Research on diet and how food affects the body. Covers the microbiome, meal timing, cardiovascular risk, and nutrition in illness.
Researchers found that minimally and highly processed meals with matched nutritional profiles produced distinct metabolic responses and activity in the brain's reward system. The study suggests that food processing may affect how the body and brain respond to food, potentially leading to overconsumption and long-term health effects.
A review of 44 studies found that people with alcohol problems often struggle with eating disorders, highlighting the need for integrated treatment. Healthcare services may be missing this connection, potentially leading to poorer outcomes for patients.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a new specialty code for Physician Nutrition Specialists, effective October 1, 2026. This code identifies physicians with advanced expertise in clinical nutrition and supports greater recognition of clinical nutrition as an area of specialized practice.
Students' attitudes toward climate-friendly school meals were positively associated with considering climate important when choosing food, eating vegetarian food at school more often, and the food tasting good. Mixed attitudes toward modified recipes and all-vegetarian days were observed, with reducing meat in recipes being more accepted.
Researchers have developed a method to enrich plant-based foods with essential amino acids using microorganisms, making them more nutritious for humans and animals. This method has the potential to alleviate malnutrition in low-income countries and reduce nitrogen emissions from agriculture.
The American College of Cardiology emphasizes a plant-forward diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. Consensus recommendations include a focus on overall dietary quality and sustainability over individual nutrients or trends.
University of Tennessee researchers are part of a nearly $1 million project to build a smart food production network, optimizing locally grown food distribution. The project, called DFARM, employs a user-centered software platform to connect community gardens, indoor hydroponic systems, and local food hubs.
Dr. Chris Morrison's research aims to understand how the brain detects changes in protein intake and adapts to dietary protein restriction. The study will focus on a specific population of neurons in the hindbrain that respond to FGF21, a hormone produced by the liver in response to protein restriction.
A new California law aims to eliminate ultra-processed foods from school menus, but researchers warn of fiscal and logistical challenges, including budget constraints and difficulty with food procurement. The study's findings highlight the need for increased funding to support healthier school menus and improve student nutrition.
A recent analysis of nearly 150,000 food products in the US found that health-related labels don't guarantee nutritional quality. The study, led by Cornell University researchers, reveals that reducing one unhealthy ingredient can lead to adding more of another. The researchers used a nutrient profiling model to evaluate products, find...
A three-herb preparation restored immune function in rats exposed to simulated weightlessness and challenged with bacteria, suggesting a nutritional way to help crew health on long-duration missions. The study also highlights the potential for the formula to support individuals on the ground who experience similar immune declines.
Three teams from Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand won the hackathon with innovative digital health platforms and decision-support tools to support maternal and child nutrition. The winning teams will participate in the Asia-Pacific Global Health Innovation Hackathon Incubation Programme to further develop their ideas.
A new study by George Mason University found that college students who spend more time on social media tend to sleep worse and perceive their own health poorer. The study, which analyzed data from 349 first-year students, suggests that sleep quality may be a pathway connecting social media use with self-rated health.
A systematic appraisal of current nutrition guidelines found that there is a significant gap in nutrition guidance for critically ill patients recovering from major surgery. Researchers recommend tailoring nutrition care to each patient's condition and stage of recovery to support healing and improve outcomes.
The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior announces the 2026 Best Article, Best Research Brief, and GEM awards to recognize outstanding nutrition research and education. This year's award winners have made significant contributions to the field, including studies on nutrition security, school meal programs, and diabetes self-mana...
Researchers at Kyoto University investigated the effects of high-temperature-treated soy protein on mice, revealing decreased amino acid levels and altered social novelty behavior. The study suggests that severe protein heating can negatively impact nutritional availability and physiological responses.
A study of 7,500 adults found that healthy eating is associated with slower biological aging, with no single diet being superior. The researchers examined ten dietary patterns and found that all were linked with slower aging, with some more effective than others.
A study published in Nutrients found that an unhealthy Western-style diet is associated with faster cognitive decline in people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. Among those carrying the APOE ε4 allele, greater adherence to a Western dietary pattern was linked to a faster decline in attention over time. The study suggests tha...
