Scientists have shown new genetic evidence that could strengthen the link between the role of dietary fats with colon cancer progression.

By Alastair Sharp TORONTO (Reuters) – Canada’s main stock index edged lower on Wednesday, with gains from some big energy producers offset by dips in heavyweight banks and a pullback in Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc shares after an acquisition-backed bump. Suncor Energy Inc gained 2.6 percent to C$41.37 and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd added 0.7 percent to C$32.66 even as record U.S. crude inventories hurt oil prices. …

People who had low birth weights and those breastfed for short periods may be more likely to develop chronic inflammation linked to heart disease in adults, a study said Wednesday. Researchers in the United States found a “significant” association in almost 7,000 people between birth weight or duration of breastfeeding and higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, in blood samples of young adults. The protein is produced by the liver and levels increase when a person suffers from inflammation. “Each pound of additional birth weight predicted a CRP concentration that was five percent lower,” said a statement from Northwestern University, whose experts took part in the study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

By Genevra Pittman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Women who eat a lot of fat, particularly saturated fat, may be at higher risk of certain types of breast cancer, new research suggests. Past studies have come to differing conclusions on a possible association between dietary fat and breast cancer. Still, it cannot prove that a high-fat diet is the reason any of the women got cancer. “In our study we confirm that saturated fat intake was positively associated with breast cancer risk,” lead author Sabina Sieri, from the Fondazione IRCCS National Cancer Institute in Milan, Italy, told Reuters Health in an email.

By Dorene Internicola NEW YORK (Reuters) – Strength training, traditionally favored by body builders seeking to bulk up, has become the go-to regimen for athletes, weekend warriors and exercise enthusiasts determined to slim down. Fitness experts say metabolic strength training, a high-intensity, full-body interval workout, can add definition to the shape of runners, cyclists and other cardio devotees willing to put some muscle into it. Florida-based trainer Nick Tumminello believes strength training should be the primary form of exercise for everyone except beginners. “If you’re looking to lose fat, go with strength training,” said Tumminello, author of “Strength Training for Fat Loss.” “Watch your diet to reveal your shape, and strength train to improve that shape.” It is not your grandfather’s body-building program.

By Gus Trompiz PARIS (Reuters) – The purchase of Novartis’ animal-health business will strengthen Eli Lilly’s hand in emerging markets, tapping into growing demand there for protein-rich diets and household treatments for pets, a senior executive at the U.S. group said. As part of a multi-billion dollar revamp announced earlier on Tuesday, Swiss drugmaker Novartis said it would sell its animal-health arm to Lilly for about $5.4 billion, while also swapping assets with GlaxoSmithKline . Lilly said the deal would turn its Elanco unit from the world’s No. 4 animal-health group by revenue to the global No. 2 in a sector that supplies medicines, vaccines and feed additives for farm and domestic animals. “This deal really allows us to get a significant increase in our footprint in emerging markets and in our protein business on the food animal side this will be very important for us,” Jeff Simmons, Eli Lilly’s senior vice president and president of Elanco, told Reuters.

Title: Appetite, Taste Changes Reported After Weight-Loss Surgery
Category: Health News
Created: 4/18/2014 12:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 4/21/2014 12:00:00 AM