Articles tagged with Malnutrition
A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.
A new Cochrane review found that free or subsidized school meals slightly improve math achievement and enrolment rates in low- and middle-income countries. School feeding programs also likely contribute to small gains in physical growth indicators, but evidence from high-income countries is limited.
Nearly one million children under five fail to reach their fifth birthday due to growth failure, a risk factor for mortality and morbidity. The study also found that stunting accounted for 12% of all child deaths, with 618,000 deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
A national study found that older adults who develop geriatric syndromes after major surgery face higher risks of poor outcomes, including complications, fewer days spent at home, and increased likelihood of dying within a year. The study emphasizes the need for specialized surgical care approaches to optimize outcomes for older adults.
Recent estimates suggest tens of thousands of children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition, with over 12,800 severely so. The study tracks wasting among children during the war and highlights unprecedented increases in child malnutrition following periods of blockades and severe aid restrictions.
Researchers found that children with stable gut microbiomes tend to have better growth outcomes. The study created the first-ever pediatric undernutrition microbial genome catalog, which can predict and prevent malnutrition. This discovery opens the door to new diagnostics and therapeutics for addressing global child stunting issues.
A recent study found that toddlers with a fluctuating gut microbiome showed poorer growth compared to those with a stable microbiome. The researchers created a public health database containing complete genetic profiles of microbes from fecal samples, which can be used for future studies to help predict and prevent malnutrition.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who live in neighborhoods with poor access to full-service grocery stores face sharply higher odds of stroke and death. Food desert residence is linked to a 2.21-times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 3.84-times higher risk of death over five years.
MIT researchers developed microparticles containing iron or iodine to fortify foods and beverages, addressing global iron deficiency. The particles can be easily added to staple foods and drinks, reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Researchers created an 'encyclopedia of sugar utilization pathways' in 263 Bifidobacterium genomes. This resource helps predict which strains thrive in different conditions, enabling personalized probiotics to match children's lifestyles and dietary needs. The study suggests a potential solution to improving outcomes for preterm infants.
Preliminary research suggests that climate change can lead to a reduction in nutritional quality in food crops, with potential devastating consequences for human health. The study found that elevated CO2 levels and hotter temperatures can exacerbate this decline, particularly affecting essential proteins, minerals, and antioxidants.
A comprehensive report cataloging the most widespread and damaging drought events since 2023 reveals food, water, energy crises and human tragedies. The 'Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025' report underscores the need for systematic monitoring of drought's impacts on lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
A study analyzing data from over 1.6 million children across 68 low and middle-income countries found that early-life exposure to economic shocks is linked to an increased risk of malnutrition, including undernutrition and overweight/obesity. Targeted interventions during critical periods like pregnancy and the first 1,000 days of life...
Researchers found that maternal iron deficiency can lead to male-to-female sex reversal in mouse embryos due to impaired Sry gene activation. Iron is necessary for KDM3A's enzymatic activity, which removes histone methylation allowing the Sry gene to become active.
A new AI-driven tool can forecast acute child malnutrition in Kenya up to six months in advance with high accuracy, enabling timely interventions. The model integrates clinical data and satellite information to identify emerging risk areas, providing a game-changing solution to address public health emergency in the country.
A new set of guidance statements has been published for diagnosing malnutrition in critically ill adults, aiming to provide a consistent approach to identifying malnutrition. The guidelines consider both phenotypic and etiologic factors, emphasizing the importance of assessment and reporting of malnutrition variables.
Researchers found that a phytoplankton bloom in Florida's Indian River Lagoon damaged habitats, deprived bottlenose dolphins of nutritious prey, leading to sharp rises in strandings and deaths. The study linked the bloom to changes in dolphin diets, showing a shift from less energy-dense fish to more energy-dense sea bream.
Environmental factors such as rainfall and water availability before and during pregnancy predict future growth outcomes of children in Uganda. The study found that children born to mothers living in areas with high rainfall had a lower risk of malnutrition, while those born to mothers experiencing drought had a higher risk.
