A high intake of soft drinks was associated with an excessive energy intake possibly leading to childhood obesity. In 1996 the FDA ordered all enriched grain products to be fortified with folic acid to reduce the incidence of birth defects among newborns. Adequate folic acid also reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies on Boston residents revealed that folic deficiency decreased from 22 percent before fortification to less 2 percent at present. The risk of gallstone removal is influenced by weight cycling or fluctuations in weight loss.
Weight cycling is intentional weight loss followed by unintentional weight gain.
TAV had recalled 30 million pounds of hot dogs and luncheon meat about 3 months earlier due to Listeria contamination. The company was asked to cease its production of meat products due to non-compliance with sanitation requirements. Increased coffee consumption was found to be associated with higher blood levels of homo-cysteine, recently shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Men treated with saw palmetto extracts showed a decreased tendency for night time urination and an improved urine flow during daytime. Saw palmetto improves the symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia without the side effects experienced with the drug finasteride.