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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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFood Research International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

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.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2026

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralasian Journal on Ageing·TypeSurvey·DateApr 22, 2026

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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

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...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

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.

SourceSWPS University·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalFood Chemistry·DateMar 27, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

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.

SourceCochrane·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

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.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 3, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

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.

SourceWorldFish·JournalPLOS One·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 19, 2026

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.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2026

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 10, 2026

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.

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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNitric Oxide·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2026

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.

SourceAberystwyth·JournalNature Food·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 4, 2026