Government-mandated folic acid fortification has improved red blood cell folate levels by more than expected, benefiting women of childbearing age and other populations. This increase is also linked to reduced homocysteine levels, a risk factor for vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a low-calorie diet can slow down metabolism, but when stopped, the metabolic rate returns to normal. Variations in resting metabolic rate do not predict weight regain, suggesting other factors are at play.
The average American consumes 27% of their daily energy from junk foods, which can lead to nutritional and health issues. The study found that those who consumed more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables were less likely to develop heart disease.
A recent study found that most existing skinfold-thickness equations developed from white adults do not accurately measure body fat in adolescent minority populations. Researchers identified a new equation, but further refinement is needed for African American girls and women.
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.
Increasing folate levels prior to conception could reduce Down syndrome risk, according to a study funded by the FDA. Folate deficiency at conception increases neural tube defect risk, including spina bifida, which is the leading cause of childhood paralysis.
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 recent study found that restricting children's access to foods they want may lead to over-indulgence when they are free to make their own choices. Children took larger portions and ate more than normal when the restricted food was made available again.
A recent study found that low-fat diets combined with moderate exercise resulted in not only desired weight loss but also significant loss of bone mineral density. Women who participated in the study lost an average of 7 pounds, but also experienced twice as much bone loss as those who didn't modify their diets or exercise patterns.
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.
A recent study found that women with impaired hearing had lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 and folate compared to those with normal hearing. The researchers suggest that dietary recommendations aimed at influencing the course of age-related hearing loss may be possible, but more advanced studies are needed.
Moderate wine consumption is linked to a healthier diet and reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease. A study of 48,763 Danish men and women found that moderate wine drinkers (1-3 glasses/day) consumed the most heart-healthy diet.
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.
A large study of 5,106 primary school students found that overweight children had higher blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and lower HDL cholesterol levels than their lighter peers. The study also showed that many more children became overweight over time than returned to a healthy weight.
A study found that folic acid fortification in cereal grains effectively increases folate intake and reduces homocysteine levels in adults. The research, conducted by the University of Florida, showed consistent good absorption of folic acid from fortified white and whole wheat bread, rice, and pasta.
A new study found that vegetarian diets combined with vigorous exercise or moderate alcohol intake can significantly lower the risk of coronary artery disease. The research also showed that running and drinking were linked to increased levels of good cholesterol in both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
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...