectively reduce the allergenicity of milk, egg, and peanut allergens.
Irradiation
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays or electron beams, can be used to modify or degrade food allergens. This method works by disrupting the chemical bonds within the allergen proteins, potentially reducing their allergenicity.
The effectiveness of irradiation in destroying food allergens depends on factors such as the radiation dose, the type of allergen, and the food matrix. While this method has shown promising results in reducing allergens in certain foods, it may also affect other properties of the food, such as flavor, texture, and nutrient content.
Non-Ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) light or pulsed light, has also been explored as a potential method for reducing or destroying food allergens. These methods can disrupt the structure of allergen proteins through photochemical reactions, rendering them less allergenic.
However, the effectiveness of non-ionizing radiation can vary depending on the specific allergen and food matrix, and further research is needed to fully understand its potential and limitations.
Processing and Manufacturing
High-Pressure Processing (HPP)
High-pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal food preservation technique that subjects foods to extremely high pressures, typically ranging from 400 to 800 megapascals (MPa). This process can cause structural changes in allergen proteins, potentially reducing their allergenicity.
HPP has shown promising results in reducing the allergenicity of various foods, including milk, eggs, and peanuts. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the specific allergen, food matrix, and processing conditions.
Extrusion
Extrusion is a manufacturing process that involves forcing food materials through a die or small opening under high temperature and pressure. This process can potentially denature or degrade allergen proteins, reducing their allergenicity.
While extrusion has been explored for reducing allergens in certain foods, such as wheat and soy products, its effectiveness may depend on various factors, including the specific allergen, extrusion conditions, and food composition.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Allergen Destruction
The effectiveness of any method in destroying food allergens can be influenced by several factors, including:
Food Matrix and Composition
The food matrix and composition can impact the accessibility and susceptibility of allergens to various treatments. For example, allergens present in complex food matrices or surrounded by other food components may be more resistant to certain methods.
Allergen Concentration
The concentration of allergens in a food can influence the effectiveness of the destruction method. Higher concentrations of allergens may require more intensive or prolonged treatments.
Processing Conditions
Specific processing conditions, such as temperature, duration, pressure, pH, and the presence of other substances (e.g., enzymes, chemicals), can significantly affect the efficacy of allergen destruction methods. Optimizing these conditions is crucial for achieving the desired level of allergen reduction or elimination.
Challenges and Considerations
While various methods exist for destroying or reducing food allergens, there are several challenges and considerations to address:
Regulatory Guidelines
Food allergen labeling and regulations vary across different countries and regions. It is essential to comply with the relevant guidelines and regulations when implementing allergen destruction methods in food production. Validation and monitoring procedures may be required to ensure the safety and accuracy of allergen claims.
Food Safety and Quality
Certain methods for destroying food allergens, such as chemical treatments or irradiation, may potentially introduce new safety concerns or affect the overall quality and sensory properties of the food. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the impact of these methods on food safety, nutritional value, and consumer acceptance.
Regulatory Guidelines
Food allergen labeling and regulations vary across different countries and regions. It is essential to comply with the relevant guidelines and regulations when implementing allergen destruction methods in food production. Validation and monitoring procedures may be required to ensure the safety and accuracy of allergen claims.
Food Safety and Quality
Certain methods for destroying food allergens, such as chemical treatments or irradiation, may potentially introduce new safety concerns or affect the overall quality and sensory properties of the food. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the impact of these methods on food safety, nutritional value, and consumer acceptance.
Consumer Acceptance
While reducing or eliminating food allergens can expand dietary options for individuals with allergies, consumer acceptance of the methods used and potential changes in food properties should be considered. Transparent communication and education about the safety and efficacy of allergen destruction methods may be necessary to gain consumer trust and confidence.
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Conclusion
Destroying food allergens is a complex challenge that requires a combination of various methods and careful consideration of factors such as the specific allergen, food matrix, processing conditions, and regulatory guidelines. While no single method can eliminate all allergens, the techniques discussed, including heat treatment, chemical treatments, irradiation, and advanced processing methods, offer promising solutions for reducing the allergenicity of foods.
