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• New research finds that using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic before bariatric surgery can help improve the health of people with extreme obesity.
• Extreme obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 70 or more.
• In 2022, there were nearly 280,000 metabolic and bariatric surgeries in the United States.

People with extreme obesity can reduce their risk of complications from bariatric or metabolic surgery by taking GLP-1 drugs before the procedures, according to a study presented over the weekend at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. The results of the study haven’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Extreme obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 70 or more, presents patients and doctors with complications during and after weight-loss surgery compared to patients with lower BMIs. The research presented at the ASMBS meeting suggests that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, or Mounjaro can be the most effective way to lose that weight before undergoing such surgeries.

Taking multiple types of weight loss drugs was most effective

The study documented 113 patients with a BMI greater than 70 who attempted to lose weight ahead of metabolic and bariatric surgery with either medically supervised diet and exercise, one GLP-1 medication (mostly semaglutide), or multimodal therapy involving more than one GLP-1.

Patients were treated for an average of 72.9 days.

People taking multiple medications had the greatest percentage of total body weight loss (13.1%), followed by single GLP-1 therapy (8.14%) and diet and exercise (5.95%). BMI reductions were greatest in people who were treated for six to 12 months with combination drug therapy.

Who should be taking GLP-1 drugs before surgery?

John Morton, MD, professor of surgery (bariatric, minimally invasive) at the Yale School of Medicine and Yale Medicine bariatric surgeon, told Healthline that people considering such surgery should ultimately consult a healthcare professional in advance to determine what those risks are and how much weight they ultimately need to lose.

Morton was not involved in the study.

“I look for two things. One, their motivation: Why do they want to lose weight? I ask them that, and I also ask them how much weight they want to lose,” Morton said. “And to the degree that they’re fairly accurate with their weight-loss goals, then that tells me how ready they are and also if their motivations are appropriate—in other words, to improve their health or to interact more with their families or be more productive at work. I think the main takeaway from this study is we have a lot of options for people who have extra weight and you should go to accredited centers to help figure out what’s the best path forward.”

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

Around 42% of adults in the United States have obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting them at risk for inflammation, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers have linked obesity to many health complications, some of which can be life threatening if not treated:

• type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial)
• stroke
• gallbladder disease
• fatty liver disease
• high cholesterol
• sleep apnea and other breathing problems
• arthritis
• infertility

In 2022, there were nearly 280,000 metabolic and bariatric surgeries in the United States. Morton said this type of surgery has risks but is overall quite safe.

“It has one of the safest safety records in surgery,” Morton said. “The mortality rate from bariatric surgery is less than hip or knee replacement or removal of a gallbladder.”

Morton added that losing 5-10% of total body weight can help with diabetes, blood-pressure or cholesterol issues, and 15% percent can help with problems like sleep apnea or fatty liver. But people with severe obesity need to lose more to counter the potential health problems that they face.

“If you want to reduce your risk from cancer associated with obesity, then you probably have to lose 25% of your total body weight,” Morton said. “Bariatric surgery affords you the most weight loss. And again, the risk is quite low. You do need to take into account the risk of doing nothing. And the risk of doing nothing carries significant risk. People who carry extra weight who are obese reduce their lifespan on the order of 10 to 15 years.”

Mir Ali, MD, board certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told Healthline that patients with BMI in the 60s or 70s have high risks for surgery because anesthesia can be difficult to configure, and moving a patient with that level of BMI during surgery can be complicated.

Ali was not involved in the study.

“The higher their BMI, the higher their risk,” Ali said. “But also recovery is harder when the patient is extremely large. So there’s a lot of different factors that go into play. So these medications can be used to have somebody lower their weight and reduce their surgical risks to some extent.”

“There’s no set number, it’s very much dependent on the patient, their body habitus, their age, general health, other risk factors,” Ali said. “We can have a pre-op evaluation by different specialists; they could see the anesthesiologist ahead of time to see if they’re acceptable [as far as] risks for their airway for the anesthesia. So it just depends on the patient. If they have more heart or lung factors, we might have them lose more weight.”

Takeaway

A study presented over the weekend suggested that for people with extreme obesity taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy before bariatric or metabolic surgery was the most effective method of losing weight to reduce surgical or recovery complications.

Extreme obesity is defined as having a body mass index of more than 70; it can lead to multiple health conditions and make anesthesia difficult to assess for bariatric surgery.

Experts say meeting with a doctor to tailor the appropriate plan for pre- and post-surgical approaches is ultimately the best plan for each patient.

• Musician Kevin Jonas announced he has undergone treatment for basal cell carcinoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer.
• About 1 in 5 people will develop the condition at some point in their life.

Kevin Jonas, the 36-year-old member of the pop group the Jonas Brothers, has announced that he has undergone treatment for basal cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that about 5.4 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year.

In a post on Instagram this week, Jonas revealed he was having the skin cancer removed at a physician’s office that day.

“Today, I’m having a basal cell carcinoma removed from my head,” Jonas said in the video. “Yes that is an actual little skin cancer guy that has started to grow and now I have to get surgery to remove it. So here we go.”

After undergoing the procedure, Jonas is seen in his car heading home.

“Make sure to get those moles checked, people,” he said.

How to ID basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is often skin-colored unlike other forms of skin cancer like melanoma.

There are various forms of basal cell carcinoma, and it’s unclear which type Jonas has been diagnosed with. He has shared that the affected area was on his forehead.

Krista M. Rubin, MS, FNP-BC, a nurse practitioner at the Mass General Cancer Center’s Center for Melanoma, says that the condition can show itself in many different forms.

“Basal cell cancer (BCC) typically presents as a slow growing, flesh-colored, smooth bump with a ‘pearly’ or shiny appearance.  The lesion may have rolled borders and often have visible blood vessels. BCC may be described as ‘a sore that won’t heal’. On dark skin, BCC can look like a shiny or pearly brown or black bump.  There are different subtypes of BCC that have different characteristic appearances, but they all have something in common; they appear as a change in the skin,” Rubin said.

