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Price changes for seven foods could save thousands of lives per year, study says

A new study suggests that altering prices of seven dietary items could prevent an estimated 23,000 deaths per year in the US. The study found that subsidies for healthy foods and taxes on unhealthy foods could reduce deaths from stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, especially among Americans with lower socioeconomic status.

Sleeve gastrectomy, common weight-loss surgery, lowers women's tolerance to alcohol

A study found that women who underwent sleeve gastrectomy may need to limit their alcohol consumption due to faster absorption rates. The surgery speeds up the transfer of alcohol into the bloodstream, leading to higher blood alcohol levels and increased risk of binge drinking and associated health issues.

Maternal diet may program child for disease risk, but better nutrition later can change that

A study from the University of Illinois shows that a post-weaning low-fat diet can reverse epigenetic changes caused by a maternal high-fat diet, reducing the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This suggests that dietary changes later in life can affect gene expression and metabolic pathways.

Most medical students overconfident, underprepared on nutrition guidelines

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that nearly 55% of medical students are confident in their ability to counsel patients on nutritional recommendations, despite half failing a nutrition quiz. The study highlights a gap between nutritional knowledge and attitudes among future physicians.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 16, 2017

Small increases in physical activity reduce immobility, disability risks in older adults

A new study by Tufts University found that adding 48 minutes of moderate exercise per week can improve overall physical functioning and lower the risk of major mobility disability in older adults. This is particularly encouraging as it suggests that even small, incremental changes to activity levels can have significant benefits.

Supermarkets could trick you into buying fewer calories

Researchers found that six out of eight products saw a 0-7% drop in calorie sales after recipe changes. However, some customers swapped reformulated products for higher-calorie alternatives. The study suggests 'silent' product reformulation may help combat obesity by reducing calorie intake at low cost.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 22, 2017

Sedentary behavior increases risk of death for frail, inactive adults

A new study published in CMAJ found that sedentary time increases the risk of death for middle-aged and older people who are frail and inactive. However, this association was not observed among nonfrail adults who were inactive. The study suggests that physicians should stress the harms of inactivity with patients to encourage movement.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 21, 2017

Fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin identified as new biomarkers for weight loss

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that fasting blood sugar and/or fasting insulin can be used to select optimal diets and predict weight loss, particularly for those with prediabetes. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and wholegrains may improve diabetes markers for most people with prediabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 7, 2017

Mothers often distracted during breast and bottle feeding

A new study found that distractions occurred in almost half of feedings, with technology-based distractions being the most common. Mothers enrolled in WIC reported better feeding interactions, but frequent engagement in distractions was predicted by having more children or certain infant characteristics.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 6, 2017

New study finds lean pork fits in a balanced eating plan for weight loss and healthy aging

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition found that lean pork as part of a weight-loss diet can lead to significant weight loss, improved physical function, and better adherence to the diet among obese women. Both groups experienced improvements in functional capacity at six months, with African American women experie...

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateMay 25, 2017

Food is not just the sum of its nutrients

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen argue that the health effects of a food product cannot be determined solely on the basis of its nutrient content. The findings suggest that interactions between nutrients and bioactive substances can alter the nutritional and health properties of a particular food. This challenges current n...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 23, 2017

New data show Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) improves the balance of bacteria in formula-fed babies' digestive systems*, providing important immune system and health benefits

Research shows that the presence of HMO in formula-fed babies' digestive systems increases both good bacteria and metabolic activity beneficial to their health. The study also found that the addition of HMO brings Similac closer to breast milk than ever before, closing gaps in immune function.

SourceAbbott·DateMay 12, 2017

Garden-enhanced intervention improved BMI and nutrition knowledge of California students

A new study found that a garden-enhanced intervention improved BMI and nutrition knowledge among upper elementary students in California. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program showed significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and vegetable identification, but not in fruit and vegetable intake or parenting practices. However, body me...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 8, 2017

Paper: Nutrition label readers favor food quality over quantity

Researchers found that nutrition label users tend to select healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans, while avoiding refined grains and fried foods. The study suggests that dining facilities can encourage healthy eating behaviors by increasing nutrient-dense food options and product reformulations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 18, 2017

Nutrition report calls for greater cooperation and coordination in promotion of pulse as consumer-friendly food stuff

A special issue of Annals highlights the potential of pulses to address global nutrition issues and environmental concerns through increased consumption. The report emphasizes the need for multi-sectoral partnerships, research, and public interventions to promote pulse consumption and yield improvements.

SourceNew York Academy of Sciences·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2017

Healthy weight gain in infants

Research by Jillian Trabulsi and Julie Mennella investigates the effects of infant formula on infant weight gain. The study found that babies fed cow's milk formula gained weight faster than those fed hydrolyzed protein formula or breastfed, highlighting the importance of choosing a suitable formula for infants.