A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the US has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and others falling out of favor. Fish oil was the top natural product among adults, while melatonin saw a significant increase in use among children.
A new international collaboration reveals a vital relationship between diet quality and potential nutritional deficiencies and mental health. The study finds that nutrient-based prescription has the potential to assist in managing mental disorders at an individual and population level.
Professor Juewen Liu's lab developed highly sensitive and specific DNA probes for lanthanide ion detection. The new DNAzymes have catalytic activity and may have different properties than existing examples, enabling mechanistic studies into DNA/metal interactions.
A new study published in Nutrients found that tree nut consumers had better nutrient adequacy for most nutrients and a higher Healthy Eating Index-2005 score than non-consumers. The researchers recommend increasing awareness and consumption of tree nuts as part of a healthy diet.
Fortifying grain foods with folic acid has saved about 1,300 babies each year from being born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Despite this progress, many women still do not get enough folic acid, highlighting the need for continued education and supplement use.
A study published in HortScience confirms that sweet potato leaves are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin B6. The research found that young leaves contained the highest levels of ascorbic acid, while mature leaves provided significant amounts of vitamin B6.
Research from Ghent University demonstrates a high willingness of consumers to pay premiums for GMOs with health benefits, ranging from 20% to 70%. The study highlights the potential market share of these nutritionally improved crops in regions such as China and Brazil, where nutrient deficiencies are prevalent.
A new study reveals that nutrient additions in vitamin waters and energy drinks are often excessive and unnecessary. The research found that most commonly consumed nutrients are already met by young Canadian adults' diets.
Women with high DDT levels and sufficient B vitamin intake had a 42% greater chance of early miscarriage than those with lower DDT levels. However, women with high DDT and low B vitamin levels took nearly twice as long to conceive.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) uses Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to worsen its own infection by stealing scarce resources from other gut bacteria. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding how microbiota composition impacts infection outcomes.
A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 7 out of 11 popular eye vitamins do not match scientific evidence, with some products containing lower doses of essential ingredients. The study highlights the importance of ophthalmologists educating patients on the proper use of nutritional supplements for AMD treatment.
Scientists have developed a new technique to capture the fast dynamics of biomolecules using high-speed X-ray lasers, revealing subtle processes with unprecedented clarity. The study used the photoactive yellow protein as a model system and achieved snapshots of molecular movements at atomic resolution.
Research warns that bariatric surgery patients who don't take their prescribed supplements, especially Vitamin A, are at risk of eye-related complications such as night blindness and dry eyes. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to severe consequences like total blindness if left undetected.
Researchers have identified genetic factors associated with increased iron and zinc levels in chickpea seeds, a staple food in developing countries. The findings support the development of molecular breeding strategies to enhance micronutrient content in chickpea cultivars.
Scientists found that firebug gut bacteria produce essential B vitamins, which are then used by the host to survive. The symbiotic relationship is not harmonious, as insects actively harvest the vitamins from their bacterial partners by bursting open cell walls.
Vermicompost leachate enhances tomato seedling growth in temperature and water-stress conditions. Regular supply of VCL improves morphological characters, including leaf area and shoot/root biomass.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that taking vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements may not reduce the risk of memory and thinking problems. The study involved 2,919 people with high blood levels of homocysteine and found no significant difference between those who took supplements and those who did not.
A recent Tel Aviv University study found that obesity leads to a breakdown of the body's protective self-tolerance, creating an environment for autoimmune diseases. The research also highlights the importance of vitamin D supplements in alleviating symptoms and improving prognosis for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have successfully crystallized carbon monoxide bound to the FeMo-cofactor of nitrogenase, a long-sought structure that could reveal the enzyme's mechanism. The breakthrough, achieved by Thomas Spatzal and colleagues, uses optimized crystallization methods and tiny crystal seeds to accelerate growth.
Cancer patients often use dietary supplements without telling their doctors, which can lead to unneeded risks. Researchers emphasize the importance of open communication between patient and doctor to create a personalized treatment plan based on reliable information.
