[Analysis of the legal framework on food supplements for menopause in Spanish community pharmacies]. / Análisis del marco legal sobre complementos alimenticios para la menopausia en farmacias comunitarias españolas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the legal framework for the marketing of specific food supplements prescribed and indicated for menopause symptoms, so that it is verified if according to the effects on health that they produce, should be considered in the category of food supplements, or in others included in our legal system. METHOD: An exhaustive review of the legal frameworks applicable to food supplements used both in Spain and in Europe, collecting those aspects that are related to legal concepts such as the definition of medicine for human use, medicine based on medicinal plants, or the so-called "frontier products". RESULTS: There is a large number of products that can be called "frontier products", they can fit into different product categories, they can fit into different product categories, since some of the plants in their formulation are also authorized for use as industrial medicines or medicines based on traditional medicinal plants. CONCLUSIONS: There are currently specific food supplements for menopause that raise reasonable doubts about their inclusion in other legal categories, both as medicines for human use, or as herbal medicines, so the legislator would need to enable more agile mechanisms and more frequent reviews of the new certainties that science finds, and that can change the status of these products.

Dietary Intake, Nutritional Adequacy, and Food Sources of Selected Antioxidant Minerals and Vitamins; and Their Relationship with Personal and Family Factors in Spanish Children Aged 1 to <10 Years: Results from the EsNuPI Study

Minerals and vitamins involved in the antioxidant defense system are essential for healthy growth and proper development during infancy. Milk and dairy products are of particular importance for improving the supply of these nutrients to children. Indeed, the present study aimed to evaluate the nutrient intake and food sources of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), retinol and carotenoids (sources of vitamin A), and vitamins C and E, and to analyze their relationships with personal and familiar factors in Spanish children from the EsNuPI study. One subpopulation representative of the Spanish population from 1 to <10 years old (n = 707) (reference group, REF) who reported consuming all types of milk over the last year, and another subpopulation of the same age who reported consuming fortified milk formulas (FMFs) (including follow-on formula, young child formula, growing up milk, toddler's milk, and enriched and fortified milk) (n = 741) (fortified milk consumers, FMCs) completed two 24 h dietary recalls used to estimate their nutrient intakes and to compare them to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). The REF reported higher median intakes than FMCs for Se (61 µg/kg vs. 51 µg/kg) and carotenoids (1079 µg/day vs. 998 µg/day). Oppositely, FMCs reported higher intakes than REF for Zn (7.9 mg/day vs. 6.9 mg/day), vitamin A (636 µg/day vs. 481 µg/day), vitamin E (8.9 mg/day vs. 4.5 mg/day), vitamin C (113 mg/day vs. 71 mg/day), and retinol (376 µg/day vs. 233 µg/day). In the REF group, more than 50% of the children met the EFSA recommendations for Zn (79.6%), Se (87.1%), vitamin A (71.3%), and vitamin C (96.7%), respectively. On the other hand, 92.2% were below the EFSA recommendations for vitamin E. In the FMC group, more than 50% of the children met the EFSA recommendations for Zn (55.2%), Se (90.8%), vitamin A (75.7%), vitamin E (66.7%), and vitamin C (100%). We found statistically significant differences between subpopulations for all cases except for Se. In both subpopulations, the main sources of all antioxidant nutrients were milk and dairy products. For carotenoids, the main sources were vegetables and fruits followed by milk and dairy products. A high percentage of children had vitamins A and E intakes below the recommendations, information of great importance to stakeholders. More studies using intakes and biomarkers are needed, however, to determine an association with diverse factors of oxidative damage.

