Articles tagged with Nutrition
A significant shortfall in global fruit and vegetable consumption is revealed, with most adults needing to double their intake to meet minimum recommendations. The vast majority of adults worldwide are falling short of the recommended daily serving size of five servings (400 grams), missing out on crucial phytonutrients.
A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nutrition was not given enough priority in national Aboriginal health policy between 2000 and 2012. The research identified a significant gap in life expectancy, with Indigenous Australians living 11.5 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.
A new hospital screening tool, Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST), has been found to be effective in identifying children at nutritional risk. The PNST identified 37.6% of patients as being at nutritional risk, compared to 34.2% with the existing pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA).
A study found that high-protein enteral nutrition enriched with immune-modulating nutrients does not reduce new infections or improve outcomes in critically ill patients. In fact, it may be harmful, increasing the risk of death at 6 months.
JNEB has announced the 2014 Best Article and Best Great Educational Material (GEM) awards, recognizing authors who developed a curriculum to promote healthy eating habits and prevent childhood obesity. The winners include Amy Storfer-Isser and Dara Musher-Eizenman for their article on meal planning and preparation.
The FDA is considering significant changes to the Nutrition Facts label, including listing added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium on every label. Industry groups are opposing these changes, arguing that they are unnecessary and could be confusing for consumers.
New research by academics at the University of Bristol's Nutrition and Behaviour Unit found that people factor in liquid calories when estimating a meal's satiating effect. The study, led by Professor Jeff Brunstrom, compared meals with calorific drinks to those served with water or snacks.
Researchers at University of Bristol found that liquid calories from soft drinks are taken into account when planning meals. Meals served with a calorific drink were expected to be more satiating than those served with water or snacks.
A systematic review of studies found no significant benefits from combining different oils in lipid emulsions. Combination emulsions are a safe alternative to soybean-based emulsions, but further research is needed to confirm their superiority.
A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that only 27% of elementary school children's lunches met federal guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low- or non-fat dairy. The researchers also found that snacks from home were often high in sugar and calories, with few students drinking water instead of suga...
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that eating lean beef daily can effectively lower blood pressure in healthy individuals. The BOLD+ diet, which includes 5.4 ounces of lean beef per day, was more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to other diets tested.
The ESPGHAN statement provides practical guidance on PEG tube placement and care, emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of this procedure for children with feeding and nutrition problems. The decision to insert a PEG tube should be made by a team experienced in carrying out the procedure.
Researchers found that soluble corn fibre increased beneficial gut bacteria and calcium absorption in adolescents, potentially leading to improved bone density. Moderate daily intake of SCF may contribute to reduced risk of bone fracture later in life.
A new study reveals that Millennials are eating tofu because it's convenient and filling, rather than for its nutritional value. The research found that highlighting the ease of cooking and taste can be a more effective way to convince others to try tofu.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consuming a whole fresh avocado with tomato sauce or raw carrots significantly enhanced the absorption and conversion of provitamin A to an active form of vitamin A. This can help support reproductive health, skin health, immune function, and vision.
A new study finds that hospitals are complying with nutrition screening mandates, but need to improve follow-up assessments and diagnosis of malnutrition. The lack of clinician participation and inadequate training in caregivers hinder the effective treatment of malnutrition in patients.
Malnutrition is a significant problem in older adults due to chronic health conditions affecting dietary intake. A comprehensive geriatric analysis (CGA) includes nutrition screenings to address potential problems, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions involving healthcare providers.
Pediatric patients with intestinal failure often need gastrostomy tubes for long-term nutrition. Researchers found that prolonged tube use is associated with an increased risk of persistent fistulas. Early intervention may be necessary to prevent complications.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that urbanisation and westernization are linked to rising obesity rates among Nigerian women, particularly those with higher socio-economic status. The findings highlight the need to address both malnutrition and obesity as major public health concerns in Nigeria.
Researchers recommend considering additional factors that can affect microbial growth apart from lipids in parenteral nutrition. These factors include glucose concentration, proportion of glucose to lipid, and osmolarity.
