Research on diet and how food affects the body. Covers the microbiome, meal timing, cardiovascular risk, and nutrition in illness.
Research highlights how mega-brands, such as processed foods with high sugar and salt content, maintain market share despite health concerns. Supermarkets favor these brands due to their high sales velocity and profit margins, perpetuating unhealthy eating habits.
The American Dietetic Association's new position statement warns of common inaccuracies in media coverage of nutrition studies. Journalists should ensure research is conducted by credible institutions and qualified researchers, and that results reflect appropriate context.
Improved breastfeeding rates over the past 25 years have led to high infant iron levels; human milk provides essential nutrients. Complementary foods in older infants' diets require improvement to meet nutritional needs.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has partnered with Tetra Pak to support World Osteoporosis Day. The partnership aims to empower women and men to take responsibility for their bone health. World Osteoporosis Day, celebrated on October 20, highlights the importance of healthy food and nutrition in building strong bones.
A study published in the American Physiological Society found that pine nut oil stimulated two well-known appetite-suppressing peptide hormones, CCK and GLP1, increasing their levels by 60% and 25%, respectively. This effect lasted for up to four hours, reducing desire to eat and prospective food intake scores.
A new scientific review highlights the effectiveness of vegetarian diets in promoting weight loss, with body weights averaging 3-20% lower than meat-eaters. A low-fat vegan diet leads to a weekly weight loss of about 1 pound without additional exercise or calorie restrictions.
A new study provides evidence that consuming three servings of low-fat dairy foods per day can aid in weight loss and promote overall health. The research, consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, highlights the benefits of dairy consumption on body weight.
Researchers found that home availability of healthy foods has a limited impact on adolescents' eating habits, especially compared to restaurants. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the need for improved food preparation skills and awareness of accessible healthy options in various settings.
Trends in declining nutrient levels will be discussed along with research findings on organic apples and strawberries.
The world's largest nutrition crises are in West Africa, Niger, Ethiopia, and Malawi, with undernutrition linked to half of premature child deaths. To address malnutrition, intervention programs must target processes, promote breastfeeding, and address micronutrient deficiencies.
Collaborative research in nutritional genomics aims to develop new diagnostic tests, identify nutrient needs, and create more nutritious foods. The international consortium seeks to address health disparities by involving diverse cultures and protecting individual biological information.
A recent study from Tufts University found that higher whole-grain intake is associated with lower fasting blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome in elderly individuals. Consuming three or more servings of whole grains per day may help mitigate insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance.
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with metabolic syndrome. The diet's effects are attributed to its action on inflammation and dysfunction of blood vessel cells.
Researchers found that early lunch periods lead to higher a la carte sales, which often feature lower-nutritional-value foods. Soft drink machines also contribute to vending machine proliferation, decreasing hot lunch participation. Parents' involvement in prohibiting fast food in cafeterias increases school meal program participation.
A two-part study found that reducing available choices led to increased selection of low-fat entrées in elementary schoolchildren. Surveying foodservice directors and principals revealed few schools have nutrition policies for competitive foods, with those that do being more likely enforced.
Researchers found that a four-year study combining weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplementation increased bone mineral density in women by 1-2%, reversing typical loss of BMD with age. The regimen, developed for the BEST Study, includes six core exercises to build bone in key fracture sites.
A study found that 31.4% of non-Latino and 48.4% of Latino WIC clients use medicinal herbs for childhood illnesses, with most being low-risk. The researchers urge herbal education in WIC clinics to address potential risks and ensure safe use.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that more principals than school foodservice directors reported enforced policies, but many expressed misconceptions about nutritional standards. The researchers found few school nutrition policies related to competitive foods, particularly in areas such ...
Researchers identified a compound in cocoa responsible for improving blood flow and cardiovascular function. The flavanol (-)epicatechin was shown to relax blood vessels and increase nitric oxide levels, leading to improved heart health.
A study found that one-third of congestive heart failure patients had low thiamin levels, highlighting the importance of diet in managing serious conditions. Vitamin supplements may help prevent thiamin deficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Research found that calorie-restricted individuals had hearts with improved elasticity and function, similar to those of younger people. Their low levels of inflammation may have played a key role in preventing primary aging.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that eating breakfast every day or some days was significantly protective against overweight in adolescents with obese parents. Additionally, nutrition education is crucial for successful weight loss among low-income women, particularly when combined wit...
