Daily Tips
| December 10, 2020 High Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption: A survey of 508 college students found that greater consumption of energy drinks was associated with increased alcohol consumption and negative consequences such as hangovers and getting into trouble. It is not known why this occurs, but it makes sense that caffeine use may increase awake drinking time. |
| Consumer Link Energy Drinks Plus Alcohol Pose a Public Health Threat |
| Research Link J Adolesc Health . 2014 Apr;54(4):454-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.09.013. |
| December 9, 2020 Fiber and Gut Motility: Adequate dietary fiber seems to help digested foods to move through the intestinal tract. Research indicates that bacteria in the lower intestine thrive on fiber for energy. When this bacteria did not have adequate fiber, the bacteria triggered the intestine to slow down gut motility. |
| Consumer Link Intestinal bacteria influence food transit through the gut |
| Research Link Cell Host Microbe . 2013 Nov 13;14(5):582-90. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2013.09.012. |
| December 3, 2020 Sleep Quality and Gut Microbiota: A recent mouse study revealed that there is a relationship between the gut microbiota and sleep/wake regulation. Understanding more about this relationship has the potential to improve sleep-related problems such as daytime sleepiness and insomnia. |
| Consumer Link Gut microbes: a key to normal sleep |
| Research Link Scientific Reports, 2020; 10 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76562-9 |
| December 2, 2020 Chew More- Eat Less: A study conducted with forty-five young to middle-age adults, found that when they chewed pizza at lunch twice as much as usual, they ate 15 percent less food. It awaits further research to determine if increased chewing will assist in sustainable weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Does Increased Chewing Reduce Food Intake? |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet . 2014 Jun;114(6):926-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.08.020. |
| November 7, 2020 Temperature and Body Weight: Over the last few decades, lower body temperatures have been widely reported in healthy adults. This is both in developed countries and an indigenous forager-horticulturists population. Lower body temperature may play a factor in lower metabolic rates and increases in body weight. |
| Consumer Link A drop in temperature |
| Research Link Science Advances, 2020; 6 (44): eabc6599 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc6599 |
| November 5, 2020 Importance of B-vitamins for heart health: Supplementation with three B vitamins (folate, B-6, and B-12) can help to reduce blood levels of a cardiovascular disease risk factor known as homocysteine. A review of 14 studies found that supplementation with these vitamins reduced the statistical risk of having a stroke by about seven percent. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamin B Supplements Help Stave Off Stroke? |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Oct 8;81(15):1298-307. |
| October 26, 2020 Meals and Weight: A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity. |
| Consumer Link Five Regular Meals a Day Reduce Obesity Risk Among Adolescents |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Sep 10;8(9):e73802. |
| October 22, 2020 Dietary Cholesterol: Research conducted over 50 years ago made it clear that the effect of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol is so small that it is almost immeasurable. Present research shows that this was the case in adolescents as well. |
| Consumer Link Eating Eggs Is Not Linked to High Cholesterol in Adolescents, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Nutr Hosp. 2013 May-Jun;28(3):868-77. |
| October 14, 2020 Seafood Safety: A study of over 4000 women found that seafood was a relatively minor contributor to mercury accumulation in the body. These results suggest that advice to limit eating fish during pregnancy may need to be revisited. |
| Consumer Link Fears over fish mercury 'unfounded' |
| Research Link Environ Health Perspect. 30 Oct 2013. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1206115 |
| September 21, 2020 Carbonation and Sweet Sensation: MRI brain scanning indicates that carbonation of a beverage makes it more difficult for the brain to sense the difference between sugar and a mixture of the non-caloric sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame. Carbonation also appears to blunt the sensation of high levels of sugar in a beverage, making it easy to consume potentially excessive amounts of sugar. |
| Consumer Link Carbonation Alters the Mind's Perception of Sweetness |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2013 Sep;145(3):537-539.e3. |
| September 20, 2020 DHA and Reading Ability: The long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA (commonly found in fish oils and some types of algae oil) is a major component of the brain. A study with 7 to 9 year old children with reading and behavior problems found that 16 weeks of DHA supplementation improved both reading and behavior. |
| Consumer Link Low Omega-3 Could Explain Why Some Children Struggle With Reading |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e43909. |
| September 7, 2020 Fibromyalgia and Alcohol: Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood condition that causes chronic pain. Treatment typically focuses on pain management and lifestyle changes. Research has found that fibromyalgia sufferers who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol have significantly lower fibromyalgia symptoms and better QOL compared those who consume no alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol, Fibromyalgia, and Quality of Life |
| Research Link Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Mar 15;15(2):R42. |
| August 24, 2020 Vegetarian Food Safety Issues: Most of us are aware of the potential for animal products to harbor disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella. However, it is important to be aware that vegetarian foods such as the cultured soy food tempeh have the potential to support bacterial growth and should be handled and prepared with the same precautions as meat, poultry, and fish. |
| Consumer Link A Salmonella Warning for Vegetarians |
| Research Link EID Journal Volume 19 Number 9—September 2013 |
| August 15, 2020 Food Influencers: The eating habits of children can be greatly influenced by the adults in their lives. In addition to parental influence, research indicates that when teachers eat with their young students it provides an opportunity to positively affect the food preferences of children |
| Consumer Link Let's Have Lunch! Teachers Eating With Their Students Provides Nutrition Education Opportunities |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav . Sep-Oct 2013;45(5):420-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.02.008. |
| August 13, 2020 Overweight and Asthma: In a study of over 600,000 children aged 6 to 19, the incidence of asthma was significantly greater in overweight and obese kids. The risk was greatest in overweight and obese young girls and in Asian/Pacific Islander youth. The cause is unknown, but other research has linked low iron status with both obesity and asthma. Clearly, further research is needed. |
| Consumer Link Obese Kids More Likely to Have Asthma, With Worse Symptoms |
| Research Link American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 178, Issue 7, 1 October 2013, Pages 1120–1128, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwt093 |
| August 7, 2020 Medication and Nutrient Needs: The Recommended Dietary Allowances, or RDAs, are set to meet the needs of healthy individuals free of medical problems. If you take a medication (even a nonprescription type) to manage a chronic health problem, the RDA value for one or more nutrients may be an underestimate of your needs. |
| Consumer Link Medications can increase need for certain nutrients |
| Research Link J Clin Pharm Ther. 2013 Aug;38(4):269-71. |
| July 29, 2020 Fish Safety and Autism: A study conducted in the Republic of Seychelles, where fish consumption is very high, found that there was no consistent association between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum disorder in children. This is an important study because the mothers of these children have mercury levels that are six to ten times greater than levels found in the U.S. and Europe. |
| Consumer Link Autism Link to Mercury in Fish Not Supported |
| Research Link Epidemiology . 2013 Sep;24(5):651-9. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e31829d2651. |
| July 23, 2020 Dietary Cholesterol Does Not Equal Blood Cholesterol: Although research conducted during the past 50 years has repeatedly demonstrated that dietary cholesterol has little or no effect on blood cholesterol levels, yet another study confirms this in adolescents. |
| Consumer Link Eating eggs is not linked to high cholesterol in adolescents, study suggests |
| Research Link Nutrición Hospitalaria, 2013; 28:868-877 |
| July 20, 2020 Caffeine, Exercise, and Asthma Prevention: Consuming caffeine within an hour of exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. A dose of caffeine equivalent to two to six cups of coffee showed benefit. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Shown As Effective At Reducing Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms As An Albuterol Inhaler |
| Research Link Int J Sports Med . 2010 Apr;31(4):231-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1247592 |
| July 16, 2020 Fatty Liver in Children: Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when any three of the following are present: 1) excess body fat, 2) high blood triglycerides, 3) low HDL cholesterol, 4) high blood pressure, and 5) increased fasting blood glucose. Like adults, children who have these risk factors are more likely to develop fatty liver disease and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Previously adult-only ills affect obese Hawaii kids |
| Research Link Hawaii J Med Public Health . 2013 May;72(5):167-71. |
| July 14, 2020 Many chronic health problems are associated with chronic inflammation. Evidence continues to grow that the omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil known as DHA helps to reduce inflammation. New research is getting closer to understanding how this works. |
| Consumer Link Fish Oil DHA Is Used To Create Maresins, Which Cause Macrophages To 'Turn Off' Inflammation |
| Research Link FASEB J . 2013 Jul;27(7):2573-83. doi: 10.1096/fj.13-227728. Epub 2013 Mar 15. |
| July 14, 2020 Nutrient Functions: Picture books designed to teach preschool children concepts related to nutrition and how the body uses the nutrient components of food helped to increase vegetable consumption by the children. A focus on how their body uses nutrients from a wide variety of foods was much more effective than a focus on how food affects health. |
| Consumer Link Getting Kids to Eat Their Veggies: A New Approach to an Age-Old Problem |
| Research Link Psychol Sci . 2013 Aug;24(8):1541-53. doi: 10.1177/0956797612474827. Epub 2013 Jun 26. . |
| July 12, 2020 Milk And Iodine: When cows consume diets containing iodine, their milk can be a good source of the essential element. Research conducted in Spain found that the iodine content of organically produced milk was significantly lower than the iodine in the milk from conventional production techniques. |
| Consumer Link 'Organic' Milk Is Poorer in Iodine Than Conventional Milk |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 May;55:513-8. |
| July 9, 2020 Iron and Autism: Adequate iron nutrition is essential for normal brain development and for the function of iron-dependent enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Perhaps not surprisingly, research conducted in Taiwan found that children and teens with iron deficiency anemia were much more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions such as bipolar and autism spectrum disorders. |
| Consumer Link Is iron deficiency causing psychiatric disorders in kids? |
| Research Link BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Jun 4;13:161. |
| June 27, 2020 TMAO, CVD, and Fish: A study found that human gut bacteria can metabolize compounds like carnitine to trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) which increases atherosclerosis in mice. Since beef contains carnitine, the authors proposed this to be why beef has been associated with cardiovascular disease. However, they failed to point out that consuming fish increases TMAO production by 10 to 50 times the level observed after beef consumption. |
| Consumer Link New report on heart risks and beef is seriously flawed |
| Research Link Nat Med. 2013 May;19(5):576-85. |
| June 23, 2020 Sodium Balance Important: An Institute of Medicine report states that excessive sodium intake can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but further indicated that present-day research does not support reducing daily sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams. Overly low sodium intake may worsen conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate sodium in diet also poses risk to health |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine. Sodium Intake in Populations (2013) |
| June 22, 2020 Benefits of Caffeine for Exercise-induced Asthma: Consuming caffeine within an hour of exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. A dose of caffeine equivalent to two to six cups of coffee showed benefit. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Shown As Effective At Reducing Exercise-induced Asthma Symptoms As An Albuterol Inhaler |
| Research Link Int J Sports Med. 2010 Apr;31(4):231-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1247592. |
| June 15, 2020 Caffeine and Exercise Benefits: Consuming caffeine within an hour of exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. A dose of caffeine equivalent to two to six cups of coffee showed benefit. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Shown As Effective At Reducing Exercise-induced Asthma Symptoms As An Albuterol Inhaler |
| Research Link Int J Sports Med . 2010 Apr;31(4):231-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1247592. Epub 2010 Feb 10 |
| June 13, 2020 Restless Leg Syndrome and Longevity: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can be irritating and compromise the quality and quantity of sleep. New research indicates that men with RLS have an increased risk of dying earlier than normal. The potential cause remains to be determined. |
| Consumer Link Restless leg syndrome linked to risk of earlier death |
| Research Link Neurology . 2013 Jul 2;81(1):52-9. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e318297eee0 |
| June 12, 2020 Low Blood Pressure and Brain Shrinkage: Although high blood pressure receives much more attention than low blood pressure, studies have shown that both high and low blood pressure are associated with brain shrinkage with age. In particular, studies in older people have shown a relation between low blood pressure and more brain loss. |
| Consumer Link Low Diastolic Blood Pressure May Be Associated With Brain Atrophy |
| Research Link JAMA Neurol. 2013;70(8):1046-1053. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.217 |
| June 9, 2020 Walk to Lower Blood Glucose: Exercise is one of the best preventive measures for type 2 diabetes. A recent study even found that a 45 minute leisurely walk significantly lowered blood glucose measured three hours after a meal. Even more effective was splitting the 45 minutes of walking up into three 15-minute walks taken after each meal. |
| Consumer Link Worried about type 2 diabetes? Walk after every meal |
| Research Link Diabetes Care 2013 Jun; DC_130084. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc13-0084 |
| June 8, 2020 Health Risks Related to Excessively Healthy Eating: In attempts to eat healthfully, some people become inordinately afraid of foods that may be perceived as "bad" and not "pure." This can result in a condition called orthorexia nervosa that eventually leads to nutrient deficiencies due to an overly limited diet. |
| Consumer Link Eating Disorder Orthorexia On The Rise |
| Research Link Eat Weight Disord . 2012 Dec;17(4):e226-33. doi: 10.3275/8272. |
| June 6, 2020 Weight Loss and Gallstones: It is well known that dieting increases the risk of developing gallstones. A new study found that extreme calorie restriction (500 calories a day for six to ten weeks) was more than three times as likely to cause gallstones than a diet providing 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day |
| Consumer Link Crash diet tied to increased gallstone risk |
| Research Link International Journal of Obesity volume 38, pages279–284(2014) |
| June 3, 2020 Benefits of Yoga: Participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance mental function. A new study compared a 20-minute bout of yoga to 20 minutes of moderate intensity jogging and found that after yoga the participants were better able to ". . . process information quickly, more accurately and also learn, hold and update pieces of information more effectively than after performing an aerobic exercise bout," according to the researchers. |
| Consumer Link A 20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after |
| Research Link J Phys Act Health. 2013 May;10(4):488-95. |
| June 2, 2020 Health Risks of Calcium Supplements: Both low and high calcium intake are associated with increased risk of death from all causes and specifically from cardiovascular disease. High calcium intake over 1400 mg per day seems to be more risky when the calcium comes from supplements rather than food sources. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements May Raise Women's Heart Risk |
| Research Link BMJ 2013 Feb 12;346:f228. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f228. |
| June 1, 2020 For Health, Limit Tea to Safe Amounts: Tea is a source of fluoride in the diet that may benefit dental and bone health. However, proving that too much of a good thing can be bad for you, a woman who consumed very large amounts of concentrated tea for about 20 years suffered from fluoride toxicity that was serious enough to cause her to lose her teeth. |
| Consumer Link Woman's Tea Addiction Led to Loss of Teeth |
| Research Link N Engl J Med 2013;368:1140. |
| May 28, 2020 Glucosamine Affects Eye Health: A small study of 17 people found that glucosamine supplements, commonly taken to manage or prevent joint problems, caused eye pressure to increase significantly. Although more study of this is needed, those known to have high eye pressure or established glaucoma most likely should not be taking glucosamine supplements. |
| Consumer Link Glucosamine Supplements Tied to Eye Risk |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013;131(7):955-957. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.227 |
| May 25, 2020 Cost of Nutrients: An evaluation of the cost of obtaining key nutrients from vegetables found that beans and potatoes were the most affordable food sources of most of these key nutrients. Sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and collards also ranked well. |
| Consumer Link Potatoes pile on the nutrition but pamper the budget |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013; 8(5): e63277. Published online 2013 May 15. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063277 |
| May 24, 2020 Blood Type Diet Real or Coincidental: There is a lack of good science to support using blood type to determine an individual's unique dietary needs. When this approach seems to "work," it is likely just because the diet has improved on the individual's prior style of eating. |
| Consumer Link No science behind blood-type diets |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr . 2013 Jul;98(1):99-104. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.058693. Epub 2013 May 22. |
| May 21, 2020 Drunkorexia in Young Women: Drunkorexia is the behavior of reducing calorie intake from foods to compensate for excess calories consumed from alcohol. A new study of young women (age 18 to 24 years) found that almost one out of three Australian university students had drunkorexic behavior. This behavior appears to be motivated by the drives to be thin and to consume alcohol in excess. |
| Consumer Link Help new college students avoid trap of 'drunkorexia' |
| Research Link Australian Psychologist. 14 May 2020. |
| May 19, 2020 COVID-19 and Vitamin D: There is limited, but growing evidence that good vitamin D status may help with recovery from COVID-19. Although there certainly are no guarantees, maintaining an adequate intake of all essential nutrients is likely protective. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D & COVID-19: The Evidence So Far |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. May 2020. |
| May 18, 2020 Tracking Vitamin C: Intravenous vitamin C has become a potential part of treatment for some cancers. New research provides a likely method to track the levels of vitamin C in the body following infusion of the vitamin. This may help to adjust proper dosage during treatment. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C in the body can be tracked by fluorescence |
| Research Link Sci Rep 8, 1560 (2018). |
| May 15, 2020 Artificial Sweeteners and Blood Glucose: Although artificial sweeteners generally provide no calories, they may affect the metabolic response to food sources of calories. A recent study conducted with obese individuals found that consuming a beverage containing sucralose ten minutes prior to a glucose tolerance test caused an increase in the peak level of blood glucose and in the amount of insulin released during the test. |
| Consumer Link Artificial sweeteners affect metabolism and insulin levels |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 Sep;36(9):2530-5. doi: 10.2337/dc12-2221. Epub 2013 Apr 30. |
| May 14, 2020 Halo Effect: People tend to underestimate their calorie intake. This is typically the case at fast food restaurants. However, people who ate at Subway were more likely to underestimate their calorie intake than those who ate at McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, and Dunkin' Donuts. This may due to a "health halo" effect provided by Subway's marketing. |
| Consumer Link Teens most guilty of underestimating calories in fast food, study reveals |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;346:f2907 |
| May 13, 2020 Iodine Inadequacy: In developed countries, there is a tendency to assume that everyone is consuming adequate amounts of iodine. However, studies in the U.S. and now in the U.K., demonstrate that many pregnant women have inadequate iodine status that can cause lifelong impairment of cognitive function in their children. |
| Consumer Link Iodine deficiency disorders |
| Research Link The Lancet May 22, 2013 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60436-5 |
| May 12, 2020 Iron and Brain Health: Inadequate iron nutrition during critical stages of development can have a life-long impact on the brain, affecting mental and emotional function. A Swedish study of otherwise healthy marginally low birth weight infants found that early iron supplementation of these infants (between 6 weeks and 6 months of age) significantly reduced the prevalence of behavioral problems observed at 3.5 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Iron Supplements Reduce ADHD in Low Birth Weight Infants |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2013 Jan;131(1):47-55. |
| May 11, 2020 Iron and Cognitive Development: It has been known for a long time that adequate dietary iron is essential for normal early brain development. A new study extends this relationship throughout adolescence and into young adulthood. Lower brain iron, especially in the putamen subregion, was correlated with impaired performance especially on tasks involving reasoning and spatial processing. |
| Consumer Link The brain may need iron for healthy cognitive development |
| Research Link J Neurosci. 2020 Feb 26;40(9):1810-1818. |
| May 10, 2020 Milk to Decrease Garlic Breath: Love garlic but not the resultant garlic breath? A innovative study found that drinking milk, especially whole milk, along with a garlic-containing meal helps to significantly reduce the levels of the offending compounds in the breath. |
| Consumer Link Drinking milk can prevent garlic breath, study finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2010 Aug 1;75(6):C549-58. |
| May 9, 2020 Lycopene and Possible Heart Health: Tomatoes contain large amounts of the carotenoid lycopene that is thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Another study was just published that supports the risk-reducing effects of tomatoes and tomato products, but it remains to be proved that lycopene is the key protective component. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D may help treat severe asthma |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2013 Aug 28;110(3):545-51. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512005417 |
| May 8, 2020 Vitamin D and COVID-19: Vitamin D has been linked with better respiratory health. A new study of 20 European countries found that countries with lower average levels of vitamin D status had more COVID-19 cases and higher COVID-19 mortality rates, More study is needed to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D linked to low virus death rate, study finds |
| Research Link Aging Clin Exp Res. 30 March 2020. |
| May 7, 2020 Local Food Goals: There is a growing number of individuals who want to obtain their food from local sources. Evaluation of food production in relation to consumer location calculates that only 11-28% of the global population can expect to obtain all of their food within 50 miles. |
| Consumer Link Relying on 'local food' is a distant dream for most of the world |
| Research Link Nature Food, 2020; 1 (4): 229 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-020-0060-7 |
| May 6, 2020 Heart Failure and Exercise: Research shows that it is never too late to reap the benefits of exercise and fitness. In a very large Cooper Clinic study, those who increased their level of fitness between middle age (average of 48 years) and old age (over 65) had about 20 percent lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Getting fit in middle age can reduce heart failure risk |
| Research Link Circ Heart Fail. 2013 Jul;6(4):627-34. |
| May 5, 2020 COVID-19 and Selenium: Researchers studied districts in China that had high or low levels of selenium in the soils and, therefore, in most of the foods they consumed. They found that COVID-19 victims in the high selenium locations had higher cure rates and lower death rates than those in the low selenium areas. |
| Consumer Link Link identified between dietary selenium and outcome of COVID-19 disease |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 28 April 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 4, 2020 Gout Treatment: Vitamin C supplements have been proposed as a complementary treatment for gout. However, a recent 8-week study found that 500 mg per day of vitamin C did not significantly lower blood uric acid levels, a major cause of gout. Other studies have reported small beneficial effects, but nothing comparable to benefits of the commonly used drug, allopurinol. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C Does Not Lower Uric Acid Levels in Gout Patients, Study Finds |
| Research Link Arthritis Rheum. 2013 Jun;65(6):1636-42. doi: 10.1002/art.37925. |
| May 3, 2020 Beverage Type Matters: Although higher total fluid intake reduces the risk of kidney stone formation, the type of beverage you drink may matter. In a very large study of almost 200,000 people, those who consumed the most sugar sweetened sodas or punch type beverages were at increased risk of developing stones. Coffee, tea, orange juice, beer, and wine consumption were all associated with a decreased risk. |
| Consumer Link Sugar-sweetened beverages associated with increased kidney stone risk |
| Research Link CJASN August 2013, 8 (8) 1389-1395; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.11661112 |
| May 2, 2020 Formula May Assist Breast Feeding: Research found that newborn infants who were losing weight during their first 48 hours benefited by giving them just 10 milliliters (about 2 teaspoons) of infant formula with a syringe after each breastfeeding session. This temporary fix resulted in less need for formula at one week and three weeks of age compared to similar infants who did not receive the early formula intervention. |
| Consumer Link How Formula Can Complement Breast-Feeding |
| Research Link Pediatrics June 2013, 131 (6) 1059-1065; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-2809 |
| May 1, 2020 Safety of Cinnamon: When Cinnamon is consumed in the amounts commonly used in foods then it is safe. Excessive consumption of cinnamon, however, may be toxic to the liver. Ceylon cinnamon has less of the liver toxins than more commonly used varieties. Those taking cinnamon supplements should do so only with medical supervision and generally should select products based on Ceylon cinnamon. |
| Consumer Link Coumarin in cinnamon and cinnamon-based products and risk of liver damage |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem. 2013, 61, 18, 4470-4476 |
| April 29, 2020 Vitamin D and Health: Although many people have low vitamin D status, much remains to be learned about the best blood levels of vitamin D for good health. A study of over 10,000 people found that as blood levels of 25-OH vitamin D increased up to the median level (21 ng/mL), there was a decrease in mortality. However, vitamin D levels above the median did not appear to confer additional benefit. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D: More may not be better; Benefits in healthy adults wear off at higher doses, research suggests |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2013 Apr 17. |
| April 28, 2020 Human Milk Protects Infants: A protein-lipid complex from human milk called HAMLET has bactericidal activity that helps to protect infants from infections. Research indicates that HAMLET combined with antibiotics helps the antibiotics work against bacteria that are antibiotic resistant. |
| Consumer Link Protein complex found in human breast milk can help reverse antibiotic resistance in superbugs |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (5): e63158. |
| April 27, 2020 Hydroxychloroquine Risks: With people tempted to try various medications for prevention or treatment of COVID-19, the Food and Drug Administration has released warnings about the risks of using a drug like hydroxychloroquine without medical supervision. |
| Consumer Link FDA Warns Against Hydroxychloroquine Use Outside of Hospital |
| Research Link FDA Drug Safety Communication. April 2020 [04-24-2020] |
| April 26, 2020 Potential Health Properties of Cocoa: The cocoa polyphenol compounds found in chocolate and a wide variety of other plant foods provide antioxidant effects in the body that appear to help prevent degeneration of brain function with aging. New research indicates that these polyphenols also trigger the synthesis of a specific protein that is known to protect brain cells and slow mental decline. |
| Consumer Link The power of cocoa polyphenols against neurodegenerative diseases |
| Research Link J Cell Biochem. 2013 Oct;114(10):2209-20. doi: 10.1002/jcb.24548. |
| April 25, 2020 Protein Knowledge and Weight Loss: It is well established that when calorie intake is reduced to levels that cause weight loss, the requirement for protein increases to help maintain the lean tissue that dieters do not want to lose. A new study of middle-age women indicates that those who have effectively lost weight are aware that adequate protein intake is important for dieting. |
| Consumer Link Eating recommended protein linked to weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr Ed Behav. 2013;45(3):213-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2012.08.002 |
| April 24, 2020 Green Tea Extract and Weight Loss: Green tea extract (GTE) is a common ingredient in weight loss products. However, there is much to be learned about its potential effectiveness. A study with diabetic and normal mice found that GTE did not promote weight loss unless it was given to the mice along with polyethylene glycol which helps to keep a key component of GTE in the intestine where it can inhibit glucose absorption. |
| Consumer Link Will green tea help you lose weight? |
| Research Link Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol . 2013 Aug;386(8):733-45. doi: 10.1007/s00210-013-0869-9 |
| April 23, 2020 Magnesium and Vitamin D: Many nutrients depend on adequate amounts of other nutrients. As an example, key chemical steps that activate vitamin D to its active form require magnesium (and iron). People who are deficient in magnesium have been found to have lower levels of active vitamin D in the body. |
| Consumer Link Researchers find low magnesium levels make vitamin D ineffective |
| Research Link J Amer Osteo Assoc. 2018;118:181-189. |
| April 22, 2020 Exercise and Stress: Based on the results of a recent rat study, whether you exercise for fun or because you feel forced to exercise, regular exercise can improve the capacity to deal with anxiety and stress. |
| Consumer Link Forced Exercise May Still Protect Against Anxiety and Stress |
| Research Link Eur J Neurosci. 2013 Feb;37(3):469-78. doi: 10.1111/ejn.12044 |
| April 21, 2020 Pandemic and Food Insecurity: Food insecurity has been a growing problem in the U.S. for some time. As would be expected, food insecurity is rapidly increasing for many Americans. A recent study conducted in Vermont found that food insecurity increased by 33% by the end of March with almost one out of four people being food insecure. |
| Consumer Link UVM Survey: Food Insecurity in Vermont Rose 33% During Pandemic |
| Research Link Univ Vermont Ag Life Sci. April 2020. |
| April 20, 2020 Red Meat and Health Risk: Dietary recommendations often recommend reducing red meat and processed meat consumption based on statistical associations between dietary variables and health/disease. A recent evaluation of the research on this subject generated this recommendation, emphasizing the weakness of the statistical associations: "The panel suggests that adults continue current unprocessed red meat consumption (weak recommendation, low-certainty evidence). Similarly, the panel suggests adults continue current processed meat consumption (weak recommendation, low-certainty evidence)." |
| Consumer Link Should You Eat Red Meat? |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2019;171(10):756-764. |
| April 19, 2020 Our individual innate taste preferences may be related to our health. A study of almost 200 people found that those with a high preference for sweets in combination with a high aversion to bitter flavors may be at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Taste preferences impact health, new study finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2013 Feb;78(2):S336-42. |
| April 18, 2020 Vitamin Safety: All nutrients are potentially toxic at some dose, but the dosage that is potentially toxic varies greatly among the essential nutrients. A new review of vitamin E suggests that this nutrient has very low toxicity due to the way it is metabolized in the liver. |
| Consumer Link Excess vitamin E intake not a health concern, study suggests |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2013 Sep;54(9):2295-306. doi: 10.1194/jlr.R032946 |
| April 17, 2020 Non-Alcoholic Beer and Dopamine: As shown by many studies of the placebo effect, brain function can be affected by many factors. A recent study found that just the taste of beer, without the alcohol, increased brain levels of dopamine much the same as beer with alcohol. Those with a family history of alcoholism were most sensitive to this effect. |
| Consumer Link Taste of beer, without effect from alcohol, triggers dopamine release in the brain |
| Research Link Neuropsychopharmacology volume 38, pages1617–1624 |
| April 16, 2020 Diet and Cognitive Function: Dietary intake data from a large study on prevention of age-related eye diseases was also analyzed in relation to cognitive function decline with age. The study found that among a variety of healthful foods, fish intake had the strongest relationship with prevention of cognitive decline with age. |
| Consumer Link Diet may help preserve cognitive function |
| Research Link Alzheimer's & Dementia. 13 April 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 15, 2020 Beet juice and Blood Pressure Control: Looking for a natural way to lower blood pressure? A new study found that the high nitrate content of beetroot juice can lower blood pressure by about 10 mm Hg. |
| Consumer Link Drinking Cup of Beetroot Juice Daily May Help Lower Blood Pressure |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2013;61:1091–1102 |
| April 13, 2020 Sleep Problems Affect Weight: The human body and brain are geared to function in sync with a circadian rhythm linked to the light and dark phases of a 24-hour day. Research housing mice in 24-hour light conditions with no dark time resulted in significant weight gain and impaired glucose handling. Disruption of sleeping patterns generally affects humans similarly. |
| Consumer Link Our Internal Clocks Can Become Ticking Time Bombs for Diabetes and Obesity |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2013;27(4):1721-1732. |
| April 12, 2020 Weight Loss and Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes typically improves rapidly after bariatric surgery. A new study found that just reducing calorie intake to match that of post-surgery individuals has the same effect on diabetes. Unfortunately, maintaining a low calorie intake is difficult for most people. |
| Consumer Link Diet shown to be critical factor in improving type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery |
| Research Link Diabetes Care March 25, 2013 , doi: 10.2337/dc12-2316 |
| April 11, 2020 Gluten-Free Sorghum: Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid grains like wheat, rye, and barley due to the presence of gluten protein. Corn and rice do not contain the offending protein. New detailed genome, biochemical, and immunochemical analysis of the grain sorghum indicates that it lacks the offending protein and is safe for people with celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Verifying that sorghum is a new safe grain for people with celiac disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem, 61 (10), 2565-71 2013 |
| April 10, 2020 Brown Fat and Obesity: Brown fat is known to convert calorie sources in the body to heat, thus "wasting" calories that otherwise would add to stored fat. Consequently, increasing and activating brown fat has long been of interest in obesity treatment. New research has now identified specific proteins that trigger brown fat energy expenditure. This may open new options in obesity treatment and prevention. |
| Consumer Link Brown fat can burn energy in an unexpected way |
| Research Link Nat Commun 11, 1421 (2020). |
| April 8, 2020 Plant Breeding and Nutrition Quality: As plant breeders are working to find cultivars that produce well under changing climatic conditions, it is also important to keep changes in nutritional quality in mind. |
| Consumer Link Gene discovery may yield lettuce that will sprout in hot weather |
| Research Link Plant Cell. 2013 Mar;25(3):884-900. doi: 10.1105/tpc.112.108902. Epub 2013 Mar 15 |
| April 7, 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic and Childhood Obesity: School closures are among the many disruptions caused by the current pandemic. Due to the likely changes in diet and physical activity, researchers are concerned that this will add to the number of children who develop obesity during critical stages of development. |
| Consumer Link COVID-19 Pandemic May Exacerbate Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Obesity. 30 March 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 6, 2020 Iron Deficiency and Postpartum Depression: The first several months of a baby's life can be a period of great joy for a mother. However, this postpartum period also carries a high risk of postpartum depression for new mothers. This condition may be preventable in many cases because it is potentially caused by postpartum iron deficiency that occurs in almost 50 percent of the women in some racial/ethnic groups. |
| Consumer Link Low iron after pregnancy a problem for many women |
| Research Link Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Jul;193(1):36-44. |
| April 5, 2020 Fibromyalgia and Alcohol: Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and other symptoms. Its cause is unknown and it is difficult to treat. In a recent study of people with fibromyalgia, low and moderate drinkers of alcohol reported a lower severity of symptoms than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life |
| Research Link Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Mar 15;15(2):R42. doi: 10.1186/ar4200. |
| April 4, 2020 Sodium Goals Hinder Meeting Potassium Requirements: The United States Dietary Guidelines for sodium intake have been controversial with some researchers considering them to be so low that they could cause health problems. A new study using food pattern modeling found that dietary patterns that meet the sodium recommendations are incompatible with meeting potassium recommendations. |
| Consumer Link Salt Institute Disputes AHA Unrealistic Salt Statistic |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2013 Mar;33(3):188-94. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.01.004. Epub 2013 Feb 12. |
| April 3, 2020 Exercise Benefits Immune Function: Multiple studies in humans and animal species have been shown to improve immune function. For older individuals especially with chronic disease, regular exercise up to 45 minutes of moderate intensity was beneficial. |
| Consumer Link Regular exercise benefits immunity -- even in isolation |
| Research Link Exerc Immunol Rev. 2020;26:8-22. |
| April 2, 2020 Potential Benefits of Coffee and Tea: A Japanese study of over 80,000 people that were studied over a period of 13 years found that both coffee and green tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. |
| Consumer Link Coffee, green tea, may help lower stroke risk, research shows |
| Research Link Stroke. 2013 May;44(5):1369-74. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.677500 |
| April 1, 2020 Vitamin D and Hip Recovery: Vitamin D is important for bone health. Research at Rutgers University-New Brunswick showed that seniors with adequate vitamin D had better mobility after hip fracture surgery than those deficient in vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D boosts chances of walking after hip fracture |
| Research Link The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, nqaa029, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa029 |
| March 30, 2020 More Daily Walking Linked with Lower All-cause Mortality: A U.S. study of 4800 adults aged 40 and over found that more steps per day was associated with a lower risk of overall mortality. Compared with those taking 4,000 steps per day (considered to be low), adults, taking 8,000 steps per day had a 51% lower risk for all-cause mortality (or death from all causes). Taking 12,000 steps per day was associated with a 65% lower risk compared with taking 4,000 steps. |
| Consumer Link Higher daily step count linked with lower all-cause mortality |
| Research Link JAMA. 2020;323(12):1151. |
| March 29, 2020 Fiber and Stroke: Eight studies indicated that study participants who consumed diets higher in dietary fiber had a lower risk of having a stroke. It was not possible to determine if health benefits were due to fiber content or other substances present in high fiber foods. |
| Consumer Link Eating more fiber may lower stroke risk |
| Research Link Stroke. 2013 May;44(5):1360-8. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.000151. Epub 2013 Mar 28 |
| March 28, 2020 Bacteria micro-ecology and human colon health: The types and amounts of various gut bacteria are influenced by both the foods we eat and the bacteria present in or on those foods. New research found that the types and relative amounts of bacteria present on surface of fruits and vegetables commonly eaten raw can vary due to many variables, including farming practices. |
| Consumer Link Diverse bacteria on fresh fruits, vegetables vary with produce type, farming practices |
| Research Link Plos One Published: March 27, 2013 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059310 |
| March 27, 2020 Breakfast and Snacking: Eating breakfast can improve overall nutrition. A new study of 19-year old overweight females found that a 350 calorie breakfast with 35 grams of protein resulted in reduced evening snacking on high fat foods compared to when they ate a lower protein breakfast or skipped breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Protein-rich breakfasts prevent unhealthy snacking in the evening, study finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):677-88. |
| March 26, 2020 Importance of Vitamin D: Research now shows that vitamin D status affects the expression of many genes. These genes have a wide variety of biologic functions with more than 160 pathways linked to cancer, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link High Vitamin D Helps Healthy People Stay That Way |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(3): e58725. |
| March 25, 2020 Relationship Between Exercise and Brain Function: A Université de Genève research team studied if exercise influences cognitive abilities or vice versa. A WHO 100,000 person database (50-90 yr) was used to evaluate physical and cognitive activity measured every two years for over a decade. Results indicated that keeping the brain active promotes physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Brain or muscles, what do we lose first? |
| Research Link Health Psychology, 2020; DOI: 10.1037/hea000085 |
| March 24, 2020 Lower-Fat Milk and Body Weight: Weight In a study of over 10,000 children, those consuming skim and low-fat milk between the ages of 2 and 4 were more likely to become overweight or obese than children consuming higher fat milk varieties. This seems surprising, but may be related to the higher fat milks having a superior satiety value. |
| Consumer Link Skimmed/semi-skimmed milk does not curb excess toddler weight gain, study finds |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2012-302941 |
| March 23, 2020 Benefits of Enjoyable Meals: Enjoyable and memorable meals help to reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Researchers suggest that thoroughly enjoying and paying attention to foods consumed at a meal may help to reduce calorie intake overall. |
| Consumer Link Food memories can help with weight loss |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):728-42. |
| March 22, 2020 Tomato Potential for Heart Health: A tomato was genetically engineered to produce a small protein (peptide) similar to a key protein in HDL cholesterol, also known as "good cholesterol." When these tomatoes were fed to mice prone to developing cardiovascular disease, the mice experienced several positive changes resulting in decreased atherosclerotic plaque in their arteries. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes that mimic actions of good cholesterol created |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2013 Apr;54(4):995-1010. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M033555. |
| March 21, 2020 Nausea and Ginger: Studies indicate that the short-term use of ginger can help to relieve pregnancy-related nausea or that caused by cancer chemotherapy. |
| Consumer Link Ginger |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 1;75(11):1689-91. |
| March 20, 2020 Urban Food Production: Food insecurity is increasing worldwide, especially in cities. Research conducted in one UK city supports the concept of smart food cities. The study showed that there was enough space to produce 'five a day' fruits and vegetables for 15 percent of the local population. |
| Consumer Link Urban land could grow fruit and vegetables for 15 per cent of the population |
| Research Link Nature Food, 2020; 1 (3): 155 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-020-0045-6 |
| March 19, 2020 Eating Disorders and Exercise: Research indicates that when compared to controls, excessive exercise in those with eating disorders (ED) is often preceded by decreased mood. After exercise, those with ED felt more relaxed possibly due to decreased pressure to be slim. |
| Consumer Link Excessive sports in cases of eating disorders: Psychological mechanisms decoded |
| Research Link Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2019; 1 DOI: 10.1159/000504061 |
| March 18, 2020 Soybean Oil Affects Genes: The consumption of soybean oil has significantly increased over the last 50 years. A new study found that diets high in soybean oil, but not coconut oil or a low-fat diet, alter gene expression in mice. This changed expression affects inflammation and metabolic factors affecting insulin regulation. More research is needed to see if this is related to human obesity and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link America's most widely consumed oil causes genetic changes in the brain |
| Research Link Endocrinology, 2020; DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz044 |
| March 17, 2020 GMO tomatoes With Potential Heart Benefits: A tomato was genetically engineered to produce a small protein (peptide) similar to a key protein in HDL cholesterol, also known as "good cholesterol." When these tomatoes were fed to mice prone to developing cardiovascular disease, the mice experienced several positive changes resulting in decreased atherosclerotic plaque in their arteries. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes that mimic actions of good cholesterol created |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2013 Apr;54(4):995-1010. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M033555. |
| March 16, 2020 Vitamin D Supplementation of College Basketball Players: Basketball players with low vitamin D status had improved vitamin D status during their playing season when they were supplemented with 10,000 IU of vitamin D per day. However, those taking only 5000 IU per day experienced a decline in their vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Athletes who play indoor sports at risk of vitamin D deficiency |
| Research Link Nutrients, 2020; 12 (2): 370. |
| March 15, 2020 Exercise and Memory: More and more we are learning about how exercise can benefit the body, including the brain. Research on volleyball players found that they have quicker mental functions even outside of the sport and are are able to pick up information and switch between tasks more quickly than nonathletes. |
| Consumer Link Elite athletes also excel at some cognitive tasks |
| Research Link Front Psychol. 2013 Mar 7;4:36. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00036 |
| March 14, 2020 A study of Mexican college applicants found that those who did not consume the recommended three servings of milk products per day were almost three times as likely to have metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is defined as having three or more of the following risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels. |
| Consumer Link College kids who don't drink milk could face serious consequences |
| Research Link Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2013, 4, 56-65 |
| March 12, 2020 Bogus Products for COVID-19: There is no shortage of scammers promoting products to treat or prevent infection by the current novel coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration are sending warning notices to many of these companies that promote worthless products or even products like colloidal silver that are likely more toxic to humans than coronaviruses. Overall good nutrition and adequate intake of nutrients like zinc can help to maintain a well-functioning immune system. |
| Consumer Link FTC, FDA Send Warning Letters to Seven Companies about Unsupported Claims that Products Can Treat or Prevent Coronavirus |
| Research Link PLOS Pathog. 2010;6(11):e1001176. |
| March 11, 2020 Herbal Products and Weight Loss: A systematic review analyzed 54 randomized controlled trials on herbal weight loss medicines. Only Phaseolus vulgaris (the common white bean) was the only herbal that showed statistically significant weight loss as compared to the placebo. Products of green tea, Garcinia Cambogia, and African mango were not clinically beneficial for successful weight loss. As always, buyer beware. |
| Consumer Link Insufficient evidence backing herbal medicines for weight loss |
| Research Link Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2020; DOI: 10.1111/dom.13973 |
| March 10, 2020 Benefits of Compound from Citrus Fruits: Mice that consumed high fat diets containing a citrus flavanoid called nobiletin gained less fat and had improved insulin function compared to control mice consuming the same diet. Researchers don't know how or why this works in mice, supplements containing the compound are already available. However, focused human trials still need to be conducted. |
| Consumer Link Molecule found in oranges could reduce obesity and prevent heart disease and diabetes |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2020;61(3):387. |
| March 9, 2020 Food Safety Progress: Food Safety has become more complicated as foods come from all parts of the globe. A new method has been developed to determine salmonella serotypes within eight hours. This will make it easier to find the source of contamination. |
| Consumer Link Food scientists slice time off salmonella identification process |
| Research Link Food Microbiology, 2020; 89: 103452 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103452 |
| March 8, 2020 Grapefruit and Medications: Consumption of grapefruit prior to a meal can enhance insulin function and help in the management of blood glucose. However, grapefruit can interact with many medications. Those taking medications should consult with their physician and/or pharmacist about possible interactions that would contraindicate consuming grapefruit, its juice, or other grapefruit products. |
| Consumer Link Insulin Resistance & Grapefruit Juice |
| Research Link J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):49-54. |
| March 7, 2020 Weight and Osteoarthritis: Excess body fat can promote osteoarthritis in two major ways. First of all, the extra body weight places more "wear and tear" strain on joints that support body weight. Secondly, excess body fat is know to promote generalized inflammatory activity in the body that can irritate joints. Weight loss can be an important component of treating osteoarthritis. |
| Consumer Link Weight loss may prevent, treat osteoarthritis in obese patients |
| Research Link J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013 Mar;21(3):161-9. |
| March 6, 2020 Treating Celiac Disease: Using three different mouse models for celiac disease, researchers found that injections containing a nanoparticle of a key protein in gluten (gliadin) significantly reduced markers of immune system reactivity, inflammation, and tissue damage. |
| Consumer Link Celiac disease might be cured by restoring immune tolerance to gliadin |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. February 04, 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 5, 2020 Taxing sugar-sweetened drinks: It was thought that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages would be a strong deterrent of overconsumption. Multiple studies, however, indicate that this tax had no major impact on lowering sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in the general population. |
| Consumer Link One year into 'soda tax,' researchers find law did not affect sugary-beverage consumption |
| Research Link settings Open Access Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1336 |
| March 4, 2020 Optimal Eating Time: Research on older adults shows that meal timing affects how ingested food is stored. Data shows that older individuals should have their most significant calories in the morning and lighter fare at the evening meal. |
| Consumer Link When should you eat to manage your weight? Breakfast, not late-night snacks |
| Research Link PLOS Biology, 2020; 18 (2): e3000622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000622 |
| March 3, 2020 Caloric Restriction: Many animal studies have demonstrated increased health and lifespan when calorie intake is decreased below what animals would normally eat. However, these studies are conducted with animals that have much shorter natural lifespans than humans. Whereas eating less may be beneficial for humans, it must be done in a way that also meets all nutrient requirements. Otherwise, the risk of common age-related conditions like osteoporosis may be increased. |
| Consumer Link Eating less prolongs life |
| Research Link Cell. 27 Feb 2020. {Epub ahead of print] |
| March 2, 2020 Alcohol Producing Gut Bacteria: People diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were found to be much more likely to have an alcohol-producing bacteria thriving in their lower intestine. This indicates that the colon microbiome may play a role in some cases of NAFLD by exposing the person to small, but relatively constant levels of alcohol. Since these bacteria use sugar to produce alcohol, components of the diet that carry more sugar to the lower intestine also may be a risk factor. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol-producing gut bacteria could cause liver damage even in people who don't drink |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2019;30(4):675-688 |
| February 29, 2020 Introducing Allergens: The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology provides many answers to questions about reducing food allergy risks in infants and young children. Among their guidelines is the recommendation that infants can be gradually introduced to potentially allergenic foods as early as 4 to 6 months of age when they become physically ready to consume these foods. |
| Consumer Link Food Allergy Advice for Kids: Don't Delay Peanuts, Eggs |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immun Practice. 2013;1(1):29-36. |
| February 28, 2020 Soy Moderation is Best: Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds found in plant foods and are especially high in soy foods. These compounds also are present in various animal foods, but are present in much smaller amounts. Research has found both pro and con effects of phytoestrogens. Moderation in the intake of soy foods seems to be the best option. |
| Consumer Link Healthful Plant Nutrients Also Found In Meat And Milk |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., 2008, 56 (21), pp 10099–10104 |
| February 27, 2020 Applying Nutrition Research: Much of the nutrition research used to generate practical recommendation on what to eat is based on statistical associations among health problems and food and nutrient intake (epidemiology). Sorting out the contribution of various dietary factors to health outcomes can be very complex and possibly misleading. Well-controlled human feeding studies provide more specific and reliable results and are needed to help untangle controversy generated by epidemiological studies. |
| Consumer Link Are we doing diet and nutrition research wrong? |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. Jan 28 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 26, 2020 Vitamin C and Brain Development: Every essential nutrient is important for normal fetal development during pregnancy. Research, however, indicates that even marginal vitamin C deficiency has the potential to impair normal brain development in a way that can permanently compromise memory function. |
| Consumer Link Fetus suffers when mother lacks vitamin C |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e48488. |
| February 25, 2020 Cholesterol - Important for Dopamine Synthesis: Cholesterol is needed for many important functions in the body. For example, cholesterol is relatively high in brain tissue and research on human embryonic stem cells shows that an oxidized form of cholesterol helps direct stem cells to become the dopamine producing cells that are lost in Parkinson's disease. |
| Consumer Link Cholesterol Necessary For Brain Development, Study Finds |
| Research Link Cell Stem Cell. 2009 Oct 2;5(4):409-19. |
| February 24, 2020 Plants Also Cause Greenhouse Gases: Estimating the impact of how we eat on the production of greenhouse gases is complicated by many variables. A systematic attempt to do this illustrates that it is important to compare equal calorie amounts of foods. When this was done, there was little difference in greenhouse gas production associated with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, pork, poultry, and eggs. Dairy foods ranked lower than fruits and vegetables |
| Consumer Link Plant-based diets: Healthy for people, but what about the planet? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Mar;97(3):569-83. |
| February 23, 2020 DHA, Brain Development, and Infant Health: The omega-3 fatty acid DHA, that is generally obtained from fish oils, is known to be important for infant brain development. A new study of 350 women found that a DHA supplement taken by the mother during pregnancy resulted in less preterm and low birth weight babies. This study will be evaluating future outcomes as the children age. |
| Consumer Link Prenatal DHA Reduces Early Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight |
| Research Link The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 97, Issue 4, April 2013, Pages 808–815 |
| February 22, 2020 Exercise and Mental Health: Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent depression. A new study found that this also is true for a specific high risk group - people who have had bariatric surgery. |
| Consumer Link Even limited physical activity is linked to lower rates of depression in bariatric surgery patients |
| Research Link J Psychosom Res. 2013 Feb;74(2):161-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2012.11.010 |
| February 21, 2020 Body Fat and Heart Disease: The common statement that excess fat stored below the waist does not increase the risks for heart disease and diabetes has been challenged by new research. The main observation was that gluteal adipose tissue secretes abnormal levels of key proteins that can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance in individuals with early metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link UC Davis study deflates notion that pear-shaped bodies more healthy than apples |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Mar;98(3):E514-7. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-3673 |
| February 20, 2020 Herbal Medicines for Weight Loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 randomized, placebo-controlled studies involving over 4000 people concluded that there was a lack of evidence to support the use of any herbal medicines promoted for weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Insufficient evidence backing herbal medicines for weight loss |
| Research Link Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020; 1– 13. |
| February 19, 2020 Chocolate and Arterial Function: A new study evaluated the effects of a chocolate beverage on arterial function in older people (average age of 72) with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD compromises leg muscle function and can impair normal walking. When participants consumed a chocolate beverage containing 15 grams of cocoa with 75 mgs of the flavanol compound epicatechin per day, leg arterial function and walking performance improved. |
| Consumer Link Hot Chocolate Could Help Ease Painful Clogged Leg Vessels |
| Research Link Circulation Research. 14 Feb 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 18, 2020 Coffee and Bone Health: A study of 564 healthy adults in the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study found that coffee consumption and blood levels of chemical products derived from coffee were related to higher bone mineral density. Other studies have associated coffee consumption with lower bone mineral density, but they did not account for how coffee consumption can displace consumption of other beverages high in calcium. |
| Consumer Link Coffee can be Good for Your Bones, Study Says |
| Research Link J Clin Endo Metab. 21 November 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 17, 2020 When to Increase Exercise Intensity: If you have limited time for exercise, consider cranking up the intensity of your activities during the time you have available. A study of sedentary adult males found that three sessions of sprint interval training on a stationary bike for about 30 minutes, 3 times a week, was as effective as five sessions of traditional endurance exercise, taking five hours per week, at increasing whole body insulin sensitivity and improving various indices of cardiovascular function. |
| Consumer Link Getting Fit Fast: Inactive People Can Achieve Major Health and Fitness Gains in a Fraction of the Time |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2013 Feb 1;591(3):641-56. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.239566 |
| February 16, 2020 Calories in Food: If you took a nutrition class, you learned that carbohydrate, protein, and fat provide 4, 4, and 9 Calories per gram, respectively. These values were determined early in the 20th century by William Atwater and are commonly called the Atwater factors. However, 4, 4, and 9 are not the original numbers - only rounded approximations. For example, the actual Atwater values for beans and nuts are 4.07, 3.47, and 8.37. |
| Consumer Link Calorie Counts: Fatally Flawed, Or Our Best Defense Against Pudge? |
| Research Link See page 25 of Energy Value of Foods, USDA Agricultural Handbook No. 74 |
| February 15, 2020 Important Nutrients from "Bad" foods: Some foods that often get put on the "bad list" are rich sources of important nutrients. Recent extensive research reviews indicate that whole milk and eggs can be beneficial components of the diet when consumed in reasonable amounts. |
| Consumer Link Whole milk and eggs do not threaten health, say studies |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2013 Feb;52(1):1-24. |
| February 14, 2020 Milk Products and Bone Health: Another study confirms the association between milk products and bone health. The study also emphasizes that milk products like cream that are not good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and protein are not linked with bone health. |
| Consumer Link New Study Sheds Light On Link Between Dairy Intake and Bone Health: Not All Dairy Products Are Equal |
| Research Link Arch Osteoporos. 2013;8:119. doi: 10.1007/s11657-013-0119-2. Epub 2013 Feb 1 |
| February 13, 2020 Is Celiac Disease Increasing? Some have suggested that the increased incidence of celiac disease may be due to an increase in the gluten content of wheat. However, an evaluation of this proposal indicates that the gluten in wheat has changed little during the past 50 years. Other causes of celiac disease are more likely and remain to be identified. |
| Consumer Link No Clear Evidence More Gluten in New Wheat Is Responsible for Increase in Celiac Disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Feb 13;61(6):1155-9. doi: 10.1021/jf305122s. Epub 2013 Jan 31. |
| February 12, 2020 Aspirin Pros and Cons: Daily aspirin use is associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, life is full of trade-offs. New research indicates daily aspirin therapy may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Aspirin May Raise Risk Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Study Suggests |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2013 Feb 25;173(4):258-64. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.1583. |
| February 11, 2020 Cheese and Cardiovascular Disease: Researchers studied the effect of diets high in salt, with and without cheese, on vascular function in eleven adults (age 55 to 75) who did not have sodium-sensitive hypertension. They found that consuming about six ounces of dairy cheese per day as part of a high salt diet (5500 mg sodium/day) prevented the impaired arterial blood flow seen on a similar high salt diet without cheese. |
| Consumer Link Dairy cheese prevents sodium-induced vascular dysfunction by reducing superoxide levels |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2020;150(1):55–63. |
| February 10, 2020 Exercise and Appetite: Exercise increases calorie needs, allowing the consumption of more calories without gaining weight. New research with 130 overweight/obese adults found that those who engaged in more exercise were better at adhering to a reduced-calorie diet. In addition, it appeared that lower intensity exercise may be best. |
| Consumer Link Physical Activity is Good for Your Appetite, Too |
| Research Link Health Psychology. 2020;39(3):240. |
| February 9, 2020 Choline to Prevent Schizophrenia: The essential nutrient choline appears to be especially important for fetal brain development. Choline supplements taken by pregnant women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy enhanced normal brain functions associated with a reduced risk of developing schizophrenia. Eggs are the richest common food source of choline, |
| Consumer Link Choline May Protect Infants From Developing Schizophrenia |
| Research Link Am J Psychiatry. 2013 Mar;170(3):290-8. |
| February 8, 2020 Alcohol and Diet Sodas: If you like alcoholic drinks that are mixed with sodas, like "Rum and Coke," take note that blood alcohol levels are likely to be higher when diet soda is used. This is likely due to the fact that the sugars in the regular soda slow down the rate of stomach emptying into the intestine where most of the alcohol is absorbed. |
| Consumer Link Diet Soda May Be the More Dangerous Alcohol Mixer |
| Research Link Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental ResearchVolume 37, Issue 4 |
| February 7, 2020 Main Cause of Stomach Flu: Stomach flu is the popular term for a norovirus infection. Although a true flu is caused by the influenza virus, the norovirus infection symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea) fit the flu description. Perhaps the most important strategy to avoid this virus is frequent washing of your hands with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill this virus. |
| Consumer Link Tips for preventing norovirus infection |
| Research Link CDC - Preventing Norovirus Infection |
| February 6, 2020 Body Dissatisfaction: Images of pencil-thin models in the media have been thought to have a strong influence on body dissatisfaction in teenage girls. Research, however, indicates that peer pressure has a much greater influence. |
| Consumer Link Peer pressure trumps 'thin' ideals in the media |
| Research Link J Youth Adolesc. 2014 Jan;43(1):1-14. doi: 10.1007/s10964-012-9898-9. |
| February 5, 2020 Is Acute Exercise a Replacement for Coffee?: Research shows that acute moderate intensity aerobic exercise improved working memory accuracy similarly to caffeine. Acute Exercise also was beneficial in preventing the side effects of caffeine withdrawal. |
| Consumer Link Exercise has the same effect on the brain as coffee |
| Research Link Effects of Caffeine and Acute Aerobic Exercise on Working Memory and Caffeine Withdrawal |
| February 4, 2020 Eating Disorders and Exercise Addiction: Even positive healthful habits can be taken to unhealthy extremes. A study with over 2000 participants found that those diagnosed with an eating disorder were almost 4 times more likely to be addicted to exercise at levels that can adversely affect health. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorders linked to exercise addiction |
| Research Link Eat Weight Disord. January 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 3, 2020 Juvenile Arthritis or Scurvy?: Case studies of 10 children with the symptoms of juvenile arthritis and related conditions were subsequently diagnosed with having scurvy - vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency prevents the maintenance of normal connective tissues like the cartilage in joints. |
| Consumer Link Scurvy Can Mimic Rheumatologic Disorders Among Children, Finds Study |
| Research Link J Pediatrics. 2019 December 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 2, 2020 Maintain Muscle in Aging: Although meeting all nutrient needs is an essential component of good health at all stages of life, some especially key factors that help to maintain muscle in older people include adequate protein, vitamin D, and an overall diet with a balance of foods from all food groups - including fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Which Nutritional Factors Help Preserve Muscle Mass, Strength and Performance in Seniors? |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2013 May;24(5):1555-66. doi: 10.1007/s00198-012-2236-y |
| February 1, 2020 Problematic Eating Behaviors: Extreme dieting or semi-starvation can lead to a strong tendency to binge eat. For many people, binge eating leads to a behavior called secretive food concocting in which people concoct unusual food mixtures to consume like mixing mashed potatoes with Oreo cookies. |
| Consumer Link Secretive Food Concocting: New Characteristic of Binge Eating Identified |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 2013 Apr;46(3):212-25. doi: 10.1002/eat.22077 |
| January 31, 2020 Eggs and Cardiovascular Risk: A study that reviewed data from three large population studies (including 50 countries across six continents) found that moderate egg intake (about one a day) was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or major cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link An egg a day not tied to risk of heart disease |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. Jan 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 30, 2020 Nutrient Encapsulation: Many people live in conditions that provide inadequate amounts of one or more essential nutrients. Researchers developed a technology to fortify foods with encapsulated nutrients like iron and vitamin A. This prevents off flavors from iron and greatly reduces the breakdown of vitamin A in storage and cooking. |
| Consumer Link MIT researchers encapsulate nutrients to fight malnutrition |
| Research Link Science Trans Med. 2019;11(518):eaaw3680. |
| January 29, 2020 Aluminum Exposure Reduction: Aluminum is naturally present in many foods at levels generally considered to be safe. However excessive aluminum exposure from multiple sources can potentially result in a wide variety of health challenges ranging from neurological to renal problems. New evidence from German researchers provides guidance on multiple ways to reduce aluminum exposure. |
| Consumer Link How can we reduce our exposure to potentially harmful aluminum? |
| Research Link Arch Toxicology. 2019;93:3503–3521. |
| January 28, 2020 Removing Pesticide Residue from Apples: A study that compared soaking fresh apples in water, a bleach solution, or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) solution found that the most effective treatment to reduce pesticide residue was the baking soda solution. |
| Consumer Link An Easy Way to Remove Pesticides |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2017 Nov 8;65(44):9744-9752. |
| January 27, 2020 Lithium and Alzheimer's Disease: Lithium is an element that generally is not considered to be an essential nutrient. However, it has long been used as a drug for treatment of various psychological conditions. Recently, researchers found that delivery of very small amounts of lithium into the blood via rectal suppositories prevented and reversed brain and behavior changes normally seen in a transgenic rat model for Alzheimer's disease. Human clinical studies are being planned. |
| Consumer Link Can lithium halt progression of Alzheimer's disease? |
| Research Link J Alz Dis. 2020;73(2):723-739. |
| January 26, 2020 Cooking Tomatoes Beneficial: The phytochemical lycopene makes tomatoes red and it also functions as an antioxidant. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the nutritional value of tomatoes by increasing the lycopene content. |
| Consumer Link Cooking Tomatoes Boosts Disease-Fighting Power |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2002 May 8;50(10):3010-4 |
| January 25, 2020 Harm from Eating Too Healthy: Healthy eating is important, but taking healthy eating to an unhealthy extreme can damage a person's health. This over-obsession with health and fear of foods is a condition called orthorexia nervosa. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| January 24, 2020 Increased Body Weight After High School: Typically weight gain occurs after high school. There have been few studies to determine whether this is a result of dietary changes or decreased exercise. No studies have provided definitive information, therefore it is important to continue to eat a varied diet and to stay active. |
| Consumer Link Becoming less active and gaining weight: Downsides of becoming an adult |
| Research Link BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY/DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 19 January 2020 |
| January 23, 2020 Caffeinated Drinks and Migraines: Research shows that for some who experience episodic migraines, up to two servings of caffeinated beverages were not associated with headaches. But consuming more than two caffeinated beverages increase the chance of a migraine headache that day or the next day. Those who do not consume caffeine frequently may be more sensitive to caffeine. |
| Consumer Link 1-2 caffeinated drinks not linked with higher risk of migraines; 3+ may trigger them |
| Research Link The American Journal of Medicine, 2019; DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.02.015 |
| January 22, 2020 Vitamin D Supplementation in Children: Overweight and obese children frequently suffer from high blood pressure and poor glucose tolerance. A new study of 10 to 18 years old overweight and obese children found that supplementation with 1000 to 2000 IU of vitamin D per day for six months significantly lowered blood pressure and improved glucose tolerance. Although the changes were not large, the researchers considered them to be significant. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D supplementation linked to potential improvements in blood pressure in children |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 17 January 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 21, 2020 Iron Status Assessment: Serum ferritin often is used as a measure of iron status. An analysis of blood values from over 50,000 adults found that good overall iron-related blood values are associated with levels of ferritin higher than typically used for clinical standards. The study also indicates that serum ferritin standards should be set at higher levels for postmenopausal women and adult men. |
| Consumer Link Age and Sex May Affect Determination of Iron Deficiency in Adults |
| Research Link Am J Hematology. 17 Dec 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 20, 2020 Blood-Type Diet Debunked: Many people have claimed that diets designed for specific blood types improved their health. In a study of almost 1500 people, researchers at the University of Toronto found that three of the four "blood type diets" provided some specific health benefits. However, a person's blood type had nothing to do with these health benefits. This well-designed study debunks the blood type diet with some reasonable science. |
| Consumer Link Theory Behind Popular Blood-Type Diet Debunked |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 9(1): e84749. |
| January 19, 2020 Mortality and Sedentary Lifestyle: A study on 93,000 postmenopausal women found that greater sedentary time was linked to earlier mortality. |
| Consumer Link Don’t Just Sit There! Prolonged Sitting Linked to Early Mortality in Women |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2014 Feb;46(2):122-35. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.10.021. |
| January 18, 2020 B12 Testing: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem in older people and vegetarians. Probably the best current test for B12 status is a measurement of blood levels of methylmalonic acid. Its levels increase as B12 status declines. A rapid analysis technique will help to make the B12 assessment simpler and much quicker. |
| Consumer Link Improved Vitamin B12 Test May Help Young and Old Alike |
| Research Link J Chromatography B. 2011;879(19):1502-1506. |
| January 17, 2020 Green Tea and Beta Blockers: Green tea and green tea extracts are known to conflict with a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs. A recent study found that daily consumption of green tea significantly reduced the absorption of a common beta-blocker drug used for treatment of high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Green tea disease-fighting compounds may weaken blood pressure drugs |
| Research Link Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Apr;95(4):432-8. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2013.241. |
| January 16, 2020 New Obesity Treatment: Researchers report that silica particles with many nano-sized pores prevented obesity in a mouse model when the particles were mixed into the diet. Various forms of silica are used as food additives and are considered to be safe. Human trials are underway using this form of silica to see if it will prevent or treat obesity in humans. |
| Consumer Link Silica particles may lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes |
| Research Link Nanomedicine. 14 Jan 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 15, 2020 Increased Dairy Food in Mediteranean Diet: Mediterranean diet patterns often are somewhat limited in calcium. A study conducted in Australia found that adding additional dairy food servings to a Mediteranean diet pattern improved measures of cardiovascular health compared to a standard low fat diet. |
| Consumer Link Yes please to yogurt and cheese: The new improved Mediterranean diet |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(6):1166–1182. |
| January 14, 2020 Cooking Videos Can Influence Children's Food Choices: Research shows that children are more likely to choose the type of foods that they are familiar with. Children were more likely to choose healthy foods if they watched a healthy foods cooking video than if they have watched a cooking program with unhealthy foods. |
| Consumer Link Kids twice as likely to eat healthy after watching cooking shows with healthy food |
| Research Link ournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2019; DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.09.016 |
| January 13, 2020 Recess and Academic Performance: The trend for schools to cut back on recess to garner more time for academics is counterproductive. According to pediatric researchers, the physical activity and mental breaks provided by recess enhance a child's ability to mentally process information and concepts presented in the classroom. |
| Consumer Link Don't Cut School Recess, Pediatricians Say |
| Research Link Pediatrics Vol. 2013;131(1):183 -188. |
| January 12, 2020 Fructose-Triglyceride Relationship: A review of studies on the effect of fructose on blood triglyceride levels concludes that substituting fructose for other forms of carbohydrate in the diet does not affect triglyceride levels. Like other sugars and starch, adding fructose in excess of calorie needs does raise post-meal triglyceride blood levels - an apparent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Fructose Does Not Impact Emerging Indicator for Cardiovascular Disease, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Atherosclerosis. 2014;232(1):125 -133. |
| January 11, 2020 Zinc Associated with Lower Depression: A new study reports that depression is associated with lower blood levels of zinc. Good food sources of zinc include beef, crab, pork, and fortified breakfast cereals. |
| Consumer Link Depression Tied to Low Zinc Levels in Blood |
| Research Link Biological Psych. 20133;74(12):872-878. |
| January 10, 2020 Issues Related to Healthy Food Appearance: Research shows that when the appearance of an oat biscuit has a "healthy" surface texture, perceived tastiness is reduced. The study also found that perceived tastiness increases as a "healthy" appearance decreases. For many the perception of tastiness increases the likelihood of the biscuit being purchased. |
| Consumer Link Food textures affect perceptions of healthiness |
| Research Link Food Quality and Preference, 2020; 81: 103866 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2019.103866 |
| January 9, 2020 Food Intake Control: It is well known that there are specific brain structures that trigger hunger and others that promote satiety. New research has added another specific brain circuit that triggers or inhibits impulsivity. Better understanding of this promises to lead to ways to support impulse control when dieting for weight management. |
| Consumer Link Researchers discover brain circuit linked to food impulsivity |
| Research Link Nature Comm. 2019;10;4923. |
| January 8, 2020 Tomatoes for Tiny Spaces: Urban nutrition may benefit from research designed to benefit Mars exploration. Research is focused on genetically modifying foods that can be produced in smaller spaces and faster. A new gene-edited bunched cherry tomato can be ready for harvest in less than 40 days. The next step will be to check for nutrient adequacy. |
| Consumer Link A new tomato ideal for urban gardens and even outer space |
| Research Link Nature Biotechnology, 2019; DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0361-2 |
| January 7, 2020 Iron Status and Pregnancy: Iron deficiency and its serious health consequences are more common during pregnancy than many people realize. To increase awareness and provide assessment and treatment algorithms for maintaining iron status during pregnancy, researchers developed an educational toolkit for doctors and patients. Implementation of the toolkit was successful in helping obstetricians detect and treat iron deficiency in pregnancy. The toolkit is available with the journal article. |
| Consumer Link Study finds toolkit could improve detection and management of iron deficiency in pregnancy |
| Research Link PLOS Medicine. 2019;16(8):e1002867. |
| January 6, 2020 Vitamin E and Lung Function: Vitamin E comes in various forms such as alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol. A 20-year study of over 4500 adults found that those with higher blood levels of gamma-tocopherol were significantly more likely to have compromised lung function. Alpha tocopherol was associated with better lung function. Although this study does not prove a cause and effect relationship, it does suggest that including a variety of vegetable oils in the diet with an emphasis on those higher in alpha-tocopherol (like olive and sunflower oils) could be a good idea. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E in Canola and Other Oils Hurts Lungs |
| Research Link Resp Res. 2014;15:31. |
| January 5, 2020 Alcohol and DNA Damage: A small study of weekend drinking by 18 to 23 year-olds (consuming 6 to 8 drinks on the weekend) found that measures of oxidative damage to DNA were significantly greater in drinkers that non drinkers. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol leaves its mark on youngsters' DNA |
| Research Link Alcohol. 2013 Nov;47(7):501-4. |
| January 4, 2020 Beneficial Viruses: Research shows that there are viruses that infect specific types of bacteria and have no effect on people. Spraying foods with a solution containing a bacteriophage (a bacterial virus) is a relatively new way to kill bacteria like salmonella in a way that is non-toxic for humans. |
| Consumer Link FDA approves SALMONELEX™ against Salmonella as new food processing aid |
| Research Link Bacteriophage. 2013 Apr 1;3(2):e25518. |
| January 3, 2020 Caffeine and Body Fat: In rats fed a diet high in sugar and fat that promotes the gain of excess body fat, caffeine added to the diet reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation.The amount of caffeine consumed was comparable to about four cups of coffee for an adult human. Metabolically, rats handle fats quite differently compared to humans and it remains to be seen if caffeine has any similar effects in people. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine may offset some health risks of diets high in fat, sugar |
| Research Link J Funct Foods. January 2020. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 2, 2020 Iodine and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Many things may contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome. Research on 98 people with chronic fatigue syndrome found that they had significantly lower urinary iodine than healthy controls. This indicates a lower absorption of iodine (likely due to low iodine in the diet). Other research indicates that iodine levels in the American diet have declined during the last couple of decades. |
| Consumer Link Chronic fatigue syndrome possibly explained by lower levels of key thyroid hormones |
| Research Link Front. Endocrinol., 20 March 2018. |
| January 1, 2020 Should You Trust Supplement Research? If you are confused by reports on the value of vitamin supplements, you can blame flawed research designs according to a new study of past research on vitamin C. The authors point out many problems such as the failure to assess initial vitamin status of participants in supplementation studies |
| Consumer Link Most clinical studies on vitamins flawed by poor methodology |
| Research Link Nutrients 2013, 5(12), 5161-5192; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5125161 |
| December 30, 2019 Sodium and Health: A recent Institute of Medicine report states that excessive sodium intake can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but further indicated that present-day research does not support reducing daily sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams. Overly low sodium intake may worsen conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate sodium in diet also poses risk to health |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine. Sodium Intake in Populations (2013) |
| December 29, 2019 Two Sides of Cinnamon: The European Union has established limits on the amount of coumarin allowed in foods. This natural compound found in some types of cinnamon has been linked to liver damage in people sensitive to the substance. The most common cinnamon (cassia variety) can be high in coumarin. The less common and more expensive Ceylon cinnamon is low in coumarin. |
| Consumer Link Is this the end of the cinnamon roll? |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 May 8;61(18):4470-6. doi: 10.1021/jf4005862 |
| December 28, 2019 Benefits of Nuts During Pregnancy: In a study of over 8,000 women who did not have peanut or tree nut allergy, higher consumption of these nuts during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of peanut or tree nut allergy in their offspring. This study supports the hypothesis that early allergen exposure increases tolerance and lowers risk of childhood food allergy. |
| Consumer Link Eating nuts during pregnancy 'may curb allergies' |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(2):156-162. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4139 |
| December 27, 2019 Pregnancy Weight and Infant Survival: According to a study of over 150,000 pregnant women, inadequate weight gain during pregnancy puts infants at significantly increased risk of dying during infancy, especially infants of mothers who were under-weight at the start of pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate Pregnancy Weight Gain a Risk Factor for Infant Mortality |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2014 Feb;104 Suppl 1:S90-5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301425 |
| December 26, 2019 Chewing Gum and Headaches: A study of 30 teenagers (25 female) who were suffering from headaches, found that cessation of gum chewing caused significant improvement in 26 of the cases and complete resolution in 19. Those who later returned to chewing gum reported a recurrence of headaches. |
| Consumer Link How Chewing Gum Can Cause Headaches |
| Research Link Pediatr Neurol. 2014 Jan;50(1):69-72. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2013.08.015. |
| December 25, 2019 Fitness for Health: Quote from Santa: "Although I am big, I'm fit and healthy. Thanks to my daily exercise and Mrs. Claus's great cooking, I have high HDL levels, low triglycerides, and my blood glucose is perfect. After all, I train year-round for my annual Christmas Eve marathon." |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link BMJ 2009;339:b5261. |
| December 24, 2019 Magnesium and Heart Disease: A large study of over 150,000 women found that those with the lowest magnesium intake had the greatest risk of fatal coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. For adults over 30 years of age, 320 milligrams of magnesium per day is recommended for women and 420 mg for men. Foods rich in magnesium include spinach, most nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, and dairy products. |
| Consumer Link Could higher magnesium intake reduce fatal coronary heart disease risk in women? |
| Research Link J Women's Health. 12 Dec 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 22, 2019 Iron and Heart Health: About 30 years ago, it was proposed that iron contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Solid support for this theory has been mixed at best. A new study conducted at UCLA with a mouse model found no support for the theory. |
| Consumer Link UCLA study challenges long-held hypothesis that iron promotes atherosclerosis |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2013;5(5):1436-1442. |
| December 21, 2019 Coexistence of Malnutrition and Overweight: A new study finds that many low- and middle-income countries have malnutrition related to both inadequate food and excessive calorie intake. Complex changes in food supply and levels of physical activity appear to be the main things associated with this problem. Also, nutrient deficiencies often can coexist with excessive calorie intake. |
| Consumer Link More than 1 in 3 low- and middle-income countries face both extremes of malnutrition |
| Research Link The Lancet. 15 December 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 19, 2019 Blood Pressure and Medications: New blood pressure guidelines from an expert panel recommend not using blood pressure-lowering medications with adults aged 60 or older unless their blood pressure exceeds 150/90. Current guidelines from other groups recommend treatment when blood pressure exceeds 140/90. |
| Consumer Link New Blood Pressure Guidelines Raise the Bar for Taking Medications |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014;311(5):507-520. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.284427 |
| December 18, 2019 Food and Climate Change: In its latest report, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses concerns for serious challenges to meeting the world's food supply. Innovative agriculture and the development of new varieties of crops will be extremely important. Those living closer to the equator will face the greatest declines in food production. |
| Consumer Link We need genetic engineering to stave off climate change-induced global hunger |
| Research Link Climate Change and Land. 2019;Special Report. |
| December 17, 2019 Artificial Sweeteners and Blood Glucose: The artificial sweeteners sucralose (Splenda) and acesulfame potassium (Sunett or Sweet One) were tested in a well-controlled study to evaluate their effects on the body's response to consuming the sugar glucose. When beverages with these artificial sweeteners were consumed 10 minutes before drinking a glucose sweetened beverage, there was no effect on blood glucose or hormonal responses. |
| Consumer Link Gut reaction: Zero-calorie sweeteners produce same response as water. |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 vol. 36 no. 12 e202-e203. |
| December 16, 2019 Diet and Macular Degeneration: A new study found that a "Western pattern diet" may be a risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration. Although the study reports a weak association, it does point to the likely importance of a varied diet with adequate intake of essential nutrients, especially including the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils and other food components such as various phytochemicals commonly found in fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Poor diet linked to age-related macular degeneration |
| Research Link Br J Ophthal. 06 December 2019. |
| December 15, 2019 Dogs and Gut Microbes: Growing up with a dog in the family appears to be good for the human gut. Apparently, dogs help to keep a wider variety of friendly microorganisms in the household environment. This, in turn benefits the lower intestine and the immune system in ways that can even enhance lung health. |
| Consumer Link Research Shows How Household Dogs Protect Against Asthma and Infection |
| Research Link https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/12/110746/research-shows-how-household-dogs-protect-against-asthma-infection |
| December 14, 2019 Supplement Reality: The dietary supplement industry is big business and many people taking dietary supplements may not need them. However, it is difficult to conduct definitive studies with a shotgun approach to see if taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement for years will reduce health problems in people that may already be meeting their nutrient needs with an adequate diet. If someone's diet is deficient in a nutrient, taking an appropriate supplement can prevent or reverse serious health problems. |
| Consumer Link Medical journal: 'Case closed' against vitamin pills |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2013;159(12):850-851-851. |
| December 13, 2019 The Safety of Aspartame: The European Food Safety Authority completed the most extensive evaluation of aspartame safety to date. They concluded (again) that, ". . . Aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure." |
| Consumer Link EFSA completes full risk assessment on aspartame and concludes it is safe at current levels of exposure |
| Research Link EFSA Journal 2013;11(12):3496 [263 pp.]. |
| December 12, 2019 Fatty Acids in Milk: A study on fatty acid content of organic and conventionally produced milk found that organic milk had a better ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. However, milk is not considered to be a good source of these fatty acids. According to data in this publication, a one-cup serving of organic or conventional whole milk provides less than five percent of the recommended adequate intake for the key omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. |
| Consumer Link Organic whole milk provides best heart-health benefits, study says |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(12): e82429. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082429 |
| December 11, 2019 GERD and B12: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or heartburn, is caused by acid-laden stomach contents passing from the stomach up into the lower part of the esophagus. The acid can seriously damage the esophagus when the condition becomes chronic. Common treatments that reduce stomach acid to protect the esophagus impair vitamin B-12 absorption. This makes vitamin B-12 supplementation an essential component of treatment. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;310(22):2435-2442. |
| December 10, 2019 Golden Rice: A variety of transgenic golden rice may be grown soon in Bangladesh. The provitamin A content of this rice could greatly reduce child blindness and other health problems that are much too common there. |
| Consumer Link Golden rice finally on track for approval in Bangladesh, so what is the delay? |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Jul 17;67(28):7986-7994. |
| December 9, 2019 Protein Plays Role in Obesity and Diabetes: New research identified a specific protein that is high in fat cells, especially brown fat cells that have high calorie expenditure. This protein is needed for the proper handling of the iron-containing molecule heme inside of cells. This new understanding may open new approaches to treating obesity and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Little-known protein appears to play important role in obesity and metabolic disease |
| Research Link Nature. 2019;576:138–142. |
| December 8, 2019 Grape Seed Extract and Cancer: Grape seed extract has been shown to have anti-cancer activity, especially for prostate cancer. Grape seed extract is a complex mixture of chemicals, including a variety of polyphenols. New research has identified a specific polyphenol called B2G2 that appears to be the most active cancer-preventive compound in grape seed extract. |
| Consumer Link Active component of grape seed extract effective against cancer cells |
| Research Link Nutr Cancer. 2014;66(4):736-46. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2013.783602 |
| December 7, 2019 Energy Drinks and Alcohol = Double Trouble: A survey of 508 college students found that greater consumption of energy drinks was associated with increased alcohol consumption and negative consequences such as hangovers and getting into trouble. It is not known why this occurs, but it makes sense that caffeine use may increase awake drinking time. |
| Consumer Link Energy Drinks Plus Alcohol Pose a Public Health Threat |
| Research Link J Adolesc Health. 2014 Apr;54(4):454-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.09.013 |
| December 6, 2019 DHA and Brain Health: The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major component of brain tissues. A study of patients with mild Alzheimer's disease found that taking a supplement high in DHA for six months raised levels of DHA in the cerebral spinal fluid. This indicated increased DHA levels in the brain. There also were indications that disease progression was slowed. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 dietary supplements pass blood-brain barrier |
| Research Link Journal of Internal Medicine https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12166 |
| December 5, 2019 Coffee, Alcohol and Telomeres: A marker of aging is the shortening of telomeres - the ends of the strands of DNA in our chromosomes. Working with a type of yeast that shares some genetic similarities with humans, researchers found that caffeine caused the telomeres to shorten, while alcohol lengthened them. Since studies have found that most centenarians drink coffee, it is difficult to determine the significance of this study for people. |
| Consumer Link Coffee or beer? The choice could affect your genome |
| Research Link PLoS Genet. 2013;9(9):e1003721. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003721. Epub 2013 Sep 5. |
| December 4, 2019 Preventing Food Sensitivities: A new evaluation of current scientific evidence by the Canadian Paediatric Society indicates that maternal avoidance of milk, egg, peanut or other potential allergens during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of allergy in a baby at high risk for allergy due to family history. The report also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the infant's life and to not delay the introduction of any specific solid food beyond six months of age. Later introduction of foods like peanut, fish or egg does not prevent, and may even increase, the risk of developing food allergy. |
| Consumer Link No need to delay introduction of food allergens to high-risk babies, paediatricians advise |
| Research Link Canadian Paediatric Society Position Statement |
| December 2, 2019 Tattoos and Sweat: Some studies have indicated that skin sweat production is reduced in tattooed skin. However, a new study using exercise to induce sweat production found that tattoos have no effect on sweat production. |
| Consumer Link Do Your Tattoos Really Affect How Much You Sweat? |
| Research Link J Sci Med Sport. 2019 Nov;22(11):1249-1253. |
| December 1, 2019 Fiber and Gut Health: Adequate dietary fiber seems to help keep things moving through the intestinal tract. A new study indicates that this may be due, at least in part, to bacteria in the lower intestine that are thriving on the fiber. When the bacteria are short on this energy supply, they trigger the intestine to slow down its rate of transport. |
| Consumer Link Intestinal Bacteria Influence Food Transit Through the Gut |
| Research Link Cell Host Microbe. 2013 Nov 13;14(5):582-90. |
| November 30, 2019 Selenium and Immune Function: A study conducted in Africa found that HIV positive individuals significantly reduced the risk of immune decline and progression to AIDS when they took a multivitamin supplement with selenium in the early stages of HIV infection. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin, selenium supplements may delay onset of AIDS |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;310(20):2154-2163. |
| November 29, 2019 Iodine via Mom: Iodine is essential for a baby to develop normally. When dietary iodine is low, it appears to be better to give an iodine supplement to the mother than to the baby if the baby is being breastfed. The iodine is very efficiently transferred to the baby through mother's milk. |
| Consumer Link Breastfeeding provides babies with iodine |
| Research Link The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 22 November 2013. |
| November 28, 2019 Dietary Protein and Muscle: The gradual loss of lean muscle mass is a common observation In middle-aged and older men. Both adequate dietary protein and strength training (resistance) exercise help to maintain or build muscle mass. A recent study with 35 men around the age of 59 years found that consuming 6 ounces of moderately lean ground beef (providing 36 grams of protein) at a meal substantially increased muscle protein synthesis, especially when it followed a strength training workout. Other high-quality protein sources would likely have the same effect. |
| Consumer Link Beef up: Middle-aged men may need more to maintain muscle mass |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2013 Feb;38(2):120-5. |
| November 27, 2019 Diet and Hearing Loss: A study of over 3000 women found that those who consumed more healthful diets, based on three types of "healthy diets," were more likely to have less hearing loss during their later years of life than those who scored lower on these healthy eating scales. |
| Consumer Link Hear this: Healthful diet tied to lower risk of hearing loss |
| Research Link Amer J Epidem. 14 October 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 26, 2019 Hops and Metabolic Syndrome: Using a mouse model of metabolic syndrome, researchers found that adding key chemical components found in hops to the diet caused beneficial changes the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. This research helps to explain the improvements in obesity and metabolic syndrome previously reported in studies of these components. Without much more research, don't expect high hop IPA beers to benefit metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Hops compounds help with metabolic syndrome while reducing microbiome diversity |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2019 Nov 22:e1900789. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 25, 2019 Insects for Protein: Insects represent an energetically efficient and sustainable way to produce a high quality protein for human diets. Much of their energy efficiency is a result of being cold-blooded animals that don't use feed energy for maintaining body temperature. Insects are very likely to become a major source of protein as the human population continues to grow. |
| Consumer Link Here’s why insect protein could be the next whey powder |
| Research Link Agron. Sustain. Dev. 2017;37:43. |
| November 24, 2019 Nutrients and Gene Expression: When the body is deficient in an essential vitamin or mineral, it can influence gene expression and cause the level of specific proteins to decrease or increase. Scientists are using this concept to evaluate nutrient status by measuring the blood levels of specific proteins. This promises to provide a much quicker and less expensive way to evaluate vitamin and mineral status. |
| Consumer Link New testing strategy detects population-wide vitamin, mineral deficiencies |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Oct;143(10):1540-8. |
| November 23, 2019 A study published in the British Medical Journal indicated that eating two or more servings of oily fish a week could reduce the risk of stroke.Fish oil supplements did not have the same beneficial effect. |
| Consumer Link Couple of weekly portions of oily fish can help ward off stroke; But fish oil supplements don't have the same effect, study finds |
| Research Link BMJ. 2012 Oct 30;345:e6698. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e6698. |
| November 22, 2019 Vitamin D and Autism: A review of research concludes that children born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have behavioral problems like autism. Other research has connected iron deficiency with autism. Since iron is required for the activation of vitamin D, one or both of these nutrients may play a role in the development of autism. |
| Consumer Link Children born to mothers with low vitamin D levels may develop autism-like behaviors |
| Research Link J Endocrin. 2019;241:R65–R80. |
| November 21, 2019 Choline and Dementia: A study conducted on men in Finland found that those with a greater intake of choline in their diet retained better cognitive performance with age and were less likely to develop dementia. Their major dietary sources of choline were eggs and meat. |
| Consumer Link Dietary choline associates with reduced risk of dementia |
| Research Link Amer J Clin Nutr. July 30 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 20, 2019 Potassium and Artery Health: Very few Americans consume recommended levels of potassium. New research indicates that this could be directly involved with artery calcification (hardening of the arteries) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Foods high in potassium include vegetables and fruits, especially potatoes and bananas, as well as milk products. |
| Consumer Link A need for bananas? Dietary potassium regulates calcification of arteries |
| Research Link JCI Insight. 2017;2(19):e94920. |
| November 19, 2019 Gene Expression to Evaluate Nutrient Status: When the body is deficient in an essential vitamin or mineral, it can influence gene expression and cause the level of specific proteins to decrease or increase. Scientists are using this concept to evaluate nutrient status by measuring the blood levels of specific proteins. This promises to provide a much quicker and less expensive way to evaluate vitamin and mineral status. |
| Consumer Link New Testing Strategy Detects Population-Wide Vitamin, Mineral Deficiencies |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Oct;143(10):1540-8. |
| November 18, 2019 Intestine and Hunger: Conducting new research with a mouse model, researchers were able to show that nerves responding to intestinal stretch sensors have a very strong effect on reducing food consumption. Previous studies have identified similar neural feedback from the stomach, but the intestinal neural messages to the brain may be even stronger. |
| Consumer Link We know we're full because a stretched intestine tells us so |
| Research Link Cell. 2019;179(5):1129. |
| November 17, 2019 Probiotics and Depression: Certain types of gut bacteria produce chemicals that can affect brain function. Researchers are exploring the use of certain types of probiotic bacteria that may be used in cultured foods such as yogurt to treat conditions like depression. |
| Consumer Link Are Probiotics a Promising Treatment Strategy for Depression? |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Nov 15;74(10):720-6. |
| November 16, 2019 Tearless Onions: Researchers have developed what could be called a "happy onion." It has less of the eye-irritating protein that makes you tear-up over your chopped onions. It also contains a compound similar to one in garlic that is thought to enhance cardiovascular health. |
| Consumer Link 'Tearless' onions could help in fight against cardiovascular disease, weight gain |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Nov 6;61(44):10574-81. |
| November 15, 2019 Pesticides and Cardiovascular Disease: The conclusions of a new study linking occupational pesticide exposure to increased risk of cardiovascular disease are questioned and critiqued by a prominent epidemiologist. |
| Consumer Link Viewpoint: Critical flaws plague new study linking ‘heavy’ pesticide exposure to cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link J Amer Heart Assoc. 2019;8:e012569. |
| November 14, 2019 Vitamin D and Melanoma: New research with a mouse model, indicates that vitamin D plays a role in fighting melanoma. Although vitamin D is not a cure for this cancer, it appears to be important to make sure vitamin D status is good in those being treated for melanoma. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D dials down the aggression in melanoma cells |
| Research Link Cancer Res. November 5 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 13, 2019 Vitamin A and Skin Cancer: A study of over 100,000 adults followed for over 26 years found that those with greater amounts of vitamin A in their diets were less likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most-common type of skin cancer among people with fair skin. The study design can not establish a cause and effect relationship, but it does indicate that more carotenoids from colorful fruits and vegetables and total dietary vitamin A may help to prevent some skin cancers. |
| Consumer Link Higher vitamin A intake linked to lower skin cancer risk |
| Research Link JAMA Dermatol. July 31, 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 12, 2019 Protein Deficiency and Brain Function: A detailed study on protein deficiency (using a rat model) found that protein deficiency not only impaired growth, but brain function as well. A chronic protein deficiency impaired learning, memory and cognitive function. The results of the study, conducted by researchers in India, supported observations of the impact of protein deficiency on malnourished children in India. |
| Consumer Link Deficiency of protein linked to learning issues |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Oct 3;8(10):e76556. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076556. eCollection 2013. |
| November 11, 2019 Reducing Stroke Risk: Supplementation with three B vitamins (folate, B-6, and B-12) can help to reduce blood levels of a cardiovascular disease risk factor known as homocysteine. A review of 14 studies found that supplementation with these vitamins reduced the statistical risk of having a stroke by about seven percent. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamin B Supplements Help Stave Off Stroke? |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Oct 8;81(15):1298-307. |
| November 10, 2019 Canola Pressings and Protein: Rapeseed is the source of Canola oil. Generally, the seed components remaining after oil pressing are used in animal feeds. New methods of processing these pressings are producing protein isolates that may soon show up in human foods as well. |
| Consumer Link Soy Protein Can Be Replaced by Rapeseed Protein |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2013 Aug;32(4):519-26. |
| November 9, 2019 Does "Healthy" Drives Portion Size? Research shows that adults have a tendency to think that healthful food is lower in calories and in turn they will typically eat more. "Healthy" foods are not always lower in calories. |
| Consumer Link People choose larger portions of ‘healthy' foods |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2014 Jan;38(1):106-12. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2013.69. Epub 2013 May 7. |
| November 8, 2019 Iron in Pregnancy: During and after pregnancy, adequate iron status is extremely important for the health of both mother and baby. Researchers and clinicians working together developed a systematic approach (IRON MOM) to managing the iron status of women during and after pregnancy. Among other guidelines, the toolkit recommends iron supplementation if a woman's serum ferritin is below 50 ng/ml. |
| Consumer Link Toolkit could improve detection and management of iron deficiency in pregnancy |
| Research Link PLOS Medicine. 2019;16(8):e1002867. |
| November 7, 2019 Benefits of Early Food Handling: Involving children in food preparation not only prepares them for life, it also increases their awareness of foods and how to eat a more varied diet. |
| Consumer Link Kids Who Cook Are Hungrier for Healthy Food Choices |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2013 Jan;16(1):108-12. |
| November 6, 2019 Diabetes and Low-Carb Diet: When diabetics in group counseling received guidance on weight management with a low-carb diet, they experienced healthful weight loss, a substantial decrease in episodes of low blood glucose, and a decreased use of diabetes medications. |
| Consumer Link Low-Carb Diet Coaching Boosts Health for People with Diabetes |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. November 04, 2019. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| November 5, 2019 Organic Farming: It is a common assumption that organic farming can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the prevention of climate change. However, when scientists look at the tradeoffs on crop yields, etc., they find that the overall impact of switching completely to organic farming would actually increase greenhouse gas production. |
| Consumer Link 100% organic farming would boost emissions |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2019;10:4641. |
| November 4, 2019 Sleep and Weight: Inadequate sleep has been linked with weight gain. A new study found that specific brain centers are affected by sleep deprivation in ways that increase the desire to consume more high-calorie foods that are capable of triggering weight-gain. |
| Consumer Link Sleep deprivation linked to junk food cravings |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2013;4:2259. doi: 10.1038/ncomms3259. |
| November 3, 2019 B Vitamins and Heart Health: Supplementation with three B vitamins (folate, B-6, and B-12) can help to reduce blood levels of a cardiovascular disease risk factor known as homocysteine. A review of 14 studies found that supplementation with these vitamins reduced the statistical risk of having a stroke by about seven percent. |
| Consumer Link Can vitamin B supplements help stave off stroke? |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Oct 8;81(15):1298-307. |
| November 2, 2019 DHA and Learning: For quite some time, it has been popular to refer to fish as "brain food." There is scientific support for this belief, since the fish oil component called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a major component of brain tissues. A study of 493 schoolchildren, aged 7-9 years, found that children with the lowest blood levels of DHA were more likely to have reading, cognition, and behavioral problems. |
| Consumer Link Low Omega-3 Could Explain Why Some Children Struggle With Reading |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Jun 24;8(6):e66697 |
| November 1, 2019 Soy and Testosterone:During and after high intensity strength exercise, blood testosterone levels generally increase in men. A recent study found that two weeks of supplementation with soy protein isolate reduced this testosterone increase in comparison to the response following supplementation with whey protein isolate. |
| Consumer Link Effects of soy, whey protein supplementation post-exercise |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(1):66-74. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2013.770648. |
| October 31, 2019 Vitamin C and Sepsis: Sepsis is a bodywide inflammation that develops as a serious complication in a variety of medical conditions. A new study found that treating sepsis with intravenous vitamin C significantly reduced the time patients spent in the hospital. |
| Consumer Link New VCU study links vitamin C therapy to better survival rates after sepsis |
| Research Link JAMA. 2019;322(13):1261. |
| October 30, 2019 Alcohol and Stroke: Studies have found that the risk of coronary heart disease decreases with increasing alcohol consumption. However, when alcohol consumption exceeds moderate intake levels, the risk increases for other health problems such as strokes and various types of cancer |
| Consumer Link Excessive Alcohol Consumption Increases Progression of Atherosclerosis, Risk of Stroke |
| Research Link Acta Neurol Scand. 2013 Mar;127(3):186-91. |
| October 29, 2019 Microproteins: Most proteins in the human body are made up of about 300 amino acid components. However, researchers are finding that we have genes coding for much smaller proteins that they are calling microproteins. These microproteins appear to be very important to cell function and may provide clues to processes involved in diseases and aging. |
| Consumer Link Microprotein Could Point to New Therapeutic Targets for Diverse Human Diseases |
| Research Link Nature Communications. 2019;10:4883. |
| October 28, 2019 Iron Deficiency and Supplementation: For the treatment of iron deficiency with dietary supplements, some research suggests that taking iron supplements every other day may result in better absorption of iron and be a better way to treat iron deficiency than taking iron every day or multiple times a day. |
| Consumer Link Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Iron Deficiency Anemia |
| Research Link Lancet Haematology. 2017;4(11):E524-E533. |
| October 27, 2019 Solid Food Timing: A study of over 1800 children found that risk of developing type 1 diabetes was reduced when solid foods were introduced to infants between 4 and 5 months of age along with continued breast-feeding. Introducing foods both before 4 months and after 6 months were associated with increased risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that body iron stores typically run low at 4 to 6 months of age in breast-fed infants and solid foods or supplements that provide iron can be important for optimal infant health. |
| Consumer Link Solid Food Timing for Babies Tied to Diabetes Risk |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Sep 1;167(9):808-15. |
| October 26, 2019 Vitamin D and Iron: A research study concludes that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of anemia in children. This may be due to low iron status causing both the anemia and the low vitamin D status because activation of vitamin D in the liver is dependent on an adequate supply of iron. |
| Consumer Link Low Vitamin D Levels Raise Anemia Risk in Children |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2014 Jan;164(1):153-158.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.08.060. Epub 2013 Oct 8. |
| October 25, 2019 Ceffeine and Liver Health: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is most common in those with obesity and diabetes. Adequate protein and choline intake can help reduce the fat accumulation in the liver. New research also indicates that caffeine helps to mobilize fat from the liver and benefit the treatment of NAFLD. |
| Consumer Link Coffee and tea may contribute to a healthy liver |
| Research Link Hepatology. 2014 Apr;59(4):1366-80. doi: 10.1002/hep.26667. Epub 2014 Feb 18. |
| October 24, 2019 Vitamin C and Metabolic Syndrome: Research on people with metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels) indicates that meeting vitamin C needs is especially important. Due to increased oxidative stress related to metabolic syndrome, vitamin C requirements may be greater for those with the condition. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C to the Rescue |
| Research Link Redox Biol. 2019 Feb;21:101091. |
| October 23, 2019 Herbal Issues: According to a new study using DNA barcoding to identify herbal ingredients, when it comes to herbal products available in the U.S. and Canada, you have about a 50/50 chance of getting what is on the product label. About 60 percent of the products tested had labels that were incorrect and some products had none of the labeled herb in the product. |
| Consumer Link Analysis of Herbal Products Shows Contamination Is Common |
| Research Link BMC Medicine, October 2013. Article number: 222. |
| October 22, 2019 Picky Eating in Children: New research on picky eating in children (4 to 11 years of age) found that training parents in ways to encourage eating a variety of foods may be more effective than programs that work directly with the children. |
| Consumer Link Training parents is key to helping children eat a variety of foods |
| Research Link Cogn Behav Pract. 2019;26(3):492-505. |
| October 21, 2019 Eating to Maintain Normal Weight: A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity. |
| Consumer Link Five regular meals a day reduce obesity risk among adolescents |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Sep 10;8(9):e73802. |
| October 20, 2019 Dietary Cholesterol and Blood Cholesterol: Research conducted nearly 50 years ago made it clear that the effect of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol is so small that it is almost immeasurable. This is the case in adolescents as well. |
| Consumer Link Eating eggs is not linked to high cholesterol in adolescents, study suggests |
| Research Link Nutr Hosp. 2013 May-Jun;28(3):868-77. doi: 10.3305/nh.2013.28.3.6392. |
| October 19, 2019 Salt and Health: There is a new wrinkle in the relationship between salt and health. A new study found that lower levels of blood chloride (as in sodium chloride or salt) are associated with increased mortality. Why this might be the case raises some interesting questions that require more research. |
| Consumer Link Yin-yang effect of sodium and chloride presents salt conundrum |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2013 Nov;62(5):836-43. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.01793 |
| October 18, 2019 Vegetarian Diets and Companion Pets: Based on the anatomy, physiology and nutritional requirements of dogs and cats, there is no evidence that vegetarian diets have health benefits for these species. Diets must have adequate essential nutrients to maintain health. |
| Consumer Link Why you should stop pushing your vegan diet on your pet |
| Research Link veterinarypracticenews.com June 24, 2019 |
| October 17, 2019 Exercise and Cancer: A new review of the role of exercise in cancer recovery concludes, ". . . specific doses of aerobic, combined aerobic plus resistance training, and/or resistance training could improve common cancer-related health outcomes, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life." Regular physical activity also is associated with a reduced risk of developing many types of cancer. So, "Keep on truckin." |
| Consumer Link New international exercise guidelines for cancer survivors |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exer. 2019;51(11):2375–2390. |
| October 16, 2019 Exercise in Older Adults: A new study of over 700 older adults with cardiovascular disease found that exercise, as a component of cardiac rehabilitation, benefits all ages - even those over 80 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Regular exercise is good for your heart, no matter how old you are! |
| Research Link Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Volume 35, Issue 10, 1353 - 1358. |
| October 15, 2019 HDL -Benefits and Risks: High levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the "good cholesterol," are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL, however, are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and to enhanced cancer aggressiveness. This HDL link with breast cancer is providing insights into understanding breast cancer development and new treatment targets. |
| Consumer Link Does Good Cholesterol Increase Breast Cancer Risk? |
| Research Link Breast Cancer Res. 2013;15(5):R87. |
| October 14, 2019 Vitamin D Supplementation: A study of vitamin D supplementation evaluated three groups of older women between 50 and 70 years of age. One group took the recommended daily dose of 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day for a year. Another group took 2,000 IU per day and the third took 4,000. They found that memory and learning improved in the group that took 2,000 IU per day, but not in the group that took the higher dosage. However, measures of reaction time were the best in women taking 600 IU per day. Clearly, additional research is needed to evaluate optimal levels of intake. |
| Consumer Link More Vitamin D May Improve Memory but Too Much May Slow Reaction Time |
| Research Link J Gerontology. 2019;Series A, glz041. |
| October 13, 2019 A study found that lower levels of blood chloride (as in sodium chloride or salt) are associated with increased mortality. Why this might be the case raises some interesting questions that require more research. |
| Consumer Link Yin-yang effect of sodium and chloride presents salt conundrum |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2013 Nov;62(5):836-43. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.01793. |
| October 12, 2019 Benefits of Salad Dressing: Since a salad smothered in a rich salad dressing can be a high calorie meal, calorie-conscious people may opt for low fat or fat-free dressings. However, many of the beneficial colorful carotenoids in vegetables are poorly absorbed when they are consumed without a source of fat or oil in the meal. About a tablespoon and a half of canola oil (180 calories) added to a salad was found to be effective at promoting carotenoid absorption. |
| Consumer Link Study: No-fat, low-fat dressings don't get most nutrients out of salads |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Jun;56(6):866-77. |
| October 11, 2019 Vitamin K and Mobility: A new study reports that people in their 70s with low vitamin K status are much more likely to have mobility limitations. It is not clear what the mechanism may be. The main dietary source of vitamin K is green vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin K levels linked to mobility limitation and disability in older adults |
| Research Link J Gerontology. Series A, glz108. |
| October 10, 2019 Potatoes: Some studies have indicated that potatoes have a high glycemic index and others found a low glycemic index. It appears to depend on the type of potato, how it is cooked, what it is eaten with, and individual variability which is quite substantial. As a starchy staple food, potatoes are very high in potassium, an essential nutrient that is consumed below recommended levels by almost everyone. |
| Consumer Link Why Potatoes Are Actually Good for You |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;104(4):1004–1013. |
| October 9, 2019 Polyphenols and Longevity: A variety of polyphenol compounds found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, etc. have been proposed to benefit health and promote longevity. A 12-year study conducted in Italy found that people with the greatest amount of polyphenols in their daily urine were significantly more likely to live longer. This is a more reliable estimate of polyphenol intake than the dietary questionnaires commonly used in other studies. |
| Consumer Link New research suggests that high dietary intake of polyphenols are associated with longevity |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Sep;143(9):1445-50. |
| October 8, 2019 Hip and Thigh Fat and Disease Risk: It has long been thought that excess abdominal fat puts one at greater risk of cardiovascular disease than fat in the hips and thighs. New research questions this assumption, finding that gluteal fat in the hips and thighs also affects factors that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Study Deflates Notion That Pear-Shaped Bodies More Healthy Than Apples: Abnormal Proteins from Buttock Fat Linked to Metabolic Syndrome |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Mar;98(3):E514-7. |
| October 7, 2019 Alcohol and Conception: New research indicates that due to increased risk of congenital heart diseases in infants, both women and men should avoid alcohol consumption while attempting to conceive. Of course, women need to avoid alcohol during pregnancy as well. |
| Consumer Link Fathers-to-be should avoid alcohol six months before conception |
| Research Link Eur J Prev Card. October 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 6, 2019 Zinc and Brain Health: Basic research on the effects of zinc deficiency in yeast cells shows that certain proteins fold abnormally which disrupts their normal function. This abnormal protein folding is similar to what is observed in some age-related brain diseases in humans. Understanding this process in yeast cells may lead to research in human cells to see if zinc is involved in brain disease. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Discovery May Shed Light On Parkinson's, Alzheimer's |
| Research Link J Biol Chem. 2013 Oct 25;288(43):31313-27 |
| October 5, 2019 ADHD and Breastfeeding: A study reported that children who developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were less likely to have been breastfed for their first three to six months of life. It is not known why breastfeeding appears to have a protective effect. |
| Consumer Link Breastfed Children Are Less Likely to Develop ADHD Later in Life, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Breastfeed Med. 2013;8(4):363-7. |
| October 4, 2019 Seafood and Brain Development: A study conducted in Spain found that women who consumed more seafood during pregnancy were more likely at 8 years of age to have better measures of paying attention. Although this study design cannot establish a cause and effect relationship, it makes biological sense because the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood are major components of the brain. |
| Consumer Link Seafood consumption during pregnancy may improve attention capacity in children |
| Research Link Int J Epidem. 02 October 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 3, 2019 Feeding the World: The starchy root of the cassava plant (source of tapioca) serves as the major staple food for many people around the world. Researchers recently determined that, in addition to the starch in the tuberous root of the plant, the stems of the plant contain rather high amounts of starch. Techniques to utilize the plant stems for food and bioenergy production are under development. |
| Consumer Link Free newsletter News Sectors Trends Resources Events Search Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Wasted cassava stem starch could help feed 30 million |
| Research Link GBC Bioenergy Sept 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12112 |
| October 2, 2019 Risk Assessment of Red and Processed Meats: Based on four systematic reviews, an international group of researchers published new guidelines that reducing consumption of red and processed meat from current levels does not significantly reduce disease risks. These types of recommendations are always complicated by statistical significance perspectives and they rarely, if ever, consider key essential nutrients in these foods - such as iron, zinc, and choline - that are difficult to obtain from other food sources. |
| Consumer Link No need to cut down red and processed meat, controversial findings suggest |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 1 October 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 1, 2019 Exercise and Cardiovacular Health: A large review of over 300 randomized controlled trials that involved more than 300,000 participants with cardiovascular disease found that exercise treatments were generally as effective as drug treatments for reducing mortality. For stroke patients, exercise was significantly more effective than drugs. |
| Consumer Link Exercise 'can be as good as pills' |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;347:f5577. |
| September 30, 2019 Choline and Alzheimer Disease: Although the body synthesizes choline, additional choline is needed from the diet. New research with mice genetically susceptible to developing Alzheimer disease found that increased intake of choline reduced the development of the Alzheimer disease. Egg yolks are one of the richest food sources of choline. |
| Consumer Link Common nutrient supplementation may hold the answers to combating Alzheimer's disease |
| Research Link Aging Cell, 27 September 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 29, 2019 Fish and Mercury Safety: A study of over 4000 women found that seafood was a relatively minor contributor to mercury accumulation in the body. These results suggest that advice to limit eating fish during pregnancy may need to be revisited. |
| Consumer Link Fears over fish mercury 'unfounded' |
| Research Link Environmental Health Perspectives Vol. 121, No. 10 Oct 2013 |
| September 28, 2019 DHA and Brain Health: The long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA (commonly found in fish oils and some types of algae oil) is a major component of the brain. A study with 7 to 9 year old children with reading and behavior problems found that 16 weeks of DHA supplementation improved both reading and behavior. |
| Consumer Link Low omega-3 could explain why some children struggle with reading |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e43909. |
| September 27, 2019 Sugar and Obesity: The early Dietary Guidelines promoted primarily reducing dietary fat and the concept that low fat foods are "healthy." Newer research, indicates that past U.S. sugar consumption is at least sufficient to explain adult obesity change in the past 30 years. |
| Consumer Link Today's obesity epidemic may have been caused by childhood sugar intake decades ago. |
| Research Link Econ Human Biol. 17 September 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 26, 2019 Vitamin D Needed in Appropriate Amounts: Adequate dietary calcium is very important to bone health. Vitamin D also plays an important role, but increasing vitamin D intake above recommended levels had less impact than calcium intake on hormonal factors benefiting bone. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D alone does little to protect bone health in postmenopausal women |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Nov;98(11):E1702-9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-2121. Epub 2013 Sep 24. |
| September 25, 2019 Mouth Problems and Nutrient Deficiencies: Changes in the appearance of the tongue and inside of the mouth can be clues of nutrient deficiencies. An ongoing deficient intake of some B vitamins, vitamin C, or iron can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Oral and facial signs offer clues to vitamin deficiency |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113:693-701. |
| September 24, 2019 Microbiome and Alcohol: It is well known that some bacteria in the lower intestine produce alcohol that we can absorb. New research found that this alcohol production can be significantly greater in some people who have high amounts of a particular microorganism (Klebsiella pneumoniae) in their intestinal microbiome. Having large amounts of this bacteria in the colon also appears to increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol-producing gut bacteria could cause liver damage even in people who don't drink |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 19 September 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 23, 2019 Cancer and Nutrition: Many cancer cells that develop in the body are essentially digested and do not progress to tumors. New understanding of the mechanisms involved in this process may lead to new ways to prevent and treat cancer. |
| Consumer Link Forcing Cancer to Digest Itself |
| Research Link Sci Transl Med. 2013;(5):202ra123. |
| September 22, 2019 Meal Frequency and Weight: A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity. |
| Consumer Link Five regular meals a day reduce obesity risk among adolescents |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Sep 10;8(9):e73802. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073802 |
| September 21, 2019 Dietary Cholesterol - Not the Villain: Research conducted over 50 years ago made it clear that the effect of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol is so small that it is almost immeasurable. Another study found that this was the case in adolescents as well. |
| Consumer Link Eating Eggs Is Not Linked to High Cholesterol in Adolescents, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Nutr Hosp. 2013 May-Jun;28(3):868-77. doi: 10.3305/nh.2013.28.3.6392. |
| September 20, 2019 Iron and Brain Development: Analysis of data from over 300,000 mothers found that iron deficiency anemia diagnosed prior to 30 weeks of pregnancy was associated with increased risk of the offspring having autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability. Assessment of iron status early in pregnancy is recommended by the authors. |
| Consumer Link Early maternal anemia tied to intellectual disability, ADHD and autism |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. 18 Sept 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 19, 2019 Fructose for Glycogen Storage: For exercise training that relies on glycogen storage, it can be important to know that maximizing glycogen storage in the liver works best when sources of both glucose and fructose are consumed. |
| Consumer Link The sweet taste of success: Fructose for recovery in multi-stage races |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Ex Metab. 2019;29(2):117-129. |
| September 18, 2019 Nutrition and Child Development: A systematic review of the research literature on the effect of nutritional interventions with and without caregiving programs that provide a nurturing and mentally stimulating environment was conducted. Nutrition interventions alone improved measures of growth and resulted in small improvements in mental development. The addition of nurturing and mentally stimulating interventions significantly enhanced mental development. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Programs Alone Aren’t Enough to Support Healthy Brain Development |
| Research Link The Lancet Global Health. 2019;7(10):PE1398-E1413. |
| September 17, 2019 Understanding Cancer: Many cancer cells that develop in the body are essentially digested and do not progress to tumors. New understanding of the mechanisms involved in this process may lead to new ways to prevent and treat cancer. |
| Consumer Link Forcing cancer to digest itself |
| Research Link Sci Transl Med. 2013;(5):202ra123. |
| September 16, 2019 Carbonation and Sence of Taste: MRI brain scanning indicates that carbonation of a beverage makes it more difficult for the brain to sense the difference between sugar and a mixture of the non-caloric sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame. Carbonation also appears to blunt the sensation of high levels of sugar in a beverage, making it easy to consume potentially excessive amounts of sugar. |
| Consumer Link Carbonation alters the mind's perception of sweetness |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2013 Sep;145(3):537-539.e3. |
| September 15, 2019 Weight and Your Gut Bacteria: An innovative study explored the effect of lower intestinal bacteria on obesity by studying human female twins in which one was thin and the other obese. When the bacterial cultures from the twins' lower intestines were transplanted into bacteria-free mice, the mice who received bacteria from obese twins became heavier than those getting bacteria from the lean twins. |
| Consumer Link Can Gut Bugs Make You Fat? Or Skinny? |
| Research Link Science. 2013;341:1241214 |
| September 14, 2019 DHA and Brain Development: The long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA (commonly found in fish oils and some types of algae oil) is a major component of the brain. A study with 7 to 9 year old children with reading and behavior problems found that 16 weeks of DHA supplementation improved both reading and behavior. |
| Consumer Link Low omega-3 could explain why some children struggle with reading |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e43909. |
| September 13, 2019 Gluten in "Gluten-Free" Foods: Using a sensitive gluten detection device, over 800 users made 5,624 tests of restaurant foods labeled gluten-free during an 18-month period at locations across the United States. Gluten was detected in 32% of foods labeled gluten-free. Gluten-free labeled pizza had detectable gluten in 53% of the products. The device is sensitive to gluten concentrations below the 20 parts per million concentration used to consider a food to be gluten-free, so the study results may somewhat over-estimate the risk to people with celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Study Measures Gluten in Gluten-Free Labeled Restaurant Food |
| Research Link Am J Gastroent. 2019;114(5):792–797. |
| September 12, 2019 Vegetarian Diets and Cardiovascular Risks: A study that followed over 48,000 adults for about 18 years, found that those consuming vegetarian and vegan diets had a lower risk of heart attacks and a greater risk of strokes caused by blockage of blood vessels or bleeding into the brain. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarian heart health: Study identifies benefits and risks |
| Research Link BMJ 2019. 04 September. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 11, 2019 Fat Gain with Aging: Fat cells store fat and mobilize it upon demand. New research found that as people age, fat cells are less efficient at mobilizing fat. This leads to increased fat storage. Staying physically active with age is one way to counter this tendency. |
| Consumer Link New study shows why people gain weight as they get older |
| Research Link Nature Medicine 2019;25:1385–1389. |
| September 10, 2019 Food insecurity and Child Health: The term "food insecurity" refers to conditions under which individuals or families do not have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. A large study found that children in food-insecure households, compared to those in food-secure households, had 19% higher rates of asthma diagnosis and 28% higher rates of depressive symptoms among other problems. |
| Consumer Link Negative impacts of food insecurity on children's health |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2019;144(4)::e20190397. |
| September 9, 2019 Red Meat and Depression: A study of over 1000 adult women in Australia found that normal red meat consumption was associated with decreased incidence of depression and anxiety disorders. It is known that iron deficiency can cause depression and/or anxiety. Perhaps that's the nutrient link here. |
| Consumer Link Red meat halves risk of depression |
| Research Link Psychother Psychosom 2012;81:196–198. |
| September 8, 2019 ADHD and Eating Disorder Treatment: A study of 191 female patients with eating disorders found that those with higher levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to be impulsive and have binge and purge disorders. In these individuals, treating ADHD may be an important component of treating their eating disorder. |
| Consumer Link Adults with eating disorders have a poorer prognosis if they suffer hyperactivity |
| Research Link BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Jun 11;13:166. doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-166. |
| September 7, 2019 Exercise-induced Asthma and Vitamin C: A condition called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (previously called exercise-induced asthma) is a narrowing of the bronchial airways to the lungs that occurs in 10 to 50 percent of athletes, depending on the sport and environmental conditions. A review of three studies concludes that taking 500 to 2000 mg of vitamin C before exercise significantly reduces broncho-constriction and symptoms in those who suffer from this condition. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C May Be Beneficial Against Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction |
| Research Link BMJ Open. 2013 Jun 20;3(6). pii: e002416. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002416. |
| September 6, 2019 Red Wine and Gut Microbiome: A study of 916 female twins in the United Kingdom reported that red wine drinkers had a more diverse lower intestinal microbial population (better for health) compared to non-red wine drinkers. Researchers think this is due to the high polyphenol levels in red wine, but they did not compare red wine to red grape juice. |
| Consumer Link Red wine benefits linked to better gut health, study finds |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2019 Aug 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 5, 2019 Nutrition and Height: From 1875 to 1975, the height of the average adult male in Britain increased by almost 5 inches. Improved nutrition and a reduced prevalence of childhood diseases likely were contributing factors in this change. |
| Consumer Link Men's average height 'up 11cm since 1870s' |
| Research Link Oxford Economic Papers. Aug 29, 2013. |
| September 4, 2019 Fibromyalgia and Alcohol: Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood condition that causes chronic pain. Treatment typically focuses on pain management and lifestyle changes. A new study found that fibromyalgia sufferers who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol have significantly lower fibromyalgia symptoms and better QOL compared those who consume no alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life |
| Research Link Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Mar 15;15(2):R42. doi: 10.1186/ar4200. |
| September 3, 2019 Milk Consumption and Genetic Adaptation: The enzyme lactase is necessary for the digestion of lactose, the sugar in mother's milk. Research now shows that before animal husbandry, the production of lactase stopped shortly after weaning. Early dairy practices generally made cheeses and fermented yogurts that have little or no lactose. The persistence of lactase production into adulthood in those who commonly consumed milk is an example of a genetic adaptation. |
| Consumer Link Spread of farming and origin of lactase persistence in Neolithic Age |
| Research Link Nature. 2013;500:20–22. |
| September 2, 2019 Weight Loss and Protein Needs: Many studies have shown that it is difficult to achieve weight loss without losing a significant amount of lean mass - mostly loss of muscle tissue. A new study indicates that consuming twice the recommended level of protein during calorie restriction helps to maximize fat loss and minimize the loss of lean tissues. Increasing protein intake to three times the RDA did not confer any additional benefit. |
| Consumer Link Doubling the Daily Allowance of Protein Intake With Diet and Exercise Protects Muscle Loss |
| Research Link The FASEB J. 2013;27(9):3837-3847. |
| September 1, 2019 Sweet Tooth and Your Genes: Have you ever been surprised that someone else likes the taste of a particular sweetener that tastes bitter or metallic to you? It turns out that minor differences in specific genes can have a major impact on how we sense substances like artificial sweeteners. This is why the big soda companies typically offer a variety of sweetener options in their diet sodas. |
| Consumer Link Multiple genes manage how people taste sweeteners |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2013 Jun;38(5):379-89. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjt017. Epub 2013 Apr 18. |
| August 31, 2019 Fruit-eating Carnivores? Although crocodiles are highly carnivorous, it turns out that they do venture into plant foods at times. These reptiles may even play an important role in the dispersal of the seeds of some fruits. |
| Consumer Link Crocodile Confession: Meat-Eating Predators Occasionally Eat Fruit |
| Research Link J Zoology. 16 JUL 2013. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12052 |
| August 30, 2019 Plant-based Diets and Choline: Researchers studying the essential nutrient choline are concerned that many people already do not meet recommended intakes and the trend toward plant-based diets will make choline intake even lower. Choline has many functions in the body that are especially important for normal brain and liver function. |
| Consumer Link Vegans could be lacking crucial nutrient for brain health, warns expert |
| Research Link BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. August 29 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 29, 2019 Tomatoes and Blood Pressure: A study comparing a complex of phytonutrients extracted from tomatoes to lycopene (also from tomatoes), found that the complex helped to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, lycopene, by itself, did not. |
| Consumer Link Tomato nutrient complex beats synthetic lycopene for blood pressure benefits: Lycored study |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2019;11(5):950. |
| August 28, 2019 Insects and Antioxidants: An extensive new study measured the antioxidant levels of many edible insects. Like plants, the antioxidant levels vary from species to species. However, many insects are high in antioxidant compounds. |
| Consumer Link Meet the six-legged superfoods: Grasshoppers top insect antioxidant-rich list |
| Research Link Front Nutr. 15 July 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 27, 2019 Manganese and Parkinson's: Manganese is an essential nutrient for the human body. However, too much manganese exposure is known to cause changes in the brain that lead to Parkinson's disease-like symptoms. It is not entirely clear how much manganese is excessive. Complicating things is the observation that low iron status results in increased manganese absorption by the small intestine. Foods high in manganese include many whole grains, nuts, and legumes. |
| Consumer Link Metal exposure and Parkinson's symptoms: Link explored |
| Research Link Science Signaling. 2019;12(572):eaau4543. |
| August 26, 2019 Low Nutrient Status and Frailty: Using standardized measures of frailty in over 4068 adults over 50 years of age, researchers found that low micronutrient status was associated with frailty. The specific nutrients studied were folate, vitamins B12 and D, and the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin. Maintaining an adequate intake of these and other nutrients with an adequate diet or use of supplements can prevent, or at least delay, frailty in older adults. |
| Consumer Link Lower levels of dietary vitamins and antioxidants are linked to frailty in older adults |
| Research Link J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2019 Aug 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 25, 2019 Diabetes and Intestinal Sweet Tooth: It appears that type 2 diabetes is not just a disorder of the pancreas and insulin function. Intestinal function also plays a role. Interestingly, sweet taste receptors in the intestine detect glucose and trigger a response that accelerates glucose absorption in diabetics more that healthy non-diabetics. |
| Consumer Link Gut taste mechanisms are abnormal in diabetes sufferers |
| Research Link Diabetes. 2013 Oct;62(10):3532-41. doi: 10.2337/db13-0581. |
| August 24, 2019 Pancreatic Cancer and Foods: Pancreatic cancer is very aggressive and deadly. New research on pancreatic cancer cells indicates that a flavonoid called apigenin, that is found in foods such as celery, artichokes, and Mexican oregano, is likely to help prevent pancreatic cancer and may enhance treatment of the cancer when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. |
| Consumer Link Celery, artichokes contain flavonoids that kill human pancreatic cancer cells |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 Oct;60:83-91. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.07.036. |
| August 23, 2019 Psychotic Medication and Diabetes: A study of more than 28,000 children and youth between 6 and 24 years of age recently initiating the use of an anti-psychotic medication had a 3-fold greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to about 14,000 matched controls not taking these drugs for the same conditions. This risk was elevated within the first year of anti-psychotic drug use and increased with longer use. |
| Consumer Link Antipsychotic Drugs May Triple Kids' Diabetes Risk |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(10):1067-1075. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.2053 |
| August 22, 2019 Brown Fat: Brown fat is adipose tissue that uses energy sources to produce body heat. New research indicates that one of the major energy sources is branched chain amino acids that are high in foods like milk products and other animal protein foods. |
| Consumer Link Why brown fat is good for people's health |
| Research Link Nature. 21 August 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 21, 2019 Lower Fat "Butter:" Due to its high fat content, butter is among the most high calorie foods. Consequently, developing a lower calorie version of butter can help people enjoy the mouth feel and flavor of butter with less calories. Researchers developed a technique to produce a low-calorie butter-like spread by developing a way to incorporate plenty of water into the spread. |
| Consumer Link You butter believe it: Low-calorie spread made mostly of water |
| Research Link ACS App Mat & Inter. 2019;11(29):26433. |
| August 20, 2019 Sweat Loss Measurement: Studies conducted during exercise show that people vary significantly in the amount of sweat they lose and in the amount of sodium lost in sweat. Since these measurements are difficult to make, new research is developing skin sensor technology that promises to make it easy to measure the amount of sweat lost and the amount of salts in that sweat. |
| Consumer Link Wearable sensors detect what's in your sweat |
| Research Link Science Advances. 2019;5(8):eaaw9906. |
| August 19, 2019 Climate Change and Mercury in Fish: Scientific simulations of climate change predict increasing levels of mercury accumulation in marine fish as ocean temperature rises. Unfortunately, the model did not evaluate changes in selenium levels which can counteract the negative effects of mercury. |
| Consumer Link Climate change likely to increase human exposure to toxic methylmercury |
| Research Link Nature. 07 August 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 18, 2019 Caffeine and Non-alcoholic Liver: Caffeine consumption at doses comparable to two to four cups of coffee a day stimulates the liver to mobilize fat and to increase use of fat for energy needs. Overall, this reduces liver fat levels and is likely to benefit the treatment or prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. |
| Consumer Link Coffee and tea may contribute to a healthy liver |
| Research Link Hepatology. 2014 Apr;59(4):1366-80. doi: 10.1002/hep.26667. Epub 2014 Feb 18. |
| August 16, 2019 Higher fat fish and Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition involving the immune system. One nutritional factor that is associated with significantly reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis is weekly consumption of higher fat fish that provide the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Eating oily fish could cut your risk of rheumatoid arthritis |
| Research Link Ann Rheum Dis. August 2013. Volume 73, Issue 11 |
| August 15, 2019 Gluten Intake and Celiac Disease: A study was conducted on over 6000 children who had a gene associated with increased risk of developing celiac disease. Researchers found that higher gluten intake during the first 5 years of life was associated with increased risk of celiac disease autoimmunity and celiac disease. Although this association does not demonstrate a cause and effect relationship, it does indicate that additional study is needed to further explore this risk. |
| Consumer Link Association between celiac disease risk and gluten intake confirmed |
| Research Link JAMA. 2019;322(6):514. |
| August 14, 2019 Kids and Veggies: When kids won't eat their veggies, give them a tasty dip and they are likely to eat vegetables that they usually don't like. It probably works with adults too. |
| Consumer Link Dip, dip, hooray -- Kids eat more veggies with flavored dips |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Aug;113(8):1090-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.03.013. Epub 2013 May 20. |
| August 13, 2019 Gut Bacteria and Obesity: Researchers found that a specific class of bacteria, found in the lower intestine, prevents mice from becoming obese. This type of bacteria, also found in humans, reduces the absorption of fat in the lower intestine. This opens potentially new directions for research on obesity prevention in people. |
| Consumer Link These gut bacteria prevent mice from becoming obese -- what could that mean for us? |
| Research Link Science, 2019;365(6451):eaat9351. |
| August 12, 2019 Increased Protein for Glycemic Control: Even without weight loss, research shows that a diet with reduced dietary carbohydrate, high protein and moderately increased fat can reduce average blood sugar as well as reduce liver fat. |
| Consumer Link Reduced carbohydrate intake improves type 2 diabetics' ability to regulate blood sugar |
| Research Link Diabetologia (2019) pp 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-4956-4 |
| August 11, 2019 A Case for Supplement Use: A multivitamin/mineral type of dietary supplement can make sense when calorie intake is low. This often is the case for those who are cutting calories for weight loss and for older adults who have low levels of physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Is a multivitamin a smart idea? |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 Aug;107(8):1322-32. |
| August 10, 2019 Nutrients for Prevention Does Not Equal Treatment: Foods and food components that show potential for preventing cancer are not necessarily beneficial during the treatment of cancer. A review of clinical trials reported that supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene should not be used during chemotherapy. |
| Consumer Link Not too much ... not too little ... but enough |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Jun 4;100(11):773-83. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djn148. Epub 2008 May 27. |
| August 9, 2019 Vitamin D and Diabetes: A study on people at high risk of diabetes or with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, found that vitamin D supplementation (5000 IU/day) for six months significantly improved measures of insulin function and apparently slowed progression of the disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D supplementation may slow diabetes progression |
| Research Link Eur J Endocrinology. 2019;181(3):287–299. |
| August 8, 2019 Biotin and Thyroid: Taking biotin supplements has been shown to result in abnormal results on thyroid tests. Those being tested for thyroid function should avoid taking biotin supplements for about a week prior to testing. |
| Consumer Link Biotin, marketed for hair and nails, could skew some medical test results, researchers warn |
| Research Link Cureus. 2019 May 23;11(5):e4727. |
| August 7, 2019 Choline and Dementia: A population-based study in Finland that followed men for over 20 years found that those with higher intake of choline (as phosphatidylcholine in foods) had 28% lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Higher intakes of phosphatidylcholine also were associated with better performance in verbal fluency and memory functions. The key food sources of phosphatidylcholine in the study population's diet were eggs (39%) and meat (37%). |
| Consumer Link Dietary choline associates with reduced risk of dementia |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 30 July 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 6, 2019 Choline and DHA in Infants: Most adults in the U.S. do not have adequate dietary intake of choline and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in fish). This is especially of concern in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding an infant because an inadequate supply of one or both nutrients can impair a baby's brain and eye development and have a lifelong impact. Eggs are a rich source of choline and salmon is high in DHA. |
| Consumer Link Study in nutrients shows important role choline and DHA play in infant brain and eye health |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1125b. |
| August 5, 2019 Vitamin A and Skin Cancer: A study that followed over 75,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study for about 10 years, found that those with greater intakes of vitamin A and carotenoids had a significantly lower risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer. Other types of studies are needed to determine whether vitamin A supplementation can help to prevent this type of skin cancer. |
| Consumer Link Higher vitamin A intake linked to lower skin cancer risk |
| Research Link JAMA Dermatol. July 31, 2019. [Online ahead of print] |
| August 4, 2019 Carcinogens and Food Preparation: You can find carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances in many foods. However, a healthy body detoxifies the usual amounts of these carcinogens. Cooking food at high temperatures, especially deep frying, produces more of these carcinogens than baking or steaming. |
| Consumer Link Oven-baked fish fingers have fewer furans than when fried |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 May;55:222-8. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.12.058. Epub 2013 Jan 20. |
| August 3, 2019 Skin and Food Allergies: A cause of food allergies is thought to be a breakdown in the integrity of the intestinal lining that allows potentially allergenic proteins to enter the body and affect immune function. Research indicates that conditions like eczema that compromise skin integrity may represent another route of entry for allergens. |
| Consumer Link Eczema may play a key role in the development of food allergy in infants, study suggests |
| Research Link J Invest Dermatol. 2014 Feb;134(2):345-350. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.298. Epub 2013 Jul 18. |
| August 2, 2019 Hemoglobin and Dementia: Both low and high levels of hemoglobin are associated with an increased long-term risk of dementia among the general population. Why this is the case is not known, but hemoglobin levels are related to nutritional iron status and both high and low levels of iron in the body are known to create oxidative stress. |
| Consumer Link Both low and high levels of hemoglobin linked to increased risk of dementia |
| Research Link Neurology. Jul 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 1, 2019 Meal Timing and Fat Burning: A new study compared eating meals between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm to eating only between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. After 4 days on each eating schedule, metabolic chamber testing showed that when participants did not eat after 2:00 pm, their bodies were relying more on fat for energy and they felt less hungry. Longer study is needed to determine how people may or may not adapt to this regimen over time. |
| Consumer Link Study finds meal timing strategies appear to lower appetite, improve fat burning |
| Research Link Obesity. 2019;27(8):1244-1254. |
| July 31, 2019 Bitter Foods: Research with a rat model found that consuming bitter foods on a regular basis increased the level of specific salivary proteins that decrease the taste sensitivity to bitterness. This appears to be the case in humans too. |
| Consumer Link With bitter foods, what you eat determines what you like to eat |
| Research Link Chemical Senses. 2019;44(6):379. |
| July 30, 2019 Immune System, Microbiome, and Obesity: New research with rats found that a compromised immune system can affect the microbiome in the large intestine in a way that leads to obesity. This may lead to new approaches to obesity prevention in people. |
| Consumer Link These gut bacteria prevent mice from becoming obese -- what could that mean for us? |
| Research Link Science, 2019 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat9351 |
| July 29, 2019 Complications in Nutrition Research: Nutrition scientists are becoming increasingly concerned with the practice of drawing conclusions from studies that collect imprecise food intake data on a large number of people. The result is commonly many conflicting study results the confuse the public (and public health professionals) on how to eat healthfully. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Science Is Broken. This New Egg Study Shows Why |
| Research Link Amer Scientist. 2018;106(2):84 |
| July 28, 2019 Mercury is Not the Cause of Autism: A study conducted in the Republic of Seychelles, where fish consumption is very high, found that there was no consistent association between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum disorder in children. This is an important study because the mothers of these children have mercury levels that are six to ten times greater than levels found in the U.S. and Europe. |
| Consumer Link Autism Link to Mercury in Fish Not Supported |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2013 Sep;24(5):651-9. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e31829d2651. |
| July 27, 2019 Calorie Information and Food Choices: Most of us do not have a good sense of our daily calorie needs. However, providing people with guides on their calorie needs did not reduce the calorie intake of customers in fast food restaurants. |
| Consumer Link Giving McDonald's eaters calorie guides did not curb bad eating habits |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2013 Sep;103(9):1604-9. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301218. Epub 2013 Jul 18. |
| July 26, 2019 Chili Pepper and Mental Decline: A study of almost 5000 people (over age 55 years) in China reported that those who consumed the most chili tended to be more likely to experience cognitive decline. It is not possible to determine why this association was observed. It is quite possible that craving more chili spice is caused by another factor like a nutrient insufficiency. |
| Consumer Link Warning to those wanting to spice up their lives |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1183. |
| July 25, 2019 DHA and Reduced Inflammation: The omega-3 fatty acid called DHA has been associated with reduced inflammation. New animal research is identifying the biochemical mechanisms involved in this action of DHA. This is likely to lead to more safe and effective ways to treat chronic pain. |
| Consumer Link Uncovering a healthier remedy for chronic pain |
| Research Link Ann Neurol. 2013 Sep;74(3):490-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.23928. Epub 2013 Sep 4. |
| July 22, 2019 Ultraprocessed Food Increases Calorie Intake: A new research study shows that people often gain weight when consuming a diet of primarily ultraprocessed foods merely because of increased caloric intake rather than anything that negatively affects a person's metabolism. |
| Consumer Link Does eating ultraprocessed food affect weight gain? It’s complicated |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. Published online May 16, 2019. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2019.05.008 |
| July 21, 2019 Hydration and Your Brain: Drink some water. Your brain will appreciate it. Brain function is biochemically complex, requiring a steady supply of oxygen, glucose and a full array of vitamins and minerals. An adequate blood flow to the brain is essential for optimal function and normal hydration supports blood flow. A recent study found that drinking a few cups of water improved brain response time, especially when the person was thirsty. |
| Consumer Link Drinking water boosts your brain's reaction time |
| Research Link Front. Hum. Neurosci., 16 July 2013 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00363 |
| July 20, 2019 Benefits of Exercise: Research on the effects of exercise on the body is starting to identify some key biochemical changes that take place in response to training. This raises the possibility that there may be ways to provide immobilized people with at least some of the benefits of exercise. It is unlikely, however, that we will ever have a true "exercise pill" that provides all the benefits of physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Exercise in a Pill? The Search Continues |
| Research Link Nature Medicine volume 19, pages 1039–1046 (2013) |
| July 19, 2019 Climate Change and Nutrients: Protein, iron, and zinc are commonly under-consumed nutrients in many countries. New projections on the effects on rising environmental carbon dioxide levels indicate that the challenge of meeting human needs for these nutrients will increase substantially. |
| Consumer Link Effects of rising CO2 on protein, iron, and zinc availability in global diets |
| Research Link The Lancet Planetary Health. 2019;3(7):e307-e317. |
| July 18, 2019 Bile Acid Malabsorption: In normal intestinal function, bile is released from the gall bladder into the intestine to facilitate fat digestion. Most of the bile components are absorbed by the small intestine and recycled back to the liver. In some conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and after intestinal surgery and radiation treatment, bile acids in bile are not absorbed efficiently. This can cause diarrhea, frequent, watery stools, flatulence, bloating, etc. Over time, this also significantly reduces the absorption of important fat soluble nutrients and phytochemicals. |
| Consumer Link What is bile acid malabsorption? |
| Research Link BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2017;4(1):e000116. |
| July 17, 2019 Insects and Antioxidants: Insects are consumed as a food source by many people around the world. They are a good source of high quality protein and a variety of vitamins. New research found that many insects also are very high in antioxidants, with crickets, silk worms, and grasshoppers being especially high. |
| Consumer Link Are crickets and other creepy crawlies the new superfood? |
| Research Link Front Nutr. 15 July 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 16, 2019 Adolescent Eating Disorders: Thin adolescents who feel too thin may start using exercise, supplements and/or steroids to achieve their ideal body shape. When unchecked, these behaviors have been shown to escalate into obsessive over-exercising and extreme preoccupation with their body shape. For some, these behaviors can lead to an eating disorder. |
| Consumer Link Skinny self-image, heavy workouts in adolescence are warning signs, study shows |
| Research Link International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2019; DOI: 10.1002/eat.23094 |
| July 15, 2019 Supplement Safety: FDA identified muscle building and weight loss supplements increase the risk for severe medical events in both children and young adults as compared to emergency room visits by vitamin supplement consumption. |
| Consumer Link Dietary supplements linked with severe health events in children, young adults |
| Research Link Journal of Adolescent Health, June 5, 2019; DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.03.005 |
| July 14, 2019 Children and Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when any three of the following are present: 1) excess body fat, 2) high blood triglycerides, 3) low HDL cholesterol, 4) high blood pressure, and 5) increased fasting blood glucose. Like adults, children who have these risk factors are more likely to develop fatty liver disease and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Previously adult-only ills affect obese Hawaii kids |
| Research Link Hawaii J Med Public Health. 2013 May;72(5):167-71. |
| July 13, 2019 Antibiotics in Food: Many people are concerned about widespread antibiotic use in animal agriculture due to the potential risk of antibiotic resistant bacteria developing that may be dangerous to humans. Others point out that excessive antibiotic use in humans is much more risky. The antibiotics used in animal feeds do not target bacteria that are commonly pathogenic in humans. |
| Consumer Link Do antibiotics in animal feed pose a serious risk to human health? |
| Research Link BMJ 2013; 347 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f4214 |
| July 12, 2019 Posture Affects Your Perception of Food Flavor: Research shows that the mere act of standing changes how you perceive flavor and taste. People rated foods as more flavorful when consumed during sitting versus standing. |
| Consumer Link Posture impacts how you perceive your food |
| Research Link Journal of Consumer Research, 2019; DOI: 10.1093/jcr/ucz018 |
| July 11, 2019 Essential Minerals in Milk: When cows consume diets containing iodine and selenium, their milk can be a good source of these essential elements. Research conducted in Spain found that the iodine and selenium content of organically produced milk was significantly lower than in the milk from conventional production techniques. |
| Consumer Link 'Organic' Milk Is Poorer in Iodine Than Conventional Milk |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 May;55:513-8. |
| July 9, 2019 Food Allergies in Infants: Food allergies are a growing problem. Recently researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a protective bacteria that helps to protect infants from food allergies and possibly to reverse the lifelong response to the culprit food. |
| Consumer Link New therapy targets gut bacteria to prevent and reverse food allergies |
| Research Link Nature Medicinevolume 25, pages1164–1174 (2019) |
| July 8, 2019 Weight Maintenance and Protein: Maintaining a reduced body weight is usually more challenging than losing the weight. Among the controllable factors that appear to help maintain lost weight is maintaining protein intake at levels well above the RDA. |
| Consumer Link Running Down the Up-Escalator |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 May;143(5):591-6. doi: 10.3945/jn.112.167593 |
| July 5, 2019 Getting Kids to Eat Veggies: Picture books designed to teach preschool children concepts related to nutrition and how the body uses the nutrient components of food helped to increase vegetable consumption by the children. A focus on how their body uses nutrients from a wide variety of foods was much more effective than a focus on how food affects health. |
| Consumer Link Getting Kids to Eat Their Veggies: A New Approach to an Age-Old Problem |
| Research Link Psychol Sci. 2013 Aug;24(8):1541-53. doi: 10.1177/0956797612474827. Epub 2013 Jun 26. |
| July 4, 2019 Gluten-free Options: The search for gluten-free grains for people with celiac disease has led researchers to evaluate a new variety of canary seed. The flour from this seed is gluten-free. Although the canary seed does not substitute very well for making bread, it can substitute for wheat flour in some types of foods. |
| Consumer Link New canary seed is ideal for gluten-free diets in celiac disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jun 26;61(25):6102-12. doi: 10.1021/jf305500t. Epub 2013 Jun 17. |
| July 3, 2019 Iron and Mental Health: Adequate iron nutrition is essential for normal brain development and for the function of iron-dependent enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Perhaps not surprisingly, a new study conducted in Taiwan found that children and teens with iron deficiency anemia were much more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions such as bipolar and autism spectrum disorders. |
| Consumer Link Is iron deficiency causing psychiatric disorders in kids? |
| Research Link BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Jun 4;13:161. doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-161. |
| July 2, 2019 Vitamin D Status and Hypertension Risk: Research shows that low vitamin D status was associated with higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure at birth. This relationship continues throughout childhood and into adulthood. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin D at birth raises risk of higher blood pressure in kids |
| Research Link Hypertension, 2019; DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13120 |
| July 1, 2019 Food Insecurity and Diabetes: New research reports that people experiencing food insecurity are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It is thought that generalized inflammation and hormonal responses to stress play a role in increasing this risk. |
| Consumer Link Food Insecurity Leading to Type 2 Diabetes |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2019;149(6):982–988. |
| June 30, 2019 Chocolate and Blood Pressure: If you enjoy eating chocolate, research indicates that you can feel good about eating it too. Although the effect is small in most people, moderate consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa can contribute to lowering of blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate Benefits: Research Suggests Sweet Can Help Blood Pressure, Cognition |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Aug 15;8:CD008893. |
| June 29, 2019 Vitamin D and the microbiome: A new study indicates that the composition of our intestinal bacterial population can affect vitamin D status. Supplementing 66 people with a Lactobacillus bacteria for 9 weeks increased average vitamin D status significantly compared to a placebo group. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Levels Significantly Increased By Probiotic Lactobacillus Reuteri NCIMB 30242 |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jul;98(7):2944-51. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-4262. Epub 2013 Apr 22. |
| June 28, 2019 Coffee and Brown Fat: Research indicates that coffee (and probably the caffeine in coffee) increases calories burned by brown fat in the body. Although caffeine is known to increase the body's resting energy expenditure, it remains to be seen how much caffeine may facilitate weight control. |
| Consumer Link Could coffee be the secret to fighting obesity? |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 2019;9:9104. |
| June 27, 2019 Calories Used by the Brain: For adults, the brain uses about 20% of resting energy expenditure. For children, however, during periods of rapid brain development, the brain accounts for about two-thirds of resting energy expenditure and about half of total energy expenditure. Researchers are proposing that after the peak rate of brain development at about five years of age, it may become more important to increase energy expenditure in other ways to prevent accumulation of excess body fat. |
| Consumer Link The brain consumes half of a child's energy -- and that could matter for weight gain |
| Research Link Proc Nat Acad Sci. Jun 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 26, 2019 Gut Microbes and Drugs: Drugs that are not efficiently absorbed in the small intestine continue on to the large intestine where a diverse population of microorganisms may chemically alter the drug in ways that may reduce drug effectiveness and produce potentially toxic byproducts. New research with the drug l-dopa (used for Parkinson's Disease) is exploring ways to manage this complication. |
| Consumer Link Gut microbes eat our medication |
| Research Link Science. 14 Jun 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 25, 2019 Food Neophobia: A fear of or resistance to trying new foods is called neophobia. For various reasons, some people are more likely to refuse to taste and eat foods that are unfamiliar. A recent study of about 4000 adults found that those who scored high on a measure of neophobia were more likely to have increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Food neophobia may increase the risk of lifestyle diseases |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. June 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 24, 2019 Sauna and Blood Pressure: New research found that both blood pressure and heart rate increase during heat exposure in a sauna. However, the vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels) that takes place during a sauna leads to a drop below usual blood pressure after leaving the sauna. In those with normally low blood pressure, this could cause fainting. Adequate hydration before a sauna is highly recommended. |
| Consumer Link Sweating for science: A sauna session is just as exhausting as moderate exercise |
| Research Link Comp Ther Med. 2019;44:218-222. |
| June 23, 2019 Sodium is an Essential Nutrient: A recent Institute of Medicine report states that excessive sodium intake can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but further indicated that present-day research does not support reducing daily sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams. Overly low sodium intake may worsen conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate sodium in diet also poses risk to health |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine. Sodium Intake in Populations (2013) |
| June 22, 2019 Caffeine and Asthma: Consuming caffeine within an hour of exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. A dose of caffeine equivalent to two to six cups of coffee showed benefit. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Shown As Effective At Reducing Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms As An Albuterol Inhaler |