The study recommends that HPEN consumers develop an emergency kit, including a basic emergency kit and an HPEN emergency kit, as well as contact lists for family, friends, physicians, and pharmacy providers. Homecare providers are advised to focus on consumer safety, minimizing service interruptions, and developing contingency plans.
Researchers found that the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascade plays a crucial role in protecting intestinal cells from damage. However, an overactive UPR caused by the CHOP protein can slow down tissue repair and lead to chronic inflammation.
A new survey of US consumers reveals that nearly three-quarters eat pecans regularly, with taste being an important reason. The study also highlights the importance of nutritional and health aspects in marketing tree nuts.
A study published in the FASEB Journal identified a key gene regulation mechanism associated with age-related muscle loss. The researchers found that older adults had lower levels of microRNAs, small RNA molecules that regulate genes, compared to younger men, which hindered their ability to build muscle after exercise.
A study found that overweight children with a common gene mutation are more likely to have elevated liver values. The research highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle habits from an early age, particularly for children carrying the risk gene.
Researchers discovered that retinoic acid stimulates brown fat to increase basal energy metabolism, preventing obesity-related diabetes complications. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for treating type 2 diabetes through the use of retinoids.
A new study reveals that instant oatmeal provides greater satiety than equal calories of ready-to-eat oat cereal. The researchers found that eating a bowl of instant oatmeal for breakfast helps manage hunger better than the same amount of calories from a leading oat-based, cold cereal.
A new study found that individuals with a high genetic risk score for obesity who consume more saturated fat have higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Limiting saturated fat may help people with a genetic predisposition to obesity.
A survey of Canadian physicians reveals a significant gap between optimal practices for detecting and treating malnutrition in hospitalized patients. The study found that actual assessments completed were much lower than reported, with only 33% of patients being weighed upon admission.
A University of Illinois study found that WIC moms who received farmers market vouchers consumed a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, despite lower prices at grocery stores. The study suggests that while vouchers can increase access to fresh produce, they may not significantly impact overall consumption.
Researchers argue that multivitamin/mineral supplements help cover micronutrient deficiencies, improving general health and potentially preventing chronic disease. The vast majority of Americans have inadequate nutrition, with critical needs for certain groups such as older adults and obese persons.
The Johnson Lab is developing state-of-the-art digital imaging to measure consumption, which has been validated by a paper in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers are exploring ways to employ the method, including training non-researchers to collect data.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $12 million investments in global health projects aiming to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality. Four Canadian-based projects will share $2.6 million in scale-up grants.
Improper placement of nasogastric feeding tubes can have serious and potentially fatal consequences in pediatric patients. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends universal best practices, including standard approach to bedside verification, to improve patient safety.
Researchers aim to develop drug candidates that could reverse effects of poor early diets, potentially improving human healthspan. Early nutrition plays a critical role in lifelong health, with imbalanced diets during childhood increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study found that low levels of physical activity combined with heavy use of electronic media increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases in 6-8 year-old children. Heavy electronic media use is also linked to higher risk factors even in physically active children.
According to a University of Michigan poll, parents of overweight children are more likely to give schools failing grades (D or F) for obesity-related efforts. Parents were twice as likely to fail the school on opportunities for physical activity and much more likely to give a failing grade for nutrition education than parents without ...
Daily nutritional supplementation improves HIV patient condition with significant weight gain from muscle mass and improved grip strength. The study highlights the importance of nutrition in conjunction with HIV treatment to prevent malnutrition-related deaths.
Researchers at Université Laval have discovered a natural molecule called protectin DX (PDX) that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in obese diabetic rats. PDX triggers the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in muscle cells, similar to exercise, but its efficacy may be comparable to certain diabetes drugs.
Research published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition found that patients who received glutamine supplements had a significantly higher mortality rate than those who did not. The study involved over 1,200 patients across 40 ICUs in North America and Europe.
A recent study found that low-income communities and WIC participants in Arizona face significant barriers when using cash value vouchers for purchasing nutrient-dense foods. These barriers include negative interactions with cashiers and lack of training, which can lead to frustration and decreased access to healthy food options.
