Statins risk and Sunshine

Also, in the news this week in brief is more research highlighting the increased risk from taking statins- the popular group of drugs for reducing cholesterol levels. There is no doubt that they work and are important for certain people, and they have been increasingly prescribed in recent years for people who have only moderately high cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Recent work is finding that statins may increase memory loss and depression along with other known side effects such as possible kidney damage and muscle wastage. Researchers are now questioning if statins should only be given to high risk groups. By the way good quality omega fats and exercise improve cholesterol levels and ratios.

Also, in the news as cases of rickets increase due to a lack of vitamin D there have been more calls for people to ensure they get enough sunshine- this has already been mentioned on the blog. Many people do not get enough of this vital vitamin which although is produced in the skin with the action of sun is also found in fat based foods such as eggs and oily fish.

Kevin 19/01/11