In the News: Folate and Vitamin D May Reduce Plasticizer Mortality Risk

Folate, Vitamin D May Help Counteract Mortality Risk from Plasticizers

Greater exposure to a mixture of common plasticizers, chemicals such as phthalate metabolites and bisphenol-A, found in cosmetics, food packaging and other sources, was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality, and mortality from all causes over an 8.5-year average follow-up period.^*

But this association was observed only among individuals whose red blood cell folate and vitamin D levels were among the lowest third of the people in the study.

The study included 8,378 adults enrolled in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2016 cycles. Participants were divided into thirds according to their urinary levels of eight phthalate metabolites, plus bisphenol-A.

Editor's Note: "Plastic pollution is a major environmental and health issue," the authors stated.

^* Lancet Planet Health. 2025 Dec;9(12):101394.

Higher Carotenoid Levels in Cancer Survivors Linked with Reduced Death Rate

In a prospective cohort study, researchers found that higher serum levels of carotenoids were associated with reduced all-cause mortality in cancer survivors.^*

Researchers analyzed serum concentrations of carotenoids in 1,816 cancer survivors from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III and Continuous NHANES (2001–2006).

During 15 years of follow-up, only 40% survived.

People with higher blood levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin had a significantly lower risk of death from any cause.

The association persisted even after adjusting for factors such as age, lifestyle, body weight, kidney function, supplement use, and existing health conditions.

Editor's Note: A carotenoid is a pigment responsible for producing red, orange, and yellow colors seen most commonly in fruits and vegetables. They have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.

^* Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. Volume 70, December 2025;165-173.

Magnesium Can Lower Mortality Risk for ICU Patients with Respiratory Distress

A recent study found that hospitalized adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who received magnesium during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay had a significantly lower risk of death.^*

The study included 1,282 critically ill, adult ICU patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who received intravenous magnesium, and an equal number of ARDS patients who did not receive magnesium.

Patients who received magnesium had a 29% lower risk of in-hospital mortality compared with those who did not receive the treatment.

When examining 30-day all-cause mortality in the ICU, magnesium recipients showed a 25% lower risk.

Editor's Note: "Magnesium homeostasis disturbances, especially hypomagnesemia, can increase infection risk, impair respiratory system function, and worsen disease progression, ultimately leading to increased mortality," the researchers stated.

^* Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 10;15(1):35528.

Hormone Imbalances Can Cause Sleep Problems

Approximately half of adults over the age of 60 report difficulty with sleep.¹ While sleep aids may offer temporary relief, they do not solve the underlying cause of sleep problems.

For many people, poor sleep is associated with imbalances in two important hormones: cortisol and melatonin. Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, and its secretion follows a strong circadian rhythm. Levels are low at sleep onset and remain minimal during the evening and early night, which supports relaxation and sleep. Cortisol then begins to rise in the early morning hours, peaks shortly after awakening (around 30-45 minutes after waking up), and gradually declines throughout the day.^2,3

Melatonin is the body's primary sleep‑promoting hormone, and its secretion follows a circadian rhythm. Levels begin to rise in the evening, peak during the night to support sleep, and decline after sunrise; this rhythm is regulated by the brain's internal clock and coordinated with cortisol to control the sleep–wake cycle.^2,3

Circadian rhythm disruption, common in shift‑working healthcare workers, leads to poor sleep and biological misalignment. This causes chronic fatigue, stress hormone imbalance, and metabolic strain, increasing burnout, depression, and overall health risks.³

The Sleep Hormones Profile Saliva Test is a simple at-home test that measures your cortisol and melatonin levels. Understanding these patterns can provide valuable insight into why sleep issues are occurring and how to restore healthy hormone balance.

Editor's Note: If you experience any type of sleep difficulty, checking your hormones should be an important part of your plan for achieving better sleep and long-term health.

References

1. Lancet Neurol. 2019 Mar;18(3):296-306.
2. Endocr Rev. 2025 Jan 10;46(1):43-59.
3. Clin Pract. 2025 Oct 29;15(11):199.