A new study implemented in Berkeley, Calif. supermarkets, drug stores, and mass-market retailers in 2021 found a link between a healthy checkout ordinance and a notable decrease in soda sales overall and small-package candy in supermarkets. The study also found that greater enforcement of the policy is essential for sustained public he...
A study found that probiotic supplement use increased 287% among adults and 786% among young people, while fiber intake remained unchanged, between 2009 and 2023. Probiotic users consumed more high-microbial foods and fiber content than non-users, but these beneficial diet habits may be decreasing due to supplement use.
Researchers analyzed 300 social media posts tagged #healthylifestyle, #nutrition and #cleaneating, finding widespread messaging on restrictive food rules, moralized views of food and unrealistic dietary ideals. The study highlights the need for healthy eating to be flexible, enjoyable and sustainable.
A new Drexel-led study introduces a culinary medicine program for caregivers of children with cancer, which improves nutrition and overall well-being. The program combines live virtual culinary workshops and individualized coaching to help families address treatment-related nutrition challenges.
A new study suggests that eating jetlag, which disrupts the body's biological rhythm, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in men. The study found that each additional hour of eating jetlag was associated with a 14% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
A new study found that men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer who replaced saturated and animal fats with unsaturated and plant-based fats had a lower risk of death. Replacing about 10% of daily calories from animal fat with plant-based fat was associated with a 16% lower rate of death.
Elementary school teachers reported a significant increase in student hunger and anxiety after the federal universal free school meals policy ended. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, found that the policy helped reduce student hunger and family stress, but its expiration was associated with decrea...
Researchers found typical errors in smartwatch calorie estimates of about 15% to 25%, with averages for the worst-performing watches climbing much higher. Smartwatches can still be useful, but users should understand their limitations and use data to track personal trends over time.
A prospective cohort study found that higher parental vitamin B12 and maternal RBC folate levels before and after conception, respectively, were associated with lower birth defect risk. This suggests that the nutritional status of both parents during the periconceptional period may play a role in preventing birth defects.
Dr. Emily Flanagan's five-year NIH grant will investigate how energy intake and expenditure influence infant growth and future obesity risk. The study aims to improve energy-intake standards for infants and identify critical periods for interventions promoting healthy growth.
A new study suggests that children with cerebral palsy born very preterm may need closer nutritional and rehabilitation monitoring due to higher risks of undernutrition and functional impairments. The study found that gestational age should be considered when assessing nutrition and rehabilitation needs in children with cerebral palsy.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that adults with visual impairment have medium to high culinary skills, but still face barriers to independent meal preparation, underscoring the need for accessible cooking education and support. The study identified factors associated with culinary skill levels,...
A University of Kansas researcher is using FDA addiction science to test the addictive properties of hyperpalatable foods. She will recruit participants and provide them with different food stimuli, then measure their responses to determine if the foods have reinforcing effects. The study aims to identify specific ingredients that boos...
A new study suggests that phytoene, a colorless precursor of lycopene, may contribute to tomatoes' protective effects against fatty liver disease. Mice given phytoene developed substantially less fatty liver disease than those without the compound.
A 6-month study of 5132 MyNetDiary users found that consistent food-tracking, even with fewer than 2 days per week, is associated with better weight loss outcomes. Users who tracked food 6-7 days per week lost an average of 11.33% of their body weight, while those who tracked only 2-3 days per week lost 7.35%.
According to a national poll, many parents face challenges getting their kids to eat a healthy breakfast before school. Common barriers include picky eating, time constraints, and morning moods. Parents can make a difference by offering nutritious options and letting their child decide, even with busy school mornings.
A new study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that time-restricted eating may be a safe and effective tool to control blood sugar levels in adults with Type 1 diabetes. The study, led by Krista Varady, showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels after six months, with no increased risk of extreme highs or lows.
A recent study found that TikTok food content prompts hunger and cravings in adolescents, but parents can help them navigate its influence by fostering critical conversations and encouraging family meals. The study suggests parents can provide a protective perspective by questioning influencer claims and promoting healthy social media ...
A shocking majority of exhibitors at the UK's biggest school food event supply foods high in fat, sugar, or salt, contradicting the government's plans to introduce updated school food standards. The findings raise concerns over the perpetuation of unhealthy eating habits in schools.
