Food, Cancer and Well-Being: BBC R4 Food programme, 19th May

Sheila Dillon asks if food and nutrition should have a bigger role in treating cancer. Is the medical profession too reluctant to see food as an essential component in improving the well-being of cancer patients.

Previewing the programme on Friday 17th May 2013 [listen at  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sdw1p, 22 minutes 35s in, or a short clip at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0195c67], Sheila Dillon, the show's presenter, herself diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, spoke on BBC R4's Women's Hour about the lack of nutritional knowledge among doctors. Doctors trained at Edinburgh University Medical School declared that nutrition formed no part of the syllabus, and that there is a lack of human based empirical evidence for the effect of diet or supplements in the treatment of cancer. In a busy clinic it's just not the doctors' priority to talk about diet when they would much rather talk about the anti-cancer treatments where there is a huge amount of evidence of it working in almost all patients.  Read More...

Articles - Children

British Medical Association's Childhood Obesity initiative

The BMA believes that the significant increase in the levels of childhood obesity are a cause for great concern. The health behaviour of the nation

More tiny babies being born in UK

BBC TV News carries a report from the Fabian Society today (27 March 2007) BBC Video

More babies are born at dangerously low birth weights in Britain now than in 1989, a report says.
The study was carried out by the Fabian Society, a left-leaning think-tank, which called the finding a "scar on the national conscience".

The Chair of the McCarrison Society wrote to Gordon Brown in 2005 alerting him to the impact in the UK of poor diet and poverty on low birthweight and the sharp rise in mental ill health amongst young people. Read here or download a copy of "Women will eliminate poverty in the UK". We would like to think this stimulated him to ask Sir David Cooksey to report on NHS and MRC medical research effectiveness, but the report does not adequately address research on prevention - see the Chair's comment here or download  "Memorandum Regarding The Cooksey Report On Medical Research"

To comment on this debate, please go to the WIKI Discussion Space {}

Scotland: pilot for free school meals in Primary One from June 2007

A new pilot scheme was launched in June 2007 in which Primary One pupils in some of Scotland's most deprived areas will all receive free meals. If seen to be successful, the scheme will then be rolled out so that all entry pupils can eat for nothing.  The meals will all follow rigorous nutrition standards, as ministers increase their efforts to stamp out child obesity and poor health.
For the full article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=866922007

NUTRITION the answer?

BBC: ADHD Drugs 'not the answer'
NUTRITION the answer?

Attention deficit disorders

from McCarrison Society's Newsletter, Special Generating Healthy Brains Edition, no.40/1

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Toshiko Matsudaira: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London – is currently setting up a study on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), which includes impulsivity and poor coordination, leading to behaviour problems and conduct disorders. 3-10% of children suffer ADHD, 5% of school-age children. The male to female ratio is 4:1. 70-80% of children with ADHD continue as adolescents to have social, academic, and emotional difficulties, and some lifelong.

Genetic factors are still unknown. They are the subject of: twin studies; molecular genetic research; adoption studies; and family studies. Indications are that ADHD is 70% hereditary. Environmental factors include child abuse. Treatment is multimodal: medication; parent training; cognitive/behavioral approach; also social skills training including anger management. Nutritional supplements are being tried including carnitine (an amino acid responsible for transport of fatty acids into a cell's mitochondria); zinc; iron; vitamin E; omega3 fatty acids etc.

Stimulants have been used since the 1950s, particularly Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), with some 75% response rate. Recently, non-stimulant medication – Atomoxetine or Strattera (atmoxetine hydrochloride), whose structure is similar to an antidepressant, has been used. But medicines have the problem of possible side effects such as growth retardation; appetite loss; headache; stomach ache; insomnia; and in patients with a history of seizures they can lower the seizure threshold. Their use can be followed by addiction or suicide (Atomoxetine for instance). Because of short or long term side effects, ADHD patients often choose alternative treatment such as supplementation.
 