Circulating Isovalerylcarnitine and Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence from Mendelian Randomization and Prediagnostic Blood Measurements.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco exposure causes 8 of 10 lung cancers, and identifying additional risk factors is challenging due to confounding introduced by smoking in traditional observational studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to screen 207 metabolites for their role in lung cancer predisposition using independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of blood metabolite levels (n = 7,824) and lung cancer risk (n = 29,266 cases/56,450 controls). A nested case-control study (656 cases and 1,296 matched controls) was subsequently performed using prediagnostic blood samples to validate MR association with lung cancer incidence data from population-based cohorts (EPIC and NSHDS). RESULTS: An MR-based scan of 207 circulating metabolites for lung cancer risk identified that blood isovalerylcarnitine (IVC) was associated with a decreased odds of lung cancer after accounting for multiple testing (log10-OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.29-0.63). Molar measurement of IVC in prediagnostic blood found similar results (log10-OR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21-0.72). Results were consistent across lung cancer subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Independent lines of evidence support an inverse association of elevated circulating IVC with lung cancer risk through a novel methodologic approach that integrates genetic and traditional epidemiology to efficiently identify novel cancer biomarkers. IMPACT: Our results find compelling evidence in favor of a protective role for a circulating metabolite, IVC, in lung cancer etiology. From the treatment of a Mendelian disease, isovaleric acidemia, we know that circulating IVC is modifiable through a restricted protein diet or glycine and L-carnatine supplementation. IVC may represent a modifiable and inversely associated biomarker for lung cancer.

An Updated Review on The Properties of Melissa officinalis L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety.

Melissa officinalis L. is a plant of the Lamiaceae family known in numerous countries for its medicinal activities. This plant has been used since ancient times to treat different disorders, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, psychological conditions. M. officinalis contains several phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and many others at the basis of its pharmacological activities. Indeed, the plant can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, antinociceptive effects. Given its consolidated use, M. officinalis has also been experimented with clinical settings, demonstrating interesting properties against different human diseases, such as anxiety, sleeping difficulties, palpitation, hypertension, depression, dementia, infantile colic, bruxism, metabolic problems, Alzheimer's disease, and sexual disorders. As for any natural compound, drug, or plant extract, also M. officinalis can have adverse effects, even though the reported events are very rare and the plant can be considered substantially safe. This review has been prepared with a specific research strategy, interrogating different databases with the keyword M. officinalis. Moreover, this work analyzes the properties of this plant updating currently available literature, with a special emphasis on human studies.

Dietary Supplement of Grape Wastes Enhances Honeybee Immune System and Reduces Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) Load.

Ingredients rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants of winemaking wastes, which play an important role in the prevention of various diseases and the control of viruses, are being explored. Currently, there is a concern about honeybee population loss, with deformed wing virus (DWV) being the most common virus infecting apiaries and one of the main causes of honeybee decline. Hence, the effect of grape pomace powder (GPP) as a dietary supplement to enhance the immune system of honeybees affected by DWV was evaluated. The characteristics of the ingredient GPP, obtained by spray-drying, revealed a high anthocyanin content (1102.45 mg 100 g-1), and it was applied at doses of 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5% as a dietary supplement for bees infected by DWV. The results showed that the GPP treatments strengthened the immune response of honeybees against DWV. Moreover, the expression of the Relish gene was significantly higher in bees fed with GPP compared to the infected control. This study, which is framed in the search of food waste valorization for environmental sustainability, proves the feasibility of using grape wastes as dietary supplements for pollinators, and provides knowledge of the influence of polyphenols on the expression profiles of immune-related genes in honeybees.

Peganum spp.: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactivities and Health-Enhancing Effects and Their Potential for the Formulation of Functional Foods and Pharmaceutical Drugs.

