BMJ group retracts study on apple cider vinegar for weight loss

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Hello there! This morning we bring you an impressive roundup from the STAT newsroom. In the past day, we have released over six articles focusing on the federal government’s actions related to autism, Tylenol, and leucovorin. Be sure to catch up on all these stories and consider subscribing to support our ongoing coverage. The special anniversary sale for our membership is ending soon.

Analyzing the Political Ramifications of Monday’s Autism Announcement

During a White House event addressing autism on Monday, President Trump appeared to take on the controversial role of “doctor in chief” as he shared health advice. He cautionary warned pregnant women against taking Tylenol, contrary to established medical guidelines, asserting that he had a profound understanding of autism’s causes “far beyond many experts.” His claims extended to implying that infants need not receive the hepatitis B vaccine until they are 12 years old, a statement that contradicts current scientific consensus.

As sociologist John Evans states, “Presidents have historically guided the public on health matters,” but he notes, “none have so overtly opposed the widely accepted views of the scientific community.” In our detailed piece, STAT reporters Jonathan Wosen and Angus Chen delve into Trump’s pivot to medical advisement and reactions from health experts.

Furthermore, Trump prominently shared anti-vaccine sentiments, marking a significant deviation from traditional public health messaging. His remarks underline the increasing influence of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as reported by STAT’s Chelsea Cirruzzo and Daniel Payne, coinciding with Kennedy’s efforts to change vaccine review and recommendation processes. Learn more here.

Expert Opinions on Recent Developments

The recent White House event triggered considerable backlash from prominent medical organizations and specialists, who voiced their concerns through formal statements and social media. STAT’s Elizabeth Cooney, along with myself and Annalisa Merelli, consulted health leaders regarding the risks of untreated fevers during pregnancy, the potential role of leucovorin in autism management, and more.

Experts have urgently called for further investigation into the claims surrounding Tylenol and leucovorin. According to the CEO of the American Medical Association, John Whyte, large-scale clinical trials on leucovorin could be conducted easily, highlighting a willingness to collaborate with the federal government to establish a research agenda. “Yet, they’ve not sought our insights, nor those of AAP or ACOG,” he noted. More details available here.

As parents may turn to dietary supplements containing leucovorin’s core ingredient, it is crucial to distinguish between the medication and the supplement. STAT’s Tara Bannow explains that while the typical dosage for autism treatment is 50 milligrams daily, most folinic acid supplements provide just 800 micrograms per pill, equating to needing about 1,000 tablets for an effective dose of leucovorin. Read more about this here.

FDA References Disqualified Testimony

Diving into the event’s discussions, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s comment about prenatal acetaminophen use surprised many, citing a causal link to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism, quoting the Harvard School of Public Health dean. However, we discovered that Andrea Baccarelli’s statement was part of testimony discarded by a federal judge two years earlier. The judge rejected it, labelling it unreliable, leaving Baccarelli’s standing on this issue ambiguous. Find out more from STAT’s O. Rose Broderick here.

BMJ Revokes Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Study

For those hoping to shed pounds with apple cider vinegar, it’s time to reconsider. The BMJ Group has retracted a spring study suggesting that it aided in weight loss among individuals with elevated BMI. The initial conclusions stemmed from a clinical trial involving 120 participants over three months.

The study faced criticism, leading to calls for its retraction, and despite initial assertions from the authors defending their findings, they ultimately concurred with the retraction decision following scrutiny by external statistical experts. The evidence was found to contain significant analytical errors, attributed to honest mistakes on the authors’ part. The allure of apple cider vinegar as a remedy remains pervasive in wellness circles, having inspired even a Netflix series focused on wellness frauds.

Majority of 1 Billion Hypertensives Lack Control Over Condition

More than 10 million lives are lost globally each year due to untreated high blood pressure—a staggering statistic representing over 1,000 fatalities every hour from related strokes and heart attacks. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made this grave observation in the latest global hypertension report released.

Among the 1.4 billion individuals suffering from high hypertension globally in 2024, only about one-fifth have their condition under control through medication or lifestyle adjustments. Beyond the risks of heart attacks and strokes, hypertension is also a precursor to kidney disease and dementia.

The WHO’s evaluation covered data across 195 countries, revealing that in 99 nations, hypertension control rates fall below 20%. Nevertheless, there are success stories worth noting:

• In Bangladesh, hypertension management rates rose from 15% to 56% in select regions, thanks to integrated treatment services.
• The Philippines has successfully embedded WHO’s risk-management approach within community services.
• South Korea’s reduction in antihypertensive drug costs and limited patient fees have contributed to improved blood pressure control rates.

—Elizabeth Cooney

Further Reading Recommendations

• Louise Vincent, 49, the pioneer behind the harm reduction movement, has passed away, Boston Globe

• Do longevity rules differ for women? New York Times

• In contrast to Trump’s comments, European health authorities affirm acetaminophen’s safety during pregnancy, STAT
• Trans healthcare ‘doubters’ suffer a significant setback — resulting in upheaval, Mother Jones
• A patient almost withdrew from a clinical trial to secure her employment, STAT