Conflicting evidence for daily calcium supplementation

Evidence from a recent meta-analysis (September 2015) published in the British Medical Journal goes against the long-standing recommended daily intake of calcium. In fact, one of the lead authors concluded “Most people don’t need to worry about their calcium at all.” His reasoning behind this is that randomized control trials have shown only a slight reduction in risk for fractures with calcium supplementation. At present, the U.S. daily recommended intake for calcium is approximately 1000-1200mg per day. Other countries have different daily recommendations (mostly lower amounts).

The meta-analysis looked at the results from 26 randomized control trials. Some of the major findings include serious adverse events such as kidney stones, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular events. It was noted that only two randomized controlled trials evaluated dietary calcium’s effect on fracture risk. Both trials lacked significant power and therefore statistical significance was unable to be achieved.

It is estimated that women lose 0.5% to 1% of bone mass per year after age 40. Calcium supplementation has been recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Previous researchers have expressed concern for the risk of hypercalciuria (elevated calcium in the urine) and hypercalcemia (elevated calcium in the blood) in post-menopausal women. The end result can be the formation of kidney stones. Other meta-analysis have shown an increased for cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction in those post-menopausal females who take excess supplemental calcium.

There are several points to consider when looking at the results of these studies. While not universally accepted, calcium obtained through a normal diet is likely superior to taking supplemental calcium. Secondly, most need to monitor how much calcium they actually obtain through their regular diet. Some may not need any additional supplementation.

In regards to the newly published meta-analysis, there are additional co-factors, including Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D deficiency which must be considered before concluding that we should not worry about calcium.

Unfortunately, these published findings make it more difficult for clinicians and patients to reach any definitive conclusion regarding daily calcium intake.

This meta-analysis was funded by pharmaceutical giants, Merck, Amgen, Lilly, and Novartis.

 References:

Tai V., Leung W., Grey A., Reid IR., Bolland MJ. Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2015 Sept 29;351.

Gene mapping of the inner ear: Effects on hearing and balance

Hearing loss associated with aging or other disorders is a significant public health problem.

Within the inner ear are specialized sensory cells that include hair cells. Additional supporting cells also contained in the cochlea, provide structural and functional support to the hair cells. Collectively, these specialized cells help detect sound and enable us to hear. Similar specialized cells located in the utricle (pouch near the cochlea) help us maintain balance. This is part of the vestibular system.

These specialized cells are not able to repair themselves or regenerate. Aging along with certain medications, injuries, disease processes, and infections can lead to a loss of hearing and balance problems.

Research scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and scientists from Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine have collaborated in identifying a technique to help isolate a family of proteins that are essential for inner ear cell development.

Historical methods of analyzing gene activity have usually required thousands of cells. In contrast, the research teams, supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) utilized a new technique for analyzing gene activity within one cell. This has allowed the researchers to better understand developmental patterns associated with the inner ear and vestibular system. This new knowledge may help lead to identifying ways to promote regeneration within the inner ear.

In a second study, the researchers used RNA sequencing technology to search for common regulatory regions within the genes expressed in specialized hair cells. They found a group of gene regulators known as Regulatory Factor Xs (RFX) are particularly active in the hair cells. This is believed to play a large part in hearing. In mice who lacked two RFX proteins, loss of hair cells and hearing occurred within 2 weeks after birth. Deafness occurred at approximately 3 months.

 

References:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/news/releases/15/Pages/10152015.aspx

A compound related to Vitamin B3 may prevent hearing loss

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism by researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College and the Gladstone Institutes have identified a simple compound that may help prevent hearing loss. The compound nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a precursor to vitamin B3.

Noise induced hearing loss is a problem that can affect anyone at any age. The National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that more than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 suffer from noise induced hearing loss. Hearing loss can result from a one-time exposure to an intense sound or from continuous exposure to loud sounds. Continuous or prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.

The process of hearing is based on a series of events that convert sound waves into electrical signals. Vibrations travel to the inner ear causing wave like ripples within the fluid inside the cochlea. There are tiny hair cells sitting along the top of inner membrane. These hair cells move up and down pushing against the sterocilia which transmits a signal to the auditory system within the brain. It is believed that exposure to loud noise can cause to damage to the junction where the nerves and hair cells meet, resulting in hearing loss.

