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Obrusnikova honored

Associate Professor Iva Obrusnikova at the University of Delaware has been selected as an IFAPA Fellow for her outstanding work in adapted physical activity. She is a leading researcher on technology-based behavioral strategies and their impact on functional performance and health outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities.

UB researchers look to improve the WIC shopping experience

Researchers at University at Buffalo are working on ways to improve the WIC shopping experience, making it easier for customers to find eligible products and navigate checkout processes. The team has identified several key barriers, including restrictions on foods, identifying product sizes and types, and poor staff training.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateJun 1, 2021

Tanzanian farmers boost diets with sustainable methods

A three-year study in Tanzania found that farmers who learned about sustainable crop-growing methods, gender equity, and nutrition improved the diversity of their children's diets and increased food security. The approach combined agroecology with peer mentoring and attention to nutrition and gender equity.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 11, 2021

Is there an association between a pregnant mother's diet and her child's weight?

Research suggests a mother's diet during pregnancy influences her child's BMI trajectory from birth to adolescence. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help prevent childhood obesity. Mothers' dietary habits during pregnancy are likely to shape their child's eating behaviors and food preferences.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 15, 2021

Healthy Diet Index supports diet quality assessment and dietary counselling in healthcare

The Healthy Diet Index is a tool developed by Finnish nutrition experts to assess diet quality. It was found to associate with the intake of energy nutrients, fibre, and several vitamins and minerals, and to be linked to lower body mass index, waist circumference, and blood glucose levels in both men and women.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 11, 2021

Virtual avatar coaching with community context for adult-child dyads

A new study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that virtual reality avatar-based coaching programs can spark dialogue about dietary habits and behavior among children and adults. The program showed promise to increase access and extend the reach of nutrition education for lower-income kids and families.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 8, 2021

To reduce stunting in India, space out births

Adequate birth spacing may help alleviate stunting in Indian children, according to a Cornell University study. The study found that when children are born at least three years after their older siblings, the height gap between them disappears.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021

Front-of-package product names and ingredient lists of infant and toddler food can be hard to navigate

A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior has found that inconsistent information exists on commercial infant and toddler food packages, making it difficult for parents to understand what they are buying. This confusion can lead to early exposure to nutritious foods not helping children develop healthy eating habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 8, 2021

Research highlights the need to incorporate nutritional counseling in cancer treatment

Research reveals that American adult cancer survivors often face barriers to healthy eating, with significant disparities observed across sociodemographic factors. A Mediterranean-style diet may reduce overall cancer risk for women, but not for men, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition interventions in cancer care.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateFeb 3, 2021

Study recommends rugby league invests in young players' diets

Rugby league's young players can benefit from individualized nutrition plans to improve physical capacity, health, and recovery throughout their careers. The study provides practical food and drink examples for sports dietitians and coaches to help players eat and drink enough as part of a healthy diet.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2021

School-made lunch 'better' for children

Researchers at Flinders University suggest that a universal school-provided lunch model could ensure all children have access to healthy food, reduce stigma around food choices, and support learning. A study found that 40% of energy consumed by kids during school hours comes from unhealthy foods.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 21, 2021

Healthcare Nutrition Council leads the way on medical food discussions

A recent publication in Current Developments in Nutrition shares the historical and regulatory context of medical foods and perspectives on their role in the future. The Healthcare Nutrition Council's Medical Foods Workshop highlighted key considerations for patient access and product innovation, driving consensus on terms and definiti...

SourceKellen Communications - NY·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateJan 12, 2021

What lessons can medicine learn from Father Christmas?

Doctors suggest Father Christmas's skills can inform medical practice, such as taking breaks, staying hydrated, and empowering team members to raise concerns. They also emphasize the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness in high-pressure situations like Christmas Eve deliveries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

An avocado a day keeps your gut microbes happy

A new study from the University of Illinois found that consuming avocados as part of a daily meal increased beneficial bacteria and improved gut health in adults with overweight or obesity. The research also showed that avocado consumption reduced bile acids and increased short-chain fatty acids, leading to positive health outcomes.

High-tech fixes for the food system could have unintended consequences

A new analysis in The Lancet Planetary Health finds that innovations to fix the food system could backfire, leading to increased deforestation and environmental degradation. The study highlights the need to anticipate trade-offs when introducing new technologies to improve human health and the planet.

Can we improve our health with doses of safe, live microbes on a daily basis?

A group of seven interdisciplinary scientists published a review paper highlighting specific gaps in the research on live microbes and health outcomes. They argue that there is only weak evidence to date confirming the link between live microbes and better human health, and propose a plan for quantifying this relationship.

Starved, stuffed and squandered: Consequences of decades of global nutrition transition

A new study warns that the current global nutrition transition will lead to an unprecedented increase in overweight and obese individuals, surpassing 4 billion by 2050. This, combined with food waste and unsustainable agricultural practices, poses significant threats to global hunger, public health, and environmental protection.

Are high-protein total diet replacements the key to maintaining healthy weight?

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high-protein total diet replacements led to higher energy expenditure, increased fat oxidation, and negative fat balance compared to a typical North American diet. This suggests that these diets may be a promising nutritional strategy for weight management.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 18, 2020

Healthy oil from wild olives

Researchers analyzed wild olive oil from the Medes islands and found it has excellent sensorial and physicochemical properties, similar to commercial varieties. The study also promotes local cultivation and conservation of wild olive trees.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAntioxidants·DateNov 3, 2020

Plant genetic engineering to fight 'hidden hunger'

A global research team led by the University of Göttingen explains how plant genetic engineering can combat micronutrient malnutrition. Biofortification using conventional breeding methods has already been successful in improving nutrition and health, but genetic engineering offers a way to further enhance benefits.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2020