Low vitamin D levels tied to higher blood pressure (Reuters via Yahoo! News) As blood levels of vitamin D drop, blood pressure increases, according to findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). [News Source]

High mercury levels found in one-fourth of adults. One-quarter of adult New Yorkers, roughly 1.4 million people, have elevated levels of mercury in their blood, mainly from eating certain fish, according to survey results released yesterday by the city. [News Source]

Vitamin C’s ability to fight colds is called insignificant (International Herald Tribune)

A large review of placebo-controlled trials of vitamin C for cold prevention and treatment has concluded that it is largely ineffective.

[News Source]

Survey finds elevated mercury in NYers . A quarter of adults in New York City have elevated levels of mercury in their blood, linked to how much fish they eat, according to survey results released Monday by the health department. [News Source]

Eat fish or avoid it? Scientists weigh in. Experts meeting in Portland this week say mercury fears are real, but 'not all fish are equal.' [News Source]

Sushi, diet soda latest health targets. Two foods once thought healthy — sushi and diet soda — pose grave health threats, according to two studies released yesterday. [News Source]

Jumbo squid invades California. The Humboldt, or jumbo, squid is on the move, swimming north from the tropics and eating its way into commercial fish stocks. Changing ocean conditions and fewer predators--coupled with its ecological flexibility--are the likeliest reason, say scientists. [News Source]

Using dogs to adapt to global warming. As Canada's northernmost communities face the impact of global warming, a researcher is suggesting that the Quebec Inuit should try switching back from snowmobiles to dogsleds. [News Source]

Dispelling pregnancy myths. Mercury from eating certain kinds of seafood is just one of many nutrition-related hazards that can confront a pregnant woman or one who wishes to become pregnant. [News Source]

Why working mothers have fatter children. For every ten hours a week a mother works, the odds of having a child who is overweight by the age of 3 are increased by about 10 per cent, according to results from a study of almost 13,000 mothers. [News Source]

Sugary or sugar-free, soda pop linked to increased metabolic risk. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased among middle-aged adults who regularly drink carbonated soft drinks, regardless of how the drinks are sweetened, new research suggests. [News Source]

Study: Vitamin C little help with colds (San Francisco Chronicle)

A large review of placebo-controlled trials of vitamin C for cold prevention and treatment has concluded that it is largely ineffective. In 30 trials involving 11,350 participants who took at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C a day, researchers found…

[News Source]