The genus Peganum includes four species widely distributed in warm temperate to subtropical regions from the Mediterranean to Mongolia as well as certain regions in America. Among these species, Peganum harmala L., distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia, has been studied and its phytochemical profile, traditional folk use, and application in pharmacological and clinical trials are well known. The review is aimed at presenting an insight into the botanical features and geographical distribution of Peganum spp. along with traditional folk uses. This manuscript also reviews the phytochemical profile of Peganum spp. and its correlation with biological activities evidenced by the in vitro and in vivo investigations. Moreover, this review gives us an understanding of the bioactive compounds from Peganum as health promoters followed by the safety and adverse effects on human health. In relation to their multipurpose therapeutic properties, various parts of this plant such as seeds, bark, and roots present bioactive compounds promoting health benefits. An updated search (until December 2020) was carried out in databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect. Chemical studies have presented beta-carboline alkaloids as the most active constituents, with harmalol, harmaline, and harmine being the latest and most studied among these naturally occurring alkaloids. The Peganum spp. extracts have shown neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. The extracts are also found effective in improving respiratory disorders (asthma and cough conditions), dermatoses, and knee osteoarthritis. Bioactivities and health-enhancing effects of Peganum spp. make it a potential candidate for the formulation of functional foods and pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, adverse effects of this plant have also been described, and therefore new bioproducts need to be studied in depth. In fact, the design of new formulations and nanoformulations to control the release of active compounds will be necessary to achieve successful pharmacological and therapeutic treatments.

Coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk: a multicentre case-control study from Italy and Spain.

BACKGROUND: Coffee contains many bioactive substances that can play a role on colorectal cancer. Epidemiological evidence of coffee intake and colorectal cancer is, however, inconsistent. AIM: To provide further information on the risk of colorectal cancer in relation to coffee consumption. METHODS: Data derive from two companion case-control studies conducted in Italy and Spain within the European Union Project on Health Impacts of long-term exposure to disinfection by-products in Drinking Water and the Spanish Multi-Case Control study on Cancer. These included a total of 2289 incident cases with colorectal cancer and 3995 controls with information on coffee intake. Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for study centre, sex, age, education, smoking, and other covariates. RESULTS: Compared with never coffee drinkers, the OR was 0.99 (95% CI 0.95-1.02) for total coffee consumption. There was no significant trend in risk with dose or duration, the ORs being 0.95 (95% CI 0.72-1.25) for an amount of five or more cups per day of coffee and 0.95 (95% CI 0.75-1.19) for a duration of consumption of 50 years or longer. The OR was 1.04 (95% CI 0.87-1.25) for two or more cups per day of decaffeinated coffee. There were no heterogeneity across strata of various covariates, as well as no apparent differences between various anatomical subsites. CONCLUSION: This large pooled analysis of two studies shows no association of coffee and decaffeinated coffee with colorectal cancer risk.

Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Native Chilean Plants.

The native flora of Chile has unique characteristics due to the geographical situation of the country, with the vast desert in the North, Patagonia in the South, the Andean Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This exclusivity is reflected in high concentrations of phytochemicals in the fruits and leaves of its native plants. Some examples are Aristotelia chilensis (Molina), Stuntz (maqui), Berberis microphylla G. Forst. (calafate), Peumus boldus Molina (boldo), Ribes magellanicum Poir. (Magellan currant), Ugni molinae Turcz. (murtilla), Rubus geoides Sm. (miñe miñe), Drimys winteri J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (canelo), Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret (arrayán) distributed throughout the entire Chilean territory. Some of these Chilean plants have been used for centuries in the country's traditional medicine. The most recent studies of phytochemical characterization of parts of Chilean plants show a wide spectrum of antioxidant compounds, phenolic components, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have shown biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This manuscript covers the entire Chilean territory characterizing the phytochemical profile and reporting some of its biological properties, focusing mainly on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, chemopreventive and cytotoxic activity, and potential against diabetes, metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders.

Interaction Between GAD65 Antibodies and Dietary Fish Intake or Plasma Phospholipid n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Incident Adult-Onset Diabetes: The EPIC-InterAct Study.