Research found that snacking frequency and diet quality differ by age in schoolchildren, with younger kids benefiting from snacks and teens negatively affected. Nutrient-rich snacks can be a key to improving diet quality in children, especially as they enter adolescence.
A clinical study by Pennsylvania State University found that consuming one Hass avocado daily as part of a moderate fat diet significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein particle number and small, dense LDL cholesterol in overweight and obese subjects. The researchers observed a significant lowering of oxidized LDL particles, sugges...
Consumers of frozen meals had lower calorie intakes and better Healthy Eating Index scores compared to those who ate at quick service restaurants. They also consumed more vegetables, including greens and beans, and whole grains.
A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that children aged five and six spend more time watching TV on weekends than during the week, with parents playing a significant role. The research suggests that there is a need to find ways to help families reduce screen-viewing time.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a mother's diet before conception can permanently affect how her child's genes function. Researchers analyzed blood and hair samples from infants born to mothers who conceived during rainy or dry seasons, revealing higher rates of methyl groups linked to nutrient levels and BMI.
Leading food and nutrition scientists emphasized the importance of understanding dietary fats for optimal health. Research is needed to better understand the role of fats and their impact on health, particularly with changing dietary recommendations over the years.
Researchers found that almonds can help curb appetites, improve nutrient intake and reduce abdominal fat mass in adults. Snacking on almonds may be a weight-wise strategy depending on the foods consumed, with their nutrient profile supporting a healthy weight.
Eliminating chocolate milk from elementary schools resulted in a 10% decrease in total milk sales, as students substituted with white milk, leading to a 29% increase in waste. The ban also had nutritional consequences, including lower sugar and calorie intake but decreased protein and calcium consumption.
A new study reveals that eating rice is associated with better diet quality and lower body weight. Rice eaters show higher amounts of key nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and fiber, while consuming less saturated fat and added sugars.
A new review article reveals that US adults use dietary supplements to improve overall health and fill nutrient gaps in their diet. The study found that half to two-thirds of American adults use supplements, with motivations rooted in a desire to stay healthy.
A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines developed recommendations for the care of pediatric patients with intestinal failure at risk of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, while a prospective observational study found that feeding interruptions led to negative outcomes in critically ill patients. Intensive nutrition therapy also show...
The Feinstein International Center at Tufts University is awarded an $8.5 million contract to support evidence-gathering from agriculture projects in Ethiopia. The project aims to understand the impact of agricultural development on rural communities and inform policy improvements.
Researchers found that customers perceive restaurants as socially responsible when provided with nutrition facts and healthful options, leading to increased patronage. Highly health-conscious individuals are more likely to favor such restaurants, regardless of the presence of nutrition information.
Disadvantaged children attending high-quality early childhood programs exhibit improved health outcomes as adults, including lower cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks. These findings support the importance of early intervention in preventing costly adult chronic diseases.
A study by Penn State researchers found that when cereal flakes are reduced in size, participants pour a smaller volume but still consume more calories. The researchers tested the influence of food volume on calorie intake and found that subjects underestimated their calorie consumption despite consuming larger volumes.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered that deleting the FAT10 gene reduces body fat and extends lifespan in mice by 20%, improving insulin sensitivity and protection against type 2 diabetes. The study provides a promising lead for future research into the role of FAT10 in coordinating immunity and metabolism.
Frontiers in Nutrition is a new open-access journal launching to tackle global malnutrition and obesity. The journal aims to provide an integrated platform for exchange of science and ideas from various perspectives.
A study by University of Eastern Finland found that frequent alcohol consumption increases stroke mortality risk, particularly among middle-aged men. The study showed a threefold higher risk for those who consume alcohol more than twice a week compared to non-consumers.
Scientists have discovered that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oat phenolic compounds, particularly avenanthramide, contribute to the heart health benefits of oats. These findings suggest that eating oats may go beyond fiber and provide additional cardio-protective effects.