Robert Lufkin, MD
Academic physician; covers prevention/longevity, population health, and health‑innovation trends.
FDA to End GRAS Loophole, Track Thousands of Additives
This is a big deal. Since 1958, the FDA has allowed food companies to self-certify ingredients as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS). In comparison Europe only allows ~400 such additives to their foods. In the US there are 4,000–10,000 ingredients that are added to our foods that the agency can't even track. "We have no idea what they are." Our government is finally going to close this loophole and clean up junk foods in America. How big a difference will this make? h/t 60 Minutes
GLP‑1 Therapies Improve Metabolism Beyond Weight Loss
Incretin (GLP-1) based therapies have dramatic effects on many aspects of metabolic disease. Can this occur independent of the effect on obesity? https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-024-00030-5
Longevity Revolution: Are We Truly Aging Slower?
Are people actually aging slower today? Or are we just cherry picking the data? We are in the beginning of a longevity revolution.
120 Biomarkers for $99 and Nationwide CT Calcium Scans
This is how I test 120 biomarkers for $99 and get CT calcium scans anywhere nationwide. Vitals Vault. https://www.vitalsvault.com/
Pepsi Slashes Junk‑food Prices After SNAP Lobbying Backlash
PepsiCo reportedly spent $2.8 million last year lobbying to keep junk food eligible for food stamps. Then 18 states moved to restrict SNAP purchases of soda, candy, and ultra-processed snacks. Within a week, PepsiCo cut prices on Doritos, Lay's, and Tostitos by...