OBJECTIVE: Islet autoimmunity is associated with diabetes incidence. We investigated whether there was an interaction between dietary fish intake or plasma phospholipid n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration with the 65-kDa isoform of GAD (GAD65) antibody positivity on the risk of developing adult-onset diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used prospective data on 11,247 incident cases of adult-onset diabetes and 14,288 noncases from the EPIC-InterAct case-cohort study conducted in eight European countries. Baseline plasma samples were analyzed for GAD65 antibodies and phospholipid n-3 PUFAs. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident diabetes in relation to GAD65 antibody status and tertiles of plasma phospholipid n-3 PUFA or fish intake were estimated using Prentice-weighted Cox regression. Additive (proportion attributable to interaction [AP]) and multiplicative interactions between GAD65 antibody positivity (≥65 units/mL) and low fish/n-3 PUFA were assessed. RESULTS: The hazard of diabetes in antibody-positive individuals with low intake of total and fatty fish, respectively, was significantly elevated (HR 2.52 [95% CI 1.76-3.63] and 2.48 [1.79-3.45]) compared with people who were GAD65 antibody negative and had high fish intake, with evidence of additive (AP 0.44 [95% CI 0.16-0.72] and 0.48 [0.24-0.72]) and multiplicative (P = 0.0465 and 0.0103) interactions. Individuals with high GAD65 antibody levels (≥167.5 units/mL) and low total plasma phospholipid n-3 PUFAs had a more than fourfold higher hazard of diabetes (HR 4.26 [2.70-6.72]) and an AP of 0.46 (0.12-0.80) compared with antibody-negative individuals with high n-3 PUFAs. CONCLUSIONS: High fish intake or relative plasma phospholipid n-3 PUFA concentrations may partially counteract the increased diabetes risk conferred by GAD65 antibody positivity.

Effectiveness of a 12-Week Physical Exercise Program on Lower-Limb Malalignment in School-age Rugby: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks of a physical exercise program (PEP) in child rugby players with lower-limb overpronation during gait. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial. A total of 123 young athletes (mean ± standard deviation age, 10.35 ± 1.22 years) were evaluated, 20 of whom had lower-limb overpronation (n = 40 extremities). Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the experimental group, who performed their normal training and a PEP for 12 weeks, and the control group, who continued with their normal training for the same time. The PEP was focused on stretching the hypertonic muscle and potentiating the weakened muscles of the lower body. All participants underwent biomechanical analysis including the Helbing angle, the femorotibial angle, and the Fick angle in both limbs. RESULTS: All participants (n = 20) completed the study. Baseline measurements showed no significant differences between groups in any of the variables tested. After 12 weeks, there were significant differences between groups (P < .001 for all angles). No improvement was found in the control group; however, meaningful improvement was found in all variables in the experimental group: Helbing angle (175°, P < .001, effect size [ES] = 1.94), femorotibial angle (173°, P < .001, ES = 1.77), Fick angle (12°, P < .001, ES = 1.55). The number needed to treat was 2 for femorotibial angle and Helbing angle, and 3 for Fick angle. CONCLUSION: A 12-week PEP produced significant improvements in these 3 biomechanical variables. We also conclude that young athletes with a pathological gait pattern reached a normal gait pattern.

Dietary Intake, Nutritional Adequacy and Food Sources of Total Fat and Fatty Acids, and Relationships with Personal and Family Factors in Spanish Children Aged One to <10 Years: Results of the EsNuPI Study.

We aimed to determine the usual intake of total fat, fatty acids (FAs), and their main food sources in a representative cohort of the Spanish pediatric population aged 1 to <10 years (n = 707) who consumed all types of milk and an age-matched cohort who consumed adapted milk over the last year (including follow-on formula, toddler's milk, growing-up milk, and fortified and enriched milks) (n = 741) who were participants in the EsNuPI study (in English, Nutritional Study in the Spanish Pediatric Population). Dietary intake, measured through two 24 h dietary recalls, was compared to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) recommendations. Both cohorts showed a high intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), according to FAO recommendations, as there are no numerical recommendations for SFAs at EFSA. Also, low intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs; linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA)) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) of the n-3 series, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were observed according to EFSA and FAO recommendations. The three main sources of total fat and different FAs were milk and dairy products, oils and fats, and meat and meat products. The consumption of adapted milk was one of the main factors associated with better adherence to the nutritional recommendations of total fat, SFAs, EFAs, PUFAs; and resulted as the main factor associated with better adherence to n-3 fatty acids intake recommendations. Knowledge of the dietary intake and food sources of total fat and FAs in children could help in designing and promoting effective and practical age-targeted guidelines to promote the consumption of EFA- and n-3 PUFA-rich foods in this stage of life.

