Articles tagged with Nutritional Physiology
Researchers are seeking 450 participants to explore the health effects of adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet among younger adults with overweight or obesity. Over 12 months, participants will follow a plant-based diet and have regular health checks to measure their health outcomes.
Researchers found that gut cell turnover depends on nutrient quantity, not specific nutrient quality, in fruit flies. Gut cells sense satiety based on cytoplasm viscosity, not amino acid metabolism.
Research investigates how bioactive molecules in human milk shape infant metabolism and informs formula development.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical will present findings on organoid models, GLP-1 therapies, and early-life nutrition. The center's broad research portfolio is represented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics identifies chrononutrition as a viable approach for postpartum weight loss. The research found that time-based eating approaches, such as time-restricted eating, can be an effective strategy for mild calorie restriction and cardiometabolic health postpartum.
The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...
A review of hundreds of studies suggests that polyphenol-rich foods like berries, tea, and olive oil may support healthy brain aging by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve cell function. While no single food can prevent Alzheimer's disease, a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods may help preserve cognitive function over time.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
A systematic review found that creatine monohydrate may reduce depressive symptoms in people taking standard antidepressants, with two trials showing significant benefits. However, three trials showed no effect, and the evidence is not yet settled due to limitations such as small sample sizes and biased patient enrollment.
Researchers analyzed TikTok videos discussing food noise, finding it's a relentless preoccupation with eating that affects daily activities. The study aims to bring evidence to differentiate between scientific claims and marketing purposes.
A recent study published in Metabolism found that our internal clock independently affects the energy we burn after eating, peaking in the morning and decreasing at night. This discovery sheds light on why late eating may contribute to weight gain or struggles with weight loss.
Dr. Corby Martin has been awarded the LPFA Endowed Chair in Nutrition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center for his groundbreaking research on nutrition and health behaviors. The chair recognizes his extensive experience leading interventions to modify health behaviors and outcomes, including food intake, exercise, and body weight.
NUTRITION 2026 brings together thousands of researchers and health professionals to share new evidence on protein needs, infant formula regulation, microbiome mysteries, and more. The meeting features over 1,650 scientific studies and provides a platform for experts to discuss the future of nutrition science.
Dr. Mey directs the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical, researching precision nutrition and metabolic health. He will represent Pennington Biomedical and the Academy as a Media Spokesperson.
A new paper by over 20 protein experts examines widely held propositions about dietary protein, concluding that some science is insufficient or not robust enough to support certain claims. Key findings include the importance of protein quality, individual essential amino acids, and nuance in high-protein intake during weight loss.
Researchers tracked 68 Hawaiʻi false killer whales using drone photogrammetry, finding extreme physiological shifts and a record low Body Condition Index. The population's decline coincides with rising ocean temperatures, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to ensure the species' long-term survival.
Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.
Research by Göttingen University found that colourful Nutri-Score labels on the shelf and price tag are more noticeable and influencing consumer choices. The study suggests that companies should display multi-coloured labels to support consumers in making health-conscious choices.
Researchers found that the gut responds to protein deficiency by activating a fast neural circuit and a slower hormonal signal, which selectively changes dietary priorities. The study reveals a previously unknown gut-brain signaling system that rapidly alters feeding behavior in animals.
NUTRITION 2026 will feature new, unpublished research findings relevant to consumer choices, clinical practice and public policy. The meeting is the premier place to dig deep into the discourse on what we eat and why it matters.
Researchers at Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that bitter-tasting herbal extracts stimulate proton secretion in human gastric cells, with polyphenol-rich extracts showing the strongest effects. The study identified three human bitter taste receptor subtypes as key mediators of this response.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle energy and improve cognitive function, particularly in populations with lower baseline creatine levels. Emerging evidence also explores its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like Parkinson's disease and menopause-related muscle loss.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that the widely cited 'adiposity rebound' may reflect lean muscle growth, not increased body fat. Waist-to-height ratio, a measure that better reflects body fat, continues to drop despite BMI increases after an initial decline.
A new study uses an AI model to predict type 2 diabetes risk based on behavioral and psychosocial information. The digital twin model found that loneliness, insomnia, and poor mental health substantially raise a person's future risk of developing the disease.
Complimentary press passes are available for NUTRITION 2026, a flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, featuring new nutrition research and policy-relevant findings. Journalists can access a virtual newsroom with embargoed press materials before the meeting.
Scientists discover arachidonic acid (AA) mediates oxidative stress-induced intestinal injury. AA treatment inhibits organoid activity and stem cell differentiation, leading to reduced goblet and endocrine cells. Inhibiting AA production with a specific inhibitor improves organoid vitality.
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.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Obesity will provide graduate students and early career researchers with a two-week training program on obesity research and prevention. The school will feature renowned keynote speakers and cover topics such as epidemiological aspects, genetic nutrition, epigenetics, and emerging preventive ...
A study from Tulane University found that consuming more ultra-processed foods is linked to lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of hip fractures. The study involved over 160,000 participants and found that even small increases in ultra-processed food intake can increase the risk of hip fractures.
