Peeling back the benefits: Citrus compound linked to better heart health; skipping breakfast, eating late dinners tied to higher osteoporosis risk; the first global pregnancy guidelines for managing IBD – Morning Medical Update

Peeling back the benefits: Citrus compound linked to better heart health

A new meta-analysis finds that hesperidin — a flavonoid abundant in oranges and limes — can significantly lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL levels, particularly at doses over 500 mg/day and durations beyond six weeks. The citrus compound also improved blood sugar in certain at-risk groups while showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, underscoring its potential as a low-cost nutraceutical for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Researchers say pharmacists could play a key role in guiding patients on dosing, bioavailability and possible drug interactions. Pharmacy Times has more.

Skipping breakfast, eating late tied to higher osteoporosis risk

A massive study of more than 927,000 Japanese adults found that people who regularly skipped breakfast or ate late dinners were more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis, adding to risks already linked to smoking, drinking, inactivity and poor sleep. Published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, the research suggests that unhealthy eating patterns compound other lifestyle factors.

The first global pregnancy guidelines for IBD

For the first time, international experts have issued global guidelines on managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy, recommending continued use of most biologics through pregnancy and breastfeeding, universal preconception counseling and aspirin to reduce preeclampsia risk. Led by UCSF’s Uma Mahadevan, M.D., the consensus — published simultaneously in six journals, including Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology — seeks to standardize care worldwide, giving women with IBD and their children safer outcomes and clearer guidance through high-risk pregnancies.