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Success of meal boxes in treating childhood obesity

A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg found that meal boxes with healthy recipes and subsidized meals led to a greater reduction in children's BMI compared to lifestyle treatment alone. The intervention also involved family meals, which were perceived as tolerable and reduced conflicts over food shopping.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2024

Swallowing triggers a feeling of elation

A study at the University of Bonn has revealed that fly larvae have special sensors triggered by swallowing, releasing serotonin to continue eating. This control circuit may also exist in humans and could help understand eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Like father, like daughter

A new study published in the journal JCI Insight found that male mice fed high-cholesterol diets have increased cardiovascular disease risk in their female offspring. The researchers used a novel method to study sperm small RNA and discovered altered molecules that affect gene expression in early embryonic stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Understanding food insecurity and its effects on gestational diabetes risk among American Indian and Alaska Native females can lead to better outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

Expanded child tax credit and food insecurity

A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 19, 2024

Universal free school meals and school and student outcomes

A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 9, 2024

Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research to launch food study

A large clinical food trial will be conducted to test the effects of a combination of probiotics and prebiotics on bone health in women aged 60 years and above. The study aims to develop potentially safe and inexpensive dietary interventions for osteopenia and osteoporosis.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 8, 2024

We're not eating Peppa! Preschoolers befriend farm animals

Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.

SourceSWPS University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 15, 2024

New study on children and food:  Fruit chunks in yogurt are a turn off for one age group in particular

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that six-year-olds prefer smooth textures in their food, with a preference rate of 76% for lump-free options. Researchers suggest that this aversion may be linked to a protective mechanism against potentially poisonous foods or other dangers as children become more independent.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Texture Studies·DateJul 3, 2024

The Mediterranean Diet is linked to lower risk of mortality in cancer survivors

An Italian study found that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet after a cancer diagnosis is associated with reduced mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease. Participants who followed a high-Mediterranean-Diet pattern had a 32% lower risk of mortality compared to those with lower adherence.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2024

Two studies show mixed progress against EoE

Two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine show mixed results in treating EoE. Dupilumab is found to be effective in children under 12, while benralizumab fails to provide significant relief for patients. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that eosinophils are the primary cause of the disease.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2024

"A hearty debate" concludes plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than meat

A Canadian Journal of Cardiology review article finds that plant-based meat alternatives tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The authors recommend incorporating PBMAs into a healthy diet as an excellent protein source, with options lower in saturated fat and sodium.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

Inclusive care: Strategies to support infant feeding for parents with disabilities through WIC

A new study by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing found that WIC staff need additional accommodations to provide inclusive care for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research highlights the importance of accessible teaching materials and respectful communication to improve access and quality of services for the...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 19, 2024

Price sensitivity to unhealthy foods

Research shows people with obesity are more sensitive to price when buying unhealthy foods, while those with normal weight are not. A 10% price hike on these categories can lead to a significant reduction in consumption, such as decreased frozen pizza purchases.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Planetary Health Diet associated with lower risk of premature death, lower environmental impact

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a 30% lower risk of premature death and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The diet emphasizes minimally processed plant foods and modest consumption of meat and dairy foods.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2024

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Fewer than 1 in 4 patients receive dietary counseling after a heart attack

A study by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center found that only 23% of heart attack patients received dietary counseling within 90 days of hospitalization. Nutrition counseling, often provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, may reduce cardiovascular risk for patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2024

Physical and chemical properties of boiled oil: A traditional method of extracting oil from boiled olive fruits

Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Agriculture Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

I’ll have what she’s having!

A new study from Flinders University found that feeling connected to a social group can lead people to make healthier food choices. The research tested the idea that people are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if they feel like they belong to the same group as those promoting healthy eating.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAppetite·TypeSurvey·DateMay 22, 2024

Can diet help with advanced breast cancer? All indications are positive, researchers say

A small study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that women with stage 4 breast cancer who followed a whole-foods plant-based diet experienced significant weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced fatigue. The diet also showed promise in reducing inflammation and changes in blood levels of amino acids.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 22, 2024

Better nutrition can help firefighters fight cancer

A recent study found that American firefighters recognize the link between diet and cancer risk and are interested in acquiring knowledge and support to change their dietary habits. The study suggests that targeted interventions focusing on individualized support and evidence-based interventions can help mitigate cancer risks among fir...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024