According to experts like Karen Connolly, MD,  a dermatologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center,  basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the point of being life-threatening but removing the cancer can lead to issues.

“The bigger concern with basal cell is that it tends to appear in areas where you get sun exposure, so the head and neck area,” Connolly said. “Those areas that are always exposed, are the highest risk locations to develop a basal cell so people can get them on areas that are functionally and cosmetically really important, and that can be problematic.”

Connolly said one sign you may have a basal cell carcinoma is if you have an area of skin that just won’t heal. 

“Patients can check their own skin and there are certain basal cells that would be hard for a layperson to diagnose, but then, certain ones, If someone has a non-healing area, or pimple-like growth that just doesn’t seem to go away or is new,” Connolly said. “If they have an area that just continues to bleed and then heal, and then bleed again, those are the types of signs that people can notice at home and know that they have to go get evaluated, too.”

Min Deng, MD, dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic surgery at MedStar Health as well as an associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University, says that it’s particularly important to get checked if you’ve been previously diagnosed with this form of skin cancer before, to see your medical provider regularly.

“Once an individual has developed a basal cell cancer, there’s about a 44% risk, almost half of patients will develop another one within three years,” Deng said. “Once somebody has developed one, usually we recommend they get a full skin check at least once a year with a dermatologist

Deng also says that skin cancer can affect people of different skin tones, not just people with lighter skin.

“Everybody gets sun, including patients with darker skin tone. And the number of patients I’ve had come in, thinking they were coming in for one thing, and then lo and behold, it’s a skin cancer, and they typically are larger by the time they do come in, or they’re in more complex areas where they require larger surgery,” Deng said. “Everybody can get skin cancer. If you have skin, it has the potential to develop skin cancer.”

Deng says that she is hopeful that Jonas’ public announcement could have a positive effect on the awareness and treatment of skin cancer,

“I think sometimes, especially in my younger patient population, a lot of them have never gone through a medical procedure or a surgical procedure,” Deng said. “I think people also delay it…because the most sun-exposed area on our bodies is probably our face and that’s also where people are probably least likely to want a biopsy until they have to, until it’s bigger, or it’s really obvious. My hope is that this brings more awareness to how common it is.”

How basal cell carcinoma is treated

There is a broad range of treatments for basal cell carcinoma. There are traditional surgical options, minimally invasive options, radiation treatments, topical creams, pill-based interventions, and electrodesiccation and curettage, a process where the skin cancer is burned and scraped off. 

Radiation and pharmacological options are generally limited to those who are not viable candidates for surgery due to risk of complications.

How to prevent skin cancer

The best advice to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to avoid intense sun exposure. This means using and applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you’re going outside you can also wear comfortable clothing that covers at-risk areas on your head, shoulder, and back. Experts also recommend avoiding going outside when the sun’s rays are the strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Takeaway

Pop star Kevin Jonas shared that he had a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma that had to be removed. Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer.

• A new study showed drinking beet juice daily may improve heart health among postmenopausal women.
• Beet juice stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which promotes better blood flow and circulation.
• When looking for beet juice, choose 100% juice with no additives.

A new study suggests that drinking beet juice daily may enhance blood vessel function more effectively than a placebo. When adopted as a daily habit during postmenopausal years, this improvement may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women.

The findings were published this week in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Drinking beet juice daily may help blood vessels

Participants consumed two 2.3-ounce bottles of concentrated beet juice, followed by one bottle every morning for 7 days. After several weeks, they consumed beet juice without nitrate.

To measure vascular function, researchers analyzed blood vessel expansion when participants were and were not drinking the beet juice with nitrate.

Results showed that drinking the beet juice with nitrate daily improved blood flow in comparison to the nitrate-free beet juice.

However, the researchers found that neither treatment stopped the decline in blood vessel function after tissue damage had occurred in postmenopausal women.

The results also suggest that certain protective benefits of beetroot juice nitrate on blood vessels disappear within 24 hours after the last dose. Consistent daily or even more frequent intake of nitrate-rich beetroot juice might be necessary to maintain the protective effects on endothelial function.

This was a small, short-term study. Larger, long-term studies are needed to find the best dose and timing of nitrate intake to promote blood vessel function and heart health in postmenopausal women.

Jocelyn Delgado Spicuzza, PhD, of the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University and first author on the study, explained how beet juice can help post-menopausal women.

“Consuming nitrate through plants is a secondary pathway to increase the availability of nitric oxide in the body, a molecule responsible for widening blood vessels to accommodate blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs such as the heart,” Delgado Spicuzza said in an emailed response. “Since estrogen is no longer sufficient to stimulate nitric oxide production in the body naturally following menopause, dietary nitrate can be converted to nitric oxide through the entero-salivary pathway to help maintain healthy blood vessel functioning.”

John Higgins, MD, sports cardiologist at UTHealth Houston, explained that in pre-menopausal women, estrogen has a protective effect on vascular function.

“Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease because they lose the protective effect of estrogen on vascular function and nitric oxide production which normally keeps the arteries flexible, fluid, and resistant to plaque formation,” said Higgins. “Other effects of age include postmenopausal women [who] are less active in general and gain weight, both of which are unhealthy.”

Higgins was not involved in the study.

The health benefits of beet juice

Nitrate-rich beet juice promotes the production of systemic nitric oxide and improves endothelial function in older, healthy, and high heart disease-risk populations, Higgins explained.

In addition, it may help:

• lower blood pressure
• reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol
• improve exercise stamina
• improve muscle strength in people with heart failure
• prevent or reduce fatty deposits from forming in your liver
• support overall health during chemotherapy

Beet’s protective cardiovascular effects

The study showed drinking beet juice specifically impacted blood vessel function. Higgins pointed out that beet juice can help protect cells called endothelial cells that line arteries, veins and capillaries.

Beet juice directly targets and improves abnormal endothelial function by stimulating the production of nitric oxide. Through a chain reaction, your body changes nitrates found in beet juice into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure, Higgins added.

“The vascular endothelium is an important barometer of health and wellness yet is often not discussed because it is out of sight,” Higgins stated. “Abnormal endothelial function is associated with detrimental medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.”

