Vitamin supplement may delay diabetes in select groups, researchers say

High-dose vitamin D supplements could help reduce diabetes risk among certain groups, according to new research from Tufts University.

In a large clinical trial, researchers performed genetic testing of more than 2,000 U.S. adults with prediabetes after they received 4,000 units per day of vitamin D supplements, then compared them to a placebo group.

An earlier study showed no significant reduction in diabetes risk in the group receiving vitamin D supplementation, but when the researchers looked closer, they found a benefit for certain genetic groups.

For the new study, the Tufts researchers compared participants who appeared to benefit from vitamin D supplementation to those who did not, then examined how outcomes differed across three common variants of the vitamin D receptor gene.

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People who had certain versions of a vitamin D-related gene (called AC or CC) were 19% less likely to get diabetes when they took vitamin D compared to people who took a placebo, according to a university press release.

Participants with another genetic variant (AA) showed no benefit from supplementation.

Vitamin D seems to work by attaching to a specific "receiver" in the body called the vitamin D receptor, the researchers discovered. These receptors are found in many places, including the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin.

The findings were published last week in JAMA Network Open.

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"Our finding is an example of the emerging science of precision nutrition or precision medicine, in which an intervention can be tailored to the needs of individuals according to their genetic makeup and disease risk," Bess Dawson-Hughes, the study’s lead author and a senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, told Fox News Digital.

"Taking a vitamin D supplement daily is an easy, inexpensive and generally safe approach to reducing diabetes risk," she added. "In principle, this could involve a single, relatively inexpensive genetic test."

There were some limitations to the study, the researchers noted, including that this was a secondary analysis rather than a primary randomized comparison.

"Like any other first observation, this finding needs to be replicated in a future study," the researcher said.

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The study only included individuals with prediabetes, which could limit relevance to broader populations. The results seen in specific genetic groups need to be confirmed in more studies before doctors can use them in patient care.

The authors emphasized that people should not start taking high doses of vitamin D as a diabetes prevention strategy based on this study.

"It is too early to make specific recommendations for the general population," Dawson-Hughes said. 

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Current recommendations suggest that most adults get about 600 IU of vitamin D daily (ages 1–70) and 800 IU for those over 70. However, previous studies have shown that taking very high doses can be harmful for older adults.

"There is some evidence, from my laboratory and others, that the relatively high blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D needed to achieve the diabetes risk reduction have been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults," Dawson-Hughes noted.  

"I would not advise older adults to take a daily dose of 4,000 IU of vitamin D without first consulting with their doctors."

This new study raises another question, according to Dawson-Hughes: Would vitamin D supplementation in adults with the responsive genotypes lower the risk of developing prediabetes, the forerunner to Type 2 diabetes? 

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"This is important because prediabetes is not a benign condition," she said. "Adults with prediabetes also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease."

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Trump taps Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, dropping Casey Means' nomination

President Donald Trump announced that he is nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier to serve as U.S. Surgeon General.

"I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier to be the next SURGEON GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," he declared in a Thursday Truth Social post.

"Nicole is a STAR physician who has spent her career guiding women facing breast cancer through their diagnosis and treatment while tirelessly advocating to increase early cancer detection and prevention, while at the same time working with men and women on all other forms of cancer diagnoses and treatments," Trump continued.

"She is also an INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR, who makes complicated health issues more easily understood by all Americans. Dr. Nicole Saphier will do great things for our Country, and help, "MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN." Congratulations Nicole, our Country has long been waiting for you!" he concluded.

Saphier previously was a Fox News Channel contributor.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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Early Parkinson’s warning signs may be hiding in the gut, study finds

Specific bacteria in the gut could predict a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms appear, new research suggests.

Led by researchers from University College London (UCL), an observational study analyzed the gut microbes of 271 patients in the U.K. who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Also included in the study were 43 carriers of the GBA1 variant, which has been linked to an almost 30 times higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. These participants did not have symptoms of the disease. There was also a control group of 150 healthy participants without the gene.

STUDY FINDS EVIDENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN BRAINS AND OTHER ORGANS

Based on fecal samples, more than one-quarter of gut microbes — bacteria and other microorganisms in the digestive tract — were in different amounts for people with Parkinson’s disease compared to healthy individuals, according to a press release.