Previous studies had identified that a chemical compound known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is chemically related to NR in this study, did protect nerve cells from injury however, it is an unstable compound. Using this information, researchers tested NR in lab mice and found that regardless whether the compound was given before or after exposure, NR did prevent hearing loss. It is believed that NR increases the activity of a protein known as SIRT3 (sirtuin 3) which is located within the mitochondria of the cells and is involved in regulating function.

The results of this study appearing to be promising. The researchers believe that the compound NR may also be useful for treating other disorders that are also mediated by the activity of protein sirtuin 3 such as hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes.

References:

National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Brown KD, Maqsood S, Huang JY, Pan Y, Harkcom W, Li W, Sauve A, Verdin E, Jaffrey SR. Activation of SIRT3 by the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside protects from noise-induced hearing loss. Cell Metabolism. 2014 Dec 2; 20(6): 1059-1068.

A compound related to Vitamin B3 may prevent hearing loss

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism by researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College and the Gladstone Institutes have identified a simple compound that may help prevent hearing loss. The compound nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a precursor to vitamin B3.

Noise induced hearing loss is a problem that can affect anyone at any age. The National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that more than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 suffer from noise induced hearing loss. Hearing loss can result from a one-time exposure to an intense sound or from continuous exposure to loud sounds. Continuous or prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.

The process of hearing is based on a series of events that convert sound waves into electrical signals. Vibrations travel to the inner ear causing wave like ripples within the fluid inside the cochlea. There are tiny hair cells sitting along the top of inner membrane. These hair cells move up and down pushing against the sterocilia which transmits a signal to the auditory system within the brain. It is believed that exposure to loud noise can cause to damage to the junction where the nerves and hair cells meet, resulting in hearing loss.

Previous studies had identified that a chemical compound known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is chemically related to NR in this study, did protect nerve cells from injury however, it is an unstable compound. Using this information, researchers tested NR in lab mice and found that regardless whether the compound was given before or after exposure, NR did prevent hearing loss. It is believed that NR increases the activity of a protein known as SIRT3 (sirtuin 3) which is located within the mitochondria of the cells and is involved in regulating function.

The results of this study appearing to be promising. The researchers believe that the compound NR may also be useful for treating other disorders that are also mediated by the activity of protein sirtuin 3 such as hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes.

References:

National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Brown KD, Maqsood S, Huang JY, Pan Y, Harkcom W, Li W, Sauve A, Verdin E, Jaffrey SR. Activation of SIRT3 by the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside protects from noise-induced hearing loss. Cell Metabolism. 2014 Dec 2; 20(6): 1059-1068.

Starkey Hearing and Doctor Robert Dean Afghanistan Mission

There are many civilians living and working in war zones and, despite not being military personnel, they are exposed to many of the same hazards. There has been significant research done into the effects of war on soldiers, but very little has been done for those not enlisted. Recently it was reported that the number of children and other vulnerable Afghan civilians injured or killed has increased dramatically since the beginning of 2014. There has been a rise in the number of ground engagements in areas with higher civilian populations, which has accounted fro this steep increase in causalities. While civilians can be accidentally injured or killed during war, there has been a disturbing trend of attacks directed toward them – particularly tribal elders or government officials in this case. The number of children and women causalities has increased the most as the fighting moves into areas with higher population density.

Afghan civilians are exposed to everything from gunfire, IED attacks, mortars, and grenades, to loud noises from trucks, helicopters, and aircrafts.  All of these sounds can damage hearing and lead to tinnitus or permanent hearing loss on top of any other injuries.

Hearing damage can occur in one of two ways – long-term exposure to a loud environment (driving a loud truck,) short-term exposure to a high-intensity sound (gunfire or IEDs.) Exposure to loud noise causes destruction of the hair cells in the inner ear, but the degree of destruction is based on the intensity and duration of the noise. These hair cells are responsible for carrying sound vibration information to the auditory nerves, so without them available to convey this information the individuals experience hearing loss.

Hearing loss is irreversible, but there are methods to cope. Hearing aids are the most recommended method to restore some, if not nearly all, hearing to an individual. Starkey Hearing Foundation has been working with the Bayat Foundation  in order to distribute hearing aids to Afghan civilians, many of them children affected by war, who would otherwise be left unable to hear.  We were able to fit over 600 people with hearing aids while on our mission to Afghanistan.

