Calcium supplement use by African American women.

Introduction: Inadequate calcium intake is more common among women belonging to racial and ethnic minorities. This study examined the patterns and characteristics associated with calcium supplement use or nonuse among African American women, and the potential impact of physician recommendation on calcium supplementation.

Methods: African American women aged 19 to 65, attending community outreach activities sponsored by a multispecialty academic medical center in northeastern Ohio, completed a calcium supplement survey.

Analysis of common mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase gene: new assays to increase the sensitivity and specificity of newborn screening for galactosemia.

Classical galactosemia is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene. Prospective newborn screening for galactosemia is routine and utilizes the universally collected newborn dried blood specimen on filter paper. Screening for galactosemia is achieved through analysis of total galactose (galactose and galactose-1-phosphate) and/or determining the activity of the GALT enzyme.