Non-symptomatic people carrying the Parkinson’s gene also had microbial changes that resembled an "intermediate" stage of the disease, which suggests that microbial changes may happen prior to symptoms emerging.

Those who reported eating a more diverse and balanced diet were less likely to have microbiome patterns associated with higher Parkinson’s risk, the researchers found.

The findings, which were published in Nature Medicine, were also seen in over 1,400 participants across the U.K., Korea and Turkey, suggesting that the microbial changes are consistent across different cultures and dietary patterns.

"Parkinson’s disease is a major cause of disability worldwide, and the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in terms of prevalence and mortality," lead author professor Anthony Schapira of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology said in the release.  

"There is an urgent need to develop treatments that can stop or slow the disease’s progression."

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Patients with Parkinson's are known to have "significant gut abnormalities," according to Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee.

One of those is severe constipation, which can occur several years before tremors and other symptoms. 

"There has long been a theory about the gut-brain axis and whether or not the pathology for Parkinson's starts in the gut decades before stereotypical features are noted," Murray, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.

The neurologist said the study sets the stage for additional research exploring the gut-brain axis theory, which could determine whether early pre-symptomatic treatments could prevent or mitigate the risk of developing Parkinson's later in life.

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"With an aging population that is living longer, the prevalence of Parkinson's is increasing significantly, which underscores the importance of studies like this that attempt to prevent this debilitating neurodegenerative disease," Murray added.

Dr. Aaron Ellenbogen, medical director of the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, said it is not surprising that a change in the organisms living in the GI tract can be a signature of evolving Parkinson's pathology.

"In general, people with GBA mutations tend to have Parkinson's symptoms evolve in a way that is more consistent with a gut-first presentation," Ellenbogen, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.  

Others may experience a different set of symptoms, including loss of sense of smell, before developing signs of motor Parkinson's disease, he noted.

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"In fact, many of these people don't develop the symptoms of constipation and REM behavior disorder until later in their disease course," Ellenbogen said. "These people may actually have a form of Parkinson's that starts in the brain."

There were some limitations to the study, the researchers acknowledged. Because it was observational in design, it could not prove that the microbiome changes directly caused Parkinson’s.

The researchers also noted that not everyone with at-risk microbiome profiles will develop the disease, as other genetic or environmental factors could play a role.

Additionally, differences in microbiomes across various populations could skew the results.

"To enable both the research and eventual use of such treatments, we need to develop the means for very early detection of people who will, or likely will, go on to develop the disease," Schapira said.

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The study was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the UK Medical Research Council.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

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Simple diet change could relieve painful bathroom symptoms, experts say

More than half of people over 50 have experienced hemorrhoids, according to the National Institutes of Health and other medical sources.

To help patients and providers navigate this common issue, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently released updated clinical practice guidelines in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The update focuses on a simple approach, emphasizing lifestyle modifications over quick-fix products.

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Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that develop both internally and externally. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they can range from a minor annoyance to a source of significant pain and rectal bleeding.

Experts estimate that one in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids that irritate them. They become more common with age.

They are also particularly common during pregnancy due to increased pelvic pressure, though these cases can usually be managed with conservative symptom care.

One takeaway from the AGA update is that a promising treatment for hemorrhoids is often found in the pantry rather than the pharmacy. The experts labeled increased fiber intake as a "reasonable first-line therapy."

By softening the stool and increasing its bulk, fiber reduces the need for straining, a culprit behind hemorrhoid flare-ups.

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Most Americans are nowhere near the recommended daily fiber intake.

The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend 22 to 28 grams for women and 28 to 45 grams for men, but data suggest that 90% of women and 97% of men fall short.

The AGA highlighted that restroom habits are also a contributing factor.

In an era where many people take their smartphones into the bathroom, prolonged sitting and straining can lead to increased pressure. The updated guidelines recommend avoiding long sessions that exacerbate symptoms.

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People may reach for sitz baths or topical creams at the first sign of discomfort, but the AGA says there is limited data to support their long-term effectiveness.

The guidelines also warn against the overuse of topical steroids. While they can reduce inflammation, using them for more than two weeks can cause the skin to thin and become more irritated.

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While lifestyle changes are important, the AGA emphasizes that a proper diagnosis is vital. Because rectal bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions, a physical exam is recommended before beginning any treatment plan.

