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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

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

Researchers found that Brazilian vegans' diets consisted mainly of unprocessed foods, with a significant reliance on ultra-processed proteins like textured soy protein to meet their protein needs. The study's findings contradict the stigma surrounding veganism and its ability to provide adequate nutrition.

What’s for dinner? Scientists unearth key clues to cuisine of resident killer whales

Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

Foods with low Nutri-Scores associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

Researchers found an association between consuming foods with lower nutritional quality and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction and stroke. The study used the latest version of the Nutri-Score algorithm and included over 345,000 participants from seven European countries.

Eating fish but not omega-3 supplements during pregnancy associated with lower likelihood of autism diagnosis, NIH-funded study finds

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that consuming fish during pregnancy was associated with a lower likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, particularly in females. The study also found no significant association between omega-3 supplements and autism diagnosis.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

Pesco-vegetarian diets best for reducing risk of death in elderly

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pesco-vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of mortality and certain neurological conditions in elderly individuals. The study analyzed data from over 88,000 subjects and found that pesco-vegetarians had an 18% lower risk of death compared to non...

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2024

Significant link found between heme iron, found in red meat and other animal products, and type 2 diabetes risk

A new study found a significant association between higher heme iron intake and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants with the highest heme iron intake had a 26% higher risk of developing T2D than those in the lowest intake group. The researchers also identified key metabolic biomarkers associated with this increased risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2024

Swipe up! Health apps deliver real results en masse

A new study found that digital health tools can improve health and wellbeing by keeping people active, boosting steps, and improving diet and sleep. The research synthesised data from 206,873 people across 47 studies, indicating that electronic and mobile health interventions can help people achieve positive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 13, 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

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by diet and exercise even in individuals with a high genetic risk

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even in individuals with a high genetic risk. Lifestyle changes significantly improved glucose metabolism and reduced the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, regardless of genetic risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateAug 7, 2024

Eating more fruits & vegetables to reduce dietary acid lowers blood pressure and improves kidney and heart health in patients with hypertension

A five-year randomized control trial found that diets high in fruits and vegetables lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. The study also suggests that incorporating fruits and vegetables into treatment plans can be more effective than traditional medication approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Ketogenic Diet reduces friendly gut bacteria and raises cholesterol levels - University of Bath study

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can reduce beneficial gut bacteria and increase unfavorable fats in the blood. The diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may have long-term health implications such as increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 6, 2024

Evaluating diet quality in community café meals for individuals facing food insecurity

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that meals from community cafés had significantly higher diet quality than meals not eaten at the café, measured by the Healthy Eating Index. This improvement was particularly pronounced for individuals with very low food security. The study suggests that commu...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2024

Duke-NUS study reveals peer influence can promote healthier shopping habits

Researchers found that adding behavioural nudges and financial incentives improved diet quality by 14% when consumers saw front-of-pack nutrition labels and how their peers' baskets compared. The combined effect was akin to moving average nutritional quality from C grade to B grade, resulting in significant sugar and sodium reductions.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalFood Policy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Healthy prenatal dietary pattern and offspring autism

A cohort study found that a healthy prenatal dietary pattern was linked to reduced risk of autism diagnosis and social communication difficulties in offspring. Adherence to this dietary pattern was not significantly associated with reduced restrictive and repetitive behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 18, 2024

When you eat may impact your overall health, nutrition experts say

A special issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explores the effects of various fasting regimens on body weight, cardiometabolic disease risk, and sleep. The study found that time-restricted eating can result in clinically meaningful weight loss and reduction in liver enzymes in adolescents with type 2 diabetes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

All FODMAPs aren’t created equal: Working toward alternative diets to manage IBS

New studies suggest a simplified, less restrictive low FODMAP diet may be effective for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The alternative 'FODMAP-simple' diet restricts only fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides without restricting other FODMAP groups. This approach may reduce symptoms and improve patient adherence to the diet.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Paleolithic diets are not without risks

A recent UNIGE study highlights the risks of high-protein diets, also known as Paleolithic diets, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. Excess protein increases ammonium production, overwhelming the liver and potentially causing coma in severe cases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeNews article·DateJul 17, 2024

What fat cats on a diet may tell us about obesity in humans

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2024

Food aroma study may help explain why meals taste bad in space

Researchers discovered that a particular sweet chemical in vanilla and almond aromas could explain the change in perceptions, along with individual sensitivity. The study also found that spatial perception played a significant role in how people smell aromas in isolated settings.

SourceRMIT University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024