Articles tagged with Malnutrition
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.
Researchers found that small pelagic fish, such as herring and sardines, are a cheap source of nutritious seafood. These fish can provide essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to vulnerable populations in low-income countries.
A new study shows that a simple nutrition care program can improve nutritional status, physical functionality, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. The program reduced hospitalizations by 40% and associated costs.
A study found that living in a food desert increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death for people with PAD. People with PAD living in food deserts were 17% more likely to experience a major cardiac event compared to those with better nutrition access.
Researchers studied survivors of WWII's Dutch Hunger Winter to identify long-term consequences of famine on health and socioeconomic attainment. Malnutrition in utero caused severe physical consequences, while exposure during childhood and adolescence led to negative socioeconomic impacts, especially for males.
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.
A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...
A recent study led by Veronika Somoza found that egg powder is a valuable source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and indispensable amino acids. The researchers discovered that the drying process did not lead to contamination with heavy metals and that egg powder can provide up to 61% of a child's daily requirement for selenium.
The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.
A study of over 32,000 West African children found that extreme heat exposure increases the prevalence of stunted growth from chronic malnutrition by 12% and of low weight from acute malnutrition by 29%. The researchers estimate that rising temperatures could nearly double the effect of heat exposure on stunting.
A team of researchers created an in vitro human model of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) using the Human Organ Chip technology. The EED Chips recapitulate features of EED found in biopsies from human patients, including inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between malnu...
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made important discoveries on the crucial role of malnutrition in global tuberculosis, highlighting how gut infections impair treatment outcomes. A new funding partnership will train Tanzanian postdoctoral researchers to work specifically on this intersection.
A new study reveals that foreign fishing fleets and international seafood trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished populations, exacerbating nutrition insecurity. The research found that over 60% of countries receive net gains in fish-derived nutrients through international trade, while a third have net losses.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to act as data loggers, capturing gene activity and metabolic responses in the gut. This allows for non-invasive monitoring of gut health and dietary status, enabling early diagnosis of malnutrition and inflammatory responses.
A study found that B12 deficiency is widespread among young children in low-income countries, leading to poor motor development and anaemia. Daily B12 supplements are crucial for brain development, but food relief programs often fail to provide sufficient amounts.
A study published in Nutrients found distinct bacteria and metabolomes associated with each personality trait, including mental energy and physical fatigue. The research team discovered unique gut bacteria profiles for different energy and fatigue traits.
A new AI-powered system tracks food intake to ensure residents meet their nutritional needs, providing accurate data and reducing errors. The system analyzes photos of plates after meals, estimating food consumption and calculating its nutritional value.
A new study reveals that coral reef ecosystems support diverse small-scale fisheries, providing essential micronutrients vital to the health of millions in the tropics. Following bleaching events, reef fisheries can remain rich sources of these nutrients, even increasing their nutritional value for some minerals.
The Zinc Status Index is a new evaluation method developed by Cornell food scientists that uses biomarkers to calculate the physiological status of a subject. It aims to provide a comprehensive assessment tool for zinc deficiency, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide.
Severely malnourished children who consumed ready-to-use therapeutic food fortified with DHA showed significant improvement in gross and fine motor abilities, language proficiencies, and social skills. The findings suggest that reducing omega-6 fatty acid levels can also aid neurological development.
A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.
A small sachet of a fortified food-based supplement added to young children’s daily diets has shown remarkable results in preventing child mortality and malnutrition while promoting healthy development. The intervention resulted in lower prevalence of stunted growth, anemia, and adverse language and motor development outcomes.
Researchers from TUM discovered a toxin in the leafy vegetable Ebolo, which can cause liver damage. They successfully removed the toxin through breeding techniques, paving the way for safer consumption of this nutritious crop.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that patients with a history of malnutrition are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes, including death and mechanical ventilation. The research suggests that public health interventions targeting malnutrition may help mitigate this increased risk, particularly among older adults.
A new global fish nutrition database is being made freely available to help combat malnutrition. The database provides vital nutritional data on over 5,000 fresh and marine fish species, which can be used to identify the most nutritious fish and support the protection of local food environments and ecosystems.
A University of Illinois study reveals that soy kits can improve the economic conditions of Malawian women by creating value-added products from soy. The kits have potential to increase income generation and alleviate poverty, with gross margins averaging 56% and implicit wages estimated at $2 per hour.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest integrating novel food production systems into traditional approaches to improve food security. The most promising systems include microalgae photo-bioreactors and insect breeding greenhouses, which can provide healthy and risk-resilient diets.
The bones of a 35-50 year old male, identified as Ajpach' Waal, have shed light on his privileged yet difficult life. He suffered malnutrition or illness as a child but forged alliances between two powerful dynasties, only to die in relative obscurity.
A global study of 107,000 children found that higher temperatures are an equal or greater contributor to child malnutrition and low quality diets than poverty, sanitation, and education. Climate change is also associated with increased diet diversity in some regions, but this effect depends on the intensity and distribution of rainfall.
Researchers discovered that E. coli's heat-labile toxin changes gene expression in human intestinal cells, inducing them to manufacture a protein used by the bacterium to attach to the intestinal wall. This attachment allows the bacterium to benefit itself at the detriment of the host.
A global research team led by the University of Göttingen explains how plant genetic engineering can combat micronutrient malnutrition. Biofortification using conventional breeding methods has already been successful in improving nutrition and health, but genetic engineering offers a way to further enhance benefits.
