06:21 PM PST on Tuesday, March 1, 2005

From KING 5 Staff Reports

Gluten-free diet could help bones

Could eating wheat flour increase some people's risk of osteoporosis? Researchers say the gluten in the flour prevents people with celiac disease from absorbing calcium and Vitamin D. That, in turn, can lead to the weaker bones. When patients with celiac disease and osteoporosis went on a gluten-free diet, they were able to improve their bone density.

Younger set goes for cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery patients may be getting younger. A new survey from the University of Pennsylvania finds 5 percent of women between age 17 and 24 have had a cosmetic procedure. Chemical peels were the most common treatment, followed by breast implants, breast reductions and nose jobs.

Caffeinated soap

Could caffeine soap actually help wake you up in the shower? New caffeinated soaps and face creams are coming out that claim the caffeine gets absorbed through the skin. One soap, called Shower Shock, smells minty and claims to have the equivalent of 200 milligrams of caffeine per wash. A bar costs $6.99.

Chemotherapy for older women

New research finds older breast cancer patients may be able to tolerate chemotherapy as well as younger ones. Traditionally doctors have hesitated to use the treatment on women over 65 because of possible side effects. But a new study finds even though older patients have a slightly higher risk of bad reactions, it’s not enough to outweigh the benefits. Researchers say because a healthy 65-year-old woman can expect to live 20 more years, most women would say the chemotherapy risks are worth it.

Two popular supplements may help protect the bones of stroke patients

A new Japanese study finds patients who took folic acid and vitamin B12 were five times less likely to have a hip fracture than those who didn't take the supplements. Stroke patients have a higher fracture risk because they have elevated levels of an amino acid which can harm bones. Researchers think B vitamins may bring that level down.

Major step toward a cure for Type 1 diabetes

Also called juvenile diabetes. Florida researchers are learning how to make embryonic stem cells into insulin producing cells. That means diabetes patients would no longer require insulin shots. And the use of stem cells would mean a potentially unlimited supply of insulin producing cells. Many researchers believe that if stem cells can cure any disease, it will be diabetes.