The way omega3s benefit ADHD is uncertain. They may be important in remodelling dendrites and synapses, and/or sustaining several features: blood brain barrier, neuronal membrane, neurotransmitter channel, receptors and ion channels.

Innis in 1994 and in 2003 found that omega-3 deficient rats showed hyperactivity. Burgess in 2000 showed that the reason for ADHD cases’ lower levels of omega-3 was not lower intake or absorption. Whether it could be enhanced metabolism or inefficient conversion of EFAs to LCPUFAs might be determined by carbon-dated traces or by scans.

Boys need more omega3s than girls, and this may be connected with boys’ prevalence of ADHD. Aggression increased in rats deprived of DHA but normalized as DHA was restored.

Richardson5 found PUFA were effective for cognitive problems and behaviour problems in ADHD/dyslexia. Stevens (2003) found them effective for oppositional defiant disorder, whereas EPA specifically was helpful with disruptive behaviour.  DHA is important during gestation and early infancy, particularly for neurodevelopment. It may improve aggression. EPA is crucial throughout life, particularly for optimum cognitive function.

In the Durham Trial5, 120 school children aged 6-12yrs with developmental coordination disorder, were tested with omega3s with 6s. After 3 months without, they had 3 months on the EPA. ADHD scores on co-ordination and short-term memory were improved when taking fatty acids. However, this trial was not only for ADHD-diagnosed children, nor did it involve EPA alone. Most needed now are: test of pure EPA vs. pure DHA; metabolic study; non-
invasive methods to find essential fatty acid deficiencies; brain function assessment; genetic; gender difference; and EFA deficiency questionnaires.
There have been several attempts to see if omega 3 fatty acids will benefit and some like the Durham school trials in the UK have given promising results.

In discussion Joe Hibbeln said that the Seychelles study found a correlation between hyperactivity generally with mothers deficient in omega 3s during pregnancy, and that the ALSPAC study indicated some correlation.

Gillian West of the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group (HACSG) said they had found for decades that, as well as omega3s, the omega6 gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) had been most beneficial: despite the general excess of omega6 observed. This was because, in contrast to the evening primrose oil they use, dietary GLA was often not easily assailable. Also many of these mothers had previously received evening primrose oil for pre-menstrual tension, indicating they had a pre-existing EFA deficiency. Reasons for poor conversion included: deficiencies in zinc, chromium, magnesium and B vitamins; toxins; disease; and ageing. HACSG had had enormous success, turning round thousands if not millions of ADHD subjects. There were calls for specific studies on GLA in ADHD.

Another puzzle raised was the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The suggestion was that whereas DHA may primarily be benefiting brain structure directly, EPA may primarily be benefiting blood-vessel structure and so blood-
flow to the brain.

To the question of how fully the Japanese diet appears to minimise ADHD, Matsudaira replied that it is hard to say, since the Japanese would be reluctant for knowledge of such a disorder to reach awareness beyond the home. 
     





Short Course: The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Paediatric Nutrition

The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Paediatric Nutrition * RCP Accredited *

September 9th and 10th 2008

(Report in preparation)

Brain disorders, such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Cerebral Palsy and the neurodevelopmental consequences
of IUGR and prematurity now cost the NHS £77 billion. This is thirty times greater than the cost of obesity and more than CHD and cancer combined.

Ongoing issues and the relevance of early nutrition will be discussed.

Aims and Objectives of this course:

This course aims to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals in the importance of the roles of fatty acids in maternal, foetal and paediatric health.

Programme and Speakers:

Read more...

NUTRITION the answer? A new website initiative

BBC: ADHD Drugs 'not the answer'
NUTRITION the answer?

This article forms part of a new exercise at this website to group together all the on-line materials concerning the effect of nutrition on all brain disorders. The BBC news story and the Panorama programme of 12 Nov 2007 make no mention of the benefits of sound Nutrition and Omega-3 for the alleviation of behavioural problems and ADHD. See our GHB Conference (extract below, Read More) and Food and Behaviour Research

Read more...

