Stop the rot

Researchers have found a link between gum disease and cancer. How worried should we be, asks Lucy Atkins

Scientists issue heart warning on fat content of doner kebabs

Studies find that the food contains up to the equivalent of a wine glass of cooking oil

Row over health risk to cousins who marry

Scientists and health experts discuss marriages between cousins and their impact on health in Britain

Breastfed children are brainier, study suggests

Study raises question of whether breast milk itself or associated maternal care responsible for boosting intelligence

Hay fever misery for 12 million as allergies spread

Itchy eyes, runny nose, fatigue: no wonder sufferers of rhinitis dread the arrival of the first pollen. But with many drugs available, does it have to be like this? Denis Campbell reports

Skin creams that turn the clock back may become a reality

Cosmetics that wipe out wrinkles and ageing spots may have to be tested like medicines

£200m boom as demand for ‘natural’ cures soars

Leap in sales of alternative medicines led by women over 35

Beware the spinal trap

Some practitioners claim it is a cure-all but research suggests chiropractic therapy can be lethal

Hard to swallow

A report saying that certain dietary supplements may do more harm than good has prompted howls of outrage from the vitamin and health-food lobby. So who exactly should we believe? Sarah Boseley reports

Vitamin supplements may increase risk of death

Vitamin supplements taken by millions may raise risk of premature death, claims new scientific review