Popular Brain Supplement Amino Acid May Reduce Longevity in Men

A massive study of more than 270,000 people has revealed that higher blood levels of tyrosine, a common amino acid found in protein-rich foods and popular focus-boosting supplements, are associated with shorter life expectancy in men. Researchers suggest that men with elevated tyrosine levels could live nearly one year less on average than those with lower levels, sparking questions about the long-term health effects of both diet and supplements.

The study, led by scientists from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, analyzed health, genetic, and biochemical data from participants in the UK Biobank, one of the largest population-based studies in the world. The researchers focused on tyrosine and phenylalanine, two amino acids essential to metabolism and neurotransmitter production, including dopamine, which plays a key role in mood, motivation, and cognitive performance.

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Using observational and genetic modeling techniques, the researchers found that while phenylalanine had no consistent effect on lifespan, tyrosine showed a clear and potentially causal link to reduced life expectancy in men. No similar association was observed in women, suggesting that biological and hormonal differences may influence how tyrosine affects aging in men versus women.

Scientists are still investigating why tyrosine might impact longevity. One possible explanation is insulin resistance, a risk factor for age-related diseases, which tyrosine may influence. Another theory involves stress-related neurotransmitters and hormonal pathways that may react differently in men, potentially explaining why the effect was sex-specific.

Although the study did not directly test tyrosine supplements, it raises questions about their long-term safety, particularly for men who may already have high systemic levels. Nutrition experts advise moderation and recommend monitoring protein intake. Common dietary sources of tyrosine include beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, lobster, eggs, dairy, soy, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these findings, understand the mechanisms linking tyrosine to male longevity, and explore whether dietary or lifestyle interventions could safely reduce tyrosine levels and promote healthy aging.

Popular Brain Supplement Amino Acid May Reduce Longevity in Men

Labour Unions Barricade NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Hundreds of workers and union members under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) barricaded the NAFDAC office in Isolo, Lagos on Thursday, marking the seventh consecutive day of protests over the enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban. The demonstration disrupted normal operations, with protesters blocking access to the NAFDAC premises from early morning, chanting slogans such as “No work for us, no work for you”, and demanding the immediate reopening of sealed factories, depots, and warehouses nationwide. Police officers intervened mid-morning to restore access, but union leaders vowed to continue their action until all demands are met.

The protest stems from NAFDAC’s enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and 10cl PET bottled products, which has led to the closure of several indigenous factories, depots, and warehouses. Union leaders argue that entire facilities — including those producing lawful products — are being shut down unnecessarily, a move they describe as “calculated economic suffocation.” Anthony Oyaga, TUC Secretary, stated: “Across the country, indigenous manufacturing companies are being sealed. Factories are being shut down. Depots are being closed. Warehouses are being locked — including those containing other lawful products not connected to the targeted items.” Protesters warned that prolonged shutdowns are threatening livelihoods, affecting not only factory workers but also transporters, suppliers, distributors, market women, artisans, and logistics personnel. They stressed that such measures could push vulnerable youths into poverty, fuel social vices, and even pose national security risks if the situation persists.

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Union leaders, including FOBTOB National Secretary Jeffery Igein, emphasised that the protests would continue until the government addresses the economic fallout of factory closures and replaces strict enforcement with targeted regulatory measures. “We are not criminals. We are workers. We are producers. We are parents. We are taxpayers. We are Nigerians,” Igein said, stressing that the protests are peaceful and lawful.

NAFDAC, led by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has maintained that it has not received any official directive from the federal government to suspend enforcement. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare also affirmed that NAFDAC has the exclusive legal mandate to regulate food and drug products, including sachet alcohol. Despite this, union leaders continue to demand dialogue with policymakers and the reopening of factories, depots, and warehouses, arguing that blanket enforcement has caused unnecessary economic hardship.

The protests underscore ongoing tension in Nigeria between public health policies and economic livelihoods, highlighting the delicate balance regulators face in enforcing bans while preserving jobs and sustaining industries. Workers insist that they will maintain pressure until what they call economic strangulation is reversed and structured regulation replaces punitive closures.

Labour Unions Barricade NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Scientists Warn Popular Hair Extensions Contain Cancer‑Linked Chemicals

A new study has revealed that many popular hair extensions, including those made from human hair, contain chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm, raising serious health concerns for consumers worldwide. The findings, published in the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health, represent the most comprehensive chemical analysis of this largely unregulated beauty product category to date.

Researchers from the Silent Spring Institute tested 43 hair extension products purchased from online retailers and local beauty supply stores. These included synthetic fibers and bio-based materials, such as human, banana, and silk hair. Using advanced non-targeted chemical analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, scientists detected over 900 chemical signatures, identifying 169 distinct chemicals. Most of the samples contained hazardous substances linked to cancer, hormone disruption, developmental harm, and immune system effects.

Among the dangerous compounds detected were phthalates, styrene, pesticides, flame retardants, tetrachloroethane, and organotins. Some chemicals, such as organotins, were found at levels exceeding European Union safety limits, while 17 chemicals identified in 36 products were linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption. Only two products tested were free of hazardous chemicals and labeled “non-toxic”.

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Lead author Dr. Elissia Franklin said the study highlights the disproportionate exposure risk faced by Black women, who use hair extensions at much higher rates than other demographic groups. Surveys show that more than 70 percent of Black women reported wearing extensions at least once in the past year, compared with fewer than 10 percent of women from other racial or ethnic groups. Franklin explained that extensions are often worn for cultural expression, personal style, and convenience, yet users are largely unaware of the health risks posed by prolonged chemical exposure.

Because hair extensions rest directly against the scalp and neck, wearers may experience extended skin contact, and heating during styling can release chemicals into the air, leading to inhalation exposure. The study also found that manufacturers rarely disclose the full list of chemicals used to make extensions flame-resistant, waterproof, or antimicrobial, leaving consumers in the dark about potential hazards.

Consumer advocates are calling for stricter regulation, mandatory ingredient disclosure, and safer product alternatives. With the global hair extension market projected to exceed $14 billion by 2028, experts warn that millions of users could face cumulative exposure to toxic chemicals unless companies and regulators take action.

Dr. Franklin concluded: “These findings make clear that stronger oversight is urgently needed to protect consumers and push companies to invest in making safer products. No one should have to choose between cultural expression, convenience, and their health.”

Scientists Warn Popular Hair Extensions Contain Cancer‑Linked Chemicals