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Risk of depression higher in LGBT teens

LGBT teens at higher risk of depression; food allergies and vaginal microbes; can fish oils help with the symptoms of ADHD?

A new British study indicates that half of lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT) teenagers are experiencing depression. Despite the improvement of equality for LGBT people in some countries stigma and bullying is still common and affects mental health. Another study carried out in the US city of Texas also showed that 1 in 4 adolescents at an inpatient unit were LGBT – a higher level than you’d expect by chance.

Researchers in the US are trying to find out if a practice called vaginal seeding might help to reduce food allergies in babies born by caesarean section. When a baby is delivered via the vagina it will come into contact with potentially-useful bacteria. So vaginal seeding aims to replicate that process. We hear from one family who have volunteered to take part in the study in New York.

Past studies on fish oils and their impact on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been contradictory. New research carried out in Taiwan has shown that children with low levels of fish oils who took high-dose supplement saw an improvement in their ability to concentrate. The researchers say fish oils should only be taken under medical supervision.

(Photo: Two people holding hands. Credit: fizkes/Getty Images.)

Health Check was presented by Claudia Hammond

Producer: Paula McGrath

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Mon 25 Nov 2019 03:32GMT

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