A recent study highlights the prevalence of malnutrition among overweight or obese individuals, which can lead to serious health conditions. Physicians are urging clinicians to recognize the importance of nutritional screening and counseling in patients with increased body mass index.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found six independent predictors of inpatient mortality among children with severe acute malnutrition: HIV infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, shock, lack of appetite, and low weight-to-height ratio. Early recognition of these factors may help reduce mortality.
A study of over 5,000 ACS patients found that 71.8% were malnourished, with worsening malnutrition status linked to increased risk of poor outcomes. The researchers suggest that nutritional screening may be a useful tool for identifying high-risk patients and improving cardiovascular care.
A new simplified protocol for treating acute malnutrition in young children shows similar recovery rates as the standard approach but is more cost-effective. The streamlined protocol resulted in $123 less per child recovered and reduced ready-to-use food required, providing a potential solution to addressing the issue of nearly 50 mill...
A new epidemiological study found significant welfare concerns for hoarded cats not just from home environments but also from institutional settings. The study, which analyzed 371 hoarded cats relinquished to a shelter, showed that conditions such as overcrowding, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect were prevalent.
The rotavirus vaccine has led to significant reductions in hospitalizations and child deaths due to severe diarrhea in Kiribati. The study found a 37% decrease in acute gastroenteritis inpatient admissions and a 44% decline in outpatient presentations among children under five.
Childhood malnutrition in India is concentrated in specific geographic areas, with districts in southern India providing better conditions for growth and improved nutritional status. Lower levels of maternal education and access to mass media are also correlated with childhood malnutrition.
Millions of children under five years old suffer from childhood malnutrition, resulting in stunted growth and cognitive impairments. The global community is working to reduce childhood stunting by 40% by 2025 through initiatives such as the World Food Programme.
A new study finds that common malnutrition definitions do not apply equally to all cancers, highlighting the need for cancer-type specific definitions for preoperative risk assessment. The study's findings suggest that using one-size-fits-all definitions could result in overestimating or underestimating a patient's risk of complication...
Hospital patients with low folate levels are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders, sepsis, and kidney disease. The study recommends evaluating these patients for malnutrition, regardless of weight status.
A new study maps education and child malnutrition across all low- and middle-income countries at the individual district level. The findings show that gender inequality in education persists, with men achieving more years of education than women overall.
Researchers found significant epigenetic changes in DNA, specifically reduced methyl chemical tags, between two forms of acute childhood malnutrition. This led to complex gene expression changes and enhanced expression of genes related to metabolic problems like blood sugar regulation and fatty liver disease.
The global food system has led to an intersection of undernutrition and overweight in low- and middle-income countries. More than a third of these countries face the double burden of high levels of both, primarily due to changes in food systems and increasing availability of ultra-processed foods.
A growing double burden of malnutrition affects individuals, families, communities, and countries in low- and middle-income countries. High-quality diets are crucial to prevent all forms of malnutrition, while changes in food systems drive the emerging global epidemics of type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
The US Feed the Future program has been found to reduce chronic malnutrition among children in sub-Saharan Africa, with a 3.9 percentage point decrease leading to 2.2 million fewer cases of stunting. The program's multifaceted approach to nutrition, combining agriculture and food security interventions, is credited with its success.
A new study finds that nutrient supplements rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids significantly reduce child mortality among children 6-24 months old. The supplements may decrease mortality by up to 27 percent in these countries.
A comprehensive study by Colonel Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay highlights the need for improved farmer wages and a greater use of technology to tackle food security issues in India. The current system requires constant improvements to ensure better food security for the country's millions.
A new clinical trial found that adding rice bran to infant diets enhanced growth and reduced diarrhea, while also showing potential for improving gut health. The study's results suggest that rice bran could be a practical dietary intervention strategy in regions with high rates of impaired growth and development.
Researchers found that a fraction of the fish caught nearby could significantly improve health in tropical coastal areas. The study suggests that existing marine fisheries can substantially reduce malnutrition, but access to these nutrients is often restricted to those who need them most.
New research finds that millions of people worldwide are suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, which can be reduced by increasing access to fish caught near their homes. The study suggests that current fishing practices and trade in seafood are standing between malnourished populations and the nutrients they need.
A Brazilian multicenter study found that older hospitalized patients with cancer have a high prevalence of malnutrition, affecting nearly half of the patient population. The study highlights the need for nutritional assessments soon after hospitalization to prevent malnutrition and weight loss.
Researchers found that severely malnourished children have lower exposure to the antimalarial drug lumefantrine, resulting in increased risk of therapeutic failure and new malaria infections. Malnutrition affects absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination of drugs in these children.
A new type of therapeutic food targeting gut microbes proves superior to standard treatment in an initial clinical trial. The food, containing chickpea, soy, bananas and peanuts, restored healthy growth and gut microbial communities in malnourished children.
Researchers created a diet that can help restore digestive tracts damaged by acute childhood malnutrition, supporting growth and functioning. Protein-rich plant foods like chickpeas, bananas, and peanut flours were found to support microbial transition and increase protein biomarkers related to child development.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of infectious disease and long-term care patients, as well as over 40% of oncology patients, are at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition can increase patients' risk of complications and delay recovery, emphasizing the need for nutrition care in hospitals.