Mercury in high-fructose corn syrup: What it means for you

We recently reported on two new studies that investigated potential mercury contamination in high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener commonly used in ready-to-eat foods. We’ve been working with our senior scientists to figure out what these findings mean for consumers.

One peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Environmental Health, tested 20 samples of high-fructose corn syrup and found that nine of the samples contained detectable levels of mercury. Further research spurred by that investigation was performed by an advocacy group, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP). It tested a variety of retail foods and beverages that listed high-fructose corn syrup as the first or second ingredient, and detected mercury in 17 of 55 samples.

Because there is no definitively safe level of mercury exposure, some of these findings raise a degree of concern. But both studies have significant limitations and neither demonstrates that eating foods with high-fructose corn syrup exposes consumers to more mercury than other foods. There are, however, more compelling health reasons for Americans to reduce high-fructose corn syrup consumption, along with other sugars. Consuming too much of any caloric sweetener can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

The authors of the Environmental Health study speculate that the mercury may have found its way into the sweetener by way of mercury-grade caustic soda or hydrochloric acid during the manufacturing process. But the researchers were unable to confirm a link between the use of mercury-tainted raw materials and the presence of mercury in the high-fructose corn syrup samples. Further, the very small number of samples—20—were collected from manufacturing plants back in 2005, which means that they may not reflect current manufacturing processes.

Health insurance bill for children passes Senate

The Senate passed a bill yesterday that will give health insurance coverage to over 11 million low-income children. The House version of the bill was passed earlier this month and the bill is expected to be signed by President Obama as early as next week. 

Read our previous coverage of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in our Health-Care Savings Series, then find out what other news topics we'll be covering today.

Q&A: Surgery for chronic sinusitis?

I have suffered for years from chronic sinusitis, which causes facial pain and a constantly stuffed or runny nose. Should I consider surgery? —K.K., Pittsburgh

Only as a last resort. First rule out treatable causes of the problem, or try self-help measures—in this case, saline rinses to flush the nasal passages and pain relievers to ease the ache. Sinusitis symptoms stem from inflammation in the sinus cavity, which can lead to an overabundance of mucus in the nose. The cause of most chronic sinusitis cases is unknown, but in rare cases it can stem from an immune disorder or Wegener’s granulomatosis, an inflammatory disease, so ask your doctor whether you might have either of those. We think you should consider surgery to remove the diseased lining of the sinus only if self-help measures haven’t worked, and you can’t live with the discomfort.

For more on how salt water can help with sinusitis, see our Treatment Ratings (subscribers only), and tell us your tips for relieving sinusitis symptoms. 

Tip of the day: Vitamins for your brain?

Brain-boosting vitamins may help to protect your memory and fight off Alzheimer's and dementia. Several 2008 trials failed to find cognitive benefits in fish oil or ginkgo biloba supplements. But people over the age of 50 might benefit from more B12, from fortified foods or supplements, since many lack an enzyme needed to digest that vitamin when it comes from food. And research suggests that regular consumption of fish and fruits and vegetables might support brain health. So, feed your brain by including fish in your diet, and aim for at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which may hasten cognitive decline and consider extra vitamin B12 if you're older than age 50. 

Read more on protecting your memory, and see our Natural Medicine Ratings for B12 (subscribers only).

Drug combos can put seniors at risk

My parents are visiting, and I know they've settled in because their pill boxes have found their usual spot on the kitchen counter. They use the type of box that has compartments for each day of the week to help them take the right pills at the right time. My parents, who are both over 70 and in good health, take only a few medications and supplements each. Even so, it can be easy to forget what to take when, so they rely on their boxes (and each other) to keep track.

Remembering daily doses isn't the only challenge of juggling multiple medications. Avoiding possible drug interactions is also a serious concern for older adults, as they use more drugs and dietary supplements than any other group. According to a recent study, more than 80 percent of adults aged 57 to 85 take at least one prescription medication and 30 percent take more than five. And among those taking prescription drugs, nearly 70 percent also regularly use over-the-counter medications or supplements. This can heighten their chance of a drug interaction, as their doctors and pharmacists may not know all the drugs and supplements they are taking.

Just because a medicine or supplement doesn't require a prescription, this doesn't mean it can't cause serious problems if combined with something else or not taken as directed. In fact, the study found that at least 1 in 25 older adults, or 2.2 million people, take drug combinations that can cause harmful interactions, and half of these interactions involve a nonprescription drug or supplement.

Tip of the day: Protect your memory, keep it sharp

USA Today reported yesterday on a man with an extremely rare gift known as super-memory. He recalls in detail most days of his life, as well as the day and date of key public events. Scientists are working with this man and others with super-memory to determine how two parts of his brain may be working together to form these memories. This research could be used to help people with memory disorders.

