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Colombia’s biofortified rice has untapped potential to improve nutrition. And consumers want it

Biofortified rice in Colombia has high potential to improve nutrition and is preferred by consumers despite its increased zinc content, with a 41% premium over standard rice. The variety was developed to address zinc deficiency in the country's Caribbean region, where rates are 41% among children aged 1-4.

Nighttime pistachio snacking may reshape gut microbiome in prediabetic adults

A new study found that consuming pistachios every night for 12 weeks altered bacteria in the gut of adults with prediabetes, increasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. The changes may offer long-term health benefits, potentially slowing Type 2 diabetes development or reducing inflammation.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis and muscle wasting: New review points to overlooked complications

Researchers explore the biological mechanisms of myopenia in RA, finding it affects individuals of all ages, with notable muscle mass loss without concurrent fat loss. The review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of myopenia in RA, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2025

Cheese may really be giving you nightmares, scientists find

A study of over 1,000 students found a strong association between lactose intolerance and nightmares, suggesting that changing eating habits could alleviate poor sleep. The researchers also discovered that people with food sensitivities were more likely to report negative dreams and poor sleep quality.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2025

New study challenges assumptions about single-food interventions for blood sugar control in persons at risk of type 2 diabetes

A new international study found that replacing regular bread with oat β-glucan-enriched bread did not significantly improve long-term blood sugar control. The CarbHealth study involved nearly 200 participants and aimed to test whether a simple dietary swap could yield measurable health benefits.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateJun 30, 2025

One in five packaged foods and drinks sold in the United States contains synthetic dyes, study shows

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 19% of packaged foods and beverages sold in the US contain synthetic food dyes. Synthetic dyes are particularly prevalent in products marketed to children, with confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages being the top categories.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

BMI a poor predictor of future health

A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine has found that body mass index (BMI) is not a reliable predictor of future health risks and heart disease mortality. In contrast, bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measures body fat directly, was shown to be significantly more accurate, with individuals having high body fat l...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJun 25, 2025

Groundbreaking global study reveals tradeoffs between irrigation expansion and child nutrition in water-stressed global south communities

A new study found that irrigation expansion improves child nutrition, but only in regions already facing water scarcity. The benefits do not trickle down to improve local diets, as commercial farms often support distant markets rather than local communities.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2025

Insulin on edge: Study identifies stress-triggered gene behind diabetes

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have identified the REDD2 gene, which is activated by metabolic stress and damages pancreatic β-cells, leading to reduced insulin secretion and the onset of diabetes. Suppressing REDD2 expression protects β-cells from damage, even under stress from overeating, preventing the onset of diabetes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

U.S. neonatal mortality from perinatal causes

Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 23, 2025

Adopting a healthy diet may have cardiometabolic benefits regardless of weight loss

A new study found that nearly one-third of individuals adopting healthy diets didn't lose weight but still experienced significant improvements in cardiometabolic markers, including increased HDL cholesterol and reduced visceral fat. The research suggests a healthy diet can have benefits beyond weight loss.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity

The American Society for Nutrition released a clinical advisory outlining eight key nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy, including personalized diets, micronutrient prevention, and adequate protein intake. Studies have shown that patients receiving combined pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions achieve greater weight lo...

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 30, 2025

Understanding cultural differences in salt usage may help lower consumption

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights cultural differences in salt usage, suggesting that tailored advice on sodium intake may be effective in reducing consumption.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 28, 2025

In healthy aging, carb quality counts

Researchers found that midlife intakes of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber were associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and physical function impairments. Intakes of refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, were linked to a higher risk of unhealthy aging.

SourceTufts University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 16, 2025

Including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, study finds

A new study suggests that including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, offering a higher protein quality score compared to plant-based proteins. The study found that meals with lean pork delivered significantly better results for satisfaction, satiety, and willingness to adopt post-trial.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2025

Energy deficiency impacts collegiate running performance

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that chronic energy deficiency in collegiate female endurance runners negatively impacts their performance and training benefits. Runners with insufficient energy intake had slower race times and reduced training benefits, but these effects can be reversed by increasing calories.

SourcePenn State·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2025

How baby pigs are shaping science

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that piglets fed ad libitum gained more weight but had comparable soft tissue composition to those on prescribed feeding schedules. The study also tracked insulin concentration and behavior, revealing that ad libitum pigs may be growing faster due to differences in insulin production.

Global study links consumption of ultraprocessed foods to preventable premature deaths

A global study analyzing data from eight countries found a significant link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and preventable premature deaths. The study estimates that up to 14% of all-cause premature deaths are attributable to UPF consumption, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2025

Medically tailored meals improve nutrition, reduce readmissions for heart failure patients

Patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk who received at least seven medically tailored meals per week experienced a significant reduction in malnutrition and sarcopenia risk. This intervention also kept hospital readmission rates below national averages, translating to better patient care and lower healthcare costs.

Ghanaian pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers face significant nutritional challenges impacting their and their infants’ health

A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2025