Adults who continued to eat pork while participating in a 6-month digital weight management program lost a clinically significant 5.3% of starting body weight and improved their overall diet quality scores by 4.3 points. This study challenges the notion that pork is automatically off-limits within a healthier eating plan.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that a mitochondrial fusion protein called OPA1 plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and body weight. Mice lacking this protein exhibited increased food intake and age-related weight gain, highlighting the importance of OPA1 in maintaining energy metabolism.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University finds that men who consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods have increased risks of prostate cancer. Men with the highest UPF intake had a possible 34% higher risk, although the finding did not reach statistical significance.
Researchers are seeking 450 participants to explore the health effects of adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet among younger adults with overweight or obesity. Over 12 months, participants will follow a plant-based diet and have regular health checks to measure their health outcomes.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem examines Israel's philanthropic food-aid network, highlighting gaps in data and disparities in distribution. The researchers found significant limitations in evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of charitable aid systems.
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages play a critical role in distributing nutrients, promoting microbial diversity, and supporting gut health by releasing vitamin B12. The study found that phage infection is necessary for B12 release, and the nutrient specifically drives growth in dependent microbes.
A new study found that hypertension patients are more likely to follow doctors' recommendations for medication than make lifestyle changes. The Health Belief Model suggests that perceptions of personal risk and disease severity influence treatment intentions.
A new USDA listing provides standardized nutrition data for watermelon rind, complementing the nutrient-rich flesh and offering a simple way to reduce food waste. The data reveals that 1/3-cup serving of diced raw watermelon rind contains just 10 calories and provides 1 gram of dietary fiber.
A new study by Cornell University researchers has found that biofortified millet provides essential nutrients to toddlers without causing adverse side effects. The study showed increased activity in microbial pathways associated with fighting pathogens and improved antioxidant metabolism in children who consumed the fortified millet.
A vegan diet for one month shifts epigenetic patterns associated with reduced inflammation, immune function, and biological aging. The study found changes in DNA methylation linked to lower proportions of inflammatory immune cells and increased proportions of CD4 T cells.
A recent study found that consuming a daily blend of over 30 different plants increased populations of 'favourable' gut bacteria compared to a probiotic control. This results in improved gut health and reduced symptoms such as constipation and flatulence.
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has announced the locations for its upcoming annual meetings, NUTRITION 2027 in Las Vegas and NUTRITION 2028 in Boston. The meetings will bring together researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to advance nutrition science and celebrate 100 years of ASN.
A new study published by the American Society for Nutrition found that overall diet quality, not just food processing level, is strongly associated with long-term health outcomes. Healthy diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are beneficial, even if they include some processed foods.
A large-scale genetic study suggests that inherited taste preferences for sweet and fatty foods can influence eating behaviors and contribute to chronic disease risk. People with a higher genetic predisposition for these tastes tend to eat more of them, leading to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A new study reveals that the nutritional composition of milk depends on the dairy production method and season. Organic grass-fed milk contains significantly more omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally-produced milk.
Researchers found that genetic factors play a role in how individuals respond to a low-carb, high-fat diet, with those at higher risk experiencing greater increases in LDL cholesterol. The study suggests personalized dietary guidance based on genetic profiles could help identify who may experience adverse responses to certain diets.
A national survey of over 1,000 U.S. adolescents found that nearly one-quarter of teens used mobile food delivery services during school hours, with fast foods and sugary beverages being popular options. Researchers raise concerns about the impact on learning environments and healthy nutrition for students.
A new study found that older adults who took a daily multivitamin had significantly better measures of functional health after 3 years compared to those who took a placebo. The findings suggest that a daily multivitamin can help preserve cognitive abilities and benefit blood circulation and physical stamina.
A new study suggests that unsweetened sparkling water may lower the risk of enamel erosion more effectively than sugar-sweetened soda. Researchers found that saliva quickly restored the mouth's acidity to normal after consumption, regardless of beverage type.
A small clinical trial found that time-restricted eating improved spatial planning and problem-solving skills, reducing errors related to memory and learning. After six months, participants who limited their daily eating window showed significant cognitive improvements compared to those maintaining a standard eating window.
A study found that 81% of toddler foods were classified as ultra-processed, with 49% failing to meet at least one nutrient standard. The majority exceeded recommended sugar and calorie levels, highlighting the need for warning labels on high-risk products.