While we make no claims to help you recall every event of your life, we reported this month on how to protect your memory and reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease with activities such as aerobic exercise, doing crossword puzzles, and learning a language.

Read more tips on how to keep your memory sharp, and find out if cholesterol is linked to memory loss.

Peanut products recalled back to 2007

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday expanded the recall of peanut products produced by the Georgia plant associated with the ongoing salmonella outbreak to include all products produced over the past two years. The vastly expanded recall comes after reports that evidence of salmonella was found at the plant yet peanut products were shipped anyway, according to news reports. The plant in Blakely, Georgia operated by the Peanut Corporation of America has been shuttered.

"It's among the largest recalls that we've had," said Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety, during a press conference. "We don't have a good idea how much of that product is still out there."

The agency released its inspection reports of the plant in which inspectors concluded that PCA "failed to manufacture foods under conditions and controls necessary to minimize the potential for growth of microorganisms and contamination."

Read this full post on our Safety blog. 

More peanut butter recalls: How can you avoid getting sick?

As part of the ongoing salmonella investigation involving peanut butter, 29 types of protein bars, 35 brands of cookies, 14 types of dog biscuits and numerous other cakes, crackers, ice creams and other packaged foods have been recalled. The salmonella outbreak has sickened more than 500 people and contributed to the deaths of at least eight, according to the daily tally kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are hundreds of foods listed in the database of recalled products being kept by the Food and Drug Administration. As the list of recalled peanut butter products grows, it's difficult to know what you can do to avoid getting sick. In addition to checking the database, the FDA and CDC recommend that consumers:

• Not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
• Consult a company’s Web site or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging when looking for  information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls. Keep in mind that information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by the FDA.
• Not consume products if you cannot determine if the peanut butter, peanut butter/peanut paste ingredient or institutionally-served peanut butter contains PCA peanut butter/peanut paste.
• Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until more information becomes available about which brands may be affected.
• Consult your health care provider if you think you may have become ill from eating peanut butter.

Read more on the salmonella investigation and recalled products on our Safety blog.

Bloggers for a 'healthier web'

Here inside Consumer Reports headquarters, in Yonkers, New York, we get to meet some amazingly smart and talented people. Last week, we got a small group of health bloggers together for a discussion about what we all do, to share thoughts and ideas. It's sparked a lot of internal conversation as our Web site and blog evolve, as well as some external conversations we'd like to share with you, our readers. Keep reading to find out what some of our guests had to say on their respective blogs:

“The wisdom of the crowds” isn't always wise—even that of online doctors (featuring video with Dr. Orly Avitzur), Switzer Health News Blog

Ethical questions about consumer-driven health care plans and marketing thereof (featuring video with Dr. John Santa), Switzer Health News Blog

eDrugSearch attends Consumer Reports Health Summit, eDrugSearch.com

Pondering the accuracy and credibility of physician blogs, Comarow On Quality

Consumer Reports hosts medical blog conference: Cookie rating ensues, Getting Better with Dr. Val

Consumer Reports Health: Blogging, rating, & building community, Diabetes Mine

Sorry I missed carpool, Jessica Gottlieb

How to pick a doctor, Consuming Interests

Did you attend the meeting and blog on it? Give us your take.

Seeing green may aid recovery in hospital

Who among us doesn't like getting flowers, especially when we're in the hospital? But besides brightening our room and our mood, the gift of a flowering plant may also in a small way help our recovery, according to a new study.

The study looked at 90 patients recuperating from surgery to remove their appendix. Some had potted flowering plants in their room and some didn't. Researchers found that the patients with plants needed fewer painkillers after their operation. They also had a lower heart rate and blood pressure, suggesting they were more relaxed. Questionnaires showed that people with plants felt less anxious, were less likely to say they were in pain, and were less tired. Almost all said that the vegetation was the nicest thing about their room. In contrast, the people who didn’t have plants said their TV was the best thing about their room.

This is an interesting study, but it can't say for sure whether it was the plants that helped patients or possibly something else. Also, the differences between the two groups were notable but small, and having plants in their rooms didn’t mean that patients went home from the hospital any earlier. Even so, the patients said they enjoyed having the plants around, and this alone may be reason enough for a trip to the florist.

What you need to know. If you’re visiting someone in the hospital, a flowering plant may be an ideal get-well gift in more ways than one. But try to steer clear of anything that has a strong scent or might trigger an allergy. Also, some hospitals and hospital wards discourage visitors from bringing plants and flowers because of concerns about infection. So it's best to check with the hospital before sprucing up the scenery with a little greenery.