A new study found that one-third of Canadian adults aged 55 or older are nutritionally at risk, potentially leading to increased hospital stays and emergency visits. The SCREEN-8 tool was used to measure an individual's nutrition risk, and those with higher scores had significantly lower odds of reporting healthcare issues.
A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.
A 12-week randomized controlled trial found that IDPN using ENEFLUID increased energy intake from food and reduced hypoglycemia during dialysis, suggesting potential benefits for malnourished hemodialysis patients. However, the study did not demonstrate direct improvements in nutritional markers.
A new study suggests that better access to regional markets is more important than farmers growing a diverse range of crops on their own smallholdings. Markets increase the variety of foods available locally, benefiting the population as a whole.
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Bonn and CABI Centre in Kenya found that milk, eggs, and fish consumption has a positive effect on childhood development in Africa. The study covered over 32,000 child observations across five African countries and showed that animal products significantly reduce the risk of stunting.
A new tool, ViDDPreS, has been developed to assess vitamin D deficiency in young Japanese women. The study found that excessive sun protection measures are causing severe vitamin D deficiencies among this population.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that unclear procedures and distribution of responsibilities among healthcare workers can lead to poor oral health in older adults in nursing homes. The researchers suggest that a more structured process can promote communication and awareness of good oral health practices.
Research from Karolinska Institutet finds that abnormal BMI in children can lead to impaired lung function, but normalizing BMI before adulthood may offset this. The study, which followed over 4,000 children, also found a correlation between low BMI and reduced lung growth.
Researchers discovered a beneficial gut bacterium that produces an enzyme capable of metabolizing key molecules involved in regulating appetite, immune responses, and neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of gut microbes in human physiology and may lead to new strategies for maintaining health and treating diseases.
A new automated malnutrition screening tool called AutoMal has been developed by Griffith University researchers to help detect malnutrition in Australian aged care homes. The tool uses BMI and weight change data to predict the likelihood of malnutrition, requiring fewer resources than existing methods and enabling regular reporting an...
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that early exposure to aid can significantly reduce the risk of chronic malnutrition in children. Aid projects that improve household economy and educational level of mothers have greater effects than targeted interventions focused on child health.
A review article by Uppsala University researchers highlights the global issue of malnutrition in the sick and elderly, affecting up to 50% of hospital patients in Sweden. Simple measures such as counselling, dietitian collaboration, and nutritional drinks can reverse malnutrition and improve quality of life.
The IOF position paper emphasizes the need for population-specific vitamin D approaches, considering factors like diet, skin pigmentation, and supplement use. The authors also highlight the importance of standardized measures of 25(OH)D in future studies.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a family of natural compounds that stall the unique metabolic process used by parasites to survive in the human gut. The discovery offers potential as new and more effective treatments for parasitic worm infections, which cause debilitating symptoms and developmental defects.
A new analysis has found evidence supporting the use of treatments to enhance mucosal healing and reduce inflammation in the gut, leading to improved outcomes for children with malnutrition. The study identified that a short course of treatment can restore mucosal integrity, reducing intestinal damage and systemic inflammation.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
Research highlights the association between iron deficiency and obesity in children and adolescents, with potential links to inflammation and brain function. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in childhood growth and development.
A four-component school-based nutritional intervention package improved diet quality among adolescents and their household members, reducing undernutrition and obesity. The study found promising spillover effects into households and communities, highlighting the transformative potential of schools in combating adolescent malnutrition.
A review of existing literature on caloric restriction (CR) reveals its benefits on cardiovascular health, including reduced cholesterol levels, improved endothelial function, and enhanced vascular renewal. CR's role in regulating sirtuin activity is also explored, with seven identified sirtuins mediating cardiovascular benefits.
