Fiona Callingham

Professor Tim Spector says Marmite may support brain and gut health because it contains B vitamins, protein and compounds derived from brewer’s yeast. He cites a small 2017 study in which daily consumption of a yeast-extract product reduced neural responses associated with stress by about 30%, while noting that the yeast in Marmite is no longer alive and therefore is not probiotic. The findings are preliminary, and much larger studies are needed before firm health conclusions can be drawn.

A woman from Southampton discovered her fatigue was caused by bowel cancer after low iron levels prevented her from donating blood. Tests revealed a 5cm tumour requiring surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, with her diagnosis upgraded to stage three. She now shows no evidence of disease but remains under long-term surveillance. Highlighting her minimal symptoms, she urges others to seek FIT testing and pay attention to changes in their health, noting that early detection likely prevented the cancer from spreading. The article also outlines NHS guidance on bowel cancer symptoms and screening procedures.

Health authorities report rising yellow fever cases across Africa and South and Central America, with 95 confirmed globally since early 2026 following a sharp increase in 2025. Travel Health Pro identifies affected countries and notes ongoing outbreaks, particularly in regions with low vaccination coverage. Travellers are advised to check destination-specific risk information, obtain the yellow fever vaccine when recommended, and ensure comprehensive travel insurance. Symptoms range from flu-like signs to potentially fatal complications, and the NHS urges medical attention for anyone feeling unwell after visiting affected areas.

A petition surpassing 150,000 signatures has triggered a September parliamentary debate on whether the UK should hold a referendum to return water companies to public ownership. Petition creator Ashley Paul Smith argues privatisation has failed and that profits delivered to shareholders should instead support infrastructure. The Government’s earlier response rejected nationalisation, citing lengthy legal complexity and the need to prioritise environmental improvements and stronger regulation. Andy Burnham has signalled interest in broader public ownership of utilities, with further announcements expected on the water sector.

NHS guidance warns that atorvastatin can interact with several antibiotics, antifungals, HIV and hepatitis C medicines, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, gout treatments, contraceptives and heart medications, increasing the risk of serious side effects including muscle damage and liver problems. Patients may need dose adjustments, alternative statins or temporary discontinuation. Common side effects such as nausea, headaches and cold-like symptoms are noted, while severe symptoms such as jaundice, muscle breakdown, rash, pancreatitis and signs of lung or neuromuscular disease require urgent medical attention. Supplements like St John’s wort and CoQ10 should be discussed with a clinician before use.

A petition launched by Denver Johnson urges the UK Government to lower State Pension eligibility to age 60 and increase payments to £610 per week, aligning them with 48 hours at the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour. The proposal would significantly raise annual pension income and extend increases to around 453,000 overseas pensioners whose payments remain frozen due to lack of reciprocal agreements. The petition requires 10,000 signatures for a government response and 100,000 for consideration for parliamentary debate. Current pension levels, uprating rules under the Triple Lock, and tax guidance for pensioners are also outlined.

Dr Amir Khan warns that hair loss can result from low iron levels, even when ferritin readings fall within the normal range. He explains that ferritin values below 100 may still cause symptoms such as fatigue and shedding despite appearing normal on test results. Dermatologists typically prefer levels above 100 before ruling out iron as a cause. The NHS advises seeking medical evaluation for symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, which include tiredness, shortness of breath, palpitations and, in some cases, hair loss.

Historical recording errors related to Home Responsibilities Protection have led to widespread State Pension underpayments, primarily affecting women who claimed Child Benefit before 2000. The Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs are conducting a correction exercise to identify affected individuals, update National Insurance records and issue arrears. More than 370,000 letters have been sent to alert those who may be entitled to unpaid pension amounts. People are encouraged to review their National Insurance history and State Pension forecast on GOV.UK.

Higher‑income pensioners can use a new HMRC online tool to determine whether Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payments will later be recovered through taxation. Payments are now issued automatically unless recipients opt out, and those with individual incomes above £35,000 will have the funds reclaimed either through PAYE tax code adjustments in 2026 or through Self Assessment. Income is assessed individually, meaning one partner may repay while another keeps the payment. Pensioners anticipating income above the threshold can decline future payments, with the option to rejoin later. Repayments cannot be made as a lump sum and will instead be recovered incrementally. Guidance and opt‑out options are available via GOV.UK and Social Security Scotland.

Very high pollen levels are forecast across parts of the UK, prompting NHS guidance for reducing hay fever symptoms. The advice includes avoiding grass during high pollen periods, using protective measures such as petroleum jelly around nostrils and wearing sunglasses or masks, keeping indoor spaces closed to prevent pollen entry, and using filters in cars and vacuum cleaners. Pharmacists can recommend antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays to manage symptoms, which often worsen between late March and September.

A rare 1983 two pence coin bearing the outdated “new pence” inscription can be worth around £1,000 due to a minting error that produced only a small number of such coins, most included in special sets. Collectors are advised to look specifically for 1983-dated examples, as no other years with the same wording carry similar value. Uncirculated sets containing the coin are currently sold for about £1,250, while the Royal Mint confirms the error’s rarity but does not provide valuations.