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Common food additive found to affect gut microbiota

A new study found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in over 900 food products, can affect the gut microbiota and potentially trigger diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. The research suggests that better regulation of E171 consumption is needed to ensure safe use.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2019

Diet could help runners beat stomach issues

A new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a low FODMAP diet reduces exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms and improves perceived ability to exercise. The research involved a group of healthy recreational exercisers who followed two eating plans with varying FODMAP content.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateFeb 14, 2019

Sniffing out real truffles

Researchers developed a technique to distinguish between natural and synthetic truffle compounds using carbon isotope ratios. The method can reliably detect foods containing synthetic truffle aroma or a mixture of synthetic and natural aromas, helping to fight food fraud.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

UTHealth study: 78 percent of hospital workers in Houston are overweight or obese

A recent UTHealth study found that 78 percent of hospital employees in Houston are overweight or obese. Despite a generally low intake of fruits and vegetables, participants showed significant differences in daily consumption patterns between normal weight, overweight, and obese groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

You catch (and kill) more flies with this sweetener

Researchers at Drexel University found that erythritol is toxic to fruit flies in a dose-dependent manner. The sweetener is safe for human consumption, unlike other pesticides that have caused accidental poisonings. Further studies will be conducted on other insects and the compound's effects on the food chain.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 4, 2014

Can't judge food by its label

Researchers discovered that many processed and fast foods contain phosphorus additives, which can be just as dangerous for patients with advanced kidney disease as naturally high-phosphorus foods. Studies found that avoiding these additives significantly lowers phosphorus levels among patients.

The Selling Of Olestra

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.

SourcePublic Health Reports·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateNov 9, 1998