Plant natural products with anti-thyroid cancer activity.

Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy, with more than 500,000 cases per year worldwide. Differentiated thyroid cancers are the most common forms with best prognosis, while poorly/undifferentiated ones are rare (2% of all thyroid cancer), aggressive, frequently metastasize and have a worse prognosis. For aggressive, metastatic and advanced thyroid cancer novel antitumor molecules are urgently needed and phytochemical products can be a rational and extensive source, since secondary plant metabolites can guarantee the necessary biochemical variability for therapeutic purpose. Among bioactive molecules that present biological activity on thyroid cancer, resveratrol, curcumin, isoflavones, glucosinolates are the most common and used in experimental model. Most of them have been studied both in vitro and in vivo on this cancer, but rarely in clinical trial. This review summarizes phytochemicals, phytotherapeutics and plant derived compounds used in thyroid cancer.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni bioactive effects: From in vivo to clinical trials towards future therapeutic approaches.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a plant from South America and indigenous of Paraguay, has shown several biological effects and healthy properties, although it is especially used in South America and some Asiatic regions. In addition, it is a natural sweetener, almost 300 times sweeter than sucrose, being attributed to its phytoconstituents prominent antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic (antihyperglycemic, insulinotropic, and glucagonostatic), antiplatelet, anticariogenic, and antitumor effects. In this sense, this work aims to provide an extensive overview on the historical practices of stevia and its effects in human health based on its chemical composition and applications for both food and pharmaceutical industries.

Ultrafiltration of skimmed goat milk increases its nutritional value by concentrating nonfat solids such as proteins, Ca, P, Mg, and Zn.

Goat milk has been reported to possess good nutritional and health-promoting properties. Usually, it must be concentrated before fermented products can be obtained. The aim of this study was to compare physicochemical and nutritional variables among raw (RM), skimmed (SM), and ultrafiltration-concentrated skimmed (UFM) goat milk. The density, acidity, ash, protein, casein, whey protein, Ca, P, Mg, and Zn values were significantly higher in UFM than in RM or SM. Dry extract and fat levels were significantly higher in UFM than in SM, and Mg content was significantly higher in UFM than in RM. Ultrafiltration also increased the solubility of Ca and Mg, changing their distribution in the milk. The higher concentrations of minerals and proteins, especially caseins, increase the nutritional value of UFM, which may therefore be more appropriate for goat milk yogurt manufacturing in comparison to RM or SM.

Study of the effect of different fermenting microorganisms on the Se, Cu, Cr, and Mn contents in fermented goat and cow milks.

The aim of this study was to determine the Se, Cu, Cr, and Mn concentrations of different types of goat- and cow-milk fermented products and evaluate the influence of fermenting bacteria (classical fermenting starters and a probiotic strain) on these concentrations. Atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generation was used to measure Se and electrothermal atomization to measure Cu, Cr and Mn. Analytical parameters determined in the fermented milks demonstrated that the procedures used were adequate for Se, Cu, Cr, and Mn analyses. Se levels were significantly lower in fermented goat milk products than in fermented cow milk products (p<0.05). Se, Cu, Cr, and Mn levels did not differ as a function of the fermenting bacteria used in commercial fermented goat or cow milks or in the lab-produced goat yoghurt. Given the Se, and Cr intakes for healthy adults, goat and cow yogurts may be important dietary sources.

Does Lactobacillus plantarum or ultrafiltration process improve Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability from fermented goats' milk?

Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability from two experimental ultrafiltered fermented goats' milks (one of them with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and another one without it), and fermented goats' milk samples available in the market were evaluated. Solubility, dialysability and a model combining simulated gastrointestinal digestion and mineral retention, transport and uptake by Caco-2 cells were used to assess bioavailability. The highest Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability values always corresponded to the fermented milk developed by our research group, which could be explained by the effect of milk ultrafiltration. The fermented milk with L. plantarum showed higher Ca retention than the ones without the microorganism, and major Ca uptake when compared to commercial products. This fact could be attributed to a positive effect exerted by the probiotic strain.