For persistent or severe cases, patients may need office-based procedures or surgical intervention.

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Fish oil supplements linked to slower brain repair in some patients, study finds

Fish oil might not be the brain booster you think it is, new research suggests.

The supplement has been touted for its protective benefits, derived from its key component, omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to capsules, it is increasingly appearing in drinks, dairy alternatives and snack products.

Researchers recently found that for certain people, specifically those who have sustained repeated mild head injuries, fish oil might do more harm than good.

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"Fish oil supplements are everywhere, and people take them for a range of reasons, often without a clear understanding of their long-term effects," lead author Onder Albayram, PhD, a neuroscientist and associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and a member of the National Trauma Society Committee, said in a press release.

In terms of neuroscience, he said, "we still don't know whether the brain has resilience or resistance to this supplement."

MUSC researchers found that a specific part of fish oil called EPA — an omega-3 fatty acid — can interfere with how the brain heals itself after an injury. Instead of protecting the brain, long-term use of fish oil appeared to make it more vulnerable.

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The study focused on the neurovascular system, which is the network of blood vessels that supplies the brain with nutrients and helps it recover, according to the release.

EPA seemed to make the walls of the brain’s blood vessels less stable. After an injury, these vessels need to be strong to help the brain repair itself, the researchers noted.

The chemical also blocked the repair signals that the brain usually sends out after experiencing physical trauma.

Additionally, fish oil use was linked to a buildup of a protein called tau, which is often associated with long-term brain diseases.

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"I am not saying fish oil is good or bad in some universal way," Albayram said.

"What our data highlight is that biology is context-dependent. We need to understand how these supplements behave in the body over time, rather than assuming the same effect applies to everyone."

Most of the core findings were observed in mice, and since human brains are much more complex, the results may not translate perfectly to people, the researchers acknowledged.

Also, because the findings are focused specifically on "repeated mild head injuries," they may not apply to people who have not experienced head trauma and are taking fish oil for heart health or other reasons.

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The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports.

Fox News Digital reached out to supplement manufacturers for comment.

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Damon Wayans reveals the scary symptom that led to his type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Comedy icon Damon Wayans has gone from spreading laughter to spreading awareness about diabetes risk.

The actor, best known for his roles in "In Living Color," "Major Payne" and "My Wife and Kids," has lived several years with his own case of type 2 diabetes, which runs in his family.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Wayans, 65, shared the moment he realized the condition should be taken seriously.

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"It was like 2017 and I just remember going to the bathroom and peeing so much that I thought maybe my blood was draining out, too," he described. "And it kept happening and I'm just like – I'm not even drinking that much water."

This frequent urination was followed by pain in his feet, numbness in his toes, delirium and blurry vision.

"My sister Kim made me go to the doctor because I probably wouldn't have gone," Wayans said.

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After the doctor revealed that Wayans' blood sugar reading was at a critically high 535 mg/dL, he was "scared straight" into making some "serious" lifestyle changes.

"I used to drink wine, love wine. I don't drink wine [anymore]," he said. "It's a much healthier life I'm living, and I'm aware of all the joys that I have now that I just took for granted back when I wasn't taking care of myself."

Wayans said he stays "disciplined" with a healthy diet and works out every morning, involving a mix of weightlifting strength training using his own body weight, like burpees and yoga.

"I also wear a glucose monitor, so I know what exercise does to me [and] to my blood sugar," he said. "I know if I lift weights, I feel better, and also I'm burning [calories] for the rest of the day."

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While Wayans feels he has his routine under control, the risk of long-term diabetes complications still looms.

The entertainer recently teamed up with biotech company Genentech’s "All Eye on DME" campaign, a movement to spread awareness of diabetes-related vision loss.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss, according to Genentech.

Although Wayans does not have DME himself, he continuously monitors his own symptoms, including depth perception issues, admitting he "needs to get [his] eyes checked."

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"Sometimes God talks to you, and maybe this is something I needed to hear and be a part of in order to keep myself from going blind," he added.

The condition occurs when fluid leaks from weakened or damaged blood vessels (called retinopathy), causing buildup in the macula, a small area in the middle of the retina that is responsible for clear vision.

If left untreated, the buildup can lead to partial or complete vision loss, according to Genentech.