The percentage of US households classified as food insecure rose from 11.2 percent in 2003 to 11.9 percent in 2004, surpassing the official goal of six percent by 2010. Household food insecurity is influenced by unobserved hardships such as medical emergencies, which can divert income normally used for food.
Elderly people in developing countries face significant health challenges, including infectious and non-communicable diseases. Nutritional interventions such as supplementation, food fortification, or development of nutrient-rich crops may help reduce the disease burden.
A recent study found that a genetic variation in the perilipin gene is associated with weight loss resistance, particularly in men and women who have become obese. Carriers of this gene variant lost an average of 20 pounds during a low-calorie diet, while those without it experienced significant weight changes.
Researchers at Tufts University found that a low-glycemic-load diet facilitated greater weight loss in overweight adults with high insulin secretion, but not in those with low insulin levels. The study suggests that measuring insulin secretion may help personalize weight-loss diets.
A new study found that nutritionally enhanced rice can significantly increase total body iron levels in women. The research, led by the International Rice Research Institute, demonstrates the potential of biofortification to combat micronutrient malnutrition.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming skimmed milk products can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension by 50%. The research, which followed 6,000 people over two years, revealed no association between whole milk consumption and hypertension risk. These findings contribute to ...
Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Grundy, two UT Southwestern researchers, have been recognized by the American Heart Association as Distinguished Scientists for their contributions to cardiovascular research and treatment. The recognition acknowledges their lifelong dedication to advancing our understanding of heart disease and stroke.
A new Cornell University study reveals that serving stale popcorn in large buckets leads to a 34% increase in consumption compared to medium-sized containers. Fresh popcorn in large tubs also results in a significant appetite boost, with participants eating 45% more than those given fresh popcorn in medium containers.
Researchers identified five dietary patterns among adult men, ranking them according to their nutritional risk. The study found close associations between these patterns and chronic disease profiles, emphasizing the importance of preventive nutrition interventions to promote health in the male population.
The sixth issue of the Bibliography includes abstracts of 25 significant dietary supplement research papers published in 2004. It highlights research on phenolics and flavonoids, reflecting growing interest in their potential health effects.
A new study using a risk analysis model shows that soft drink consumption from school vending machines has a minimal impact on adolescent body mass index (BMI) or overweight. The authors used publicly available data sets to estimate consumption and found that regular soft drinks have little to no effect on adolescents.
A new study found that psychosocial stimulation led to beneficial effects on cognitive and educational tests in children with stunted growth. In contrast, a food supplement alone was insufficient to sustain benefits. The study suggests that early childhood stimulation is crucial for improving the development of undernourished children.
Men who consumed more folate in their diets showed significantly less decline in verbal fluency skills over three years. High folate levels also protected against declines in spatial copying abilities, a category of cognitive skills distinct from memory tests.
A survey of 40 hospitals found that high-fat foods contribute to the risk of heart disease among staff and visitors. In contrast, healthier options featuring vegetables, beans, and whole grains are shown to support overall health and well-being.
A multi-center study found that cereal consumption was positively associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and adequate nutrient intake in adolescent girls. The researchers also suggested that other factors related to cereal consumption, such as eating healthful foods like milk and juice, may have an impact on girls' diets.
A Purdue study found that increasing calcium intake by 200-300mg per day can significantly boost bone mineral density in young women taking oral contraceptives, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that this simple change can prevent a significant loss of bone mass, particularly during peak bone development years.
Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University have found that long-term vitamin E supplementation may delay cataract development. Additionally, higher intakes of riboflavin and thiamin were associated with reduced cataract progression in women. However, the study's findings on dietary fat intake...
Malnutrition and obesity increasingly co-exist worldwide due to dietary changes and decreased physical activity. Chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise in low-income groups, exacerbated by food insecurity and under-nutrition.
A study published in PLoS Genetics found that domestic cats have a defective gene coding for the T1R2 protein, which is responsible for detecting sweet tastes. This defect leads to an unavailability of the T1R3 protein, resulting in a non-functional sweet receptor and explaining cats' indifference to sweets.