| Research Link Int J Sports Med. 2010 Apr;31(4):231-6. |
| June 21, 2019 Food Texture: People are known to vary substantially in their sensitivity to tasting various flavors in foods. Similarly, new research indicates that some people are much more sensitive to detecting differences in the texture of foods. |
| Consumer Link Sensing food textures is a matter of pressure |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 2019;9:7437. |
| June 20, 2019 Vitamin K and Mobility: Well known for its function in normal blood clotting, vitamin K is increasingly appreciated for other functions in the body. A new study of older adults found that those with lower blood levels of vitamin K were more likely to have mobility limitations based on measures of endurance during walking and stair climbing. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin K levels linked to mobility limitation and disability in older adults |
| Research Link J Gerontology: Series A. 06 May 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 19, 2019 Vitamin K and Warfarin: Because the effect of the blood anticoagulant drug warfarin is reduced by vitamin K, people on this drug are usually advised to avoid foods that are high in vitamin K. However, since vitamin K has beneficial functions for bone and artery health, research indicates that adjusting the warfarin dose to a consistent intake of vitamin K is likely better for overall health. |
| Consumer Link Study Refutes Notion That People on Warfarin Shouldn't Eat Leafy Greens |
| Research Link Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018;122(1):19-24. |
| June 18, 2019 Bad Dog Food: A new study found that a heart condition common in golden retrievers and various other breeds is associated with low blood levels of the amino acid taurine. The dogs in this study with the heart condition were all consuming grain-free types of dog foods. These types of dog food are generally low in the amino acids that dogs can use to make adequate taurine. |
| Consumer Link Dogs Fed Some Popular Diets Could Be at Risk of Heart Disease |
| Research Link PLOS ONE 2018;13(12):e0210233. |
| June 17, 2019 Vaping Sucralose Toxic: Some vaping solutions are known to contain the sweetener sucralose (Splenda). New research indicates that the heating of these sucralose in these solutions by an e-cigarette can produce toxic chemicals. |
| Consumer Link Vaping the sweetener sucralose may produce toxic chemicals |
| Research Link Chem. Res. Toxicol. May 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 16, 2019 Preventing Diabetes: Exercise is one of the best preventive measures for type 2 diabetes. A recent study even found that a 45 minute leisurely walk significantly lowered blood glucose measured three hours after a meal. Even more effective was splitting the 45 minutes of walking up into three 15-minute walks taken after each meal. |
| Consumer Link Worried about type 2 diabetes? Walk after every meal |
| Research Link Diabetes Care June 11, 2013 |
| June 15, 2019 Fear of Less than Healthy Foods is Unhealthy: In attempts to eat healthfully, some people become inordinately afraid of foods that may be perceived as "bad" and not "pure." This can result in a condition called orthorexia nervosa that eventually leads to nutrient deficiencies due to an overly limited diet. |
| Consumer Link Eating Disorder Orthorexia On The Rise |
| Research Link Eat Weight Disord. 2012 Dec;17(4):e226-33. doi: 10.3275/8272. Epub 2012 Feb 21. |
| June 14, 2019 Plant Milks: When fortified with supplemental calcium, the calcium content of plant milks can match that of cow's milk. However, there are many differences in other nutrients and components of some plant milks can interfere with the absorption of some nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Almond, hemp, oat, soy, and cow's milk: Which is best? |
| Research Link J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Jan;55(1):10-20. |
| June 13, 2019 Iron Status and Fertility: A new study based on estimated dietary iron intake concludes that iron intake has little association with fertility in humans. However, this study may be misleading because many other studies indicate that measures of iron status (blood measures) indicate that iron deficiency impairs fertility. |
| Consumer Link Iron may not improve fertility |
| Research Link J Nutr. June 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 12, 2019 Vitamin D and Cancer: A review of multiple studies on vitamin D supplementation found that taking a vitamin D supplement did not reduce the risk of developing cancer, but it did significantly lower risk of death from cancer. |
| Consumer Link Years of Taking Vitamin D Appear to Cut Cancer Death Risk |
| Research Link J Clin Oncol. 2019;37:15_suppl, 1534-1534 |
| June 11, 2019 Risks of Homemade Cat Food: Researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine evaluated 114 recipes for cat food from online sources and books. Only 94 recipes provided enough information for nutritional analysis and none of these recipes provided all essential nutrients at levels required by cats. |
| Consumer Link Homemade Cat Food Diets Could Be Risky |
| Research Link J Am Vet Med Assn. 2019;254(10):1172-1179. |
| June 10, 2019 Vitamin B12 and Parkinson's Disease: New research based on animal models and cellular-based studies indicates that vitamin B12 or related compounds could help to treat those with a specific gene modification associated with Parkinson's disease. Although this research is not ready for human application, it does suggest that some people with Parkinson's disease could benefit from a vitamin B12 supplement. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 is identified as the inhibitor of a key enzyme in hereditary Parkinson's disease |
| Research Link Cell Research. 2019;29:313–329. |
| June 9, 2019 Artificial Sweeteners and Blood Glucose: Although artificial sweeteners generally provide no calories, they may affect the metabolic response to food sources of calories. A recent study conducted with obese individuals found that consuming a beverage containing sucralose ten minutes prior to a glucose tolerance test caused an increase in the peak level of blood glucose and in the amount of insulin released during the test. |
| Consumer Link Artificial Sweeteners Affect Metabolism and Insulin Levels |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 Sep;36(9):2530-5. doi: 10.2337/dc12-2221. Epub 2013 Apr 30. |
| June 8, 2019 Blood Type Diets: There is a lack of good science to support using blood type to determine an individual's unique dietary needs. When this approach seems to "work," it is likely just because the diet has improved on the individual's prior style of eating. |
| Consumer Link No science behind blood-type diets |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jul;98(1):99-104. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.058693. Epub 2013 May 22 |
| June 7, 2019 Adverse Effects of Dietary Supplements: An analysis of 11 years of adverse event reports to the Food and Drug Administration, for people under 25 years of age, found that products sold for weight loss, muscle building, and increased energy were almost three times as likely to have severe medical events in comparison with vitamin supplements. |
| Consumer Link Dietary supplements linked with severe health events in children, young adults |
| Research Link J Adolescent Health. 5 June 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 6, 2019 Walking to School: One thing that has changed over the past several decades while the incidence of obesity has increased is that children are increasingly more likely to be driven to school. A new study found that children who actively commuted to school (walking, biking, etc.) were more likely to have lower levels of body fat. |
| Consumer Link Children who walk to school less likely to be overweight or obese, study suggests |
| Research Link BMC Public Health. 2019;19:573. |
| June 5, 2019 Gene Variant Reduces Diabetes Risk: Researchers have identified a common gene mutation that enhances insulin sensitivity and helps people keep blood sugar levels normal even when consuming a high carbohydrate diet. This gene variant appears to have become more common in human populations that moved from hunter/gatherer lifestyles to farming and cooking. People without this gene variant (about half of the population) appear to be at greater risk of developing diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Gene mutation evolved to cope with modern high-sugar diets |
| Research Link eLife. 2019;8:e41517. |
| June 4, 2019 Adolescent Female Blood Donation: A study of blood donors found that female adolescent blood donors are at higher risk for having low iron stores and iron deficiency than adult female blood donors and nondonors. Since iron deficiency at this stage of life could negatively affect brain development, researchers recommend more protections for adolescent donors. They suggest oral iron supplementation, increasing the minimum time interval between donations or donating other blood products such as platelets or plasma rather than whole blood. |
| Consumer Link Adolescent female blood donors at risk for iron deficiency and associated anemia |
| Research Link Tranfusion. 18 February 2019. |
| June 3, 2019 Excess Vitamin D: An Upper Intake Level for vitamin D for adults is 4000 IU per day. After 2-1/2 years of taking 8,000 to 12,000 IU vitamin D per day prescribed by a naturopath, a 54 year-old man developed kidney damage. Excess vitamin D can cause calcium accumulation in kidneys. |
| Consumer Link Too much of a good thing? High doses of vitamin D can lead to kidney failure |
| Research Link Can Med Assn J. 2019;191(14):E390. |
| June 2, 2019 Halo Effect Confusion: People tend to underestimate their calorie intake. This is typically the case at fast food restaurants. However, people who ate at Subway were more likely to underestimate their calorie intake than those who ate at McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, and Dunkin' Donuts. This may due to a "health halo" effect provided by Subway's marketing. |
| Consumer Link Teens most guilty of underestimating calories in fast food, study reveals |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;346:f2907. |
| June 1, 2019 Iodine and Brain Development: In developed countries, there is a tendency to assume that everyone is consuming adequate amounts of iodine. However, studies in the U.S. and now in the U.K., demonstrate that many pregnant women have inadequate iodine status that can cause lifelong impairment of cognitive function in their children. |
| Consumer Link Iodine deficiency disorders |
| Research Link The Lancet VOLUME 382, ISSUE 9889, P331-337, JULY 27, 2013 |
| May 29, 2019 Vitamin B12 and Parkinson's Disease: Using multiple techniques, researchers demonstrated that vitamin B12 modulates the activity of a key enzyme involved in the cause of Parkinson's disease. These results support the need for a human study to investigate possible benefits of B12 supplementation in the prevention and treatment Parkinson's disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 is identified as the inhibitor of a key enzyme in hereditary Parkinson's disease |
| Research Link Cell Research. 2019;29:313–329. |
| May 28, 2019 Cholesterol, Eggs, and Stroke: A study of almost 2000 middle-aged and older men in Finland, followed for over 20 years, found that neither egg nor cholesterol intakes were associated with stroke risk. |
| Consumer Link Dietary cholesterol or egg consumption do not increase the risk of stroke, Finnish study finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 16 May 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 27, 2019 Low LDL, Triglycerides and Stroke Risk: High blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides are commonly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. However, a new study of over 27,000 middle-age women, followed for almost 20 years, found that those with very low LDL levels (< 70 mg/dL) and low triglyceride levels were about twice as likely to have a hemorrhagic stroke. What levels should be considered to be too low require additional research. |
| Consumer Link Low cholesterol linked to higher risk of bleeding stroke in women |
| Research Link Neurology. 2019;92(19):e2286-e2294. |
| May 26, 2019 The Two Sides of Cinnamon: Compounds in cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin) may prove to be helpful in preventing the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, this does not mean that we should all be adding cinnamon to our diets in large amounts or taking cinnamon supplements. Most commercial cinnamon is high in a compound called coumarin which is hard on the liver and can interfere with "blood thinning" medications. |
| Consumer Link Cinnamon compound has potential ability to prevent Alzheimer's |
| Research Link J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;36(1):21-40. doi: 10.3233/JAD-122113. |
| May 25, 2019 Benefits of Milk with Garlic: Love garlic but not the resultant garlic breath? A innovative study found that drinking milk, especially whole milk, along with a garlic-containing meal helps to significantly reduce the levels of the offending compounds in the breath. |
| Consumer Link Drinking milk can prevent garlic breath, study finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2010 Aug 1;75(6):C549-58. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01715.x. |
| May 24, 2019 Glucosamine Supplementation: A study that followed almost half a million adults for about seven years found that those who took glucosamine supplements had a 15 percent lower risk of developing symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Although this type of study design does not establish cause and effect conclusions, it does support the need for further study to confirm this association. |
| Consumer Link Supplement for joint pain linked to lower heart disease risk |
| Research Link BMJ 2019;365:l1628. |
| May 23, 2019 Coffee and Cardiovascular Disease: A large study on over 300,000 people in the United Kingdom found that those consuming one to two cups of coffee a day had somewhat lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease than non-coffee drinkers, consumers of decaf, and those consuming six or more cups a day. |
| Consumer Link How much coffee is too much for the heart? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(3):509–516. |
| May 22, 2019 Protein and Amino Acid Balance: Branched chain amino acids are known to help stimulate muscle protein synthesis. However, a recent mouse study indicates that excessively high intake of these amino acids can have adverse effects on brain function that lead to problems like impaired sleep and overeating. Keeping a variety of protein sources in the diet can avoid this type of potential problem. |
| Consumer Link Muscle-building protein shakes may threaten health |
| Research Link Nature Metabolism. 2019;1:532–545. |
| May 21, 2019 Cabbage Family Compound and Brain Function: Disturbances in how parts of the brain produce the amino acid glutamate are known to seriously alter brain function and result in conditions like schizophrenia. A compound isolated from broccoli and other cabbage family foods has been found to help boost levels of glutamate in the brain and improve function when glutamate was too low. |
| Consumer Link Broccoli sprout compound may restore brain chemistry imbalance linked to schizophrenia |
| Research Link Molecular Neuropsychiatry. 2017;3(4):214. |
| May 20, 2019 Vitamin A and Skin Immune Function: Researchers have identified a new protein produced by skin cells that functions in the skin as an antibiotic to protect against bacterial invaders. However, this protein requires the essential nutrient vitamin A to do its job. |
| Consumer Link Newly identified bacteria-killing protein needs vitamin A to work |
| Research Link Cell Host Microbe. 14 May 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2019 Health Benefits of White Vegetables:When you incorporate the recommendation to include a variety of colorful vegetables in your diet, remember that white is a color too. Including white vegetables in the diet, such as potatoes and cauliflower, can increase the intake of nutrients like potassium and magnesium that often are under-consumed in the U.S. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Science Focuses On White Vegetables In Supporting A Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet |
| Research Link Adv Nutr.2013;4:318S-326S. |
| May 18, 2019 Intestinal Bacteria and Healthy Weight: It is known that the balance of bacterial species in the human colon has many effects on the body. Using a mouse model, researchers found that increasing the supply of a bacterium called Akkermansia prevented the development of obesity in mice fed a high fat diet. It also enhanced the integrity of the tissues lining the colon. It will be interesting to see if humans respond to this bacterium similarly. |
| Consumer Link Intestinal Bacterium Akkermansia Curbs Obesity |
| Research Link PNAS May 28, 2013 110 (22) 9066-9071. |
| May 17, 2019 Orthorexia Nervosa: The condition orthorexia nervosa refers to a condition in which a person is overly obsessed with eating only foods they perceive to be "healthy." This generally narrows the diet to the point that it does not meet all essential nutrient needs. A new review of studies on orthorexia found that those most susceptible to developing the condition often have obsessive-compulsive traits, are preoccupied with their appearance and body image, and may experience depression and/or may have a history of a previous eating disorder. Unlike other eating disorders, men are as likely as women to have orthorexia nervosa. |
| Consumer Link When does clean eating become an unhealthy obsession? |
| Research Link Appetite. 2019;140:50-75. |
| May 16, 2019 Food Additive Titanium Dioxide: Previously thought to be relatively inert as an additive that provides white color to foods, titanium dioxide has little effect on the microbial composition of the lower intestine, but it appears to alter the metabolic by products produced by the bacteria when consumed daily over time. This alteration may contribute to lower intestinal diseases like colon cancer. Occasional consumption likely has no adverse effects. |
| Consumer Link Can this food additive turn our gut bacteria against us? |
| Research Link Front Nutr. 14 May 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 15, 2019 Genetics and the Microbiome: A new study conducted in mice found that variation in genes coding for an enzyme that digests starch had a major effect on the bacterial composition (microbiome) in the lower intestine. This may help to explain some of the microbiome differences observed in some people despite having similar diets and lifestyles. |
| Consumer Link Link between starch digestion gene, gut bacteria |
| Research Link Cell Host Microbe. 2019;25(4):553-564. |
| May 14, 2019 Food and Education: Food insecurity is a growing problem in America affecting one in five school-age children. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that when weekend food backpacks were made available for food insecure, their attendance at school improved. |
| Consumer Link Receiving weekend food improves school attendance among children living with hunger |
| Research Link Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 2019; 1 DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2019.1610538 |
| May 13, 2019 Optimal Protein Intake: Research continues to support greater protein intake than the current Recommended Dietary Allowance value for adults of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram body weight (developed over 20 years ago). Levels of intake based on more recent research recommend about twice this amount of protein, especially during weight loss and aging. |
| Consumer Link How Much Protein Do You Need for Weight Loss and Muscle Growth? |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 May;41(5):577-80. |
| May 12, 2019 Formula: Mother's and Milk: Research shows that newborn infants who were losing weight during their first 48 hours benefited by giving them just 10 milliliters (about 2 teaspoons) of infant formula with a syringe after each breastfeeding session. This temporary fix resulted in less need for formula at one week and three weeks of age compared to similar infants who did not receive the early formula intervention. |
| Consumer Link How Formula Can Complement Breast-Feeding |
| Research Link Pediatrics Jun 2013, 131 (6) 1059-1065; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2809 |
| May 11, 2019 Bevery Choice Affects Kidney Stone Risks: Although higher total fluid intake reduces the risk of kidney stone formation, the type of beverage you drink may matter. In a very large study of almost 200,000 people, those who consumed the most sugar sweetened sodas or punch type beverages were at increased risk of developing stones. Coffee, tea, orange juice, beer, and wine consumption were all associated with a decreased risk. |
| Consumer Link Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Associated With Increased Kidney Stone Risk |
| Research Link Clin J Am Soc Neph. August 2013, 8 (8) 1389-1395; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.11661112 |
| May 10, 2019 Spicy Foods Benefit from an E-Tongue: As food trends move toward more spicy foods, the food industry is challenged to keep the spicyness to a tolerable level. Using people to sample hotness is limited as tastebuds rapidly become desensitized to hotness. New technology now has created an e-tongue that can rate hotness more accurately than humans and do not have a hotness overload. |
| Consumer Link An electric tongue can handle more spicy foods than you can |
| Research Link Journal of Food Science, 2019; DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14604 |
| May 9, 2019 Encouraging Children to Eat: Research showed that children are more likely to eat new foods if they are linked with statements such as these foods will help to grow bigger or run faster. These types of statements are more effective at getting children to consume foods than merely presenting a food repeatedly without verbal encouragement. |
| Consumer Link Lentils will help you run faster:' Communicating food benefits gets kids to eat healthier |
| Research Link Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.02.011 |
| May 8, 2019 Safety of Spices: Cinnamon is safely consumed in the amounts commonly used in foods. Excessive consumption of cinnamon, however, may be toxic to the liver. "True" or Ceylon cinnamon has less of the liver toxins than more commonly used varieties. Those taking cinnamon supplements should do so only with medical supervision and generally should select products based on Ceylon cinnamon. |
| Consumer Link Coumarin in cinnamon and cinnamon-based products and risk of liver damage |
| Research Link Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2013; 61 (18): 4470 |
| May 7, 2019 Branch-Chained Amino Acids (BCCAs): Although there are muscle building benefits of high BCAA diets, these diets also are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. These negative effects appear to be related to increased appetite and excessive calorie intake that commonly is associated with high intake of BCCAs. |
| Consumer Link Put down the protein shake: Variety of protein better for health |
| Research Link Nature Metab. 2019 May. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 6, 2019 Vitamin D Adequacy: Although many people have low vitamin D status, much remains to be learned about the best blood levels of vitamin D for good health. A study of over 10,000 people found that as blood levels of 25-OH vitamin D increased up to the median level (21 ng/mL), there was a decrease in mortality. However, vitamin D levels above the median did not appear to confer additional benefit. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D: More May Not Be Better; Benefits in Healthy Adults Wear Off at Higher Doses, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2013 Apr 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 5, 2019 Mom's Milk and Immune Protection: A protein-lipid complex from human milk called HAMLET has bactericidal activity that helps to protect infants from infections. New research indicates that HAMLET combined with antibiotics helps the antibiotics work against bacteria that are antibiotic resistant. |
| Consumer Link Protein complex found in human breast milk can help reverse antibiotic resistance in superbugs |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (5): e63158. |
| May 4, 2019 Brain Benefits from Cocoa: The cocoa polyphenol compounds found in chocolate and a wide variety of other plant foods provide antioxidant effects in the body that appear to help prevent degeneration of brain function with aging. New research indicates that these polyphenols also trigger the synthesis of a specific protein that is known to protect brain cells and slow mental decline. |
| Consumer Link The power of cocoa polyphenols against neurodegenerative diseases |
| Research Link J Cell Biochem. 2013 Oct;114(10):2209-20. doi: 10.1002/jcb.24548. |
| May 3, 2019 Ketogenic Diet in Military Training: Fifteen slightly overweight but healthy adults consumed a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet for 12 weeks while participating in an ROTC-related exercise training program.They lost an average of over 15 pounds, mostly from reduced body fat, and improved in measures of insulin sensitivity. Trainees who continued consuming their typical diet did not experience these changes. |
| Consumer Link Keto diet has potential in military, researchers say |
| Research Link Military Med. 16 March 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 2, 2019 Fructose Handling by the Body: Fructose consumption often is blamed for a variety of increased disease risks. Since may foods thought to be nutritious are high in fructose, this has been confusing to consumers and researchers. A new study with mice indicates that the majority of fructose consumed is handled by intestinal cells and never gets into the body very much unless rather large amounts of fructose are consumed. This may or may not be the case in humans, but it suggests that human studies on this are warranted. |
| Consumer Link The small intestine, not the liver, is the first stop for processing fructose |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 2018;27(2):351-361. |
| May 1, 2019 Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) Supplementation: Interesting research using a mouse model studied the effects of feeding the animals higher amounts of the branched chain amino acids. BCAAs often are promoted for enhancing muscle building, etc. However, the researchers found that BCAA supplementation resulted in an amino acid imbalance that caused the animals to overeat and become obese. The effects certainly could be similar in humans. Getting protein and its amino acid components from a variety of foods appears to be the ideal approach. |
| Consumer Link Put down the protein shake: Variety of protein better for health |
| Research Link Nature Metab. 29 April 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 30, 2019 Time-restricted Eating: In a study with 15 men at risk for diabetes, researchers found that limiting eating to a 9-hour period of time each day improved their blood glucose control following a test meal. It didn't seem to matter what time they started eating each day as long as they stopped eating by the end of nine hours. |
| Consumer Link Time-restricted eating shows benefits for blood glucose |
| Research Link Obesity. 2019;27(5):724-732. |
| April 29, 2019 Vitamin D and Disease Prevention: Concerns about the possible effects of low vitamin D status on a variety of health problems have grown exponentially during the past couple of decades. However, large well-designed studies are failing to find clear benefits from vitamin D supplementation for some conditions. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine supplemented a large group of people over age 50 years for about 5 years and found that vitamin D supplementation at 2000 IU per day did not reduce the incidence of cancer or major cardiovascular events compared to treatment with a placebo. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D supplements aren’t living up to their hype |
| Research Link N Engl J Med 2019; 380:33-44 |
| April 28, 2019 Protein Needs and Weight Loss: It is well established that when calorie intake is reduced to levels that cause weight loss, the requirement for protein increases to help maintain the lean tissue that dieters do not want to lose. A new study of middle-age women indicates that those who have effectively lost weight are aware that adequate protein intake is important for dieting. |
| Consumer Link Eating recommended protein linked to weight loss |
| Research Link Perceived Importance of Dietary Protein to Prevent Weight Gain: A National Survey among Midlife Women |
| April 27, 2019 Benefits of Exercise - No Matter the Motivation: Whether you exercise for fun or because you feel forced to exercise, regular exercise can improve the capacity to deal with anxiety and stress. |
| Consumer Link Forced exercise may still protect against anxiety and stress |
| Research Link Eur J Neurosci. 2013 Feb;37(3):469-78. doi: 10.1111/ejn.12044. Epub 2012 Nov 4. |
| April 26, 2019 Overindulging: Many people feel guilty after over-eating. However, new research suggests that the body is well adapted to deal with random overeating without becoming overweight or diabetic. Chronic excess over time is the main contributor to these conditions. So, enjoy occasional over-indulgence and forget the guilt. |
| Consumer Link It's OK to indulge once in a while, study suggests: The body adapts to occasional short-term overeating |
| Research Link Am J Phy Endo Metab. 2019 April. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 25, 2019 Influencing gene expression: Some people have genetic variations that predispose them to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, research indicates that habits like regular exercise and eating a healthful diet can affect whether or not disease-related genes express themselves. |
| Consumer Link How lifestyle affects our genes |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 11 April 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 24, 2019 Diet and Disease: A comprehensive report on the role of diet in preventing disease and early death emphasizes that many people eat too few wholesome, nutrient-rich foods (often called healthy foods). Over time, this provides suboptimal nutrient levels and increases the risk of multiple diseases. Consequently, the report emphasizes a focus on eating more "healthy" foods rather than reducing "junk" foods. |
| Consumer Link New analysis reveals one in five deaths are linked to poor diet |
| Research Link The Lancet. April 03, 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 23, 2019 Diets for Diabetes: Many types of diets have been promoted for prevention and management of diabetes. However, the best diet for an individual depends on many variables such as amount of daily physical activity, age, stage of the disease, etc. Consequently individual guidance by a nutrition professional is the ideal approach. In general, people with diabetes should maintain a lower overall carbohydrate intake - regardless of the type of diet they consume. |
| Consumer Link No 'One-Size-Fits-All' Diet for Diabetics, Expert Panel Says |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2019 Apr. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 22, 2019 Gut Microbiome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Treatment of children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be difficult and complicated. Researchers have developed a way to link the composition of the microbial contents of the gut with the type of IBS condition. This may be very useful in tailoring effective nutritional and other therapies to treat specific gastrointestinal problems. |
| Consumer Link Microbiome science may help doctors deliver more effective, personalized treatment to children with irritable bowel syndrome |
| Research Link J Molecular Diag. April 17 2019.[Epub ahead of print] |
| April 21, 2019 Safety of Vitamin E: All nutrients are potentially toxic at some dose, but the dosage that is potentially toxic varies greatly among the essential nutrients. A new review of vitamin E suggests that this nutrient has very low toxicity due to the way it is metabolized in the liver. |
| Consumer Link Excess vitamin E intake not a health concern, study suggests |
| Research Link The Journal of Lipid Research, 2013; DOI: 10.1194/jlr.R032946 |
| April 20, 2019 Beer and Dopamine: As shown by many studies of the placebo effect, brain function can be affected by many factors. A recent study found that just the taste of beer, without the alcohol, increased brain levels of dopamine much the same as beer with alcohol. Those with a family history of alcoholism were most sensitive to this effect. |
| Consumer Link Taste of beer, without effect from alcohol, triggers dopamine release in the brain |
| Research Link Neuropsychopharmacology volume 38, pages 1617–1624 (2013) |
| April 19, 2019 Bitterness and Coffee: From an evolutionary perspective, avoidance of bitter tasting things reduces the risk of consuming toxic substances. However, research on a large group of people found that those with a genetic variant that increases taste sensitivity to the bitterness of caffeine actually consume more coffee. In contrast, those sensitive to the bitter tastes of two other compounds found in some foods (propylthiouracil and quinine) consume less coffee. |
| Consumer Link Why we shouldn't like coffee, but we do |
| Research Link Sci Reports. 2018;8:16414. |
| April 18, 2019 Sugar Rush: There is a popular belief that consuming high sugar foods triggers a sort of hyperactive temporary burst in mood. However, a new review of studies related to sugar and mood found that sugar and carbohydrates in general have no measurable beneficial effect on mood. Rather, a sugar load is more likely to reduce alertness and increase perceived fatigue within 30 to 60 minutes ?of consumption. |
| Consumer Link No such thing as 'sugar rush'! Sugar worsens mood rather than improving it |
| Research Link Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2019;101:45-67. |
| April 17, 2019 Creatine Supplementation and Bone Health: Postmenopausal women participating in a 12-month resistance exercise training program were randomized to receive a creatine supplement or a placebo. After a year in the study, women consuming the creatine had significantly less decline in bone mineral density. |
| Consumer Link Creatine: Can Muscle Supplement Fight Osteoporosis? |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Aug;47(8):1587-95. |
| April 16, 2019 Low Carbohydrate Breakfast for Diabetes: A study compared the effects of a low carbohydrate breakfast (less than 10% of calories from carbohydrate) to a normal carbohydrate breakfast following Dietary Guidelines recommendations (55% of calories from carbohydrate) in 23 adults with type 2 diabetes. The low carb breakfast resulted in much lower blood glucose rise after breakfast. Even though this was followed with a balanced lunch and dinner with typical carbohydrate levels, it resulted in an overall reduction in the day's glucose load which could provide significant benefits to diabetics. |
| Consumer Link Eggs for breakfast benefits those with diabetes |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 09 April 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 15, 2019 Protein Recommendations for Track Athletes: New guidelines for track and field athletes on protein nutrition were recently published. They recommend that most track athletes consume protein at levels about twice the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams per kg body weight per day. The guidelines also stress that athletes who are restricting calories to maintain lower body weights may benefit from consuming up to three times the current RDA for protein - 2.4 grams/kg/day. |
| Consumer Link New guidelines to athletes on protein intake |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Ex Metab. 2018.(Epub Ahead of Print) |
| April 14, 2019 Beer With or Without Alcohol: A recent study found that just the taste of beer, without the alcohol, increased brain levels of dopamine much the same as beer with alcohol. Those with a family history of alcoholism were most sensitive to this effect. |
| Consumer Link Taste of Beer, Without Effect from Alcohol, Triggers Dopamine Release in the Brain Research |
| Research Link Neuropsychopharmacology volume 38, pages 1617–1624 (2013) |
| April 13, 2019 Sleep and Weight: The human body and brain are geared to function in sync with a circadian rhythm linked to the light and dark phases of a 24-hour day. Research housing mice in 24-hour light conditions with no dark time resulted in significant weight gain and impaired glucose handling. Disruption of sleeping patterns generally affects humans similarly. |
| Consumer Link Our internal clocks can become ticking time bombs for diabetes and obesity |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2013;27(4):1721-1732. |
| April 12, 2019 MSG Safety: Adverse reactions to MSG (monosodium glutamate) were given the name Chinese Restaurant Syndrome about 50 years ago. Although high doses of MSG certainly could produce adverse effects, research over the years has repeatedly found little or no problem at levels commonly consumed. Since MSG is a natural component of many foods and we even have specific taste receptors for MSG (umami taste), it's not too surprising that it has mostly been found to have no adverse effect on the body. |
| Consumer Link 50 years ago, people thought MSG caused ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’ |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2000;130(4):1049S–1052S. |
| April 11, 2019 Low-Calories and Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes typically improves rapidly after bariatric surgery. A new study found that just reducing calorie intake to match that of post-surgery individuals has the same effect on diabetes. Unfortunately, maintaining a low-calorie intake is difficult for most people. |
| Consumer Link Diet shown to be critical factor in improving type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery |
| Research Link Diabetes Care 2013 Mar; DC_122316. |
| April 10, 2019 Grains for celiacs: People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid grains like wheat, rye, and barley due to the presence of gluten protein. Corn and rice do not contain the offending protein. New detailed genome, biochemical, and immunochemical analysis of the grain sorghum indicates that it lacks the offending protein and is safe for people with celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Verifying that sorghum is a new safe grain for people with celiac disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Mar 13;61(10):2565-71. doi: 10.1021/jf304882k. |
| April 9, 2019 Obesity Bias: It has been known for some time that there is discrimination against obese individuals. More than 1500 participants from the UK, USA, and India were surveyed online to indicate how evolved they consider people of various body sizes to be. On average, obese individuals were ranked 10 percent lower than those without obesity. Dehumanization based on weight was most common among thinner survey takers who also were more likely to support health policies that discriminate against people based on body weight. |
| Consumer Link People with obesity often 'dehumanized,' study finds |
| Research Link Obesity, 2019; DOI: 10.1002/oby.22460 |
| April 8, 2019 Alzheimer's Disease: A study using a strain of mice that get Alzheimer's disease added compounds isolated from green tea and carrots to their feed. Supplementing the mice for 3 months with EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) found in green tea and ferulic acid (from carrots), reversed cognitive impairment in the mice. Future research is needed to determine if this could be effective in humans. |
| Consumer Link Alzheimer's-like symptoms reversed in mice |
| Research Link J Biol Chem, 2019; 294 (8): 2714. |
| April 7, 2019 Potential Benefits of Increased Coffee and Green Tea: A Japanese study of over 80,000 people that were studied over a period of 13 years found that both coffee and green tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. |
| Consumer Link Coffee, Green Tea, May Help Lower Stroke Risk, Research Shows |
| Research Link Stroke. 2013 May;44(5):1369-74. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.677500. Epub 2013 Mar 14. |
| April 6, 2019 Iron and Decreased PMS: Premenopausal adult women require more than double the amount of iron needed by men. A 10-year study of about 3,000 women enrolled in the U.S. Nurses' Health Study II found that women with the greatest total dietary iron intake had the lowest relative risk of having PMS (premenstrual syndrome). |
| Consumer Link Iron-Rich Diet Might Ease PMS Misery |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2013 May 15;177(10):1118-27. doi: 10.1093/aje/kws363. Epub 2013 Feb 26 |
| April 5, 2019 Contradictions in the Dietary Guidelines: The United States Dietary Guidelines for sodium intake have been controversial with some researchers considering them to be so low that they could cause health problems. A new study using food pattern modeling found that dietary patterns that meet the sodium recommendations are incompatible with meeting potassium recommendations. |
| Consumer Link Salt Institute Disputes AHA Unrealistic Salt Statistic |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2013 Mar;33(3):188-94 |
| April 4, 2019 Beetroot Juice and Hypertension: A new study using a rat strain with salt-sensitive hypertension found that feeding the animals small amounts of nitrate salts or beetroot juice (naturally high in nitrate) along with salt prevented the usual salt-induced increase in blood pressure. Adding sources of nitrate to salty foods could possibly help people with salt-sensitive hypertension. However, it is estimated that less than 25% of people with hypertension are salt-sensitive. |
| Consumer Link AHA News: Could Beetroot Fight Salt-Induced High Blood Pressure? |
| Research Link Hypertension. 28 Mar 2019. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| April 3, 2019 Genes and Body Weight: Research confirms that childhood body weight is strongly influenced by genes. Using a system that compares the additive effects of multiple genes across the whole genome, researchers estimated that genetics accounts for about 30% of individual difference in childhood body weight. As more is learned about which genes increase the risk of obesity, it may become possible to design dietary strategies that may help children at high risk of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Study Finds Strong Genetic Component to Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2013 Nov;37(11):1506-9. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2013.30. |
| April 2, 2019 Fiber and Stroke Prevention?: A summary of the results from eight studies indicated that study participants who consumed diets higher in dietary fiber had a lower risk of having a stroke. However, it is not possible to determine if the dietary benefits were due to the fiber content or due to other substances that happen to be present in foods that are good sources of fiber. |
| Consumer Link Eating more fiber may lower stroke risk |
| Research Link Stroke. 2013 May;44(5):1360-8. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.000151. Epub 2013 Mar 28. |
| April 1, 2019 Weight Loss Maintenance: A study of people who had lost about 30 pounds and kept it off for over a year found that the main way they accomplished this was primarily though increased physical activity. They consumed about the same amount of calories as obese and overweight individuals, but expended significantly more calories in daily physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Study: exercise is more critical than diet to maintain weight loss |
| Research Link Obesity. 2019;27(3):496-504. |
| March 31, 2019 THe Many Functions of Vitamin D: Research continues to both expand and narrow in on the multiple functions of vitamin D in the body. It is turning out that vitamin D status affects the expression of many genes that have a wide variety of biologic functions with more than 160 pathways linked to cancer, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link High Vitamin D Helps Healthy People Stay That Way |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(3): e58725. March 20, 2013 |
| March 30, 2019 Breakfast and Snacking: Research indicates that eating breakfast can improve overall nutrition. A new study of 19-year old overweight females found that a 350 calorie breakfast with 35 grams of protein resulted in reduced evening snacking on high fat foods compared to when they ate a lower protein breakfast or skipped breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Protein-Rich Breakfasts Prevent Unhealthy Snacking in the Evening, Study Finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):677-88. |
| March 29, 2019 Percent Fat in Milk and Body Weight: In a study of over 10,000 children, those consuming skim and low fat milk between the ages of 2 and 4 were more likely be become overweight or obese than children consuming higher fat milk varieties. This seems surprising, but may be related to the higher fat milks having a superior satiety value. |
| Consumer Link Skimmed/semi-skimmed milk does not curb excess toddler weight gain, study finds |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2012-302941 |
| March 28, 2019 Fasting-mimicking Diet: A new study conducted with both a mouse model and with people found that consuming about half of ones energy requirement for a few days reduced inflammation in the body and relieved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. |
| Consumer Link Fasting-mimicking diet holds promise for treating people with inflammatory bowel disease |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2019;26(10):2704. |
| March 27, 2019 There is an increasing number of female athletes with negative health and performance issues. Because most sports research has focused on male athletes, awareness of the negative consequences to female athletes due to inadequate calorie intake is often overlooked. |
| Consumer Link Detrimental effect of overlooking female athletes' nutritional needs |
| Research Link Strength and Conditioning Journal, FEB 1, 2019; 1 DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000464 |
| March 26, 2019 Diet and Cataracts: Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that impairs vision. The incidence of cataracts increases with age. A new study demonstrates that including colorful fruits and vegetables in the diet helps to prevent cataracts. The results of the study found that high vitamin C foods like citrus fruits and peppers along with high carotenoid foods like carrots, tomatoes, and dark green vegetables are most strongly associated with a reduced risk of cataracts. |
| Consumer Link Tuck into colourful fruits and vegetables and see the light |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Jan 1;109(1):43-54. |
| March 25, 2019 Frying Oil and Cancer: A new study using a mouse model for breast cancer compared the effects of feeding fresh soybean oil to the effects of feeding the mice oil that had been reheated a number of times similar to what occurs in deep fryers in restaurants. They found that the reheated oil (unlike the fresh oil) resulted in biochemical changes that speed up the progression of late-stage breast cancer and promote tumor cell growth and proliferation. |
| Consumer Link Study in mice examines impact of reused cooking oil on breast cancer progression. |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res March 18 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 24, 2019 DHA to Prevent AMD: Docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA, is a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that is highly concentrated in the retina and essential for its function. Found primarily in fish oils, this fatty acid is an important nutrient for the prevention of age-related vision loss due to macular degeneration. In addition to fish oils, special algae oil supplements can provide this fatty acid. |
| Consumer Link Essential Fatty Acids - Omega-3: DHA and EPA |
| Research Link American Academy of Ophthalmology. August 2013 Volume 120, Issue 8, Pages 1619–1631 |
| March 23, 2019 Food Enjoyment and Calorie Intake: Enjoyable and memorable meals help to reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Researchers suggest that thoroughly enjoying and paying attention to foods consumed at a meal may help to reduce calorie intake overall. |
| Consumer Link Food Memories Can Help With Weight Loss |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):728-42. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.045245 |
| March 22, 2019 Sports and Depression in Children: A nationwide study of 4,191 children ages 9-11 found that participation in sports activities is related to greater volume of the hippocampus (a part of the brain) in both boys and girls. Based on a questionnaire, this also is related to reduced depression in boys. |
| Consumer Link How team sports change a child's brain |
| Research Link Biol Psych Cogn Neurosci Neuroimag. 2019 Feb 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 21, 2019 Fish Oils and Asthma: A study of 642 adults indicated that greater blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oils were associated with decreased risk of having asthma symptoms. However, a high level of some of the omega-6 fatty acids that are found in various vegetable oils was associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Eating fish may help prevent asthma |
| Research Link Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 2019;16(1):43. |
| March 20, 2019 The essential nutrient choline is important for fetal brain development. Choline has also been shown to be especially important to prevent behavioral problems in children when colds or flu have occurred during pregnancy. Eggs and red meat are good sources of choline. |
| Consumer Link Expectant mothers can prevent fetal brain problems caused by the flu, study shows |
| Research Link The Journal of Pediatrics, 2019; DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.12.010 |
| March 19, 2019 Avocado Seeds: New research indicates that a special extract of avocado seeds has potentially beneficial antioxidant compounds. Of course, it would be great to find a good way to use avocado seeds for something other than land-fill. However, don't start grinding up your own avocado seeds. The seeds also have various toxic compounds that need to be removed. |
| Consumer Link Avocado seed extract shows promise as anti-inflammatory compound |
| Research Link Adv Food Technol Nutr Sci Open J. 2019;5(1):8-12. |
| March 18, 2019 The vitamin D recommendation for adults is 600 IU. Researchers found that overweight and obese older women taking 2,000 or 4,000 IU vitamin D had improved memory and learning. Results, however, indicated that women at these doses also had slower reaction times, potentially increasing the risk of falls. This is another example of too much of a good thing isn't always good. |
| Consumer Link More vitamin D may improve memory but too much may slow reaction time. Potential risks and benefits |
| Research Link Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 2019 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz041 |
| March 17, 2019 Smoking and Increased Vitamin Requirements: Research shows that smokers require greater amounts of vitamin C than non-smokers and a good vitamin D status also is important to reduce the smoking-related cancer risk of smokers. |
| Consumer Link For Smokers, Low Levels of Vitamin D May Lead to Cancer |
| Research Link Clinical Chemistry, April 2013; DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2012.201939 |
| March 16, 2019 Iodine Status and Cognitive Function: In developed countries, there is a tendency to assume that everyone is consuming adequate amounts of iodine. However, studies in the U.S. and now in the U.K., demonstrate that many pregnant women have inadequate iodine status that can cause life-long impairment of cognitive function in their children. A small amount of iodized salt can help to prevent an iodine deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Micronutrient deficiencies - Iodine deficiency disorders |
| Research Link The Lancet May 22, 2013DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60436-5 |
| March 15, 2019 Inactive Ingredients and Allergens: Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology found 90% of oral medications tested contained one or more ingredients that can cause allergic or gastrointestinal symptoms in sensitive individuals. About 45% contained lactose and 33% food dyes. Anyone with food allergies should ask their pharmacist if the prescribed medication contains these. |
| Consumer Link Inactive ingredients in pills and capsules may cause allergic, adverse reactions |
| Research Link Science Translational Medicine 13 Mar 2019: Vol. 11, Issue 483, eaau6753 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6753 |
| March 14, 2019 Cholesterol risk factor paradox: In individuals, 80 years and older, low cholesterol is associated with increased risk of death from cancer and respiratory disease. This challenges statin use in octogenarians. |
| Consumer Link New wisdom about high cholesterol treatment for adults aged 80 and older |
| Research Link Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2019; DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15733 |
| March 13, 2019 Muscle Strength and Diabetes Risk: Research shows that a moderate level of muscle strength as measured by strength and treadmill tests were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to understand how much exercise helps to decrease diabetes risk. |
| Consumer Link Moderate muscle strength may lower risk for type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2019; DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.08.037 |
| March 12, 2019 Vitamin D and Asthma in Obese Children: A 9-month study was conducted with 120 obese children age 5-12 years who had been diagnosed with asthma. They found that children with low vitamin D status (low 25-OH vitamin D) were more adversely affected by indoor air pollutants. Maintaining optimal vitamin D status may help to reduce asthma symptoms in obese children. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D plays a protective role in young children with asthma |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immun Prac. February 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 11, 2019 Building Muscle During Sleep: New research indicates that a pre-sleep protein supplement may benefit body builders by increasing muscle mass and strength without gaining fat. |
| Consumer Link Bedtime protein for bigger gains? Here's the scoop |
| Research Link An Update. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2019; 6 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00017 |
| March 10, 2019 Grapefruit and Blood Sugar: Consumption of grapefruit prior to a meal can enhance insulin function and help in the management of blood glucose. However, grapefruit can interact with many medications. Those taking medications should consult with their physician and/or pharmacist about possible interactions that would contraindicate consuming grapefruit, its juice, or other grapefruit products. |
| Consumer Link Insulin Resistance & Grapefruit Juice |
| Research Link J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):49-54. |
| March 9, 2019 Body Fat, Inflammation, and Joint Health: Excess body fat can promote osteoarthritis in two major ways. First of all, the extra body weight places more "wear and tear" strain on joints that support body weight. Secondly, excess body fat is know to promote generalized inflammatory activity in the body that can irritate joints. Weight loss can be an important component of treating osteoarthritis. |
| Consumer Link Weight Loss May Prevent, Treat Osteoarthritis in Obese Patients |
| Research Link J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013 Mar;21(3):161-9. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-21-03-161. |
| March 8, 2019 Osteoporosis and Yoga: Although yoga improves flexibility and strength, there can be unwanted consequences as bones beome thinner. A recent study shows that disk degeneration and compression fractures can occur when performing positions with extreme stretching, spinal flexion and extension. |
| Consumer Link People with osteoporosis should avoid spinal poses in yoga, study says |
| Research Link Mayo Clinic Proceedings, March 2019 Volume 94, Issue 3, Pages 424–431; DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.09.024 |
| March 7, 2019 Vitamin D and Iron: Vitamin D status is assessed by measuring a form of the vitamin that is partially activated (hydroxylated) in the liver by an iron-dependent enzyme system. A new study with women and their children six months to 5 years old found that those with lower iron status were significantly more likely to be vitamin D deficient. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D requires iron aid, and both are often lacking |
| Research Link Arch Argent Pediatr. 2018 Dec 1;116(6):e736-e743. |
| March 6, 2019 Climate change and Protein: Fish is an important protein source for half of the world's population. Climate change threatens fish populations, especially in overfished areas. Warmer waters makes it more difficult for overfished populations to recover. |
| Consumer Link Climate change is shifting productivity of fisheries worldwide |
| Research Link Science, 2019 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau1758 |
| March 5, 2019 Kids Multivitamins: A study conducted in England found that many multivitamin products for children do not provide the recommended 400 IU of vitamin D. In the U.S., similar products vary greatly. Many have 600 IU and some have 200 IU. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants and children have a minimum intake of 400 IU of vitamin D per day beginning soon after birth. |
| Consumer Link Few kids' multivitamin products supply recommended daily vitamin D dose |
| Research Link Arch Dis Childhood. 2019; |
| March 4, 2019 Tomato Colors: Although the standard red tomato is hard to beat for healthful carotenoids and antioxidant benefit, a new study shows that each different color of tomatoes provides unique positive qualities. So, enjoying a variety of tomato colors would seem to be a good thing. |
| Consumer Link Comparing antioxidants levels in tomatoes of different color Specific antioxidants are associated with particular tomato colors |
| Research Link J Am Soc Hort Sci. 2019;144(1):45. |
| March 3, 2019 Greenhouse Gas Comparisons: Estimating the impact of how we eat on the production of greenhouse gases is complicated by many variables. A recent systematic attempt to do this illustrates that it is important to compare equal calorie amounts of foods. When this was done, there was little difference in greenhouse gas production associated with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, pork, poultry, and eggs. Dairy foods ranked lower than fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Plant-based diets: Healthy for people, but what about the planet? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Mar;97(3):569-83. |
| March 2, 2019 Problems with Excess Vitamin D During Pregnancy: Although meeting essential nutrient needs during pregnancy is needed for optimal infant health, excessive intake of a nutrient also may cause problems. A recent study found that infants with high blood levels of vitamin D at birth were more likely to develop allergies within their first 2 years of life. |
| Consumer Link Too much vitamin D during pregnancy can cause food allergies, research suggests |
| Research Link Allergy. 2013 Feb;68(2):220-8. doi: 10.1111/all.12081. Epub 2012 Dec 18. |
| March 1, 2019 Children of mothers who reported taking prenatal supplements before the first month of pregnancy were less likely to be diagnosed with autisn spectrum disorder than children whose mothers reported not taking prenatal supplements. More research is needed to determine contributing nutrients and dose thresholds to decrease ASD risk. |
| Consumer Link Study: Prenatal vitamins early in pregnancy may lower risk of autism |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. Published online February 27, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3901 |
| February 28, 2019 Colorectal Cancer Risk: A new study conducted in China found that those who consumed more allium vegetables (garlic and onions) had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. |
| Consumer Link Consuming garlic and onions may lower colorectal cancer risk |
| Research Link Asia?Pac J Clin Oncol. 2019;1–9. |
| February 27, 2019 Low FODMAP Diet for Runners: Low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets have been shown to help people with irritable bowel syndrome. A new study conducted with normal healthy recreational runners found that consuming a low FODMAP diet significantly reduced exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms. The types of foods avoided in a low FODMAP diet include foods containing lactose (milk, yogurts and cheese), fructans (found in cereals, breads and pasta), galacto-oligosaccharides (legumes and onions), excess fructose (sweet fruits, honey, etc.), and polyols (often added as a food additive). |
| Consumer Link Diet could help runners beat stomach issues |
| Research Link J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16:1. |
| February 26, 2019 Reducing Dementia Risk: A study in Sweden followed 800 women for 44 years, starting at an average age of 47. They found that those who were at least moderately active physically and mentally during middle age were much less likely to develop a variety of types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease in their later years. |
| Consumer Link Keeping active in middle age may be tied to lower risk of dementia |
| Research Link Neurology. 2019 February. |
| February 25, 2019 Eggs and Diabetes: As a good source of protein and choline, eggs have been found to be a good part of a healthful diet for people with diabetes. Eating eggs in moderation should not negatively affect a person's risk of heart disease, and may improve fasting blood glucose levels. |
| Consumer Link Are eggs good for people with diabetes? |
| Research Link Amer J Clin Nutr. 2016;101(4):705–713. |
| February 24, 2019 Body Fat and Inflammation: It was once thought that excess fat stored below the waist does not increase the risks for heart disease and diabetes. This concept has been challenged by new research. The main observation was that gluteal adipose tissue secretes abnormal levels of key proteins that can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance in individuals with early metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link UC Davis study deflates notion that pear-shaped bodies more healthy than apples |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Mar;98(3):E514-7. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-3673. Epub 2013 Jan 9. |
| February 23, 2019 Brain Tissue Needs Cholesterol: Cholesterol is needed for many important functions in the body. For example, cholesterol is relatively high in brain tissue and research on human embryonic stem cells shows that an oxidized form of cholesterol helps direct stem cells to become the dopamine producing cells that are lost in Parkinson's disease. |
| Consumer Link Cholesterol Necessary For Brain Development, Study Finds |
| Research Link Cell Stem Cell. 2009 Oct 2;5(4):409-19. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2009.08.019. |
| February 22, 2019 Blood Donation and Iron Status: All blood donors need to be aware of how donation increases their iron needs to avoid the serious effects of iron deficiency. New research identifies adolescent female blood donors as a particularly high risk group for iron deficiency and associated anemia which can adversely affect brain development that is still progressing at this age. |
| Consumer Link Adolescent female blood donors at risk for iron deficiency and associated anemia |
| Research Link Transfusion. Feb 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 21, 2019 N-6 fatty acids and hypertension: Dietary n-6 fatty acids, as found in nuts and seeds, have been shown to be beneficial to controlling blood pressure in healthy Japanese. However, in the Japanese who were insulin resistant, these fatty acids may increase the risk of hypertension. |
| Consumer Link An intricate interaction: Dietary fatty acid intake influences hypertension risk |
| Research Link Nutrients 2018, 10(12), 1825 https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121825 |
| February 20, 2019 Genes and Fat Distribution: Where the body stores fat is linked to a variety of health risks such as developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers are now identifying specific variants in genes that are linked to both primary fat storage locations and disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Researchers discover variants in DNA that significantly influence how the body distributes fat |
| Research Link Nature Genetics. Feb 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2019 Protein and Weight Loss: One of the most basic concepts in healthful weight loss is loosing body fat and not losing calorie-burning lean tissues like muscle. To reduce lean tissue loss, it is important to know that protein needs increase when calorie intake is reduced. A new study indicates this also relates to older people around age 70 years. |
| Consumer Link More protein and fewer calories help older people lose weight safely |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab 2019;74:149–155. |
| February 18, 2019 Relationship Between Sweet Preference and Metabolic Syndrome: Individuals with a high preference for sweets and a high aversion to bitter flavors are more likely to have metabolic syndrome according to a new study. More research, is needed to determine if these taste sensitivities are genetically determined or occur as a result of the metabolic condition. |
| Consumer Link Taste Preferences Impact Health, New Study Finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2013 Feb;78(2):S336-42. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12008. Epub 2013 Jan 16. |
| February 17, 2019 Bad Name for Good Foods: Some foods that often get put on the "bad list" are rich sources of important nutrients. Recent extensive research reviews indicate that whole milk and eggs can be beneficial components of the diet when consumed in reasonable amounts. |
| Consumer Link Whole milk and eggs do not threaten health, say studies |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2013 Feb;52(1):1-24. |
| February 16, 2019 Wheat and Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is increasing but not due to changes in wheat gluten. Wheat gluten has changed little during the past 50 years. |
| Consumer Link No clear evidence more gluten in new wheat is responsible for increase in celiac disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Feb 13;61(6):1155-9. doi: 10.1021/jf305122s. Epub 2013 Jan 31. |
| February 15, 2019 Zinc Excess: Excess zinc consumption from foods is unlikely unless zinc dietary supplements are consumed in excess. However zinc excess in the form of nasal sprays and gels has been linked to a permanent loss of the sense of smell. |
| Consumer Link Zinc - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Zinc - Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| February 14, 2019 Body Building Supplement Risky: A body building supplement called L-norvaline is known to boost nitric oxide synthesis, expand blood vessels and potentially increase blood flow to muscles. Unfortunately, new research indicates that L-norvaline (an amino acid not normally involved in protein synthesis) can result in the synthesis of faulty proteins that impair brain function. Other research reported that L-norvaline reversed cognitive decline in a mouse model. So stay tuned on this one. |
| Consumer Link Body building supplement could be bad for the brain |
| Research Link Toxicology in Vitro. 2019;56:163-171. |
| February 13, 2019 Zinc Deficiency: Due to zinc's involvement in a great variety of cellular functions, zinc deficiency can cause many different problems. Examples include impaired development in both pregnancy and childhood that can cause problems that persist throughout life, impaired immune function, skin rashes, diarrhea, decreased appetite, loss of sense of taste, vision problems, and lifelong behavioral disturbances. A variety of compounds in plant foods impair zinc absorption. To absorb adequate amounts of zinc, those consuming vegetarian diets need to consume about 50 percent more zinc than omnivores. |
| Consumer Link Zinc - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Zinc - Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| February 12, 2019 Zinc Function: Zinc has numerous important biological functions required for things like immune system function, wound healing, neurological function, and normal growth and development during pregnancy and childhood. |
| Consumer Link Zinc - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Zinc - Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| February 11, 2019 Eating Insects: Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki used an online questionnaire to examine consumers' willingness to include insects in their diet as a nutrient-rich, environmentally-friendly food source. Non-vegan vegetarians and omnivores were the most willing groups to consume insects and vegans were the least willing, considering insect consumption to be immoral and irresponsible. |
| Consumer Link New study shows how vegans, vegetarians and omnivores feel about eating insects |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2019;11(2):292. |
| February 10, 2019 Choline and Brain Development: The essential nutrient choline appears to be especially important for fetal brain development. Choline supplements taken by pregnant women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy enhanced normal brain functions associated with a reduced risk of developing schizophrenia. Eggs are the richest common food source of choline. |
| Consumer Link Choline May Protect Infants From Developing Schizophrenia |
| Research Link Am J Psychiatry. 2013 Mar;170(3):290-8. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12070940. |
| February 9, 2019 Alcohol and Diet Sodas: If you like alcoholic drinks that are mixed with sodas, like "Rum and Coke," take note that blood alcohol levels are likely to be higher when diet soda is used. This is likely due to the fact that the sugars in the regular soda slow down the rate of stomach emptying into the intestine where most of the alcohol is absorbed. |
| Consumer Link Diet Soda May Be the More Dangerous Alcohol Mixer |
| Research Link Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Volume 37, Issue 4 https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12039 |
| February 8, 2019 Selenium Excess: Selenium is an essential dietary mineral but can also be toxic in high doses. Selenium accumulates overtime and excessive selenium can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, hair and nail problems, skin rashes and nervous system problems. Although Brazil nuts are considered to be a high selenium risk food, this is true only in areas with selenium-rich soils. Plants from Allium (garlic and onion) and Brassicaceae families (broccoli and cauliflower) are also plants that are considered selenium accumulators. |
| Consumer Link Selenium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Selenium |
| February 7, 2019 Brain Risk from Early Drinking: Researchers found that a history of binge drinking prior to age 21 had long-term effects on brain chemistry. Comparing postmortem brains of those with a history of early drinking to those with later drinking in life, they found that the brains of early drinkers had increased levels of a key protein that inhibits the maintenance of neural connections in a part of the brain involved in emotion, fear and anxiety. |
| Consumer Link Heavy drinking in teens causes lasting changes in emotional center of brain |
| Research Link Trans Psych. 6 Feb 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 6, 2019 Selenium Deficiency: In North America, selenium deficiency is rare, but when deficient, muscle weakness and wasting occurs, particularly in heart muscle. |
| Consumer Link Selenium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Selenium |
| February 5, 2019 Selenium Function: Selenium is an element that has several functions in the body. Some key functions include reproduction, thyroid function, and protection from damage by free radicals. |
| Consumer Link Selenium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Selenium |
| February 4, 2019 Exercise and Belly Fat: A review and analysis was conducted of 17 randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of exercise to pharmacological interventions on fat loss. The main difference was that exercise was associated with a higher proportion of fat loss from internal abdominal (visceral) fat stores compared to pharmacological treatments. |
| Consumer Link The dangers of hidden fat: Exercise is your best defense against deep abdominal fat |
| Research Link Mayo Clin Proc. 2019;94(2):211-224. |
| February 3, 2019 Benefits of Exercise Intensity. A study of sedentary adult males found that three sessions of sprint interval training on a stationary bike for about 30 minutes, 3 times a week, was as effective as five sessions of traditional endurance exercise, taking five hours per week, at increasing whole body insulin sensitivity and improving various indices of cardiovascular function. |
| Consumer Link Getting fit fast: Inactive people can achieve major health and fitness gains in a fraction of the time |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2013 Feb 1;591(3):641-56. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.239566. Epub 2012 Sep 3. |
| February 2, 2019 Peer Pressure and Body Image: Images of pencil-thin models in the media have been thought to have a strong influence on body dissatisfaction in teenage girls. New research indicates that peer pressure has a much greater influence. |
| Consumer Link Peer Pressure Trumps 'Thin' Ideals in the Media |
| Research Link J Youth Adolesc. 2014 Jan;43(1):1-14. doi: 10.1007/s10964-012-9898-9. Epub 2013 Jan 24. |
| February 1, 2019 Phosphorus Excess: The food supply is abundant in phosphorus. Excessive blood phosphorus from dietary sources is rare and generally only occurs in people with severe kidney disease or problems with calcium regulation. |
| Consumer Link Phosphorus in diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Phosphorus |
| January 31, 2019 Weight Control: In a mouse study, researchers found that the presence of a specific cell type (intraepithelial T lymphocytes) in the lining of the small intestine made the mice more efficient at storing body fat. These cells contributed to developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Mice without these cells did not become obese or develop disease risk factors even with a diet high in fat and sugar. Targeting these cells may lead to a treatment for obesity in humans. |
| Consumer Link Some gut cells slow down metabolism, accelerate cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link Nature. 30 January 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 30, 2019 Phosphorus Deficiency: Dietary deficiency of phosphorus is rare because phosphorus is high in many common foods. Phosphorus deficiency has occurred in cases of near-total starvation, anorexia, and uncontrolled diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Phosphorus in diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Phosphorus |
| January 29, 2019 Phosphorus Function: Phosphorus has many functions in the body that range from contributing to bone structure to trapping energy in a usable form that drives a multitude of energy requiring activities in all cells. |
| Consumer Link Phosphorus in diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Phosphorus |
| January 28, 2019 Sugar and Fatty Liver in Teens: In a study of 40 adolescent boys with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, half of the boys consumed a diet low in sugar. Those on the low sugar diet for 8 weeks had a reduction in liver fat content. However, it appears that those on the lower sugar diet also consumed greater amounts of protein than the usual diet group. Since protein is known to play an important role in transport of fat out of the liver, it is not possible to determine whether low sugar or additional protein made the difference. |
| Consumer Link Diet low in added sugars significantly improves fatty liver disease in children |
| Research Link JAMA, 2019; 321 (3): 256-265. |
| January 27, 2019 Peer Pressure vs Media: Images of pencil-thin models in the media have been thought to have a strong influence on body dissatisfaction in teenage girls. New research indicates that peer pressure has a much greater influence. |
| Consumer Link Peer pressure trumps 'thin' ideals in the media |
| Research Link J Youth Adolesc. 2014 Jan;43(1):1-14. doi: 10.1007/s10964-012-9898-9 |
| January 26, 2019 Nutrients for Aging: Although meeting all nutrient needs is an essential component of good health at all stages of life, some especially key factors that help to maintain muscle in older people include adequate protein, vitamin D, and an overall diet with a balance of foods from all food groups - including fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Which nutritional factors help preserve muscle mass, strength and performance in seniors? |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2013 May;24(5):1555-66. doi: 10.1007/s00198-012-2236-y |
| January 25, 2019 Vitamin K Drug Interactions: Vitamin K is generally not a problem, but interacts with a number of drugs. If taking the blood thinner warfarin, a person should consume about the same amount of vitamin K daily. Taking antibiotics for a few weeks can prevent bacteria in the colon from making normal amounts of vitamin K and therefore more would be needed in the diet. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Vitamin K - Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 24, 2019 Vitamin K Deficiency: A severe deficiency of Vitamin K is generally rare, except for those with intestinal conditions, such as celiac disease or ulcerative colitis. Newborns are generally injected with vitamin K at birth to prevent problems. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Vitamin K - Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 23, 2019 Vitamin K functions: Two key functions of vitamin K include: the regulation of blood clotting and promotion of strong bones. Foods higher in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables and broccoli. Because vitamin K is considered a fat-soluble vitamin, these foods should be consumed with a bit of fat or oil to enhance absorption. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Vitamin K - Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 22, 2019 Linoleic Acid and Inflammation: The omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids found in many plant oils. New research indicates that high intake of linoleic acid can produce inflammation in people that have a specific variant in a gene associated with fatty acid metabolism. Work building on this research can contribute to specific dietary recommendations based on individual genetics. |
| Consumer Link Effects of linoleic acid on inflammatory response depend on genes |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 08 January 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 21, 2019 Gut Health: Clostridium difficile is a microorganism that can infect the intestinal tract and is antibiotic resistant and very difficult to eliminate. Today the best treatment appears to be transferring fecal matter from a healthy person to the intestine of the infected person. For health, it is important to maintain a healthy microbial ecology in the lower intestine. |
| Consumer Link Study: Fecal transplants cure serious infection |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2015 May 5;162(9):630-8. doi: 10.7326/M14-2693. |
| January 20, 2019 Microbes and Health: The composition of the bacterial community in the lower intestine can have substantial effects on the body. New studies are even finding likely links between the makeup of the intestinal microbiota and autoimmune disease. |
| Consumer Link GI tract bacteria may protect against autoimmune disease |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Mar;67(3):275-81. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.218. |
| January 19, 2019 Sodium Excess: Chronic excess sodium consumption can lead to edema or water retention. For salt sensitive individuals, excess sodium has been shown to be one factor involved in the development of high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Sodium and the Diet |
| Research Link Sodium (Chloride) Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 18, 2019 Sodium Deficiency: Symptoms of sodium deficiency include nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps. The most common causes include: fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, or perspiration. |
| Consumer Link Sodium and the Diet |
| Research Link Sodium (Chloride) Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 17, 2019 Nutrients and Aging: Longevity researcher, Bruce Ames, proposes new categories of vitamins. The commonly known vitamins are classified as "survival vitamins" that are needed for basic survival. "Longevity vitamins," on the other hand, are substances not typically considered essential for survival but are required for healthful aging. Examples of survival vitamins include all the known vitamins as well as choline and the amino acid taurine. Longevity vitamins include a compound produced by mushrooms (ergothioneine), pyrroloquinoline quinone produced by some bacteria, and a variety of carotenoid compounds produced by plants. |
| Consumer Link Adequate Consumption of ‘Longevity’ Vitamins Could Prolong Healthy Aging, Nutrition Scientist Says |
| Research Link Proc Nat Acad Sci. 2018;115(43):10836-10844. |
| January 16, 2019 Sodium Function: Although controversial, sodium is an essential nutrient. It is important to consume enough of it and most of us do. Sodium carries out many important functions in the body including helping to hold fluid in the right spaces and facilitating absorption of various other nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Sodium and the Diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Sodium |
| January 15, 2019 Alcohol and Atrial Fibrillation: A new study using an electroanatomic mapping technology studied 75 men with atrial fibrillation. They found that men who were moderate drinkers (8 to 21 alcoholic drinks per week) showed more evidence of scarring and impaired electrical signaling than light drinkers (2 to 7 drinks per week) and non-drinkers. |
| Consumer Link How much is too much? Even moderate alcohol consumption is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation |
| Research Link Heart Rhythm. 9 January 2019. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 13, 2019 Labeling Standards: Food Safety is the first step to obtaining adequate nutrition. Research on food freshness shows that people are not as concerned about consuming expired dated foods if it is in their refrigerators as compared with the same supermarket foods with expired dates. |
| Consumer Link What's A Little Mold? Why Consumers Have Different Freshness Standards At Home |
| Research Link Journal of Consumer Research Vol. 36, No. 1 (June 2009), pp. 47-55 |
| January 12, 2019 Whole Grains and Sugar: Foods labeled with the whole grains logo often provide more dietary fiber than similar foods without the stamp. However, on average, a serving of these logo labeled foods contains more sugar and provides significantly more calories than comparable non-stamped foods. |
| Consumer Link Foods Identified as 'Whole Grain' Not Always Healthy |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2013 Jan 4:1-10. |
| January 11, 2019 Eggs and Type 2 Diabetes: Studies have found that the consumption of eggs is associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. New research conducted on over 200 men found that the blood samples of men who ate more eggs had a profile of compounds considered to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Further study of these compounds will help to determine if there is any causal link between egg consumption and diabetes prevention. |
| Consumer Link Egg metabolites in blood related to lower risk of type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 12 December 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 10, 2019 Excess Vitamin E: Supplement doses of vitamin E greater than 1,100 IU/day for adults has been shown to reduce the ability to form blood clots after an injury and could cause serious bleeding in the brain, also known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Even lower levels of supplemental vitamin E may be problematic for children. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E Fact Sheet |
| Research Link Vitamin E -Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 9, 2019 Vitamin E Deficiency: Vitamin E deficiency can weaken the immune system as well as cause nerve and muscle damage. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E is absorbed best when consumed with food sources of fat. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Vitamin E |
| Research Link Vitamin E -Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 8, 2019 Vitamin E Function: The antioxidant function of vitamin E helps to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals produced from exposure to things like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and too much ultraviolet sunlight. Vitamin E also aids the immune system and supports normal blood clotting. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Vitamin E |
| Research Link Vitamin E -Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| January 7, 2019 Vitamin C and Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a combination of indicators such as high waist circumference, elevated blood glucose, triglycerides, and pressure, along with low "good" cholesterol (HDL). This metabolic state increases inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. New research indicates that these factors increase vitamin C needs and adequate dietary vitamin C is likely important in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Metabolic syndrome patients need more vitamin C to break cycle of antioxidant depletion |
| Research Link Redox Biology. 26 December 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 6, 2019 An Institute of Medicine report compared health and mortality of the U.S. population to 16 other peer countries. For most every category of causes of death, the U.S. ranked the worst for adults up to the age of 50. On the positive side, those in the U.S. who live past the age of 75 can expect to live longer than people in the peer countries. |
| Consumer Link Americans Suffer Worse Health Than Peers in Other Countries |
| Research Link IOM Report Brief on U.S. Health in International Perspective. |
| January 5, 2019 Problems Caused by Extreme Dieting: Extreme dieting or semi-starvation can lead to a strong tendency to binge eat. For many people, binge eating leads to a behavior called secretive food concocting in which people concoct unusual food mixtures to consume like mixing mashed potatoes with Oreo cookies. |
| Consumer Link Secretive food concocting: New characteristic of binge eating identified |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 2013 Apr;46(3):212-25. doi: 10.1002/eat.22077. Epub 2012 Dec 19. |
| January 4, 2019 Exercise for Mental Growth: The trend for schools to cut back on recess to garner more time for academics is counterproductive. According to pediatric researchers, the physical activity and mental breaks provided by recess enhance a child's ability to mentally process information and concepts presented in the classroom. |
| Consumer Link Don't Cut School Recess, Pediatricians Say |
| Research Link Pediatrics Vol. 2013;131(1):183 -188. |
| January 3, 2019 Molybdenum Excess: Molybdenum toxicity is uncommon, but has been observed. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is 2,000 micrograms (mcg) per day. The adult Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is only 45 mcg/day. Studies of molybdenum toxicity in humans are very limited and it is possible that the UL may not be safe for extended periods of time. The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals of the Food Standards Agency, United Kingdom recommends that dietary supplements contain no molybdenum. |
| Consumer Link Why Molybdenum Is an Essential Nutrient |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Molybdenum |
| January 2, 2019 Exercise and Belly Fat: Exercise is especially important for reducing visceral body fat. This is the fat deposited internally around abdominal organs - not just the fat you can pinch just below the skin. Researchers found that muscles release a compound called interlukin-6 during exercise that signals visceral fat cells to mobilize fat. When they gave people a drug that blocks the interlukin-6, they did not lose visceral body fat during an exercise program. |
| Consumer Link How exercise reduces belly fat in humans |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 27 Dec 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 1, 2019 Exercise and Belly Fat: Exercise is especially important for reducing visceral body fat. This is the fat deposited internally around abdominal organs - not just the fat you can pinch just below the skin. Researchers found that muscles release a compound called interlukin-6 during exercise that signals visceral fat cells to mobilize fat. When they gave people a drug that blocks the interlukin-6, they did not lose visceral body fat during an exercise program. |
| Consumer Link How exercise reduces belly fat in humans |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 27 Dec 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 31, 2018 Exercise and Belly Fat: Exercise is especially important for reducing visceral body fat. This is the fat deposited internally around abdominal organs - not just the fat you can pinch just below the skin. Researchers found that muscles release a compound called interlukin-6 during exercise that signals visceral fat cells to mobilize fat. When they gave people a drug that blocks the interlukin-6, they did not lose visceral body fat during an exercise program. |
| Consumer Link How exercise reduces belly fat in humans |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 27 Dec 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 30, 2018 Eating Disorder Discussions Needed: When college students are home for semester breaks, it is a good time for parents to notice behavioral changes in their children that could be related to eating disorders. It is estimated that 25% of college students have eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorders boom as kids enter college |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assn. 2011:111(8);1236-1241. |
| December 29, 2018 Upcoming Protein Sources: As the world population grows, so does the demand for efficiently produced high protein foods. Insects have the potential to help fill this protein gap. |
| Consumer Link From Farm to Table, Mealworms May Be the Next Best Food |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(12): e51145. |
| December 28, 2018 Molybdenum Deficiency: It is generally assumed that most of us get plenty of the essential mineral molybdenum and that deficiencies are only likely under extremely limited dietary conditions. This is probably the case. However, some recent research indicates that molybdenum insufficiency over a long period on time may contribute to the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). |
| Consumer Link Why Molybdenum Is an Essential Nutrient |
| Research Link Front. Neurol., 08 March 2016. |
| December 27, 2018 Lutein from Spinach: Lutein is a carotenoid compound found in many vegetable foods and egg yolks. Important in the body as an antioxidant, especially in the retina of the eye, lutein is not always absorbed well from foods. By simulating digestion in the laboratory, researchers found that lutein is released from spinach best when it is blended raw with some added cream. Longer cooking times also increased lutein release, however the study did not compare blended raw spinach to blended cooked spinach. Since the high oxalate content of spinach could increase the risk of kidney stones, it would be best to acquire lutein from a combination of foods like kale, mustard greens, collards, egg yolks, etc. |
| Consumer Link Getting the most out of spinach – maximising the antioxidant lutein |
| Research Link Food Chem. 2019;277:573-578. |
| December 26, 2018 Molybdenum Function: Molybdenum is an essential nutrient because it is required for the function of four enzymes (molybdoenzymes) in humans. These enzymes have functions that include amino acid metabolism, antioxidant functions, and the breakdown of some drugs and toxins. |
| Consumer Link Why Molybdenum Is an Essential Nutrient |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Molybdenum |
| December 25, 2018 Cookie Decoration Warning: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released an advisory for consumers about some non-edible decorative glitters and dusts that are promoted for use on foods. It is not always clear that these types of products are not intended to be used directly on foods and may contain materials that should not be eaten. Most edible glitters and dusts state “edible” on the label. If the label simply says “non-toxic” or “for decorative purposes only” and does not include an ingredients list, the product should not be used directly on foods. |
| Consumer Link All That Glitters on Your Christmas Cookies May Not Be Safe to Eat |
| Research Link FDA Advisory. Nov 2018. |
| December 24, 2018 Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Research indicates that eating meals as a family, as well as cutting up fruits and vegetables, can both help to increase fruit and vegetable intake by children. |
| Consumer Link Occasional family meals enough to boost kids' fruit and veg intake |
| Research Link J Epidemiol Community Health. 2013 Apr;67(4):332-8. doi: 10.1136/jech-2012-201604. |
| December 23, 2018 Helping to Stay Gluten-Free: Celiac disease sufferers may have a solution other than a gluten-free diet if new research pans out. Scientists have developed an enzyme that completely digests gluten protein components and therefore has the potential to remove gluten's allergen potential. |
| Consumer Link Toward a pill to enable celiac patients to eat foods containing gluten |
| Research Link J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Dec 19;134(50):20513-20. doi: 10.1021/ja3094795 |
| December 22, 2018 Weight Loss and Diabetes: Remission of type 2 diabetes appears to be possible for some people, especially if they are still in the early stages of the disease. Overweight diabetics, in particular, may be able to reverse the condition with a healthful diet and exercise program that produces weight loss. When this works, however, the individual needs to consider themselves to be a "recovering diabetic" because diabetes can return quickly if the lifestyle is not maintained. |
| Consumer Link Intensive Weight Loss Programs Might Help Reverse Diabetes |
| Research Link JAMA. 2012;308(23):2489-2496. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.67929 |
| December 21, 2018 Excess vitamin D can be toxic primarily from suppllements. In addition to various stomach upset issues, excess vitamin D has been shown to be related to kidney stones and problems with heart rhythm. Excessive sun exposure does not cause vitamin D poisoning. |
| Consumer Link NIH - Vitamin D - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Vitamin D -Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| December 20, 2018 Food Insecurity and Obesity: Studies have found that food insecurity often is associated with obesity. A new study that surveyed 1250 people found that those with greater food insecurity were more likely to have binge-eating disorder - eating excessive amounts of food when available - and were more likely to be obese. |
| Consumer Link Food insecurity linked with binge-eating disorder and obesity |
| Research Link Intl J Eating Dis. 19 December 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 19, 2018 Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency is well known to impair normal bone development in growing children, leading the the condition called rickets. More recently, low vitamin D status has been linked to muscle weakness in older people and increased risk of several health problems ranging from cardiovascular disease to type 2 diabetes, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - vitamin-D |
| December 18, 2018 Vitamin D Function: Maintenance of bone mineral content is a well known function of Vitamin D. More recently, it has been found that vitamin D also has many non-skeletal functions that affect the immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - vitamin-D |
| December 17, 2018 Folate Deficiency: A study using human white blood cells found that the effects of folate (folic acid or vitamin B9) deficiency can cause irreversible damage to cellular DNA that gets passed along as cells divide to produce new cells. This is likely why folate deficiency is associated with infertility, mental health disorders, and cancer. Foods rich in folate include green vegetables, most legumes, and fortified grain products. |
| Consumer Link Folate deficiency Creates Hitherto Unknown Problems in Connection with Cell Division |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2018 Dec 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 16, 2018 Bone Strength and Vitamin K: Bone health and strength is dependent on an adequate intake of many nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. New research on the protein structure in bones also provides strong support for the important role of vitamin K in maintaining bone strength. |
| Consumer Link Battling Brittle Bones With … Broccoli and Spinach? |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Nov 20;109(47):19178-83. |
| December 15, 2018 Adequate Iron and Behavior: A Swedish study of 285 infants born with a "marginally low" birth weight (2 to 2.5 kg or about 4.4 to 5.5 pounds) found that providing the infants with iron supplementation during their first 6 months of life significantly reduced the prevalence of behavioral problems measured in the children when they reached 3.5 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements may protect against behavioral problems in low birth weight kids |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2013;131:47–55. |
| December 14, 2018 Manganese Excess: Manganese is unusual in the sense that it is not difficult to exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level from food sources alone. Over time, excess dietary manganese can cause neurological damage that results in symptoms similar to Parkinson's Disease. Many of the "superfoods" like blueberries, whole grains, and nuts are high enough in manganese that substantial over-consumption of these foods can exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level. |
| Consumer Link Manganese |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Manganese |
| December 13, 2018 Excess Vitamin A and Bone Health: Excess vitamin A has been associated with increased risk of developing osteoporosis with age. A new animal study supports this observation. This is not related to the vitamin A precursor, beta-carotene, found in fruits and vegetables. Rather, this is actual vitamin A as consumed in dietary supplements and fortified foods like breakfast cereals. When heavy use of supplements is combined with the consumption of fortified foods, it is not that hard to get too much vitamin A. |
| Consumer Link Too much vitamin A may increase risk of bone fractures |
| Research Link J Endocrinol. 2018 Oct 31;239(3):389-402. |
| December 12, 2018 Manganese Deficiency: Although uncommon, manganese deficiency can adversely affect growth, bone development, and management of blood glucose. A diet with modest amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts easily supplies adequate amounts of manganese. |
| Consumer Link Manganese |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Manganese |
| December 11, 2018 Manganese Function: As an essential nutrient, manganese has multiple functions in the body. This essential trace mineral is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol. It is needed for normal bone development and wound healing, Manganese also plays important roles in protecting cells against oxidative stress. |
| Consumer Link Manganese |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Manganese |
| December 10, 2018 Vitamin D and Schizophrenia: A new study found that newborns with vitamin D deficiency were 44 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults compared to people with normal vitamin D levels in infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that exclusively breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D daily until dietary sources provide adequate amounts of the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Link between neonatal vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia confirmed |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 2018. Article number: 17692. |
| December 9, 2018 Behavior and Low Iron: A Swedish study of 285 infants born with a "marginally low" birth weight (2 to 2.5 kg or about 4.4 to 5.5 pounds) found that providing the infants with iron supplementation during their first 6 months of life significantly reduced the prevalence of behavioral problems measured in the children when they reached 3.5 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements may protect against behavioral problems in low birth weight kids |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2013;131:47–55. |
| December 8, 2018 B12 Deficiency or Alzheimer's?: The cognitive decline caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency can be similar to Alzheimer's disease symptoms. New evidence indicates that even ongoing mild vitamin B-12 deficiency status can accelerate mental decline. B-12 status should always be checked in older people who are experiencing changes in mental function. |
| Consumer Link Mild Vitamin B12 Deficiency Associated With Accelerated Cognitive Decline |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc 60:1457-1464, 2012. |
| December 7, 2018 U.S. Low in Choline: Recent studies indicate that approximately 90% of Americans consume well below recommended amounts of the essential nutrient choline. Unfortunately, the food patterns recommended by the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide insufficient amounts of choline to meet the recommended Adequate Intake in most age-gender groups. |
| Consumer Link The Majority of Americans Aren’t Getting Enough Choline |
| Research Link Nutrition Today. November 13, 2018. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| December 6, 2018 Biotin Excess: Although there is no evidence that excess dietary biotin has caused any harm. There is however evidence that excess biotin from supplements may cause false lab test results, including altered thyroid tests. |
| Consumer Link Biotin Fact Sheet for Consumers - Office of Dietary Supplements |
| Research Link Biotin - Linus Pauling Institute - Oregon State University |
| December 5, 2018 Biotin Deficiency: Although severe biotin deficiency is rare, signs of deficiency include hair loss, a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area, and neurological symptoms such as depression, lethargy, hallucinations, numbness and tingling of the extremities. Prolonged consumption of raw egg white causes biotin malabsorption and can lead to deficiency. Foods especially high in biotin include eggs and liver. Two cooked eggs meet daily recommended intake (Adequate Intake). |
| Consumer Link Biotin Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Biotin |
| December 4, 2018 Biotin Function: Biotin is a B-vitamin with functions required for energy metabolism and regulation of gene expression. Foods containing significant amounts of biotin include: nuts, meats, fish, eggs and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, and broccoli). |
| Consumer Link Biotin Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Biotin |
| December 3, 2018 Vitamin D and Rosacea: A new study on rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in facial skin, found that people with rosacea generally had higher blood levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) than a control group without rosacea. Although this is an interesting observation, additional research is needed to determine if vitamin D contributes to the cause of rosacea. |
| Consumer Link Rosacea Linked to Serum Vitamin D Levels, Polymorphisms in Vitamin D Receptors |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 23 September 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 2, 2018 Vitamin D for Dental Health: Good vitamin D status has long been known to benefit bone health. Dental health is closely linked with bone health, so it is not surprising that teeth also benefit from good vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Linked to Lower Rates of Tooth Decay |
| Research Link Nutrition Reviews. 9 Nov 2012 |
| December 1, 2018 Omega-3 Milk: If you are not fond of eating fish, new products are on the horizon that can provide those important omega-3 fatty acids. Milk could be the next omega-3 fortified food based on research indicating that the fatty acids can be added without affecting the taste or smell of the milk. |
| Consumer Link People not hooked on fish could get their omega-3 through new dairy products, study suggests |
| Research Link J Dairy Sci. 2012;95(110:6242-6251. |
| November 30, 2018 Magnesium Excess: High magnesium intake is primarily due to the use of magnesium supplements. The most common concern is that excess magnesium can cause diarrhea. Consequently, the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for magnesium is 350 mg/day from supplements. Intake of supplemental magnesium in greater amounts is likely to pose a risk of diarrhea or other gastrointestinal disturbances. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Magnesium |
| November 29, 2018 Nutrition Research Limitations: Linking diet to health outcomes in the general population is a complicated process. Unfortunately, the measurement (or more likely the estimation) of what people eat is frequently very imprecise. When large amounts of imprecise dietary data are used to draw conclusions, we are at great risk of making incorrect recommendations. |
| Consumer Link Is Nutrition Science Mostly Junk? |
| Research Link Front. Nutr., 13 Nov 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 28, 2018 Magnesium Deficiency: Many Americans consume less than recommended amounts of magnesium. Although in the short run there are no obvious negative effects of consuming insufficient magnesium, ongoing long-term deficiency may adversely affect various aspects of health - especially after middle age. Good food sources of magnesium include brown rice, spinach, almonds, swiss chard, lima beans, and peanuts. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Magnesium |
| November 27, 2018 Magnesium Function: Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions required for energy production, DNA synthesis, bone structure, cell membrane function, Ion transport across cell membranes, and multiple other body functions required for life. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Magnesium |
| November 26, 2018 Raw Vegetable Risks: With the recent nation-wide recall of romaine lettuce, there is increased interest in the risk of consuming some raw vegetables. Research on this recommends that people like pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems refrain from eating pre-cut and packaged salads as a precaution to avoid foodborne infections. It is safer to prepare salads from fresh, uncut, and thoroughly washed ingredients. |
| Consumer Link Resistant bacteria: Can raw vegetables and salad pose a health risk? |
| Research Link mBio. 2018;9(6). |
| November 25, 2018 Vitamin C and Memory: New research with a guinea pig model found that even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother impairs normal development the fetal hippocampus. The function of this important memory center in the brain is compromised for life. This very likely works the same way in humans. |
| Consumer Link Fetus suffers when mother lacks vitamin C |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (10): e48488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048488 |
| November 24, 2018 Corn for Vitamin A: Corn is a common staple food that has the potential to benefit eye health in both developed and under-developed parts of the world. Scientists now know which gene functions to make some varieties of corn high in zeaxanthin (beneficial for retinal health) and other varieties high in beta-carotene (can be converted to vitamin A) to help prevent blindness in developing countries. |
| Consumer Link Orange ears |
| Research Link Nat Genet. 2010 Apr;42(4):322-7. |
| November 23, 2018 Folate Excess: Under most conditions, high folate intake has a low risk of adverse effects. However, if vitamin B12 status is low, high folate intake can mask the usual diagnostic sign of B12 deficiency by preventing megaloblastic anemia. Meanwhile, the hidden B12 deficiency is causing irreversible nerve damage. |
| Consumer Link Folate Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Folate |
| November 22, 2018 Diet and Energy Expenditure: A study with 164 people maintaining body weight after weight loss divided people into three diet groups that consumed either a high, medium or low carbohydrate diet. Protein intake was the same in each group, but dietary fat and carbohydrate were adjusted to keep total calorie intake at about 2000 calories per day. Resting metabolic rate was more than 200 calories per day greater in those consuming the low carbohydrate diet (about 100 grams per day). |
| Consumer Link Harvard Researchers Identify Which Diet Burns the Most Calories |
| Research Link BMJ 2018;363:k4583. |
| November 21, 2018 Folate Deficiency: Although severe folate deficiency is relatively rare in the United States, getting too little folate can cause weakness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, headache, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. A folate deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of having low birth-weight babies and neural tube defects. |
| Consumer Link Folate Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Folate |
| November 20, 2018 Folate Functions: The vitamin folate has two notable functions including: normal red blood cell production and normal fetal development including the spinal cord. |
| Consumer Link Folate Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Folate |
| November 19, 2018 Sarcopenic Obesity: Obese individuals are at increased risk for various chronic diseases. This risk appears to be even greater when obesity is combined with aging and low physical activity. This leads to a loss of muscle tissue. When excess body fat and low muscle mass coexist, the condition is called sarcopenic obesity. |
| Consumer Link Sarcopenic obesity: The ignored phenotype |
| Research Link The Open Nutr J. 2018 October 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 18, 2018 Unrecognized Spice Allergies: Although spice allergies are not very common, they are very difficult to diagnose and control by avoidance of the allergen. Current U.S. food and cosmetic labeling laws do not require that each spice ingredient be listed individually. |
| Consumer Link Sugar and Spice and Everything Not So Nice: Spice Allergy Affects Foodies and Cosmetic Users Alike |
| Research Link Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2011 Sep;107(3):191-9; quiz 199, 265. |
| November 17, 2018 Milk and Better Later Health: A British study found that milk intake during childhood was associated with improved physical function later in life between ages 63 and 86 years. They also found that greater protein intake during adult years was associated with faster walking times on a walking test. |
| Consumer Link New Study Finds Milk-drinking Kids Reap Physical Benefits Later in Life |
| Research Link Age Ageing. 2012 Nov;41(6):776-84. |
| November 16, 2018 Iodine Excess: Like an iodine deficiency, iodine excess can also cause thyroid issues. If an individual is low in iodine, excess iodine can cause a hyperthyroid reaction. If an individual has normal iodine status, excess iodine can produce a hypothyroid condition and the formation of a goiter. |
| Consumer Link NIH - Iodine Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| November 15, 2018 Zinc and Autism: A new study indicates that zinc deficiency during early brain development can disrupt normal neural development in ways that are associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder. Lean red meat is a good source of well-absorbed zinc. Some shellfish like oysters can be very high in zinc, but also may contain significant amounts of toxic heavy metals, depending on where they were grown. |
| Consumer Link Autism is associated with zinc deficiency in early development -- now a study links the two |
| Research Link Front. Mol. Neurosci., 09 November 2018 |
| November 14, 2018 Iodine Deficiency: Developmental consequences associated with an iodine deficiency include mental retardation and a condition called cretinism that causes severe physical and mental stunting. Other consequences include hypothyroidism and the development of a goiter. Seafood and iodized salt are the most reliable sources of iodine. |
| Consumer Link NIH - Iodine Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| November 13, 2018 Iodine Function: The trace mineral Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones which regulates metabolism. Iodine is also important for normal bone and brain development in infants and children. |
| Consumer Link NIH - Iodine Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center |
| November 12, 2018 Vitamin K and Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin K is important for many reasons. Depending on the tissue, Vitamin K either increases calcium deposits (as in bones) or decreases calcium deposits (as in arteries). Green leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamin K and can help to prevent the "hardening" of the arteries that occurs with cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K insufficiency linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2017 Dec 8;9(12. |
| November 11, 2018 Children and Activity: Canadian research indicates that daily vigorous physical activity is important for children to maintain fitness and a healthy body weight. Vigorous activity was equivalent to an exercise intensity comparable to jogging or greater intensity. |
| Consumer Link Kids Need at Least Seven Minutes a Day of 'Vigorous' Physical Activity, but Most Aren't Getting That |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012 Nov;166(11):1022-9. doi: 10.1001/archpediatrics.2012.1028. |
| November 10, 2018 Increasing Walking Ability in Parkinson Disease: People with impaired walking due to Parkinson disease improved their walking ability with three months of exercise performed three times a week for 30 to 50 minutes each time. Both treadmill exercise and a combination of resistance and stretching exercise produced significant benefit. It appears that combining these types of exercise may be the best approach for Parkinson disease patients. |
| Consumer Link All Kinds of Exercise May Be Good for Parkinson's |
| Research Link JAMA Neurol. 2013;70(2):183-190. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.646 |
| November 9, 2018 Vitamin B12 Excess: Large intakes of vitamin B12 from food or supplements have not been found to cause problems in normal healthy people. Although anything can be toxic at some dose, the lack of evidence of harm from typical high doses has prevented the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board from establishing a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for B12. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-B12 |
| November 8, 2018 Salt Restriction and Heart Failure: Salt restriction is commonly prescribed to people experiencing heart failure from various causes. However, a recent comprehensive review indicates that there is little good evidence to support (or refute) this recommendation. Other research indicates that adequate potassium intake is likely more important than salt restriction, however this review did not address potassium. |
| Consumer Link Benefit of low-salt diet for heart failure uncertain |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 05 November 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 7, 2018 Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is needed in very small daily amounts - a few micrograms per day. When vitamin B12 intake or absorption is too low, it can take years for deficiency symptoms to develop. When folate intake is high, the classic megaloblastic anemia sign of B12 deficiency does not develop. However, neurological degradation can occur and result in a multitude of neurological problems, including brain function changes such as poor short-term memory. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-B12 |
| November 6, 2018 Vitamin B12 Function: B12 is required for maintenance of the myelin sheath around neurons that is essential for normal nerve function. In addition to maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system, adequate vitamin B12 contributes to the lowering of homocysteine levels which is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-B12 |
| November 5, 2018 Vitamin D and Fitness: A study of almost 2000 adults found those with higher vitamin D levels were much more likely to have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. More research is needed establish any potential cause and effect relationship. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D levels in the blood linked to cardiorespiratory fitness |
| Research Link Eur J Prev Card. October 30, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 4, 2018 Breast Cancer and Body Weight: When it comes to breast cancer survival, maintaining a healthy weight does not necessarily mean having a low body weight. Women who were underweight or morbidly obese before breast cancer diagnosis both had greater risk of mortality than women with normal body weight. |
| Consumer Link Body Fat May Affect Death Risk Among Breast Cancer Patients |
| Research Link Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 Apr;132(2):729-39. |
| November 3, 2018 Increasing Color and Carotenoids: Potato varieties are being crossed to produce many new colors. Many of these new colorful potatoes provide the nutritional benefit of higher levels of carotenoids, making them more nutritionally similar to sweet potatoes and yams. |
| Consumer Link Potatoes created with higher levels of carotenoids |
| Research Link JASHS July 2011 vol. 136 no. 4 265-272 |
| November 2, 2018 Fluoride Excess: Excess fluoride intake is identified by slightly different signs: mild fluoride excess is detectable by small opaque white flecks on teeth; moderate fluoride excess causes mottling and mild staining of the teeth; severe fluoride excess is marked staining and pitting of teeth. Risk of excess fluoride increases especially when fluoride supplementation is used by people living in areas where the water contains significant amounts of fluoride. |
| Consumer Link Fluoride in diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Fluoride |
| November 1, 2018 Exercise and Brain Glucose: In people with insulin resistance (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes) the brain takes up and uses more glucose unlike other tissues that rely heavily on insulin. A study with middle-age adults with insulin resistance found that just a 2-week training program with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) resulted in decreased glucose uptake by the brain. The HIIT program consisted of four to six 30 second all-out efforts on a stationary bicycle with 4 minute breaks between. So, total exercise time was only two to three minutes. |
| Consumer Link High-intensity interval training alters brain glucose metabolism in insulin resistant people |
| Research Link J Cerebral Blood Flow & Metab. September 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 31, 2018 Fluoride Deficiency: Dental caries are the only clear symptom of inadequate dietary fluoride. The risk of tooth decay increases for individuals of all ages. Seafood and tea are two foods naturally containing fluoride. |
| Consumer Link Fluoride in diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Fluoride |
| October 30, 2018 Fluoride Function: Fluoride is known to both harden tooth enamel and stabilize bone mineral. However, the Adequate Intake is 3 to 4 mg per day (for adult females and males) and the Tolerable upper intake level for adults is only 10 mg per day. This upper limit is based on the potential for higher daily intake to cause white splotches on tooth enamel called fluorosis. |
| Consumer Link Fluoride in diet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Fluoride |
| October 29, 2018 High Protein Snack: Some recommend that a high protein snack before bedtime is good for muscle repair and maintenance of lean body mass instead of body fat. A new study pitted cottage cheese against a protein supplement and found that there was no significant difference between the two foods regarding their effects on measures of metabolism the following morning. |
| Consumer Link Late night snacker? Make it cottage cheese |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2018;120(9):988-994. |
| October 28, 2018 Exercise Moderaction and Mental Health: Exercise is good for you, both physically and mentally, but like everything else, there are upper limits. Both low and excessive levels of physical activity are associated with poorer mental health. A recent study found that the optimal range of physical activity for mental health was 2.5 to 7.5 hours per week. |
| Consumer Link Study Pinpoints Just How Much Exercise Is Good for Mental Health |
| Research Link Prev Med. 2012 Nov;55(5):458-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.08.021. Epub 2012 Sep 7. |
| October 27, 2018 Brain Health and Activity: Brain shrinkage has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and problems with thinking and memory. Although using the brain seems to help maintain its function, staying physically active appears to be potentially more important for preventing brain shrinkage and associated functional decline. |
| Consumer Link Physical Exercise May Outweigh Mental Exercise In Preventing Brain Shrinkage, Study Finds |
| Research Link Neurology. 2012 Oct 23;79(17):1802-8. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182703fd2. |
| October 26, 2018 Excess Vitamin B6: Although it is unlikely than anyone would get excess levels of B6 from food, this is not the case with supplements. Excess B6 can cause severe nerve damage resulting in pain and numbness of the extremities. B6 excess also can result in nausea, heartburn, and skin sensitivity to sunlight. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for B6 is 100 mg per day. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B6 Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute - Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-B6 |
| October 25, 2018 Vegetable Nitrates and Macular Degeneration: A study that followed over 2000 people over age 49 for 15 years found that those who consumed very large amounts of high nitrate vegetables like spinach and beets had lower risk of developing the signs of age-related macular degeneration. Although this is interesting, the authors failed to address the fact that these vegetables also are high in carotenoids known to benefit retinal health. A better study design is needed to determine if vegetable nitrates are protective. |
| Consumer Link Eating leafy greens could help prevent macular degeneration |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018 Oct 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 24, 2018 Vitamin B6 Deficiency: Severe vitamin B6 deficiency, although uncommon, can seriously affect the nervous system, and cause irritability, depression, confusion, and even seizures. Mouth sores and an inflamed tongue also can occur. Long term inadequate B6 is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B6 - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute - Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-B6 |
| October 23, 2018 Vitamin B6 Function: Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for over 100 enzymes mostly involved in metabolism of the amino acid components of protein. The many functions of B6 are needed for the nervous system, red blood cells, the synthesis of steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and many other functions. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B6 - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-B6 |
| October 22, 2018 Probiotics and Antibiotics: The composition and relative amounts of bacteria in the large intestine is often referred to as a person's unique microbiome. Somewhat surprisingly, new research reported that taking a probiotic supplement after antibiotic treatment delayed the return of the gut microbiome to its original unique composition. |
| Consumer Link Human gut study questions probiotic health benefits |
| Research Link Cell, 2018;174(6):1406. |
| October 21, 2018 Organic or Convention: A review article comparing organic to conventional food production in the U.S., confirmed the primary conclusions of the controversial systematic review published last month by Stanford researchers. This new review also indicates that based on current evidence, nutritional differences between the two types of foods are minor. They also emphasize that continuing research is warranted on potentially important differences between organic and conventional foods. |
| Consumer Link Pediatricians: Organic foods may not be better |
| Research Link American Academy of Pediatric October 2018 |
| October 20, 2018 Weight and Teens: A study found that heavier teenagers consume less calories than their thin peers. Consequently, overweight teens may benefit more from increasing physical activity than from dieting. Of course, for any teen, it is important to eat a diet that meets nutrient needs to support normal development. |
| Consumer Link Heavy Teens Eat Less But Weigh More Than Their Thinner Peers |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Oct;130(4):e936-42. |
| October 19, 2018 Copper Excess: The adult RDA for copper is just under one mg per day and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 10 mg per day. Although consuming copper at this level is uncommon, there is some concern that 10 mg/day might be too high because of some evidence that men consuming 7.8 mg/day of copper for 147 days experienced some adverse changes in measures of immune function and antioxidant status. |
| Consumer Link Copper in diets |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Copper |
| October 18, 2018 Diet, Exercise, and Bone Health: A study with mice found that combining exercise with a mineral-supplemented diet (calcium and phosphorus) resulted in greater mass and structural strength of bones than exercise with a regular diet. How this translates to human bone health is unclear, but it supports the recommendation to meet calcium needs. Most of us have plenty of phosphorus in our diets. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition has a greater impact on bone strength than exercise |
| Research Link PLOS ONE. 21 Sept 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 17, 2018 Copper deficiency can be genetic or more commonly caused by a diet with a nutrient imbalance. Lack of copper can cause fatigue and anemia. The deficiency can be caused by severe childhood protein deficient diet or copper malabsorption that is triggered by gastric surgery or excess zinc intake. |
| Consumer Link ACQUIRED COPPER DEFICIENCY |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Copper |
| October 16, 2018 Copper Function: The element copper is an essential nutrient with many functions in the body. Some of the more under appreciated functions include the formation of connective tissues that hold everything together, production of the brain neurotransmitter norepinephrine, maintenance of the myelin sheath on nerves, and the production of the skin pigment melanin. |
| Consumer Link Copper in diets |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Copper |
| October 15, 2018 Defining Metabolic Obesity: The commonly used body mass index (BMI) cutoffs to define obesity are well known to have limitations for a variety of reasons. New research shows that the relative amounts of many metabolites in the body can provide a "metabolome profile" that is a much better indicator of metabolic obesity harmful to health than just using BMI (based simply on height and weight). |
| Consumer Link The metabolome: A way to measure obesity and health beyond BMI |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 11 October 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 14, 2018 Weight, Calories, and Exercise: A recent study found that heavier teenagers consume less calories than their thin peers. Consequently, overweight teens may benefit more from increasing physical activity than from dieting. Of course, for any teen, it is important to eat a diet that meets nutrient needs to support normal development. |
| Consumer Link Heavy Teens Eat Less But Weigh More Than Their Thinner Peers |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Oct;130(4):e936-42. |
| October 13, 2018 Possible Protection from Milk: Using a human colon cell culture technique, a new study identified a component in milk that may be responsible for milk's association with reduced colon cancer. |
| Consumer Link The Cancer-Protective Properties Of Milk |
| Research Link J Dairy Sci. 2012 Oct;95(10):5552-60. |
| October 12, 2018 Niacin Excess: Niacin (Vitamin B3), especially in its nicotinic acid form at doses over 30 mg, causes a temporary flushing of the skin primarily on the face, arms, and chest. The Food and Nutrition Board set the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for niacin at 35 mg/day in adults to avoid the adverse effect of flushing. This limit is not meant to apply to individuals being treated with niacin under medical supervision that includes periodic checks of liver enzyme levels that can reflect liver damage. |
| Consumer Link Niacin |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Niacin |
| October 11, 2018 Protein and Older People: Older people often are challenged to maintain normal muscle mass, especially when physical activity is low. New research with people age 65 to 80 found that during periods of low activity or low calorie intake, consuming supplemental protein did not help maintain leg muscle mass. However, when normal physical activity was resumed, supplementation with whey protein (but not collagen peptide) did enhance building muscle mass. |
| Consumer Link Ideal protein to help seniors rebuild lost muscle |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Oct 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 10, 2018 Niacin Deficiency: Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency causes a severe health condition called pellagra. The classic symptoms are the "4 Ds," dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death. Although historically pellagra affected a very large number of people, those currently at risk for the condition include the homeless population, those suffering from anorexia nervosa, and those consuming diets low in animal protein and high in maize not processed with lime. In addition, dialysis patients, cancer patients, those suffering from chronic alcoholism, and people with HIV may be challenged by niacin deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Niacin |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Niacin |
| October 9, 2018 Niacin Function: Niacin (Vitamin B3) has numerous functions required by all types of cells in the body. It is especially important for the digestive system, skin, and nerves. Many foods provide niacin. Foods especially rich in this vitamin include poultry, fish, fortified cereals, and peanuts. |
| Consumer Link Niacin |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Niacin |
| October 8, 2018 Genetics of Diabetes: Obesity is known to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, some people who are not overweight also develop type 2 diabetes. Researchers now have identified a specific gene variant that predisposes people of normal or low body weight to developing diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Study finds gene variant predisposes people to both Type 2 diabetes and low body weight |
| Research Link BMC Obesity. 2018(5):26. -x |
| October 7, 2018 Co-existance of obesity and malnutrition: It is increasingly evident that obesity and malnutrition commonly coexist. In fact, it is likely that basic nutrient deficiencies such as protein deficiency can make it more difficult to lose weight when adequate calories from carbohydrate and fat are available. |
| Consumer Link Obesity and Under-Nutrition Prevalent in Long-Term Refugees Living in Camps |
| Research Link PLOS Medicine, 2012; 9 (10): e1001320. |
| October 6, 2018 Apples and Heart Health: The recommendation to eat an apple a day can now add heart health benefits to its accomplishments. Recent research showed that this simple dietary intervention decreased the risk of atherosclerosis partially due to poyphenols. |
| Consumer Link An Apple a Day Lowers Level of Blood Chemical Linked to Hardening of the Arteries, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Journal of Functional Foods, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2012.08.010 |
| October 5, 2018 Iron Excess: The Tolerable Upper Intake level for iron is set at 45 mg/day because doses much higher than this can cause gastrointestinal irritation and related symptoms. People with a hereditary condition called hemochromatosis can accumulate excessive amounts of iron over time due to a lack of the normal regulation of iron absorption that protects most people from iron overload. |
| Consumer Link Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Iron |
| October 4, 2018 Caffeine and Pain Tolerance: Researchers found that those who reported consuming greater amounts of caffeine on a regular basis had a higher tolerance to pain than those consuming less caffeine. Pain was induced by increasing heat or blunt pressure on the forearm until the participant pushed a button to stop the pain. |
| Consumer Link Why that daily coffee may help when you hurt |
| Research Link Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018 Sep 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 3, 2018 Iron Deficiency: Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, including the U.S. Besides fatigue and anemia, symptoms of iron deficiency include impaired memory and ability to concentrate, insomnia, increased anxiety and depression, GI problems, and impaired immune function. Iron is especially important to promote normal brain development and learning in early childhood. |
| Consumer Link Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Iron |
| October 2, 2018 Iron Function: Iron is well known for its important function as a component of the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. However, iron has many other functions in the body that include thyroid hormone synthesis, neurotransmitter production in the brain, promotion of normal hair growth, and protecting against oxidative stress - among many other functions. |
| Consumer Link Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Iron |
| October 1, 2018 Preventing Chemotherapy-induced Taste and smell Abnormality: A new study with people being treated with chemotherapy found that taking a lactoferrin supplement (250 mg three times a day) significantly reduced the usual changes in taste and smell. Lactoferrin is a protein naturally present in saliva and milk. |
| Consumer Link Milk protein shown to alleviate chemotherapy side effects |
| Research Link Food & Function, 2018;9(9):4948. |
| September 30, 2018 Aging and Health: Research indicates that zinc needs increase in older individuals. Inadequate zinc intake could be contributing to many chronic health problems. Among commonly consumed foods, lean beef is the richest source of well-absorbed zinc. Some fortified breakfast cereals contain high zinc levels, but the zinc bioavailability is unknown. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Deficiency Mechanism Linked to Aging, Multiple Diseases |
| Research Link The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry Vol 24, Issue 1, Jan. 2013, Pages 353-359 |
| September 29, 2018 Movement and Kidney Health: More physical activity and less time spent sitting are associated with a lower prevalence of chronic kidney disease. Too much sitting time is most risky for women and low physical activity is more risky for men. |
| Consumer Link Stand up - or your kidneys could suffer |
| Research Link Am J Kidney Dis. 2012 Oct;60(4):583-90. |
| September 28, 2018 Riboflavin Excess: The toxicity of riboflavin (vitamin B2) is very low and no Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established by the Institute of Medicine. The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals in the United Kingdom provide an adult "Guidance Level" of no more than 40 mg per day from dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link SafeUpper Levels for Vitamins and Minerals, 2003, pp. 172-179. |
| September 27, 2018 Mood and Blood Glucose: "Hangry" is more than a made-up term related to having a poor disposition when hungry. Using rats, researchers have seen that low blood glucose was related to stress and sluggish behaviors similar to a poor mood. |
| Consumer Link Link between hunger and mood explained |
| Research Link Psychopharmacology (2018). Aug 15, 2018 Pg 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-4998-1 |
| September 26, 2018 Riboflavin Deficiency: Although severe deficiency of vitamin B2 is rare in the United States, inadequate intake, thyroid hormone insufficiency, and some diseases can cause the deficiency condition called ariboflavinosis. Symptoms include skin problems, cracks in the skin at the corners of the mouth, swollen and cracked lips, and hair loss among other problems. If the diet does not include milk, eggs, meat, or enriched grain products, it can be difficult to consume adequate amounts of this vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center - Riboflavin |
| September 25, 2018 Vitamin B2 Function: Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 is needed for a wide variety of functions in the body. The vitamin is required for utilizing the calories present in food components like carbohydrate, fat, and protein. In addition, B2 helps to reduce oxidative stress in the body, is required for the synthesis of some neurotransmitters, and even plays a role in the synthesis of DNA. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute. Micronutrient Information Center - Riboflavin. |
| September 24, 2018 Vitamin D Status and Breast Cancer: A new study on postmenopausal women in Brazil found that women diagnosed with breast cancer had significantly lower vitamin D status than a comparison group of women without breast cancer. Many factors can affect vitamin D status, including dietary intake, sunlight exposure, and iron status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D may reduce cancer risk, breast cancer mortality |
| Research Link Menopause. 2018 Sep 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 23, 2018 Low Lactose Dairy Sources: Lactose intolerance often is used as a reason to discourage milk consumption. However, a substantial amount of research indicates that those with lactose intolerance can tolerate up to a cup of milk or yogurt at a meal without symptoms. Milk products like hard cheeses have almost no lactose. |
| Consumer Link Milk and dairy consumption attacked by vegan group |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2006 Apr;136(4):1107-13. |
| September 22, 2018 Finding Balance: Many people exercise to expend more calories to lose weight. For this purpose, new research indicates that more exercise may not be better than a more moderate amount due to a tendency to eat more food in compensation for the higher levels of exercise. |
| Consumer Link For Weight Loss, Less Exercise May Be More |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2012 Sep;303(6):R571-9. |
| September 21, 2018 Resistance Exercise for Children: A meta-analyses of 18 controlled studies indicated that resistance training in youth had a positive effect on percent body fat and skinfold thickness, but did not significantly benefit body mass, BMI, or waist circumference. Researchers indicated that more studies should explore if resistance exercise may be beneficial for long term prevention of obesity later in life. |
| Consumer Link Strength-based exercises could help child obesity fight, study finds |
| Research Link Sports Medicine. August 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 20, 2018 Exercise and Food Motivation: Regular physical activity generally helps to maintain a healthy body weight, but it is not clear exactly how this works. One idea is that exercise helps to normalize the appetite. A new study provides some support for this concept, finding that a 45 minute bout of moderate to vigorous exercise actually reduced the motivation to consume food. |
| Consumer Link Exercise may affect food motivation |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Oct;44(10):1864-70. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31825cade5. |
| September 19, 2018 Chromium Excess: The toxicity of chromium is relatively low compared to recommended intake levels. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established by the Institute of Medicine. However, the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals in the United Kingdom provided an adult "Guidance Level" of no more than 10 mg per day from dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Chromium Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet |
| Research Link Safe Upper Levels for Vitamins and Minerals, 2003, pp. 172-179. |
| September 18, 2018 Chromium Deficiency: Although chromium deficiency is considered uncommon, there is evidence that inadequate chromium intake can lead to impaired glucose utilization and elevated blood glucose levels. Although chromium levels can vary greatly in individual foods, some usually good sources include broccoli, grape juice, meat, and some whole grain products. |
| Consumer Link Chromium Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Chromium |
| September 17, 2018 Disrupted Sleep and Weight Gain: It is thought that weight gain and muscle loss in humans is aggravated by disrupted sleep. Recent research showed that a single night of acute sleep loss results in fat tissue changes. These changes are similar to that seen in obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the future, it may be important to also consider sleep in addition to diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. |
| Consumer Link How sleep loss may contribute to adverse weight gain |
| Research Link Science Advances 22 Aug 2018: Vol. 4, no. 8, eaar8590 |
| September 16, 2018 Essential Nutrients and Normal Growth: During pregnancy, good nourishment of a woman's body provides an adequate supply of nutrients to the developing fetus and supports milk production after birth to meet the baby's needs. Poor nutrition of the mother can impair normal development in ways that are irreversible and can have serious adverse effects that persist even into adult life. |
| Consumer Link Good nutrient consumption sets stage for healthy child |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2011 Nov;69 Suppl 1:S3-16. |
| September 15, 2018 Nutrient Deficiencies Can Damage Athletic Dreams: Great athletes have the motivation to push through pain to obtain victory. However, even the greatest athletes must respect their need for nutrients. When a nutrient runs low, victory is impossible. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency ends triathlon season for Paula Findlay |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Aug;44(8):1552-9. |
| September 14, 2018 Excess Vitamin B1: No toxic effects from excess thiamin in food or dietary supplements (up to 200 mg/day) have been recorded. Large intravenous doses of B1 have caused life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in a few individuals. There is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level for thiamin, however, the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals of the Food Standards Agency, United Kingdom recommends not to exceed 100 mg per day from dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Thiamin Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Thiamin |
| September 13, 2018 Vitamin B1 Deficiency: Thiamin deficiency can cause loss of appetite, memory issues, tingling in hands and feet, poor reflexes, and impaired muscle function, including heart muscle. Extreme, long term thiamin deficiency results in a condition called beriberi which, in Sinhalese, means "weak, weak" or "I cannot, I cannot," emphasizing the neuromuscular complications of the condition. Pork is an excellent B1 source. Other good B1 sources include: whole and fortified grain products, meats and seafoods, beans, seeds, and nuts. |
| Consumer Link Thiamin Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Thiamin |
| September 12, 2018 Thiamin Function: Also known as vitamin B1, thiamin serves an essential role in utilizing the energy that the body obtains from carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Consequently, functions such as muscle contraction and nerve transmission absolutely require thiamin. |
| Consumer Link Thiamin Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Thiamin |
| September 11, 2018 Supplement Safety Issue: Consumers should use great caution if they intend to use the botanical weight-loss and sports/energy stimulant named higenamine. Supplements containing higenamine may contain doses high enough to cause heart issues. Other ingredient synonyms include norcoclaurine or demethylcoclaurine. |
| Consumer Link Public health researchers warn of dietary supplements containing higenamine |
| Research Link Clinical Toxicology, 2018; DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2018.1497171 |
| September 9, 2018 Marathons and Muscles: An obvious effect of running a marathon is sore legs. Although we can't feel the soreness, the heart muscle also experiences temporary damage, based on blood markers, after a marathon. Fortunately, both the leg muscles and heart are back to normal one week following the marathon, even for men over age 50. |
| Consumer Link Running Marathons Safe for Older Adults, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2012 Aug 20;14(1):58. doi: 10.1186/1532-429X-14-58 |
| September 8, 2018 Safety of Creatine: Creatine is one of the favorite supplements of bodybuilders. Concerns about creatine's toxicity have been largely dispensed with by ongoing research. Although someone with impaired kidney function should likely avoid creatine supplements, there may be some positive applications of creatine supplementation for the elderly. |
| Consumer Link Creatine Side Effects and Other Fairy Stories |
| Research Link Amino Acids. 2011 May;40(5):1409-18. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-0878-2. |
| September 7, 2018 Excess Vitamin C: Excess vitamin C from supplements can cause diarrhea in some individuals, but generally excess vitamin C is excreted by the body in urine. When people have been taking more than 1000 mg vitamin C daily, it is important to slowly decrease the dose over time to prevent what is called rebound scurvy. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - vitamin-C |
| September 6, 2018 Child Obesity: Excessive weight gain at any age is related to a limited ability to balance calorie intake with calorie expenditure (mainly from physical activity). A new study of over 100 children found that when parents help toddlers learn self-regulatory skills early in life (things like cleaning up after play), the children are less likely to be overweight as children. |
| Consumer Link Parents' behavior during playtime may affect toddler's weight later on |
| Research Link Int J Obesity. 19 July 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 5, 2018 Vitamin C Deficiency: An inadequate intake of vitamin C causes a condition called scurvy. Some of the first symptoms of not consuming enough vitamin C include bleeding gums and sore joints, including knee joints. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - vitamin-C |
| September 4, 2018 Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and plays many roles in the body. Vitamin C may be best known as an antioxidant and important in the synthesis of structural proteins. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C - Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - vitamin-C |
| September 3, 2018 Sugar and Health: What is causing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease? Too much sugar? Too much fat? The best answer is probably too much of both along with too little physical activity. |
| Consumer Link The sugar wars: Rhetoric or reason? |
| Research Link Prog Cardio Dis. 2018;61(1):10-19. |
| September 2, 2018 Concentrated Nutrient Greens: Microgreens are popular salad ingredients. Typically harvested within a couple weeks after seed germination, these small greens generally have greater levels of nutrients and phytochemicals that their more mature counterparts. |
| Consumer Link Many trendy 'microgreens' are more nutritious than their mature counterparts |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Aug 8;60(31):7644-51. |
| September 1, 2018 Chocolate Potential Benefits: A large Swedish study found that men who ate the most chocolate, typically a little over 2 ounces (63 grams) a week, had a lower risk of stroke than men who consumed little or no chocolate. This type of study does not establish a cause and effect relationship, but it does raise some interesting questions. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate linked to reduced risk of stroke -- in men |
| Research Link Neurology. 2012 Sep 18;79(12):1223-9. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31826aacfa |
| August 31, 2018 Vitamin A Toxicity: Besides being an essential nutrient, vitamin A can also be consumed in excess, causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, skin irritation, joint pains and bones, coma, and can cause congenital birth defects. Vitamin A can accumulate in the liver with high levels of liver consumption but most excessive vitamin A comes from dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-A |
| August 30, 2018 Protein and Fatty Liver: During a two-month weight loss program, participants lost about eight percent of their body weight (25 pounds/11.4 kg). Following this, a two-year weight maintenance program found that maintenance of an adequate protein intake (about one gram per kg body weight) prevented fatty liver. |
| Consumer Link More protein after weight loss may reduce fatty liver disease |
| Research Link Am J Phys Endo Metab. 07 AUG 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 29, 2018 Vitamin A Deficiency: The top cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide is Vitamin A deficiency. This vitamin deficiency also is a known risk factor for severe measles. In countries with severe vitamin A deficiencies, supplemental vitamin A decreases mortality. Good food sources of vitamin A include liver and foods high in provitamin A (carotenoids) such as leafy green and orange colored vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-A |
| August 28, 2018 Functions of Vitamin A: Vitamin A is involved in four major functions. The best known function is vision, but vitamin A is as important in its roles with the immune and reproduction systems. Vitamin A also plays a critical role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lung, and, kidney tissues. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Vitamin-A |
| August 27, 2018 Jellyfish Protein Supplement: Studies of the heavily advertised "memory-enhancing" supplement called Prevagen indicate that this jellyfish protein does not work. In fact a study conducted by the manufacturer indicates that the supposedly active protein component is readily digested in the stomach which would render it ineffective. |
| Consumer Link FTC Appeals Ruling over Brain Supplement Prevagen |
| Research Link Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014 Jul;69(2):243-9. |
| August 26, 2018 Supplements and Prostate Cancer: A review of 12 prostate cancer clinical trials found problems with the common practice of taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. The supplements did not prevent bone loss as expected and appeared to increase the aggressiveness of the prostate cancer. |
| Consumer Link Study Questions Value of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements |
| Research Link Oncologist. 2012;17(9):1171-9. Epub 2012 Jul 25. |
| August 25, 2018 Dental Health and Performance: It often is forgotten that poor dental health can be a sign of poor nutrition. A recent study found that oral health problems in disadvantaged elementary and high school students were highly associated with lower grade point averages. |
| Consumer Link Poor Oral Health Can Mean Missed School, Lower Grades |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2012 Sep;102(9):1729-34. |
| August 24, 2018 Potassium Excess: a tolerable upper intake for potassium was not set by The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine because adverse effects from high dietary potassium has not been documented in healthy individuals. Those in individuals with kidney problems or those consuming excessive potassium supplements can have serious gastrointestinal problems, muscle problems and abnormal heart rhythm. |
| Consumer Link Potassium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Potassium |
| August 23, 2018 Sodium Recommendations: A new large study questions common recommendations to keep sodium intake below 2500 or even below 1500 mg/day. Their findings indicated that recommendations for sodium restriction would only be beneficial for reducing cardiovascular disease in groups of people consuming more that 5000 mg/day. They also found that there is a stronger case for increasing the consumption of foods rich in potassium (primarily fruits and vegetables) than for reducing sodium. |
| Consumer Link Pass the salt: Study finds average consumption safe for heart health |
| Research Link The Lancet, 2018;392(10146):496-605. |
| August 22, 2018 Potassium Deficiency: Prolonged potassium deficiency can result in numerous health conditions including high blood pressure and kidney stones. Bananas and potatoes are both dietary good sources of potassium. |
| Consumer Link Potassium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Potassium |
| August 21, 2018 Potassium Functions: Most potassium is present inside of cells where is helps cells hold onto water. This is balanced by sodium that is mostly present primarily outside of cells. This balance between potassium and sodium is critically important for things like muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and maintaining normal blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Potassium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Potassium |
| August 20, 2018 Forest Proximity and Nutrition: A multinational study found that when people live closer to forests, they are more likely to get good nutrition. This was especially the case when they also had ready access to markets, roads, and education. |
| Consumer Link How forests improve kids' diets |
| Research Link Science Advances 15 Aug 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 19, 2018 Green Tea and Health: High tech chemical analysis of green tea dietary supplements indicated that these products are not a reliable way to obtain the beneficial compounds present in green tea. Although the researchers found some good green tea supplement products, most of the products had little of the key active components present, apparently because the compounds broke down during manufacturing and storage. |
| Consumer Link Green Tea: Sip it or Supp it? |
| Research Link J AOAC Int. 2011 Mar-Apr;94(2):487-97. |
| August 18, 2018 Dental Health: It often is forgotten that poor dental health can be a sign of poor nutrition. A recent study found that oral health problems in disadvantaged elementary and high school students were highly associated with lower grade point averages. |
| Consumer Link Poor oral health can mean missed school, lower grades |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2012 Sep;102(9):1729-34. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300478. Epub 2012 Jul 19. |
| August 17, 2018 Calcium Excess: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for calcium, established by the Institute of Medicine in 2010, is 2500 mg/day for adults 19-50 years of age and 2000 mg/day for adults 51 years and older. Since these values were established, additional research related to risks of prostate cancer suggests that it may be best to limit calcium intake (from food and supplements combined) to 1000 to 1200 mg/day. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Calcium |
| August 16, 2018 Iron Biofortified Millet: India has an extremely high incidence of iron deficiency, especially in adolescents. A six-month study provided adolescents with common foods made with iron-biofortified millet (bajra). Compared to a group consuming a common variety of millet with less iron, those consuming the biofortified millet substantially improved measures of iron status and cognitive performance. This variety of millet was developed by traditional selective breeding practices. |
| Consumer Link The bajra that can fight India’s iron deficiency problem |
| Research Link J Nutr. 17 July 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 15, 2018 Calcium Function: In addition to its well-known role in bone structure, calcium has many other functions in the body. These include regulation of blood vessel diameter (vasoconstriction and vasodilation), nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and the function of normal blood clotting mechanisms. Consequently, the body carefully regulates blood calcium levels - at the expense of bone calcium if dietary intake of calcium is not adequate. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Calcium |
| August 14, 2018 Pantothenic Acid Toxicity: No tolerable upper intake level has been established for pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) due to its apparent safety within a wide range of intakes. However, very high doses of pantothenic acid supplements (such as 10,000 mg per day) have caused upset stomach and diarrhea. Excess intake from food sources has not been reported and is highly unlikely. |
| Consumer Link Pantothenic Acid Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Pantothenic-acid |
| August 13, 2018 Food Safety: Many types of bacteria form biofilms that can protect them from some standard methods of cleaning food processing equipment. New research used the same basic technology as seasoning a cast iron frying pan with oil and heat to coat stainless steel surfaces in food processing equipment. They found that this "seasoning" prevents microbial biofilm development and greatly improves food safety. |
| Consumer Link 'Seasoning' A Frying Pan Leads To New Approach For Food Safety |
| Research Link ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2018;10(27):22902–2912. |
| August 12, 2018 Aspirin and Stomach Health: Daily aspirin use is associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. If your doctor has recommended daily aspirin, remember to always take it with food. Even low-dose aspirin can cause serious gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers when taken regularly on an empty stomach. |
| Consumer Link Daily Aspirin Usage Linked to Lower Cancer Mortality |
| Research Link JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 104, Issue 16, 22 August 2012, Pages 1208–1217 |
| August 11, 2018 All Types of Exercise - Beneficial: It has been known for some time that aerobic exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There is growing evidence that weight training or similar strength exercise also significantly contributes to reduced risk. Participating in both types of exercise on a regular basis appears to confer the greatest benefit. |
| Consumer Link Weight Training Associated With Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. Sept. 24, 2012. |
| August 10, 2018 Pantothenic Acid Deficiency: Deficiency of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is uncommon because most foods contain some of this vitamin. Although rare, a pantothenic acid deficiency can cause a wide variety of symptoms including numbness and burning of the hands and feet to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Specific foods high in this vitamin include beef liver and sunflower seeds. |
| Consumer Link Pantothenic Acid Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Pantothenic-Acid |
| August 9, 2018 Low Protein Diet in Pregnancy: A new study using a rat model found that maternal exposure to a low protein diet during pregnancy and lactation greatly increased the incidence of prostate cancer in rat offspring later in life. Data from human studies suggest a similar relationship in people. |
| Consumer Link Low-protein diet during pregnancy increases prostate cancer risk in offspring, rat study shows |
| Research Link J Gerontology: Series A. 14 May 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 8, 2018 Copper Functions: Copper is an essential nutrient that has a variety of functions in the body. These include aiding iron in red blood cell production, as well as keeping blood vessels, nerves, and the immune system healthy. Among the common food sources, liver is the richest source of copper. If you prefer a higher calorie vegetarian source, some nuts and seeds can provide a significant amount of copper. |
| Consumer Link Copper in diets |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Copper |
| August 7, 2018 Folate Functions: Folate and folic acid are also known as vitamin B9. An important function of this vitamin is the production of normal red blood cells. Reasonable sources of folate can be found in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, and beans. |
| Consumer Link Folate Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Folate |
| August 6, 2018 E-Bike and Fitness: E-bikes (bicycles assisted by electric motors) were compared to regular bicycles in a study of overweight and untrained adults. After four weeks of riding at least six kilometers (about 3.75 miles) on at least three days per week, improvements in measures of health and fitness were similar for for those riding e-bikes and regular bikes. |
| Consumer Link Four weeks of riding an e-bike promotes fitness and health |
| Research Link Clin J Sport Med. 2018;28(3):255–265. |
| August 5, 2018 Vegetarian Eating as Excuse: Vegetarian diets for chosen for many reasons. However, new research indicates that it is common for people with eating disorders to use vegetarianism as a more socially acceptable way to avoid eating many foods. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarianism, Eating Disorder Study Reveals Worrisome Relationship Among Women |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Aug;112(8):1247-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2012.05.007. |
| August 4, 2018 Undiagnosed Celiac Disease: People with celiac disease experience an immune reaction in their small intestines to the gluten protein in wheat and other grains. This reaction damages the intestinal lining. A new estimate of celiac disease in the U.S. indicates that about one out of every 141 people have the condition, but almost 80 percent were undiagnosed and unaware that they had the condition. |
| Consumer Link Most With Celiac Disease Unaware of It; Others Go Gluten-Free Without Diagnosis |
| Research Link The American Journal of Gastroenterology volume 107, pages 1538–1544 (2012) |
| August 3, 2018 Chromium Functions: Chromium is a mineral that enhances the action of insulin and is important for the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. Meats, whole-grain products, and broccoli are relatively good sources of chromium. |
| Consumer Link Chromium Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Chromium |
| August 2, 2018 Swallowing Difficulty with Age: Muscle loss is common and usually obvious with aging. Not so obvious is a loss of muscle in the throat (pharynx) which can compromise the efficiency of swallowing. This can cause food and liquid residue or even pills to remain in the throat after swallowing. |
| Consumer Link Aging can make it more difficult to swallow |
| Research Link Dysphagia, 2018; pp 1–9. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-018-9924-5 |
| August 1, 2018 Pantothenic Acid: This vitamin, also called vitamin B5, aids in the synthesis and breakdown of fats in the body. Animal flesh and seeds contain the highest amounts of pantothenic acid. |
| Consumer Link Pantothenic Acid Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Pantothenic-acid |
| July 31, 2018 Calcium: Dietary calcium deficiency typically has no obvious symptoms in the short term because the body maintains calcium levels in the blood by mobilizing it from bone. Consequently, over time, chronic deficiency of dietary calcium leads to low bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Foods that provide significant amounts of well-absorbed calcium include most milk products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, tofu made with calcium salts, fish with bones like canned sardines, and some green leafy vegetables like mustard greens and turnip greens (but not spinach or beet greens). |
| Consumer Link Calcium Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Calcium |
| July 30, 2018 Blood Glucose: Circulating blood glucose changes throughout the day and night and is influenced by food choices, amount and type of physical activity, hormones, and health status. A new continuous glucose monitoring system showed that large fluctuations in blood glucose happen much more commonly than expected even in healthy participants. |
| Consumer Link High glucose spikes are common in 'healthy' people |
| Research Link PLOS Biology 2018; 16 (7): e2005143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005143 |
| July 29, 2018 The grain-like seed of the quinoa plant is considered safe for people intolerant to the gluten in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. However, an evaluation of 15 cultivars of quinoa found that two of the cultivars contained levels of "celiac toxic elements" sufficient to cause an allergic response in some people. |
| Consumer Link Some quinoa varieties may be unsuitable for strict gluten-free diets, study suggests |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr August 2012 vol. 96 no. 2 337-344 |
| July 28, 2018 Childhood Obesity Longterm Risks: Some overweight children go through a pudgy phase and eventually attain a normal weight as their height increases. However, many obese children already have cardiovascular risk factors that should be reduced with a healthful diet and increased physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Severely obese children's hearts already in danger |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child. 2012 Sep;97(9):818-21. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-301877 |
| July 27, 2018 Role of Biotin: Biotin is one of the B-vitamins and is needed for energy metabolism and regulation of gene expression. Foods containing significant amounts of biotin include: nuts, meats, fish, eggs and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, and broccoli). |
| Consumer Link Biotin Fact Sheet for Consumers |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Biotin |
| July 26, 2018 Autism: Many causes of autism have been explored and proposed. More recently, research using rodent models of autism have linked intestinal microorganism patterns in the mother to changes in her immune function. The altered immune function compromises neurodevelopment of offspring in a manner that leads to an autism-like outcome. |
| Consumer Link Health of mom's gut a key contributor to autism risk, study suggests |
| Research Link J Immunol. 2018;201(3):845-850. |
| July 25, 2018 Pancreatic Cancer and Antioxidants: Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat and has a very low survival rate. A study of 23,500 people found that people whose diets provided the most vitamins C and E as well as the mineral selenium were less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. |
| Consumer Link High Dietary Antioxidant Intake Might Cut Pancreatic Cancer Risk |
| Research Link Gut. 2013 Oct;62(10):1489-96. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2011-301908 |
| July 24, 2018 Vitamin E Decreases Liver Cancer Risk: A study conducted in China, where liver cancer is more common than in the U.S., found that consuming adequate vitamin E from foods or supplements was associated with a reduced risk of developing liver cancer. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E could protect against liver cancer, says study |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 Aug 8;104(15):1173-81. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djs277. |
| July 23, 2018 Macular Degeneration: The light-sensitive retina of the eye can degenerate with aging in a way that mainly impairs central vision. A new study found that those who had the habit of consuming an orange per day were significantly less likely to develop macular degeneration. The researches think that the main protective factor in the orange is compounds called flavonoids. |
| Consumer Link An orange a day keeps macular degeneration away: 15-year study |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 22, 2018 Many Missing Potassium: The recommendations for potassium intake is rarely met by Americans. A study of over 12,000 adults found only seven people who actually met the recommended intake. |
| Consumer Link More than 99.9% of Americans fail to meet both sodium and potassium recommendations: Study |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Aug;96(2):439-44. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.025353 |
| July 21, 2018 Inactivity vs Smoking: Research on over 400,000 people indicates that an inactive lifestyle is as bad for health as smoking. Even 15 minutes a day of exercise was enough to show a significant reduction in the mortality risk compared to being totally inactive. |
| Consumer Link Inactivity 'killing as many as smoking' |
| Research Link The Lancet, Volume 378, No. 9798, p1244–1253 |
| July 20, 2018 Body Mass Index, also known as BMI, is an index of weight relative to height that often is used to categorize people as overweight or obese. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well if an individual has plenty of muscle mass. A new index has been proposed that is called A Body Shape Index (ABSI) which incorporates waist circumference into the index. |
| Consumer Link New Metric for Obesity Strongly Correlated to Premature Death |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7(7):e39504. |
| July 19, 2018 Milk Fat: The fat in milk has some fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms (15 and 17 carbons). Since these fatty acids are not found much in other foods, blood levels of these fatty acids can be used to determine habitual intake of milk fat. A study followed 2907 U.S. adults, age 65 and older, for 22 years and found that those with greater blood levels of these milk-derived fatty acids had lower cardiovascular disease and stroke mortality. |
| Consumer Link New research could banish guilty feeling for consuming whole dairy products |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Jul 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 18, 2018 Milk Fat: The fat in milk has some fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms (15 and 17 carbons). Since these fatty acids are not found much in other foods, blood levels of these fatty acids can be used to determine habitual intake of milk fat. A study followed 2907 U.S. adults, age 65 and older, for 22 years and found that those with greater blood levels of these milk-derived fatty acids had lower cardiovascular disease and stroke mortality. |
| Consumer Link New research could banish guilty feeling for consuming whole dairy products |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Jul 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 17, 2018 Food Safety: One way to keep harmful microorganisms from growing in foods is to promote the growth of friendly microorganisms that prevent the growth of pathogenic organisms. Brewers yeast, for example, added to a pure solution of water and malt sugar, grows rapidly, prevents other microorganisms from growing and produces beer. Yogurt is another good example of a food made safer with the growth of domesticated microorganisms in the food. |
| Consumer Link Sake, Soy Sauce, and the Taming of the Microbes |
| Research Link Current Biology. 2012;22(15):1403–1409. |
| July 16, 2018 Obesity: Obesity often is considered to be a factor that increases the overall risk of mortality. However, a new analysis of data from over 50,000 men and women indicated that about one out of 20 obese people had no risk factors (like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and high blood glucose). These risk-factor-free obese individuals had the same mortality risk as lean healthy individuals. |
| Consumer Link Obesity alone does not increase risk of death |
| Research Link Clin Obes. 2018 Jul 12. doi: 10.1111/cob.12263. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 15, 2018 Fish is brain food - or at least fish oils are brain food. The DHA component of fish oils was found to accumulate in a specific memory center of the brain in mice that were supplemented with this fish oil fatty acid. This also enhanced communication among brain cells in this region of the brain. |
| Consumer Link Why Does A Diet High In DHA Improve Memory? |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Oct;37(5):880-7. doi: 10.1139/h2012-062. |
| July 14, 2018 Updated Research Continues to Support: Cranberry juice has been a commonly recommended folk remedy for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. The scientific support for this is somewhat mixed, but overall, a recent review of the science does indicate benefit for some people. |
| Consumer Link Cranberry Products Associated With Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2017 Dec;147(12):2282-2288. doi: 10.3945/jn.117.254961. Epub 2017 Oct 18. |
| July 13, 2018 Weight Loss and Knee Osteoarthritis: An 18-month study of 240 overweight and obese older adults (about 65 yrs old) with pain due to knee osteoarthritis found that weight loss significantly reduced pain and inflammation and improved physical function. These improvements were apparent in those who lost at least 10 percent of their initial body weight. Those who lost over 20 percent experienced even greater improvement. |
| Consumer Link When it comes to weight loss in overweight and obese adults with knee osteoarthritis, more is better |
| Research Link Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Jun 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 12, 2018 Overtraining: Using a specialized measure of nerve activity in the leg, researchers found that athletes who participated in high intensity overload training over a 3-week period experienced less positive adaptations to training than similar athletes who simply maintained their regular training. |
| Consumer Link New measure for stress in overtrained athletes |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2018 May;50(5):928-937. |
| July 11, 2018 Infant Feeding: According to the most recent release of the ongoing Nestlé Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS), 18% of infants 6-12 months of age fall short on dietary iron. During this stage of life, brain development is known to be impaired by iron deficiency. Many other problems were identified by this recent FITS analysis. |
| Consumer Link Toddlers fall short on daily veggies while infants aren’t getting enough iron, Nestlé study finds |
| Research Link Nestlé Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study. 2018. |
| July 10, 2018 Umami and Healthy Eating: Researchers have found that consuming a savory broth before a meal can reduce food intake and improve food choices. The savory flavor is often referred to as the umami flavor that naturally comes from the amino acid glutamate - present in foods as monosodium glutamate (MSG). New research found that consuming a broth rich in umami from added MSG promotes subtle changes in the brain that result in more healthful eating behaviors and better food choices. |
| Consumer Link Savory Foods May Promote Healthy Eating Through Effects on the Brain |
| Research Link Neuropsychopharmacology. 30 March 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 9, 2018 Bean Cooking Time and Nutrition: Sometimes convenience and nutrition come together in a food. When researchers analyzed varieties of beans for nutrient content, they found that beans with the shortest cooking times (from dry beans) were generally higher in both protein and iron than beans that took longer to cook. |
| Consumer Link Fast-cooking dry beans provide more protein, iron than 'slower' varieties |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2018;64(45):8592-8603. |
| July 8, 2018 Fasting Issues: Going without eating for too long not only makes people hungry. It also seems to change what they choose to eat. People who fasted for 18 hours (skipped breakfast) tended to select starchy foods more and vegetables less than people who had eaten breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Craving Carbs on an Empty Stomach |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2012 Jun 25;172(12):961-3. |
| July 7, 2018 Keeping Weight Off: Perhaps the biggest challenge in weight loss is maintaining a reduced body weight. Evaluation of 21 people who had all lost about 30 pounds found that a higher protein diet with lower carbohydrate content helped to boost their overall energy expenditure, theoretically facilitating maintenance of their weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Losing pounds can be easier than maintaining weight loss |
| Research Link JAMA. 2012;307(24):2627-2634. |
| July 6, 2018 Folate and B12 Deficiency: A study in Ireland found that about 13 percent of adults over age 50 were deficient in folate and vitamin B12. This is thought to be significantly greater than in the U.S., where folic acid fortification of some foods is mandatory and B12 supplementation is more common. |
| Consumer Link Study suggests more than 1 in 10 adults are folate, vitamin B12 deficient |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2018;120(1):111-120. |
| July 5, 2018 GMO Labeling: Amidst all the confusion around labeling foods containing genetically engineered ingredients, a study conducted after mandatory labeling was implemented in Vermont found that people became less concerned about genetically engineered ingredients in their food after labeling was implemented. |
| Consumer Link Does GMO Labeling Actually Increase Support for GMOs? |
| Research Link Science Advances. 27 Jun 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 4, 2018 Spinach for Muscle Power: Spinach may benefit muscle function, but not because of the high content of iron and calcium that are in poorly absorbed forms. The spinach promoter of muscle function appears to be nitrate. |
| Consumer Link The Popeye myth? New findings suggest how spinach increases muscle power |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2012 Aug 1;590(15):3575-83. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.232777. |
| July 3, 2018 Tea, Wine, and Health: Polyphenol compounds naturally present in tea and red wine potentially can both harm or benefit health. They can bind to and prevent absorption of essential elements like iron and zinc and contribute to nutrient deficiency. On the other hand, new research indicates that these compounds can prevent the formation of damaging amyloid fibrils in tissues like the brain. This is a good example of why we should not refer to foods and food components as being "good" or "bad," because it depends on overall dietary balance and the specific health problems a person has. |
| Consumer Link Compounds found in green tea and red wine may block formation of toxic metabolites |
| Research Link Comm Chem. 03 May 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 2, 2018 Garcinia Cambogia and Weight Loss: Research in rats indicated that hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in Garcinia cambogia reduces the conversion of carbohydrate to the main component of fat (fatty acids), resulting in fat loss. However, humans are different and, under most conditions, convert very little carbohydrate to fatty acids. Consequently, HCA supplements do not work the same for people. |
| Consumer Link Does Garcinia Cambogia help with weight loss? |
| Research Link JAMA. 1998;280(18):1596-600. |
| July 1, 2018 Environmental Friendly Protein Substitutes: Desire for more environmentally friendly protein options has increased the number of meat-alternative products. Selecting products that make sense as plant-based meat alternatives requires reading the nutrition facts panel to assure adequate protein. Ideally, a meat substitute should contain at least 15 grams of protein per serving. |
| Consumer Link Meat-like vegetarian fare: Replicating the nutrition, texture and taste of meat and eggs |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Mar 24;57(5):923-932. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2014.939739. |
| June 30, 2018 Bone Density and Men: Guidelines from The Endocrine Society recommend measurement of bone density in men over age 70 and men aged 50-69 who have risk factors such as low body weight, prior fracture as an adult, smoking, etc. The guidelines also encourage consuming adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D, participating in weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Osteoporosis screening recommended for men at risk |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Jun;97(6):1802-22. doi: 10.1210/jc.2011-3045. |
| June 29, 2018 Water Purification: Seeking a simple water purification system, researchers combined silica sand with the protein from moringa tree seeds (Moringa oleifera). This produced an inexpensive filtration system that can remove many contaminants from water. This uses sand and plant materials readily available in many developing nations to produce "f-sand" or filtration sand to create an effective water filtration medium. |
| Consumer Link The seed that could bring clean water to millions |
| Research Link Langmuir. 2018;34(16):4852. |
| June 28, 2018 Vitamin D and Aging: Whether you are a man or a mouse, you will lose muscle tissue in old age. A well-designed study with mice found that consuming insufficient vitamin D over time accelerates the loss of muscle tissue and the decline in physical function. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin D levels impair stamina and performance over time |
| Research Link Aging. 2018 Jun 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 27, 2018 Overhydration: The effects of dehydration on the body are well known. However, some conditions like brain injury, cardiac failure, serious infections, and the use of certain drugs can result in overhydration. New research indicates that brain mechanisms that sense overhydration are different than those that detect dehydration. |
| Consumer Link Is too much water as harmful as not enough? |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2018;23(8):2245-2253. |
| June 26, 2018 Body Image: With all the media images of "perfect bodies," it is easy to fall into the body dissatisfaction trap. Since this can lead to unhealthful eating and even serious eating disorders, researchers are seeking ways to help people avoid this trap. They found that young women became more satisfied with their bodies after participating in an exercise that involved writing letters to themselves from the perspective of an unconditionally loving friend or writing a letter to their body, expressing gratitude for all of its functions. |
