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Here are the top medical news for the day:Dark chocolate milk intake linked to improved sprint performance: StudyScientists have found that dark chocolate milk (DC milk) may modestly enhance anaerobic sprint performance in healthy adults. Published in Nutrients, the study explored DC milk’s effects on metabolic processes and sprint power, as it contains flavonoids like catechins and epicatechin known to support cardiovascular health and reduce fatigue. Dark chocolate milk helps with exercise by providing a natural mix of carbohydrates and proteins that fuel muscles and aid recovery. Its flavonoids, like catechins and epicatechin, improve blood flow and support cardiovascular health, enhancing energy production and endurance. The sugars offer quick energy for anaerobic activities, while its protein content promotes muscle repair. Additionally, compounds in dark chocolate can reduce fatigue and boost mental focus, supporting overall exercise performance. The study recruited 20 adults aged 21-35 who exercised regularly and had no recent injuries or medications. Participants completed two trial sessions in a randomized crossover design: one consuming 300 mL of DC milk, the other an iso-caloric white chocolate (WC) milk control, with a 7-day washout between trials. After consumption, participants rested 1.5 hours before performing two sets of the Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), involving six 35-meter sprints with short rest intervals. Researchers recorded sprint times, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE), calculating fatigue index (FI) and power output to compare performance between DC and WC trials. Findings showed DC milk significantly improved total effort and average sprint times during the second RAST, with higher mean and relative power output, especially in males. Females showed lower resting HR after DC milk, suggesting improved autonomic recovery. No differences appeared in HR or perceived exertion across trials. Lead author said “The likely benefits stem from DC milk’s flavonoid and sucrose content enhancing blood flow and energy supply, though physiological mechanisms like nitric oxide levels were not directly measured. While performance gains were statistically modest (0.5%-1.5%), such effects could interest competitive athletes seeking small advantages.” Reference: Balasekaran G., Ng Y. C., Foong S., Ong X. R., Boey P. (2025). Effects of Dark Chocolate on Physiological and Anaerobic Performance Among Healthy Female and Male Adults. Nutrients, 17(21), 3317. DOI: 10.3390/nu17213317. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/21/3317Night-time bright light exposure may raise heart disease risk, study findsA new study led by Flinders University and published in JAMA Network Open reveals that exposure to bright light at night significantly increases the risk of serious heart conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. This groundbreaking research is the largest of its kind, tracking personal light exposure of nearly 89,000 UK adults using wrist-worn sensors over 13 million hours, and following them for up to 9.5 years. Bright light exposure at night disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, increasing the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. This disruption leads to metabolic and vascular changes that elevate cardiovascular risk independently of other lifestyle factors. Research shows that people exposed to the brightest nighttime light have a significantly higher chance of heart disease, with women and younger individuals being especially vulnerable. Limiting nighttime light exposure by dimming lights and avoiding screens can protect heart health. The study highlights how disrupting the body’s internal circadian clock by exposure to bright light during normal dark hours raises cardiovascular risk independently of factors like exercise, diet, sleep, and genetics. People exposed to the brightest night light had a 56% higher chance of heart failure and a 47% greater risk of heart attack. Notably, women and younger participants were more vulnerable, with women’s risk equalizing to men’s despite typically lower heart disease rates. Methodologically, participants wore light sensors continuously, allowing precise measurement of indoor and outdoor light exposure reflecting real-world conditions. This approach surpasses prior studies relying on satellite data or subjective reports. Researchers used multivariate analyses adjusting for lifestyle and genetic confounders to isolate the effect of nighttime light exposure on cardiovascular outcomes. Dr. Daniel Windred, lead author, emphasized the importance of mitigating nighttime light exposure through practical measures like blackout curtains and reducing screen time before bed. The findings suggest public health policies should consider light pollution a modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Protecting circadian rhythms may be a powerful, yet underutilized, strategy in...