Starkey Halo

On March 31, Starkey introduced a hearing aid that is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. In keeping with current technology trends they offer the ability to stream phone calls, FaceTime, music, and more directly to their hearing aid using Bluetooth. Users have the ability to control the device through the app (TruLink) or manually. Many hearing aids on the market have had the ability to work wirelessly, but they require a secondary device. Since this is often something that had to be worn around the neck many individuals find it more cumbersome than it’s worth. The Starkey hearing aid does not require any complicated set up or additional devices, making it easier to take advantage of all the features.

In addition to streaming phone calls and music, this hearing aid also has some additional features that make it a top-of-the-line product. They have improved the audibility of high-frequency sounds (like women’s and children’s voices) by lowering the frequency, they’ve developed a state of the art feedback canceller to eliminate buzzing and whistling, they provide sound compression technology to differentiate soft and loud noises, and the device has advanced noise reduction to make speech easier to hear in congested environments. In addition, the app has many different settings to allow for more adjustments and personalization than most hearing aids on the market.

The interface is intuitive and quick to use, giving users the flexibility they need to adapt to new situations. Individuals that have experienced hearing loss report that their hearing is back to “normal” and they can hear parts of conversations they would have missed otherwise. Users can use their iPhone as a microphone to stream sounds directly to the hearing aid as well. An example would be trying to hear a conversation in a noisy restaurant. You can use your iPhone to amplify the conversation you want by placing it closer to the people you want to hear and you can even disable the ear-level mic to block out ambient sounds.More great features include the ability to have Siri read your emails and texts to you, a “find-my-hearing-aid” feature to located misplaced hearing aids, and personalized geo-tags and settings based on coordinates. These geo-tags allows you to set hearing preferences for up to 20 locations of your choice.

The Starkey Halo hearing aids are available through your hearing care professional only, but the app is free to download from the app store.

Surprise Performers Join The Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala

The Starkey Hearing Foundation So The World May Hear Gala will take place on July 20th in St. Paul Minnesota. This high-octane annual event will be jammed packed with celebrity performers and humanitarians from throughout the world. The foundation was pleased to announce that this year’s surprise performer is Grammy-Award winning artist, Rob Thomas. This is set to be an incredible and unforgettable evening as Rob Thomas takes the state with Sammy Hagar and John Legend.

Each year the gala raises money to further the efforts of The Starkey Hearing Foundation to give the gift of hearing to children throughout the world. Humanitarians, activists, donors, volunteers, and celebrities come together for one purpose and one cause – helping children to hear. This is a monumental goal, and the foundation has been to over one hundred countries thus far. Each trip, each encounter, is life changing, and this one night honors those that make that mission possible.

Dr. Robert Dean has been privileged to work closely with The Starkey Hearing Foundation and has already been on multiple global medical missions with their group. He has traveled the far reaches of the globe, experiencing firsthand the life-changing gift that hearing brings to a child. It is one thing to be a physician in the United States where healthcare is readily available. It is completely different to work in a country where your help may be the only medical help that child ever receives. He has witnessed how a child, after being fitted with a hearing aid, is accepted back into a society that had previously viewed them as an outcast. Hearing does more than open up a world of sound. It enables children, and adults, to be an active and contributing member of society that will change the course of their entire life.

This year’s So The World May Hear gala will be full of star performers like Rob Thomas, who believe in the foundations mission. While it is easy to get caught up in the hype of a celebrity endorsed organization, The Starkey Foundation has been very conscious of its primary mission, to bring hearing to the world. As such, it has made a concerted effort to work with local organizations and governments to provide hearing aids and, even more importantly, access to long-term hearing health care in places it would be least expected. Using an effective three-step approach the foundation has worked effectively across cultures and continental boundaries, something that Dr. Robert Dean is an active part of.

This July 20th, the foundation once again hopes to bring a spotlight to the need for the global hearing initiative while commending those who are giving a portion of their lives to making the world a better place. Dr. Robert Dean will be in attendance, once again lending his support to a cause worth fighting for. To learn more about the foundation, its goals or its mission visit www.starkeyfoundation.org.

Secretary Hillary Clinton to Speak at The Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala

Dr. Robert Dean has been privileged to support The Starkey Hearing Foundation in their efforts to give the gift of hearing to children throughout the world. This year’s special guest speaker is none other than the renowned Secretary Hillary Clinton. Fresh off her worldwide book tour, Clinton will be lending a hand to a cause worth fighting for.