| Consumer Link Writing away the body image blues |
| Research Link Psych Women Quart. 30 May 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 25, 2018 Caffeine and Heart Health: Many studies have indicated that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, and diabetes. Now, a new study using a mouse model has demonstrated that caffeine triggers protective effects at the level of mitochondria in heart cells. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine from four cups of coffee protects the heart with the help of mitochondria |
| Research Link PLOS Biology, 2018;16(6): e2004408. |
| June 24, 2018 Spinach and Cancer Prevention: OSU's Linus Pauling Institute researchers recently reported that spinach may have properties that aid in cancer prevention by affecting gene expression. This research has great potential to help us understand and at least partially offset the damaging effects of various carcinogens |
| Consumer Link Study links carcinogens to cancer stem cells - but spinach can help |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Aug;56(8):1259-69. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201200117 |
| June 23, 2018 Importance of muscle for bone strength: Mayo Clinic research shows that muscle mass is associated with bone strength. This may be important in developing new strategies for preventing osteoporosis and it supports the importance of exercise for bone health. |
| Consumer Link Healthy muscle mass linked to healthy bones, but there are gender differences |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2012 Oct;27(10):2159-69. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.1666. |
| June 22, 2018 Carotenoids and Hearing: It is well known that carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin are important for retinal health and good vision. Now, research indicates that these compounds also benefit hearing. |
| Consumer Link Not just seeing: More research sheds light on carotenoids’ benefits for hearing |
| Research Link Nutr Neurosci. 2017 Jan;20(1):1-7. |
| June 21, 2018 Healthfulness of SNAP Recipient Food Choices: The food choices of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were compared to those of people not receiving SNAP assistance - both those with incomes low enough to qualify for SNAP but were not receiving the assistance and those with incomes too high to qualify for SNAP. Over a 10-year period, an American Heart Association-based diet quality assessment found that SNAP recipients did not improve overall diet quality. However, those in the other two groups did show improvement. Additional research seems to be needed to determine how to best improve diet quality in these diverse groups. |
| Consumer Link Quality of diet still poor for SNAP participants |
| Research Link JAMA Network Open. 2018;1(2):e180237. |
| June 20, 2018 Concentrated Calories and Gut Health: Consuming a diet that is concentrated in calories from fat and carbohydrate has been found to produce a less healthful bacterial composition in the lower intestine. A new study with rats found that eating an energy-dense "junk food" diet three days a week resulted in the same bacterial composition in the lower gut as eating that way for seven days a week. Since the rodent intestinal tract has significant differences from that of humans, it would be interesting to see if the same thing occurs in humans. |
| Consumer Link Weekend binges just as bad for the gut as a regular junk food diet, study suggests |
| Research Link Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2016; DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201500815 |
| June 19, 2018 Mediterranean Diet and Red Meat: Many healthy eating guidelines recommend reduced intake of red meat. However, a new study of 41 adults compared a Mediterranean-style eating pattern with unprocessed red meat intake of about 3 ounces per day to a commonly recommended intake of about 3 ounces twice a week. Heart health indicators improved with both Mediterranean-style eating patterns, but LDL cholesterol blood levels (a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease) improved while consuming the higher rather than the lower red meat intake. |
| Consumer Link Mediterranean-style eating with lean, unprocessed red meat improves heart disease risk |
| Research Link Amer J Clin Nutr. 13 June 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 18, 2018 Vitamin D and Cholesterol: A study with 419 children ages 6 to 8 years found that those with the highest vitamin D status were significantly more likely to have lower blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Further research is needed to determine why the association exists. |
| Consumer Link High vitamin D levels linked to lower cholesterol in children |
| Research Link J Clin Endo Metab. 9 May 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 17, 2018 Should you take D2 or D3? Vitamin D is available as vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is more efficiently converted to the vitamin's active forms in the body when large amounts of the vitamin are provided. However, there appears to be little difference between the forms when daily doses of each vitamin form are taken. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D - Which Type Is Best? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun;95(6):1357-64. |
| June 16, 2018 B12 Myth: Claims have been made that a common form of vitamin B12 called cyanocobalamin can be toxic at high doses because cyanide is released from the molecule. This concern is an urban myth that was disproved long ago. Cyanide is released from the vitamin, but the amount is about 1000 times less than the amount that would be toxic. |
| Consumer Link Is the cyanocobalamin for of B-12 dangerous? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1955 Mar-Apr;3(2):129-31. |
| June 15, 2018 Environmental Changes and Vegetable Production: A systematic review of 174 articles indicated that several environmental changes projected to occur by 2050 will threaten agricultural production, food security, and health. Although increased atmospheric CO2 can increase some crop yields, when these researchers factored in other expected changes like increased ambient temperature, increased ozone, decreased water availability, and increased salinization of soils from rising sea levels, they estimated substantially reduced yields of vegetables and legumes. |
| Consumer Link Predicted environmental changes could significantly reduce global production of vegetables |
| Research Link PNAS June 11, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 14, 2018 Strength Exercise and Depression: A review and analysis of 33 studies found evidence that resistance exercise training (strength training) significantly reduced symptoms of depression in adults. This beneficial effect appeared to not rely much on the amount of exercise nor on the change in strength experienced by participants. |
| Consumer Link Weightlifting can be as effective for depression as medication, University of Limerick study finds |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. 2018 May 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 13, 2018 Spousal Influence on Diabetes Risk: Analysis of data from about 7000 men and women indicated that high body mass index (BMI) in the female spouse was significantly associated with an increased risk of the male spouse having type 2 diabetes. This association persisted even when the male spouse had a normal BMI. |
| Consumer Link Married couples share risk of developing diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 8 March 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 12, 2018 Inhibiting Unwanted Thoughts: The neurotransmitter GABA has been found to help control unwanted thoughts through its function in a part of the brain known as the hippocampus. Many factors may influence the amount of GABA released in brain cells. Among these factors, Iron is known to be required for GABA synthesis and iron deficiency is strongly associated with obsessive behaviors and depression. |
| Consumer Link Scientists identify mechanism that helps us inhibit unwanted thoughts |
| Research Link Nature Communications. 2017; 8 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00956-z |
| June 10, 2018 Importance of Family Meals: Family meals not only help to ensure a child is getting nutrients, but mealtime may also provide parents with added opportunity to provide their child with social support. |
| Consumer Link Does dinner make a strong family, or does a strong family make dinner? |
| Research Link Journal of Marriage and Family Volume 74, Issue 3, pages 476–493, June 2012 |
| June 9, 2018 Nutrient Deficiencies and Dieting: During dieting for weight control, the supply of essential nutrients generally declines. Over time this can lead to marginal or severe nutrient deficiencies that compromise many body functions, including brain function. |
| Consumer Link Thin doesn’t always mean healthy if nutrition ignored |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1998 Jul;52(7):512-8. |
| June 7, 2018 Exercise and Brain Health: For some time, we have known that regular exercise appears to enhance mental function. Innovative research with mice is identifying the metabolic mechanisms for this relationship which may have some important implications for maintaining mental function with aging and for prevention and management of various neurological diseases. |
| Consumer Link Leg exercise is critical to brain and nervous system health |
| Research Link Front Neurosci. 23 May 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 6, 2018 Postmenopausal Height Loss: Height loss after menopause is common in women. Participating in strenuous exercise regularly during teen years was associated with less height loss during postmenopausal years. The use of corticosteroid drugs was a strong predictor of more height loss. |
| Consumer Link Strenuous exercise in adolescence may ward off height loss later in life |
| Research Link Menopause. MAY 5, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 5, 2018 Whey Protein and Body Composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis on whey protein supplementation found that when women took whey protein supplements during periods of reduced calorie intake or when participating in strength training exercise, there were slight increases in lean body tissues. Since both low energy intake and strength training can increase protein needs, it makes sense that increasing protein intake from any high quality protein source would help to maintain muscle tissues. |
| Consumer Link Whey protein supplements and exercise help women improve body composition |
| Research Link Nutrition Reviews. 23 April 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 4, 2018 Sunlight Exposure and Brain: A study with mice found that moderate ultraviolet (UV) light exposure enhanced their memory and learning capacity by affecting the level of the amino acid glutamate in the brain. It will be interesting to see if there is a similar effect of sunlight in humans. |
| Consumer Link USTC reveals the mechanism how moderate sunlight exposure improves learning and memory |
| Research Link Cell. May 17, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 3, 2018 Food and Monopoly: Food and nutrition may be the basis for human monogamy. New research indicates that the evolutionary driver of monogamy was females choosing mates that could provide adequate food for successful reproduction. Raising a family required a steady supply of food to meet nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Female Choice Key to Evolutionary Shift to Modern Family |
| Research Link Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 29, 2012; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1200717109 |
| June 2, 2018 Learned Eating Practices: Research shows that children are very observant and the eating practices of mothers have a strong influence on how the child chooses to eat. |
| Consumer Link Eat Healthy -- Your Kids Are Watching |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr May 2012 vol. 95 no. 5 1031-1037 |
| June 1, 2018 Weight Loss and Hunger: It's well known that losing weight is easier than maintaining the weight loss. After weight loss, it is common to feel very hungry most all of the time. This is likely due to the stomach releasing greater amounts of a hormone called ghrelin that makes us feel hungry. Even two years after significant weight loss, people who maintained the loss were found to have higher levels of ghrelin in their blood. |
| Consumer Link Why you feel hungrier after you lose weight |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Jan 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 31, 2018 High Dose Biotin Interferes with Blood Tests: A case study of a 48 year old woman found that her habit of taking 5000 micrograms of biotin daily caused multiple hormonal blood test results to be inaccurate. This led to initial misdiagnosis of her condition, unnecessary diagnostic testing, medical consultations, psychological stress for the patient, and almost resulted in unnecessary surgery. |
| Consumer Link Biotin supplements caused misleading test results, almost led to unnecessary procedure |
| Research Link Journal of the Endocrine Society, js.2018-00069, |
| May 30, 2018 Rising Carbon Dioxide and Rice Nutrients: Researchers grew 18 common strains of rice under atmospheric CO2 concentrations that are expected by the end of the 21st century. As others have reported, they found significant reduction in protein, iron, and zinc. In addition, they found substantial declines in vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B9. Since many people rely on rice as a major source of calories, this could adversely affect human health unless we can develop strains that are not affected this way. |
| Consumer Link Increasing CO2 levels reduce rice's nutritional value |
| Research Link Science Advances 23 MAY 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 29, 2018 Autism and Eating Fish During Pregnancy: Because some types of fish accumulate mercury with age, there has been some concern that eating fish during pregnancy could increase the risk of having a child with autism. However, a study conducted in the United Kingdom found no relationship between fish consumption or blood mercury levels during pregnancy and the risk of having an autistic child. |
| Consumer Link Autism is not linked to eating fish in pregnacy |
| Research Link Molecular Autism. 23 April 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 28, 2018 Diet and Cardiometabolic Disease: A major review by an international group of experts indicates that frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increase cardiometabolic risk factors significantly more than consuming the same amount of calories from starchy foods. They also found no evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame promote weight gain or increase cardiometabolic disease risk. However, the review had little focus on the influence of protein intake and level of physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Some calories more harmful than others |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2018 May 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 27, 2018 Go bananas: If you are tired of consuming sugar-based sports drinks during your workouts, research shows that consuming bananas along with water during a 2.5 to 3 hour session of cycling provided the same performance benefit as consuming a sports drink that provided the same amount of carbohydrate. |
| Consumer Link Bananas are as beneficial as sports drinks, study suggests |
| Research Link PLOS ONE 7(5): e37479. May 17, 2012 |
| May 26, 2018 Updated Research Continues to Support: Research supports the evolving concept that obesity is not a significant risk factor for heart disease unless the obese individual also has metabolic health problems indicated by abnormal blood pressure, blood sugar, HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation in the body. Regular physical activity can help to prevent these metabolic health problems. |
| Consumer Link Health Buzz: Obesity Not Always Tied to Heart Risk |
| Research Link Obes Res Clin Pract. 2017 May - Jun;11(3):315-323. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2016.08.009 |
| May 25, 2018 Food Choice and Calorie Intake: A study of both normal weight and overweight women found that those who had been previously trained to control portion size also made adjustments to choose foods lower in calorie density when presented with larger portions. These women consumed a similar amount (weight) of food as the untrained control groups, but consumed less calories due to their food choices. |
| Consumer Link Learning to make healthy choices can counter the effects of large portions |
| Research Link Appetite. 2018 Apr 1;123:334-342. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.01.012. |
| May 24, 2018 Weight Management in Postmenopausal Women: A review of multiple studies on the use of diet and exercise for weight loss in overweight and obese women during and following menopause found that diet or exercise promoted weight loss, but the combination of the two was better than either one separately. |
| Consumer Link Exercise beats genetics in determining amount of body fat |
| Research Link Menopause. 2018 Mar 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 23, 2018 Eggs and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A large study of over half a million adults in China found that people who consumed eggs almost daily had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular diseases when compared to those who rarely or never consumed eggs. In particular, the frequent egg consumers were 26% less likely to have a hemorrhagic stroke. Although this is not the type of study that establishes cause and effect conclusions, it supports more recent recommendations to include eggs as part of a healthful varied diet. |
| Consumer Link An egg a day may reduce heart disease risk, study finds |
| Research Link Heart. 21 May 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 22, 2018 Vitamin B12 in Plants: New research demonstrated that it is possible for a plant, common garden cress, to take up vitamin B12 when the vitamin is included in the plant's growth medium. It is not yet clear how much B12 ends up in the plant and how expensive it would be as as source of the vitamin compared to other common sources. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 breakthrough for more complete Vegetarian and Vegan diets |
| Research Link Chemical Biology. 2018 17 May. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 21, 2018 Gut Bugs and the Brain: More and more, scientists are finding important links between the gut and the brain. New research using both animal models and human brain cells is identifying connections between chemicals produced by intestinal bacteria and the function of the immune system and the health of brain cells. This research may lead to new therapies for prevention and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. |
| Consumer Link How the gut influences neurologic disease |
| Research Link Nature. May 16, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 20, 2018 Nutrient Balance Is Essential To Deal With Inflammation: New research on omega-3 fatty acid function at the cellular level is likely to help explain how the fish oil fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the right dosage, yet be potentially pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess. |
| Consumer Link Why Omega-3 Oils Help at the Cellular Level |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 May 29;109(22):8517-22. |
| May 19, 2018 Timing of Nutritional Needs and Brain Development: It is well known that there are critical windows for meeting nutrient needs during various stages of brain development. Research is now identifying developmental windows during which adequate levels of physical activity appear to be important for optimal brain development. |
| Consumer Link How Exercise Affects the Brain: Age and Genetics Play a Role |
| Research Link Neuroscience. 2012 Jul 26;215:59-68. |
| May 18, 2018 Physical Activity and Heart Failure: Declining heart function during the adult years of life leads to heart failure in many people. A new study reports that maintaining recommended activity levels with age is associated with the lowest risk of heart failure. However, initiating and increasing physical activity also substantially lower heart failure risk, even in late middle age. |
| Consumer Link Six years of exercise -- or lack of it -- may be enough to change heart failure risk |
| Research Link Circulation. 2018;137:2142-2151. |
| May 17, 2018 Protein and Bone Health: A new international expert consensus statement confirms that adequate dietary protein is essential for optimal bone development and maintenance of bone health throughout adult years of life. The article states that, "In older people with osteoporosis, higher protein intake (??0.8-g/kg body weight/day, i.e., above the current RDA) is associated with higher BMD, a slower rate of bone loss, and reduced risk of hip fracture, provided that dietary calcium intakes are adequate." |
| Consumer Link Expert consensus finds that higher protein intake benefits adult bone health |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2018 May 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 16, 2018 Diet and Hearing Loss: A study that followed over 70,000 women for about 22 years found that those with more healthful diets were significantly less likely to experience hearing loss later in life. Healthy diets were considered to be those that provided a wide variety of foods from all food groups without excessive amounts of things like fat, sugar, and salt. |
| Consumer Link Healthy diet may lower risk of hearing loss in women |
| Research Link Nutrition, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy058 |
| May 15, 2018 First Foods in Formula-fed Infants: Researchers followed formula-fed infants who were randomized to be fed either dairy-based or meat-based foods (in addition to their formula, fruits, and vegetables). Those consuming the meat-based diet included commercially available pureed meats, while the dairy-based group added infant yogurt, cheese and a powdered concentrate of whey protein. Based on body measurements, the infants consuming meat-based complementary foods were taller at 12 months of age and had a lower weight relative to their height. It is not known why this difference occurred, but it does suggest that a variety of foods in the diet likely is best to support healthful growth. |
| Consumer Link Infant growth patterns affected by type of protein consumed |
| Research Link Amer J Clinl Nutr. 2018;107(5):734–742. |
| May 14, 2018 Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) and Inflammation: An interesting study using both rats and humans found that taking 2 grams (less than half a teaspoon) of baking soda promotes a powerful anti-inflammatory response in the body. This initial study needs additional research confirmation, but could prove to be a rather safe way to treat a variety of conditions. |
| Consumer Link Drinking baking soda could be an inexpensive, safe way to combat autoimmune disease |
| Research Link J Immunol. 2018;200(10):3568-3586. |
| May 13, 2018 Fish Oil Hinders Inflammation: At the cellular level, the function of omega-3 fatty acids is likely to help explain how the fish oil fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the right dosage, yet be potentially pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess. |
| Consumer Link Why omega-3 oils help at the cellular level |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 May 29;109(22):8517-22. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1200189109. Epub 2012 May 14. |
| May 12, 2018 Meat- Not Just for Men: Meat often is considered to be a food more for men than for women. From a nutrient perspective, however, women have a much greater need for iron, a key nutrient in meat. |
| Consumer Link You are what you eat: Why do male consumers avoid vegetarian options? |
| Research Link Journal of Consumer Research Vol. 39, No. 3 (October 2012), pp. 629-643 |
| May 11, 2018 Very Low Carb Diet in Type 1 Diabetes: An observational study was conducted on 316 people (adults and children) with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) who were consuming a very low carbohydrate diet to manage their condition. The study reported that the study participants had low rates of hypoglycemia and other complications common in type 1 diabetes. Due to limitations in the design of the study, the authors recommend controlled clinical trials of very low carbohydrate diets to confirm or refute their observations. |
| Consumer Link Very-low-carb diet shows promise in type 1 diabetes |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2018 May 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 10, 2018 Updated Research Continues to Support: If you are tired of consuming sugar-based sports drinks during your workouts, go bananas. A new study found that consuming bananas along with water during a 2.5 to 3 hour session of cycling provided the same performance benefit as consuming a sports drink that provided the same amount of carbohydrate. |
| Consumer Link Bananas Are as Beneficial as Sports Drinks, Study Suggests |
| Research Link PLOS ONE Vol 13 Issue: 3 Number: e0194843 Published: MAR 22 2018 |
| May 9, 2018 Eggs and Health: A study of 128 people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes found that those who consumed a high-egg diet (about 12 eggs per week) for 12 months (which included a 3-month weight-loss phase) had no adverse changes in cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory or oxidative stress markers, or measures of glycemia. Eggs are a rich source of key nutrients like protein and choline as well as the phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin. |
| Consumer Link Eggs not linked to cardiovascular risk, despite conflicting advice |
| Research Link The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy048 |
| May 8, 2018 High Fat Diet, Microbiota, & Inflammation: A new study with mice found that changes in the microbial composition of the lower intestine, when the mice were fed a high fat diet, reduced the bacterial production of compounds that normally help to reduce inflammation in the body. This may help to find better ways to reduce the inflammation typical of many types of conditions ranging from liver to joint diseases. |
| Consumer Link Gut check: Metabolites shed by intestinal microbiota keep inflammation at bay |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2018;23(4):1099-1111. |
| May 7, 2018 Updated Research Continues to Support: Proper functioning of the immune system depends on the body having an adequate supply of virtually all essential nutrients. Vitamin D appears to be playing an important supportive role in helping the immune system deal with viral infections. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D May Protect Against Viral Infections During the Winter |
| Research Link Front Immunol. 2016; 7: 697. Published online 2017 Jan 20. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00697 |
| May 6, 2018 Balance Exercise for Health: For some time, research has indicated that consistent physical activity provides long term health benefits. A new report emphasizes that the benefits may be somewhat like alcohol consumption. Mortality is higher in non-joggers and in those undertaking extreme levels of exercise than it is in moderate joggers. |
| Consumer Link Regular Jogging Shows Dramatic Increase in Life Expectancy |
| Research Link Eur J Epidemiol. 2012 Feb;27(2):91-9. |
| May 5, 2018 Benefits of Grapes and Wine: A compound in red grapes called resveratrol is thought to be one of the beneficial components of red wine. New research indicates that resveratrol affects the expression of genes that may, in fact, slow some age-related changes that commonly occur in mitochondria. |
| Consumer Link Resveratrol: Study Resolves Controversy On Life-Extending Red Wine Ingredient, Restores Hope for Anti-Aging Pill |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, 2012; 15 (5): 675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.04.003 |
| May 4, 2018 Ketogenic Diet and Exercise Performance: As the intensity of exercise increases, more calories are expended and the proportion of energy supply provided by carbohydrate increases substantially. A recent study showed that a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet impaired the performance of higher intensity exercise. |
| Consumer Link Food for Thought: Ketogenic Diets Reduce Athletes’ Anaerobic Performance |
| Research Link J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2018 Apr 04. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 3, 2018 Omega-3 Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease: A review and meta-analysis of ten clinical trials that involved a total of over 77,000 adult participants, found that there was no support for current recommendations to use omega-3 fatty acid supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Certainly, an adequate intake of these fat components (from fish or supplements) likely is still important for promoting overall health and especially for the maintenance of a healthy brain and retina of the eye. |
| Consumer Link Can Omega-3 Supplement Use Lower CVD Risk? |
| Research Link JAMA Cardiol. 2018;3(3):225-234. |
| May 2, 2018 A new study in the U.K. on over 35,000 women found that those eating more oily fish and legumes were likely to have a later onset of natural menopause, whereas women who were vegetarians experienced earlier menopause than non-vegetarians. Women who go through menopause late are at increased risk for various cancers but those who go through menopause early have a greater risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. |
| Consumer Link Diet rich in fish and legumes may help delay natural menopause |
| Research Link J Epidemiol Community Health. 2018 30 April. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 1, 2018 Vitamin B6 and Dream Recall: New research conducted on 100 adults found that those taking a dose of 240 mg of vitamin B6 before bedtime remembered their dreams better. Although this is interesting, keep in mind that this dose of B6 is 2.4 times the Tolerable Upper Intake Level established by the Institute of Medicine. Consequently, taking this dose for an extended period of time could potentially increase the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B6 helps people recall their dreams |
| Research Link Percep Motor Skills. 2018 April 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 30, 2018 Obesity and Cancer: It is known that some types of cancer are more common in people who are obese. A new study with rats found that this may be due to obesity inhibiting the action of cells that normally protect against cancer. This also was associated with increased inflammation. Giving the obese rats aspirin reduced inflammation and cancer. |
| Consumer Link Obesity inhibits key cancer defense mechanism |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2018;23(4):974. |
| April 29, 2018 Updated Research Supports: Entertaining TV ads for alcoholic beverages target the adult population. These ads may encourage underage drinking by teens as well. Underage drinkers were significantly more aware of ads for alcoholic beverages than those who did not drink. It is not clear whether the ad awareness or the drinking came first. |
| Consumer Link TV alcohol advertising may play role in underage drinking |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2017 Mar;41(3):618-625. |
| April 28, 2018 Obesity and RA: Obese women have an increased risk of developing the painful autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis. If researchers can determine why this painful joint disease is linked with these factors, it could help to uncover the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Consumer Link Obesity Epidemic Fueling Rise in Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Women |
| Research Link Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2013 Jan;65(1):71-7. |
| April 27, 2018 Protein Supplementation: Resistance exercise (strength training) often is used to build muscle mass and possibly reduce fat mass. To provide optimal protein for supporting the building of muscle, people often consume protein supplements. A review of 34 studies on protein supplementation by adults participating in resistance exercise found that consuming the protein supplement with meals generally improves body composition (increases muscle and decreases fat) better than consuming the protein supplement between meals. |
| Consumer Link Consuming protein supplements with meals may work better for weight control |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2018 25 April. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 26, 2018 Micro Greens: The small micro greens popular in high end salads are typically harvested within one to 3 weeks of sprouting the seeds. Research indicates that the amount of some essential minerals in the micro greens of something like broccoli is greater than in the fully grown plant. However, since the quantity of micro greens typically eaten at a meal is rather small, the actual amount of minerals consumed may not be very nutritionally significant. |
| Consumer Link Are micro leaves the next super veg? |
| Research Link Front. Nutr. 2017 March 2017, Volume 4, Article 7. |
| April 25, 2018 Alcohol and Oral Health: It is well established that heavy drinking increases the risk for developing many diseases. New research on the oral microbiome now links heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages with an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. |
| Consumer Link Heavy drinking could raise risk of "bad" bacteria, study finds |
| Research Link Microbiome. 2018 24 April. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 24, 2018 Obesity and Arthritis: Obesity is known to be associated with increased general inflammation in the body and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Rats fed a high fat diet developed obesity, inflammation, and osteoarthritis. However, obese mice given a supplement of the prebiotic oligofructose had beneficial changes in the composition of their gut microbiome that was associated with reduced inflammation and no development of osteoarthritis. |
| Consumer Link The bugs in your gut could make you weak in the knees |
| Research Link JCI Insight. 2018;3(8):e95997. |
| April 23, 2018 Mitochondrial Antioxidant and Blood Vessels: A small, but well-designed, study with 20 people 60 to 79 years of age found that supplementation with a novel antioxidant substantially improved blood vessel dilation. This antioxidant was previously studied in mice and found to work primarily in sub-cellular structures called mitochondria where oxygen is utilized to generate energy. The researchers are following this up with a larger study. |
| Consumer Link Novel antioxidant makes old blood vessels seem young again |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2018 April 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 22, 2018 A large California study found that mothers of children with autism were less likely to report taking prenatal vitamins during the 3 months before pregnancy or the first month of pregnancy. This supports other research findings that malnutrition even before a woman knows she is pregnant can adversely affect development. |
| Consumer Link Patterns: Prenatal Vitamins May Ward Off Autism |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2011 Jul;22(4):476-85. |
| April 21, 2018 Increasing food safety: E. coli bacteria in drinking water can be greatly reduced by exposing clear plastic bottles of water to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. Adding a twist of lime to the water reduced the needed sun exposure time to 30 minutes. This method, however, did not significantly reduce the levels of a murine norovirus. |
| Consumer Link Sunlight plus lime juice makes drinking water safer |
| Research Link Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2012 Apr;86(4):566-72. |
| April 20, 2018 Early Cooking Skills and Good Nutrition: It makes sense that learning about food preparation during the growing years could lead to better nutrition. A new study on over 1000 people found that those who had good cooking skills in their late teens and early 20s were likely to have a more varied and healthful diet about 10 years later compared to people with limited cooking skills. |
| Consumer Link Adolescents' cooking skills strongly predict future nutritional well-being |
| Research Link J Nutr Ed Behav. 2018 March 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 19, 2018 Challenges to Living in Space: On Earth, the human body is adapted to constantly working against the force of gravity. Even without much physical activity, muscles do a fair amount of work just dealing with gravity in going about the activities of daily life. The lack of gravity in space travel or the significantly lower gravity on a planet like Mars would cause significant loss of muscle and bone, among other physiological problems. Extraterrestrial exploration by humans will require the development of technologies to prevent these problems. |
| Consumer Link What happens to our muscles during spaceflight and when living on Mars? |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2018 Apr 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 18, 2018 Sweet Craving: Some people crave sweet foods more than others. Researchers analyzing data from over 450,000 people in Europe found that there is a genetic basis for this craving. Interestingly, those with the "sweet gene" had lower levels of body fat on average, but were more likely to have high blood pressure and a larger waistline in relation to their hips. |
| Consumer Link Surprising discovery: Sweet tooth gene connected with less body fat |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2018;23(2):327–336. |
| April 17, 2018 Chili Peppers and Headache: Most of the time, the effects of consuming chili peppers that are too hot is temporary pain and discomfort. However, a new case study describes severe, short duration, repetitive headaches (called thunderclap headaches) in a man who consumed one Carolina Reaper pepper in a hot pepper eating contest. |
| Consumer Link A Competitive Eater Suffered a Rare 'Thunderclap' Headache Brought on by the World's Hottest Chili Pepper |
| Research Link BMJ Case Reports. 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 16, 2018 Food Allergy Prevention in Infants: New research indicates that multiple factors early in life contribute to increased risk of food allergies developing in children. The initial triggering of an allergic response is likely due to skin exposure to food substances (from the hands of care-givers) in genetically susceptible children. The risk of allergen penetration of the skin is further increased by the use of infant wipes that remove skin oils and leave a soap-like residue on the skin. |
| Consumer Link Food allergy linked to skin exposure and genetics, study finds |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immun. 2018; [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 15, 2018 BMI does not equal "Fatness": Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight for height. It is useful as a rough estimate of fatness in the statistical analysis of large groups of people. However, research continues to indicate that BMI is not a good way to evaluate an individual's fatness. |
| Consumer Link 'Skinny fat' label shows the vagaries of obesity |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(4): e33308. |
| April 14, 2018 Important Ag Practices: Plant fungal infections have now outstripped bacterial and viral diseases. World hunger could be significantly decreased by halting the spread of fungal diseases in the world's five most important crops: rice, wheat, maize, potatoes and soybeans. Supporting basic agricultural research is important to both nutrition and sustainability. |
| Consumer Link Tackle Fungal Forces to Save Crops, Forests and Endangered Animals, Say Scientists |
| Research Link Nature, 2012; 484 (7393): 186 DOI: 10.1038/nature10947 |
| April 13, 2018 Iodine Status: Iodine is an essential nutrient that tends to be low in the U.S. diet, especially when people consume little iodized salt and seafood. Proper assessment of an individual's iodine status involves measurement of 24-hour urinary iodine excretion. Simple urine iodine concentration measurement is sometimes used to estimate iodine status in populations of people, but it is not accurate for evaluating an individual's iodine status. |
| Consumer Link Dr. Joel Fuhrman Sells Useless Iodine Test |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2016 Jan;146(1):142-6. |
| April 12, 2018 Weight Management: When it comes to body weight, it is important to realize that we have all been dealt a different hand when it comes to our genetic makeup. Those who find it easy to maintain a "healthy body weight" don't realize how challenging this can be for those running a genetic program that would get them through an extended famine much better than most people. |
| Consumer Link What thin people don’t understand about dieting |
| Research Link American Psychologist, 62(3), 220-233. |
| April 11, 2018 Calorie Restriction and Aging: Non-obese adults were studied over a 2-year period while their calorie intake was reduced by about 15 percent of their usual intake. Average weight lost was almost 20 pounds and the study measured a reduced metabolic rate and decreased measures of oxidative stress. This would be expected to decrease the risk of age-related neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, among other age-related health problems. However, with this type of weight loss, there is likely significant bone loss that could substantially increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. |
| Consumer Link Calorie restriction trial in humans suggests benefits for age-related disease |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 2018;27(4):805-815. |
| April 10, 2018 Dairy Foods and Bones: Milk and milk-based foods provide the key nutrients for bone health - calcium, protein, and vitamin D. New research using measures of bone integrity called quantitative computed tomography (QCT) found that men over 50 who consumed more dairy foods had better bone health. |
| Consumer Link More dairy associated with higher bone density and greater spine strength in men over 50 |
| Research Link J Bone Min Res. 30 March 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 9, 2018 Mandatory Recall of Herbal Supplement: An herbal supplement containing powdered kratom was found to be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. FDA's request for a voluntary recall by the company selling the product was not acted upon by the company, so the FDA implemented a mandatory recall. Kratom is said to function like an opiod pain killer drug without the risks of addiction. As more is learned about this supplement, it may become necessary for FDA to classify it as a drug. |
| Consumer Link In a first, FDA orders recall of a ‘contaminated food’ — kratom with salmonella |
| Research Link Food Safety News. APRIL 4, 2018. |
| April 8, 2018 Eye Health: Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, are especially beneficial for retinal health. They are found in many fruits and vegetables. Some dietary supplements provide these two compounds in the free form which makes them much better absorbed than they are from their natural sources. |
| Consumer Link Better Lutein Absorption with Free Lutein Source |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2010 Dec;29(6):575-85. |
| April 7, 2018 Care is needed with energy dense foods: More research supports the link between an energy-dense diet and greater body weight. When there are more calories in each bite of food, it is much easier to consume excess calories. Foods with the greatest energy density are primarily those high in fat and/or sugar. |
| Consumer Link Higher Energy Density Diets Linked To Higher Body Weight |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. May 2012 Vol.112, Issue 5, Pages 671–684 |
| April 6, 2018 Choline and Brain Development: A study using pigs found that low intake of choline by a sow during pregnancy greatly impairs normal brain development that was revealed by brain scans of the young piglets. It is expected that choline deficiency during pregnancy has the same effect on human brain development. The richest food sources of choline are liver and eggs that provide the adult AI values within the least number of calories — about 225 calories of liver and 310 calories of eggs. other foods are much lower in choline. A little more than 1,000 calories of wheat germ, edamame, tofu or various cuts of meat, poultry and fish can meet the AI. A cup of milk or yogurt contains only about 10 percent of the AI, and most grains, fruits and vegetables are relatively poor sources of choline in the amounts commonly consumed. |
| Consumer Link Study on piglets shows that deficient choline harms brain development |
| Research Link Cur Dev Nutr. 21 March 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 5, 2018 Fish in Stone Age Diet: Stone Age (Mesolithic) humans lived in a wide variety of environments that influenced what they ate. A new study using human bone isotope technology found that around 10,000 years ago people in southern Sweden consumed at least half of their protein from fish. This is much more fish consumption than previously thought. |
| Consumer Link Fish accounted for surprisingly large part of the Stone Age diet |
| Research Link J Arch Sci. March 16 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 4, 2018 Pasta and Body Weight: In attempts to label individual foods as "good" and "bad" for weight management, pasta is often assumed to be a "bad" high carbohydrate food that supports weight gain. However, a new systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies found that, in the context of diets with a variety of foods that are mostly lower in glycemic index, pasta consumption is not associated with weight gain and was even associated with a small weight loss in a number of studies. In the context of a varied diet that meets overall nutrient needs, moderate pasta consumption is unlikely to affect weight management differently than any other source of carbohydrate calories. |
| Consumer Link Pasta can be part of a healthy diet without packing on the pounds |
| Research Link BMJ Open, 2018;8(3):e019438. |
| April 3, 2018 Functional Foods: Functional foods, sometimes called “nutraceuticals” or “designer foods,” are fortified with nutrients and other beneficial food components that are intended to improve health. A varied diet of wholesome foods can provide the same benefits, however functional foods can be a convenient way to fill nutrient gaps in a dietary pattern that is low in one or more essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Functional Foods |
| Research Link BMJ. 2007;334(7602):1015–1016. |
| April 2, 2018 Sleep and Fat Loss: An 8-week weight-loss study was conducted with 36 overweight or obese adults. Some of the participants had their sleep reduced by about one hour per day for five days of each week. Those exposed to sleep restriction had similar weight loss as those sleeping normally. However, the sleep deprived participants lost less fat and more muscle. |
| Consumer Link Losing Sleep Makes It Harder To Lose Fat |
| Research Link Sleep. 2018 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 1, 2018 Nutrient Deficiencies of Concern: Biochemical indicators of the nutritional status of the U.S. population identifies iodine, iron and vitamin D as the most commonly deficient nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Some Americans Not Getting Essential Nutrients |
| Research Link Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population |
| March 31, 2018 Choline - a Little Known Essential Nutrient. Studies show that choline deficiency in developing animals compromises brain function for the life of the animal. The same is likely true for people. Eggs and meat are the richest food sources of choline. |
| Consumer Link Extreme devotion to fad diets can sap key nutrients |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2000 Oct;19(5 Suppl):528S-531S. |
| March 30, 2018 Food Environment: If you live in an area with a limited availability of good quality produce, it makes sense that you are likely to eat less fruits and vegetables. Research conducted in Montana found that more rural areas had lower quality produce and people in those areas consumed less fruits and vegetables. This limitation in dietary variety is a likely contributor to the health disparities observed in these areas. |
| Consumer Link Implications of access to high-quality fruits and vegetables |
| Research Link Food Security. 2018;10(1):169–182. |
| March 29, 2018 Healthy Aging: People are living longer, but not necessarily more healthfully. The medical burden of age-related diseases is growing. Increased focus on meeting nutritional needs and staying physically active can reduce this burden and substantially increase the quality of life in those "golden years." |
| Consumer Link Why do some people age healthier than others? |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2017;8(1):17-26. |
| March 28, 2018 Aging and Blood Vessels: One of the changes that occurs with aging is a decline in the number of blood vessels serving tissues like muscle and bone. This decreases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to these parts of the body, resulting in a reduced capacity for physical performance and bone loss. New research with a mouse model found a way to increase the blood vessel supply in aging animals and enhance their endurance capacity. It will be interesting to see if this works in humans. |
| Consumer Link Study suggests method to boost growth of blood vessels and muscle |
| Research Link Cell. 2018;173(1):74-89. |
| March 27, 2018 DHA During Pregnancy: The children of women who took a 600 mg/day supplement of DHA during pregnancy were more likely to have higher levels of fat-free body mass when they were measured at the age of 5 years. DHA is one of the omega-3 fatty acids that is high in the fat from oily marine fish like salmon and sardines. The omega-3 fatty acid from plant foods like flax oil is a smaller fatty acid molecule that does not have the same benefits as DHA. |
| Consumer Link Researchers link dietary supplement DHA to higher fat-free body mass in children |
| Research Link Amer J Clin Nutr. 2018;107(1):35-42. |
| March 26, 2018 Popular Diets Short on Nutrients: It is difficult to meet all essential nutrient needs with a low calorie diet. A recent study found this to be the case in their analysis of three popular diet approaches. However, the study did not account for higher iron needs in women and it did not take into account how the lower bioavailability of iron and zinc in a vegan diet plan substantially increases the RDAs for these elements. |
| Consumer Link Study reveals micronutrient gaps in three commercial weight-loss diet plans |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2018;10(1):108. |
| March 25, 2018 Bacteria Can Be Good: Early exposure to an appropriate combination of beneficial bacteria appears to be very important for optimal health. Although good hygiene is important for avoiding pathogenic bacteria, adequate exposure to the "good guys" may help to prevent some immune-mediated conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. |
| Consumer Link Bacteria Help Body Beef Up Immunity, Study Says |
| Research Link Science 22 Mar 2012: 1219328 DOI: 10.1126/science.1219328 |
| March 24, 2018 Benefits of Evolutionary Fitness: The runner's high experienced by endurance athletes may have evolved due to the mobility needed for our ancestors to obtain food in the wild. Maintaining the level of fitness needed to induce this runner's high could help contemporary humans maintain a healthy weight and allow them to eat enough food to obtain adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Runner's High Motivated the Evolution of Exercise, Research Suggests |
| Research Link J. Exp. Biol. 215, 1331-1336. |
| March 23, 2018 Celiac Disease: Although many perceive going gluten-free as something that might improve their health, a gluten-free diet is medically necessary for those who have celiac disease. It is estimated that between 1 to 2 percent of the U.S. population has celiac disease. Exposure to gluten causes serious intestinal damage in these people along with a variety of other problems. |
| Consumer Link Exploring the Celiac Disease Mystery |
| Research Link Abdom Radiol (NY). 2017 Feb;42(2):351-360. |
| March 22, 2018 Early Puberty and Obesity: An analysis of data from over 180,000 women found that those who experienced puberty (menarche) earlier were more likely to be obese as adults. It is not know why this is the case, but it is suspected that a combination of hormonal and psychological factors may be responsible. |
| Consumer Link Early puberty linked with increased risk of obesity for women |
| Research Link Int J Obesity. 2018 February 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 21, 2018 Depression During Pregnancy: Major depression occurs more often in women during their reproductive years. There is a substantial amount of research indicating that iron deficiency may be the cause. Depression is especially common during pregnancy when iron needs are very high. After pregnancy, a mother may have very low iron status and experience postpartum depression. |
| Consumer Link 1 in 20 Younger Women Suffers Major Depression pregnant woman |
| Research Link J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2018 Jan 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 20, 2018 Body Weight and Flu Risk: People with obesity were found to have a greater risk being hospitalized from the complications of influenza. Data from this study also show increased hospitalization in people with very low body weights. |
| Consumer Link Obesity drives risk for influenza-related hospitalization |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2018 Mar 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 19, 2018 Infant Formula: Exclusive breastfeeding of newborn infants is known to provide many health benefits. However, the first few days of life for an infant can be challenging. Some weight loss is normal while the infant and mother adapt to breastfeeding, but excessive weight loss can require an infant to return to the hospital due to problems like dehydration. A new study found that temporarily supplementing breastfeeding with infant formula can be beneficial for newborns experiencing excessive initial weight loss. They found that when this was done carefully, it did not interfere with the mothers' breastfeeding nor have any negative effect on the infants' intestinal microbiota. |
| Consumer Link Adding Formula to Breast-Feeding May Help Some Newborns |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2018 March 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 18, 2018 H-Pylori and Blood Glucose: The bacterium Helicobacter pylori lives in the lining of the stomach of some people and is considered to be a cause of stomach ulcers. A new study found that people who harbor the bacteria have compromised control of blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link H. pylori bacteria linked to blood sugar control in adult type II diabetes |
| Research Link J Infect Dis, 2012/03/12 p1195-1202; DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis106 |
| March 17, 2018 A Place for Snacks: It is not unusual for the calorie intake of older people to drop too low. This leads to the loss of both muscle and bone. Consequently, snacking can be important for older adults to consume enough calories. |
| Consumer Link Snacking Can Benefit Older Adults |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 May;107(5):800-6. |
| March 16, 2018 Vaccines and Autism: Vaccinations have been proposed as a cause of autism. However a review and statistical analysis of multiple studies with a total of over one million children found no association between the use of vaccines and the incidence of autism or autism spectrum disorder. |
| Consumer Link New Meta-analysis Confirms: No Association between Vaccines and Autism |
| Research Link Vaccine. 2016;34(28):3223-3224. |
| March 15, 2018 Heavy Metal Removal from Water: Scientists have developed a new material and process that removes heavy metals like lead and mercury from water very efficiently and quickly. This new process is likely adaptable for in-home use on a small scale and for much larger scale use such as treating wastewater. |
| Consumer Link Removing Heavy Metals From Water |
| Research Link ACS Cent. Sci. 2018 March 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 14, 2018 Stopping the Yo-Yo Dieting Rebound: Like most animals, we seem to be stuck with the strong survival response that drives the regain of body fat after a low calorie diet. However, new research has identified an enzyme in the brain that drives the survival urge to store more fat after a period of dieting or famine. There may be ways to target this enzyme and moderate the drive to regain body fat. Meanwhile, it is probably best to use more moderate calorie reduction along with exercise to reduce body fat. |
| Consumer Link The end of yo-yo dieting? Brain switch that controls fat burning uncovered |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2018;22(7):1745. |
| March 13, 2018 Dieting and Body Fat: Animals, including humans, apparently are mentally programmed to increase body fat levels in response to repeated periods of famine. This has important survival value in the natural world. However, repeated low-calorie dieting by humans in attempts to reduce body fat has a high likelihood of increasing fat stores in the long run. |
| Consumer Link Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain |
| Research Link Evol Med Pub Health. 2016;2016(1):369–380. |
| March 12, 2018 Gut Microbiota and Autoimmune Disease: The mixture of microorganisms thriving in the lower intestine commonly includes a mix of "good" and "bad" bacteria. New research has identified Enterococcus gallinarum as a likely "bad" one, especially because it appears to be able to get out of the intestine and travel to various locations in the body where it triggers autoimmune diseases. The research indicates that proper antibiotic treatment or vaccines may be a way to prevent or treat some of these autoimmune diseases. |
| Consumer Link The enemy within: Gut bacteria drive autoimmune disease |
| Research Link Science. 2018;359(6380):1156-1161. |
| March 11, 2018 H-pylori and blood glucose: The bacterium Helicobacter pylori lives in the lining of the stomach of some people and is considered to be a cause of stomach ulcers. Research shows that people who harbor the bacteria have compromised control of blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link H. pylori bacteria linked to blood sugar control in adult type II diabetes |
| Research Link The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 205, Issue 8, 15 April 2012, Pages 1195–1202, |
| March 10, 2018 Weight and Aging: If you make it to your mid 80s, carrying some extra weight may be in your favor. A recent study found that those in this age group who were obese had a slightly lower risk of death than their underweight or normal-weight peers. |
| Consumer Link Journal of Aging Research Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 765071, 8 pages |
| Research Link Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85? |
| March 9, 2018 Exercise and Aging: Hippocrates said that exercise is man's best medicine. New research on aging cyclists supports this. Maintaining an active lifestyle throughout life not only helps to maintain good muscle function. It also keeps the immune system to continue functioning more like a young person. Find something you enjoy and keep it up! |
| Consumer Link Exercise can slow the ageing process – a professor explains how |
| Research Link Aging Cell.2018;e12750. |
| March 8, 2018 Obesity Management: An extensive review of the current state of the science of the management of obesity was published by the Endocrine Society. Among other things, this 50-plus page document points out that variables contributing to the development of obesity range from socioeconomic and environmental to genetic and psychological. A better understanding of the genetic contribution to obesity also predicts that genetically-based personalized nutrition may soon become a reality for reducing the burden of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Little difference among diet plans' long-term effectiveness |
| Research Link Endo Rev. 2018;39:1–54. |
| March 7, 2018 Kids and Dieting: A study followed over 500 people from their teenage years for 15 years into adulthood. As teenagers, they were more likely to be encouraged by their parents to diet if they were overweight or obese. This increased the likelihood of developing and continuing unhealthful dieting, binge eating, and other weight control behaviors into adult life. And, as you might expect, they were more likely to encourage their children to engage in similar dieting behaviors for weight control. The researchers suggest breaking this cycle by focusing on healthful eating and fitness rather than on weight loss. |
| Consumer Link If Your Mom Was Big on Dieting, Your Kids May Pay the Price |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2018;141(4):e20172955. |
| March 6, 2018 Diet Quality: A 12-month study assigned overweight adult participants to attend 22 small group sessions to be focused on low fat diets or on low carbohydrate diets. The educational content emphasized improving diet quality and did not focus on weight loss or cutting calories. Regardless of diet group, participants lost an average of about 12 pounds with no significant difference between the low fat and low carb groups. |
| Consumer Link Low-fat or low-carb? It's a draw, study finds |
| Research Link JAMA. 2018;319(7):667-679. |
| March 5, 2018 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Autism: Children born preterm are at increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early intervention when brain development is especially active is more likely to help prevent the development of ASD. A well-controlled study was conducted with 31 children showing ASD symptoms at age 18 to 38 months. All of these children had been born at least 11 weeks prematurely. Supplementation for 90 days with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA plus GLA resulted in a greater reduction in ASD symptoms compared to children taking a placebo supplement. Although it is difficult to study, nutritional treatments at a younger age in those at risk for ASD could be even more effective. |
| Consumer Link Trial of omega fatty acid supplementation in toddlers born preterm shows promising results |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2018 Feb 1;148(2):227-235. |
| March 4, 2018 Caffeine, Exercise, Both? Exercise triggers beneficial changes in muscles through altered gene expression. A recent study presented evidence that caffeine can stimulate similar changes in factors that control muscle cell gene expression. But, don't forgo the exercise for a cup of Joe. There is no evidence that the effects of exercise and caffeine are identical. |
| Consumer Link Exercise and caffeine change your DNA in the same way, study suggests |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, 2012;3:405-411. |
| March 3, 2018 Benefits of Infant Prebiotics: Adding prebiotic components to infant formula helped promote growth of beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine of infants. This made the colonic bacteria of these infants more similar to that of breastfed infants. |
| Consumer Link New Infant Formula Ingredients Boost Babies' Immunity by Feeding Their Gut Bacteria |
| Research Link JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012 Jan;36(1 Suppl):95S-105S. doi: 10.1177/0148607111430087. |
| March 2, 2018 Genetics and Microbiome: Although a person's genetic make-up seems to influence the mixture of microbial species in the lower intestine, new research indicates that the genetic effect is very minor. Diet and lifestyle appear to play a much greater role, indicating that improving the microbiome composition may be more possible than previously thought. Research on factors that can improve the composition of the microbiome is likely to lead to new perspectives for human health promotion. |
| Consumer Link Genetics or lifestyle: What is it that shapes our microbiome? |
| Research Link Nature. 28 Feb 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 1, 2018 Bone Health and Blood Glucose: New research indicates that bone cells play a significant role in the utilization and regulation of blood glucose. Consuming adequate calories and bone-related nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and protein appears to be important not only for preventing osteoporosis, but also for maintaining normal control of blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link Heavy bones, low body weight: New link between bone cells and blood sugar level found |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. Feb 12, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 28, 2018 Calorie Labeling and Calorie Intake: It seems logical that putting calorie labels on foods could help to reduce the amount of calories someone consumes. Although a small number of studies indicate that this is the case, a thorough review of available research indicates that more research is needed to confirm that calorie labeling of foods can significantly decrease calorie intake of typical consumers. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional labelling on menus may reduce calorie intake |
| Research Link Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018. |
| February 27, 2018 Magnesium and Vitamin D: The activation of vitamin D in the liver and kidneys requires an adequate supply of the essential mineral magnesium. Iron is similarly required for vitamin D activation. Consequently, someone with low vitamin D status should make sure that their intake of magnesium and iron are adequate. |
| Consumer Link Low magnesium levels make vitamin D ineffective |
| Research Link J Amer Osteo Assoc. 2018;118(3):181. |
| February 26, 2018 Iron and Brain Health: Brain scans done on growing piglets found that a low iron diet during their first 4 weeks of life impaired the development of important brain structures. Increasing iron intake after the first four weeks did not bring iron levels in specific brain structures up to normal levels. This helps to explain the impaired brain function often observed in children who were iron deficient in infancy. |
| Consumer Link Neuroimaging reveals lasting brain deficits in iron-deficient piglets |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2018;10(2):135. |
| February 25, 2018 Vitamin D lowers inflammation: Since its discovery, vitamin D has been known to benefit bone health. Research during the past decade has identified many other vitamin D health benefits including enhanced immune function and reduced inflammation. |
| Consumer Link How Vitamin D Inhibits Inflammation |
| Research Link J Immunol. 2012 Mar 1;188(5):2127-35. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102412 |
| February 24, 2018 Citrus Fruits and Brain Health: Specific flavanone compounds present naturally in citrus fruits have been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of stroke. |
| Consumer Link Eating citrus fruit may lower women's stroke risk |
| Research Link Stroke, February 23 2012. |
| February 23, 2018 Exercise and Brain Health: There is increasing evidence that maintaining a regular aerobic exercise habit can decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. So, if reducing cardiovascular disease risk is not enough incentive to stay active, consider long-term brain function. |
| Consumer Link Poor fitness linked to weaker brain fiber, higher dementia risk |
| Research Link J Alz Dis. 2018;61(2):729-739. |
| February 22, 2018 Chickpeas and Climate Change: Most of the plant foods we eat are the result of thousands of years of selective breeding. A plant food like chickpeas is very different from its original wild relative. As climate changes in some areas of the world, new varieties that are drought resistant, heat resistant, etc. will be needed. Scientists are now finding ways to give commercial varieties of chickpeas some of the same genes that make the wild varieties so hardy. |
| Consumer Link Genetic limits threaten chickpeas, a globally critical food |
| Research Link Nature Com. 2018;9(649):1-13. |
| February 21, 2018 Diet and Fatty Liver: Decreasing dietary carbohydrate and increasing protein in the diets of adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was very effective in treating the condition - reducing liver fat. The study focus was on carbohydrate restriction, but the increased protein intake was substantial and may have been equally important or even more important than carbohydrate restriction. Fats are mobilized from the liver via lipoproteins that require an adequate supply of protein for their synthesis. |
| Consumer Link How a carb-restricted diet battles fatty liver disease |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2018 Feb 7. Epub ahead of print] |
| February 20, 2018 Vitamin D and Iron: Whether vitamin D comes from the diet, supplements, or sunlight exposure, step one in the activation of vitamin D in the body requires the use of an iron-dependent liver enzyme to produce 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Vitamin D status is assessed by measuring blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Although studies are reporting links between low vitamin D and low iron status, there seems to be limited understanding that low iron status is driving low vitamin D status and not vice versa. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D requires iron aid, and both are often lacking |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2018 Jan 31;10(2). |
| February 19, 2018 Fructose and Weight: An extensive analysis of studies evaluating the theoretical weight gain effect of fructose indicates that fructose may be unfairly judged. This research showed that in controlled situations, it is the extra calorie consumption, rather than the fructose itself, that is the primary contributor to obesity. |
| Consumer Link Effect of Fructose on Body Weight in Controlled Feeding Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis |
| Research Link Annals of Internal Medicine, 2012; 156 (4): 291-304 |
| February 18, 2018 Fresh or Processed? The vitamin content of fresh fruits and vegetables can decline during transport, storage, and display in the store. Depending on the food, frozen and canned products often contain more vitamins than their fresh forms. |
| Consumer Link Is fresh food best? The answer may surprise you |
| Research Link Nutritional comparison of fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. |
| February 17, 2018 B12 and Autism: Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in vegans, vegetarians, and older people. However, three autistic children with vision problems were diagnosed with B12 deficiency that was caused by restrictive eating habits. Treatment with B12 corrected the vision problems. |
| Consumer Link Pass the Synthetic B Vitamins Please |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2010;126:e967–e970 |
| February 16, 2018 Obesity as a Chronic Disease: After a one-year weight loss program using a combination of diet and exercise, measures of hunger and related hormones were significantly elevated in the 35 participants. After another year spent maintaining the loss, measures of hunger were still elevated. Clearly, maintenance of reduced body weight is a challenging ongoing effort. |
| Consumer Link Why diets backfire: A year or more after weight loss, the desire to eat grows stronger |
| Research Link Am Journal of Physiology. 23 JAN 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 15, 2018 Eating Rate and Obesity: A 5-year Japanese study of almost 60,000 adults with diabetes found that eating more slowly and not eating dinner within two hours of going to sleep was associated with a significantly lower risk of being obese. This is not the type of study that can establish a cause and effect relationship, but it does support the concepts that the rate of eating and the timing of meals may be important considerations for weight management. |
| Consumer Link Slow eating speed may be linked to weight loss |
| Research Link BMJ Open. 2018;8(1):e019589. |
| February 14, 2018 Energy Drink Guidelines: A new issues paper from the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that children and adolescents should not consume energy drink products. The document states, "Warnings should be prominently displayed on the front of products stating vulnerable populations, including those younger than 18 yr, pregnant or breastfeeding women, caffeine naive or sensitive individuals, taking stimulant or caffeine-based medications, or those with certain cardiovascular or medical conditions, should avoid energy drink use." |
| Consumer Link ACSM Announces New Recommendations and Warnings Regarding Safety of Energy Drinks |
| Research Link Cur Spt Med Rep. 2018;17(2):65–72. |
| February 13, 2018 Milk Allergy: New research indicates that a protein in milk known to trigger allergic responses in some people looses its allergenicity when it forms a complex with the retinoic acid form of vitamin A. It appears that this must be accomplished by feeding cows a diet with more beta-carotene - grass, alfalfa, etc. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A in cattle fodder is potentially protecting against cow's milk allergy |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2018;8:1598. |
| February 12, 2018 Nutrition and Hearing: A recent study conducted on 2,200 young adults in Nepal showed that poor malnutrition in early childhood negatively affected hearing later in life. Stunting and extreme thinness were considered poor nutrition. |
| Consumer Link Hearing loss linked to poor nutrition in early childhood, study suggests |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr 2018;0:1–10; DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqx022 |
| February 11, 2018 Chocolate and Heart Health: It's great to feel good about eating something you really like. But, even the good stuff should be consumed in moderation. Chocolate is an excellent example. In moderation, it can be a good source of beneficial flavanols, but it doesn't take much chocolate to get a lot of calories. |
| Consumer Link Is Chocolate Good for Your Heart? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Mar;95(3):740-51. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.023457. Epub 2012 Feb 1. |
| February 10, 2018 Beans as a Possible Iron Source: Legumes like soybeans contain iron in a form called ferritin. This is the form that the human body uses to store iron. New research indicates that legume ferritin is reasonably well absorbed by the human intestine. However, it is not known how well this form of iron will improve the iron status of an iron deficient individual. |
| Consumer Link Novel Iron Source: Newly Identified Iron Absorption Mechanism |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2015 Feb 12;7(2):1184-201. doi: 10.3390/nu7021184. |
| February 9, 2018 Obesity and Male Infertility: It has been known that male obesity is associated with an increased risk of infertility. New research indicates that this is likely due the a chronic inflammatory state that commonly occurs with obesity. |
| Consumer Link Inflammation in testes could explain link between obesity and reduced fertility |
| Research Link Front. Physiol., 04 January 2018. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| February 8, 2018 Coenzyme Q10 and Insulin Resistance: A study using human fat and muscle tissues found that those with insulin resistance (seen in type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes) had lower levels of CoQ10 in their tissues. The researchers found that increasing CoQ10 levels eliminated the insulin resistance. The researchers point out that supplements of CoQ10 are very poorly absorbed and would not be expected to provide this benefit. Finding ways to increase cellular production of C0Q10 is more likely to treat insulin resistance. |
| Consumer Link Simple molecule could prevent, alleviate pre-diabetes |
| Research Link eLIFE. 6 February 2018. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| February 7, 2018 Muscle Memory: A study of eight healthy untrained men in their late 20s found that seven weeks of strength training caused specific changes in muscle DNA expression controls that were related to the enlargement of muscle tissue. What was interesting is that these changes in DNA remained after seven weeks of not training, facilitating the re-building of muscle mass when training was resumed. This raises questions about the potential long term benefits of drug-enhanced muscle building. |
| Consumer Link Study proves 'muscle memory' exists at a DNA level |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 30 January 2018. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| February 6, 2018 Alcohol and the Brain: Population studies on alcohol have generally reported that low to moderate alcohol consumption may benefit overall health, while excessive consumption is clearly detrimental. This also appears to be the case for brain health. New research with a mouse model reports reduced brain inflammation and enhanced clearance of toxins associated with Alzheimer's disease. |
| Consumer Link In wine, there's health: Low levels of alcohol good for the brain |
| Research Link Scientific Reports, 2 February 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 5, 2018 Low Carb Diet During Pregnancy: Women with a low carbohydrate intake during pregnancy were 30 percent more likely to have an infant with a neural tube defect. These women also consumed less folic acid (known to cause neural tube defects) due to their low intake of enriched flour products. Of course, there are other good sources of this vitamin, including green leafy vegetables and beans. |
| Consumer Link New UNC-Chapel Hill Study Links Low Carbohydrate Intake to Increased Risk of Birth Defects |
| Research Link Birth Defects Research. 24 January 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 4, 2018 Ancient Food Snack: Popcorn Want some fiber in your snack food? Try some popcorn. Archeological research indicates that ancient Peruvians were the first people to take advantage of this tasty food. |
| Consumer Link Ancient Popcorn Discovered in Peru |
| Research Link PNAS January 31, 2012 vol. 109 no. 5 1755-1759 |
| February 3, 2018 Metformin and B12: Metformin is a common drug that helps to normalize blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that metformin can increase the need for vitamin B12. A modest supplement of the vitamin should be more than enough to meet the increased need. |
| Consumer Link Intersection of Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin and Vitamin B12 |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2012 Feb;35(2):327-33. |
| February 2, 2018 Nutrition and Hair Loss: Dietary patterns that do not supply all essential nutrients in adequate amounts can cause many changes in body function over time. Thinning of hair and hair loss is a common sign of some nutrient deficiencies like iron and protein, especially in women. |
| Consumer Link A trichologist or ‘hair doctor’ says the rise in veganism has caused an increase in cases of hair loss |
| Research Link Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017 Jan 31;7(1):1-10. |
| February 1, 2018 Plant-based Milk Products: Although many consider plant-based milk products to be healthful options, these products all have nutrient limitations when compared to cow's milk. Properly fortified soy milk comes the closest to matching the nutrients in cow's milk, but the quality of soy protein is lower than milk protein. |
| Consumer Link Nutritionally-speaking, soy milk is best plant-based milk |
| Research Link J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Jan;55(1):10-20. |
| January 31, 2018 Vitamin D and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A number of studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is more common in people with IBS. Although vitamin D deficiency does not likely cause IBS, some cases of the condition may benefit from vitamin D supplementation that helps to normalize vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D supplements could ease painful IBS symptoms |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018 Jan 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 30, 2018 Insects for Food: Eating insects is kind of like eating tiny lobsters or shrimp. Their exoskeleton is composed of a compound called chitin. Some animals have the ability to digest chitin. Humans may partially digest chitin, but most of it likely contributes to our dietary fiber. |
| Consumer Link Eating insects might seem yucky, but they are nutritious and there is no reason you can't |
| Research Link Mol Biol Evol. 2017 Dec 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 29, 2018 Antioxidants and Fatty Liver: A study using a mouse model of child obesity and fatty liver found that supplementation of the diet with the antioxidant pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) prevented fatty liver disease. PQQ is found naturally in a variety of foods, especially plant foods - another good reason to consume a wide variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Powerful food-derived antioxidant can halt, prevent fatty liver disease in mice |
| Research Link Hepatol Commun. 22 January 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 28, 2018 Magnesium - Long-term Health: Many Americans consume diets that are low in magnesium. Although low magnesium intake generally causes no noticeable symptoms in the short-run, the risk for stroke and various chronic diseases increases. Magnesium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole-grain cereals. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium-Rich Foods May Lower Stroke Risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb;95(2):362-6. |
| January 27, 2018 Vitamin D Testing: Increased awareness of the importance of vitamin D, has greatly increased the use of blood tests to assess vitamin D status. New standards are being developed to increase the consistency of these blood test results. |
| Consumer Link New Standard for Vitamin D Testing to Ensure Accurate Test Results |
| Research Link Anal Chem. 2012 Jan 17;84(2):956-62. |
| January 26, 2018 Whole Wheat or White? When comparing the effects of people consuming standard white bread to consuming whole wheat sourdough bread for one week each, researchers found no difference in multiple measures made, including the effect on blood sugar levels. However, when researchers examined each person separately, they found that some people had higher blood sugar levels after eating white bread and others were higher after consuming the whole grain bread. |
| Consumer Link Choosing white or whole-grain bread may depend on what lives in your gut |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2017;25(6):1243–1253.e5, |
| January 25, 2018 Soy Isoflavone and Muscle: Supplementing the diet with a specific soy isoflavone called aglycone was found to inhibit muscle atrophy in a mouse model of muscle loss. Since muscle loss (sarcopenia) is common with aging in humans, further study of this compound for potential use in humans seems warranted. |
| Consumer Link Soy Supplement Reduces Muscle Loss In Mice |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. Jan 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 24, 2018 Vitamin K and Cardiovascular Health: A study of over 4000 adults found that 31percent of them were deficient in vitamin K. Among those with cardiovascular comorbidities (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, etc.) about 50 percent were assessed as being vitamin K deficient. Further research on this is clearly important, as It is known that vitamin K helps to prevent calcification of arteries |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K insufficiency linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2017 Dec 8;9(12). pii: E1334. |
| January 23, 2018 Iron Status and Maternal Depression: A woman's recommended iron intake increases by 50 percent during pregnancy. A new Canadian study found that almost one out of three pregnant women were iron deficient and the iron-deficient women were 2.5 times more likely than women with adequate iron status to experience depression during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency may increase risk of maternal depression in pregnancy |
| Research Link J Obst Gyn Canada. January 04, 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 22, 2018 Caffeine and Sprint Performance: A study of team sport athletes found that caffeine supplementation using a caffeine-containing chewing gum enhanced performance in high-intensity repeated sprints (40 meters) only in the athletes that did not habitually consume caffeine. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine’s sport performance advantage for infrequent tea and coffee drinkers |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2017 Nov 1:1-25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 21, 2018 Low Iron and Brain Development: Several nutrient deficiencies are known to adversely affect brain and neurological development. Low iron status in teenagers has been shown to impact nerve structure of their brains and persisted into the early adult years. |
| Consumer Link Kids’ nutritional deficits might affect brain health |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Apr 3;109(14):E851-9. |
| January 20, 2018 Importance of Hydration: Maintaining normal hydration in the body is one of the most basic aspects of good nutrition. Chronically low water intake has even been linked to increased risk of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Really? The Claim: Drinking Water Can Help Lower the Risk of Diabetes. |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2011 Dec;34(12):2551-4. |
| January 19, 2018 Iodine and Conception: Women who were trying to get pregnant were almost 50% less likely to conceive if they had moderate-to-severe iodine deficiency compared to women with adequate iodine status. Many dietary trends in the U.S. have led to reduced iodine status in many women. Common food sources of iodine include iodized salt, seafood, milk products and some (but not all) types of seaweed. |
| Consumer Link Having Too Little of This Nutrient Could Harm a Woman's Fertility |
| Research Link Human Reproduction. 11 January 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 18, 2018 Fiber, Bacteria, and Genes: Consuming an adequate amount of foods providing dietary fiber has been linked to a reduced risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. New research suggests that much of this benefit may come from a by-product of lower intestinal bacteria that utilize some types of fiber to product butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid molecule. |
| Consumer Link How good bacteria control your genes |
| Research Link Nature Comm. 2018;9(105). |
| January 17, 2018 Obesity and Diet: People identified as having a genetic propensity for obesity were more likely than others to benefit from following guidelines for a healthy diet. Keeping variety and moderation in the diet appears to make it easier to avoid weight gain and to maintain a healthy weight. |
| Consumer Link Benefits of a healthy diet greater in people at high genetic risk for obesity |
| Research Link BMJ 2018;360:j5644. |
| January 16, 2018 Exercise and Aging: Heart failure with age is linked to increased cardiac stiffness and reduction in the capacity to deliver oxygen throughout the body. A 2-year exercise program in previously sedentary healthy middle-aged adults (45 to 64) resulted in decreased cardiac stiffness and improved oxygen utilization. This shows that increasing exercise at the right stage of life can reverse some aspects of heart aging. |
| Consumer Link Proper exercise can reverse damage from heart aging |
| Research Link Circulation. 2018;137(3). [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 15, 2018 Vitamin E and Aging: A new study using a mouse model for premature brain aging reports that higher vitamin E intake significantly delayed the onset of specific features of brain aging. There are many nutrients that contribute to the health and function of brain and nerve cells and vitamin E appears to be among them - likely due to its antioxidant function. |
| Consumer Link Boosting brain health: could vitamin E be the key to healthy aging? |
| Research Link J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2017; 4(4): 226–235. |
| January 14, 2018 Food Colors and Health: Some common foods with new natural colors can mean good nutrition. For example, unlike the classic white colored version, orange cauliflower, is a good source of the vitamin A precursor, beta carotene. |
| Consumer Link Understanding Orange Cauliflower May Lead To More Nutritious Crops |
| Research Link Biotechnol Annu Rev. 2008;14:171-90. |
| January 13, 2018 With aging, there is a strong tendency to become more sedentary. However, the later years of life may be the most important time to have a daily exercise program. Relatively simple exercises can provide the strength and flexibility needed for basic daily life activities such as walking, getting up from a chair, and dressing. |
| Consumer Link Exercise And Strength Training Could Improve Physical Decline In Elderly |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2002 Oct 3;347(14):1068-74. |
| January 12, 2018 Timing on Foods for Infants: Pediatricians recommend feeding infants solid foods and beverages (other than human milk and/or infant formula) only after about 6 months of age. New research found that in the United States, over half of infants are introduced to these other foods and beverages before this age. It also should be noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends providing vitamin D supplementation to infants that are exclusively breastfed and providing an iron supplement starting at 4 months of age. |
| Consumer Link When is the right time to start infants on solid foods? |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. January 2018. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 11, 2018 Obesity and Blood Cell Production: Obesity is associated with increased overall inflammation in the body. This is known to decrease iron absorption and increase the risk of developing iron deficiency. New research in an animal model indicates that obesity also can cause a decrease in general blood cell production. |
| Consumer Link Impact of obesity on bone marrow cells |
| Research Link J Exp Med. Dec 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 10, 2018 Vitamin D and Arterial Health: Arterial stiffness increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. New research in a group of 70 overweight African Americans (age 13 to 45) with low vitamin D status found that supplementation with up to 4000 IU/day of vitamin D for 16 weeks significantly decreased arterial stiffness. |
| Consumer Link High doses of vitamin D rapidly reduce arterial stiffness in overweight/obese, vitamin-deficient African-Americans |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2017; 12 (12): e0188424. |
| January 9, 2018 Regulation of Body Fat: Based on some sophisticated research with an animal model, researchers found evidence for the existence of something like an internal bathroom scale. It appears that the weight of the body is registered by special bone cells in the lower extremities. When body weight increases, a signal is sent to the brain to decrease food intake and maintain a constant body weight. This may explain part of why too much time spent sitting is a risk factor for obesity and related conditions. |
| Consumer Link The body's own bathroom scales: New understanding of obesity |
| Research Link Proc Nat Acad Sci. Dec 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 8, 2018 Choline During Pregnancy: The currently recommended choline intake (Adequate Intake) for women during pregnancy is 450 mg/day. However, a small but well controlled study found that this value is likely too low. During their third trimester of pregnancy, one group of women consumed 480 mg of choline per day and another consumed 930 mg. Infants were tested at 4, 7, 10, and 13 months of age and the reaction time was significantly faster for infants born to mothers in the 930 mg/day choline group. |
| Consumer Link Eating more foods with choline during pregnancy could boost baby’s brain |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2017 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 7, 2018 Zinc and Immune System: During the last decade or two of life, calorie needs generally decline, but nutrient needs do not. A study of over 500 nursing home residents found that those with low zinc status (based on blood values) were more likely to develop pneumonia and took longer to recover than those with normal zinc status. |
| Consumer Link Adequate zinc eases pneumonia in elderly, study finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1167-73. |
| January 6, 2018 Aging Memory and Nutrients: The common age-related decline in mental function is associated with a decrease in brain size. Older people with good vitamin and omega-3 fatty acid status tend to maintain better mental function and have less brain shrinkage. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Diet + Vitamins Help Keep Brain from Shrinking |
| Research Link Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging. |
| January 5, 2018 Diet and Respiratory Health: Lung function decline is a common occurrence with aging, particularly in smokers and ex-smokers. A study that followed 680 individuals (average age 44 years) for 10 years found that apple, banana and tomato consumption were all associated with less decline in lung function measures in ex-smokers. Herbal tea consumption also was protective, but the study did not provide data on specific herbal teas. |
| Consumer Link Diet rich in apples and tomatoes may help repair lungs of ex-smokers, study suggests |
| Research Link Eur Resp J. 2017;50(6):1602286. |
| January 4, 2018 Tea and Glaucoma Risk: In a study of 1678 people who were tested for glaucoma, 84 (5.1%) were diagnosed with the eye condition. By using a food frequency questionnaire, they found that those who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had a 74% decrease in the odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea. This type of study can not establish a cause and effect relationship, but does suggest the need for further study of tea drinking and glaucoma. |
| Consumer Link Drinking hot tea every day linked to lower glaucoma risk |
| Research Link Br J Ophthalmol. 2017 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 3, 2018 Healthy Eating in Children: A review of research on food acceptance by infants, toddlers, and young children concludes that children are more likely to eat a wide variety of foods if their mother had a varied diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It appears that the flavors of foods consumed by the mother are experienced by the developing fetus and by the young infant consuming mother's milk. Helping children develop a varied diet also involves repeated exposure even to foods that are not initially liked by children and modeling of liking and consuming these foods by siblings and parents. |
| Consumer Link Struggling to get your kids to eat healthy? 'Don't give up!' researchers say |
| Research Link Obesity Reviews. 20 DEC 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 2, 2018 Eggs for Infants: A study in Ecuador found that feeding eggs to children starting at 6 to 9 months of age significantly increased their intake of several key nutrients.. Some of these nutrients like vitamin B12, choline and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are very important for brain development. |
| Consumer Link Eggs improve biomarkers related to infant brain development |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;106(6):1482-1489. |
| January 1, 2018 Successful Weight Loss is Slow: Obesity expert Dr. Arya Sharma jokes that "the easiest way to gain 25 lbs is to lose 20!" Research on twins provides support to this concept that substantial bouts of weight loss can ultimately lead to more weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Will Losing Weight Make You Fat? |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2012 Mar;36(3):456-64 |
| December 31, 2017 Iodine and Brain Health: Since even mild iodine deficiency can adversely affect cognitive function in children, the American Thyroid Association recommends that pregnant or lactating women take a supplement providing 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day. The Institute of Medicine recommends that total iodine intake (from food and/or supplements combined) be 220 mcg/day during pregnancy and 290 mcg/day while breastfeeding. |
| Consumer Link Iodine in pregnancy, needs, impact and controversy |
| Research Link Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Nov;18(9):338-43. |
| December 30, 2017 Celiac Disease and Depression: Even with a gluten-free diet, almost 40 percent of women with celiac disease report depression symptoms. Iron deficiency is common in celiac disease and low iron status is known to cause depression. However, normalizing iron status in someone with celiac disease can be challenging. |
| Consumer Link Women With Celiac Disease Suffer from Depression, Disordered Eating, Study Finds |
| Research Link Chronic Illn. 2011 Sep 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 29, 2017 Leafy Greens and Brain Aging: A study of over 900 older adults found that cognitive decline was slower in those who consumed more leafy greens. Although this type of study does not establish a cause and effect relationship, the primary components in green leafy vegetables, that appear to contribute the most to brain health were vitamin K, lutein, nitrate, folate, kaempferol, and vitamin E. |
| Consumer Link Eat Your Greens . . . and Maybe Boost an Aging Brain |
| Research Link Neurology. Dec 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 28, 2017 Risk of Sitting Too Much: Too much sitting time or overall sedentary lifestyle has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. People who are more sedentary have chronically higher levels of troponin, a protein known to increase when someone has a heart attack. Researchers speculate that even moderately elevated levels of troponin are directly related to increased risk heart failure and death. |
| Consumer Link Researchers have figured out why sitting all day is so bad for your health |
| Research Link Circulation. 2017;136:1451-1453. |
| December 27, 2017 Food Poisoning and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Epidemiology studies have linked repeated food poisoning to an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using a mouse model, researchers found that even repeated minor bacterial infections can add up with age to cause irreversible inflammatory disease that affects small intestinal function and leads to lower intestinal inflammation (colitis). |
| Consumer Link Gut reaction: Repeated mild food poisoning triggers chronic disease |
| Research Link Science. 2017;358(6370):[Epub ahead of print] |
| December 26, 2017 Nutrient Deficiencies in Older Adults: A study of over 1000 adults age 65 to 93 found evidence of vitamin D deficiency in about half of the participants and inadequate blood levels of vitamin B12 in almost a third of them. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin deficiency in later life |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2017;9:1276 |
| December 25, 2017 Santa's Secret: Santa Claus is a great example of the "Health at Every Size" concept. Although his BMI may place him in the obese category, he actually has a healthy level of body fat. Much of his weight is the muscle mass required for carrying heavy bags of toys around the world. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2011 Jan 24;10:9. |
| December 24, 2017 Weight Risks and Surgery: Are obese people at greater risk of death following surgery? A study of almost 190,000 people reports that they are not. However, those with a low body mass index (BMI less than 23.1) had the greatest risk of death during the 30 days following surgery. |
| Consumer Link Body Mass Index Associated With Short-Term Mortality Rates Following Surgery |
| Research Link Arch Surg. 2012 Mar;147(3):236-42 |
| December 23, 2017 Weight Gain and Pregnancy: For normal weight women, adequate weight gain during pregnancy is very important. For the obese woman, weight gain can be much less, but consuming a diet that meets all nutrient needs is extremely important for supporting a healthy pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Myths and truths of obesity and pregnancy |
| Research Link Semin Perinatol. 2011 Dec;35(6):317-23. |
| December 22, 2017 Physical Activity and Mental Function: A study analyzed the data from 26 studies on physical activity and academic performance in more than 10,000 children between 4 and 13 years of age. They found that physically active children performed better in all academic subjects, especially math. This may be related to the overall increase in blood circulation during exercise resulting in increased blood flow to the brain. |
| Consumer Link Kids who get moving may also get better grades |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2017;140(6): [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 21, 2017 Multiple Food Allergy Desensitization: When children have allergies to more than one food, it can be very difficult to provide a safe food environment. Treatment typically involves immunotherapy that exposes the allergic child to tiny amounts of the offending foods, gradually increasing the dose until the child can tolerate normal amounts of the food. A new study found that concurrent treatment with the asthma drug omalizumab (Xolair) appeared to speed up the desensitization process. |
| Consumer Link New Hope for Kids With Multiple Food Allergies |
| Research Link Lancet Gastro Hep. 2017 Dec 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 20, 2017 Exercise and Parkinson Disease: Researchers studied 128 Parkinson disease patients that participated in a 6-month exercise program. They found that those in the higher-intensity exercise group (exercise heart rate at about 80% of maximum heart rate) experienced less progression of their disease than those in the moderate-intensity group (about 66% of maximum heart rate). |
| Consumer Link Vigorous Exercise May Help Slow Parkinson’s |
| Research Link JAMA Neurol. 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 19, 2017 Blood Glucose During Pregnancy: It has been known that women with diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with heart defects. New research indicates that high blood glucose even without diabetes also increases this risk. |
| Consumer Link Higher blood sugar in early pregnancy raises baby's heart-defect risk |
| Research Link J Pediatrics. Dec 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 18, 2017 Diet Quality and Child Well-Being: A study of 7,675 children two to nine years of age from eight European countries found that a higher quality diet at the beginning of the study was associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional and peer problems when they were assessed two years later. Meeting essential nutrient needs during these growing years is especially important for long-term physical and mental health. |
| Consumer Link Healthy eating linked to kids' happiness |
| Research Link BMC Public Health 201717:926 |
| December 17, 2017 Exercise lowers blood glucose: A small study with eight type 2 diabetic participants found that daily brief, high intensity exercise (ten 1-minute bouts of exercise with one minute of rest between each bout) greatly improved blood glucose control within two weeks. |
| Consumer Link Brief, Intense Exercise Lowers Blood Sugar, Small Study Finds |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2011 Dec;111(6):1554-60. |
| December 16, 2017 Grapes and Apples: The health benefits of grapes and red wine have been attributed to the polyphenol components in the fruit's skins. Apple peels also contain polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory effects in the lower intestine. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Discover Anti-Inflammatory Polyphenols in Apple Peels |
| Research Link J Leukoc Biol. 2011 Dec;90(6):1043-54 |
| December 15, 2017 Wine Consumption: If you think wine glasses are getting bigger - they are. A study of wine glass capacity in England found that the volume has increased seven-fold in 300 years - from just over two ounces to about 16 ounces. Bigger glasses also mean more calories. |
| Consumer Link Mistletoe and (a large) wine: Seven-fold increase in wine glass size over 300 years |
| Research Link BMJ 2017; 359 :j5623. |
| December 14, 2017 Trace Lithium and Alzheimer's Disease: The trace element lithium is commonly used as a drug to treat conditions like bipolar disease and other mood disorders. New research on natural levels of lithium in drinking water indicates that higher trace amounts of lithium (much lower than usual drug doses) are associated with longer life in those with Alzheimer's disease. Other research in animals indicates that lithium has neuroprotective effects. Much more research is needed before lithium can be considered an essential nutrient for humans. |
| Consumer Link Trace elements of lithium in drinking water linked to longer life in Alzheimer's patients |
| Research Link J Alzheim Dis. 2018;61(1):425-434. |
| December 13, 2017 Aging and Exercise: With aging, there is a strong tendency to become more sedentary. However, the later years of life may be the most important time to have a daily exercise program. Relatively simple exercises can provide the strength and flexibility needed for basic daily life activities such as walking, getting up from a chair, and dressing. |
| Consumer Link Exercise And Strength Training Could Improve Physical Decline In Elderly |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2002 Oct 3;347(14):1068-74. |
| December 12, 2017 Sugar and Risk of Heart Disease: New research is confirming old research that links high sugar diets to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For decades, this research has been overshadowed by the saturated fat and cholesterol hypothesis. However, blood glucose management and insulin function appear to be integrally involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link New research links high sugar diets to increased risk of heart disease |
| Research Link Open Heart 2017;4:e000729. |
| December 11, 2017 Microbiome Changing Pills: Recurrent infection by the bacterium C. difficile causes serious chronic diarrhea and is difficult to treat with antibiotics. One of the most successful treatments is introducing a mixture of healthy fecal bacteria into the colon via colonoscopy which requires sedation. Now, a new study has found that C. difficile infections can be treated as effectively by taking capsules containing the fecal microbes by the oral route. No sedation needed. |
| Consumer Link Fecal transplant capsules as effective as colonoscopy in treating C. difficile |
| Research Link JAMA. 2017;318(20):1985–1993. |
| December 10, 2017 Cookies vs Cookie Dough: Perhaps you have eaten raw cookie dough with no problem. However, it wasn't without risk. Even the store-bought, ready-to-bake cookie dough has caused food borne illness. To eliminate risk, enjoy the dough in its cookie form. That's why they are called cookies instead of doughies. |
| Consumer Link Beware of Raw Cookie Dough |
| Research Link Dangerous Food Safety Mistakes |
| December 9, 2017 Carbohydrate and Cognitive Function: Final exam week can be a mental endurance event for college students this time of the year. To optimize mental performance on exams, it helps to get adequate sleep and consume moderate sized meals that are balanced and include some carbohydrate to help maintain a stable level of blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link Exam cram requires good food, rest |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 1997 Apr;77 Suppl 1:S29-38. |
| December 8, 2017 Increasing Nutrient Density: As human lifestyles become more sedentary, calorie needs decline. However, nutrient needs do not. Consequently, it is important to develop foods and eating styles that still meet essential nutrient needs. Multiple strategies to do this include dietary change (hard for most people), consuming fortified foods, new strains of edible plants that have higher levels of one or more essential nutrients, and the use of dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Outcomes from the International Congress of Nutrition provide insights into the impact of inadequate nutrient status on health |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2015 Jul 21;7(7):6016-37. |
| December 7, 2017 Protein Needs of Female Athletes: A study of female athletes exercising for about 75 minutes a day at moderate to intense physical activity, protein needs are significantly increased to about twice the current recommendation for the light to moderately active adult. |
| Consumer Link Female athletes in team sports need 50 percent more protein than non-active males, U of T study finds |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017 Nov;49(11):2297-2304. |
| December 6, 2017 Diverticulitis Risk Factors: Diverticulitis is a painful inflammation of small pouches that form in the lower intestine, most commonly during the later half of life. Research on over 50,000 men followed for about 25 years found that the major factors that increase the risk of diverticulitis are smoking, being overweight (BMI > 25), having no vigorous physical activity, and consuming a low fiber diet and more than four 5-ounce servings of red meat per week. |
| Consumer Link Unhealthy lifestyle may cause half of diverticulitis cases |
| Research Link Am J Gastro. 2017/11/07. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 5, 2017 Vitamin D During Pregnancy: A review and meta-analysis of 43 studies with 8406 participants concluded that there is no evidence of any benefit from vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy. However, it appears that none of these studies accounted for iron status. Adequate iron status is necessary for normal function of vitamin D in the body. Until studies on vitamin D control for iron status, they will unlikely provide any useful conclusions. |
| Consumer Link Insufficient evidence to guide recommendations on vitamin D in pregnancy |
| Research Link BMJ 2017;359:j5237. |
| December 4, 2017 Fatty Liver and Brain Shrinkage: A new study reported that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a smaller total cerebral brain volume for a person's age. Since brain shrinkage is known to occur with aging, this apparent link between fat accumulation in the liver and brain aging is interesting and in need of further study. |
| Consumer Link Fatty liver linked to a shrinking brain |
| Research Link JAMA Neurol. Published online November 20, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 3, 2017 Getting Kids to Eat Vegetables: Want to get kids to eat vegetables? A new study demonstrates what many parents may already know. Give kids a tasty dressing or sauce to dip the vegetables in and they will eat them. |
| Consumer Link Bitter Sensitive Children Eat More Vegetables With Help of Dip |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Feb;112(2):235-45. |
| December 2, 2017 Food Preparation and Brain Health: How you prepare your fish may affect your brain over time. Brain scans on 260 healthy adults showed that consuming baked or broiled fish weekly was associated with a brain composition typical of those with a lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Fried fish did not have the same protective effect. |
| Consumer Link Fish may protect the brain, study indicates |
| Research Link Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting 2011 |
| December 1, 2017 Allergenic Foods During Pregnancy and Lactation: New research in mice supports recent guidance that women should not avoid allergenic foods while they are pregnant or breastfeeding. This research specifically studied the consumption of eggs and found that offspring were more likely to have egg allergies when their mothers did not consume eggs during pregnancy or lactation. |
| Consumer Link Proteins in breastmilk protect offspring against food allergy |
| Research Link J Exp Med. November 20, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 30, 2017 Diabetes Mechanism Identified: Researchers at the University of Geneva identified a protein that increases in the body with obesity and causes the insulin resistance that is characteristic of type 2 diabetes. It is anticipated that ways can be developed to either block the effects of the protein or reduce its production to prevent obesity-related diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Type 2 diabetes: It all starts in the liver |
| Research Link Nature Communications. 2017. 28 Nov. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 29, 2017 Weight Loss and Joint Health: A Study followed 640 overweight and obese men and women with MRI findings of osteoarthritis over a 4-year period. They found that those who reduced their body weight by at least 5 to 10 percent had significantly less cartilage degeneration than those who maintained their excess body weight. It may be important that the weight loss occurred over a 4-year period because other research has found that rapid weight loss (especially without exercise) can cause bone loss. |
| Consumer Link Weight Loss Can Slow Down Knee Joint Degeneration |
| Research Link Radiology. 2017;284(2):508–520. |
| November 28, 2017 Parental Diet and Offspring Health: A large meta-analysis of studies on multiple animals, including humans, found that nutrient deficiencies or excesses in the parental diet can have long-term effects on the immune function and health of their offspring. |
| Consumer Link Parental diet affects offspring immunity: Meta-analysis. |
| Research Link Biol Rev. 27 November 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 27, 2017 E. coli in Flour: Generally, low-moisture foods like flour are unlikely to harbor pathogenic bacteria. However, some new research identified a strain of E. coli bacteria present in uncooked flour that sent several dozen people to the hospital. Although contamination of flour with this bacteria may not be common, it is safest to not consume uncooked or under-cooked foods made with flour. |
| Consumer Link Avoid an E. Coli Infection From Flour |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2017 Nov 23;377(21):2036-2043. |
| November 26, 2017 Nocturia, a condition defined as needing to rise two or more times a night to urinate, can hamper the ability to get good quality sleep. Management or treatment of the problem requires medical evaluation because the condition may be a sign of underlying disease or simply a sign of aging. |
| Consumer Link Nighttime bathroom visits often increase with age |
| Research Link Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Oct;23(5):376-85. |
| November 25, 2017 Alcohol and Dementia: A review of over 140 studies on alcohol consumption confirms that heavy drinking (more than 3 or 4 drinks a day) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, light to moderate drinking seems to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment in older people. |
| Consumer Link Drink Wine To Beat Dementia Risk, But Find The Balance Study Reports |
| Research Link Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011;7:465-84 |
| November 24, 2017 Super Tomatoes: Chinese and French researchers working with tomatoes developed a strategy to substantially increase the content of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene. Although you will not likely see this tomato in the local grocery store in the near future, its development shows how it is possible to significantly increase essential nutrients in natural foods to meet the nutritional needs of a rapidly increasing population. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes with enhanced antioxidant properties created with genetic engineering |
| Research Link Plant Biotech J. 17 October 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 23, 2017 Disordered Eating: A 10-year study with about 5000 people found that those with disordered eating at age 24 were more likely to have lower psychological and physical wellbeing ten years later. Although these people had some of the signs of eating disorders, they were not at the level that would diagnose them as having an eating disorder. The researchers stressed that signs of disordered eating should be taken seriously even when it does not reach the level of an eating disorder diagnosis. |
| Consumer Link Disordered eating among young adults found to have long-term negative health effects |
| Research Link Eur Eat Disorders Rev. 2017 21 November. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 22, 2017 Vitamin D and Diabetes: Multiple studies have found that vitamin D supplementation in early life may have a protective effect that decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. |
| Consumer Link Could higher vitamin D intake in childhood help end the global diabetes epidemic? |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child. 2008 Jun;93(6):512-7. |
| November 21, 2017 Vitamin D and Fertility: A review of eleven studies that included 2,700 women who were undergoing assisted reproductive therapy (in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and/or frozen embryo transfer) found that women with good vitamin D status,(based on blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH D), were more likely to become pregnant and support a healthy live birth. This does not mean that taking vitamin D will enhance fertility. The production of 25-OH D in the liver is dependent on adequate vitamin D and normal iron status. Consequently, women in the study could have had low 25-OH D status due to iron deficiency - a condition known to compromise fertility and fetal development. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D linked with better live birth rates in women undergoing assisted reproduction |
| Research Link Human Reproduction. 15 November 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 20, 2017 Healthy Potatoes: The top three staple foods consumed in the world are rice, wheat, and corn. Number four is potatoes. People who must rely on one of these staple foods to supply most of their calories are at high risk of not meeting their need for essential nutrients like vitamins A and E - especially growing children. Consequently, researchers developed a potato that is called the golden potato that contains much more vitamin E and beta carotene (that the body converts to vitamin A) than standard white potatoes. |
| Consumer Link 'Golden' potato delivers bounty of vitamins A and E |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2017; 12 (11):e0187102. |
| November 19, 2017 Fiber and Colon Health? It is a common assumption that adequate dietary fiber helps to prevent colorectal cancer. Although this has not been supported by all studies on the topic, a new meta-analysis of multiple studies does support this assumption. |
| Consumer Link Fibre, Whole Grains, Linked To Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk |
| Research Link BMJ 2011;343:d6617 |
| November 18, 2017 Maintaining Brain Energy: When blood glucose levels drop, brain centers are activated that trigger the desire to consume high-calorie foods. Maintaining blood glucose levels with regularly scheduled meals and moderate snacking my help to avoid that ravenous drive to binge. |
| Consumer Link To ditch dessert, feed the brain |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2011 October 3; 121(10): 4161–4169. |
| November 17, 2017 Soybeans-an ancient food: We now know that soybeans are a good source of protein along with other nutrients like riboflavin, vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron, etc. Archeologists are finding that communities in China, Korea, and Japan were well aware of this nutrient-rich food and were farming soybeans as long as 5000 years ago. |
| Consumer Link Soybean Adoption Came Early by Many Cultures, Archaeologists Say |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (11): e26720. |
| November 16, 2017 Mushroom Antioxidants: Many mushroom species contain the antioxidants glutathione and ergothioneine. Our bodies are capable of synthesizing glutathione, but not ergothioneine which appears to be especially beneficial for tissues that are exposed to oxidative stress from injury or environmental exposure. |
| Consumer Link Mushrooms are full of antioxidants that may have antiaging potential |
| Research Link Food Chemistry. 2017;233:429-433. |
| November 15, 2017 Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Some people who clearly do not have celiac disease still experience adverse reactions to wheat consumption. New research on people diagnosed with Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity reports that the gluten in wheat does not appear to be the offending component. Rather, there are compounds called fructans in wheat (and many other foods) that are more likely causing the intestinal problems reported by people with Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Your 'Gluten Sensitivity' Could Be Explained by Something Else Found in Wheat |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2017 Nov 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 14, 2017 Plant-based Milk Products: There are many products on the market now labeled as "milk" such as "almond milk" or "rice milk." These products do not come close to providing the same nutrients as cow milk and should not be used in the diets of young children in place of cow milk. |
| Consumer Link Plant-based milks shouldn't be main beverage for young children, health experts say |
| Research Link Dietitians of Canada, Trending Topics. August 2017. |
| November 13, 2017 Eating Late: New research with rats indicates that a part of the brain that controls our circadian rhythms also affects blood levels of triglycerides that are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating late or during the night increases blood triglyceride levels more than eating early in the day. |
| Consumer Link Eating at night could increase risk of heart disease and diabetes |
| Research Link Exp Physiol. 2017 Nov 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 12, 2017 Genes and Nutrients: Many aspects of health are determined by the interplay between our genes and what we eat. For example, there is evidence that people with a high risk gene variant for heart disease have a significantly lower heart attack risk if their diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Diet Rich in Fruit and Vegetables Can Modify Heart Disease Risk Genes |
| Research Link PLoS Medicine, 2011;9:e100110. |
| November 11, 2017 Hep C and Coffee: Almost ten times as many people are infected by the hepatitis C virus compared to the AIDS virus. It is a good idea for baby boomers to get tested for the virus since new and effective treatments are now available. Previous research also indicated that coffee consumption may help to slow the progression of the disease. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Drinking Improves Hepatitis C Treatment Response, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2011 Jun;140(7):1961-9. |
| November 10, 2017 Eggs and Health: Eggs are an often overlooked rich source of nutrients that may run low in some people's diets. Some of the key nutrients include riboflavin, selenium, and choline. Eggs also provide a well absorbed form of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that help to protect eyes from macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Egg Health Benefits and Nutritional Information |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2015 Jan 20;7(1):706-29. |
| November 9, 2017 Vitamin A and TB Risk: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health problem in many parts of the world that also suffer from low vitamin A status. New research indicates that people with low vitamin A status are 10 times more likely than those with good vitamin A status to become infected with TB when they are near people with TB. |
| Consumer Link Low levels of vitamin A may fuel TB risk |
| Research Link Clin Infect Dis. 2017;65(6):900–909. |
| November 8, 2017 Exercise and Weight Loss in Elderly: During an 18-month weight loss program for people in their 60s, including exercise in the regimen clearly increased weight and fat loss. However, resistance exercise (weight training) was much more effective at preserving muscle tissues and maximizing fat loss. |
| Consumer Link Lose fat, preserve muscle: Weight training beats cardio for older adults |
| Research Link Obesity, 2017; 25 (11): 1823-1829. |
| November 7, 2017 Vitamin E in Maize: In many parts of the world, people obtain the majority of their calories from one staple food like maize. To improve essential nutrient supply, there has been an ongoing search for ways to increase key nutrients that are low in these staples. Researchers recently identified genes in maize that encode for the production of vitamin E. This will help to develop maize with higher levels of vitamin E through genomics-assisted selective breading or genetic engineering techniques. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E discovery in maize could lead to more nutritious crop |
| Research Link The Plant Cell. October 2, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 6, 2017 Lutein and Brain Health: Lutein, a yellow pigment produced by many plants and also found in egg yolks, is known to benefit eye health. In addition, a number of studies are indicating that lutein also contributes to brain health. Although lutein is not considered to be an essential nutrient, an adequate intake throughout life may prove to be essential for optimal brain health. |
| Consumer Link Behind the eyes: the role of lutein in brain health |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Sep 24;9(9):e108178. |
| November 5, 2017 Public Health and Obesity: Unless carefully designed, public health programs aimed at reducing obesity can have unintended impacts on the target audience. The potential ethical and psycho-social consequences must be carefully considered. |
| Consumer Link Ethical Dilemmas In Obesity Prevention |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2011 Sep;12(9):669-79. |
| November 4, 2017 Microbes and Fatty Liver: Fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, can have serious health consequences. The condition appears to be most commonly caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, hormonal changes and/or diabetes. However, new research is linking fatty liver to both the microbial balance in the lower intestine and an individual's genetically determined ability to synthesize choline. |
| Consumer Link Specific populations of gut bacteria linked to fatty liver |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2011 Mar;140(3):976-86. |
| November 3, 2017 Exercise Frequency: Exercise enhances muscle uptake of glucose independent of the effects of insulin. Consequently, it has been suggested that a bout of exercise is like having a shot of insulin in terms of lowering blood glucose. A new study in mice indicates that two bouts of exercise a day was significantly more effective than one bout per day at lowing blood glucose and reducing body fat levels. |
| Consumer Link Less but more frequent exercise best to reduce weight? Study provides a clue |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Oct;25(10):1745-1753. |
| November 2, 2017 Licorice Risk: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "If you’re 40 or older, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could land you in the hospital with an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia." Black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin that can cause potassium levels in the body to fall and trigger abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Black Licorice: Trick or Treat? |
| Research Link Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2016 Apr;44(3):237-9. |
| November 1, 2017 Spice and Salt: For some time, chefs have known that adding hot chili spice in very small amounts to a savory dish can add to flavor appreciation even at levels of the spice well below what would make the food "hot." New research reports that the part of the brain that senses salt also senses spicy flavors and people who consume more spicy foods tend to consume diets lower in salt and total sodium. |
| Consumer Link Spicy food could curb salt cravings: Study |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2017 October 31. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 31, 2017 Food Insecurity: As the population growth in a geographical area exceeds the food production capacity of the land, the solution, when possible, is to depend more on imported foods. This generally increases the financial and environmental cost of food. When the logical solutions of increasing local food production and/or reducing population numbers are not possible, starvation is the inevitable result. |
| Consumer Link Nearly two billion people depend on imported food |
| Research Link Earth's Future. 2017;5:393–407. |
| October 30, 2017 Obesity and Breastfeeding: Being too thin or too heavy both are risk factors for problems during and after pregnancy. New research also indicates that obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy increase the risk of a delay in milk production after giving birth as well as early cessation breastfeeding. |
| Consumer Link Study of Breastfeeding Difficulties Due to Obesity Informs Need for Targeted Interventions for Better Breastfeeding Outcomes |
| Research Link J Hum Lact. 2017 Nov;33(4):684-691. |
| October 29, 2017 Spice Safety: Curcumin, the compound in turmeric that gives curry its yellow color, is showing promise for use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis. However, people with low iron status should not use curcumin because it is a strong binder of iron and has the potential to further aggravate iron status. |
| Consumer Link Curry Spice Could Offer Treatment Hope for Tendinitis |
| Research Link Blood. 2009 Jan 8;113(2):462-9. |
| October 28, 2017 Licorice and Health: With Halloween approaching, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that eating too much black licorice candy at once can be life-threatening. The compound glycyrrhizin present in most licorice can cause a drop in potassium levels in some people, leading to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and even congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Black Licorice Halloween Hazard! Don't Eat Too Much Warns FDA |
| Research Link FDA Consumer Health Information |
| October 27, 2017 To Graze or Not to Graze: How and when you go about eating may affect your body weight. A study with Australian women found that those who "grazed" throughout the day were more likely to be obese than those who had more meal-based styles of eating. |
| Consumer Link 'Grazing' Eating Pattern Associated with Greater Obesity Risk in Australian Women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Oct;106(4):1121-1130. |
| October 26, 2017 Genetics and High Blood Triglycerides: A high level of blood triglycerides is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A study of 641 young adult Mexicans (age 18 to 25) found that high blood triglyceride levels were associated with being overweight and obese as other studies have reported. In addition those with a specific gene alteration had higher blood triglycerides - especially when their diet was high in carbohydrate and saturated fat. |
| Consumer Link Genetics may put a person at risk of high triglycerides, but adopting a healthy diet can help |
| Research Link J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics 2017;10:75-83 |
| October 25, 2017 Broccoli and Gut Health: A study using mice found that supplementing their diet with a lot of broccoli enhanced intestinal function and overall health. Other cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage likely provide similar benefit. |
| Consumer Link Like it or not: Broccoli may be good for the gut |
| Research Link J Funct Foods. 2017;37:685-698. |
| October 24, 2017 Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes: A review of three major studies analyzed data obtained by following people for 28 years. They found that those with the greatest magnesium intake had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Increased magnesium intake may lower type 2 diabetes risk |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. October 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 23, 2017 Walking: A common recommendation is to engage in more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity weekly. A new study indicates that regular walking even below the minimum recommended level also is associated with lower all-cause mortality compared with inactivity. Something is always better than nothing! |
| Consumer Link Walking below minimum recommended levels also linked to lower mortality risk |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. October 19 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 22, 2017 Nutrition and DNA: A substantial and growing amount of basic research on animal species is demonstrating that nutrition and lifestyle factors can alter DNA-associated proteins in ways that can pass on to the the next generation and even affect lifespan. |
| Consumer Link Propensity for longer life span inherited non-genetically over generations, study shows |
| Research Link Nature. 2011 Oct 19;479 (7373):365-71. |
| October 21, 2017 Probiotics and Food Allergies: Food allergies are associated with a compromised cell-lining structure of the small intestine. Recent research in a mouse model found that feeding the animals kefir-cultured milk or soymilk reduced their allergic responses to a known allergen. Kefir is made from a traditional culture composed of both bacteria and yeast. |
| Consumer Link Kefir ingredients could help food allergies |
| Research Link J Science of Food and Ag. (2006) 86:2527–2533. |
| October 20, 2017 Boosting a Nutrient in Corn: Corn is a major food source for people and animals around the world. However, the protein in corn contains limited amounts of the essential amino acid methionine. Using a bacterial gene, researchers were able to develop a variety of corn that has much higher levels of methionine. This could greatly enhance the nutrition of people and animals in areas where corn is a major staple crop. |
| Consumer Link Genetically boosting the nutritional value of corn could benefit millions |
| Research Link Proc Nat Acad Sci.October 9, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 19, 2017 Stress and the Microbiota: A study with female mice found that exposure to 18 days of intermittent stress conditions altered the composition of their lower intestinal bacteria in a way that was similar to the effects of a high fat diet. This effect was not observed in male mice and it remains to be determined if humans are affected in a similar manner. |
| Consumer Link Stress might be just as unhealthy as junk food to digestive system |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 2017;7(1):1-12. |
| October 18, 2017 Blood Pressure Guidelines for Children: Elevated blood pressure in children can be an indication of a variety of problems in the body. This includes things like heart or kidney dysfunction. The American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines for assessing blood pressure in children and adolescents. |
| Consumer Link New Blood Pressure Guidelines for Children |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2017;140(3):1-74. |
| October 17, 2017 Oil and Salad: A study conducted with 12 women found that when soybean oil was consumed with a salad, most of the women absorbed significantly more carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins from the salad they consumed. The amount of these fat soluble nutrients absorbed increased as the amount of oil consumed increased(up to about 2 tablespoons) with the salad. |
| Consumer Link A spoonful of oil: Fats and oils help to unlock full nutritional benefits of veggies, study suggests |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;106(4):1041-1051. |
| October 16, 2017 Diet and Coronary Heart Disease: A very large study compared the plant-based diet aspects of the participants' eating habits and their risk of developing coronary heart disease. Although some questionable assumptions were made in the design of the study, it does point out that a poorly selected plant-based diet can be less healthy than a diet that includes moderate amounts of animal foods. |
| Consumer Link Good Vegan, Bad Vegan |
| Research Link J Amer Col Card. 2017;70(4):423-425. |
| October 15, 2017 Use Caution with Supplements: Herbal dietary supplements commonly contain natural chemicals that interact with drugs. Of special concern is the recent observation that 69 percent of the 100 most-used supplements interfere with the effectiveness of the blood thinner warfarin (coumadin). |
| Consumer Link Danger of combining warfarin with herbal and dietary supplements revealed |
| Research Link Methods Mol Biol. 2010;663:229-40. |
| October 14, 2017 Benefit of Foods: Vitamins and other beneficial food components are generally absorbed well from dietary supplements. However, key beneficial phytochemicals in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are absorbed much better from the fresh or lightly cooked vegetable. |
| Consumer Link Health Benefits of Broccoli Require the Whole Food, Not Supplements |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., 2011, 59 (20), pp 10955–10963 |
| October 13, 2017 Potassium and Cardiovascular Disease: It has been known for some time that consuming foods that provide an adequate intake of potassium is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. A new animal study has now shown that adequate potassium intake also prevents calcium build-up in arteries. Potatoes, bananas and prunes are three good sources of potassium. |
| Consumer Link A need for bananas? Dietary potassium regulates calcification of arteries |
| Research Link JCI Insight. 2017;2(19):94920. |
| October 12, 2017 Fish and Depression: A meta-analysis of 26 studies indicates that high-fish consumption may reduce the risk of depression. This is not entirely surprising because the type of omega-3 fatty acids found in marine fish oils are a major component of human brain tissues. |
| Consumer Link High Fish Consumption May Reduce Depression Risk |
| Research Link J Epidemiol Community Health 2016;70:299-304. |
| October 11, 2017 Multivitamins and Autism: A Swedish study of over 273,000 women and their children collected data on maternal use of a multivitamin supplement during pregnancy and their child's risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder condition. They found that the odds of autism occurring in children of the multivitamin users were 30 percent lower than the non supplement users. |
| Consumer Link Prenatal Multivitamins Linked to Lower Autism Risk |
| Research Link BMJ 2017;359:j4273. |
| October 10, 2017 Vitamin K and Heart Health: A study of 766 healthy teens, age 14 to 18, found that those with the lowest intake of vitamin K were more likely to have enlarged left ventricles - the part of the heart that pumps blood to the body. This enlargement is generally associated with heart stress caused by things like high blood pressure. It is not known why this association exists, however, it is known that low vitamin K intake is associated with calcium accumulation in artery walls. |
| Consumer Link Too Little of This Vitamin (Vitamin K) Could Harm Young Hearts |
| Research Link J. Nutr. 2017;147(10):1960-1967. |
| October 9, 2017 Vitamin C and Cardiovascular Disease: The essential nutrient vitamin C has several important functions in the body. One key function is maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels. Consequently, it makes sense that studies are linking vitamin C intake with reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Beyond immunity: vitamin C may significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2017 Aug 29;9(9):954. |
| October 8, 2017 Calories in starches: When people cut potatoes out of their diet, they generally replace them with foods like bread, rice or pasta. A cup of cooked potato provides about 115 calories. However, a single slice of whole-grain bread has about 130 calories, a cup of rice (brown or white) is more than 200 calories and a cup of pasta will range from 150 to 200 calories. Do the math and potatoes look pretty good. |
| Consumer Link Nutrient-packed potatoes wrongfully considered 'bad' |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Nov;49(10):823-40. |
| October 7, 2017 Excess Nutrients: Too much of a good thing isn’t always good. For example, high intake of calcium and vitamin D increased the risk of poor cognitive function in elderly. |
| Consumer Link High Calcium And Vitamin D Intakes Associated WIth Higher Risk Of Cognitive Impairment In Elderly |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2008 May;28(5):285-92. |
| October 6, 2017 Skipping Breakfast: A study of over 4000 adults 40 to 54 years of age found that those who skipped breakfast had increased odds of having generalized atherosclerosis compared to those who consumed a high calorie breakfast that provided at least 20 percent of their total daily calorie intake. It is not known why breakfast eating may have this beneficial effect. |
| Consumer Link Skipping breakfast associated with hardening of the arteries |
| Research Link J Am Col Card. 2017;70(15):1833. |
| October 5, 2017 Meat and Pregnancy: A study of over 5000 pregnant women followed their offspring into their adolescent years. They found that children from women that had diets lower in meat and poultry during pregnancy were more likely to misuse alcohol, cannabis, and cigarettes after the age of 15 years. Although the study could not establish causation, lower consumption of meat and poultry lowers intake of vitamin B12 and iron - deficiencies of which are known to adversely affect brain development during gestation. |
| Consumer Link Avoiding meat during pregnancy linked with later substance misuse by children |
| Research Link Alcoholism Clin Exp Res. 4 October 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 4, 2017 Caffeine and Parkinson's Disease: In 2012, the results of a 6-week study with 61 Parkinson’s patients indicated that caffeine reduced debilitating movement symptoms. However, a new longer duration study (6 to 18 months) just published by the same researchers found that caffeine did not significantly benefit Parkinson's disease patients. More research is needed. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine and Parkinson’s: One researcher, two studies, and opposite results. What happens? |
| Research Link Neurology. September 27, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 3, 2017 Salt Craving: Sodium is one of the few essential nutrients that we crave when our supply drops too low. We have known for decades that animals have a "specific appetite" for sodium and new research has found that a specific part of the brain is activated by low sodium and specific hormones that increase when sodium is low. |
| Consumer Link Pass the salt: Mapping the neurons that drive salt cravings |
| Research Link Neuron Volume 96, Issue 1, p190–206.e7, 27 September 2017 |
| October 2, 2017 Blood Tests for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is difficult to diagnose and treat. Blood tests are sometimes used in attempts to identify potentially offending foods. However, evidence that these tests are effective has been limited. The results of a new study indicate that diets limiting suspected offending foods based on these blood tests can significantly reduce symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Individualized diets for irritable bowel syndrome better than placebo |
| Research Link BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 2017; 4 (1): e000164. |
| October 1, 2017 Alcohol hinders Immune Function: Have you ever heard that if you feel like you are getting sick, just drink enough alcohol and it will kill off anything that might ail you? Don't believe it. According to some new research, alcohol abuse is likely to impair immune functions and increase susceptibility to viral infection. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol Impairs the Body's Ability to Fight Off Viral Infection, Study Finds |
| Research Link BMC Immunology 2011, 12:55 |
| September 30, 2017 BMI in Children: Body mass index or BMI often is applied to the health assessment of individuals. This, however, is risky business. An evaluation of the use of BMI with children found that 2 out of 3 children classified as obese by BMI actually had normal levels of body fat. |
| Consumer Link BMI not useful on its own to assess individual’s health |
| Research Link J Young Invest. 2011 July;22(1):13-35. |
| September 29, 2017 Low Birth Weight Babies and Iron: Adequate iron nutrition is essential for normal brain development. Low birth weight babies are at increased risk for iron deficiency. A study of moderately low birth weight babies born with weight between 2000 and 2500 grams (4.5 to 5.5 pounds) found that those given iron supplementation between 6 weeks and 6 months of age had significantly lower levels of aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors at the age of seven years. These are considered the best behavioral predictors of autism spectrum disorders. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements have long-term benefits for low birth-weight babies |
| Research Link Pediatric Research. 27 September 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 28, 2017 Magnesium and Dementia: An ongoing study in the Netherlands following over 9500 older people found that those with low or high blood magnesium levels were at greater risk for developing dementia. Things that can cause low levels of magnesium include the use proton pump inhibitor or diuretic types of drugs and consuming a diet low in magnesium. Good sources of magnesium include most green vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, and milk products. |
| Consumer Link High, Low Levels of Magnesium Linked to Dementia Risk |
| Research Link Neurology. 2017 Sep 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 27, 2017 Iodine in Milk Alternatives: A study conducted in the United Kingdom found that several milk alternative products contained much less iodine than common milk products. This is likely the same in the U.S. With declining use of iodized salt, overall intake of iodine has decreased during the past ten to twenty years. |
| Consumer Link Milk-alternative drinks do not replace the iodine in cows' milk |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. Sept 26 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 26, 2017 Pregnancy Diet: When pregnant mice consumed diets high in fat and sugar, their offspring preferred higher fat foods shortly after they were weaned. This preference was associated with changes in their brain reward circuitry that appeared to continue throughout life. Based on other studies, this also appears to occur in humans. |
| Consumer Link Maternal diet could affect kids' brain reward circuitry |
| Research Link Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2017 Aug 29;8:216. |
| September 25, 2017 Excess Dietary Manganese and the Heart: Manganese is an essential nutrient that is found in many "healthy" foods." However, it is possible to exceed the "tolerable upper intake level" of manganese when foods that are rich in the mineral make up a large part of the diet. Excess manganese is known to affect the brain with a Parkinson's disease-like condition. Now, a new study with mice found that high dietary manganese levels altered immune function to allow the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus to infect the heart. How this might relate to humans is currently unknown. |
| Consumer Link Excess dietary manganese promotes staph heart infection |
| Research Link Cell Host & Microbe. 21 September 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 24, 2017 Prunes and Bones: Prunes are good for keeping bowels moving. Prunes, also called dried plums, are beneficial to bone health. It is likely due to the unique mixture of phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals found in prunes. |
| Consumer Link No Bones About It: Eating Dried Plums Helps Prevent Fractures and Osteoporosis, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2011 Sep;106(6):923-30. |
| September 23, 2017 Zinc and Memory: Zinc plays an essential role in the nerve function of a key memory and learning center of the brain called the hippocampus. Adequate dietary zinc, but not excessive amounts from supplements appear to be important for optimal function of brain cells. |
| Consumer Link Zinc is good for the memory... but too much could 'trigger epilepsy' |
| Research Link Neuron 2011;71(6):1116-1126. |
| September 22, 2017 Dairy Foods and Diabetes A summary of recent research supports the importance of considering specific types of foods within a food group like dairy products. There is growing evidence that fermented dairy products such as yogurt are strongly associated with reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Body fat mass distribution: A possible explanation for lower diabetes risk associated with dairy food consumption |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2015 Aug; 73(Suppl 1): 15–22. |
| September 21, 2017 Dieting for Weight Loss: After a couple of weeks on a diet, most people feel like taking a break. A new study indicates that may be a good idea. One group of dieters consumed about two thirds of their calorie needs during 16 weeks of dieting. Another group consumed the same diet for a total of 16 weeks, but they switched to a weight maintenance diet for two weeks every two weeks. Although it took longer, those who did the intermittent dieting lost significantly more body fat (12.3 vs 8.0 kg). This may be due to the continuous diet causing the body to be better at becoming more energetically efficient and reducing calorie needs. |
| Consumer Link Taking a break from dieting may improve weight loss |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2017 Aug 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 20, 2017 Sustainability and Large Food Companies: Often big food companies are maligned regarding sustainability, however, a Dartmouth University study showed that as big companies are becoming more concerned about climate change they are also incorporating sustainability into their business models. |
| Consumer Link Big Food' companies have less power than you might think |
| Research Link Annals of the American Association of Geographers, 2017; Published online: 31 May 2017. |
| September 19, 2017 Binge Drinking and the Brain: Research shows that young adult binge drinkers have altered brain activity even at rest and appears similar to chronic alcoholics. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of excessive alcohol during critical periods of brain developmental. |
| Consumer Link Young binge drinkers show altered brain activity |
| Research Link Front. Behav. Neurosci., 14 September 2017 |
| September 18, 2017 Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis: In addition to pain from joint inflammation, people with rheumatoid arthritis can experience neurological pains not relieved by the medications commonly used for this condition. A new study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who experienced this neuropathic pain were very likely to have low vitamin D status. Although iron status was not measured, 80 percent of those with this problem were women. It is possible that vitamin D and/or iron supplementation may help to prevent this neuropathic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis in some people. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to Neuropathic Pain in Rheumatod Arthritis |
| Research Link Int J Rheum Dis. 2017 Aug 31. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 17, 2017 Caffeine and Pregnancy: An analysis of multiple studies on caffeine consumption during pregnancy concluded that caffeine intake during pregnancy is not associated with premature birth. There is a potential link between caffeine and lower birth weights, therefore a common recommendation is to keep caffeine intake below 300 mg per day from all sources combined (coffee, tea, sodas with caffeine, etc.). |
| Consumer Link Caffeine in Pregnancy |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Nov;92(5):1120-32. Epub 2010 Sep 15. |
| September 16, 2017 Sweet potatoes and Blood Pressure: A significant drop in blood pressure occurred when obese people with hypertension were fed 6 to 8 golf ball size sweet potatoes twice a day. This may be due to phytochemicals or the high potassium content of sweet potatoes. |
| Consumer Link Potatoes Reduce Blood Pressure in People With Obesity and High Blood Pressure |
| Research Link 242nd ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Fall 2011. |
| September 15, 2017 New Diet Measures and Diabetes: Some foods have fairly unique chemical components. Since measuring what people eat is difficult to do accurately, researchers are measuring blood levels of unique molecules that reflect the foods a person is eating. Using this approach, researchers found indications that eating fish and good sources of vitamin E is associated with reduced risk of developing diabetes in 64-year-old women. |
| Consumer Link Biomarkers in the blood prove strong role of food for type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Sep 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 14, 2017 Mortality and Being Sedentary: It is well established that being more sedentary increases mortality risk. In addition, new research indicates that long duration of sitting increases risk even for people who exercise regularly. It appears to be rather important to break up long periods of sitting with short breaks of moving around. |
| Consumer Link Longer Bouts Of Sitting Linked To Greater Risk Of Death, Study Finds |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2017 Sep 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 13, 2017 Lithium and Dementia: Lithium is an element found in trace amounts in some foods and water sources. Research in Denmark found that people are less likely to develop dementia if they live in areas where lithium is naturally higher in the water supply. Lithium has been used as a drug for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders and can have serious side effects at high doses. However, at low, but adequate levels it may prove to be an essential nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Lithium in Our Tap Water Could Protect People From Dementia, New Study Suggests |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. August 23, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 12, 2017 Healthy Bread: It is generally assumed that whole grain sourdough bread is better for you than common white bread. However, new research shows that the blood glucose response after consuming these breads is very unique to individuals. Some people have a lower glycemic response to whole grain bread and others are just the opposite. It appears that the types of intestinal bacteria that predominate play a significant role in this individuality. |
| Consumer Link Choosing white or whole-grain bread may depend on what lives in your gut |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2017;25(6):1243–1253. |
| September 11, 2017 Alzheimer's Disease Prevention: Although studies with mouse models indicate that it might be possible to prevent Alzheimer's disease with a vaccination, there is still a long way to go with human clinical study. Meanwhile, the risk of developing the disease may be reduced by adequate intake of all essential nutrients especially including B vitamins, vitamin D, and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. |
| Consumer Link Is immunization the future of Alzheimer’s disease treatment? |
| Research Link Acta Neuropathol. 2016 Apr;131(4):481-504. |
| September 10, 2017 Food Choices and Health: Simple food choices are actually quite complex. To make a decision to eat a food, the brain juggles multiple factors such as food taste and appearance versus perceived health attributes. The good news is that when presented with health cues, research subjects did tend to make more healthful food choices. |
| Consumer Link Think Healthy, Eat Healthy: Scientists Show Link Between Attention and Self-Control |
| Research Link Journal of Neuroscience, 2011; 31 (30): 11077 |
| September 9, 2017 Benefit of Salt: Sodium and chloride, the components of salt, are essential nutrients that were difficult for early humans to obtain. Our enjoyment of the taste of salt is thought to be tied to basic survival drive mechanisms in the brain. |
| Consumer Link Salt Might Be 'Nature's Antidepressant' |
| Research Link Physiology & Behavior, 94 (5), p.709-721 |
| September 8, 2017 Extremely High HDL: A study conducted in Denmark followed more than 100,000 adults for an average of six years. They found that men with the lowest risk of death had HDL levels at 73 mg/dL and women with the lowest risk had HDL at 93 mg/dL. However, mortality risk increased in those with unusually high HDL levels (over 97 for men and above 135 for women). Since there were few people with such high HDL levels, the researchers suggest that more research is needed to confirm their observations. |
| Consumer Link Can Your ‘Good’ Cholesterol Be Too High? |
| Research Link Eur Heart J. 2017 Aug 21;38(32):2478-2486. |
| September 7, 2017 Weight Management: A new study found what many nutrition professionals have been suggesting about long term success in weight loss. Dieters who had more extreme fluctuations in their body weight during the early part of a weight loss program were more likely to not maintain a lower body weight in the long run. Slower, but steady weight loss is more likely to be fat loss. |
| Consumer Link Slow and Steady Wins the Weight-Loss Race |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Sep;25(9):1509-1515. |
| September 6, 2017 Sleep and Cardiovascular Disease: Chronic sleep deprivation is well known to affect mental functions. New research shows that cumulative sleep debt also adversely affects inflammation and the metabolism of cholesterol in ways that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Lack of Sleep Affects Cholesterol Metabolism and Inflammation |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 2016;6:24828. |
| September 5, 2017 Protein and Aging: A 3-year study of older adults (average age 74) reported that those who consumed protein foods at each meal of the day experienced less decline in muscle strength during the study. Their results suggest that distribution of protein intake throughout the day may be as important as consuming enough total protein over the day. |
| Consumer Link Eating protein three times a day could make our seniors stronger |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Jul;106(1):113-124. |
| September 4, 2017 Importance of Getting Hydration Right: When athletes drink too much fluid during endurance events, it increases their risk of developing low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) that can become life threatening. According to a recent survey, many endurance athletes may be drinking excessive amounts of fluid during events. |
| Consumer Link Nearly Half of Runners May Be Drinking Too Much During Races |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;45(8):646-9. Epub 2010 Sep 28. |
| September 3, 2017 Exercise and Calories: The "post-exercise calorie burn" appears to be most significant after vigorous exercise. In a new study, men who exercised for 45 minutes at a relatively high intensity expended an additional 190 calories on average during the 14 hours following the exercise. |
| Consumer Link Post-Exercise Calorie Burn After Intense Intervals |
| Research Link Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: Sept 2011, V43 Issue 9 - pp 1643-1648 |
| September 2, 2017 Vitamin C and asthma: Vitamin C supplementation of 200 mg per day was found to improve lung function in asthmatic children by about 30 percent compared to children receiving a placebo pill. The likelihood of vitamin C supplementation to have this benefit likely depends on the initial vitamin C status of the child. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C May Be Beneficial for Asthmatic Children, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Clinical and Translational Allergy 2011, 1:9. |
| September 1, 2017 Food Allergy and Anxiety in Children: A study of 80 ethnic minority, low socioeconomic status children (age 4 to 12 years) found that those with food allergies were more likely to have symptoms of anxiety. However, anxiety symptoms were quite common in these children, with 48 percent of those without allergies having anxiety symptoms compared to 57 percent of those with allergies. It is possible that these conditions are linked due to a common cause. |
| Consumer Link Food allergies linked to childhood anxiety |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2017;187:258-264.e1. |
| August 31, 2017 Cocoa Compounds and Diabetes: Compounds called catechins, that are found in the cocoa solids in chocolate, enhance the function of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. When these cells are able to produce more insulin, it can help to prevent high blood glucose. However, this is more like treating the symptoms of the disease rather than the cause. |
| Consumer Link Compounds in cocoa may help delay onset of type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. 2017;(49):30-41. |
| August 30, 2017 Healthy Diet: Many studies have been questioning the long-standing recommendation to reduce dietary fat and especially saturated fat. Newly published research studied the diets and mortality of over 135,000 people across five continents. Based on data from about 7.5 years, the researchers found that a diet with a moderate intake of fat, fruits and vegetables along with avoidance of high carbohydrate intake was associated with lower risk of death. Lower total dietary fat and saturated fat was associated with increased risk of heart attack or death due to cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link International study shows moderate consumption of fats and carbohydrates best for health |
| Research Link Lancet. 29 August 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 29, 2017 Food Allergies: Food allergies are not limited to people. Veterinarians are finding what appears to be an increasing incidence of food allergies in common companion animals. Allergy and food intolerance symptoms in animals are similar to those observed in people. This similarity may enhance the understanding of how allergies work. |
| Consumer Link Comparing food allergies:Animals and humans may have more in common than you think |
| Research Link Allergy. 2017 Apr 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 28, 2017 Calorie Reduction in Food Products: A one-year study evaluated the effect of a store quietly reformulated food products to decrease the calorie content. They found that this reduced the amount of calories purchased by consumers. Additional research is needed to determine if this translates into consuming less calories over time. |
| Consumer Link Supermarkets could trick you into buying fewer calories |
| Research Link Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2017 Aug 23;14(1):104. |
| August 27, 2017 Safe Weight loss as we age: Older individuals generally lose lean muscle as they age. Dieting for weight loss can greatly accelerate this muscle loss. When weight loss is necessary, combining appropriate exercise with dieting helps to prevent muscle loss. |
| Consumer Link Older People Who Diet Without Exercising Lose Valuable Muscle Mass |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2008 Sep;105(3):825-31. |
| August 26, 2017 Coriander and Food Safety: Research has shown that the oil from the herb Coriander may help to prevent food-borne illnesses and even treat antibiotic-resistant infections. |
| Consumer Link Coriander Oil Could Tackle Food Poisoning and Drug-Resistant Infections |
| Research Link J Med Microbiol. 2011 Oct;60(Pt 10):1479-86. |
| August 25, 2017 Baby-led Weaning: When babies are allowed to explore and consume foods on their own, rather than being fed with a spoon, they tend to breast feed a few weeks longer. However, the theory that the practice of baby-led weaning protects against weight gain and high BMI was not supported by this study. |
| Consumer Link Baby-led weaning won’t necessarily ward off extra weight |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. Published online July 10, 2017. |
| August 24, 2017 Plant Hormones and Health: Like humans, plants produce a wide variety of chemicals that function as hormones. Some of these hormones are similar to molecules humans and their gut microbes produce. Researchers are starting to study these plant hormones to learn how they may be good or bad for a variety of health problems. |
| Consumer Link How humans and their gut microbes may respond to plant hormones |
| Research Link Trends Plant Sci. 2017;22(9):754–758. |
| August 23, 2017 Microbial Contamination of Sprouts: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted a study to determine how commonly sprouts are contaminated with Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli O157:H7. After testing 14 different types of sprouts, they found bacterial contamination in three varieties of sprouts. One percent of the alfalfa sprouts samples contained Salmonella. About two percent of mung bean sprouts and just under seven percent of soy bean sprouts harbored Listeria. None of the sprouts had E. coli. |
| Consumer Link FDA Concludes Major Sampling Study of Sprouts |
| Research Link USFDA. 2017. FY 2014-2016 Microbiological Sampling Report. |
| August 22, 2017 Peanut Allergy: Researchers conducted a follow-up study on a placebo-controlled trial that combined a probiotic supplement with traces of peanut in an oral supplement. They found that the desensitization benefits in those that responded to the therapy were still present four years after the treatment. |
| Consumer Link Scientists tout positive findings in peanut allergy pill study |
| Research Link Lancet Child Adol Health. August 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 21, 2017 Early Human Diet: New research indicates that anatomically modern humans that colonized Europe about 43,000 years ago consumed a variety of vegetable foods and several types of animals, especially mammoths. Attempts to return to ancestral dietary patterns will be challenged by the extinction of mammoths. |
| Consumer Link On the early human's menu: Mammoth and plenty of raw vegetables |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. July 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 20, 2017 Alcohol and Weight: The alcohol in alcoholic beverages provides about 7 calories per gram, but only heavy drinking seems to be associated with weight gain. Light to moderate drinking is not linked to weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Does moderate alcohol consumption increase body weight? |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2011 Aug;69(8):419-31. |
| August 19, 2017 Gluten Substitutes in Bread: The protein called gluten is what gives bread its springy and chewy texture. To make gluten-free bread products for those with gluten allergies, food scientists are finding that egg white protein can be a good substitute for gluten in some baked products. |
| Consumer Link Egg whites show gluten-free product potential: Study |
| Research Link Food Chemistry 129(1)Nov 2011, P84-91. |
| August 18, 2017 Food, Gut Microbes, and Flu: New research using mice indicates that flavonoid food components found in foods like tea, red wine, and blueberries get converted by bacteria in the lower intestine to a compound that inhibits viral infections like those that cause the flu. Some fruits, berries, and dark chocolate also contain flavonoid compounds. |
| Consumer Link Natural compound coupled with specific gut microbes may prevent severe flu |
| Research Link Science. 2017:357(6350):498-502. |
| August 17, 2017 Iron Deficiency in Toddlers and Young Children: Iron deficiency remains much too common in toddlers and young children in the U.S. It is well established that adequate iron status is required for normal development of the brain and function of the immune system among other things. The development of conditions like autism and allergies could be due to low iron status. |
| Consumer Link Terrible to Read 14% of US Toddlers are Iron Deficient |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2016 May 30;8(6). |
| August 16, 2017 Alternative Medicine and Cancer: A new study found that people who chose only alternative medicine approaches for cancer treatment were much more likely to die from their cancer. The researchers concluded that some alternative therapies may be complementary with conventional medical approaches, but relying solely on alternative therapies such as herbs and supplements is much riskier than conventional medical treatments. |
| Consumer Link Using only alternative medicine for cancer linked to lower survival rate |
| Research Link J Nat Cancer Inst. 2018;110(1). [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 15, 2017 Cadmium and Endometrial Cancer: A new study reported that women with greater levels of cadmium in their urine had a significantly increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Humans primarily obtain the heavy metal cadmium through environmental exposure and tobacco smoking. The main food sources of cadmium in the U.S. are shellfish and foods containing seafood and foods made from wheat. |
| Consumer Link Increased endometrial cancer rates found in women with high levels of cadmium |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2017;12(7):e0179360. |
| August 14, 2017 Walnuts and Gut Health: Nuts are frequently recommended as part of an overall healthful diet. Being a good source of both fiber and fat, chewed up nuts may carry some fat along with the fiber into the lower intestine where intestinal bacteria can benefit from it. A new study with rats found that adding walnuts to the diet had probiotic effects that substantially and positively altered the microbial community in the lower intestine. |
| Consumer Link Walnuts may promote health by changing gut bacteria |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. July 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 13, 2017 Protein and Weight Loss: While consuming a 1400 calorie diet to lose weight, postmenopausal women lost more weight, more fat, and less muscle when they consumed 25 grams of whey protein twice a day. |
| Consumer Link Eating Protein Throughout the Day Preserves Muscle and Physical Function in Dieting Postmenopausal Women, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Jul 27. |
| August 12, 2017 Gluten Free Options: For those with celiac disease and less severe forms of gluten sensitivity, avoidance of offending foods can be very challenging. A recent study confirmed that the grains tef and millet, along with amaranth and quinoa (not true grains) are gluten-free options. |
| Consumer Link Millet, Amaranth, and Quinoa deemed gluten free: Study |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011 Aug;55(8):1266-70. |
| August 11, 2017 Vegetarian Diet and Depression: A large study conducted in the United Kingdom found that men consuming a vegetarian diet had more depressive symptoms than those consuming an omnivorous diet. This is not the type of study that can prove what causes what, but the researchers suggest that inadequate intake of vitamin B12 and iron may be contributing to depression. |
| Consumer Link How vegetarians are almost twice as likely to be suffering from depression as those who love meat |
| Research Link J Affect Disord. 2017 Jul 28;225:13-17. |
| August 10, 2017 Body Size and Drug Dosage: Just as many nutrient needs are greater for larger people, so are the doses needed for effective drug function. However, a study conducted in an emergency department of a hospital over a 3-month period found that antibiotic doses were rarely adjusted for larger people. |
| Consumer Link Fat shaming in the doctor's office can be mentally and physically harmful |
| Research Link Am J Emerg Med. 2012 Sep;30(7):1212-4. |
| August 9, 2017 Food Environment and Body Weight: It often is assumed that the type of food most readily available to consumers has a big effect on their health and body weight. However, a five-year study of 1.7 million U.S. veterans found no association between the food environment (proximity of fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and mega-stores) and body mass index (a comparison of weight to height). Although the availability of healthful food is clearly important for overall health, it is likely that excess weight gain is primarily due to limited physical activity and poor personal food choices. |
| Consumer Link Limiting access to fast-food restaurants unlikely to reduce obesity |
| Research Link Health Affairs. 2017;36(8):1433-1442. |
| August 8, 2017 Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Protein: A study with mice found that increasing the amino acid tryptophan in the diet substantially reduced intestinal inflammation. This suggests that studies are needed to determine if increased dietary protein would benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease. Most high protein foods provide significant amounts of tryptophan. |
| Consumer Link Protein-rich diet may help soothe inflamed gut |
| Research Link Science. 2017 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 7, 2017 Diet-heart Hypothesis: Analysis of unpublished data from a large double blind randomized controlled trial conducted between 1968 and 1973 found that substituting vegetable oils for animal fats reduced serum cholesterol levels. However, contrary to the cholesterol-based "diet-heart hypothesis," those with greater reduction in serum cholesterol had a higher risk of death. |
| Consumer Link Records found in dusty basement undermine decades of dietary advice |
| Research Link BMJ 2016;353:i1246. |
| August 6, 2017 Eating Disorders and Pregnacies: A study conducted in the United Kingdom confirmed previous research that women with eating disorders have more difficulty conceiving. Also interesting, these women are more likely to have unplanned pregnancies than women who eat normally. |
| Consumer Link Eating Disorders Can Harm Women's Fertility |
| Research Link BJOG. 2011 Nov;118(12):1491-8 |
| August 5, 2017 Exercise and Building Muscle: Do you need to lift heavy weights to build muscle? New research says no. The study found that lifting lighter weights for enough repetitions to reach your limit is also effective at building muscle mass. |
| Consumer Link Building Muscle Doesn't Require Lifting Heavy Weights, Study Shows |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (8): e12033. |
| August 4, 2017 Environmental CO2 and Protein: Research has shown that crops like rice and wheat grown under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations contain almost eight percent less protein than the same crops grown normally. People who rely heavily on these and similar staple crops for most of their calories will find it increasingly difficult to meet their protein needs. |
| Consumer Link Millions may face protein deficiency as a result of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions |
| Research Link Environ Health Perspect. August 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 3, 2017 Jellyfish for Snack Food: Jellyfish represent a substantial and rapidly renewable food source. A new processing technique provides a simple way to produce a tasty high protein snack food product from jellyfish. |
| Consumer Link Anyone for crispy jellyfish? |
| Research Link Int J Gast Food Sci 2017;9:34. |
| August 2, 2017 Lutein and Brain Health: The colorful compound lutein is high in foods like many green vegetables, avocados, yellow corn, and eggs. Lutein has long been of interest for its protective properties for retinal health in the eyes. New research extends the known benefits of lutein to brain function. Adequate lutein intake during adult years may be especially beneficial in protecting the aging brain. |
| Consumer Link Lutein, found in leafy greens, may counter cognitive aging |
| Research Link Front Aging Neurosci. 2017;9:183. |
| August 1, 2017 Diet Quality and Body Fat: A study of almost 2000 adults found that those consuming a higher quality diet between their mid 40s and late 60s were less likely to accumulate excess internal abdominal body fat and also had less fat in their liver. Eating a wide variety of foods from multiple food groups was an important aspect of the measure of diet quality. |
| Consumer Link Diet quality matters not just quantity in mid-to-late-adulthood |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Aug;25(8):1442-1450. |
| July 31, 2017 Multivitamin/mineral Supplements: An analysis of data on the nutritional status of a variety of ethnic and age groups found that having one or more vitamin deficiencies or anemia is common in the U.S. Vulnerable groups include women, particularly those of child-bearing age, non-Hispanic Blacks, people of low socio-economic status, underweight and obese individuals, and individuals with poor diets. Not surprisingly, they also found that the use of multivitamin supplements in these populations reduced risks of deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Will a Multivitamin Reduce Risk of Deficiency? |
| Research Link Nutrients 2017;9(7):655. |
| July 30, 2017 Dental Health and Diabetes: Periodontal disease can be a complication of diabetes. New research indicates that dentists can spot the signs of undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes and refer their patients for appropriate follow-up with a physician. |
| Consumer Link Dentists May Be Able to Spot Undiagnosed Diabetes |
| Research Link J Dent Res. 2011 Jul;90(7):855-60. |
| July 29, 2017 Muscle and Regulating Blood Glucose: Muscle cells are insulin sensitive and can take up, utilize, and store glucose. Consequently, it makes sense that having more muscle mass as well as using muscles can improve the body's ability to handle blood sugar. |
| Consumer Link Increased Muscle Mass May Lower Risk of Pre-Diabetes: Study Shows Building Muscle Can Lower Person's Risk of Insulin Resistance |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jul 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 28, 2017 Diet and Exercise During Pregnancy: Although inadequate weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of negative outcomes, so does excessive gain. A large review of multiple studies reports that pregnant women who consume a healthy diet and participate in regular moderate exercise are less likely to gain excessive weight, develop diabetes in pregnancy, or require a caesarean section. |
| Consumer Link Moderate exercise and dieting reduces risk of Cesarean section and diabetes in pregnancy |
| Research Link BMJ 2017;358:j3119 |
| July 27, 2017 Managing Blood Pressure: The focus on salt and sodium may have obscured the important roles that several other nutrients and food components play in the management of blood pressure. For example, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamins D, K, and C, and lycopene (from tomatoes) have all been found to have beneficial effects on hypertension. |
| Consumer Link Under pressure: preventing hypertension with nutrients |
| Research Link World Heart Federation. Hypertension Fact Sheet. May 29, 2017. |
| July 26, 2017 Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: A metabolic chamber study found that consuming a sugar-sweetened drink with a high-protein meal significantly reduced energy expenditure after the meal, resulting in more storage of body fat. Likely, any source of additional carbohydrate with this type of meal can support more fat storage and reduce the energy expenditure needed to convert protein to glucose. |
| Consumer Link Why sugary drinks and protein-rich meals don't go well together |
| Research Link BMC Nutrition 2017; 3 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s40795-017-0170-2 |
| July 25, 2017 Backyard Chickens and Salmonella: Chickens that are apparently healthy and clean can carry Salmonella bacteria that can be transferred to humans. After handling chickens and chicks and working in their environment, it is important to wash hands well with soap and water. Also, minimize contact between chickens and children. Eggs from free-range or backyard chickens may be more likely to carry Salmonella, so cook them well. |
| Consumer Link Backyard Chickens Sicken Hundreds with Salmonella (CDC) |
| Research Link CDC Outbreak Advisory. July 13, 2017. |
| July 24, 2017 Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain: Nearly 25 percent of high school seniors report getting drunk in the last 30 days. This is rather disconcerting when put into the context of what we now know about brain development during the teen and young adult years. The short term risks are obvious (drunk driving, unsafe sex, etc.), but the negative effects of heavy alcohol consumption on complex brain plasticity changes can adversely affect psychosocial development, academic success, and have a life-long impact on neurocognitive function. |
| Consumer Link Heavy drinking during adolescence: Dire effects on the brain |
| Research Link Frontiers in Psychology. June 30, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 23, 2017 Weight and Food Choices: A study of over 9000 adolescents in China found that overweight teens consumed vegetables and fruits more frequently, and sweets, snacks, and fast foods less frequently than those who were not overweight. Why? The extra weight likely was due to the most common forms of vegetable preparation: deep-fried and stir-fried with vegetable oils. |
| Consumer Link Healthy eating habits making Chinese youth overweight |
| Research Link American Journal of Health Behavior, Volume 35, Number 4, July 2011, pp. 496-506(11) |
| July 22, 2017 Seaweed Ingredients: Seaweeds represent a widely under-utilized food and source of beneficial food ingredients. As rich sources of polyphenols among other compounds, seaweed components can both enhance food safety and provide healthful antioxidants. |
| Consumer Link Seaweed ingredients may improve quality and safety of foods: Review |
| Research Link Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 Mar;4(3):205-11. Epub 2011 Apr 12. |
| July 21, 2017 BCAAs and Muscle Protein Synthesis: Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. However, when BCAA supplements are taken in isolation, the total muscle protein synthesis response is not as great as when BCAAs are taken with other essential amino acids or with a high quality protein source. |
| Consumer Link Not all muscle building supplements are equal |
| Research Link Front. Physiol. June 7, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 20, 2017 Breastfeeding and Multiple Sclerosis: Longer duration of breastfeeding is associated with a reduced maternal risk of developing multiple sclerosis. It is not known why this association exists, but it is one of many benefits linked to breastfeeding. |
| Consumer Link Moms who breastfeed may have reduced risk of MS |
| Research Link Neurology. 2017 Jul 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 19, 2017 Vitamin B12 and Brain Aging: A study of 52 older women with mild cognitive impairment found that low blood vitamin B12 concentrations, within the normal range, are associated with poorer memory performance. This impaired mental performance was associated with changes in the microstructure of the brain memory center - the hippocampus. Additional study is needed to determine if supplementation with vitamin B12 could improve brain function in people with this type of impairment. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12, the Microstructure of the Hippocampus, and Learning in Older Women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Apr;103(4):1045-54. |
| July 18, 2017 Tomatoes and Skin Cancer: A study using a mouse model found that feeding the animals a diet high in dehydrated red tomato powder caused a 50 percent reduction in skin cancer tumors. Interestingly, the cancer reduction occurred only in male mice. There was no effect on female mice. |
| Consumer Link Diet rich in tomatoes cuts skin cancer in half in mice |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2017; 7: 5106. |