—Sophie Ramsey, patient editor, BMJ Group

ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use.

Read more on ensuring a safe hospital stay.

Tip of the day: Shovel safely for your heart

Did you know that the intense exertion of shoveling snow, combined with the freezing cold, can make your heart rate and blood pressure soar? And people often shovel first thing in the morning, when heart attacks are more likely. If you feel pressure or pain in your chest, or discomfort spreading to your shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back, call for an ambulance immediately, chew and swallow an aspirin, and lie down. You could be having a heart attack. If you have a history of heart problems, the American College of Emergency Physicians advises against shoveling.

Read more tips on how to prevent shoveling injuries, and find out what our Home & Garden bloggers say about clearing away snow with a leaf blower.

Mercury found in high-fructose corn syrup

Small doses of mercury may be finding their way into high-fructose corn syrup as it's being produced, two studies released yesterday suggest.

One study, published in the journal Environmental Health, tested 20 samples of high-fructose corn syrup and found that nine of the samples contained detectable levels of mercury. The authors speculate that the mercury may have found its way into the sweetener by way of caustic soda or hydrochloric acid used in the manufacturing process. Both of these agents are commonly used in the manufacturing of high-fructose corn syrup, and are sometimes produced using mercury cells, according to the researchers.

Another study from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy* tested food products that listed high-fructose corn syrup as the first or second ingredient, and detected mercury in 17 of 55 samples. You can see which products tested positive for mercury in the full study*, but the researchers note that they tested only one sample of each product, and the results should not be taken as advice to consumers.

The findings of these studies are cause for concern. Even low levels of mercury exposure can be unsafe, and several of the products that tested positive are marketed to children, who are particularly vulnerable to mercury's neurological and other negative health effects. But the total health impact remains unclear, and the studies pose more questions than answers. Were reviewing the data of these and other studies and will have an update soon. In the meantime, for more health information on these topics, see our coverage of mercury in fish, and high-fructose corn syrup.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

* Links to a PDF file. 

One more reason to enjoy that cup of coffee

The New York Times reported recently on a new study that suggests coffee may help prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The study, published in the January 2009 Journal of Alzheimer's Disease is observational, and a researcher is quoted in the Times as saying, “We have no evidence that for people who are not drinking coffee, taking up drinking will have a protective effect.”

Nonetheless, isn't it nice, fellow coffee drinkers, when you find that something you are already doing may be beneficial to your health? According to the Times, those who consumed three to five cups of coffee per day were 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia than those who drank two or less. The study looked at 1,409 men and women at midlife over an average of 21 years.

You can't put too much faith in early studies. Ginkgo biloba, for example, once showed promise in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but as we recently reported, it has fizzled in clinical trials.

Chlamydia cases reach all-time high

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported disease in the United States, reaching 1.1 million cases in 2007—the most for any disease ever reported. And women reported almost three times more cases than men. Young women and women of color were at the highest risk.

What's more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than half of all cases are either undiagnosed or unreported, pushing the actual total cases for 2007 to about 2.8 million. The report also notes concern for gonorrhea infection rates, which reached 356,000 reported cases in 2007.

Both Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections that can be readily cured by antibiotics. But because they–most notably Chlamydia–cause no obvious symptoms and often go undetected, their victims are prone to serious consequences.

Women face the greatest health risks. Untreated infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females, which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy (an abnormal pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the womb), and chronic pelvic pain. Evidence suggests that up to 40 percent of women with untreated Chlamydia can develop PID. Complications are far less common in men, but can include inflammation of the prostate, testicles, and urethra, and in rare cases, lead to sterility. Furthermore, studies suggest that these infections can increase the risk of HIV infection in both men and women.

While these diseases are widespread, the good news is that tests and treatments are usually cheap, simple, and effective. Early detection can help prevent the spread of the disease and lead to effective treatment. One study suggests screening and treatment can reduce PID cases by over 50 percent.

Tip of the day: Lighten up your nighttime run

If you're working out on roads before sunrise or after sunset, you should make yourself visible to drivers. Wear white or bright outer layers, or consider buying a reflective vest or a small, battery-powered flashing red light that you can clip to your jacket or bike. And try to work out in well-lighted areas. You'll be less likely to trip and fall, and you'll feel safer all-around. And sometimes two or more is better than one. Find a buddy to run with. You'll be that much more obvious in your reflective gear and you'll feel less vulnerable being out in the dark.

Read more of our winter workout tips, and see our full report and Ratings (subscribers only) on running shoes.