Editor’s note – March 2026

The finding that niacin improves survival from glioblastoma, a deadly form of  brain cancer, is just one of many reports in this issue showing that more and more researchers are getting interested in diet and supplements.

Neuroscientist Prof Wee Yong of the University of Calgary and his team have discovered that niacin rejuvenates immune cells so they can do what they are supposed to do – attack and kill cancer cells.

Our cover story highlights the biological reasons behind what has been called an “unprecedented decline in human fertility”. Policy-makers are ignoring micronutrient deficiencies and the sustained exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to reduced fertility. We show how the research identifies common shortfalls in folate, vitamin D, iodine, iron, selenium, zinc and antioxidants, and highlight studies on resveratrol, CoQ10, vitamin C and selenium. We feature embryologist Gemma Fabozzi and colleagues, who affirm that “Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility”.

In our news and research reports you’ll find more evidence for the use of specific nutrients alongside dietary interventions, notably vitamin D in potentially fatal respiratory tract infections; B1- unexpectedly – in constipation and IBS; a shout-out for avocado and mango; and key findings on intermittent fasting and keto.

We’re also criticising the largest study of vegetarian diets and cancer to date, which has again lumped processed meat in with red meat in another bid to show plant-based diets are superior. Unfortunately, it turns out that a vegan diet increases risk of colorectal cancer.

As ever fully referenced, IHCAN keeps you up to date with the research that matters. However, when it comes to putting new knowledge into practice  – as with the overlooked findings about lactate and liver health we address in this issue – we all need help. MIKE ASH explains how AI moves easily from a  reference tool to becoming your clinical partner – but it must be role-specific, not a generic Chat GPT-form of “assistant”.