VA says Million Veteran Program has produced more than 575 research publications

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said its Million Veteran Program (MVP), launched in 2011, has produced more than 575 research publications aimed at improving health care for veterans and future generations. According to the VA, more than 1.1 million veterans are part of the program.

The department highlighted several findings. One study used dietary information and health records from 198,049 participants who did not have diabetes at the start of the study, with health records covering an average of about four years. The VA said veterans with the highest sodium intake had an 11% higher rate of developing type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest intake, while those with the highest potassium intake had a 13% lower rate than those with the lowest potassium intake.

Another study identified veterans with a genetic risk for familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that can cause dangerously high cholesterol and often goes undiagnosed, the VA said. A small group of eligible veterans consented to clinical testing and a discussion with a VA genetic counselor.

A third study found that veterans with a combined history of traumatic brain injury and high combat exposure were more likely to report several chronic health conditions, with the strongest associations for PTSD and memory loss or impairment, according to the department.

The VA said researchers have also published MVP findings on toxic exposures in post-9/11 veterans, schizophrenia, irritable bowel syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/1030