Nibbles: Vitamin rules, Michael Moore, and the case of the missing tuna

Rule requires pills to contain what they say

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a rule that will require makers of vitamins and herbs to show that their products are free of contamination and actually contain what they say. The rule will not require herbs, vitamins or weight-loss pills to be tested for safety or effectiveness. FDA officials say the rule will assure people they’re actually buying what they think they are, but others say it doesn’t go far enough…
China seeks ban on some junk food ads

Health authorities in China are seeking a ban on junk food ads on four channels geared toward children between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m., as well as banning such ads on all channels around dinner time. Targeted ads would include those for sodas, potato chips, fried chicken, French fries and chocolate…
Fat may help some with type 1 diabetes

When it comes to women with type 1 diabetes, more fat may be protective against coronary artery calcification, an early sign of heart disease. While having fat underneath the skin or in the abdominal region was associated with calcification, those women who had more fat actually had less calcification than those who had less fat. Thinner men also had more calcification than those with a higher body mass index. Researchers say diabetics shouldn’t try to put on more weight, but that dietary recommendations for those with type 1 diabetes might need to be different from those given to the general population…
More about Omega-3s

Last week we told you about studies showing Omega-3s could help with agitation related to Alzheimer’s and progression of prostate cancer. Another study shows that increased levels of Omega-3 might help prevent blindness that results from abnormal blood vessel development in the eye. A 2 percent change in the intake of Omega-3 among mice studied reduced the severity of retinopathy by 50 percent. A similar study in premature babies, who are at high risk for eye problems, is expected to start soon…
Tuna shortages drive up prices in Japan

Sushi without tuna would be a very sad thing indeed, but more Japanese chefs are experimenting with other options, such as cheaper fish, horse meat and avocado as the price of tuna goes up. More tuna is being sold in countries like the United States, Russia and China, and many nations are cutting back on fishing to help replenish stocks of the fish. Prices in Japan have risen more than a third in the past year, and its getting more difficult to find the top-grade tuna…
Diet tips from Michael Moore

Finally, you’d expect doing a documentary on health care would change your attitude about your own health, and that’s true when it comes to Michael Moore, who has lost about 30 pounds since filming the movie “Sicko.” He says he’s done it by eating 35 grams of fiber a day, taking at least a 30 minute walk daily and getting seven hours of sleep a night. He says he’s been following advice from the Pritikin Longevity Center to eat heavier foods with few calories. He says he wouldn’t use a diet drug, though he’s tried a lot of diet plans, and thinks that staying healthy is a great way to beat a broken health care system.

(By Sarah White for CalorieLab Calorie Counter News)