| July 17, 2017 Non-anemic Iron Deficiency in Young Women: Young women are often screened for Iron deficiency anemia to assess iron status. However, a recent study found that this may miss almost ten percent of women age 12 to 21 years who have iron deficiency without anemia. The researchers recommend that females be fully evaluated for iron status (not just anemia) at age 16 or approximately three years after the start of menstruation. |
| Consumer Link Earlier blood testing for iron deficiency and anemia recommended for young women |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2017 May 9;12(5):e0177183. |
| July 16, 2017 Soup to Lower Calories: Research has shown that consuming a low-calorie soup prior to the lunch entree can help to reduced total calories consumed at that meal in both adults and children. |
| Consumer Link Eating Soup Will Help Cut Calories At Meals |
| Research Link Appetite. 2011 Aug;57(1):213-9. Epub 2011 May 8. |
| July 15, 2017 Water Needs: It is difficult to drink too much water, but it is possible. The Institute of Medicine points out that the maximal adult kidney excretion rate is 0.7 to 1.0 liters of water per hour. Unless the rate of sweat loss is substantial, consuming water at or above this rate could be harmful and even deadly. |
| Consumer Link Waterlogged America: Do We Drink Too Much? |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Water |
| July 14, 2017 Tour de France Nutrition: The Tour de France is one of the most demanding endurance events in the world. Currently at stage 13 of 21 stages, the cyclists will cover a total distance of 3,540 km (2200 miles) after completing all the stages. Research indicates that this requires consuming from 5000 to 8000 calories per day depending primarily on the variable demands of each stage and the body weight of the rider. |
| Consumer Link What do Tour de France cyclists eat? |
| Research Link Int J Sports Med. 1989 May;10 Suppl 1:S32-40. |
| July 13, 2017 Iron Status and Heart Disease: In 1981, the theory was proposed that higher iron status increases the risk for coronary artery disease. A very large new study that accounted for genetics along with iron status found just the opposite - higher iron status reduces coronary artery disease risk. Up until now, less well-designed studies both supported and refuted the theory. This new study is the most conclusive to date and should relegate the 1981 theory to the history books. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency may raise heart disease risk |
| Research Link Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2017 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 12, 2017 Coffee and Health: A new study surveyed the coffee drinking habits of more than 520,000 people in 10 European countries. This largest study to date on coffee drinking found that drinking more coffee was associated with a lower risk of mortality. |
| Consumer Link Drinking more coffee leads to a longer life, two studies say |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. July 2017. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| July 11, 2017 Food Intake Control and Brain Inflammation: The obese state in humans and animal models is commonly accompanied by generalized inflammation in the body. It also appears that there is a food intake regulatory part of the brain that can experience increased inflammation. Increased inflammation in this part of the brain promotes the drive to eat, especially when the diet is high in fat and other concentrated sources of calories. |
| Consumer Link Brain's immune cells may drive overeating and weight gain |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2017;26:185–197. |
| July 10, 2017 Anorexia Nervosa Outcome: A study in Germany evaluated the long-term outcomes of 112 people about 2 decades after their initial anorexia nervosa diagnosis. Predictors of long-term negative issues include both a lower BMI and older age at time of diagnosis. These results emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. |
| Consumer Link Lasting Negative Consequences for Anorexia Nervosa |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord.2017;1–10. |
| July 9, 2017 Macular Degeneration, Genes, and Diet: Genetic predisposition is a major determinant of the risk of developing vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, a study of identical twins found that siblings who smoked and/or had diets low in vitamin D, betaine, and methionine had a greater risk of developing AMD. Good sources of betaine include beets, spinach, and quinoa. Methionine is high in eggs and most high protein animal foods. |
| Consumer Link Twin Study Shows Lifestyle, Diet Can Significantly Influence Course of Macular Degeneration |
| Research Link Ophthalmology. 2011 Jul;118(7):1386-94 |
| July 8, 2017 Salt - Time to Re-evaluate: Sodium and chloride, the components of common salt, are essential nutrients for the human body. Like many other nutrients, it is possible to consume too much of them. However, how much is too much salt is not as clear as many would like to think according to a recent extensive review of the subject. |
| Consumer Link Salt reductions may not reduce heart disease risk: Cochrane review |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2011 Aug;24(8):843-53. |
| July 7, 2017 Body Weight and Migraine: An analysis of 12 studies that utilized the data from almost 300,000 participants, found that the risk of migraine was greater in both obese and underweight individuals. Further study is needed to determine if weight loss or gain can decrease the risk of migraine. |
| Consumer Link Both too much, too little weight tied to migraine |
| Research Link Neurology. 2017 May 9;88(19):1795-1804. |
| July 6, 2017 Sense of Smell and Body Fat: Mice generally become obese on a high fat diet. However, when researchers blocked the sense of smell in mice consuming a high fat diet, the mice still consumed the same amount of calories, but didn't become obese like mice with a normal sense of smell. It is not known if this translates to humans, but it suggests some interesting research directions. |
| Consumer Link Smelling your food makes you fat. |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2017;26(1):198–211. |
| July 5, 2017 Binge Drinking in Disabled College Students: Binge drinking is a relatively common risky behavior in college students. A survey of college students with disabilities found that they also commonly engage in binge drinking. Prevention programs need to include disabled students in their target population. |
| Consumer Link How serious is binge drinking among college students with disabilities? |
| Research Link Pub Health Rep. 2017;132(4):1-9. |
| July 4, 2017 Exercise in Obese Older People: Obesity in older adults often causes serious limitations in physical mobility. Although exercise often has been reported to not be a "cure" for obesity, a program of moderate-intensity physical activity in sedentary men and women aged 70 to 89 years significantly improved mobility and helped to prevent major mobility disability. |
| Consumer Link Older obese adults can benefit from moderate exercise |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Jul;25(7):1199-1205. |
| July 3, 2017 Chocolate and Brain Function: There is research evidence that components in chocolate, especially flavonols in the cocoa solids, may have beneficial effects on brain function. However, these potential benefits must be put into perspective because of the high sugar and fat content of many chocolate products. |
| Consumer Link Cocoa and chocolate are not just treats -- they are good for your cognition |
| Research Link Front. Nutr., 16 May 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 2, 2017 Cooked Food May Decrease Some Food Allergies: Food allergies are caused by an immune response to a normally harmless food protein. In some cases, cooking a food can change the chemical structure of the allergenic protein so that the cooked food does not cause an allergic response in an individual who is allergic to the raw food. Researchers have used cooked milk in foods to help children gradually decrease their milk allergy sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Foods with baked milk may help build tolerance in children with dairy allergies, study suggests |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Jul;128(1):125-131 |
| July 1, 2017 Kidney Stones and Calcium: Calcium is a major components of most kidney stones. Interestingly, consuming a diet low in food sources of calcium has been found to increase the risk of developing kidney stones. In contrast, women taking calcium supplements were more likely to get kidney stones. Adequate dietary calcium appears to be the best option. |
| Consumer Link Can calcium supplements cause kidney stones? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jul;94(1):5-6. |
| June 30, 2017 Challenges of Weight Maintenance: Maintenance of body weight after weight loss is surprisingly difficult. The Endocrine Society has published a Scientific Statement that reviews the state of current science related to this public health challenge. Solutions are likely complex and there does not appear to be any "one size fits all" type of treatment. |
| Consumer Link Scientific statement on obesity's causes |
| Research Link Endocrine Reviews. 2017;38:1–30. |
| June 29, 2017 Iron and Zinc Fortification of Wheat: Cultures that rely heavily on staple foods like wheat to meet most of their calorie needs often suffer from serious iron and zinc deficiency. A study found that spraying growing wheat plants with a solution containing iron and zinc significantly increased zinc, but not iron, in the flour made from one of the two wheat varieties tested. |
| Consumer Link Tackling iron and zinc deficiencies with 'better' bread |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. June 28, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 28, 2017 Fathers and Childhood Obesity: Increased involvement of fathers in the physical caregiving of young children is associated with lower odds of children becoming obese. It is not known why this association exists, but it could be related to increased occasions for a child to be physically active. |
| Consumer Link Fathers' involvement may help prevent childhood obesity |
| Research Link Obesity. 2017 Jun 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 27, 2017 Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fish: Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition characterized by generalized inflammation throughout the body. A recent study of people with rheumatoid arthritis found that those who consumed at least two servings of fish per week on a regular basis had lower measures of disease activity. |
| Consumer Link Eating fish may reduce arthritis symptoms |
| Research Link Arthritis Care Res. 2017 Jun 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 26, 2017 Sleep and Body Fat: Limited or poor quality sleep has been linked to increased risk for obesity, hypertension, and coronary heart disease, A new study indicates that there is some protective value to allowing yourself to sleep-in on weekends, especially if you don't get enough sleep during the week. |
| Consumer Link Sleeping-in on weekends linked to lower body weight |
| Research Link Sleep. 2017 May 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 25, 2017 Maintaining Nutrient Quality in Foods: The content of some key vitamins in fresh produce begins to decrease soon after harvest. Therefore to get the most nutrients from your produce, buy fresh produce in quantities that can be consumed within a few days |
| Consumer Link Ways to use vegetables in Hawaii |
| Research Link Eur J Cancer Prev. 1997 Mar;6 Suppl 1:S21-4. |
| June 24, 2017 The competitive drive and desire to manage body weight often pulls athletes into eating habits that limit key foods and can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders. The National Athletic Weight Loss in Athletes: Trainers Association released a position statement that provides rational weight management guidelines that are designed to support health and optimal athletic performance. |
| Consumer Link Athletic trainers stress safe weight loss methods |
| Research Link J Athl Train. 2011;46(3):322-36. |
| June 23, 2017 Physical Activity in Adolescents: Using data collected between 2003 and 2006 in over 12,000 people, researchers found that the average activity level of those in their later teenage years was as low as those in their sixties. The teen years are an important stage of life to develop healthful lifestyle habits. |
| Consumer Link 19-year-olds as sedentary as 60-year-olds, study suggests |
| Research Link Prev Med. 2017;101:102-108. |
| June 22, 2017 Diabetes in Asia: Many people with certain types of Asian ancestry are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is often the case for Asians who are not overweight by typical standards, but they have excess body fat - sometimes called normal weight obesity. Consequently, more specific standards are needed for these populations, along with regular screening for diabetes or prediabetes. |
| Consumer Link Food Vision Asia: Can Asia win the war on diabetes and obesity? |
| Research Link BMJ. 2016;355:i5953. |
| June 21, 2017 Type 2 Diabetes and Fatty Liver: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver that can damage liver structure and function over time. NAFLD is more common in people with type 2 diabetes. Good nutrition can help to prevent or treat NAFLD. Maintaining normal vitamin E and D status may help. Also, adequate intake of protein and choline helps to move fat out of the liver. Eggs are a rich source of choline as well as protein. |
| Consumer Link Is the Liver being Affected by the Double Burden of Hidden Hunger and Overnutrition? |
| Research Link Diabetes Care 2016 Feb; dc151876. |
| June 20, 2017 Iron Deficiency in Young Children: A study with iron deficient children age 9 to 48 months compared a moderate daily dose of the traditional iron sulfate supplement to the same dose of an iron polysaccharide complex supplement that was expected to be more effective. Both supplements improved iron status, however the iron sulfate supplement was more effective and had less side effects. It was thought that the moderate dose of iron used in the study helped to reduce adverse reactions. |
| Consumer Link Traditional treatment is better for iron-deficiency anemia, clinical trial shows |
| Research Link JAMA. 2017;317(22):2297-2304. |
| June 19, 2017 Vitamin D and Type 1 Diabetes: A study of 197 children and adolescents with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes found that 40 percent of them had low vitamin D status. Since those with low vitamin D status also were more likely to have poor blood glucose control, the researchers recommend that children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes be checked for vitamin D deficiency on a regular basis. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D and Blood Glucose Management |
| Research Link Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2016 May;115:54-9. |
| June 18, 2017 Father's Influence on Food Choices: It is commonly assumed that mothers have the greatest influence on the food preferences of their children. However, new research indicates that fathers may have even greater influence on the food choices of their children. |
| Consumer Link Children eschew the fat if dads aren't lenient |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2011 May-Jun;43(3):142-9. |
| June 17, 2017 Alcohol and the Brain: Although alcohol is the most commonly consumed drug in the world, we are only beginning to understand the chemical details of how it affects the brain. Like most other mind altering drugs, alcohol appears to bind to specific proteins in the brain. Knowledge of these molecular details may lead to new treatments for alcoholism. |
| Consumer Link Understanding Alcohol's Damaging Effects on the Brain |
| Research Link Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01502.x |
| June 16, 2017 Eggs for Infants: A study was conducted in Ecuador where stunted growth in children is a significant problem. The study provided children aged 6 to 9 months with one egg daily for six months and compared their growth to children who did not receive eggs. The egg intervention reduced the prevalence of stunted growth by 47 percent. The egg intervention also reduced children underweight by 74 percent. |
| Consumer Link One egg per day could reduce stunted growth |
| Research Link Pediatrics Jun 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 15, 2017 Vitamin A and Diabetes: New research indicates that a form of vitamin A plays a key role in the process that triggers pancreas beta-cells to release insulin when needed. Although the researchers do not indicate that high dose vitamin A can treat type 2 diabetes (due to toxicity concerns), they do think that their research may lead to the discovery of other, less toxic, chemicals that can trigger the same cell receptors affected by vitamin A. |
| Consumer Link The role of vitamin A in diabetes |
| Research Link Endocrine J. 2017;64(3):325. |
| June 14, 2017 Natural Plant Compounds and Prostate Cancer: Researchers tested 142 natural plant compounds on mouse and human cell lines to see which compounds most effectively inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. The most effective compounds were ursolic acid, found in apple peels and rosemary; curcumin from turmeric; and resveratrol naturally found in red grapes or berries. This work requires substantial follow-up research to identify effective dosage and potentially negative effects of high doses. |
| Consumer Link Starving prostate cancer with what you eat: Apple peels, red grapes, turmeric |
| Research Link npj Precision Oncology. June 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 13, 2017 Supplements and Liver Damage: Herbal and dietary supplements now account for 20 percent of cases of liver injury in the United States. The primary implicated ingredients include anabolic steroids and green tea extract along with some multi-ingredient nutritional supplements. Anabolic steroids are drugs that are illegal in supplements but are sometimes found in products targeting bodybuilders. Green tea extract is included in many products, including those marketed for weight loss. This highly concentrated extract of green tea appears to have dosage upper limits that need more study to be established. |
| Consumer Link Supplements blamed for increasing liver damage |
| Research Link Hepatology 2017;65:363-373. |
| June 12, 2017 Diet of Early Homo sapiens: A new fossil study in Morocco indicates that Homo sapiens existed approximately 300,000 years ago, about 100,000 years earlier than previously estimated. The fossils also indicated that large and small animals, along with ostrich eggs were a major part of their diet. |
| Consumer Link Homo sapiens 100,000 years earlier: Ancestors' diet of game revealed |
| Research Link Nature. 2017;546(7657):289. |
| June 11, 2017 Pregnancy Nutrition and Later Health: A mother's nutrition during pregnancy can have life-long effects on the health of her young. Based on a recent study with mice, a mild deficiency of the B vitamins folate, B-2, B-6, and B-12 in the diet of the mother can greatly increase the risk of colorectal cancer in her offspring. |
| Consumer Link B Vitamins in Mother's Diet Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk in Offspring, Animal Study Suggests |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2011 Sep;25(9):3136-45. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-184143. Epub 2011 Jun 6. |
| June 10, 2017 Coffee and Hep C: Almost ten times as many people are infected by the hepatitis C virus compared to the AIDS virus. Although no reliable treatment currently exists for hepatitis C, coffee consumption has been reported to slow the progression of the disease and to improve the response to current standard treatment. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Drinking Improves Hepatitis C Treatment Response, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2011 Jun;140(7):1961-9. |
| June 9, 2017 Exercise and Intestinal Problems: Exercise of high intensity or very long duration can cause gastrointestinal problems in some people. “Exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome” is thought to be related to reduced blood flow to the intestines due to greater blood flow to the working muscles to meet increased oxygen demands and increased blood flow to the skin to enhance heat loss from the body. Some people are more susceptible to exercise-induced gastrointestinal problems than others and may need to moderate their exercise intensity and/or duration. |
| Consumer Link Too much exercise can cause acute, chronic GI issues |
| Research Link Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2017;00:1–20. |
| June 8, 2017 Nutrients in Rice Bran: There is little difference between the fiber and B vitamin content of brown and white rice. However, the bran removed from brown rice to produce white rice is rich in fiber and the B vitamins thiamin, niacin, and pyridoxine. Rice bran often is used as an animal food, but it could be a nutritious addition to various foods for people. |
| Consumer Link The part of rice we don't eat may be highly nutritious |
| Research Link Rice. 2 June 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 7, 2017 Whole Wheat or White? An in-depth study was conducted on 20 adults during one-week periods of consuming about 25 percent of their calories either in the form of common commercially produced white bread or sour dough bread made from freshly ground whole grain wheat flour. They found no significant differences in multiple clinical parameters associated with the type of bread consumed. What was most interesting is that about half of the subjects experienced a greater increase in blood glucose after eating white bread and the other half had blood glucose rise more after the whole grain bread. |
| Consumer Link Is white or whole wheat bread 'healthier?' Depends on the person |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism Volume 25, Issue 6, p1243–1253.e5, 6 June 2017 |
| June 6, 2017 Vitamin K in Milk Products: Chemical analysis of milk products found that appreciable amounts of various forms of vitamin K are present in fat-containing milk products. Since vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, fat-free milk products contain essentially no vitamin K. |
| Consumer Link Dairy products a good dietary source of some types of vitamin K |
| Research Link Curr Dev Nutr June 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 5, 2017 Tea and DNA: A new study reports that tea consumption by women leads to epigenetic changes in genes that are known to interact with cancer and estrogen metabolism in ways that may reduce disease risk. Epigenetic changes are chemical modifications that turn genes off or on. |
| Consumer Link Tea consumption leads to epigenetic changes in women |
| Research Link Hum Mol Genet. 2017 May 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 4, 2017 Clinical Effects of Marginal Nutrition: Major intestinal surgery can reduce the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin A. Based on case studies, it may take years or even decades for the effects of malabsorption to become clinically apparent. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A Deficiency Linked To Major Intestinal Surgery |
| Research Link Br J Ophthalmol. 2006 Aug; 90(8): 955–956. |
| June 3, 2017 Inadequate Nutrition and Aging:The human body can survive without optimal nutrition for long periods of time. New research, however, proposes that this survival is at the expense of accelerated aging. The body seems to protect the most immediately essential functions of a limited nutrient at the expense of functions that are of less immediate concern. |
| Consumer Link How Vitamins and Minerals May Prevent Age-Related Diseases |
| Research Link The FASEB Journal June 2011 vol. 25 no. 6 1793-1814 |
| June 2, 2017 Food Allergy: Hospitalizations due to food allergy reactions have been on the rise in the U.S. during the past decade. Approximately four percent of Americans have a food allergy, with the most common food allergies being those due to shellfish, fruits or vegetables, dairy, and peanuts. |
| Consumer Link Nearly 4 Percent of Americans Suffer From Food Allergies |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immun. May 31 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 1, 2017 Migraine Headache and Riboflavin: A review of five clinical trials testing the effect of riboflavin supplementation on the frequency of migraine headache occurrence in adults found that there was a significant reduction in migraines in those taking riboflavin. Studies on children and adolescents found less consistent benefits. More research is needed to determine why some people benefit from riboflavin supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin Shows Positive Effect for Migraine in Adults |
| Research Link J Clin Pharm Ther. 8 May 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 31, 2017 Food Intake Control: Study of the factors in the human body that regulate the balance between hunger and satiety has found a very complex interplay of neural and hormonal factors. A new innovative study in mice identified a region of the brain called the zona incerta that stimulates food intake and represents a new factor to consider in studies of human food intake control. |
| Consumer Link Obscure brain region linked to feeding frenzy in mice |
| Research Link Science. May 26, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 30, 2017 Foods as Sources of Nutrients: Foods are more than just a mixture of nutrients. For example, the fat in almonds is absorbed much more efficiently from almond butter than from a handful of chewed almonds. Similarly, the amount of iron in spinach is relatively unimportant due to other components in spinach that prevent iron absorption. And, although milk products contain significant amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, their consumption is mainly associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, an expert panel is recommending that food labeling regulations take these types of issues into account in the future. |
| Consumer Link Rethinking nutrition labeling: Food is not just the sum of its nutrients |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 May;105(5):1033-1045 |
| May 29, 2017 Activity Monitoring Devices: A new study evaluated the accuracy of seven commercially available wristband activity monitoring devices. These devices provide the user with their heart rate data and calculated energy expenditure based on heart rate. Although heart rate is closely related to energy expenditure, it has long been known by exercise physiologists that heart rate does not provide an accurate measure of energy expenditure (calories expended). This study clearly shows that these devices measure heart rate reasonably well, but their estimation of energy expenditure is very inaccurate. |
| Consumer Link Fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate but not calories burned |
| Research Link J. Pers. Med. 2017, 7(2), 3. |
| May 28, 2017 Vitamin D and Reproduction: Male fertility can be affected by many things. Normal vitamin D status may be one of these factors. New research from Denmark found that sperm motility was greater for men with normal vitamin D status than for men who had low blood levels of the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D increases speed of sperm cells |
| Research Link Hum Reprod. 2011 Jun;26(6):1307-17. |
| May 27, 2017 Decreasing Autism Risks: A woman's nutrition before and during pregnancy may be a major factor in the risk of having a child with autism. Women who reported taking a daily prenatal vitamin supplement during the 3 months before pregnancy and during the first month of pregnancy had almost half the risk of having a child with autism in comparison with women who did not take a prenatal supplement. |
| Consumer Link Women who start prenatal vitamins early are less likely to have children with autism, study finds |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2011 Jul;22(4):476-85 |
| May 26, 2017 Statin Use in Older Adults: Researchers analyzed data from 2,867 people, age 65 and older with high blood pressure and no evidence of arterial plaque accumulation. About half of these individuals were taking the statin drug pravastatin. After six years, the results indicated that there was no difference in mortality between those taking the statin drug and those not taking it. Of some concern, among those 75 and older, there was a nonsignificant trend toward increased all-cause mortality in those taking pravastatin. |
| Consumer Link Older adults may not benefit from taking statins to prevent heart disease |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. May 22, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 25, 2017 Chocolate and Atrial Fibrillation Risk: A study of over 50,000 adults found that the risk of having atrial fibrillation was about 20 percent lower in people who consumed two to six one-ounce servings of chocolate per week compared to those who rarely ate chocolate. However, for those consuming more chocolate than this (one or more servings per day), the risk reduction was 14 percent. So, as usual, the message is to enjoy chocolate, but in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Regular chocolate consumption may be linked to lower risk of heart flutter |
| Research Link Heart. May 23, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 24, 2017 Infants and Fruit Juice: The American Academy of Pediatrics released recommendations that fruit juice should not be fed to infants less that one year of age. When infants are ready for foods other than breast milk or formula, around six months of age, they should be offered mashed or pureed foods rather than juices. Among other things, the high sugar and acid content of fruit juices can cause dental enamel erosion and tooth decay. |
| Consumer Link New fruit juice guidelines include a big change for kids under 1 |
| Research Link American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement. May 2017. |
| May 23, 2017 Food Insecurity and Mental Health: A large international study found a strong association between measures of food insecurity and common forms of mental illness like depression and anxiety. It is estimated that almost one out of three people in the world are food insecure. Clearly, more research is needed to evaluate how often food security may cause mental illness and how mental illness may lead to food insecurity. |
| Consumer Link Food insecurity can affect your mental health |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2017 Apr 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 22, 2017 Fat in Bones: When body fat increases, it appears that the amount of fat in bone marrow also increases. A new study with mice found that exercise helps to reduce bone fat and to enhance bone quality. |
| Consumer Link Another reason to exercise: Burning bone fat a key to better bone health |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2017 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 21, 2017 Gestational Diabetes and Weight: A type of diabetes called gestational diabetes frequently develops in women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Women who gain a significant amount of weight after their first pregnancy are at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes during their second pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Weight Gain Between First and Second Pregnancies Increases Woman's Gestational Diabetes Risk, Study Finds |
| Research Link Obstetrics & Gynecology 2011;117 ( 6):1323-1330. |
| May 20, 2017 Pregnancy and High Blood Pressure: During pregnancy, a dangerous condition develops in some women called pre-eclampsia. Characterized by excessively high blood pressure and related problems, this condition can be very dangerous for both mother and fetus. Recent research found that daily consumption of a food bar fortified with the amino acid arginine significantly reduced the incidence of pre-eclampsia. Foods that are rich in arginine include meats, poultry, eggs, nuts, and seeds. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Supplement Can Protect Against Pre-Eclampsia, New Study Suggests |
| Research Link BMJ 2011;342:d2901 |
| May 19, 2017 Nutrients for Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a cause of premature death worldwide. To improve blood pressure,there are a number of nutrients that can help. These include: the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin C, vitamin D, potassium, and a tomato extract supplement called Fruitflow. |
| Consumer Link Under pressure: preventing hypertension with nutrients |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2017 Mar;56(2):461-482. doi: 10.1007/s00394-016-1265-2. Epub 2016 Jul 7. |
| May 18, 2017 Body Fatness in Children and Adolescents: Body Mass Index (BMI - weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) often is used to assess body fatness. The use of BMI has limitations and new research shows that the Tri-ponderal mass index (TMI - weight in kilograms divided by height in meters cubed) estimates body fat percentage more accurately than BMI in non-Hispanic white adolescents aged 8 to 17 years. Additional research is needed to validate this for other racial/ethnic groups. |
| Consumer Link A Better Way to Measure Body Fat in the Young? |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. May 15, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 17, 2017 Food Waste = Nutrient Waste: Using United States food waste data, researchers estimated nutrients lost from the food supply. They found that it added up to about 1200 calories, 33 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 286 mg calcium, and 880 mg of potassium per person per day. That adds up to about half of the daily calorie and protein needs of a typical adult. |
| Consumer Link Wasted nutrients: The result of widespread food waste |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. May 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 16, 2017 Nutrient Deficiency and Animal Behavior: Researchers observed that wild European hamsters living in corn fields were exhibiting strange behaviors, including eating their live young shortly after birth. A laboratory experiment that fed the animals a diet primarily consisting of corn resulted in the same behaviors in the lab setting. It turned out that the abnormal behavior was due to a deficiency of niacin and the animals were suffering from the condition called pellagra in humans. |
| Consumer Link Wild hamsters raised on corn eat their young alive |
| Research Link Proc Biol Sci. 2017 Jan 25;284(1847). |
| May 15, 2017 Yogurt and Bone Density: A large study in Ireland found that those who reported eating the greatest number of yogurt servings per day had the best bone density. Even though the research design was unable to prove a cause and effect relationship, yogurt and other milk products contain significant amounts of key nutrients needed for bone health such as calcium and protein. |
| Consumer Link Yogurt consumption in older Irish adults linked with better bone health |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2017 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s00198-017-4049-5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 14, 2017 Early Nutrition Affects Life-long Health: Nutrition during the first two years of life can have life-long effects on health and function later in life. A follow-up study on over 1400 Guatemalan adults (at age 32) found that those who had received an infant supplement providing extra protein and calories scored higher on intellectual tests of reading comprehension and cognitive functioning than those who had received a similar supplement with no protein and less calories. |
| Consumer Link Early-Life Nutrition May Be Associated With Adult Intellectual Functioning |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008 Jul;162(7):612-8. |
| May 13, 2017 Maintaining Brain Health: A decrease in brain size is associated with a decline in mental function in older people. Those with high blood homocysteine levels generally experience a more rapid rate of brain atrophy. Supplementation with the B vitamins folate, B-6, and B-12 has been found to lower blood homocysteine levels and to help prevent the loss of brain mass. |
| Consumer Link Brain Research: Vitamins & Nutrition |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (9): e12244 DOI: |
| May 12, 2017 Vitamin D and Asthma: Some epidemiological studies found that low vitamin D status is associated with increased rates of asthma. However, a new large study on more than 100,000 individuals identified those with genetic variations associated with vitamin D status and found that there was no significant association between vitamin D status and the incidence of asthma. Though not likely to be a cure for asthma, maintaining good vitamin D status is important for many other health-related reasons. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D levels not linked to asthma or dermatitis |
| Research Link PLoS Med. May 9, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 11, 2017 GMO Soybeans and Climate Change: In a study comparing the productivity of genetically engineered soybeans to regular soybeans, only the modified soybeans maintained normal levels of production under the temperatures and carbon dioxide levels expected to occur in the year 2050. |
| Consumer Link Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions |
| Research Link Journal of Experimental Botany, (2017) 68 (3): 715-726. |
| May 10, 2017 Sugar Use by Muscle: It has been known for some time that muscle tissues can efficiently take up the sugar glucose from the blood during exercise even when insulin is low. New research is finding the cellular mechanisms for this phenomenon which may help to develop additional ways to manage elevated blood sugar levels. |
| Consumer Link Your muscles can 'taste' sugar |
| Research Link Mol Cell. 2017 May 4;66(3):332-344.e4. |
| May 9, 2017 Insects for a Sustainable Food Supply: In an analysis of the production of protein foods that require less land use, the two most efficient products included imitation meat (based on soybeans, etc.) and insects. Production of poultry meat, eggs and milk was almost as efficient. However, this evaluation did not account for beef and lamb production on grazing land that is not fit for other agricultural activities. |
| Consumer Link Edible insects could play key role in cutting harmful emissions |
| Research Link Global Food Security. 22 April 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 8, 2017 Stress and Intestinal Function: In response to four days of intensive military training that was both physically and psychologically demanding and stressful, soldiers experienced an increase in intestinal permeability, inflammation, and a change in the relative amounts of various bacteria in their lower intestine. These changes also may occur in athletes during periods of intensive training and would be expected to increase the risk for a number of problems, including increased susceptibility to illness and infection, and, if chronic, increased disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Prolonged military-style training causes changes to intestinal bacteria, increases inflammation |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2017 Mar 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 7, 2017 Sodium Basics: Sodium is an essential nutrient. The optimal amount to consume continues to be a hot and controversial topic. The results of a recent study conducted in Belgium go against current recommendations for low salt diets. The study found that those with the lowest salt intake had the greatest death rate from cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Author Insights: Questioning the Benefits of Salt Restriction |
| Research Link JAMA. 2011 May 4;305(17):1777-85. |
| May 6, 2017 Coffee and Antioxidants: In case you want some "feel good" information to support your coffee habit, caffeine is known to "scavenger" some free radical types of molecules called alkoxyl radicals. In "street language," this means that caffeine has antioxidant activity! |
| Consumer Link New Evidence That Caffeine Is a Healthful Antioxidant in Coffee |
| Research Link J. Phys. Chem. B, 2011, 115 (15), pp 4538–4546 |
| May 5, 2017 Sweet Tooth: Why do some people crave sweets and others do not? Researchers have identified gene variations associated with liver production of a molecule that reduces sweet consumption in animals and seems to similarly affect people. Perhaps you can blame your tight jeans on your genes. Other research also has indicated that inadequate protein intake can increase cravings for sweets. |
| Consumer Link Why do some of us have a sweet tooth? |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 2017;25(5):1045–1053. |
| May 4, 2017 Strawberries and Breast Cancer: A study of mice consuming a diet containing a large amount of a strawberry extract found that they had a significantly reduced risk of developing breast cancer. When the mice did develop breast cancer, the tumors were smaller and less aggressive than the tumors observed in mice not consuming the strawberry extract. This proves nothing yet for humans, but we can certainly feel good about eating strawberries. |
| Consumer Link Study on mice demonstrates the action of strawberries against breast cancer |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 8;6:30917. doi: 10.1038/srep30917. |
| May 3, 2017 Sunscreen Use and Vitamin D: Many of us use sunscreens to reduce skin cancer risk and protect our skin from damage by excessive sun exposure. This also reduces the production of vitamin D in the body from exposure to ultraviolet light radiation. This can decrease vitamin D status, making dietary and supplemental sources of vitamin D more important. |
| Consumer Link Widespread vitamin D deficiency likely due to sunscreen use, increase of chronic diseases, review finds |
| Research Link J Amer Osteo Assn. 2017;117:301-305. |
| May 2, 2017 Air Pollution: Air pollution is not something that is easy to reduce or eliminate. A review of the scientific literature related to decreasing the risk of health damage from air pollution, indicates that an adequate intake of B vitamins, vitamins C, D, and E, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can help to minimize damage from exposure to many types of air pollution. |
| Consumer Link A breath of fresh air: protecting against air pollution with nutritional solutions |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2015 Dec; 7(12): 10398–10416. |
| May 1, 2017 Diabetes Risk in Filipinos: People of Filipino ancestry have a greater risk of developing diabetes than most other groups. A new study found that even normal weight Filipinos have almost three times as much risk of developing diabetes than non-hispanic whites. |
| Consumer Link Diabetes risk high in Filipino Americans without obesity |
| Research Link Can J Public Health. 2017;108(1):e36-e42. |
| April 30, 2017 Exercise and Heart Health: It is well known that staying fit with regular exercise can reduce the risk of having a heart attack and, in addition, can decrease damage to the heart should a heart attack occur. Recent studies with animals indicate that daily exercise increases the body's capacity to produce nitric oxide, a short-lasting molecule that stimulates blood vessels to dilate and allow more blood to flow to the heart and other parts of the body. |
| Consumer Link Exercise Protects the Heart Via Nitric Oxide, Researchers Discover |
| Research Link Circ Res. 2011 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 29, 2017 B2 deficiency and Lip Cuts: If you frequently have an irritation or cut at the corners of your mouth, your diet might be low in vitamin B-2. Reasonable sources of B-2 (riboflavin) include fortified cereals, milk and other dairy products, almonds, and meats. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin works with other vitamins |
| Research Link Med J Aust. 1984 Nov 10;141(10):635-7. |
| April 28, 2017 Coffee and Prostate Cancer: A four-year Italian study of almost 7000 men age 50-plus, found that the risk of prostate cancer was lower in men who consumed more coffee. Although some of the headlines on coverage of this study imply that there is something special about Italian coffee, the researchers followed up their epidemiological study with cell culture research using prostate cancer cell lines and concluded that the main contributor to the reduced risk was caffeine. |
| Consumer Link Italian-style coffee may reduce risk of prostate cancer |
| Research Link Int. J. Cancer. 27 April 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 27, 2017 Salt and Blood Pressure: Following over 2600 adults over a period of 16 years, researchers found that blood pressure was lower in those consuming more sodium and more potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Although the sodium association clashes with current dietary recommendations, it is not the first study to make this observation. |
| Consumer Link Higher sodium intake associated with lower blood pressure. You read that right. |
| Research Link The FASEB Journal. 2017;31(1 Supp):446.6. |
| April 26, 2017 Aflatoxin in Sunflower Seeds: The liver carcinogen aflatoxin is produced by a mold known to grow on crops like peanuts when the nuts do not get dried quickly enough. A new study conducted in Tanzania found that sunflower seeds also can carry high levels of aflatoxin. |
| Consumer Link Sunflower seeds traced as source of toxic mold, potent liver carcinogen |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2017; 12 (4): e0175801. |
| April 25, 2017 Oats and Gluten: A new systematic review of 28 studies concluded that pure oats do not cause reactions in people with celiac disease. However, one complication is that oats are easily contaminated with gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, or barley at many stages of production, handling, and processing. |
| Consumer Link Oats appear safe for patients with celiac disease |
| Research Link Gastroenterol. April 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 24, 2017 Air Pollution and B Vitamins: After taking fairly high doses of three B vitamins, folic acid (2.5 mg/day), vitamin B6 (50 mg/day), and B12 (1 mg/day), for four weeks, human volunteers exposed to air pollution had less adverse physiological responses as measured by heart function changes and white blood cell counts. Long term intake of these B vitamins at these doses could potentially have adverse effects. Further studies are required to confirm this study and to evaluate the effect of longer duration of supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B diminishes effects of air pollution-induced cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 3;7:45322. |
| April 23, 2017 Heart Health and Calcium: A recent study on post-menopausal women found that the risk of heart attack was increased by about 20 percent in women taking calcium supplements with or without vitamin D. Additional research is needed to confirm these results and to find the right balance for maintaining both healthy bones and heart function. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk in Post-Menopausal Women: Study |
| Research Link BMJ. 2011;342:d2040. |
| April 22, 2017 Diabetes and Renal Health: High blood glucose levels in diabetes are known to contribute to progressive kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy). A recent study of diabetic mice found that a low carbohydrate "ketogenic" diet reversed diabetic nephropathy in two months. The researchers plan to explore how their observations may be tested further in humans. |
| Consumer Link Low carbohydrate diet may reverse kidney failure in people with diabetes |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 2011 6(4): e18604. |
| April 21, 2017 Salt and Water Intake: During simulated space travel to Mars, salt intake was varied to determine the effect on water consumption and fluid loss from the body. Unlike what was previously thought, higher salt intake on an ongoing basis did not have a significant effect on water consumed nor on water loss in the urine when measured over a period of several months. |
| Consumer Link Mission control: Salty diet makes you hungry, not thirsty |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. April 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 20, 2017 Zinc and Heart Health: A new study using piglets as a research model found that relatively short-term zinc deprivation (a few days) triggered a significant increase in oxidative stress in heart muscle. It is not yet clear exactly how this may translate to long term heart health in people. Red meats are among the richest sources of well absorbed zinc. |
| Consumer Link Zinc supply affects cardiac health |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2017 Apr;147(4):521-527. |
| April 19, 2017 Climate Change and Nutrients: Selenium is a nutritionally essential trace mineral. The amount of selenium in plant foods is directly related to the amount of selenium in the soil the plant is grown in. Based on existing data and models predicting the effects of future climate change, the amount of selenium in foods is likely to decline and cause selenium deficiency in many people around the world. There are similar predictions for a decline in iron and zinc. |
| Consumer Link Changing climate could worsen foods’ nutrition |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 Mar 14;114(11):2848-2853. |
| April 18, 2017 Nut Allergy: People who experience an allergic reaction to one type of nuts often are told that they are allergic to other types based on skin prick or blood tests (sensitivity tests). New research indicates that over half of the people with positive sensitivity tests are not allergic to other nuts when tested with oral consumption of the nuts. Oral food challenges with potentially allergenic foods should only be done under medical supervision. |
| Consumer Link Are tree nut allergies diagnosed too often? |
| Research Link Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 17, 2017 Carbs and Fiber in Diabetes: People managing type 2 diabetes need to moderate carbohydrate intake. In addition, research has shown that it can help to include sources of viscous fiber in carbohydrate containing meals to slow glucose absorption. Oats and barley are good sources of viscous fiber. |
| Consumer Link Recent scientific findings support new nutritional prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care 1997, 20, 1774–1780. |
| April 16, 2017 Gardening and Your Diet: Not eating your vegetables? Consider taking up gardening. It is good hobby both for physical activity and studies find that people who do gardening generally eat more vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Gardening linked to increased vegetable consumption in older adults |
| Research Link HortTechnology, 20: 711-717 (2010) |
| April 15, 2017 Burns and Vitamin E: A recent study of children who suffered from serious burn injury found that the body's vitamin E levels tended to drop to seriously low levels during the first 4 weeks of recovery. It is not known why this extreme physiological stress on the body affects vitamin E status or if other types of stress have similar effect. |
| Consumer Link Burn injuries rapidly deplete vitamin E |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Dec;92(6):1378-84. |
| April 14, 2017 Questionable Autism Treatments: There is a long history of failed therapies and fads for treating autism in children. Some of these highly promoted treatments are not only expensive, but risky to the child. The Food and Drug Administration provides parents with guidelines to avoid becoming the victim of a risky treatment. |
| Consumer Link Autism: Beware of Potentially Dangerous Therapies and Products |
| Research Link Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2016 Jun;46(6):195-201. |
| April 13, 2017 Running and Longevity: An updated analysis of multiple large studies on exercise and longevity found that investing two hours a week into running, even slowly, was associated with an average increase in lifespan of a little over 3 years. The associated increase in lifespan plateaued at about four hours of running per week. |
| Consumer Link An Hour of Running May Add 7 Hours to Your Life |
| Research Link Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2017 Mar 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 12, 2017 Eating Before Exercise: A new study demonstrated what we would expect. Exercise in the fasted state and you will use more energy from body fat tissues than if you exercise a couple hours after consuming a high-calorie carbohydrate-rich breakfast. However, what ultimately results in fat loss is a negative calorie balance maintained over time. So, what you burn up during exercise is less important than how much you eat later to replace those calories - or not. |
| Consumer Link To eat or not to eat (before exercising): That is the question |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Mar 14: [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 11, 2017 Viral Cause of Celiac: A new study makes the case that a major trigger for celiac disease may be the effects of the body's immune response to a normally innocuous virus (reovirus). There is still much to learn about this and how immune health may play a role. |
| Consumer Link Common virus may be celiac disease culprit |
| Research Link Science. 2017;356(6333):44-50. |
| April 10, 2017 Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Children: An adequate intake of the omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA) is known to be important for many things during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. This is especially true for brain and eye development, A study of seven to fourteen year-old children with mood disorders found that supplements of these fatty acids increased blood levels less in heavier children. Their study suggests that recommended intake of EPA and DHA should be based on body weight. |
| Consumer Link As kids' weight climbs, power of healthy fat supplements drops |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2017; 12 (4): e0173087 |
| April 9, 2017 Beetroot and Workouts: Beetroot juice has been shown to enhance various aspects of exercise performance, such as enabling a person to work out longer. This is due to the naturally high levels of nitrate. Borscht anyone? |
| Consumer Link Beetroot juice could help people live more active lives |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2011 Mar;110(3):591-600. |
| April 8, 2017 Birth Weight and Later Obesity: Low birth weight is linked to obesity later in life. The cause appears to be compromised brain development in regions of the brain that regulate food intake. The mother's nutrition during pregnancy sets the stage for a baby's life in many ways. |
| Consumer Link Why Low Birth Weight Is Linked to Obesity Later in Life: Study Provides Explanation |
| Research Link Brain Res. 2011 Mar 10;1378:29-42. |
| April 7, 2017 Potassium and Blood Pressure: For many decades the emphasis has been placed on cutting down on dietary sodium to reduce blood pressure. This recommendation has met with some degree of scientific controversy. However, as emphasized in a recent review article, there is substantial agreement that adequate potassium intake is an important contributor to normal blood pressure. Foods high in potassium (in decreasing order of potassium per common serving) include potatoes, prunes, carrots, most leafy greens, beans, tomato juice and sauces, yogurt, sweet potatoes, orange juice, and bananas. Fun fact: regular potato chips have more than twice as much potassium as sodium. |
| Consumer Link Fruit and veg can lower blood pressure according to reviewers |
| Research Link Am J Physiology Endo Metab. 4 April 2017 Vol. 312 no. 4, E348-E356. |
| April 6, 2017 Celiac Disease and Anorexia Nervosa: A study that included about 18,000 women with celiac disease found that anorexia nervosa often developed before or after the celiac disease diagnosis. Anorexia causes nutrient deficiency conditions (such as iron deficiency, especially in women) which can damage the intestinal structural integrity and increase the risk of developing allergies and celiac disease. Celiac disease can make eating a negative experience that could feasibly promote disordered eating and an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa. |
| Consumer Link Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Celiac Disease in Women |
| Research Link Pediatrics. April 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 5, 2017 Recipe Books and Food Safety: Based on an evaluation of 1,497 recipes containing meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs, from 29 cookbooks that appeared on the New York Times best sellers list, don't expect to get food safety guidelines with these recipes. Only about five percent of the recipes contained positive food safety behavior messages. |
| Consumer Link Cookbooks give readers (mostly) bad advice on food safety |
| Research Link British Food Journal, 2017; 119 (5). |
| April 4, 2017 Activity and Aging: Telomeres are cell structures that protect chromosomes from deterioration. They progressively shorten with age and reflect biological age more than chronological age. A study with almost 1500 women ages 64 to 95 (average 79) found that women with the least physical activity and most sitting time had shorter telomeres for their age. However, those who did a lot of sitting did not have shorter telomere length if they exercised for at least 30 minutes a day. |
| Consumer Link Too much sitting, too little exercise may accelerate biological aging |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2017 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 3, 2017 Vitamin B12 and Child Development: Vitamin B12 is well known to be essential for development and maintenance of nervous tissues, including the brain. A study conducted in a part of Nepal with low availability of animal foods (B12 sources) found that many infants had vitamin B12 status lower than optimal, but not seriously low. When these children were tested five years later, those who had lower B12 status in infancy scored more poorly on various measures of cognitive function and socialization. |
| Consumer Link Children with poor vitamin B12 status early in life struggle more with tasks, recognition and interpreting feelings |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 2, 2017 Protein to Prevent Excess Evening Calories: Research on overweight and obese men shows that if the men consumed lean protein foods at each of three meals a day in amounts of about 50 grams of protein per meal, the men experienced much less of the evening munchies. |
| Consumer Link Adding protein, like lean pork, may help dieters curb late-night munchies |
| Research Link Obesity. 2011 Apr;19(4):818-24. |
| April 1, 2017 Weight Loss Tips for Aging: Weight loss in older people can result in significant loss of muscle mass and bone mass. Therefore losing weight in a healthy way can be difficult. In obese seniors 65 years of age and up, a year of combining exercise and diet proved to be much better than diet or exercise treatments alone. |
| Consumer Link Diet-Exercise Combo Best for Obese Seniors |
| Research Link New England Journal of Medicine, 2011; 364 (13): 1218. |
| March 31, 2017 Vitamin B1 Deficiency in Infants: In 2004, an infant formula mistakenly lacking vitamin B1 (thiamin) was fed to a number of infants. At the time, some infants died from the mistake. Others developed neurological problems that seemed to resolve when vitamin B1 was replenished in their diets. However, a follow-up study of the surviving children at six years of age found that the deficiency in infancy had long-term negative effects on measures of gross and fine motor function and balance skills. |
| Consumer Link Infant vitamin B1 deficiency leads to poor motor function and balance |
| Research Link Matern Child Nutr. 2017 Jan 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 30, 2017 Vitamin D and Cancer: A study of postmenopausal women found that those taking vitamin D and calcium supplements did not have a statistically significant difference in the risk of developing cancer compared to those taking a placebo. However, blood levels of vitamin D were significantly lower in women who developed cancer during the 4-year study. This suggests that factors other than vitamin D intake affect vitamin D status. For example, it is known that iron deficiency impairs vitamin D metabolism, but few studies on vitamin D account for iron status of their participants. |
| Consumer Link Does Vitamin D decrease risk of cancer? |
| Research Link JAMA, 2017; 317 (12): 1234 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2017.2115 |
| March 29, 2017 Exercise Benefits: All types of exercise have been shown to enhance various aspects of health, especially in older people. A new study found that the major beneficial cellular adaptations to 12 weeks of training were greater in those who did high intensity interval training compared to those who did resistance exercise (strength training). |
| Consumer Link The Best Exercise for Aging Muscles |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2017 Mar 7;25(3):581-592. |
| March 28, 2017 Sugars and Fats: When the diet is high in carbohydrate and calories, the liver converts more sugar to fatty acids. A two-year intervention study that encouraged six to eight year old children to improve their overall diet and increase exercise, found that the children had a decrease in sugar to fat conversion. |
| Consumer Link Blood fatty acids reveal your child's diet |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Oct;104(4):964-972. |
| March 27, 2017 Iron from Beans: A compound called phytic acid in beans and whole grains greatly reduces absorption of nutrients like iron and zinc in these foods. Therefore, researchers developed beans with reduced amounts of phytic acid. Unexpectedly, lower phytic acid beans did not enhance iron absorption in human volunteers. Part of the problem seemed to be related to higher levels of a naturally occurring toxin (phytohemagglutinin) in the lower phytic acid beans. This toxin, commonly found in beans, was not adequately destroyed by usual cooking practices. |
| Consumer Link Can Biofortification or Reduction of Phytic Acid in Beans Increase Iron Uptake? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2016 May;146(5):970-5. |
| March 26, 2017 Milk fat and diabetes risk: A study that followed almost 4000 people for 20 years found that those who consumed the greatest amounts of a trans fatty acid (trans-palmitoleate) naturally present in milk fat had better insulin sensitivity and were less likely to develop diabetes. Based on these results, skim milk may not be the best option. |
| Consumer Link Fatty acid in dairy products may reduce type 2 diabetes risk |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2010 Dec 21;153(12):790-9. |
| March 25, 2017 Mercury and Fish Safety: A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the levels of mercury consumed in fish do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. This was based on two major studies with a total of over 170,000 participants. |
| Consumer Link Study finds no association between mercury exposure and risk of cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2011 Mar 24;364(12):1116-25. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1006876. |
| March 24, 2017 Food Insecurity in Early Childhood: A new study found that food insecurity in a child's family during their first two years of life predicted lower cognitive and social-emotional skills at five years of age. Brain development is most rapid during the first two years of life and is dependent on an adequate supply of all essential nutrients. Consequently, it makes sense that food insecurity during this period of rapid brain development can have serious lifelong effects. |
| Consumer Link Food insecurity in early childhood linked to young children's skills in kindergarten |
| Research Link Child Dev. 2017 Mar 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 23, 2017 Insulin Resistance and Mental Decline: With older age and sedentary lifestyle, many cells in the body can become less sensitive to insulin. This requires the pancreas to produce more insulin to promote the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells. New research reports that those who develop insulin resistance with age are more likely to experience mental decline. This is another good reason to stay physically active and maintain a healthy body weight with age. |
| Consumer Link Insulin resistance may lead to faster cognitive decline |
| Research Link J Alzheimers Dis. 2017 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 22, 2017 Dairy Foods and Health: A study with 897 Irish adults found that those who consumed more total dairy foods had significantly lower body mass index, percent body fat, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The study also reported that blood lipid profiles were less favorable when dairy foods were "eaten as part of a low-fat high-carbohydrate dietary pattern." Due to the cross-sectional design, the researchers stressed that more research is needed to clarify the associations they observed. |
| Consumer Link High cheese consumption does not raise cholesterol levels , Irish study suggests |
| Research Link Nutr Diabetes. 2017 Feb 20;7(2):e243. |
| March 21, 2017 Hypertension Diagnosis: It is estimated that about 20 percent of people being treated for high blood pressure have been misdiagnosed and do not need medication. The Canadian Hypertension Education Program recommends that traditional manual measurement of blood pressure (the usual approach for decades) not be used for diagnosis of hypertension. Rather, they recommend using newer automated blood pressure measurement techniques. |
| Consumer Link Do you really have high blood pressure? |
| Research Link Can Fam Physician. 2017 Mar;63(3):e193-e199. |
| March 20, 2017 Gut Microbes: New research questions the applicability of the results of studies transplanting lower intestinal contents from one animal into another animal that was raised in a bacteria-free environment. They found that animals fed normally in a normal environment responded to gut microbiota transplants very differently than bacteria-free mice. |
| Consumer Link Effects of gut flora revisited |
| Research Link Molecular Systems Biology (2017) 13, 921. |
| March 19, 2017 Fibromyalgia and Exercise: The long-term balance between physical activity and calorie intake determines body weight and body fat levels. People who have the painful condition called fibromyalgia are frequently overweight. Some researchers suggest that weight loss may improve the condition. However, the person with fibromyalgia is in a bit of a bind because the condition causes physical activity to be more painful and, thus, weight loss more difficult. |
| Consumer Link Study Probes Obesity Link to Fibromyalgia |
| Research Link J Pain. 2010 Dec;11(12):1329-37. Epub 2010 Jun 9 |
| March 18, 2017 Exercise to Lower Depression: Exercise programs have been found to be good treatment for some types of depression. A recent study on older people with depression found that even a gentle exercise like tai chi significantly improves the success of standard therapy for depression. |
| Consumer Link Tai chi beats back depression in the elderly, study shows |
| Research Link Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Mar 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 17, 2017 Vitamin E: Most people do not consume recommended amounts of vitamin E. This appears to be especially the case in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. In most people's diets, vegetable oils are the major source of vitamin E. However due to possible oxidation of vitamin E, these oils are not always reliable sources. Moderate use of supplemental vitamin E is a reasonable option, especially for those with metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E intakes for healthy hearts |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Mar;105(3):571-579. |
| March 16, 2017 Organic or Conventional: A thorough review and evaluation of organic food production and consumption makes the point that aspects of both approaches have their place in a good sustainable food system. Components of both approaches increasingly are being combined by farmers to optimize production and maintain environmental and agricultural stability. |
| Consumer Link Organic is only one ingredient in recipe for sustainable food future |
| Research Link Science Advances 10 Mar 2017: Vol. 3, no. 3, e1602638. |
| March 15, 2017 Caffeine and Dementia: Research has linked caffeine consumption with a reduced risk of developing dementia like Alzheimer's Disease. New research with a cell culture model found that caffeine among other substances enhanced the activity of a key protective enzyme that protects against decline in brain function. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine boosts enzyme that could protect against dementia |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 7;7:43846. |
| March 14, 2017 Carbohydrate Tolerance: A research study showed that men with a prediabetes glucose tolerance level handled a high carbohydrate meal better early in the day than they did at the end of the day. Results were similar in men with normal glucose tolerance, but these results were not statistically significant. |
| Consumer Link Men with impaired glucose metabolism should avoid high-carbohydrate foods in the evening |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 8;7:44170. |
| March 13, 2017 Folic Acid and Blood Pressure: It is common practice to recommend folic acid supplementation for women during pregnancy to reduce the risk of their offspring having a neural tube defect. New research also shows that the children of women with risk factors for cardiovascular disease are significantly less likely to develop high blood pressure during their first nine years of life when their mothers had good folic acid status during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link High folic acid level in pregnancy may decrease high blood pressure in children |
| Research Link Am J Hypertension. 2017 06 March. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 12, 2017 Eating Disorders and Malnutrition: Eating disorders in teens are often linked to depression, anxiety or other mental disorders. Even suicide thoughts or attempts are commonly reported. Since disordered eating causes nutrient deficiencies, it should not be surprising that serious mental problems can coexist with eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorders hit more than half million teens |
| Research Link Mt Sinai J Med. 2004 May;71(3):155-61. |
| March 11, 2017 Iron deficiency and H. Pylori: About half of us are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that lives in the stomach lining. Most of us have no obvious symptoms, however, research indicates that children, infected with H. pylori have lower iron levels than children previously treated for this bacteria. Since adequate iron is essential for normal brain development and function, it may become more routine to test children for the presence of H. pylori. |
| Consumer Link Helicobacter pylori infection linked to decreased iron levels in otherwise healthy children, according to research at UTHealth |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2006 Jan 15;163(2):127-34. Epub 2005 Nov 23. |
| March 10, 2017 Knee Replacement and Nutrition: Overweight and obese people often develop knee problems that make them candidates for knee replacement surgery. However, nutritional assessment of this population often identifies nutritional problems such as protein deficiency that can contribute to poor outcomes. Preoperative weight loss may improve surgical success along with assuring good nutritional status with no nutrient deficiencies. |
| Consumer Link Study identifies strategies to improve knee replacement outcomes in patients with obesity |
| Research Link J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017 Mar;25(3):188-194. |
| March 9, 2017 Exercise and Supplementation in Older People: There is a strong tendency for people to lose muscle mass after age 60. A systematic review of studies on exercise and supplementation with things like protein, essential amino acids, and creatine found that exercise predictably had a positive effect on muscle size and function in healthy people over 60 years of age. Some studies reported benefits from various supplements taken during training programs. More exercise and supplementation studies are needed on people with various health problems. These people may be even more likely to benefit. |
| Consumer Link Can combined exercise and nutritional intervention improve muscle mass and function? |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2017 Mar 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 8, 2017 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The key components of the biologically active omega-3 fatty acids in the body are EPA and DHA. These often are referred to as the long chain omega-3 fatty acids. A review of 298 studies on EPA and DHA consumption around the world indicates that most of the world's population consumes substantially less than the commonly recommended amounts. The health consequences of low intake may be substantial because these fatty acids are important for immune function, brain function, retinal health, cardiovascular health, etc. Fatty marine fish and special algae oil products are rich sources of DHA. |
| Consumer Link The changing face of the omega-3 category |
| Research Link Prog Lipid Res. 2016 Jul;63:132-52. doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.05.001. Epub 2016 May 20. |
| March 7, 2017 Herbal Medications and Heart Disease: Researchers reviewed the 10 most commonly used herbal medications for cardiovascular disease. Their use is so common that the researchers urge physicians to learn about issues related to their use such as possible indications for use, biological functions, clinical data, interactions with drugs, and safety concerns. |
| Consumer Link Doctors should discuss herbal medication use with heart disease patients |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017 Mar 7;69(9):1188-1199. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.11.078. |
| March 6, 2017 Anorexia Treatment: Anorexia nervosa is very difficult to successfully treat due to strong tendencies for sufferers to relapse after standard treatment. New research has identified physical and functional changes in the brains of those with the condition that appear to take several years after treatment to revert back to normal. |
| Consumer Link Even When Anorexia is Contained, Brain Repair Lags Behind |
| Research Link Am J Psychiatry. Feb 24 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 5, 2017 Nutrition During Pregnancy and Brain Development:Research on non-human primates may help us understand what causes deficits in intellect and attention. A 30 percent reduction in nutrient intake by the mother during early pregnancy had a major impact on brain development of the fetus. |
| Consumer Link Reducing Diet Early in Pregnancy Stunts Fetal Brain Development, Study Finds |
| Research Link PNAS February 15, 2011 vol. 108 no. 7 3011-3016 |
| March 4, 2017 Labeling Affects Appetite: Consumer research shows that labeling a food as “healthy” or “tasty and delicious” affects appetite differently. Foods identified as “healthy” were consumed in greater quantity than when the same foods were labeled as “tasty and delicious.” |
| Consumer Link Healthy Food Makes Consumers Feel Hungrier When Choices Are Limited |
| Research Link JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc. Vol. 37 October 2010 |
| March 3, 2017 Food Subsidies and Taxes: An analysis of the data from 30 studies confirmed what we thought we already knew. Reduce the price of "healthy" foods and people will eat more of them. Increase the price of "unhealthy" foods and people will eat less of them. This leads to the suggested formula: tax foods like sugar-sweetened sodas and use the proceeds to subsidize the cost of foods like vegetables. However, deciding what foods are "healthy" and "unhealthy" is not all that simple. |
| Consumer Link Food subsidies, taxes significantly improve dietary choices |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2017 Mar 1;12(3):e0172277. |
| March 2, 2017 Seaweed Nutrients: Researchers find evidence that seaweeds were likely a major part of the diets of our early ancestors. The nutrients in a variety of seaweeds include many that are critical for human brain development. Some of these key nutrients include magnesium, zinc, iodine, vitamin B12, essential fatty acids, and the amino acid taurine. Another key brain nutrient rich in some seaweeds that is not mentioned in the article is iron. |
| Consumer Link Did seaweed make us who we are today? |
| Research Link J Appl Phycol (2017). [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 1, 2017 Egg Consumption and Mental Function: In most people, sources of dietary cholesterol like eggs have little or no measurable effect on blood cholesterol levels. However, people who carry the APOE4 gene are more responsive to dietary cholesterol and they are at increased risk of developing dementia like Alzheimer's disease. In a Finnish study of 2,497 men, about one third of whom carried the APOE4 gene, the researchers found that egg consumption was associated with a slight decrease in risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease whether men had the gene or not. In fact, the consumption of eggs was associated with better performance on tests measuring cognitive function. Eggs are a good source of choline and other nutrients beneficial for brain function. |
| Consumer Link High cholesterol intake and eggs do not increase risk of memory disorders |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Feb;105(2):476-484 |
| February 28, 2017 Aspirin Alternative: Many people take aspirin to reduce the tendency of blood platelets to aggregate and form a clot that blocks blood flow through an artery. A new European product made from a special extract of tomatoes (Fruitflow®) promises to provide protection similar to aspirin without the risks of internal bleeding that come with aspirin use. |
| Consumer Link What do your platelets say about you? |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2016 Jul 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 27, 2017 Potassium and Blood Pressure: Most of us don't consume enough potassium. More and more research indicates that increasing dietary potassium may be more important for healthful blood pressure than reducing sodium. High potassium foods are mainly vegetables, beans, and many fruits. Potatoes are a good source and even potato chips have more than twice as much potassium as sodium. |
| Consumer Link Raising dietary potassium to sodium ratio helps reduce heart, kidney disease |
| Research Link Am J Phys Endo Metab. Feb 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 26, 2017 Planning for Health: When attempting to make healthful changes in eating habits, it is important to have a clear action plan. Also, as sports psychologists point out, adding mental imagery to clearly visualize carrying out the details of the action plan can increase the likelihood of success. |
| Consumer Link Planning and visualization lead to better food habits |
| Research Link Psychol Health. 2011 Feb 18:1-17. |
| February 25, 2017 B12 Deficiency or Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed primarily by observation of progressive impairment of memory and other cognitive functions. Research often links high homocysteine and low vitamin B-12 status with the development of Alzheimer's disease. Since, however, B-12 deficiency causes direct damage to nerve structure and can impair memory, B-12 deficiency (which is easily treated) could be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's diseas |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 May Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's Disease |
| Research Link Neurology. 2010 Oct 19;75(16):1408-14. |
| February 24, 2017 Stress and Obesity: The stress hormone cortisol has been proposed to be a factor that promotes obesity. The level of cortisol in hair is a relatively new measure of cortisol exposure over time. The cortisol level in scalp hair of older adults was found to be positively correlated with obesity and with the persistence of obesity over time. It is not clear if stress and high cortisol contribute to the development of obesity or if obesity causes increased cortisol levels. |
| Consumer Link Long-term stress linked to higher levels of obesity, hair samples show |
| Research Link Obesity. 2017;25(3):539-544. |
| February 23, 2017 Resveratrol Inhalation: Studies of oral supplementation with the phytochemical resveratrol have shown some anti-aging benefits. A new study used inhaled resveratrol in mice with a genetic defect that causes rapid lung aging. They found that resveratrol inhaled once per month for three months significantly slowed the rate of lung function decline. Although not ready for human use, it appears that resveratrol inhalation is worth testing in people. |
| Consumer Link Resveratrol may be an effective intervention for lung aging |
| Research Link Thorax. 2017 Jan 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 22, 2017 Gut Microbiome Effects: New research with mice shows that the genetics of the animal play a significant role in determining the bacterial composition of the microbiome. In addition, molecules produced by the bacteria are absorbed into the animal and influence metabolic functions like insulin production and secretion. |
| Consumer Link From mice, clues to microbiome's influence on metabolic disease |
| Research Link Cell Rep. 2017 Feb 14;18(7):1739-1750. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.062. |
| February 21, 2017 Fructose and Fatty Liver in Children: A study of 271 obese children (age 10 to 13 years) with a diagnosis of fatty liver disease found that high fructose intake was directly associated with the level of fat in the liver. These results do not prove, but they suggest, that lowering total sugar intake, especially from sugars high in fructose, may help to improve liver health in obese children. |
| Consumer Link Fructose consumption linked to the increase of liver disease among adolescents and children |
| Research Link J Hepatology. Feb 14 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 20, 2017 Sodium Guidelines Questioned: Recommendations to consume less than 2300 mg of sodium per day were questioned by a group of international experts. They claim that the evidence for recommending such extreme reduction is questionable and could even be harmful for some people. They claim that we need more research comparing sodium intakes below 3000 mg/day to intakes between 3000 and 5000 mg/day. |
| Consumer Link CardioBrief: Int'l Experts Call Sodium Guidelines Far Too Restrictive |
| Research Link European Heart Journal. 20 January 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2017 Celiac disease damages the intestinal lining and can impair the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. As a consequence, both children and adults with celiac disease are at increased risk for low bone density. Recent research suggests that taking supplements with vitamins D and K may be especially important to prevent bone loss in those with celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins needed to help celiacs stave off bone disease |
| Research Link Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012 Jun;42(3):322-30 |
| February 18, 2017 Honey Issues: Infants are susceptible to having Clostridium botulinum bacteria thrive in their immature intestine, poisoning them from within. This is why infants should never be fed honey. This concentrated sugar food can harbor the dormant spore form of this bacteria. Fortunately, honey is safe for older children and adults. |
| Consumer Link Err on the side of caution when it comes to botulism |
| Research Link CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Apr. 1996, p. 119–125 |
| February 17, 2017 Vitamin D and Respiratory Infections: A systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials, with a total of over 10,000 participants, concluded that vitamin D supplementation could protect against acute respiratory tract infection. Participants who were very vitamin D deficient experienced the most benefit. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Linked to Lower Risk of Respiratory Infections |
| Research Link BMJ 2017;356:i6583. |
| February 16, 2017 Vitamin D and Muscle: Studies have linked good vitamin D status with better muscle function, especially in older people. A new study found that the usual measure of vitamin D status (25-OH Vitamin D) was not the best measure to use in studies of muscle function. The study found that the fully active form of vitamin D (1-25-D) was much more significantly associated with muscle function. |
| Consumer Link Increased levels of active vitamin D can help to optimize muscle strength |
| Research Link Plos One, February 15, 2017 online |
| February 15, 2017 Gluten-free Risks and Benefits: Lately, gluten-free has become a marketing tool for many products and people often equate gluten-free with "healthy." However, the evidence for any benefit from a gluten-free diet applies only to those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy. When any major food type is removed from the diet, other foods must fill the gap. This can increase the risk of nutrient inadequacy and excess intake of toxic substances. |
| Consumer Link The gluten-free diet in children: Do the risks outweigh the benefits? |
| Research Link The Journal of Pediatrics. August 2016;175:206-210. |
| February 14, 2017 Protein Leverage Hypothesis: The protein leverage hypothesis suggests that people eat to meet their protein needs and when protein is low in the diet people will tend to eat more calories. A study on women in Costa Rica found that calorie intake was lower when the proportion of calories from protein was higher. However, this was observed only for those in the middle and high socioeconomic status groups. |
| Consumer Link Research investigates role of protein in obesity among Latin American women |
| Research Link Am J Hum Biol. 2017 Jan 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 13, 2017 Protein and Fitness: Physically fit women and men (age 30 to 65) participated in a 12-week training program that combined resistance, interval, stretching, and endurance training. The program improved multiple aspects of exercise performance and health. However, those who consumed a higher protein intake, (2 grams/kg body weight) that was spread throughout the day, experienced significantly greater improvement in a number of performance and health-related measures. |
| Consumer Link Diet quality improves fitness among the fittest |
| Research Link Growth Horm IGF Res. 2016 Oct 15. |
| February 12, 2017 Limitations of a Vegan diet: A vegan diet can provide health benefits, but this diet has specific risks like virtually all styles of eating. The major nutritional limitations of a vegan diet appear to be low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, and iron. |
| Consumer Link Vegans' elevated heart risk requires omega-3s and B12 |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Feb 9;59(3):777-84. |
| February 11, 2017 Breakfast and Weight: Studies continue to indicate that breakfast is the best way to start the day. Teenage mothers who ate breakfast regularly had a lower weight for their height and consumed significantly less snack foods and soft drinks than their counterparts who rarely ate breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast Is an Important Meal, Especially for Teen Moms and Their Kids |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Jan;111(1):124-30 |
| February 10, 2017 Bee Nutrition Smarts: Bees appear to be better than humans at seeking out sources of essential minerals. When specific nutrients like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, are running short in their seasonal pollen supply, bees will seek out mineral-rich water to supplement their diet and make up for minerals lacking in their floral diet. |
| Consumer Link Despite few taste genes, honey bees seek out essential nutrients based on floral resources |
| Research Link Ecological Entomology, 14 December 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 9, 2017 Food Insecurity and Childhood Mental Development: A review of 23 studies on household food insecurity in developed countries concluded that, even at marginal levels, food insecurity is associated with behavioral, academic, and emotional problems in children from infancy to adolescence - even after controlling for identifiable confounders. Adequate nutrition that meets essential nutrient needs is required for normal mental development. |
| Consumer Link Food insecurity: A threat to the developmental and psychosocial health of children |
| Research Link J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2017 Feb/Mar;38(2):135-150. |
| February 8, 2017 Exercise in Children: A study conducted in Finland with 136 children (57 boys and 79 girls) 6 to 8 years old found that those who spent little time doing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activities already had arteries the were measurably more stiff than the arteries of children who frequently participated in these activities. Increased arterial stiffness is considered to be an early sign of the development of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Brisk exercise linked to better arterial health already in childhood |
| Research Link Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2017 Jan 25:1-26. |
| February 7, 2017 Gut Microbiota and Blood Pressure: More and more, we are finding that the types and amounts of bacteria that thrive in our lower intestine have a major influence on various aspects of health. A new study using rats found that transferring intestinal bacteria cultures from hypertensive rats into rats with normal blood pressure caused them to develop high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Unhealthy gut microbes a cause of hypertension, researchers find |
| Research Link Physiol Genomics. 2016 Dec 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 6, 2017 Calorie Restriction During Pregnancy: There has been evidence in human observational studies and rodent research that an inadequate calorie intake during pregnancy and lactation not only compromises fetal and infant growth and development, but has lifelong detrimental effects on health. Now, a well controlled study with baboons, a non-human primate, has shown that low calorie intake by the mother during pregnancy and lactation not only impairs early growth and development, but ultimately impairs things like cardiac function when the offspring become adults. |
| Consumer Link Poor diet in pregnancy, poor heart health for infants |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2016 J Physiol. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 5, 2017 Spinach and Fitness: Spinach is not a good source of absorbable iron or calcium, but it does provide other beneficial substances. Recent studies show that the amount of nitrate in spinach is similar to amounts found to enhance performance of endurance exercise. |
| Consumer Link Want more efficient muscles? Eat your spinach |
| Research Link Free Radic Biol Med. 2010 Jan 15;48(2):342-7. |
| February 4, 2017 Whey protein and hypertension: Whey protein, a byproduct of cheese production, is commonly used as a protein source in high protein beverages and other products. When young adults with high blood pressure added a daily drink containing 28 grams of whey protein to their usual diet, it normalized their blood pressure. The whey protein drink had no effect on those with normal blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Whey supplements lower blood pressure |
| Research Link Int Dairy J. 2010;11:753-760. |
| February 3, 2017 Hydrogen Peroxide Toxicity: Common household grade hydrogen peroxide is rather safe as it is typically used. However more concentrated versions consumed orally, as promoted by some alternative health practitioners, have been documented to produce oxygen bubbles in the blood and cause embolisms (blockage of blood flow) much the same as nitrogen gas does when deep sea divers get the bends. This has killed some people and permanently impaired others. |
| Consumer Link A swig of hydrogen peroxide — a supplement promoted by alternative-health devotees — can kill you |
| Research Link Annals of Emergency Medicine. January 30, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 2, 2017 Skipping Meals: A summary of the research on meal frequency, skipping meals, and intermittent fasting concluded that, ". . . irregular eating patterns appear less favorable for achieving a healthy cardiometabolic profile. Intentional eating with mindful attention to the timing and frequency of eating occasions could lead to healthier lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factor management." |
| Consumer Link Skipping Breakfast Could Increase Your Risk Of Heart Disease |
| Research Link Circulation. January 30, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 1, 2017 Lychee (Litchi) Fruit Toxin: A seasonal, sometimes fatal, disease in children has been occurring for decades in the Muzaffarpur district in north-eastern India. Finally, researchers have identified the cause - eating the seasonal fresh lychee fruit without an evening meal. The fresh lychee fruit contains two hypoglycemic compounds that can cause blood sugar to plummet to dangerously low levels. |
| Consumer Link Dangerous Fruit: Mystery of Deadly Outbreaks in India Is Solved |
| Research Link The Lancet Global Health. Jan 31 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 31, 2017 Fat Shaming: It's often assumed that feeling bad and shameful about being obese can motivate people to lose weight and improve their health. However, a new study found just the opposite. People who felt bad about their weight were more likely to avoid exercise and consume excess calories to cope with the stress. |
| Consumer Link Fat shaming linked to greater health risks |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Feb;25(2):317-322. |
| January 30, 2017 Eating Disorder Recovery: A study followed up on people diagnosed with eating disorders more than 20 years after their diagnosis. They found that about two thirds of those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa recovered. The bad news is that about one third still suffered from the condition decades later. |
| Consumer Link Many Women With Eating Disorders Do Recover, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Clin Psychiatry. 2016 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 29, 2017 Food Response to Stress: A mouse study clearly demonstrated what human dieters already know. Mice that had previously experienced weight loss diets responded to stress by consuming more high-fat foods than mice that had never been on a weight loss diet. This may be why lost weight is so rarely kept off. |
| Consumer Link Yo-yo dieting alters genes linked with stress |
| Research Link J Neurosci. 2010 Dec 1;30(48):16399-407. |
| January 28, 2017 Caffeine and Muscles: Feel like a strong mug of coffee after that long run? It may not be a bad idea. A double-blind study with endurance athletes found that when caffeine was consumed with carbohydrate after exhaustive exercise, the caffeine boosted carbohydrate storage (glycogen) in muscles by 66%. |
| Consumer Link Post-exercise caffeine helps muscles refuel |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2008 Jul;105(1):7-13. |
| January 27, 2017 Vitamin B12 and Preterm Birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies concluded that low vitamin B12 status during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth. Although a controlled human trial would be needed to prove a cause and effect relationship, it seems that pregnant women who consume a diet low in animal foods should be taking a vitamin B12 supplement. |
| Consumer Link Too little food from animal sources may increase risk of preterm birth |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2017 Jan 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 26, 2017 Childhood Asthma and Obesity: A study that followed over 2000 five to eight year old children for up to ten years, found that children with asthma were more likely to become obese. However, the use of rescue medications (like inhalers), but not controller asthma medications, reduced obesity risk. Early treatment with the use of rescue medications appears to help prevent the vicious cycle of asthma increasing the development of obesity and obesity promoting increased asthma symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Children with asthma may be at higher obesity risk |
| Research Link Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017 Jan 19. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201608-1691OC. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 25, 2017 Binge Drinking and Liver Damage: Faced with the common recommendation to consume no more than one to two drinks a day, some people say they will save up all their drinks for the weekend. Based on new research with mice, this is not a good idea. Periodic binge drinking caused a significant increase in signs of liver damage. |
| Consumer Link Binge Drinking May Quickly Lead to Liver Damage |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2017 Jan 19. |
| January 24, 2017 Iron Deficiency and Mental Performance: A study conducted with about 100 female college students, age 18-35 years, analyzed the association of iron status and fitness level with GPA. They found that the GPA was significantly greater in women with good iron status (ferritin at least 20 mcg/L). Although higher level fitness was associated with better GPAs, those who had a high level of fitness, but were iron deficient, tended to have lower GPAs than unfit women who had good iron status. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency, fitness, and grade point average – they are interrelated! |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2017 Jan;147(1):104-109. |
| January 23, 2017 Food Assistance Programs: In the U.S., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves as a nutritional safety net for people when they have hard financial times. Such assistance is especially important in families with growing children and teens. |
| Consumer Link In the Shopping Cart of a Food Stamp Household: Not What the New York Times Reported |
| Research Link Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. JUNE 14, 2016. |
| January 22, 2017 Brain Development and Iron: Several nutrient deficiencies are known to adversely affect brain development. Research shows that a low iron status in teenagers has an impact on the nerve structure of their brains that can persist into the early adult years. |
| Consumer Link Kids’ nutritional deficits might affect brain health |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Apr 3;109(14):E851-9. |
| January 21, 2017 Hydration and Diabetes: Maintaining normal hydration in the body is one of the most basic aspects of good nutrition. Chronically low water intake has even been linked to increased risk of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Really? The Claim: Drinking Water Can Help Lower the Risk of Diabetes. |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2011 Dec;34(12):2551-4. |
| January 20, 2017 Food Allergy: A new 500-plus page document was published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine with the long title, Finding a path to safety in food allergy: Assessment of the global burden, causes, prevention, management, and public policy. The report stresses that there is much to learn about food allergies, but what we do know is not translated well into current practice for diagnosis, prevention, and management of the related conditions. For proper diagnosis, they stress that the gold standard diagnostic test is the oral food challenge under medical supervision and that health care professionals should abandon many unproven tests, such as applied kinesiology, immunoglobulin G panels, and electrodermal testing. |
| Consumer Link Public, doctors alike confused about food allergies |
| Research Link National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. |
| January 19, 2017 Fish Categories for Safer Consumption: Because of previous concerns about mercury in fish, many have decreased fish consumption. Now, a new guideline divides the fish into three categories based on mercury content: best, good, and avoid. This guideline does allow more informed choice flexibility, but it does not address which fish options are also good sources of the fatty acid DHA needed especially for brain and retinal health. In addition, the ranking does not consider other toxic minerals such as cadmium that often is high in shellfish like whole clams. |
| Consumer Link FDA Offers Guidance on Fish Intake for Kids, Pregnant Women |
| Research Link FDA Guidance on Fish Consumption |
| January 18, 2017 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: On a global level, close to 10 percent of women drink alcohol during pregnancy. In some countries, more than 45 percent of women consume alcohol during pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome is more common there. Among women who drink alcohol during pregnancy, it is estimated that one in 67 will deliver a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. |
| Consumer Link The global toll of fetal alcohol syndrome |
| Research Link The Lancet Global Health, 2017. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 17, 2017 Chili Peppers and Mortality: A study that measured the frequency of hot red chili pepper consumption in over 16,000 adults reported that the risk of dying was significantly lower in those who consumed hot red chili peppers more frequently. Whether there is a cause and effect relationship is unknown. |
| Consumer Link Eat hot peppers for a longer life? Study |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2017 Jan 9;12(1):e0169876. |
| January 16, 2017 Niacin and Parkinson's Disease: Using fruit flies that carry the same genetic defect as people with certain forms of early-onset Parkinson's disease, researchers found that supplementing the diet with a form of niacin prevented the usual progression of neural degeneration seen in this animal model. Randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to see if niacin supplementation could benefit people with Parkinson's disease. |
| Consumer Link People with forms of early-onset Parkinson's disease may benefit from boosting niacin in diet, research suggests |
| Research Link Biol Open. 2016 Dec 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 15, 2017 Those with lactose intolerance are not destined to a diet devoid of high-calcium milk products. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss contain only trace amounts of lactose. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Postgrad Med J. 2005 Mar;81(953):167-73. |
| January 14, 2017 Protein and Bones:Research shows that dietary protein has a positive influence on bone health, reduced hip fracture risk, and promotes post-fracture recovery. Of course it is important to remember everything in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:131-55. |
| January 13, 2017 Prepocessed Foods - a Culinary Catch 22: Using preprocessed meals is convenient, saves preparation time, and can be easy for a child to prepare. These conveniences cost more than foods prepared from scratch and can be higher in calories. New research shows now that overuse of prepackaged foods may be linked to parents having lower cooking self-efficacy and meal-planning abilities and in turn trains another generation to do the same. |
| Consumer Link Parents purchase frozen dinners for more than convenience |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2016 Oct 12. pii: S1499-4046(16)30738-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.08.012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 12, 2017 Dietary Cholesterol and Dementia: With the relatively recent awareness that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels, it is widely accepted that dietary cholesterol does not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, a new study conducted in Finland found that neither cholesterol nor egg intake was associated with the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Instead, moderate egg intake appeared to have a beneficial association with certain types of cognitive performance. |
| Consumer Link High cholesterol intake and eggs do not increase risk of memory disorders |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Jan 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 11, 2017 Valerian and Low Blood Sodium: Two cases of hyponatremia (life-threatening low blood sodium) have been linked to excessive thirst caused by the herbal remedy valerian root. This herb is typically taken to aid with sleep, anxiousness, ADHD, and headaches. It is important to remember that herbs contain naturally occurring chemicals that have the same dangerous potential as prescription drugs. |
| Consumer Link Valerian Root Supplement Use Linked to Severe Hyponatremia |
| Research Link BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Sep 28;2016. pii: bcr2016216348 |
| January 10, 2017 Vitamin C Chemotherapy: There has been some evidence that boosting blood levels of vitamin C by infusing the vitamin intravenously may help to kill cells in some types of cancerous tumors. New research indicates that much of the vitamin C is converted to hydrogen peroxide which can damage cell components in specific types of cancer cells more than it does in normal cells. This kills cancer cells without killing the normal cells. |
| Consumer Link Why high-dose vitamin C kills cancer cells |
| Research Link Redox Biol. 2016 Dec;10:274-284. |
| January 9, 2017 Infant Peanut Introduction: Finally some good science supports reliable recommendations for when to introduce peanuts into an infant's diet. The new guidelines recommend not waiting too long and and introducing peanut-containing foods into the diets of babies as early as 4 to 6 months of age. However, children known to have other allergies, such as egg white allergy, should be evaluated by an allergy specialist before introducing peanuts. |
| Consumer Link New Guidelines Tell Parents When To Introduce Babies To Peanut Products |
| Research Link NIH New Release. January 5, 2017. |
| January 8, 2017 Hydration and Fitness: Adequate hydration is important for good health. Because exercise increases water needs, it is important to start exercise well hydrated and consume appropriate fluids during and after exercise to limit water and salt deficits. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Oct;18(5):457-72. |
| January 7, 2017 Sleep and Weight: Research shows that individuals deprived of sleep tend to consume more calories primarily from snacks with higher carbohydrate content. So don't forget your beauty sleep. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jan;89(1):126-33 |
| January 6, 2017 Microgreens: Microgreens are small immature edible plants. They have become popular primarily as a salad ingredient. New research with red cabbage microgreens indicates that they contain more polyphenols and glucosinolates than the more commonly eaten mature cabbage. These compounds have been found to be protective against cardiovascular disease in some animal models of human disease. |
| Consumer Link Red cabbage microgreens lower 'bad' cholesterol in animal study |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2016 Dec 7;64(48):9161-9171. |
| January 5, 2017 Imported Food: Communities have imported food from other places to feed large populations living in areas that don't have the resources or conditions to grow adequate amounts of foods to feed their people. New archeological evidence indicates that a community of over 10,000 people living in northern New Mexico over 1000 years ago very likely had to import foods like corn from an area about 50 miles away. |
| Consumer Link Ancient Chaco Canyon population likely relied on imported food |
| Research Link J Archaeol Sci Rep. 2 December 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 4, 2017 Military Energy Drink Warning: Military personnel on deployment frequently consume "energy drinks." A study found that those consuming three or more energy drinks a day generally got less sleep, did not sleep as soundly, and were more likely to fall asleep during briefings or on guard duty. |
| Consumer Link Army warns of dangers in energy drinks |
| Research Link MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2012 Nov 9;61(44):895-8. |
| January 3, 2017 Iron Deficiency and Hearing Loss: Iron deficiency is known to adversely affect nerve structure and function. A new study of over 300,000 adults found that those with iron deficiency anemia had more than double the risk of impaired hearing. |
| Consumer Link Low Iron Levels May Be Linked to Hearing Loss |
| Research Link JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Dec 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 2, 2017 Pregnancy, Fish Oil, and Childhood Asthma: Pregnant women who took a supplement with the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils (EPA and DHA) had a significantly reduced risk of having children with asthma. Taking the supplement during the third trimester of pregnancy appeared to be especially beneficial. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 supplements can prevent childhood asthma |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2016 Dec 29;375(26):2530-2539. |
| January 1, 2017 Make Fitness Over Weight Loss: If past New Year’s resolutions to lose weight were short-lived, try changing the resolution to seeking health and fitness and let your body gradually find the weight that is ideal for you. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| December 31, 2016 Alcohol Associated with Overeating: If weight maintenance or loss is your goal, then only drink moderately. Alcohol contains a fair amount of calories and also stimulates the appetite. |
| Consumer Link The effects of a priming dose of alcohol and drinking environment on snack food intake. |
| Research Link Appetite. 2015 Dec;95:341-8. |
| December 30, 2016 World Food Needs: Commonly, you hear that the world doesn't have a food problem, just a food distribution problem. By 2050, that will no longer be true due to the escalating population. Self-sufficiency will only be possible if cereal grain yields increase significantly, especially in Africa. |
| Consumer Link Can Africa feed itself? |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Dec 27;113(52):14964-14969. |
| December 29, 2016 Gelatin, Vitamin C and Joints: Collagen is a major protein in the cartilage of joints. The results from a combined study of cell culture and exercise trials in men suggested that consuming gelatin with vitamin C an hour before high intensity intermittent exercise improved indicators of collagen synthesis and could play a beneficial role in injury prevention and treatment. |
| Consumer Link Gelatin supplements: Good for your joints? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Nov 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 28, 2016 Vitamin D and Metabolic Syndrome: Based on a study exploring mechanisms in mice, vitamin D deficiency may be a major contributor to the development of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver. Boosting vitamin D status, in mice fed a high fat diet, promoted the health of the intestines, reduced general inflammation in the body, normalized insulin function, and prevented the development of a fatty liver. Human studies are needed to see if the same mechanisms are active in people. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D improves gut flora and metabolic syndrome |
| Research Link Front Physiol. 2016 Nov 15;7:498. eCollection 2016. |
| December 27, 2016 Sugar Recommendations: Guidelines from authoritative organizations vary greatly and range from 5 to 25 percent of total calorie intake. When calorie needs are low, it is difficult to meet essential nutrient needs if sugar intake is a large part of the calories. Much of the confusion likely comes from the fact that people vary greatly in their levels of physical activity and total calorie needs. |
| Consumer Link Dietary sugar guidelines are based on low quality evidence |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2016 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 26, 2016 Cranberries and Health: Are you enjoying leftover cranberry sauce or drink? So is your bladder. Substances in cranberries are known to benefit the health of the urinary tract. |
| Consumer Link Holiday berry has year-round applications |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun;103(6):1434-42. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.130542. |
| December 25, 2016 Activity and Fitness: Santa is a big man, but he is not overly fat. His very active job keeps him more fit than fat. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1854-61. |
| December 24, 2016 High-fat Meals and Heart Attack Risk: High-fat meals may increase the risk of a heart attack for several hours because arteries narrow and blood flow slows. Enjoy the higher fat holiday foods, but in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Switch from fat phobia to fat smarts |
| Research Link Am J Cardiol. 1997 Feb 1;79(3):350-354 |
| December 23, 2016 Screen time and weight: A new research study of nearly 25,000 high school students shows that approximately 20% used smartphones, tablets, computers, and videogames more than 5 hours a day. These students also were twice as likely to drink a sugary drink each day and not get enough sleep or physical activity. These behaviors increase the risk of becoming obese. |
| Consumer Link Smartphones and tablets and adolescents: Small size, big problems? |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2016 Dec 9. pii: S0022-3476(16)31243-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.11.015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 22, 2016 Cooking Vegetables: New archeological evidence indicates that people were cooking both animal and vegetable foods in ceramic cooking vessels over 10,000 years ago. This allowed people to obtain calories and nutrients from plant foods that were not palatable nor safe to eat raw. The process of cooking destroys many of the natural toxins found in plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Earliest evidence discovered of plants cooked in ancient pottery |
| Research Link Nat Plants. 2016 Dec 19;3:16194. |
| December 21, 2016 Red Meat and Cardiovascular Disease: Some, but not all observational studies have linked red meat intake to cardiovascular disease. To evaluate the potential meaning of these inconsistent observations, researchers conduct randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to feed people specific diets with controlled amounts of red meat. A review of 24 RCT studies on red meat concluded that moderate red meat consumption had little or no effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors like blood pressure and blood lipids. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition data review shows red meat has neutral effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Nov 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 20, 2016 Donor Breast Milk for Preemies: Pasteurized donor milk can be safe for premature infants when donors are properly screened for drug use and the milk is collected, stored, and pasteurized correctly. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises not to use nonpasteurized donor milk and it is important to distribute through established human milk banks to decrease risks of bacterial or viral contamination. |
| Consumer Link Used Safely, Donor Breast Milk Can Help Preemie Babies |
| Research Link Pediatrics Dec 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 19, 2016 Maternal Diet and Offspring Obesity: In a rat study, consumption of a high fat diet before, during, and after pregnancy increased the risk of the offspring becoming obese as adults. This occurred both in rats that had the genes for being obesity-resistance and obesity-prone. A variety of human studies seem to support this observation. |
| Consumer Link 'Western' maternal diet appears to raise obesity risk in offspring |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2016 Dec 1;311(6):R1045-R1059. |
| December 18, 2016 For longterm health, focus on developing fitness rather an "ideal" body weight. Your ideal body weight is the weight at which you function best mentally and physically. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| December 17, 2016 Safer Alcohol Consumption: To better handle those holiday drinks, avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Eating some food before drinking alcoholic beverages helps to moderate the rise in blood alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Sensible ways to enjoy holiday drinks |
| Research Link J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Dec;41(12):1345-50. |
| December 16, 2016 Energy Drink Case Study: Serious bleeding occurred in a part of the brain of a 57-year old man who consumed one can (2 servings) of a Redline brand energy drink. Within 15 minutes of consuming the beverage, he sensed tingling and numbness in his right arm and leg and developed a shaky gait and movement. This drink contains about 250 mg of caffeine, along with a variety of other ingredients, many of which are associated with increased blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Case study chronicles first brain bleed tied to energy drinks |
| Research Link Am J Emerg Med. 2016 Oct 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 15, 2016 Social Eating: Men, but not women, tend to overeat in social eating settings. New research suggests that this is due to a competitive mentality to eat more than other males. |
| Consumer Link Social eating leads to overeating, especially among men |
| Research Link Front Nutr. 2016 Nov 24;3:51. eCollection 2016. |
| December 14, 2016 Sleep and Calories: In both mice and people, inadequate quality sleep (REM sleep) triggers increased desire to consume highly palatable foods - especially foods high in sugar and fat. Using mice, researchers found when they inhibited the activity of neurons in a specific part of the mouse brain, the mice did not have the usual increased drive to consume highly palatable foods. |
| Consumer Link Direct link between REM sleep loss, desire for sugary and fatty foods discovered |
| Research Link Elife. 2016 Dec 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 13, 2016 Prenatal Malnutrition: Animal studies have shown that starvation during pregnancy affects the health of subsequent generations even though they had adequate nutrition. Now, a large, population-based cohort study of families with over 3000 participants across consecutive generations in Northern China found that prenatal exposure to famine significantly increased the risk of high blood glucose and type 2 diabetes in adulthood in two consecutive generations. |
| Consumer Link Famine alters metabolism for successive generations |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 12, 2016 Paleo Diet: Archeological evidence of animal foods eaten by people hundreds of thousands of years ago is typically better preserved than evidence of plant foods consumed. However, new research conducted in Israel found substantial archeological evidence of people 780,000 years ago including a very wide variety of plant foods in their diets, including many cooked foods. |
| Consumer Link The real Paleo diet: acorns, clover and grass seed |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Dec 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 11, 2016 Health Benefits of Chicken Soup: Cold and flu viruses often spread when people get together for the holidays. Hot chicken soup can help treat the symptoms by known anti-inflammatory effects and by temporarily increasing the flow of mucus. |
| Consumer Link Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt |
| Research Link Chest. 2000 Oct;118(4):1150-7. |
| December 10, 2016 Benefits of Cranberries: Cranberries tend to be consumed as a holiday food. However, research on the chemical components of cranberries indicates that there are good reasons to consume these berries year-round. |
| Consumer Link Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Aug;50(7):666-79. |
| December 9, 2016 Exercise and Immune Function: A review of studies on the effects of exercise on the function of the immune system indicates that exercise can both impair immune function and enhance it. Long duration, intense exercise can compromise the immune system, whereas regular moderate exercise seems to help it. The things that may help to counteract exercise-induced suppression of the immune function are adequate carbohydrate consumption during and after exercise and consuming a well-diversified diet that meets increased protein needs and vitamin and mineral needs. |
| Consumer Link Carbs During Workouts May Fend Off Colds |
| Research Link Journal of Applied Physiology Published 1 December 2016 |
| December 8, 2016 Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: British researchers have proposed a "core outcome set" of the nine most important outcomes that should be evaluated in all bariatric surgery clinical trials. These outcomes include items such as weight lost, diabetes status, overall quality of life, mortality, complications of the operation, follow-up operations, difficulty eating, micronutrient deficiency, and cardiovascular disease risk. |
| Consumer Link The 9 Most Important Bariatric Surgery Outcomes |
| Research Link PLOS Medicine. November 29, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 7, 2016 Bulimia Treatment: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder with recurrent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. A new study tested the effectiveness of an online cognitive-behavioral therapy approach using a therapeutic chat group setting. It's long-term effectiveness was similar to that observed in a traditional face-to-face group therapy setting. |
| Consumer Link Online group therapy may be effective treatment for bulimia nervosa |
| Research Link Psychother Psychosom. 2016 Nov 25;86(1):47-53. |
| December 6, 2016 Low Fat or High Fat? A study with 46 overweight men (age 30 to 50) on a 12-week weight loss regimen (lost an average of 22 pounds) found that a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet and very high fat, low carbohydrate diet each triggered similar weight and fat loss along with similar changes in other risk factors. It is important to note that this study does not address how these different diets would affect people who are maintaining body weight. |
| Consumer Link Very-high-fat diet reversed obesity and disease risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 5, 2016 Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis: Low concentrations of vitamin D in newborn infants are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. However, some people with normal vitamin D status at birth also developed MS, so it does not appear that vitamin D deficiency at birth causes MS. It may be that other factors associated with low vitamin D status play a role in the causes of MS. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D status in newborns and risk of MS in later life |
| Research Link Neurology. 2016 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 4, 2016 Marathon Recovery: If you are participating in the Honolulu Marathon next Sunday, it is time to rest. Your best preparation includes muscle repair, recovery from training, and carbo-loading. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional guide for marathon |
| Research Link J Sports Sci. 2007;25 Suppl 1:S29-38. |
| December 3, 2016 Step to Health: Walking 30 minutes a day or 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day can benefit overall health. Why not ask Santa for a pedometer? |
| Consumer Link Holiday exercise is easy with upfront planning |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| December 2, 2016 Recurrent Obesity and Microbiome: Some well-designed research with mice has provided good clues to how the lower intestinal bacteria can play a role in promoting weight regain after weight loss. One of the interesting outcomes of this research indicates that increased consumption of some flavanoids found naturally in various herbs and citrus fruits may help to prevent the weight regain. |
| Consumer Link Gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity. |
| Research Link Nature. 2016 28 November. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 1, 2016 Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Almost half of the cases of acute liver failure in the United States are associated with acetaminophen use. Since acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, excessive dosage is far too common. Many other drugs and herbal dietary supplements also have the potential to induce liver injury. |
| Consumer Link Acetaminophen, supplements and other medications may trigger drug-induced liver injury |
| Research Link AACN Adv Crit Care. 2016;27(4):430-440. |
| November 30, 2016 Prediabetes: A large meta-analysis of 53 prospective cohort studies that totaled over 1.6 million participants found that the diagnosis of prediabetes was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. However, the researchers emphasized that "prediabetes is not a disease but rather a risk factor for future diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the findings in our study do not mean that pharmacological treatment is warranted in everyone with prediabetes." Rather, the diagnosis may be a good indicator of the need for lifestyle changes in diet and/or exercise. |
| Consumer Link Prediabetes by Any Other Name: Defining cut points -- the controversy continues |
| Research Link BMJ. 2016;355:i5953. |
| November 29, 2016 Healthy Circulation and Healthy Aging: There are many vasoactive food components that help to dilate blood vessels and benefit blood circulation. Resveratrol, a compound in grapes and berries, has been found to enhance brain blood flow in people with type 2 diabetes and improve cognitive performance when compared to a placebo. |
| Consumer Link Circulatory and cognitive benefits of resveratrol: benefits for an aging population |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2016 Jul 12;8(7). pii: E425. |
| November 28, 2016 Alcohol and Appetite: A study with rats found that increased blood alcohol levels did not increase overall calorie intake. However, human studies do not find that this occurs in people. This is likely one case where rats are not like people. |
| Consumer Link Study in rats finds low blood alcohol levels have no effect on total calories consumed |
| Research Link Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2016 Oct 20;150-151:124-133. |
| November 27, 2016 Vitamin K Functions: Researchers are finding that vitamin K has many more functions than previously thought. The vitamin is showing benefits for both bone and cardiovascular health. To get enough vitamin K eat dark green vegetables regularly. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin takers may miss vitamin K |
| Research Link Thromb Haemost. 2007 Jul;98(1):120-5. |
| November 26, 2016 Diet and Microbiota: Strangely enough, there are trillions of bacterial organisms living in the lower part of the human intestine. A balanced diet helps this "microbiota" protect us against infections, some cancers, and possibly even the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| November 25, 2016 Food Allergen Labeling: Food manufacturers often voluntarily label their products with statements like "may contain" or "manufactured in a facility that also processes" specific common allergenic food ingredients. A recent study was conducted on the shopping habits of over 6000 people who either had a food allergy or shopped for someone else who had one. The results indicated that 40 percent of them still purchased foods labeled as manufactured in a facility that also processes the allergenic food ingredient of concern. |
| Consumer Link Confusing food labels place consumers with food allergy at risk |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016 Nov 3. [Epub ahead of print]. |
| November 24, 2016 Sleepiness myth about turkey: Most animal proteins have lots of the amino acid L-tryptophan. Thanksgiving sleepiness occurs when more blood flow is shunted to the intestine and less to the brain therefore triggering sleepiness. Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving Day. |
| Consumer Link Thankgiving Myth: Turkey Makes You Sleepy |
| Research Link USDA Food Composition Databases |
| November 23, 2016 Probiotics and Stress: The types of bacteria found in cultured foods like yogurt may help our brains cope with stressful situations. At least, this was demonstrated in a zebrafish model. This type of research with zebrafish may provide a rather quick way to screen different types of probiotic bacteria for their potential to benefit neurological function and stress management. Of course, follow-up studies would need to be conducted with humans. |
| Consumer Link Common probiotics can reduce stress levels, lessen anxiety |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 19;6:33726. |
| November 22, 2016 Salad Safety: Just like grinding up beef into hamburger increases the surface area for microbial contact and makes hamburger less safe than steak, a new study shows that the convenience of precut salad greens comes with some increase in risk of microbial contamination. |
| Consumer Link Precut salad may encourage growth of salmonella |
| Research Link Appl Environ Microbiol. 2016 Nov 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 21, 2016 Oral Health: Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of good nutrition, especially as people age. Now it has been shown that the vapors of e-cigarettes have damaging effects on oral health, similar to smoking conventional cigarettes. |
| Consumer Link First-ever study shows e-cigarettes cause damage to gum tissue |
| Research Link Oncotarget. 2016 Oct 24. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.12857. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 20, 2016 Hydration Complications: To ensure adequate hydration, pay attention to your sense of thirst and drink enough so that urine looks more like lemonade than apple juice. Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) in a supplement can complicate this rule by temporarily turning urine bright yellow. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S30-9. |
| November 19, 2016 Nutrition for Denture Wearers: Older individuals who wear dentures tend to consume fewer servings of fruits and vegetables than those with teeth. Food service for older people should include soft foods and juices rich in carotenoids and vitamin C. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Public Health Dent. 2009 Fall;69(4):207-16. |
| November 18, 2016 Infant Nutritional Supplement Formulas: Special products that are concentrated in calories and nutrients have been designed for infants that are too small for their age. Using these products can help infants and toddlers achieve a normal size for their age. However, providing these products to normal size infants may help to promote the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Companies pushing 'toddler milk' need oversight, experts warn |
| Research Link Healthcare (Basel). 2016 Nov 12;4(4). pii: E84. |
| November 17, 2016 Food Color Preference: Study of non-human primates in their natural environment showed that their food preferences are based largely on availability, with the most preferred foods being those are least often available and high in calories. Based on new research, human food preferences are influenced by similar factors with red foods typically being less readily available and high in calories. However, green foods that are widely available are lower on the preference list for both animals and humans. |
| Consumer Link Red is good: The brain uses color to help us choose what to eat |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 14;6:37034. |
| November 16, 2016 Food Safety: Cooking shows on television have the forum to model good food safety behavior. Unfortunately, a new study found that most shows frequently overlook basic food safety practices. This may put their viewers at risk of food illness and may put the show at a liability risk should viewers get sick from following the show's directions. |
| Consumer Link Television cooking shows overlook safe food handling practices |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2016;48(10):730-734. |
| November 15, 2016 Breakfast, Bedtime, and Obesity: A study measured the heights and weights of almost 17,000 children at 3, 5, 7, and 11 years of age. They found that the development of higher BMI values was associated with skipping breakfast and having irregular bedtime routines. Also, If mothers smoked during pregnancy, their children were more likely to develop higher BMI values. Although this type of study design cannot establish a cause and effect relationship, it poses important questions. |
| Consumer Link Skipping breakfast and not enough sleep can make children overweight |
| Research Link PEDIATRICS. November 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 14, 2016 Licorice and Sex Hormones: A natural compound in licorice (called iso for isoliquiritigenin) has been shown to reduce estrogen production in female mice. Licorice root extract is a common ingredient in herbal supplements and purified iso supplements also are available. Women, especially, should be cautious about ongoing use of products containing these substances until appropriate human research can be conducted. |
| Consumer Link Licorice compound interferes with sex hormones in ovary |
| Research Link Reprod Toxicol. 2016 Oct 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 13, 2016 Height Matters: The calories used to walk a mile depend mostly on a person's body weight. However, for two people weighing the same, the shorter person will typically use slightly more calories – about one extra calorie (kcal) per mile for each inch difference in height. |
| Consumer Link Take that, Stretch! Short people burn more calories walking |
| Research Link J Exp Biol. 2010;213:3972-3979. |
| November 12, 2016 Food Allergies Misidentification: True food allergies can be life threatening, but it is important to know that in a controlled clinical setting, almost 90% of children previously diagnosed with food allergies actually were not allergic to the supposedly offending foods when tested with an oral food challenge test. |
| Consumer Link Study suggests over-diagnosis of food allergy in children |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2010 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 11, 2016 Fat and Diabetes: High levels of body fat are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, not all people with high body fat develop diabetes and some people with low body fat develop the condition. New research may be uncovering at least part of the puzzle. Some fats in the body are converted into compounds called ceramides. People with higher levels of ceramides in their fat tissue are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Finding a way to prevent the accumulation of ceramides may help to prevent type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Buildup of 'toxic fat' metabolite could increase diabetes risk |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2016 Oct 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 10, 2016 Soda and Diabetes Risk: A study of 1685 middle-age adults followed for a 14-year period of time found that the regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a greater increase in insulin resistance and risk of developing prediabetes. However, they found no association with the consumption of non-sugar-sweetened "diet" sodas. |
| Consumer Link Regular intake of sugary beverages, but not diet soda, is associated with prediabetes |
| Research Link J. Nutr. November 9, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 9, 2016 Hospital Nutrition: Being hospitalized commonly reduces appetite. Not consuming complete meals when hospitalized and the resulting malnutrition are associated with longer hospital stays and increased mortality risk. |
| Consumer Link Not eating enough in hospital: Risk factors are the same all over the world |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr November 2016 vol. 104 no. 5 1393-1402. |
| November 8, 2016 Celiac Disease in Children: A study of over 100 children diagnosed with celiac disease by intestinal biopsy found that about 20 percent of them still had the intestinal damage characteristic of the disease when checked again after over two years of consuming a gluten-free diet (according to self report from patients). These findings suggest the need for further studies to carefully monitor objective measures of dietary adherence. |
| Consumer Link Twenty percent of children with Celiac disease do not heal on a gluten-free diet |
| Research Link J Ped Gastro Nutr. November 3, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 7, 2016 Cheese and Salt: Most cheeses are high in sodium, however, a new human study confirms the results of animal studies showing that some components of cheese protect against some of sodium’s effects on the cardiovascular system such as high blood pressure. Dilation (expansion) of blood vessels was significantly greater after consuming cheese compared to pretzels or tofu that contained the same amount of salt. |
| Consumer Link Eating dairy cheese may protect against sodium-related health risks |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2016 Aug;116(4):658-65. |
| November 6, 2016 Meeting Iron Needs: Iron needs for physically active individuals can be as much as 30% greater than the needs of their less active friends. Consuming food sources of well-absorbed iron is important for overall health. In general, iron is absorbed better from animal foods than from plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Iron - Micronutrient Information Center |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes - Food & Nutrition Board |
| November 5, 2016 Beware Internet Medicine: Doctors often encourage their patients to become "educated consumers" of their medical care and personal health problems. Remember when seeking medical information through the Internet that many website offer medical fiction rather than fact. Seek reliable science-based websites. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| November 4, 2016 Diet and Headache: Although the triggers for headaches can vary from one person to another, research has identified some dietary components that make a difference for some headache sufferers. A common trigger for headaches (including migraines) in some people includes regular coffee drinkers not consuming coffee or drinking too much coffee or other caffeine sources. Also, consuming too much MSG, especially in liquid foods like soups appears to affect some susceptible people. Other dietary triggers are less common, but a good elimination diet can help headache sufferers identify offending foods. |
| Consumer Link Diet can impact migraines |
| Research Link The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 2016;56(9):1543. |
| November 3, 2016 Bugs and Beef: Iron is limited in many types of diets around the world. Red meat is a commonly recommended iron source because it provides iron that is well absorbed. New research on a variety of edible insects indicates that they also provide well absorbed iron and may prove to be a reasonable substitute for red meat - at least as a source of iron. |
| Consumer Link The buzz about edible bugs: Can they replace beef? |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem. October 12, 2016 online |
| November 2, 2016 Nutrition and Early-life Stress: Studies on stress during infancy have shown that it can impair learning and memory in later life, indicating that this period of brain development is important. An interesting study using mice found that providing the mother mice with a few supplemental nutrients increased the level of these nutrients in their milk and resulted in preventing later life problems with learning and memory in their offspring. |
| Consumer Link Early supplementation may help offset early-life stress on the adult brain |
| Research Link FASEB J. October 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 1, 2016 Iron vs Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is well known to irreversibly damage developing brains of infants, children, and teenagers. Having good iron status is known to reduce the absorption of lead into the body. A new study of over 400 children in Morocco provided the children with biscuits that were fortified with sodium iron EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid). Iron is well absorbed from this molecule and the EDTA component binds lead and carries it out of the intestine. Blood lead levels were significantly reduced after 28 weeks of supplementation and iron status was greatly improved. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements in the fight against lead |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 31, 2016 Eye Supplements: Dietary supplements containing lutein (a colorful compound found naturally in some vegetables and fruits) is commonly recommended for the prevention or treatment of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. However, based on a recent case study report, more than the usually recommended amount (10 mg per day) may be excessive and may potentially impair vision. |
| Consumer Link Is more, better? Finding the balance between nutritional supplements and eye health |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. October 27, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 30, 2016 Sense of Smell and Nutrition: Too much or too little of some nutrients can change the senses of taste and smell. For example, a deficient or imbalanced intake of iron or zinc can eventually impair normal sensitivity to flavors and odors. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jul;136(7):673-6. |
| October 29, 2016 Red Yeast Rice and Safety Concerns: It has been known for some time that red yeast rice supplements taken to lower blood cholesterol levels may also contain various toxins. Caution needs to be taken when using these supplements. |
| Consumer Link Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) |
| Research Link J Clin Lipidol. 2013 Mar-Apr;7(2):117-22 |
| October 28, 2016 Diabetes Activity Guidelines: New guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend that people with type 2 diabetes do three or more minutes of light activity every 30 minutes during prolonged periods of sitting. This can include activities as simple as arm stretches, moving around in a chair, walking in place, leg lifts, etc. In addition, diabetics are advised to participate in regular exercise of some sort. |
| Consumer Link New Guidelines Urge Diabetics to Move More |
| Research Link Diabetes Care 2016 Nov; 39(11): 2065-2079. |
| October 27, 2016 Alcohol, Caffeine, and the Adolescent Brain: The effects of drugs on the brains of adolescent mice have been shown to be similar to the effects on the teenage brain of humans. A new study that exposed adolescent mice to the combination of caffeine and alcohol found that the effects were similar to exposing them to cocaine. |
| Consumer Link Mixing energy drinks, alcohol may affect adolescent brains like cocaine |
| Research Link Alcohol. 2016 Aug;54:1-9. |
| October 26, 2016 Brain and Body Fat: Research indicates that many factors influence the amount of fat our individually unique bodies tend to store. Fat cell number and size, level of physical activity, and types of foods we eat are just a few. In addition, a new study indicates that the physical structure of a part of the brain affects how we individually react to and control our intake of various types of food. |
| Consumer Link Dieting success may be hardwired into the brain |
| Research Link Cogn Neurosci. 2016 Oct 11:1-5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 25, 2016 Appetite and Calorie Intake: An analysis of over 400 studies found that a person's reported appetite is not a good predictor of how much they will eat. |
| Consumer Link Scientists find no link between appetite, calorie intake |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Oct 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 24, 2016 Baseball and Body Weight: Based on measures of Body Mass Index (BMI), only 20 percent of professional baseball players have a normal body weight for their height. Eighty percent are either overweight or obese. This trend started about 25 years ago. However, using BMI, a ratio of weight for height, is not ideal for athletes whose extra body weight may be muscle and not just fat. |
| Consumer Link Heavy hitters: Obesity rate soars among professional baseball players |
| Research Link Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 2016; 10 (5): 610 |
| October 23, 2016 Vitamin B12 deficiency can damage nerve cells and lead to memory loss similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Recent research suggests that maintaining adequate B12 levels in the body may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Adequate B12 status also helps to prevent the misdiagnosis of B12 deficiency as Alzheimer’s disease. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamin B12 Reduce Alzheimer's Risk? |
| Research Link Neurology 2010;75:1408-1414. |
| October 22, 2016 Sprouts and Health: Like other types of produce, fresh sprouts, including organic sprouts, may become contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms. Individuals with compromised immune systems can still enjoy sprouts if they are cooked before eating. |
| Consumer Link Sprouts: What You Should Know |
| Research Link J Food Prot. 2003 Jul;66(7):1253-9. |
| October 21, 2016 TMAO and Meat: The consumer article below and the spokesman commenting in the article for the American Heart Association are both scientifically off base. Due to associations observed between urinary levels of a compound called TMAO and cardiovascular disease, they recommend avoiding red meat. Although there may be reasons to not over-consume red meat, this is not one of them. To avoid confusion it is helpful to go back to original research articles like the one at the link below. It states, "Of 46 different foods investigated, only fish and other sea-products gave rise to significant increases in urinary trimethylamine and N-oxide (TMAO). Ingestion of fruits, vegetables, cereal and dairy produce, and meats had no measurable effects." |
| Consumer Link Digestive Byproduct Tied to Meat Raises Risks for Some Heart Patients |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 1999 May;37(5):515-20. |
| October 20, 2016 DHA Supplements During Pregnancy: A summary of two separate studies reports that supplementation with DHA (a long chain omega-3 fatty acid) during the last two trimesters of pregnancy reduced the number of preterm births. DHA is one of the omega-3 fatty acids in marine fish oils and also is available in dietary supplements made from a specific type of algae oil. The doses used in these studies were 600 and 800 milligrams of DHA per day. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional supplement could prevent thousands of early preterm births |
| Research Link Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2016 Sep;112:44-9. |
| October 19, 2016 Nitrates and High Intensity Training: A study with young men tested the effects of supplementation with sodium nitrate prior to workouts during a 5-week high intensity training program. They found that the supplement increased their level of the muscle fiber type involved in higher intensity exercise (type IIa) when compared to participants who received a placebo supplement. Foods usually high in nitrates include spinach, beets, and carrots. However, the level of nitrate can vary greatly in these natural foods. |
| Consumer Link Eating your greens could enhance sport performance |
| Research Link Front Physiol. 2016; 7: 233. Published online 2016 Jun 14. |
| October 18, 2016 Folic Acid Excess and Vitamin B12 Function: High folic acid intake has been associated with neurological damage when vitamin B12 status is low. A new study found that people with a fairly common gene alteration for a vitamin B-12 transport protein are much more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy, especially when folic acid intake is high. |
| Consumer Link High folate intake linked with nerve-damage risk in older adults with common gene variant |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 17, 2016 Walking for Risk Reduction: A new analysis of walking data from 3388 adults indicates that both the number of steps taken and the pace of those steps contribute to reduction of indicators for cardiometabolic disease. A pace of about 100 steps per minute is considered to be a moderately intensive walking pace. |
| Consumer Link Want to optimize those 10,000 (or fewer) steps? Walk faster, sit less |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 16, 2016 Iodized salt and Thyroid health: Iodized salt is the major source of essential iodine in many people’s diets. When salt is restricted in the diet, alternative sources of iodine need to be included to avoid iodine deficiency and thyroid problems. Food sources include seafood and foods from plants grown near the ocean. |
| Consumer Link Salt restriction could increase risk of iodine deficiency |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2010 Oct;23(10):1095-102. |
| October 15, 2016 Hair Loss and Nutrient deficiencies: Hair loss in women is often caused by a diet that is too low in iron and the amino acid lysine. Rich sources of lysine include poultry, fish, and lean red meat. Red meat also is a good source of iron. |
| Consumer Link Hair loss in women has contributing factors |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| October 14, 2016 Sleep and Calorie Intake in Children: Studies on adults have indicated that a lack of adequate sleep is associated with increased weight gain. Now, a study with three to four year old children reports that sleep deprivation triggered a 20 percent increase in calorie intake and 25 percent intake in sugar. |
| Consumer Link Sleep-deprived preschoolers eat more Study has implications for childhood obesity |
| Research Link Journal of Sleep Research, 19 September 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 13, 2016 Calcium Supplements and Heart Health: A new study on over 2700 people found that high total calcium intake (food and supplements combined) was associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery calcification, especially when the high calcium intake was not from supplement use. In contrast, calcium supplement use was associated with increased risk of coronary artery calcium accumulation. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements May Not Be Heart Healthy |
| Research Link J Am Heart Assoc. 2016 Oct 11;5(10). pii: e003815. |
| October 12, 2016 Compulsive Exercise and Eating Disorders: People with anorexia nervosa often have strong compulsions to exercise. A recent study used a variety of methods to evaluate the association of compulsive exercise with anorexia. They found that high scores on the Compulsive Exercise Test were strongly related to anorexia nervosa. Compulsive exercise assessment may be helpful in the diagnosis of anorexia. |
| Consumer Link Compulsive Exercise Test Valid for Adults With Anorexia |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 2016 Oct 3. |
| October 11, 2016 Vitamin D and ADHD: At two and a half years of age, children were less likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) if their mothers took vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and had good vitamin D status when the child was born. Another study found a similar association between iron supplementation during pregnancy and reduced risk of having an autistic child. Iron deficiency can lower measures of vitamin D status, so each of these nutrients may complement the other. Meeting all nutrient needs during pregnancy is likely the most important take-home message. |
| Consumer Link Fewer indications of ADHD in children whose mothers took vitamin D during pregnancy |
| Research Link Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2016 Sep 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 10, 2016 Water Needs: Although there are recommendations to consume specific amounts of water on a daily basis, many factors such as climate and level of physical activity can change water needs significantly. A new study found that human participants had to make more effort to swallow water after drinking excess water. This mechanism likely contributes to overall thirst mechanisms that help people drink enough, but not too much. |
| Consumer Link Do you really need eight glasses a day? |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014 Apr 8; 111(14): 5379–5384. |
| October 9, 2016 B Vitamins and Brain Health: Vitamin B6, b12 and folate may be extremely important for protecting your brain from the typical damage that occurs with aging. A rich source of all three of these nutrients is liver. |
| Consumer Link B vitamins help combat the brain drain of aging |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2010; 5(9): e12244. |
| October 8, 2016 Iodine and Nerve Development: Normal nerve development in infants requires adequate iodine from mother's milk or infant formula. Dietary iodine comes primarily from iodized salt. Therefore, if you are limiting salt intake, make sure your dietary supplement contains iodine. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ Sci Technol. 2008 Feb 15;42(4):1315-23. |
| October 7, 2016 Children's picture books are still popular and often read to children. Researchers evaluated over 450 fictional picture books with dietary behavior as the central theme. The most popular theme for the 4- to 8-year-old audience was picky eating. To prevent nutrient deficiencies now and in the future, children should be encouraged to explore their food world. |
| Consumer Link Analyzing picture books for nutrition education |
| Research Link Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2016; 48 (9): 602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.06.005 |
| October 6, 2016 Caffeine and Dementia: A study following over 6000 women 65 years of age and older for about 10 years found that those who consumed the most caffeine were less likely to develop dementia and cognitive impairment. Although the association observed in this study cannot conclude a cause and effect relationship, it provides a basis for additional research. |
| Consumer Link For Women, Caffeine Could Be Ally in Warding Off Dementia |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2016 Sep 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 5, 2016 Matcha Tea: Tea is promoted for a number of potentially associated health benefits. However, do not equate matcha tea (finely ground green tea leaf) with the usual brewed teas. Matcha teas are prepared so that the whole leaf is consumed, not just the liquid infusion of the tea leaves. This greatly increases the intake of aluminum and manganese that are both neuro-toxic when consumed at high levels. |
| Consumer Link Japan's matcha tea brews up in US |
| Research Link Shido, JM. MS Thesis Univ Hawaii 2011. |
| October 4, 2016 Homeopathic Teething Product Warning: FDA has received many adverse event reports from parents of children using homeopathic teething products available in major drug stores. In response, FDA is recommending that consumers stop using these products and dispose of any in their possession. FDA's concerns include seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation. |
| Consumer Link FDA to parents: Avoid homeopathic teething products |
| Research Link FDA News Release. Sept 30, 2016. |
| October 3, 2016 Protein Intake of Older People: Many older people do not consume adequate amounts of protein for optimal health. A study conducted in the United Kingdom found that the major factors that can help older people consume adequate protein are making sure the protein foods are tasty, convenient, easy to prepare, affordable, don't spoil readily, and are perceived to be healthy foods. |
| Consumer Link Improving protein intake in older adults |
| Research Link Nutrients 2016;8(4):187. |
| October 2, 2016 Sunshine Not Enough for Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system and may be especially important as we enter into flu season. Research indicates that even those with seemingly adequate sun exposure may be low in vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, fortified milk, and dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Holiday flu could be caused by a shortage of vitamin D |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Jun;92(6):2130-5. |
| October 1, 2016 Muscle Loss and Protein: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength resulting in frailty in the elderly. Exercise and adequate protein helps to slow this aging process. |
| Consumer Link Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Jan;21(1):1-13. Epub 2009 Oct 1. |
| September 30, 2016 Insects as Alternative Sustainable Protein Sources: Swedish research now shows that crickets can be raised on weeds and agricultural by-products, making them an inexpensive protein source. |
| Consumer Link Edible crickets can be reared on weeds and cassava plant tops |
| Research Link J Insects Food Feed. 2016, Sept. |
| September 29, 2016 Hydration Timing: The brain's biological clock is linked to the thirst mechanism. One effect of this is increased thirst in the evening that triggers fluid consumption to prepare the body for water loss during the night. There is significant water loss from the body at night in exhaled air and from evaporation of water from the skin. |
| Consumer Link Brain's biological clock stimulates thirst before sleep |
| Research Link Nature. 2016;537(7622):685. |
| September 28, 2016 Peanut Allergy: A study conducted with mice found that peanut extracts from dry roasted peanuts triggered allergic reactions more than extracts from raw peanuts. The researchers think this may be due to compounds that form at the high temperatures used for dry roasting. They speculate that boiled or fried peanuts may not be as likely to trigger allergies. |
| Consumer Link Dry roasting could help trigger peanut allergy |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Dec; 134(6): 1453–1456. |
| September 27, 2016 Zinc and Infection: All essential nutrients are part of a balancing act. Too little and too much of a nutrient are both potentially bad. A new study, using a mouse model, found that high zinc intake altered the lower intestinal bacterial ecology in a way that favored the development of the bacterium Clostridium difficile. This bacteria can cause infections that are highly resistant to treatment. |
| Consumer Link Excess dietary zinc worsens C. diff infection |
| Research Link Nature Medicine. 2016 18 January. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 26, 2016 Nutrition During Pregnancy: Atopic eczema is an inflammation of the skin that tends to flare up from time to time. New research indicates that a deficiency of niacin in a mother during pregnancy predisposes the baby to developing eczema that usually starts in early childhood. Naturally occurring niacin is highest in meats, poultry, seafood, fortified cereals, and peanuts. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B levels during pregnancy linked to eczema risk in child |
| Research Link Clin Exp Allergy. 2016 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 25, 2016 Weight and Fitness: Despite increasing rates of overweight and obesity, the current medical system typically allows little time for physicians to counsel patients about weight management. Those with weight problems should request referrals to meet with qualified nutrition and fitness professionals. |
| Consumer Link City-Dwelling Women Face Diet And Exercise Challenges |
| Research Link Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Oct;116(4):1011-4. |
| September 24, 2016 Vitamin A is needed for normal growth, reproduction, bone health, blood cell production, skin health and immune function, but too much vitamin A (just 2 to 3 times the current recommended vitamin A intake) has been linked to increased bone loss and birth defects. |
| Consumer Link Too much vitamin A can be toxic |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2007 Oct;65(10):425-38. |
| September 23, 2016 Allergenic Foods and Infants: Eggs and peanuts are among the foods that commonly trigger allergic reactions. A new systematic review of research on this topic indicates that early introduction of eggs (at 4 to 6 months of age) or peanuts (at 4 to 11 months of age) to the infant diet is associated with lower risk of developing allergies to these foods. Although these researchers were not ready to make strong recommendations, their results do not support the concept that there should be a delay in introducing these foods. |
| Consumer Link Feeding babies egg and peanut may prevent food allergy, study suggests |
| Research Link JAMA. 2016;316(11):1181-1192. |
| September 22, 2016 The Five-second Rule: Finally, a well designed study tested the popular 'five-second rule.' They found that the amount of bacteria picked up by the food dropped onto a surface did vary somewhat with the type of food. However, bacteria were transferred from the surface to the food virtually instantaneously in less than a second. Of course, how risky it is to consume dropped food depends on what types of bacteria are present on the floor. |
| Consumer Link Researchers debunk 'five-second rule': Eating food off the floor isn't safe. Sometimes bacteria transfer in less than a second |
| Research Link Appl Environ Microbiol. 2016 Sep 2. pii: AEM.01838-16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 21, 2016 Activity Trackers and Weight Loss: A large study following people in a weight loss program for two years found that participants who used an activity monitoring device actually lost less weight than those who did not use one. It is not clear why this was the case, but it seemed clear that in a long study like this one, the extra information from the device did not help. |
| Consumer Link Activity trackers are ineffective at sustaining weight loss |
| Research Link JAMA. 2016;316(11):1161-1171. |
| September 20, 2016 Vitamin B12 and Brain: A study of 100 people (age 50 to 80 years), who were getting care for memory problems, found that those with the lowest vitamin B12 status had the most impaired memory and learning ability. This relationship was observed even in those with blood values for B12 status assessment that were low, but within what is typically considered to be normal. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12, the Microstructure of the Hippocampus, and Learning in Older Women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Apr;103(4):1045-54. |
| September 19, 2016 Vegan Diet: A completely vegan diet lacks vitamin B12 unless it includes foods fortified with the vitamin. Many other nutrients can be inadequate unless foods are carefully selected for the right variety. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oils also are not provided by a vegan diet unless in includes certain algae oil supplements. These fatty acids are especially essential for brain and retina health. The damage to health from B12 and long-chain omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies can take decades to become apparent. |
| Consumer Link Can A Vegan Diet Give You All You Need? German Nutritionists Say 'Nein' |
| Research Link Ernahrungs Umschau 63(04): 92–102. |
| September 18, 2016 Low calcium and Kidney Stones: The most common kidney stones are calcium oxalate. Interestingly, low calcium diets increase the risk of forming these stones, apparently because more oxalate is absorbed from the diet when dietary calcium is low. |
| Consumer Link This Too Shall Pass: Avoid Kidney Stones Through Diet |
| Research Link Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2015 Jul 7;87(2):105-20. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2015.2.105. |
| September 17, 2016 Magnesium Deficiency and Blood Pressure: Marginal-to-moderate magnesium deficiency may play a role in high blood pressure and conditions associated with inflammatory stress. Boost magnesium in your diet by including green vegetables, beans, and whole grains. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2010 Jun;68(6):333-40. |
| September 16, 2016 Activity Deficiency: Many chronic diseases of aging can be delayed or even prevented by maintaining regular physical activity throughout life - especially during the last few decades of life. Unfortunately, an evaluation of national data found that almost 30 percent of adults are not engaging in any physical activity outside of typical daily living. This percentage increases in older people. |
| Consumer Link More than 1 in 4 US adults over 50 do not engage in regular physical activity |
| Research Link MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016;65:954-958. |
| September 15, 2016 Fatty Acids and Children: A double-blind placebo-controlled study found that supplementation of nine to ten year-old children for three months with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus a small amount of gamma-linolenic acid, improved performance on a variety of reading tests. Those identified by their parents as having attention problems were most likely to have a positive response to the supplement. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3, omega-6 supplement improves reading for children |
| Research Link J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2016 Aug 22. Epub ahead of print] |
| September 14, 2016 Sugar and Fat: An article about sugar in the New York Times went viral yesterday. In case you were hiding under a rock or just over-worked, the article was based on a journal article in JAMA Internal Medicine that reviewed the role played by the sugar industry in demonizing fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Conclusion? There is plenty of evidence that both too much sugar and too much fat in the diet are associated with a variety of health problems. |
| Consumer Link How the Sugar Industry Shifted Blame to Fat |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. Sept 12, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 13, 2016 Glycemic Index and Liver Fat: Although the glycemic index values for specific foods can vary greatly from one person to another, studies do indicate that diets with an overall lower glycemic index can provide health benefits. A recent study found that men consuming a high glycemic index diet had greater accumulation of fat in their liver than when they consumed a low glycemic index diet. |
| Consumer Link High Glycemic Index Diet Raises Hepatic Fat, Glycogen Stores |
| Research Link Diabetes Obes Metab. 2016 Sep 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 12, 2016 Glycemic Index Variability: Glycemic index is a measure used to estimate how much specific foods raise blood glucose. Most often tables of glycemic index present a single value that is an average of the measurements made on several people. The main limitation of the glycemic index is that it varies greatly both in individuals measured at different times with the same food and between different people tested with the same food. |
| Consumer Link 'Glycemic Index' May Be Too Unreliable to Manage Diabetes: Study |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Sep 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 11, 2016 Iron /Iodine and Thyroid Function: Keeping a wide variety of foods in the diet is extremely important, even for the prevention of hypothyroidism. Excessive consumption of cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables, soy products, and millet can interfere with thyroid hormone production. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Endocr Rev. 2009 Jun;30(4):376-408. Epub 2009 May 21. |
| September 10, 2016 Weight and Exercise Cessation: Both human and animal studies have shown that abruptly stopping an exercise habit results in rapid gain in body fat. By reducing training, rather than stopping altogether helps to maintain lower body-fat levels. |
| Consumer Link Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1975-84. |
| September 9, 2016 Floor Plan and Eating: A study using college students as participants found that floor plans may influence how much we eat. When the kitchen/food service area was separate from the dining area, study participants consumed significantly less food. Out of sight, out of mind? |
| Consumer Link Open floor plans may lead to more eating |
| Research Link Environment and Behavior, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 8, 2016 Gluten-free Diets: A new study indicates that although celiac disease has not increased during recent years, the number of people consuming gluten-free diets has increased substantially. This could be related to an increase in the proposed condition called non-celiac gluten sensitivity and/or simply due to gluten-free foods being considered to be more healthy but some people. At least the increased demand for gluten-free foods will make life a bit easier for those with true celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Prevalence of celiac appears steady but followers of gluten-free diet increase |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 7, 2016 Caffeine and Aging Memory: A study based on a mouse model demonstrated that caffeine can inhibit reactions that are linked to the type of memory loss seen with aging. This study provides a mechanism that supports studies in humans indicating that caffeine consumption reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of age-related mental decline. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine and its analogues counteract memory deficits by normalizing stress responses in the brain |
| Research Link Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 11;6:31493. |
| September 6, 2016 Sweet Preference and Body Fat: A study with toddlers found that those who preferred a sweet treat after a meal gained more body fat during their third year of life than toddlers who preferred a salty snack. |
| Consumer Link Chips or cookies? Toddlers with sweet tooth more likely to experience weight gain |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2016 May;137(5). |
| September 5, 2016 Food Allergy and Asthma Risk: Analysis of the medical records of over one million children indicated that infants with food allergies were much more likely to develop asthma. The most common food allergens were peanuts, milk, eggs, shellfish and soy. |
| Consumer Link Children with food allergies predisposed to asthma, rhinitis |
| Research Link BMC Pediatrics. 2016;16:133. |
| September 4, 2016 Thirst and Age: Sensitivity to thirst often declines with age. Therefore, consuming fluids on a schedule rather than when thirsty can become essential to maintain basic body functions such as adequate blood flow throughout the body and especially to the brain. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009;49 Suppl 1:19-27. |
| September 3, 2016 Exercise and Weight Loss: Although exercise is less likely to promote fat loss in women than in men, exercise does benefit health in both genders and allows both men and women to eat more calories without gaining weight. |
| Consumer Link Men, women respond differently to exercise |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Feb;296(2):R233-42. |
| September 2, 2016 Selenium and Liver Cancer: A European study found that low selenium status substantially increases the risk of developing liver cancer. Foods high in selenium include fish, shellfish, meat, milk and eggs. Brazil nuts also are very rich in selenium, however, the selenium upper limit for adults of 400 micrograms per day can be exceeded with just five Brazil nuts that contain over 500 micrograms. Selenium toxicity can lead to fingernail brittleness, hair loss, intestinal disturbances, skin rash, fatigue, irritability, and nervous system problems. |
| Consumer Link Selenium status influence cancer risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;104(2):406-414. |
| September 1, 2016 Good Nutrition and Social Development: Researchers found that children without obvious signs of iron, riboflavin, niacin, and protein deficiency had much better development of social skills than children with even one sign of a deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Good Nutrition Positively Affects Social Development, Penn Research Shows |
| Research Link Maternal & Child Nutr. 2016 May. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 31, 2016 Coffee Grounds for Dietary Fiber: Coffee grounds left over from making coffee or manufacturing instant coffee often are considered a waste product. However, researchers found that as much as four percent of the weight of the ingredients for muffins could come from spent coffee grounds. The muffins were palatable and a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds. |
| Consumer Link Leftover coffee grounds: Unlocking 6m tonnes of unused antioxidant dietary fibre |
| Research Link Food Chemistry. 2017;216:114–122. |
| August 30, 2016 Shark and neurotoxins: Shark meat and fins from 10 shark species contained both mercury and a cyanobacterial toxin (BMAA) that are both linked to neurodegenerative diseases. In combination, these two neurotoxins are thought to be synergistic with the combination of them being more toxic than either alone. |
| Consumer Link Shark fins and meat contain high levels of neurotoxins linked to Alzheimer's disease |
| Research Link Toxins 2016, 8 (8), 238. |
| August 29, 2016 Belief and Experience: What we believe strongly influences what we experience. People tasting two samples of beef jerky indicated that they liked the one labeled as "factory farmed" less than one labeled to indicate more humane farming conditions. However, the two samples were from the same beef. |
| Consumer Link Chew on this: How we believe our meat is raised can influence how it tastes |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2016 Aug 24;11(8):e0160424. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160424. |
| August 28, 2016 Weight and Non-exercise Activity: Does your job keep you too sedentary? Finding ways to make many small extra movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, walking, and standing can play an important role in weight control. |
| Consumer Link Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time |
| Research Link Mayo Clin Proc. 2015 Apr;90(4):509-19. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.02.001. |
| August 27, 2016 Picky Eater or Supertaster?: Why do some people really like flavors that you don’t like? It may be in your genes. Some people are “supertasters” of specific flavors in foods, especially bitter flavors. |
| Consumer Link Genetics determines how we taste |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2000 Aug;25(4):447-60. |
| August 26, 2016 Exercise or Diet for Heart Health: Weight loss generally improves cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight people. A new study found that weight lost by eating less, exercising more, or doing a combination of the two all had the same impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors such as blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose. The next question is which one of these approaches is best at maintaining the reduced body weight. |
| Consumer Link Diet, exercise, both: All work equally to protect heart health |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jul 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 25, 2016 Caffeine Benefits: Reported risks related to caffeine consumption and cardiovascular disease were not supported by research. Instead, research shows that caffeine may have potential health benefits. But remember, everything in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine not linked to certain heart risks in women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr 92: 509-514, 2010. |
| August 24, 2016 Vitamin E Status: A recent systematic review of published research indicated that only 21 percent of the global population had blood levels of alpha-tocopherol considered to be beneficial for several aspects of human health. including normal cognitive function, cardiovascular health, liver function, and immune function. Foods high in vitamin E, include vegetable oils, green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grain bread. Fortified foods and dietary supplements also are convenient ways to prevent dietary shortfalls. |
| Consumer Link Only a Fifth of the Global Population Achieves Optimal Vitamin E Status |
| Research Link Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res., 2016, 1–21 |
| August 23, 2016 Calcium Supplements and Dementia: Adequate calcium intake is clearly important for maintaining healthy bones. However, there is developing evidence that it is likely best to meet calcium needs with foods rather than supplements. A new study that needs support from future research found that older women taking calcium supplements were more likely to develop dementia, especially if they already had signs of cerebrovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements Might Raise Older Women's Dementia Risk |
| Research Link Neurology. 2016 Aug 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 22, 2016 Protein and Body Composition: Another human study confirms the importance of maintaining a higher protein intake during reduced calorie intake to promote fat loss and to reduce or prevent loss of lean body mass. The results of this study also indicate that after weight loss, maintenance of adequate protein intake helps to prevent weight and fat regain. |
| Consumer Link Protein pacing helps weight loss and maintenance: Study |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2016 Jul 30;8(8). pii: E476. |
| August 21, 2016 Food as Medicine: The link between food and health has been appreciated since at least the time of Hippocrates. Consuming an inadequate amount of even one essential nutrient can increase risk factors for disease. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition needed, even with ‘longevity gene’ |
| Research Link Nutr Health. 2009;20(2):135-66. |
| August 20, 2016 Physical Activity and Diabetes: The end of summer is near so, it is important to stay physically active. This helps to maintain or achieve a healthy weight and decreases risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Staying active can reduce diabetes risk in adulthood |
| Research Link Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;68 Suppl1:S73-81. |
| August 19, 2016 Nutrition and Mental Health: It is well known that normal brain function is the product of complex biochemistry that involves many chemicals, including essential nutrients. Nutritional psychiatry is a growing field of study that aims to include nutrient considerations along with all other aspects of psychiatry such as pharmacology. |
| Consumer Link The Importance of Nutrition in Mental Health |
| Research Link Lancet Psychiatry. 2015 Jul;2(7):e19. |
| August 18, 2016 Raw Food & Hepatitis A: Raw fish and shellfish are popular ingredients in Asian/Pacific foods such as sushi. However, there are certain risks to consuming raw seafood. Recently, a hepatitis A outbreak in Honolulu was linked to consuming raw scallops as a sushi ingredient. |
| Consumer Link Hawaii authorities urge awareness of raw food risk |
| Research Link State of Hawaii Dep of Health, Aug 15, 2016. |
| August 17, 2016 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Alzheimer's Disease: A new study found that higher blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA were associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease based on a variety of brain measurements related to the disease. DHA is one of the two key omega-3 fatty acids that are high in fish oils and in some special algae oils. |
| Consumer Link Role for Fatty Acid Metabolism in Preclinical AD? |
| Research Link JAMA Neurol. August 08, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 16, 2016 Breakfast and Academic Performance in Children: Many studies have indicated improved academic performance in children who consume breakfast. This has supported the National School Breakfast Program that provides free and reduced price breakfasts to students from families with a low income. Now, an analysis of academic achievement levels of students found that academic achievement is higher in schools that offer the School Breakfast Program. |
| Consumer Link Better breakfast, better grades |
| Research Link J Public Econ. 2015 Apr 1;124:91-104. |
| August 15, 2016 Gestational Diabetes & Child Obesity: A study of 4740 children, 9-11 years of age, indicated that children were more likely to be obese if their mother had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). How exposure to diabetes via mother's womb may increase the risk of offspring obesity is not fully understood. |
| Consumer Link Study links child obesity at age 9-11 years to gestational diabetes in mother |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2016 Aug 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 14, 2016 Cancer and Alternative “cures”: Alternative “cures” for cancer can be very tempting to cancer patients. However, opting for questionable therapies can be very risky and can delay evidence-based treatments to the point that they may no longer be effective. |
| Consumer Link How Quackery Harms Cancer Patients |
| Research Link Ir Med J. 2008 Mar;101(3):82-4. |
| August 13, 2016 Iodine Deficiency and Decreased Salt: According to recent research, levels of the essential nutrient iodine have declined in the American diet over the past two decades. As people decrease their intake of iodized salt, it becomes more important to include seafood in the diet on a regular basis. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 2008, 42 (4), pp 1315–1323 |
| August 12, 2016 Exercise Placebo Effect: A new study found that those who expected exercise to provide benefits were more likely to have positive psychological responses to a single bout of exercise. This was confirmed by electroencephalogram measurements. |
| Consumer Link Believe it or not: Exercise does more good if you believe it will |
| Research Link J Behav Med (2016). doi:10.1007/s10865-016-9781-3 |
| August 11, 2016 Green Tea, Bowel Disease, and Iron: Green tea is rich in compounds known as polyphenols. One that has been widely studied has the acronym EGCG. This compound has been shown to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, tea polyphenols like EGCG bind to iron. Consequently, when tea components are consumed together with foods rich in iron, it can both reduce the benefits of the EGCG and reduce the absorption of iron. |
| Consumer Link Green tea and iron, bad combination |
| Research Link Am J Pathol. 2016 Apr;186(4):912-26. |
| August 10, 2016 Kidney Stones Treatment: Researchers report that a compound called hydroxycitric acid or hydroxycitrate (HCA) shows promise as a treatment to dissolve kidney stones. HCA is very high in a fruit called Garcinia cambogia (Malabar tamarind) which has been an ingredient in controversial supplements marketed for weight loss. Human trials are needed to confirm HCA's possible use for kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Researchers propose new treatment to prevent kidney stones |
| Research Link Nature. 2016 Aug 8:1-5. |
| August 9, 2016 Energy Drinks and Heart Function: A new case study presented another case of high caffeine energy drink consumption triggering an overly rapid heart rate combined with an abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation). This and other case reports are increasingly suggestive that excessive energy drink consumption can adversely affect heart function in some people. |
| Consumer Link Cardiac complications from energy drinks? Case report adds new evidence |
| Research Link J Addict Med. 2016 Jul-Aug;10(4):280-2. |
| August 8, 2016 Food Allergies in Siblings: Parents of children with food allergies often are concerned that the child's siblings also will develop allergies. A study of over 1100 children with food allergies found that their siblings were not at significantly increased risk for developing food allergies. |
| Consumer Link Most siblings of food allergic kids do not have food allergy |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016 May 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 7, 2016 How To Make Food Decisions: When you decide to eliminate a food from your diet, make sure your decision is based on science rather than Internet scare tactics masquerading as the latest nutrition news. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| August 6, 2016 Choline is Lacking: An analysis of national eating patterns found that older children and adults consume choline containing foods far below the recommended "Adequate Intake" level for this essential nutrient. Since eggs and meat are the richest food sources of this nutrient, limiting these foods also reduces choline intake. |
