Don't Eat and Run

US: If you are not used to regular exercise, don't try to run around the block immediately after that large New Year or Hari Raya dinner. A study of nearly 2000 heart attack survivors presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2000 found that the risk of a heart attack was four times greater within two hours after eating an unusually heavy meal. The researchers suggested several ways in which a heavy meal may adversely affect the heart. Eating and digesting food increases heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen needs thereby placing an extra burden on the heart. High blood pressure may trigger the formation of a clot that in turn could block a blood vessel or increased insulin secretion following a heavy meal may affect the normal relaxation function of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This study is one of the first to show that overeating may increase the risk of heart attack and further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

New field trials for biotechnology crops

UK: UK Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, has announced 58 new test field sites for genetically modified oilseed rape and beet. The purpose of the trails is to provide answers on the environmental effects of herbicide-tolerant crops produced through biotechnology.

More fluids

US: Current recommendations on fluid intake may need to be reviewed if the results from a study on hydration in healthy males are substantiated by further research. A study by the University of Nebrasaka Medical Center, Oklahoma, has found that optimal fluid intakes in 18 healthy males may be higher than currently recommended intakes of 8 glasses (about 1.8 litres) a day. The researchers used a counterbalanced crossover study using water or water plus varying combinations of fluids, including caffeinated drinks. They found that there were no significant differences in the effect of various combinations of beverages on hydration status and concluded that " Advising people to disregard caffeinated beverages as part of the daily fluid intake is not substantiated by the results of this study." This is good news for those who enjoy coffee, tea and cola drinks. Further research is needed to confirm these results and to identify optimal fluid intakes.

Nutrition for Athletes

US: Knowledge in the area of nutrition and athletic performance continues to increase. A joint paper released by the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine reviews the most current science in this area. The paper, which was published in the Dec 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, provides important guidance for nutrition and health professionals, athletes and coaches in optimising nutritional intake for both the elite and the recreational athlete.