Healthy Play project - discussion document

SETTING UP THE PROJECT - Discussion Paper

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What follows are some of my own preliminary perspectives regarding the logistics of setting up a viable Healthy Play project. It’s intended to help concentrate minds, generate ideas, flag up potential problems and solutions. It’s in no way the finished article; clarification and criticism is openly encouraged. Paul Hill 18th June 2007

The Healthy Play Project

Healthy Play is an exciting new Hackney-based community project combining the best available health and nutritional education with innovative childcare & playwork.

Healthy Play is part of the education, nutrition and health charity The McCarrison Society.

In addition, providing key support, advice and project development are The Mother and Child Foundation, The Institute of Brain Chemistry & Human Nutrition at Metropolitan University, Albion Kids Show and Hackney Playbus.

The Project will be located in premises kindly donated by The Mother and Child Foundation in Well Street Market, Hackney E9 and is provisionally called The Healthy Play Centre.

In the first instance the Centre will open using start-up community funding.

It will begin by offering

  1. day-time pre-school mother & child play sessions augmented with nutritional advice.
  2. for 5 – 11 year olds, after-school play and healthy living sessions.

In between, the Centre will open as an informal drop-in point - providing relevant literature, advice and contacts for members of the public whilst creating general profile development.

This will allow the Centre to grow organically, attracting parents, carers, young people and volunteers, establishing a dynamic community project.

As well as being exciting and innovative the Centre should be meticulous in following best practice. It should get OFSTED registered as it will be providing creche-type care TBB, making sure the property is fit for purpose, health and safety etc. A preliminary survey with a small amount of voluntary assistance from a local architect is scheduled for this week TBB. All staff will be CRB checked. The Centre will incorporate essential documents like equal opportunities, a code of practice etc.

The initial staff team will be 1 coordinator/fundraiser/admin, 2 playworkers and a nutritional advisor. The health of the project will be reflected in how it is able to attract voluntary support. Local volunteers ground a project, keeping it suitable and relevant. A volunteer group should be set up quickly.

It will be essential to establish a reliable interface between the Centre and its host charity.

Suitable financial arrangements should be established enabling Healthy Play to access funding it has been granted, keeping clear demarcation from all other McCarrison Society finances, enabling prompt payment of wages & bills, efficient accounting and general staff & management committee issues.

Regular meetings should take place with the Centre and its key institutional supporters to keep everyone in the loop, up to date, pushing the project on, support chains etc.

It’s important the Centre looks and feels good. Unfortunately far too many community projects fail because they don’t connect with their target-audience - resembling waiting rooms or dusty offices. This project should from the outset announce itself as a nurturing and vibrant environment. Help should be canvassed from any sympathetic local architects, designers & visual artists. Initially, play resources for the Centre can be begged, stolen & borrowed from Albion Kids Show & Hackney Playbus & other sources (Hackney Scrap project, a toys wanted ad etc)

Once open the Centre can start to apply for project funding. This should be done in full consultation with users, but preliminary ideas include:

  • School holiday projects.
  • A Saturday project.
  • An 11-16 age range project.
  • A nutritional cooking project.
  • A mother and child home visit project.
  • Healthy living & lifestyle activity packs.
  • Grow your own vegetables project.
  • Funding for visits from local role-models e.g. artists, chefs, vets etc.
  • Funding for trips to nature reserves (Lee Valley, Epping etc), city farms etc.
  • An outreach project – playworkers and nutritionists delivering sessions in surrounding estates and parks.
  • A training project for playworkers in nutrition & vice-versa.
  • A project for a nutritional researcher and students.
  • Nutritional and play mapping.
  • A Healthy Play conference.
  • Applying for improvement of Centre play areas e.g. softplay, disability & inclusion.