| Consumer Link Little-noticed choline plays essential role |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23. |
| August 5, 2016 Fish Oil Supplement and Muscle Soreness: The first bout of a new exercise often causes muscle soreness that occurs a day or two after the exercise. This is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). A recent study found that women who took a fish oil supplement (containing a total of 3.6 g/d of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA plus DHA) experienced significantly less symptoms and biomarkers of DOMS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions against consuming EPA and DHA in excess of 3g/d due to the risk of increased bleeding time. Consequently, long term use of this dose may not be safe. |
| Consumer Link Fish oil may reduce muscle soreness after exercising: Study |
| Research Link J Diet Suppl. 2016 Jul 21:1-12. |
| August 4, 2016 Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity: Celiac disease and wheat allergy are well studied medical conditions that are caused by gluten and/or other components in grains like wheat, rye, or barley. However, many people have been found to react adversely to wheat even though they do not fit the diagnostic criteria for celiac disease or wheat allergy. Researchers are now finding new measures to diagnose non-celiac wheat sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Real? |
| Research Link Gut. 2016 Jul 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 3, 2016 Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart Attack Recovery: A placebo-controlled study found that a fish oil-based supplement with high dose omega-3 fatty acids (465 mg EPA and 375 mg DHA) significantly benefited key aspects of recovery from a heart attack. These levels of omega-3 fatty acids are difficult to obtain from food. To do so would require daily consumption of a fish like salmon (which can vary in fatty acid content depending on source and species). |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 fatty acids may aid heart attack healing |
| Research Link Circulation. 2016;134:378-391. |
| August 2, 2016 Bariatric Surgery and Bone Loss: A number of studies have found that weight loss, especially when it is rapid, includes bone loss. Consequently, it is not surprising that a Canadian study reported that people who lost weight from bariatric surgery were at increased risk for bone fractures. |
| Consumer Link Weight-Loss Surgery Doesn't Boost Bone Health: Study |
| Research Link BMJ 2016;354:i3794. |
| August 1, 2016 HHydration and Body Weight: A study based on data from over 9500 people found that individuals who were overweight or obese, based on BMI (body mass index) also were more likely to be poorly hydrated. It is not clear what this really means in terms of possible causes or effects of obesity, but further research to evaluate potential cause/effect relationships seems warranted. |
| Consumer Link Study: Water intake overlooked in obese individuals |
| Research Link Ann Fam Med. 2016 Jul;14(4):320-4. |
| July 31, 2016 Dietary Protein and Bone: Dietary protein tends to increase the loss of calcium in the urine, however, dietary protein also enhances the absorption of calcium. Overall, adequate protein benefits bone health. |
| Consumer Link Proper protein is necessary |
| Research Link Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009 Mar 13;6:12. |
| July 30, 2016 Hydration and Blood Pressure: Dehydration can lead to overly low blood pressure and impair both brain function and balance. Drinking enough fluid can especially help older people avoid falls due to dizziness or disorientation. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2010 Aug; 68(8): 439–458. |
| July 29, 2016 Selenium and Liver Cancer Risk: A European study found that those with the lowest selenium status had the greatest risk of developing liver cancer. Good food sources of selenium include fish, meats, poultry, eggs, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, tofu, and some fortified cereals. |
| Consumer Link Low selenium levels linked to liver cancer development |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 28, 2016 Influence of Family Food Habits: A study of almost 3000 twins, 18 to 19 years of age, found that dietary food preferences can change substantially during the early adult years. The researchers suggest that this stage of life may represent an important window of opportunity to influence food choices throughout the rest of one's life. |
| Consumer Link Family upbringing has no impact on people's food preferences |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 27, 2016 Mercury Toxicity in Skin Products: Most people are aware that it is important to avoid over-consumption of foods high in mercury, a toxic heavy metal. Now, FDA is warning consumers about skin products that can deliver dangerous amounts of mercury into the body through the skin. The most common mercury-containing products are “anti-aging” or “skin lightening” products made outside the U.S. If there is no ingredient list or if the list contains the words “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurio,” or “mercury,” FDA recommends that you stop using the product immediately. |
| Consumer Link The Ancient Chinese Secret For Removing Age Spots May Be Mercury |
| Research Link FDA Consumer Health Information. July 2016. |
| July 26, 2016 Pregnancy, Iron Deficiency, and Thyroid Function: A study of 1900 pregnant women in Brussels found that 35 percent of them were iron deficient during their first trimester. Iron deficient women were more likely to have impaired thyroid function. This is physiologically logical because thyroid hormone production depends on the normal function of an enzyme that requires iron as an essential co-factor. |
| Consumer Link Third of pregnant women iron deficient, risk thyroid-related pregnancy complications |
| Research Link Eur J Endocrinol July 22, 2016 EJE-16-0288. |
| July 25, 2016 Physical Activity and Cancer Risk: A combined analysis of the data from 12 large studies (total of 1.44 million participants) found that those reporting the most leisure-time physical activity had a lower overall risk for cancer. One exception was in increased risk of skin cancer (malignant melanoma) in the most active participants - likely due to greater sun exposure without adequate sun protection. |
| Consumer Link Increased physical activity associated with lower risk of 13 types of cancer |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Jun 1;176(6):816-25. |
| July 24, 2016 Essential Nutrients during Exercise: During endurance exercises like jogging, the first nutrient that runs low is water and the second is carbohydrate. For good endurance, stay hydrated during exercise and consume a balanced diet that includes high carbohydrate foods. Both chocolate milk and fruit drinks offer both nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Athletes need to hydrate and devour carbohydrates |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 Mar;41(3):709-31. |
| July 23, 2016 Determinants of Children's Food Choices: Parents are a role model for their children's food choices. If a parent eats a wide variety of wholesome foods, the child is more likely to follow suit. |
| Consumer Link Children's nutrition: 10 tips for picky eaters |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr December 2011 vol. 94 no. 6 Suppl 2006S-2011S |
| July 22, 2016 Antioxidant Supplements: Oxygen, of course, is required for life. However, some theories of disease suggest that various chemical reactions in the body involving oxygen create oxidative stress. It has been proposed that this oxidative stress may trigger certain diseases. Although taking antioxidant supplements may seem like the solution, these supplements may actually worsen some disease states by impairing beneficial oxidation reactions such as those involved in defense mechanisms of the immune system. Maintaining good health always seems to be a balancing act. |
| Consumer Link Beware of antioxidant supplements, warns scientific review |
| Research Link Br J Pharmacol. 2016 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 21, 2016 Nutrition and Social Development in Children: A study of over 1500 3-year old children found that physical signs of deficiency of protein, niacin, riboflavin, or iron were strong predictors of impaired social behavior skills. Consuming a variety of foods from all of the key food groups greatly increases the odds of meeting all essential nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Good nutrition positively affects social development, research shows |
| Research Link Matern Child Nutr. 2016 May 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 20, 2016 Female Athlete Triad: Female athletes who chronically do not match their exercise energy expenditure with adequate calorie intake develop the three components of the Female Athlete Triad: Menstrual problems, weakened bones, and disordered eating. This can lead to impaired performance and long term health problems such as impaired bone health for life. There also appears to be an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link 3 Health Issues That Can Threaten Young Female Athletes |
| Research Link Pediatrics. July 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 19, 2016 Essential Fatty Acids and Pregnancy: The essential fatty acid DHA is one of several nutrients critical for normal infant brain development, retinal development, and immune function. Supplementing women with DHA, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, was found to greatly reduce the average medical costs of delivery and the first year of the infants' lives. Researchers estimated that supplementation of all pregnant women in the U.S. with DHA would save about six billion dollars in annual medical costs. |
| Consumer Link Two Studies Recommend DHA Supplementation During Pregnancy |
| Research Link Prost Leuko Ess Fat Acids. 2016;111:8-10. |
| July 18, 2016 Fruits and Vegetables for Vision: Fruits and vegetable provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, some fruits and vegetables are good sources of carotenoid compounds that are essential for healthy retinal function and sharp vision. These key carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, typically are not included in lists of essential nutrients, but they are essential for good vision. |
| Consumer Link Relying upon Diet to Enhance Your Visual Experiences! |
| Research Link Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016 Jun 1;57(7):3429-39. |
| July 17, 2016 Risks of Too Much Tea? Green tea is widely extolled for its beneficial content of polyphenols that are linked to reduced chronic disease risks. However, consuming too much tea (green or black) also can potentially supply excessive amounts of aluminum and fluoride. |
| Consumer Link The dark side of healthful 'superfoods' |
| Research Link Rev Saude Publica. 2004 Feb;38(1):100-5. Epub 2004 Jan 30. |
| July 16, 2016 Psoriasis, the Immune System and Nutrition: Since the immune system is clearly involved in psoriasis, maintaining a healthy immune system helps to deal with the disease. Many nutrients are involved in supporting immune function, so meeting all nutrient needs may be step one in treating psoriasis. |
| Consumer Link Causes of psoriasis are not yet determined |
| Research Link Br J Dermatol. 2005 Oct;153(4):706-14. |
| July 15, 2016 Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: Most Americans do not meet recommended magnesium intake. A summary of multiple studies found that supplementation with about 300 mg of magnesium per day lowers blood pressure by about 2 mm Hg on average. Although this was statistically significant, it is likely not biologically significant. However, consuming adequate magnesium from foods and/or supplements is important for overall health. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium may modestly lower blood pressure |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):324-33. |
| July 14, 2016 Binge Eating in Children: An eating disorder called binge eating disorder is characterized by feeling out of control while eating and is typically associated with overweight and obesity. A review of 15 studies on binge eating disorder in children (5 to 12 years of age) found that family-based weight teasing was associated with the behavior. Although the review could not conclude that this caused the disorder, it indicates that emotional support of overweight or obese children may help to prevent binge eating disorder. |
| Consumer Link Childhood binge eating: Families, feeding, and feelings |
| Research Link Eat Behav. 2016 Apr 9;22:62-71. |
| July 13, 2016 Low Carb Diet: A tightly controlled study of 17 overweight or obese men was conducted under metabolic ward conditions. The researchers compared the amount of fat lost during 4 weeks of a normal reduced-calorie diet to 4 weeks on a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet. Each diet provided the same amount of calories. Protein intake was the same on both diets. There was little difference in fat loss between the two diets. One problem is that the study design did not randomize the order of the diets. |
| Consumer Link Carbohydrate Study Leaves Diet Researchers Divided |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 12, 2016 Exercise and Brain Function: A number of studies have reported that bouts of exercise and exercise training programs benefit mental function. New research appears to be narrowing in on how this might work. During exercise, muscle tissue releases a specific protein factor into the blood that benefits parts of the brain involved in memory. |
| Consumer Link Exercise Releases Brain-Healthy Protein |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2016 Jun 21. pii: S1550-4131(16)30247-9. |
| July 11, 2016 Gut Transit Time and the Microbiome: The colonic microbiome (microorganism quantity and diversity) is being widely studied as a contributor to many potential health outcomes. New research indicates that despite the richness of microbial content, when intestinal contents move too slowly their may be adverse health effects due to certain bacterial byproducts. Consuming a variety of foods with dietary fiber and consuming plenty of fluids helps to speed up transit. |
| Consumer Link Food’s transit time through body is a key factor in digestive health |
| Research Link Nature Microb. 27 June 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 10, 2016 Fat Soluble Vitamins and Body Fat: The fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) naturally accumulate in body fat cells. This appears to increase the need for these vitamins in people who have higher amounts of body fat. |
| Consumer Link Overweight people need fat-soluble vitamins |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2010 May;140(5):1029-34. |
| July 9, 2016 Sports Drinks and Children: Sports drinks are designed for athletes to provide water, sugar, and salt. This is what athletes need during endurance exercise. There is a tendency to perceive sports drinks as being a healthy option, however, other than being a bit lower in sugar, they are not much different than soda. Consequently, frequent consumption of sports drinks is generally not a good option for children. |
| Consumer Link Children consuming sports drinks unnecessarily |
| Research Link Br Dent J. 2016 Jun 24;220(12):639-43. |
| July 8, 2016 Butter and Cardiovascular Health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 databases indicates that butter consumption was not significantly associated with any cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease or stroke. |
| Consumer Link Has Butter Gotten a Bad Rap? |
| Research Link PLoS One. Published: June 29, 2016 |
| July 7, 2016 Fish Oil and Pregnancy: Fatty acids from fish is known to be beneficial for brain development of a growing fetus. A recent study, however, shows that fish Oil capsules consumed during pregnancy does not translate into preventing childhood obesity at preschool age. |
| Consumer Link Fish oil during pregnancy offers no protection for children against obesity |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun;103(6):1472-81. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.128520. Epub 2016 Apr 6. |
| July 6, 2016 Protein Reduces Hypertension: A study of more than 1500 females showed that those who consumed a higher level of protein foods with certain amino acids had both lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness. These amino acids were found both in meat and plant-based protein sources. |
| Consumer Link UEA research shows high protein foods boost cardiovascular health |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 Sep;145(9):2130-8. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.214700. Epub 2015 Jul 22. |
| July 5, 2016 Vitamin B12 and Baby's Brain: The breast-fed infant of a healthy mother can thrive on breast milk alone for four to six months. However, if a mother is deficient in vitamin B-12, her milk also will be deficient. This can irreversibly damage the baby's brain and nerve development. Consequently, vegetarian mothers are commonly advised to take a B-12 supplement. |
| Consumer Link New moms need B-12 for baby’s milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 May;66(5):250-5. |
| July 4, 2016 Lifelong Benefits of Exercise Starts Early: Frequent, vigorous exercise during the child and adolescent years is becoming recognized as the most effective way to prevent chronic health conditions that develop during the adult years. |
| Consumer Link Active kids avoid later health woes |
| Research Link Exerc Immunol Rev. 2005;11:108-44. |
| July 3, 2016 The Brain is a "Sugar Junkie": The brain requires blood sugar for energy, using about 400 calories of glucose each day. If inadequate carbohydrate is consumed, muscle protein may be broken down to provide needed glucose. Consume at least 130 grams of carbohydrate a day to feed the brain and help prevent muscle loss. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Prog Brain Res. 2006;153:129-40. |
| July 2, 2016 The content of some key vitamins in fresh produce begins to decrease soon after harvest. Therefore to get the most nutrients from your produce, buy fresh produce in quantities that can be consumed within a few days. |
| Consumer Link Ways to use vegetables in Hawaii |
| Research Link Eur J Cancer Prev. 1997 Mar;6 Suppl 1:S21-4. |
| July 1, 2016 Beer for the Brain: A study of the brains of 125 men (age 35 to 70 years) from the Helsinki Sudden Death Series autopsy study indicated that those who consumed beer regularly had lower brain levels of the beta amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer's disease than those who did not drink or those who consumed other alcoholic beverages. Although this association is interesting, additional prospective research is needed to indicate any cause/effect relationships. The study also found that age was the strongest predictor of brain beta amyloid levels. |
| Consumer Link Is beer good for the brain? |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2016 May 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 30, 2016 Obesity and Genetics: Researchers found that higher levels of a specific protein molecule in fat cells enhanced the function of insulin and promoted fat storage. People that genetically produce more of this protein have more of a tendency to accumulate body fat than other people, especially when their diet is high in carbohydrate and fat. |
| Consumer Link Insulin-sensitive fat leads to obesity |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2016 Jun 20. pii: 84708. doi: 10.1172/JCI84708. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 29, 2016 Exercise and ADHD: A study of young male adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) found that 20 minutes of moderately intense cycling exercise significantly improved some of the measurable aspects of ADHD such as confusion, fatigue, and depression. |
| Consumer Link Study: Exercise can help adults better cope with ADHD symptoms |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Jun;48(6):1153-60. |
| June 28, 2016 Exercise and Muscle Recovery in Older People: Most older people find that muscle recovery following a bout of exercise is slower than it used to be. Based on a recent study with older mice, muscle recovery from exercise, or other causes of muscle damage, is enhanced by staying in shape with regular exercise training. |
| Consumer Link Regular exercise may help muscle repair in older adults |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2016 Jun 15. pii: fj.201600143RR. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 27, 2016 Insects for Food: Insects are a rich source of many key nutrients found in meats including protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins, including vitamin B12. Many people have an aversion to consuming insects, but indicate more willingness to consume insects when they are included in foods as a ground up ingredient like insect flour. |
| Consumer Link Grub's up! How eating insects could benefit health |
| Research Link Journal of Insects as Food and Feed: 1 (3) - Pages: 215 - 225 |
| June 26, 2016 Lowering Diabetes Risk: Those with a family history of diabetes can reduce their own risk of developing the disease by maintaining a daily habit of vigorous exercise. |
| Consumer Link Staying active can reduce diabetes risk in adulthood |
| Research Link Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;68 Suppl1:S73-81. |
| June 25, 2016 Fresh Produce and Food Safety: All foods have the potential to cause foodborne illness. Even fresh produce needs to be handled, stored, and prepared safely to obtain essential nutrients with minimal risk of illness. |
| Consumer Link Reducing Risk of Getting a Foodborne Illness from Fresh Produce |
| Research Link Emerg Infect Dis. 1997 Oct-Dec;3(4):459-65. |
| June 24, 2016 Heat Exposure Risks: Staying properly hydrated is especially important during hot weather. However, when environmental temperature significantly exceeds body temperature, the body can dangerously overheat even when hydration is adequate. Under these conditions, other measures may be needed to prevent the over-heating that leads to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Those who survive heat stroke may experience permanent damage to various organs, including the intestines, kidneys, and even the brain. |
| Consumer Link Deadly Degrees: Why Heat Waves Kill So Quickly |
| Research Link Compr Physiol. 2015 Apr;5(2):611-47. |
| June 23, 2016 Low Maternal Thyroid: Women with low blood levels of thyroid hormone during the first half of pregnancy were significantly more likely to have children that developed schizophrenia. Both low iodine and low iron status can impair normal thyroid hormone production. |
| Consumer Link Low maternal thyroid hormone during pregnancy increases risk for schizophrenia in offspring |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2016 Jun 15;79(12):962-70. |
| June 22, 2016 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A diet low in omega-fatty acids is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. An analysis of almost 300 studies found that parts of the world where people, on average, have healthful blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) included the Sea of Japan, Scandinavia, and some areas with indigenous populations. Very low blood levels were documented in North America, Brazil, India, and parts of Europe and the Middle East. |
| Consumer Link New global omega-3 status map highlights emerging public health issue |
| Research Link Prog Lipid Res. 2016 May 20;63:132-152. |
| June 21, 2016 Food Safety: Detecting the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in foods is generally a complex and time-consuming process. However, new techniques in nano-technology have developed a molecule that can be used to detect the presence of a disease-causing strain of E. coli in food. This may lead to the development of a simple hand-held device to monitor food safety on the spot. |
| Consumer Link Food pathogen detection via handheld 'nanoflower' biosensor |
| Research Link Small. 2016 Jun;12(23):3094-100. |
| June 20, 2016 Food Intake Regulation: Hormonal changes related to the development and maintenance of obesity are complex. Normally, a hormone called uroguanylin is produced by the intestine in response to food intake. It travels through the blood to trigger brain receptors that decrease the drive to eat. However, the production of this hormone decreases in obese animals and may prove to be a new target in the treatment of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Broken calorie sensing pathway: How overeating may lead to more eating |
| Research Link Nutr Diabetes. 2016 May 23;6:e211. |
| June 19, 2016 Healthy Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss increases the risk for accelerated bone loss and developing osteoporosis. Gradually building fitness and eating a balanced diet is more likely to result in long term success. "Slow and steady wins the race." |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Jun;93(6):2181-7. doi: 10.1210/jc.2007-1473. Epub 2008 Mar 25. |
| June 18, 2016 Produce Reduces cancer Risk: Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are recommended for reducing cancer risk. Incorporate local fruits and vegetables into your daily diet to help yourself and your local farmer. |
| Consumer Link Use of Tropical Vegetables to Improve Diets in the Pacific Region |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Sep;78(3 Suppl):559S-569S. |
| June 17, 2016 Paleo Diet and Weight Loss: A 4-week study compared the effects of following the eating plan in The Paleo Diet book to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. In this short study, both groups lost weight, but women following the Paleo Diet lost more weight and body fat. However, researchers cautioned that The Paleo Diet was low in some micronutrients. For example, calcium was low enough to likely increase the risk of osteoporosis if consumed over a long period of time. |
| Consumer Link Paleo diet linked to faster weight loss, but also lower intake of key micronutrients, study finds |
| Research Link Nutrients 2016, 8(5), 314. |
| June 16, 2016 Coffee and Cancer: The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its evaluation of potential associations between coffee, very hot beverages, and cancer risk. They previously had stated that coffee drinking was "possibly carcinogenic to humans," but this new report concludes that coffee drinking "is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans." However, consumption of very hot beverages was found to be associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer. |
| Consumer Link World Health Organization Drops Coffee’s Status as Possible Carcinogen |
| Research Link Q&A on Monographs Volume 116: Coffee, maté, and very hot beverages. |
| June 15, 2016 Foods to Reduce Inflammation: Recent research indicates that polyphenol compounds naturally high in five plant foods (onions, turmeric, red grapes, green tea, and açai berries) show potential to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in people at risk of chronic inflammation. |
| Consumer Link What foods can help fight the risk of chronic inflammation? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2016 May;115(10):1699-710. |
| June 14, 2016 Folate in Pregnancy: Researchers measured the blood folate level of over 1500 women shortly after the women gave birth. The women with the lowest blood folate levels were more likely to have children who became obese or overweight. Folate blood levels that were associated with decreased risk of obesity were significantly greater than the currently accepted lower end of the normal range. |
| Consumer Link Proper maternal folate level may reduce child obesity risk |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatrics DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.0845 (2016). |
| June 13, 2016 Zinc Deficiency: An interesting study conducted with piglets found that just one week with inadequate zinc intake decreased pancreatic production of digestive enzymes and impaired digestion. |
| Consumer Link A diet lacking in zinc is detrimental to human and animal health |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2016 May 27:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 12, 2016 Potential Problems with Picky Eating: There are more than 40 essential nutrients required in our diets. Picky eaters run the risk of missing out on one or more of these nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is best path to good health |
| Research Link http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11494642 |
| June 11, 2016 Good health requires balanced nutrition: If you eat only the “healthy foods” such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you will eventually become deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamin B-12, iron, and protein. |
| Consumer Link All essential nutrients needed to stay healthy |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| June 10, 2016 Vitamin D and Gut Microbes: Most studies on intestinal microbial populations analyze the bacterial populations in the contents of the lower intestine (colon) or from the stool. A new study on the effects of vitamin D supplementation sampled contents of the intestinal tract form the stomach, small intestine, the colon, and the stool. They found that vitamin D supplementation changed and improved the bacterial composition only in the upper or small intestine. |
| Consumer Link High-dose vitamin D may boost diversity of the gut microbiome: Study |
| Research Link European J Nutr. 2016;55(4):1479–1489. |
| June 9, 2016 Evaporated Cane Juice: This term often is used in the ingredient lists of products with the concept that it seems more natural than "sugar." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has concluded that this is a deceptive term and recommends that food manufacturers use simpler terminology such as "sugar" or "cane sugar." |
| Consumer Link Evaporated Cane Juice? Puh-leeze. Just Call It Sugar, FDA Says |
| Research Link FDA Constituent Update. May 25, 2016. |
| June 8, 2016 Abdominal Obesity and Kidney Disease: Young adults (age 20 to 40) with abdominal obesity are at significantly increased risk of declining kidney function and the development of chronic kidney disease. However, it is estimated that less than five percent of those with chronic kidney disease in this age group are diagnosed before their kidney failure is severe. |
| Consumer Link Obese Young Adults Unaware of Kidney Disease Risk, Study Finds |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2016 May 25;11(5):e0153588. |
| June 7, 2016 Junk Science? The latest study on sweeteners concluded that aspartame intake "is associated with greater obesity-related impairments in glucose tolerance." However, this does not infer causation and may only indicate that obese people with high blood glucose are more likely to opt for artificial sweeteners in attempts to decrease their carbohydrate intake. Even the abstract for this study is confusing, stating that there was a ". . . positive association between BMI and glucose tolerance." This is the opposite of what their conclusion states. |
| Consumer Link Sugar substitutes may cut calories, but don't offer health benefits for individuals with obesity: Study |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 May 24:1-4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 6, 2016 Scientific Knowledge and GMO Foods: Research on consumer opinions indicated that about the 84% of those surveyed supported mandatory labeling to indicate a food contains genetically modified ingredients. Similarly, 80 percent also supported a mandatory label for foods containing DNA. Since all plants and animals contain DNA, the would essentially require labeling all foods as containing DNA. |
| Consumer Link Consumer knowledge gap on genetically modified food |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2016 May 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 5, 2016 Hyperactivity Not Caused By Sugar: Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that sugar does not cause increased aggressiveness and hyperactivity. In fact, a study of incarcerated teenage boys found that sugar had a calming effect and helped the boys to concentrate and pay attention. |
| Consumer Link A researcher's sweet truths |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 1994 May;52(5):173-5. |
| June 4, 2016 Exercise and Hydration: Exercise causes the body to lose water and salt in sweat. Typical salt loss during exercise is about a half a teaspoon per hour. Some people lose twice this much. Athletes may crave salt because their needs are much greater than the average person. |
| Consumer Link Some athletes run risk of low blood sodium |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Oct;18(5):457-72. |
| June 3, 2016 Dehydration in Old Age: A common way to evaluate dehydration in young to middle-age adults is to measure the concentration of their urine (osmolality). New research indicates that this measure does not accurately determine hydration status in older people because of common age-related changes in kidney function. Blood tests (osmolality) are much more reliable for assessing hydration status in older people. |
| Consumer Link Urine tests not reliable for dehydration in older adults |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 May 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 2, 2016 Breast Is Best: A study compared feeding infants with breast milk from the breast vs pumped breast milk from a bottle. Those fed primarily from a bottle were at greater risk of getting ear infections. Breast milk fed by either route reduced the risk of diarrhea compared to formula feeding. |
| Consumer Link Babies fed directly from breast may be at less risk for ear infections |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2016 May 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 1, 2016 Homocysteine Reduction: High blood levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk developing cardiovascular disease. In addition to an adequate intake of specific B-vitamins, consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) helps to reduce homocysteine. |
| Consumer Link B-Vitamins, PUFA and Reducing Homocysteine Levels |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2016 Jun;36(6):499-508. |
| May 31, 2016 Fatty Liver Disease: The most common cause of fatty liver has been excessive alcohol consumption. However, more recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become more common. This may be linked to many factors such as a low intake of protein and/or choline. Also, new research found that those with a genetic limitation in the metabolism of alcohol (low acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity) are at increased risk for NAFLD even without alcohol consumption. |
| Consumer Link Even light drinkers should watch for fatty liver disease |
| Research Link Nutr Diabetes. 2016 May 23;6:e210. doi: 10.1038/nutd.2016.17. |
| May 30, 2016 Hot Weather Hydration: As the weather gets hotter, remember that children are more likely than adults to overheat during exercise. This is especially true for overweight children. Keep plenty of fluids available and encourage drinking. |
| Consumer Link Demands of exercise different for children and adults |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008 Apr;33(2):420-7. |
| May 29, 2016 Importance of Activity for Health: To maintain a healthy body weight (and composition) throughout life requires more than restricting calories. Maintaining a healthy weight often requires both decreasing calories from food and increasing physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Youth Physical Activity Guidelines |
| Research Link Adv Exp Med Biol. 2009;646:71-81. |
| May 28, 2016 Base Food Choices on Nutrition Facts not Fiction: In the world of nutrition, things that sound reasonable are not always correct. Unfortunately, it is very easy to change your food choices based on fiction and become part of a "mutual illusion support system" of people who unknowingly promote misinformation. |
| Consumer Link Zeal does not make it true |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Apr;106(4):601-7. |
| May 27, 2016 Best Exercise Dose: Some studies indicate that excessive daily exercise may be as risky for cardiovascular health as being sedentary. Exercising moderately a few times a week seems to provide the most health benefit. More research is likely needed to clarify this better, but for now, moderate level exercise appears to be the optimal dose. |
| Consumer Link Physical activity beneficial for CV health, but excessive exercise may confer harm |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Jan 26;67(3):316-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.11.034. |
| May 26, 2016 Iodine Decline: The trend toward reducing salt intake and switching from common iodized salt to uniodized specialty salts like sea salt, kosher salt, etc. appears to be contributing to a decline in the U.S. consumption of iodine. This reduced iodine intake, along with low iron status contributes to thyroid malfunction. |
| Consumer Link Iodine and Thyroid Health: Putting 2 and 2 Together |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016 May 18. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2016.82. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 25, 2016 Sodium and Health: A combined analysis of four studies with more than 130,000 participants (about half with hypertension and half without) raises questions about current recommendations for low sodium intake. They found that those with low sodium intake (below 3000 mg/day) had an increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure compared to those with moderate sodium intake. This occurred both in those with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure. However, high sodium intake (above 6000 mg/day) increased death and disease risk only in those who had hypertension. |
| Consumer Link Could a Low-Salt Diet Hurt Your Health? |
| Research Link Lancet. 20 May 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 24, 2016 Vitamin A and the Heart: Using a mouse model, researchers found that eating a vitamin A-deficient diet altered how genes were expressed in heart cells. Vitamin A has many functions and it even appears to play an important role in heart function. |
| Consumer Link Role of Vitamin A in maintaining a healthy heart |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2016 Apr 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 23, 2016 Gluten-free for Kids: Gluten-free foods are very important for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, there is a trend to think that foods containing gluten are bad for you and some parents with good intentions feed their children a gluten-free diet. This can lead to a diet that is less nutritious unless nutritionally comparable foods fill in the gaps left by removing gluten-containing foods. |
| Consumer Link Is a gluten-free diet really good for children? |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2016 May 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 22, 2016 Weight Comments and Youth: Eating disorders can develop from excessive dieting, binge eating, and inappropriate weight loss techniques. Research shows that teasing young family members about their weight can trigger these behaviors. |
| Consumer Link Criticism may trigger eating disorders |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2007 Nov;33(5):359-369. |
| May 21, 2016 Nausea and Ginger: Studies indicate that the short-term use of ginger can help to relieve pregnancy-related nausea. |
| Consumer Link Herbs at a Glance, Ginger |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 1;75(11):1689-91. |
| May 20, 2016 Heartburn Drugs and the Heart: Chronic use of proton-pump inhibitor drugs (like Prilosec and Nexium) for heartburn accelerates the aging of blood vessels. This could contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, and renal failure. Short-term use does not seem to be a problem. |
| Consumer Link Common antacid linked to accelerated vascular aging |
| Research Link Circ Res. 2016 May 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2016 BMI and Mortality: A recent study conducted in Denmark found that the BMI (height to weight ratio) with the lowest risk of death increased since the late 1970s from 24 to 27. A BMI of 27 is near the middle of what is considered to be the “overweight” range of 25 to 30. Keep in mind that different racial groups likely have different mortality risk patterns related to BMI. |
| Consumer Link Obesity May Not Take Years Off Your Life: Study |
| Research Link JAMA. 2016 May 10;315(18):1989-96. |
| May 18, 2016 Infant Feeding: A study that documented the feeding practices of over 1000 infants, and followed them for six years, found that the timing of introducing solid foods to the infants had no effect on the prevalence of obesity in the children at six years of age. |
| Consumer Link CDC study looks at link between age at first solid foods and later child obesity |
| Research Link Child Obes. 2016 Apr 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 17, 2016 HDL Cholesterol Interpretation: A new analysis of the relationships between HDL cholesterol levels in the blood and the risk of cardiovascular disease found that higher levels of this "good" cholesterol do not reduce disease risk when LDL cholesterol and triglycerides also are high. |
| Consumer Link Has HDL, the 'good' cholesterol, been hyped? |
| Research Link Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2016 May 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 16, 2016 Fish Oils and Brain Aging: A study of over 900 older people (average age of 81) found less decline in specific brain functions in those who consumed at least one meal per week of seafood providing omega-3 fatty acids. Since the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA found in fish oils is a major component of the brain, this association makes biological sense. |
| Consumer Link Stave off cognitive decline with seafood |
| Research Link Neurology. 2016 May 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 15, 2016 Family Exercise: Motivating children to exercise can sometimes seem like a formidable task. But, make it fun and part the daily lifestyle and it can yield lifelong health rewards. |
| Consumer Link Kids and Exercise |
| Research Link J Pediatr Health Care. 2003 Jan-Feb;17(1):11-7. |
| May 14, 2016 Nutrition Decisions: When it comes to nutrition and health, it is often a challenge to sort out sensible information from nonsense. Science should drive decisions, not marketing. |
| Consumer Link Zeal does not make it true |
| Research Link Phys Sportsmed. 1997 Jun;25(6):77-92. |
| May 13, 2016 Pregnancy and Folic Acid: It has been almost 20 years since mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid was implemented in the U.S. This greatly reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in babies. However, women who do not regularly consume foods made with white flour may need a supplemental source of folic acid during pregnancy. High doses of folic acid are not recommended. Adequate intake is the goal. |
| Consumer Link Putting the spotlight on folic acid supplementation in pregnancy |
| Research Link Future Science OA. April 21, 2016.[Epub ahead of print] |
| May 12, 2016 Pregnancy and Child Obesity: A new study found that when mothers experienced high blood glucose and/or had excessive weight gain during pregnancy, they were more likely to have a child who becomes overweight or obese within ten years even if the child's birth weight was normal. |
| Consumer Link Mothers' excess pregnancy weight gain, elevated blood sugar 'imprint' obesity in children |
| Research Link Maternal and Child Health Journal, pp 1-10, First online: 06 May 2016 |
| May 11, 2016 Brief Exercise and Diabetes: A study on 24 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes showed that light walking for 3 minutes every 30 minutes during an otherwise sedentary 8-hour work day significantly improved measures of blood glucose control throughout the day. |
| Consumer Link Even brief bursts of exercise may help inactive people with diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2016 April 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 10, 2016 Vitamin D Fortified Bread: Milk is the food most commonly fortified with vitamin D. New research found that bread also can be an effective food for vitamin D fortification. This could be especially helpful for groups of people who have little or no milk in their diet. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D-fortified bread effective alternative to supplementation |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Apr 26:jc20161631. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 9, 2016 Abdominal Fat: Obesity often is associated with a generalized increase in inflammation in the body. New research has identified a regulatory molecule produced mainly by visceral fat (internal abdominal fat) that triggers the increased inflammation associated with metabolic disease, insulin resistance, reduced fat mobilization from fat tissues, and an increased risk of death. The subcutaneous fat tissue (just below the skin) is not associated with these risks. |
| Consumer Link Why is visceral fat worse than subcutaneous fat? |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2016 Apr 25;7:11378. |
| May 8, 2016 Aging and B12 Deficiency: It has been estimated that one out of seven people over age 65 lose the ability to absorb vitamin B-12 normally and are at risk of developing a deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Age plays crucial role in B-12 needs |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2005 May 23;165(10):1167-72. |
| May 7, 2016 Exercise and Sodium: During one hour of exercise in the heat you can lose twice the daily recommended intake of sodium in sweat loss. Remember, sodium is an essential nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link Current Sports Medicine Reports. 7(4):S1-S2, July/August 2008. |
| May 6, 2016 Fructose and Brain: Excess intake of fructose or carbohydrate in general is being considered to have damaging effects on various parts of the body, including the brain. Fructose is a sugar found in many wholesome natural foods (especially fruits) but it is not clear how much fructose is too much. New research on rodents indicates that an adequate intake of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (generally found in fish) helps to protect the brain from the damaging effects of excess fructose consumption. |
| Consumer Link Fructose alters hundreds of brain genes, which can lead to a wide range of diseases |
| Research Link EBioMedicine. 2016 April 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 5, 2016 Water and Calories: In a 12-week study of overweight teens, having them consume one liter of water a day (along with eating their usual diet) resulted in an average drop in calorie intake of more than 200 calories per day. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages also decreased. |
| Consumer Link A spoonful of sugar? Swapping sugary drinks for water and dairy seems the best medicine |
| Research Link Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2016 May;67(3):314-24. |
| May 4, 2016 Choline Deficiency: Research shows that 90 percent of the U.S. population is consuming less than the recommended "Adequate Intake" for choline. Since choline deficiency can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, there appears to be a need to generate nutrition education efforts to promote foods that are good sources of choline. Foods especially rich in choline include beef liver (450 mg per 3 oz) and eggs (280 mg per egg). The Adequate Intake is 450 mg for women and 550 for men. |
| Consumer Link Assessment of total choline intakes in the United States |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2016 Feb-Mar;35(2):108-12. |
| May 3, 2016 Supplements and Depression Treatment: A new study reviewed 40 studies on taking specific dietary supplements in conjunction with antidepressant medications. They found evidence that supplementation with SAMe, methylfolate (a form of folic acid), omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA or ethyl-EPA), and vitamin D all have the potential to enhance drug treatment of depression. One common nutrient deficiency known to contribute to depression, iron deficiency, was not considered in the study. |
| Consumer Link Nutrient supplements can give antidepressants a boost |
| Research Link Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Apr 26:appiajp201615091228. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 2, 2016 Muscle and Heart Health: New research indicates that maintaining or increasing muscle mass may be especially beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, any attempts to lose body weight should focus on gradual loss of body fat and preservation of muscle mass. Better yet, add a strength training program to build some muscle mass. |
| Consumer Link Building Muscle Could Boost the Body's Most Important Muscle |
| Research Link Am J Cardiol. 2016 Apr 15;117(8):1355-60. |
| May 1, 2016 Protein Needs and Aging: The age-associated loss of body protein is called sarcopenia. To increase muscle along with bone density, consume adequate protein and exercise regularly. |
| Consumer Link Keep fit for life |
| Research Link Maturitas. 2010 Aug;66(4):383-8. |
| April 30, 2016 Preventing Osteoporosis: It is particularly important to have adequate calcium intake and physical activity in adolescence and young adulthood to prevent bone fractures later in life. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition for older persons |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1999 Oct;18(5 Suppl):406S-412S. |
| April 29, 2016 Diabetes and Brain: Over time, diabetes is known to have negative effects on brain function. A 10-year study was conducted on people with diabetes (45 to 76 years of age). It was found that those who lost weight and exercised by participating in an intensive lifestyle intervention program had less measurable impact on changes in brain structure than those in a less rigorous educational program. Additional research is needed to see if this translates into less cognitive decline. |
| Consumer Link Weight loss may limit diabetes-related brain changes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. March 29, 2016. |
| April 28, 2016 Hydration: A review of national data on water consumption by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the average American is consuming reasonable amounts of water. However, the average water intake by both men and women over age 60 is lower than recommended. |
| Consumer Link Americans Getting Adequate Water Daily, CDC Finds |
| Research Link NCHS Data Brief No. 242, April 2016. |
| April 27, 2016 Vitamin D Deficiency: Darker skin is a human evolutionary adaptation to sunny environments. When dark skin individuals, like most African Americans, live in environments with less sun exposure, vitamin D synthesis can drop to low levels. Low vitamin D status is being linked to alterations in gene expression that might increase the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D insufficiency, low rate of DNA methylation in black teens may increase disease risk |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2016 Apr 6;11(4):e0152849. |
| April 26, 2016 Obesity and Pregnancy: A large study of 15,710 mothers found that maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with an increased risk of the child being overweight at two years of age. However, breastfeeding the baby for at least six months was associated with reduced risk of the child being overweight. |
| Consumer Link Pre-pregnancy obesity increases odds of having overweight children |
| Research Link Pediatr Obes. 2016 Mar 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 25, 2016 Chocolate and Athletic Performance: A small study with 9 participants found that consuming 40 grams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks improved some measures of athletic performance compared to when they consumed white chocolate or no chocolate. More research is needed to confirm the potential effects of components in dark chocolate. |
| Consumer Link Eating dark chocolate as a daily snack could help boost athletic performance |
| Research Link J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Dec 15;12:47. |
| April 24, 2016 Safe Exercise for Children: With the emphasis on decreasing obesity in children, it is important to recognize that overweight and obese children have a greater tendency to overheat during exercise. Be sure to supply adequate hydration, especially on hot days. |
| Consumer Link Demands of exercise different for children and adults |
| Research Link Sports Med. 1998 Apr;25(4):221-40. |
| April 23, 2016 Controlling Caloric Intake: Studies show that consumers have difficulty self-regulating the consumption of large portion sizes. Buying food in smaller packages may cost more but can help to prevent adding inches to your waist. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Health Educ Res. 2010 Feb;25(1):109-20. |
| April 22, 2016 Cow's Milk Allergy and Bones: A study compared 52 boys and girls (age 5 to 9 years) who had persistent cow's milk allergies to a group of 29 children with other food allergies and found that bone density was significantly lower in the children with the cow's milk allergy. Milk and milk products provide multiple nutrients essential for bone health - especially protein, calcium, and vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Cow's milk allergy in childhood may lead to weaker bones |
| Research Link Pediatrics. May 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 21, 2016 Strength Training and Health: A large study on more than 30,000 adults over age 65 found that strength training twice a week was significantly associated with living longer. Along with adequate protein intake, strength training is highly beneficial for maintaining a good muscle mass and avoiding age-related sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass). |
| Consumer Link Strength training helps older adults live longer |
| Research Link Prev Med. 2016 Feb 24;87:121-127. |
| April 20, 2016 Exercise and Bone Health: Most studies on bone health indicate that exercises like running that put stress on bones help to maintain bone calcium, bone density, and bone strength with aging. A new study that compared middle-aged adult marathon runners to shorter distance runners and sedentary people found that greater running distance was related to increased measures of bone strength in the heel bone (calcaneus). |
| Consumer Link The more you run, the denser your bones will be |
| Research Link Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016 Feb;116(2):327-33. |
| April 19, 2016 Banned Substance in Supplements: Although not approved for use in dietary supplements, the drug oxilofrine was found in several "fat-burner" supplements. It was listed in the label ingredients as methylsynephrine, another name for the drug. Some may confuse this with a natural compound from bitter orange called synephrine that is a legal supplement ingredient. Oxilofrine stimulates heart function and increases blood pressure like its chemical cousin ephedrine. |
| Consumer Link Stimulant, Banned From Sports, Found in Dietary Supplements in U.S. |
| Research Link Drug Test Anal. 2016 Apr 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 18, 2016 Folate Deficiency: FDA recently announced approval for voluntary folic acid fortification in corn masa flour, which is a staple food for many Latin Americans. This fortification affects foods such as corn tortillas, tortilla chips, tamales, taco shells, and corn chips. Folic acid is critical for women of childbearing age to prevent birth defects affecting the brain, spine, and spinal cord. |
| Consumer Link FDA approves folic acid fortification of corn masa flour |
| Research Link Fed Register. Apr 16 2016. 81 FR 22176; 22176 -22183 (8 pages); 21 CFR 172. |
| April 17, 2016 Protein Needs and Weight Loss: When calorie intake is reduced for weight loss, protein needs actually increase. Consequently, when dieting, cut back on foods that are high in fat, sugar, and starch. |
| Consumer Link Careful diet plan sheds fat |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S |
| April 16, 2016 Importance of Variety: Our food environment offers a great variety of foods throughout the year. Despite this modern abundance, many people eat a rather limited variety of foods. Eating too narrow for too long may have serious long-term health consequences due to chronically low intake of some essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| April 15, 2016 Keeping Lost Weight Off: It often is said that keeping lost weight off is more difficult than losing the weight. New research provides a better understanding of how to maintain weight loss. This study demonstrated that when weight loss is maintained for at least a year, appetite inhibiting and stimulating hormones that drive hunger can return to before-weight loss levels, making maintenance of the lowered weight the "new normal." |
| Consumer Link Obese people can maintain stable weight loss |
| Research Link Eur J Endocrinol. 2016 Mar 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 14, 2016 Butter or Vegetable Oils? Substituting high linoleic acid vegetable oils like corn and safflower for butter in the diet has long been thought to reduce blood cholesterol and reduced death, especially from coronary heart disease. However, analysis of previously unpublished data from 50 years ago showed that replacement of saturated fat in the diet with high linoleic acid vegetable oils lowers serum cholesterol but does not translates to a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease or all causes. |
| Consumer Link Replacing butter with vegetable oils does not cut heart disease risk |
| Research Link BMJ, 2016;353:i1246. |
| April 13, 2016 Zinc Enriched Plants: In parts of the world where animal protein foods are scarce in the diet, zinc deficiency is common. New research has found the mechanism in plants that transports zinc into plant cells. Breeding new varieties of plants to enhance this transport mechanism promises to increase zinc in many plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Researchers find key to zinc rich plants to combat malnutrition |
| Research Link Nature Plants, April 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 12, 2016 Plant Food Iron Sources: Because iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, researchers have been working to decrease known inhibitors of iron absorption. Although developing beans with lower amounts of the iron absorption inhibitor phytate showed some promise, the lower phytate beans also caused unacceptable gastrointestinal problems. |
| Consumer Link Can Biofortification or Reduction of Phytic Acid in Beans Increase Iron Uptake? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2016 Mar 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 11, 2016 Youth Physical Activity: Increased child obesity often is blamed on changes in the food environment. However, reduced physical activity may be a more significant contributor. Accelerometer data for children in grades 3-5 found that very few of the children achieved the recommended 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Few children get 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily |
| Research Link Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2016 Mar 22;13(1):39. |
| April 10, 2016 Got Nutrients: Too often people equate good nutrition with eliminating the so-called "bad" foods and ingredients from their diets. The number one goal for good nutrition is to meet the need for essential nutrients within a person's calorie requirements. |
| Consumer Link People should meet essential nutrient needs |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Apr;24(2):150S-154S. |
| April 9, 2016 Gallstones and Weight Loss: Two of the major risk factors for gallstone disease are prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss. Restricted food intake, especially when low in fat, slows the release of bile from the gall bladder and gallstones are more likely to form. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| April 8, 2016 Sitting Time and Mortality: An analysis of data from 54 countries found that increased sitting time could shorten your life. However, if your job requires a lot of sitting, don't stress too much. Statistically speaking, they found that limiting sitting time to less than three hours a day could, on average, increase a person's life expectancy by 0.2 years, a bit more than two months. |
| Consumer Link Too Much Sitting May Shorten Your Life |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2016 Mar 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 7, 2016 Food Label and Exercise: In addition to providing the calorie content per serving of a food on its food label, it has been proposed that people would understand calories better if an activity equivalent for the amount of calories also was provided on the label. For something like miles of walking, it would be necessary to determine the best body weight to use. To walk a mile, a person weighing 120 pounds expends about 70 calories whereas a 200 pound person expends about 105 calories. |
| Consumer Link Food should be labelled with "activity equivalent" calorie information |
| Research Link BMJ 2016;353:i1856. |
| April 6, 2016 Seafood and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Simply following the recommendation to include fish and seafood in your diet once or twice a week does not necessarily provide adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. It depends on what seafood you select. For example, foods like shrimp, tilapia, and many other "white" fish are low in omega-3 fatty acids. However, fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovy provide substantial amounts of these beneficial fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Do Americans Eat Enough Fish for Omega-3 Recommendations? |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2014 Dec 22;6(12):6060-75. |
| April 5, 2016 Arsenic in Baby Food: Rice is a grain that can accumulate too much arsenic if it is grown in high arsenic soil and/or water. Consequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set maximum allowable limits for the arsenic content of infant rice cereals. |
| Consumer Link Infant rice cereal has inorganic arsenic. The FDA wants to limit it. |
| Research Link FDA News Release. April 1, 2016. |
| April 4, 2016 Breakfast and Blood Sugar Levels: In overweight teenage girls who habitually consume breakfast, increasing protein in the breakfast meal to about 30 grams resulted in reduced morning, afternoon and total overall blood glucose levels. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast habits affect teens' metabolic responses to protein-packed morning meals |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Aug;69(8):885-90. |
| April 3, 2016 Nutrition and Mental Health: Researchers have found that several nutrient deficiencies are linked to depression. Ideally, part of the medical evaluation of depression should include a thorough nutritional assessment. |
| Consumer Link Can nutrients affect your mood? |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Nov 1;58(9):679-85. |
| April 2, 2016 Low Calorie Nutrient Dense Foods to Control Hunger: Supersizing low-energy-dense foods like salads and lower fat soups is a great way to control hunger while restricting energy intake. Salads and soups also provide important essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| April 1, 2016 Ancestry and Vegetarian Diet: A new study found that people from populations that historically have consumed primarily vegetarian diets are genetically better at converting the omega-6 fatty acid found in many plant foods (linoleic acid) to the longer and more metabolically active essential fatty acid molecule found primarily in animal fats (arachidonic acid). This may be one of many reasons why some people fare better on vegetarian diets than others. |
| Consumer Link Are we what we eat? |
| Research Link Mol Biol Evol. March 29, 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 31, 2016 Multivitamin Supplements and Pregnancy: A study of 344 pregnant women found those who took multivitamin supplements prior to conception and during pregnancy had a substantially reduced risk of having a miscarriage. This was especially apparent in women over age 35. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin Supplements Support Full-Term Pregnancies |
| Research Link Fertil Steril. 2016 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 30, 2016 Sun Exposure and Longevity: A 20-year study of almost 30,000 Swedish women found that those with more sun exposure tended to live a bit longer. Interestingly, nonsmokers who avoided sun exposure had a life expectancy similar to smokers in the highest sun exposure group. The key factor may be that vitamin D status increases with sun exposure. But, so does skin cancer. |
| Consumer Link Are There *Really* Health Benefits to Sunbathing? |
| Research Link J Intern Med. 2016 Mar 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 29, 2016 Fresh Vegetable Virus Contamination: Frequently, there have been reports about various types of produce being contaminated with viruses that cause food borne illness. A recent study a rotavirus found that plant surfaces with more natural waxes are less likely to allow viral adhesion to the food. Washing the produce helps to reduce the virus, but does not eliminate it. |
| Consumer Link Microscopic structures of vegetable surfaces contribute to foodborne illness |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2015; 10 (7): e0132841. |
| March 28, 2016 Alcohol and Mortality: Many studies have indicated that moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits, finding that moderate drinkers live longer than non-drinkers. However, a meta-analysis of 87 studies on this subject found that study designs may produce incorrect results when study participants in the non-drinkers group include people who have stopped drinking because of health problems. Their analysis suggests a need for more rigorous study designs. As always, moderation seems to be the key factor. |
| Consumer Link Is moderate drinking really good for you? Jury's still out |
| Research Link J Studies Alcohol Drugs. 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 27, 2016 Issues with Calcium-fortified foods: Calcium-fortified foods make getting your daily calcium relatively simple. Because excess calcium can decrease the absorption of other essential minerals like iron and zinc, it might be prudent to consume only 1 calcium fortified food a day. |
| Consumer Link How much is too much calcium? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 1993 Mar;69(2):533-40. |
| March 26, 2016 Increasing Bean acceptability: Beans promote good intestinal health, however people often avoid beans because of increased flatulence. Beano, an over-the-counter enzyme product, can decrease or prevent intestinal gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms resulting from a high-fiber diet. |
| Consumer Link High-carb food can be a gas to eat at times |
| Research Link J Fam Pract. 1994 Nov;39(5):441-5. |
| March 25, 2016 Star Fruit and Kidneys: Star fruit toxicity (due to high oxalic acid content) has been well documented in those with impaired kidney function. More recent research presents two cases of star fruit toxicity due to high star fruit consumption in people with apparently normal kidney function. Like everything, it's the dose that makes the poison. To reduce the toxicity of star fruit, you can decrease the absorption of the oxalic acid in star fruit by consuming it with a high calcium food like yogurt. |
| Consumer Link Oxalic acid in star fruit can kill kidney patients |
| Research Link BMC Res Notes. 2015 Dec 17;8:796. |
| March 24, 2016 Fat Loss and Diabetes: In people with type-2 diabetes, significant fat loss from reduced calorie intake was associated with a loss of fat also from the pancreas. As pancreatic fat dropped, insulin production returned to normal if pancreatic function was not already overly impaired. |
| Consumer Link Reverse your diabetes: You can stay diabetes-free long-term |
| Research Link Diabetes Care, March 2016 DOI: 10.2337/dc15-1942 |
| March 23, 2016 Vegan Diet: A study in Finland analyzed the diets and nutritional status of those consuming a vegan diet. They found that the vegans should be including dietary supplements for nutrients like vitamins B12 and D, as well as iodine and selenium. Also interesting, the vegans had higher iron intake than the non-vegetarians, but blood measures of iron status were lower in the vegans. This is likely due to the low iron bioavailability in plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Use of supplements essential for vegans |
| Research Link PLOS ONE, 2016;11(2):e0148235. |
| March 22, 2016 Satiety and Obesity: Using a mouse model, researchers found a specific enzyme that plays a major part in triggering satiety messages in a specific part of the brain. This may lead to the development of medicines that could help to treat obesity. |
| Consumer Link Portion control: Cells found in mouse brain that signal 'stop eating' |
| Research Link Science. 2016 Mar 18;351(6279):1293-6. |
| March 21, 2016 Diet, Exercise and Aging: If you are eating well or not so well, research shows that exercise still is likely to benefit health and longevity. |
| Consumer Link Poor diet and lack of exercise accelerate the onset of age-related conditions in mice |
| Research Link Diabetes. 2016 Mar 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 20, 2016 The body has many complex systems that protect it against oxidative damage and inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich sources of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene and should be consumed daily. |
| Consumer Link Plant food diet can protect lungs |
| Research Link Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2005 Apr;9(4):362-74. |
| March 19, 2016 Aim for Healthy Diets: Many individual foods have special health-promoting qualities. But, a healthful diet depends on the balance of a wide variety of these individual foods. |
| Consumer Link Eating for disease prevention may not be healthy |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2004 Jul;134(7):1779-85. |
| March 18, 2016 Green Tea and Iron: A component of green tea (EGCG), known to provide beneficial antioxidant effects in the body, strongly binds to iron in the intestine. This creates a double whammy by blocking the absorption of both iron and EGCG. |
| Consumer Link Green tea and iron, bad combination |
| Research Link Am J Pathol. 2016 Feb 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 17, 2016 Technology to track food intake: Weight loss or gain is dependent on both food intake and energy expenditure. There are many technologies to track exercise. Now a new technolgy to document food consumed is being development. This technology is in the form of a necklace that monitors chewing sounds. |
| Consumer Link This necklace hears what you eat |
| Research Link IEEE Sensors Journal, 2016; 16 (3):806 - 816. |
| March 16, 2016 Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Research indicates that the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is quite high in people who have consumed vegetarian diets for years. Consequently, vegetarians, and especially vegans, should either have periodic testing for deficiency or take a vitamin B12 supplement. |
| Consumer Link The Other Vitamin B12 Controversy: Must We Eat Meat? |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2013 Feb;71(2):110-7. |
| March 15, 2016 Nutritional Supplement for Hearing Loss: Using a mouse model to study a type of hearing loss seen in children with a specific genetic mutation, researchers found that supplementation with beta carotene (precursor to vitamin A), vitamins C and E and magnesium helped to slow progression of their hereditary deafness. However, the same supplements given to mice with a slightly different mutation made the condition worse. |
| Consumer Link Can nutritional supplements impact genetic hearing loss in children? |
| Research Link Scientific Reports, 2016; 6: 22690. |
| March 14, 2016 Often Forgotten Iron Deficiency Symptoms: Swallowing Difficulty and Fingernails: An interesting case study in an open-access journal shows a classic case of seemingly unrelated signs of potential long-term iron deficiency - difficulty swallowing and flattened or spooned fingernails. |
| Consumer Link Doctors weren't sure why a woman couldn't swallow until they looked at her nails |
| Research Link Clin Case Rep. 2015 Nov 3;3(12):1054-5. |
| March 13, 2016 Coffee and Parkinson's disease. Research shows that moderate coffee consumption appears to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Although these types of studies can't claim cause and effect, they do reduce concerns about potential harmful effects. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Mov Disord. 2007 Nov 15;22(15):2242-8. |
| March 12, 2016 Adequate Essential Nutrients Needed: Leading a full life requires both a strong body and a healthy mind. Marginal deficiencies of many nutrients can contribute to subclinical depression and impaired memory. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| March 11, 2016 Autism and Nutrient Intake: A study on the food and supplement intake of children with autism spectrum disorders found that many of the 2- to 3-year old children exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for three essential nutrients from their food intake alone (34% exceeded the UL for preformed vitamin A, 44% for manganese, and 40% for zinc). Consumption of supplements added to this already excessive level of nutrient intake, likely increasing the risk of one or more of these nutrients having neuro-toxic effects. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Supplementation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Aug;115(8):1237-48. |
| March 10, 2016 Ready-to-eat Cereals: Cereals have not only been a convenient way to get a quick morning meal, they also have represented a food form that is easily fortified with a number of vitamins and minerals. Breakfast consumption, both with or without cereal, has been associated with numerous health benefits. |
| Consumer Link Raise Your Spoon to National Cereal Day |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2014 Sep 15;5(5):636S-673S. |
| March 9, 2016 Peanut Allergy Prevention: Recent studies indicate that early feeding of peanuts to infants at high risk for allergy helps to prevent the allergy from developing. Following up on this research, it was found that avoidance of peanuts for a year (following early introduction of peanuts) did not alter the protective effect of early peanut introduction. |
| Consumer Link Pioneering approach to prevent peanut allergies in children provides ongoing protection, study shows |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 8, 2016 Protein and Fullness: A review of research on the effects of consuming a high protein food on fullness found that protein (compared to carbohydrate and fat) is associated with greater fullness ratings in healthy adults. To determine if this short-term effect of protein translates into improved weight management over time requires additional research. |
| Consumer Link Increased protein consumption linked to feelings of fullness |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. March 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 7, 2016 Diabetes Guidelines: A synopsis of the 2016 American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes emphasize individualized care to manage the disease, prevent or delay complications, and improve outcomes. Among other things, the guidelines stress patient self-management, physical activity, and weight management. |
| Consumer Link ADA Issues Recs for Management of Diabetes in Primary Care |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 1 March 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 6, 2016 Higher Fat Fish and Health: Eating higher fat ocean fish like butterfish, kahala, salmon and sardines, provides the omega-3 fatty acids that are proving to be so important for maintaining many body functions, including vision and the function of the aging brain. |
| Consumer Link Cut calories, but not nutrients, as you age |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2004;8(3):163-74. |
| March 5, 2016 Caffeine and a Healthy Blood Pressure: Overly low blood pressure (hypotension) can impair both brain function and balance. Caffeine sources like coffee and tea may help some people avoid the blood-pressure drops that commonly occur following meals. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):392-8. |
| March 4, 2016 Eye Health and Carotenoids: In addition to the well-known beta-carotene found in many fruits and vegetables, similar carotenoid molecules lutein and zeaxanthin are found in foods like green vegetables and yellow corn. They are especially important for retinal health and prevention of age-related macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Most Studied Carotenoids for Eye Health |
| Research Link Prog Retin Eye Res. 2016 Jan;50:34-66. |
| March 3, 2016 Maternal Protein Deficiency: Research with rats shows how protein deficiency during pregnancy can cause molecular changes in the offspring that persist long after the period of protein restriction and adversely affect life-long health. These results confirm observations made on human populations and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms. |
| Consumer Link Maternal protein deficiency during pregnancy ‘memorized’ by fetal muscle cells |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Aug 28;114(4):519-32. |
| March 2, 2016 Pregnancy, Diet and Exercise: Remaining fit and healthy during pregnancy is important for having a healthy baby with the foundation to live a long and healthy life. However, taking diet and exercise to extremes can be bad for fetal development and for the baby's long-term health. |
| Consumer Link Pregnant moms obsessed with diet and exercise can face serious health risks |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014 Jul;114(7):1099-103. |
| March 1, 2016 Sports Nutrition: A new updated position paper on Nutrition and Athletic Performance emphasizes the need to individualize nutrition for athletes based on multiple variables such as stage of training, type of training, weight goals, competition schedule, etc. |
| Consumer Link Position paper shows evidence-based analysis of nutritional factors that influence athletic performance |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Mar;48(3):543-68. |
| February 29, 2016 Child Nutrition and Potatoes: A survey of the nutrient intake of children one to three years of age found that potassium and dietary fiber were nutrients commonly under-consumed. It can be difficult to get children to eat vegetables that are good sources of these nutrients. However, potatoes are a good source of both nutrients and children generally like them. |
| Consumer Link Study shows children's best hope for the potassium and fiber missing in their diets is potatoes |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2016 Jan 15;7(1):241S-6S. |
| February 28, 2016 Coffee and Blood Pressure: Although it is commonly believed that coffee increases blood pressure, most research evidence indicates that daily consumption of coffee does not increase the risk of high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine and Your Health: Controversies and Misconceptions Continue |
| Research Link Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2008;4(5):963-70. |
| February 27, 2016 Brain Function and Choline: Choline is a food component that is essential for normal function of all cells, including brain cells. Eggs and meat are rich sources of choline in the North American diet. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23. |
| February 26, 2016 Breastfeeding and Vitamin D: Breastfed babies, especially those breastfed more than 1 year, commonly develop low vitamin D status. Since breast milk may not meet Vitamin D needs, supplementation of the infant with vitamin D can help to prevent the deficiency from developing. |
| Consumer Link Children breastfeeding after first birthday should take vitamin D |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2016 Feb 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 25, 2016 Meeting Child and Adolescent Nutrient Needs: Recent studies have found that children and adolescents who skip breakfast and/or eat packed lunches instead of school lunches have lower intakes of essential nutrients. Those consuming three meals a day and taking advantage of school breakfast and lunch programs had superior nutrition regardless of their food security status. |
| Consumer Link Nutrient Density, Healthy Eating Patterns, and Dietary Guidelines |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2016 Feb 10. pii: jn225516. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 24, 2016 Weight Loss: A small, but detailed study found that even a modest weight loss equivalent to 5 percent of body weight significantly improved insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver and muscle, showing a substantial reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Little diet pain, big health gain |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. February 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 23, 2016 Perspectives on Salt: An analysis of scientific reports on the health effects of salt found substantial polarization between those promoting the health benefits of salt reduction and those finding little or no benefit. The authors question how much previously established notions prevent objective analysis of data on a topic like this. |
| Consumer Link Science on salt is polarized, study finds |
| Research Link Int J Epidemiol. 2016 Feb 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 22, 2016 Child Food Allergies: Children with allergies early in life tend to outgrow the allergies as they develop. However, both parents and children often assume that the allergies persist. This can result in unnecessary food restriction that results in diets deficient in key nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Many school children avoid basic foods unnecessarily |
| Research Link Doctoral thesis. 2016 Umea University, Sweden. |
| February 21, 2016 Facts about Salt: With all the recent hype to limit salt intake, don't forget that the balance of nutrients in the overall diet may be more important to health. Despite being high in salt, the Japanese diet has a great variety of foods and is associated with a low risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Balancing the latest news about salt |
| Research Link Int J Epidemiol. 2007 Jun;36(3):600-9. Epub 2007 Feb 22. |
| February 20, 2016 Nutrition Basics: The number one goal for good nutrition is to meet essential nutrient needs within a person's calorie requirements. Eliminating "bad" foods from the diet without good substitutes can compromise nutrient intake and eventually harm health. |
| Consumer Link People should meet essential nutrient needs |
| Research Link Am J Lifestyle Med. 2009; 3(1 Suppl): 35S–38S. |
| February 19, 2016 Organic vs Conventional Meat: Studies on the nutritional differences between organical and conventional produced meat have quite variable results. A meta-analysis review of the literature indicates that organic livestock may have different fatty acid composition than conventional farming and these may be nutritionally desirable. However, it is important to conduct additional studies to address limitations identified with the present studies. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional Differences Between Organic and Conventional Meat |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2016 Feb 16:1-18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 18, 2016 Sucrose Substitute: The sugar isomaltulose has the brand name Palatinose. Isomaltulose is composed of the same sugars as table sugar (glucose and fructose) but the sugars are bonded together differently. This difference in chemical structure causes isomaltulose to digest more slowly and increase blood sugar less than sucrose. Although isomaltulose is better for blood glucose control in type 2 diabetics, it is half as sweet as sucrose. |
| Consumer Link All sugars are not alike: Isomaltulose better than table sugar for type 2 diabetes patients |
| Research Link Diabetes Care, 2015 Dec 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 17, 2016 Dietary Cholesterol, Eggs, and Coronary Artery Disease: A study in Finland that followed over 800 men for about 21 years, found that egg and cholesterol intakes were not associated with increased coronary artery disease. This also was the case for those identified as having a genetic predisposition to heart disease. This supports previous studies showing little or no effect of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels. |
| Consumer Link High-cholesterol diet, eating eggs do not increase risk of heart attack, not even in persons genetically predisposed, study finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 16, 2016 Infant Feeding and Gut Microbes: New research indicates that the major determinant of a healthful diversity of the gut microbial composition is the introduction during infancy of family foods high protein and dietary fiber. Specifically, intake of meats, cheeses, and Danish rye bread, rich in protein and fiber, were associated with an increased diversity that has been associated with a reduced risk of obesity later in life. |
| Consumer Link Early diet of infants, not maternal obesity, influences development of gut microbiome |
| Research Link mSphere. 2016 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 15, 2016 Vitamin B12 and Brain Development: It is widely acknowledged that folate deficiency can impair brain and neural development during pregnancy and infancy. Add vitamin B12 to the list. Mental and emotional function appears to be impaired by inadequate intake of either of these vitamins at most any stage of life. Diets low in plant foods can be low in folate and diets low in animal foods are low in vitamin B12. Healthful diets include a wide variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Pass the Synthetic B Vitamins Please |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2016 Jan 22;11(1):e0146797. |
| February 14, 2016 Iodine Deficiencies: In the U.S., iodized salt has been a major source of the essential nutrient iodine. With the encouragements to cut back on salt, it is important to make sure that people still meet their need for iodine. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| February 13, 2016 Vitamin B-12 and Memory: Vitamin B-12 deficiency can impair memory, decrease intellectual capacity, and cause emotional instability. Vegetarians are more prone to B-12 deficiency because only animal foods contain significant amounts of B-12. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B-12 deficiency impairs brain |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34. |
| February 12, 2016 Infant Scurvy: Attempts to eat super healthy can backfire. With good intentions, parents fed their infant an almond beverage and almond flour for several months. Since little or nothing else was fed to the infant, it developed serious scurvy (vitamin C deficiency). The child experienced serious bone fractures, irritability, a great deal of pain, and overall failure to thrive. |
| Consumer Link Do Your Dietary Choices Provide Enough Vitamin C? |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2016 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 11, 2016 Vitamin D in Children: A study in Finland found that about 20 percent of children had a serum vitamin D level lower than the commonly recommended level (50 nmol/l). One of the best predictors of serum vitamin D level was the consumption of vitamin D fortified milk. |
| Consumer Link Milk, vitamin supplements and exercise raise children's vitamin D levels |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2016 Feb 3:1-12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 10, 2016 Wholegrain Phytochemicals: Whole grain foods have been linked to a variety of possible health benefits. A type of phytochemical compound known as benzoxazinoids is found in a variety of whole grains. These phytochemicals appear to support normal immune function and reduce allergic reactions. |
| Consumer Link Wholesome wholegrain |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015;59(7):1324-38. |
| February 9, 2016 ADHD and Obesity: Children with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of becoming obese as adults, according to a study that followed boys with ADHD and boys without the condition up to an average age of 41 years. It is not known why this association exists, suggesting that further study is warranted to confirm the association and, if confirmed, explore potential causes. |
| Consumer Link Childhood ADHD Linked to Obesity in Adulthood |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2013;p131::e1731–e1738. |
| February 8, 2016 Iron and ADHD: MRI assessment of brain iron levels may be a good tool in the assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the relationship between blood levels of iron and brain levels is complex and needs more study to determine if nutritional deficiency of iron plays a causative role in ADHD. |
| Consumer Link MUSC scientists study iron levels in brain to diagnose ADHD in children |
| Research Link Biomark. Med. 2015; 9(5):403–406. |
| February 7, 2016 Anemia is Not Equivalent to Iron Deficiency: Health problems caused by iron deficiency may go undiagnosed if the deficiency does not produce anemia. This "nonanemic" iron deficiency may have negative effects on brain development during infancy. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Do current medical procedures sufficiently diagnose iron deficiency? |
| February 6, 2016 Importance of iodized salt: Iodine is an essential nutrient for nerve development in infants and thyroid function at any age. For some people, iodized salt is a major source of this mineral and cutting back on salt can decrease iodine intake. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| February 5, 2016 Vitamin D and Bones of Football Players: Some of those big guys playing in the Superbowl may be vitamin D Deficient according to some interesting research on American football players. Those with the lowest vitamin D status were more likely to have bone fractures and players with darker skin were more likely to have lower vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Football Super Bowl, Bones & Muscle, and Vitamin D |
| Research Link Am J Sports Med. 2015 May;43(5):1241-5. |
| February 4, 2016 Fish Oil and Blood Pressure: About a third of American adults have hypertension. New research indicates that increased fish consumption or supplementation with a daily fish oil supplement significantly lowers blood pressure in many adults with hypertension. |
| Consumer Link More Evidence that EPA+DHA Affect Blood Pressure |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2016 Jan 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 3, 2016 Long Term Effects of Low Fiber Diet: New research on successive generations of mice consuming low fiber diets indicates that there is a steady loss of microbial diversity in the intestinal microbiome. The same phenomenon may be occurring in humans consuming common diets that are low in dietary fiber. A loss of microbial diversity in the lower intestine may have a significant negative impact on health that may be very difficult to reverse. |
| Consumer Link Low-fiber diet may cause irreversible depletion of gut bacteria over generations |
| Research Link Nature. 2016;529:212–215. |
| February 2, 2016 Zinc Supplementation in Older Adults: Zinc deficiency is common in older adults in nursing homes. When zinc deficient older adults were supplemented with 30 milligrams of zinc per day for 3 months, immune function improved, however some participants still had not reached adequate zinc blood levels. The tolerable upper intake level for zinc is 40 milligrams per day. It is important to note that high zinc intake interferes with the absorption of other important minerals such as iron. |
| Consumer Link Zinc supplement boosted serum zinc levels, immunity in older adults, study shows |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jan 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 1, 2016 Fat Loss without Muscle Loss: Generally, weight loss comes from a combination of fat and lean mass like muscle tissue. However, a new study found that combining an intensive training program with high protein intake (3 times the RDA) during a four-week diet (40 percent calorie reduction) promoted fat loss combined with lean tissue gain. |
| Consumer Link Losing fat while gaining muscle: Scientists close in on 'holy grail' of diet and exercise |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jan 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 31, 2016 Importance of Food Variety: Fruits and vegetables are important in the daily diet, but they are low in protein. This is one reason why other food groups also should be part of our regular fare. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Jun;56(6):M373-80. |
| January 30, 2016 Memory and Nutrition: For a variety of reasons, some people poorly absorb vitamin B12. These individuals can benefit from monthly injections of the vitamin to prevent short-term memory loss that can mimic early Alzheimer disease. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;81(5):1155-62. |
| January 29, 2016 Oxidized Omega-3 Supplements: The highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in fish or plant oil supplements are highly susceptible to oxidation when products are not produced properly. Oxidation reduces the effective level of omega-3 fatty acids in a product and gives it a bad smell and taste. At this time, it is not clear if the oxidized fatty acids have a significant adverse effect on health. |
| Consumer Link Is Oxidized Fish Oil a Cause For Concern? |
| Research Link J Nutr Sci. 2015 Nov 4;4:e30. |
| January 28, 2016 B Vitamins and Brain: It is well known that the B vitamin folic acid is essential for normal development of the brain and nervous system. Now, newer research also is identifying low brain levels of vitamin B12 as a potential contributor to psychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. |
| Consumer Link Pass the Synthetic B Vitamins Please |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2016 Jan 22;11(1):e0146797. |
| January 27, 2016 Fitness and Fatness: Professional American football linemen have become much bigger and in many cases fatter over the past several decades. Although the sport requires fitness, some players have developed excessive levels of abdominal fat and the associated disease risk factors. Helping these athletes maintain healthy levels of body fat is likely to enhance both performance and long term health. |
| Consumer Link Are football players too obese? |
| Research Link Strength Cond J. 2015;37(6):95-101. |
| January 26, 2016 Gluten Introduction to Infants: An updated and thorough review of research on when to introduce gluten-containing grains like wheat into the diets of infants concluded that early introduction of gluten into the infant diet (4 to 6 months of age) does not increase the risk of celiac disease. Their analysis, however, indicated that later introduction of gluten (after 6 months of age) was associated with increased risk of celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link New guidelines reverse previous recommendations on gluten introduction to prevent celiac disease |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2016;168:132-143. |
| January 25, 2016 Boosting Physical Activity: It is evolutionary-based behavior to conserve energy when possible. Thus, we are inherently lazy. Researchers suggest using drugs like caffeine to reduce the perception of effort during exercise may help to increase physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Coffee to keep New Year fitness resolutions |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2016;46(1):1-5. |
| January 24, 2016 Potential Selenium Toxicity in Nuts: Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium. However, moderation is the key since only five nuts a day can contain more selenium than the tolerable upper intake level established by the Institute of Medicine. |
| Consumer Link The dark side of healthful 'superfoods' |
| Research Link Chemosphere. 1995 Feb;30(4):801-2. |
| January 23, 2016 Lactose Tolerance: Those with lactose intolerance are not destined to a diet devoid of high-calcium milk products. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss contain only trace amounts of lactose. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Postgrad Med J. 2005 Mar;81(953):167-73. |
| January 22, 2016 High Intensity Exercise: All forms of exercise seem to benefit health in a variety of ways and we all tend to gravitate to the types of exercise that fit our capabilities and lifestyles. For those who want to do higher intensity exercise and spend less time exercising, there is rapidly increasing evidence that high intensity interval training (HIIT) provides substantial bene?ts to cardiometabolic health with less time commitment than needed for many lower intensity exercise routines. |
| Consumer Link Intensive exercise with intervals 'more effective' |
| Research Link Obesity Reviews, 2015;16(11):942-961. |
| January 21, 2016 B12 Deficiency in Elderly: Based on blood levels of vitamin B12, Canadian researchers found that almost 14 per cent of elderly adults entering long-term care facilities were deficient in the vitamin. This is likely an underestimate of the incidence because there are better tests for vitamin B12 status assessment (methylmalonic acid levels). B12 malabsorption is common at this stage of life and the form of vitamin B12 in natural food sources is very poorly absorbed. Consequently, B12 injections or high dose supplementation is needed to return B12 status to normal. |
| Consumer Link B12 deficiency a concern for long-term care |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 19 January. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 20, 2016 Fish During Pregnancy: Although it is difficult to study in humans, animal studies show that inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy impairs normal fetal brain development. This fetal damage cannot be corrected by adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake during infancy. |
| Consumer Link Why fish intake by pregnant women improves the growth of a child's brain |
| Research Link Stem Cells. 2015 Nov 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 19, 2016 Colorful Carotenoids: Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two carotenoid substances that are high in eggs, yellow corn, and many green and colorful vegetables, are not currently considered to be essential nutrients with recommended levels of intake. With substantial research demonstrating the importance of these compounds for eye health and likely heart and metabolic health too, it is likely that these carotenoids will be considered to be essential nutrients in the future. |
| Consumer Link Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Carotenoids for Life |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jan 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 18, 2016 Affordability of Folate Fortification: Mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched grain products was started in the U.S. almost 20 years ago. Data clearly illustrate that this substantially reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in infants. An economic analysis estimates that the savings in medical costs are several hundred million dollars more than the cost of fortification. It is much more difficult to quantify the reduction in human misery. |
| Consumer Link Fortification Costs are Inconsequential Compared to Alternatives |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2016 January. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 17, 2016 Green Tea and Blood Thinning Medications: Although green tea may provide health benefits, it's important to check with your pharmacist to see if the components in green tea interfere with any pain or blood-thinning medications you take. |
| Consumer Link Green tea can clash with common drugs |
| Research Link Green Tea, MedlinePlus. |
| January 16, 2016 Weight and Menopause: If you recently started exercising and haven't noticed any weight loss, remember that you are likely building muscle and losing fat. Changes in inches can occur before pounds. So, step away from the scale! |
| Consumer Link Exercise program can result in quick weight gain |
| Research Link Menopause. 2009 Jul-Aug;16(4):777-84. |
| January 15, 2016 Vitamin D and Fertility: A study of wild sheep on a remote Scottish island found that there was a fair amount a variability in vitamin D status among the sheep at the end of summer. Sheep with higher levels of vitamin D metabolites in their blood at the end of summer went on to give birth to more lambs in the following spring. The variability in vitamin D status appears to be genetically linked. |
| Consumer Link Sunshine vitamin linked to improved fertility in wild animals |
| Research Link Scientific Reports. 2016 Jan 13. [Online ahead of print] |
| January 14, 2016 New Dietary Guidelines: The recently released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans continue to emphasize the importance of eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods in moderate amounts from each of the major food groups. Previous concerns were removed for cutting back on foods high in cholesterol. This reflects the lack of evidence for dietary cholesterol having a significant effect on blood cholesterol and the fact that good foods like seafood are high in cholesterol. |
| Consumer Link 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released |
| Research Link 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans |
| January 13, 2016 Hunger Games with Mice: Much of the research on hunger and dieting has focused on positive reward activity in parts of the brain. New research with mice indicates that specific neurons in the brain reduce hunger through reduction of negative signals caused by hunger rather than simple positive reward. This may lead to new approaches toward achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. |
| Consumer Link Another reason why your diet is doomed: 'Hunger' neurons promote negative feelings |
| Research Link Nature. 2015 May 14;521(7551):180-5. |
| January 12, 2016 DASH Diet + Fat: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern is high in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods. The diet significantly lowers blood pressure as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). A new study found that a higher fat version of the DASH diet lowered blood pressure to the same extent as the standard DASH diet, but also reduced triglycerides and did not significantly raise LDL-C. |
| Consumer Link Higher fat variation of DASH diet lowers blood pressure, triglycerides, study shows |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Dec [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 11, 2016 Body Fat and Insulin Function: A study of 116 nondiabetic adults ranging in age from 19 to 78 years were tested for insulin sensitivity, a measure of how well insulin facilitates sugar uptake from the blood. Age did not influence insulin sensitivity, but greater levels of fat around the internal organs (visceral fat) and more fat in the liver were both strongly associated with poor insulin sensitivity. Meeting protein needs and avoiding excess calories, especially from carbohydrate and fat, can help to avoid or reduce high levels of visceral and liver fat. |
| Consumer Link Changes in fat distribution influence reduction in insulin sensitivity |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinology & Metab. 2015 December 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 10, 2016 Standing for Weight Loss: To burn more calories - simply stand up. Standing uses twice as many calories per minute as sitting and walking briskly expends about 4 times the calories. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Food and Nutrition Information Center |
| January 9, 2016 Exercise and Cancer Prevention: A lifestyle that includes frequent and consistent physical activity helps protect against colon, breast, prostate and lung cancers. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps prevent and treat cancers |
| Research Link ACS Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity |
| January 8, 2016 Gastric Bypass Surgery: Within a period of about three to 8 years after gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y procedure), over two thirds of patients sought health care for symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia, and gallstones. Although most patients reported improved well-being after surgery, the prevalence of symptoms was high and nearly one-third of patients were hospitalized. |
| Consumer Link Side Effects Seen With One Method of Weight-Loss Surgery: Study |
| Research Link JAMA Surg. 2016 Jan 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 7, 2016 Arsenic in Plant Foods: Arsenic is toxic in excessive amounts. Recently, it was found that rice can accumulate high levels of arsenic, depending on the growing conditions. With a new understanding of the chemical mechanisms involved in arsenic uptake by plant seeds, developing new rice strains resistant to arsenic accumulation may be possible. |
| Consumer Link Scientists discover how arsenic builds up in plant seeds |
| Research Link Nature Plants. 2015 Dec 21 [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 6, 2016 Preconception Nutrition: There is gradually increasing evidence that nutrition status can affect fertility. Couples having difficulty conceiving may benefit from assuring that all of their nutrient needs are being met. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition: Helping Young Families Grow while being Penny Wise. |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2016;8(1). [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 5, 2016 Eating Time and Mental Function: There is evidence that eating during our usual sleeping time of the day can affect physiological and biochemical functions involved in learning and memory. An innovative mouse study found that feeding mice only during their usual sleeping time of day altered function in specific parts of the brain in ways that adversely affected learning and memory. |
| Consumer Link Midnight munchies mangle memory: Eating at the wrong time impairs learning, memory |
| Research Link eLife, 2015; 4 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.09460 |
| January 4, 2016 Fat Mobilization Mechanism: Research on how the hormone leptin triggers mobilization of fat from fat cells found that nerves surrounding fat cells are activated to stimulate mobilization of fat from the cells. This may lead to neural stimulation techniques to promote fat loss. |
| Consumer Link From brain, to fat, to weight loss: New study reveals neural mechanism responsible for fat breakdown |
| Research Link Cell. 2015 Sep 24;163(1):84-94. |
| January 3, 2016 Headaches and Low Carbohydrates: A common cause of headaches is low blood sugar. Dips in blood sugar levels can be caused by skipping meals or fasting. When dieting, be sure to spread out your meals. Your brain will thank you. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link Headache. 2009 May;49(5):744-52. |
| January 2, 2016 To Lose Body Fat: Consuming too little or too much carbohydrate can complicate weight loss. Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to lower weight over time. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2006 Feb;7(1):49-58. |
| January 1, 2016 Weight Loss Principles: If you are making New Year resolutions for weight loss, remember that the three most important words in nutrition are variety, balance, and moderation. Avoid extreme changes for long-term success. |
| Consumer Link Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11):3476-84. |
| December 31, 2015 Exercise and Gut Bacteria: Add exercise to the list of factors that affect the composition of the microbe population in the lower intestine. Physical activity early in life appears to be especially influential on developing a healthful balance of bacterial species that can affect life-long health. |
| Consumer Link Early-life exercise alters gut microbes, promotes healthy brain and metabolism |
| Research Link Immunol Cell Biol. 2015 Dec 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 30, 2015 Seaweed as a Food Ingredient: Food scientists are finding that various types of seaweed can be incorporated into many types of food in ways that add both flavor and needed nutrients. Some types of seaweed are good sources of various antioxidants, minerals like potassium, and dietary fiber. |
| Consumer Link Food industry can help lower cardiovascular diseases by adding little seaweed to products |
| Research Link Phycologia. 2015;54:649-666. |
| December 29, 2015 Seasonal Depression: Depression that occurs in the winter months (seasonal affective disorder or SAD) has been thought to be related to decreased sun or light exposure. This condition also is more likely to occur in those with low levels of the key fish oil fatty acids (EPA and DHA) according to new research conducted in Japan. |
| Consumer Link Feeling Down? Could it be the Season or your Omega-3 Status? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Dec 22:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 28, 2015 Vitamin D and Breast Milk: Breast milk is not an adequate source of vitamin D for the infant if the mother's vitamin D status is low. However, a new study found that breast milk did meet infant vitamin D needs when the mother supplemented her diet with 6,400 IU of vitamin D per day. |
| Consumer Link Maternal supplements can provide breast milk with adequate vitamin D |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2015 Oct;136(4):625-34. |
| December 27, 2015 Cranberry and bladder health: Substances in cranberries are known to benefit the health of the urinary tract. For some, this holiday treat could be beneficial if consumed year-round. |
| Consumer Link Holiday berry has year-round applications |
| Research Link J Funct Foods. 2015 Aug;17:235-242. |
| December 26, 2015 Healthy Habits: Staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight is much easier than getting fit when out of shape. Helping a child to develop a healthy lifestyle is a great lifelong gift. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Ann Med. 1999 Apr;31 Suppl 1:26-32. |
| December 25, 2015 Santa's Fitness: Santa is a big man, but he is not overly fat. His very active job keeps him more fit than fat. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1854-61. |
| December 24, 2015 Pancreatic Cancer and Magnesium: Many of us consume less than recommended levels of magnesium. A new study found that low magnesium intake is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Although a cause and effect relationship cannot be assumed from this study, it still is another good reason to include green vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains in the daily diet. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer |
| Research Link Br J Cancer. 2015;113(11):1615. |
| December 23, 2015 Nutrition and Breast Milk: For many reasons, mother's milk is best for baby. This assumes that the mother has good nutrition. Inadequate intake by the mother of nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) makes breast milk deficient in these nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Helping Babies be Their Best |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Dec 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 22, 2015 Food Advertising to Children: Much food advertising targeting children is now embedded into Internet "advergames" that integrate brand-related food cues within the media entertainment content. New research indicates that this technique is very effective at influencing children's food selections. |
| Consumer Link Candy games stimulate appetite |
| Research Link Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 2016; 9: 26 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.11.016 |
| December 21, 2015 Fish Oil and Fat: Using a mouse model, researchers found that animals fed diets rich in fish oil gained less fat and had greater energy expenditure at rest due to an increased number of brown and beige fat cells. Though it is questionable that this will work the same in adult humans, it is one more potential reason to include fish in the diet on a regular basis. |
| Consumer Link Fish oil helps transform fat cells from storage to burning |
| Research Link Scientific Reports 5, Article number: 18013 (2015). |
| December 20, 2015 Don't Be Too Rushed To Eat: A hectic holiday schedule that makes you too rushed to eat and drink on your normal schedule can back-fire by triggering headaches. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link National Headache Foundation |
| December 19, 2015 Alcohol and Weight: Trying to avoid packing on extra pounds over the holidays? The calories in alcoholic beverages can add up quickly without notice - another reason to drink moderately. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol adds to holiday weight gain |
| Research Link Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2005;42(3):197-227. |
| December 18, 2015 Diabetes and Pancreatic Fat: A study using specialized MRI scanning techniques in people losing weight by bariatric surgery found that those with type 2 diabetes had elevated levels of fat in their pancreas. After eight weeks of weight loss, pancreatic fat levels normalized and the type 2 diabetes cleared up. Pancreatic fat levels may be an important factor to evaluate and target in people with type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Type 2 diabetes reversed by losing fat from pancreas |
| Research Link Diabetes Care, December 1, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 17, 2015 Celiac Disease Risk: A new meta-analysis type of study found that women with sisters or mothers that have celiac disease are at significantly greater risk of developing the condition too. |
| Consumer Link Familial risk for celiac disease varies by gender, geographic location |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov;110(11):1539-48. |
| December 16, 2015 Diet and Environment: When researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of energy costs and greenhouse gas production related to getting foods from the farm to our forks, they found that meeting calorie needs with more healthful foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, and seafood) causes more environmental damage than that caused by current dietary habits. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarian and 'healthy' diets are more harmful to the environment |
| Research Link Environ Sys Dec. 24 November 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 15, 2015 Nutrition for Heart and Head: Two new studies separately provide evidence that blood values for two key nutrients are associated with health and optimal function. Low omega-3 fatty acid levels were associated with an increase in heart attacks and low iron status (even mild iron deficiency) impaired various measures of cognitive function. |
| Consumer Link Suboptimal Omega-3 and Iron Blood Concentrations Affect Performance & Function |
| Research Link J Nutr. December 9, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 14, 2015 Eating Disorder Prevention: Using an MRI brain scanning technique, researchers demonstrated that after young women completed The Body Project group-based eating disorder prevention program, they had a reduced reward valuation response to images of thin supermodels and an increase in response to images of healthy, normal weight women. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorder prevention program reduces brain reward region response to supermodels |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2015 Dec 7;10(12):e0144530. |
| December 13, 2015 Fish Oil and Macula Degeneration: Fish oils contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids that are needed by the brain and also may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Fish is good for the brain, study shows |
| Research Link Ophthalmic Res. 2015 Nov 27;55(2):62-69. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 12, 2015 Walking and Health: Simply walking 30 minutes a day or 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day can benefit overall health. Why not ask Santa for a pedometer? |
| Consumer Link Holiday exercise is easy with upfront planning |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| December 11, 2015 Sugar and Diet: Primarily due to increased sugar-sweetened beverage intake, people around the world are consuming increasing amounts of sugar. However, efforts to curb this trend are beginning to help reduce sugar consumption in a few countries. |
| Consumer Link Global diet is getting sweeter, particularly when it comes to beverages |
| Research Link Lancet Diabetes & Endo. 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 10, 2015 Eating Environment: Controlled research with families found that noise distraction affected food consumption of parents the most. A noisy condition increased their consumption of cookies, diet soda, and carrots. |
| Consumer Link Distracted dining? Steer clear of it |
| Research Link Couple Fam Psych Res Pract. 2015;4(4):199-211. |
| December 9, 2015 Coffee and Diabetes: Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers have identified two compounds in coffee, cafestol and caffeic acid, that affect blood glucose and likely decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Coffee compounds that could help prevent type 2 diabetes identified |
| Research Link J Nat Prod. 2015 Oct 23;78(10):2447-51. |
| December 8, 2015 Nutrition, Nature, Nurture: We know that a woman's nutrition before and during pregnancy has a strong influence on the lifelong health of her child. Research is increasingly showing that the father's health status information also is passed along to the child through sperm via factors that influence the expression of specific genes that affect things like food intake control, body weight, fat cell number, etc. |
| Consumer Link What your father ate before you were born could influence your health |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 6 December 2016. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 7, 2015 Prenatal Iron Status and Fetal Brain: Using a new brain MRI scanning technique on newborn infants, researchers found that mothers with lower iron status during pregnancy gave birth to infants with compromised brain development when compared to infants of mothers with good iron status. |
| Consumer Link Prenatal Maternal Iron Intake Shown to Affect the Neonatal Brain |
| Research Link Pediatr Res. 2015 Nov 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 6, 2015 Rights Against Fraudulent Nutrition Products: Are you tired of ads for fraudulent nutrition products? File complaints about questionable products online at the Federal Trade Commission website. |
| Consumer Link Law shields consumers from dodgy products |
| Research Link Federal Trade Commission Complaints |
| December 5, 2015 Circulation and Exercise: Compression stockings often are prescribed for people to improve poor circulation in their lower legs. Athletes are now using similar stockings to enhance sports performance and recovery from workouts. |
| Consumer Link Athletes hope stockings can improve blood flow |
| Research Link J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):101-5. |
| December 4, 2015 Nutrient Variability in Foods: The actual amount of a nutrient in a food you consume could be significantly more or less than what is reported. Nutrients like vitamin C in a fruit can vary greatly depending on the variety of the fruit, the growing conditions, ripeness, and storage conditions. Therefore nutrient information for natural plant foods should always be considered an estimate. |
| Consumer Link A Case Study on the Genetic Basis of Nutritional Variability of Food |
| Research Link Food Chemistry 2015;188:399-405. |
| December 3, 2015 Diet and Epilepsy: A study using a rat model indicated that low carbohydrate ketogenic diets used to treat epilepsy have their beneficial effect on the brain through a specific component of fat rather than the generation of ketone bodies. Consuming fat that is high in a 10-carbon fatty acid called decanoic acid may provide the same benefit to epileptics without the need to restrict carbohydrate. |
| Consumer Link New diet provides hope for treating patients with drug resistant epilepsy |
| Research Link Brain. 2015 Nov 25. Epub ahead of print] |
| December 2, 2015 Nutrition and Dementia: Many life factors may contribute to the development of cognitive decline and dementia with aging. However, nutrition plays a much greater role in maintaining brain health than often is appreciated. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency, common in older people, can cause symptoms virtually identical to early Alzheimer's disease. Meeting many other essential nutrient needs throughout life is important for ongoing brain health. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Missing from the Lancet’s Cognitive Footprint of Dementia Prevention |
| Research Link Lancet. 2015 Sep 5;386(9997):1008-10. |
| December 1, 2015 Belly Fat and Vitamin D: A study of over 1000 adults in China found that those with more abdominal (visceral) fat had lower vitamin D status. Vitamin D requirements may be greater in people with more body fat. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Screening Provides Valuable Information |
| Research Link Nutr Metab (Lond). 2015 Nov 25;12:50. |
| November 30, 2015 Iodine Deficiency: With the current encouragement to eat local and reduce salt intake, iodine can become a nutrient of concern. Soils and water supplies in some parts of the U.S. are low in iodine, so the foods grown there are low as well. Iodized salt is a major source of iodine for many people, so cutting back on salt generally reduces iodine intake. |
| Consumer Link Should Iodine be a Nutrient of Concern? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Nov 24:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 29, 2015 Gut microbes and Health: Strangely enough, there are trillions of bacterial organisms living in the lower part of the human intestine. A balanced diet helps this "microbiota" protect us against infections, some cancers, and possibly even the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| November 28, 2015 Cranberries and Bladder Health: It's the season for cranberries, but remember that cranberry juice helps to prevent urinary tract infections and can be a valuable part of the diet year-round. |
| Consumer Link Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round |
| Research Link Biotechnol Bioeng. 2006 Feb 5;93(2):297-305. |
| November 27, 2015 Genetic Adaptation to Dietary Change: The human diet has changed significantly since humans started farming about 8500 years ago. Also, new research indicates that substantial genetic adaptation to these dietary changes also has occurred. Consequently, we do not have the same genetic setup as our ancient hunter / gatherer ancestors. This makes arguments for returning to ancient diets questionable. |
| Consumer Link How the introduction of farming changed the human genome |
| Research Link Nature. 23 November 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 26, 2015 Fat Loss: New research indicates that the more fat you have, the harder it may be to lose it. Studies in both mice and humans found that a specific protein increases when body fat amounts are high. This protein inhibits the mobilization of fat from fat cells, making it more difficult to lose fat when you are fatter. |
| Consumer Link Stored fat fights against the body’s attempts to lose weight |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2015 Nov 20;6:8951. |
| November 25, 2015 Vitamin D and Winter: As sun exposure declines during winter months, the need for dietary and/or supplemental sources of vitamin D increases. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk for cardiovascular disease along with other conditions such as metabolic syndrome and depression. |
| Consumer Link Using a Vitamin D Supplement During the Winter can Eliminate one Source of Worry |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Nov 20:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 24, 2015 Breakfast and School Performance: A new study of 5,000 nine to eleven year old children found that those who consumed breakfast had higher scores on measures of educational performance - more support for breakfast being an important meal for growing children. |
| Consumer Link Study provides strongest evidence yet of a link between breakfast quality and educational outcomes |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2015 Sep 28:1-8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 23, 2015 Caffeine and Pregnancy: A study using data collected on women and their infants between 1959 and 1974 found that there was no association between caffeine intake during pregnancy and a child's subsequent IQ measured at ages 4 and 7. Prior to 1975, there was little concern for caffeine consumption during pregnancy and coffee consumption during pregnancy was higher than today. These results support the safety of the current recommendation to drink no more than one or two cups of coffee a day during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine in pregnancy: moderate amounts do not affect baby's IQ |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2015 Nov 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 22, 2015 Importance of food: Don't be seduced into believing that foods are "good" or "bad." Health problems can develop when a person limits their food intake to too few foods, even if they are all "good" foods. |
| Consumer Link Food is not the enemy |
| Research Link Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015 Feb 18;11:385-94. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S61665. eCollection 2015. |
| November 21, 2015 Vitamin B6 Sources: As long as you consume a diet with lots of variety and adequate calories, then you should be getting an adequate amount of vitamin B6. Some of the highest B6 containing foods include: fortified foods such as ready to eat cereals, as well as fish and poultry. |
| Consumer Link Though B6 is important, don't overdose |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine DRI Chapter on Vitamin B-6 |
| November 20, 2015 Personalized Nutrition: A new study shows that the blood glucose response that people have after eating specific foods can vary greatly from one person to another. Measuring how individuals respond to specific foods can help design personalized diets to better treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. |
| Consumer Link Personalized diets needed to combat obesity and diabetes |
| Research Link Cell. 2015;163(5):1079–1094. |
| November 19, 2015 Vitamin D and HIV Treatment: Measurement of vitamin D status in HIV infected adults found that good vitamin D status enhanced recovery of immune function after treatment. Vitamin D deficiency impaired recovery. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin D may hamper HIV treatment in adults |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. Nov 18, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 18, 2015 Coffee and Mortality: A study that followed more than 200,000 U.S. doctors, nurses and other health professionals for almost three decades found that those who consumed regular or decaf coffee, even at amounts over 5 cups a day, had a significantly lower risk of dying than those who did not drink coffee. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Drinkers May Live Longer |
| Research Link CIRCULATION. November 16, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 17, 2015 Hypothyroid and Iron: Evidence continues to indicate that many cases of hypothyroidism are related to low iron status. An enzyme involved in thyroid hormone synthesis is known to be iron dependent, so the relationship makes biochemical sense. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Clinical Endocrinology News. Nov 12, 2015. |
| November 16, 2015 Diabetes, Diet, and Kidneys: Decline in kidney function often develops in people with type 2 diabetes. A preliminary study that followed over 600 type 2 diabetics for about 10 to 15 years found that those who consumed more potassium (based on urine measures) had a lower risk of renal decline than those consuming low levels of potassium. Indicators of sodium intake, however, showed no correlation with measures of kidney function change over time. |
| Consumer Link Potassium-rich diets could protect diabetic patients' kidneys |
| Research Link Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2015 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 15, 2015 Joint Pain and Nutrition: Besides adequate hydration, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may help to decrease joint pain. Key sources of these include fatty fish such as salmon and sardines and supplements of fish or algae oils |
| Consumer Link Vitamins can help ease pain in joints |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):133-40. |
| November 14, 2015 Sleep and Weight: For a successful weight loss plan of action, be sure to establish good sleep patterns. Research suggests that inadequate sleep may negatively influence weight by affecting appetite and decreasing effort during physical activity. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity. 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| November 13, 2015 Mode of Transport and Health: A new Japanese study found that, on average, those who used public transport to get to work had a lower prevalence of excess body weight, hypertension, and diabetes than those who drove, walked, or biked to work. Possibly, those who used public transport walked more to get to and from transport stations. |
| Consumer Link Taking public transportation instead of driving linked with better health |
| Research Link Circulation. 2015; 132: A15214. |
| November 12, 2015 Gut Microbes and Glucose Control: A study testing a barley-based bread in human volunteers found that only people with greater levels of a specific type of colon bacteria (Prevotella copri) experienced improved blood glucose control compared to when they consumed regular wheat-based bread. Transplanting some of the human fecal bacteria into germ-free mice improved blood glucose control in the mice. |
| Consumer Link The gut microbiota can influence the effectiveness of dietary treatments |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2015 Nov 6. pii: S1550-4131(15)00517-3. |
| November 11, 2015 Energy Drinks: When young to middle-age adults consumed a 16 fluid ounce can of a Rockstar brand energy drink (containing caffeine and various herbal components), they experienced an increase in blood pressure and blood levels of stress hormones. Frequent and excessive consumption of these types of beverages could put some individuals at increased risk for potentially serious health problems. |
| Consumer Link Just One Energy Drink Sends Young Adults' Stress Hormone Levels Soaring |
| Research Link JAMA. 2015 Nov 8:1-3. |
| November 10, 2015 Adolescent Body Image and Obesity: There has been some evidence that depressed teenagers are more likely to become obese. However, a new study found that a distorted body image was a better predictor of adolescents developing obesity. Working with teenagers to develop a positive self-perception of their body image may help to prevent later obesity. |
| Consumer Link Negative body image, not depression, increases adolescent obesity risk |
| Research Link J Affect Disord. 2015 Nov 1;186:162-7. |
| November 9, 2015 Iron Supplementation: Taking an iron supplement triggers a significant increase in a compound called hepcidin which greatly reduces the absorption of the next dose of iron - especially when the dose is high. Based on this, it appears that taking an iron supplement once every 48 hours may be more effective than once every 24 hours. Further research is needed to prove this. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplementation: When less is really more |
| Research Link Blood. 2015 Oct 22;126(17):1981-9. |
| November 8, 2015 Hydration and Fever: Although increased fluid and sodium needs are typically thought to be associated with hot weather and exercise, remember the flu can cause an increased internal temperature that requires increased fluid as well. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link J Occup Med Toxicol. 2008 Jan 29;3:4. |
| November 7, 2015 Green Tea and Medications: Moderate use of green tea may provide health benefits for many people. However, the caffeine and flavonoids in green tea can interfere with common prescription and nonprescription drugs. Check with your pharmacist. |
| Consumer Link Green tea can clash with common drugs |
| Research Link Green Tea, MedlinePlus. |
| November 6, 2015 Energy Drinks, Men, and Sleep: Men are the main target market for energy drinks and the major consumers of them. However, research indicates that men can easily consume excessive amounts of caffeine from energy drinks and experience serious sleep problems. |
| Consumer Link Connections discovered between masculinity, energy drink use, and sleep problems |
| Research Link Health Psychology, Vol 34(11), Nov 2015, 1100-1106. |
| November 5, 2015 Fitness and Dental Health: It appears that physical fitness does not necessarily promote dental health. A study of professional football (soccer) players in the UK found that most of these athletes had poor dental health. It is not known why their dental health was compromised. |
| Consumer Link Dental health of professional footballers is "poor" and affects performance |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med. 2 Nov 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 4, 2015 Obesity and Vitamin E Needs: New research indicates that obese people absorb vitamin E less efficiently than those of normal body weight. These results suggest that vitamin E recommendations should be increased for those with obesity. |
| Consumer Link Obese people need more vitamin E, but actually get less |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr, 2015; 102 (5):1070-1080. |
| November 3, 2015 Exercise and the Aging Brain: Physical activity is known to reduce the cognitive decline commonly seen in older people. Studies with exercising mice indicate that starting an exercise program in middle age is likely to help protect the brain against changes associated with mental decline later in life. |
| Consumer Link Long-term aerobic exercise prevents age-related brain changes |
| Research Link PLOS Biology, 2015; 13 (10): e1002279. |
| November 2, 2015 Soluble Fiber and Obesity: Increasing soluble fiber in the diets of mice causes changes intestinal bacterial composition and reduces body fat levels. It is not known if a similar relationship exists in humans. |
| Consumer Link Diet lacking soluble fiber promotes weight gain, mouse study suggests |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2015 Oct 1;309(7):G528-41. |
| November 1, 2015 Active Lifwstyle for Health: The benefits of an active lifestyle are much more important for long-term health than for short-term weight loss. Many health risks associated with excess weight, such as cardiovascular disease, are greatly reduced by regular physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Worry about fitness, not fat |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| October 31, 2015 Diabetes and Exercise: Individuals at risk for diabetes should consider adding strength training to their exercise program. Research indicates that strength-building exercise improves the ability to clear sugar from the blood and helps to build muscle and decrease body fat. |
| Consumer Link Healthy diet, exercise can avert diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2003 Nov;26(11):2977-82. |
| October 30, 2015 Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Nutrient deficiencies commonly play a role in chronic disease conditions. A new study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, who also were deficient in vitamin D, experienced significant improvement in measures of their disease activity after three months of vitamin D supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Supplementation Beneficial in Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Research Link Int J Rheum Dis. 2015 Oct 20. |
| October 29, 2015 Meat and Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (World Health Organization) released summary information about a report on red meats and processed meats and possible associations with cancer. The full report is yet to be released. The summary states that diets high in red meat and processed meats pose an increased risk of developing cancer - especially colorectal cancer. They also stated that, "Eating meat has known health benefits." The bottom line on all this - don't overdo anything, keep a wide variety of foods in your diet, and don't stress out about it. |
| Consumer Link Processed meat and cancer: Let's cut the nonsense |
| Research Link IARC/WHO. 2015. Q & A on carcinogenicity of red and processed meat. |
| October 28, 2015 B12, Dementia and Stroke: Chronic vitamin B12 deficiency can cause dementia and stroke. The deficiency is common in older people and its diagnosis often is missed by health care providers. Diagnosis of the deficiency is not difficult, but it requires the appropriate blood tests. Treating or preventing B12 deficiency can be accomplished by vitamin B12 injections or daily supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 Deficiency and its Contribution to Dementia and Stroke |
| Research Link Nutrition Research. 21 October 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 27, 2015 Dehydration in Older People: Older people often are dehydrated due to a wide variety of reasons. Although the health consequences of dehydration can be very serious, hydration status is rarely assessed in the medical setting. Researchers have proposed the use of a formula that uses commonly taken blood tests to assess hydration status in older patients. |
| Consumer Link Dehydration in older people could be detected by routine blood tests |
| Research Link BMJ Open. 2015 Oct 21;5(10):e008846. |
| October 26, 2015 Folate and Celiac Disease: Even after consuming a gluten-free diet to recover from celiac disease, people with celiac disease had lower blood folate levels than normal healthy controls without celiac disease. Even after recovery, people with celiac disease may have greater nutrient needs than average. |
| Consumer Link Celiac Disease and Folate Deficiency. |
| Research Link Nutrition Journal 2015, 14:110. |
| October 25, 2015 Hair Loss: Iron deficiency is one of the most common and serious nutrition problems in the world. Some types of hair loss are among the many possible effects of iron deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| October 24, 2015 Soft Protein: For those with dentures or a decreased ability to chew, mixing a protein powder with a beverage or yogurt can be an easy way to meet protein requirements. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Jan;103(1):61-6. |
| October 23, 2015 Obesity Treatment: Weight loss is difficult and often causes bone loss, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis with age. An interesting study with adult female rats used a technique to inject a leptin gene into the appetite center of their brains. Leptin is a satiety hormone released by fat cells. Rats receiving the injection lost some weight during the following 18 months (controls gained weight) and they experienced no bone loss. Although any human application of this research will require a great deal more study, it helps to emphasize that the brain can be an important target in achieving a healthy body weight. |
| Consumer Link Leptin gene therapy 'may be better than dieting' for weight loss |
| Research Link J Endocrinol. 2015 Oct 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 22, 2015 Rice Fortification: Wheat flour is easy to fortify and has been enriched with key vitamins and iron for decades. Enrichment of rice with similar nutrients could benefit many populations that rely primarily on rice as their staple food. However, rice fortification is not as simple. The best technique to reliably provide added nutrients to rice appears to be rice extrusion using a dough made from rice that is mixed with micronutrients and extruded to create a fortified rice-like product. Consumer acceptance of this form of rice may be the challenge. |
| Consumer Link Rice Fortification: An Option for Countries with Rampant Folate Deficiency? |
| Research Link Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD009902. |
| October 21, 2015 Calcium, Vitamin D, and Cancer: Some studies indicated the possibility that consuming more dietary calcium and/or vitamin D might reduce the risk of developing colon and rectal cancers. However, a newly published study followed over 2000 people for three to five years and found that daily supplementation with 1200 mg of calcium and or 1000 IU of vitamin D had no effect on the development of colorectal polyps (adenomas). |
| Consumer Link Despite promise, vitamin D and calcium do not reduce colorectal cancer risk |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 15;373(16):1519-30. |
| October 20, 2015 Food Label Messages: Research indicates that food label messages that encourage people to consider foods as "good" or "bad" are very likely to backfire. People who have adopted this type of black and white thinking about foods are more likely to have difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight. |
| Consumer Link Simplistic health labels may not lead to healthy food choices |
| Research Link J Health Psychol. 2015 May;20(5):638-48. |
| October 19, 2015 Poisoning by Candied Apple: About a year ago about three dozen people were infected by listeria bacteria and seven people died. For most of these people, the source of the bacteria was found to be commercially produced, prepackaged caramel-coated apples. Since neither the caramel coating nor the apple provide the conditions for listeria growth, researchers sought to determine why these coated apples were contaminated with the bacteria. They found that the caramel apples supported significant listeria growth when the apple was penetrated with a stick and stored at room temperature. The stick allowed moisture leakage from the apple that created a small but adequate microenvironment between the apple skin and caramel coating to support listeria growth. |
| Consumer Link Danger of listeria in caramel apples |
| Research Link MBio. 2015 Oct 13;6(5). pii: e01232-15. |
| October 18, 2015 Food Fears:Fear of foods in the name of health or weight control can create a variety of eating problems. Extreme fear of fat and specific foods can lead to serious health problems and result in dangerous eating disorders and is termed orthorexia. |
| Consumer Link Extremes in calorie control plague nation |
| Research Link Physiol Behav. 2007 Sep 10;92(1-2):283-90. |
| October 17, 2015 Weight Loss and Muscle: Losing weight too quickly can cause muscle loss. This lowers calorie needs and makes it more difficult to maintain that lower weight. Moderate calorie-cutting along with an exercise program increases your odds of long-term success. |
| Consumer Link Slow fat loss key to lasting weight loss |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Jun;61(6):1179-85. |
| October 16, 2015 Oxidative Stress and Cancer: A new study indicates that the cancer cells that spread cancer throughout the body by metastasis are less likely to survive when exposed to oxidative stress. Consequently, researchers think that consuming large amounts of antioxidants from the diet and/or supplements may actually promote the spread of cancer. Again, too much of a good thing is not good. |
| Consumer Link The latest study about antioxidants is terrifying. Scientists think they may boost cancer cells to spread faster. |
| Research Link Nature. 14 October 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 15, 2015 Coffee and Hydration: The caffeine in coffee has been known to trigger increased urine production in people. However, research on men found that those who drink coffee regularly do not experience this diuretic effect. Consequently, coffee can contribute to hydration as well as water. The potassium in coffee also may help the body hold on to water. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Talk: How It Stacks Up Against Water |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Jan 9;9(1):e84154. |
| October 14, 2015 Water and Blood Pressure: Older people have a tendency for blood pressure to drop after eating. This can sometimes lead to fainting and falls. A small study on healthy older adults found that drinking about 16 ounces of water (500 ml) before a breakfast helped to reduce the usual post-meal blood pressure decline. |
| Consumer Link For Elderly, Water Before Meals May Ease Health Risks |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2015 Oct;34(5):885-91. |
| October 13, 2015 Healthcare Cost in the United States: A new analysis of data from the year 2013 showed that the United States spends at least 50 percent more, as a percentage of the overall economy, than any other high income country, including France, Australia, Canada, Germany and Great Britain. It will be interesting to see how the Affordable Care Act Affects this spending in the future. |
| Consumer Link U.S. Still Behind Other Countries in Effective Health Care Spending |
| Research Link The Commonwealth Fund Report, 2015. |
| October 12, 2015 Heart Attack and Depression: Following survival of a heart attack, people are almost three times as likely to sufferer from depression. Both quitting smoking and increasing physical activity help to reduce the risk of post-heart attack depression. |
| Consumer Link Exercise and stop smoking to improve depression after heart attack |
| Research Link Cleve Clin J Med. 2011 Aug;78 Suppl 1:S35-43. |
| October 11, 2015 Choline and Memory: Choline is a nutrient that the body uses for many functions. In particular, it produces a neurotransmitter used for memory storage. A single egg contains about half of the daily choline recommendation. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1992 Oct;11(5):473-81. |
| October 10, 2015 Nutrition Food Facts: There is no perfect food that provides all the essential nutrients we require. This makes nutrition a bit of a balancing act and explains why guidelines for healthful eating stress variety, moderation, and balance. |
| Consumer Link A diet of only good foods is impossible |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Jan;102(1):100-8. |
| October 9, 2015 Vitamin E and Metabolic Syndrome: People with metabolic syndrome have excess belly fat, elevated blood pressure, low "good" cholesterol, and high levels of blood glucose and triglycerides. A new study found that people with this syndrome require more vitamin E than people without this syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Metabolic syndrome leads one in three Americans to need more vitamin E |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. Oct 7 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 8, 2015 Headaches and Skipping Meals: More than 60 factors are known to trigger primary headaches. Low blood glucose from skipping meals is one trigger we can control. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link National Headache Foundation |
| October 7, 2015 Osteoporosis and Nutrition: A new scientific review published in the journal of the International Osteoporosis Foundation emphasizes that many nutrients are important for bone health. Among the newest recommendations is for increased protein intake in older people. The report stresses that ". . . older people need more dietary protein than do younger people; older people should consume an average daily intake at least in the range of 1–1.2 g/kg body weight/day." |
| Consumer Link Nutritional needs for skeletal health change as you age, says new scientific review |
| Research Link Osteo Int. 28 September 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 6, 2015 Arsenic in Wine: A new study reports that some varieties of American red wines contain more arsenic than the allowable levels in drinking water. Many types of foods are known to provide greater amounts of arsenic than moderate consumption of wine. However, this is one more reason to consume wine in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Arsenic found in many U.S. red wines, but health risks depend on total diet |
| Research Link J Env Health. 2015;78(3):16–22. |
| October 5, 2015 Calcium Needs: A new meta-analysis type of study questions current recommendations for high calcium intake to prevent bone fractures. Their results indicate that higher calcium intake does not prevent bone fractures. Too much calcium has potential negative effects on health. It is important to recognize that adequate intake of calcium along with several other nutrients is important for bone health - protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, etc. How much calcium is adequate? More research is needed. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements Don’t Lower Risk of Bone Fractures, Researchers Say |
| Research Link BMJ. 2015 Sep 29;351:h4580. |
| October 4, 2015 GERD and B12:Medications that decrease stomach acid also increase the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency. People taking medications for GERD or "heartburn" should also take a supplemental source of vitamin B-12. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link Ann Pharmacother. 2002 May;36(5):812-6. |
| October 3, 2015 Memory and Nutrition: Mental functions can be noticeably affected by inadequate nutrition. Good nutrition is the first step to a healthy mind and an active memory. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Rev Neurol (Paris). 2004 Sep;160(8-9):767-92. |
| October 2, 2015 Climate Change and Pregnancy: A large study conducted in 19 African countries found that a pregnant woman's exposure to reduced precipitation and an increased number of very hot days was associated with having a lower birth weight baby. Low birth weight infants are at much greater risk for a variety of developmental and health problems. |
| Consumer Link Climate change negatively affects birth weight, study finds |
| Research Link Global Environmental Change, 2015; 35: 125. |
| October 1, 2015 Exercise Associated Water Intoxication: Drinking excessive water during long endurance exercise, especially when salt is being lost in sweat, can result in a dangerous over-dilution of body fluids. The medical name for the condition is hyponatremia, meaning low blood sodium level. Without prompt and proper treatment, hyponatremia can cause brain damage and even death. |
| Consumer Link Doctors warn hikers, other endurance athletes, and medical personnel about the risks of water intoxication |
| Research Link Wilderness Environ Med. 2015 Sep;26(3):371-4. |
| September 30, 2015 Vitamin D During Pregnancy: Adequate vitamin D status during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and baby. A new study reports that many factors can influence vitamin D status during of pregnancy. Taking supplemental vitamin D was the most consistent means of maintaining good vitamin D status throughout pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link How Does Pregnancy Impact Vitamin D? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 29, 2015 Statins and Aging: Statin drugs are used to treat people with cardiovascular disease. However, the use of these drugs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in people without the condition may be unwise. New research indicates that statin drugs cause cellular changes that are characteristic of the aging process. This may be what causes the often observed statin side-effects of neurological problems, muscle pain, and increased risk of developing diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Statins: Heart disease drug speeds up ageing process, warns new research |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2015 Jul. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 28, 2015 High Folate Rice: Folate deficiency is a major health problem in many parts of the world. A deficiency of this B vitamin seriously damages normal fetal neurological development among a host of other problems. Researchers at Ghent University in Belgium have developed a way to not only increase the folate content of rice, but also to put the folate in a form that does not degrade in storage. This promises to be a very valuable technology to reduce folate deficiency world-wide. |
| Consumer Link Scientists create rice variety with high folate stability |
| Research Link Nat Biotechnol. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 27, 2015 Health over 75 years: Studies of people over the age of 75 years report that the heaviest individuals have the lowest risk of death. Consequently, it is not wise to attempt significant weight loss after the age of 75 without medical supervision. |
| Consumer Link Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):505-10. |
| September 26, 2015 Preventing Food Obsessions: Focusing on health and fitness rather than on dieting and achieving an "ideal" body weight helps to prevent food obsessions and an overly self-conscious attitude. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| September 25, 2015 Trans Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: German researchers measured trans fatty acid levels in the red blood cells of people being evaluated for cardiovascular disease in a German hospital. They found that those with the lowest trans fatty acid levels had higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and sudden cardiac death. The German diet is low in trans fatty acids from food processing, so most of their trans fatty acids likely were from natural sources like milk products and beef. Since Americans typically have higher dietary and red blood cell levels of trans fatty acid, the general results of this German study may not apply directly to the U.S. |
| Consumer Link What? Zero Tolerance on Trans Fatty Acid Intake may be Irrational? |
| Research Link Eur Heart J. 2015 Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 24, 2015 Seaweed Nutrient Variability: There are many varieties of edible seaweeds and, like land plants, their nutrient compositions vary by species and the environmental conditions in which they were grown. Minerals like iron can be high in some seaweeds but be poorly absorbed by the body due to chemical compounds in the seaweed that interfere with iron's absorption. |
| Consumer Link Not All Seaweeds Are Superfoods |
| Research Link Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. Volume 43, November 2015, Pages 185–193 |
| September 23, 2015 Fatty Acids and Crohn's Disease: It's not ready for human application, but interesting genetic studies with zebrafish indicate that certain fatty acids commonly found in foods are associated with improving Crohn's disease symptoms, while other fatty acids seem to worsen the condition. Eventually, this may lead to more focused study of the effects of dietary fat sources on Crohn's disease. |
| Consumer Link Specific fatty acids may worsen Crohn's disease |
| Research Link Genome Biol. 2015 Sep 15;16:190. doi: 10.1186/s13059-015-0722-1. |
| September 22, 2015 Risk Factors for Disease and Death: Risk factors for health problems are highly dependent on environmental conditions where you live. However, on a global level, the six most important risk factors are diet related, high systolic blood pressure, child and maternal malnutrition, tobacco, air pollution, and high BMI. |
| Consumer Link Poor diet and high blood pressure now number one risk factors for early death |
| Research Link Lancet. 2015 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 21, 2015 Insects for Food: Insects represent a sustainable nutritious food source that is likely to become more widely used. They provide a variety of culinary and nutritional opportunities that may become more important as pressures increase on the supply of more traditional foods. |
| Consumer Link Seven reasons to eat insects |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Sep 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 20, 2015 Nutrition Basics: If the body runs low in even a single essential nutrient, health is compromised initially and completely lost if the deficiency goes too far for too long. To increase your odds of getting enough nutrients without too many calories, eat moderate amounts of a wide variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Food is not the enemy |
| Research Link Appetite. 2009 Feb;52(1):253-5. |
| September 19, 2015 Kidney Stones and Nutrition: Large research studies have clearly shown that the risk for kidney stone formation decreases when calcium consumption is increased and plenty of fluid is consumed. |
| Consumer Link Combat kidney stones with water |
| Research Link Ther Umsch. 2000 Mar;57(3):138-45. |
| September 18, 2015 Nutritional Insecurity: It is possible to have enough food to eat (be food secure) but still be nutritionally insecure. A recent study compared a group of vegetarian women in India to a group of women in the U.S. Apparently due to the limited variety of foods in the diet of the Indian women, blood tests indicated multiple nutrient deficiencies in the Indian women, but none in the U.S. women. |
| Consumer Link Understanding the Difference Between Food Insecurity and Nutrition Insecurity |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Sep 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 17, 2015 Gluten-Free Diet for Autism: Some have proposed that autism may be linked to adverse reactions to food components like gluten and casein. A study of 14 autistic children (3 to 5 years old) found that a gluten-free and casein-free diet consumed for four to six weeks had no significant effects on measures related to autism symptoms. This was followed up with blindly challenging the children with gluten and or casein which also had no significant effect on autism symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Gluten-Free Diet Has No Benefit for Children With Autism, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 Sep 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 16, 2015 Calorie Conservation: It is well known that humans have evolved efficient ways of moving that minimize energy costs. New research also indicates that people are very good at quickly learning to minimize energy expenditure when they are exposed to new and different movement conditions. |
| Consumer Link You'd have to be smart to walk this lazy, and people are Research suggests that humans are wired for laziness |
| Research Link Current Biology, 2015? DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.08.016 |
| September 15, 2015 Smoking and Tooth Loss: There are many good reasons to not smoke or to quit smoking if you do smoke. Along with increased risk of cancer and heart disease, research now indicates that smoking greatly increases the risk of losing teeth. |
| Consumer Link Smokers at higher risk of losing their teeth, research shows |
| Research Link J Dent Res. 2015 Aug 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 14, 2015 Nutrients and Hearing Loss: A new analysis of data from the Nurses' Health Study II with over 65,000 participants indicates that the consumption of carotenoids and folate is associated with a reduced risk of age-related hearing loss. High vitamin C intake, however, was associated with an increased risk of hearing loss. These associations are interesting, but additional research is needed to explore possible causal relationships. |
| Consumer Link Nutrients and Hearing - They're Related?! |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Sep 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 13, 2015 Adequate Hydration: Getting enough water is very basic for good health. A person requiring 2000 calories a day should typically consume 2.7 liters of water per day coming from both foods and beverages. Physical exercise can greatly increase the daily water needs. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S30-9. |
| September 12, 2015 Restless Legs Syndrome: Various nutrient deficiencies may play a role in Restless Legs Syndrome. Iron deficiency is the most likely contributor. Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 also may be part of the cause in some people. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency might play role in jittery legs |
| Research Link Altern Med Rev. 2007 Jun;12(2):101-12. |
| September 11, 2015 Cocoa Flavanols and Blood Vessels: Compounds called flavanols are present in large amounts in some cocoa and chocolate products. Research indicates that regular consumption of these cocoa flavanols can benefit blood vessel flexibility and help to lower blood pressure. Cocoa and chocolate products contain widely varying amounts of flavanols and some products contain excessive levels of toxic lead and cadmium. So, use resources like consumerlab.com to find the safest products. |
| Consumer Link Cocoa flavanols lower blood pressure and increase blood vessel function in healthy people |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Sep 9:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 10, 2015 Mothers and Eating Disorder Prevention: New research indicates that positive mother-daughter relationships play an important role in helping their daughters build a stable, positive body image that reduces the risk of developing eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Mothers use variety of strategies to mitigate risks to daughters' body image |
| Research Link Feminism & Psychology, July 30, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 9, 2015 Allergy Risk Reduction: It has been known that people who grow up on farms (especially dairy farms) are less likely to develop allergies. A new study showed that exposing young laboratory mice to farm dust reduced their risk of allergic reactions to the dust mite allergen. |
| Consumer Link More evidence that the key to allergy-free kids is giving them plenty of dirt — and cows |
| Research Link Science. 2015;349(6252):1106-1110 . |
| September 8, 2015 Food Insecurity and Adolescent Obesity: In a study of 12- to 18-year old adolescents, household food insecurity was associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight and having central obesity. However, the reasons for this are not clear based on data presented in the study. Future research to clarify this association should evaluate the potential contributions of calorie and protein intake. |
| Consumer Link Food insecurity linked to adolescent obesity, metabolic syndrome |
| Research Link J Am Osteo Assn. 2015;115(9):536. |
| September 7, 2015 Promoting Exercise for Teens: A study of middle school age students found that encouraging them to exercise is likely to be ineffective. Rather, providing exercise opportunities that are perceived by the students as something they choose to do is more likely to lead to developing a habit of regular physical activity. |
| Consumer Link 'Guilting' teens into exercise won't increase activity |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Sep;47(9):1913-21. |
| September 6, 2015 Magnesium and Health: The average adult in the U.S. consumes only 75 to 80 percent of recommended intake for the essential mineral magnesium. Low magnesium intake likely contributes to many chronic ailments. A diet with a wide variety of unprocessed wholesome foods can easily meet magnesium needs. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82. |
| September 5, 2015 Food Habits Begin Early: Adult habits often start in childhood and this includes being a picky eater. If parents provide a wide variety of wholesome foods as the main fare, children are more likely to learn to appreciate a wide variety of foods and to obtain adequate nutrients throughout their adult life. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 1998 Mar;101(3 Pt 2):539-49. |
| September 4, 2015 Risks of Pure Caffeine: Pure powdered caffeine is readily available for purchase. Although caffeine is clearly a drug, it falls under the regulations of dietary supplements. One teaspoon of caffeine powder is equivalent to the amount of caffeine in about 25 cups of coffee. Consequently, overdosing is extremely easy to do. Last year, two young men in the U.S. died from caffeine overdose. |
| Consumer Link FDA Issues Warning Letters to Powdered Caffeine Distributors |
| Research Link FDA Consumer Advice on Pure Powdered Caffeine |
| September 3, 2015 Colorful Potatoes: Various types of potatoes with flesh colors ranging from white to purple are becoming more widely available at markets. The chemical compounds producing these colors have both antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. |
| Consumer Link Colorful potatoes may pack powerful cancer prevention punch |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Aug 10;59(15):8155-66. |
| September 2, 2015 Itchy Fruits: Does your mouth develop an itchy feeling after you eat certain fruits? You may have Oral Allergy Syndrome - also called Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome. It is thought that people who develop an allergic sensitivity to the proteins in pollen from the flowers of a fruit tree can also be sensitive to similar proteins in the fruit from the same type of tree. Cooking the fruit generally eliminates the reaction because it denatures the protein (alters the protein shape). |
| Consumer Link Does your mouth itch when you eat apples or other fruits? |
| Research Link Dermatitis. 2015 Mar-Apr;26(2):78-88. |
| September 1, 2015 Vitamin D and Macular Degeneration: A number of nutrients have been identified that help to protect the light-sensitive retina of the eye and prevent or at least slow age-related macular degeneration. Now a new study adds vitamin D to the list of nutrients likely to benefit retinal health. |
| Consumer Link Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk is Influenced by Vitamin D Status |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2015 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 31, 2015 Obesity and Stillbirth Risk: A large study found that obese women are nearly twice as likely as their lean counterparts to have stillborn babies. Since the stillbirths were associated with things like high blood pressure and placental diseases, monitoring obese pregnant women for these problems and providing appropriate treatment may help reduce the rate of stillbirths. |
| Consumer Link Obesity-related causes of stillbirth detailed |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr, August 26, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 30, 2015 B12 and Blood Tests: Vitamin B-12 deficiency can seriously damage the nervous system. The risk of B-12 deficiency is greatest for the elderly and vegetarians. Blood tests for levels of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine assist physicians in the evaluation of B-12 status. |
| Consumer Link Dietary B-12 may not be enough |
| Research Link Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Dec 10;149(50):2789-94. |
| August 29, 2015 Balance: With good intentions to eat more healthfully, some people make extreme changes that go too far in the "healthy" direction. Taking healthy eating to an unhealthy extreme can damage health when food variety becomes too limited. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71 |
| August 28, 2015 Protein and Cardiovascular Health: Several amino acids from protein foods such as glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, cysteine, and histidine are known to modulate blood levels of nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Consequently, it is not too surprising that a recent UK study of about 2000 female twins found that the intake of protein and specific amino acids was associated with reduced arterial stiffness and lower blood pressure. The researchers stated that this beneficial effect was similar in magnitude to established lifestyle risk factors such as physical activity and not smoking. |
| Consumer Link High protein foods boost cardiovascular health, as much as quitting smoking or getting exercise |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 Jul 22. pii: jn214700. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 27, 2015 Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy: Iodine is one of those "old" nutrients that seems to have fallen off of the nutrition "radar screen" to some extent. A new study from Sweden found that the median daily urinary iodine loss of pregnant women was almost half of the WHO recommendation. Urinary iodine loss is directly related to iodine intake. Iodine deficiency impairs neurological development of the fetus and baby. |
| Consumer Link Many pregnant women have insufficient iodine; may impair baby's neurological development |
| Research Link Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015 Aug 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 26, 2015 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Aging: Some research has found that those who consume more of the fish oil type long-chain omega-3 fatty acids maintain better brain function with aging. However, a new large well-designed placebo-controlled study found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids did not benefit cognitive function. One limitation of this study of people mostly in their mid-70s is that it followed people for 5 years and cannot predict the outcome over a longer period of time. |
| Consumer Link NIH Study Shows no Benefit of Omega-3 or Other Nutritional Supplements for Cognitive Decline |
| Research Link JAMA. 2015;314(8):791-801. |
| August 25, 2015 Milk Protein Component and Gut Health: A component of whey protein called glycomacropeptide (GMP) has been used in diet formulations for the nutritional management of phenylketonuria (PKU) - a genetic condition that requires low dietary levels of the essential amino acid phenylalanine. New research with a mouse model indicates that GMP has beneficial prebiotic effects that produce positive changes in the lower intestinal microbiota. Further study on GMP's potential benefits for a variety of human conditions may prove to be valuable. |
| Consumer Link Prebiotic dairy protein promotes digestive health, holds therapeutic promise |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2015 Aug 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 24, 2015 Breakfast Protein for Teens: A 12-week study of overweight teens found that those who ate a high protein breakfast, containing 35 grams of protein, consumed about 400 calories less throughout the day than teens that consumed a lower protein breakfast (13 g) or skipped breakfast. The higher protein breakfast group also lost body fat during the study and had better blood sugar control. |
| Consumer Link Protein-packed breakfast prevents body fat gain in overweight teens |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2015 Jun 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 23, 2015 It is easy to become dehydrated before you realize it, especially in hot weather. To help prevent problems such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones, drink fluids before you become thirsty. |
| Consumer Link Make sure you consume enough water |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Oct;26(5 Suppl):535S. |
| August 22, 2015 Over the past few decades, portion sizes both at home and in restaurants have increased substantially. Maintaining a healthy weight doesn't necessarily mean eliminating favorite foods, but rather making sure that the portion size is appropriate. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| August 21, 2015 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Body Composition of Kids: A study of 311 children age seven to twelve found that those who consumed more polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to saturated fatty acids had more lean body mass and less fat mass and less abdominal fat. These results were based on self-reported food intake and the study design cannot demonstrate cause and effect, however, this relationship deserves further study. |
| Consumer Link Can PUFA Intakes Affect Body Composition in Young Children? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 Aug 12. pii: jn212365. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 20, 2015 Coffee and Colon Cancer Recovery: A study of 953 people recovering from stage III colon cancer found that those who consumed four or more cups of regular coffee per day had significantly less recurrence of their cancer. Tea and decaffeinated coffee consumption did not have any association with cancer recurrence. |
| Consumer Link Drinking coffee daily may improve survival in colon cancer patients |
| Research Link J Clin Oncology, August 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 19, 2015 Vitamin D and Fall Prevention: Vitamin D helps to maintain muscle structure and function and some studies report that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of falls - especially in elderly people. A small single-blind study conducted with older participants in the Meals on Wheels program found that supplementation improved vitamin D status and helped to reduce falling. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D supplements could help reduce falls in homebound elderly |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Aug 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 18, 2015 Tetris and Cravings: A new study reports that playing the video game Tetris reduces cravings for food, drink, an a variety of activities. Most likely any game that requires focusing on the game can take the mind away from thinking about other things. Need to avoid that pastry? Pick up your smart phone and play your favorite game. |
| Consumer Link Tetris can block cravings, new study reveals: Playing 'on the go' reduced cravings by one fifth. |
| Research Link Addictive Behaviors. 2015;51:165-170. |
| August 17, 2015 Adulterated Supplements: Many dietary supplements, especially those from smaller companies, have been found to be spiked with a variety of drugs. This illegal practice frequently occurs without detection. However, scientists are working out a variety of new technologies to simplify the testing products for these contaminants. |
| Consumer Link Detecting hidden ingredients in dietary supplements |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Jul 31. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 16, 2015 Protein and Exercise Maintain muscle: Muscle, the body’s major protein reserve, supports immune function, healing, blood pressure regulation, heart function, and much more. Getting adequate protein in the diet and regular exercise both help to maintain muscle as people age. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Jun;56(6):M373-80. |
| August 15, 2015 Iron Bioavailability: Some dark leafy greens and beans contain a fair amount of iron, but the mineral is usually in a form that is very poorly absorbed. In comparison, lean beef and chicken thigh provide iron that is efficiently absorbed by the body. |
| Consumer Link Lean red meat best source of iron in food |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;62(3):336-41. |
| August 14, 2015 Dementia Treatment and Weight Loss: Common drugs used for dementia treatment (cholinesterase inhibitors) were found to increase the risk of excessive weight loss in older people. The reason for this association is not clear, but awareness of this potential problem is important for those working with people who have various types of dementia. |
| Consumer Link Common medications for dementia could cause harmful weight loss |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 13, 2015 Climate Friendly Rice: Rice paddies are known to be major producers of the greenhouse gas methane. The development of a new variety of rice provides an option that produces increased starch levels in the rice with very low methane production. |
| Consumer Link Tiny grains of rice hold big promise for greenhouse gas reductions, bioenergy |
| Research Link Nature. 2015 Jul 30;523(7562):602-6. |
| August 12, 2015 Converting White Adipose to Brown: About half of our body fat is stored subcutaneously - just beneath the skin. This large energy reserve is referred to as white fat. Small amounts of brown fat also exist in the body. In contrast to white fat that stores calories, brown fat has lots of mitochondria that expend calories. Using people with severe burn injuries, researchers found that extreme stress over time converts some of the white fat to brown fat. This knowledge may help in the development of pharmacological treatments for obesity. |
| Consumer Link How common white fat can be turned into energy-burning brown fat in humans |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, August 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.06.022 |
| August 11, 2015 Krill Oil vs Fish Oil: Both krill oil and fish oils are good sources of the key omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA. A new study with rats compared the absorption and utilization of these fatty acids from krill and fish oils. The fatty acids from both oil sources were absorbed with similar efficiency. Most of the absorbed EPA and DHA was used for energy, but more DHA was retained in the body from krill oil than from fish oil. This difference may not be of significance for humans and these fatty acids could be handled differently in humans. |
| Consumer Link Don’t Worry - Just Focus on Consuming Recommended Amounts of EPA+DHA |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Aug 3:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 10, 2015 Spicy Foods and Health: A study that followed over 400,000 people for about 7 years found that those who ate spicy foods more often had a significantly lower risk of death than those who rarely or never ate them. It is not clear why this association exists, but it is good news for those who enjoy spicy foods. |
| Consumer Link Could regularly eating spicy foods help you live longer? |
| Research Link BMJ. 2015 Aug 4;351:h3942. |
| August 9, 2015 Goal of fitness: Can you be fat and fit? Yes! Of course, there are limits, but fit overweight people can have a lower risk of chronic disease than their thin sedentary counterparts. Regular physical activity helps the body gravitate to its unique genetically determined optimal weight. |
| Consumer Link Worry about fitness, not fat |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| August 8, 2015 Essential Nutrients and Balance: It is important to consume adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. However, because excessive intake of some nutrients can be harmful, a “Tolerable Upper Intake Level” has been established for many nutrients. These values represent the maximum daily amount of a nutrient thought to not cause harm. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin limits hard to set |
| Research Link Establishing Upper Intake Levels for Nutrients |
| August 7, 2015 Meeting Nutrient Needs: When a nutrient bar designed to provide the nutrients typically deficient in Western diets was added to the usual diets of 43 volunteers for 8 weeks, favorable changes occurred in measures of cardiovascular health, insulin resistance, inflammation, and body weight. The greatest changes were observed in those who were overweight or obese. The study supports to concept that meeting essential nutrient needs lays the foundation for optimal function of all body systems. |
| Consumer Link Want to improve your health? Focus on nutrition and not weight |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2015 Aug;29(8):3287-301. |
| August 6, 2015 Human Stomach Acidity: Compared to many animals, humans have very acidic stomachs that have a pH similar to scavengers. These carnivores eat foods with a high risk of food-borne pathogen exposure - commonly called food poisoning. The stomach acid kills most microorganisms and helps to prevent microbial infection of the lower intestinal tract. |
| Consumer Link Evolutionary link between diet, stomach acidity |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2015 Jul 29;10(7):e0134116. |
| August 5, 2015 Picky Eating in Kids: The psychologist's manual called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders now has an official designation and diagnosis for picky eating. It is called avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder. This maladaptive food restriction takes selective eating to an extreme that can affect health and may be linked with psychological problems as well. |
| Consumer Link Even moderate picky eating can have negative effects on children's health |
| Research Link Pediatrics, August 3, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 4, 2015 Warning on Homeopathic Product: Homeopathic solutions called nosodes are ultradiluted solutions of diseased tissue, pus, blood, or excretions from a sick person or animal. Some homeopaths and naturopaths sell these products to their patients. Health Canada requires these products to include the statement that they are neither a vaccine nor an alternative to vaccination, have not been proven to prevent infection, and that Health Canada does not recommend its use. |
| Consumer Link Nosode homeopathic labels must read 'not vaccines or alternatives to vaccines:' Health Canada |
| Research Link Paediatr Child Health. 2015 May;20(4):219-22. |
| August 3, 2015 Breakfast and Type 2 Diabetes: New research indicates that when type 2 diabetics skip breakfast, their blood glucose rise after lunch and dinner is much greater than when they consume breakfast. Eating a good breakfast that includes good protein sources seems to keep things on a more even keel throughout the day, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Skipping breakfast may put diabetics at risk of dangerous blood sugar spikes, warn researchers |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2015 Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 2, 2015 Rickets and macrobiotic diets: Modern cases of rickets have occurred when well-intentioned parents fed their infants macrobiotic diets that lacked a dietary source of vitamin D. Particularly for infants and toddlers, milk alternatives should be fortified with vitamin D since this may be the sole source of nutrients for the child. |
| Consumer Link Rickets makes a comeback |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2001 Apr;107(4):E46. |
| August 1, 2015 Nutrients essential for endurance exercise: To support exercise demands, the young or old athlete must first stay hydrated and second, consume adequate amounts of high-carbohydrate foods. Without these two nutrients, an athlete's endurance will suffer. |
| Consumer Link Athletes need to hydrate and devour carbohydrates |
| Research Link Pediatr Clin North Am. 2002 Aug;49(4):829-55. |
| July 31, 2015 The Taste of Fat: In addition to sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami, new research suggests that there is a sixth basic taste that they call oleogustus - the taste of fat. Most fats and oils in foods are in the form of triglyceride molecules that provide a smooth and creamy texture or mouth feel to many foods, but no apparent taste sensation. The taste sensation appears to come from the small amount of free fatty acids in foods that are not bound up in the form of triglycerides or are freed from triglycerides in small amounts by actions in the mouth. |
| Consumer Link Introducing oleogustus: Fat ‘confirmed’ as sixth basic taste |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2015 Jul 3. pii: bjv036. |
| July 30, 2015 Calorie Deficit for Weight Loss: It is common practice to say it takes a calorie deficit of 3500 calories to lose a pound.This is based on the fact that a pound of adipose tissue contains about 3500 calories. However, especially during early weight loss, the body also is losing other body components such as muscle and stored carbohydrate (glycogen) that have a much lower calorie density and are associated with substantial water loss. |
| Consumer Link Effective weight loss takes more than cutting calories |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014 Jun; 114(6): 857–861. |
| July 29, 2015 Eat for Food or Nutrients? Both! Clearly, foods contain many beneficial substances that are not nutrients. However, no matter how special, fresh, natural, and "super" the foods are that we eat, it is absolutely essential that we meet our essential nutrient needs. It can take months or even years of low intake of an essential nutrient to drain the body to the point that health is obviously damaged. Essential means that something will stop working in the body when when the body runs out of an essential nutrient. FYI, Essential = Critical = Vital = Needed for health and life! |
