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Ultra-processed foods largely missing from US food policy

A new study finds that only a small number of US policies consider ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and certain cancers. The US lacks national dietary guidelines for these foods, despite international countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Israel having incorporated them.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 20, 2023

For prematurely born infants, cow colostrum can be used to supplement mother´s own milk

New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2023

Produce prescription programs for patients with diabetes could save billions in healthcare costs, study shows

A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 7, 2023

DNA barcoding identifies the plants a person has eaten

A new technique using DNA barcoding can identify the plant matter in human feces, improving clinical trials, nutrition studies and historical research. The method detected specific plant species and their relative amounts consumed, varying according to diet, age, and household income.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

The expanded Child Tax Credit led to improved health and nutrition among adults

The expanded Child Tax Credit led to significant improvements in adult health and nutrition, with eligible adults reporting better health outcomes and food security compared to ineligible adults. The study estimates that this policy may have benefited approximately 1.08 million adults and 684,000 households.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2023

Plant-based food packages linked to reduced BMI in children

A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Brigham researchers identify factors associated with lower breastfeeding duration for mothers with higher BMIs

A multi-nation cohort analysis found that mothers with higher BMIs have shorter breastfeeding durations due to inflammation and cesarean section deliveries. The study identified dietary and systemic inflammation as modifiable factors associated with longer lactation duration in people with high BMI.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Omega-3 fatty acids linked with slower progression of ALS

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, may help slow the progression of disease in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Higher blood levels of ALA were associated with a slower disease progression and lower risk of death.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Ketone supplements worsen performance in trained endurance athletes, researchers find

A new study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that ketone supplements impaired performance in well-trained endurance cyclists. The researchers recruited experienced athletes who cycled for five or more hours per week, simulating race conditions before conducting a 20-minute time trial.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Seaweed farming may help tackle global food insecurity

Research suggests that seaweed farming could be a game-changer for addressing food insecurity globally. By reducing the need for land, freshwater, and chemical fertilizers, seaweed cultivation can lead to higher incomes for farmers in coastal regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. As demand for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows world...

SourceTufts University·JournalGlobal Food Security·DateJun 8, 2023

In schools that could benefit most, building relationships is key to increasing capacity for nutrition education programming

A new study by researchers at the School District of Philadelphia found that building relationships between SNAP-Ed implementers and school staff was crucial for developing school staff motivation and capacity to implement programming. This approach can help schools most in need, which are often high-poverty schools with limited capacity.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2023

Eat right, live longer: could a moderate protein diet be the coveted elixir of youth?

A recent study published in GeroScience found that a moderate-protein diet (25% and 35%) improved metabolic health in both young and middle-aged mice. The researchers also observed reduced blood glucose concentrations and lipid levels in liver and plasma. A balanced diet with moderate protein intake may promote metabolic health in huma...

SourceWaseda University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Cutting breakfast carbs can benefit people with Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at UBC Okanagan found that a low-carb breakfast can significantly reduce blood sugar swings and improve glucose control. Participants who followed a low-carb breakfast plan showed lower glycemic variability and some were able to reduce their glucose-lowering medication.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Unhealthy food dominated grocery store flyers

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that nearly two-thirds of grocery store flyers in Sweden feature unhealthy foods. The analysis of weekly flyers from 122 stores revealed that high-sugar foods and drinks were the most common category, contradicting Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 31, 2023

Specifically designed diets demonstrate a “powerful ability” to prevent tumorigenesis, delay tumor growth and improve existing cancer treatments, CNIO researchers say in a review paper

CNIO researchers review the anticancer effects of various diets, including caloric restriction, ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting. They argue that precision nutrition can be used to treat specific cancers based on tumor metabolism and patient characteristics.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 30, 2023

How eating natto might help to distress

Research suggests that consuming natto can enhance lifespan and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans worms by activating key signaling pathways. This fermented soybean product has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Multivitamin improves memory in older adults, study finds

A large-scale randomized trial found that daily multivitamin supplementation improved memory function in over 3,500 older adults, with effects more pronounced in those with cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that nutrition may play a crucial role in optimizing brain health as we age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds

A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Study may explain why high-sugar diets can worsen IBD

A new study suggests that high-sugar diets can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms by disrupting the colon's lining renewal process. The research found that a high-sugar diet led to impaired cell division and altered metabolic pathways in mice, resulting in faster gut damage.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Uncovering the secret masks behind algae growth in the south-to-north water diversion project using advanced AI

A deep learning-based Transformer model, Bloomformer-1, has been developed to identify the driving factors of algal growth in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The results reveal that total phosphorus is the most significant factor affecting algal growth, especially in the Henan section, while total nitrog...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2023

Promoting lower-calorie options on delivery apps could help users select healthier options, randomized trials find

Research suggests that simple initiatives to promote lower-calorie options on delivery apps can significantly reduce the average excess calorie content of orders. The interventions tested included pre-selecting smaller portions, positioning lower-calorie foods and restaurants more prominently, and displaying calorie labels.