Also development of innovative health education facilities in the Centre– an interactive brain zone!

The Centre will need to network & establish good relations within the local authority, voluntary sector and community. E.g. Surestart, The Learning Trust, local social landlords, Bangladeshi Cultural Association, Hackney Play Association, Hackney Community Voluntary Service, market traders, Police, new City-based Good Neighbours charity, NHS Primary Care Trust for liaison with School Nurses etc.

A timetable for beginning the project should be established, roughly 3 months from posting the first funding application.

School Dinners in France

The debate continues in rural France as well. The Pontivy Journal discusses costs, education, nutritional balance, culinary herbs and organic ingredients. Parents here in Central Brittany pay around 2.50 euros per day of which 33% is ingredients cost, 58% is salaries (in the case of a full time(?) cook serving 50 dinners a day for example) and 9% fuel etc. I don't think the Government, national or local, pays anything...{}

UK

Professor Alan Lucas was interviewed today on BBC TV London News.

The UK

14 March 2006:Ofsted Reports on School Food

Oftsted have just released two reports in reaction to concerns about school meals (Crown Copyright 2006):
Healthy eating in schools, a small scale survey into the quality of school meals.

A second report, Food technology in secondary schools, confirms that pupils spend too little time learning how to cook nutritious meals and too much time on written work. It also highlights confusion about whether food should be taught as a life skill or as a medium for teaching design and technology.
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Consensus Statement from US and EU citizens groups on marketing of foods to children

from the EU/US Conference, Good practices: Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.
Brussels   12th May 2006. The Conference took place in the Commission’s Charlemagne building, with closing addresses by Commissioner Kyprianou and US Deputy Secretary for Health and Human Services Alex Azar.
 
This is a time of public health crisis and significant, sustainable action must be taken which is commensurate with the severity of the problem. Governments are responsible for safeguarding the health of their populations and should make fundamental changes in the food environment, rather than focusing primarily on education programmes aimed at changing individual behaviour. No public health epidemic has ever been resolved by attention to individual responsibility alone. This one too will require government leadership, protections and changes to the structural environment.
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Junk food banned in school meals

(BBC News 19 May 2006) School dinners in England will be free from chocolate, crisps, fizzy drinks and "low-quality" meat from the autumn, the government has announced. Education Secretary Alan Johnson has published nutrition guidelines banning meals high in salt and fat.
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UK Govt: Fish oil for all children?

Brain food: Why the Government wants your child to take Omega-3, the fish oil supplement

A tiny daily capsule can have a dramatic effect on pupils who usually play up in class, improving behaviour and work. Now all youngsters may be given them. Marie Woolf and Jeremy Laurance report in The Independent On-Line

Childrens' healthy bodies and minds, malnutrition and education, dysfunctional families and ADHD

As reported in the Guardian recently, the International Obesity TaskForce stated "Youngsters should be protected from exploitative marketing techniques used on the internet as well as from television advertising as part of an all out bid to halt the rise in childhood obesity".

Today (12 Sept 2006) on BBC R4's Today Programme , Professor Susan Greenfield and author Michael Morpurgo discussed "The cocktail of modern culture that's making our children miserable" - the influences of "modern life" (my quotes) on the development of children's brains. Included were some pros and cons of fantasy PC games: do they stimulate imagination, or stultify it by providing on-screen images or icons for situations that would really have to be imagined if read from a book or related at Mother's knee. We now know that some such games, text messaging etc are being used by the food industry to sell junk food directly to children, probably without the understanding of their parents or other controls.

Read more...

Food and Behaviour Research

Diet is important not only for physical health, but also for optimal mental development and functioning. Scientific evidence shows this, but clear and reliable information on this kind of research is not easily available to many people who are interested in its practical applications.

FAB Research today announce a new book by Dr Alex Richardson, "They are what you feed them "

and also their Glasgow Conference on 23 January 2007 , "Diet, Behaviour and the Junk Food Generation"

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