A recent study led by Virginia Tech researchers found that certain medium-chain fats in infant formulas can strain the developing liver and lead to early signs of steatotic liver disease. Newborn pigs fed with these formulas accumulated liver fat faster than those fed long-chain fats, despite receiving the same calories and protein.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that targeting the glutamine transporter ASCT2 can suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis in synovial sarcoma cells. This study suggests a new approach for treating this aggressive malignant tumor by cutting off its nutrient supply.
A study by RMIT University found that an Australian desert plant, Old Man Saltbush, has nearly ideal amino acid requirements for human nutrition, making it a potential high-quality plant-derived protein option. The plant was also rich in minerals and improved the nutritional value of wheat pasta when added to it.
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.
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
A new study from Cornell University suggests that choline, a nutrient often consumed too little during pregnancy, may play an underappreciated role in regulating inflammation. Higher recent dietary choline intake was associated with lower levels of inflammation in the third trimester.
A review of 19 studies suggests healthier diets are associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater psychological distress in adolescents. Whole-diet patterns and diet quality indices show more consistent associations with favourable mental health outcomes.
Jeonbuk National University researchers examine how different seasonings shape kokumi perception in doenjang soup, influencing consumer acceptance. They found that umami is a major sensory driver of kokumi perception and can be enhanced to improve the flavor quality of fermented foods.
A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.
A study published in the journal Children found that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20%. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 children and found that clean water access had a stronger impact on child growth than sanitation.
A new Cochrane review found that free or subsidized school meals slightly improve math achievement and enrolment rates in low- and middle-income countries. School feeding programs also likely contribute to small gains in physical growth indicators, but evidence from high-income countries is limited.
A new review highlights the lack of alignment between current evidence and actual population intakes of omega-3 fatty acids. The study found that 76% of people worldwide are not meeting recommended intakes of EPA and DHA, emphasizing the need for easier access to these essential nutrients.
A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.
Dr. Corby Martin has been appointed as the Associate Executive Director for Scientific Education at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He will provide leadership for key programs such as the T32 Postdoctoral Training Program, the Pennington Scientific Symposium and the Bray Obesity Symposium.
A researcher is exploring how maternal diet influences offspring food choices later in life, using cells called neuropods that send signals from the intestine to the brain. The goal is to create personalized diets that are more palatable and promote healthier eating habits.
A study of 31 healthy older adults found that consuming 60 grams of peanuts daily for 16 weeks increased global cerebral blood flow by 3.6% and verbal memory by 5.8%. Peanut consumption also improved systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure.
Researchers mapped 'food deserts' in London using Tesco purchasing records, revealing high-sugar and high-carbohydrate purchases in areas with lower-income households. The study suggests targeted interventions tailored to local food access issues are needed to address nutritionally deficient diets.
Research found that high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets are controlled by separate neural pathways in the brain. Neuropeptide Y neurons activate AMPK-regulated corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons to promote high-carb intake, while inhibiting melanocortin 4 receptor neurons to increase high-fat intake.
A new AI model developed by researchers at Penn State has shown promise in accurately counting a child's bite rate, a potential indicator of obesity risk. The system is currently about 70% as successful as human bite counters, but holds potential for identifying children who need to slow their eating rate and adjust their diet.
A new study found that 2/3 people with chronic pain reach for comfort foods to cope, offering pleasure, distraction, and relief from negative emotions. However, this can lead to weight gain, which worsens pain and increases health risks.
Research suggests that young girls may be socialized to pay attention to external cues when deciding how much to eat, while boys focus on their bodies' hunger and fullness signals. The study found that boys adjusted the total number of calories they consumed during a meal after eating fruit, whereas girls did not.
A new clinical trial found that feeding blueberries to infants as their first solid food can reduce allergy symptoms and support long-term health. The study suggests early introduction of blueberries may improve infants' immune systems and gut health.
A new study found that participants following the green-Mediterranean diet showed decreased levels of Galectin-9 and Decorin, two proteins linked to accelerated brain aging. The study suggests a potential beneficial impact on biological processes related to brain aging through blood protein modulation.
Researchers at Kyushu University discovered that combining yogurt intake with hot spring bathing enhances gut microbiota diversity and improves defecation status, suggesting a potential application for preventive medicine. The study found significant improvements in gut health outcomes, particularly among healthy adults.
MIT researchers developed microparticles containing iron or iodine to fortify foods and beverages, addressing global iron deficiency. The particles can be easily added to staple foods and drinks, reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
A new study reveals that the human gut microbiota can pinpoint an individual's city of residence with high accuracy, strongly linked to each city's characteristic diet. The researchers identified unique microbial signatures and interaction networks between cities in China, shedding light on how local environments shape our inner biology.
A study found that consuming aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin and added sugars may increase the risk of early puberty in children, especially those with genetic traits. This association was strongest for central precocious puberty, a condition linked to emotional distress and metabolic disorders.
A new study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found a potential link between growth problems among infants and high levels of toxic metals and other elements in the breast milk of Mayan women in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán watershed region. High concentrations of arsenic, barium, beryllium, and lead were associated with impaire...
A new cell type has been identified in Burmese pythons that produces large particles made from calcium, phosphorus, and iron to digest bones. This specialized cell type helps limit excessive calcium absorption and is found in multiple python and boa species as well as the Gila monster.
Researchers have discovered a way for caterpillars to metabolically degrade plastics in a matter of days, storing it as body fat. However, this process comes at a cost, ultimately leading to the caterpillar's death.