Researchers from the ALFA Score Consortium explore how nutrition and physical exercise can positively impact the aging process by modifying epigenetic changes. They find that healthy aging is associated with more tightly condensed chromatin, fewer histone post-translational modifications, and greater regulation by non-coding RNAs.
NUTRITION 2023 will cover the latest developments in nutrition science, with over 1,800 original research studies submitted for presentation. The event brings together nutritional professionals from around the globe to discuss key topics such as sustainable diets and their impact on health.
Two new studies published in Nutrients support the health benefits of regular watermelon consumption, finding higher intakes of dietary fiber, magnesium, and vitamins in watermelon consumers. Watermelon juice supplementation also protects vascular function during hyperglycemia, according to researchers.
A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.
A study from Tufts University researchers estimates that menu calorie labels can prevent at least 28,000 obesity-associated cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths over a lifetime, saving $2.8 billion in healthcare costs. The policy is expected to have the greatest impact on young adults and Hispanic/Black individuals.
A study by Tufts University researchers estimates that poor diet contributed to over 14.1 million cases of type 2 diabetes in 2018, accounting for 70% of new diagnoses globally. The analysis found that diets rich in refined grains and processed meat had the greatest impact on type 2 diabetes incidence.
The American Society for Nutrition is offering complimentary press passes for NUTRITION 2023, a leading global annual meeting on nutrition. The event will take place July 22-25 in Boston, bringing together thousands of nutrition professionals to share cutting-edge research.
A new study reveals that only one affordable prenatal supplement meets nutritional guidelines, but its high cost and complex dosing regimen make it inaccessible to many. The study calls for improved nutritional care during pregnancy and more research on nutrient-dense foods.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming lactation cookies had no significant effect on milk production in breastfeeding mothers. The study suggests that consumers should be cautious when considering products with unsubstantiated health claims.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered that beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these processes, which could lead to improved infant health around the world.
A six-month study of 63 healthy young participants found significant improvements in vascular markers after consuming daily peanut products. The study suggests that peanuts' polyphenols have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
A study of global clinical practice guidelines found close alignment in recommending daily intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains for treating and preventing major chronic diseases. The findings aim to increase clinician confidence in providing optimal care.
A new assessment tool helps food banks evaluate their initiatives to provide healthy and nutritious food to those in need. The tool aims to identify areas of success and potential strategies for improvement.
A study explores how nutrition educators work with incentive programs like GusNIP to promote increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition educators play a unique role in providing participant-centered education, navigating food environments, and culturally adapting programming to meet diverse audience needs.
A review highlights the impact of paternal diet, nutrition, and lifestyle on future generations, with strong evidence suggesting a western diet leads to imbalances in nutrient intake. Advanced paternal age is linked to genetic, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders in offspring, emphasizing the need for men's healthcare.
A new study from Tulane University compared popular diets on nutritional quality and environmental impact, finding that keto and paleo diets scored among the lowest on nutrition quality and had the highest carbon emissions. Vegan diets, on the other hand, generated significantly less carbon dioxide per calorie consumed.
The American Society for Nutrition has published a comprehensive summary of the landmark White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The conference outlined ambitious goals to end hunger and improve nutrition security by 2030, with recommendations from President Biden's National Strategy.
An international survey found that most health and nutrition claims on infant formula products are backed by little to no high-quality scientific evidence. The study identified 757 products with an average of two claims each, including benefits for brain development, immunity, and growth.
A culturally adapted online experience improved type 2 diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The program prioritized traditional food practices and mindful eating activities, leading to increased engagement and positive experiences among participants.
A recent study found that adding just one ounce of walnuts to the typical American diet improves diet quality and increases intakes of under-consumed nutrients. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 8,000 Americans without a history of nut consumption, showing significant benefits for all life stages.
The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has updated its nutrition educator competencies to ensure professionals can facilitate lasting change in health. The new competencies cover content and processes for delivering effective nutrition education, including the role of physical activity and technology.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that Texas Sprouts, a gardening, nutrition, and cooking intervention, improved glucose control and reduced bad cholesterol in high-risk youth. The results showed a 0.02% reduction in mean blood sugar levels and a 6.4 mg/dL reduction in bad cholesterol.
A University of Cincinnati clinical research study found that participants who received on-site individualized nutrition education and shopping practice had a greater increase in adherence to a heart-healthy diet than the control group. The study, called SuperWIN, was conducted in partnership with Kroger Health.
A recent study led by the University of Nevada, Reno and the Pan American Health Organization suggests that the adoption of front-of-pack nutrition labeling can help reduce poor-nutrition related non-communicable diseases in the region. Improved FOPNL systems have been associated with improved diet quality and reduced risk of NCDs.
A new study finds that different definitions of whole-grain foods yield varying results on American consumers' intake, highlighting the need for a standardized consensus. While overall consumption has increased, it remains below recommended levels, with discrepancies among racial/ethnic groups and across institutions.
A new study from researchers at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy found that coalitions working to combat childhood obesity are more effective when members form close relationships with people in different organizations, learn new information rapidly, and share that knowledge with others. This can lead ...
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that mothers are least likely to recall being told to limit meals in front of electronic devices. The study analyzed data from the National Survey of Family Growth and found that more than half of mothers recalled only two or three feeding topics, with offer...
A new study shows that a simple nutrition care program can improve nutritional status, physical functionality, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. The program reduced hospitalizations by 40% and associated costs.
A new study from the University of Vermont found that TikTok's most viewed content on food, nutrition, and weight promotes a toxic diet culture, with weight loss and thinness glorified. The study highlights the need for critical thinking skills and a radical rethinking of how we relate to our bodies, food, and health.