What to look for when buying beet juice

When shopping for beet juice in the store, paying attention to the ingredients is important.

“Look for a good fresh organic beetroot juice with 100% juice and little to no additives, natural juices are generally better than powdered,” said Higgins.

You can also check to make sure there are no added sugars.

Takeaway

Frequent beet juice consumption could boost heart health among postmenopausal women.

Beet juice improves blood vessel function by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. 

• The FDA is issuing a warning about an ongoing investigation of Diamond Shruumz brand mushroom chocolates and candies.
• The products have been linked to 10 reported hospitalizations due to severe symptoms including seizures and loss of consciousness.
• Consumers are urged not to eat the products and immediately discard them.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for Diamond Shruumz brand products, which are marketed as “microdose chocolate” infused with a proprietary blend of mushrooms. Consumers are urged not to eat the products and immediately discard them.

There have been 12 reported illnesses associated with the products, the majority of them requiring hospitalization for serious symptoms including seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and abnormal heart rate.

The FDA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with America’s Poison Centers, are currently investigating the Diamond Shruumz products, which include chocolates, gummies, and other confections. However, they say they still haven’t determined the causes of the illnesses.

Healthline contacted Diamond Shruumz regarding the FDA investigation but did not receive a response.

Mushroom-infused chocolates cause loss of consciousness

 At the beginning of June, poison centers across the United States started receiving calls from individuals who consumed various Diamond Shruumz products, which are available nationwide. States reporting illnesses include Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, and more. The majority of cases, four of the 12, occurred in Arizona.

Steven Dudley, PharmD, DABAT, Director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, has been working closely with local area hospitals, the FDA, and CDC throughout the investigation. 

“We were aware of four patients over the weekend of June 1 who were all exposed to these Diamond Shruumz products… Any time you get four of anything, you raise the alarm and ask: is there something bigger going on here?” he told Healthline.

Symptoms involving the products have been severe, with 10 out of 12 of them requiring hospitalization.

The most common symptoms associated with the Diamond Shruumz products are:

• Seizures
• Central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion)
• Agitation
• Abnormal heart rates
• Hyper- and hypotension
• Nausea
• Vomiting

“The most concerning of these are the seizures and the loss of consciousness. In some of these patients, you have a severe decrease in your consciousness, so the next question is, can you be so severely sedated that your breathing is affected?” said Dudley.

There have been no deaths associated with the products at this time. Dudley also notes that the majority of illnesses have been “quick on, quick off” so the illness is usually not long-lasting. Despite severe symptoms, patients have recovered quickly following medical intervention.

What are “microdose chocolates”?

Diamond Shruumz markets their products as “the leading form of microdosing.” Microdosing refers to the practice of small amounts of psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms and MDMA for therapeutic benefit. Despite using the term, Diamond Shruumz products don’t actually contain psilocybin or other scheduled drugs. 

The products are instead made with a “proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms,” including lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga. However, there can be other ingredients present as well, since the full list of ingredients is not disclosed on their website. Proprietary blend is a designation allowed under the FDA that allows the producers of supplements to protect their formulas.

“Typically, when we talk about microdosing, especially with mushrooms, we’re thinking more of psilocybin-containing or other hallucinogenic mushrooms.  But that’s what’s so peculiar about this brand. They are marketing this microdosing type of strategy, yet they do not contain any of the psilocybin or any other type of the hallucinogenic mushrooms,” Joseph Lambson, PharmD, DABAT, Director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, and an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, told Healthline.

Diamond Shruumz even makes the lab testing of their products freely available on their website to show that they do not contain illicit psychoactive drugs nor other mycotoxins, including those of the deadly amanita muscaria. 

Despite not containing psychedelic drugs, the products are clearly intended to convey to potential consumers that they will have “an experience.”  

The FDA warns that the products will likely appeal to children and teenagers.

Why are people getting sick?

It’s unclear at this time why consumers of Diamond Shruumz products are getting sick. 

“Hopefully we will have some answers fairly soon,” said Dudley. “We’re working in coordination with the federal agencies to get these products tested.”

Both experts contacted by Healthline said that it is too early to tell if this is a product contamination issue or if a component of the proprietary formula is to blame.

“We just don’t know what’s inside of these products currently,” said Lambson.

What should you do if you’ve bought Diamond Shruumz products?

“At this point in time, the recommendation is to stay away from these products. Please not use these products because there’s clearly something going on here,” said Dudley.

The FDA warning encourages consumers to:

• Not consume any of the affected products
• Discard any products around the home
• Look after children and teenagers to ensure these products are not being consumed

“If anyone is having any symptoms or has any questions or concerns about one of the Diamond Shruumz products, they can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. This is applicable to healthcare professionals as well, both to receive guidance on how to manage these patients, but also to help with reporting purposes to support the FDA’s current investigation,” said Lambson.

The bottom line

A variety of Diamond Shruumz mushroom-infused confections, including chocolates and gummies, have been reportedly associated with severe effects including seizure and loss of consciousness.

The FDA is urging consumers not to eat these products and to immediately discard them.

If you have consumed one of these products and are feeling ill, you should contact the poison control system at 1-800-222-1222 or a healthcare provider.

• Interest in raw milk is soaring, and some states are moving to legalize its sale.
• This potential change in legislation challenges the long-standing advice to pasteurize milk, a process that eliminates harmful bacteria and guards against severe foodborne illnesses.
• False and misleading information about the health benefits and risks of raw milk are commonly shared online.

Got milk? Perhaps, but is it pasteurized?

Interest in raw milk is growing in popularity. In fact, Delaware, Iowa, and Louisiana recently passed or took steps to pass legislation to legalize its commercial sale. The moves come at an interesting time, as federal officials warn of high levels of bird flu virus in raw milk, even after five weeks of refrigeration. 

The effort to loosen the reigns on raw milk sales also goes against gold-standard public health guidance to pasteurize milk to prevent foodborne illness — a practice that took hold in the 1880s and is credited with lowering potentially dangerous diseases, including tuberculosis.

Why is interest in raw milk growing — and why now?

