Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that tea drinkers had a 5% greater mean BMD than non-tea drinkers, equating to a 10-20% decline in fracture risk. Isoflavonoids in tea are thought to contribute to this positive effect.
A study found that unfiltered coffee increases plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy volunteers, equating to a 10% overall increase in risk for heart attack or stroke. Individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases should limit their consumption of unfiltered coffee.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids, have a protective effect against colon cancer. The antioxidants in these compounds help neutralize oxygen radical species and reduce the risk of colon cancer, particularly in younger individuals.
A study found that Latino ESL students who took heart health and nutrition classes showed improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and nutrition knowledge. The researchers suggest that the ESL environment is an ideal way to reach this population and promote public health messages.
Two studies published in December 1999 found that green tea consumption can trigger biochemical mechanisms affecting human health. The studies suggest that increasing green tea intake can increase energy utilization, thermogenesis, and fat oxidation, while also protecting cells from oxidative damage.
A new study suggests that a diet without vitamins A and E may help cancer patients by reducing the size of brain tumors and inducing oxidant stress in cancer cells. This could lead to improved outcomes for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as antioxidants can prevent cancer cells from self-destructing.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is establishing a prestigious new Clinical Nutrition Research Unit with $4.7 million in NIH funding. The unit will focus on enhancing the use of laboratory discoveries in population-based and clinical research, as well as educating health professionals about nutrition.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that prolonged mental stress increases the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins and decreases the rate at which fats are cleared from the blood after a meal. This can lead to higher lipid levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a moderate-fat diet rich in plant oils reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 25% in hyperlipidemic men. The specific type of plant oil used in the study was found to have a significant impact on improving cholesterol profiles.
A new study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that restricting children's access to certain foods can actually encourage overeating. By removing access to desired foods, children are more likely to consume those same foods, leading to increased intake.
The long-term study found that orlistat helped successful dieters keep weight off. The accompanying editorials suggest that orlistat's benefits are modest.
A meta-analysis of formerly obese individuals who lost weight found that their resting metabolic rate decreased, explaining why dieters struggle to maintain weight loss. This decrease in metabolism may be a key factor contributing to the difficulty in keeping excess weight off.
The IFT Meeting will address key nutrition topics, including the impact of new dietary reference intakes on industry and public policy. The event also highlights the nutritional needs of older adults, particularly those turning age 65 each year, who are at increased risk for nutrient deficiencies.
A Penn State study suggests that eating low-energy-density meals, which contain fewer calories per ounce and are rich in fruits, vegetables, or grains, can help individuals manage their weight while still feeling full and satisfied. The study found that the energy density of food, rather than fat content, plays a key role in satiety.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that lifelong dietary intakes of potassium, magnesium and fruit and vegetables are determinants of bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent osteoporosis by neutralizing acidity and maintaining bone health.
African American and Mexican American adults have lower serum and red cell folates compared to white adults. This disparity underscores the importance of improving dietary habits and folate supplements among these populations. Lower folate levels are a risk factor for neural tube defects in offspring and potentially other diseases.
A study of 52 healthy volunteers found that a single pre-luncheon drink of wine or beer delayed mealtime satiety and increased 24-hour calorie intake compared to non-alcoholic drinks of equal calories. This suggests that alcohol consumption before lunch may play a role in weight gain among moderate drinkers.
A study of 42 women found that maternal folate status during extended lactation was sustained by supplementing with 1 mg folic acid per day. This supplementation helped maintain plasma and milk folate levels as well as hematocrit, but had no effect on unsupplemented women.
A study of 3000 children aged 5-17 found a clear relationship between abdominal fat and abnormal serum lipids and insulin levels. This suggests that childhood obesity may predict later development of diabetes and heart disease.
