Tag

Nhanes

All articles tagged with #nhanes

Dry-Cleaning Solvent Linked to Increased Liver Fibrosis Risk
health9 days ago

Dry-Cleaning Solvent Linked to Increased Liver Fibrosis Risk

A national NHANES analysis links tetrachloroethylene (PCE), the dry-cleaning solvent, to a higher risk of significant liver fibrosis. Among 1,614 U.S. adults (2017–2020), about 7.4% had detectable PCE in blood; those with detectable exposure had over three times the odds of meaningful liver scarring, and each 1 ng/mL rise in PCE increased fibrosis odds by more than fivefold, with roughly a 28% absolute risk increase. The association persisted after adjusting for age, sex, race, education, and common liver risk factors like alcohol use and obesity. PCE exposure can occur via indoor air, groundwater, dry-cleaning and industrial use, and while the EPA is phasing it out over a decade, it remains in some settings. The findings underscore environmental toxins as potential contributors to liver disease and suggest a need for broader screening and further research.

Four nutrients in daily diet linked to lower depression odds, study finds
mental-health11 days ago

Four nutrients in daily diet linked to lower depression odds, study finds

A US study using NHANES 2017–2018 (n=5,068) found that higher intakes of dietary fiber, folate, magnesium, and selenium were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10). Folate showed the strongest inverse link, with the highest intake tied to about 45% lower depression risk; fiber also showed robust associations, while magnesium and selenium were less robust after broader adjustments. The results are cross-sectional and modest in size (OR roughly 0.72–0.81 per 1-SD increase; Cohen’s d ~0.16–0.25), so they do not prove causality or support supplements. The authors advocate focusing on diverse, whole-food dietary patterns rather than pills, note average fiber intake was only about 16.6 g/day (below 25–38 g/day), and stress the need for longitudinal studies to confirm temporality and explore subgroup differences.

Midnight Munchies Tied to Worse Gut Health, Especially Under Stress
health1 month ago

Midnight Munchies Tied to Worse Gut Health, Especially Under Stress

New analyses of NHANES and the American Gut Project suggest adults who eat a substantial portion of daily calories after 9 p.m. and report high chronic stress are more likely to have constipation or diarrhea and show a less diverse gut microbiome; the study is not peer‑reviewed and shows correlation, not causation, but researchers say late‑night eating may worsen existing GI issues and recommend steadier meal patterns.

Ultra-Processed Diet Linked to Lower Fertility Odds for Women
health2 months ago

Ultra-Processed Diet Linked to Lower Fertility Odds for Women

A study analyzing NHANES data found that women with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods had about 60% lower odds of conceiving within a year, while those who ate more whole foods had better odds. The foods may expose the body to chemicals like phthalates, BPA and acrylamides that can disrupt hormones, though the study is observational and does not prove causation. Reducing UPFs and increasing whole foods could potentially improve fertility chances.

High-Residue Produce Linked to Higher Pesticide Levels in Humans
health2 months ago

High-Residue Produce Linked to Higher Pesticide Levels in Humans

A peer-reviewed Environmental Working Group study using USDA residue data and CDC NHANES biomonitoring finds that consuming more high-residue fruits and vegetables correlates with higher pesticide biomarkers in urine, indicating diet is a major driver of exposure and highlighting gaps in monitoring and potential regulatory implications for protecting vulnerable groups.

Rising CO2 Tied to Subtle Shifts in Human Blood Chemistry
science2 months ago

Rising CO2 Tied to Subtle Shifts in Human Blood Chemistry

A NHANES-based study (1999–2020) finds rising atmospheric CO2 correlates with higher blood bicarbonate and opposite trends in calcium and phosphorus; although changes are small now, models suggest ongoing CO2 increases could push some blood chemistry values toward the limits of healthy ranges in the future, with bicarbonate potentially serving as a biomarker for CO2 exposure.

Nearly Half of Americans Have Hypertension, Yet Most Are Untreated or Uncontrolled
health3 months ago

Nearly Half of Americans Have Hypertension, Yet Most Are Untreated or Uncontrolled

New NHANES data from 2021–2023 show 47% of Americans over 20 have hypertension, with 79% of those cases uncontrolled; among the uncontrolled, about 61% aren’t taking blood-pressure medications. Experts say many could reach the 130/80 target with medication and lifestyle changes, but awareness gaps and access issues hinder treatment, contributing to 664,470 deaths in 2023. The findings underscore the need for broader screening and better treatment uptake to improve cardiovascular health.

The Lethal Link Between Poverty, Inflammation, and Cancer
health2 years ago

The Lethal Link Between Poverty, Inflammation, and Cancer

A study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reveals that poverty combined with chronic inflammation leads to significantly worse health outcomes than either factor alone, with a 127% increased heart disease mortality risk and a 196% increased cancer mortality risk for those affected by both factors. The research suggests a need for healthcare professionals to screen socially disadvantaged individuals for chronic inflammation and consider appropriate treatments, emphasizing the synergistic relationship between poverty and inflammation in exacerbating health risks and reducing life expectancy in the U.S.