“Raw dairy evangelists repeat the claims that due to the lack of pasteurization and homogenization, it contains more nutrients, intact enzymes, probiotics and that even people with lactose intolerance can tolerate raw milk,” Emily Van Eck, MS, RD, a registered dietitian at Emily Van Eck Nutrition & Wellness, said. “These claims go directly against well-established science and norms in the food industry.” 

That’s the short answer, but the long one is complex. Dietitians believe it generally comes down to tales as old as time: money and social influence, especially in the digital age. 

Raw vs. pasteurized milk: differences and health risks

Raw milk is unpasteurized milk.

“It’s often framed as fresh, natural, unprocessed, and ‘safe’ despite the increased risk of foodborne illness,” Cara Harbstreet, MS RD LD of Street Smart Nutrition, said. “Raw milk is not necessarily organic. It also does not necessarily have to come from cows, as goats and sheep can also produce raw milk for human consumption.”

Incorrect information has given “pasteurization” a negative connotation. 

“Pasteurized milk is raw milk that has undergone a heated process that kills harmful microbial colonies,” Kathleen Garcia-Benson, RDN, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, said. “It is a food safety management tool integrated into the Standard Milk Ordinance in 1924 as a means of reducing foodborne illness, which can be life-threatening.”

The pasteurization process involves heating the milk at a specific temperature (usually 161 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 15 seconds before cooling it rapidly back to 39 degrees. 

“Because it has not been treated with heat to rid it of microorganisms, [raw milk] consumption can spread dangerous pathogens, including bacteria, that can result in serious disease or death,” Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN, said.

Why interest in raw milk is growing despite health risks 

Despite more than a century of mainstream acceptance of pasteurization’s health and safety benefits, raw milk is trending.

“Trending practices in nutrition go together like peanut butter and jelly,” Garcia-Benson said. “Every few months, a new topic of interest grabs hold of people’s attention — and wallets.”

Experts Healthline spoke with cited:

• Financial gain
• Social media
• The desire to eat “more naturally.”
• Lack of trust in systems

The wallet point is what Pasquariello points to as the primary driver of the raw milk trend.

“It almost always goes back to money,” she said. “For some who are spreading this disinformation — information that is meant to intentionally misinform — content around raw milk is clickbait/rage bait designed to boost likes and comments, ultimately helping these creators’ videos/content appear more highly in their communities’ algorithms. This earns them money and clout.”

Others make money more directly (or hope to).

“For example, brands selling raw milk may pay them to create content, whether or not they disclose such contractual agreements,” Pasquariello said. “Their sales, on the whole, benefit from increased traffic, increased follower numbers, and, importantly, from people developing fear for conventional foods/foods they normally buy every day at the grocery store, for instance. The more you begin to fear foods that are completely safe for consumption, the more you’ll fall victim to these conspiracy theories.”

Social media is a common denominator.

“Wellness influencers often post personal and compelling testimonials in engaging videos that often go viral,” Harbstreet said. “Many of these influencers run lifestyle accounts with large followings, giving raw milk the illusion of safety and legitimacy since negative experiences are rarely, if ever, shared publicly.”

That illusion includes the idea that raw milk is better because it’s “not processed” through pasteurization.

“The desire for less processing in food overall and the increased interest in homemaking on social media has also played a role in the trending of raw milk,” Garcia-Benson added.

Finally, data suggests trust in government and its institutions has reached record lows. A 2023 PEW Research report indicated that fewer than two in 10 Americans reported trusting the government in Washington to do the right thing “just about always” or “most of the time.” 

“These claims gain more traction in our current era where those vulnerable to fear-mongering and who get into ‘natural medicine’ are increasingly distrustful of our governmental institutions, like the FDA, who regulate milk production to keep the public safe,” Van Eck said.

Raw milk: Fact vs. fiction

“Food freedom” is a buzzword being clouted by raw milk proponents.

“Everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their health, but there are real, avoidable consequences of choosing raw milk, which comes down to weighing risks and benefits (or in this case, the risks, as there really aren’t any benefits,” Pasquariello said.

The experts who talked with Healthline feel that true informed consent involves the correct information. They helped clear up the following common myths about raw milk and pasteurization that are currently being shared.

Myth: Pasteurization decreases milk’s nutritional value

This myth has consistently been debunked by data and dietary experts alike.

“There is no significant decrease in the vitamin or mineral content during pasteurization, including the B vitamins influencers claim we lose when we pasteurize milk,” Pasquariello said.

Research published in 2014 indicated that B12 resisted pasteurization when heated for 16 seconds. 

“There is also no reason to fear any of the processes that happen during pasteurization — many people cite ‘protein denaturation’ as a way to spread fear,”  Pasquariello added. “Protein denaturation is a vital part of digestion whenever you eat food so that your body can use the building blocks of proteins, amino acids, for various cellular functions. Not only is it not something to fear, it is a requirement for health.”

Myth: People who are lactose intolerant can drink raw milk safely

Van Eck said there’s no truth to this common claim, either.

“Lactose is lactose is lactose,” she said. “The idea came from the false statement that raw milk contains lactase, which is the enzyme we need to break down lactose. People intolerant to lactose have less or less functional lactase.”

Fermented dairy is a safer, more easily-digested bet for people who are lactose intolerant “because there is less lactose since it’s partially broken down by the bacteria in the fermented milk,” Van Eck said.

Harbstreet explained that, for the same reason, consuming raw milk doesn’t prevent someone from becoming lactose intolerant. She also pointed out that “advocates for raw milk often attempt to discredit a small study from 2014.” 

The study was small (16 people) and suggested that raw milk didn’t reduce symptoms of lactose malabsorption. 

“It’s worth noting that although this is an older, and very small, pilot study, the authors acknowledged the significant limitations,” Harbstreet said. “They also noted that their study design and participant feedback could support the design of future studies. However, at this point, no further studies have been published to expand on this hypothesis.”

Myth: Consuming raw milk protects against illness

Quite the opposite, experts say.

