Articles tagged with Nutritional Physiology
Researchers have uncovered almost 500 genes linked to diet, shedding light on genetic basis of food preferences. The findings suggest a potential for using genetics to develop precision nutrition strategies tailored to individual tastes.
Researchers found melatonin reduces chilling injury symptoms and membrane leakage in cold-stored fruits and vegetables, maintaining freshness. Melatonin is a safe alternative to hazardous chemical treatments without adverse effects on consumer health.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.
Researchers found that bitter taste receptors can detect and respond to bile acids, which are produced in the liver and play a crucial role in fat digestion. The discovery suggests that bitter taste receptors may have evolved not only to detect food toxins but also to sense endogenous substances.
A new study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that ketone supplements impaired performance in well-trained endurance cyclists. The researchers recruited experienced athletes who cycled for five or more hours per week, simulating race conditions before conducting a 20-minute time trial.
Researchers found that providing stunted children with nutrient supplements can reverse impaired development and improve their growth. The study's findings suggest that milk-based supplements are beneficial, but a plant-based alternative is equally effective.
NUTRITION 2023 will cover the latest developments in nutrition science, with over 1,800 original research studies submitted for presentation. The event brings together nutritional professionals from around the globe to discuss key topics such as sustainable diets and their impact on health.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that a portable breath test can detect changes in metabolism in response to diet. The study used the Lumen device to monitor metabolic fuel use at home and showed that it could detect acute changes in carbohydrate use, but was not sensitive on a day-to-day basis.
A Mayo Clinic study found that people with severe obesity and a genetic pathway variant are at increased risk of developing hypertension. The research identified 168 carriers of the MC4R variant, who had a higher risk of hypertension compared to noncarriers.
Exercise training after bariatric surgery alters brain networks associated with food intake and energy regulation. The study found that exercise increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory areas, while decreasing links to the default mode network and salience network.
Researchers found that Tsimané and Mosetén adults experienced less brain atrophy and improved cardiovascular health compared to industrialized populations. These findings suggest an optimal lifestyle balance between daily exertion and food abundance may be key to healthy brain aging.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that consuming a hydroxytyrosol-rich, olive-derived phytocomplex improved respiratory parameters, oxygen consumption, and running economy during aerobic exercise. The study also showed reduced perceived exertion and enhanced acute recovery.
A high fat diet can disrupt the brain's ability to regulate calorie intake by affecting astrocytes, which control signaling pathways between the brain and gut. This can lead to overeating and weight gain. Understanding this mechanism could help develop therapies to treat obesity.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that participants following at least one of four healthy eating patterns had a lower risk of premature death and reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study's findings are consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for America.
Researchers found that time-restricted eating synchronizes circadian rhythms across multiple systems in mice, activating genes involved in specific diseases like cancer. Nearly 40% of genes in the adrenal gland and pancreas were affected by time-restricted eating, offering guidance for managing diseases.
A large-scale Australian study found that highly processed and refined foods are the primary contributor to rising obesity rates. The 'Protein Leverage Hypothesis' suggests that people overeat fats and carbohydrates due to their strong appetite for protein, leading to an increased risk of chronic disease.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that stress influences appetite in both obese and lean adults, with differences in brain responses to food. The research found that obese individuals show increased activation of the orbitofrontal cortex after stress, while lean adults exhibit lower activation of cognitive control regions.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.
A two-part study by the International Food Additives Council found that Americans' daily natural phosphorus intake increased by 12% between 1988-1994 and 2015-2016. High phosphorus intake was associated with increased bone mineral content, reduced high blood pressure risk, and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Studies investigate lifestyle interventions to achieve nutritional ketosis and its impact on chronic illness, sleep, and cardiovascular disease in the military. Researchers aim to understand how ketogenic diet, ketone-based beverages, and their effects on clinical outcomes will benefit soldiers' health.
A study published in Nature found that fat entering the intestines triggers a signal that drives mice to consume fatty foods. The gut sends signals to the brain via the vagus nerve, with two types of cells responding to different nutrients. Blocking these signals prevents mice from developing an appetite for fat.
Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.
A narrative review of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) highlights its potential as a minimally invasive weight loss procedure. The review concludes that ESG induces significant weight loss and improves obesity-related conditions, with the technique's success attributed to delayed gastric emptying. Researchers support the use of ESG...
A new study presents a protein-reduced, Nordic-style diet that increases fruit, berry, and vegetable consumption in infants, establishing a preferable eating pattern. The diet was well-tolerated and did not negatively affect growth or breastfeeding duration.
A large study of over 90,000 postmenopausal women found a strong association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. The study suggests that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake may help lower the likelihood of developing liver cancer.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.
A new study published in Anglo-Saxon England suggests that Anglo-Saxon kings were mostly vegetarian, while peasants occasionally hosted lavish meat feasts for their rulers. The findings challenge historical assumptions about early medieval English history and the role of food-rent in sustaining royal households.
A study suggests that intense exercise can help rats resist cues for high-fat food pellets, even after a 30-day diet. The researchers found that exercise modulated the rats' willingness to work for these cues, reflecting their craving level.
