An estimated 5,000 people in the U.S. die each year from food-borne illnesses.  Some of the most common ones are caused by bacteria from animals slaughtered for meat.  With barbecue season approaching, Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., a Consumers Union food safety expert, advises consumers to shop carefully to reduce their families’ risk:

• Check the package date and choose the one with the most leeway.
• Avoid meat packages that are leaking, sticky, or wet; they may have bacteria.
• Don’t buy meat that smells off.  And never rely on color alone, since meat can be treated with carbon monoxide to look red and fresh.
• Use plastic bags to handle and store meat packages and prevent bacteria from spreading.
• Have a trusted butcher grind meat fresh.

For the full report, go to www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

IMMUNITY: HOW TO BOOST IT

The human body is under constant attack from infection-causing bacteria and viruses.  A healthy immune system – well-armed with white blood cells, antibodies, proteins, and other substances – can destroy or inactivate those foreign invaders.  A Consumer Reports web special describes how consumers can fortify their immune systems by eating and exercising wisely, reducing stress, and practicing other healthy behaviors.   For example, a balanced diet can help most people get the nutrients they need to defend against disease.  And regular, moderate workouts can boost the circulation of infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body and flush bacteria from the lungs.  To read the full report, go to www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

WHAT GIVES ENERGY DRINKS THEIR BUZZ?

Sales of caffeine-charged energy drinks have doubled since 2004.  But what exactly is in that can of Full Throttle, Monster, Red Bull, or Rock Star?  How much caffeine do energy drinks contain?  And what are the effects of heavily touted extras such as vitamins, amino acids, and herbs?  A special report in the May issue of Consumer Reports on Health suggests that while the occasional energy drink is probably safe for most adults, it’s not a good idea to drink them regularly.  Reasons include:

• Stimulants.  Consumer Reports tested a dozen energy drinks and found 50 to 145 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce serving.  Other caffeine-containing ingredients include the South American plant guarana, green tea, and the herb yerba mate.
• Sugar.  The safety of the large amounts of sugars and other sweeteners included in energy drinks – sometimes several hundred times the amount in food – is unknown.
• Amino acids.  Some drinks contain large amounts of the amino acid taurine, whose health effects remain unknown. Most people have more than enough of this protein anyway.
• B vitamins.  Again, most people get plenty of these essential nutrients through their regular diet.
• Herbs.  Despite claims that ginkgo biloba, milk thistle, and other ingredients can improve memory or boost immunity, there’s little to no evidence to support these assertions.

To read the full report, go to www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPLEMENTS: NOT WORTH THE RISK

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings on more than 70 weight-loss products, including a recent recall of Hydroxycut, which has been linked to serious liver injuries.  According to the FDA, some of these products claim to be “natural” or “herbal,” but contain one or more potentially dangerous controlled substances not listed on the label.  Consumer Reports warned in March about Hydroxycut’s potential risks to the liver and has for many years warned consumers to stay away from supplements marketed for weight loss.   Manufacturers don’t have to prove to the FDA that these types of products are safe or effective before coming to market and, as in this case, the risks may not emerge until many people have already taken them.

The FDA recently found 72 weight-loss products to be tainted with potentially dangerous prescription-drug ingredients. Among the alarming substances found in some of these supplements:  bumetanide, a potent diuretic; cetilistat, an experimental obesity drug not approved for marketing in the U.S.; phenytoin, a prescription anti-seizure, medication; and phenolphthalein, a suspected cancer-causing agent.  These substances can pose very serious health risks.  The FDA advises consumers taking these products to stop doing so and consult a health care professional.  Log on to CR’s health blog at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org for more information.