“Raw milk puts people at a higher risk of getting sick from salmonella and e. Coli,” Garcia-Benson said. “Even in the cleanest of dairy farms, cross-contamination can occur, especially because of the close location of the udder to the excrement of the cow.”

Pasquariello echoed these sentiments, stressing that claims that animal living conditions can reduce pathogens, rendering raw milk safe, aren’t true.

“The conditions the animals live in won’t affect the bacterial content of their stomachs or whether that content is safe for humans,” Pasquariello said.

Experts don’t consider drinking organic raw milk to be an effective harm-reduction measure, either.

“Pathogens can still be borne by organic milk and pose a problem for humans,” Pasquariello said.

Regarding bird flu, 2024 research suggested that lab mice given raw milk from cows with the infection had higher virus levels in respiratory organs.

Takeaway

Interest in raw milk is growing. However, raw milk isn’t pasteurized, a heating process designed to kill bacteria that could cause foodborne illnesses like typhoid.

Pasteurization has been used for more than a century.

Dietary experts say raw milk’s current growing popularity is due to interest in financial gain from influencers and brands, social media, a desire to consume healthier food, and distrust in government agencies.

However, claims that raw milk is more nutritious or free of pathogens are false. Regarding the latter, it’s the opposite: Raw milk, including organic raw milk, is more susceptible to containing pathogens.

Experts recommend consuming pasteurized milk, stressing it’s the safer option and offers plenty of nutrients, like protein and calcium.

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a fungus that causes ringworm in people and in cats, dogs and other pets.
• A subtype of this fungus can be acquired through sexual contact, according to the CDC.
• In some parts of the world, this fungus is drug-resistant, but in the US, it still responds well to common antifungals.

A sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a certain fungus has been reported for the first time in the United States.

“Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a group of severe skin infections to have now reached the United States,” study author Avrom Caplan, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said in a release.

What is Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII?

T. mentagrophytes is a common type of fungus that can cause ringworm in people, as well as in cats, dogs and other pets. 

“It is one of the most common causes of ringworm, a contagious fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails,” said Bindu Balani, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center, who was not involved in the new research.

It can also cause athlete’s foot, jock itch, and barber’s itch, she told Healthline.

T. mentagrophytes genotype VII is a specific type of this fungus that can be sexually transmitted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cases of T. mentagrophytes genotype VII have been reported in other parts of the world, including in Southeast Asia and Europe.

First U.S. case of sexually transmitted fungus

In a report released June 5 in JAMA Dermatology, Caplan and his colleagues describe the first documented case in the United States of this sexually transmitted fungus.

The case involved a man in his 30s from New York City who developed an itchy rash on his genitals, buttocks, and limbs after returning from a trip to England, Greece, and California.

The man “reported multiple male sexual partners while traveling, none with a similar infection, and visited a sauna 2 months prior to developing skin lesions,” the researchers write.

Genetic tests confirmed that the fungus causing the rash was T. mentagrophytes genotype VII.

The man was treated for 4 weeks with the antifungal medication fluconazole with no response. He was then treated with the antifungals terbinafine and itraconazole, both of which improved his symptoms.

Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, MD, an infectious diseases physician and associate professor of medicine at UChicago Medicine, who was not involved in the new research, said this type of rash may look like jock itch or ringworm, typically a patch or patches of dry, scaly skin.

The researchers said this type of infection may also cause a rash that looks more like an eczema flare than a ringworm infection with the characteristic circular pattern on the skin.

While the infection is not fatal, it can cause permanent scarring, they added.

Standard antifungal drugs work

Balani said fungal infections of the skin are generally treated with topical antifungal creams, lotions or gels, although oral antifungal medications may be needed for more severe infections or for infections that affect the hair or nails.

However, she pointed out that “in some cases, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII can be resistant to standard antifungal treatments.”

Even though T. mentagrophytes genotype VII can be difficult to treat and the infection may take months to clear up, Hazra said in the United States, this fungus still responds well to treatment.

“People who are concerned about STIs should be aware of this, especially when thinking about a rash that may not be improving,” he said, “but our usual antifungals are readily effective against it.”

Balani agrees that people shouldn’t be overly concerned about this infection: “With just one known case [in the United States], there’s no evidence this is widespread, or that this is something the public needs to worry about,” she said.

However, “if people are having itchy eruptions in areas like the groin, and it’s not improving or is resistant to the usual fungal treatments, they may want to see a healthcare professional,” she said.

People may also want to see a healthcare professional if the rash appears in the weeks following sexual activity, or after travel to Southeast Asia or Europe, where this fungus has been increasingly diagnosed, she said.

The only way to diagnose T. mentagrophytes genotype VII is through fungal sampling/scraping, she said.

“If diagnosed with this particular fungus, I also recommend getting screened for other sexually transmitted infections,” she said.

In addition, you should seek medical care if “you have a rash accompanied by symptoms affecting the entire body, rather than just the skin, such as a fever, muscle aches, nausea & vomiting, etc.,” Balani said.

Tips for preventing fungal infections

Balani offered the following general tips for dealing with fungal infections of the skin:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent the fungus from growing.
• Wash your hands often, especially after touching animals or soil.

• Avoid sharing personal items, including towels, combs, and brushes.
• Wear shoes in public places. This will help protect your feet from infection.

Takeaway

In a recent case study, researchers describe the first reported case of a sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a certain fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII.

The case occurred in a man from New York City who traveled to England, Greece and California. After he returned home, he developed a rash on his genitals, buttocks, and limbs.

Cases of this fungus have occurred in Southeast Asia and Europe, with some reports of drug resistance. However, in the United States, this fungus still responds well to frontline antifungal medications.

• A large study has found that adhering to the Planetary Health Diet lowers the risk of premature death by 30%. 
• It also has a substantially lower environmental impact. 
• Experts say this eating pattern delivers essential vitamins and minerals that allow the body to function optimally. 
• To follow this eating pattern, you should include more plant-based protein in your diet and consume moderate amounts of meat and dairy. 

Looking for a way to improve your health and lower your carbon footprint? New research has found the Planetary Health Diet is associated with a lower risk of premature death and lower environmental impact.

