Top Story

• Experts caution against expecting too much from probiotics
  Probiotics are a fast-growing slice of the dietary supplement market and a hot area of scientific research, but experts say there still is little scientific evidence showing their efficacy, and the products don't need FDA approval before they are sold. Some of the strongest data show probiotics have gastrointestinal benefits, but Michael Fischbach of the University of California, San Francisco, cautions people must be careful not to see them as a panacea. The Wall Street Journal (11/26), Yahoo/Doctissimo (11/26)

Guide to Healthy Living

• Scientists work to develop wheat that won't set off allergies
  Washington State University scientists say they likely can use genetic engineering to create a wheat plant that does not harm people who are allergic to gluten and still works well for baking. They still have work to do, but the research focuses on knocking out an enzyme linked to a set of genes that make certain gluten proteins. Los Angeles Times/Booster Shots blog (tiered subscription model) (11/26)

• Healthy "halo" foods can be high in fat, calories
  People often fail to realize that so-called "halo" foods that are advertised as being healthy still can contain high levels of calories, sugar and fat, registered dietitian Ellie Krieger writes. She notes that it's important to read the labels for the fat content for all foods, and to manage portions to control calories. USA Today (11/27)

• Survey finds U.S. adults adjust their expectations about weight
  A Gallup survey found 59% of men and 69% of women were heavier than their average ideal weight by one or more pounds. Researchers also found 60% of adults stated that their weight was just about right despite the worsening obesity epidemic, suggesting that Americans are adjusting their expectations about what constitutes ideal weight as their actual weight increases. Gallup.com (11/22)

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Triple-drug HCV therapy bests dual regimens, data show
  Newer triple-therapy treatments for hepatitis C may yield higher rates of sustained virological response than dual-therapy regimens, according to an Oregon Health & Science University analysis of published research. The researchers wrote that understanding the "comparative effectiveness of antiviral regimens is critical for making informed treatment decisions for HCV infection." Medscape (free registration) (11/26)

• Study: Tacrolimus may lead to remission of refractory UC
  Tacrolimus may be a useful short-term treatment for patients with corticosteroid refractory ulcerative colitis, according to a German study. The drug is used as a third-line therapy in the U.S., after steroids and infliximab and other anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. Tacrolimus has not shown long-term benefits, but researchers found 72% of study participants achieved remission in the three-month study. Medscape (free registration)/Reuters (11/23)

Policy Watch

• What will your health care look like under the Affordable Care Act?
  Most employers have indicated they will continue offering health coverage of some sort under the Affordable Care Act, although policy structure and covered services may change. Certain preventive care will be fully covered under the law, and consumers who do not purchase coverage will be subject to a fine, but some states are expanding Medicaid eligibility, so certain families may be able to get coverage that way. FoxNews.com (11/27)

• EU approves Abbott's Humira for pediatric Crohn's disease
  Abbott Laboratories received approval from the European Commission to market Humira, or adalimumab, for patients ages 6 to 17 with severe active Crohn's disease who don't respond to traditional therapy. The approval marks the ninth time that Humira was cleared in the EU. PharmaTimes (U.K.) (11/27)

• Budget negotiators consider raising Medicare eligibility age
  Gradually increasing the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67 would reduce federal spending by about $148 billion and might increase revenue as more people stay in the workforce, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Seniors would have an easier time getting private insurance once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, proponents of the idea say. However, research indicates costs would be transferred to employers and federal subsidies to buy private insurance would reduce overall savings. The Wall Street Journal (11/26), National Public Radio/Shots blog (11/29)

The Last Word

News and information from the American College of Gastroenterology

• Foodborne illnesses: Protect your gut
  At some point in our lives, we've all gotten sick from eating contaminated or undercooked food. You can reduce your risk of developing foodborne illnesses by following a few safety tips. Learn more about the common types of foodborne illnesses and what you can do to protect your gut.

SmartQuote

If you knew that hope and despair were paths to the same destination, which would you choose?" --Robert Brault, American writer