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Lower frequency of vegetable and fruit intake linked to higher risk of death regardless of chronic kidney disease (CKD) status

A new study found that a lower frequency of vegetable and fruit intake was associated with a higher risk of death in patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of their CKD stage. Higher fruit and vegetable intake is generally linked to lower mortality risk in the general population.

SourceNiigata University·JournalJournal of Renal Nutrition·DateFeb 26, 2023

Low-carb vegan diet shows similar health benefits to vegetarian diet, study shows

A new study from St. Michael's Hospital found that a low-carb vegan diet has the same health effects as a vegetarian diet, but at a much lower cost to the environment. The researchers also discovered that the lower carbon emission value of the vegan diet was associated with a larger reduction in blood cholesterol.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2022

Why does fasting reduce seizures?

A new study published in Cell Reports has identified the molecular pathways responsible for reduced seizures during fasting. The researchers found that amino acid sensing plays a critical role in the beneficial effects of fasting on seizures, suggesting targeted dietary strategies may be effective for patients without DEPDC5 mutations.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 8, 2022

Racial, sex disparities of gout

A recent study reveals racial and sex disparities in gout prevalence, with Black adults more commonly affected. Culturally informed efforts targeting diet and social determinants may help reduce these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Vegans who lift weights may have stronger bones than other people on a plant-based diet

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vegan participants who engaged in regular resistance training had stronger bones than those who did not. The study also showed that vegans and omnivores who performed resistance training had similar bone structure.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022

A better diet helps beat depression in young men

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a healthy Mediterranean diet can significantly improve symptoms of depression in young men. The 12-week randomized control trial showed that nearly all participants stayed with the program and reported positive results.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 9, 2022

Faecal transplants reverse hallmarks of ageing

Scientists have found that transplanting faecal microbiota from young mice into old mice can reverse hallmarks of ageing in the gut, eyes, and brain. The study suggests that gut microbes play a role in regulating some of the detrimental effects of ageing, offering a potential solution in the form of gut microbe replacement therapy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

Not all dietary fibers are equal

Researchers investigated two common soluble fibers, arabinoxylan and long-chain inulin, on human physiology. They found that AX reduced LDL cholesterol, while LCI decreased inflammation markers and increased beneficial gut microbes, but high doses of inulin caused negative effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products

Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 12, 2022

Virtual cooking class improves children’s nutrition knowledge

A virtual cooking/nutrition program, Flint Families Cook, demonstrates success in reaching youth from low-income families and improving cooking self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge. The program encourages families to cook healthy meals together at home, using local ingredients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Diet quality among older adults

The study found that nearly half of older adults in the US have poor diet quality, with overall diet quality worsening over the past two decades. Diet quality is a significant concern for this age group, as it can impact their health and well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 11, 2022

New tool in cancer battle

A new dietary tool can quickly and accurately assess micronutrient levels in oncology patients, helping to find better nutritional solutions for cancer treatment. Tested on 112 patients, the 21-item food frequency questionnaire can identify suboptimal micronutrient intakes in just 10 minutes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Culinary medicine education program shows positive outcomes for low-income patients with diabetes

A culinary medicine curriculum significantly improved biometric and diet-related behavioral outcomes among low-income patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants showed reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a positive impact on diabetes management.

New commentary in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition makes case for adopting ‘blue zone’ diet to stave off COVID-19

A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2022

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Swapping just one food item per day can make diets substantially more planet-friendly

A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Healthful food for children is the same as for adults

A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2022

Environmentally sustainable diet linked to health benefits

A large population study from Lund University found that a sustainable diet is associated with lower risks of premature death. The EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and pulses, was linked to a 25% lower risk of total mortality and specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceLund University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 9, 2021

New study: Prunes have promising effect on men’s bone health, adding to growing body of research

A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that eating prunes daily reduces biomarkers of bone breakdown and improves bone geometry in healthy men aged 50-79. The study adds to existing research on the beneficial effects of prunes on bone health, particularly for men.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Sacramento·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2021

Prior weight loss, history of bone stress injury, and eating behaviors associated with dietary supplement use in preadolescent endurance runners

A new study found that preadolescent endurance runners who experience weight loss, have a history of bone stress injury, or follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to use dietary supplements. The study discovered that supplement use was associated with lower food intake and energy deficiency.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2021

Free food provided to US households at school and work is relatively unhealthy, though food for families in the supplemental nutrition assistance program appears to be of better nutritional quality

A study published in PLOS ONE found that free food provided to US households at school and work is of poor nutritional quality. In contrast, food for families receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) appears to be of better nutritional value.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2021

New gene could help improve tomato flavor and shelf-life

Researchers have identified a gene that regulates fruit softening independent of fruit ripening, allowing tomatoes to stay firm until consumption while maintaining flavor. The discovery could lead to increased shelf-life without sacrificing flavor, benefiting commercial producers and consumers alike.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021