A study published this week, led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that people whose diets most closely adhered to the Planetary Health Diet had a 30% lower risk of premature death compared to those with the lowest adherence.

Every major cause of death, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, was lower with greater adherence to this dietary pattern.

In addition, diets adhering to the Planetary Health Diet pattern had substantially lower environmental impact, including 29% lower greenhouse gas emissions and 51% less land use.

The large study evaluated health data from more than 200,000 participants. They completed dietary questionnaires every four years for up to 34 years. 

Their diets were scored based on intake of 15 food groups—including whole grains, vegetables, poultry, and nuts—to quantify adherence to the Planetary Health Diet. 

Planetary Health Diet: What is it, and how can it lower the risk of premature death?

Nutritionist GQ Jordan, who was not involved in the study, says these findings align well with what we know about the power of whole foods in our diets.

“It’s encouraging to see quantitative data supporting the idea that what’s good for us can also be good for our planet,” she points out. 

The Planetary Health Diet focuses on increasing fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains in your diet while keeping meat and dairy to a moderate level and processed foods at a minimum. 

“It’s about balancing our nutritional needs with environmental sustainability,” Jordan surmises. 

Looking at human health specifically, the Planetary Health Diet appears to offer a wealth of benefits. 

“Having eating habits that adhere to the Planetary Health Diet will significantly reduce the risk of premature death by enhancing metabolic health,” explains Jordan. 

“This diet’s high intake of nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the body to function optimally, too,” she says. 

These nutrients help regulate blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, and maintain healthy blood pressure, all of which can lower your risk of premature death. 

Jordan says the diet’s emphasis on fiber improves digestive health and aids in managing body weight.

This, she says, is important because it mitigates obesity-related health risks, further decreasing the likelihood of major diseases. 

“Meanwhile, the reduction in processed foods and saturated fats from red and processed meats contributes to better lipid profiles and reduces inflammation, which is often a precursor to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” Jordan explains. 

Why the Planetary Health Diet may help protect against major diseases 

The study notes that every major cause of death, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, was lower with greater adherence to this dietary pattern. Jordan isn’t surprised. 

“The lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease among those adhering to the Planetary Health Diet can be attributed to its high content of antioxidants and fiber, which reduce oxidative stress and support heart and digestive health,” she explains.

The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids also plays a role. “Omega-3 fatty acids from plants and fatty fish contribute to cardiovascular health and may help lower cancer risks,” Jordan explains. 

Eating moderate amounts of meat and dairy is good for you and the environment, too

Vegan and vegetarian diets have grown in popularity in recent years, both for their purported health benefits and their lower environmental impact. 

The Planetary Health Diet, however, differs from these two eating styles as it includes moderate amounts of meat and dairy. 

Registered nutritionist Laura Wyness, who was not involved in the study, says meat and dairy are important nutrient sources, including essential vitamins and minerals such as iodine, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and selenium. 

“Reducing meat and dairy without careful consideration of plant foods that provide key nutrients is likely to increase the risk of inadequate intakes of some essential vitamins and minerals,” she warns. 

“Diets that aim to reduce environmental impact can result in lower intakes and status of micronutrients that are already in short supply for some groups of the population,” she explains. 

Similarly, Jordan says the inclusion of a moderate intake of meat and dairy can be beneficial, as it can be harder to obtain certain nutrients in sufficient quantities from a strictly plant-based diet.

Tips for switching to a Planetary Health Diet 

If you want to follow a Planetary Health Diet, Wyness recommends making a few small changes at a time. 

She says including more plant-protein foods is a good place to start. “Adding a can of chickpeas or beans to a casserole, curry, or stew will make the meat go further and save some money,” she points out. 

“You could also make a regular meal completely plant-based by replacing the meat with a mixture of pulses and vegetables. Canned pulses provide a useful balance of plant protein, beneficial fiber, and other essential nutrients.” 

She says the addition of lentils is another great way of adding fiber and nutrients. 

Jordan believes shifting the focus of protein intake away from red meats toward fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins is key. 

“Fish such as salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation in the body,” she points out.

“Meanwhile, incorporating a variety of nuts and seeds like almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds can also increase protein and nutrient intake.” 

Choosing whole foods over processed foods as much as possible is another great change to make. 

Jordan says this means buying foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are often lost in processed foods. 

Takeaway 

The Planetary Health Diet is a good diet to follow if you want to improve your overall health while lowering your environmental impact.

New research suggests that diet may help lower the risk of premature death by 30%.

Health experts say this eating pattern delivers essential vitamins and minerals that allow the body to function optimally. 

You can make the switch by eating more plant-based protein, reducing your intake of meat and dairy, and consuming more whole foods.

• A pair of immunotherapy drugs have shown impressive results in treating a subset of colorectal cancer known as mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer.
• DMMR colorectal cancer is characterized by genetic mutations which make it easier for the immune system to identify.
• The drugs resulted in a “major pathological response,” reducing tumor size to less than 10% in the vast majority of patients. 

Colorectal cancer is notoriously resistant to immunotherapy options. But, for a subset of patients, a novel treatment shows promise,

Mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer is present in between 10-15% of all colorectal cancer patients and is characterized by a high number of mutations in genes responsible for repairing mistakes that can occur during DNA replication. While it can show up in other forms of cancer, including breast and prostate, it is most commonly found in colorectal cancer.

Treatment options for DMMR colorectal cancer can be tricky. On one hand, it tends to be more resistant to chemotherapy, but researchers have now been making inroads with immunotherapy.

Major response in 98% of patients

Surgery is the primary treatment for colorectal cancer, but in research published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine scientists found that a pair of immunotherapy drugs administered before surgery significantly diminished tumor size without serious safety concerns. 

Researchers set out to study the safety profile of the drugs by observing whether patients who took them would still be able to undergo surgery within an allotted time frame or if they would have to delay their surgery. About 98% of patients underwent timely surgery, meaning they had less than a two-week delay when taking the combination of drugs.

Researchers observed immune-related side effects in 73 patients, with severe (grade 3 or 4) events occurring in 5 patients. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to these adverse events.

