Nutrition
Articles tagged with Nutrition
A smarter way to measure how streams clean themselves
A new approach using Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics offers a direct fix for estimating nutrient uptake length in streams. The zero-order method substantially outperforms the first-order approach under saturation, providing more accurate estimates of stream filtration capacity.
Nutrition and body image program supports healthier behaviors in women undergoing substance use treatment
In an experiment, yellow trout grew larger than the wild strain
In an experiment, yellow trout grew larger than the wild strain, with averages of 300 grams at 270 days compared to 237-gram range for wild-type ones. The study suggests potential for aquaculture and sport fishing, with color variation leading to different products.
Fewer insects, fewer nutritious crops: pollinator decline puts our health at risk
The study reveals how pollinators support food production and diets, highlighting the risks of biodiversity loss for human health. Simple steps like planting wildflowers or using fewer pesticides can help boost pollinator numbers, strengthening both nature and people's wellbeing.
American Society for Nutrition appoints Brian Lindshield, PhD, as Interim Editor in Chief of Current Developments in Nutrition
The American Society for Nutrition has appointed Dr. Brian Lindshield as the new Interim Editor-in-Chief of Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN). With extensive experience and a strong record of leadership in academic nutrition, Dr. Lindshield will build on CDN's foundation for continued growth and innovation.
UK restaurant chains falling short on healthy nutrition targets, study finds
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that only 43% of menu items at the UK's highest-grossing restaurant chains met all voluntary targets for sugar, salt, and calorie reduction. This suggests that stricter regulation may be needed to improve the nutritional quality of out-of-home food.
Moderate UV light is best to boost the vitamin D content of edible mushrooms, McGill study finds
Researchers at McGill University found that moderate UV light exposure enhances vitamin D₂ levels in edible mushrooms without compromising quality attributes. The study provides standardized guidance for industry to follow, highlighting a clear gap in species-specific and unified UV treatment guidelines.
Pennington Biomedical convenes global experts to advance understanding of ultra-processed foods and health
A two-day symposium brought together leading researchers, clinicians, and policy experts to examine the science surrounding ultra-processed foods and their impact on human health. Key findings include the biological mechanisms linking ultra-processing to chronic disease and opportunities for policy action.
Creatine is claimed to benefit our body and mind. Here’s what the latest science does – and doesn’t – tell us
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle energy and improve cognitive function, particularly in populations with lower baseline creatine levels. Emerging evidence also explores its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like Parkinson's disease and menopause-related muscle loss.
Dr. Hannah Cabré appointed assistant professor and director of the Aging, Gynecology, and Endocrinology Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical
Dr. Hannah Cabré has been appointed as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Aging, Gynecology, and Endocrinology Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her research focuses on the role of female sex hormones in shaping nutrition, health, and performance across the lifespan.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in FoodOmics
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in FoodOmics aims to advance understanding of omics technologies in food and nutrition. The event will feature keynote lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions with renowned researchers from around the world.
TikTok’s muscle dream is a nightmare for young men
A new study found that young men who viewed idealized fitness or supplement videos on TikTok reported lower fitness satisfaction and stronger intentions to use creatine, a popular muscle-building supplement. The researchers highlight the need for targeted media literacy education and responsible social media practices.
First gap-free peanut genomes reveal genes behind bigger seeds and better oils
Researchers have produced complete genome sequences for six peanut varieties, identifying two candidate genes linked to oil content and seed size. These findings provide a comprehensive blueprint for future peanut breeding and improvement strategies.
Eating legumes, soy products may help improve COPD symptoms
A recent study found that people with higher isoflavone consumption experienced fewer breathing-related symptoms and improved lung health. Isoflavones, commonly found in legumes and soy-based foods, may play a key role in reducing COPD symptoms.
Care by name, but not by nature
A study reveals that older adults receiving government-funded home care struggle to access the support they need, often feeling overwhelmed by complex systems and limited budgets. The research highlights a significant gap in the program's capacity to provide person-centered care, particularly in areas like nutrition.
FDA ‘healthy’ label boosts sales of healthier snacks and commands price premium, study finds
A new study found that FDA 'healthy' labels increase consumer selections of healthier snacks and command a price premium. The study, led by researchers at Oregon State University, examined consumer purchasing preferences for snack products with and without healthy labels.
Study challenges decades-old puzzle about childhood body fat
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that the widely cited 'adiposity rebound' may reflect lean muscle growth, not increased body fat. Waist-to-height ratio, a measure that better reflects body fat, continues to drop despite BMI increases after an initial decline.
The weight of wheat
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that mice preferred carbohydrates over standard chow, leading to increased body weight and fat mass. The researchers also discovered a decrease in energy expenditure and an accumulation of fat in the liver, which improved when wheat flour intake was discontinued.