A pilot study found that S-equol supplements improved vaginal epithelium and reduced vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal Japanese women. The supplement showed a positive trend to superiority compared to the placebo group without significant abnormalities in vaginal cells or hormone levels.
Energy drinks have been linked to high caffeine levels, which can cause heart palpitations, hypertension, nausea, and vomiting. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is also a significant risk factor for adverse health effects.
Researchers investigate degradation of essential vitamins over time in spaceflight foods, aiming to develop strategies to minimize loss. They'll use similar foods consumed by astronauts at the International Space Station to determine the impact of preparation and storage conditions on vitamin potency.
A study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that mothers of children with autism are less likely to report taking iron supplements before and during pregnancy. The risk is five-fold greater in children whose mothers had low supplemental iron and other risk factors for delivering a child with ASD.
Researchers found that chokeberry extract killed off cancer cells and boosted the effectiveness of chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in treating pancreatic cancer. The extract's anti-cancer properties were tested on human pancreatic cancer cells, with results suggesting a potential synergy between the two.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology suggests that adding a wild berry extract to chemotherapy cycles may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that the extract induced cell death and boosted the effectiveness of the conventional drug gemcitabine.
A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.
A study found that energy drinks cause heart problems, including angina, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death. The researchers analyzed adverse events reported to the French agency for food safety between 2009 and 2012 and found that 95 of the reported events had cardiovascular symptoms.
Researchers discovered that E. huxleyi can grow without thiamine and prefers precursor chemical HMP instead, re-evaluating the importance of vitamin B1 in regulating algal communities. This finding has implications for understanding climate change's impact on marine ecosystems and predicting global carbon cycles.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that the Guiding Stars System brands items with zero, one, two or three star rating leads to a decline in sales of less healthy foods. Sales of healthy food purchases rose by 1.39% while 'junk food' sales fell by 8.31%. This trend may be due to consumers making healthier choices.
A new study by the American Cancer Society found that eating at both fast-food and full-service restaurants is associated with significant increases in calorie intake, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. Adults who ate at restaurants consumed approximately 200 additional calories per day, regardless of whether they dined at fast-food or ...
The study found that melatonin treatment reduced decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins and enzymes in rats with traumatic brain injury, indicating a protective effect on cerebral cortex and blood toxicity. Melatonin also inhibited free radical formation and supported the antioxidant vitamin redox system.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called HSP70 that helps stabilize NOD2, a key protein involved in Crohn's disease. This finding provides a possible pathway for developing an effective therapy for the inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that taking B vitamins had no effect on cognitive decline or reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in a meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving 22,000 participants. The study suggests that folic acid and vitamin B-12 can lower homocysteine levels, but not prevent the disease.
Researchers have established a comprehensive catalog of the human gut microbial genes, with over 9.8 million genes available for global researchers to explore. The study highlights differences in nutrient metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification between Chinese and Danish adults, as well as enrichment in antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that can predict the development of celiac disease in infants. The study found a significantly higher risk for celiac disease among Swedish children compared to their European counterparts.
A Monash University study reveals the detailed structure of milk during digestion, providing insights into its interaction with the human digestive system. The research could lead to the development of new milk products and a new system for drug delivery.
Research published in Liver Transplantation found that childhood liver transplant recipients have a reduced body cell mass post-transplant, leading to an increase in fat mass and a slim body composition. The study suggests that these patients are at risk of becoming 'skinny fat' due to their low body cell mass.
A recent study reveals that grain legume crops are a valuable source of essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and nickel. The research found that these crops can provide up to 100% of the recommended daily allowance for certain micronutrients per serving.
A new study found that a text messaging program, Text4baby, significantly improves health risk beliefs and behaviors in pregnant women. The pilot study recruited 943 pregnant women and found that exposure to the program reduced targeted health risks, including pre-natal care attitudes and alcohol use during pregnancy.
Researchers argue that multivitamin/mineral supplements help cover micronutrient deficiencies, improving general health and potentially preventing chronic disease. The vast majority of Americans have inadequate nutrition, with critical needs for certain groups such as older adults and obese persons.