| Consumer Link If Only Nutrition was as Easy for Us as it is for an Astronaut |
| Research Link Ann Agric Environ Med. 2014;21(2):327-30. |
| July 28, 2015 Emotional Eating: A negative emotional state can create conditions that decrease the sensitivity to taste sweetness. For this reason, researchers think that being in a negative emotional state may drive people to eat more sweet foods. |
| Consumer Link Is defeat sweeter than victory? Researchers reveal the science behind emotional eating |
| Research Link Appetite. 2015 Jun 27;95:89-95. |
| July 27, 2015 Iodine and Cardiovascular Health: Iodine deficiency disrupts the normal production of thyroid hormone which affects many body functions. Among the many consequences of iodine deficiency is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with increased blood levels of LDL cholesterol. |
| Consumer Link Iodine Supplementation Improves Iodine Status and Cardiovascular Disease Markers |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 Jul 22. pii: jn213439. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 26, 2015 A full life requires not only a strong body but also a healthy mind. Marginal deficiencies of many nutrients can cause subclinical depression and in turn impair memory. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| July 25, 2015 Vitamin B-6 is needed to make blood, keep the nervous and immune systems functioning properly, and regulate blood glucose levels. But, high doses of this vitamin can damage nerves - especially those in the arms, hands, legs and feet. |
| Consumer Link Though B6 is important, don't overdose |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine DRI Chapter on Vitamin B-6 |
| July 24, 2015 Arsenic in Rice: New research suggests cooking rice in your coffee percolator to remove arsenic. This cooking method removed about half of the arsenic in various types of rice. What the researchers did not report is how this cooking method affects the nutrient content of the rice. It most likely reduces the content of water-soluble vitamins and minerals. |
| Consumer Link How to cut worrying levels of arsenic in rice that is eaten all over the world |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2015 Jul 22;10(7):e0131608. |
| July 23, 2015 Protein Recommendations: Developments in research on protein have led protein researchers to recommend a protein intake moderately higher than current recommendations. They also stress the value of consuming moderate amounts of high-quality protein at each meal rather than consuming most of the day's protein in the evening meal. These recommendations appear to be especially important for older people and those with excess body fat and lower calorie diets. |
| Consumer Link Current dietary protein recommendations need updating, experts say |
| Research Link App Phys Nutr Metab. 22 July 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 22, 2015 Poverty and Brain Development: Researchers conducted brain scans on 389 children and adolescents every two years over a six year period. The study found that those living in poverty were more likely to have structural differences in several areas of the brain that are involved in learning skills. It is likely that environment, parenting styles, and nutrition all contribute to this difference. |
| Consumer Link Poverty's most insidious damage is to a child's brain |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 20 July 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 21, 2015 Omega-3 Fatty Acid Nutrition: It is well known that the key omega-3 fatty acids are essential for many body functions such as brain and eye function and moderating inflammation throughout the body. However, omega-3 fatty acid status is rarely evaluated in clinical settings. Since people vary in their ability to elongate plant oil omega-3 fatty acids to form the active long chain EPA and DHA fatty acids (found in fish oils), researchers are seeking reliable assessment techniques using blood samples. |
| Consumer Link A Standardized Approach to Measuring Human Fatty Acid Concentrations would help Everyone |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2005 Aug 15;162(4):373-81. |
| July 20, 2015 Fat, Diabetes, and Fatty Liver Link: Using a diabetic mouse model, researchers found that when excess fat is consumed, some of the fat is converted to a compound called ceramide. When too much ceramide builds up, it causes insulin resistance and possibly diabetes or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This research provides potentially new directions in human research for the prevention and treatment of these increasingly common conditions. |
| Consumer Link Lipid enzyme heightens insulin sensitivity, potential therapy to treat Type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 16 July 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 19, 2015 Iodine and Foods: Restaurant and fast-food products, as well as many prepared foods in the U.S. do not contain iodized salt. Therefore researchers fear that poor iodine nutrition may be causing or aggravating many of today's health problems. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ Sci Technol, 42 (4), 1315-1323, 2008. |
| July 18, 2015 Portion Size Matters: Changes in market packaging or fast food servings have altered our recognition of a added calories. For example, today’s wraps are often equivalent to 2 tortillas or 3 or 4 slices of bread and a large “mega-muffin” is similar to 4 muffins from 30 years ago. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| July 17, 2015 Drinking During Exercise: When people drink too much during very long endurance events, they can dangerously lower their blood sodium level - a condition called hyponatremia. A new consensus statement cautions athletes against drinking before they are thirsty and recommends using thirst as their guide to drink during long bouts of exercise. However, it should be recognized that waiting for thirst can lead to dangerous dehydration in hot and humid situations in which the rate of water loss in sweat can exceed the rate at which water can be absorbed by the intestine. |
| Consumer Link Overhydration potentially deadly for athletes, experts warn Statement of the Third International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference, Carlsbad, California, 2015 |
| Research Link Clin J Sport Med. 2015 Jul;25(4):303-20. |
| July 16, 2015 Probiotic Bacteria: Researchers often have found that consuming probiotic bacteria in foods like yogurt does not change the relative numbers of various bacteria in the lower intestine (as might be expected). A new study indicates that although the consumption of a type of lactic acid bacteria (found in some yogurts) did not change the gut mirobe populations, it did affect how the resident microorganisms functioned, especially by promoting beneficial anti-inflammatory activities. |
| Consumer Link LGG may ‘transiently’ boost anti-inflammatory functions in the gut microbiota: Human data |
| Research Link MBio. 2015 Apr 14;6(2). pii: e00231-15. |
| July 15, 2015 Coffee or Genes? It is known that people with specific gene variations consume more coffee. Researchers wondered if the observed benefits of coffee consumption might be due to these genes. They conducted a large epidemiological study and found that common health benefits linked to coffee were not related to these genetic differences. |
| Consumer Link New research: Coffee not associated with lifestyle diseases |
| Research Link Int J Epidemiol. 2015 Apr;44(2):551-65. |
| July 14, 2015 UV Treated Bread for Vitamin D: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently issued a favorable opinion on the safety of bread that is exposed to ultraviolet radiation to turn ergosterol, produced in bread by yeast, into vitamin D2 after the bread has been baked. The bread contains 0.75 to 3 mcg of vitamin D2 -- that is, up to about 130 IU -- per 100 grams of bread (about three slices). |
| Consumer Link Vit D Blog: Fortification Coming to New Foods - Swedish company introduces vitamin D-charged bread |
| Research Link EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4148. |
| July 13, 2015 Panda Bear Diet: Pandas, like other bears, evolved from carnivorous ancestors. However, pandas adapted to a diet that is 99 percent bamboo. They accomplished this adaptation, not by developing the digestive system anatomy of an herbivore, but by greatly reducing their resting metabolic rate, minimizing their physical activity, and consuming very large amounts of a very low calorie food source. |
| Consumer Link Bear necessities: low metabolism lets pandas survive on bamboo |
| Research Link Science. 2015 Jul 10;349(6244):171-4. |
| July 12, 2015 Dieting and Protein Needs: Too often dieters cut the protein in order to cut calories. Did you know that protein needs increase during low calorie dieting? |
| Consumer Link Protein is crucial part of a sound diet |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S. |
| July 11, 2015 Memory and Vitamin B12: Short term memory problems are often attributed to that "senior moment." But did you know that short-term memory loss can be a sign of a vitamin B-12 deficiency? Ask you physician for a B-12 check-up. |
| Consumer Link Dietary B-12 may not be enough |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| July 10, 2015 Vitamin D: Genetics, skin pigmentation, and sun exposure all affect how much vitamin D you need in your diet and/or supplements. A recent study with vitamin D deficient African Americans found that supplementation with the currently recommended 600 IU per day was not adequate to raise their blood levels of vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) to the preferred level during a 16-week period of supplementation. Doses of 2000 and 4000 IU did raise blood vitamin D to the preferred level. 4000 IU per day is currently considered to be the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D can be Measured: Has Your 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 been Assayed? |
| Research Link BMC Obesity 2015, 2:27. |
| July 9, 2015 Stroke Risk and Fish Oil: Arteries, including those providing blood to the brain, are known to stiffen with age. This is thought to be a major reason why stroke risk increases with age. Many aspects of good nutrition appear to contribute to reduced risk of stroke. A new study indicates that one key nutrient that helps to reduce arterial stiffness in older people is the type of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and algae oils. |
| Consumer Link Food for Thought on Strokes and Risk |
| Research Link Physiol Rep. 2015 Jun;3(6). pii: e12438. |
| July 8, 2015 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Muscle: Loss of muscle mass is common in older people. Adequate protein in the diet and regular exercise both help to counter this loss. In addition, a new study found that six months of daily supplementation with fish oil (providing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in a couple servings of salmon) increased thigh muscle slightly, along with the strength of various muscles, compared to a control group taking a placebo supplement. |
| Consumer Link Want Strong Muscles? Make Sure You're Getting Your Omega-3's! |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jul;102(1):115-22. |
| July 7, 2015 Pregnancy and Vitamin B12: During pregnancy and lactation, a woman's needs increase for most nutrients. A new study indicates that vitamin B12 is needed in greater amounts than previously thought during both pregnancy and lactation. It is possible that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 during pregnancy and lactation may need to be increased to meet optimal needs for vitamin B12. |
| Consumer Link Are Pregnant Women Getting Enough Vitamin B12? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 Jul;145(7):1507-14. |
| July 6, 2015 Bariatric Surgery and Nutrient Toxicity: Since bariatric surgery reduces the absorption of most nutrients, dietary supplementation is necessary. However, a recent study reported that a bariatric surgery patient developed severe vitamin B6 toxicity by consuming 300 mg of the vitamin per day for six months. This dose is three times the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin B6 that was set for normal healthy individuals with normal gastrointestinal tracts. |
| Consumer Link Using the Tolerable Upper Limit to Avoid Excessive Vitamin Supplementation |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jul;69(7):862-3. |
| July 5, 2015 Maintaining a healthy immune system requires adequate dietary protein for the production of antibodies as well as many essential vitamins and trace minerals. |
| Consumer Link More than luck needed to avoid flu |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):113-9. |
| July 4, 2015 A common food myth is that sugary foods cause hyperactivity in children. Several well-designed research studies indicate that this was not the case. |
| Consumer Link A researcher's sweet truths |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 1994 May;52(5):173-5. |
| July 3, 2015 Potassium, Sodium and Blood Pressure: An analysis of multiple studies concluded that people with elevated blood pressure may benefit more from increasing potassium intake relative to sodium intake than from just decreasing sodium intake. |
| Consumer Link Increased potassium reduces blood pressure in hypertensive people: Nestle meta-analysis |
| Research Link J Hypertens. 2015 Jun 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 2, 2015 Citrus Fruit and Melanoma: An analysis of data from over 100,000 men and women found that those who consumed the most citrus fruit (especially grapefruit) had an increased risk of getting melanoma (skin cancer). This does not mean we should cut citrus fruits out of our diets. Since just about every food has something in it that is bad for us in excess amounts, this is mainly an argument for eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and each in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Citrus consumption and skin cancer: How real is the link? |
| Research Link J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jun 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 1, 2015 Preventing Child Obesity: The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to not have high sugar and high calorie foods freely available around the house. Rather, make fruits, vegetables, and other low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods available. In addition, parents should cut back on the amount of time spent in front of the television and other screen devices. Keep the family active and promote good regular sleeping habits. It's not complicated! |
| Consumer Link Parents Should Set Good Example to Keep Kids Slim, Pediatrics Group Says |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2015 June 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 30, 2015 Screen Time and Bone Density: A Norwegian study of 316 boys and 372 girls 15 to 19 years old found that those who spent two to four hours, or more than six hours, in front of the screen every day tended to be slightly heavier than their peers who spent less screen time. On average, the boys spent about 5 hours/day and girls about 4 hours/day in front of the computer and television. Excess screen time also was associated with lower bone mineral density in boys, but not in girls. |
| Consumer Link Screen Time Tied to Weaker Bones in Teen Boys |
| Research Link BMJ Open. 2015 Apr 22;5(6):e006665. |
| June 29, 2015 Urine Color and Hydration: Even mild dehydration can affect brain function in adults and children. A new study found that children age 8 to 14 can accurately evaluate their hydration status with a urine color gauge. However, if you use urine color to evaluate your hydration, remember that taking a supplement containing vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can make urine very yellow in color for a few hours even if your hydration status is good. |
| Consumer Link Researcher Finds Color of Urine to Be Valid Gauge for Hydration in Children |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2015 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 28, 2015 Eating disorders frequently start with a disordered eating pattern that excludes various foods perceived as fattening or "bad for you." If someone is a picky eater, they may be at greater risk of developing a serious eating problem. |
| Consumer Link Extremes in calorie control plague nation |
| Research Link Physiol Behav. 2007 Sep 10;92(1-2):283-90. Epub 2007 May 25. |
| June 27, 2015 A large research study in China found that the women in rural counties with a dairy industry had significantly higher bone density associated with their greater consumption of milk products. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition issue simmers over milk products |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 Aug;58(2):219-27. |
| June 26, 2015 Food Labeling Effects: A new study found that people trying to control their body weight tend to perceive foods labeled as "fitness foods" as better for keeping trim. There is a tendency to equate these foods with the benefits of physical activity, even without doing the physical activity. Consequently, for some people, there is a risk of consuming excess calories from fitness-branded foods. |
| Consumer Link 'Fitness' foods may cause consumers to eat more, exercise less |
| Research Link J Amer Market Assoc. 22 Apr 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 25, 2015 Fiber and Flatulence: Dietary fiber is composed of a number of different compounds. One of these compounds is inulin (sometimes listed on labels as chicory root extract). Inulin is a convenient way to increase dietary fiber in processed foods. However, too much inulin causes substantial flatulence in most people. |
| Consumer Link Popular food additive can cause stomach ache |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Apr;49(4):327-60. |
| June 24, 2015 Microwave Cooking and Nutrient Loss: Some have claimed that cooking in a microwave oven destroys nutrients. Although, some vitamins are heat sensitive and may be reduced in a food by any type of cooking method, microwave cooking is actually one of the best cooking methods to minimize nutrient loss. Cooking also can make some nutrients more readily absorbed by the intestine. So, mix it up. Raw, cooked, it's all good! |
| Consumer Link Bastions of healthy eating: Frozen Veggies and Microwaves |
| Research Link Am Chem Society. 2015. Food myth video. |
| June 23, 2015 Vitamin D and Crohn's Disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. A small study of 27 Crohn's disease patients in remission found that those taking 2000 IU of vitamin D per day were less likely to experience a return of signs of the condition than those taking a placebo supplement. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D shows promise for treating Crohn's disease. |
| Research Link United Euro Gastro J. June 2015;3(3):294-302. |
| June 22, 2015 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Immune Function: Deregulation of the immune system is common In older people. This can contribute to both the severity of infectious diseases and the incidence of some autoimmune diseases that involve chronic inflammation. Supplementation with long chain omega-3 fatty acids (from fish or algae oils), or frequent consumption of fatty fish, has been shown to help reduce inflammatory activity in the body. |
| Consumer Link How Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve the Immune System of Older Adults |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Jun 10:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 21, 2015 Exercise and Overheating in Children: During exercise, children may be more likely to overheat than adults. This is especially true when a child is dehydrated at the start of exercise. Consuming adequate water before and during exercise is essential. |
| Consumer Link Demands of exercise different for children and adults |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008 Apr;33(2):420-7. |
| June 20, 2015 Green Tea: Benefits and Risks: For most people, moderate use of green tea may provide health benefits. But, those who rely on drugs to treat medical conditions should be aware that green tea and its extracts can clash with many common prescription and nonprescription drugs. |
| Consumer Link Green tea can clash with common drugs |
| Research Link Green Tea, MedlinePlus. |
| June 19, 2015 Dietary Supplements and Cancer: Various studies have linked dietary supplement use with both increased and decreased risk of developing various cancers. Possibly part of the reason for this discrepancy is that people who develop a health problem such as cancer often start taking supplements to improve their health. To minimize health risks, take dietary supplements in moderation and always consult your pharmacist about possible interactions with other medications you are tkaing. |
| Consumer Link Study of Dietary Changes After Cancer Diagnosis Highlights Pitfall of Epidemiological Research |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2015 Jun 16:1-11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 18, 2015 Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Inadequate maternal weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse effects on the developing baby. Excessive weight gain also puts both mother and baby at increased risk of several health problems. Consequently, proper individual guidance on diet and exercise is especially important before, during, and after pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link 'Is eating for two' a good idea? Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy helps mother and baby |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 17, 2015 Chocolate and Heart Health: Yet another study links chocolate consumption with better heart health. This study followed over 20,000 men and women for about 12 years and found that it didn't seem to matter if the chocolate was dark or the lighter milk chocolate. Both types of chocolate were related to less heart attacks and strokes. The average chocolate eater in this study consumed less than half an ounce per day, but some consumed up to three and a half ounces (100 grams) per day. Remember, chocolate is high in calories. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate for your heart |
| Research Link Heart, 15 June 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 16, 2015 Nuts and Disease Risk: Men and women who eat at least 10 grams (about 1/3 ounce) of tree nuts or peanuts per day have a lower risk of dying from several major causes of death. Mortality reduction was greatest for respiratory disease, neurodegenerative disease, and diabetes, followed by cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Peanut butter, however, was not associated with lower mortality. The authors speculate that this may be due to other added ingredients frequently present in peanut butter. |
| Consumer Link Nuts and peanuts -- but not peanut butter -- linked to lower mortality rates, study finds. |
| Research Link Int J Epidemiol. 2015 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 15, 2015 Eggs and Carotenoid Absorption: Adding cooked whole eggs to a vegetable salad was found to substantially increase the absorption of carotenoids such as beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin from the vegetables. Additional well-absorbed carotenoids are present in egg yolks. |
| Consumer Link Study: Top salads with eggs to better absorb vegetables' carotenoids |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 May 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 14, 2015 Importance of Hydration: Summer heat increases water needs. Severe dehydration can lead to a medical emergency. Less severe chronic under-hydration has fewer obvious signs but can lead to problems like kidney stones, blood pressure fluctuations, headaches and intestinal problems. |
| Consumer Link Summer time is fluid time to stay safe |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;57 Suppl 2:S19-23. |
| June 13, 2015 Healthy Food Choices Are Not Black and White: Making healthy food choices is not as simple as choosing only “good foods” and avoiding all “bad foods.” Most natural foods contain both healthful properties and properties that in excess can cause harm. Good nutrition is not black and white. |
| Consumer Link A diet of only good foods is impossible |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Jan;102(1):100-8. |
| June 12, 2015 Sugar-sweetened Beverages and Fatty Liver: A study of over 2600 people found that regular sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was associated with greater risk of fatty liver disease, particularly in overweight and obese individuals. However, the study did not account for the effects of physical activity on carbohydrate utilization and did not appear to adjust properly for lower protein intake in those who consumed more sugary beverages. Diet soda intake was not associated with measures of fatty liver disease. |
| Consumer Link Daily sugary drink habit linked to liver disease |
| Research Link J Hepatol. 2015 May 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 11, 2015 Vitamin D in Pediatric Burn Recovery: The stress of suffering from a severe burn appears to lower vitamin D status and this can persist long after the burn. Even with vitamin D supplementation, 25 percent of pediatric burn patients showed evidence of deficiency one year after the burn. |
| Consumer Link New research calls for vitamin D supplementation in critically ill pediatric burn patients |
| Research Link J Parenter Enteral Nutr. June 9, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 10, 2015 Eating Placenta: Consuming the placenta after birth is becoming an increasingly popular practice and promoted by notables such as Kourtney Kardashian. Proponents claim that this practice reduces the risk of postpartum depression, reduces post-delivery pain, boosts energy, aids lactation, promotes skin elasticity, enhances maternal bonding, or replenishes iron in the body. Although the placenta does provide some iron, researchers could not find evidence that potential benefits exceed potential risks. |
| Consumer Link Eating placenta has no proven health benefits, study says |
| Research Link Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015 Jun 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 9, 2015 Alcohol and Pregnancy: Women are commonly advised to not consume alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. However, based on a study with mice, alcohol consumption can permanently alter gene regulation in an embryo at a very early stage before a woman knows she is pregnant. These gene alterations have adverse lifelong effects on the offspring. Avoiding alcohol when there is a chance of becoming or being pregnant is the safest strategy. |
| Consumer Link What Happens If You Drink Before You Know You're Pregnant? New Research Has A Scary Answer |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2015 May 13;10(5):e0124931. |
| June 8, 2015 Cooking Food: Are humans the only animal that cook their food? New research shows that when chimpanzees were given a cooking device, the chimps learned to cook sweet potato slices and took the time to cook the sweet potatoes. |
| Consumer Link No more raw food diet? Chimps can cook, and would, if they had tools. |
| Research Link Proc. R. Soc. B. 3 June 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 7, 2015 Children should decide when they have had enough to eat. Parents, however, are responsible for creating a food environment that provides the child with a wide variety of wholesome foods and keeps high calorie tasty treats as occasional options. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 1998 Mar;101(3 Pt 2):539-49. |
| June 6, 2015 More than 300 species of bacteria naturally live in the mouth. Some of these bacteria convert sugar into acids that gradually dissolve and erode tooth enamel. Foods that stimulate saliva flow can protect teeth by helping to flush acids out of the mouth. |
| Consumer Link Toothy facts about what you eat |
| Research Link J Am Dent Assoc. 2008 May;139 Suppl:18S-24S. |
| June 5, 2015 How Fat Loss Works: Fat in the body contains plenty of potential energy (calories) in its chemical bonds. When energy is needed, stored fat molecules in the body can be broken down in a stepwise manner to supply it. But, the fat molecule components (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) are converted into carbon dioxide and water that are mostly excreted from the lungs. So, when you lose fat, you breathe it out! |
| Consumer Link Where does the fat go when you lose it? |
| Research Link BMJ 2014;349:g7257. |
| June 4, 2015 Driving Dehydrated: In a controlled laboratory setting, researchers found that driving skills were impaired when study participants were moderately dehydrated. The level of impairment was comparable to driving with a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of 0.08%. |
| Consumer Link Dehydrated drivers make the same number of mistakes as drink (drunk) drivers |
| Research Link Physiol Behav. 2015 Aug 1;147:313-8. |
| June 3, 2015 Weight Loss and Bone Loss: Rapid weight loss has been shown to promote bone loss. A review of 41 studies on bone loss during weight loss concluded that the measurable bone loss was primarily in the hip area. |
| Consumer Link Review: Diet-Linked Weight Loss Tied to Drop in Hip BMD |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2015 May 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 2, 2015 Exercise Upper Limits: A recent study indicated that the most favorable running dose for reducing mortality was 1 to 2.4 hours of jogging per week including no more than 3 running days per week at a slow to moderate pace. A related study suggested that 30 miles of running or 46 miles of walking per week is approximately the safe upper limit for optimizing long-term cardiovascular health and life expectancy. Both studies acknowledge that much more research is needed to verify their conclusions. The important message here is that some exercise is much better than none. |
| Consumer Link Dose of Jogging and Long-Term Mortality |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015 Feb 10;65(5):411-9. |
| June 1, 2015 B12, Pregnancy, and Lactation: The importance of folic acid during pregnancy and lactation is well established. New research now also suggests that recommended intake of vitamin B12 should be increased during pregnancy and lactation. |
| Consumer Link Help Increase Awareness about B Vitamin Requirements During Pregnancy and Lactation |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 May 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 31, 2015 Strictly speaking, there is no dietary requirement for carbohydrate. However, the brain prefers glucose for its metabolic fuel and each day uses about 400 calories of the blood sugar glucose. For this reason, some carbohydrate sources are recommended in all prudent diets. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Apr;53 Suppl 1:S107-11. |
| May 30, 2015 Good nutrition is especially important before and after surgery. The amino acid glutamine is known to be especially helpful when significant amounts of body tissue must be repaired and replaced. L-glutamine is especially high in animal foods and also available in supplement form. |
| Consumer Link Eat well before, after surgery |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Oct;138(10):2040S-2044S. |
| May 29, 2015 Soy and Asthma: Some research has suggested that supplementation with soy isoflavone may help asthma patients. However, when soy isoflavone supplementation was put to the test of a 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled study, asthmatic adults and children aged 12 years or older did not experience improved lung function and had no change in their asthma symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Soy supplements don't improve asthma, study concludes |
| Research Link JAMA. 2015 May 26;313(20):2033-2043. |
| May 28, 2015 Alcohol and Aging: A study of over 4000 older men and women (average age 76) found that greater alcohol intake was associated with subtle adverse alterations in heart structure and function. Although cause and effect conclusions were not possible, women appeared to be more susceptible than men to negative effects of alcohol on heart health. It is possible that the level of alcohol intake considered to be "moderate" may be lower for older adults. |
| Consumer Link Moderate drinking in later years may damage heart |
| Research Link Circ Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015;8:e002846. |
| May 27, 2015 Blood Donation and Iron Status: Maintaining healthy blood donors requires adequate replacement of iron lost from the body in donated blood. Female donors are at greater risk than men of developing iron deficiency due to having much greater iron needs. For frequent blood donors, it is very difficult to replace iron by diet alone. Iron supplementation is usually required. |
| Consumer Link Frequent female blood donors often at risk of iron deficiency: study |
| Research Link Transfusion Med. June 2014;(2):1-11. |
| May 26, 2015 Vitamin E and Muscle: Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant throughout the body. Muscle weakness is one of the major effects of vitamin E deficiency. This appears to be due to vitamin E playing an essential role in muscle cell membrane repair. Consequently, low vitamin E status is likely to impair muscle recovery from exercise. |
| Consumer Link How vitamin E keeps muscles healthy |
| Research Link Free Radic Biol Med. 2015 Apr 3;84:246-253. |
| May 25, 2015 Livestock and Antibiotic Resistance: The use of antibiotics to treat a sick animal is very different from the widespread use of antibiotics in feed to promote animal growth. There is a substantial amount of evidence that this practice increases the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria that also affect humans. |
| Consumer Link Why did the chicken cross the road? So it could continue getting antibiotics. |
| Research Link Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2015 Jun 5;370(1670). |
| May 24, 2015 Parents are responsible for what, when and where children are able to eat. Providing and promoting a wide variety of wholesome foods is essential for helping a child meet nutrient needs and avoid becoming a picky eater. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Ann Med. 1999 Apr;31 Suppl 1:26-32. |
| May 23, 2015 As adults age, they generally experience a gradual loss of muscle mass. To prevent excessive muscle loss with age, include regular exercise and adequate nutrition. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;27(5):675-84. |
| May 22, 2015 Snacking for Teens: New research shows that eating high-protein snacks in the afternoon can help teens to control appetite and be less likely to eat unhealthy snacks later in the day. The high protein snacks also improved certain aspects of mood and cognitive function. Choosing high protein snack options on a regular basis should help to prevent excessive weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Snacking on protein can improve appetite control, diet quality in teens. |
| Research Link J. Nutr. May 20, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 21, 2015 Foodborne Illness: With the current drought causing a reduced produce supply from California, more produce will be coming from other parts of the world that may not have food safety regulations as strict as those in the U.S. Consequently, is becoming more important to observe good food safety practices. |
| Consumer Link Physicians can play key role in preventing foodborne illness |
| Research Link Clin Infect Dis. 2015 Mar 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 20, 2015 Feed and Fast: A well controlled study in mice found that when the mice were allowed to eat only once a day, it altered insulin production and cellular sensitivity to insulin in ways that promoted increased fat storage, especially in the abdominal area. Similar effects have been observed in small human studies. |
| Consumer Link Skipping meals linked to abdominal weight gain. |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. 2015 Mar 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2015 Vitamin B12 and Cardiovascular Disease: Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vegetarians often have inadequate vitamin B12 status due to low amounts of the vitamin in their diet. To lower their risk of heart disease, most vegetarians need to take B12 supplements and/or consume B12-fortified foods. |
| Consumer Link Lack of Vitamin B12 may Increase Heart Disease Risk Among Vegetarians |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2015;48(6):e11-e26. |
| May 18, 2015 Low Allergen Soybean: Soybeans are among the most common foods that cause allergic reactions in people. Using conventional plant breeding techniques, researchers have developed a variety of soybean that is very low in key known allergenic proteins and an anti-thiamin factor. This new soybean variety should provide benefits for both animal and human soy-based foods. |
| Consumer Link Low-allergen soybean could have high impact |
| Research Link Plant Breeding, 21 APR 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 17, 2015 Vegetarian diets are not always healthy. Whether you consume animal products or not, "step one" in good nutrition is to consume adequate amounts of all of the essential nutrients. Accomplishing this with food requires consuming a variety of foods from a variety of food groups. Eliminating all foods that don't wave the "healthy" food banner can result in a diet that is not adequate in one or more essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarian physician debunks dietary myths |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1607S-1612S. |
| May 16, 2015 An elevated blood level of homocysteine is considered to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Taking a daily multi-vitamin with vitamins B6, B12, and folate can help to reduce homocysteine. |
| Consumer Link Take heart care in hand for good life |
| Research Link Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1997 Jun;47(2 Suppl 1):9-12. |
| May 15, 2015 Iron Status and Diabetes Diagnosis: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is considered a good blood test to evaluate chronically elevated blood glucose. However, a new review of 12 studies found that iron deficiency with or without anemia causes a false increase in HbA1c. Consequently, it is important to not rely only on HbA1c values without other measures of blood glucose handling in the body. Measures of iron status also appear to be important. |
| Consumer Link Anemia distorts regular method of diabetes diagnosis and questions its reliability. |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2015 May 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 14, 2015 Food Security: World population growth and increasing dependence on imported foods are contributing to declining resilience in the global food system. Researchers are concerned that this makes the global food supply system increasingly unstable and more susceptible to conditions of crisis. |
| Consumer Link World population-food supply balance is becoming increasingly unstable |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 May 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 13, 2015 Fitness and Blood Lipids: A study of over 11,000 men, followed for about 35 years, found that the usual age-related increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was delayed in those who maintained the highest levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. |
| Consumer Link Staying Fit May Delay Onset of High Cholesterol, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Am Coll Card. 2015;65(19):2091–2100. |
| May 12, 2015 Meal Frequency and Weight Loss: A small, but well controlled study of eleven obese women found that during two separate 2-week periods of consuming 1200 calories per day (with about 75 grams per day of protein), the women lost more fat and increased fat-free mass when they were consuming six small meals a day compared to two meals per day. |
| Consumer Link Want to lose weight? Eat SIX meals a day say nutrition experts in new study |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2015 Mar 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 11, 2015 Vitamin C and Cardiovascular Health: The relative risk of coronary heart disease and stroke decreases with increasing blood vitamin C levels. Vitamin C status (plasma vitamin C concentration) is determined by both vitamin C intake and the genetic capacity to maintain higher levels of vitamin C in the body. |
| Consumer Link Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables: Researchers Claim it’s all about Vitamin C |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 May 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 10, 2015 Including enough high fiber plant foods in the diet can benefit intestinal health. Too much fiber, however, can reduce the ability to absorb essential minerals like iron, copper and zinc. |
| Consumer Link Balancing the facts on fiber |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2002 May;60(5 Pt 1):127-34. |
| May 9, 2015 The most common conditions linked to low magnesium intake are high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. That’s a good reason to include green vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts in your daily diet. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82. |
| May 8, 2015 Vitamin D: Researchers are challenging the current RDA for vitamin D, claiming that the Institute of Medicine committee miscalculated from the data they used and set the value at about one tenth of what it should be. Stay tuned on this one! |
| Consumer Link Recommendation for vitamin D intake was miscalculated, is far too low, experts say |
| Research Link Nutrients 2015, 7(3), 1688-1690. |
| May 7, 2015 Body Weight and Diabetes: A study of over 10,000 older adults with type 2 diabetes (average age of 63 years) followed for over 10 years, found that those who were overweight or obese were more likely to be hospitalized for cardiovascular reasons. However, being overweight (BMI of 25 to 30) was associated with a lower mortality risk than being normal weight or obese. |
| Consumer Link Overweight diabetes patients outlive slimmer ones - study |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2015 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 6, 2015 Blood Pressure Guidelines: A 2013 Systematic Evidence Review From the Blood Pressure Expert Panel of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute concluded that adults over 60 should not be treated for hypertension unless blood pressure exceeds 150/90. However, this information remains to be incorporated into updated guidelines. |
| Consumer Link Think your blood pressure is too high? Think again. |
| Research Link NHLBI. 2013. Managing Blood Pressure in Adults. |
| May 5, 2015 Fibromyalgia Triggers: There is little agreement about what causes the chronic pain condition known as fibromyalgia. However, a new study found that one out of four people with fibromyalgia had some physical trauma or infection associated with the start of symptoms. Many other variables, such as iron deficiency, have been linked to fibromyalgia, but there appears to be multiple factors causing the condition. |
| Consumer Link Can an Infection or Injury Trigger Fibromyalgia? |
| Research Link Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 4, 2015 Teen Asthma and Insulin Resistance: Asthma and compromised pulmonary function are associated with components of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance in teenagers. It is not known why lung function may be linked to impaired insulin function. |
| Consumer Link Teen Asthma Strongly Linked to Insulin Resistance |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015 Mar 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 3, 2015 If you frequently have an irritation or a cut at the corners of your mouth, your diet might be low in vitamin B-2. Reasonable sources of B-2 (riboflavin) include fortified cereals, milk and other dairy products, almonds, and meats. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin works with other vitamins |
| Research Link Med J Aust. 1984 Nov 10;141(10):635-7. |
| May 2, 2015 A high level of blood triglycerides is one of many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Consuming fish two or three times a week provides omega-3 fatty acids that can help to decrease triglycerides. |
| Consumer Link Lower blood triglycerides to ward off heart disease |
| Research Link Nutr Health. 2009;20(1):11-20. |
| May 1, 2015 Protein at Breakfast: Another study indicates that consuming a breakfast with 25 to 30 grams of protein helps to moderate blood sugar levels throughout the morning and even helps to moderate the blood glucose response to lunch. This study was conducted with people with type 2 diabetes. Other studies have reported similar results and even have found that a high protein breakfast helps to reduce food cravings later in the day. |
| Consumer Link Prevent type 2 diabetes blood-sugar spikes by eating more protein for breakfast, experts say. |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2015 Mar;145(3):452-8. |
| April 30, 2015 Illegal Stimulant in Supplements: Ever since the herbal stimulant ephedra was banned in 2004, the supplement industry has been seeking a reasonable substitute. One of the latest tries is the addition of DMBA (1,3-Dimethylbutylamine). However, FDA considers DMBA to be an untested drug, which makes it illegal in a dietary supplement. |
| Consumer Link FDA warns about another illegal stimulant in supplements |
| Research Link FDA. April 28, 2015. DMBA in Dietary Supplements. |
| April 29, 2015 Sodium, Potassium, and Blood Pressure: A study that followed over 2000 adolescent black and white girls for 10 years found that those with higher levels of potassium in the diet had lower blood pressure. The level of sodium intake, however, had no effect on blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Potassium improved blood pressure in teen girls, salt had no adverse effect |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. April 27, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 28, 2015 Fluoride in Water: Due to its great impact on dental health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named community water fluoridation one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Now that Americans have access to more sources of fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, the Department of Health and Human Services reduced water fluoridation recommendations to the lower end of the previously recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter of water. |
| Consumer Link Feds Say It's Time To Cut Back On Fluoride In Drinking Water |
| Research Link CDC. 2015. Community Water Fluoridation. |
| April 27, 2015 Food Borne Botulism: When not done carefully, home-canned meats, fish, and vegetables can support the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria that produce a toxin that causes botulism. Symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that can move throughout the body. Symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days. |
| Consumer Link Why Botulism Is Found in Canned Foods and How to Keep Your Pantry Safe |
| Research Link CDC. 2014. Botulism. |
| April 26, 2015 As the weather warms up, the body’s fluid needs increase due to greater sweat loss. Even unnoticeable sweat loss can lead to a drop in blood volume that could increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Remember to drink more fluids in hot weather. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S2-5. |
| April 25, 2015 Exercise and nutrition go hand-in-hand to promote good health. As it turns out, three 10-minute walks are just as beneficial to health as one 30-minute walk and are much easier to fit into a busy lifestyle. |
| Consumer Link Burn calories without burning out |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| April 24, 2015 Menstrual Blood Loss and Iron: A study in Finland of 236 women with heavy menstrual periods found that 27% of the women were anemic and 60% were severely iron deficient based on low ferritin levels. One year after treatment with iron supplementation, the anemic women had a significant increase in energy, along with improved physical and social function, and a decrease in anxiety and depression. It took 5 years to get their iron stores to normal levels. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements improve anemia, quality of life for women with heavy periods |
| Research Link Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2014 Jul;93(7):654-60. |
| April 23, 2015 Shiitake Mushrooms and Immune Function: A study with 52 adults found that consuming 5 to 10 grams of dried shiitake mushrooms per day for 4 weeks improved a number of indicators of immune function. They estimated that this was the equivalent of 3 to 6 ounces of fresh mushrooms (5 to 10 medium-size mushrooms). |
| Consumer Link Mushrooms boost immunity, suggests research |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2015 Apr 11:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 22, 2015 Coffee and Breast Cancer: Components in coffee are proving to inhibit breast cancer development. In addition, consuming coffee during treatment of breast cancer appears to benefit treatment and reduce recurrence of the cancer. At least two cups a day seems to be the effective dose. |
| Consumer Link Coffee protects against breast cancer recurrence, detailed findings confirm |
| Research Link Clin Cancer Res. 2015 Apr 15;21(8):1877-87. |
| April 21, 2015 DHA and Brain Development: DHA, one of the fish oil fatty acids, is a major component of the brain and the retina of the eyes in just about all animals. Researchers using frogs found that low DHA in the diet of mothers resulted in low DHA in their offspring. This impaired normal development of the brain and the eyes. Most likely, similar problems could occur in humans. |
| Consumer Link Brain development suffers from lack of fish oil fatty acids, UCI study finds |
| Research Link J Neurosci. 2015 Apr 15;35(15):6079-92. |
| April 20, 2015 Sugar and Stress Management: A recent human study found that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages reduced the body's stress response when compared to a beverage sweetened with aspartame. On the positive side, sugar consumption may help to manage stress, but this also may explain why a habit of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas can be hard to break. |
| Consumer Link Sugar-sweetened Beverages Suppress the Body’s Stress Response |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 19, 2015 Hair loss and Nutrition. Hair thinning is sometimes a sign of inadequate iron in the diet. Physicians who specialize in treating hair thinning prefer to see the index of body iron stores (ferritin) at a level greater than 70 ng/ml. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| April 18, 2015 The average U.S. adult consumes only 75 to 80% of the magnesium recommended. Inadequate magnesium may contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans are all good food sources. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Apr-May;23(2):142-51. |
| April 17, 2015 Food Safety: Not sure if you should toss that meat or fish that has been in the fridge for a week. You probably should. Soon, however, there may be an inexpensive device available that can give you an objective measure of spoilage based on detection of amine compounds that form when these foods are spoiled. |
| Consumer Link New sensor detects spoiled meat |
| Research Link Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2015 Apr 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 16, 2015 Supplement Quality: Responsibility for the control of the quantity and quality of ingredients in dietary supplements rests primarily on the manufacturers of these products. Consequently, the "buyer beware" aspect of shopping for supplements is a significant concern. Larger companies generally have tighter quality control measures. Some organizations like ConsumerLab.com test products independently to confirm that products contain what they say and are free of common contaminants. |
| Consumer Link Do All Vitamin Supplements Have the Same Quality? |
| Research Link Dietary Supplement Popularity, Quality, Safety, and Efficacy |
| April 15, 2015 Gum Disease and Heart Disease: A new study using a rabbit model found that treatment of gum disease prevented heart disease. These results support epidemiological studies that show links between periodontal disease and heart disease. It appears that the inflammation caused by the gum disease triggers inflammation in the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque accumulation. |
| Consumer Link How gum disease treatment can prevent heart disease |
| Research Link Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2015 Mar 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 14, 2015 Muscle-building Supplements and Cancer: Athletes are especially open to trying anything that promises to enhance performance. However, a new study raises some cautions about links between muscle-building supplement use and testicular cancer. The risk appears to be greater in those who took these types of supplements when they were younger. Much more needs to be learned about what components of these supplements may triggering this cancer risk. |
| Consumer Link Testicular cancer link found for muscle-building supplements |
| Research Link Br J Cancer. 2015 Mar 31;112 Suppl:1247-50. |
| April 13, 2015 Body Mass Index and Dementia: Surprising results from a study of almost two million people indicate that underweight people had a 39% greater risk of developing dementia compared with those with a normal healthy weight. The bigger surprise, overweight people had an 18% reduction in dementia and obese people had 24% less risk. Since overweight and obesity increase the risk for other diseases, the clearest message from this research is to maintain a healthy weight - not too high or too low. |
| Consumer Link Being overweight 'reduces dementia risk' |
| Research Link The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2015 April 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 12, 2015 The metal zinc is an essential nutrient that has 100s of functions in the body. Among other things, zinc deficiency impairs the senses of taste and smell. The best absorbed sources of zinc are meat, poultry, and fish. |
| Consumer Link Think zinc if 20-year-old looks like 10 |
| Research Link Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Mar;128(3):333-9. |
| April 11, 2015 A 28-year old theory proposes that iron accumulation in the body increases the risk for coronary heart disease. To date, however, this theory remains unproved, with several studies refuting the theory. It is likely that both too much and too little iron increase health risks. |
| Consumer Link Iron level is important to good health |
| Research Link Can J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009;19(1):26-32. |
| April 10, 2015 Energy Drinks and Teens: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the consumption of caffeine-containing energy drinks during adolescence. Caffeine consumption has been linked to neurologic and cardiovascular problems in both children and adolescents. However, researchers found that energy drink manufacturers market their products primarily on television programs that appeal to teens. |
| Consumer Link Marketing of energy drinks placed on TV channels that appeal to teens |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2015 Mar-Apr;47(2):120-126. |
| April 9, 2015 Sodium and Potassium Recommendations: Another study finds that the current recommendations for cutting down sodium and increasing potassium are too extreme. About three out of 1000 people in the U.S. meet these recommendations. One study found that the few people who met potassium recommendations accomplished it mainly by drinking lots of coffee. |
| Consumer Link Are current dietary guidelines for sodium and potassium reasonable? |
| Research Link BMJ Open. 2015 Mar 20;5(3):e006625. |
| April 8, 2015 Fatty Liver and Intestinal Health: When excessive fat accumulates in the liver, it causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that can progress to a more severe form called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). New research indicates that this condition is linked with "leaky gut" or increased intestinal permeability that allows microorganisms to to more readily cross the gut wall into the body. Two key nutrients that help to prevent NAFLD and NASH are choline and protein. |
| Consumer Link Liver injury in NASH leads to a leaky gut |
| Research Link Cell Mol Gast Hep. 2015;1(2):222-232. |
| April 7, 2015 Online Sale of Human Breast Milk: Online sale of human milk is becoming a major business venture. Certainly, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for young babies. However, analysis of breast milk from over 100 online sources found that many of the products were contaminated with a significant amount of unaltered cow's milk. Other studies have found problems with bacterial contamination. Considering these risks of purchasing human milk online, infant formula can be a better choice. It mimics many of the benefits of human milk without the allergenic risks of unaltered cow's milk and bacterial contamination. |
| Consumer Link Human milk is best for babies — but not if it’s bought online, study finds. |
| Research Link Pediatrics. April 6, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 6, 2015 Nutrition and Mental Health: The complex chemical reactions that take place in the brain are dependent on a host of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, etc. Clearly, poor nutrition can result in mental illness. Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders should always evaluate the potential contribution of malnutrition to the condition. The "fix" could be nutritional rather than pharmacological. |
| Consumer Link Diet, nutrition essential for mental health |
| Research Link Lancet Psych. 2015;2(3):271–274. |
| April 5, 2015 A sedentary lifestyle means you require limited calories. This makes it more challenging to meet your daily essential nutrient needs. Physical activity may be good for your health partly because you can eat more! Go exercise! |
| Consumer Link Nutrition key to body’s long haul |
| Research Link Appl Physiol. 2008 Sep;105(3):988-1001. |
| April 4, 2015 A 28-year old theory proposes that iron accumulation in the body increases the risk for coronary heart disease. To date, however, this theory remains unproved, with several studies refuting the theory. It is likely that both too much and too little iron increase health risks. |
| Consumer Link Iron level is important to good health |
| Research Link Can J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009;19(1):26-32. |
| April 3, 2015 Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elderly: Vitamin B12 status can be difficult to evaluate in older people. Despite normal blood levels of B12, markers of B12 function often still indicate a deficient state. New research reports that this is more likely to occur when a person is experiencing increased oxidative stress. |
| Consumer Link Wow, Measuring Nutritional Status is Insightful |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jan 7. |
| April 2, 2015 Red Meat and Mortality: One of the few foods that Americans have decreased in their diet during the past couple of decades is red meats. However, this has not translated to any obvious health improvements. This continues to take us back to the concept that a variety of all types of foods in the diet is most likely to meet nutrient needs and promote good health. Eating too much of everything, however, may be the main problem - especially when we are not very active. |
| Consumer Link Red Meat Is Not the Enemy |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jun;67(6):598-606. |
| April 1, 2015 Exercise in Medicine: Although the prestigious American College of Sports Medicine states that, "Exercise is Medicine," a review of medical school curricula found that most medical school programs do not offer any courses on physical activity, and if they do, they are rarely required. This is unfortunate. For some conditions like type 2 diabetes, exercise can be the best "medicine" for a patient. |
| Consumer Link Exercise largely absent from U.S. medical school curriculum, study shows |
| Research Link J Phys Act Health. 2014 Dec 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 31, 2015 Nutrition During Pregnancy: Research on the causes of death in people who were born in Holland during the 1944/1945 Dutch Hunger Winter is starting to provide information on the long-term effects of compromised nutrition during specific developmental periods. People who were developing during the first trimester of pregnancy during this winter did not have an increased risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease. However, they were more likely to die of other causes when compared to people who did not experience starvation during this stage of development. |
| Consumer Link Study provides evidence against the fetal origins of cancer, cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2015 Feb 15;181(4):271-9. |
| March 30, 2015 Vitamin B12 for Infants and Toddlers: A study of 1000 infants and toddlers (ages 6 to 35 months) in northern India found that supplementation with twice the recommended vitamin B12 intake significantly increased growth over a 6 month period compared to those taking a placebo. |
| Consumer Link Young Children Require Vitamins to Develop |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2015 Mar 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 29, 2015 Over 50 years ago, Dr. Jean Mayer demonstrated that sedentary people tend to eat more calories than they need. He found that even modest levels of daily physical activity helped to control appetite and promote a healthy body weight. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Sports Med. 1988 Sep;6(3):135-45. |
| March 28, 2015 Water is an important essential nutrient. Virtually every function in the body is dependent on the presence of enough water. In addition, adequate water can help to prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Make sure you consume enough water |
| Research Link Urol Int. 2004;72 Suppl 1:29-33. |
| March 27, 2015 Fitness and Cancer: Researchers conducted treadmill fitness tests on more than 13,000 men during middle age (49 years old on average). When they followed up on the men after age 65, those who had the highest fitness levels at midlife were significantly less likely to develop lung or colorectal cancer. Once the participants turned 65, the researchers looked at Medicare records for diagnoses of lung, prostate and colorectal cancer, and used the National Death Index to find data on deaths from cancer or cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Midlife fitness may lower risk of some cancers later |
| Research Link JAMA Oncol. Published online March 26, 2015. |
| March 26, 2015 Milk and Brain Health: Researchers used a high-tech brain scanning technique on older adults to measure brain levels of an antioxidant synthesized in the body (glutathione). They found that its concentrations were higher in those with greater consumption of milk products. They speculated that dairy foods may provide the brain with the precursors needed for glutathione synthesis. More research is needed to prove this. |
| Consumer Link Milk could be good for your brain |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Feb;101(2):287-93. |
| March 25, 2015 Zinc and Inflammation: A deficiency in zinc is related to immune system problems and inflammation. This deficiency could play a role in inflammatory chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. The richest sources of zinc include meats and some seafood; moderate sources of zinc include nuts. The bioavailability of zinc in legumes, whole-grain products and plant proteins is lower due to the relatively high content of phytic acid. |
| Consumer Link Zinc deficiency linked to immune system response, particularly in older adults |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015 Feb 5. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201400761. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 24, 2015 Safe Vitamin D Levels: There has been an abundance of research linking low vitamin D status to a variety of health issues. Recent research evaluating over 247,000 Danes now points to health issues with too much vitamin D as well. A safe range for vitamin D blood levels is currently thought to be between 50 and 100 nmol per litre. The authors recommended the goal for vitamin D should be 70 nmol per litre based on their data. |
| Consumer Link High levels of vitamin D is suspected of increasing mortality rates |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb 24:jc20144551. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 23, 2015 Generally we think of fruits and vegetables as sources of antioxidants that protect cells from the damage that can lead to aging, cancers and inflammatory diseases. New research has discovered that the amino acid methionine joins the antioxidant ranks. Good sources of methionine include: eggs, meat, fish, sesame seeds and cereal grains. |
| Consumer Link Backup system that helps sustain liver during crisis discovered |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2015 Mar 20;6:6479. doi: 10.1038/ncomms7479. |
| March 22, 2015 Older people usually need less calories as they age, but protein needs don't decrease. In fact, studies indicate that the optimal protein intake is greater for older people. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;27(5):675-84. |
| March 21, 2015 Large daily doses of vitamin C do not appear to prevent colds, but taking vitamin C supplements during a cold may slightly reduce the duration of cold symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Take steps against colds |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980. |
| March 20, 2015 Vitamin D and Depression: Young women with lower vitamin D status were more likely to suffer from depression symptoms. This association raises an interesting question, but it does not prove that low vitamin D causes depression. One complicating factor is that the body's production of the form of vitamin D measured to assess vitamin D status (25-hydroxy vitamin D) is accomplished in the liver by an iron-dependent enzyme. Iron deficiency is a known cause of depression that also could reduce 25-hydroxy vitamin D production in the liver. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin D levels, depression linked in young women, new study shows |
| Research Link Psychiatry Research. March 06, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 19, 2015 Obesity and Body Temperature: A new study found that obese individuals, on average, had lower body core temperature during the day than people with normal body weight. This may contribute to accumulation of body fat due to reduced conversion of body energy supply into body heat. The lower heat production could be due to less movement (even less fidgeting types of movement), lower muscle mass, or iron deficiency (which is more common in obese individuals). |
| Consumer Link Body Temperature and Obesity: New Study Suggests Connection |
| Research Link Chronobiol Int. 2015 Mar;32(2):299-302. |
| March 18, 2015 Milk Protein Type: Depending on breed, the milk from dairy cattle contains proteins called A1 beta-casein or A2 beta-casein (or sometimes both proteins). There is some evidence that the A2 milk is better for the gastrointestinal function of some people. Test marketing of A2 milk is planned to start in California in about a month. |
| Consumer Link California Consumers are About to Get a Taste of ‘A2 Milk’ |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Sep;68(9):994-1000. |
| March 17, 2015 Age-related Brain Decline and Mobility: Small areas of damage in the brain that are visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are common in older people. This type of brain damage has been linked to problems with basic movements such as walking. However, a new study found that older people who remained more physically active did not have a decline in their movement abilities even when they did have high levels of brain damage.So, keep moving! |
| Consumer Link Exercise may help keep seniors moving longer despite old age brain decline |
| Research Link Neurology. 2015 Mar 11. pii: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001417. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 16, 2015 Iron and Zinc Affect Mood and Cognition: A systematic review of eleven placebo-controlled studies on iron or zinc supplementation of pre-menopausal women concluded that improving iron status in iron deficient pre-menopausal women significantly improved measures of cognitive function. This was evident in women even when they had non-anemic iron deficiency. There was a limited number of studies on zinc, leaving the authors to suggest a need for more research on this element. |
| Consumer Link Iron and zinc found to be a mood booster for women |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2014 Nov 14;6(11):5117-41. |
| March 15, 2015 Everyone knows that consuming enough high calcium foods is good for bones, but did you know that it also lowers the risk of developing kidney stones? |
| Consumer Link Study finds diet can affect kidney stones |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2004 Apr 26;164(8):885-91. |
| March 14, 2015 Breast milk of vegetarian mothers can become deficient in vitamin B-12. Because B-12 is needed for infant brain and nerve development, vegetarian women should be especially careful to meet their B-12 needs with supplements or fortified foods. |
| Consumer Link New moms need B-12 for baby's milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 May;66(5):250-5. |
| March 13, 2015 Vitamin D Status and Mortality: A large study of over 240,000 people found that those with the lowest vitamin D status had a significantly greater risk of dying from cardiovascular related diseases. Also interesting, this risk increased in those with the highest vitamin D status. These associations cannot be attributed to cause and effect, but they do raise some interesting questions and support concerns for taking high dose vitamin D supplements for too long. |
| Consumer Link High levels of vitamin D is suspected of increasing mortality rates |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 12, 2015 Metabolic Effects of Weight Change: A large study followed adults for a seven year period and measured changes in both gene expression and blood components reflecting metabolism. They found that weight gain and weight loss had the opposite effects on many of these measures. This study adds significantly to further understanding of the body's response to weight change and will help to determine the best ways to prevent or treat weight-related health problems. |
| Consumer Link How changes in body weight affect human metabolism |
| Research Link BMC Medicine 2015, 13:48 doi:10.1186/s12916-015-0282-y |
| March 11, 2015 Nuts and Health: An epidemiological study of about 200,000 people from the U.S. and China found that the consumption of nuts was associated with a reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease. Although nuts are a good source of important nutrients, their very high calorie content suggests moderation. |
| Consumer Link Peanut consumption associated with decreased total mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. March 02, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 10, 2015 Food Poisoning: One out of six of us in the U.S. gets sick each year from bacterial contamination of food. Most of us are aware of some of the key foods most likely to make us sick, but some of the risky foods may surprise you. They include the usual culprits of meat, fish, poultry, and eggs, but also include leafy green vegetables, bean sprouts, seeded fruits and vegetables such as melons and tomatoes, and raw milk and cheeses made from raw milk. |
| Consumer Link The biggest culprits of foodborne illness |
| Research Link Foodborne Illness Source Attribution Estimates - Report, Feb 2015. |
| March 9, 2015 Vitamin E Under-consumed: The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee found that 90 percent of adults in the U.S. do not consume the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin E. Theoretically, 50 percent of the population requires more than the EAR, so this level of vitamin E intake is likely contributing to a variety of health problems that include Alzheimer's disease, liver disease, and miscarriages during the first trimester of pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Want to Know if Age or Sex affects Vitamin E Inside the Body? |
| Research Link Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. |
| March 8, 2015 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Diabetes: A study that followed 5,697 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) for over ten years found that those with greater blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) had lower blood levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Elevated blood NEFAs is marker of metabolic dysfunction associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Increasing EPA and DHA Concentrations in Blood to Modify Diabetes Risk |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2015 Jan 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 7, 2015 Antibiotics in Milk: Maintaining the health of milk cows sometimes involves the use of antibiotics. However, antibiotics do not end up in the milk we consume when dairy farmers follow regulations for acceptable use of antibiotics and other drugs. An extensive study of almost 2,000 dairy farms, conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, found that less than one percent of the milk they analyzed contained illegal drug residues. |
| Consumer Link FDA study finds little evidence of antibiotics in milk |
| Research Link National Milk Drug Residue Data Base |
| March 6, 2015 Lycopene and Kidney Cancer: Renal cell carcinoma is the eighth leading cancer among women. Typically, it is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, making treatment less effective. A study of over 96,000 older women found that those with the greatest intake of lycopene (mostly from tomatoes) had the lowest risk of renal cell carcinoma. This indicates that lycopene in the diet may contribute to prevention of this type of cancer. |
| Consumer Link Lycopene may ward off kidney cancer in older women |
| Research Link Cancer. 2015 Feb 15;121(4):580-8. |
| March 5, 2015 Coffee and Coronary Heart Disease: A Korean study of over 25,000 people found that those consuming coffee regularly had reduced odds of developing coronary artery calcium accumulation - a sign of developing heart disease. The risk was lowest for those consuming two to four cups of coffee a day. Presumably, these were 8-ounce cups. |
| Consumer Link Drinking up to five cups of coffee a day may benefit the arteries |
| Research Link Heart. March 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 4, 2015 High Heel Shoes and Knee Problems: A study of walking in high heel shoes found that it changes the mechanical stress on the knees in a way that would be expected to increase the risk of developing over-use arthritis (osteoarthritis). Their results suggest saving those fancy high heels for special occasions, not for daily wear. |
| Consumer Link Wearing killer high heels could lead to osteoarthritis, study warns |
| Research Link J Orthop Res. 2015 Mar;33(3):405-11. |
| March 3, 2015 OJ or Whole Orange: Generally, it is thought to be preferable to consume the whole orange rather than orange juice. However, it might make more sense to mix it up a bit. Although the orange has more dietary fiber, a recent study found that certain nutrients in oranges are better absorbed from orange juice. Although processing oranges into pasteurized orange juice slightly reduced the levels of carotenoids and vitamin C, these nutrients were absorbed significantly better from the juice. |
| Consumer Link Oranges versus orange juice: Which one might be better for your health? |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Jan 21;63(2):578-87. |
| March 2, 2015 Iodized Salt: Iodine is an essential nutrient for normal function of the thyroid gland. Iodized salt is a good source of iodine, but if iodized salt is stored in a humid climate it can lose most of its iodine within a month or two. Keep iodized salt tightly sealed and dry. |
| Consumer Link We all need the essential mineral iodine |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| March 1, 2015 GERD: If you experience GERD, commonly known as heartburn, eat moderate sized meals, stay upright after eating for at least two hours, and eliminate foods that don’t agree with you. Also, inform your doctor of heartburn symptoms if you are taking a new medication. |
| Consumer Link Heartburn linked to many causes |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Jun-Jul;23(3):293-8. |
| February 28, 2015 Hydration: Body size, physical activity, and weather conditions all affect our daily water needs. The Institute of Medicine recommends: adult males should consume about 3.7 liters (15 cups) and adult females about 2.7 liters (10 cups) each day from foods and beverages combined. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S30-9. |
| February 27, 2015 Alcohol and Health: Research has supported potential health benefits from light to moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages. A new study questions the extent to which this may be true, however it still found that alcohol consumption was associated with reduced all cause mortality rates in women over age 65. |
| Consumer Link Benefits of moderate drinking 'may be overestimated' |
| Research Link BMJ. 2015 Feb 10;350:h384. |
| February 26, 2015 Vitamin D and Diabetes: People with prediabetes or diabetes were found to have lower vitamin D status than those with normal blood sugar control. Despite this association with diabetes, body weight and obesity were unrelated to vitamin D status. More research is needed to see if vitamin D supplementation of diabetics can help their blood glucose control. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D deficiency linked more closely to diabetes than obesity |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb 23:jc20143016. |
| February 25, 2015 Breakfast and Type 2 Diabetes: When people with type 2 diabetes consumed a 700 calorie breakfast (with over 50 grams of protein), a 600 calorie lunch (40 grams of protein), and a 200 calorie dinner (22 grams of protein), they had much better blood glucose control throughout the day than when they had a 200 calorie breakfast, the same lunch, and a 700 calorie dinner. It appears that a good high protein breakfast works best for diabetics. |
| Consumer Link High-energy breakfast with low-energy dinner helps control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetologia, Feb 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 24, 2015 Childhood Allergies: What is called the "hygiene hypothesis" proposes that environmental microbial exposure during early life reduces the risk of allergy development. A new Swedish study adds some support to this hypothesis. They found that children in families that wash dishes by hand had a significantly reduced risk of developing allergic diseases when compared to children in families using a dishwasher. The high heat in dishwashers makes the dishes more sterile. |
| Consumer Link Kids, Allergies and a Possible Downside to Squeaky Clean Dishes |
| Research Link Pediatrics. Feb 23, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 23, 2015 Dairy Foods and Brain Health: Brain levels of glutathione (an antioxidant produced by the body) generally decline with aging. This may lead to oxidative stress in the brain and neurodegeneration. A new study on people about 60 to 75 years of age found that cerebral glutathione concentrations were greater in those who consumed more dairy products. Clinical trials are needed to determine if consuming dairy foods can increase glutathione. |
| Consumer Link Dairy intake is associated with brain glutathione concentration in older adults |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(2):287-293. |
| February 22, 2015 Choline and Fatty Liver: Diets low in choline can cause fatty liver, liver damage, and muscle damage as well as a 4-fold increased risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Some individuals have a higher choline requirement than current recommendations. Choline researchers recommend that choline dietary recommendations be increased. Egg yolk is one of the richest sources of choline. |
| Consumer Link One size does not fit all: Dietary guidelines for choline may be insufficient |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2014 Jul;28(7):2970-8. doi: 10.1096/fj.14-249557. Epub 2014 Mar 26. |
| February 21, 2015 Multivitamin-Multimineral Supplements: Many Americans take multivitamin-multimineral supplements. A new study found that women who took this type of supplement for three or more years were significantly less likely to die of cardiovascular disease |
| Consumer Link Long-term Use of Multivitamin-Multimineral Supplements Linked to Heart Health in Women |
| Research Link J. Nutr. March 1, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 20, 2015 Exercise and Diabetes: Exercise is commonly recommended as part of the treatment for type 2 diabetes. New research found that resistance exercise (strength training) conducted by type 2 diabetics either before or after eating a meal helped to reduce the blood glucose response to the meal. However, exercise after the meal also reduced plasma triglyceride levels more than exercise before the meal. |
| Consumer Link Individuals with type 2 diabetes should exercise after dinner |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2014 Dec 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2015 Vitamin D and American Football Players: Vitamin D is beneficial to both bone and muscle health. This was shown to be important for football players. Those with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to have bone fractures and other injuries than players with normal vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D helps power athletic performance |
| Research Link Am J Sports Med. 2015 Feb 3. pii: 0363546514567297. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 18, 2015 Protein Need in Older Adults: There is a strong tendency to lose muscle tissue and strength with age, starting at around age 50 years or so. Plenty of research on older adults has supported the benefits of increasing protein intake above what is currently recommended. A new study on 20 healthy older adults (age 52 - 75) suggests that a protein intake about double current recommendations is beneficial. |
| Consumer Link Older Adults: Double Your Protein Intake for Better Health |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jan 1;308(1):E21-8. |
| February 17, 2015 Vitamin D and Winter: In temperate climes north of the equator, vitamin D status generally drops to its lowest level during February, March, and April. Common sources of vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon and sardines, fortified milk, other fortified beverages, fortified breakfast cereals and vitamin D supplements. |
| Consumer Link Winter weather depriving city dwellers of vitamin D |
| Research Link Endocrine. 2015 Feb 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 16, 2015 Folic Acid Excess: A study conducted with rats found that high folic acid intake (20 times recommended intake) before, during, and after pregnancy caused their babies to become overweight and insulin resistant in adulthood. This effect was more pronounced in female offspring. How this may translate to humans is not clear, but it supports heeding the U.S. folic acid tolerable upper intake level that is about twice the RDA. |
| Consumer Link Taking too much folic acid while pregnant may put daughters at risk of diabetes and obesity |
| Research Link J Endocrinol. 2015 Mar;224(3):245-59. |
| February 15, 2015 Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease: The results of a study on over 2,000 people in Finland, found that those with lower vitamin D status during their child and teen years had greater left carotid artery thickness, an indicator of developing cardiovascular disease. Not meeting nutrient needs, especially during developmental years, can have a life-long impact on health. |
| Consumer Link Low childhood vitamin D linked to adult atherosclerosis |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb 10:jc20143944. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 14, 2015 Mercury and Autoimmune Disease: Researchers analyzed data for 1,352 women aged 16-49 years for their levels of mercury in hair and blood samples. They found that increased levels of mercury were associated with increased indicators of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the research did not consider factors that reduce mercury toxicity such as adequate selenium and iron status. |
| Consumer Link Mercury exposure may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases in women |
| Research Link Environ Health Perspect. 2015 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 13, 2015 Blood Donation and Iron Supplements: Blood donation causes a significant loss of iron from the body. Maintaining healthy blood donors requires replenishing iron to maintain normal iron status. A study found that blood donors taking iron supplements (37.5 mg/day of iron) after blood donation replenished their iron stores in about 76 days. In contrast, 67 percent of blood donors not taking iron supplements did not recover iron stores even by 168 days after donation. |
| Consumer Link Study shows iron supplementation after blood donation shortens hemoglobin recovery time |
| Research Link JAMA. 2015;313(6):575-583. |
| February 12, 2015 Dietary Cholesterol: There are indications that the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines, to be released later this year, will drop recommendations to limit dietary cholesterol. It has been known for decades that dietary cholesterol has minimal effects on serum cholesterol levels in most healthy people. When dietary cholesterol increases, the liver production of cholesterol decreases and there is little change in serum cholesterol. |
| Consumer Link New U.S. Guidelines Will Lift Limits On Dietary Cholesterol |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1977 Apr;30(4):490-5. |
| February 11, 2015 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An institute of medicine report recommends that chronic fatigue syndrome get a new name - Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease. The report also provides specific diagnostic guidelines that include substantial and persistent reduction in the ability to engage in normal levels of activities that is accompanied by fatigue, worsening of symptoms after exertion (including physical, cognitive, or emotional stress), unrefreshing sleep, and either cognitive impairment or the inability to remain upright with symptoms that improve when lying down. |
| Consumer Link Panel Asks: What Defines Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? |
| Research Link IOM 2015. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness. |
| February 10, 2015 Chili Peppers and Fat Loss: A study using mice found that adding substantial amounts of capsaicin (the hot chemical in chili peppers) to their diet substantially reduced fat gain when they were fed a high fat diet that normally caused obesity. Although this preliminary study will likely lead to new diet pills, keep in mind that extrapolating the dose used in the mice to humans indicates that you would need to consume two to three pounds of extremely hot chili peppers per day to get comparable amounts of capsaicin. |
| Consumer Link What's next in diets: Chili peppers? |
| Research Link Biochem Soc 59th Annual Meeting. Feb 2015. |
| February 9, 2015 Protein and Weight Loss: When cutting calories for weight loss, the goal is to lose body fat and conserve calorie-burning lean body mass. Both protein and calorie intake spaced periodically throughout the day help to conserve muscle and allow loss of fat. This emphasizes the importance of eating properly to lose fat - not just weight. |
| Consumer Link Short-term energy deficits increase factors related to muscle degradation. |
| Research Link The FASEB Journal. 013;27(12):5104-5111. |
| February 8, 2015 Causes of Obesity: Obesity is a complex condition that appears to develop in individuals from many synergistic factors coming together to promote fat accumulation and maintenance of excess body fat. This "perfect storm" of variables is likely not the same for each person dealing with obesity. Just a few of the elements researchers are exploring include microorganisms, reduced exposure to a broad range of ambient temperatures, smoking cessation, sleep debt, pharmaceutical causes, and a variety of factors associated with pregnancy and infant development. |
| Consumer Link Obesity May Be More Than One Disease, Experts Say |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2014 Aug;28(4):533-44. |
| February 7, 2015 Red Wine and Weight: A phytochemical powder from red grapes was found to inhibit fat accumulation in a human fat cell model. However, don't expect drinking red wine to cause weight loss. The extract has no calories, but grapes and grape products have a fair amount of calories. |
| Consumer Link Another reason to drink wine: It could help you burn fat, study suggests |
| Research Link J Nutr Bioch 2015;26(1):82-90. |
| February 6, 2015 Potatoes, Women and Children: A new report from the Institute of Medicine recommends that those receiving support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (known better as WIC) should be able to use their food purchasing vouchers to buy potatoes. Potatoes are a good source of some key nutrients that are commonly low in U.S. diets: potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. |
| Consumer Link White potatoes should be allowed under WIC, says report |
| Research Link Food and Nutrition Board, IOM 2015. Review of WIC Food Packages. |
| February 5, 2015 Vitamin A and Malaria: Vitamin A deficiency is common in many areas where malaria is a problem. A new study of over 20,000 children under 5 years of age, living in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa, found that children taking vitamin A supplements were 54 percent less likely to develop malaria compared to children not getting the supplements. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A and Malaria Risk in Children Under 5 Years |
| Research Link Elife. 2015 Feb 3;4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 4, 2015 Exercise and Mortality: A prospective 12-year study of 1,098 healthy joggers between 20 and 86 years of age found that the lowest mortality was among light joggers (based on pace, quantity, and frequency of jogging). Moderate joggers had a significantly higher mortality rate than the light joggers, but lower than that of sedentary nonjoggers. Surprisingly, the strenuous joggers had a mortality rate that was the same as that of sedentary nonjoggers. |
| Consumer Link Light jogging is best for a long life |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;65(5):411-419. |
| February 3, 2015 Iron Fortification of Flour: Enriched white flour contains added iron to help reduce the incidence of iron deficiency. In 1995, Sweden stopped mandatory iron fortification of flour after requiring it for 50 years. This primarily affected adolescent girls, increasing their incidence of iron deficiency from 37 percent in 1995 to 45 percent in the year 2000. |
| Consumer Link Fortification Provides Vitamins and Minerals Essential for Health |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jan 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 2, 2015 Making Changes: Research shows that a person's health behavior affects their partner. Making positive health behavior changes is likely to be more effective if their partner also makes those changes. |
| Consumer Link Friends and Family Influence Your Health: For Better or Worse |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jan 19. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.7554. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 1, 2015 Nutrition and Mental Health: With knowledge of the roles of nutrients in brain biochemistry increasing, psychiatrists are finding more opportunities to incorporate nutrition and nutrient supplementation into psychiatric practice. Nutrient deficiencies known to contribute to various problems with brain function include iron, zinc, choline, folate, B12, choline, magnesium, vitamin D, some amino acids, and some omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Diet, nutrition essential for mental health |
| Research Link The Lancet Psychiatry. 2015/01/31. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| January 31, 2015 Alcohol and Heart Failure: Heavy alcohol consumption is known to be toxic to the heart and other tissues in the body. However, consuming moderate amounts of alcohol (about a drink a day) is associated with a significantly reduced risk of heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is linked to reduced risk of heart failure, large study finds |
| Research Link Eur Heart J. 2015 Jan 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 30, 2015 Organic vs Conventional Milk: An extensive review of almost 200 publications comparing organic and conventional production of milk concluded that the results of these studies have been largely ambiguous due to the complexity and number of factors that can influence milk composition. The review concluded that, reported differences between organic and conventional milk are mostly due to types of feed given to cows and the breed of the cow. When these variables are the same, there is no clear difference between organic or conventional milk. |
| Consumer Link Organic, conventional milk: Comparing apples to apples? |
| Research Link J Dairy Sci. 2015 Feb;98(2):721-746. |
| January 29, 2015 Sodium and Cardiovascular Disease: Estimated sodium intake of older adults (71 to 80 years) was not associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease or heart failure during a 10-year period of study. Although the study used a relatively poor method of estimating sodium intake (food frequency questionnaires), the study does add to the body of literature currently polarizing the thinking about how much dietary sodium is best. |
| Consumer Link Salt intake not associated with mortality or risk of cardiovascular disease, heart failure in older adults |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jan 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 28, 2015 Iodine Deficiency During Pregnancy: Recommended iodine intake increases by about 50 percent during pregnancy. An Austrian study of 246 pregnant women found that over 80 percent of the women were iodine deficient based on measures of urinary iodine. Even a mild iodine deficiency can impair a child's intellectual development. The situation is probably similar in the U.S. |
| Consumer Link Iodine deficiency in pregnant women impairs embryonic brain development |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Dec 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 27, 2015 Fish and Mercury Toxicity: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in many types of fish. However, new research indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish help to prevent the toxicity of mercury. The omega-3 fatty acids and selenium content of fish may together explain why high fish consumption is not associated with developmental problems in high fish-eating cultures like the Republic of Seychelles. |
| Consumer Link Fatty acids in fish may shield brain from mercury damage |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr March 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 26, 2015 Vitamin A and Type 2 Diabetes: Adult mice consuming a vitamin A deficient diet developed high blood glucose that was associated with impaired pancreas function. This study showed that the function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas is especially dependent on normal vitamin A status. Adequate vitamin A nutrition also may be important in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes people. |
| Consumer Link Could vitamin A deficiency be a cause of type 2 diabetes? |
| Research Link J Biol Chem. 2014 Dec 1. pii: [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 25, 2015 Nitrates and Blood Pressure: A study of feeding beetroot juice (naturally high in nitrate) for four weeks to people with hypertension found that it significantly reduced blood pressure. Beetroot juice without nitrate had no effect. Two weeks after study participants stopped consuming nitrate-containing beetroot juice, their blood pressure returned to hypertensive levels. Common vegetables that are naturally high in nitrate include spinach, beets, green beans, squash, and carrots. |
| Consumer Link Drinking beetroot juice reduces high blood pressure, trial shows |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2015 Feb;65(2):320-7. |
| January 24, 2015 Coffee and Melanoma: A study that followed over 400,000 non-Hispanic white adults for about ten years found that increased coffee consumption was associated with a decreased incidence melanoma. This reduced risk of melanoma was observed only for regular coffee, not decaffeinated coffee. |
| Consumer Link Coffee consumption linked with reduced melanoma risk |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2015 Jan 20;107(2). |
| January 23, 2015 Potassium and Bone Health: Several studies have found that taking supplements of potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate reduces calcium loss in the urine and promotes bone health. This helps to explain why including fruits and vegetables in an overall healthful diet is associated with good bone health. |
| Consumer Link Research finds potassium salts aid bone health and limit osteoporosis risk |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2015 Jan 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 22, 2015 Obesity and Nutrient Deficiency: A large study of over 18,000 adults in the U.S. found that obese people were more likely to have inadequate intakes of key nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium. Since this study estimated nutrient intake from self-reported food intake, it needs to be confirmed with more rigorous study designs. |
| Consumer Link Hidden Hunger, Micronutrient Inadequacies and Health Consequences in the U.S. |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2015 Jan 7:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 21, 2015 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mobility: An adequate intake of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA, commonly found in fish and algae oils) is important for multiple aspects of health throughout life. This may be especially true during the latter decades of life. A study in Iceland indicated that women with higher blood levels of EPA and DHA were less likely to develop mobility limitations with aging. |
| Consumer Link What is the Role of Nutrition in Healthy Aging? |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 20, 2015 Folic Acid Fortification of Flour: Since we started adding folic acid to most refined wheat flour products in 1998, the number of babies born with birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects) declined by about 35 percent. Enriched white flour contains much more folic acid than corn or whole wheat flours. If you don't eat white flour products, make sure you have other good sources of folic acid in your diet - leafy greens, lentils, orange juice, and many fortified breakfast cereals. |
| Consumer Link Folic acid saves 1,300 babies each year from serious birth defects of brain and spine |
| Research Link CDC MMWR Report. January 16, 2015. 64(01);1-5. |
| January 19, 2015 Energy Balance Studies Flawed: The world's top obesity researchers say, "Enough already!" about studies that use participant-reported measures of food intake and physical activity. Evidence regarding the inaccuracy of these measures indicates that they lead to incorrect conclusions and should no longer be used for research purposes. |
| Consumer Link For obesity research, self-reported diet, physical activity data too inaccurate, expert report says |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2014 Nov 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 18, 2015 Chocolate Milk in Schools: This has been documented many times over the past 40 years. When chocolate milk is removed from school food offerings, children consume much less milk. Which is worse? A little sugar and chocolate in the milk or no milk? |
| Consumer Link Removing chocolate milk from school program led to a huge drop in total milk intake |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2015 Jan. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 17, 2015 Tanning Beds and Vitamin D: It generally is assumed that sun exposure cannot lead to excessive vitamin D levels in the body. However, a recent case study of a white woman indicated that her excessively high blood level of vitamin D (hypervitaminosis D) was caused by tanning bed use three to four times a week. When she ceased using the tanning bed, her blood level of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) returned to a normal level within a month. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Highlights: Too Much Tanning |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2014 Jun 3;160(11):810-1. |
| January 16, 2015 Iron Supplementation and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Iron supplementation has been observed to sometimes worsen infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. A study conducted with 926 iron deficient South African children (8 to 10 years old), found that iron supplementation with 50 milligrams of iron per day improved iron status and did not increase illness in children if they also took a supplement of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (the type found in fish oils). |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 and Iron: Important Partners for Fighting Iron Deficiency |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. March 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 15, 2015 Vitamin B12 and Oxidative Stress: It seems logical to measure blood levels of vitamin B12 to evaluate a person's B12 status. However, a better measure, blood levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA), indicates how well a B12-dependent chemical reaction is working. Serum MMA increases in B12 deficiency. A new study found that when markers of oxidative stress are increased, serum B12 can be normal even though serum MMA indicates B12 deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Wow, Measuring Nutritional Status is Insightful |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jan 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 14, 2015 Blood Sugar and Cancer Risk: Moderately elevated blood sugar (fasting blood glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dl) is called prediabetes. This puts people at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, new information indicates that prediabetes increases the risk of developing cancer by about 15 percent. |
| Consumer Link Breaking News: Prediabetes Ups Cancer Risk 15% |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2014 Nov;57(11):2261-9. |
| January 13, 2015 Vitamin Supplements and Stomach Cancer: A large meta-analysis type of study found that moderate dose supplementation with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E was associated with a reduced risk of developing stomach cancer. However, supplementation with higher doses, such as those exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels, was associated with an increased risk. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamins Help Prevent Gastric Cancer? |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Dec 30;9(12):e116060. |
| January 12, 2015 Risks from High Dose Caffeine: Some supplement companies sell products like purified caffeine in bulk powder form. Anyone using this form of any supplement needs to be very careful with dosage. A cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison, a teaspoon of caffeine powder contains about 5,000 mg of caffeine (50 cups of coffee worth). Overdose on caffeine creates a medical emergency and can even cause death. |
| Consumer Link Potent Powdered Caffeine Raises Safety Worries |
| Research Link BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 8;2013. |
| January 11, 2015 Exercise and Waist Circumference: There is a common tendency for waist circumference to increase after middle-age. A 12-year study that followed 10,500 healthy men over the age of 40, found that both resistance exercise (strength training) and aerobic exercise both helped to prevent an increase in waist size during the 12-year period. Although resistance exercise appeared better at preventing waist size increase than aerobic exercise, participating in both forms of exercise was the best. |
| Consumer Link Weight training helps keep men's waistline from expanding |
| Research Link Obesity. 2014 Dec 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 10, 2015 Vitamin B12, Folate, and DDT Toxicity: A study of almost 300 women in China found that those with adequate vitamin B-12 and folate status were less likely to experience adverse reproductive effects due to DDT exposure. Overall, good nutrition helps the body detoxify pesticides and other toxins. For example, normal iron status is well known to be essential for optimal detox enzyme function in the liver. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B May Counter Negative Effects of Pesticide on Fertility |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Dec. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 9, 2015 Magnesium and Diabetes: A study of African American and Hispanic American women found that higher magnesium intake was associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in those with specific gene variations. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts and seeds, beans, spinach and Swiss chard. |
| Consumer Link Type 2 diabetes risk varies with magnesium intake, genes and ethnicity |
| Research Link J. Nutr. March 1, 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 8, 2015 Rehydration After Exercise: When water is consumed after exercise to replace the water lost during exercise, much of that water can be lost in the urine. A new study found that water provided post-exercise in the form of milk and milk drinks was retained by the body better than water consumed in a common sports beverage. Protein, carbohydrate, and electrolytes all help the body retain water. These are all present in milk-based beverages. |
| Consumer Link Milk and milk drinks 'more effective rehydration options' than Powerade: Study |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 Dec;39(12):1366-72. |
| January 7, 2015 Vitamin D During Pregnancy: An adequate supply of all essential nutrients is especially important during pregnancy. The results of a study that followed people from birth to 20 years of age indicate that maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy led to increased risk of impaired lung development in the offspring that was apparent when evaluated at 6 years of age. Maternal vitamin D deficiency also increased the risk for neurocognitive difficulties that were apparent at age 10, along with a greater risk of eating disorders during adolescence, and lower peak bone mass at age 20. |
| Consumer Link More Evidence that Vitamin D Status Affects Health |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2014 Dec 15. pii: peds.2014-1860. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 6, 2015 Estimation of Sodium and Potassium Intake: Typically, records or recalls of food intake underestimate nutrient intake. However, a study of over 400 people found that a dietary recall method overestimated sodium and potassium intake when compared to the amounts of these nutrients lost in the urine on a daily basis. This may be due to the challenge for food composition nutrient databases to keep up with a rapidly changing food environment. |
| Consumer Link CDC Study finds Sodium Intake is Lower than Expected |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. February 2015. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 5, 2015 Low Fat or Low Carb? A twelve-month study of 148 participants had half of them limit carbs and the other half limit fat in their diets without limiting calorie intake. By the end of the year, those consuming the low-carb diet lost about eight pounds more on average than those consuming the low-fat diet. |
| Consumer Link A Call for a Low-Carb Diet That Embraces Fat |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2014 Sep 2;161(5):309-18. |
| January 4, 2015 Pregnancy and Body Weight: New research indicates that 75 percent of new mothers are heavier a year after giving birth than they were before becoming pregnant. Factors that promote post-pregnancy weight loss include breast-feeding and moderate exercise. |
| Consumer Link Many women don't lose those pregnancy pounds |
| Research Link Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Sep;45(9):794-7. |
| January 3, 2015 Omega-6 Fats: Mice fed high omega-6 corn oil reduced their physical activity and developed signs of diabetes, whereas those fed olive oil did not. Both corn and olive oils are low in omega-3 fatty acids, so it is difficult to fully evaluate these results and determine how this may or may not relate to humans consuming adequate amounts of omega-3-rich fat sources. |
| Consumer Link Diet rich in corn oil leads to lethargy and pre-diabetic symptoms: UBC study |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. December 15, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 2, 2015 Cadmium Exposure and Aging: Cadmium, like lead, is a toxic heavy metal. Exposure to cadmium is primarily from dietary sources and tobacco smoking. New research indicates that cadmium intake may contribute to aging by shortening the telomeres on chromosomes. The plant food content of cadmium is affected by the amount of cadmium in soil. Some types of seaweed and related products are very high in cadmium. |
| Consumer Link Human Exposure to Metal Cadmium May Accelerate Cellular Aging |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2014 Dec 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 1, 2015 High Fat Diet and Pregnancy: Studies in rodents and non-human primates indicate that high fat diets during pregnancy increase the odds of diabetes and obesity developing in the offspring. It remains to be seen if this applies to humans as well. |
| Consumer Link Add high-fat diet to the ‘don’t’ list for pregnant moms |
| Research Link Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Mar;1842(3):507-19. |
| December 31, 2014 Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer Risk: A new analysis of multiple studies on vitamin D and prostate cancer found that the risk of prostate cancer increased with higher blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (the form of vitamin D used to measure status). It remains to be determined what level of vitamin D is optimal and how much is too much. |
| Consumer Link High serum vitamin D levels linked to prostate cancer risk |
| Research Link J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2014 Sep;140(9):1465-77. |
| December 30, 2014 Fat and Vitamin D Absorption: Vitamin D is one of the fat soluble vitamins that are absorbed better when consumed with a meal containing fats or oils. A new study found that blood levels of vitamin D were 32 percent greater when a vitamin D supplement was taken with a fat-containing breakfast compared to a fat-free breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Ask Well: Eating Fat to Boost Vitamin D and Calcium |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014 Nov 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 29, 2014 Vitamin C and Colds: An updated review of vitamin C supplementation found that taking vitamin C does not reduce the risk of catching a cold. However, there is some evidence that vitamin C supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of a cold. |
| Consumer Link Can High Dose Vitamin C Keep a Cold at Bay? These Skeptics Say No |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;1:CD000980. |
| December 28, 2014 Vitamin D and SAD: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that usually begins in the fall and continues throughout the winter months. It has been thought that SAD is caused by reduced sunlight exposure and interference with the body's biological clock. There also is evidence that SAD may be due to a drop in vitamin D status caused by reduced exposure to sunlight during fall and winter months. |
| Consumer Link Researchers link vitamin D deficiency to seasonal affective disorder |
| Research Link Med Hypotheses. 2014 Nov;83(5):517-25. |
| December 27, 2014 Vitamin D and Myopia: Research indicates that children who spend less time outside are more likely to develop myopia (short-sightedness). Speculation that this is related to low vitamin D, due to reduced sun exposure, appears to not be true. Perhaps it is just a matter of using distance vision more when outside - use it or lose it. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D link to short-sightedness ruled out |
| Research Link Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Nov 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 26, 2014 Saturated Fat: Increasing saturated fat in the diet had less effect on indicators of cardiovascular risk than increasing carbohydrate. As dietary carbohydrate increased, a fat component known as palmitoleic acid also increased. Palmitoleic acid is a biomarker consistently associated with adverse health outcomes. |
| Consumer Link Study: Doubling saturated fat in the diet does not increase saturated fat in blood |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Nov 21;9(11):e113605. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113605. eCollection 2014. |
| December 25, 2014 Santa's Health Status: Although his BMI may place him in the obese category, Santa Claus actually has a healthy level of body fat. Much of his weight is the muscle mass required for carrying heavy bags of toys around the world. He trains throughout the year to stay fit for his Christmas Eve marathon. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2011 Jan 24;10:9. |
| December 24, 2014 Nutrition at Conception: Research on people who were conceived during the Dutch Famine (winter of 1944-1945) indicates that the starvation conditions affected the regulation of their DNA expression in a variety of ways. One consequence of this is a tendency to have higher LDL cholesterol levels as adults. |
| Consumer Link People conceived during the Dutch famine have altered regulation of growth genes |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2014 Nov 26;5:5592. |
| December 23, 2014 Paleo Diet: Modern "paleo diets" at best, are a very rough approximation of the real thing. This is a good thing because what we know about ancient diets is that they varied greatly, depending on the location and season. The diet only had to be good enough to support survival and reproduction. Because lifespans were much shorter than now, age-related chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis were unlikely to occur. |
| Consumer Link What was the 'Paleo diet'? There was far more than one, study suggests |
| Research Link Q Rev Biol. 2014 Dec;89(4):319-57. |
| December 22, 2014 Inaccuracy of TV Medical Talk Shows: A scientific evaluation of the Dr. Oz show and the Doctors show found that about half of the recommendations made on the shows had either no evidence or were contradicted by the best available evidence. No wonder people are confused about nutrition and health. |
| Consumer Link Dr. Ozvorkian gets busted again. You are better off flipping a coin. |
| Research Link BMJ. 2014 Dec 17;349:g7346. |
| December 21, 2014 Vitamin E and Pneumonia: Vitamin E supplementation of older mice, with a dose comparable to 200 IU in a human, significantly enhanced immune function and resistance to bacterial pneumonia infection in comparison to mice consuming a normal amount of vitamin E. It will be interesting to see if vitamin E supplementation provides similar benefit to older humans. |
| Consumer Link Extra vitamin E protected older mice from getting common type of pneumonia |
| Research Link J Immunol. 2014 Dec 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 20, 2014 Selenium and Colorectal Cancer: A European study found that adequate selenium status is associated with a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially in women. But, be careful with selenium supplements. Selenium has a narrow window between levels that are sub-optimal and those that would be considered toxic. The upper limit for selenium is 400 micrograms per day. |
| Consumer Link Decreased risk of colorectal cancer linked with higher selenium levels |
| Research Link Int J Cancer. 2015 Mar 1;136(5):1149-61. |
| December 19, 2014 Glycemic Index and Cardiovascular Risk: Low glycemic index diets have been thought to enhance blood glucose control and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However, a 5-week controlled feeding study found that a low glycemic index diet was no different than a high glycemic index diet in how it affected insulin sensitivity, lipid levels, or systolic blood pressure. This well controlled study indicates that a lower glycemic index diet does not improve cardiovascular risk factors or insulin resistance. |
| Consumer Link Low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet does not improve cardiovascular risk factors, insulin resistance |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014 Dec 17;312(23):2531-2541. |
| December 18, 2014 Blood Glucose Control and Brain Health: A large study that followed over 13,000 people for 20 years, found that those with diabetes or poor blood glucose control during their middle-age years were much more likely to experience late-life cognitive decline. This is another good reason to keep daily physical activity in your life. It helps to maintain balanced blood glucose control. |
| Consumer Link Better glucose control in midlife may protect against cognitive decline later in life |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2014 Dec 2;161(11):785-93. |
| December 17, 2014 Raw Milk: Raw milk often is promoted as being more natural and healthful than pasteurized milk. Unfortunately, disease-causing bacteria like raw milk. With an increasing number of states allowing the sale of raw milk, the incidence of people becoming sick and hospitalized from these bacteria has increased accordingly. |
| Consumer Link New study shows increase in raw milk-associated outbreaks |
| Research Link Emerging Infectious Diseases, published online 10 December 2014 |
| December 16, 2014 Low Maternal Weight Gain and Fetal Death: Low weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal death. Male fetuses are more likely to die due to low weight gain. This is likely due to the fact that male fetuses have higher metabolic rates, requiring more calories that female fetuses. Excess body weight also can be a problem - overweight and obesity are associated with increased infant deaths. |
| Consumer Link Low maternal weight gain linked to increased risk of male fetal death |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Dec 10;9(12):e114304. |
| December 15, 2014 Statistics, Eggs, and Health: Aaron Levenstein said, "Statistics are like bikinis - what they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." This is well illustrated by a study that used multiple statistical approaches to explore links between egg consumption, body mass index, and waist circumference. Different statistical approaches to the same set of data produced very different results. |
| Consumer Link What Came First, Statistics or the Egg? |
| Research Link J. Nutr. December 3, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 14, 2014 Vitamin C and Lung Function During Exercise: Vigorous exercise triggers an acute narrowing of the airways (exercise-induced bronchoconstriction) in about 10 percent of the general population, and in 90 percent of asthmatics. A review of recent studies indicates that taking 500 to 2000 milligrams of vitamin C prior to exercise significantly reduces bronchoconstriction and related symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C may help people who suffer from airway obstruction or respiratory symptoms after exercise. |
| Research Link Allergy Clin Immunol Int, doi:10.1186/1710-1492-10-58 ePub 27 November 2014. |
| December 13, 2014 Supplement for Weight Loss: Researchers developed a compound called inulin-propionate ester that increases the level of the fatty acid propionate in the colon. Although they found that supplementation of overweight adults with this compound caused appetite-suppressing hormones to increase in the blood, there was no significant change in body weight during 24 weeks of supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Scientists create food ingredient that will make you feel fuller |
| Research Link Gut. 10 December 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 12, 2014 Sugar and Blood Pressure: A new review claims that excess added sugar intake contributes to the development of hypertension more than sodium. However, this potential association is complicated by the fact that high sugar intake is associated with excess body weight that, in turn, contributes to increased blood pressure. Stay tuned. |
| Consumer Link More than salt, sugars may contribute to high blood pressure |
| Research Link Open Heart 2014. 1;1:1-8. |
| December 11, 2014 Antioxidants in Foods: The global antioxidant response (GAR) is a new technique developed to include gastrointestinal tract components in the assessment of the antioxidant capacity of foods. Using this approach, researchers found that the antioxidant activity of citrus juices was about ten times greater than those indicated by current analysis methods. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants in OJ are 10x Higher than Thought |
| Research Link Food Chemistry 164: 396-405, 2014. |
| December 10, 2014 In a study of over 13,000 adults, those with diabetes and poor glucose control at around age 50 had a much greater risk of mental decline by age 70. One of the best ways to reduce this risk is to be physically active and avoid excessive weight gain after age 50. |
| Consumer Link Could midlife diabetes increase risk of cognitive decline? |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2014 Dec 2;161(11):785-93. |
| December 9, 2014 Vitamin E During Pregnancy: Women with low blood vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels during the first trimester of pregnancy had an increased risk of miscarriage. Normal vitamin E status at the time of conception appears to be important for reducing the risk of miscarriage. Common dietary sources of vitamin E include foods like vegetable oils, mayonnaise, and certain nuts and seeds. |
| Consumer Link Pregnant Bangladeshis lacking vitamin E nearly twice as likely to miscarry |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr February 2015 ajcn.094920 |
| December 8, 2014 Folic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: Folic acid supplementation by pregnant women is known to help prevent neural tube defects in their infants. New research now indicates that folic acid supplementation also significantly reduces the risk of a low birth weight baby, but only if supplementation is commenced prior to conception. |
| Consumer Link New study examines the effect of timing of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy |
| Research Link BJOG. 2014 Nov 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 7, 2014 Plant Food Sources of Iron and Zinc: Deficiencies of iron and zinc impair the physical and mental development of infants and children worldwide. Not only are plant foods generally low in these trace minerals, absorption is poor due to natural inhibitors. New research is finding that certain varieties of chickpeas contain greater amounts of these minerals. This may help to meet human needs if absorption inhibitors also can be reduced. |
| Consumer Link Fighting malnutrition with a ‘stronger’ chickpea |
| Research Link Genome. 2014 Oct 31:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 6, 2014 Bariatric Surgery and Exercise: Both exercise and weight loss have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, it makes sense that participation in moderate exercise after gastric bypass surgery improves blood glucose control more than the weight loss alone. |
| Consumer Link Exercise following bariatric surgery provides health benefits beyond weight loss |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2014 Dec 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 5, 2014 Vitamin D and COPD: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like chronic bronchitis and emphysema often have symptom flare-ups that can worsen and be life-threatening. A new study found that when vitamin D status was low in COPD patients, vitamin D supplements reduced flare-ups by over 40 percent in comparison to those taking a placebo. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D reduces lung disease flare-ups by over 40 percent |
| Research Link The Lancet Resp Med. 2 December 2014 [ePub ahead of print] |
| December 4, 2014 Nutrition Before, During, & After Pregnancy: A mother's nutrition before, during and between pregnancy can have long lasting effects on the health of her children and their risk of disease later in life. Good nutritional status of mothers plays a key role in improving the health of future generations. |
| Consumer Link Pregnancy, a missed opportunity to influence later health |
| Research Link Infant and Toddler Forum Report. Nov. 2014. (link downloads pdf file) |
| December 3, 2014 Bariatric Surgery and Vision: Bariatric surgery patients generally need to take vitamin and mineral supplements because of reduced food intake and impaired absorption of nutrients. Failure to take appropriate supplements could lead to vision problems among other potential health problems. |
| Consumer Link Warning to bariatric surgery patients: Take your supplements, for eye's sake |
| Research Link Obesity Surgery. 26 Nov 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 2, 2014 Homemade Infant Formula Risks: When breastfeeding is not possible or is not meeting an infant's needs, parents may be inclined to come up with "natural" homemade alternative infant formulas. This option, however, comes with potentially serious health risks that include severe malnutrition and potentially fatal illness. |
| Consumer Link Parents cautioned against using homemade infant formula |
| Research Link Health Canada Advisory. November 26, 2014. |
| December 1, 2014 Dietary Saturated Fat vs Carbohydrate: Although accumulating research indicates that saturated fat in the diet does not increase cardiovascular disease risk as previously thought, higher blood levels of saturated fat do seem to increase risk. A recent controlled study found that increasing dietary saturated fat did not affect blood levels of saturated fat. However, increasing dietary carbohydrate raised the fatty acid blood levels associated with an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. |
| Consumer Link Rise of saturated fat in diet does not raise fats in blood |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Nov 21;9(11):e113605. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113605. eCollection 2014. |
| November 30, 2014 Calories and Weight Management: Healthful weight management requires more than just cutting calories. The primary source of calories consumed in a meal (carbs, fat, and protein) triggers hormonal shifts in ways that can affect satiety and nutrient storage. For example, meals high in protein and fat provide more satiety than meals high in carbohydrate. Physical activity also plays a major role not only in the amount of calories needed, but also in how calories are utilized and stored in the body. |
| Consumer Link Calorie-focused thinking when it comes to obesity may mislead and harm public health |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2014 Nov 24:1-11. |
| November 29, 2014 New Calorie Labeling Law: In one year, restaurants and similar retail food establishments that have 20 or more locations will be required to clearly and conspicuously display calorie information for standard items on menus and menu boards next to the food name or price. |
| Consumer Link US orders calorie labeling for chain restaurants |
| Research Link FDA News Release |
| November 28, 2014 Antioxidant Vitamins and Exercise: Exercise creates oxidative stress on muscles. However taking supplements of the antioxidant vitamins C and E does not help and instead prevents some of the desired muscle adaptations to strength training. |
| Consumer Link Why Antioxidants Don’t Belong in Your Workout |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2014 Nov 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 27, 2014 Antibiotics During Pregnancy: The lower intestinal microbiota (mixture of microorganisms) is proving to have a major impact on human health, even affecting obesity risk. New research indicates that when a woman takes antibiotic drugs during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy, it may affect the microbiota of her infant in ways that significantly increase the risk of developing obesity later in life. |
| Consumer Link Taking antibiotics during pregnancy increases risk for child becoming obese |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2014 Nov 11. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2014.180. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 26, 2014 Phytase Enhances Iron Absorption: To meet essential nutrient needs, nutrients must be absorbed from food sources. Many plant-based foods such as whole grains and legumes contain an antinutrient called phytate that inhibits the absorption of multiple minerals in the intestine. Research now shows that adding the enzyme phytase to flour may significantly improve iron absorption. |
| Consumer Link Using Phytase in the First 1,000 Days for a Lifelong Impact |
| Research Link Food Nutr Bull. 2013 Jun;34(2 Suppl):S90-101. |
| November 25, 2014 Blueberries and Night Vision: It has been proposed that blueberries improve night vision. Two human research trials show that is not the case. However, blueberries did have a small effect on helping vision recover after brief exposure to a bright light. |
| Consumer Link Can eating blueberries really help you see better in the dark? |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Nov 19;62(46):11180-11189. Epub 2014 Nov 6. |
| November 24, 2014 Soy Foods and Hot Flashes: Some claim that soy foods can help to reduce hot flashes during menopause. However, new research indicates that this is not the case for most women. Soy foods do seem to help some women whose intestinal bacteria convert a component of soy (daidzein) to a compound called equol in larger amounts. The researchers caution that based on their research, women should not be advised to consume diets high in soy to relieve menopausal symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Soy spells fewer hot flashes for certain women |
| Research Link Menopause. 2014 Nov 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 23, 2014 Crickets in Your Food: Future food predictions indicate that protein will become a limited resource. As part of the solution, crickets are being touted as containing more protein than chicken or beef. But beware, those numbers are comparing dried crickets to fresh chicken and beef. In the live animal form, crickets contain about half the protein of chicken and beef. However, ground crickets or "cricket flour" is a convenient way to add a high protein ingredient to foods. Startups Pitch Cricket Flour As The |
| Consumer Link Startups Pitch Cricket Flour As The Best Protein You Could Eat |
| Research Link Annu Rev Entomol. 2013;58:563-83. doi: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120811- 153704. Epub 2012 Sep 27 |
| November 22, 2014 Kids and Vegetables: Helping children learn to like vegetables can be a challenge. New research found that adding small amounts of vegetable purees to milk and infant cereal early during introduction of foods into an infant's diet increased the future consumption and liking of vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Puree helps kids make smooth transition to vegetables |
| Research Link Appetite. 2015;84:280–290. |
| November 21, 2014 Coffee Component and Liver Fat: Coffee is high in a compound called chlorogenic acid that is known to have many biological activities. Using rats made obese with a high fat diet, researchers found that periodic injections of chlorogenic acid significantly reduced fatty liver, body fat, and insulin resistance. The dose was much greater than the amount that can be obtained from drinking coffee, but this research may lead to the use of chlorogenic acid as a component of treatment for obesity and its complications. |
| Consumer Link Chemical in coffee may help prevent obesity-related disease |
| Research Link Pharm Res. 2014 Sep 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 20, 2014 Sugar Sodas and Adolescent Health: Although sugar-sweetened sodas provide more sugar than most of us need, a new study found that when active teenagers consumed the equivalent of about two sodas a day (sweetened primarily with glucose or fructose) it had little impact on common markers of metabolic health. The key word is "active" teenagers. For the rapidly growing and highly active adolescent, the sugar in a couple of sodas gets utilized rapidly. For more sedentary individuals, the study results could have been quite different. |
| Consumer Link Moderate consumption of sugary drinks has little impact on adolescents' metabolic health |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr September 2014 vol. 100 no. 3 796-805 |
| November 19, 2014 Folate and B12 in Aging: Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to cause neural damage and compromise brain function. A study of almost 3000 people age 65 and older (with high blood homocysteine levels) found that two years of supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 reduced homocysteine levels more than a placebo, but did not have any measurable benefit to scores on thinking and memory tests. This is not surprising in this study because the B12 status of study participants taking the placebo was the same as those taking the supplement. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B may not reduce memory loss risk after all |
| Research Link Neurology. 2014 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 18, 2014 Long-chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cancer: Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids often are linked to cardiovascular health. A new review of the scientific literature indicates that higher intake of fatty fish and/or fish oil supplements also is associated with reduced risk of various types of cancer - especially when omega-6 fatty acid intake is not high. |
| Consumer Link Study finds marked benefits for cancer prevention with a higher intake of fatty fish |
| Research Link Nutr Cancer. 2014 Oct 30:1-6. |
| November 17, 2014 Walnuts and Prostate Cancer: Walnuts and walnut oil were shown to reduce prostate tumor growth in a mouse model. However, a control diet with the same fatty acid proportions as walnut oil did not reduce tumor growth. For a human to consume a similar amount of walnuts as fed to the mice, it would require almost 500 calories a day of walnuts. Consequently, future research aims to identify the components of walnuts that have this effect. |
| Consumer Link Study extols anti-prostate cancer effects of walnuts |
| Research Link J Med Food. 2014 Oct 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 16, 2014 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Smoking: A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 48 regular cigarette smokers found that supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA decreased daily smoking and tobacco craving. These results indicate that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may improve success in smoking cessation programs. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 reduces smoking, study suggests |
| Research Link J Psychopharmacol. 2014 Jun 4;28(8):804-809. |
| November 15, 2014 Wheat and Celiac Disease: Gluten represents only part of the protein in wheat. A new study found that people with celiac disease are more likely than people without the disease to have immune system reactions to several of the non-gluten proteins in wheat. Damage to the intestinal cells seen in celiac disease may increase the risk of allergies to food proteins in general. |
| Consumer Link Celiac disease triggers may include non-gluten proteins |
| Research Link J Proteome Res. 2014 Nov 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 14, 2014 High-fat Diet and Brain Aging: Using a mouse model of an accelerated aging condition called Cockayne syndrome, researchers found that a high fat (low carbohydrate) diet postponed the aging process in these animals. It remains to be seen if this approach has merit for people with this disease or other related conditions. |
| Consumer Link Could a high-fat diet help slow brain aging? |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. November 2014. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| November 13, 2014 Fish and Pregnancy: New FDA guidelines encourage consuming fish high in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but avoiding the types of fish that are high in mercury. Fish high in mercury include shark, tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel. FDA also recommended limiting consumption of albacore tuna to six ounces per week. |
| Consumer Link Should pregnant women eat fish? |
| Research Link Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Jul 26. |
| November 12, 2014 Compulsive Ice Chewing in Iron Deficiency: Many people with iron deficiency develop pagophagia (compulsive ice chewing). A study of people with iron deficiency anemia found that ice chewing enhanced performance on testing of neuropsychological function. The researchers propose that the cold exposure of ice chewing may trigger increased blood flow to the brain. |
| Consumer Link Research says ice like ‘coffee’ for people with iron deficiency |
| Research Link Med Hypotheses. 2014 Oct;83(4):473-6. |
| November 11, 2014 Alcohol Craving: An appetite-stimulating hormone called ghrelin is released from the stomach when it is empty. Ghrelin also stimulates the craving for alcohol in alcohol-dependent individuals. It is commonly recommended to consume a meal prior to alcohol consumption to help slow alcohol absorption and moderate blood alcohol levels. It appears that this also may help to reduce the "alcohol appetite." |
| Consumer Link Ghrelin stimulates an appetite for drinking alcohol |
| Research Link Biol Psych. 2014;76(9):734-741. |
| November 10, 2014 Vitamin B12 Status Assessment: New research shows that assessment of vitamin B12 status can be done accurately from finger stick blood drops after the blood has dried. This new technique, that measures methylmalonic acid (an indicator of B12 function), promises to make screening for B12 status much simpler for the clinician. |
| Consumer Link Simple new test developed to detect vitamin B12 deficiency |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Oct;144(10):1658-63. |
| November 9, 2014 Asthma and Vitamin D: A study of over 20,000 adults with asthma found that those with vitamin D deficiency were 25 percent more likely to have asthma attacks than those with normal status. Low vitamin D status may be linked with other nutrient problems such as iron deficiency, so it is difficult to know if vitamin D supplementation alone will be helpful. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D deficiency linked to increased risk of asthma attacks |
| Research Link Allergy. 2014 Aug 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 8, 2014 Resveratrol Supplements and Exercise: Resveratrol supplementation (150 mg/day) of men during a 4-week period of low volume, high intensity interval training impaired some of the usual responses to exercise. Interestingly, this relatively high dose of resveratrol (roughly the amount in 300 6-ounce glasses of red wine) blunted the usual training-induced increase in the body's production of an antioxidant enzyme known as superoxide dismutase-2. |
| Consumer Link Resveratrol supplements 'may impair body's response to exercise' |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 Nov;39(11):1305-13. |
| November 7, 2014 Ketogenic Diets and Epilepsy: A review of studies on using ketogenic diets (high fat and low carb) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults found that the diet cut the frequency of seizures at least in half for about one out of three people. Five to nine percent of those trying the diet experienced more than a 90% reduction in their seizures. It is not clear why this diet helps some, but not others. |
| Consumer Link Low carb, high fat diets may reduce seizures in tough-to-treat epilepsy |
| Research Link Neurology. 2014 Oct 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 6, 2014 Vitamin A and Infants: Infants often have very low levels of vitamin A in their body at birth. Since this vitamin is known to play essential roles in normal growth and development, researchers are using rat models to study how vitamin A supplementation affects various parts of the body. This should help us eventually understand how and when vitamin A supplementation may be important for infants. |
| Consumer Link Researchers probe link between newborn health, vitamin A |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2014 Jun 9;55(8):1738-1749. |
| November 5, 2014 Beetroot, Nitrate, and Muscle: Due to its high nitrate content, beetroot juice has been found to increase nitric oxide and expand blood vessel diameter to increase blood flow to working muscles. A new study with rats indicates that beetroot juice preferentially increases blood flow to fast-twitch muscle fibers that play a major role in higher intensity exercise. |
| Consumer Link Beetroot beneficial for athletes and heart failure patients, research finds |
| Research Link Nitric Oxide. 2014 Oct 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 4, 2014 Cocoa Flavanols and Memory: A study of healthy older people (age 50 to 69) found that three months of supplementation with a high cocoa flavanol extract (900 mg of cocoa flavanols per day) reversed measures of age-related memory decline. This small, but promising study needs confirmation from larger studies, along with identification of the types of flavanols that may provide positive effects on brain function. |
| Consumer Link Dietary flavanols reverse age-related memory decline |
| Research Link Nat Neurosci. 2014 Oct 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 3, 2014 Iodine Deficiency: A U.K. study of young women (mostly students in nutrition and dietetics) found that about one out of four had mild iodine deficiency. The foods most highly correlated with good iodine status were milk and milk products, eggs, and fish. |
| Consumer Link Iodine Deficiency: 90 Years of Progress, But Much To Be Done |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2014 Oct 2:1-9. |
| November 2, 2014 DHA Health Claim Approved: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved a food and supplement labeling health claim for the fish oil omega-3 fatty acid DHA for its contribution to normal brain development from infancy to adulthood. To bear the health claim, a product must provide at least 100 mg DHA for older infants and young children below the age of 24 months and 250 mg DHA for children from 2 to 18 years of age. |
| Consumer Link EFSA Approves Health Claim for DHA and Normal Brain Development |
| Research Link EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3840. |
| November 1, 2014 Omega-3 and Cardiovascular Risk: A person's omega-3 fatty acid status is assessed by measuring the percentage of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes that are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - also called the omega-3 index. An omega-3 index of about 8% is considered to be cardioprotective. The average American has an omega-3 index of 4.3% due to relatively low intake of fish on average. |
| Consumer Link Hopefully your Omega-3 Index Exceeds 8%? Find Out Why |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Oct 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 31, 2014 Arsenic in Gluten-free Foods: Many gluten-free food alternatives substitute rice for gluten-containing grains. Since some sources of rice are high in arsenic, those with celiac disease who rely on these foods may be consuming excessive amounts of arsenic. Since some sources of rice are low in arsenic, manufacturers of rice-based gluten-free products should seek rice ingredients with lower arsenic content. |
| Consumer Link Some rice-based foods for people with celiac disease contain relevant amounts of arsenic |
| Research Link Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2014 Aug;31(8):1358-66. |
| October 30, 2014 Resveratrol and Bone Health: In just four months, middle-aged obese men who were taking high-dose resveratrol supplements (500 mg/day) had a significant increase in bone mineral density at the spine and elevated levels of a key biochemical marker of bone formation. Resveratrol is found naturally in red grapes and some types of nuts. |
| Consumer Link Resveratrol boosts spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Oct 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 29, 2014 Spiked Dietary Supplements: About half of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) class I drug recalls over the past ten years have involved dietary supplements that were illegally adulterated with banned drug ingredients. To make matters worse, many of these adulterated products were still sold online by distributor websites months or years after being banned. These were mostly weight loss and muscle building products with names like EverSlim, Forged Extreme Mass, and Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Capsule - not from major dietary supplement companies. |
| Consumer Link Recalled dietary supplements still contain banned substances |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014;312(16):1691-1693. |
| October 28, 2014 Non-dairy Milks and Vitamin D Status: Alternatives to cows milk like soy milk are increasingly being selected by parents for their children for perceived health benefits. However, these milk substitutes are not nutritionally equivalent to milk and are low in or lack nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. When choosing these milk substitute products, select the calcium and vitamin D fortified options. |
| Consumer Link Lower vitamin D levels found in children who drink non-cow's milk. |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2014 Oct 20. pii: cmaj.140555. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 27, 2014 Fish Oil and Atrial Fibrillation: An adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oils, is considered to be beneficial for overall cardiovascular function. However, high dose fish oil supplementation (4 grams/day) did not help to prevent episodes of rapid heart rate in those with atrial fibrillation. |
| Consumer Link Fish oil supplements have little effect on irregular heartbeat |
| Research Link Am Coll Cardiol. 2014 Oct 7;64(14):1441-8. |
| October 26, 2014 Grapefruit Juice and Mice: Grapefruit is a wonderful tasty fruit. A new study with young growing mice consuming a high fat diet reports that feeding them grapefruit juice reduced their gain of body fat compared to mice not getting the juice. Although this study may give those recycled grapefruit diets another boost, it is unlikely that adult humans will respond to grapefruit juice the same way as young growing mice. |
| Consumer Link Could grapefruit juice curb the effects of a high-fat diet? |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Oct 8;9(10):e108408. |
| October 25, 2014 Fried Food and Gestational Diabetes: The risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) was significantly greater in women who consumed the most fried foods prior to pregnancy. This risk was linked primarily to fried foods consumed away from home, suggesting that repeated use of frying oil, typical in commercial establishments, may be a factor. |
| Consumer Link Women who eat fried food regularly before conceiving at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2014 Oct 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 24, 2014 Energy Drink Risks: Researchers from the World Health Organization reviewed the scientific literature on caffeine-containing energy drinks and expressed concern for potential risks to public health. Of major concern was the practice of mixing energy drinks with alcoholic beverages which tends to make people not realize how drunk they are. |
| Consumer Link Rising energy drink consumption may pose a threat to public health, says WHO |
| Research Link Frontiers in Public Health, 14 October 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 23, 2014 Breakfast Protein and Food Cravings: When older teenage girls consumed a higher protein breakfast (35 g of protein), it reduced their food cravings when compared to skipping breakfast. Other studies have found that including high protein foods at each main meal helps to maintain the body's muscle mass and facilitate lowering body fat. |
| Consumer Link Eating breakfast reduces cravings, overeating |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2014 Aug 6;13:80. |
| October 22, 2014 Artificial Sweeteners: A recent study reported that the sweetener saccharin altered the composition of colonic bacteria in mice which adversely affected their blood glucose control. Four out of seven humans experienced similar changes in blood glucose control after consuming high levels of saccharin for a week. Sucralose and aspartame did not have the same effect in mice and were not tested on humans. |
| Consumer Link Get facts on sweeteners before ditching diet soda |
| Research Link Nature. 2014 Oct 9;514(7521):181-6. |
| October 21, 2014 Saturated Fat and Cardiovascular Disease: We have known for some time that all saturated fatty acids do not have the same effects in the body on cardiovascular risk factors. Consequently, lumping all "saturated fat" into one "bad" category is not scientifically valid. Ongoing scientific study is urging a re-evaluation of current dietary guidelines founded on older research on saturated fats. |
| Consumer Link Dietary fat under fire |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 Oct 8:1-3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 20, 2014 Sugar and Brain: Adolescent rats provided access to sugar water for 30 days, consumed 35 to 40 percent of their calories from sugar. The high sugar intake adversely affected spatial memory performance in a maze. It is not clear if this was due to direct effects of the sugar or, more likely, limited intake of nutrients displaced by the high sugar intake. |
| Consumer Link Sugar linked to memory problems in adolescent rats |
| Research Link Hippocampus. 2014 Sep 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 19, 2014 Caffeine and Health: Caffeine does not affect everyone in the same way. According to new genetic research, specific gene variants are linked to specific physical and psychological effects of caffeine. This knowledge should help to determine who is most likely to benefit from caffeine and who might be better off avoiding it. |
| Consumer Link Coffee in the genes? New genetic variants associated with coffee drinking |
| Research Link Mol Psychiatry. 2014 Oct 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 18, 2014 Fiber and Colon Health: For some time, the consumption of foods that provide dietary fiber has been thought to benefit lower intestinal health. This was thought to be due to the bacterial production of a fat component called butyrate that increases when fiber is consumed. New research confirms that butyrate does help to reduce intestinal inflammation and likely reduce cancer risk. The B-vitamin niacin benefits the colon in a similar fashion. |
| Consumer Link Findings bolster fiber's role in colon health |
| Research Link Immunity. 2014 Jan 16;40(1):128-39. |
| October 17, 2014 Hispanic Mothers and Folate: A new report indicates that Hispanic women in the U.S. often consume inadequate folic acid. This is partly due to their diet being based largely on corn flour. Most white flour (from wheat) is enriched with specific vitamins, including folic acid. Enriched white flour is much higher in folic acid than corn or whole wheat flours. If you switched from white bread to whole wheat bread or corn tortillas, make sure you have other good sources of folic acid in your diet. |
| Consumer Link Health of Hispanic moms, babies a growing concern, new report says |
| Research Link March of Dimes Special Report on Health in US Hispanic Populations. 2014. |
| October 16, 2014 Folic Acid and Autism Risk: Folic acid is known to be important for neurological development of the fetus during pregnancy. A recent study links folic acid supplementation, especially around the time of conception, with reduced risk of autism in the offspring. |
| Consumer Link Lower autism risk with folic acid supplements in pregnancy |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013 Feb 13;309(6):570-7. |
| October 15, 2014 Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer: In African American women, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of specific types of aggressive breast cancer. Promotion of breastfeeding should emphasize benefits both to the infant and to the mother. |
| Consumer Link Study strengthens evidence that breastfeeding can help prevent aggressive breast cancer in African-Americans |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2014 Sep 15;106(10). pii: dju237. |
| October 14, 2014 Vitamin C and COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disorder in which people commonly experience muscle weakness. Intravenous infusion of two grams of vitamin C helped to relieve muscle fatigue in COPD patients. It remains to be seen if vitamin C supplementation would be helpful for people with COPD. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C could ease muscle fatigue in COPD patients |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2013 Nov 15;305(10):R1163-70. |
| October 13, 2014 Exercise and ADHD: Providing children the opportunity to engage in physical activity in the morning prior to class can reduce attention-deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviors during class time. These kids may need recess before, during, and after school to function normally. Maybe this should be considered to be normal levels of physical activity for children. |
| Consumer Link Exercise before school may reduce ADHD symptoms in kids |
| Research Link J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2014 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 12, 2014 Chocolate and Blood Flow: A small study of 20 people who had peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow to the legs) found that they could walk farther and longer two hours after eating dark chocolate when compared to milk chocolate. The researchers think that the greater amount of polyphenol compounds in dark chocolate enhanced arterial dilation and improved blood flow to the muscles. |
| Consumer Link Polyphenols could yield small benefit for people with PAD |
| Research Link J Am Heart Assoc. 2014 Jul 2;3(4). |
| October 11, 2014 Age and Muscle Loss: After age 50, there is a steady decline in the ability to maintain muscle mass. The combination of strength exercise and adequate protein intake can help to minimize this age-related muscle loss. This also helps to keep the body's calorie needs higher, allowing greater food intake without excessive weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Strength as you age: 1 in 3 adults 50+ suffer progressive muscle loss, research shows |
| Research Link Age Ageing. 2014 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 10, 2014 Winter-related Dermatitis in Children: Some children have a tendency to develop eczema (atopic dermatitis) during winter months. A study conducted with children in Mongolia found that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced this skin condition. Due to the limited sun exposure during winter months in Mongolia, the children likely had vitamin D deficiency during the winter season. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D significantly improves symptoms of winter-related atopic dermatitis in children |
| Research Link Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):245-7. |
| October 9, 2014 Depression and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: About 30 percent of people being treated with interferon for hepatitis C virus infection develop depression. Supplementation of these patients during treatment with the fish oil fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) substantially reduced the incidence of depression. |
| Consumer Link Some forms of depression may be prevented by omega-3 fatty acids |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2014 Oct 1;76(7):559-66. |
| October 8, 2014 Caffeine and Athletes: Young adult low-caffeine-consuming athletes experienced more nervousness and insomnia after consuming an energy drink with about 200 milligrams of caffeine (like two cups of coffee). This may not occur in athletes that commonly consume caffeine, however, this was not evaluated in this study. |
| Consumer Link Energy drinks cause insomnia and nervousness in athletes |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2014 Sep 12:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 7, 2014 Osteoporosis Risk: Early childhood and adolescence are the most important stages of life to prevent osteoporosis later in life. These are the times during which bone mass develops most rapidly as long as adequate nutrition is available. |
| Consumer Link Osteoporosis: bone health in childhood 'is an important factor' |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2014 Sep 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 6, 2014 Gluten and Infants: A study of over 700 infants with a family history of celiac disease found that the incidence of developing celiac disease was the same in infants given gluten-containing foods at six or twelve months of age. Unfortunately, the study did not account for the iron status of the infants. Iron deficiency can impair intestinal development which would be expected to increase the risk of developing celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Infant's Early Diet Doesn't Change Celiac Disease Risk, Study Finds |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2014 Oct 2;371(14):1295-303. |
| October 5, 2014 Organic Foods: Although organically grown foods have not been shown to provide more nutrients, a recent review found evidence that organically grown foods do have higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds, lower concentrations of toxic cadmium, and a lower incidence of pesticide residues. It remains to be demonstrated that these differences between organic and conventionally grown foods are significant enough to affect overall health. |
| Consumer Link Organically grown foods may offer greater health and safety than foods conventionally grown |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2014 Sep;112(5):794-811. |
| October 4, 2014 Vitamin D and Diabetes: Epidemiological studies have reported links between low vitamin D status and diabetes. However, other study designs used to identify cause and effect relationships do not indicate that low vitamin D status causes diabetes. Good vitamin D status is important for good health, but it remains to be seen if it helps to prevent diabetes. |
| Consumer Link New study challenges claims that low vitamin D causes type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2012 Aug;55(8):2173-82. |
| October 3, 2014 Turmeric and Brain Health: A rat study found that a specific compound isolated from turmeric promoted the proliferation of neural stem cells in parts of the brain. Consequently, this compound may prove to be helpful in the prevention of dementias like Alzheimer's disease. However, this does not suggest that taking turmeric or curcumin supplements is safe or beneficial due to other potentially toxic compounds in these spice components. |
| Consumer Link Promising drug candidate for Alzheimer's found in turmeric compound |
| Research Link Stem Cell Res Ther. Sept 2014;5(4):100. |
| October 2, 2014 Eating Disorders and Autoimmune Disease: A study found that autoimmune disease was more common in eating disorder patients than in a group of controls with no eating disorders. The study concluded that autoimmune disease may predispose some people to eating disorders. It seems more likely that disordered eating creates nutrient deficiencies that compromise intestinal integrity and immune function - conditions that could cause autoimmune problems. |
| Consumer Link Patients with eating disorders have increased risk of autoimmune diseases |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Aug 22;9(8):e104845. |
| October 1, 2014 Hookworm Treatment for Celiac Disease: When hookworm parasites live in the small intestine, they protect themselves from immune system attack by secreting a protein that reduces inflammation. When 20 hookworms were introduced into the small intestines of eight volunteers with celiac disease, they became tolerant of gluten. The researchers hope to identify and isolate the hookworm protein to see if it is possible to use it like a drug and not need to use the live parasite - which, over time, can cause excessive blood loss and iron deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Celiac disease: A wriggly solution to a first-world problem |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Aug 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 30, 2014 Bariatric Surgery and Bone Loss: Rapid weight loss from any means often includes a significant amount of bone loss. As would be expected, this bone loss occurs following weight loss surgery. However, this post-surgery bone loss seems to continue even after weight has stabilized, increasing the long term risk of developing osteoporosis. |
| Consumer Link Bone loss persists two years after weight loss surgery |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2014 Jul;29(7):1507-18. |
| September 29, 2014 Soy vs Whey Protein: Two weeks of supplementation with soy protein or whey protein did not affect estrogen levels in men involved in strength training. However, testosterone levels were a bit lower following the soy protein supplementation period. |
| Consumer Link The effects of soy and whey protein supplementation on acute hormonal responses to resistance exercise in men |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(1):66-74. |
| September 28, 2014 There has been plenty of research supporting light to moderate alcohol consumption having potential health benefits. However, some caution is indicated by a new study that followed 2609 men for about 20 years and found that those who consumed alcohol most frequently (even moderately) had a significantly greater risk of dying from a stroke. |
| Consumer Link Drinking alcohol several times a week increases risk of stroke mortality |
| Research Link Acta Neurol Scand. 2014 Aug;130(2):118-24. |
| September 27, 2014 Exercise and Dental Health: There is some evidence that extensive exercise training is associated with an increased risk of tooth enamel erosion and dental caries. It is not clear what may cause this, but it might be related to reduced saliva flow during exercise. It may be helpful for both dental health and hydration to drink frequently during exercise. When possible, follow up sports drinks with water to rinse sugars from the mouth. |
| Consumer Link Is Exercise Bad for Your Teeth? |
| Research Link Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2014 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 26, 2014 Diabetes Trend: National U.S. data predict a continued increase in the incidence of diabetes in future years, with about 40 percent of the population developing the condition. If diabetes runs in your family, probably the best preventive action you can take is to maintain a daily physical activity program. |
| Consumer Link 2 Out Of Every 5 Americans Expected To Develop Type 2 Diabetes During Their Lifetime |
| Research Link The Lancet Diab Endo. 13 August 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 25, 2014 Best Exercise for Obese Teens: A 6-month study of 304 adolescents (age 14 to 18), who were either obese or overweight with related risk factors, found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises reduced body fat more than participation in only one of the two forms of exercise. |
| Consumer Link Best exercise for obese youths analyzed |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. September 22, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 24, 2014 A new study reported that low iron intake during pregnancy and lactation was associated with a greater risk of autism in the child. This risk from low iron intake was even greater for mothers 35 or older at the time of the child's birth or if the mother suffered from metabolic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, or diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Mothers of children with autism less likely to have taken iron supplements |
| Research Link Am. J. Epidemiol. 2014, September 22. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| September 23, 2014 Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye and often develop in older individuals. Although oxidative damage may play a role in the development of cataracts, a five years study of over 11,000 men found that supplementation with the antioxidant nutrients vitamin E and selenium did not reduce the incidence of cataracts. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E, selenium supplements unlikely to effect age-related cataracts in men |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 22, 2014 Vitamin D and Quality of Life: A study of almost 1500 Canadians over age 50, found that those with good vitamin D status were significantly less likely to have problems with mobility or difficulty participating in their usual activities. They also were less likely to experience depression. This study supports the need to conduct intervention research on vitamin D status and quality of life measures. |
| Consumer Link Study links vitamin D to quality of life |
| Research Link Qual Life Res. 2014 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 21, 2014 Dairy Foods and Cardiovascular Risk: In a study of 233 French Canadians, greater consumption of milk products was associated with lower blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure. The researchers also found that blood levels of a natural trans fatty acid (trans-palmitoleic acid) was a good indicator of dairy food intake. |
| Consumer Link More cheese, please! News study shows dairy is good for your metabolic health |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 Sep 16:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 20, 2014 Fatty Acids During Pregnancy, Lactation, and Early Infancy: The 2005 Dietary Reference Intakes provided recommendations based on the plant oil omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic and linoleic). Ongoing research, however, emphasizes that consumption of the longer chain fatty acids (EPA and DHA), found primarily in fish and some algae oils, are especially important during pregnancy, lactation, and early infancy. |
| Consumer Link Review Updates on Omega-3 Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids EPA & DHA |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab 2014;65:49-80. |
| September 19, 2014 Vitamin E Deficiency: It is estimated that at least 90 percent of Americans consume less than the estimated requirement for the average person. The adverse consequences of inadequate vitamin E include increased infection, anemia, stunting of growth, and poor outcomes during pregnancy for both infant and mother. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E intake critical during 'the first 1,000 days' |
| Research Link Adv Nutr vol. 5: 503-514, 2014. |
| September 18, 2014 Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Development: A study of about 510,000 students around age 15 in 65 countries found that students scored higher on an international test (on mathematics, reading, and science) in countries where levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA were higher in women's breastmilk. High levels of the omega-6 linoleic acid in breastmilk predicted lower performance on the tests. |
| Consumer Link Breast milk reveals a correlation between dietary fats and academic success |
| Research Link Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2014 Aug 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 17, 2014 Dietary Protein and Blood Pressure: A study that followed about 1300 middle-aged adults for over eleven years found that those with higher intakes of dietary protein from both animal and plant sources had significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers concluded that protein intake may play a role in the long-term prevention of high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link High protein diets lead to lower blood pressure, study finds |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2014 Sep 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 16, 2014 Protein and Bone Health: Two of the major components of bones are calcium and protein. A recent study with rats confirms evidence reported about humans that higher protein diets can benefit bones. |
| Consumer Link In rat model, hyperproteic diets found to be beneficial for bones |
| Research Link Food Funct. 2014 Apr;5(4):716-23. |
| September 15, 2014 Hypertension, BMI, and Salt: A French study of over 8500 people found that those with greater body weight for their height (Body Mass Index) were more likely to have high blood pressure. Salt intake, however, was not associated with blood pressure in this group of people. |
| Consumer Link Study: sodium's influence on blood pressure statistically insignificant |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2014 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 14, 2014 Omega-3 and Epilepsy: Adults with drug-resistant epilepsy experienced a 33 percent reduction in seizure frequency while taking three fish oil capsules per day providing a total intake of 1080 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). When the dose was twice this amount, seizure frequency increased to the same level as taking a placebo. Although, omega-3 fatty acids are clearly not a 'cure' for epilepsy, the proper level of intake may be an important component of overall treatment of epilepsy. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 fish oil 'could reduce seizure frequency for epilepsy patients' |
| Research Link J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014 Sep 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 13, 2014 Appetite and Mortality: A study of more than 1800 independently living Taiwanese over the age of 65 found that those who had poor appetites usually died sooner than those with good appetites. A poor appetite generally resulted in people consuming a less diverse diet that was lower in calories, protein, and other nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Appetite is a reliable predictor of mortality in old age |
| Research Link Appetite. 2014 Aug 14;83C:89-96. |
| September 12, 2014 Sugar and Cardiovascular Disease: High blood sugar levels, as seen in diabetes, are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. New research indicates that some compounds produced from sugar in the body can bind to and modify 'good' cholesterol (HDL), making it 'go bad.' It remains to be understood how significant this effect of sugar may be. |
| Consumer Link Sugar substance 'kills' good HDL cholesterol |
| Research Link Nutr Diabetes. 2014 Sep 1;4:e134. |
| September 11, 2014 Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency, affecting at least two billion people around the world. For many people, the major sources of iron in the diet are grains and legumes. Unfortunately, these foods contain substances that strongly inhibit the absorption of iron by the intestine. Plant breeding that increases iron in these foods also needs to focus on decreasing inhibitors such as phytate. |
| Consumer Link Are you Familiar with all the Tools to Reduce Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia? |
| Research Link J. Nutr. November 1, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 10, 2014 A study of people diagnosed with liver injury attributed about 20 percent of the cases to the use of a variety of herbal dietary supplements, especially the types marketed to bodybuilders. It is important to consider herbal products to be comparable to drugs and to use them with caution. |
| Consumer Link Liver injury caused by herbals, dietary supplements rises in study population |
| Research Link Hepatology. 2014 Jul 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 9, 2014 A 12-month study conducted with obese middle-age women and men provided half of the participants with guidance on following a low fat diet and the other half received guidance on following a low carbohydrate diet.The low carbohydrate group lost almost eight pounds more than the low fat group. The difference in weight loss was most likely due to the fact that the low carbohydrate diet provided substantially more protein that prevented the loss of lean tissue. |
| Consumer Link Low-carb trumps low-fat for weight loss and cardiovascular risk |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2014 Sep 2;161(5):309-18. |
| September 8, 2014 A large study of postmenopausal women found that those with the greatest amount of potassium in their diets had a lower risk of all types of stroke and all-cause mortality. Most people in the U.S. do not reach recommended levels of potassium intake. Some key foods that are high in potassium include bananas, papayas, oranges, prunes, raisins, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, lentils, salmon, milk, yogurt, and coffee. |
| Consumer Link Potassium-rich foods could lower stroke risk in older women |
| Research Link Stroke. 2014 Sep 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 7, 2014 A study of 1000 infants and toddlers (age 6 to 30 months), in low- to middle-income neighborhoods in New Delhi, reported that more than of two-thirds of the children were anemic. The researchers attributed this to diets that were deficient in iron, folate, and vitamin B12. |
| Consumer Link Anaemia common in north Indian children: Study |
| Research Link Nutrition. 2014 May;30(5):531-7. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2013.09.015. Epub 2013 Oct 15. |
| September 6, 2014 Vitamin A deficiency causes irreversible damage to the health of millions of children, causing blindness in many. "Golden Rice" provides enough beta-carotene to meet most, if not all, of the vitamin A recommendation for children in rice-eating cultures. New efforts are under way to explore the appropriate use of this genetically modified rice to reduce the burden of vitamin A deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Golden Rice gets push to solve vitamin A deficiency |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Sep;96(3):658-64. |
| September 5, 2014 Iodine During Pregnancy: It is estimated that one-third of pregnant women in the Unites States are marginally iodine deficient. This has the potential to impair cognitive development of their child. Some prenatal dietary supplements do not include iodine and some that do, don't have adequate amounts. The usual recommendation is to get 150 micrograms per day in a supplement along with a diet that includes iodized salt to obtain a total of 220 micrograms during pregnancy and 290 during lactation. |
| Consumer Link Why are iodine supplements recommended? A pediatrician’s view |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2014 Jun;133(6):1163-6. |
| September 4, 2014 Diabetes and Calcium: Many factors are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes. A new study adds elevated serum calcium levels as a risk factor. However, this is unlikely to be related to calcium intake. Since serum calcium levels are regulated tightly by hormonal mechanisms, elevated serum calcium likely represents maladjusted hormonal changes. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Concentration Tied to Diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2014 Aug 19. pii: DC_140898. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 3, 2014 Much of the deterioration in bone and joint health seen with aging appears to be due to a more sedentary lifestyle rather than just aging itself. The concept of "use it or lose it" increases in importance with age. |
| Consumer Link Lifetime of fitness: Fountain of youth for bone, joint health? |
| Research Link J Am Acad Orthop Surg September 2014 vol. 22 no. 9 576-585 |
| September 2, 2014 Research volunteers were fed either one or two pounds of cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables daily for two weeks. The effect of this on systemic inflammation markers was measured. One out of four inflammation markers was reduced, but only in those consuming the two pound dose. Because the cabbage family contains a natural toxin to the thyroid, consuming this amount of cruciferous vegetables on an ongoing basis could damage thyroid function, especially without consuming adequate amounts of iodine (such as iodized salt). |
| Consumer Link Clinical Studies With Food Highlight Limitations of Nutrition Research |
| Research Link J. Nutr. August 27, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 1, 2014 Food products that indicate zero grams of trans fat per serving may still contain some trans fatty acids if the product contains partially hydrogenated oil. If a food has less than a half a gram of trans fat per serving, labeling regulations require that the product indicate zero grams on the label. Generally this is not a concern because a typical adult would need to consume more than five servings a day of these types of food to exceed the American Heart Association's recommendation to consume less than one percent of dietary calories in the form of trans fats. |
| Consumer Link When Zero Doesn't Mean Zero: Trans Fats Linger In Food |
| Research Link Prev Chronic Dis 2014;11:140161. |
| August 31, 2014 A high intake of plant foods and especially tomato products as part of an overall diet with foods from all food groups may help protect against prostate cancer. Common cancer prevention recommendations don't typically focus on prostate cancer. |
| Consumer Link Tomato-rich diet lowers prostate cancer risks |
| Research Link Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 30, 2014 Krill oil supplements often are marketed as being superior to fish oil for providing essential omega-3 fatty acids. A new study comparing these two marine oils found that there is no significant difference between the two oils in their effects on blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The main difference between the oils is that krill oil contains a colorful antioxidant called astaxanthin. |
| Consumer Link Fish-to-Krill isn’t exactly Apples-to-Apples |
| Research Link Lipids Health Dis. 2014 Aug 26;13(1):137. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 29, 2014 Unusual food cravings commonly occur during pregnancy and sometimes non-food substances are craved and consumed. The consumption of these non-food substances is called pica. A study of 158 pregnant adolescents found that almost half of them engaged in pica behavior. The most common pica behavior was craving and consuming large amounts of ice. Those engaged in pica had significantly lower iron status than those not practicing pica. |
| Consumer Link Pica in pregnant teens linked to low iron |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Aug 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 28, 2014 Fortification of enriched flour with the B vitamin folic acid significantly reduced the prevalence of neural tube defects in infants. Another food component known as choline also appears to be important for the prevention of of this birth defect. Recommended choline intake increases during pregnancy and lactation. |
| Consumer Link Choline, B-vitamins and Neural Tube Defects |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. August 13, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 27, 2014 Beta-carotene, found in many colorful fruits and vegetables, has antioxidant functions in the body and can be converted to active vitamin A. An excessive intake of this beneficial substance, however, appears to have negative effects on the functions of vitamin A in the body. |
| Consumer Link Potential 'dark side' to diets high in beta-carotene |
| Research Link J Biol Chem. 2012 May 4;287(19):15886-95. |
| August 26, 2014 A study conducted with rats found that adding fructose to a high fat diet increased fat accumulation in the liver. Although this may provide a small piece of information related to the causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the study did not compare fructose to glucose and rats are known to handle sugars and fats differently than humans. So, be careful when trying to apply the results of this type of study to human health problems. |
| Consumer Link Adding sugar to high-fat Western diet could be worse than high-fat diet alone |
| Research Link Exp Physiol. 2014 Jun 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 25, 2014 Genetically modified (GMO) plant foods are traditionally produced by introducing a foreign gene from another plant or organism into the plant's genetic makeup. Watch for a new approach to genetic modification called genetic editing. This approach does not involve introducing any foreign genes. |
| Consumer Link Coming soon: Genetically edited 'super bananas' and other fruit? |
| Research Link Trends in Biotechnology, August 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 24, 2014 An adequate supply of various nutrients is known to be important for normal fertility in women. A new study found that women deficient in vitamin D are half as likely to conceive using in vitro fertilization (IVF)compared to women without vitamin D deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Women using IVF 'half as likely to conceive if vitamin D deficient' |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 23, 2014 We are just beginning to understand all the factors that influence vitamin D status in people. The body's level of active vitamin D appears to be affected by sun exposure, dietary and supplement intake of vitamin D, individual genetics, and the status of some other nutrients in the body (such as iron). Consequently, the only way to really know how well you are doing with this vitamin is with the appropriate blood test (25-hydroxy vitamin D). |
| Consumer Link How Can Anyone Know if Vitamin D Status is Optimal without Measurement? |
| Research Link South Med J. 2014 Apr;107(4):214-7. |
| August 22, 2014 Magnesium: It has been estimated that over 75 percent of women older than 65 years consume significantly less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium. A recent study of older women found that taking a 300 mg per day magnesium supplement significantly improved responses to a 12-week exercise program in comparison to women in the same program that did not take the supplement. Foods rich in magnesium include most fish, beans, most green vegetables, and nuts. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium supplements help physical performance in elderly women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jul 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 21, 2014 When in doubt, throw it out. Foods contaminated with microorganisms make people extremely sick and can even kill. |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):103-8. |
| August 20, 2014 A study of the food intake of over 500 toddlers (age 12 to 16 months) in Australia found that the intake of iron-rich meats was low in many of the children. Normal brain development is dependent on an adequate supply of iron during these critical months of growth. |