A recent study found that yellow perch can expel microplastics from their bodies, but the process reduces nutritional value and alters liver function. The fish also experienced changes in gut microbiota communities and reduced body protein and mineral levels.
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
Researchers have found that two sugar substitutes, acesulfame potassium and sucralose, inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein, a vital protein in liver detoxification. This can lead to impaired transport of toxins and drugs, potentially affecting people taking certain medications. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A recent study suggests that eating nutrient-rich prunes every day may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammatory factors. The research found significant reductions in inflammatory markers in prune-eating groups compared to a control group.
Researchers investigated physiological changes in Japanese Black cattle during feeding, uncovering metabolic and nutritional conditions. They found increased blood triglycerides, insulin levels, and fat metabolism during fattening phases.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.
A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.
Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.
Researchers found that flavanols activate brown adipose tissue, causing it to burn calories and produce heat. Long-term consumption of flavanols increased the levels of heat-related proteins in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect against obesity-related diseases.
A daily dose of yoghurt has been found to be associated with lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. The study, conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults, found that even small amounts of yoghurt were linked to significant reductions in blood pressure.
Katherine Tucker, a renowned nutritionist, has been awarded the top honor at UMass Lowell for her exceptional teaching, research, and service to the university. She will deliver the annual Distinguished University Professor Lecture and continue to lead her research team in establishing long-term interventions for diverse populations.
Researchers found that over 37% of African Caribbean individuals in the UK Biobank had vitamin D deficiency, with insufficient levels prevalent among more than 95% of the black community population. Public health messaging is needed to promote vitamin D supplementation and intake of food rich in vitamin D.
Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.
A new review in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the relationship between serotonin and calcium metabolism in dairy cows, highlighting its importance in maintaining calcium balance. Research shows that mammary serotonin drives hormone production that modulates mammary calcium transport.
A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.
Adding more fruit and veggie side dishes resulted in a 24% increase in veggies and 33% more fruit, while substituting produce for other foods led to a 41% boost in veggies and 38% more fruit. The study suggests ways parents and caregivers can encourage healthy eating by experimenting with different fruits and vegetables.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
Research from the University of Illinois found that high-oil corn has greater amino acid and energy digestibility than conventional corn, with increased phosphorus and fiber content. This could save producers money by reducing supplement needs.
Research reveals that nectar-feeding bats foraging in intensively managed banana plantations have less diverse gut microbes compared to those feeding in natural forest habitats or organic plantations. This association between habitat alteration and sustainable agriculture on bat gut microbiota is a significant finding.
A new study suggests that prebiotics can help realign sleep-wake cycles and core body temperature after chronic disruption of rhythms, hosting health-promoting microbes and a different metabolome. Researchers hope to develop customized prebiotic mixtures for individuals with frequent circadian disruptions.
The energy balance model fails to explain the biological causes of weight gain, whereas the carbohydrate-insulin model identifies excessive consumption of rapidly digestible carbohydrates as a key contributor to obesity. This perspective argues for a shift in focus from calorie restriction to dietary pattern change.
A controlled trial found that consuming an avocado daily for 12 weeks reduced visceral abdominal fat and the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat in female participants. The benefits were primarily seen in females, with no impact on glucose tolerance or male participants.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a signaling molecule called neuropeptide-Y (NPY) as the key driver of hunger-dependent odor attraction. Mice with NPY deficiency showed reduced preference for food odors, highlighting the crucial role of NPY in enhancing food attraction when hungry.
Researchers have discovered a new target for developing a drug treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) regulates body weight and food intake via a receptor in the brain, according to a recent study published in Cell Metabolism.
A UMass Amherst team, led by Professor David Julian McClements, has been awarded $200,000 to develop plant-based protein with a meat-like texture and feel. The goal is to create fiber-like structures from plant proteins that improve the texture of plant-based meat.
Researchers at Penn State's Sensory Evaluation Center found that milk significantly reduces capsaicin burn, with whole milk and skim milk showing the largest reductions. Milk's effectiveness is attributed to its protein content, which may play a more relevant role than fat content.
Researchers found that food odors impact protein degradation and cell recycling, leading to shorter lifespans. The study used Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm model organism, to uncover the role of olfactory neurons and microRNA molecule mir-71 in regulating digestive processes.
Researchers found that perceiving food activates the liver to prepare for nutrient uptake, including rapid signaling cascades that prime the endoplasmic reticulum for protein synthesis. This study may hold implications for understanding obesity and diabetes connections through protein folding and insulin release.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that the brain values foods high in both fat and carbohydrates more than those containing only one nutrient. This suggests that processed foods, which often combine these nutrients, may hijack our body's natural signals governing food consumption.
Successful weight loss maintainers exhibit distinct behavioral and physiological responses to food, including decreased salivation and heart rate after consuming highly palatable foods. This difference in response may contribute to their ability to sustain weight loss over time.
A mouse study found that time-restricted feeding maintains normal food intake and reduces weight gain in obese mice. The researchers discovered that restricting food availability to one half of the day resets the normal timing of satiety signals, leading to less weight gain.