Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other androgen excess-related conditions: can changes in dietary intake make a difference?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that involves the excess production of androgens. It affects up to 10% of all American women and can lead to the development of acne, hirsutism, and infertility. It has also been associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

C-reactive proteins and chronic disease: what role does nutrition play?

The following review provides an update on C-reactive proteins (CRPs) and how they are related to chronic diseases and diet. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism that is involved in the infection/stress-induced formation of CRPs. CRPs' role as biomarkers for coronary heart disease is discussed.

Arginine: a clinical perspective.

Dietary arginine is commonly found in both plant and animal products and has also become popular as a dietary supplement over the past 20 years. Arginine has been shown to have a wide variety of effects on the body, including impact on the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and wound healing. Recently it has also been shown to interact with popular pharmaceutical therapies (ie, statin drugs) in a positive way.

Aspartame: review of safety.

Over 20 years have elapsed since aspartame was approved by regulatory agencies as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. The safety of aspartame and its metabolic constituents was established through extensive toxicology studies in laboratory animals, using much greater doses than people could possibly consume. Its safety was further confirmed through studies in several human subpopulations, including healthy infants, children, adolescents, and adults; obese individuals; diabetics; lactating women; and individuals heterozygous (PKUH) for the genetic disease phenylketonuria (PKU) who have a decreased ability to metabolize the essential amino acid, phenylalanine.