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In this article, the authors explore the breadth and depth of published research linking dietary vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) to mood. Since the 1920s, there have been many studies on individual vitamins (especially B vitamins and Vitamins C, D, and E), minerals (calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium), and vitamin-like compounds (choline). Recent investigations with multi-ingredient formulas are especially promising. However, without a reasonable conceptual framework for understanding mechanisms by which micronutrients might influence mood, the published literature is too readily dismissed. Consequently, 4 explanatory models are presented, suggesting that mood symptoms may be expressions of inborn errors of metabolism, manifestations of deficient methylation reactions, alterations of gene expression by nutrient deficiency, and/or long-latency deficiency diseases. These models provide possible explanations for why micronutrient supplementation could ameliorate some mental symptoms. Keywords: mood, mood disorders, micronutrients, nutrition

Abstract Background Theoretically, consumption of complex, multinutrient formulations of vitamins and minerals should be safe, as most preparations contain primarily the nutrients that have been in the human diet for millennia, and at safe levels as defined by the Dietary Reference Intakes. However, the safety profile of commercial formulae may differ from foods because of the amounts and combinations of nutrients they contain. As these complex formulae are being studied and used clinically with increasing frequency, there is a need for direct evaluation of safety and tolerability. Methods All known safety and tolerability data collected on one complex nutrient formula was compiled and evaluated. Results Data were assembled from all the known published and unpublished studies for the complex formula with the largest amount of published research in mental health. Biological safety data from 144 children and adults were available from six sources: there were no occurrences of clinically meaningful negative outcomes/effects or abnormal blood tests that could be attributed to toxicity. Adverse event (AE) information from 157 children and adults was available from six studies employing the current version of this formula, and only minor, transitory reports of headache and nausea emerged. Only one of the studies permitted a direct comparison between micronutrient treatment and medication: none of the 88 pediatric and adult participants had any clinically meaningful abnormal laboratory values, but tolerability data in the group treated with micronutrients revealed significantly fewer AEs and less weight gain. Conclusions This compilation of safety and tolerability data is reassuring with respect to the broad spectrum approach that employs complex nutrient formulae as a primary treatment.

Reports on the case of an 18-year-old volleyball player presented with significant left-knee-joint laxity. Occurrence of knee injuries; Implementation of cardiorespiratory-endurance training; Muscle-strength and -endurance training.

Describes the provision and preliminary evaluation of a psychosocial service delivery and residential treatment program called Tapestry, which is run under the aegis of the cancer care community in Alberta. Offer of a way to provide psychosocial support for persons living with cancer; Provision of retreats to address the isolation and other existential issues arising from a cancer diagnosis.

Focus groups of past program participants were conducted to explore the impact of a novel residential psychosocial intervention for cancer patients. All participants had attended the program between 6 months and 1 year prior to the study. The intention was to elicit a broad range of feedback regarding the program's effects on people living with cancer. Of particular interest was the assessment of lasting outcomes for participants, and possibilities for program improvement. This article reports the substantive understanding resulting from these focus groups, and discusses the beneficial impact, effective program characteristics, and controversial issues of residential psychosocial programming.