Taking too many supplements with vitamin B6 in them can lead to concerning symptoms and even long-term nerve pain.  Now, more concerns are being raised about B6-containing products, this time energy drinks that contain far more than the daily recommended amount.  Also, a new study estimates the lives and life-years saved by COVID-19 vaccination — and another study assesses the safety of updated mRNA vaccines.  References Global Estimates of Lives and Life-Years Saved by COVID-19 Vaccination During 2020-2024 | Health Policy | JAMA Health Forum | JAMA Network Safety of JN.1-Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines | Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

A diet full of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has generally been thought to be bad for your health – and a trigger for disease. But for the first time a study has looked at the health effects of UPFs within the context of national dietary guidelines. And while a minimally processed diet is still better for you overall, it’s not all bad news if you’re sticking close to those directions. Guest/s Dr Sam Dicken, Centre for Obesity Research, University College London References Ultraprocessed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on weight and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, crossover trial

It can be hard to know when a woman is in perimenopause, which is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. In the past irregular periods were thought to be one of the first indicators of fluctuating hormones. But vasomotor symptoms – like hot flashes and night sweats – are also reliable indicators, especially for women who already have inconsistent menstrual cycles. Guest/s Professor Susan Davis, director of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program and head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic, Alfred Hospital Melbourne  References Prevalence and severity of symptoms across the menopause transition: cross-sectional findings from the Australian Women's Midlife Years (AMY) Study

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is approved in Australia for use in treatment-resistant depression. But a new study suggests the benefits of psilocybin in these patients might not be as effective as past clinical trials have suggested. In 2023, Australia became the first country in the world to legalise the use of psychedelics to treat some mental health conditions. Guest/s Associate Professor Fredrik Hieronymus, Group leader of the clinical psychopharmacology group, University of Gottenburg References Control Group Outcomes in Trials of Psilocybin, SSRIs, or Esketamine for Depression

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr has pulled $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccines.  Experts are dismayed and say it could impede our ability to react fast and effectively to another pandemic.  Also, clinical practice guidelines for the use of psychedelics in psychiatry have been released for public consultation.  References Expert reaction to RFK Jr cancelling $500m of funding for mRNA vaccines - Science Media Centre Australia’s first clinical practice guideline for psychedelics released for public consultation - Monash University 

There are calls for a national loneliness strategy, after a report revealed the extent of the issue, especially in young people. Researchers found 43 per cent of people aged 15 to 25 feel lonely — that’s more than two in five young people. One in seven reported persistent loneliness lasting at least two years. Technology was both a help and at times, a hindrance to connection. Guest/s Associate Professor Michelle Lim, University of Sydney and CEO of Ending Loneliness Together References More than 2 in 5 young Australians are lonely, our new report shows. This is what could help Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection

Artificially sweetened drinks — think kombuchas or no sugar fizzy drinks — have been thought of as a healthier alternative. However a new Australian study has found both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages are associated with type 2 diabetes. The researchers say this drives home the need for policy changes to address sweetened beverages as a whole. Guest/s Professor Barbora de Courten, RMIT University in Melbourne Associate Professor Togzhi Wu, the University of Adelaide References The association of sweetened beverage intake with risk of type 2 diabetes in an Australian population: A longitudinal study

Doctors can’t know everything — and there’s plenty they can learn from people with lived experience. A program is connecting people who’ve dealt with ovarian and gynaecological cancers with student doctors. The hope is to raise awareness of symptoms, and to give a glimpse into the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Guest/s Alison Evans, CEO of the Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group Kristin Young from the Survivors Teaching Students program References Survivors Teaching Students - Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

A new study out in Nature has shown our immune system becomes primed when we see sick, sniffling people.  Also, the national mental health commission puts out its latest report card, and it's not great news.  And data out of South Australia hints at a worrying trend in secondary cancers in people with colorectal cancer.  References Mental Health Commission - National Report Card 2024 Incidence, Risk and Trends of Multiple Primary Cancers in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: Evidence From the South Australian Cancer Registry - Cancer Medicine Neural anticipation of virtual infection triggers an immune response | Nature Neuroscience 

When it comes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, it’s likely the horse has bolted the gate. Many doctors are using new tools to help out with clinical paperwork and free up their time. But what are the benefits, and potential pitfalls, for patients? And how can they opt out? Guest/s Professor Enrico Coiera, Director of the Centre for Health Informatics at Macquarie University References Consultation: Clarifying and strengthening the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) - TGA

While the prevalence of smoking has been falling in Australia, our progress has slowed since the emergence of vaping. And in the UK new research has found that teens who currently vape are as likely to start smoking as their peers were in the 1970s. But it’s not all bad news – there are signs that new restrictions have helped to slow the rate of young people taking up vaping in the first place. Guest/s Professor Becky Freeman, member of the Prevention Research Collaboration at the University of Sydney References Vaping and young people: Assessing early impacts of Australia's comprehensive approach to vaping product control Trends in adolescent smoking prevalence before and after the emergence of vaping in Australia: an interrupted time series analysis, 1999–2023 Risk of adolescent cigarette use in three UK birth cohorts before and after e-cigarettes

Reminiscing about the past? Dwelling on times gone by? Or, as a new study suggests, are you simply rejuvenating your memories? When we encode new memories, it’s only natural that we then go on to forget some of those experiences. But there are many things we are able to recall time and time again, no matter how much time has past. Could frequent reminiscing be the reason? Guest/s Professor Karl-Heinz Bäuml,  Professor of Psychology at Regensburg University References Reinstating memories' temporal context at encoding causes Sisyphus-like memory rejuvenation

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

The lower risk of dementia that seems to be associated with vaccination against shingles might not have anything to do with protection from the virus. It might be the adjuvant in the vaccine itself.  Also, ivermectin might be useful in controlling malaria. But its effects are on the mosquitoes, not humans.  References Lower risk of dementia with AS01-adjuvanted vaccination against shingles and respiratory syncytial virus infections  Ivermectin to Control Malaria — A Cluster-Randomized Trial | New England Journal of Medicine Ivermectin against Malaria — Good News in Bad Times | New England Journal of Medicine

When having a baby, there are lots of decisions to be made about maternity care, and barriers depending on your socio-economic situation. A new study has highlighted a worrying issue – finding higher adverse health outcomes in standard public maternity care. However there have been criticisms about how the paper compared the two sectors, and whether it’s a fair contrast. Guest/s Professor Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery at Western Sydney University References Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Health System Costs in Standard Public Maternity Care Compared to Private Obstetric-Led Care: A Population-Level Matched Cohort Study Is childbirth really safer for women and babies in private hospitals? - the Conversation

New research suggests young bats might be a key source of viral spillover, as the immunity from their mums wane. Coronaviruses are common in bats, though they don’t tend to cause any issues unless they spill over into bridging animals, which might then infect humans. This is becoming more common because of habitat destruction and environmental stressors. Guest/s Dr Alison Peel, veterinarian and wildlife disease ecologist at the University of Sydney References Synchronized seasonal excretion of multiple coronaviruses coincides with high rates of coinfection in immature bats

For the first time ever, there’s been an international survey on chronic conditions from the perspective of the patient. Australia is one of 19 countries that participated in the OECD-led survey. Insights from the survey could contribute to improving care for patients living with chronic illness – with an emphasis on continuity of care. Guest/s Lesley, participant in the survey Associate Professor Liz Marles, Clinical Director for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care References Patient-Reported Indicator Survey (PaRIS) PaRIS Survey - Australian National Report 2025

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au