A recent study suggests that the evolution of human brain and brawn are intertwined. Human muscle accumulated more metabolic change than chimpanzees, while the human brain metabolome evolved four times faster. These findings may hold clues to common human metabolic diseases.
A study of over 1,000 mother-child pairs found that maternal intake of folate and other methyl donors during the first trimester was associated with a lower risk of childhood asthma. Only dietary vitamin B12 and choline were linked to reduced asthma prevalence.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have altered gut bacteria and distinct metabolite profiles, potentially affecting brain function and neurotransmitter balance. The study found lower levels of homovanillate and N,N-dimethylglycine, as well as a higher glutamine/glutamate ratio, in children with ASD.
Daily nutritional supplementation improves HIV patient condition with significant weight gain from muscle mass and improved grip strength. The study highlights the importance of nutrition in conjunction with HIV treatment to prevent malnutrition-related deaths.
A Purdue study reveals that reducing corn's growing conditions by 2 hours a day can lower its height by 9-10% and reduce stalk diameter by 8-9% while maintaining its seed yield. This technique could enable controlled environment agriculture in mines and caves for growing high-value transgenic crops.
Researchers have created an atlas of genetic associations with human metabolism, identifying 90 new genetic variants linked to metabolites. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the molecular pathways underlying complex diseases and improving drug discovery for metabolic disorders.
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found that eating more fruits and vegetables can lower stroke risk, with a 32% decrease for every 200g of fruit consumed daily and an 11% decrease for every 200g of vegetables consumed daily. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended to meet micronutrient and macronutrient requirements.
Childhood obesity is linked to mental health issues and decreased academic performance. Dr. Kaliebe's three rules aim to promote physical and mental well-being through healthy eating, regular movement, and reducing sensory overload.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a mother's diet before conception can permanently affect how her child's genes function. Researchers analyzed blood and hair samples from infants born to mothers who conceived during rainy or dry seasons, revealing higher rates of methyl groups linked to nutrient levels and BMI.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that vitamin B3 form, nicotinamide riboside, can delay the signs of mitochondrial myopathy in animal models. The treatment increased mitochondrial mass and function, curing structural abnormalities and providing a potential therapeutic approach for adult-onset mitochondrial muscle diseases.
A prospective cohort study found that higher total folate intake was associated with a lower risk for exfoliation glaucoma (EG)/suspected exfoliation glaucoma (SEG). The results showed a trend of reduced EG/SEG risk with higher folate intake, particularly from supplements. This supports a possible causal role of homocysteine in EG/SEG.
A large clinical trial found no significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among elderly patients taking daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin for age-related macular degeneration. The study involved 4,203 participants and found no benefit from these supplements on CVD outcomes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine reveals that canned foods deliver on nutrition and cost, making them a high-quality option for Americans to meet their dietary needs. Canned fruits and vegetables provide great tasting, safe options, with no sacrifices in nutritional quality.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that vitamin A and a specific gene assist the immune system by reducing cholesterol levels in TB-infected cells, allowing lysosomes to kill bacteria effectively. This finding may lead to new treatment approaches for tuberculosis.
University of Washington researchers used new tools to measure and track B-12 vitamins in the ocean, finding that marine archaea can supply this essential vitamin. The results show that B-12 is present in small amounts in all water samples, with low concentrations indicating potential deficiency among tiny marine algae.
A large study published in Diabetologia found that higher yogurt consumption was associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that consuming low-fat fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, reduced the relative risk of diabetes by 24% overall.
A new study suggests that high doses of vitamin C and E supplements can blunt the improvement of muscular endurance through cellular adaptions. The study found that markers for muscle mitochondria production increased only in the group without supplements.
A new study reveals that hempseed oil contains a variety of substances promoting good health, including sterols, aliphatic alcohols, and linolenic acids. The oil's omega-3 fatty acid content may help prevent coronary heart disease.
A new study found that an early onset of dietary treatment may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on mice, suggests that even slight changes in diet composition can lead to significant changes in brain metabolism and improved memory performance.