The effects of the drugs on the tumors themselves were also surprising. The study found 95% of patients experienced a major pathological response, shrinking the tumor to less than 10% of its size. Meanwhile, Two-thirds of patients had a complete pathological response, meaning there was no residual evidence of the tumor after treatment.

More than two years after surgery, no patients experienced a recurrence of the cancer. The patients are being followed for longer to evaluate the durability of their response.

“I don’t think anybody expected these results or the extent of these results,” Kristen Ciombor, MD, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who wasn’t affiliated with the study told Healthline.

“Two-thirds of patients didn’t have any tumor left, which is really incredible. It’s something that we don’t see at that rate and extent with pretty much any other therapy,” she said.

Advances in immunotherapy

The study, conducted by researchers in the Netherlands, involved 115 patients with non-metastatic, locally advanced, previously untreated dMMR colon cancer. That’s a technical way of saying colorectal cancer which has developed beyond the earliest stages (patients in the study had either stage II or II cancer) but has still not spread (metastasized) to other organs in the body.

Doctors administered the patients two different immunotherapy drugs prior to surgery. The drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, belong to the same class of immunotherapy treatment, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, but utilize unique biological mechanisms from one another.

“The greatest advance we’ve had in decades of cancer research has been in the field of immunotherapy. Developing immune treatments to help the immune system attack cancer is something that we’ve dreamed about since the 1950s,” George Fisher, MD, PhD, a Professor of Medical Oncology at Stanford Medicine, told Healthline.

The results of this latest trial demonstrate how far the field has come. 

The concept of immunotherapy is simple to describe, but extremely complex to implement. When the body mounts an immune response it must identify friendly cells and foreign invaders. In order to do this, T cells, which are your body’s defenders in the immune response, perform a sort of “handshake,” known as an immune checkpoint, with healthy cells that marks them as safe. Without this, the T cells will attack.

Some forms of cancer can abuse this mechanism to hide from the immune system. Those cancers can then continue to grow without fear of an immune response.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by preventing cancer cells from faking this “handshake” and allowing the immune system to identify and kill them.

An additional complication is that colorectal cancer in particular tends to remain well hidden from immune system detection. But dMMR versions are different; the genetic mutations characteristic of dMMR make it easier for the immune system to pick out, and also more susceptible to immunotherapies.

“If you have more mutations, then you make more abnormal proteins. And if the immune system is capable of recognizing abnormal proteins, then those cells that have the most mutations are the ones most likely to have proteins that might be recognized as foreign,” said Fisher.

“The genetic mutations in these tumors makes it what we call ‘immunologically hot.’ So the immunotherapy can work better against the tumor itself,” said Ciombor.

Implications of the study

Experts interviewed by Healthline said that there is still much more work to do before we can know if the immunotherapy treatments in the study will be safe and effective among a larger group of patients, but the results are exciting nonetheless.

“There’s no doubt that this study is very impressive and the fact that we can see such tremendous changes in such a short interval of time with treatment with both drugs really suggests that there is likely to be a subset of patients who will not need to go to surgery,” said Fisher.

Should trials continue to show safety and efficacy, certain groups of patients could have new options available to them. For example, older patients or those with certain comorbidities that make them an unsuitable candidate for surgery might be able to opt for immunotherapy.

Patients with low-grade cancer could also potentially elect not to have surgery, although the long-term outcomes of immunotherapy without surgery have not yet been established. 

As with any treatment, there will be a question of risk versus benefit. An immunotherapy treatment prior to surgery might preclude the necessity for chemotherapy but at the risk of a severe complication called immunotherapy toxicity.

“It at least raises the possibility that there may be other options to treat this type of cancer,” said Ciombor.

“If you can avoid chemotherapy, that would be a win. Ultimately if you can avoid surgery too, then that’s really amazing. But we can’t draw that conclusion from this study yet. It’s going a little too far to say,” she said.

The bottom line

In a study involving over 100 patients, a dual-drug immunotherapy treatment shows impressive results in treating a specific form of colorectal cancer.

Mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer is found in 10-15% of all colorectal cancer cases and is characterized by a high number of genetic mutations.

These genetic mutations allow it to be more easily recognized by the immune system and make immunotherapy more likely to be effective.

• Poppi brand soda is being sued for claims of consumer fraud and false and misleading advertising. 
• A class action lawsuit alleges that the drinks’ prebiotic fiber content is insufficient to provide meaningful gut health benefits.
• Experts say the amount of prebiotic fiber included in each can is likely insufficient, but Poppi is still a healthier choice than most other sodas
• You can get more prebiotics into your diet by eating certain plant and fermented foods. 

Prebiotic soda brand Poppi, beloved by celebrities, is being sued on claims of consumer fraud and “false and misleading claims.”

The class action lawsuit alleges that the brand’s claims that the drink is good for health are untrue. 

They say the drink, billed as a “better for you” soda, does not provide meaningful prebiotic effects. 

Poppi’s marketing has centered on the soda’s inclusion of prebiotic fibers, which are beneficial for gut health. 

However, the lawsuit claims, “Poppi soda only contains two grams of prebiotic fiber, an amount too low to cause meaningful gut health benefits for the consumer from just one can.”

Are Poppi’s claims about gut health benefits exaggerated?

Rebecca Russell, a functional medicine registered dietitian specializing in gut health, says this looks like another case of brands overpromising on the health benefits of their products. 

“All too often I see products that claim to be a ‘magical’ fix for a specific problem, when in reality our bodies are complex, and no one thing will be the fix,” she points out. 

Russell believes the prebiotic fiber in Poppi sodas is far too low to meaningfully improve gut health. 

“It is thought that closer to 3-10 grams of prebiotic fibers a day is considered effective in altering the gut microbiome,” she says, pointing to a study published in 2019. 

Another thing to note is that a variety of prebiotic fibers is key to gut health.

“Products like Poppi are just one type of prebiotic fiber, so it lacks that diversity that our guts need,” Russell explains. 

Like Russell, board certified registered dietitian Tiffany Ma says two grams of prebiotic fiber per can is likely insufficient to create meaningful changes in gut microbiota or overall gut health when consumed as a stand-alone source.

“Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria,” she explains. “They can improve gut health by enhancing digestion, boosting the immune system, and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support the integrity of the gut lining.” 

Does she believe a drink like Poppi could have a negative impact on the gut? 

Ma says the gut is unique and complex and differs so much from individual to individual that it’s difficult to tell.

However, she does point out that the inclusion of “added prebiotics” (insulin) in Poppi can actually cause gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating and cramping.

“Since Poppi is a liquid very little digestion is taking place, and that can heighten these negative effects,” she explains. 

Russell shares similar concerns. She says Poppi is unlikely to have a positive effect on your gut microbiome, largely because no single food or drink item can serve as a comprehensive solution for gut health. 

“This beverage may actually lead to unwanted gut symptoms such as gas, bloating, and loose stools as too much inulin, which is the prebiotic fiber included here, can potentially cause symptoms,” she explains. 

Sugar and “natural flavors” in sodas may negatively affect your gut

Another area of concern is sugar content. At 4 grams of sugar per 12 fluid oz can, Poppi is significantly lower in sugar than most sodas. 

Still, Russell says it would be better to get prebiotic fiber from other food sources that do not have added sugars. 

She says that excess sugar can harm gut bacteria, disrupting their delicate balance. 

“One ingredient that can be called into question is ‘natural flavors’ since this term is broad and encompasses a wide range of substances that may not be health-promoting,” Russell notes. “Despite being derived from natural sources, these flavorings undergo significant processing and may end up being chemically similar to artificial flavorings.” 

In spite of that, unless you’re drinking a lot of Poppi every day, it’s unlikely to have any serious negative health effects. 

“Unless one consumes a 12-pack of Poppi per day, there truly wouldn’t be any major health concerns to make note of,” says Ma. 

She believes Poppi can still prove to be a healthier alternative to full-calorie sodas for heavy soda drinkers or those who are looking to manage their weight.

Healthier alternatives to Poppi soda

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Poppi, there are plenty to choose from. Eating more whole foods is the best way to get more prebiotic fiber in your diet. 

“For meaningful prebiotic effects, consider foods naturally high in prebiotics, such as garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains like oats and barley,” advises Ma. 

She says eating a diverse range of plant foods is key.

“Aiming for at least 30 different plant foods per week (which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains) has been shown in the literature to result in a more diverse gut microbiome,” she explains. 

Fermented foods are beneficial, too.

“Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso contain probiotics that can help balance the gut microbiome,” Ma notes. 

Russell agrees. She says “eating the rainbow” by filling your plate up with colorful whole foods is a great way to get a variety of prebiotics into your diet. 

Limiting your sugar intake is also a good idea to optimize your gut health. 

“Excess added sugars can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and lead to a decrease in beneficial bacteria, so aim for less than 10% of total calories to come from added sugars,” Ma advises. 

Takeaway 

Poppi sodas likely don’t have enough prebiotic fiber to provide any meaningful benefit to your gut health.

However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyed in moderation.

They appear to be a healthier alternative to most other sodas, which typically have a much higher sugar content.

• Ongoing research presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting shows promise for a new male contraceptive option.
• The product, a gel, has shown effectiveness beyond what researchers initially expected. 
• Experts are hopeful that this treatment, should it come to fruition in the long term, will provide another avenue for men to hold a larger role in reproductive health.

New research, presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting on June 2, shows promise as a new contraceptive option for men.

The study, which is ongoing and included 222 participants and their partners, was an international effort that started in 2018.

The study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

How the product works

The product, a gel, combines Nestorone (segesterone acetate) which suppresses sperm production by creating what researchers have called “a feedback loop” in the brain, and testosterone, which is required in order to maintain a person’s typical function. The men applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade.

Study author Diana Blithe, PhD, the chief of the contraceptive development program within the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, says that this research, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a source for optimism, not just for the participants, but for their partners. 

“What I think is not clearly recognized, especially when I read comments from some of these articles that are being [put in the] press is how much it means to the women who are in this trial with their partners, because they get to spend a year off birth control that they weren’t real happy with to begin with. And it’s quite a burden lifted from them to be able to have this, you know, sort of rest period.”

The study followed participants as they applied the gel daily, with 86% of participants seeing their sperm count suppressed below the threshold identified (lower than one million sperm per milliliter) after 15 weeks, 64% after 9 weeks, and 21% after just 5 weeks, much faster than Blithe and her team anticipated.

Andrew Y. Sun, MD, Director of Men’s Health at Urology Partners of North Texas and an associate professor of medicine at Texas Christian University’s Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, says that this research has to be viewed in the context of America’s recent reduction in reproductive rights and a corresponding uptick in vasectomies.

“The topic of male contraception comes out [in conversation with patients] a lot. Especially, I think, with recent legal changes, especially in certain states here in America, this has become an even bigger issue as people are trying to basically find easier and more accessible ways to achieve contraception. Historically, unfortunately, that always fell on the women.”

The use of testosterone therapy, which has seen an uptick in the US in recent years for all manner of reasons, does come with the side effect of reducing sperm production, but that process is measured on the scale of months rather than weeks.

How this could help

Beyond its as-directed effectiveness, one of the biggest barriers to any contraceptive is regular use. Blithe says that the response from the study’s participants was broadly positive and that this bodes well for future uptake. 

“My favorite comment about acceptability is when the men finished the study and asked if they can re-enroll, they really liked it, they would stay on it if they could. And that’s a real endorsement for the product, because they’ve been at it for 20 months and they still want to keep going.”

Blithe sees this gel as complimenting other products on the market that were originally created with the hope that they could act as a male contraceptive, specifically SpermCheck and SpermCheck Vasectomy, and allow patients to get a better understanding of their sperm production at home.

Once the study has been finished, which is expected to complete enrollment by the end of the year, and once the final analysis has been done, Blithe and her team will turn their attention to identifying—alongside the FDA—an acceptable pathway for a phase three clinical trial. Once a phase three clinical trial is complete, the FDA can make a determination about granting the new therapy access to the market.