| Consumer Link Children Need to Eat More Meat Study Suggests |
| Research Link Aust N Z J Public Health. 2014 Aug;38(4):326-31. doi: 10.1111/1753-6405.12249. |
| August 19, 2014 A study of the diets of over 7000 children and adolescents found that without nutrient-fortified foods in the diet, a high percentage of the children and adolescents had inadequate intakes of numerous vitamins and minerals. Consumption of fortified foods substantially reduced the the number of participants that did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for many, but not all nutrients |
| Consumer Link Fortified foods make up for some missing nutrients: study |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014 Jul;114(7):1009-1022.e8. |
| August 18, 2014 It has been known for some time that the lower intestinal cells use a small fatty acid produced by bacteria as a major energy source. Known as butyric acid, this fatty acid also has been shown to benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation in the colon. Supplements of butyric acid may benefit those with various types of bowel diseases. |
| Consumer Link Gut bacteria's fatty acid boosts immune system, reducing inflammation |
| Research Link Nature. 2013 Dec 19;504(7480):446-50. |
| August 17, 2014 An international study indicates that anemia continues to persist in about one third of the global population. Iron deficiency is by far the top preventable cause of anemia, followed by parasitic infections and malaria in some parts of the world. |
| Consumer Link New report illustrates persistent global burden of anemia among high-risk populations |
| Research Link Blood. 2014 Jan 30;123(5):615-24. doi: 10.1182/blood-2013-06-508325. Epub 2013 Dec 2. |
| August 16, 2014 The effects of diet and nutrition on health are typically expected to have an impact only after months and years of making a change. However, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had beneficial changes in lung function when they reported recently consuming fish, grapefruit, bananas or cheese. Exactly what this means is not clear, but it indicates the possibility that some foods may influence lung function within a fairly short span of time. |
| Consumer Link Link between healthy diet and better lung function in COPD patients |
| Research Link Am Thoracic Society Int Conf. 2014. |
| August 15, 2014 You need more protein when you are dieting for weight loss. When calorie intake is low, the body uses protein components for energy supply more than usual. it helps to consume about twice the normally recommended protein. This is about 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or 0.7 grams per pound). |
| Consumer Link Flesh out the truth from weight-loss advice |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Nov;66(11):1218-25. |
| August 14, 2014 It can take years of inadequate intake of a nutrient like iron to finally cause health problems. Once the problems start, however, the ramifications can be complicated and serious. Women are at much greater risk than men of developing an iron deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Neglecting your iron intake can lead to serious problems |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Jun;144(6):906-14. |
| August 13, 2014 Even nutrients can be toxic in excess. The Institute of Medicine has established upper limits for the intake of nutrients most likely to cause problems when consumed in excessive amounts for too long. For most nutrients it takes months or years of excessive intake for noticeable problems to manifest. Nutrients of most concern include vitamins A, B-6, and D as well as calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and copper. |
| Consumer Link Dietary supplements help fill gaps, but use caution |
| Research Link How much is too much? |
| August 12, 2014 Research continues to find beneficial aspects to coffee and tea. However, over-consumption of these beverages can cause problems. For example, both coffee and tea components can interfere with a wide variety of drugs. Check with your pharmacist to see if drugs you take can be affected by too much coffee or tea. |
| Consumer Link Consuming coffee and tea comes with downsides, too |
| Research Link Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013 Nov;16(6):688-97. |
| August 11, 2014 Research shows that eating disorders and pre-eating disorders are increasing. It seems that more focus on being healthy and less focus on being thin is needed. |
| Consumer Link Disordered Eating May Affect 10 to 15 Percent of Women |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 2009 Mar;42(2):158-65. |
| August 10, 2014 Another research study questions the common assumption about what constitutes the best BMI for older people. A review of 32 studies that totaled almost 200,000 participants, age 65 and older, found that mortality risk increased both below a BMI of 23 and above a BMI of 33. |
| Consumer Link Yes, you can be too skinny — especially if you’re over 65 |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr;99(4):875-90. |
| August 9, 2014 There is a substantial body of evidence that the fatty acids in fish oils help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. These fatty acids can be found in fatty marine fish like salmon and sardines as well as fish and algae oil supplements. |
| Consumer Link There is No Question: EPA and DHA are Important for Cardiovascular Health |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2013 Oct;71(10):692-707. |
| August 8, 2014 High dose niacin supplementation has been used as a treatment for lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and raising the "good" HDL cholesterol in people with cardiovascular disease. Recent research, however, indicated that niacin supplementation did not reduce heart attack or stroke rates compared with a placebo. Also, niacin had some serious side effects in some people such as liver problems, excess infections, excess bleeding, gout, loss of control of blood sugar for diabetics and the development of diabetes in people who didn't have it when the study began. |
| Consumer Link Niacin too dangerous for routine cholesterol therapy, experts say |
| Research Link N Engl J Med 2014; 371:271-273. |
| August 7, 2014 Many Americans have a low intake of vitamin E. Increasingly common metabolic conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may be aggravated by low vitamin E status. Good food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, and avocados as well as some vegetable oils such as safflower and peanut oils. |
| Consumer Link Is Your Life Being Shortened by a Lack of Vitamin E? |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2014;28(1)Sup:1041.7. |
| August 6, 2014 Frequently, babies at birth have low vitamin K stores in their body. Since exclusive breastfeeding does not provide adequate vitamin K, it is common practice to inject vitamin K at birth. Parents who refuse their child's vitamin K injection should be provided with educational materials about the signs of vitamin K deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Babies are so Precious. Why Gamble with their Health? With their Future? |
| Research Link Adv Neonatal Care. 2013 Dec;13(6):402-7. |
| August 5, 2014 "Eat more fruits and vegetables" is a common message in health promotion circles. But, how much more makes sense? An in-depth meta-analysis of 16 studies, examining the data from over 800,000 participants, found that health benefits were found only for consuming up to a total of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Beyond five servings a day, there was no additional benefit. All types of foods are important for health. |
| Consumer Link Five portions of fruit and veg a day are enough |
| Research Link BMJ. 29 July 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 4, 2014 Zinc and Health: Zinc status is rarely evaluated in people, however, inadequate zinc in the diet can lead to a wide variety of health problems. Low zinc intake may be increasing in modern diets. Common foods that provide the most zinc include lean beef and some enriched breakfast cereals. |
| Consumer Link Eight ways zinc affects the human body |
| Research Link Comp Rev Food Sci Safety. 2014;13(4):358-376. |
| August 3, 2014 B Vitamins & Alzheimer Disease: A population-level study concluded that B vitamin supplementation to lower blood levels of a compound called homocysteine was not associated with a reduced risk of the cognitive decline typical of Alzheimer Disease. However, it should be kept in mind that the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are very similar to those observed in the development of Alzheimer disease. Thorough testing of vitamin B12 status is highly recommended in cases of cognitive decline. |
| Consumer Link Alzheimer's disease not prevented by B vitamins |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jun 25;100(2):657-666. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 2, 2014 Rice, Arsenic, Infants & Children: Due to its low potential for allergenicity, rice cereals often are used as an infant's first food. However, since rice can accumulate high levels of toxic arsenic in some growing environments, recommendations from researchers urge the monitoring of arsenic levels in rice products for infants and children along with the development of limits for arsenic levels. |
| Consumer Link Experts recommend avoiding rice drinks for infants and young children due to concerns over arsenic content |
| Research Link J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Jul 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 1, 2014 Fish Oils and Alzheimer's: Fish oils are rich in a fatty acid (DHA) that is found at very high levels in the brain. New evidence indicates that supplemental intake of fish oils may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. |
| Consumer Link Older adults benefit from fish oil supplements which reduce incidence of cognitive decline, may improve memory function |
| Research Link Alzheimers Dement. 2014 Jun 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 31, 2014 Probiotics and Fatty Liver: Fat accumulation in the liver is associated with a variety of serious health problems. A study using genetically obese rats found that feeding them the types of microorganisms commonly found in yogurt helped to lower the fat level in the liver. It is not known if this also would be the case in humans. |
| Consumer Link Consuming probiotics for a month helps diminish fat accumulation in the liver, according to a new study |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 May 22;9(5):e98401. |
| July 30, 2014 Exercise and Diabetes: Daily exercise is one of the best components of lifestyle change to manage type 2 diabetes. A new review of the research literature indicates that both aerobic exercise and strength training are beneficial. Including both forms of exercise in one's exercise program appears to be the most beneficial approach. |
| Consumer Link Combined aerobic and resistance training may be best for controlling blood sugar in diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2014 Jul 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 29, 2014 Malnutrition in early childhood (up to 5 years of age) increases the risk of developing high blood pressure during the adult years. This appears to be due to abnormal cardiovascular development during these critical years. |
| Consumer Link Childhood malnutrition linked to higher blood pressure in adults |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2014 Jun 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 28, 2014 For those being treated for kidney cancer, low blood cholesterol is associated with worse survival. Currently, it is not known why this is the case. |
| Consumer Link Low cholesterol not a good sign for patients with kidney cancer |
| Research Link BJU Int. 2014 Apr 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 27, 2014 Protein and Exercise: Protein consumption following exercise is known to increase muscle protein synthesis and recovery from exercise. A new study found that a mixture of 25 percent isolated soy protein combined with milk proteins (50 percent casein and 25 percent whey) enhanced muscle protein synthesis following exercise more than whey protein alone. |
| Consumer Link Soy-dairy protein blend increases muscle mass reaffirmed by study |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014 Jun 1;116(11):1353-64. |
| July 26, 2014 Beef and Blood Pressure: A study of 36 people (ages 30 to 65) with normal health tested the effect of four different diets on blood pressure. The diet with the most lean beef (about 5.5 ounces/day) in the daily fare resulted in the lowest blood pressure. Each diet period lasted for five weeks, so it is not know if this effect would still occur over a longer period of time. |
| Consumer Link Eating lean beef daily can help lower blood pressure |
| Research Link J Hum Hypertens. 2014 Jun 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 25, 2014 Iron and Brain Development: Normal iron status is well known to be essential for normal brain development, especially during the earliest years of life. Infants and young children adopted from institutional settings should always have their iron status evaluated to determine if iron supplementation is warranted. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency important to assess in children adopted from institutional settings |
| Research Link Child Dev. 2014 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 24, 2014 Iron and Cardiovascular Disease: Using a blood measure of iron status called transferrin saturation, researchers found that both low and high levels increased the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The Goldilocks Principle repeatedly applies to most (if not all) aspects of nutrition. |
| Consumer Link Researchers find simple blood iron test predicts fatal outcomes in the general population |
| Research Link QJM. 2014 Mar 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 23, 2014 Vitamin D and Weight Loss: A study of vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU per day) in overweight and obese women during weight loss treatment found that supplementation had little effect on weight loss and related factors unless vitamin D status was raised to adequacy (blood levels of 25-OH-vitamin D at least 32 ng/mL or 80 nmol/L). |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D and its effect on weight loss examined in new study |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 May;99(5):1015-25. |
| July 22, 2014 Vitamin C and Cancer Treatment: Studies on taking oral vitamin C supplements during cancer treatment have found no benefit. However, new research indicates that providing vitamin C intravenously can enhance the effects of chemotherapy and reduce the negative side effects of the treatment. More research is needed to confirm this. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C as cancer treatment? High doses boost chemotherapy in study |
| Research Link Sci Transl Med. 2014 Feb 5;6(222):222ra18. |
| July 21, 2014 Vitamin D Supplementation: A large review of multiple studies concluded that vitamin D supplementation, with or without calcium, does not significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, or bone fractures. These results seem to indicate that nutrient adequacy is more important than excess. The Institute of Medicine's Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin D is 4000 IU (100 micrograms). The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals of the Food Standards Agency, United Kingdom recommends that daily intake of vitamin D from supplements not exceed 1000 IU (25 micrograms). |
| Consumer Link Study questions health benefits of vitamin D supplementation |
| Research Link Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2014 Apr;2(4):307-20. |
| July 20, 2014 Vitamin E, Selenium and Prostate: A large double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that daily supplementation with selenium (200 micrograms) and/or vitamin E (400 IU) significantly increased the risk of developing prostate cancer. Men who had the highest vitamin E status at the beginning of the study were more likely to develop prostate cancer if they were taking the selenium supplement (in the form of selenomethionine). |
| Consumer Link Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2014 Jun 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 19, 2014 Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer: A study of almost 1600 people with colorectal cancer found that those with the best vitamin D status had significantly longer survival times than those with lower vitamin D status. Studies are needed on the effect of vitamin D supplementation during colorectal cancer treatment on survival time. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D ups bowel cancer survival odds, study finds |
| Research Link J Clin Oncol. 2014 Jul 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 18, 2014 Milk and Knee Osteoarthritis: Women with knee osteoarthritis who consumed the most milk experienced a reduced progression of their disease. Milk provides several nutrients that could benefit joints, including protein, calcium, riboflavin, etc. |
| Consumer Link 'A glass of milk a day' may delay knee osteoarthritis in women |
| Research Link Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2014 Jun;66(6):802-9. |
| July 17, 2014 Food Allergy Treatment: There may be hope for treatment of certain types of food allergies (IgE-mediated). Although it is not ready for clinical application, gradually exposing those with a food allergy to slowing increasing amounts of the offending food (oral immunotherapy) shows promise for eliminating the allergic reaction. Working out the proper dose for exposure to various types of foods for people of varying ages and severity of reaction to the food is a complex process. |
| Consumer Link Researchers propose new treatment option for food allergy |
| Research Link Pediatr Allergy Immunol Pulmonol. 2014 Jun 1;27(2):42-50. |
| July 16, 2014 Alcoholic fatty lung: Excess alcohol consumption is known to cause fat to accumulate in the liver and slowly damage it. This is commonly called alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers studying rats found that heavy alcohol consumption also led to fat accumulation in the lungs. Since rats are known to differ somewhat from humans in how they metabolically handle fat, it remains to seen if this applies to humans as well. |
| Consumer Link Alcoholic fatty lung: fat damages the lungs of heavy drinkers |
| Research Link Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2014 Jun 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 15, 2014 Omega 3 fatty acids and osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis associated primarily with joint injury and the type of wear that occurs with aging. A study of obese mice that were exposed to arthritis-inducing joint injury found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced arthritis severity compared to a diet higher in saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids. The degree of obesity in the animals was not associated with severity of the arthritis. |
| Consumer Link Omega 3 fatty acids lessen severity of osteoarthritis in mice |
| Research Link Ann Rheum Dis. July 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 14, 2014 Oats and blood glucose: A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trial studies concluded that daily consumption of oats significantly reduced fasting insulin levels and decreased the response to a glucose tolerance test. However, there was no significant effect on fasting glucose levels or the hemoglobin A1c measure commonly used to evaluate overall blood glucose control. |
| Consumer Link Are you Feeling your Oats Today? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2014 Aug;112(3):457-66. |
| July 13, 2014 A review of studies on the relationships between physical activity and mental and physical decline in postmenopausal women found that all the reviewed studies indicated that mental and physical function benefited from physical activity. Exercise interventions (or lifestyle activities) that improved cardiorespiratory exercise capacity showed the most positive impact on physical health. |
| Consumer Link Exercise is the best medicine, study shows |
| Research Link Maturitas. 2014 Jun 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 12, 2014 Excessive intake of antioxidant compounds in foods and supplements may actually increase cancer risk according to cancer researchers. Good health is supported by balance rather than going to extremes. Back to the Goldilocks Principle. Again! |
| Consumer Link How antioxidants can accelerate cancers, and why they don't protect against them |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2014 Jul 10;371(2):177-8. |
| July 11, 2014 When well-controlled type 2 diabetics were fed 50 grams of whey protein 30 minutes before consuming a high glycemic index breakfast, their blood glucose response to the breakfast was reduced by 28 percent compared to when they only consumed water prior to the meal. Well-timed protein consumption appears to be important for managing blood glucose levels in diabetics. |
| Consumer Link In people with diabetes, consuming whey protein before meals could help improve blood glucose control |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2014 Jul 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 10, 2014 Many of the caffeine-containing energy drinks are attractive to children and adolescents. However, the risks of excess caffeine consumption by younger people are unknown. This is especially true when caffeine is combined with other exotic ingredients. |
| Consumer Link Energy Drinks Raise New Questions About Caffeine’s Safety |
| Research Link Curr Opin Pediatr. 2012 Apr;24(2):243-51. |
| July 9, 2014 A study that evaluated changes in physical activity and calorie intake during the 20 years between 1990 and 2010 found that leisure-time physical activity declined greatly in both men and women. However, average calorie intake did not change. |
| Consumer Link Less exercise, not more calories, responsible for expanding waistlines |
| Research Link The Am J Med. 2014 March. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 8, 2014 The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered to be responsible for three out of four stomach ulcers, two thirds of all gastric tumors and practically all duodenal tumors. When it causes these problems, the proper antibiotics can cure them. However, more recent research also indicates that the presence of H. pylori in the body may benefit the immune system - as long as it is kept under control. |
| Consumer Link When Scientists Experiment on Themselves: H. pylori and Ulcers |
| Research Link Med J Aust 2014; 201 (1): 22. |
| July 7, 2014 Although less than one percent of the U.S. population has celiac disease that requires a gluten-free diet, there has been a major trend to use "gluten-free" on labeling of foods and meals in restaurants. On the surface, this would seem to make things easier for people with celiac disease. However, this is not the case when those processing or preparing these foods do not carefully exclude any potential source of gluten, including sources as seemingly minor as most soy sauces. |
| Consumer Link Gluten-free: The truth behind the trend |
| Research Link Gastroenterol Nurs. 2011 Nov-Dec;34(6): |
| July 6, 2014 An extensive review was conducted of medical records that included prescribing the herbal antidepressant drug St. John's Wort. It was found that in almost one out of three cases, patients also were taking drugs that have serious interactions with this herbal supplement. The researchers stress that this type of herbal product should provide precautionary drug interaction information in product packaging for use by both patients and physicians. |
| Consumer Link Common herbal supplement can cause dangerous interactions with prescription drugs |
| Research Link J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 5, 2014 A study that fed men 50 grams of almonds a day for four weeks found that it increased their blood levels of vitamin E and benefited blood vessel function. Almonds are high fat, protein, fiber, and calories, all of which have high satiety value. Because 50 grams of almonds provide about 300 calories, it would be prudent to remove 300 calories of other snack foods from the diet to prevent undesired weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Almonds reduce the risk of heart disease, research shows |
| Research Link Free Radic Res. 2014 May;48(5):599-606. |
| July 4, 2014 To avoid foodborne illness during summer festivities, remember the basics of food safety: thaw frozen foods correctly, cook foods thoroughly, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving, and reheat cooked leftovers thoroughly when reserving them. |
| Consumer Link Food safety advice will help cooks spread joy, not germs |
| Research Link USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service |
| July 3, 2014 When mice genetically predisposed to developing Alzheimer's disease were fed a high polyphenol extract from an unfermented form of cocoa, it prevented the usual degenerative brain changes. It is hoped that further research will identify how this works and what components of the cocoa benefit the brain. |
| Consumer Link Could a cocoa extract prevent Alzheimer's? |
| Research Link J Alzheimers Dis. 2014;41(2):643-50. |
| July 2, 2014 Consumer-based research shows that most food and food ingredient fears often are based on lack of knowledge. Increased knowledge about the history and production of a feared ingredient generally reduces fear of the ingredient. |
| Consumer Link The best way to avoid ingredient-based food fear |
| Research Link Food Qual Pref. 2014;38:40–48. |
| July 1, 2014 With all the vitamin and mineral fortified foods such as a wide variety of breakfast cereals for kids, children can have nutrient intakes from foods alone that exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for several nutrients. Add one of the popular children's multivitamin/mineral supplements and the risk of nutrient toxicity can be quite high. Read labels to see how things add up and compare the totals to the established UL values. |
| Consumer Link American children consuming too many vitamins and minerals |
| Research Link How Much is Too Much? |
| June 30, 2014 A review of seven studies concluded that increasing dietary fruit and vegetable intake does not promote weight loss. These researchers concluded that in addition to increasing fruits and vegetables, messages should also include the need to reduce calories from other foods. The researchers, however, failed to address the potential that increased fruit and vegetable intake may result in lower dietary protein - another important part of the successful weight loss formula. |
| Consumer Link Fruits and Vegetables: Good for Health, Not Necessarily a Weight Loss Method |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jun 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 29, 2014 Drug induced liver injury also can be caused by some common herbal supplements. For example, green tea extract is known to cause liver injury when consumed in excess. To put this into perspective, the average cup of green tea has 50-150 mgs of the active catechin components, whereas some green tea extract pills contain over 700 mg. Taking this dose multiple times a day can be dangerous. |
| Consumer Link Liver dangers from herbal supplements, OTC and RX drugs, new guidelines warn |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jun 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 28, 2014 Want to detox? New research indicates that Mom was right - eat your broccoli. Compounds found in broccoli and related plant foods contain substances that help the body detoxify and eliminate a variety of toxic compounds commonly found in our modern environment. |
| Consumer Link Broccoli plant compound detoxifies air pollutants in the body |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2014 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 27, 2014 A one-year study of older women found that taking 200 mg per day of supplemental calcium (with about 1000 mg/day from diet) resulted in excessively high blood calcium in about one out of ten women and excessive urinary calcium levels in almost one out of three. Since this increases a variety of health risks, especially kidney stones, the researchers suggested that women should have blood and urine calcium levels checked prior to and three months after starting calcium supplementation. The vitamin D the women were also taking did not appear to affect the calcium levels. |
| Consumer Link Some older women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may need to reduce the dose |
| Research Link Menopause. 2014 Jun 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 26, 2014 Do you fall for all the "healthy" buzzwords? A study found that terms on food labels such as antioxidants, organic, gluten-free, and whole grains often are used to give an otherwise standard food or even not so healthy food the "healthy" halo. |
| Consumer Link UH Research Focuses on How Food Marketing Creates a False Sense of Health |
| Research Link Food Studies. 2014;3(1):9-18. |
| June 25, 2014 A study of women with heavy menstrual periods found that more than half of them were severely iron deficient. Iron supplementation improved health-related quality of life after a year of treatment with iron supplementation. However, it took five years to return iron stores to normal. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements improve anemia, quality of life for women with heavy periods |
| Research Link Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2014 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 24, 2014 As we learn more about the mix of microorganisms living in our lower intestine, it grows increasingly evident that investigating the effect of the whole diet is more applicable than studying the effects of individual foods. |
| Consumer Link White bread helps boost some of the gut's 'good' microbes |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 23, 2014 Age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of blindness in older people. There is increasing evidence that a diet with plenty of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids helps to prevent this common retinal problem. These fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are found in fish and algae oils. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 inhibits blood vessel growth in age-related macular degeneration |
| Research Link PNAS. 2014 June 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 22, 2014 In people with celiac disease, components of the gluten protein in wheat triggers a serious autoimmune reaction that damages intestinal cells. However, the effects of gluten are not limited to the intestinal tract. Many people with celiac disease experience other problems such as inflammatory skin reactions and even impaired mental function. |
| Consumer Link Gluten-free diet relieves 'brain fog' in patients with Celiac disease |
| Research Link Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014 May 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 21, 2014 Using an obese and insulin resistant mouse model, researchers found that supplementation with retinoic acid (a compound formed in the body from vitamin A) reduced the accumulation of body fat (especially abdominal fat). Retinoic acid also helped to normalize blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health. Retinoic acid is toxic at even moderately high doses (like the retinol form of vitamin A), so we have much to learn before this research is applied to humans. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A derivative potentially treats type 2 diabetes and prevents its complications |
| Research Link App Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 June. [Conference Abstract] |
| June 20, 2014 A review of research on vitamin D and mortality pooled the data from 32 studies. Their analysis indicated that greater blood levels of vitamin D were associated with a significant decrease in mortality. The greatest benefit was achieved at blood levels that require a daily intake of about 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. The recommended upper limit for vitamin D is 4,000 IU per day. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D, Tanning and All-cause Mortality |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2014 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 19, 2014 Type 2 diabetics experienced significant improvement in blood glucose control when they consumed whole wheat bread made with added Canola oil compared to regular whole wheat bread. The Canola oil bread had over 50 percent of its calories from fat. |
| Consumer Link Canola oil may be an oil of choice for people with type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2014 Jun 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 18, 2014 Kombucha tea, is black tea with added sugar that is then fermented with a yeast and bacterial culture. Although it is promoted for its health benefits, there is little evidence that it is beneficial to people. Unless it is made under well-monitored conditions by knowledgeable preparers, the beverage can be dangerous to consume. |
| Consumer Link Kombucha - Amazing for your health or just an overrated fermented drink? |
| Research Link J Environ Health. 2013 Nov;76(4):8-11. |
| June 17, 2014 Early malnutrition is known to have many lasting and irreversible effects on growth and development. It appears that even the composition of the bacterial "microbiome" in the lower intestine fails to develop normally and may be adversely affected for many years, if not for life. The long-term health ramifications remain to be determined. |
| Consumer Link How Malnutrition Affects the Microbiome |
| Research Link Nature. 2014 Jun 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 16, 2014 Many nutrients are important for bone health. A new study adds vitamin B12 to the list. Detailed mouse research, confirmed by human study data, indicates that low vitamin B12 status in the mother impairs bone development in her offspring. Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal foods. Vegan diets naturally lack the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Biological Process Behind Role of Vitamin B12 In Bone Formation Unraveled |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2014 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 15, 2014 Consuming a gluten-free diet is challenging for those with celiac disease. However, some protection against the damage from unintended gluten consumption may be available in the future. A 6-week study exposed people with celiac disease to daily gluten consumption. Those who consumed a specific gluten-digesting enzyme product together with the gluten-containing meals had no detectable intestinal damage. |
| Consumer Link Potential new treatment may protect celiac patients from gluten-induced injury |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2014 Jun;146(7):1649-58. |
| June 14, 2014 An analysis of data compiled from seven large studies found that the risk of having a stroke was significantly lower in study participants with the highest protein diets. These studies followed people for 10 to 18 years. Both animal and vegetative protein were associated with reduced risk, but animal protein was the most protective. |
| Consumer Link Higher Protein Intake Linked to Reduced Stroke Risk |
| Research Link Neurology. 2014 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 13, 2014 Gerontogens are factors that can accelerate the aging process. They include everything from arsenic and benzene exposure to sunlight, tobacco smoke, and, even psychological stress. More research is needed on these non-genetic factors that impact the aging process. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Urge Study of Environmental Factors That May Speed Aging |
| Research Link Trends Mol Med. 2014 May. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 12, 2014 A study that fed supplements of lycopene (a colorful compound in tomatoes) to cardiovascular disease patients found that lycopene significantly improved the ability of their blood vessels to expand. Blood vessel widening helps to reduce the risk of heart attach or stroke. |
| Consumer Link Tomato pill' improves function of blood vessels in patients with cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 9(6): e99070. |
| June 11, 2014 It seems like exercise is good for just about everything. A new study found that regular exercise is associated with more diversity of the intestinal bacteria population. This is considered to be a good thing. It is not known why this occurs, but the greater food consumption of active people may play a role. |
| Consumer Link Gut bacteria diversity improves with exercise, study shows |
| Research Link Gut. June 2014 [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| June 10, 2014 Adequate vitamin D status has been linked with a variety of aspects of positive health. However, there is a lack of good evidence that vitamin D is related to brain function and health in older people. The bottom line on vitamin D is probably like most everything else - get enough, but not too much and not too little. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Blog: No Link to Brain Vessel Disease |
| Research Link Eur J Neurol. 2014 May 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 9, 2014 Growing evidence shows that a mother's diet affects the nutrient content of her breast milk. This also includes the non-nutrient, but beneficial phytochemicals, lutein and zeaxanthin. In this respect, what the mother eats, so does the baby. |
| Consumer Link Change is Constant: Even Breast Milk Varies with Dietary Intake |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Jun 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 8, 2014 Bromine is now known to be an essential nutrient. It is required for the formation of cross-linking between collagen protein molecules that form structural tissue components throughout the body. We are likely consuming plenty of bromine, however there are some medical conditions that may require supplementation with the element. |
| Consumer Link VU investigators confirm bromine’s critical role in tissue development |
| Research Link Cell. 2014 Jun 5;157(6):1380-1392. |
| June 7, 2014 Step one in nutrition is meeting essential nutrient needs. Most nutritionists agree that the ideal way to accomplish this is by eating the amounts and types of foods that provide all of these nutrients in adequate amounts. Unfortunately, many people do not consume diets that are adequate to meet recommended amounts of several key nutrients. For these people, a nutritional supplement can be very important for long term health. |
| Consumer Link The value of vitamin, mineral supplements: the debate is far from over |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2014 Jun 3;160(11):807 |
| June 6, 2014 Resveratrol, a phytochemical in red grapes and peanuts, has been shown to have some beneficial effects on the body. However, a new study indicates that resveratrol supplements during pregnancy may be harmful to the developing fetus. A study with Japanese macaque monkeys found that monkeys that consumed resveratrol supplemented diets during pregnancy gave birth to infants with abnormal pancreases. |
| Consumer Link Healthy' component of red wine, resveratrol, causes pancreatic abnormalities in fetuses |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2014 Feb 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 5, 2014 Reduced risk of heart attacks has been linked to habitual consumption of moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages (one or two drinks per day). Now, a large research meta-analysis also indicates that similar moderate alcohol consumption is linked with decreased risk of ischemic stroke (blockage of blood flow to a part of the brain). |
| Consumer Link Have a drink or two — but no more — to reduce risk of stroke |
| Research Link Int J Cardiol. 2014 Apr 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 4, 2014 A study using female mice found that even a four to five day period of low zinc in the diet just prior to ovulation can seriously impair embryonic development. Zinc is a nutrient that we need regularly because the body does not store it well. To allow for limitations on zinc absorption from vegetarian diets, the Institute of Medicine recommends that vegetarian diets need to contain 50 percent more zinc than omnivorous diets. |
| Consumer Link Zinc deficiency before conception disrupts fetal development |
| Research Link Biol Reprod. 2014 Apr 25;90(4):83. |
| June 3, 2014 Increased DNA damage is a sign of aging. A recent study found that the amount of damaged DNA in the sperm of older men was lower in those who consumed more of some of the key antioxidant nutrients. These included vitamins C and E, folate and zinc. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Tied to Improved Sperm DNA Quality in Older Men |
| Research Link Fertil Steril. 2012 Nov;98(5):1130-7. |
| June 2, 2014 The free period for the National Hearing Test has been extended to June 15. This test is an accurate, validated hearing test, developed with funding from NIH. This screening is taken over a telephone to help determine the need for a complete hearing evaluation. |
| Consumer Link Test your hearing via phone during free screening period |
| Research Link The National Hearing Test |
| June 1, 2014 Vitamin D deficiency was found in 49 percent of 250 stroke patients compared to 32 percent of a control group. Although you cannot conclude from this that vitamin D deficiency causes strokes, it is one more of many links between vitamin D status and health. |
| Consumer Link Lack of vitamin D raises stroke risk |
| Research Link J Stroke. 2014 Jan;16(1):44-50. |
| May 31, 2014 The fish oil omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA function in the body in ways that are expected to benefit cardiovascular health. Although this may be the case in general, taking fish oil supplements after the age of 50 did not show any significant benefit in a study of over 4000 people. |
| Consumer Link Supplements not associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2014 May 1;174(5):763-71. |
| May 30, 2014 It is known that the iron needs are increased by athletic training. This is especially a concern in female athletes. A systematic review of research on iron supplementation of female athletes found substantial evidence for iron supplementation improving performance. They concluded that both preventing and treating iron deficiency is important for female athletes. |
| Consumer Link Iron Supplementation is Beneficial for Female Athletes |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Jun;144(6):906-14. |
| May 29, 2014 It seems that many people don't know that gluten is just a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people have an allergy-like reaction to this protein that damages their intestinal lining (celiac disease) and may cause other problems as well. Gluten does not seem to cause any health problems in people that do not have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Gluten: Friend or Foe? |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2010 Jan;2(1):16-34. |
| May 28, 2014 Smoking tobacco during pregnancy adversely affects fetal lung development and increases the risk of developing asthma. Vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/day) of pregnant women who were unable or unwilling to stop smoking, helped to decrease the effects of smoking on respiratory health of the infants. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C Supplements as a Strategy to Improve Infant Lung Function |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014 May 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 27, 2014 Studies in mice show that supplementing the diet with the alpha-tochopherol form of vitamin E improves lung function, but the gamma-form worsens lung function. A newly published study of over 4500 people followed for 20 years found a similar relationship in humans. Other studies have found health benefits associated with both the alpha and gamma forms of vitamin E. Therefore Including a variety of vegetable oils in the diet is likely the best option to maintain a balanced intake of the various forms of vitamin E. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E-rich oils linked to lung inflammation |
| Research Link Respir Res. 2014 Mar 15;15:31. |
| May 26, 2014 A woman's diet prior to pregnancy may affect the birth and health of her infant. According to a recent study, women who consumed a diet with more high protein foods and fruits were less likely to have preterm births than women who consumed diets that were high in sugar, fat and refined foods and those who consumed primarily vegetarian type diets. |
| Consumer Link Poor diet before pregnancy linked with preterm birth |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Apr 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 25, 2014 A double-blind, placebo controlled study with 408 asthmatic patients with low vitamin D status, found that supplementation with vitamin D was no better than a placebo in the treatment of asthma. There also were no negative effects from vitamin D supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Asthma: vitamin D supplements 'do not improve symptoms or treatment' |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014 May 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 24, 2014 Many Americans consume low protein meals in their early and mid-day meals and consume most of their protein in their evening meal. New research demonstrates that consuming moderate amounts of protein at each of three meals a day is much better for supporting muscle protein synthesis and maintenance of muscle tissue. This is especially important for maintaining a healthy body composition and bone mass in older people. |
| Consumer Link For maximum muscle health we need a full serving of protein at each meal |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Jun;144(6):876-80. |
| May 23, 2014 A study of over 1000 mothers and their children found that a child was more likely to have asthma at age seven if their mother's intake of some key nutrients, especially choline and folic acid, were low during the first trimester of pregnancy. Eggs are a rich source of choline. Good folic acid sources include green vegetables, beans, peas, and lentils. |
| Consumer Link Maternal Dietary Methyl Donors May Decrease Risk of Childhood Asthma: Presented at ATS |
| Research Link Am Thoracic Soc Conf 2014 (abstract) [Publication Page: A5118] |
| May 22, 2014 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new sweetener called advantame. It is similar to aspartame in chemical structure, but is about 100 times sweeter than aspartame and 20,000–37,000 times sweeter than sucrose. Since extremely small amounts are needed as a sweetener, there is no risk for people with phenylketonuria and no requirement for a label statement for those with PKU. |
| Consumer Link FDA Approves New High-Intensity Sweetener Advantame |
| Research Link WHO Food Additives Series: 68; 2013. |
| May 21, 2014 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in oily fish. It is a major structural and functional component of the brain that plays important essential roles in brain function. A new review of scientific studies found evidence that adequate amounts of DHA in the diet may enhance recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries such as those that can occur in sports. |
| Consumer Link Could Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Sports-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury? |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2014 May 14;5(3):268-277. doi: 10.3945/an.113.005280. Print 2014 May. |
| May 20, 2014 Does coffee give you heartburn? A study with nine volunteers found that dark roast coffee triggers less stomach acid secretion than medium roast. |
| Consumer Link Is Coffee Giving You Heartburn? Try a Darker Roast! |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014 Feb 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2014 Some people joke that they consume only one to two alcoholic drinks a day on average, consuming them all on Saturday. New research on the effects of binge drinking shows that this is not a good idea. They found that consuming four to five drinks within a two hour period compromised the intestine in a way that caused bacterial toxins to enter the body and show up in the blood. |
| Consumer Link Single episode of binge drinking can adversely affect health, according to new study |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 May 14;9(5):e96864. |
| May 18, 2014 A new study with type 2 diabetics found that consuming a diet providing 500 calories below needs was more effective at supporting weight loss and positive metabolic changes when participants consumed two meals a day compared to the same amount of calories consumed in six meals a day. |
| Consumer Link Diabetics: Two large meals better than 6 small meals with same calories for controlling weight, blood sugar |
| Research Link Diabetologia, May 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 17, 2014 Nitrate and nitrite are a food additives that turn out to have beneficial effects in the body. These are used to inhibit microbial growth in foods like hot dogs. As it turns out, spinach contains about 80 times as much nitrate as hot dogs and beets have about 25 times as much. In the body, nitrates and nitrites are used to produce nitric oxide which helps to lower blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Once-maligned nitrates, nitrites touted as beneficial |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2013;33:129-59. |
| May 16, 2014 Some studies indicate that resveratrol (a compound found in red grapes, some berries, chocolate, and peanuts) helps to reduce inflammation in the body. However, a recent Italian study suggests that the amounts of resveratrol consumed in the diet do not reduce measures of inflammation nor enhance longevity. |
| Consumer Link Diets rich in antioxidant resveratrol fail to reduce deaths, heart disease or cancer |
| Research Link JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 15, 2014 Coffee is a complex mixture of natural compounds, only one of which is caffeine. New research indicates that some of these compounds appear to benefit the health of the retina in the eye. Consequently, reasonable consumption of coffee may help to prevent conditions like macular degeneration that commonly occur with aging. |
| Consumer Link Can coffee protect our eyesight? |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 14, 2014 A new study conducted in the United Kingdom found that the diagnosis of celiac disease (autoimmune reaction to gluten) increased fourfold during the past 20 years. However, the diagnosis of a related skin condition (dermatitis herpetiformis) decreased by more than 50 percent. The researchers speculate that this may be due to earlier diagnosis of celiac disease preventing progression to dermatitis symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Coeliac UK announces fourfold increase in the rate of diagnosed cases of coeliac disease in the UK |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterol. 2014 May;109(5):757-68. |
| May 13, 2014 A study of women age 70 and older found that those who typically slept significantly less or more than average were more likely to have impaired mental function. |
| Consumer Link Study: Sleeping less than 5 hours, or more than 9, can lead to cognitive decline |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014 May 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 12, 2014 Ear infections are a common problem in young children. Before prescribing antibiotics, doctors generally recommend watchful waiting to see if the infection will clear on its own. Parents often want to use alternative therapies during this waiting period. However, since infections often clear up on their own, it is easy to give credit to an alternative therapy when it actually had nothing to do with resolution of the problem. |
| Consumer Link Ear infection treatment: Do alternative therapies work? |
| Research Link Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Jun;77(6):926-31. |
| May 11, 2014 New research reports that increased carbon dioxide levels in the air can cause common staple grain foods to have reduced levels of zinc, iron, and protein. Since the supply of these nutrients already is limited in many parts of the world, we need to seek ways to prevent this from causing massive nutrient deficiencies in the future. |
| Consumer Link Rising CO2 poses significant threat to human nutrition |
| Research Link Nature 07 May 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 10, 2014 Supplementation with the amino acid glutamine often is used to benefit intestinal health and immune function in seriously compromised patients. However, a new study found that those with organ failure, especially kidney failure, should not be given supplemental glutamine. |
| Consumer Link Glutamine supplements in ICU may increase risk of patient death |
| Research Link JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2014 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 9, 2014 Nonceliac gluten sensitivity (sensitivity to gluten in wheat and similar grains that does not meet diagnostic criteria of celiac disease), was found in one out of four people who thought they were gluten sensitive. In other words, a gluten-free diet relieved health problems in 25 percent of these people. |
| Consumer Link Many people with gluten sensitivity haven’t had proper tests |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract April 16, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 8, 2014 We hear plenty about concerns for high blood pressure, but excessively low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause serious health problems as well. Symptoms can include dizziness or light-headedness, blurry vision, confusion, weakness, fatigue, and/or nausea. Older people, especially, are more at risk for experiencing hypotension after they have eaten a meal. |
| Consumer Link What Is Hypotension? |
| Research Link J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2014 Mar 12. pii: S1525-8610(14)00073-5. |
| May 7, 2014 A meta-analysis type of review of over 30 years of research concluded that children with autism spectrum disorder have a greater prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms than other children. Currently, it is not known why this is the case, but it may be a clue to help determine the potential causes of the condition. |
| Consumer Link Gastro Woes More Common in Kids With Autism: Review |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2014 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 6, 2014 A study following over 25,000 U.S. adults for about 10 years found that those taking statin drugs for reducing blood cholesterol were heavier in weight and consuming more calories and fat than those not taking statins. This was not the case at the beginning of the study, only toward the end of the study period in 2010. Apparently, it is important for statin users to have dietary guidance along with drug treatment. |
| Consumer Link Statin Users Eating More Bad Food Than a Decade Ago, Study Shows |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 5, 2014 Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are increasing among children and teenagers in the United States. Type 1 diabetes rose 21 percent between 2001 and 2009 and type 2 diabetes increased 30 percent. |
| Consumer Link Rise in Type 1, 2 diabetes among US youths: study |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014;311(17):1778-1786. |
| May 4, 2014 We cannot digest dietary fiber, but some of it can be broken down and used for energy by bacteria in the colon. New research indicates that one of the bacterial byproducts of fiber utilization, called acetate, is absorbed into our body . This is a normal molecule that we also produce in the body, but increased levels of acetate in the blood can enter the brain and affect appetite centers in a way that tends to reduce calorie intake. |
| Consumer Link Discovery of anti-appetite molecule released by fibre could help tackle obesity |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2014 Apr 29;5:3611. |
| May 3, 2014 A review of 20 randomized controlled trials that included almost 30,000 people came to the conclusion that supplementation with vitamin D with or without calcium does not significantly alter the relative risk of falling. Other studies that have shown beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation have generally focused on bone fractures rather than falls. |
| Consumer Link Does the Latest Vitamin D Meta-Analysis Cast Doubt on Vitamin D Recommendations? |
| Research Link Lancet Diab Endo. 24 April 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 2, 2014 The Mediterranean diet has become a "catch phrase" for a diet based on a wide variety of wholesome foods that includes a balance of just about everything. The key foods include grains, beans, dairy foods, fish, poultry, a bit of red meat, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. One of the benefits of eating this way appears to be reduced inflammation in the body. |
| Consumer Link Study further illuminates heart-healthy benefits of Mediterranean diet |
| Research Link Blood. 2014 Mar 31. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 1, 2014 A study that followed over 600,000 women for about nine years found no difference in overall cancer occurrence in those who at primarily organic food compared to those who did not. However, the researchers did find a reduced risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in those mostly or always consuming organic foods. Other studies are needed to determine if this observation was based on chance alone and if it has a logical explanation. |
| Consumer Link Organic food does not reduce women's risk of cancer |
| Research Link Br J Cancer. 2014 Mar 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 30, 2014 There is more good news for coffee drinkers. A very large study found that those who increased their coffee intake during a four-year study period were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not change coffee consumption. Those who decreased their coffee drinking during the study were more likely to develop diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Increasing consumption of coffee associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, study finds |
| Research Link Diabetologia, April 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 29, 2014 New research finds that requirements for the essential nutrient choline can vary among individuals due to genetic differences. Consequently, some people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds may have substantially greater needs for choline than others. It can be difficult to meet the current choline recommendations without including eggs in the diet, and this study indicates that recommendations may need to be increased. |
| Consumer Link Dietary guidelines for choline may be insufficient |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2014 Mar 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 28, 2014 Children diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome are 4 times more likely to have celiac disease than other children. Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by uncomfortable or painful intestinal sensations that typically improve with defecation, and are associated with a change in stool frequency and stool form. |
| Consumer Link Bowel Illnesses Sometimes Coincide in Kids |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 2014 Apr 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 27, 2014 When 12 healthy volunteers consumed a drink containing 27.5 g of green tea extract and had their brain scanned by functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers were able to observe enhanced activity in brain locations involved in working memory. The participants also performed better on a variety of memory tasks. This study used a pharmacological dose of green tea extract that could have serious side-effects in some people, especially if consumed in this amount on an ongoing basis. In other words, "Don't try this at home!" |
| Consumer Link Green tea may boost our working memory |
| Research Link Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2014 Mar 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 26, 2014 An analysis of 25 studies on health risks associated with sodium intake (data on 274,683 people in total) found that both low and high intake of sodium were associated with health problems. None of the 25 studies indicated that a low-sodium intake had beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. This study indicated that a safe range for daily adult sodium intake is 2,645 to 4,945 mg. There is growing evidence that we need to re-assess public health recommendations regarding sodium and salt intake. |
| Consumer Link CDC sodium intake guidelines 'excessively and unrealistically low' |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2014 Apr 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 25, 2014 To achieve or maintain a healthy body weight can be challenging if it requires a low calorie intake. Consuming adequate protein in combination with resistance exercise (strength training) seems to be the best way to conserve lean muscle tissue and lose body fat. |
| Consumer Link Whey protein consumption may lead to significant decreases in body weight and body fat and significant increases in lean body mass |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2014 Apr;33(2):163-75. |
| April 24, 2014 The essential trace mineral chromium functions in the body to enhance insulin function and support normal glucose uptake into insulin-sensitive cells in tissues like muscle and adipose. Like most nutrients, consuming more than adequate amounts of chromium does not appear to boost its function nor benefit the body's handling of glucose. |
| Consumer Link Are chromium supplements helpful in lowering blood sugar levels? |
| Research Link Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014 Jan;157(1):1-8. |
| April 23, 2014 It is challenging to collect accurate records of people's food intake for research purposes. To deal with this limitation, scientists are finding that the blood levels of various substances can be used as indicators of the usual consumption of some specific types of foods and nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Advancing nutritional epidemiology to a whole new level? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 22, 2014 After bariatric surgery, major dietary and lifestyle adjustments are necessary to maintain weight loss and health. Serious nutrient deficiencies can occur due to limited food intake and malabsorption of nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Bariatric surgery can lead to deficiencies in nutrition |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2013;33:183-203. |
| April 21, 2014 The foundation of good nutrition is consuming the right variety and proportions of foods to meet essential nutrient needs. However, during the past 35 years, much of the public health focus switched to more of a focus on "good" and "bad" foods. Unfortunately, many of the foods deemed to be "bad" foods (eggs, butter, red meats and dairy foods) also are key sources of essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Focus on good and bad foods has unintended consequences |
| Research Link McGovern Report - FatHeadMovie Exerpt |
| April 20, 2014 It is well established that, immediately after an infant is born, clamping of the umbilical cord should be delayed for about two minutes to maximize blood transfer from the mother to the baby. A new study found that the baby does not need to be held at the level of the vagina (and placenta) as previously recommended. Equivalent blood transfer occurs when the baby is held on the mother's abdomen or chest. |
| Consumer Link The Lancet: Changing Where a Baby Is Held Immediately After Birth Could Lead to Improved Uptake of Procedure That Reduces Infant Iron Deficiency |
| Research Link The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 17 April 2014 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60197-5 |
| April 19, 2014 Banning chocolate milk in school meals to cut back on sugar has been debated for decades. A recent study of 11 schools that stopped offering chocolate milk found that (after one year) there was an overall 10% decrease in milk sales and a 29% increase in milk waste. This change would also decrease the calcium and protein consumed. |
| Consumer Link Surprising consequences of banning chocolate milk |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Apr 16;9(4):e91022. |
| April 18, 2014 Iron continues to be the most commonly deficient nutrient in the U.S. Even without anemia, iron deficiency can have many serious effects on the health of young and old alike. |
| Consumer Link Neglecting your iron intake can lead to serious problems |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2011 Mar;2(2):112-21. |
| April 17, 2014 Analysis and characterization of the bacterial composition of fecal matter from of a modern hunter-gatherer community (the Hadza of Tanzania), found that these people had a much greater variety of bacterial species in their lower intestines than urban-living Italians. Researchers consider gut bacterial diversity to be healthful and think that we may have a lot to learn about how the environmental and dietary factors in the Hadza lifestyle may affect various types of disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Lifestyle determines gut microbes: Study with modern hunter-gatherers tells tale of bacteria co-evolution |
| Research Link Nature Communications. 2014;5:3654. |
| April 16, 2014 Quinoa is a grain-like food that has become increasingly popular in the U.S. during the past five years or so. It is a good source of some nutrients. However, quinoa also is high in oxalate and should be avoided by people that are predisposed to forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link 5 Things to Know About Quinoa |
| Research Link J Alim Nutr. 2009;20(4):669-675 |
| April 15, 2014 Cutting fat in the diet is not the simple answer to weight loss according to an extensive review of the research on weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. This likely is due to the fact that when fat calories are cut, more calories will be derived from carbohydrate. A high carbohydrate diet boosts insulin levels and helps to support fat storage. Both fats and carbohydrates in the diet are a good thing when consumed in the right proportions to meet your calorie needs. |
| Consumer Link Low-fat does not guarantee diet success, review shows |
| Research Link Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment, 2013. |
| April 14, 2014 Loss of muscle mass is common in older people. Animal research on a compound in green tomatoes (tomatidine) indicates that this substance is very effective at preventing muscle loss and boosting recovery of muscle mass. Although promising, it remains to be determined if tomatidine will have the same effect in people. So, don't expect your fried green tomatoes to bulk you up until we know more. |
| Consumer Link Green tomatoes may hold the answer to bigger, stronger muscles |
| Research Link J Biol Chem. 2014 Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 13, 2014 A systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 studies concluded that iron supplementation significantly improves maximal and submaximal exercise performance of physically active women of reproductive age. Most of the studies reviewed were conducted with non-anemic women who had low iron stores (low serum ferritin). |
| Consumer Link Taking iron improves women's exercise performance, study shows |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 12, 2014 Recent indications that childhood obesity is on the decline in the U.S. were tempered by a new study that analyzed data from 1999 through 2012. They found no significant changes in obesity prevalence in the most recently available years. However, their data showed an upward trend in the prevalence of more severe forms of childhood obesity. |
| Consumer Link Actually, kids are getting heavier in the US: study |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 2014 Apr 7. |
| April 11, 2014 Including beans and other legumes in the daily diet can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels according to a new review of 26 randomized, controlled trials. Like all good things, however, when over consumed, legumes can significantly reduce absorption of trace minerals like iron and zinc due to their high phytate content - therefore remember moderation! |
| Consumer Link Daily serving of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly reduce bad cholesterol |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2014 Apr 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 10, 2014 Olestra, also known by the brand name Olean, is a nonabsorbable fat substitute used in some reduced calorie foods. Since olestra can bind fat soluble substances and carry them out of the body, recent research indicates that consuming olestra can significantly reduce fat soluble toxins in the body such as PCBs. However, olestra also can bind fat-soluble vitamins and prevent their absorption too. |
| Consumer Link Chips with olestra cause body toxins to dip, study finds |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. 2014;25(4):483-488. |
| April 9, 2014 Based on a study of students at a large U.S. midwestern university, one out of two students who consume energy drinks daily also are taking prescription stimulant drugs such as Adderall (illegally without a prescription). |
| Consumer Link A new risk for energy drink users. |
| Research Link Substance Abuse. 2014;35:96–103. |
| April 8, 2014 Mix equal parts fact and fiction and you have the simple recipe for profitable sales in the dietary supplement business. It can be challenging to sort out fact from fiction, so seek guidance from knowledgeable health professionals when you are looking for reliable sources of dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Telling safe supplements from snake oils |
| Research Link N Engl J Med 2014; 370:1277-1280. |
| April 7, 2014 Soon, you will be able to check your blood cholesterol (and other things) using a device that works with your smart phone. |
| Consumer Link New tech lets cholesterol-tracking smartphone users take lifesaving selfies |
| Research Link Lab Chip. 2014 Feb 21;14(4):759-63. |
| April 6, 2014 Vitamin D levels were found to be lower in children with type 1 diabetes than in other children. Researchers encourage vitamin D supplementation as early as possible when a child is showing indications of type 1 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Type 1 diabetes: Vitamin D deficiency occurs in early stage |
| Research Link Diabetologia. 2014 Feb 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 5, 2014 The first several months of a baby's life can be a period of great joy for a mother. However, this postpartum period also carries a high risk of postpartum depression for new mothers. This condition may be preventable in many cases because it is potentially caused by postpartum iron deficiency that occurs in almost 50 percent of the women in some racial/ethnic groups. |
| Consumer Link Low iron after pregnancy a problem for many women |
| Research Link Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Jul;193(1):36-44. |
| April 4, 2014 The increased prevalence of autism may be linked to compromised vitamin D status according to new research. The researchers found that the synthesis of a key neurotransmitter (serotonin) is affected by vitamin D. They also emphasize that an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and iron likely contributes to the prevention and the potential treatment of autism spectrum disorders. |
| Consumer Link Research by CHORI Scientists Indicates Causal Link between Vitamin D, Serotonin Synthesis and Autism |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2014 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 3, 2014 A U.S. Food and Drug Administration expert panel unanimously recommended approval of a new at-home stool test that screens for colorectal cancer. The test, called Cologuard, has more than a 90 percent accuracy rate for correctly identifying the presence of colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women 50 years of age and older. |
| Consumer Link FDA Panel Recommends At-Home Colon Cancer Test |
| Research Link FDA Executive Summary: March 27, 2014 (PDF - 559KB) |
| April 2, 2014 The 2013 guidelines of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association expand the indications for statin therapy to an extent that almost 50 percent of all U.S. adults qualify for treatment. It also is estimated that about 80 percent of these statin qualified adults are people without cardiovascular disease. Where do preventive nutrition and lifestyle approaches fit into this equation? |
| Consumer Link Questioning Medical Recommendations on Drugs vs Multivitamin Supplements |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2014 Mar 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 1, 2014 Don't tell villains that dwell on the dark side, but researchers have proposed that the reason that good generally triumphs over evil is because the villains are likely deficient in vitamin D! Honest, this is not just an April Fool's joke, there is a real journal reference for this daily tip. |
| Consumer Link Hobbit villains hobbled by 'vitamin D deficiency' |
| Research Link Med J Aust 2013; 199 (11): 805-806. |
| March 31, 2014 Requiring fruits and vegetables to be placed on each child's tray in school food service can result in about 70% of these items ending up in the trash. Helping children learn about and taste fruits and vegetables so that they will choose them represents a more effective and less wasteful approach to promoting diets that meet nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link School Lunch Programs, Nutrition Adequacy, and Sustainability |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2013 Dec;16(12):2281-8. |
| March 30, 2014 A new study found that marinating meat in beer before cooking on a charcoal grill reduced the formation of potential carcinogens during cooking. Previous studies have found similar benefits from marination with wine or tea. |
| Consumer Link Beer marinade could reduce levels of potentially harmful substances in grilled meats |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Mar 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 29, 2014 A study evaluating the effects of a soda tax on body weight found that the tax had little or no impact. Apparently, when people consume less sugar-sweetened soda, they make up for the calories with other foods. However, it would be interesting to see if the new sources of calories improve nutrient intake. |
| Consumer Link Soda tax does little to decrease obesity, study shows |
| Research Link Health Econ. 2014 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 28, 2014 Blood folate (folic acid) levels in women can be decreased significantly by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight according to a new study conducted in Australia. Since good folic acid nutrition is critical during pregnancy, further understanding of this effect is important. |
| Consumer Link UV exposure found to lower folate levels in young women |
| Research Link J Photochem Photobiol B. 2014 Feb 5;131:90-5. |
| March 27, 2014 Many people feel that essential nutrients are only available from fresh produce. However, a recent study from Michigan State University analyzed nutrient data from more than 40 scientific studies and concluded that frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are cost-effective and provide quality nutrition for meeting nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link The benefits on nutrition, cost and safety of canned foods |
| Research Link Am J Lifestyle Med. Feb 27, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 26, 2014 Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and coffee were the main contributors to dietary antioxidants found to reduce the risk of developing cataracts in a large Swedish study of older women. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants, Vitamins, Carotenoids and Eye Health |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Mar 1;132(3):247-52. |
| March 25, 2014 Many proponents of raw milk have claimed that it reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance when compared to pasteurized milk. A researcher tested this in 16 lactose intolerant individuals and found no difference in symptoms and breath hydrogen levels (a measure of lactose maldigestion) between raw and pasteurized milk. Another urban myth goes down. The only well established difference is that pasteurized milk is safer to consume. |
| Consumer Link Claim that raw milk reduces lactose intolerance doesn't pass smell test, study finds |
| Research Link Ann Fam Med. 2014 Mar-Apr;12(2):134-41. |
| March 24, 2014 It has been proposed that vitamin E helps to prevent prostate cancer. Supplementation trials, however, have provided inconsistent evidence for this. A new study indicates that genetic variations can affect vitamin E handling in the body and vitamin E levels in the blood. Consequently, future studies should measure both vitamin E consumption and blood levels of the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Prostate Cancer and Vitamin E – The Forgotten “Nutrient of Concern” |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Mar 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 23, 2014 People with depressive symptoms often have low vitamin D status. However, vitamin D supplementation does not consistently help to treat depression. It is possible that vitamin D status is low in some people due to low iron status (when measured by blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D). The liver's capacity to produce 25-hydroxyvitamin D is dependent on iron-containing enzymes. It is known that iron deficiency can cause depression. So, it is possible that low iron status could simultaneously cause depression and low vitamin D status. We need a balance of all the essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Study finds no evidence that vitamin D supplements reduce depression |
| Research Link Psychosom Med. 2014 Mar 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 22, 2014 As people get older, calorie needs generally decline, but protein needs do not decline and may even increase. A new study out of Japan followed over 1000 people (mostly in their late 60s) for seven years and found that men who consumed more animal protein were more likely to maintain higher-level functional capacities that included social and intellectual aspects as well as measures related to common activities of daily living. |
| Consumer Link Diets high in animal protein may help prevent functional decline in elderly individuals |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014 Mar;62(3):426-34. |
| March 21, 2014 Using over 30,000 women from the prospective Swedish Mammography Cohort study, it was found that supplementing the diet with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper reduced the 5-year risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 25% and risk reduction increased to 34% by 10 years. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants, Vitamins, Carotenoids and Eye Health |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Mar 1;132(3):247-52. |
| March 20, 2014 A recent analysis of medical record data of almost 2000 autistic children found a higher rate of seizures among children with autism when they were fed infant formula containing soy protein rather than milk protein. This association was more likely in autistic girls, however, most of the children in the study were boys. |
| Consumer Link Potential association between soy formula, seizures in children with autism |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Mar 12;9(3):e80488. |
| March 19, 2014 Daily supplementation of postmenopausal women for two years with 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D3 benefited blood lipid levels by increasing HDL cholesterol, lowering LDL cholesterol, and reducing triglycerides. The researchers concluded that these health benefits were primarily due to improved vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Calcium and vitamin D improve cholesterol in postmenopausal women |
| Research Link Menopause. 2014 Mar 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 18, 2014 A 24-week study of glucosamine supplementation of people with mild to moderate pain in one or both knees found that there was no difference between the supplement and a placebo pill. |
| Consumer Link Glucosamine fails to prevent deterioration of knee cartilage, decrease pain |
| Research Link Arthritis & Rheumatology.March 11, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 17, 2014 Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in dark grapes, red wine, and peanuts in amounts that are generally less than one or two milligrams per typical serving. A recent study of obese men found that 30 days of taking a daily supplement containing 150 milligrams of resveratrol reduced fat cell size. Stay tuned to see what other studies may find. |
| Consumer Link Aaahhh, the Joys (and Science) of Resveratrol and Red Wine |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2013 Aug 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 16, 2014 Research published over 50 years ago launched an era of recommendations to cut back on fat, especially saturated fat. As a consequence of cutting fat, carbohydrate intake increased along with polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils. Reanalysis of this older research along with newer research results indicates that getting back to a more balanced, lower carbohydrate diet is likely better for overall reduction in chronic disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Low saturated fat diets don't curb heart disease risk or help you live longer |
| Research Link Open Heart 2014;1: doi:10.1136/openhrt-2013-000032 |
| March 15, 2014 Feeling anxious or depressed lately? Research indicates that exercise can be an effective antidote for these mental/emotional problems. Make your muscles happy and the brain will follow. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006 Jan;38(1):173-8. |
| March 14, 2014 Derived from fish and some algae oils, the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major component of the brain and other neural tissues in the body. In a controlled trial with children who had sleeping problems, a DHA supplement improved the children's sleep significantly. Larger studies are needed to confirm this effect of DHA. |
| Consumer Link Higher levels of omega-3 in diet are associated with better sleep, study shows |
| Research Link J Sleep Res. 8 MAR 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 13, 2014 A meta-analysis of five studies concluded that the death rate from breast cancer was much lower in women who had good vitamin D status at the time of diagnosis when compared to those with low vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D increases breast cancer patient survival, study shows |
| Research Link Anticancer Res. 2014 Mar;34(3):1163-6. |
| March 12, 2014 It has been suggested that unrealistic images of beautiful people in popular media may trigger eating disorders in susceptible individuals. Now, a study found that heavy use of Facebook may have a similar effect. Presumably, this is because people generally share what makes them look their best. |
| Consumer Link Is Facebook obsession tied to eating disorders? |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 24 JAN 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 11, 2014 Children who were iron deficient upon adoption from institutions were found to be more likely to have a low IQ when IQ was assessed at the age of about three years, one year after their adoption. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency important to assess in children adopted from institutional settings |
| Research Link Child Dev. 2014 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 10, 2014 A recent scientific workshop evaluated the associations between red and processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer. The workshop emphasized that research results about disease links with individual foods can be misleading when not considered within the context of a balanced diet that meets nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Eating red, processed meat: What scientists say |
| Research Link Meat Science. 2014 24 February. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 9, 2014 A new meta-analysis of the effects of dietary fructose intake on fatty liver problems in humans indicates that fructose only is a problem when calorie intake is excessive. Excess calorie intake from other carbohydrate sources appears to cause the same problems as excess fructose. |
| Consumer Link Fructose not responsible for increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Feb 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 8, 2014 Middle-aged, overweight men, who consumed 70 grams (2.5 ounces) of dark chocolate per day for four weeks, had changes in blood vessel function that decreased their risk of cardiovascular disease. This may lead to the development of a drug that can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, we will just need to eat dark chocolate. |
| Consumer Link Why dark chocolate is good for your heart |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2014 Mar;28(3):1464-73. doi: 10.1096/fj.13-239384. Epub 2013 Dec 3. |
| March 7, 2014 When garlic bulbs are left around too long, they begin to sprout with green shoots. Most of us toss them out at that point. However, a new study stresses that these sprouting garlic bulbs are higher in antioxidant components. The study did not provide a comparison of sprouted garlic's culinary attributes compared to regular garlic. Feeling adventurous? |
| Consumer Link Don’t throw out old, sprouting garlic — it has heart-healthy antioxidants |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Feb 26;62(8):1875-80. |
| March 6, 2014 Including fish in the diet has often been shown to have health benefits. A new study reports that increasing fish in the diet resulted in increased levels of the more protective larger HDL particles in the blood. |
| Consumer Link Increased intake of fish can boost good cholesterol levels |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2014 Feb 28;9(2):e90352. |
| March 5, 2014 Two of the colorful compounds in fruits and vegetables are called lutein and zeaxanthin. Although these are not considered to be essential nutrients, it does appear that these compounds are very important for health of the retina in the aging eye. |
| Consumer Link On a Slow Monday, is the Solution More Lutein and Zeaxanthin? |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2014;6(3):974-984. |
| March 4, 2014 Wheat is a major staple in 97.4% of countries around the world along with rice (in 90.8%) and soy (in 74.3%). This reduction of food crop diversity has heightened interdependence among countries in relation to availability and access to these food sources. Decreased diversity in key staple foods increases the risk of future famine. |
| Consumer Link Global food supply grows increasingly homogeneous, study says |
| Research Link PNAS. Jan 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 3, 2014 Nutrition research attempts to determine the optimal levels of nutrient intake. However, translating nutrient information into guidelines on what foods to eat can be complicated. This is especially true with a nutrient like sodium. To concurrently meet the low recommendations for sodium and high recommendations for potassium is very rarely achieved by adults in the U.S. |
| Consumer Link Government Sodium Guidelines: Are They Possible To Follow? |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2013 Mar;33(3):188-94. |
| March 2, 2014 Choline is essential for normal function of all cells, including brain cells. The intake of choline by older children, men, women, and pregnant women is far below recommended adequate intake levels. Two of the richest sources of choline are eggs and meat. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23. |
| March 1, 2014 A large supplementation study on selenium and vitamin E concluded that selenium supplementation did not reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men with low selenium levels and it increased risk in those with high selenium levels. The study also found that vitamin E should not be taken in levels above recommended daily intakes. |
| Consumer Link Selenium, Vitamin E Show No Benefits, Only Risks, for Prostate Cancer |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2014 Feb 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 28, 2014 Muscle loss is common in older people. This condition, called sarcopenia, is not inevitable according to an Australian study of 100 women aged 60-90 years. Strength training helped build muscle, however, those who also consumed about five ounces of lean red meat six days a week had an 18 percent greater increase in muscle strength and gained an additional pound of muscle mass over a four-month period of study. |
| Consumer Link Red meat and exercise could be the key to keeping body and mind in peak condition as we age |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jan 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 27, 2014 Avoidance of milk products is associated with reduced bone density. Research indicates that most lactose intolerant people can consume up to 8 fluid ounces of milk without symptoms, especially when consumed with a meal. Don't like milk? Most cheeses contain little or no lactose and also are good sources of calcium. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Evidence Reports/Technology Assessments, No. 192 |
| February 26, 2014 The fear of getting too much iron in their diet seems to be causing many seniors to get too little iron. The health consequences of both extremes are serious. When making diet changes for health, remember iron is an essential nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Seniors still need adequate iron for good health |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2000 Oct 1;62(7):1565-72. |
| February 25, 2014 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial provided a multivitamin supplement or placebo to 14,641 US male physicians 50 years of age or older. They were followed for an average of 11.2 years. In those taking the multivitamin, there was a modest and significant reduction in the risk of developing a cataract. The multivitamin consisted of Centrum Silver plus additional vitamins E and C. |
| Consumer Link Daily multivitamin use could reduce cataract risk for men |
| Research Link Ophthalmology. 2014 Feb;121(2):525-34. |
| February 24, 2014 Exercise is known to produce oxidative stress, especially in active muscle tissues. The research on using anti-oxidant supplements to decrease this stress has produced mixed results. It seems likely that athletes with adequate anti-oxidant nutrient status will not benefit from supplementation, but those with poor status may benefit. |
| Consumer Link The Use of Antioxidant Vitamins For Exercise Performance |
| Research Link J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014 Feb 19;11(1):4. |
| February 23, 2014 A new study confirms older research that showed iron deficiency increases platelet aggregation, making the blood more "sticky." This is likely to increase the risk of having a stroke. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency may increase stroke risk through sticky blood |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 9(2): e88812. |
| February 22, 2014 Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid is important to overall health. However, taking high dose folic acid supplements can interfere with the timely diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency that is common in older people and strict vegetarians. |
| Consumer Link Taking folate supplements not for all |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2004 Jun;62(6 Pt 2):S3-12. |
| February 21, 2014 During pregnancy, both vitamin A deficiency and excessive intake can be very damaging to the developing fetus. New results from a study using a mouse model found that vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy caused the offspring to have lung developmental problems that commonly trigger asthma. |
| Consumer Link Potential link between prenatal vitamin A deficiency and postnatal asthma |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2014 Feb 3;124(2):801-11. |
| February 20, 2014 A study of 42 people suffering from hives, a type of skin rash with red, itchy bumps, found that symptoms were significantly reduced by taking a vitamin D3 supplement of 4000 IU per day for 12 weeks. Those taking 600 IU per day had no improvement. Interestingly, there was no association between vitamin D blood levels and symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D provides relief for those with chronic hives, study shows |
| Research Link Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014 Feb 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2014 A recent study found that Americans who consumed the most dietary fiber obtained a substantial amount of their fiber from whole grains. The study's conclusion was that whole grain foods should be promoted to help Americans meet recommended fiber intake. For example, a cup of cooked oatmeal provides 4 grams of fiber. However, don't forget other high fiber foods. A cup of chili beans has about 15 grams of fiber. |
| Consumer Link Getting More of the Good Stuff: Dietary Fiber |
| Research Link Nutrition Research - 17 January 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 18, 2014 Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a warning about Uncle Ben's infused rice products because some people were having negative reactions to them. Apparently, excessive amounts of the B vitamin, niacin were mistakenly added to the rice during the enrichment process. High dose niacin is known to cause symptoms similar to what was being experienced by those consuming the rice products. |
| Consumer Link FDA warns against eating Uncle Ben’s infused rice products served at schools, restaurants |
| Research Link Int J Clin Pract. 2013 Dec;67(12):1238-46. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12213. Epub 2013 Sep 15. |
| February 17, 2014 Some nutrition experts are extending their concerns about sugar-sweetened beverages to fruit juices that typically have about the same amount of sugar as sodas. Sorry Jamba Juice. But to top this off, the U.S. MyPlate system currently considers 1 cup of fruit or fruit juice and ½ cup of dried fruit to be equivalent. However, be careful. One cup of grapes has about 23 grams of sugar, a cup of grape juice has 36 grams of sugar, and a half cup of raisins has 45 grams of sugar. Any questions? |
| Consumer Link Fruit juice 'as bad' as sugary drinks, say researchers |
| Research Link The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 10 February 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 16, 2014 A study of over 1000 Mexican-American children found that those who were overweight or obese had significantly lower blood levels of vitamin E and alpha and beta carotene. The study could not determine why these fat soluble nutrients were lower in children with more body fat, but the study does open some important questions that need further exploration. |
| Consumer Link Serum Carotenoid & Vitamin E Concentrations: The ‘Canary in the Mine’ for Longterm Health? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2014 Feb 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 15, 2014 If you woke up "feeling a little flushed" and all you indulged in last night was Valentine's Day chocolates, you may have over-consumed the compound theobromine. Although not a nutrient, theobromine can dilate blood vessels and stimulate the heart causing a "flushed" sensation. |
| Consumer Link The benefits of chocolate |
| Research Link Curr Hypertens Rep. 2006 Jun;8(3):205-11. |
| February 14, 2014 A 2-gram supplement of the amino acid tyrosine was found to enhance reactions that help you to stop - like stopping a car. The popular articles about this study suggest eating spinach or eggs to get this effect. However, according to USDA food data, to get the amount of tyrosine used in the study, you would need to consume about 5 cups of cooked spinach or 8 eggs. Don't try this at home . . . or anywhere else. |
| Consumer Link Tyrosine helps you stop faster |
| Research Link Neuropsychologia. 2014 Jan 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 13, 2014 As a stimulant, it seems logical that caffeine might affect heart function. A new study indicates that caffeine may have positive effects on heart function by decreasing the risk of developing a fairly common heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. Potential beneficial effects of habitual caffeine intake on people who already have atrial fibrillation needs further research. |
| Consumer Link More Caffeine May Lower Afib Risk |
| Research Link Can J Cardiology. January 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 12, 2014 Research based on the large EPIC-Norfolk study on more than 25,000 men and women living in Norfolk, UK, found that the risk of developing diabetes was significantly reduced in those who regularly consumed fermented milk products, especially yogurt. |
| Consumer Link Study shows yogurt consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetologia. Feb 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 11, 2014 A study of more than 350 children, age 2 to 11 years, who had broken the bone in their arm just above the elbow (supracondylar humeral fracture) found that the fractures were more likely to be complex and result in serious complications in obese children. It is not known why this risk increases in obesity, but it could be related to the extra weight or to the fact that vitamin D status tends to be lower in obese individuals. |
| Consumer Link Obese children more likely to have complex elbow fractures, further complications |
| Research Link J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2014 Feb 05;96(3):e18 1-10. |
| February 10, 2014 Researchers found a strawberry suited for farming in space that could produce berries for astronauts during long space travel. The plant produces well even with a short light cycle. This cultivar, called Seascape, could probably be good for "apartment gardening" as well. |
| Consumer Link Low-maintenance strawberry may be good crop to grow in space |
| Research Link Adv Space Res. 2010;46(6):735–743. |
| February 9, 2014 Nutrition recommendations often promote reducing dietary fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. However, there is stronger evidence that chronic disease risk is more substantially reduced by eating a varied diet of wholesome foods selected from all of the food groups, especially fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish. |
| Consumer Link Whole diet approach to lower cardiovascular risk has more evidence than low-fat diets |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2013;Dec. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 8, 2014 Nutritionists often stress that the best way to meet nutrient needs is to consume a variety of wholesome foods from all of the food groups. However, when people cannot or will not eat this way, proper nutrient fortification of key foods can prevent a great deal of misery and save lives. For example, folic acid fortification of wheat flour resulted in a reduction of the incidence of neural tube defects in infants by 33% in Brazil and 59% in Mexico. |
| Consumer Link Was Folic Acid Fortification Successful in Latin America? |
| Research Link Pub Health Nutr. 2014;17(03):537-550. |
| February 7, 2014 New studies suggest that vitamin E intake greater than the RDA may benefit cardiovascular health. The current adult RDA is 15 mg/day (22.4 IU/day). An intake of about twice that amount may be optimal. |
| Consumer Link Desirable Vitamin E Requirements Need to be Defined |
| Research Link Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2013 Apr;83(2):129-36. |
| February 6, 2014 Think you know the difference between conventionally and organically grown produce? Most of us have only a vague idea. The actual differences in nutrient amounts and pesticide residues are less significant than you might think. Read the links below this tip to help put it into a clear perspective. |
| Consumer Link Organic vs. conventional produce: Organic doesn’t equal better |
| Research Link CTAHR/UHM Food Safety and Technology. Dec 2013;FST-56. |
| February 5, 2014 Don't try this at home, but there is hope for a treatment of children with peanut allergy. By very gradually increasing consumption of peanut flour (in children 7 to 16 years of age) from a very tiny amount to an amount equivalent to about 5 peanuts over a period of 26 weeks, researchers found that about 90 percent of the children were able to consume small amounts of peanuts without serious adverse effects. |
| Consumer Link Peanut desensitization can ease parents’ fears |
| Research Link The Lancet. 30 January 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 4, 2014 A review of 20 controlled feeding trials that substituted fructose for glucose in the diet found that there was little difference between the sugars in how they affected common cardiovascular disease risk factors. The most important consideration is not about which sugar is best or worst, but about not over-consuming either of them. |
| Consumer Link New study finds no reason to replace fructose with glucose |
| Research Link Curr Opin Lipidol. 2014 Feb;25(1):8-19. |
| February 3, 2014 An evaluation of dietary supplements sold for infants and children found that the levels of some vitamins were significantly greater than recommended levels. In products designed for 1 to 3 year old children, the average amounts of vitamin A and niacin exceed the tolerable upper intake levels set by the Institute of Medicine. |
| Consumer Link Kids' vitamins often surpass daily recommendations |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. January 27, 2014. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 2, 2014 Too much of a good thing can be bad. A new study found that feeding mice supplemental amounts of the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and vitamin E markedly increased tumor progression and reduced survival. This result is similar to the effects seen in smokers taking beta-carotene supplements. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants may speed up lung cancer progression |
| Research Link Sci Transl Med. 2014;6(221):221ra15. |
| February 1, 2014 Bariatric surgery, like gastric banding, produces weight loss by reducing the amount of food that can be consumed. Unless the diet is carefully designed to provide an adequate nutrient supply within the reduced calorie intake, nutrient deficiencies will develop over time and seriously harm health. |
| Consumer Link Gastric banding patients should closely monitor nutrition following surgery |
| Research Link J Investig Med. 2013 Dec;61(8):1165-72. |
| January 31, 2014 Supplementation of adult men with vitamin D2 (3800 IU/day) for 6 weeks caused an increase in blood markers of muscle damage. Based on this study, high dose supplementation with vitamin D may have detrimental effects in athletes. |
| Consumer Link Taking vitamin D2 is a poor choice for athletes, research shows |
| Research Link Nutrients. 2013 Dec 20;6(1):63-75. |
| January 30, 2014 The seeds of the quinoa plant have become a popular nutty-tasting grain-like food that is gluten-free and well tolerated by people with celiac disease. Quinoa, however, is high in oxalates and can contributes to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones in people that have a tendency toward developing kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Quinoa well tolerated in patients with celiac disease |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jan 21. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2013.431. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 29, 2014 Especially when diabetes is not well controlled, it can cause damage to the retina of the eye, resulting in serious vision loss. People with diabetes should have regularly scheduled eye exams because early treatment is important for preventing vision loss. |
| Consumer Link Many people with diabetes still lose vision, despite availability of vision-sparing treatment |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Dec 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 28, 2014 A sedentary life and high calorie diet can lead to excess accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition often called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD). This leads to inflammation, oxidative stress, and eventually liver damage. A new study conducted with a mouse model indicates that the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid called DHA (high in fish oils) helps to prevent this liver damage. |
| Consumer Link Surprising research results for one type of omega-3 fatty acid: DHA |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(12): e83756. |
| January 27, 2014 When someone develops a strong craving to chew on ice, it very often indicates that they are deficient in iron. It is not known why iron deficiency triggers this craving in some people, but the craving to chew ice goes away when the person's iron status is improved. |
| Consumer Link Addictive ice cravings signal mineral deficiency |
| Research Link Transfusion. 2013 Aug;53(8):1637-44. |
| January 26, 2014 The phytochemical lycopene makes tomatoes red and it also functions as an antioxidant. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the nutritional value of tomatoes by increasing the lycopene content. |
| Consumer Link Cooking Tomatoes Boosts Disease-Fighting Power |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2002 May 8;50(10):3010-4 |
| January 25, 2014 Large scale studies have found that blood pressure, on average, tends to be highest during the winter and also is higher in people who live farther from the equator. A new study indicates that sun exposure to the skin increases the production of nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Sunshine May Benefit Blood Pressure |
| Research Link J Invest Derm. 2014, 20 January. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 24, 2014 Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in about 18 percent of women during pregnancy. Due to the potentially serious harm to the long-term health of both mother and baby, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all pregnant women have blood glucose levels evaluated at 24 weeks of pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Gestational diabetes should be tested for, and if detected, treated early |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2013 Jul 16;159(2):115-22. |
| January 23, 2014 Healthy eating is important, but taking healthy eating to an unhealthy extreme can damage a person's health. This over-obsession with health and fear of foods is a condition called orthorexia nervosa. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| January 22, 2014 Many people have claimed that diets designed for specific blood types improved their health. In a study of almost 1500 people, researchers at the University of Toronto found that three of the four "blood type diets" provided some specific health benefits. However, a person's blood type had nothing to do with these health benefits. This well-designed study debunks the blood type diet with some reasonable science. |
| Consumer Link Theory Behind Popular Blood-Type Diet Debunked |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 9(1): e84749. |
| January 21, 2014 The omega-3 fatty acids in fish often are called long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to differentiate them from the similar, but shorter omega-3 fatty acids found in some plant oils. A study conducted in Finland over a period of almost 20 years found that men with the highest blood levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids had a reduced risk of developing diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Fish Derived Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2014 Jan;37(1):189-96. |
| January 20, 2014 A recent study observed that "overweight and obese adults drink more diet beverages than healthy-weight adults." This, of course, does not mean that diet beverages cause obesity. |
| Consumer Link Does opening an umbrella make it rain? More illogical nonsense about diet soda. |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2014 Jan 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 19, 2014 A new study using mice indicates that dietary fiber and the B-vitamin niacin both benefit colon health through a similar mechanism that reduces colon cancer. Future studies in humans will evaluate the effects of niacin supplementation on colon cancer. |
| Consumer Link Findings Bolster Fiber's Role in Colon Health |
| Research Link Immunity. 2014 Jan 7. pii: S1074-7613(13)00564-5. |
| January 18, 2014 It can be difficult to put potential risks into perspective when the science is not so simple. The compound bisphenol A (BPA) can leach into foods and beverages from certain types of hard plastic. Some animal studies indicate we should be concerned. However, when the designs of the animal studies are put into proper perspective, the risk seems to be rather insignificant for humans. |
| Consumer Link Oh no, not again: BPA and cancer…in miceare |
| Research Link Endocrinology. 2014 Jan 1:en20131955. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 17, 2014 A new study on 93,000 postmenopausal woman found that greater sedentary time was linked to earlier mortality. |
| Consumer Link Don’t Just Sit There! Prolonged Sitting Linked to Early Mortality in Women |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med 2014;46(2):122–135 |
| January 16, 2014 Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem in older people and those who do not consume animal foods. Probably the best current test for B12 status is measurement of blood levels of methylmalonic acid. Its levels increase as B12 status declines. A new rapid analysis technique will help to make assessment of B12 status simpler and much quicker. |
| Consumer Link Improved Vitamin B12 Test May Help Young and Old Alike |
| Research Link J Chromatography B. 2011;879(19):1502-1506. |
| January 15, 2014 Green tea and green tea extracts are known to conflict with a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs. A recent study found that daily consumption of green tea significantly reduced the absorption of a common beta-blocker drug used for treatment of high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Green tea disease-fighting compounds may weaken blood pressure drugs |
| Research Link Clin Pharm & Therap. 2014 13 January. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 14, 2014 When people studied images of objects, then consumed 200 mg of caffeine, they were better, 24 hours later, at recalling what they had seen than when they consumed a placebo. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine may boost long-term memory |
| Research Link Nature Neuroscience. 2014 Jan 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 13, 2014 Our genes may make us more or less susceptible to certain chronic diseases. However, it appears that many factors related to diet and lifestyle can increase or decrease the likelihood that high risk genes will be active or inactive. A relatively new field of study called nutritional epigenetics explores how diet and lifestyle factors affect the activity of risky genes. |
| Consumer Link Epigenetics: New Link Between Nutrition, Cancer |
| Research Link Nutr Cancer. 2013;65(6):781-92. |
| January 12, 2014 Adequate fiber in the diet appears to benefit the immune function of the lungs. New research links the production of short chain fatty acids from dietary fiber by gut bacteria with healthy function of the lung immune system. This, in turn, may help to reduce the risk of asthma developing. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Fibers Protect Against Asthma, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Nat Med. 2014 Jan 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 11, 2014 Caffeine in coffee is known to trigger increased urine production following consumption. However, studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption as part of the overall diet hydrates the body as well as other beverages in people who habitually consume coffee. |
| Consumer Link Hydrate with…coffee? Maybe. New study says it’s not a diuretic. |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 9(1): e84154. |
| January 10, 2014 It has been shown that improving vitamin D status in older people can improve strength and balance. Similar benefits may be present very early in life. A new study found that good vitamin D status in mothers during pregnancy was associated with greater strength in their children when the children were tested at four years of age. |
| Consumer Link Muscle strength in children linked to vitamin D levels in pregnancy |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jan;99(1):330-7. |
| January 9, 2014 About half of us have H. pylori bacteria living in our stomach. Yet, the bacteria causes stomach irritation and ulcers in only about ten percent of its carriers. New research indicates that other types of bacteria that live in the stomach may prevent H. pylori from causing damage. |
| Consumer Link Some Bacteria May Protect Against Disease Caused by Stomach Infection |
| Research Link Infect Immun. 2013 May;81(5):1382-9. |
| January 8, 2014 Research shows that HDL, also known as "good cholesterol" is more beneficial for males that exercise regularly, regardless of weight, than it is for men who were sedentary. The exercise used in this research was strength training. |
| Consumer Link When It Comes to the Good Cholesterol, Fitness Trumps Weight |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2013 Oct 1;115(7):1043-9. |
| January 7, 2014 A new study reports that depression is associated with lower blood levels of zinc. Good food sources of zinc include beef, crab, pork, and fortified breakfast cereals. |
| Consumer Link Depression Tied to Low Zinc Levels in Blood |
| Research Link Biological Psych. 20133;74(12):872-878. |
| January 6, 2014 A new review of studies on the effect of fructose consumption on blood triglyceride levels concludes that substituting fructose for other forms of carbohydrate in the diet does not affect triglyceride levels. Like other sugars and starch, adding fructose in excess of calorie needs does raise post-meal triglyceride blood levels - an apparent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Fructose Does Not Impact Emerging Indicator for Cardiovascular Disease, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Atherosclerosis. 2014;232(1):125 -133. |
| January 5, 2014 A small study of weekend drinking by 18 to 23 year-olds (consuming 6 to 8 drinks on the weekend) found that measures of oxidative damage to DNA were significantly greater in drinkers that non drinkers. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol Leaves Its Mark On Youngsters' DNA |
| Research Link Alcohol. 2013 Nov;47(7):501-4. |
| January 4, 2014 Although currently there are no proven ways to prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease, a recent study found that supplementing the diet of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease with vitamin E (2000 IU/day of alpha tocopherol) helped to slow progression of the disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E Slows Functional Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease |
| Research Link JAMA. 2014 Jan 1;311(1):33-44. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.282834. |
| January 3, 2014 Research shows that there are viruses that infect specific types of bacteria and have no effect on people. Spraying foods with a solution containing a bacteriophage (a bacterial virus) is a relatively new way to kill bacteria like salmonella in a way that is non-toxic for humans. |
| Consumer Link FDA approves SALMONELEX™ against Salmonella as new food processing aid |
| Research Link Bacteriophage. 2013 Apr 1;3(2):e25518. |
| January 2, 2014 If you are confused by reports on the value of vitamin supplements, you can blame flawed research designs according to a new study of past research on vitamin C. The authors point out many problems such as the failure to assess initial vitamin status of participants in supplementation studies. |
| Consumer Link Most Clinical Studies On Vitamins Flawed by Poor Methodology |
| Research Link Nutrients 2013, 5(12), 5161-5192. |
| January 1, 2014 A recent Institute of Medicine report states that excessive sodium intake can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but further indicated that present-day research does not support reducing daily sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams. Overly low sodium intake may worsen conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate sodium in diet also poses risk to health |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine. Sodium Intake in Populations (2013) |
| December 31, 2013 Eating disorders in boys and young men can be very different from those in women. However, male eating disorders do include an obsession with appearance, generally seeking increased muscularity. Frequently this obsession can lead to risky use of drugs and dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorders may look different in boys |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Nov 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 30, 2013 A compound called acrylamide is produced in carbohydrate foods during high temperature cooking procedures like frying and baking. Based primarily on animal studies, excessive intake may be neurotoxic and/or carcinogenic. Although acrylamide toxicity is relatively low and debatable, concerns for its potential toxicity provide one more reason to limit fried foods in your diet. |
| Consumer Link You Can Help Cut Acrylamide in Your Diet |
| Research Link Evaluation of certain contaminants in food: seventy-second report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives |
| December 29, 2013 The European Union has established limits on the amount of coumarin allowed in foods. This natural compound found in some types of cinnamon has been linked to liver damage in people sensitive to the substance. The most common cinnamon (cassia variety) can be high in coumarin. The less common and more expensive Ceylon cinnamon is low in coumarin. |
| Consumer Link Is this the end of the cinnamon roll? |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 May 8;61(18):4470-6. |
| December 28, 2013 In a study of over 8,000 women who did not have peanut or tree nut allergy, higher consumption of these nuts during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of peanut or tree nut allergy in their offspring. This study supports the hypothesis that early allergen exposure increases tolerance and lowers risk of childhood food allergy. |
| Consumer Link Eating nuts during pregnancy 'may curb allergies' |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. Published online December 23, 2013. |
| December 27, 2013 According to a study of over 150,000 pregnant women, inadequate weight gain during pregnancy puts infants at significantly increased risk of dying during infancy, especially infants of mothers who were under-weight at the start of pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate Pregnancy Weight Gain a Risk Factor for Infant Mortality |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2013 Dec 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 26, 2013 A study of 30 teenagers (25 female) who were suffering from headaches, found that cessation of gum chewing caused significant improvement in 26 of the cases and complete resolution in 19. Those who later returned to chewing gum reported a recurrence of headaches. |
| Consumer Link How Chewing Gum Can Cause Headaches |
| Research Link Pediatr Neurol. 2013 Nov 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 25, 2013 Quote from Santa: "Although I am big, I'm fit and healthy. Thanks to my daily exercise and Mrs. Claus's great cooking, I have high HDL levels, low triglycerides, and my blood glucose is perfect. After all, I train year-round for my annual Christmas Eve marathon." |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link BMJ 2009;339:b5261. |
| December 24, 2013 Although cancer is still a major cause of death, new data indicate that we are making progress. Cancer death rates declined steadily during the past two decades, dropping in men by almost three percent a year between 2005 and 2010. |
| Consumer Link Cancer deaths continue slow decline, despite persistent alarms of “cancer epidemic” from scaremongers |
| Research Link Cancer. 16 Dec 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 23, 2013 About 30 years ago, it was proposed that iron contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Solid support for this theory has been mixed at best. A new study conducted at UCLA with a mouse model found no support for the theory. |
| Consumer Link UCLA study challenges long-held hypothesis that iron promotes atherosclerosis |
| Research Link Cell Reports. 2013;5(5):1436-1442. |
| December 22, 2013 New blood pressure guidelines from an expert panel recommend not using blood pressure lowering medications with adults aged 60 or older unless their blood pressure exceeds 150/90. Current guidelines from other groups recommend treatment when blood pressure exceeds 140/90. |
| Consumer Link New Blood Pressure Guidelines Raise the Bar for Taking Medications |
| Research Link JAMA. December 18, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 21, 2013 The artificial sweeteners sucralose (Splenda) and acesulfame potassium (Sunett or Sweet One) were tested in a well-controlled study to evaluate their effects on the body's response to consuming the sugar glucose. When beverages with these artificial sweeteners were consumed 10 minutes before drinking a glucose sweetened beverage, there was no effect on blood glucose or hormonal responses. |
| Consumer Link Gut reaction: Zero-calorie sweeteners produce same response as water. |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 vol. 36 no. 12 e202-e203. |
| December 20, 2013 It has been known for some time that low calcium diets are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. A new study of the effect of calcium on colon cell growth in zebrafish identified mechanisms that may lead to treatments and prevention strategies for colon cancer in humans. |
| Consumer Link Decoding the link between calcium deficiency and colon cancer |
| Research Link Cell Death Differ. 2013 Dec 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 19, 2013 Growing up with a dog in the family appears to be good for the human gut. Apparently, dogs help to keep a wider variety of friendly microorganisms in the household environment. This, in turn benefits the lower intestine and the immune system in ways that can even enhance lung health. |
| Consumer Link Research Shows How Household Dogs Protect Against Asthma and Infection |
| Research Link PNAS. December 16, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 18, 2013 The dietary supplement industry is big business and many people taking dietary supplements may not need them. However, it is difficult to conduct definitive studies with a shotgun approach to see if taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement for years will reduce health problems in people that may already be meeting their nutrient needs with an adequate diet. If someone's diet is deficient in a nutrient, taking an appropriate supplement can prevent or reverse serious health problems. |
| Consumer Link Medical journal: 'Case closed' against vitamin pills |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2013;159(12):850-851-851. |
| December 17, 2013 The European Food Safety Authority completed the most extensive evaluation of aspartame safety to date. They concluded (again) that, ". . . Aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure." |
| Consumer Link EFSA completes full risk assessment on aspartame and concludes it is safe at current levels of exposure |
| Research Link EFSA Journal 2013;11(12):3496 [263 pp.]. |
| December 16, 2013 A study on fatty acid content of organic and conventionally produced milk found that organic milk had a better ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. However, milk is not considered to be a good source of these fatty acids. According to data in this publication, a one-cup serving of organic or conventional whole milk provides less than five percent of the recommended adequate intake for the key omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. |
| Consumer Link Organic whole milk provides best heart-health benefits, study says |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(12): e82429. |
| December 15, 2013 Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or heartburn, is caused by acid-laden stomach contents passing from the stomach up into the lower part of the esophagus. The acid can seriously damage the esophagus when the condition becomes chronic. Common treatments that reduce stomach acid to protect the esophagus impair vitamin B-12 absorption. This makes vitamin B-12 supplementation an essential component of treatment. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;310(22):2435-2442. |
| December 14, 2013 A United Kingdom study found that common commercial baby foods consumed with typical amounts of infant formula by six to twelve month old infants frequently did not meet their needs for calcium, magnesium, copper and selenium. |
| Consumer Link Jars of Baby Food Very Low in Micro-Nutrients, UK Study Suggests |
| Research Link Food Chem. 2012 Dec 15;135(4):2796-801. |
| December 13, 2013 A study of 63 healthy children, ages 4 to 8 year, found that those who consumed and absorbed the most magnesium had better bone mass than those who consumed less. However, there was no significant association between calcium intake and bone mass. Foods such as beans, nuts, some green vegetables, and salmon are good sources of magnesium. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium May Be as Important to Kids' Bone Health as Calcium |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2013 Jun 20. |
| December 12, 2013 Grape seed extract has been shown to have anti-cancer activity, especially for prostate cancer. Grape seed extract is a complex mixture of chemicals, including a variety of polyphenols. New research has identified a specific polyphenol called B2G2 that appears to be the most active cancer-preventive compound in grape seed extract. |
| Consumer Link Active Component of Grape Seed Extract Effective Against Cancer Cells |
| Research Link Nutr Cancer. 2013 Nov 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 11, 2013 A survey of 508 college students found that greater consumption of energy drinks was associated with increased alcohol consumption and negative consequences such as hangovers and getting into trouble. It is not known why this occurs, but it makes sense that caffeine use may increase awake drinking time. |
| Consumer Link Energy Drinks Plus Alcohol Pose a Public Health Threat |
| Research Link J Adolesc Health. 2013 Nov 19. Epub ahead of print] |
| December 10, 2013 People with autism spectrum disorders frequently suffer from intestinal problems as well as mental challenges. Using a mouse model for autism, researchers found that treatment with a specific probiotic microorganism helped to repair the "leaky" intestinal lining and reduced repetitive behaviors and signs of anxiety. How this may or may not apply to humans remains to be studied. |
| Consumer Link Probiotic Therapy Alleviates Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice |
| Research Link Cell. 155, 1–13, December 19, 2013. |
| December 9, 2013 The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major component of brain tissues. A study of patients with mild Alzheimer's disease found that taking a supplement high in DHA for six months raised levels of DHA in the cerebral spinal fluid. This indicated increased DHA levels in the brain. There also were indications that disease progression was slowed. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Dietary Supplements Pass Blood-Brain Barrier |
| Research Link J Int Med. Dec 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 8, 2013 A marker of aging is the shortening of telomeres - the ends of the strands of DNA in our chromosomes. Working with a type of yeast that shares some genetic similarities with humans, researchers found that caffeine exposure caused the telomeres to shorten, while alcohol lengthened them. Since studies have found that most centenarians drink coffee, it is difficult to determine the significance of this study for people. |
| Consumer Link Coffee or Beer? The Choice Could Affect Your Genome |
| Research Link PLoS Genet. 2013 Sep;9(9):e1003721. |
| December 7, 2013 Although low vitamin D levels have been associated with some disease states, new research indicates that boosting vitamin D levels is not likely to prevent these diseases. In some cases, the disease may cause lower vitamin D levels in the body. |
| Consumer Link Study casts doubt on whether extra vitamin D prevents disease |
| Research Link The Lancet Diab & Endo. 6 December 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 6, 2013 A new evaluation of current scientific evidence by the Canadian Paediatric Society indicates that maternal avoidance of milk, egg, peanut or other potential allergens during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of allergy in a baby at high risk for allergy due to family history. The report also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the infant's life and to not delay the introduction of any specific solid food beyond six months of age. Later introduction of foods like peanut, fish or egg does not prevent, and may even increase, the risk of developing food allergy. |
| Consumer Link No need to delay introduction of food allergens to high-risk babies, paediatricians advise |
| Research Link Canadian Paediatric Society Position Statement |
| December 5, 2013 Infants and toddlers learn with all of their senses, including their sense of touch. It is easier for them to learn to differentiate between objects if they are solid and can be handled. The same goes for less solid things like yogurt and jam. The seemingly senseless playing with food is actually a valuable learning experience. |
| Consumer Link Toddlers who mess with their food 'are learning' |
| Research Link Dev Science. 1 DEC 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 4, 2013 Adequate dietary fiber seems to help keep things moving through the intestinal tract. A new study indicates that this may be due, at least in part, to bacteria in the lower intestine that are thriving on the fiber. When the bacteria are short on this energy supply, they trigger the intestine to slow down its rate of transport. |
| Consumer Link Intestinal Bacteria Influence Food Transit Through the Gut |
| Research Link Cell Host Microbe. 2013 Nov 13;14(5):582-90. |
| December 3, 2013 A study conducted in Africa found that HIV positive individuals significantly reduced the risk of immune decline and progression to AIDS when they took a multivitamin supplement with selenium in the early stages of HIV infection. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin, selenium supplements may delay onset of AIDS |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;310(20):2154-2163. |
| December 2, 2013 A study conducted with forty-five young to middle-age adults, found that when they chewed pizza at lunch twice as much as usual, they ate 15 percent less food. It awaits further research to determine if increased chewing will assist in sustainable weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Does Increased Chewing Reduce Food Intake? |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Nov 9. pii: S2212-2672(13)01375-0. |
| December 1, 2013 Forty-eight healthy adults were fed Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal on one occasion and HoneyNut Cheerios on another. Although an equal number of calories was consumed along with milk for each meal, the oatmeal had a significantly greater satiety effect, reducing hunger and the desire to eat more than the Cheerios for up to four hours after the meal. The oatmeal was higher in fiber and protein but lower in sugar than the Cheerios. |
| Consumer Link Oatmeal Beats Ready-To-Eat Breakfast Cereal at Improving Appetite Control |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(4):272-9. |
| November 30, 2013 Gradual loss of lean muscle mass is a common observation In middle-aged and older men. Both adequate dietary protein and strength training (resistance) exercise help to maintain or build muscle mass. A recent study with 35 men around the age of 59 years found that consuming 6 ounces of moderately lean ground beef (providing 36 grams of protein) at a meal substantially increased muscle protein synthesis, especially when it followed a strength training workout. Other high quality protein sources would likely have the same effect. |
| Consumer Link Beef Up: Middle-Aged Men May Need More to Maintain Muscle Mass |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2013 Feb;38(2):120-5. |
| November 29, 2013 Iodine is essential for a baby to develop normally. When dietary iodine is low, it appears to be better to give an iodine supplement to the mother than to the baby if the baby is being breastfed. The iodine is very efficiently transferred to the baby through mother's milk. |
| Consumer Link Breastfeeding Provides Babies With Iodine |
| Research Link The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 22 November 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 28, 2013 A new study found that 45 minutes of daily exercise at a moderate intensity can prevent many of the negative metabolic changes that typically take place during periods of overeating - a well-timed study for the holiday season. |
| Consumer Link The Power of a Daily Bout of Exercise |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2013 Nov 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 27, 2013 Just in case you have been hiding under a rock for the past 20 years, a very large 10-country European study of over 400,000 people found that consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease. This relationship was strongest for people with high alcohol consumption, high body mass index, and for smokers. Of course, we still need foods from other food groups to meet all nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Experts Confirm That Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Reduces Risk of Mortality |
| Research Link Am. J. Epidemiol. (2013) 178 (4): 590-602. |
| November 26, 2013 Vitamin D status is generally determined by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (a form of vitamin D) in the blood. Blacks typically have lower blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than whites. However, a new study found that the amount of unbound 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the form of vitamin D available to cells, was the same in blacks and whites. |
| Consumer Link Current Practice May Over-Diagnose Vitamin D Deficiency |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2013 Nov 21;369(21):1991-2000. |
| November 25, 2013 Endurance athletes, especially females, are at increased risk for developing iron deficiency. A new study does not support the theory that inflammation from exercise increases the hormone hepcidin (which reduces iron absorption). Therefore, the most likely contributors to iron deficiency in endurance athletes are small but significant iron losses in sweat and inadequate dietary bioavailable iron. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Far from Finish Line in Understanding Anemia in Female Athletes |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Oct;23(5):513-21. |
| November 24, 2013 The taste buds of mice with diet-induced obesity respond more weakly to sweet flavors than the taste buds of their normal weight controls. This may help to understand how the sense of taste may change in humans as they develop obesity. |
| Consumer Link Does Obesity Reshape Our Sense of Taste? |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Nov 13;8(11):e79403. |
| November 23, 2013 A study published in the British Medical Journal indicated that eating two or more servings of oily fish a week could reduce the risk of stroke.Fish oil supplements did not have the same beneficial effect. |
| Consumer Link Couple of Weekly Portions of Oily Fish Can Help Ward Off Stroke; But Fish Oil Supplements Don't Have the Same Effect, Study Finds |
| Research Link BMJ. 2012 Oct 30;345:e6698. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e6698. |
| November 22, 2013 A new study found that pregnant women were at significantly greater risk of having a premature birth when they had higher urinary levels of phthalates and their metabolites. Phthalates are a type of chemical commonly found in perfumes, hair spray, nail polish, deodorants, and body lotions. Based on this study, avoiding excessive exposure to these products during pregnancy would be prudent. |
| Consumer Link Everyday chemical exposure linked to preterm births |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. November 18, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 21, 2013 Although replacing saturated animal fats with oils high in linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) can lower serum cholesterol levels, it increases the risk of death from coronary artery disease according to a new study. Lowering blood cholesterol does not always reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Some 'Healthy' Vegetable Oils May Actually Increase Risk of Heart Disease |
| Research Link CMAJ November 11, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 20, 2013 Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for more than one million deaths a year by causing pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infectious diseases. New evidence shows that zinc can inhibit the microbe by blocking the bacteria's uptake of essential manganese. |
| Consumer Link How Zinc Starves Lethal Bacteria to Stop Infection |
| Research Link Nature Chemical Biology. 10 November 2013 [Epub ahead of print]. |
| November 19, 2013 It is common practice in most countries to give vitamin K injections to infants shortly after birth. This promotes normal blood clotting. Some parents have refused to have their infant injected with vitamin K. This puts the infant at risk of internal bleeding. If internal bleeding takes place in the brain, the effects can be irreversible. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K and Infant Bleeding: What Happens When Parents Refuse Preventive Measures? |
| Research Link Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) November 15, 2013. |
| November 18, 2013 When the body is deficient in an essential vitamin or mineral, it can influence gene expression and cause the level of specific proteins to decrease or increase. Scientists are using this concept to evaluate nutrient status by measuring the blood levels of specific proteins. This promises to provide a much quicker and less expensive way to evaluate vitamin and mineral status. |
| Consumer Link New Testing Strategy Detects Population-Wide Vitamin, Mineral Deficiencies |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Oct;143(10):1540-8. |
| November 17, 2013 Certain types of gut bacteria produce chemicals that can affect brain function. Researchers are exploring the use of certain types of probiotic bacteria that may be used in cultured foods such as yogurt to treat conditions like depression. |
| Consumer Link Are Probiotics a Promising Treatment Strategy for Depression? |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Nov 15;74(10):720-6. |
| November 16, 2013 A study in Spain on teenagers found that those who consumed more chocolate (about an ounce and a half per day) had lower levels of body fat. However, this type of study cannot establish a cause and effect relationship. One complication, the teens who were more active consumed more chocolate. Bottom line: the study is not a license to binge on chocolate, but it does suggest that moderate intake of chocolate in physically active teenagers is just fine and may even be a good thing. |
| Consumer Link The Health Benefits of Chocolate |
| Research Link Nutrition. 2013 Oct 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 15, 2013 Researchers have developed what could be called a "happy onion." It has less of the eye-irritating protein that makes you tear-up over your chopped onions. It also contains a compound similar to one in garlic that is thought to enhance cardiovascular health. |
| Consumer Link Tearless' Onions Could Help in Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease, Weight Gain |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Nov 6;61(44):10574-81. |
| November 14, 2013 In case you didn't already figure it out, chicken nuggets provide more calories from fat and carbohydrate than from protein. Although this information has been available in the USDA nutrient database for some time, researchers from a medical center published a "tongue-in-cheek" paper in which they performed surgery and microscopic analysis of chicken nuggets to see what they were made of. |
| Consumer Link Look Inside a Chicken Nugget |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2013 Nov;126(11):1018-9. |
| November 13, 2013 Iron and zinc deficiencies are common in people who subsist primarily on grain-based diets. A new strain of pearl millet, developed in India to contain greater amounts of iron and zinc, was found to be capable of meeting these mineral needs of children that consumed millet as a dietary staple. |
| Consumer Link New Pearl Millet Can Meet Full Iron Needs of Children: Study |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Sep;143(9):1489-93. |
| November 12, 2013 A detailed study on protein deficiency using a rat model found that protein deficiency not only impaired growth, but brain function as well. A chronic protein deficiency impaired learning, memory and cognitive function. The results of the study, conducted by researchers in India, supported observations of the impact of protein deficiency on malnourished children in India. |
| Consumer Link Deficiency of protein linked to learning issues |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Oct 3;8(10):e76556. |
| November 11, 2013 Women often are recommended to take an iron supplement during pregnancy to meet increased iron demands. Some women experience negative gastrointestinal side-effects from daily iron supplementation. A study conducted in a rural VietNam setting found that taking the supplement twice weekly, instead of daily, provided similar benefits to both infant and mother. |
| Consumer Link Twice Weekly Iron Supplementation to Pregnant Women as Effective as a Daily Regime |
| Research Link PLoS Med. 2013 Jun;10(6):e1001470. |
| November 10, 2013 Rapeseed is the source of Canola oil. Generally, the seed components remaining after oil pressing are used in animal feeds. New methods of processing these pressings are producing protein isolates that may soon show up in human foods as well. |
| Consumer Link Soy Protein Can Be Replaced by Rapeseed Protein |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2013 Aug;32(4):519-26. |
| November 9, 2013 Want to get people to eat more? Tell them the food is "healthy." People have a tendency to think that healthful food is lower in calories and they will typically eat more of it. |
| Consumer Link People choose larger portions of ‘healthy' foods |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2013 May 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 8, 2013 Involving children in food preparation not only prepares them for life, it also increases their awareness of foods and how to eat a more varied diet. |
| Consumer Link Kids Who Cook Are Hungrier for Healthy Food Choices |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2013 Jan;16(1):108-12. |
| November 6, 2013 Inadequate sleep has been linked with weight gain. A new study found that specific brain centers are affected by sleep deprivation in ways that increase the desire to consume more high-calorie foods that are capable of triggering weight-gain. |
| Consumer Link Sleep Deprivation Linked to Junk Food Cravings |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2013;4:2259. doi: 10.1038/ncomms3259. |
| November 5, 2013 A study of people eating at fast food restaurants found that adults and adolescents generally underestimate the calorie content of meals. This was especially true when they were consuming large meals and when they were eating at Subway restaurants. |
| Consumer Link Consumers largely underestimating calorie content of fast food |
| Research Link BMJ. 2013 May 23;346:f2907. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f2907. |
| November 4, 2013 During and after high intensity strength exercise, blood testosterone levels generally increase in men. A recent study found that two weeks of supplementation with soy protein isolate reduced this testosterone increase in comparison to the response following supplementation with whey protein isolate. |
| Consumer Link Effects of Soy, Whey Protein Supplementation Post-Exercise |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(1):66-74. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2013.770648. |
| November 3, 2013 In mentally processing words, especially new ones, people mentally "mouth" the words which seems to help remember them. However, if the mouth is busy chewing, people don't remember the words as well, apparently because the mouth is mentally busy with a task that competes with mouthing the words. |
| Consumer Link Popcorn at the Movies: Oral Interference Sabotages Advertising Effects |
| Research Link J Consumer Psych. 29 September 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 2, 2013 It may be a bit of a stretch, but a new study on roundworms may lead to better ways to promote human weight loss. The research indicates that elevating the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin along with a slight increase in the levels of adrenaline (epinephrine) may help to reduce body fat. It is possible that appropriate supplementation with the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine could do this. Future research may explore this. |
| Consumer Link Eat More, Weigh Less: Worm Study Provides Clues to Better Fat-Loss Therapies for Humans |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2013 Oct 8. pii: S1550-4131(13)00376-8. |
| November 1, 2013 Supplementation with three B vitamins (folate, B-6, and B-12) can help to reduce blood levels of a cardiovascular disease risk factor known as homocysteine. A new review of 14 studies found that supplementation with these vitamins reduced the statistical risk of having a stroke by about seven percent. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamin B Supplements Help Stave Off Stroke? |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Oct 8;81(15):1298-307. |
| October 31, 2013 For quite some time, it has been popular to refer to fish as "brain food." There is scientific support for this belief, since the fish oil component called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a major component of brain tissues. A recent study of 493 schoolchildren, aged 7-9 years, found that children with the lowest blood levels of DHA were more likely to have reading, cognition, and behavioral problems. |
| Consumer Link Low Omega-3 Could Explain Why Some Children Struggle With Reading |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Jun 24;8(6):e66697. |
| October 30, 2013 Studies have found that the risk of coronary heart disease decreases with increasing alcohol consumption. However, when alcohol consumption exceeds moderate intake levels, the risk increases for other health problems such as strokes and various types of cancer. |
| Consumer Link Excessive Alcohol Consumption Increases Progression of Atherosclerosis, Risk of Stroke |
| Research Link Acta Neurol Scand. 2013 Mar;127(3):186-91. |
| October 29, 2013 Even in the absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance, new research indicates that chronically higher blood glucose levels can adversely affect memory, possibly due to structural changes in learning-relevant brain areas. Strategies (such as regular physical activity) aimed at lowering glucose levels even within the normal or pre-diabetic ranges may help to protect cognitive function with aging. |
| Consumer Link High blood sugar tied to memory problems: study |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Oct 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 28, 2013 A new study concludes that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of anemia in children. This may be due to low iron status causing both the anemia and the low vitamin D status because activation of vitamin D in the liver is dependent on an adequate supply of iron. |
| Consumer Link Low Vitamin D Levels Raise Anemia Risk in Children |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2013 Oct 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 27, 2013 A component in broccoli and other cabbage family plants called sulforaphane has been found to protect cartilage and help to prevent osteoarthritis in mice. Human studies are needed to see if humans experience similar benefits. In the meantime, remember to eat your veggies. |
| Consumer Link Broccoli Could Be Key in the Fight Against Osteoarthritis |
| Research Link Arthritis Rheum. 2013 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 26, 2013 Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is most common in those with obesity and diabetes. Adequate protein and choline intake can help reduce the fat accumulation in the liver. New research also indicates that caffeine helps to mobilize fat from the liver and benefit the treatment of NAFLD. |
| Consumer Link Coffee and Tea May Contribute to a Healthy Liver |
| Research Link Hepatology. 2013 Aug 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 25, 2013 Although caffeine in coffee and tea may benefit adults in various ways, the same does not appear to apply to children and adolescents. A rat model indicates that caffeine consumption during critical developmental periods can have long lasting adverse effects on sleep and brain development. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Consumption Slows Down Brain Development, Rat Study Shows |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Sep 4;8(9):e72539. |
| October 24, 2013 A study of over 1800 children found that risk of developing type 1 diabetes was reduced when solid foods were introduced to infants between 4 and 5 months of age along with continued breast-feeding. Introducing foods both before 4 months and after 6 months were associated with increased risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that body iron stores typically run low at 4 to 6 months of age in breast-fed infants and solid foods or supplements that provide iron can be important for optimal infant health. |
| Consumer Link Solid Food Timing for Babies Tied to Diabetes Risk |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Sep 1;167(9):808-15. |
| October 23, 2013 According to a new study using DNA barcoding to identify herbal ingredients, when it comes to herbal products available in the U.S. and Canada, you have about a 50/50 chance of getting what is on the product label. About 60 percent of the products tested had labels that were incorrect and some products had none of the labeled herb in the product. |
| Consumer Link Analysis of Herbal Products Shows Contamination Is Common |
| Research Link BMC Medicine, October 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 22, 2013 A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity. |
| Consumer Link Five Regular Meals a Day Reduce Obesity Risk Among Adolescents |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 Sep 10;8(9):e73802. |
| October 21, 2013 A recent study shows that home-schooled children are leaner than those attending traditional schools. These results challenge the concept there is an increased risk for excessive weight gain with increasing time at home. |
| Consumer Link Home Schooled Children Leaner Than Traditionally Schooled Kids |
| Research Link Obesity. 2013 Aug 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 20, 2013 Research conducted over 40 years ago made it clear that the effect of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol is so small that it is almost immeasurable. A new study found that this was the case in adolescents as well. |
| Consumer Link Eating Eggs Is Not Linked to High Cholesterol in Adolescents, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Nutr Hosp. 2013 May-Jun;28(3):868-77. |
| October 19, 2013 In a novel study, researchers found adult twin pairs in which one was lean and the other obese. When Microbial samples from the feces of these twins were transplanted into the intestines of germ-free laboratory mice, the mice that received microbes from the obese twins developed more body fat than those receiving the lean twins' microbes. |
| Consumer Link Human Gut Microbes Alter Mouse Metabolism, Depending On Diet |
| Research Link Science. 2013 Sep 6;341(6150):1241214. |
| October 18, 2013 There is a new wrinkle in the relationship between salt and health. A new study found that lower levels of blood chloride (as in sodium chloride or salt) are associated with increased mortality. Why this might be the case raises some interesting questions that require more research. |
| Consumer Link Yin-Yang Effect of Sodium and Chloride Presents Salt Conundrum |
| Research Link Hypertension. 2013 Aug 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 17, 2013 Since a salad smothered in a rich salad dressing can be a high calorie meal, calorie-conscious people may opt for low fat or fat-free dressings. However, many of the beneficial colorful carotenoids in vegetables are poorly absorbed when they are consumed without a source of fat or oil in the meal. About a tablespoon and a half of canola oil (180 calories) added to a salad was found to be effective at promoting carotenoid absorption. |
| Consumer Link Study: No-Fat, Low-Fat Dressings Don't Get Most Nutrients out of Salads |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Jun;56(6):866-77. |
| October 16, 2013 A study following over 4500 men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer found that men who replaced dietary carbohydrate and animal fat with vegetable fats had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. The men were followed for about 8 years on average. More research is needed to confirm the potential roles of carbohydrate and fat intake and the type of fat. |
| Consumer Link Men With Prostate Cancer Should Eat Healthy Vegetable Fats, Study Suggests |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2013 Jul 22;173(14):1318-26. |
| October 15, 2013 High levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the "good cholesterol," are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. In contrast, high levels of HDL are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and to enhanced cancer aggressiveness. This HDL link with breast cancer is providing insights into understanding breast cancer development and new treatment targets. |
| Consumer Link Does Good Cholesterol Increase Breast Cancer Risk? |
| Research Link Breast Cancer Res. 2013 Sep 24;15(5):R87. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 14, 2013 A variety of polyphenol compounds found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, etc. have been proposed to benefit health and promote longevity. A newly published 12-year study conducted in Italy found that people with the greatest amount of polyphenols in their daily urine were significantly more likely to live longer. This is a more reliable estimate of polyphenol intake than the dietary questionnaires commonly used in other studies. |
| Consumer Link New research suggests that high dietary intake of polyphenols are associated with longevity |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Sep;143(9):1445-50. |
| October 13, 2013 It has long been thought that excess abdominal fat puts one at greater risk of cardiovascular disease than fat in the hips and thighs. New research questions this assumption, finding that gluteal fat in the hips and thighs also affects factors that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Study Deflates Notion That Pear-Shaped Bodies More Healthy Than Apples: Abnormal Proteins from Buttock Fat Linked to Metabolic Syndrome |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Mar;98(3):E514-7. |
| October 12, 2013 Smart phone applications (apps) are available to assist with weight loss. However, according to a new study, most apps are lacking many evidence-based behavioral strategies known to improve motivation, reduce stress, and assist with problem solving. |
| Consumer Link Evaluating Mobile Weight Loss Apps on Use of Evidence-Based Behavioral Strategies |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med 2013;45(5):576–582. |
| October 11, 2013 A recent study found that men who had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during childhood were about twice as likely to become obese as adults when compared to men who did not have ADHD as youth. |
| Consumer Link Link Between Childhood ADHD and Obesity Revealed in First Long-Term Study |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2013 Jun;131(6):e1731-8. |
| October 10, 2013 Famous athletes frequently are featured in ads for foods and beverages that are rich in calories, but poor in nutrients. Keep in mind that these athletes are being paid for their image, not their nutritional expertise. Although these types of food can fit into a healthful diet, they still should be consumed in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Athletes endorse food and drink products. So what? |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 7 Oct 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 9, 2013 Basic research on the effects of zinc deficiency in yeast cells shows that certain proteins fold abnormally which disrupts their normal function. This abnormal protein folding is similar to what is observed in some age-related brain diseases in humans. Understanding this process in yeast cells may lead to research in human cells to see if zinc is involved in brain disease. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Discovery May Shed Light On Parkinson's, Alzheimer's |
| Research Link J Biol Chem. 2013 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 8, 2013 A recent study reported that children who developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were less likely to have been breastfed for their first three to six months of life. It is not known why breastfeeding appears to have a protective effect. |
| Consumer Link Breastfed Children Are Less Likely to Develop ADHD Later in Life, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Breastfeed Med. 2013;8(4):363-7. |
| October 7, 2013 A study on a folic acid dependent enzyme in mice indicated that the effects of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy could be expected to adversely affect the health of more than one future generation. Folic acid sources include beans, leafy green vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals, and enriched white bread. |
| Consumer Link Folic Acid Deficiency Can Affect the Health of Great, Great Grandchildren |
| Research Link Cell. 2013;155(1):81-93. |
| October 7, 2013 Some have proposed food labeling that uses a traffic light system. Foods are identified as red (unhealthy), yellow (less healthy), or green (healthy). Unfortunately, foods are not all that simple. It may be risky to overly simplify the complexity of food composition into a system normally used to convey only go/caution/stop. |
| Consumer Link 'Traffic-Light' Labeling Increases Attention to Nutritional Quality of Food Choices |
| Research Link Prev Med. 2013 Oct;57(4):253-7. |
| October 6, 2013 A study of Peruvian babies found that those borne by iron deficient mothers were able to absorb a greater percentage of the iron from their food than babies of mothers with adequate iron status. However, the babies of iron deficient mothers were shorter and weighed less. |
| Consumer Link How Iron Status Affects Iron Absorption in Infants |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2 Oct 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 5, 2013 A study using transgenic mice that produce large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids found that the animals had a greater exercise endurance capacity and lower body weight than normal rats. It remains to be seen if any aspects of this study will apply to humans. |
| Consumer Link Certain Type of Fat Could Help Humans Lose Weight |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2013;54:2636-2646. |
| October 4, 2013 A colorful diet may help maintain brain function into the later years of life. A study of almost 3000 middle-aged adults found that those with the greatest intake of foods with colorful carotenoids maintained better cognitive function during aging. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Lessons on Carotenoids from Dr Seuss |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 27 Sep 2013. [Epup ahead of print] |
| October 3, 2013 A large review of over 300 randomized controlled trials that involved more than 300,000 participants with cardiovascular disease found that exercise treatments were generally as effective as drug treatments for reducing mortality. For stroke patients, exercise was significantly more effective than drugs. |
| Consumer Link Exercise 'can be as good as pills' |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;347:f5577. |
| October 2, 2013 You may have seen recent headlines stating that girls who ate more peanut butter had less benign breast disease later in life. Although the related study demonstrated an interesting association, the study design cannot be interpreted to mean that eating more peanut butter will reduce breast disease. |
| Consumer Link Peanut butter and breast disease: is there really a connection? |
| Research Link Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2013;141(2):299-306. |
| October 1, 2013 A study of over 4000 women found that seafood was a relatively minor contributor to mercury accumulation in the body. These results suggest that advice to limit eating fish during pregnancy may need to be revisited. |
| Consumer Link Fears over fish mercury 'unfounded' |
| Research Link Environ Health Perspect. 30 Sep 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 30, 2013 The starchy root of the cassava plant (source of tapioca) serves as the major staple food for many people around the world. Researchers recently determined that, in addition to the starch in the tuberous root of the plant, the stems of the plant contain rather high amounts of starch. Techniques to utilize the plant stems for food and bioenergy production are under development. |
| Consumer Link Utilizing wasted cassava stem starch could provide food for an extra 30 million people without using additional arable land, researchers say. |
| Research Link GCB Bioenergy. 9 Sep 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 29, 2013 A large Swedish study found that those with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were not more likely to have the intestinal damage diagnostic of celiac disease. However, those with ASDs were more likely to to have a positive response to blood tests commonly used in celiac diagnosis. The researchers thought that this may indicate a greater likelihood of nonceliac gluten sensitivity in ASD. |
| Consumer Link No link between celiac disease and autism: study |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. 2013 Sep 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 28, 2013 Recent research now shows that at least some cases of obesity and other eating disorders have a neurological basis. This knowledge may help develop effective treatments for eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Identify Brain Circuitry That Triggers Overeating |
| Research Link Science. 2013 Sep 27;341(6153):1517-21. |
| September 27, 2013 A new study confirms that adequate dietary calcium is very important to bone health. Vitamin D also plays an important role, but increasing vitamin D intake above recommended levels had less impact than calcium intake on hormonal factors benefiting bone. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Alone Does Little to Protect Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Sep 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 26, 2013 An 18-day sleep lab study found that sleep deprivation led to increased calorie intake. Other studies have suggested that a chronic shortage of sleep time is linked with weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Sleep less, weigh more. |
| Research Link Sleep. 2013 Jul 1;36(7):981-990. |
| September 25, 2013 Changes in the appearance of the tongue and inside of the mouth can be clues of nutrient deficiencies. An ongoing deficient intake of some B vitamins, vitamin C, or iron can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Oral and facial signs offer clues to vitamin deficiency |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113:693-701. |
| September 24, 2013 There is some evidence that moderate exercise may enhance sleep. However, a new study suggests that is may work the other way. People who got more sleep were more likely to exercise for longer durations on the following day. |
| Consumer Link Sleep or Exercise? |
| Research Link J Clin Sleep Med. 2013 Aug 15;9(8):819-24. |
| September 24, 2013 Changes in the appearance of the tongue and inside of the mouth can be clues of nutrient deficiencies. An ongoing deficient intake of some B vitamins, vitamin C, or iron can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Oral and facial signs offer clues to vitamin deficiency |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113:693-701. |
| September 24, 2013 Changes in the appearance of the tongue and inside of the mouth can be clues of nutrient deficiencies. An ongoing deficient intake of some B vitamins, vitamin C, or iron can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Oral and facial signs offer clues to vitamin deficiency |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113:693-701. |
| September 23, 2013 Women with diabetes prior to pregnancy are much more likely to have a child with a spinal cord deformity. New knowledge from animal studies indicates that the expression of specific genes plays a role in causing this problem. Consequently, prevention may be possible through targeting this mechanism with appropriate drugs or dietary changes. |
| Consumer Link New Approach to Prevent Diabetes-Induced Birth Defects? |
| Research Link Sci Signal. 2013 Aug 27;6(290):ra74. |
| September 22, 2013 Claims have been made that copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps can relieve the symptoms of arthritis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on people with rheumatoid arthritis. It found that these devices provided no benefit. |
| Consumer Link Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps fail to help rheumatoid arthritis, says York research |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(9): e71529. |
| September 21, 2013 A Finnish study of over 2000 men followed for 13 to 20 years found that the risk of depression was lowest in men that had a healthy dietary pattern that met nutrient needs. Coffee consumption also was linked with a reduced risk of depression. |
| Consumer Link Diet Is Associated With Risk of Depression |
| Research Link Doctoral Dissertation: Diet is associated with the risk of depression |
| September 20, 2013 to me Planning a trip to the Space Station? The micro-gravity conditions cause the loss of muscle and bone, making good nutrition and resistance exercise extremely important to minimize these losses. |
| Consumer Link Eating Healthy in Zero Gravity: Nutrition During Space Flight |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2013 Sep 1;4(5):521-3. |
| September 19, 2013 MRI brain scanning indicates that carbonation of a beverage makes it more difficult for the brain to sense the difference between sugar and a mixture of the non-caloric sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame. Carbonation also appears to blunt the sensation of high levels of sugar in a beverage, making it easy to consume potentially excessive amounts of sugar. |
| Consumer Link Carbonation Alters the Mind's Perception of Sweetness |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2013 Sep;145(3):537-539.e3. |
| September 18, 2013 Vitamin D is known to promote immune function by increasing the production of a key protein involved in immune function. In a cell culture experiment, this action of vitamin D was enhanced by compounds found in dark grapes (resveratrol) and blueberries (pterostilbene). It is not known if this effect takes place in a live human, but it is another potential reason to enjoy these fruits. |
| Consumer Link Red Grapes, Blueberries May Enhance Immune Function |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2013 Sep 14. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201300266. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 17, 2013 Data from multiple sources on health and mortality of the U.S. population from 1987 to 2008 indicated that substantial increases occurred in quality-adjusted life expectancy, or how long we are likely to live without serious impairment. Compared to a 25-year old person in 1987, a 25-year old person in 2008 has 2.4 more years of quality-adjusted life expectancy. |
| Consumer Link Americans 'healthier and living longer' |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2013 Sep 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 16, 2013 The long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA (commonly found in fish oils and some types of algae oil) is a major component of the brain. A study with 7 to 9 year old children with reading and behavior problems found that 16 weeks of DHA supplementation improved both reading and behavior. |
| Consumer Link Low Omega-3 Could Explain Why Some Children Struggle With Reading |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e43909. |
| September 15, 2013 Many cancer cells that develop in the body are essentially digested and do not progress to tumors. New understanding of the mechanisms involved in this process may lead to new ways to prevent and treat cancer. |
| Consumer Link Forcing Cancer to Digest Itself |
| Research Link Sci Transl Med. 2013;(5):202ra123. |
| September 14, 2013 Cognitive decline often occurs in people with Type 2 Diabetes. It now appears that this is due to brain shrinkage. It is not known why this occurs, however, the mental decline is similar to that seen in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. |
| Consumer Link Brain Atrophy Linked With Cognitive Decline in Diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 13, 2013 A new breakthrough in aging research found that mice that produced higher levels of the Sirt1 protein in specific regions of the brain functioned better and lived longer. This is the same protein that increases during caloric restriction. Finding other ways to increase this protein in the brain may lead to new ways to extend the human lifespan. |
| Consumer Link Aging Really Is in Your Head: Scientists Answer Hotly DebatedQuestions About How Calorie Restriction Delays Aging Process |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2013;18(3):416-430. |
| September 12, 2013 The amino acid arginine is known to improve blood glucose control. A new study with normal and diabetic mice has shown how arginine promotes insulin secretion. Common foods high in arginine include meat, fish, poultry, and a variety of protein powders. |
| Consumer Link Amino Acid with Promising Anti-Diabetic Effects |
| Research Link Endocrinology. 2013 Aug 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 11, 2013 An innovative study explored the effect of lower intestinal bacteria on obesity by studying human female twins in which one was thin and the other obese. When the bacterial cultures from the twins' lower intestines were transplanted into bacteria-free mice, the mice who received bacteria from obese twins became heavier than those getting bacteria from the lean twins. |
| Consumer Link Can Gut Bugs Make You Fat? Or Skinny? |
| Research Link Science. 2013;341:1241214 |
| September 10, 2013 A project called the Human Urine Metabolome has measured over 2500 chemical components found in human urine. This information is available for researchers and already is leading to urine-based diagnostic tests for conditions such as colon and prostate cancers, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. Increased use of urine for the assessment of nutrition status is another likely outcome of this ongoing project. |
| Consumer Link Human Urine Metabolome: What Scientists Can See in Your Urine |
| Research Link PLoS ONE. 2013;8(9):e73076. |
| September 9, 2013 In response to recent concerns about arsenic in rice, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analyzed the arsenic content of more than 1300 samples of rice and rice products from a wide variety of locations. Products were considered to be within reasonable levels for foods that can be included in an overall healthful diet. However, a food like rice bran cereal, should likely be consumed in moderation because most arsenic is in the outer bran layer of whole grain rice. |
| Consumer Link FDA tests find very low levels of arsenic in rice |
| Research Link U.S. FDA Questions & Answers: Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products |
| September 8, 2013 A condition called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (previously called exercise-induced asthma) is a narrowing of the bronchial airways to the lungs that occurs in 10 to 50 percent of athletes, depending on the sport and environmental conditions. A review of three studies concludes that taking 500 to 2000 mg of vitamin C before exercise significantly reduces broncho-constriction and symptoms in those who suffer from this condition. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C May Be Beneficial Against Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction |
| Research Link BMJ Open. 2013 Jun 20;3(6). |
| September 7, 2013 An analysis of data on the intensity of physical activity in over 4500 adults found that those who engaged in higher-intensity short bouts or higher-intensity long bouts of physical activity regularly were less likely to be overweight or obese. However, the design of the study prevents a cause and effect conclusion. It is possible that people with lower body weight are more likely to engage in higher-intensity exercise. |
| Consumer Link Short Bouts of Brisk Exercise May Help Cut Obesity Risk |
| Research Link Am J Health Promot. 2013 Sep-Oct;28(1):41-9. |
| September 6, 2013 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been found to be associated with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. New research in a rat model for ADHD reports that early supplementation with long chain omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil type) had beneficial effects on behavior and brain neurotransmitter levels in male rats. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Reduces ADHD Symptoms in Rats |
| Research Link Behav Brain Funct. 2012 Dec 10;8:56. |
| September 5, 2013 Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood condition that causes chronic pain. Treatment typically focuses on pain management and lifestyle changes. A new study found that fibromyalgia sufferers who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol have significantly lower fibromyalgia symptoms and better QOL compared those who consume no alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol, Fibromyalgia, and Quality of Life |
| Research Link Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Mar 15;15(2):R42. |
| September 4, 2013 The perception that there is a peanut allergy "epidemic" appears to have been driven by a combination to factors that increased awareness of the seriousness of this allergy. Fortunately, however, deaths from peanut allergy are about as common as deaths from lightning strikes. |
| Consumer Link Researcher Digs Into the Contested Peanut-Allergy Epidemic |
| Research Link Soc Sci Med. 2013 Aug;90:49-55. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.04.031. Epub 2013 May 6. |
| September 3, 2013 From 1875 to 1975, the height of the average adult male in Britain increased by almost 5 inches. Improved nutrition and a reduced prevalence of childhood diseases likely were contributing factors in this change. |
| Consumer Link Men's average height 'up 11cm since 1870s' |
| Research Link Oxford Economic Papers. Sept 1, 2013. |
| September 2, 2013 The enzyme lactase is necessary for the digestion of lactose, the sugar in mother's milk. Research now shows that before animal husbandry, the production of lactase stopped shortly after weaning. Early dairy practices generally made cheeses and fermented yogurts that have little or no lactose. The persistence of lactase production into adulthood in those who commonly consumed milk is an example of a genetic adaptation. |
| Consumer Link Spread of Farming and Origin of Lactase Persistence in Neolithic Age |
| Research Link Nature. 2013;500:20–22. |
| September 1, 2013 Many studies have shown that it is difficult to achieve weight loss without losing a significant amount of lean mass - mostly loss of muscle tissue. A new study indicates that consuming twice the recommended level of protein during calorie restriction helps to maximize fat loss and minimize the loss of lean tissues. Increasing protein intake to three times the RDA did not confer any additional benefit. |
| Consumer Link Doubling the Daily Allowance of Protein Intake With Diet and Exercise Protects Muscle Loss |
| Research Link The FASEB J. 2013;27(9):3837-3847. |
| August 31, 2013 Studies on young to middle age adults have found that greater frequency, intensity and duration of exercise provides greater health benefit. However, recent studies of women over age 60 indicate that even just one workout a week provides similar benefits as two or three times a week. |
| Consumer Link Exercising One Day a Week May Be Enough for Older Women |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Jan 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 30, 2013 In response to an apparent increase in celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published new labeling regulations for the use of "gluten-free" on food labels. This will increase gluten-free labeling by food manufacturers and be a great help for those who must avoid this protein from wheat and related grains. |
| Consumer Link Latest regulations make gluten-free eating easier |
| Research Link U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2013. |
| August 29, 2013 Sodium is one of the few nutrients that we crave when we do not get enough to meet our needs. Based on a summary of studies conducted across 5 decades and in 45 countries, when people are left to their natural drives, they consume an average of about 3,600 milligrams of sodium per day with a common range of intake between 2,600 and 4,800 milligrams per day. |
| Consumer Link Salt intake controlled by brain, not diet |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. August 26, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 28, 2013 Have you ever been surprised that someone else likes the taste of a particular sweetener that tastes bitter or metallic to you? It turns out that minor differences in specific genes can have a major impact on how we sense substances like artificial sweeteners. This is why the big soda companies typically offer a variety of sweetener options in their diet sodas. |
| Consumer Link Multiple genes manage how people taste sweeteners |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2013 Jun;38(5):379-89. |
| August 27, 2013 Although crocodiles are highly carnivorous, it turns out that they do venture into plant foods at times. These reptiles may even play an important role in the dispersal of the seeds of some fruits. |
| Consumer Link Crocodile Confession: Meat-Eating Predators Occasionally Eat Fruit |
| Research Link J Zoology. 16 JUL 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 26, 2013 It is common to think of genetically modified crops as those designed to maximize the profits of big corporations and mega-farms. However, golden rice, modified to contain beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), was developed by the nonprofit International Rice Research Institute. The goal is to prove an affordable source of vitamin A to people who do not have the means to obtain this nutrient from other foods. This rice has the potential to prevent rampant blindness and deaths due to impaired immune function in many parts of the world. |
| Consumer Link Golden Rice: Lifesaver? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun;89(6):1776-83. |
| August 25, 2013 The assumption that obese people are unhealthy and lean people are healthy is not always correct. Due to this assumption, a leaner person may have a delay in diagnosis of a health condition compared to an overweight or obese person. This can make the condition worse by the time it is diagnosed. |
| Consumer Link BMI does not Depict An Accurate Picture About Health |
| Research Link Science 23 August 2013: Vol. 341 no. 6148 pp. 856-858. |
| August 24, 2013 It appears that type 2 diabetes is not just a disorder of the pancreas and insulin function. Intestinal function also plays a role. Interestingly, sweet taste receptors in the intestine detect glucose and trigger a response that accelerates glucose absorption in diabetics more that healthy non-diabetics. |
| Consumer Link Gut Taste Mechanisms Are Abnormal in Diabetes Sufferers |
| Research Link Diabetes. 2013 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 23, 2013 A study of more than 28,000 children and youth between 6 and 24 years of age recently initiating the use of an antipsychotic medication had a 3-fold greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to about 14,000 matched controls not taking these drugs for the same conditions. This risk was elevated within the first year of antipsychotic drug use and increased with longer use. |
| Consumer Link Antipsychotic Drugs May Triple Kids' Diabetes Risk |
| Research Link JAMA Psychiatry. August, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 22, 2013 Most of us are aware of the potential for animal products to harbor disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella. However, it is important to be aware that vegetarian foods such as the cultured soy food tempeh have the potential to support bacterial growth and should be handled and prepared with the same precautions as meat, poultry, and fish. |
| Consumer Link A Salmonella Warning for Vegetarians |
| Research Link Emerging Infectious Diseases (CDC) |
| August 21, 2013 Pancreatic cancer is very aggressive and deadly. New research on pancreatic cancer cells indicates that a flavonoid called apigenin, that is found in foods such as celery, artichokes, and Mexican oregano, is likely to help prevent pancreatic cancer and may enhance treatment of the cancer when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. |
| Consumer Link Celery, Artichokes Contain Flavonoids That Kill Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 Jul 18;60C:83-91. |
| August 20, 2013 Caffeine consumption at doses comparable to two to four cups of coffee a day stimulates the liver to mobilize fat and to increase use of fat for energy needs. Overall, this reduces liver fat levels and is likely to benefit the treatment or prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. |
| Consumer Link Coffee and Tea May Contribute to a Healthy Liver |
| Research Link Hepatology. 2013 Aug 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 19, 2013 When we need to go to a hospital, there is a risk of acquiring a bacterial infection. A new study indicates that this risk is significantly increased when vitamin D status is low. |
| Consumer Link What Are the Consequences of Malnutrition in Hospital Patients? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 18, 2013 Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver disease and liver cancer. It is a silent killer that progresses gradually over decades without symptoms until liver damage is severe. Unlike other types of hepatitis, there is no vaccine. A new CDC study indicates that the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1945 and 1965) is at high risk for hepatitis C and can benefit from hepatitis C testing. |
