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First osteoporosis drug of its kind for more than a decade approved for NHS use

A health watchdog has approved the first new osteoporosis drug of its kind for more than a decade, after medics urged it to perform a U-turn.

Provided by Evening Standard Close up picture of a woman holding her grandmother’s aged hands

Earlier this year, more than 100 experts wrote a letter calling on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) to repeal its verdict that romosozumab should not be given on the NHS.

The drug, which is administered as monthly injections, induces new bone formation and is highly effective at reducing the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis

It is one of only two treatments that help to promote bone formation, and the first to reduce bone loss at the same time.

In their letter the medics wrote: “As clinicians working in this field, we know this is one of the biggest threats to living well in later life.

“Yet the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has declined to recommend the first new osteoporosis medication in more than a decade.”

Now, in a final appraisal document, Nice has approved the drug for use in treating severe osteoporosis in people who are at high risk of fracture, if they have had a major osteoporotic fracture within 24 months.

Craig Jones, chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, welcomed the move, saying: “This is a major step forward for people living with severe osteoporosis.

“We’re pleased that Nice has listened to the views of clinical experts and patient advocates.

“Now, no matter where people live in the UK, healthcare professionals and eligible patients will have the same range of treatment options.

Pomegranates 'have anti-cancer properties' say researchers

Native to Iran and its neighbouring countries, pomegranates are now grown throughout the world and feature in many dishes designed to not only be healthy, but incredibly delicious. One of Earth's most ancient fruits, they feature heavily in Greek mythology and are mentioned in the Quran as one of God's good creations, found flourishing in the Garden of Paradise. 

According to Ancient Iranian Christianity, it was believed to be the real forbidden fruit rather than an apple. A global emblem of health and fertility, its anecdotal benefits are now being backed by science in a number of incredible studies, which explore the fruit's anti-cancer properties.

A select few studies have found that compounds in pomegranate fruit, juice and oil could help kill cancer cells, or at least slow their spread. Pomegranate products have also been found to help breast cancer treatment, the second leading cause of death in women worldwide.

The study showed a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins in pomegranates, inhibited the growth of oestrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests. "Phytochemicals suppress oestrogen production that prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of oestrogen-responsive tumours," researcher Shiuan Chen, director of the Division of Tumour Cell Biology said.

In fact, the fruit has demonstrated anti-tumour effects in lung, prostate, skin, and colon cancers. One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lives and in the last decade there have been positive signs pomegranate could be used to slow its growth.

Though more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, it has been shown to slow down the period of time prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a key indicator of cancer, takes to double in the blood. The potential anti-cancer health benefits are promising, but some doctors have expressed caution and the need for more evidence before a concrete conclusion is made.

"More research on the individual components and the combination of chemicals is needed to understand the potential risks and benefits of using pomegranate juice or isolated compounds for a health benefit or for cancer prevention," Powel Brown, chairman of the clinical cancer prevention department at the University of Texas, said.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: How cold are your hands and feet? Cold extremities could be a sign

B12 deficiency is prevalent among older age groups, but the increasing popularity of veganism could be contributing to the issue. Groups at risk are advised to top up levels with supplements and fortified foods. But because warning signs are hard to spot, many cases are missed. One sign that red blood cells count is diminishing could show in the temperature of your hands and feet.

Persistent fatigue, a sore red tongue, and disturbed vision are among the most common symptoms of a deficiency in B12.

As red blood cell count falls further, however, patients may discover a shift in the temperature of their body.

This is because the role of red blood cells is to carry oxygen around the body.

WebMD writes: "Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen around your body.

 B12 deficiency symptoms

"That can leave you shivering and cold, especially in your hands and feet."

The longer the number of red blood cells is left within a suboptimal range, the greater the risk of developing anaemia.

It should be noted that cold hands and feet typically result from poor circulation, a complication associated with myriad medical conditions.

Diabetes and obesity, for instance, both cause blood flow to the extremities to decrease.

But when cold extremities result from low B12 levels, patients may also experience tingling or pins and needles in the hands and feet.

Sometimes, strange sensations, numbness or weakness can affect these parts of the body.

But because these symptoms are often brushed off as harmless, many patients go on to develop nerve damage.

Nerve damage results from a shortfall in myelin production, the substance that forms around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

The role of the sheath is to enable the transmission of electrical impulse efficiency along the nerve cells.

Over time, this may lead to problems with movement, as numbness in the extremities may make it difficult for a person to walk without support.

Nerve damage can also lead to muscle weakness and diminished reflexes.

In severe cases, these complications can become permanent, or get progressively worse with time.

Where to find B12

The health website Patients explains: "Vitamin B12 is present in meat and animal protein foods.

"Absorption occurs in the terminal ileum and requires intrinsic factor (IF) as secretion of gastric mucosal (parietal) cells, for transport across the intestinal mucosa.

"Body stores of vitamin B12 are in the region of two to three milligrams, which is sufficient to last for two to four years."

B12 injections are often used in the treatment of severe deficiencies, allowing the body to fully recover within the space of 12 months. 

Protein-packed foods that will help fuel your muscles

Reference: Yard Barker: Matt Sulem