Low Folate, MTHFR Polymorphisms Raise Risk of Congenital Heart Defects

Low folate status, combined with a cluster of certain folate-metabolizing genetic variants, is associated with increased risk of congenital heart disease (CHD). Mothers and children with certain polymorphisms within the MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genes showed decreased folate and elevated homocysteine levels, both significant risk factors for CHD.

Early Childhood Trauma Raises Adolescent Obesity Risk

A new study shows that early childhood trauma correlates strongly with higher rates of adolescent obesity. The findings offer important insights into the complex etiology of pediatric obesity which, researchers believe, could stem partly from traumatic psychosocial factors early in life. Using data from the statewide Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), a team of University of […]

Prenatal Multivitamins May Reduce Autism Risk

It’s long been known that maternal diet can influence pregnancy outcomes, and the effects of nutritional supplementation during pregnancy can have far-reaching benefits. A recent population-based observational study by an international team of American, Swedish and British researchers suggests that prenatal vitamin use (with and without folic acid) reduces risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

Prenatal Antibiotics Raise Risk of Childhood Obesity

A recent study shows that prenatal exposure to systemic antibiotics can be associated with a marked increase in risk that a child will become overweight or even obese.

Early-In-Life Probiotics Reduce Risk of Diabetes, Otitis Risk

In recent years, the popularity of probiotics has surged dramatically in the US. Their burgeoning reputation as powerful health-enhancing tools is backed by a growing body of microbiome research into the manifold benefits these friendly bacteria can confer.

Documenting Hope: New Film Profiles Families That Beat Chronic Disease

Asmorechildrenarediagnosedwith chronicdisorders — 1 in every 2 kids according to some statistical models — an ever-growing number of parents are witnessing the light in their childrens’ eyes grow dim with the burden of disease and medication. Butin every darkness, therecan be a light. One organization is giving parents a glimpse of hope and prove that kids with a wide range of chronic conditions can get better with lifestyle and nutritional changes.

The Myths & Realities of Precocious Puberty

Early puberty—especially in girls—has become a topic of mainstream conversation, one that has raised significant concern for many parents, and everyone concerned with the issue has a pet theory about what’s to blame.

The downward shift in female pubertal age been well documented epidemiologically, and in recent years it has received considerable media attention.

But is it really a new phenomenon? Probably not. Does it have real health consequences? Very definitely.

Peanut Patch Provides Relief for Allergic Kids

An innovative new product that delivers peanut protein directly onto the skin but not into the bloodstream, could transform the treatment of children who suffer from peanut allergy.

Want Smarter Kids? Breastfeed!

Babies who are breast-fed for at least one year grow up to be significantly more intelligent than those breast-fed for less than one month, according to a Brazilian study published in The Lancet Global Health.

Teen Asthma Strongly Linked To Insulin Resistance

Data from a recent cross-sectional study shows a strong link between insulin resistance and poor pulmonary function in a large cohort of adolescents. The correlation held for kids with asthma and, alarmingly, also in those without the disease.