Research on diet and how food affects the body. Covers the microbiome, meal timing, cardiovascular risk, and nutrition in illness.
A recent analysis of prebiotic sodas found that they often contain relatively little prebiotic fiber content and more sugar than marketing claims suggest. Many products include nutrition and functional claims that may be misleading, creating a 'health halo' among consumers.
A study found that FDA-issued sodium reduction targets had minimal impact on the amount of sodium in new packaged foods, with some categories even increasing sodium levels. Researchers argue that stronger accountability mechanisms are needed to effectively reduce population sodium consumption and related health issues.
A new study of teens around age 18 found that consuming breakfast increased their overall intake of important nutrients such as fiber, iron, zinc, and choline. Additionally, eating breakfast reduced the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods throughout the day.
A new study found that four AI-powered photo-based calorie-tracking apps underestimated the calories and fat content of meals by about a third. The researchers used standardized photos of 102 meals prepared in a controlled metabolic kitchen to evaluate the apps' accuracy.
A large study of over 65,000 postmenopausal women found that a higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who followed the diet more closely had a decreased risk of heart failure and stroke compared to those in the lowest-adherence group.
The Journal of Nutrition reviews updated protein guidance, highlighting strengths and limitations in the evidence. The authors emphasize the need for further research to better understand protein needs across populations.
A new study published in Nutrition Reviews identified popular menu items high in sodium and sugar, providing a starting point for creating healthier menus. School officials can use these findings to develop recipes that adhere to updated guidelines while still serving students' favorite foods.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical will present findings on organoid models, GLP-1 therapies, and early-life nutrition. The center's broad research portfolio is represented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
A study led by Jennifer Fields found that collagen peptide supplements improved bone turnover in female runners, increasing markers of bone formation and decreasing inflammation. This pilot study suggests that four weeks of supplementation is sufficient to move biomarkers towards more favorable bone health.
A new international study reveals that age plays a significant role in shaping global food-related greenhouse gas emissions. The research found that adolescents and young adults consistently have the highest per-capita dietary greenhouse gas emissions globally, while population aging has become an increasingly important driver of total...
A new review of current research highlights the importance of culturally grounded approaches to food systems literacy in addressing global hunger and malnutrition. The study suggests that Indigenous knowledge and participatory methods can improve food systems resilience and support communities to maintain traditional food practices.
At NUTRITION 2026, researchers presented studies on sodium targets, prebiotic sodas, plant-forward planetary health diets, breakfast consumption, calorie-tracking apps, time-restricted eating, and diet influences on cholesterol. These findings offer insights into healthy food choices and nutrition strategies.
Researchers analyzed wastewater samples from 19 communities across North Carolina, revealing patterns of plant and animal consumption influenced by economics, immigration, and geography. The study demonstrates the potential for wastewater surveillance to track nutrition trends and identify gaps in food access.
The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...
Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.
A review of hundreds of studies suggests that polyphenol-rich foods like berries, tea, and olive oil may support healthy brain aging by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve cell function. While no single food can prevent Alzheimer's disease, a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods may help preserve cognitive function over time.
Researchers found that yeast-based supplements can reprogram early-stage immune cells to produce enhanced anti-tumor responses. The study suggests a potential solution for obesity-related immune dysfunction and cancer, using a food-grade supplement with an excellent safety record.
A new study of nearly 1,500 pregnant participants found that following dietary guidelines may reduce exposure to many environmental chemicals from food and everyday products. However, the same dietary pattern does not lower exposure to all chemicals, with higher levels found in certain pesticides on fresh produce.
A global analysis of childhood diets over nearly 30 years reveals that children worldwide consume low amounts of essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. In contrast to many other countries, the US sees a decline in consumption of these foods from infancy to adolescence.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
A systematic review found that creatine monohydrate may reduce depressive symptoms in people taking standard antidepressants, with two trials showing significant benefits. However, three trials showed no effect, and the evidence is not yet settled due to limitations such as small sample sizes and biased patient enrollment.
A new study reveals that a Green Mediterranean diet enriched with the aquatic plant Mankai can improve gene activity and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. Participants who followed this diet experienced increased folate levels, which fueled one-carbon metabolism and supported DNA maintenance.
Researchers found that adding small amounts of brown seaweed flour to gluten-free cookie recipes significantly increases phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and protein content. The study suggests potential use as a functional ingredient in the food industry.
A recent study published in Metabolism found that our internal clock independently affects the energy we burn after eating, peaking in the morning and decreasing at night. This discovery sheds light on why late eating may contribute to weight gain or struggles with weight loss.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.
Researchers analyzed TikTok videos discussing food noise, finding it's a relentless preoccupation with eating that affects daily activities. The study aims to bring evidence to differentiate between scientific claims and marketing purposes.
A Drosophila study shows that macrophages detect nutritional stress caused by high-sugar diets and send a signal to the endocrine system to delay development. This delay helps buffer the impact of the diet on growth, allowing organisms to reach adulthood in better condition.
A long-term study published in Circulation found that consuming sugary drinks and fruit juice in childhood may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. The study suggests that substituting these beverages with whole fruits, milk, and water may be associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
A new poll shows nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over value keeping their brains healthy, but less than half know daily habits can reduce dementia risk. Only half practice key brain-protecting habits.
A new perspective paper argues that current public health recommendations focus on preventing deficiency rather than maximizing long-term health. The study recommends higher levels of exercise and protein intake to maintain physical and cognitive function as people age.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that participants on an intermittent fasting diet lost around seven kilograms in six months, compared to two kilograms lost by those on the standard diet. The researchers suggest that this diet may drive weight loss through different psychological and behavioural pathways.