The Starkey Foundation has been incredibly blessed by the presence of celebrities from all over the world who truly care about giving the gift of hearing. Many celebrities and humanitarians will be attending the annual So The World May Hear gala in St. Paul MN. The Starkey Hearing Foundation has used this function to recognize and honor those who have made hearing possible through their generous donations of time and money, and this year is no exception. This year, the So The World May Hear gala will take place on July 20th, 2014 so that humanitarians, volunteers, and donors can be recognized as those that make the foundations work possible.

This year the gala, and all of those involved with the foundation are pleased to announce a very special guest. For many years now the Starkey Foundation has received a great deal of support in its mission to spread the gift of hearing from the Clinton Foundation. This year the So The World May Hear gala is going to be the host to special guest speaker former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Secretary Clinton has been a longtime supporter, through both the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiate, but this is the first time she will be joining the Starkey foundation and its guests for the gala. Given her busy book tour and political efforts, the foundation is truly honored by her presence and the commitment it shows to children around the world.

With a list of humanitarians that feature the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Forrest Whitaker, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Sandi Young, this year’s gala promises to be spectacular. Dr. Robert Dean, the Florida-based humanitarian, physician, and journalist has already announced his intention to attend year’s function. Adding Secretary Clinton, as the guest speaker, is both profound and exciting for the foundation.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of a once a year event, The Starkey Hearing Foundation has been a worldwide advocate at the forefront of the global hearing initiative. The founders, Bill and Tani Austin, believe that there is no such thing as a disability only ability and have built an organization that takes this message the furthest reaches of the earth. As of this year the Starkey Foundation has visited over one hundred countries and has delivered and equipped over 1.43 million people with hearing aids. As they traverse the planet helping people hear The Starkey Foundation, and volunteers like Dr. Robert Dean have changed countless lives bringing a whole new world of possibility and opportunity to millions of people.

You too can make a difference by supporting The Starkey Hearing Foundation. Learn more by visiting www.starkeyfoundation.org.

Dr. Robert Dean to Attend the Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala

Each year the stars align over St. Paul MN, and the supporters and fans of the Starkey Hearing Foundation will come together to celebrate giving the gift of hearing to children throughout the world. At the So The World May Hear gala the spirit of giving will be once again honored, and those who have taken the time to participate and give back to the community will have a spotlight shone upon their generosity. The event is designed to showcase the tremendous impact caring individuals can have on their fellow man and encourages each person to reach for their full potential. The gala celebrates the achievements of those who are willing to work to make the world a better place, people like Dr. Robert Dean, who has been traveling the world with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to give children one of the greatest gifts of all – the gift of hearing.

This year the So The World May Hear gala will take place on July 20th, 2014. Among the humanitarians that will be honored are the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Forrest Whitaker, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Sandi Young with performances by Sammy Hagar and John Legend. Dr. Robert Dean, the Florida-based humanitarian, physician, and journalist will also be in attendance at this year’s gala. The gala has even greater significance this year as it falls on co-founder Tani Austin’s birthday, and founder Bill Austin has committed to matching all donations, up to $100,000 that come in through Tani’s birthday on the 20th of July. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to contribute and have that contribution make an even greater impact.

The Starkey Hearing Foundation has become a global force to help people achieve their full potential. Believing that there is no such thing as a disability, only ability, the foundation has travelled the globe delivering people from a world filled with silence. To date the Starkey Hearing foundation has visited over one hundred countries, partnering with local and international organizations to bring their vision of hearing for everyone to the most remote parts of the world. Over the course of these travels the organization has delivered and equipped over 1.43 million people with hearing aids, opening up the world to people who otherwise were forced to live in complete silence. Countless lives have been changed by the organization and Dr. Robert Dean has felt privileged to participate with on the ground activities.

Despite its celebrity appeal, The Starkey Hearing Foundation has taken a realistic and community-based approach to hearing. As part of its model, the foundation works with local and regional leadership in the community and has been striving to empower local residents to take ownership of their own local hearing health services. The team then approaches each situation in a three-phase model that has worked effectively in over one hundred countries across the globe. First patients are identified, then the patients are fitted with custom made ear molds and taught how to care for and operate their hearing aids, and finally the foundation provides after care services to patients. The aftercare is an ongoing support system that remains in place at a central location, giving patients access to information, batteries, and repair services.

This July, the foundation once again hopes to highlight the contribution of those who make a difference in the world. Previous honorees have included President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, Ashton Kutcher, and Mohammed Ali. Dr. Robert Dean will be attending the event and this year’s gala promises to have a host of deserving people, who for a moment are given the spotlight of a grateful world.