Nutrient supplement experts emphasize the importance of a balanced diet over supplements, highlighting insufficient data on high dose supplementation and potential negative effects.
Researchers found that providing nutrition information at point-of-selection increased sales of lower-fat and calorie foods. Students opted for healthier options, such as plain cheese pizza instead of pepperoni, and chose dishes with fewer calories but similar fat content.
A study on smokers and non-smokers found that it takes several years for changes in the blood to return to normal after smoking. After quitting, the inflammatory response had returned to normal by five years, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking. This finding emphasizes the health benefits of smoking cessation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels cannot lower their LDL-cholesterol numbers with a Step 1 diet, even when soy protein is added. The study suggests that habitual consumption of a Step 1 diet may be beneficial for those with low CRP levels but delete...
The June 2005 issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights various ecological concerns, including Chesapeake Bay tributary restoration, community recovery after disturbances, and threats to marine species. Researchers also explore the nutrition link between pathogens and infected hosts.
Researchers found that soy-based meal replacements led to greater weight loss and improved cholesterol levels compared to milk-based alternatives. Additionally, soy intake was shown to reduce serum glucose values, suggesting a role in maintaining overall health and slowing diabetes development.
Researchers found that African-American girls consistently ate breakfast less frequently than white girls, and that those who skipped breakfast had lower body mass index and lower fiber and calcium intakes. The study suggests that skipping breakfast may predispose adolescent girls to diets that are inadequate in these essential nutrients.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that learning to recognize and follow internal hunger cues can significantly improve overall health regardless of weight loss. Non-dieters who adopted the Health at Every Size approach showed significant improvements in metabolic and psychological health, including lower cholesterol levels a...
A study by Odilia Bermudez found that more than two-thirds of American adults consume enough soda or sweet drinks to account for a greater proportion of daily calories. This consumption is linked to higher obesity rates, particularly among African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites.
A new pet food, Prescription Diet Canine j/d TM, improves dogs' quality of life by enhancing joint health. With a unique formula containing EPA, glucosamine, and L-carnitine, this food helps dogs run better, play better, and experience less stiffness.
A recent study reveals that grandsons and granddaughters of female rats fed an inadequate diet during pregnancy and/or lactation are more likely to become obese and insulin resistant. The research extends previous findings on the negative effects of poor maternal nutrition, now showing a two-generation impact.
A nutritional education intervention improved growth and reduced stunting in young children, a form of chronic malnutrition. The study found that caregivers in intervention areas received more frequent nutrition advice and fed their children nutrient-dense foods, leading to significant improvements in child health.
Research suggests children who consistently eat breakfast have superior nutritional profiles compared to those skipping breakfast. The study also found a correlation between breakfast consumption and improved cognitive function, including memory and test grades.
The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University has developed a problem-solving approach called Public Nutrition to address nutritional problems in emergencies. This approach focuses on food distribution, prevention, and treatment of malnutrition, as well as addressing micronutrient deficiency diseases.
The Tufts Health Sciences Library has created SPIRAL, a one-of-a-kind resource providing health information to Asian Americans in their native languages and English. The project aims to bridge the gap between patients speaking limited English and their healthcare providers.
The symposium discussed the potential of individualized dietary recommendations to optimize health and reduce chronic disease risk. Experts emphasized the need for tailored food choices, new definitions of health, and the application of technology to determine individual nutritional needs.
Participants who ate from refilling bowls consumed 73% more soup than those in normal bowls, despite rating themselves as full. The study highlights the dangers of relying on visual cues to gauge food intake and suggests repackaging snacks into small plastic bags to promote healthier eating habits.
A study found that zinc supplementation improved reaction time, correct answers, and sustained attention in 7th-grade students. However, no significant improvement was seen in motor and social skills. The results suggest that increasing zinc intakes may benefit adolescent mental function, particularly memory.
The Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study found that a diet high in vegetables, fruit, and fiber can reduce the recurrence of breast cancer. The Coronary Health Improvement Project also showed improvements in participants' health and reduced risk of chronic diseases through education and lifestyle changes.