Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Genetics Play Greater Role In Lifespan Than Previously Thought, Study Shows
A person鈥檚 genes play a far greater role in likely lifespan than previously thought, according to a major new study published Thursday in the journal Science. Using data from human twin studies, an international team of researchers arrived at the conclusion that the genetic contribution to how long we鈥檙e likely to live is as high as 55%. (Cox, 1/29)
In other health and wellness news 鈥
The UK warned some patients have died of severe inflammation of the pancreas linked to obesity and diabetes drugs such as Eli Lilly & Co.鈥檚 Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk A/S鈥檚 Wegovy. Though the worst cases of pancreatitis were rare, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said Thursday doctors and patients should know some incidents had been particularly severe, as it strengthened its warning over taking the drugs. (Kresge, 1/29)
GLP-1 receptor agonist use was tied to a lower risk of recurrent major adverse limb events (MALEs) in people with diabetes compared with another drug class, a retrospective Taiwanese study showed. (Monaco, 1/29)
There鈥檚 growing awareness of rare, but potentially serious side effects from high doses of vitamin B6, a nutrient that鈥檚 become popular in a range of dietary supplements, electrolyte drinks and fortified foods. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a nutrient critical to many bodily functions, including nerve health, protein metabolism and blood sugar regulation. Because vitamin B6 is also vital to brain development, it鈥檚 important during pregnancy and infancy. It鈥檚 often promoted to help boost energy, as well as relieve stress. (Leake, 1/29)
A 鈥渟uperfood鈥 sold nationwide is under recall over the risk of salmonella contamination. California-based Navitas Organics is recalling certain eight-ounce packages of organic chia seeds after its supplier notified the company of a recall. The seeds, which are advertised on the product pouches as a 鈥減lant-based superfood,鈥 were sold online by retailers including Amazon, and at Whole Foods and other retailers across the country. (Tanner, 1/29)