Asiaweek.com | Calcium for Moms-to-Be

NOVEMBER 17, 2000 VOL. 26 NO. 45 | SEARCH ASIAWEEK

Calcium for Moms-to-Be
Without enough, lead levels may increase

Milk really does do a body good — particularly if the body in question is that of a pregnant woman. According to research published in the Journal of Epidemiology, pregnant women who don't consume enough calcium risk the breakdown of their bone mass, which in turn, releases potentially dangerous levels of lead into the body. Moms-to-be with low calcium levels were found to have higher levels of lead in their bloodstream than those with normal calcium intake. Researchers emphasized that the lead levels found were still relatively low. But, says lead researcher Professor Irva Hertz-Picciotto, "Past research has linked lead to many adverse conditions, including nervous system and possible cardiovascular problems." Nearly 95% of the body's lead is found in bone tissue, meaning that high levels of lead in the bloodstream show that bone is breaking down. These high lead levels may harm both the mother and developing foetus. To combat this, scientists recommend that pregnant women ensure that they eat enough calcium-rich foods like milk, or else take supplements. Expectant mothers, drink up.

In Brief
Pesty Disease Pesticides may be bad for more than just the pests. An American team of scientists has found that a commonly used organic pesticide produced symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease when small doses were injected into rats. Scientists believe that Rotenone, a popular insecticide generally considered harmless to humans, may actually interfere with brain cells that produce dopamine. Lack of dopamine can trigger symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity, and muscular difficulty. The cause of Parkinson's remains largely unknown, and experts stress that Rotenone is only a contributing cause of the disease. "It would be wrong to expect that a condition such as Parkinson's is caused by a single factor," says Professor Adrian Williams, of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

An Apple a Day Eating fruits and vegetables is good, but not quite as good as scientists previously thought. A Harvard University study says that eating fruits and vegetables has almost no effect on the incidence of colon and rectal cancer. Still, a diet packed with fruits and vegetables can help ward off cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and other cancers.

Machine Play Computers and kids don't necessarily mix well. A new report from the U.S.-based Alliance for Childhood says that children going online at an early age may suffer eyestrain, repetitive stress injuries and emotional detachment. Parents are advised to limit their kids' computer use.

Bug Power Humans could learn a thing or two from insects, say doctors battling antibiotic resistance. Bugs attacked by bacteria produce chemicals that kill proteins essential to the bacteria's survival. Most insect body chemicals are dangerous to humans, but scientists in Philadelphia are now attempting to harness the peptides of a firebug safe for humans.

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