Food literacy program helps rural, uninsured patients with diabetes build healthy eating skills
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a Food is Medicine and food literacy education program improved food-related knowledge and practical skills among rural, uninsured adults with type 2 diabetes. The Fresh Start FIM + Food Literacy intervention showed significant overall improvements i...
Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS) 48th Annual Meeting
The 48th AChemS Annual Meeting will present cutting-edge research on chemosensory perception, including its implications for human health, behavior, and quality of life. The conference highlights new findings on the role of smell in eating behavior, disease diagnosis, and obesity treatments.
Medicare spending implications for semaglutide under voluntary price agreements
A lower semaglutide price could generate savings that offset the cost of treating an additional 550,000 to 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries eligible for expanded obesity-indication coverage. This voluntary price agreement may lead to substantial savings for Medicare spending on semaglutide treatment.
Older men most likely to reach for saltshakers, while women’s salt-adding behavior more nuanced, study suggests
A new study found that older men are more likely to reach for saltshakers than women, who's behavior is influenced by factors such as diet quality and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of reducing salt consumption, particularly in industrialized foods.
Following 9 key steps for a lifetime of eating well can support heart health
The updated guidance offers nine key features of a heart-healthy dietary pattern, emphasizing the importance of making sustainable and personalized choices throughout life. The American Heart Association aims to encourage lifelong adherence to healthy eating patterns to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
We prefer colors: Product labeling can save your health
A recent study found that colour coding is more effective than traditional nutritional tables in influencing consumers' dietary choices, thanks to the brain's instant processing of benefit and risk signals. Colour-coded labels encourage healthier product selection by harnessing visual attention mechanisms.
Cooking efficiently for better nutrition
Researchers at the University of Seville have found that cooking methods significantly impact the bioavailability of carotenoids in tomatoes and carrots. Oven cooking increased carotenoid availability ninefold for carrots, while air frying and oven cooking resulted in high values for tomatoes.
New tool spots and evaluates nutrition misinformation’s potential for harm
A new tool developed by UCL researchers can identify diet and nutrition misinformation, as well as its risk for potential harm. The tool assesses the content's risk based on factors like inaccuracy, hazardous omissions, and manipulative framing.
Ultra-processed foods are linked to reduced fertility and embryonic development
Eating ultra-processed foods is associated with slower embryo growth, smaller yolk sacs, and increased subfertility risk. Reducing UPF consumption around conception and pregnancy may improve fertility outcomes for both parents and embryos.
Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health
Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.
Inaugural Health Care by Food research award honors excellence in food is medicine science
The American Heart Association has announced its inaugural Health Care by Food award, recognizing a study that explored effective ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care for Native Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. The study provided compelling evidence that culturally tailored, heart-healthy food box interventions ca...
Researchers find link between ultra-processed foods and infertility in US women
Researchers analyzed data from 2,500 US women and found that those consuming fewer ultra-processed foods had higher fertility rates. The Mediterranean diet showed a positive association with fertility, but this benefit disappeared once obesity was factored in.
Ultra-processed foods linked with serious heart problems
Consuming ultra-processed foods daily is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events, particularly among Black Americans. The study found that each additional serving increases the risk by over 5%, with Black Americans seeing an amplified risk compared to other racial groups.
FAU researchers find concerning rise in US teen obesity over a decade
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
Picture this: Photographing food available in the local community led to parents asking why there is so much ultra-processed and fast food
Researchers gave cameras to 25 mothers of preschoolers to photograph local food, revealing a shift in perceptions and questioning of ultra-processed food. The study highlights the potential of participatory methods in evoking grassroots advocacy for change.
Teens using AI meal plans could be eating too few calories — equivalent to skipping a meal
A new study found that AI-generated meal plans for teenagers often underestimate total energy and key nutrient intake, leading to potential health risks. The plans tend to overemphasize protein and fat, while underestimating carbohydrates, which may negatively affect growth and metabolic health.
Could a hot cup of matcha dial down the ‘sneeze switch’ in allergic rhinitis?
A study in mice suggests that matcha may reduce the need to sneeze in people with nasal allergies, suppressing brainstem neuronal activation without changing major immune markers. The findings provide a potential, food-based option to complement standard care for allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Racial disparities in food insecurity for high- and low-income households
A cross-sectional study documents persistent racial disparities in food insecurity over 23 years, with smaller disparities among SNAP-participating households. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to address food insecurity and its intersectional effects.
Digital transformation of food retail is reshaping food access for consumers
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior highlights the impact of digital transformation on food access, emphasizing opportunities for innovative interventions and policy approaches to promote health equity.
Study confirms food fortification is highly cost-effective in fighting hidden hunger across 63 countries
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.
Pennington Biomedical researcher publishes editorial in leading American Heart Association journal
A Pennington Biomedical researcher published an editorial on the benefits of fruit intake for vascular health, citing a study on increasing fruit intake with avocados and mangos. The findings suggest that diets rich in fruits can improve nutrient status and health outcomes, aligning with the goals of the Food Is Medicine initiative.