A large Danish study found moderate wine consumption protects against coronary heart disease. Red wine's high antioxidant content is linked to a healthier diet, including more fruit, vegetables, and fish consumed by wine drinkers compared to beer or spirits consumers.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that African American women who lost weight on reducing diets burned less resting energy expenditure than their white counterparts. This difference was significant and may contribute to the higher prevalence of obesity among Black women in the US.
Researchers found a strong relationship between reading nutrition labels and eating less fat. People who read labels tend to consume 30% or less of their daily calories from fat, compared to 35% for non-label readers.
A 10-year-old study found that early childhood anemia can lead to poor school performance and mild to moderate mental retardation. The research strengthens the need for effective identification and treatment of iron deficiency in early childhood.
A large retrospective study found that poor dietary intake of animal protein in postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. In contrast, calcium and vitamin D intake had no significant association.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered specific compounds in garlic that lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting liver cell production. The study found three water-soluble sulfur-containing compounds that decreased cholesterol production in cultured rat liver cells by 40 to 60 percent, with potential implications for heart health.
Marion Nestle reviews the history of olestra's approval, highlighting the FDA's decision to approve the fat substitute while requiring warning labels. She calls for changes in the regulatory system to move towards alliances with industries, increasing FDA research authority and funding.
A recent study found that 57% of patients who received nutrition counseling felt better emotionally after the visit, while nearly 65% felt more in control of their illness. The researchers also found improvements in health, such as weight loss and improved blood pressure, among 44% of patients.
A new consortium of experts plans to increase the number of physician nutrition specialists on medical school faculties, establish educational standards for post-graduate training, and promote accreditation and monitoring. The goal is to help create a supply of nutrition professionals who can inform medical curricula and patient care.
A growing recognition of age differences in dietary needs is driving calls for separate guidelines for children. Key findings include the importance of sound scientific evidence and gradual changes to a child's diet, with monitoring of growth by health professionals at regular intervals.
Healthy men who used olive oil instead of saturated fats for eight weeks experienced increased triglyceride but lower LDL-cholesterol and clotting factor VII. The long-term significance of this effect on coronary mortality remains unclear.
The article provides expert guidance on infant feeding, highlighting the importance of individualized recommendations based on nutritional needs and growth patterns. The authors suggest a tailored approach to feeding, considering factors such as breast milk supplementation and introduction of solid foods.
A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Russian women and children are not consuming enough iron in their diets. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 households, revealed that more than half of the iron consumed is lost due to interactions with other foods.
Elevated plasma leptin levels in obese individuals may indicate resistance to leptin's appetite-suppressing effects. Additionally, new evidence suggests a link between leptin concentrations and blood glucose changes, potentially connecting obesity and adult-onset diabetes.
A review of 20 published trials found that combining estrogen replacement with at least 1200 mg calcium daily preserves better bone health than using either treatment alone. This review suggests a combination therapy approach to managing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Foundation has received a $60,000 grant from The Gerber Foundation to administer fellowships to graduate students focusing on pediatric nutrition. This grant will support tuition assistance and recognition for successful fellowship recipients.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking vitamin C supplements for over 10 years significantly lowers the risk of lens opacities and subsequent cataracts in older women. Researchers discovered a 77% lower prevalence of early and 83% lower prevalence of moderate lens opacities among women who use...
A Penn State study found that teenagers prioritize health concerns when shopping, but primarily rely on front-of-label nutrition claims. Researchers suggest educational programs to improve food shopping and label reading skills.
The Nutrition Analysis Tool (NAT) allows users to analyze the nutrients in over 5,200 common food items based on daily allowance data from the US Department of Agriculture. Researchers are working to add an energy calculator to help high school athletes at risk for anorexia and bulimia make better nutrition decisions.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a hormonal link between nutrition and reproduction, with leptin serving as a metabolic signal to the reproductive system. The study provides an explanation for how the body's energy stores determine reproductive readiness.
A sports nutrition program has been adopted by top US women's heptathlon athletes, credited with improving performance and hydration. The program emphasizes fluid replacement and eating small, frequent meals to optimize fuel for high-intensity exercises.