The study found that obesity rates have nearly tripled in adult men and doubled in women since 1990. The prevalence of malnutrition is now the most common form of malnutrition globally, affecting nearly 880 million adults and 160 million children. Obesity can lead to comorbidities like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
The study highlights the urgent need to tackle obesity and underweight globally, particularly in poor countries. Obesity rates have surpassed one billion, with combined rates of underweight and obesity being more common than malnutrition in many countries.
A malaria drug combination could counteract the negative effects of malnutrition on the female digestive tract, leading to improved birth outcomes. The research used a human organ chip model to demonstrate the potential benefits of this treatment.
Researchers identified naturally occurring biochemical components and key bacterial strains that process these components in a new therapeutic food. The study suggests that identifying these components can guide treatment with the current food formulation and enable creation of new, more effective formulations.
A study published in Gastro Hep Advances found that 14% of IBD patients were at high risk for malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of malnutrition screening. The prevalence of a positive screen was higher among patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
A recent study from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions aimed to understand the challenges and supports affecting individuals with GI cancer and their caregivers when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding malnutrition. The research highlighted the importance of creating dietary interventions that...
Millions of children worldwide suffer from malnutrition, leading to poor growth and increased risk of death. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 84,000 children under two years old and found that season of birth makes a difference in wasting patterns.
A study by the CHAMPS network found that 82% of child deaths in low-income countries could have been prevented through targeted interventions. The research used minimally invasive autopsies to investigate causes of death and highlighted the role of infections, with an infectious agent found in 87% of cases.
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found a significant link between malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million people in Austria and found that men born during severe famine periods had a 78% higher incidence rate of new diabetes cases.
Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.
Researchers found that providing stunted children with nutrient supplements can reverse impaired development and improve their growth. The study's findings suggest that milk-based supplements are beneficial, but a plant-based alternative is equally effective.
A study of skeletal remains from 19th-century England found high incidences of growth delays, vitamin deficiencies, and respiratory disease among child laborers. The analysis suggests low-protein diets and harsh working conditions led to the health consequences.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has awarded five young investigators grants for their research on nutritional factors and musculoskeletal health. The winners' projects focus on various aspects of diet, exercise, and bone health, with potential to lead to clinical advances or preventative strategies.
A new study reveals a higher prevalence of stunting and wasting among poor children, while overweight children live in richer homes. Researchers are calling for an integrated approach to tackle the 'double burden' of child malnutrition.
A nationwide survey in the Central African Republic found a severe health emergency with a 5.6% mortality rate, four times higher than UN estimates, and widespread malnutrition, food insecurity, and violence, with 82.3% of households reporting adults ate ≤1 meals per day
Researchers discovered that adding cell layers to corn bran can increase iron and zinc content by up to 35% and 15%, respectively. The technique also enhances anthocyanin production, a natural pigment in corn prized for its colorant properties.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers reveals LSD1's role in regulating skeletal muscle response to environmental stress. The findings suggest that LSD1 moderates muscle adaptation to environmental conditions, with potential implications for maintaining muscle health and preventing diseases such as sarcopenia.
A recent twin study found that serious eating disorder ARFID is highly influenced by genetic factors, with a significant 79% genetic component. Researchers estimate that between 1-5% of the population is affected by ARFID.
Pakistan's health challenges have been compounded by natural disasters, including the 2022 floods, which affected over 33 million people. The country is experiencing a slowdown in reducing maternal and child mortality, high fertility rates, and persistent gender disparities.
Researchers have developed a way to encapsulate vitamin A in a protective polymer, preventing its breakdown during cooking or storage. The technology has shown similar bioavailability when consumed as bread fortified with encapsulated vitamin A compared to eating vitamin A on its own.
Researchers found that a vaccine against the toxin produced by E. coli protects infant mice from intestinal damage, suggesting it could boost global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. Vaccinating kids against E. coli diarrhea may prevent long-term effects like stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.
Research published in Nature Food suggests that small pelagic fish like herring and sardines are abundant and affordable sources of nutrients, particularly selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. The study found that these fish could help close nutritional gaps in sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.