There is much convincing observational and well substantiated clinical evidence that food additives, flavourings and colours can lead to hyperactivity. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo- controlled trial reported in Lancet 2007 has provided further proof of this undesirable relationship. In summary, the study found a strong case that food additives exacerbate hyperactive behaviours – inattention, impulsivity, and over excitability – in childhood. The study showed that adverse behaviours from additives was not restricted to children with ADHD, but could also be seen in the general population.

Helicobacter pylori infection, is a common cause of peptic ulcer and indeed gastritis. It is also a risk factor for gastric malignancies. Antibiotics are normally prescribed to eradicate H.pylori infection, and are effective in about 90% of cases. Unfortunately antibiotics do cause side-effects such as nausea, thrush, abdominal discomfort and antibiotic resistance.

Two recent studies have suggested a strong correlation between maternal use of multivitamins and the reduced incidence of a number of childhood cancers.

Charlemagne considered flaxseed so important for the health of his subjects that he passed laws in the 8th century A.D., requiring its consumption. He was perhaps a little over ambitious and even a touch severe, he was nonetheless on the right track! Many of us regularly add flaxseed oil to our daily diets in order to benefit from its rich array of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. We should however, also consider increasing our intake of these delightful seeds, as well as consuming the oil. Flaxseeds are a truly superb source of lignans and consequently have a wide range of beneficial effects for human health.