Estudio de casos y controles sobre cólicos nefríticos y consumo de fármacos predisponentes / Case-control study on nephritic colic and predisposing drugs

Objetivo. Comprobar si los pacientes diagnosticados en Atención Primaria de cólico nefrítico presentan una mayor exposición al consumo de fármacos predisponentes. Diseño. Estudio observacional analítico de casos y controles. Participantes. Una muestra de 43 pacientes diagnosticados de cólico nefrítico (casos) son comparados con 43 controles. Emplazamiento. Consultas de Atención Primaria y Servicio de Urgencias extrahospitalario. Mediciones. En casos y en controles se determinaron las siguientes variables: motivo de consulta, edad, sexo, antecedentes familiares de litiasis, antecedentes personales de cólicos nefríticos o cálculos en el aparato urinario, antecedentes personales de infecciones urinarias, hipercalcemia, hipercalciuria o hiperuricemia y consumo previo de fármacos predisponentes de urolitiasis o de otros fármacos. En los casos se anotaron datos de anamnesis, exploración, tratamiento y conducta seguida con el paciente. Resultados. En los pacientes diagnosticados de cólico nefrítico los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: dolor lumbar (95,3%), dolor abdominal (44,2%), náuseas/vómitos (58,1%) y polaquiuria (46,5%). En cuanto a exploración y pruebas complementarias, presentaba puño percusión positiva el 69,8%, hematuria el 86,0% y fiebre el 4,7%. El consumo de fármacos predisponentes no había sido significativamente superior en los casos respecto a los controles, tanto al considerar el consumo de cada uno de los fármacos individualmente como el consumo de cualquiera de ellos (23,3% en casos versus 32,6% en controles; OR: 0,63; IC 95%: 0,24 - 1,63). El consumo previo de otros fármacos (no predisponentes de urolitiasis) tampoco había sido significativamente superior en los pacientes con cólico nefrítico, siendo el número medio de 1,09 ± 1,54 DE en casos y de 1,14 ± 1,44 DE en controles. Conclusiones. No hemos hallado relación alguna entre la aparición de cólicos nefríticos y el consumo de fármacos descritos como predisponentes. Se trata de una causa poco común de la enfermedad y permanece como incierto el papel que juegan algunos de estos fármacos (AU)

Objective. To determine if patients diagnosed with nephritic colic at Primary Care Centres are more exposed to predisposing drugs. Design. Case-control observational, analytical study. Participants. A sample of 43 patients diagnosed with nephritic colic are compared with 43 controls. Setting. Primary Care Centres and Casualty Departments. Measurements. The following variables were determined in patients and controls: reason for visit, age, gender, family background of lithiasis, personal background of nephritic colic or stones in the urinary tract, urinary infections, hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria or hyperuricaemia and prior consumption of predisposing drugs for urolithiasis or of other drugs. For the patients, their medical history, examination, treatment and patient follow up were recorded. Results. In patients diagnosed with nephritic colic the most frequent symptoms were: back pain (95.3%), abdominal pain (44.2%), nausea/vomiting (58.1%) and pollakiuria (46.5%). As regards examination and complementary tests, 69.8% of patients had haematuria and 4.7% had fever. The consumption of predisposing drugs was not signifi cantly higher in patients compared to controls, both when considering each drug separately and when considering the consumption of any one of them (23.3% in patients vs 32.6% in controls; OR: 0.63; CI 95%: 0.24 - 1.63). Prior consumption of other drugs (not predisposing for urolithiasis) was not signifi cantly higher in patients with nephritic colic, the mean number of drugs being 1.09 ± 1.54 SD in patients and 1,14 ± 1.44 SD in controls. Conclusions. We did not fi nd any relation between the occurrence of nephritic colic and consumption of drugs described as predisposing. This is an uncommon cause of the disease and the role some of these drugs play remains uncertain (AU)