July - 2016

Pregnancy multivitamins 'are a waste of money’

Pregnancy multivitamins are a waste of money because most mothers-to-be do not need them, according to researchers. In Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, researchers say they looked at all evidence and found supplements did not boost the health of mothers and babies. But pregnant women should make sure they take folic acid and vitamin D, as well as eating a well-balanced diet, as per NHS guidelines, they add. Supplements-makers said some women were not getting enough nutrients.

E. coli outbreak: salad may be to blame

An outbreak of E. Coli affecting more than 100 UK people could be linked to eating contaminated mixed salad leaves, public health officials say. To date, 109 people are known to have caught the bug - 102 in England, six in Wales and one in Scotland. South-west England has been worst hit. E. coli O157 infection can cause a range of symptoms, from mild diarrhoea to bloody diarrhoea with severe abdominal pain. Public Health England says it has triggered heightened surveillance a

Skin cancer rise warning for over 55s

Skin cancer rates in Scotland have more than doubled among those aged 55 and over in the past 20 years, a leading charity has reported. Cancer Research UK highlighted the statistics as it issued advice on safety in the sun this summer. In Scotland, 900 people aged 55 and over are now diagnosed with malignant melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The total number diagnosed across all age groups is about 1,300. The charity said rates of malignant melanoma have rise