A systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests that influenza, SARS‐CoV‐2, HIV, hepatitis C virus, and herpes zoster are all associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events. The analysis included 155 studies, viral infections were consistently linked to higher rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. HIV infection was […]
Ongoing peer-reviewed evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of vaccines against Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza during the 2025–2026 season. In a systematic review of 511 studies out of 17,263 identified references, Covid-19 mRNA vaccines targeting the XBB.1.5 subvariant showed pooled effectiveness against hospitalization of 46% from cohort […]
Findings of a UK clinical trial support the use of the Mediterranean diet (MD) as a first-line therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A total of 139 adults with IBS (mean age 40.4 years; 80% women) from across the UK were randomized to follow either the MD (n = 68) […]
A systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of different exercise modalities for managing knee osteoarthritis, including aerobic, flexibility, mind-body, neuromotor, strengthening, and mixed exercises. A total of 217 randomized controlled trials involving 15,684 participants were analyzed, with outcomes assessed at short-term (4 weeks), mid-term (12 weeks), […]
The British Dietetic Association has developed the first comprehensive evidence-based dietary guidelines for the management of chronic constipation in adults. Four systematic reviews and meta-analyses encompassing 75 randomized controlled trials informed 59 recommendation statements, developed through the GRADE framework and Delphi consensus among a multidisciplinary Guideline Steering Committee. The recommendations […]
A combined observational and genetic study indicates that all levels of alcohol consumption may raise dementia risk, and reducing alcohol use disorder (AUD) could help lower dementia incidence at the population level. The study investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia using prospective cohort, case–control, and Mendelian randomization analyses […]
A UK randomized, single-blind, controlled trial of 135 otherwise healthy participants with periodontitis showed that intensive periodontal treatment (IPT) improved vascular outcomes beyond endothelial function. Participants were randomized to IPT (scaling, root planning, and corrective surgery if needed) or control periodontal treatment (CPT: supra-gingival scaling and polishing) and followed for […]
A prospective cohort study involving 12,134 Chinese adults examined the link between intake of refined carbohydrates, staple foods, and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Over a median follow-up of 4.32 years, 4,447 new MASLD cases were identified. Higher total refined carbohydrate intake was associated with increased […]
A randomized controlled crossover trial in England examined the impact of ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption on weight loss within the framework of national dietary guidelines. Fifty-five adults (BMI 25–40, with habitual UPF intake ≥50% of daily calories) were assigned two 8-week ad libitum diets based on the UK Eatwell Guide: […]
A Kenya panel study suggested that drinking water sodium-chloride may elevate blood pressure (BP) and kidney disease risk, even in populations with minimal traditional chronic disease risk factors. The two-year panel study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 among 327 Daasanach adults over 18 years old in northern Kenya (434 […]