Effective allergen destruction can improve food safety, expand dietary options for individuals with food allergies, and facilitate the development of new products that meet the needs of this growing consumer segment. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between allergen reduction and maintaining food quality, safety, and consumer acceptance.
Ongoing research and collaboration between the food industry, regulatory bodies, and scientific communities are essential to continually refine and optimize allergen destruction methods, ensuring a safer and more inclusive food supply for all.
FAQs
Can cooking completely eliminate all food allergens?
While cooking and heat treatment can effectively reduce or destroy many food allergens, it is important to note that some allergens may be more resistant to heat and may require additional processing methods or a combination of techniques. Complete elimination of allergens through cooking alone may not be possible for certain foods or allergens.
Are chemical treatments safe for destroying food allergens?
Chemical treatments, such as the use of acidic solutions or enzymes, can be effective in reducing or destroying food allergens. However, it is crucial to ensure that these treatments are carefully controlled and comply with food safety regulations. Any residual chemicals or byproducts should be within safe limits and not pose additional health risks.
Can irradiation affect the nutritional value of food?
Irradiation, particularly ionizing radiation, can potentially affect the nutritional value of food by degrading certain vitamins and other nutrients. The extent of nutrient loss depends on factors such as the radiation dose, food composition, and storage conditions. Careful consideration and monitoring of potential nutrient losses are necessary when using irradiation for allergen destruction.
Are there any risks associated with high-pressure processing (HPP) for allergen reduction?
High-pressure processing (HPP) is generally considered a safe and effective method for reducing food allergens. However, it is important to ensure that the processing conditions are properly controlled and validated. Potential risks may include the introduction of contaminants or the formation of undesirable compounds if the processing parameters are not optimized.
How can consumers identify products that have undergone allergen destruction processes?
Regulatory bodies and food labeling guidelines play a crucial role in informing consumers about the allergen status of food products. Products that have undergone allergen destruction processes should be clearly labeled with accurate and transparent information about the methods used and the potential presence of residual allergens.
Zepp Health Corporation (“Zepp Health”) (NYSE: ZEPP), a global leader in smart wearables and health technology, today announces a significant stride in wearable intelligence with the introduction of Zepp OS 3.5, featuring Zepp Flow™. This revolutionary enhancement brings a whole new level of interaction to wearable devices, marking a pioneering advancement in the industry, making Zepp Health’s Amazfit smartwatches the first to have a fully integrated Natural-Language User Interface (LUI) powered by LLM AI in its operating system.
Zepp Flow™, the centerpiece of Zepp OS 3.5, represents much more than just a voice assistant; it embodies a paradigm shift in user experience. Inspired by the concepts of balance and harmony, the name “Flow” encapsulates the smooth and intuitive nature of user interaction. Much like the effortless movement of water or the focused energy experienced in a state of “flow,” Zepp Flow™ facilitates a seamless connection between users and their devices, allowing for natural, uninterrupted interaction.
Designed to understand natural language, Zepp Flow™ eliminates the need for predefined commands or keywords, enabling users to express their intentions freely. By intuitively interpreting user requests, whether it’s initiating a workout or managing daily tasks, Zepp Flow™ streamlines the user experience, making it more intuitive and effortless than ever before. This breakthrough represents a significant leap towards a future where artificial intelligence seamlessly integrates into everyday life, particularly in health, fitness, and productivity domains.
A Future of Connectivity and Intelligence
With a global presence spanning over 90 countries and a user base exceeding 42 million, Zepp Health, through its renowned brands like Amazfit, is committed to redefining the way individuals approach their health and wellness. By harnessing advanced technology and fostering collaboration across its brand portfolio, Zepp Health is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of wearable technology.
Through Zepp Flow™, Zepp Health continues to push the boundaries of wearable technology, empowering users to seamlessly integrate smart devices into their daily lives. Zepp Flow™ represents a significant milestone in wearable intelligence, embodying the seamless integration of AI into people’s everyday lives. “With dedicated R&D teams across North America, Europe, and Asia, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled user experiences, to bring intelligent healthcare solutions empowering people to take control of their well-being,” said Wayne Huang, CEO of Zepp Health. He added, “Zepp Flow™ epitomizes our dedication to unified connectivity and intelligent functionality throughout our ecosystem. Expanding its reach from the Zepp OS on smartwatches to the Zepp App on smartphones, and integrating with natural language processing, Zepp Flow™ asserts itself as the omnipresent AI within our system. Whether it resides on your smartwatch, earbuds, our app on your phone, or in the cloud, Zepp Flow™ guarantees a seamless and intuitive experience across all platforms.”
