Nutritional Physiology
Articles tagged with Nutritional Physiology
Bitter tasting herbal extracts stimulate gastric cells
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 is claimed to benefit our body and mind. Here’s what the latest science does – and doesn’t – tell us
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.
Study challenges decades-old puzzle about childhood body fat
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.
AI model links mental health to type 2 diabetes
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.
Press passes available for NUTRITION 2026 to be held July 25–28
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.
What damages gut health? Scientists identify a key mediator
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.
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.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Obesity
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 ...
Eating more ultra-processed foods linked to poorer bone health, study finds
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.
Some infant formula fats may contribute to early liver disease, study finds
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.
Starving cancer: Nutrient deprivation effects on synovial sarcoma
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.
Aussie desert plant packs a protein punch
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.
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.
Study finds link between sugary drinks and anxiety in young people
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.
Choline intake in pregnancy linked to lower inflammation
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.
Could dietary change support adolescent mental health? New review highlights evidence gaps and future research priorities
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 explore the impact of different seasonings on the flavor perception of Doenjang soup
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.
Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children
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.
Clean water access improves child health in Mozambique, study shows
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.
School feeding programs lead to modest but meaningful results
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.
Three-quarters of the world not getting enough omega-3, research shows
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.
Changing the sweet taste of someone’s diet has no impact on their sweet tooth or health, study suggests
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.
Metabolic roots of memory loss
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.
Pennington Biomedical appoints Dr. Corby Martin as the associate executive director for scientific education
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.
NIH grant will help probe ‘nutritional memory’ to increase understanding of food choices
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.
Shopping data reveals ‘food desert’ hotspots in London, suggesting where nutritional needs are not be being met
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.
New research finds dietary intervention of peanuts improves brain vascular function and memory
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.
Fat or carbs? The neural mechanism underlying food choices revealed
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.
Counting bites with AI might one day help prevent childhood obesity
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.
Two in three people with chronic pain turn to comfort eating
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.
Young girls may be less responsive to food fullness cues than young boys
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.
Blueberries can improve infants’ immunity and gut health, groundbreaking study finds
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.
Diet can directly influence brain aging
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.
Yogurt and hot spring bathing show a promising combination for gut health
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.
Would you like that coffee with iron?
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.
New study finds distinct city-specific gut microbiota linked to diet
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.
Consuming certain sweeteners may increase risk of early puberty
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.
Toxic metals linked to impaired growth in infants in Guatemala
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...
New “bone-digesting” cell type discovered in pythons
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.
Meet the “plastivore” caterpillars that grow fat from eating plastic
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.
How fructose increases the risk of inflammation
A University of Vienna study finds that fructose increases monocyte sensitivity to bacterial toxins, leading to enhanced inflammation. Short-term high fructose consumption can significantly impact the immune system in healthy adults.
Creatine is safe, effective and important for everyone, longtime researcher says
Creatine has broad health benefits beyond athletic performance, including maintaining energy in stressed cells and preventing muscle loss with aging. Studies have shown no significant side effects from creatine supplementation, contradicting common misconceptions.
Would you hand over your health data if it meant better care?
A global study by UniSA researchers found that 94% of people who use wearable activity trackers are open to sharing their health information with healthcare providers. This could lead to more personalized and responsive care. The demand for personalized healthcare is on the rise, and wearable activity tracker market is increasing.
Less bitter, just as satiating
A recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that less bitter-tasting pea protein hydrolysates can form bioactive peptides during digestion, which induce satiety signals via bitter taste receptors. The study reveals molecular mechanisms that can be used to optimize the tas...
Why what you eat matters more than how you eat it
A Japanese study found that choosing the right type of meal can extend meal duration and encourage more mindful eating. Researchers discovered that traditional bento-style meals with individual components promoted longer meal times and more chewing compared to fast food.
Planning grants awarded for competitive proposals testing efficacy of food is medicine
The American Heart Association has awarded nearly $1.2 million in planning grants to 12 researchers testing the efficacy of food is medicine interventions, such as produce prescriptions and medically tailored groceries. The grants support clinical trial protocols to develop and test these approaches for treating chronic diseases like c...
Pennington Biomedical welcomes Dr. Stefan Pasiakos as Director of the Center for Human Performance Optimization
Dr. Pasiakos joins Pennington Biomedical to lead research on muscle physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and technology to optimize human performance in extreme conditions. His expertise strengthens capabilities for U.S. Military resilience, spaceflight bioenergetics, and elite athlete development.
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.
Even vegans who get enough total protein may fall short for some essential amino acids
A New Zealand study found that three-quarters of long-term vegans met daily total protein requirements, but only half met daily lysine and leucine requirements. Legumes and pulses were key contributors to overall protein and lysine intake.
Reduced sodium legislation saves lives
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.
Intermittent fasting increases sex drive in male mice: an approach for low libido in humans?
A study found that intermittent fasting increases sex drive in male mice by lowering serotonin levels, which is linked to tryptophan deficiency. The researchers suggest that similar mechanisms may exist in humans and view fasting as a potential approach for treating low libido.
Recent study in mice provides key insights on the impact of excessive sucrose consumption in specific organs
A recent study using mice found that chronic sucrose consumption disrupts physiological processes, leading to diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The small intestine plays a key role in this process, causing an imbalance in glucose uptake and nutrient absorption.
Scientists call for targeted fibre diets to boost health
A new classification system classifies dietary fibres into five key features, providing a more nuanced understanding of their health impacts. The researchers argue that current classifications are simplistic and do not capture the diverse structures and complex mechanisms through which dietary fibres influence human physiology.
Press passes available for NUTRITION 2025 to be held May 31–June 3
Complimentary press passes are available for NUTRITION 2025, exploring cutting-edge research on nutrition and public health. Media professionals can attend in person or access virtual newsroom materials before the meeting.
Relationship between sleep and nutrition with app data: A large-scale study
A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.
Biological clock plays critical role in driving teens’ late eating habits
Researchers found that teens with obesity consumed more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to their peers of healthy weight. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates that the body's biological clock directly impacts food intake throughout the day.
Is this the new 5:2 diet?
Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.
NUS scientists develop realistic ‘micro-gut’ model to study the relationship between gut microbes and human diseases
Researchers developed a 3D microscopic version of the human intestines on a chip, allowing for real-time examination of gut microbes' interactions with the human intestine. The 'Gut-Microbiome on a chip' model enables the study of complex interplay between gut microbes and health, facilitating targeted microbiome-based interventions.
Moderate exercise keeps appetite at bay
A recent study by Murdoch University reveals that moderate-intensity exercise significantly influences appetite-related hormones and perceptions in males with obesity. The study confirms the benefits of incorporating regular exercise into daily routines for weight management and overall health improvement.