Researchers identified barriers to optimal nutrition for para-athletes, highlighting the importance of understanding their concerns and struggles. A diet rich in vegetables was deemed ideal for improving athletic performance, but para-athletes often hesitate due to weight gain and lifestyle-related diseases.
A new curriculum aims to integrate nutrition education into medical students' general undergraduate training, highlighting its importance in patient care and disease management. The curriculum is designed to equip future doctors with knowledge and skills to consider nutrition's role in patient conditions.
Expanding medically tailored meal programs nationwide could help prevent 1.6 million hospitalizations annually, saving $13.6 billion in healthcare costs. These programs provide nutritionally customized meals for patients with serious illnesses, supporting improved health outcomes and reduced stress levels.
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
A study of global dietary patterns found that diets globally are not much healthier today than they were thirty years ago. Despite modest gains, there is a significant variation in dietary quality among countries, with some nations like Vietnam and Iran showing improved healthy eating habits.
The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior has awarded its top honors for 2022 to researchers who developed innovative programs and interventions to promote healthy eating habits. The awards recognize the excellence of articles, research briefs, and educational materials published in the journal.
Research by NUS led by Professor Zhang Cuilin found that maternal physical activity before pregnancy is associated with placental DNA methylation patterns affecting fetal growth. Additionally, optimal fatty acid intake in early pregnancy optimizes fetal growth throughout pregnancy.
Seed system-oriented interventions have shown positive impacts on food security, household resilience, dietary quality, and nutrition status. The review highlights the importance of seed system research for improving diets and nutrition in vulnerable populations.
The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.
Intravenous (IV) nutrition is being used by professional athletes as a regular routine, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and potential risks. The 'food first' approach is crucial to avoid normalization of unproven treatments.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that education with goal-oriented activities can motivate college students to make healthier choices. The intervention, which included food challenges and cooking videos, increased confidence in using fruits and vegetables in cooking and consumption outcomes.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) emphasizes that all methodologies in nutrition research contribute to the discipline and advance health and well-being. The ASN-commissioned white paper reviews various methodologies used in nutrition research, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and interpretations.
The Nutrition for Dementia Prevention Working Group recommends improving clinical nutrition trials by considering biomarkers, genetic testing, and microbiome analysis. The group suggests utilizing a wider variety of study designs and more personalized approaches to guide future research.
A new processing technique could make potatoes healthier by slowing starch digestion and reducing blood sugar spikes. The approach blocks certain digestive enzymes from reaching potato starch as quickly, leading to a more controlled release of dietary glucose.
A large study of over 90,000 postmenopausal women found a strong association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. The study suggests that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake may help lower the likelihood of developing liver cancer.
A new study found that only a small percentage of U.S. adults can accurately assess the healthfulness of their diet, with most adults overrating their diet's quality. Accuracy was highest among those who rated their diet as poor, with researcher scores matching participant ratings 97% of the time.
A new study found that children attending center-based childcare between 1 and 4 years old had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to be overweight or obese in later childhood. The associations were stronger for children from lower-income families.
A study of over 800,000 people found that young, non-Hispanic Black males and middle-aged Black females were at the highest risk of food insecurity. Households with more children and those with lower education and income also experienced increased food insecurity.
A new study found that US teens born elsewhere eat healthier than US-born teens, but diet worsens over time. The analysis showed that being born outside the US and living in the US for less time were associated with higher diet quality.
Researchers investigated how COVID-19 affected breastfeeding practices, finding some mothers experienced improved bonding with their babies during stay-at-home orders. Food insecurity was linked to higher diabetes distress among adults with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The studies also found that technology access was crucial for older ad...
A new study found that a healthy, plant-based diet was associated with a 14% lower risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Researchers analyzed data from over 65,000 participants and categorized their diets into different food groups, concluding that choosing healthy plant-based foods is likely helpful for cancer prevention.
A new study found that water insecurity is strongly linked to food insecurity, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The research suggests that improving access to water could be key to addressing food insecurity, as water scarcity affects cooking, hygiene, and farming.
Researchers found that healthy choices, such as no smoking, high leisure-time exercise, and adequate sleep, are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, intakes of certain polyphenols, commonly found in tea and other foods, may also play a role in protecting brain health among Black participants.
A new study found that genes tied to perception of five basic tastes may influence diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors. Researchers identified associations between taste-related genes with specific food groups and risk factors, suggesting personalized nutrition guidance could improve diet quality.
A new study reveals that a high proportion of posts on #mediterraneandiet are confusing and inaccurate, with only 53% of posters listing health credentials. The study emphasizes the need for strategies to communicate about nutrition and counter misinformation online.
Research found that food insecure teens are more likely to attempt weight loss, while college students who drink may compensate with unhealthy eating behaviors. Additionally, studies linked sugar-sweetened beverage consumption to higher triglyceride levels in youth and identified potential mechanisms behind this association.
A new study found that consuming more ultraprocessed foods is associated with poorer locomotor skills and lower cardiovascular fitness in children. The research suggests that educating families about cost-effective ways to reduce ultraprocessed food intake can help decrease the risk for cardiovascular health problems in adulthood.
The American Society for Nutrition hosted a live virtual debate on the concept of ultra-processed foods, with leading scientists presenting arguments for and against incorporating it into dietary guidelines. Research suggests that consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases.
The American Society for Nutrition presents the latest findings on ultra-processed foods, genetic influence on eating habits, and diet quality. Research highlights the risks of ultra-processed foods, the potential impact of genetics on food preferences, and the importance of healthy diets for preventing chronic diseases.
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that malnutrition contributes to sarcopenia in hemodialysis patients, characterized by muscle mass, strength, and function losses. The Nutrition Risk Index (NRI) is a simple and convenient metric developed in Japan, which shows significant relationships between NRI score and sarcopenia,...