The rapid rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in high-income countries could lead to a shift in food purchasing patterns and marketing strategies. This could result in stronger corporate lobbying, more aggressive marketing, and expansion into urban markets in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found that eliminating sugar from a low-fat diet can lead to impaired glucose control, insulin resistance, and gut microbial imbalance. Balanced dietary carbohydrates are essential for supporting gut and immune homeostasis.
A study at the Federal University of São Paulo found that only a fraction of copper and magnesium from Brazil nuts and cashews is absorbed by the human body. The researchers used an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion assay to assess bioavailability, which differed from bioaccessibility.
Dr. Corby Martin has been awarded the LPFA Endowed Chair in Nutrition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center for his groundbreaking research on nutrition and health behaviors. The chair recognizes his extensive experience leading interventions to modify health behaviors and outcomes, including food intake, exercise, and body weight.
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and The Obesity Society (TOS) have formed a strategic alliance to accelerate progress in both fields. This collaboration will drive evidence-based solutions that shape practice, inform policy, and improve health outcomes worldwide.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
Researchers uncover how a previously uncharacterized transporter protein controls magnesium transport in rice, leading to improved grain development, nutritional quality, and cooked texture. The study reveals that magnesium transport is closely linked to crop productivity and sensory traits.
Dr. Mey directs the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical, researching precision nutrition and metabolic health. He will represent Pennington Biomedical and the Academy as a Media Spokesperson.
A new analysis tracks global sugar-sweetened beverage tax adoption across 183 countries, revealing South Asia's significant lead in tax implementation. The study found that countries with higher burdens of type 2 diabetes and obesity are more likely to adopt taxes, but not necessarily those with high rates of sugary drink consumption.
A new review highlights that vitamin D deficiency is common and clinically important in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, but the current evidence does not support a direct disease-modifying effect. Vitamin D supplementation shows modest benefits in some patients, particularly those with low baseline vitamin D levels.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that geographic differences account for most of the variation in the cost of the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, with regions like the Northeast and major metropolitan areas like New York having higher costs. The study highlights the importance of considering regional pric...
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
Researchers tracked 68 Hawaiʻi false killer whales using drone photogrammetry, finding extreme physiological shifts and a record low Body Condition Index. The population's decline coincides with rising ocean temperatures, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to ensure the species' long-term survival.
The conference covers topics such as ultra-processed foods, GLP-1s and their impact on health. It also delves into the politics of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the rise of tickborne meat allergy.
Tobacco companies applied business strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods worldwide. The research found that these companies expanded rapidly into international markets, holding leading market shares in multiple regions.
A new observational study suggests that the way ultra-processed foods are made contributes to health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and early death. Even after accounting for nutritional quality, researchers found that people who ate more ultra-processed foods had worse health outcomes.
Massachusetts Medicaid members who received medically tailored meals experienced significantly fewer health emergencies, including 31% fewer hospitalizations and 20% fewer emergency department visits. The program also resulted in lower per-person healthcare costs of $3,433, offsetting 98% of the program's cost.
A recent study revealed that the bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium columnare remodels its epigenetic landscape during prolonged starvation, rather than altering its DNA sequence. This finding suggests a novel survival strategy for the bacterium and could have direct implications for aquaculture disease control.
A study published in Nutrients found associations between high homocysteine levels and fatigue-related outcomes, including physical fatigue in men and decreased motivation in women. Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 and folate is essential to prevent homocysteine level increases.
A recent study of over 1,800 infants in Sweden found that most young children have sufficient vitamin D levels, but intake was too low for some. The research also explored the climate impact of foods providing vitamin D, concluding that plant-based alternatives are a climate-friendly source.
Research suggests that early nutrition, education, and physical activity interventions during pregnancy can lead to optimal gestational weight gain. Women who received multiple micronutrient supplements were more likely to achieve healthy weight gain, while education and culturally tailored counseling also played a crucial role.
Dr. John Apolzan and Dr. Leanne Redman, both from Pennington Biomedical Research Center, have been recognized as 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellows for their outstanding scientific contributions and leadership in the field of nutrition. They will be part of 69 new Fellows to be honored at ASN's annual meeting.
A combination of guava juice and iron supplements is more effective than iron supplements alone in boosting haemoglobin levels, according to a meta-analysis. The study found that regular guava juice consumption can help lower the risk of anaemia in women, particularly those with low vitamin C intake.
A new study found that drinking tomato-soy juice lowered pro-inflammatory proteins in healthy adults with obesity after four weeks. The findings hint at the juice's promise as a functional food that may help curb chronic inflammation and improve health outcomes for patients with pancreatitis.
A new online resource aims to support clinicians in implementing nutrition-based interventions into patient care. The Food is Medicine Toolkit offers a comprehensive package of tools and resources to help healthcare providers build, integrate, scale, and measure programs that improve health outcomes.
Research by Göttingen University found that colourful Nutri-Score labels on the shelf and price tag are more noticeable and influencing consumer choices. The study suggests that companies should display multi-coloured labels to support consumers in making health-conscious choices.
Researchers found that the gut responds to protein deficiency by activating a fast neural circuit and a slower hormonal signal, which selectively changes dietary priorities. The study reveals a previously unknown gut-brain signaling system that rapidly alters feeding behavior in animals.
A University of Waterloo study uses mathematical modelling to explore how Vitamin C affects digestion-related cancer risk. The research suggests that consuming Vitamin C-rich foods like leafy greens may decrease cancer risk, while taking supplements after meals could have a moderate positive effect.
A global study led by George Mason University found that balanced energy and protein supplements improve birth weights and reduce high-risk newborns in low- and middle-income countries. The research adds to the evidence that improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy may be a key intervention to improve birth outcomes.