DME, which can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, is the leading cause of vision loss in "working-age" diabetics.

The condition occurs in about 750,000 diabetics in the U.S., disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic populations, research shows.

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Some symptoms of DME include blurry or doubled vision, floaters or dark spots, difficulty seeing colors or objects when there’s a glare, seeing straight lines as curved or bent, or seeing objects as a different size when one eye is closed.

The condition can be diagnosed by an eye doctor via a visual acuity test, eye exam or optical imaging.

Wayans’ biggest piece of advice for diabetes patients is "don’t be afraid to see a doctor."

"You'd be surprised at how simple the treatments are, but you can't treat it if you don't know what it is [and] if you never get diagnosed," he said.

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"It's important that we let our guard down and let our egos down and go conquer the fear, because the fear is all in your head."

Wayans – a member of the iconic Wayans comedy family, including brothers Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, along with son Damon Wayans Jr. – said he hopes that doing his part to spread awareness for DME will help his family talk more openly about health.

"If they see that I'm not afraid, then maybe they'll be less afraid," he said. "And if I can go home and actually talk in-depth about treatments … especially if I got it done myself, I think they'll be more receptive to it."

Wayans acknowledged how cost and access obstacles can hold people back from seeking medical help.

"Even if you have to spend a little money now to get it under control, it's worth it," he said. "Because there's so much life to live, unless you do nothing."

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Dementia risk rises with common food type millions eat every day, study suggests

It’s well-known that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are not good for overall health — but new research has uncovered further evidence that this diet could negatively impact the brain.

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia by the Alzheimer’s Association, revealed that UPFs are linked to more than 30 adverse health outcomes, including several dementia risk factors, like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Researchers from Australia’s Monash University analyzed more than 2,000 dementia-free Australian adults between the ages of 40 and 70, comparing their diets to cognitive function.

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They found that each 10% increase in UPF intake was associated with lower attention scores and higher dementia risk, regardless of whether the adults typically followed a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet.

There was no significant link found between UPF consumption and memory.

By identifying food processing as a contributor to poorer cognition, the study "supports the need to refine dietary guidelines," the researchers concluded.

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As the data was self-reported, this could pose a limitation to the strength of the findings, the team noted.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, a California-based psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics, discussed how diet has a "powerful impact" on the brain.

"Your brain is an energy-hungry organ," he said. "It uses about 20% of the calories you consume, so the quality of those calories matters."

Food is either "medicine or poison," according to the doctor, who called out ultraprocessed foods like packaged snacks, soft drinks and ready-made meals that tend to be higher in sugar, unhealthy fats, additives and low-quality ingredients.

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These foods can promote inflammation, insulin resistance, poor blood flow and oxidative stress, all of which are "bad for the brain," according to Amen.

The brain expert noted that the study revealed even a 10% increase in ultraprocessed food intake – equivalent to roughly a pack of chips per day – was linked to a "measurable drop in attention, even when people had otherwise healthy diets."

"Attention is the gateway to learning, memory, decision-making and problem-solving," Amen said. "If you can’t focus, you can’t fully encode information."

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The "big takeaway," according to the doctor, is to "love foods that love you back."

"You may love the taste of chips, cookies and candy, but they don’t love you (or your brain) back," he said. "Ultraprocessed foods may claim to be sugar-free, low-carb or keto-friendly, but researchers noted that ultraprocessing can destroy the natural structure of food – and can introduce additives or processing chemicals that may affect cognition."

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Amen suggests sticking to real food that grows on plants or animals, instead of food "made in plants."

"Build meals around colorful vegetables and fruits, clean protein, healthy fats, nuts, seeds and high-fiber carbohydrates," he recommended. "Start by replacing one ultraprocessed food per day with a brain-healthy option."

That might mean swapping out chips for nuts, soda for water or unsweetened green tea, and packaged sweets for berries. "Small choices done consistently can change your brain and your life," the doctor emphasized.

As UPFs have been shown to worsen several dementia risk factors, Amen stressed that people at risk of cognitive decline should "get serious about prevention as early as possible."

"If you have a family history of dementia, memory concerns, diabetes, high blood pressure or weight issues, your diet is not a side issue – it's a primary brain-health intervention," Amen said.

"Remember, you’re not stuck with the brain you have. You can make it better, and it starts with the next bite."

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Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

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