Ultra-processed foods in preschool years associated with behavioural difficulties in childhood
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that higher ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increased anxiety, fearfulness, aggression and hyperactivity in preschoolers. Replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed options may support healthier development and lower behavioural difficulties.
Science reveals why you can’t resist a snack – even when you’re full
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after eating enough. The research used EEG brain scans to monitor volunteers' brain activity as they played a reward-based learning game with food.
Variety: Spice of life or risk factor for overeating?
A new study conducted by researchers at Penn State found that the presence of a higher variety of foods in a buffet increases both the weight and calories of food selected. Participants who visited buffets with more food options chose higher-calorie dense foods, leading to increased calorie consumption.
Starving cancer: Nutrient deprivation effects on synovial sarcoma
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that targeting the glutamine transporter ASCT2 can suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis in synovial sarcoma cells. This study suggests a new approach for treating this aggressive malignant tumor by cutting off its nutrient supply.
Virgin olive oil protects cognitive health through the gut microbiota
Consuming virgin olive oil, but not refined olive oil, improves cognitive function and increases gut microbiota diversity in older adults. The study suggests that extra virgin olive oil's impact on brain function may be due to its effects on the gut microbiota.
New study finds fish supply must be paired with public awareness to tackle malnutrition in Timor-Leste
A new study from Timor-Leste shows that increasing fish supply alone is not enough to tackle malnutrition; targeted nutrition messaging and public awareness are also necessary. The study found that households exposed to both increased fish availability and nutrition campaign were nearly twice as likely to purchase fish.
Exercise and nutritional drinks can reduce the need for care in dementia
Daily exercise and protein-rich drinks showed significant health benefits for people with dementia. Participants improved physical ability and required less care time in dementia wards compared to control groups. The study suggests that improved function can affect the amount of support needed.
Unveiling powerful synergies between plant compounds that dramatically reduce inflammation
Researchers discovered that pairing familiar plant-derived compounds can suppress inflammatory signals more effectively than using each compound independently. The study found that certain combinations increased the anti-inflammatory effect several hundred-fold compared to single ingredients alone.
Evidence behind intermittent fasting for weight loss fails to match hype
A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.
Study finds link between sugary drinks and anxiety in young people
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
Nearly three quarters of US baby foods are ultra-processed, new study finds
A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that 71% of grocery store baby food products in the US are classified as ultra-processed foods. These products tend to be cheap, convenient and hyper-palatable but lack essential nutrients.
Low-carb and low-fat diets associated with lower heart disease risk if rich in high-quality, plant-based foods, low in animal products
A new study finds that the quality of macronutrients matters more than their quantity for heart health, with diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study also found improved cardiovascular biomarkers in healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets.
Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that higher fat diets were more harmful than high-carbohydrate diets, even when fiber supplementation was added. Mice on high-fat and ketogenic diets experienced weight gain, liver damage, and other negative health effects, while those on a high-carbohydrate diet did not.
New trial aims to transform how we track our daily diet
Researchers are recruiting adults for a five-week study to accurately track their diets using wearable cameras, blood monitoring devices, and metabolomic analysis. The goal is to find reliable ways to measure diets, paving the way for better public health strategies to tackle diseases linked to poor diets.
Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns
A cohort study reveals that infants from vegan households have similar growth patterns to those from omnivorous households, with a higher risk of early underweight at birth. As the findings suggest, further research is needed to examine the quality of vegan diets and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy.
Choline intake in pregnancy linked to lower inflammation
A new study from Cornell University suggests that choline, a nutrient often consumed too little during pregnancy, may play an underappreciated role in regulating inflammation. Higher recent dietary choline intake was associated with lower levels of inflammation in the third trimester.
Natto your average food
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that natto bacteria convert soybean proteins and other substances into supersulfide molecules. Heat-treated soybeans also showed an increase in supersulfides before fermentation, indicating a complex mechanism behind natto's health benefits.
Psychosocial and community factors are strongly linked to diet quality among rural adults, study finds
A study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that psychosocial factors like motivation, confidence, and social support are strongly linked to diet quality among rural adults. Participants with higher scores in these areas consumed more fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and fewer ultraprocessed foods.
Eating habits revealed by wearable cameras and AI
A new review highlights the limitations of traditional self-reported dietary tools and proposes an integrated framework combining emerging technologies to improve accuracy in dietary assessment. This approach may help build a clearer picture of what people truly eat and support healthier lives and food systems.
Could dietary change support adolescent mental health? New review highlights evidence gaps and future research priorities
A review of 19 studies suggests healthier diets are associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater psychological distress in adolescents. Whole-diet patterns and diet quality indices show more consistent associations with favourable mental health outcomes.