How Zepp Flow™ Works
Zepp Flow™ boasts several key features that redefine user experience:
- Natural Conversation: Unlike traditional voice assistants, Zepp Flow™ allows users to express themselves freely without requiring specific command phrases.
- Efficient Recognition: Zepp Flow™ rapidly and accurately recognizes user speech, ensuring a smooth and responsive interaction.
- Precise Understanding: Users need only describe what they want, and Zepp Flow™ will recognize their intent and provide the most appropriate response.
Availability
- Zepp OS 3.5 and Zepp Flow™ will be supported on the Amazfit Balance in the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, via a firmware update on February 26th.
- Amazfit Balance users in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, and San Marino will be able to upgrade to Zepp OS 3.5 on May 1st.
- The Amazfit Cheetah series, Amazfit Falcon, and Amazfit T-Rex Ultra will receive this update on a rolling basis, starting from May 28th through until June 11th. The Amazfit Active will be upgraded on June 20th.
About Zepp Health Corporation
Zepp Health (NYSE:ZEPP), a global smart wearable and health technology leader, empowers users to live their healthiest lives by optimizing their health, fitness, and wellness journeys through its leading consumer brands, Amazfit, Zepp Clarity, and Zepp Aura. Powered by its proprietary Zepp Digital Health Management Platform, which includes the Zepp OS, AI chips, biometric sensors, and data algorithms, it delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. To date, Zepp Health has shipped over 200 million units and its products are available in 90+ countries. Founded in 2013, Zepp Health has offices across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information, visit www.zepp.com.
During MWC Barcelona 2024, Huawei officially launched its Medical Technology Digitalization Solution as part of its effort to lead the digital and intelligent upgrade of the healthcare industry.
David Shi, Vice President of Huawei’s ICT Marketing & Solution Sales, said, “To accelerate the intelligent upgrade of the healthcare industry, Huawei, as an ICT provider, builds a secure and sustainable digital foundation for the healthcare industry and helps it go intelligent.” He emphasized that together with partners, Huawei aims to help its customers succeed.
Thousands of images read in seconds, accelerating the digital & intelligent upgrade of medical technology services
The medical technology digitalization solution focuses on pathology and medical imaging. The solution has three competitive advantages: SmartCache intelligent pre-reading, which improves image reading efficiency and achieves zero latency during data retrieval; the Huawei-developed compression algorithm, which saves 30% storage and 70% cabinet space; and video-network synergy, which supports consistent remote diagnosis to promote hierarchical diagnosis and treatment.
This solution has been applied in many healthcare institutions around the world. Huawei helped Ruijin Hospital build a digital smart pathology department, which enables the concurrent access of 1000+ pathological sections within one second. This improved the retrieval speed by 80 times. Huawei helped the Health Bureau of Longgang District, Shenzhen build a regional medical imaging platform. It supports the interconnection and sharing of medical image data among 12 hospitals, one-click access to image reports, and mutual recognition of cross-hospital examinations.
Deep scenario-technology integration and innovative upgrade of three solutions
Huawei leverages cloud-network-edge-device synergy to dig deep into service scenarios and upgrade three major solutions.
The Smart Ward Solution looks to Wi-Fi, IoT, and multi-band convergence in one network to support data collection for more than 400 terminals, delivering high-quality diagnosis and treatment.
The Smart Hospital Campus Solution uses the digital platform to streamline campus operations subsystems, achieving all-scenario intelligent services and E2E refined operations.
The One Hospital, Multiple Branches Solution builds an integrated cloud-network-edge resource base to implement unified management as well as diagnosis and treatment services of the same quality across different hospital branches.
So far, Huawei has served over 5000 hospitals and medical institutions in more than 110 countries and regions.
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