| Consumer Link Baby Boomers Need Hepatitis C Test, CDC Study Confirms |
| Research Link Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Aug 16, 2013. |
| August 17, 2013 A study of 191 female patients with eating disorders found that those with higher levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to be impulsive and have binge and purge disorders. In these individuals, treating ADHD may be an important component of treating their eating disorder. |
| Consumer Link Adults With Eating Disorders Have a Poorer Prognosis If They Suffer Hyperactivity |
| Research Link BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Jun 11;13:166. |
| August 16, 2013 Research has shown that between the ages of 3 to 5, cognitive function can be affected by the fatty acids in formula during their first year of life. Of the 81 children studied, those fed the docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid performed better on cognitive function tests compared to those without these fatty acids. Because breast milk reflects dietary intake, lactating women may benefit their child's health by consuming an adequate amount of these fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Link between DHA-enriched formula in infancy and positive cognitive outcomes in childhood |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Aug;98(2):403-12. |
| August 15, 2013 Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition involving the immune system. One nutritional factor that is associated with significantly reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis is weekly consumption of higher fat fish that provide the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Eating oily fish could cut your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Research Link Ann Rheum Dis. August 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 14, 2013 The eating habits of children can be greatly influenced by the adults in their lives. In addition to parental influence, new research indicates that when teachers eat with their young students it provides an opportunity to positively affect the food preferences of children. |
| Consumer Link Let's Have Lunch! Teachers Eating With Their Students Provides Nutrition Education Opportunities |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2013 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 13, 2013 Kids won't eat their veggies? Give them a tasty dip and they are likely to eat vegetables that they usually don't like. It probably works with adults too. |
| Consumer Link Dip, Dip, Hooray -- Kids Eat More Veggies With Flavored Dips |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Aug;113(8):1090-5. |
| August 12, 2013 A lack of good sleep has been associated with increased body weight. New brain scanning techniques show that insufficient sleep reduces activity in brain regions involved in higher-order judgement functions and increases the activity of brain centers involved in basic drives linked to food selection. |
| Consumer Link Sleep Deprivation Linked to Junk Food Cravings |
| Research Link Nat Commun. 2013 Aug 6;4:2259. |
| August 11, 2013 The Aristolochia genus includes over 500 species of plants, many of which have a history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Examples of common names for these plants include birthworts, mercury goosefoot, pipevines, pelican flower, rooster flower, smearwort, Virginia snakeroot, and Dutchman pipes. These herbs contain the powerful carcinogen aristolochic acid that is now known to cause urinary tract cancers. Although banned in most countries for use in herbal preparations, some of these herbs still show up in herbal products. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Use Genome Sequencing to Demonstrate Herbal Remedy Causes Upper Urinary Tract Cancers |
| Research Link Sci Transl Med. 2013 Aug 7;5(197):197ra101. |
| August 10, 2013 Nutrition recommendations often encourage reducing foods high in calories, added sugar, or saturated fatty acids. However, according to a new study, many foods that fit into these "bad food" descriptions provide key micronutrients that may be difficult to obtain in adequate amounts from other foods. Enjoy a variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Can Sugar and Saturated Fat be Eliminated without Impacting Essential Nutrient Intakes? |
| Research Link Nutrition Journal 2013, 12:116 doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-116 |
| August 9, 2013 In a study of over 600,000 children aged 6 to 19, the incidence of asthma was significantly greater in overweight and obese kids. The risk was greatest in overweight and obese young girls and in Asian/Pacific Islander youth. The cause is unknown, but other research has linked low iron status with both obesity and asthma. Clearly, further research is needed. |
| Consumer Link Obese Kids More Likely to Have Asthma, With Worse Symptoms |
| Research Link Am. J. Epidemiol. August 6, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 8, 2013 Including soy foods in the diet has been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. New research using a rat model, indicates that the soy isoflavone genistein decreases the expression of three genes in intestinal cells that are know to be associated with abnormal cell growth and cancer development. |
| Consumer Link How soy foods protect against colon cancer |
| Research Link Carcinogenesis. 2013 Aug;34(8):1756-63. |
| August 7, 2013 Breakfast really is important - especially for weight management. In a recent study, overweight and obese women consumed about 1400 calories a day for 12 weeks. One group consumed 700 calories for breakfast, 500 for lunch, and 200 for dinner. The other group ate 200 calories for breakfast, 500 for lunch, and 700 for dinner. Those who consumed the higher calorie breakfast plan lost almost 20 pounds on average, whereas those with the lower calorie breakfast lost an average of about 8 pounds. |
| Consumer Link Bigger Meals Earlier Can Help Weight Loss |
| Research Link Obesity. 2 JUL 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 6, 2013 The Recommended Dietary Allowances, or RDAs, are set to meet the needs of healthy individuals free of medical problems. If you take a medication (even a nonprescription type) to manage a chronic health problem, the RDA value for one or more nutrients may be an underestimate of your needs. |
| Consumer Link Medications can increase need for certain nutrients |
| Research Link J Clin Pharm Ther. 2013 Aug;38(4):269-71. |
| August 5, 2013 In the U.S. many people take strontium citrate supplements for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. Extensive European study of a similar strontium compound found it to be an effective treatment. However, based on recent evidence that strontium slightly increases the risk of heart attack, it is currently recommended that strontium not be used by people with any form of heart or blood vessel disease. |
| Consumer Link Supplements for bone loss have problems of their own |
| Research Link Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency |
| August 4, 2013 A study that followed over 2500 older adults for 11 years found that those who had anemia at the start of the study had about a 40 percent higher risk of developing dementia than those who were not anemic. It remains to be determined why anemia is associated with dementia in this age group. |
| Consumer Link Dementia Causes: Could Anemia Be A Risk Factor? |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Jul 31. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 3, 2013 Milk is commonly consumed with breakfast cereals high in sugar. However, keeping some milk separate from the cereal to consume after the meal was shown to significantly decrease acidity in the plaque on teeth, reducing the key cause of tooth decay. |
| Consumer Link A Glass of Milk After Eating Sugary Cereals May Prevent Cavities |
| Research Link J Am Dental Assn. 2013;144(7):815-822. |
| August 2, 2013 You can find carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances in many foods. However, a healthy body detoxifies the usual amounts of these carcinogens. Cooking food at high temperatures, especially deep frying, produces more of these carcinogens than baking or steaming. |
| Consumer Link Oven-Baked Fish Fingers Have Fewer Furans Than When Fried |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 May;55:222-8. |
| August 1, 2013 A cause of food allergies is thought to be a breakdown in the integrity of the intestinal lining that allows potentially allergenic proteins to enter the body and affect immune function. New research indicates that conditions like eczema that compromise skin integrity may represent another route of entry for allergens. |
| Consumer Link Eczema May Play a Key Role in the Development of Food Allergy in Infants, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Invest Dermatol. 2013 Jul 18. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.298. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 31, 2013 When concerns about bisphenol A (BPA) arose, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) took it seriously and conducted a full evaluation that is now available in draft form. Fortunately, they found that the average exposure to BPA from the diet is less than 1% of the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) value for BPA intake. If BPA is high on your list of health concerns, this report may help you move it to the bottom of your list. |
| Consumer Link Food is main source of BPA for consumers, thermal paper also potentially significant |
| Research Link Draft of EFSA Scientific Opinion on BPA |
| July 30, 2013 Adding a chunk of iron to various foods during preparation was found to significantly increase iron content. To help make this practice more acceptable to a Cambodian population with very high rates of iron deficiency anemia, the iron "chunks" were made in the form of a "lucky fish." |
| Consumer Link This Iron Fish Offers Relief From Anemia |
| Research Link Trop Med Int Health. 2011 Dec;16(12):1518-24. |
| July 29, 2013 A study conducted in the Republic of Seychelles, where fish consumption is very high, found that there was no consistent association between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum disorder in children. This is an important study because the mothers of these children have mercury levels that are six to ten times greater than levels found in the U.S. and Europe. |
| Consumer Link Autism Link to Mercury in Fish Not Supported |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2013 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 28, 2013 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted warning letters to 15 companies that market unapproved supplements, creams and other so-called diabetes treatments. The products contain harmful ingredients or are otherwise unsafe. Some products even contain unlabeled diabetes drugs that require prescriptions. |
| Consumer Link Illegal diabetes products draw 15 FDA warnings |
| Research Link FDA Consumer Warning on Fraudulent Diabetes Products |
| July 27, 2013 Reseveratrol, the key polyphenol antioxidant in dark grapes and red wine, has been observed to have exercise-like effects on metabolism in some animal studies. However, a new study on resveratrol supplementation (250 mg/day) in older men (about 65 years of age) actually prevented many of the usual positive changes that take place in response to an exercise training program. The dose of resveratrol used in the study is more than 100 times the amount present in a typical bottle of red wine. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidant found in red wine may actually undo the effects of exercise |
| Research Link J Physiology. July 22, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 26, 2013 Most of us do not have a good sense of our daily calorie needs. However, providing people with guides on their calorie needs did not reduce the calorie intake of customers in fast food restaurants. |
| Consumer Link Giving McDonald's eaters calorie guides did not curb bad eating habits |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2013 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 25, 2013 Sunscreen use reduces skin aging and the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen use also reduces the production of vitamin D in skin exposed to sunlight, making it more important to have a dietary and/or supplemental source of vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Do Sunscreens Block Vitamin D Production? |
| Research Link Calcif Tissue Int. 2013 Feb;92(2):163-76. |
| July 24, 2013 Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency are obvious only at very low intake of the vitamin. However, chronically low intake of vitamin E may compromise brain function along with other potential problems. Many people do not meet current recommendations for the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Sub-Clinical Vitamin E Deficiency and Brain Health: An Emerging Area of Nutrition Research |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2013 Jul 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 23, 2013 The omega-3 fatty acid called DHA has been associated with reduced inflammation. New animal research is identifying the biochemical mechanisms involved in this action of DHA. This is likely to lead to more safe and effective ways to treat chronic pain. |
| Consumer Link Uncovering a Healthier Remedy for Chronic Pain |
| Research Link Ann Neurol. 2013 May 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 22, 2013 Although research conducted during the past 50 years has repeatedly demonstrated that dietary cholesterol has little or no effect on blood cholesterol levels, yet another study confirms this in adolescents. |
| Consumer Link Eating Eggs Is Not Linked to High Cholesterol in Adolescents, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Nutrición Hospitalaria, 2013; 28:868-877 |
| July 21, 2013 Thirsty? Drink some water. Your brain will appreciate it. Brain function is biochemically complex, requiring a steady supply of oxygen, glucose and a full array of vitamins and minerals. An adequate blood flow to the brain is essential for optimal function and normal hydration supports blood flow. A recent study found that drinking a few cups of water improved brain response time, especially when the person was thirsty. |
| Consumer Link Drinking water boosts your brain's reaction time |
| Research Link Front. Hum. Neurosci., 16 July 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 20, 2013 Research on the effects of exercise on the body is starting to identify some key biochemical changes that take place in response to training. This raises the possibility that there may be ways to provide immobilized people with at least some of the benefits of exercise. It is unlikely, however, that we will ever have a true "exercise pill" that provides all the benefits of physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Exercise in a Pill? The Search Continues |
| Research Link Nature Medicine. 14 July 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 19, 2013 DMAA, also known as 1,3-dimethylamylamine, methylhexanamine or geranium extract, is an ingredient found illegally in some dietary supplements. It often is promoted as a “natural” stimulant. Ingestion of DMAA can elevate blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems ranging from shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to heart attack. FDA action led to a voluntary destruction of over 8 million dollars worth of the Jack3d and OxyElite Pro products that contained DMAA. |
| Consumer Link Supplements Called Risky Are Destroyed |
| Research Link FDA Public Advisory |
| July 18, 2013 Low vitamin D status is more common in obese individuals and those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Ongoing research will likely sort out if the obese condition is contributing to an increased need for vitamin D and to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or if low vitamin D status somehow contributes to the development of these conditions. |
| Consumer Link Obesity and Vitamin D Deficiency: Correlation or Causation? |
| Research Link Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2013 Aug;23(8):792-8. |
| July 17, 2013 Various studies have linked dietary variables to the risk of developing cataract. A new meta-analysis of 13 studies found that higher blood levels of vitamin E, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin were all associated with significantly reduced risk of cataract. |
| Consumer Link A Meta-Analysis About Cataract Risk, Dietary Antioxidants and Vitamins |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jul 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 16, 2013 Obesity is a complex condition that can develop in an individual for a variety of different reasons. A strong genetic predisposition to obesity can be a major contributor in some people. In others, without the strong genetic predisposition, a high calorie food environment combined with little physical activity can play a major role in the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Ability to control weight varies among individuals |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1494S-1501S. |
| July 15, 2013 Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when any three of the following are present: 1) excess body fat, 2) high blood triglycerides, 3) low HDL cholesterol, 4) high blood pressure, and 5) increased fasting blood glucose. Like adults, children who have these risk factors are more likely to develop fatty liver disease and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Previously adult-only ills affect obese Hawaii kids |
| Research Link Hawaii J Med Public Health. 2013 May;72(5):167-71. |
| July 14, 2013 A new study found that men consuming the greatest amounts of the fish oil types of omega-3 fatty acids were more likely to develop prostate cancer. However, due to its design, this study does not prove that omega-3 fatty acids cause prostate cancer. Since adequate intake of these fatty acids is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular and other diseases, the results of this study require further confirmation. |
| Consumer Link Fish Oil Tied to Prostate Risk but Some Experts Are Skeptical |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. July 10, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 13, 2013 Many people are concerned about widespread antibiotic use in animal agriculture due to the potential risk of antibiotic resistant bacteria developing that may be dangerous to humans. Others point out that excessive antibiotic use in humans is much more risky. The antibiotics used in animal feeds do not target bacteria that are commonly pathogenic in humans. |
| Consumer Link Do Antibiotics in Animal Feed Pose a Serious Risk to Human Health? |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;347:f4214. |
| July 12, 2013 Research on infants with a genetically increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes found that there appears to be an optimal safe window during which to introduce solid foods. When solid foods were introduced before the fourth or after the sixth months of life, there was an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes compared to introducing solid foods during the fourth and fifth months of life. More research is needed to see if this "safe window" applies to infants that do not have this type of genetic predisposition. |
| Consumer Link Diabetes Tied to Timing of Baby's First Solid Food |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatrics. July 8, 2013. |
| July 11, 2013 A new study found that when overweight, inactive men performed higher intensity exercise, they ate significantly less during the day of the workout and the day following the workout than they did after lower intensity exercise that burned the same amount of calories. It is not known if this is only a temporary response to one workout or a general effect of high intensity exercise. |
| Consumer Link People eat less after harder workouts: small study |
| Research Link Int J Obesity. 4 June 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 10, 2013 When cows consume diets containing iodine, their milk can be a good source of the essential element. Research conducted in Spain found that the iodine content of organically produced milk was significantly lower than the iodine in the milk from conventional production techniques. |
| Consumer Link 'Organic' Milk Is Poorer in Iodine Than Conventional Milk |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 May;55:513-8. |
| July 9, 2013 Many chronic health problems are associated with chronic inflammation. Evidence continues to grow that the omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil known as DHA helps to reduce inflammation. New research is getting closer to understanding how this works. |
| Consumer Link Fish Oil DHA Is Used To Create Maresins, Which Cause Macrophages To 'Turn Off' Inflammation |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2013 Jul;27(7):2573-83. |
| July 8, 2013 Maintaining a reduced body weight is usually more challenging than losing the weight. Among the controllable factors that appear to help maintain lost weight is maintaining protein intake at levels well above the RDA. |
| Consumer Link Running Down the Up Escalator (Part 1) |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 May;143(5):591-6. |
| July 7, 2013 Picture books designed to teach preschool children concepts related to nutrition and how the body uses the nutrient components of food helped to increase vegetable consumption by the children. A focus on how their body uses nutrients from a wide variety of foods was much more effective than a focus on how food affects health. |
| Consumer Link Getting Kids to Eat Their Veggies: A New Approach to an Age-Old Problem |
| Research Link Psychol Sci. 2013 Jun 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 6, 2013 It is known that specific brain cells release the neurotransmitter dopamine in response to pleasure stimuli. New research indicates that dopamine release in the retina of the eye responds similarly and is relatively easy to study with eye imaging technology. This may facilitate the study of food and drug pleasure responses associated with addictive behaviors. |
| Consumer Link Pleasure Response from Chocolate: You Can See It in the Eyes |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 May;21(5):976-80. doi: 10.1002/oby.20101. |
| July 5, 2013 The American Society for Nutrition considers the top priorities for future impact on human health to include understanding individual genetic variability in responses to diet and foods, the impact of nutrition on healthy growth and development, the role of nutrition in health maintenance and medical management, as well as food supply and environmental relationships. |
| Consumer Link Top 6 Research Needs according to the American Society for Nutrition |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Jun 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 4, 2013 The search for gluten-free grains for people with celiac disease has led researchers to evaluate a new variety of canary seed. The flour from this seed is gluten-free. Although the canary seed does not substitute very well for making bread, it can substitute for wheat flour in some types of foods. |
| Consumer Link New Canary Seed Is Ideal for Gluten-Free Diets in Celiac Disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jun 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 3, 2013 Adequate iron nutrition is essential for normal brain development and for the function of iron-dependent enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Perhaps not surprisingly, a new study conducted in Taiwan found that children and teens with iron deficiency anemia were much more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions such as bipolar and autism spectrum disorders. |
| Consumer Link Is iron deficiency causing psychiatric disorders in kids? |
| Research Link BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Jun 4;13:161. |
| July 2, 2013 Exercise research is exploring ways to fit exercise into a busy lifestyle. Evidence is growing that high intensity, short duration exercise provides many of the same benefits as lower intensity longer duration exercises. |
| Consumer Link The race to the shortest workout |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2012 Jun 1;42(6):489-509. |
| July 1, 2013 The statin drug simvastatin (Zocor) was found to impair cardiorespiratory and skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise training in previously sedentary, overweight or obese patients at risk for metabolic syndrome. This may lead to research that will help explain the negative effects on muscle function experienced by some statin users. |
| Consumer Link Statins Plus Exercise: New Study Questions the Combination |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 Apr 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 30, 2013 A new study indicates that the composition of our intestinal bacterial population can affect vitamin D status. Supplementing 66 people with a Lactobacillus bacteria for 9 weeks increased average vitamin D status significantly compared to a placebo group. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Levels Significantly Increased By Probiotic Lactobacillus Reuteri NCIMB 30242 |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Apr 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 29, 2013 Celiac disease and wheat allergy have relatively clear-cut diagnostic criteria. However, another condition now called nonceliac gluten sensitivity is typically diagnosed when the diagnostic criteria for celiac or wheat allergy are not met, but eliminating gluten from the diet relieves an individual's symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Gluten-free food necessary for those with celiac disease |
| Research Link J Clin Gastroenterol. 2012 Sep;46(8):680-5. |
| June 28, 2013 If you enjoy eating chocolate, research indicates that you can feel good about eating it too. Although the effect is small in most people, moderate consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa can contribute to lowering of blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate Benefits: Research Suggests Sweet Can Help Blood Pressure, Cognition |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Aug 15;8:CD008893. |
| June 27, 2013 Liquid test meals that were higher in saturated or polyunsaturated fat components produced a greater sense of fullness than the same meal high in monounsaturated fats. The study used butter, palm oil, and coconut oil for the high saturated fat meal, sunflower and flaxseed oils for the high polyunsaturated meal, and canola and olive oils for the high monounsaturated meal. |
| Consumer Link Trial sheds light on how fat composition affects satiety |
| Research Link Appetite. 2013 May 18;69C:39-45 |
| June 26, 2013 Looking for information about a dietary supplement? Now there is a one-stop-shop website produced by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Any information that is on the product label of about 17,000 dietary supplement products is available in this new database that is designed to meet the needs of consumers and researchers as well. |
| Consumer Link NIH launches Dietary Supplement Label Database |
| Research Link Dietary Supplement Label Database |
| June 25, 2013 A recent study found that human gut bacteria can metabolize compounds like carnitine to trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) which increases atherosclerosis in mice. Since beef contains carnitine, the authors proposed this to be why beef has been associated with cardiovascular disease. However, they failed to point out that consuming fish increases TMAO production by 10 to 50 times the level observed after beef consumption. |
| Consumer Link New report on heart risks and beef is seriously flawed |
| Research Link Nat Med. 2013 May;19(5):576-85. |
| June 24, 2013 A review of 92 studies concludes that taking iron supplements during pregnancy reduces the risk for maternal anemia and for having a baby with low birth weight. A low birth weight is associated with many health risks in the infant, including impaired cognitive development and chronic diseases later in life. |
| Consumer Link Iron Supplements May Reduce Pregnancy Risks |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;346:f3443. |
| June 23, 2013 A recent Institute of Medicine report states that excessive sodium intake can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but further indicated that present-day research does not support reducing daily sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams. Overly low sodium intake may worsen conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Inadequate sodium in diet also poses risk to health |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine. Sodium Intake in Populations (2013) |
| June 22, 2013 Following the implementation of a mandatory program to use iodized salt in bread, Australian researchers found that the iodine status of pregnant women was still generally inadequate without additional supplementation. Since iodine needs increase during pregnancy, medically supervised iodine supplementation can be important for supporting healthful fetal development and future cognitive function. Iodized salt typically is not used in commercial food production in the U.S. |
| Consumer Link Iodine in Bread Not Enough for Pregnant Women |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2013 Mar 15;12:32. |
| June 21, 2013 In laboratory monkeys, a diet providing 24 percent of calories from fructose caused liver damage within six weeks. This damage was associated with fat accumulation in the liver as well as inflammation triggered by an increased flux of gut microorganisms into the systemic blood circulation. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Fructose Causes Liver Damage in Animal Model |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. June 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 20, 2013 Consuming caffeine within an hour of exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. A dose of caffeine equivalent to two to six cups of coffee showed benefit. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Shown As Effective At Reducing Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms As An Albuterol Inhaler |
| Research Link Int J Sports Med. 2010 Apr;31(4):231-6. |
| June 19, 2013 Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can be irritating and compromise the quality and quantity of sleep. New research indicates that men with RLS have an increased risk of dying earlier than normal. The potential cause remains to be determined. |
| Consumer Link Restless leg syndrome linked to risk of earlier death |
| Research Link Neurology. 2013 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 18, 2013 Adequate iodine intake is required for normal thyroid function and needs increase in women during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. Generally, a normal multivitamin/mineral supplement containing 150 mcg iodine daily will meet these needs along with dietary intake. The American Thyroid Association advises against the daily ingestion of iodine and kelp supplements containing more than 500 micrograms of iodine. |
| Consumer Link Iodine Supplements May Be Too Much of a Good Thing |
| Research Link American Thyroid Association Press Release |
| June 17, 2013 Although high blood pressure receives much more attention than low blood pressure, studies have shown that both high and low blood pressure are associated with brain shrinkage with age. In particular, studies in older people have shown a relation between low blood pressure and more brain loss. |
| Consumer Link Low Diastolic Blood Pressure May Be Associated With Brain Atrophy |
| Research Link JAMA Neurol. June 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 16, 2013 Substantial weight loss by obese individuals can result in positive changes in the makeup of the lower intestinal microbial population. A new study on people who lost weight by gastric bypass surgery showed that the changes in gut microbes were associated with positive changes in gene expression in adipose cells. This study only followed the participants for six months after surgery so longer studies are needed to evaluate long term effects. |
| Consumer Link Does Bariatric Surgery Work By Changing Gut Bugs? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 May 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 15, 2013 A beneficial component in coffee called chlorogenic acid is especially high in green coffee bean extract products promoted to assist in weight loss. A study using a special strain of obese laboratory mice to simulate humans found that mice fed a high-fat diet gained the same amount of weight whether they were supplemented with chlorogenic acid or not. However, the mice getting chlorogenic acid were more likely to develop metabolic changes that lead to type 2 diabetes and they accumulated more fat inside the cells in their livers. |
| Consumer Link Lab Experiments Question Effectiveness of Green Coffee Bean Weight-Loss Supplements |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., 2013, 61 (18), pp 4371–4378. |
| June 14, 2013 Exercise is one of the best preventive measures for type 2 diabetes. A recent study even found that a 45 minute leisurely walk significantly lowered blood glucose measured three hours after a meal. Even more effective was splitting the 45 minutes of walking up into three 15-minute walks taken after each meal. |
| Consumer Link Worried about type 2 diabetes? Walk after every meal |
| Research Link Diabetes Care June 11, 2013 |
| June 13, 2013 In attempts to eat healthfully, some people become inordinately afraid of foods that may be perceived as "bad" and not "pure." This can result in a condition called orthorexia nervosa that eventually leads to nutrient deficiencies due to an overly limited diet. |
| Consumer Link Eating Disorder Orthorexia On The Rise |
| Research Link Eat Weight Disord. 2012 Dec;17(4):e226-33. |
| June 12, 2013 A new report on global malnutrition in the journal Lancet stresses that the sustainable development agenda must put addressing all forms of malnutrition and meeting nutrient needs at the top of its goals. |
| Consumer Link Malnutrition identified as root cause of 3.1 million deaths among children |
| Research Link The Lancet. June 6, 2013 - Special issue on Maternal and Child Malnutrition |
| June 11, 2013 It is well known that dieting increases the risk of developing gallstones. A new study found that extreme calorie restriction (500 calories a day for six to ten weeks) was more than three times as likely to cause gallstones than a diet providing 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day. |
| Consumer Link Crash diet tied to increased gallstone risk |
| Research Link Int J Obesity. 22 May 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 10, 2013 Persistent diarrhea in infants can be life-threatening. Researchers in India found that providing supplemental zinc to high risk infants (6 months to one year of age) significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea. |
| Consumer Link Prophylactic Zinc Supplementation in Indian Infants Reduces Incidence of Diarrhea |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2013 Jun 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 9, 2013 Participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance mental function. A new study compared a 20-minute bout of yoga to 20 minutes of moderate intensity jogging and found that after yoga the participants were better able to ". . . process information quickly, more accurately and also learn, hold and update pieces of information more effectively than after performing an aerobic exercise bout," according to the researchers. |
| Consumer Link A 20-Minute Bout of Yoga Stimulates Brain Function Immediately After |
| Research Link J Phys Act Health. 2013 May;10(4):488-95. Epub 2012 Jul 9. |
| June 8, 2013 Alcoholic beverages now have the option to provide a nutrition label on their product. The standard format will have "Serving Facts" as the panel heading and include serving size, percent and fluid ounces of alcohol, calories, carbohydrate, fat, and protein. |
| Consumer Link Coming soon? Nutritional labels on alcohol |
| Research Link TTB Ruling 2013–2 |
| June 7, 2013 Having a regular walking or running program is clearly better for weight control than being a couch potato. However, the greater exercise intensity of running tends to blunt the appetite after exercise and helps maintain lower body weight better than walking. Picking up the speed of walking might have similar effects as running. |
| Consumer Link Is It Better to Walk or Run? |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Apr;45(4):706-13. |
| June 6, 2013 Both low and high calcium intake are associated with increased risk of death from all causes and specifically from cardiovascular disease. High calcium intake over 1400 mg per day seems to be more risky when the calcium comes from supplements rather than food sources. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements May Raise Women's Heart Risk |
| Research Link BMJ. 2013 Feb 12;346:f228. |
| June 5, 2013 Tea is a source of fluoride in the diet that may benefit dental and bone health. However, proving that too much of a good thing can be bad for you, a woman who consumed very large amounts of concentrated tea for about 20 years suffered from fluoride toxicity that was serious enough to cause her to lose her teeth. |
| Consumer Link Woman's Tea Addiction Led to Loss of Teeth |
| Research Link N Engl J Med 2013;368:1140. |
| June 4, 2013 A small study of 17 people found that glucosamine supplements, commonly taken to manage or prevent joint problems, caused eye pressure to increase significantly. Although more study of this is needed, those known to have high eye pressure or established glaucoma most likely should not be taking glucosamine supplements. |
| Consumer Link Glucosamine Supplements Tied to Eye Risk |
| Research Link JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013;():1-3. |
| June 3, 2013 An evaluation of the cost of obtaining key nutrients from vegetables found that beans and potatoes were the most affordable food sources of most of these key nutrients. Sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and collards also ranked well. |
| Consumer Link Potatoes pile on the nutrition but pamper the budget |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2013 May 15;8(5):e63277. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063277. Print 2013. |
| June 2, 2013 There is a lack of good science to support using blood type to determine an individual's unique dietary needs. When this approach seems to "work," it is likely just because the diet has improved on the individual's prior style of eating. |
| Consumer Link No science behind blood-type diets |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 May 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 1, 2013 Although artificial sweeteners generally provide no calories, they may affect the metabolic response to food sources of calories. A recent study conducted with obese individuals found that consuming a beverage containing sucralose ten minutes prior to a glucose tolerance test caused an increase in the peak level of blood glucose and in the amount of insulin released during the test. |
| Consumer Link Artificial Sweeteners Affect Metabolism and Insulin Levels |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 Apr 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 31, 2013 General guidelines in medicine and nutrition are not intended for every individual under all conditions. For example, the Recommended Dietary Allowance for nutrient intake is set to meet or exceed the needs of the average healthy person in a specific age and gender group, consuming foods typical of the general population. The nutrient needs of an individual with a health problem or who consumes an atypical diet may be entirely different. |
| Consumer Link Resolving Conflicts Between Personalized Nutrition and Nutrition Guidelines |
| Research Link JAMA. May, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 30, 2013 Inadequate iron nutrition during critical stages of development can have a life-long impact on the brain, affecting mental and emotional function. A Swedish study of otherwise healthy marginally low birth weight infants found that early iron supplementation of these infants (between 6 weeks and 6 months of age) significantly reduced the prevalence of behavioral problems observed at 3.5 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Iron Supplements Reduce ADHD in Low Birth Weight Infants |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2013 Jan;131(1):47-55. |
| May 29, 2013 Research conducted on fat in the diet over the past several decades is not as clear-cut as common dietary recommendations may seem to indicate. The focus on limiting saturated fatty acids is being displaced by more of a focus on consuming an appropriate balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids - especially the long chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils. |
| Consumer Link Using Nutrition to Enhance Quality of Life: Balancing Long Chain Fatty Acids |
| Research Link Adv Nutr. 2013;4;294-302:2013. |
| May 28, 2013 People tend to underestimate their calorie intake. This is typically the case at fast food restaurants. However, people who ate at Subway were more likely to underestimate their calorie intake than those who ate at McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, and Dunkin' Donuts. This may due to a "health halo" effect provided by Subway's marketing. |
| Consumer Link Teens most guilty of underestimating calories in fast food, study reveals |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;346:f2907. |
| May 27, 2013 In developed countries, there is a tendency to assume that everyone is consuming adequate amounts of iodine. However, studies in the U.S. and now in the U.K., demonstrate that many pregnant women have inadequate iodine status that can cause lifelong impairment of cognitive function in their children. |
| Consumer Link Iodine deficiency disorders |
| Research Link The Lancet. 22 May 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 26, 2013 It has been widely accepted that good health is promoted by the combination of good nutrition and regular physical activity. Using a rat model, Brazilian researchers also showed that adding swim training to good nutrition helped to slow the progression of liver cancer. |
| Consumer Link Swim Training Plus Healthy Diet Factor in Cancer Fight |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Dec;37(6):1101-9. |
| May 25, 2013 Love garlic but not the resultant garlic breath? A innovative study found that drinking milk, especially whole milk, along with a garlic-containing meal helps to significantly reduce the levels of the offending compounds in the breath. |
| Consumer Link Drinking Milk Can Prevent Garlic Breath, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2010 Aug 1;75(6):C549-58. |
| May 24, 2013 Compounds in cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin) may prove to be helpful in preventing the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, this does not mean that we should all be adding cinnamon to our diets in large amounts or taking cinnamon supplements. Most commercial cinnamon is high in a compound called coumarin which is hard on the liver and can interfere with "blood thinning" medications. |
| Consumer Link Cinnamon Compound Has Potential Ability to Prevent Alzheimer's |
| Research Link Alzheimers Dis. 2013 Mar 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 23, 2013 Tomatoes contain large amounts of the carotenoid lycopene that is thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Another study was just published that supports the risk-reducing effects of tomatoes and tomato products, but it remains to be proved that lycopene is the key protective component. |
| Consumer Link What Is It About Tomatoes That Makes Them Good for the Heart? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2013 Jan 15:1-7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 22, 2013 A research study using human cells found that vitamin D reduces the production of a molecule produced by white blood cells and thought to be a key trigger in asthma. Further research is needed to determine whether this effect is seen in people with asthma who take vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D may help treat severe asthma |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 May 15. pii: S0091-6749 [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 21, 2013 Combining dietary protective foods may be more beneficial than either food alone. When studying mice with a strong predisposition to developing prostate cancer, researchers found that a diet with both tomato powder and soy germ powder reduced prostate cancer significantly more than either substance fed separately. |
| Consumer Link Soy and Tomato May Be Effective in Preventing Prostate Cancer |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 20, 2013 Research shows that it is never too late to reap the benefits of exercise and fitness. In a very large Cooper Clinic study, those who increased their level of fitness between middle age (average of 48 years) and old age (over 65) had about 20 percent lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Getting Fit in Middle Age Can Reduce Heart Failure Risk |
| Research Link Circ Heart Fail. 2013 May 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2013 Vitamin C supplements have been proposed as a complementary treatment for gout. However, a recent 8-week study found that 500 mg per day of vitamin C did not significantly lower blood uric acid levels, the major cause of gout. Other studies have reported small beneficial effects, but nothing comparable to benefits of the commonly used drug, allopurinol. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C Does Not Lower Uric Acid Levels in Gout Patients, Study Finds |
| Research Link Arthritis Rheum. 2013 May. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 18, 2013 When you incorporate the recommendation to include a variety of colorful vegetables in your diet, remember that white is a color too. Including white vegetables in the diet, such as potatoes and cauliflower, can increase the intake of nutrients like potassium and magnesium that often are under-consumed in the U.S. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Science Focuses On White Vegetables In Supporting A Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet |
| Research Link Adv Nutr.2013;4:318S-326S. |
| May 17, 2013 Although higher total fluid intake reduces the risk of kidney stone formation, the type of beverage you drink may matter. In a very large study of almost 200,000 people, those who consumed the most sugar sweetened sodas or punch type beverages were at increased risk of developing stones. Coffee, tea, orange juice, beer, and wine consumption were all associated with a decreased risk. |
| Consumer Link Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Associated With Increased Kidney Stone Risk |
| Research Link Clin J Am Soc Neph. May 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 16, 2013 It is known that the balance of bacterial species in the human colon has many effects on the body. Using a mouse model, researchers found that increasing the supply of a bacterium called Akkermansia prevented the development of obesity in mice fed a high fat diet. It also enhanced the integrity of the tissues lining the colon. It will be interesting to see if humans respond to this bacterium similarly. |
| Consumer Link Intestinal Bacterium Akkermansia Curbs Obesity |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 15, 2013 Human milk has countless special qualities that are known to provide optimal support for infant health. A recent study of premature very low birth weight babies found that they benefited greatly from being fed human milk, despite their inability to nurse. The infants that consumed the most human milk were less likely to develop infections (sepsis) and the neonatal intensive care unit costs were reduced greatly. |
| Consumer Link Breast Milk Reduces Risk of Sepsis and Intensive Care Costs in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants |
| Research Link J Perinatology. January 31, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 14, 2013 A new study found that newborn infants who were losing weight during their first 48 hours benefited by giving them just 10 milliliters (about 2 teaspoons) of infant formula with a syringe after each breastfeeding session. This temporary fix resulted in less need for formula at one week and three weeks of age compared to similar infants who did not receive the early formula intervention. |
| Consumer Link How Formula Can Complement Breast-Feeding |
| Research Link Pediatrics. May 13,2013 [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 13, 2013 Teenagers consumed about the same amount of calories when they ate at Subway and McDonald's. However, the Subway meals tended to be higher in protein and sodium and lower in sugar. |
| Consumer Link Despite being considered |
| Research Link Journal of Adolescent Health, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.02.014 |
| May 12, 2013 Cinnamon is safely consumed in the amounts commonly used in foods. Excessive consumption of cinnamon, however, may be toxic to the liver. "True" or Ceylon cinnamon has less of the liver toxins than more commonly used varieties. Those taking cinnamon supplements should do so only with medical supervision and generally should select products based on Ceylon cinnamon. |
| Consumer Link Coumarin in Cinnamon and Cinnamon-Based Products and Risk of Liver Damage |
| Research Link Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2013; 61 (18): 4470 |
| May 11, 2013 A study conducted in the UK found that foods marketed for children generally had more fat and sugar when compared to equal amounts of similar foods marketed to adults. On average, children's foods were lower in sodium, but some foods were higher. |
| Consumer Link Children's 'Healthy' Foods Marketed at Children Are Higher in Fat, Sugar and Salt |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2013 May 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 10, 2013 A recent study found that people given small amounts of snack foods for taste testing ate less than those served larger portions. That was not surprising, but what was interesting is that the participants reported similar levels of hunger and cravings 15 minutes after consuming the foods. |
| Consumer Link Smaller Snacking is Smart Snacking |
| Research Link Food Quality and Preference, 27(1):96-100. |
| May 9, 2013 Get familiar with the term "single nucleotide polymorphisms". More commonly called SNPs (pronounced snips), these are the small variations in the DNA pattern in specific genes that make us each a little different from one another. Some of these SNPs, we are learning gradually, can affect our nutrient needs and risk for specific health problems. The field of nutrigenomics that combines genetics with nutrition is moving toward the ability to individualize nutrition recommendations based on your SNPs. |
| Consumer Link A SNP Peek at the Current Progress of Nutritional Genomics |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 May;67(5):430-5. |
| May 8, 2013 Are you pregnant or breastfeeding a baby? According to current research, many women in the U.S. have inadequate iodine in their diets. This can seriously damage normal fetal and infant development. If your dietary supplement does not include iodine, find one that does. |
| Consumer Link Expecting a Baby? Iodine Levels in Pregnant Women Do Not Meet the Mark |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 7, 2013 Popular supplements based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), have been on the market for about ten years. Used to slow the progression of macular degeneration, AREDS supplements contain vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper. The results of a new phase of the AREDS research indicate that substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene should be the next tweak to the formulation. |
| Consumer Link Popular eye supplements need a tweak, study suggests |
| Research Link JAMA. May 5, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 6, 2013 Although many people have low vitamin D status, much remains to be learned about the best blood levels of vitamin D for good health. A study of over 10,000 people found that as blood levels of 25-OH vitamin D increased up to the median level (21 ng/mL), there was a decrease in mortality. However, vitamin D levels above the median did not appear to confer additional benefit. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D: More May Not Be Better; Benefits in Healthy Adults Wear Off at Higher Doses, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2013 Apr 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 5, 2013 A protein-lipid complex from human milk called HAMLET has bactericidal activity that helps to protect infants from infections. New research indicates that HAMLET combined with antibiotics helps the antibiotics work against bacteria that are antibiotic resistant. |
| Consumer Link Protein Complex Found in Human Breast Milk Can Help Reverse Antibiotic Resistance in Superbugs |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (5): e63158. |
| May 4, 2013 The cocoa polyphenol compounds found in chocolate and a wide variety of other plant foods provide antioxidant effects in the body that appear to help prevent degeneration of brain function with aging. New research indicates that these polyphenols also trigger the synthesis of a specific protein that is known to protect brain cells and slow mental decline. |
| Consumer Link The Power of Cocoa Polyphenols Against Neurodegenerative Diseases |
| Research Link J Cell Biochem. 2013 Mar 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 3, 2013 Natural and safe do not always go together. Natural is not necessarily better in medicine and the same can be said for food and nutrition. |
| Consumer Link Is All Natural Always Good? Key Issues Discussed. |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;309(17):1783-1784. |
| May 2, 2013 It is well established that when calorie intake is reduced to levels that cause weight loss, the requirement for protein increases to help maintain the lean tissue that dieters do not want to lose. A new study of middle-age women indicates that those who have effectively lost weight are aware that adequate protein intake is important for dieting. |
| Consumer Link Eating recommended protein linked to weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr Ed Behav. 2013;45(3):213-221. |
| May 1, 2013 Green tea extract (GTE) is a common ingredient in weight loss products. However, there is much to be learned about its potential effectiveness. A study with diabetic and normal mice found that GTE did not promote weight loss unless it was given to the mice along with polyethylene glycol which helps to keep a key component of GTE in the intestine where it can inhibit glucose absorption. |
| Consumer Link Will Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? |
| Research Link Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2013 Apr 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 30, 2013 The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that supplementation with vitamins C, E, ?-carotene and/or zinc substantially reduced the progression of macular degeneration. The next phase of this research called AREDS2, added lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids to see if this provides additional protection. The results are expected to be announced within a week. Stay tuned. |
| Consumer Link Age-Related Eye Disease Study Anticipated |
| Research Link Ophthalmology. 2013 Apr 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 29, 2013 Based on the results of a recent rat study, whether you exercise for fun or because you feel forced to exercise, regular exercise can improve the capacity to deal with anxiety and stress. |
| Consumer Link Forced Exercise May Still Protect Against Anxiety and Stress |
| Research Link Eur J Neurosci. 2013 Feb;37(3):469-78. |
| April 28, 2013 Alternative therapies can sometimes help to avoid drugs in the treatment of conditions like high blood pressure. A new scientific evaluation by the American Heart Association identified aerobic, resistance, and isometric exercises as the most effective alternative treatments for lowering blood pressure. Other therapies such as biofeedback, transcendental meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques may provide some benefit, but are not as effective as exercise. |
| Consumer Link Alternative therapies may help lower blood pressure |
| Research Link AHA scientific statement - Hypertension |
| April 27, 2013 Our individual innate taste preferences may be related to our health. A study of almost 200 people found that those with a high preference for sweets in combination with a high aversion to bitter flavors may be at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Taste Preferences Impact Health, New Study Finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2013 Feb;78(2):S336-42. |
| April 26, 2013 The Internet is a great resource for spreading knowledge. It seems to be equally effective at spreading stupidity. Thousands of YouTube videos with millions of views have popularized the possibly life-threatening challenge to consume a spoonful of dry powdered cinnamon. Inhalation of the cinnamon powder can cause a medical emergency and possibly result in lung damage. |
| Consumer Link Cinnamon Game Harms Players |
| Research Link Pediatrics. April 22, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 25, 2013 All nutrients are potentially toxic at some dose, but the dosage that is potentially toxic varies greatly among the essential nutrients. A new review of vitamin E suggests that this nutrient has very low toxicity due to the way it is metabolized in the liver. |
| Consumer Link Excess Vitamin E Intake Not a Health Concern, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2013 Mar 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 24, 2013 "Convenience foods" are not always bad for nutrition. A study in elementary schools found that simply providing fresh fruit cut up and offered in convenient portions increased fruit intake by over 50%. |
| Consumer Link Making Fruit Easier to Eat Increases Sales and Consumption in School Cafeterias |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2013;44(5):477-480. |
| April 23, 2013 Based on recent surveys, people are spending much less time preparing meals and much more time eating out or picking up take-out meals. This needs to be taken into account when designing dietary guidance systems for the nation. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Guidelines, Nutritional Adequacy and Human Behavior |
| Research Link Nutrition J. 2013;12:45. |
| April 22, 2013 It is common to hear people recommend selecting food items only with short ingredient lists with ingredients you can recognize and understand. The problem with this is that nutrient enrichment and fortification can sometimes add ingredients like retinyl palmitate that many consumers do not recognize as vitamin A. |
| Consumer Link Finding Foods that are Right for You |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90:680-685. |
| April 21, 2013 Many health problems may have unknown links to low status of one or more essential nutrients. More consensus is needed on the most appropriate biomarkers to use for assessing the status of each essential nutrient. Then, we need to use these biomarkers more routinely in healthcare practice. |
| Consumer Link We are What We Eat: Distinguishing Food Intake from Nutritional Status |
| Research Link Ann NY Acad Sci 2013;1278:1–10. |
| April 20, 2013 "Let them eat paper." Scientists have worked out an enzyme system to convert cellulose into starch. Cellulose is a structural component of plants and is a major part of dietary fiber in most plant foods. Starch can be an important source of calories for people and also can provide the substrate for yeast to produce alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Transform Cellulose Into Starch: Potential Food Source Derived from Non-Food Plants |
| Research Link PNAS. April 15, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 19, 2013 Breastfeeding is almost always best for a baby's health. However, a new study emphasizes the importance of the duration of breastfeeding. Babies breastfeed more than 12 months were at significantly greater risk of developing iron deficiency. This observation supports the importance of introducing iron fortified infant foods between 4 and 6 months of age. |
| Consumer Link Study finds when breastfeeding continued past the 12 month mark, the risk of iron deficiency went up, nearly doubling |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2013: April 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 18, 2013 As shown by many studies of the placebo effect, brain function can be affected by many factors. A recent study found that just the taste of beer, without the alcohol, increased brain levels of dopamine much the same as beer with alcohol. Those with a family history of alcoholism were most sensitive to this effect. |
| Consumer Link Taste of Beer, Without Effect from Alcohol, Triggers Dopamine Release in the Brain |
| Research Link Neuropsychopharmacology. 15 April 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 17, 2013 Looking for a natural way to lower blood pressure? A new study found that the high nitrate content of beetroot juice can lower blood pressure by about 10 mm Hg. |
| Consumer Link Drinking Cup of Beetroot Juice Daily May Help Lower Blood Pressure |
| Research Link Hypertension. April 15, 2012. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| April 16, 2013 What does "natural" really mean on a product label? There is little agreement on the definition. New efforts are in progress to clarify when the term can be legally used on food labels. |
| Consumer Link Why all food manufacturers not just those in organics should read new NOP draft guidance outlining what natural means |
| Research Link National Organic Program: Notice of Draft Guidance. |
| April 15, 2013 Research on consumer responses to limiting sugary drink container sizes indicates that many soda drinkers may actually end up drinking more soda when the beverage is offered in bundles of smaller-sized drinks. |
| Consumer Link Proposed soda ban likely to backfire, study finds |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(4): e61081. |
| April 14, 2013 The human body and brain are geared to function in sync with a circadian rhythm linked to the light and dark phases of a 24-hour day. Research housing mice in 24-hour light conditions with no dark time resulted in significant weight gain and impaired glucose handling. Disruption of sleeping patterns generally affects humans similarly. |
| Consumer Link Our Internal Clocks Can Become Ticking Time Bombs for Diabetes and Obesity |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2013;27(4):1721-1732. |
| April 13, 2013 Type 2 diabetes typically improves rapidly after bariatric surgery. A new study found that just reducing calorie intake to match that of post-surgery individuals has the same effect on diabetes. Unfortunately, maintaining a low calorie intake is difficult for most people. |
| Consumer Link Diet Shown to Be Critical Factor in Improving Type 2 Diabetes After Bariatric Surgery |
| Research Link Diabetes Care March 25, 2013 , doi: 10.2337/dc12-2316 [ahead of print] |
| April 12, 2013 People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid grains like wheat, rye, and barley due to the presence of gluten protein. Corn and rice do not contain the offending protein. New detailed genome, biochemical, and immunochemical analysis of the grain sorghum indicates that it lacks the offending protein and is safe for people with celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Verifying That Sorghum Is a New Safe Grain for People With Celiac Disease |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 11, 2013 Improving iron status in those with iron deficiency can be challenging due to negative gastrointestinal effects of high doses of iron. After 100 days of iron supplementation, iron status of children (3 to 5 years old) improved similarly with doses of 20 or 40 mg per day, however, a weekly dose of 40 mg was much less effective. |
| Consumer Link What Works Better to Raise Hemoglobin: Weekly Supplementation or Daily Supplementation? |
| Research Link European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 67, 343-347 (April 2013) | doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.13 |
| April 10, 2013 Showing that the label can influence our perceptions of a product, researchers at Cornell found that when a food product was labeled as "organic," people perceived the food to have less calories and be more nutritious than identical products not bearing the organic label. They referred to this as the "Health Halo Effect." |
| Consumer Link Organic Labels Bias Consumers Perceptions Through the 'Health Halo Effect' |
| Research Link Food Qual Pref. 2013;29(1):33-39. |
| April 9, 2013 The odds of living a long and healthy life are greatly increased if risk factors like blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar are maintained within healthy ranges along with not smoking. Doing this has been estimated to increase the lifespan by as much as 14 years. |
| Consumer Link Living a Healthy Lifestyle and the Benefits of a Lifelong Plan |
| Research Link JAMA. 2012 Nov 7;308(17):1795-801. |
| April 8, 2013 As plant breeders are working to find cultivars that produce well under changing climatic conditions, it is also important to keep changes in nutritional quality in mind. |
| Consumer Link Gene Discovery May Yield Lettuce That Will Sprout in Hot Weather |
| Research Link Plant Cell. 2013 Mar 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 7, 2013 Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and other symptoms. Its cause is unknown and it is difficult to treat. In a recent study of people with fibromyalgia, low and moderate drinkers of alcohol reported a lower severity of symptoms than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol, Fibromyalgia, and Quality of Life |
| Research Link Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Mar 15;15(2):R42. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 6, 2013 Premenopausal adult women require more than double the amount of iron needed by men. A 10-year study of about 3,000 women enrolled in the U.S. Nurses' Health Study II found that women with the greatest total dietary iron intake had the lowest relative risk of having PMS (premenstrual syndrome). |
| Consumer Link Iron-Rich Diet Might Ease PMS Misery |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2013 Feb 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 5, 2013 The United States Dietary Guidelines for sodium intake have been controversial with some researchers considering them to be so low that they could cause health problems. A new study using food pattern modeling found that dietary patterns that meet the sodium recommendations are incompatible with meeting potassium recommendations. |
| Consumer Link Salt Institute Disputes AHA Unrealistic Salt Statistic |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2013 Mar;33(3):188-94. |
| April 4, 2013 A Japanese study of over 80,000 people that were studied over a period of 13 years found that both coffee and green tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. |
| Consumer Link Coffee, Green Tea, May Help Lower Stroke Risk, Research Shows |
| Research Link Stroke. 2013 Mar 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 3, 2013 New research confirms that childhood body weight is strongly influenced by genes. Using a system that compares the additive effects of multiple genes across the whole genome, researchers estimated that genetics accounts for about 30% of individual difference in childhood body weight. As more is learned about which genes increase the risk of obesity, it may become possible to design dietary strategies that may help children at high risk of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Study Finds Strong Genetic Component to Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2013 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2013.30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 2, 2013 A summary of the results from eight studies indicated that study participants who consumed diets higher in dietary fiber had a lower risk of having a stroke. However, it is not possible to determine if the dietary benefits were due to the fiber content or due to other substances that happen to be present in foods that are good sources of fiber. |
| Consumer Link Eating more fiber may lower stroke risk |
| Research Link Stroke. 2013 Mar 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 1, 2013 Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that can promote the growth beneficial bacteria in the colon. There is some evidence that a prebiotic supplement added to infant formula and foods may prevent eczema in infants up to two years of age. Further research is needed to determine if it makes sense to add prebiotic components to formula or foods for all infants or just for infants at high risk for developing eczema and other allergies. |
| Consumer Link Prebiotics in baby formula and eczema: mixed picture |
| Research Link Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013. |
| March 31, 2013 The micro-ecology of the bacterial population in the human colon is proving to play a substantial role in overall health. The types and amounts of various bacteria may be influenced by both the foods we eat and the bacteria present in or on those foods. New research found that the types and relative amounts of bacteria present on surface of fruits and vegetables commonly eaten raw can vary due to many variables, including farming practices. |
| Consumer Link Diverse Bacteria On Fresh Fruits, Vegetables Vary With Produce Type, Farming Practices |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(3): e59310. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059310 |
| March 30, 2013 Young children are especially vulnerable to iron deficiency during the first 5 years of life due to the demands of rapid growth. It has been estimated that 80% of the world's children are iron deficient. Since poor iron status impairs brain development, childhood iron deficiency can have a severe lifelong impact on its victims. |
| Consumer Link Iron Deficiency Anemia: Children Deserve More |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. March 27, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 29, 2013 Research indicates that eating breakfast can improve overall nutrition. A new study of 19-year old overweight females found that a 350 calorie breakfast with 35 grams of protein resulted in reduced evening snacking on high fat foods compared to when they ate a lower protein breakfast or skipped breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Protein-Rich Breakfasts Prevent Unhealthy Snacking in the Evening, Study Finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):677-88. |
| March 28, 2013 Mice that are more susceptible to developing alcohol dependency have a behavioral response to alcohol consumption that can predict which mice will develop alcohol addiction. This may lead to behavioral assessment methods that can be used with people to evaluate a person's potential for developing alcoholism. |
| Consumer Link Research Provides Clues to Alcohol Addiction Vulnerability |
| Research Link J Neurosci. 2013 Mar 13;33(11):4834-42. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5839-11.2013. |
| March 27, 2013 Research continues to both expand and narrow in on the multiple functions of vitamin D in the body. It is turning out that vitamin D status affects the expression of many genes that have a wide variety of biologic functions with more than 160 pathways linked to cancer, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link High Vitamin D Helps Healthy People Stay That Way |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(3): e58725. |
| March 26, 2013 In a study of over 10,000 children, those consuming skim and low fat milk between the ages of 2 and 4 were more likely be become overweight or obese than children consuming higher fat milk varieties. This seems surprising, but may be related to the higher fat milks having a superior satiety value. |
| Consumer Link Skimmed/semi-Skimmed Milk Does Not Curb Excess Toddler Weight Gain, Study Finds |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2012-302941 |
| March 25, 2013 Going into surgery well nourished may help to enhance recovery. New research with a mouse model also indicates that consuming a lower fat diet during the weeks preceding surgery may help recovery, especially in those with excess body fat. |
| Consumer Link What You Eat Before Surgery May Affect Your Recovery |
| Research Link Surgery. 2013 Apr;153(4):584-93. |
| March 24, 2013 Enjoyable and memorable meals help to reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Researchers suggest that thoroughly enjoying and paying attention to foods consumed at a meal may help to reduce calorie intake overall. |
| Consumer Link Food Memories Can Help With Weight Loss |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):728-42. |
| March 23, 2013 Vitamin D is well known for its benefits on bone health. Ongoing research is uncovering many other benefits of good vitamin D status associated with the vitamin's effects on the expression of hundreds of genes linked to multiple health risks such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Study Reveals Potential Immune Benefits Of Vitamin D Supplements In Healthy Individuals |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 8(3): e58725. |
| March 22, 2013 A tomato was genetically engineered to produce a small protein (peptide) similar to a key protein in HDL cholesterol, also known as "good cholesterol." When these tomatoes were fed to mice prone to developing cardiovascular disease, the mice experienced several positive changes resulting in decreased atherosclerotic plaque in their arteries. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes That Mimic Actions of Good Cholesterol Created |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2013 Feb 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 21, 2013 The severe malnutrition condition in children called kwashiorkor has been thought to be caused primarily by inadequate protein along with inadequate calorie intake. However, new research indicates that restoring a healthful ecology of bacteria in the colon may be very important for recovery from the condition. |
| Consumer Link The Link Between Gut Bacteria and Good Nutrition |
| Research Link Science. 2013 Feb 1;339(6119):548-54. |
| March 20, 2013 More and more we are learning about how exercise can benefit the body, including the brain. Research on volleyball players found that they have quicker mental functions even outside of the sport and are are able to pick up information and switch between tasks more quickly than nonathletes. |
| Consumer Link Elite Athletes Also Excel at Some Cognitive Tasks |
| Research Link Front Psychol. 2013;4:36. |
| March 19, 2013 A study of Mexican college applicants found that those who did not consume the recommended three servings of milk products per day were almost three times as likely to have metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is defined as having three or more of the following risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels. |
| Consumer Link College Kids Who Don't Drink Milk Could Face Serious Consequences |
| Research Link Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2013, 4, 56-65 |
| March 18, 2013 It has been shown that smokers require greater amounts of vitamin C than non-smokers. New Danish research indicates that good vitamin D status also is important to reduce the smoking-related cancer risk of smokers. |
| Consumer Link For Smokers, Low Levels of Vitamin D May Lead to Cancer |
| Research Link Clinical Chemistry. March 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 17, 2013 A rather high dose of the fish oil omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (taken together in a combined dose of 4 grams per day) significantly reduced blood triglyceride concentrations and moderately increased LDL cholesterol. Although this was considered to be an overall positive change, the dose was very high and should be considered to be pharmacological and used only under medical supervision. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA, DHA, and Heart Health |
| Research Link Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2011 Sep 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 16, 2013 Putting the amount of calories on fast food packaging may be helpful for health-conscious consumers. However, using clear symbols to indicate calorie amounts appears to work better to help less health-conscious consumers to consume less calories. |
| Consumer Link Symbols, Such as Traffic Lights, On Menus Effective in Educating Diners |
| Research Link Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2013 Feb 8;10(1):21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 15, 2013 Iron deficiency is a major factor damaging the health of many women and children around the world. The iron deficient condition can be aggravated by a deficient intake of other nutrients such as vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, E and folate. |
| Consumer Link Multiple Micronutrient Interactions with Nutritional Anemia |
| Research Link Nutritional Anemia, 2007. |
| March 14, 2013 Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: D2 and D3. Most research indicates that the D3 form is more effective at improving vitamin D status. It is not known if there would be any value to supplementing with a combination of the two forms of vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D3 More Effective than D2 in Maintaining Optimal Status |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun;95(6):1357-64. |
| March 13, 2013 A compound called protectin D1 is formed in the body from the fish oil omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. Protectin D1 has been found to be very effective at inhibiting influenza virus replication in a human lung cell model. Although it remains to be demonstrated that getting plenty of fish oils in the diet can help to battle the flu, this discovery clearly supports consuming an adequate amount of fish and fish oils. |
| Consumer Link Fatty acids could lead to flu drug |
| Research Link Cell, March 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 12, 2013 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently began promoting nursing home dining practice recommendations that stress resident choice and urge providers to use caution with restricted diets. Overly restrictive diets can be unpalatable and lead to unintended weight loss and nutrient deficiencies. |
| Consumer Link CMS distributes video on dining standards that encourage less restrictive diets |
| Research Link New Dining Practice Standards for Nursing Home Residents (video) |
| March 11, 2013 Consumption of grapefruit prior to a meal can enhance insulin function and help in the management of blood glucose. However, grapefruit can interact with many medications. Those taking medications should consult with their physician and/or pharmacist about possible interactions that would contraindicate consuming grapefruit, its juice, or other grapefruit products. |
| Consumer Link Insulin Resistance & Grapefruit Juice |
| Research Link J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):49-54. |
| March 10, 2013 Excess body fat can promote osteoarthritis in two major ways. First of all, the extra body weight places more "wear and tear" strain on joints that support body weight. Secondly, excess body fat is know to promote generalized inflammatory activity in the body that can irritate joints. Weight loss can be an important component of treating osteoarthritis. |
| Consumer Link Weight Loss May Prevent, Treat Osteoarthritis in Obese Patients |
| Research Link J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013 Mar;21(3):161-9. |
| March 9, 2013 A new study on the association of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure with childhood asthma triggered a rather hard-hitting critique about problems with the study. See the Medical Progress Today blog from the Manhattan Institute below. |
| Consumer Link Maybe the worst paper ever? |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;131(3):736-742. |
| March 8, 2013 A new report from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology provides many answers to questions about reducing food allergy risks in infants and young children. Among their guidelines is the recommendation that infants can be gradually introduced to potentially allergenic foods as early as 4 to 6 months of age when they become physically ready to consume these foods. |
| Consumer Link Food Allergy Advice for Kids: Don't Delay Peanuts, Eggs |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immun Practice. 2013;1(1):29-36. |
| March 7, 2013 To see how the burden of various health problems and risk factors have changed globally, regionally, or within a single country during the past 20 years, visit the website of The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The Institute has developed a number of innovative tools to facilitate visualizing complex health and disease data. |
| Consumer Link Web-based tool charts disease, risk factors around the world |
| Research Link Global Burden of Disease project - Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation |
| March 6, 2013 Based on the results of a recent mouse study, the signs of heart disease associated with excess body weight are more effectively reversed by weight loss early in life rather than later. Additional research is needed to confirm this in humans. |
| Consumer Link Losing Weight Sooner Rather Than Later Gives Best Chance of Reversing Heart Damage from Obesity, According to Mouse Study |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2013 Mar 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 5, 2013 Based on studies of the properties of saliva in people resistant to developing cavities, a new type of sugar free candy with a patented technology called AlkaGen is about ready to hit the market. The brand names of two products will be BasicBites and BasicMints. |
| Consumer Link Sweets Maintaining Healthy Teeth |
| Research Link J Clin Dent. 2008;19(1):1-8. |
| March 4, 2013 Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds found in plant foods and are especially high in soy foods. These compounds also are present in various animal foods, but are present in much smaller amounts. Research has found both pro and con effects of phytoestrogens. Moderation in the intake of soy foods seems to be the best option. |
| Consumer Link Healthful Plant Nutrients Also Found In Meat And Milk |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., 2008, 56 (21), pp 10099–10104 |
| March 3, 2013 Although meeting essential nutrient needs during pregnancy is needed for optimal infant health, excessive intake of a nutrient also may cause problems. A recent study found that infants with high blood levels of vitamin D at birth were more likely to develop allergies within their first 2 years of life. |
| Consumer Link Too Much Vitamin D During Pregnancy Can Cause Food Allergies, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Allergy. 2013 Feb;68(2):220-8. |
| March 2, 2013 Every essential nutrient is important for normal fetal development during pregnancy. New research indicates that even marginal vitamin C deficiency has the potential to impair normal brain development in a way that can permanently compromise memory function. |
| Consumer Link Fetus Suffers When Mother Lacks Vitamin C |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e48488. |
| March 1, 2013 Estimating the impact of how we eat on the production of greenhouse gases is complicated by many variables. A recent systematic attempt to do this illustrates that it is important to compare equal calorie amounts of foods. When this was done, there was little difference in greenhouse gas production associated with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, pork, poultry, and eggs. Dairy foods ranked lower than fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Plant-based diets: Healthy for people, but what about the planet? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Mar;97(3):569-83. |
| February 28, 2013 The omega-3 fatty acid DHA, that is generally obtained from fish oils, is known to be important for infant brain development. A new study of 350 women found that a DHA supplement taken by the mother during pregnancy resulted in less preterm and low birth weight babies. This study will be evaluating future outcomes as the children age. |
| Consumer Link Prenatal DHA Reduces Early Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr April 2013 ajcn.050021 Ahead of publication |
| February 27, 2013 Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent depression. A new study found that this also is true for a specific high risk group - people who have had bariatric surgery. |
| Consumer Link Even Limited Physical Activity Is Linked to Lower Rates of Depression in Bariatric Surgery Patients |
| Research Link J Psychosom Res. 2013 Feb;74(2):161-9. |
| February 26, 2013 There are many dietary supplements that target the weight loss market. These products virtually never promote significant weight loss, but their overblown claims sell plenty of product. For an excellent critique of a current weight loss product that sounds too good to be true, visit the consumer link below. |
| Consumer Link Liproxenol Review: Buyer Beware of Questionable Science and Marketing |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8. |
| February 25, 2013 The American Academy of Pediatrics has stressed that iron deficiency, even without anemia, is strongly associated with adverse neurological development in infants and toddlers. A Boston study used a sensitive screening tool for iron deficiency in 8 to 18 month old children. They found that almost half of the children were iron deficient. However, 84 percent of the iron deficient children were not anemic - the most common measure used to assess iron status. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Marker Spots Kids' Iron Deficiency |
| Research Link JAMA Pediatr. Feb 18, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 24, 2013 The common statement that excess fat stored below the waist does not increase the risks for heart disease and diabetes has been challenged by new research. The main observation was that gluteal adipose tissue secretes abnormal levels of key proteins that can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance in individuals with early metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link UC Davis study deflates notion that pear-shaped bodies more healthy than apples |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jan 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 23, 2013 Cholesterol is needed for many important functions in the body. For example, cholesterol is relatively high in brain tissue and research on human embryonic stem cells shows that an oxidized form of cholesterol helps direct stem cells to become the dopamine producing cells that are lost in Parkinson's disease. |
| Consumer Link Cholesterol Necessary For Brain Development, Study Finds |
| Research Link Cell Stem Cell. 2009 Oct 2;5(4):409-19. |
| February 22, 2013 If you took a nutrition class, you learned that carbohydrate, protein, and fat provide 4, 4, and 9 Calories per gram, respectively. These values were determined early in the 20th century by William Atwater and are commonly called the Atwater factors. However, 4, 4, and 9 are not the original numbers - only rounded approximations. For example, the actual Atwater values for beans and nuts are 4.07, 3.47, and 8.37. |
| Consumer Link Calorie Counts: Fatally Flawed, Or Our Best Defense Against Pudge? |
| Research Link See page 25 of Energy Value of Foods, USDA Agricultural Handbook No. 74 |
| February 21, 2013 A portion of the starch in some foods is not digestible in the human small intestine. This "resistant starch" is utilized for energy by bacteria in the colon. The metabolic byproducts these bacteria produce from the resistant starch are beneficial to the cells lining the colon and may help to prevent colorectal cancer. Among commonly consumed foods, legumes (beans and peas) are the richest sources of resistant starch with about ten percent of their starch in this form. |
| Consumer Link Diet of Resistant Starch Helps the Body Resist Colorectal Cancer |
| Research Link Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 29(2):190-194, March 2013. |
| February 20, 2013 Researchers are now able to determine which bacteria were present in the dental plaque of prehistoric human skeletons. Analysis of how the types of bacteria present in dental plaque have changed with the advent of modern diets helps to explain why dental decay has become increasingly common. |
| Consumer Link Study finds historic root of tooth decay |
| Research Link Nature Genetics. February 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2013 Individuals with a high preference for sweets and a high aversion to bitter flavors are more likely to have metabolic syndrome according to a new study. However, more research is needed to determine if the taste sensitivities are genetically determined or occur as a result of the metabolic condition. |
| Consumer Link Taste Preferences Impact Health, New Study Finds |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2013 Feb;78(2):S336-42. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12008. Epub 2013 Jan 16. |
| February 18, 2013 Docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA, is a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that is highly concentrated in the retina and essential for its function. Found primarily in fish oils, this fatty acid is an important nutrient for the prevention of age-related vision loss due to macular degeneration. In addition to fish oils, special algae oil supplements can provide this fatty acid. |
| Consumer Link Nutrients to Maintain Vision Throughout Life |
| Research Link American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2013 Manuscript no. 2012-1201. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.01.005 In Press |
| February 17, 2013 Some foods that often get put on the "bad list" are rich sources of important nutrients. Recent extensive research reviews indicate that whole milk and eggs can be beneficial components of the diet when consumed in reasonable amounts. |
| Consumer Link Whole milk and eggs do not threaten health, say studies |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2013 Feb;52(1):1-24. |
| February 16, 2013 Since the sugar fructose is more readily converted to fat in the liver than other common sugars like glucose, it has been proposed that fructose in the diet can increase liver fat levels. A recent 10-week study fed human volunteers as much as 30 percent of their calories in the form of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup and did not find any significant change in liver fat levels. Studies with a longer feeding duration may follow. |
| Consumer Link Study provides ‘compelling’ evidence that HFCS and sucrose do not increase liver fat in ‘real world’ conditions |
| Research Link App Physiol Nutr Metab. 12 Feb 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 15, 2013 Maintaining optimal brain function throughout life requires an adequate intake of many nutrients. Some of the key nutrients important all the way from embryonic development to old age are folate, vitamin B12, choline, and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. |
| Consumer Link Feeding the Brain: A Lifelong Mission |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2013 Feb 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 14, 2013 Some have suggested that the increased incidence of celiac disease may be due to an increase in the gluten content of wheat. However, an evaluation of this proposal indicates that the gluten in wheat has changed little during the past 50 years. Other causes of celiac disease are more likely and remain to be identified. |
| Consumer Link No Clear Evidence More Gluten in New Wheat Is Responsible for Increase in Celiac Disease |
| Research Link Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jan 31. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 13, 2013 Another study confirms the association between milk products and bone health. The study also emphasizes that milk products like cream that are not good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and protein are not linked with bone health. |
| Consumer Link New Study Sheds Light On Link Between Dairy Intake and Bone Health: Not All Dairy Products Are Equal |
| Research Link Arch Osteoporos. 2013 Dec;8(1-2):119. |
| February 12, 2013 Nutrient supplements may be beneficial to health when they help to maintain adequate intake of essential nutrients. However, excessive intake of nutrients has the potential to cause unintended health problems. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Supplements: Separating Adequate Nutrition from Pharmacologic Doses |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute: Online Vitamin C Summary |
| February 11, 2013 Generally, when we talk about the "fuel tank" for exercise the focus is on having adequate carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen. In addition, It is important to maintain a normal amount of antioxidant protection by eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants and Muscle Function: How Far can a Person go on Empty? |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2013 Feb 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 10, 2013 Daily aspirin use is associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, life is full of trade-offs. New research indicates daily aspirin therapy may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Aspirin May Raise Risk Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Study Suggests |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2013 Jan 21:1-7. |
| February 9, 2013 The essential nutrient choline appears to be especially important for fetal brain development. Choline supplements taken by pregnant women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy enhanced normal brain functions associated with a reduced risk of developing schizophrenia. Eggs are the richest common food source of choline, |
| Consumer Link Choline May Protect Infants From Developing Schizophrenia |
| Research Link Am J Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 8, 2013 If you like alcoholic drinks that are mixed with sodas, like "Rum and Coke," take note that blood alcohol levels are likely to be higher when diet soda is used. This is likely due to the fact that the sugars in the regular soda slow down the rate of stomach emptying into the intestine where most of the alcohol is absorbed. |
| Consumer Link Diet Soda May Be the More Dangerous Alcohol Mixer |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. Dec 6, 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 7, 2013 A new analysis of data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study (conducted between 1966 and 1973) found some interesting results. The group middle-aged men that consumed the most polyunsaturated vegetable oils (high in linoleic acid) had an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and other causes. This was despite the fact that they had lower blood cholesterol levels. |
| Consumer Link Re-Analysis Refutes Diet Guidelines Favoring Vegetable Fats |
| Research Link BMJ 2013;346:e8707. |
| February 6, 2013 Since excess vitamin C can be converted to oxalic acid in the body, it has been speculated that high dose supplementation with vitamin C could increase the risk of oxalate kidney stone formation. A recent Swedish study that followed over 48,000 men for 12 years found that those taking a vitamin C supplement at a dose of 1000 mg per day were about twice as likely to develop kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C supplements tied to men's kidney stones |
| Research Link JAMA Intern Med. 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 5, 2013 If you have limited time for exercise, consider cranking up the intensity of your activities during the time you have available. A study of sedentary adult males found that three sessions of sprint interval training on a stationary bike for about 30 minutes, 3 times a week, was as effective as five sessions of traditional endurance exercise, taking five hours per week, at increasing whole body insulin sensitivity and improving various indices of cardiovascular function. |
| Consumer Link Getting Fit Fast: Inactive People Can Achieve Major Health and Fitness Gains in a Fraction of the Time |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2012 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 4, 2013 It is no big news that most of us need to sit less and exercise more. New research shows that physical activity affects the expression of specific genes in muscle tissue that benefits blood flow throughout the body and reduces cardiovascular disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Eating, Nutrient Adequacy, Sitting and Physical Activity |
| Research Link Lipids Health Dis. 2012 Oct 12;11:137. |
| February 3, 2013 As countries develop and food production increases, starvation, nutrient deficiency, and obesity often coexist in the population. Simply producing more food will not solve nutrition problems unless the variety of foods is adequate to meet nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Feeding the World and Turning up the Volume on Essential Nutrition |
| Research Link European J Clin Nutr. 2013, 30 January. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 2, 2013 Stomach flu is the popular term for a norovirus infection. Although a true flu is caused by the influenza virus, the norovirus infection symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea) fit the flu description. Perhaps the most important strategy to avoid this virus is frequent washing of your hands with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill this virus. |
| Consumer Link Tips for preventing norovirus infection |
| Research Link CDC - Preventing Norovirus Infection |
| February 1, 2013 Weight loss, especially when rapid, can be accompanied by significant bone loss. Vitamin D supplementation along with adequate calcium intake during weight loss may help to diminish bone loss. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Increases Calcium Absorption to Maintain Bone While Dieting |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. January 30, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 31, 2013 Images of pencil-thin models in the media have been thought to have a strong influence on body dissatisfaction in teenage girls. New research indicates that peer pressure has a much greater influence. |
| Consumer Link Peer Pressure Trumps 'Thin' Ideals in the Media |
| Research Link J Youth Adolesc. 2013 Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 30, 2013 Supplementing pregnant women and newborns with the fish oil type omega-3 fatty acids and involving toddlers and children in early educational activities were both associated with an increased IQ. |
| Consumer Link Diet, Parental Behavior and Preschool Can Boost Children's IQ |
| Research Link Psychological Science, 2013;8(1):25. |
| January 29, 2013 A review of the scientific literature on high-fat dairy foods found that these foods do not contribute to obesity or cardiometabolic risk. This study challenges the assumption that high-fat dairy foods should not be part of a healthy diet and encourages more research on this topic. |
| Consumer Link High-Fat Dairy, Obesity, Metabolic Health and Cardiovascular Disease |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr (2013) 52:1–24 |
| January 28, 2013 The body burns more fat for energy during exercise when a person has not eaten recently. This is primarily because carbohydrate is less available as a muscle energy source. The importance of this for fat loss is unclear. A maintainable loss of body fat depends on consuming less calories than the body uses over an extended period of time. What the body utilizes for fuel during a single workout may be unimportant. |
| Consumer Link Lose Fat Faster Before Breakfast |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2013 Jan 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 27, 2013 Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in a varied diet is commonly recommended for good physical health. This practice also appears to benefit emotional well-being. |
| Consumer Link Many Apples a Day Keep the Blues at Bay |
| Research Link Br J Health Psychol. 2013 Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 26, 2013 Eating a so-called Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, wine and olive oil is often associated with better cardiovascular health. However, a rigorous study conducted in France did not find any benefit to the function of the aging brain. Clearly more research is needed about the connection between diet and brain function. |
| Consumer Link Mediterranean diet may not protect the aging brain |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Feb;97(2):369-376. |
| January 25, 2013 Researchers are identifying variations in genes that are associated with increased risk of diseases like diabetes. However, even in those with the risky genes, researchers are finding that food components like the orange pigment in carrots and many other vegetables and fruits may still reduce the risk of the disease developing. |
| Consumer Link Go Orange! Beta Carotene May Protect Against Genetic Risk for Type 2 Diabetes |
| Research Link Hum Genet. 2013 Jan 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 24, 2013 Although meeting all nutrient needs is an essential component of good health at all stages of life, some especially key factors that help to maintain muscle in older people include adequate protein, vitamin D, and an overall diet with a balance of foods from all food groups - including fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Which Nutritional Factors Help Preserve Muscle Mass, Strength and Performance in Seniors? |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2012 Dec 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 23, 2013 The down economy could be contributing to the the increased prevalence of obesity. Research indicates that when times are tough, we tend to seek out more calorie-rich foods. |
| Consumer Link People Seek High-Calorie Foods in Tough Times |
| Research Link Psychol Sci. 2013 Jan 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 22, 2013 Obesity researchers are becoming increasingly aware of the multitude of factors that influence body weight and the capacity to lose weight and to maintain the loss. With so many variables involved, what works for one person often does not work for another. |
| Consumer Link What Works For You May Not Work For Me |
| Research Link The National Weight Control Registry |
| January 21, 2013 Clostridium difficile, a microorganism that can infect the intestinal tract, has an appropriate name. It is antibiotic resistant and very difficult to eradicate from the body. The best treatment appears to be not using antibiotics, but transferring fecal matter from a healthy person to the intestine of the infected person. This is more strong evidence for the importance of maintaining a healthy microbial ecology in the lower intestine. |
| Consumer Link Study: Fecal transplants cure serious infection |
| Research Link NEJM. January 16, 2013, [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 20, 2013 Low-income families with normal weight children are more likely to spend more time together at meal times than families with overweight children. Why quality time spent together for family meals might affect children's body weight is not known. |
| Consumer Link In Minutes a Day, Low-Income Families Can Improve Their Kids' Health |
| Research Link Econ Hum Biol. 2012 Dec;10(4):365-74. |
| January 19, 2013 It can be challenging for infants and toddlers to meet their nutrient needs as they make the transition from breast milk or formula to foods. Parents need to help the child by offering an increasingly wide variety of nutrient dense foods as the child explores the world of tastes and textures to meet nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Transitioning Children onto Foods Between 9 to 18 Months of Age |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jan 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 18, 2013 Increasingly, we are learning that the composition of the bacterial community in the lower intestine can have substantial effects on the body. New studies are even finding likely links between the makeup of the intestinal microbiota and autoimmune disease. |
| Consumer Link GI Tract Bacteria May Protect Against Autoimmune Disease |
| Research Link Science, January 17, 2013. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 17, 2013 One reason to consume colorful foods like fruits, vegetables, egg yolks, and salmon is to provide carotenoid pigments needed by the light-sensing retina in the eye. Dietary supplements that provide these carotenoids are a hot area of current research related to eye health, but much remains to be learned about proper dosage and safety. |
| Consumer Link Eye health formulations may require three-carotenoid combinations, says ‘important and novel’ data |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2012 Dec 5:1-12. |
| January 16, 2013 Food Safety is the first step to obtaining adequate nutrition. Research on food freshness shows that people are not as discriminating about consuming expired dated foods if it is in their refrigerators as compared with the same supermarket foods with expired dates. |
| Consumer Link What's A Little Mold? Why Consumers Have Different Freshness Standards At Home |
| Research Link Journal of Consumer Research, Vol36 (1) 2009 Print Edition: |
| January 15, 2013 Although it has been known for many decades that moderate sun exposure can maintain vitamin D status in normal healthy people, many people are deficient in this nutrient. Limited food sources of vitamin D and clothing that prevents sun exposure both increase the need for dietary fortification or supplementation with vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Yes, Vitamin D Deficiency Is Also Found in Sunny Countries |
| Research Link BMC Public Health. 2013, Jan. [Epub Ahead of Print] |
| January 14, 2013 It has been known that excess fat in the abdominal area is linked to a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes than is fat stored below the waist. New research is finding differences in gene expression between upper and lower body fat cells that may lead to ways to more effectively and specifically reduce belly fat. |
| Consumer Link How Belly Fat Differs from Thigh Fat, and Why It Matters |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jan;98(1):362-71. |
| January 13, 2013 According to a recent study, foods labeled with the whole grains "stamp" logo provide more dietary fiber than similar foods without the stamp. However, on average, a serving of these "stamped" foods contains more sugar and provides significantly more calories than comparable non-stamped foods. |
| Consumer Link Foods Identified as 'Whole Grain' Not Always Healthy |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2013 Jan 4:1-10. |
| January 12, 2013 A new Institute of Medicine report compares health and mortality of the U.S. population to 16 other peer countries. For most every category of causes of death, the U.S. ranked the worst for adults up to the age of 50. On the positive side, those in the U.S. who live past the age of 75 can expect to live longer than people in the peer countries. |
| Consumer Link Americans Suffer Worse Health Than Peers in Other Countries |
| Research Link IOM Report Brief on U.S. Health in International Perspective. |
| January 11, 2013 In a study of over 250,000 people, those consuming the most sweet flavored beverages (both diet and regular sodas and sweet fruit drinks) were more likely to develop depression during a 10-year follow-up period. Those drinking coffee had a reduced risk. These associations may prove to be linked to other independent factors that were not evaluated in this study. |
| Consumer Link Hold the soda? Study links carbonated drinks to depression while coffee is tied to lower risk |
| Research Link Am Acad Neurology press release, Jan 8, 2013. |
| January 10, 2013 A study in Sweden found that high levels of pollen exposure during late pregnancy were associated with an elevated risk of the infant being hospitalized for asthma within the first year of life. However, the potential mechanism involved in this association remains to be explored. |
| Consumer Link Pollen Exposure During Pregnancy Affects Child's Risk of Early Asthma, Study Finds |
| Research Link Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2012 Nov 7;8(1):17. doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-8-17. |
| January 9, 2013 Components in red wine (not the alcohol) were found to have the potential to increase testosterone levels by potentially decreasing testosterone excretion in the urine. However, this was based on a cellular "test tube" type of study and human studies are needed for confirmation. |
| Consumer Link Red Wine Could Mask Testosterone Levels, Experts Warn |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2012 Sep 7;11:67. |
| January 8, 2013 A study using over 2800 mice found that feeding pregnant mice diets containing bisphenol A (BPA) did not affect the offspring in ways suggested by previous studies. This large study did not find that BPA caused mice to have the yellow coat color linked to expression of the agouti gene that also is associated with increased susceptibility to obesity and type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Previous Studies On Toxic Effects of BPA Couldn't Be Reproduced |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Dec 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 7, 2013 Extreme dieting or semi-starvation can lead to a strong tendency to binge eat. For many people, binge eating leads to a behavior called secretive food concocting in which people concoct unusual food mixtures to consume like mixing mashed potatoes with Oreo cookies. |
| Consumer Link Secretive Food Concocting: New Characteristic of Binge Eating Identified |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 2012 Dec 19. |
| January 6, 2013 Food packaging is known to influence food acceptability. A recent study served people hot chocolate in white, red, orange, (all white on the inside) and dark cream colored plastic vending cups. The beverage was rated as tasting better when served in the orange or dark cream colored cups. |
| Consumer Link Cup Color Influences the Taste of Hot Chocolate |
| Research Link J Sensory Studies 27 (5): 324–331, 2012. |
| January 5, 2013 People who are overweight, but don't have any of the typical risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, may have a lower risk of dying than a thinner person according to a recent review of research on the links between body weight (or BMI) and mortality. |
| Consumer Link Class 1 Obesity: Don’t Worry, Be Happy? |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;309(1):71-82. |
| January 4, 2013 A study evaluating brain scans of 20 young, normal-weight people found that the sugar fructose does not promote a sensation of fullness to the same degree as the sugar glucose. The ramifications of this remain to be explored further. Foods especially high in fructose include agave syrup and some fruits such as dates and raisins. |
| Consumer Link Fructose Linked To Overeating, Obesity In New Brain Imaging Study |
| Research Link JAMA. 2013;309(1):63-70. |
| January 3, 2013 The trend for schools to cut back on recess to garner more time for academics is counterproductive. According to pediatric researchers, the physical activity and mental breaks provided by recess enhance a child's ability to mentally process information and concepts presented in the classroom. |
| Consumer Link Don't Cut School Recess, Pediatricians Say |
| Research Link Pediatrics Vol. 2013;131(1):183 -188. |
| January 2, 2013 One hundred years after the discovery of vitamins, there is still much to learn about these amazing molecules. During the year 2012, vitamin D was the most researched, but all 13 vitamins are still under study. |
| Consumer Link The Most Researched Vitamin of 2012 |
| Research Link Pubmed Search Page for Vitamin D |
| January 1, 2013 Keeping a steady sleeping and eating schedule appears to make it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. Extreme changes in one's schedule and dietary habits can disturb the normal internal cues that help us make better food choices. |
| Consumer Link How Excess Holiday Eating Disturbs Your 'Food Clock' |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Dec 11;109(50):20679-84. |
| December 31, 2012 When college students are home for semester breaks, it is a good time for parents to notice behavioral changes in their children that could be related to eating disorders. It is estimated that 25% of college students have eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorders boom as kids enter college |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assn. 2011:111(8);1236-1241. |
| December 30, 2012 For a variety of reasons, including decreased intake of iodized salt, Iodine intake in the U.S. has declined substantially during the past few decades. Due to excessively low intakes in many people, iodine researchers recommend that all pregnant and lactating women consume a dietary supplement containing iodine. However, many prenatal vitamins do not contain iodine and only about one in five pregnant women are taking iodine-containing supplements. |
| Consumer Link Critical Need for Iodine Supplements During Pregnancy and While Nursing |
| Research Link JAMA December 19, 2012, Vol 308, No. 23 p2463 |
| December 29, 2012 Are you too busy using your brain to exercise your body? A sedentary lifestyle may make your brain function less effectively. It appears that physical activity plays an important role in maintaining good brain function. |
| Consumer Link Exercise and the Ever-Smarter Human Brain |
| Research Link Nature. 2004 Nov 18;432(7015):345-52. |
| December 28, 2012 Childhood obesity has been on the rise for some time. New research, however, indicates that the trend has reversed or at least plateaued between 2003 and 2010. |
| Consumer Link Study Finds Modest Declines in Obesity Rates Among Young Children From Poor Families |
| Research Link AMA. 2012;308(24):2563-2565. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.108099. |
| December 27, 2012 Research shows that when fast food items are labeled with both the amount of calories and the miles you need to walk to expend those calories people selected lower calorie meals. |
| Consumer Link Miles on menu 'helps healthy choices' |
| Research Link Appetite. 2012 Dec 7. pii: S0195-6663(12)00465-5. |
| December 26, 2012 As the world population grows, so does the demand for efficiently produced high protein foods. Insects have the potential to help fill this protein gap. |
| Consumer Link From Farm to Table, Mealworms May Be the Next Best Food |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(12): e51145. |
| December 25, 2012 In case you were not already sure, those scrumptious recipes prepared by popular TV chefs have been evaluated based on nutrition recommendations. Frequently these recipes are very high in calories and fat in relation to beneficial nutrients. Home prepared meals that rely primarily on healthful raw ingredients are more likely to be nutritionally balanced. |
| Consumer Link Popular TV Chef Recipes 'Less Healthy' Than Supermarket Ready Meals |
| Research Link BMJ. 2012 Dec 14;345:e7607. |
| December 24, 2012 A new study indicates that eating meals as a family as well as cutting up fruits and vegetables can both help to increase fruit and vegetable intake by children. |
| Consumer Link Occasional Family Meals Enough to Boost Kids' Fruit and Veg Intake |
| Research Link J Epidemiol Community Health. 2012 Dec 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 23, 2012 Gluten intolerance and celiac disease sufferers may have a solution other than a gluten-free diet if new research pans out. Scientists have developed an enzyme that completely digests gluten protein components and therefore has the potential to remove gluten's allergen potential. |
| Consumer Link Toward a Pill to Enable Celiac Patients to Eat Foods Containing Gluten |
| Research Link J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Dec 19;134(50):20513-20. |
| December 22, 2012 Both the brain and the retina of the eyes contain high levels of the omega-3 fatty acid commonly called DHA. A new meta-analysis type of study indicates that supplementing infant formula with long chain omega-3 fatty acid sources like fish and algae oils can benefit the development of infant vision. |
| Consumer Link Meta-Analysis Offers Clarity on Effects of Omega-3 PUFA on Infant Vision |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Dec 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 21, 2012 The concept of a "gut level" feeling is getting a new meaning. A complex community of microorganisms in the lower intestine interfaces with the nervous system in ways that can affect how we feel and behave. What we feed this community may ultimately have substantial effects on our well-being. |
| Consumer Link Are Bacteria Making You Hungry? |
| Research Link J Bacteriol. 2012 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 20, 2012 Remission of type 2 diabetes appears to be possible for some people, especially if they are still in the early stages of the disease. Overweight diabetics, in particular, may be able to reverse the condition with a healthful diet and exercise program that produces weight loss. When this works, however, the individual needs to consider themselves to be a "recovering diabetic" because diabetes can return quickly if the lifestyle is not maintained. |
| Consumer Link Intensive Weight Loss Programs Might Help Reverse Diabetes |
| Research Link JAMA. 2012;308(23):2489-2496. |
| December 19, 2012 Colorful compounds important for eye health, called lutein and zeaxanthin, are found in many green and yellow vegetables, yellow fruits, and egg yolks. These compounds are lower in the retinas of the eyes of older people with vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration. The average American diet provides only 1-3 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin per day. Additional intake from dietary supplements appears to help protect eyes from this condition. |
| Consumer Link Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Supports Visual Health |
| Research Link Ophthalmology. 2012 Nov;119(11):2290-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2012.06.014. Epub 2012 Aug 1. |
| December 18, 2012 Adequate consumption of milk helps to promote good bone development in kids by supplying a good balance of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. However, excessive milk consumption can reduce iron absorption and potentially compromise important iron-dependent body functions, including normal brain development. |
| Consumer Link 2 Cups of Milk a Day Optimal for Most Preschoolers |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Dec 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 17, 2012 Both aerobic and resistance exercise programs are thought to help promote body weight and fat loss. A recent study of middle-aged adults found that aerobic exercise promoted weight and fat loss much better than resistance exercise. Participants engaging in both forms of exercise experienced the greatest fat loss and reduction in waist circumference. |
| Consumer Link Aerobic Exercise Trumps Resistance Training for Weight and Fat Loss |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2012 Sep 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 16, 2012 A Spanish study of almost 4000 older people with high cardiovascular risk (mean age 67) found that those who consumed the most gazpacho soup on a regular basis had the lowest blood pressure despite significantly greater sodium intake. |
| Consumer Link Gazpacho Consumption Associated With Lower Blood Pressure, Study Finds |
| Research Link Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2012 Nov 10. pii: S0939-4753(12)00181-0.[Epub ahead of print] |
| December 15, 2012 Research indicates that Olympic athletes live longer than the average person. However, few people in the general population meet the basic recommendation to obtain 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per week. If you are one of the few getting the 150 minutes of activity, your longevity is likely to match that of Olympians. Give yourself a gold medal! |
| Consumer Link Olympians Live Longer Than General Population ... But Cyclists No Survival Advantage Over Golfers |
| Research Link BMJ 2012;345:e8338 |
| December 14, 2012 Like tomato sauces? A new study indicates that lycopene, the colorful antioxidant in tomato products, can improve markers of antioxidant status and inflammation related to heart health. Cooked tomato sauces provide more readily absorbed lycopene than fresh tomatoes. |
| Consumer Link What Do Quitting Smoking, Exercising More, and Eating More Pizza and Pasta Have in Common? |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. 2013 Jan;24(1):163-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2012.03.015. Epub 2012 Jul 21. |
| December 13, 2012 An ongoing American Cancer Society study on over 900,000 people found that people drinking more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 49% lower risk of oral/pharyngeal cancer death relative to those with little or no coffee intake. Since association does not prove causation, this observation does not translate to a recommendation to start drinking coffee if you don't already drink coffee, but it is good news for coffee drinkers. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Drinking May Halve Risk Of Mouth And Throat Cancer |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2012 Dec 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 12, 2012 Bone health and strength is dependent on an adequate intake of many nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. New research on the protein structure in bones also provides strong support for the important role of vitamin K in maintaining bone strength. |
| Consumer Link Battling Brittle Bones With … Broccoli and Spinach? |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Nov 20;109(47):19178-83. |
| December 11, 2012 A Swedish study of 285 infants born with a "marginally low" birth weight (2 to 2.5 kg or about 4.4 to 5.5 pounds) found that providing the infants with iron supplementation during their first 6 months of life significantly reduced the prevalence of behavioral problems measured in the children when they reached 3.5 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements may protect against behavioral problems in low birth weight kids |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2013;131:47–55. |
| December 10, 2012 A review of studies on the use of chelation therapy to treat autism concluded that the treatment is not effective and is potentially detrimental. |
| Consumer Link Controversial Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder Proven Ineffective and Harmful |
| Research Link Res Autism Spect Dis. 2013;7(1):49-55. |
| December 9, 2012 It has long been assumed that obesity leads to chronic elevation of blood insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia). Using a mouse model, however, researchers found that it can work the other way - higher insulin levels can drive the development of obesity. Although human studies are needed to confirm this, it is good to know that moderate carbohydrate intake and daily physical activity help to lower insulin levels. |
| Consumer Link Could High Insulin Lead To Obesity? |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, 2012; 16 (6): 723 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.10.019 |
| December 8, 2012 The cognitive decline caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency can be similar to Alzheimer's disease symptoms. New evidence indicates that even ongoing mild vitamin B-12 deficiency status can accelerate mental decline. B-12 status should always be checked in older people who are experiencing changes in mental function. |
| Consumer Link Mild Vitamin B12 Deficiency Associated With Accelerated Cognitive Decline |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc 60:1457-1464, 2012. |
| December 7, 2012 A large ongoing study of European adolescents found that about one in five had blood values indicating subclinical deficiency of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Due to rapid growth and development during this phase of life, these deficiencies could result in lifelong health problems. |
| Consumer Link Indicators of Vitamin B Adequacy Show That Some European Teens Need More |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2012 Nov;32(11):817-826. |
| December 6, 2012 Resveratrol is a phytochemical found naturally in foods like grapes and peanuts. Dietary supplements of resveratrol have been found to benefit people with elevated blood glucose, but as expected, the supplement does not cause measurable changes in people with normal glucose control. |
| Consumer Link Resveratrol: Testing Nutrients Under Metabolically Receptive Conditions |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism. 2012 16(5):658-664. |
| December 5, 2012 Researchers have now found that the right kind of high-energy diet is necessary for some whales and dolphins to be successful predators. Here is another example that the quality of an animal’s diet can play an important role in its survival. |
| Consumer Link Eating Right Key to Survival of Whales and Dolphins |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e50096. |
| December 4, 2012 Animal agriculture often is blamed for promoting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Recent research found that bacterial antibiotic-resistant genes were present both in human-impacted agricultural areas and in pristine natural habitats. Measures to control exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria need to acknowledge that these bacterial genes may just be part of the natural environment. |
| Consumer Link Sources of E. Coli Are Not Always What They Seem |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(11): e48325. |
| December 3, 2012 Good vitamin D status has long been known to benefit bone health. Dental health is closely linked with bone health, so it is not surprising that teeth also benefit from good vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Linked to Lower Rates of Tooth Decay |
| Research Link Nutrition Reviews. 9 NOV 2012 [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 2, 2012 If you are not fond of eating fish, new products are on the horizon that can provide those important omega-3 fatty acids. Milk could be the next omega-3 fortified food based on research indicating that the fatty acids can be added without affecting the taste or smell of the milk. |
| Consumer Link People Not Hooked On Fish Could Get Their Omega-3 Through New Dairy Products, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Dairy Sci. 2012;95(110:6242-6251. |
| December 1, 2012 With gluten intolerance, allergy, and celiac disease on the rise, scientists are getting closer to finding ways to produce wheat that does not contain the offending protein. |
| Consumer Link Wheat for people allergic to gluten: Possible? |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Nov 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 30, 2012 A critical review of omega-3 fatty acid nutrition concluded that food or supplement sources of these fatty acids that provide both EPA and DHA (such as fish oils or algae oils), are needed for cardiovascular health benefit. Plant oil sources such as flax oil and chia seed oil do not provide the same benefits. |
| Consumer Link Analysis of Conflicting Fish Oil Studies Finds That Omega-3 Fatty Acids Still Matter |
| Research Link J Lipid Res. 2012 Dec;53(12):2525-45. |
| November 29, 2012 Want people to see you as a good cook that also cares? Don't forget to include a vegetable on the plate. As new research puts it, serving vegetables as part of the meal increases the hedonic appeal of the meal and heroic appeal of the cook. |
| Consumer Link How Vegetables Make the Meal |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2012 Nov 15:1-7. |
| November 28, 2012 Gastric bypass surgery can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes in some severely obese diabetic adults. However, within 5 years, diabetes returns in about one out of three people who experience remission. |
| Consumer Link Gastric bypass surgery helps diabetes but doesn't cure it |
| Research Link Obes Surg. 2012 Nov 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 27, 2012 Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms, vitamin D2 and D3. A comparison of these two forms found that D3 was much better at maintaining healthy blood levels of vitamin D during a 25 week test. |
| Consumer Link To D3 or Not to D3, That is the Question: On the Bioequivalence of Vitamin D |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2012 Jul 11:1-7. |
| November 26, 2012 Postpartum depression, at least in part, may be due to the mother having a diet too low in the omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish oils. The fatty acid needs of the infant during pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly lower the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in a woman's body. |
| Consumer Link Eating More Fish Could Reduce Postpartum Depression |
| Research Link Can J Psychiatry. 2012 Nov;57(11):704-12. |
| November 25, 2012 Corn is a common staple food that has the potential to benefit eye health in both developed and under-developed parts of the world. Scientists now know which gene functions to make some varieties of corn high in zeaxanthin (beneficial for retinal health) and other varieties high in beta-carotene (can be converted to vitamin A) to help prevent blindness in developing countries. |
| Consumer Link Orange ears |
| Research Link Nat Genet. 2010 Apr;42(4):322-7. |
| November 24, 2012 Recent research with diabetic rats found that a high protein diet supplemented with two amino acids (arginine and proline) supported more blood vessel growth and less inflammation than than a standard control or high protein diet. This research may lead to more effective treatment for diabetic humans. |
| Consumer Link Arginine and Proline Enriched Diet May Speed Wound Healing in Diabetes |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2012 Nov;303(10):R1053-61. |
| November 23, 2012 New research with a guinea pig model found that even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother impairs normal development the fetal hippocampus. The function of this important memory center in the brain is compromised for life. This very likely works the same way in humans. |
| Consumer Link Fetus Suffers When Mother Lacks Vitamin C |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (10): e48488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048488 |
| November 22, 2012 Meals high in fat have been shown to reduce the normal capacity of blood vessels to dilate (expand in diameter) following the meal. This has the potential to increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Consuming sources of antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C and E along with a high fat meal helps to normalize blood vessel dilation. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins May Counter Effects of High Fat on Blood Vessels |
| Research Link JAMA. 1997 Nov 26;278(20):1682-6. |
| November 21, 2012 The pressure on teens to achieve a desirable appearance can drive both boys and girls to unhealthful nutrition extremes. Excessive consumption of protein powders and even steroid use is growing increasingly common among teens. |
| Consumer Link Teens want more muscle, some use steroids to get there. |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2005 Aug;116(2):e214-20. |
| November 20, 2012 Herbal extracts can have powerful drug effects and need to be used with proper guidance. For example, animal studies indicate that oregano extract can affect brain neurotransmitter levels. A recent human study found that this extract induced a state of wakeful relaxation, enhanced vigilance, and improved concentration and mental capacity. Yes, more research is needed to confirm this! |
| Consumer Link How Can Pizza Influence the Activity of Your Brain? |
| Research Link 2012 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2012. Online. |
| November 19, 2012 Comparisons of the three main sources of calories (carbohydrate, fat, and protein), indicate that protein has the greatest satiety value. A recent study found that eating most of the day's high carbohydrate foods in the evening helped to reduce hunger and promote weight loss more that eating carbs spread throughout the day. |
| Consumer Link Limiting Carbs to Dinner-Time Increases Satiety, Reduces Risk for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Research Finds |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Oct;19(10):2006-14. |
| November 18, 2012 A British study found that milk intake during childhood was associated with improved physical function later in life between ages 63 and 86 years. They also found that greater protein intake during adult years was associated with faster walking times on a walking test. |
| Consumer Link New Study Finds Milk-drinking Kids Reap Physical Benefits Later in Life |
| Research Link Age Ageing. 2012 Nov;41(6):776-84. |
| November 17, 2012 A recent study on infants and children found that those who consumed even small amounts of fish between ages six months and one year had about a 36 percent decreased risk of wheezing, a sign of asthma. Introducing fish before or after this age range was not associated with the risk of asthma. Although this type of study does not prove that eating fish at this age helps to prevent asthma, it does indicate the need for further study. |
| Consumer Link Study suggests timing may be key in fish-asthma link |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 16, 2012 A new study helps to bring some clarity to the question of moderate drinking during pregnancy. Children of women who had one of four genetic variants in alcohol metabolizing genes had a lower IQ if their mother consumed even moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Even Moderate Drinking in Pregnancy Can Affect a Child's IQ |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (11): e49407. |
| November 15, 2012 The more we learn about fat cells, the more interesting they become. When researchers deleted a gene in the fat cells of mice that encoded for a core molecular clock component, the mice shifted the time of day that they ate and became obese without increasing their calorie intake. This may lead to a better understanding of night-eating syndrome in humans. |
| Consumer Link It's Not Just What You Eat, but When You Eat It: Link Between Fat Cell and Brain Clock Molecules Shown |
| Research Link Nature Medicine (2012) doi:10.1038/nm.2979 |
| November 14, 2012 Although spice allergies are not very common, they are very difficult to diagnose and control by avoidance of the allergen. Current U.S. food and cosmetic labeling laws do not require that each spice ingredient be listed individually. |
| Consumer Link Sugar and Spice and Everything Not So Nice: Spice Allergy Affects Foodies and Cosmetic Users Alike |
| Research Link Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2011 Sep;107(3):191-9; quiz 199, 265. |
| November 13, 2012 Green tea appears to benefit people with metabolic syndrome. A recent mouse study found that a component of green tea inhibited starch digestion and reduced the blood glucose spike that usually follows starch consumption. |
| Consumer Link Drinking Green Tea With Starchy Food May Help Lower Blood Sugar Spikes |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Nov;56(11):1647-54. |
| November 12, 2012 New Canadian research indicates that daily vigorous physical activity is important for children to maintain fitness and a healthy body weight. Vigorous activity was equivalent to an exercise intensity comparable to jogging or greater intensity. |
| Consumer Link Kids Need at Least Seven Minutes a Day of 'Vigorous' Physical Activity, but Most Aren't Getting That |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012 Sep 10:1-8. doi: 10.1001/archpediatrics.2012. 1028. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 11, 2012 A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 studies on protein needs during weight loss confirmed what Japanese researchers demonstrated over 30 years ago. When calorie intake is reduced for weight loss, protein needs increase to prevent the loss of body protein and to maintain resting metabolic rate. |
| Consumer Link High-Protein Diet May Help Some People Shed Pounds |
| Research Link J Nutr. 1978 Apr;108(4):658-69. |
| November 10, 2012 In case you were not convinced that physical activity is good for you, pooled data from six studies (on over 600,000 people) indicated that staying physically active after the age of 40 is associated with living an additional two to seven years. |
| Consumer Link Walk Your Way to a Longer Life, Study Says |
| Research Link PLoS Med 9(11): e1001335. |
| November 9, 2012 People with impaired walking due to Parkinson disease improved their walking ability with three months of exercise performed three times a week for 30 to 50 minutes each time. Both treadmill exercise and a combination of resistance and stretching exercise produced significant benefit. It appears that combining these types of exercise may be the best approach for Parkinson disease patients. |
| Consumer Link All Kinds of Exercise May Be Good for Parkinson's |
| Research Link Arch Neurol. 2012;():1-8. |
| November 8, 2012 Overweight and obese dogs appear to have the same associated health risks as their human companions. Dogs even develop the combination of signs that constitutes metabolic syndrome. Like their humans, dogs experience a reversal of metabolic syndrome along with significant weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Obese Dogs at Risk of Health Condition Experienced by Humans |
| Research Link BMC Vet Res. 2012 Aug 28;8(1):147. |
| November 7, 2012 A study of over 1000 middle-aged people who were offspring of parents that lived into their 90s, found that they had significantly lower vitamin D status (blood levels of 25-OH vitamin D) than their partners. However, this statistical difference may not be biologically significant since the average vitamin D level was well within the normal range. |
| Consumer Link Low Vitamin D Linked with Long Life |
| Research Link CMAJ November 5, 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 6, 2012 Between 1976 and 2006, fewer children (age one to five) are consuming sodas. However, the same is true for milk. Fruit juice consumption, however, has increased. |
| Consumer Link The percentage of American kids drinking soda has dropped noticeably since 2006 |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2012 Oct 31;11(1):92. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 5, 2012 Rapid and substantial weight loss has been found to promote significant bone loss. Research is needed to fully evaluate the risks of bariatric surgery on long-term bone health. |
| Consumer Link When Considering Bariatric Surgery, Think About Bones |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2012 Oct 25.[Epub ahead of print] |
| November 4, 2012 Some alternative medicine practitioners promote the medicinal use of silver solutions for various purposes. These were used for antibiotic purposes prior to the discovery of antibiotics. However, silver is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and especially show up in the skin and make a person's skin blue in color. This change in skin color is apparently irreversible, somewhat like tattoo colors. |
| Consumer Link Drinking silver will turn you blue - and here's why |
| Research Link ACS Nano. 2012 Oct [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 3, 2012 Air travel can be challenging for people using insulin pumps or continuous blood glucose monitoring devices. Full-body or X-ray scanners used for airport security screening may affect the function of some types of these devices. |
| Consumer Link Can diabetes devices be damaged by airport security scanners? |
| Research Link Diabetes Tech & Ther. November 2012, 14(11): 984-985. |
| November 2, 2012 When it comes to breast cancer survival, maintaining a healthy weight does not necessarily mean having a low body weight. Women who were underweight or morbidly obese before breast cancer diagnosis both had greater risk of mortality than women with normal body weight. |
| Consumer Link Body Fat May Affect Death Risk Among Breast Cancer Patients |
| Research Link Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 Apr;132(2):729-39. |
| November 1, 2012 A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of undernourished children age 6 to 11 found that iron supplementation benefited cognitive function. Supplementation with fish oil type omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) was less effective, appearing to somewhat benefit the boys, but not the girls. |
| Consumer Link Iron and Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognition in School-Aged Children |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Oct 24. [Epub ahead of print]. |
| October 31, 2012 Potato varieties are being crossed to produce many new colors. Many of these new colorful potatoes provide the nutritional benefit of higher levels of carotenoids, making them more nutritionally similar to sweet potatoes and yams. |
| Consumer Link Potatoes Created With Higher Levels of Carotenoids |
| Research Link J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. July 2011 136:265-272 |
| October 30, 2012 Even if you are not living in a location affected by Hurricane Sandy, it is a good time to review how to safely handle food when electrical power goes down. With a little knowledge, good pre-planning and making smart food decisions can help to keep you and your family safe. |
| Consumer Link How to keep your food safe if Hurricane Sandy cuts electricity |
| Research Link Food Facts, U.S. Food & Drug Admin. |
| October 29, 2012 Exercise is good for you, both physically and mentally, but like everything else, there are upper limits. Both low and excessive levels of physical activity are associated with poorer mental health. A recent study found that the optimal range of physical activity for mental health was 2.5 to 7.5 hours per week. |
| Consumer Link Study Pinpoints Just How Much Exercise Is Good for Mental Health |
| Research Link Prev Med. 2012 Sep 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 28, 2012 Brain shrinkage has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and problems with thinking and memory. Although using the brain seems to help maintain its function, staying physically active appears to be potentially more important for preventing brain shrinkage and associated functional decline. |
| Consumer Link Physical Exercise May Outweigh Mental Exercise In Preventing Brain Shrinkage, Study Finds |
| Research Link Neurology. 2012 Oct 23;79(17):1802-1808. |
| October 27, 2012 Evidence exists to support that low to moderation consumption of alcohol may confer some health benefits. However, it can be easy for some people to slide from moderate into excessive drinking habits which shifts the balance into an increased risk of various health problems. |
| Consumer Link Moderate Drinking Decreases Number of New Brain Cells |
| Research Link Neuroscience. 2012 Nov 8;224:202-9. |
| October 26, 2012 Cooking foods at high temperatures by frying and grilling increases the amount of compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs for short). Since excess consumption of AGEs is linked to the progression of many chronic diseases, consuming less AGEs in the diet may benefit long term health. Cooking methods that minimize the formation of AGEs include steaming, stewing, poaching, and boiling. |
| Consumer Link ‘Crusty’ AGE-rich foods may raise risk of heart disease |
| Research Link Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2012 Jul 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 25, 2012 Using an innovative model of muscular dystrophy in zebrafish, researchers found that supplemental doses of niacin (vitamin B3) improved muscle structure and reduced symptoms. It remains to be seen if niacin may provide benefits to people with this condition. |
| Consumer Link New Vitamin-Based Treatment That Could Reduce Muscle Degeneration in Muscular Dystrophy |
| Research Link PLoS Biology, 2012; 10 (10): e1001409. |
| October 24, 2012 A new review article comparing organic to conventional food production in the U.S., confirmed the primary conclusions of the controversial systematic review published last month by Stanford researchers. This new review also indicates that based on current evidence, nutritional differences between the two types of foods are minor. They also emphasize that continuing research is warranted on potentially important differences between organic and conventional foods. |
| Consumer Link Pediatricians: Organic foods may not be better |
| Research Link Pediatrics. October 22, 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 23, 2012 As temperatures and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase with global warming, new research indicates that growing rice will become less climate friendly. This is primarily because the production of the greenhouse gas methane will increase due to the activity of microorganisms that thrive in rice paddies. |
| Consumer Link Rice Agriculture Accelerates Global Warming: More Greenhouse Gas Per Grain of Rice |
| Research Link Nature Climate Change, 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 22, 2012 Using bone density measurements from bone scans to evaluate the risk of developing osteoporosis currently requires comparing the values to reference standards from an individual's racial group. A newly developed technique shows promise for eliminating the need to have a racially specific comparison group. |
| Consumer Link Measuring Women's Risk of Osteoporosis |
| Research Link Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2012; 97 (10): 3593 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-1997 |
| October 21, 2012 Canadian researchers found that after the age of 12 years, overweight/obese children use more prescription medications than their normal weight peers. The most commonly used medications were for nervous system and respiratory problems such as asthma. |
| Consumer Link Medication Use Higher among Overweight, Obese Kids |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child. 2012 Sep;97(9):842-7. |
| October 20, 2012 Skipping breakfast to reduce overall calorie intake may backfire. Newly reported research found that brain activity is affected by skipping breakfast in a way that leads people to naturally go for foods with more concentrated calories at lunch. |
| Consumer Link Why Skipping Breakfast Increases Appeal of High Calorie Foods |
| Research Link Society for Neuroscience Press Release |
| October 19, 2012 Nutrition may play a role in asthma prevention. A Japanese study recently found that diets lower in vitamins C and E were associated with an increased risk of asthma in children. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants and Allergy: Dietary Vitamins Shown to Reduce Childhood Asthma |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2012 Oct 1:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 18, 2012 Colorful foods often get their color from substances called carotenoids. The best known carotenoid is probably beta-carotene that makes carrots orange and that the body can convert into vitamin A. Other carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin that are rich in foods like collards, broccoli, and yellow corn, benefit eye health and appear to be beneficial for the brain as well. |
| Consumer Link Got Questions About Carotenoids? Look No Further for the Latest Research Highlights! |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Oct 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 17, 2012 The world's population has reached a level that is beginning to exceed the supply of food. However, much of the currently produced food is lost as waste. A new study estimated that cutting food waste in half on a global level would feed an additional billion people. |
| Consumer Link Halving Food Losses Would Feed an Additional Billion People, Finnish Study Finds |
| Research Link Science of The Total Environment, 2012; 438: 477. |
| October 16, 2012 A study with overweight people with type 2 diabetes indicated that an exercise program helps the fat cells send out more of a hormone that tells the liver to produce more of the protective HDL cholesterol. This occurred even without weight loss. |
| Consumer Link With a Little Exercise, Your Fat Cells May Coax Liver to Produce 'Good' Cholesterol |
| Research Link The Journal of Lipid Research, 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 15, 2012 There is a long list of nutrients important to bone health that includes calcium, vitamin D, and adequate protein, among others. Growing evidence adds vitamin C to the list, emphasizing the importance of consuming a wide variety of foods across all the food groups for good health, including bone health. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C Prevents Bone Loss in Animal Models |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (10): e47058. |
| October 14, 2012 The blame for increased rates of obesity is often placed on the food industry. However, this trend may reverse as the industry recognizes the marketing potential in being part of the solution. |
| Consumer Link How Food Marketers Can Help Consumers Eat Better While Improving Their Bottom Line |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2012 Oct;70(10):571-93. |
| October 13, 2012 A study of just over a thousand 45 to 65 year-old men in Finland found that those with the highest blood levels of the carotenoid lycopene (especially high in tomatoes) had the lowest risk of stroke. Blood levels beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin A were not related to the risk of strokes. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes for Stroke Prevention? |
| Research Link Neurology. 2012;79(15):1540-1547. |
| October 12, 2012 We all know we should include vegetables in our daily fare. But how often do you include sea vegetables? Edible seaweeds provide many of the same nutrients as land vegetables. Some seaweeds even contain substantial amounts of iodine, a nutrient often low in American diets. |
| Consumer Link Limu's iodine component makes it extra-nutritious |
| Research Link Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;64:371-90. |
| October 11, 2012 Using a human colon cell culture technique, a new study identified a component in milk that may be responsible for milk's association with reduced colon cancer. |
| Consumer Link The Cancer-Protective Properties Of Milk |
| Research Link J Dairy Sci. 2012 Oct;95(10):5552-60. |
| October 10, 2012 A recent study found that heavier teenagers consume less calories than their thin peers. Consequently, overweight teens may benefit more from increasing physical activity than from dieting. Of course, for any teen, it is important to eat a diet that meets nutrient needs to support normal development. |
| Consumer Link Heavy Teens Eat Less But Weigh More Than Their Thinner Peers |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Oct;130(4):e936-42. |
| October 9, 2012 A recent Japanese study indicates that diet may be a factor in childhood asthma. Children with a greater dietary intake of vitamins C and E were less likely to have asthma. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidants and Allergy: Dietary Vitamins Shown to Reduce Childhood Asthma |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2012 Oct 1:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 8, 2012 Meeting vitamin K needs is known to benefit the health of bones and blood vessels. There is new evidence that good vitamin K nutrition also may reduce the risk of developing diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Recent Research Supports Link |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Oct 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 7, 2012 It is growing increasingly evident that obesity and malnutrition commonly coexist. In fact, it is likely that basic nutrient deficiencies such as protein deficiency can make it more difficult to lose weight when adequate calories from carbohydrate and fat are available. |
| Consumer Link Obesity and Under-Nutrition Prevalent in Long-Term Refugees Living in Camps |
| Research Link PLOS Medicine, 2012; 9 (10): e1001320. |
| October 6, 2012 The recommendation to eat an apple a day can now add heart health benefits to its accomplishments. Recent research showed that this simple dietary intervention decreased the risk of atherosclerosis partially due to poyphenols. |
| Consumer Link An Apple a Day Lowers Level of Blood Chemical Linked to Hardening of the Arteries, Research Suggests |
| Research Link Journal of Functional Foods, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2012.08.010 |
| October 5, 2012 Anyone knowledgeable of the U.S. labeling laws for dietary supplements can easily find illegal labels on store shelves or product websites. A small government study of 127 dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or immune system support found that 20 percent of the products had prohibited disease claims on their labels. |
| Consumer Link Report: Some dietary supplements illegally labeled |
| Research Link Office of Inspector General: US Dept Health & Human Services |
| October 4, 2012 Research indicates that zinc needs increase in older individuals. Inadequate zinc intake could be contributing to many chronic health problems. Among commonly consumed foods, lean beef is the richest source of well-absorbed zinc. Some fortified breakfast cereals contain high zinc levels, but the zinc bioavailability is unknown. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Deficiency Mechanism Linked to Aging, Multiple Diseases |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. Oct, 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 3, 2012 A study conducted in the optically transparent young zebrafish found that specific types of gut bacteria can enhance the absorption of fat. Understanding the mechanism of this effect could lead to finding new ways to enhance or inhibit fat absorption. |
| Consumer Link Gut bacteria play key role in fat absorption: Study |
| Research Link Cell Host & Microbe. 2012;12(3):259-261. |
| October 2, 2012 A systematic review of 30 randomized controlled trials on the effect of exercise intervention programs with children found that the programs had little effect on total daily physical activity and any increase in activity did not persist when programs ceased. Growing up in a physically active family setting is likely more effective than intervention programs for promoting an active lifestyle. |
| Consumer Link Physical activity interventions for children have 'little impact' |
| Research Link BMJ 2012;345:e5888. |
| October 1, 2012 A study of over 600 people with gout reported that the risk of a gout attack was significantly lower when cherries or cherry extracts were consumed. However, the study design could not prove a cause and effect relationship. |
| Consumer Link Gout Attacks Are the Pits... Eating Cherries May Help |
| Research Link Arthritis & Rheumatism, September 28, 2012 [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 30, 2012 In a Swedish study of more than 32,000 49-83-year-old women, dietary total antioxidant capacity estimated from the consumption of fruits, vegetables, coffee, and whole grains, was was associated with a reduced risk of heart attack. |
| Consumer Link Diet High in Total Antioxidants Associated With Lower Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Women |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2012 Oct;125(10):974-80. |
| September 29, 2012 More physical activity and less time spent sitting are associated with a lower prevalence of chronic kidney disease. Too much sitting time is most risky for women and low physical activity is more risky for men. |
| Consumer Link Stand up - or your kidneys could suffer |
| Research Link Am J Kidney Dis. 2012 Oct;60(4):583-90. |
| September 28, 2012 Feeling bored? Researchers are working to better understand what that means. With good ways to measure boredom, we may be able to develop an understanding of nutritional factors that could predispose one to boredom. Many nutrients, such as some B vitamins, iron, and zinc, are involved in a variety of brain functions. |
| Consumer Link 'I'm Bored!' -- Research On Attention Sheds Light On the Unengaged Mind |
| Research Link Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2012; 7 (5): 482-495. |
| September 27, 2012 Although nutritionists often encourage people to meet their nutrient needs from eating a wide variety of wholesome foods, fortified foods have had a very impressive track record of decreasing nutrient-related health problems. For example, fortification of flour with folic acid has substantially reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in infants. |
| Consumer Link What are the Alternatives to Fortifying Staple Foods? |
| Research Link J Nutr Metab. 2012;2012:492353. |
| September 26, 2012 Lactose intolerance often is used as a reason to discourage milk consumption. However, a substantial amount of research indicates that those with lactose intolerance can tolerate up to a cup of milk or yogurt at a meal without symptoms. Milk products like hard cheeses have almost no lactose. |
| Consumer Link Milk and dairy consumption attacked by vegan group |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2006 Apr;136(4):1107-13. |
| September 25, 2012 In attempts to eat healthfully, pregnant women may avoid some foods that are good sources of the nutrient choline. The richest sources of choline include eggs and beef. New research is finding that adequate choline intake by a mother during pregnancy is likely important for the life-long expression of specific genes important to the health of a child throughout its life. |
| Consumer Link Nutrient in Eggs and Meat May Influence Gene Expression from Infancy to Adulthood |
| Research Link FASEB Journal, 2012; 26 (8): 3563. |
| September 24, 2012 Meeting nutrient needs within your calorie needs can be expensive. A recent study found that diets providing healthful amounts of vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium and magnesium are significantly more expensive. |
| Consumer Link The Fine Art of Balancing Caloric and Micronutrient Requirements |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(5): e37533. |
| September 23, 2012 Many people exercise to expend more calories to lose weight. For this purpose, new research indicates that more exercise may not be better than a more moderate amount due to a tendency to eat more food in compensation for the higher levels of exercise. |
| Consumer Link For Weight Loss, Less Exercise May Be More |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2012 Sep;303(6):R571-9. |
| September 22, 2012 If you take a vitamin D supplement, you are likely to absorb more of the vitamin if you take it along with your largest meal of the day. This is likely because this meal is usually higher in fat which facilitates the absorption of fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Take Vitamin D With Largest Meal |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2010 Apr;25(4):928-30. |
| September 21, 2012 If you are overweight, the usual message is to lose weight. However, the message more likely should be to get fit. Researchers often find that thinness and health are not one and the same. |
| Consumer Link In ‘Obesity Paradox,’ Thinner May Mean Sicker |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012 Aug 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 20, 2012 Regular physical activity generally helps to maintain a healthy body weight, but it is not clear exactly how this works. One idea is that exercise helps to normalize the appetite. A new study provides some support for this concept, finding that a 45 minute bout of moderate to vigorous exercise actually reduced the motivation to consume food. |
| Consumer Link Exercise May Affect Food Motivation |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 May 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 19, 2012 Chronic lack of adequate sleep is known to take a toll on many aspects of health. A recent study with rats found that sleep deprivation caused increased bone loss and abnormal blood cell production in bone marrow. Further study is needed to assess the possibility of this occurring in humans and to determine if poor sleep is a risk factor in osteoporosis. |
| Consumer Link Lack of Sleep Affects Bone Health and Bone Marrow Activity |
| Research Link Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2012 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 18, 2012 A woman's adequate consumption of many nutrients during and after pregnancy is known to be essential for optimal development of an infant. New research indicates that good vitamin D status during pregnancy is associated with improved mental and psychomotor development in infants. Vitamin D is important for much more than bone health. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D in Pregnancy Critical for Brain Development, Study Says |
| Research Link Pediatrics. [Published online September 17, 2012] |
| September 17, 2012 People who exercise regularly know that a bout of exercise has a stress releasing effect on the body and mind. New research supports this and indicates that exercise can help to deal with anxiety as well. |
| Consumer Link UMD study shows exercise may protect against future emotional stress |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 16, 2012 Almost 60 percent of the brain is made up of an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. This highly unsaturated fatty acid is highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Consequently, an adequate intake of antioxidant substances commonly found in fruits and vegetables may help to protect the brain. |
| Consumer Link Thinking About My Brain and Optimal Mental Performance |
| Research Link J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;29(3):561-9. |
| September 15, 2012 The nutrition facts information on food labels is meant to help consumers meet their nutrient and energy needs. And, this may work for some of us. A new study finds that those who read food labels have lower body mass index on average, especially women. |
| Consumer Link People Who Read Food Labels Stay Thinner, Study Finds |
| Research Link Agricultural Economics, 2012; 43 (3): 333-342. |
| September 14, 2012 During pregnancy, good nourishment of a woman's body provides an adequate supply of nutrients to the developing fetus and supports milk production after birth to meet the baby's needs. Poor nutrition of the mother can impair normal development in ways that are irreversible and can have serious adverse effects that persist even into adult life. |
| Consumer Link Good nutrient consumption sets stage for healthy child |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2011 Nov;69 Suppl 1:S3-16. |
| September 13, 2012 Great athletes have the motivation to push through pain to obtain victory. However, even the greatest athletes must respect their need for nutrients. When a nutrient runs low, victory is impossible. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency ends triathlon season for Paula Findlay |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Aug;44(8):1552-9. |
| September 12, 2012 A small bottle of the mega-selling 5-Hour Energy product provides over 200 milligrams of caffeine. Reviews of the product indicate that none of the other ingredients in the product are likely to add to the boost provided by the caffeine. If you like energy drinks like this, remember that the acidity of these products can be hard on tooth enamel. Wash them down with well-swished water. |
| Consumer Link Mr. Bhargava’s Miracle Elixir: Fact-Checking The 5-hour Medicine Show |
| Research Link Gen Dent. 2012 May-Jun;60(3):190-7. |
| September 11, 2012 Red wine has been touted for a potential blood pressure lowering effect. A new study of sixty-seven men at high cardiovascular risk found that daily consumption of dealcoholized red wine decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure more than the consumption of regular red wine or gin. |
| Consumer Link Non-Alcoholic Red Wine May Boost Heart Health |
| Research Link Circ Res. 2012 Sep 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 10, 2012 An obvious effect of running a marathon is sore legs. Although we can't feel the soreness, the heart muscle also experiences temporary damage, based on blood markers, after a marathon. Fortunately, both the leg muscles and heart are back to normal one week following the marathon, even for men over age 50. |
| Consumer Link Running Marathons Safe for Older Adults, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2012 Aug 20;14(1):58. |
| September 9, 2012 Studies evaluating the potential differences between organically grown foods and standard fare continue to show no significant differences in nutrient content. Choosing organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues. However, the risk of exceeding maximum allowed pesticide residue limits in conventional foods is small. |
| Consumer Link Organic Vs. Conventional: Better Studies Needed |
| Research Link Annals of Internal Medicine, 2012; 157 (5): 348-366 |
| September 8, 2012 Creatine is one of the favorite supplements of body builders. Concerns about creatine's toxicity have been largely dispensed with by ongoing research. Although someone with impaired kidney function should likely avoid creatine supplements, there may be some positive applications of creatine supplementation for the elderly. |
| Consumer Link Creatine Side Effects and Other Fairy Stories |
| Research Link Amino Acids. 2011 May;40(5):1409-18. |
| September 7, 2012 To help reduce sodium intake, try substituting soy sauce. Other flavors in soy sauce that likely come from naturally formed free amino acids like glutamate appear to help reduce the need for more salt flavor. |
| Consumer Link Soy for salt: Study reveals long term acceptance of soy sauce substitution |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2009 Aug;74(6):S255-62. |
| September 6, 2012 If you want to enjoy your food more and eat less calories, some new research indicates that softening the lighting and music may do the trick. In a fast food setting, this led people to eat less, to rate the food as more enjoyable, and to spend just as much money. |
| Consumer Link Mellow setting puts fast food consumers in a mood to ... eat less |
| Research Link Psychological Reports. 2012;111(1):228-232. |
| September 5, 2012 Weight loss results in enhanced mental reward from eating and increased motivation to eat. That is no big news to anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight. Keeping lost weight off is difficult, but is more likely when weight is lost gradually from positive eating habit changes that become habitual. |
| Consumer Link Is Long-Term Weight Loss Possible After Menopause? |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(9):1347-1355. |
| September 4, 2012 Microgreens are popular salad ingredients. Typically harvested within a couple weeks after seed germination, these small greens generally have greater levels of nutrients and phytochemicals that their more mature counterparts. |
| Consumer Link Many Trendy 'Microgreens' Are More Nutritious Than Their Mature Counterparts |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Aug 8;60(31):7644-51. Epub 2012 Jul 30. |
| September 3, 2012 For those concerned about the amount of alcohol they consume, research shows that people consume beer slower if the glass shape is straight rather than a curved beer glass that is narrower at the base than the rim. This may be due to differences in the perception of the half-way point of the glass. |
| Consumer Link Beer-glass shape alters people's drinking speed - study |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2012;7(8):e43007. Epub 2012 Aug 17. |
| September 2, 2012 A large Swedish study found that men who ate the most chocolate, typically a little over 2 ounces (63 grams) a week, had a lower risk of stroke than men who consumed little or no chocolate. This type of study does not establish a cause and effect relationship, but it does raise some interesting questions. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate linked to reduced risk of stroke -- in men |
| Research Link Neurology. 2012 Aug 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 1, 2012 A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials investigating the effects of low carbohydrate diets on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors concluded that low carbohydrate diets have favorable effects on body weight and major cardiovascular risk factors but the effects on long-term health are unknown. |
| Consumer Link Low-carb diet gets more support from new analysis |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2012 Aug 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 31, 2012 Reducing calorie intake below the level that animals are inclined to eat has been shown to extend lifespan in some, but not all studies. A recent study of rhesus monkeys found that calorie restriction did not increase lifespan despite lowering blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. |
| Consumer Link Does Calorie Restriction Extend Lifespan in Mammals? |
| Research Link Nature 488, 569 (30 August 2012) |
| August 30, 2012 A double-blind study of Mongolian children with low vitamin D status found that consuming 300 IU of vitamin D daily for three months helped to reduce respiratory tract infections, but was not an adequate dose to raise vitamin D status to normal. |
| Consumer Link What is Asthma? How can Nutrition Help? |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Aug 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 28, 2012 The lack of gravity during space travel causes rapid bone loss. Combining resistance exercise with an adequate calorie and nutrient intake helps to protect an astronaut's bones. What we are learning from research on bone loss in space may help us better understand how to slow bone loss in old age. |
| Consumer Link Good Diet, Proper Exercise Help Protect Astronauts’ Bones |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2012 Sep;27(9):1896-906. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.1647. |
| August 28, 2012 For several decades after its discovery, vitamin K was primarily recognized for its important function in normal blood clotting. More recently, research on the vitamin has identified important functions in bone, brain, eye and vascular health. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K helps bones, brain and eyes |
| Research Link Biofactors. 2012 Mar-Apr;38(2):151-7. |
| August 27, 2012 A new review of scientific research on vitamin C suggests that the optimal daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 200 mg (more than double the current RDA). Consuming the commonly recommended 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables per day can readily provide this amount of vitamin C. |
| Consumer Link Are You Consuming Enough Vitamin C? Probably Not |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 012;52(9):815-29 |
| August 26, 2012 Seasonal increases in particulate matter in the air can trigger asthmatic reactions in many people. Higher blood levels of vitamin C may help to reduce adverse responses to these changes in air quality. |
| Consumer Link What is Asthma? How can Nutrition Help? |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2012 Jul;23(4):607-15. |
| August 25, 2012 Purchasing the foods that meet nutrient needs can be difficult on a limited budget. A focus on limiting food waste by purchasing only food amounts that can be consumed in a timely manner can spare funds needed to purchase more food variety. |
| Consumer Link How 40% of Our Food Goes to Waste |
| Research Link Global Food Losses and Food Waste - a FAO Report |
| August 24, 2012 For those with diabetes and others who monitor their blood glucose, new technology is being developed to measure glucose levels in tears and saliva. |
| Consumer Link Sensor detects glucose in saliva and tears for diabetes testing |
| Research Link Advanced Functional Materials, 2012; DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201200551 |
| August 23, 2012 With nutrition recommendations, a 'one size fits all' approach is not a good idea, especially when people are being treated for a specific health problem. A review of 12 prostate cancer clinical trials found problems with the common practice of taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. The supplements did not prevent bone loss as expected and appeared to increase the aggressiveness of the prostate cancer. |
| Consumer Link Study Questions Value of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements |
| Research Link Oncologist. 2012 Jul 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 22, 2012 Some observational studies have suggested that puberty occurs earlier in children who consume cow’s milk during their infant and toddler years. A new study of 7523 children conducted in Hong Kong, however, found no association between milk consumption and age of puberty. |
| Consumer Link Drinking milk not linked to early puberty, study suggests |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2012 Aug 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 21, 2012 Those taking "blood thinner" drugs like warfarin (coumadin) are commonly advised to avoid foods high in vitamin K because this vitamin can reduce the function of the drug, making it ineffective. There are other components in some foods (like pomegranate juice) that appear to do the opposite - cause the drug to build up and thin the blood too much. |
| Consumer Link Is pomegranate juice contraindicated with warfarin? |
| Research Link Emerg Med J. 2010 Jan;27(1):74-5. |
| August 20, 2012 New research provides some support for not drinking alcohol until 21 years of age. Starting drinking at younger ages, especially when drinking to the point of intoxication, was associated with a greater likelihood of later drinking problems. |
| Consumer Link Both Early Alcohol Use and Early Intoxication Can Herald Trouble for College Students |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2012 Aug 15. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01812.x. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 19, 2012 High tech chemical analysis of green tea dietary supplements indicated that these products are not a reliable way to obtain the beneficial compounds present in green tea. Although the researchers found some good green tea supplement products, most of the products had little of the key active components present, apparently because the compounds broke down during manufacturing and storage. |
| Consumer Link Green Tea: Sip it or Supp it? |
| Research Link J AOAC Int. 2011 Mar-Apr;94(2):487-97. |
| August 18, 2012 A new online tool developed by researchers at Columbia University provides a way to estimate the potential impact of health policy choices on childhood obesity. The calculator has the ability to assess 14 different interventions such as increased exercise, cutting out a high calorie food, or decreasing television time. Although the numbers generated must be considered rough estimates, they do provide some interesting perspectives. |
| Consumer Link Researchers Create A New Tool To Fight Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Caloric Calculator |
| August 17, 2012 It often is forgotten that poor dental health can be a sign of poor nutrition. A recent study found that oral health problems in disadvantaged elementary and high school students were highly associated with lower grade point averages. |
| Consumer Link Poor Oral Health Can Mean Missed School, Lower Grades |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. 2012 Sep;102(9):1729-34. |
| August 16, 2012 A 12-month study found that a history of yo-yo dieting (also called weight cycling) does not impede success in weight management efforts that combine diet and exercise. A history of unsuccessful weight loss should not diminish the perceived value of healthy diet and regular physical activity in weight management. |
| Consumer Link Yo-Yo Dieting Does Not Thwart Weight Loss Efforts or Alter Metabolism Long Term, Study Finds |
| Research Link Metabolism, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.06.012 |
| August 15, 2012 There is good research support for the concept that exercise is beneficial for brain function and that exercise may help those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). New research on rats and humans indicates that a specific gene variant may determine the likelihood that an individual with ADHD will respond to exercise. |
| Consumer Link How Exercise Affects the Brain: Age and Genetics Play a Role |
| Research Link Neuroscience. 2012 Jul 26;215:59-68. Epub 2012 Apr 30. |
| August 14, 2012 Few foods pack more calories per gram than chocolate due to its primary components: fat and sugar. But, chocolate lovers, don't despair. A new lower calorie type of chocolate may be on the way that incorporates a special form of fruit juices into the chocolate to cut the fat content in half. |
| Consumer Link Fruity Science Halves Fat in Chocolate |
| Research Link Journal of Materials Chemistry, Aug 8, 2012 [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 13, 2012 Daily aspirin use is associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. If your doctor has recommended daily aspirin, remember to always take it with food. Even low-dose aspirin can cause serious gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers when taken regularly on an empty stomach. |
| Consumer Link Daily Aspirin Usage Linked to Lower Cancer Mortality |
| Research Link Journal of the National Cancer Institute, August 10, 2012 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djs318 |
| August 12, 2012 Grapes contain compounds that are being studied for health benefits. Men with metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess abdominal body fat, and low HDL cholesterol)experienced reduced blood pressure and improved vascular function after a month of taking a freeze-dried grape polyphenol powder daily. |
| Consumer Link Grape polyphenols backed for MetS benefits: Study |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2012 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 11, 2012 If you don't like going to the gym to stay fit, another alternative may be even better for older people. When an exercise program incorporated strength and balance training into common activities of daily living, seniors maintained their functional capacity and avoided falls better than they did with a more traditional home-based training technique. |
| Consumer Link Exercise Based in Daily Activities Cuts Falls |
| Research Link BMJ 2012;345:e4547 |
| August 10, 2012 An Australian study of children's diets during the first two years of life found that children with diets that regularly included biscuits (cookies), chocolate, sweets, soft drinks and chips had IQs up to two points lower at age eight than children who had consumed diets that regularly included more wholesome nutrient dense foods. |
| Consumer Link Children's Healthy Diets Linked to Higher IQ |
| Research Link Eur J Epidemiol. 2012 Jul;27(7):525-35. Epub 2012 Jul 19. |
| August 9, 2012 It has been known for some time that aerobic exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Now, evidence is growing that weight training or similar strength exercise also significantly contributes to reduced risk. Participating in both types of exercise on a regular basis appears to confer the greatest benefit. |
| Consumer Link Weight Training Associated With Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. August 06, 2012.[Epub ahead of print] |
| August 8, 2012 Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables to recommended levels improved symptoms in asthmatics. A lycopene supplement (tomato extract), however, did not improve symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Carotenoids may improve asthma symptoms: RCT data |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 7, 2012 Oxalic acid contributes to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible people. Vegetables like spinach, parsley, amaranth, and chives are high in oxalic acid. Drinking extra fluid can reduce the risk of kidney stones. Iced-tea contains a significant amount of oxalic acid, so it would be prudent for oxalate stone formers to limit this beverage. |
| Consumer Link Iced Tea Can Contribute to Painful Kidney Stones |
| Research Link USDA Agricultural Research Service |
| August 6, 2012 People select vegetarian diets for many good reasons. However, new research indicates that it is common for people with eating disorders to use vegetarianism as a more socially acceptable way to avoid eating many foods. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarianism, Eating Disorder Study Reveals Worrisome Relationship Among Women |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Aug;112(8):1247-52. |
| August 5, 2012 Public education about the most healthful species of fish to eat may help to preserve the more endangered species. In general, the more sustainable types of fish species also are the most healthful for human consumption. |
| Consumer Link Healthy Seafood Comes from Sustainable Fish |
| Research Link Ecological Applications, 2012; 22 (2): 597-607. |
| August 4, 2012 People with celiac disease experience an immune reaction in their small intestines to the gluten protein in wheat and other grains. This reaction damages the intestinal lining. A new estimate of celiac disease in the U.S. indicates that about one out of every 141 people have the condition, but almost 80 percent were undiagnosed and unaware that they had the condition. |
| Consumer Link Most With Celiac Disease Unaware of It; Others Go Gluten-Free Without Diagnosis |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterology, 31 July 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 3, 2012 A 12-month study of 160 postmenopausal women found that consuming two apples worth of dried apples a day significantly lowered blood cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. This effect could be due to the apples and/or due to what the apples may have displaced in the women's diets. |
| Consumer Link Two apples a day keep cardiologist away |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Aug;112(8):1158-68. |
| August 2, 2012 The calorie content of a food provided on food labels is supposed to represent the approximate amount of calories in the food that are available to the human body. Foods that are poorly digested provide less calories than would be expected from their composition. A new human study found that almonds provide about 20% fewer calories than currently indicated on their nutrition facts labels. |
| Consumer Link Momentum builds to overhaul global calorie system |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Aug;96(2):296-301. |
| August 1, 2012 An apple a day may help keep the weight away. Well, maybe not exactly. Rather, a compound found in apple peels called ursolic acid promoted muscle development and reduced body fat in mice along with other beneficial effects. However, the amount of ursolic acid in an apple is a small fraction of the amount a human would need to eat to match what the mice consumed. |
| Consumer Link Apple Peel Compound May Help to Combat Weight Gain |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 20 June 2012. |
| July 31, 2012 Sports drinks are basically properly diluted sugar water with a flavor and a pinch of salt. Although this is what meets the needs of the competitive endurance athlete during exercise, most recreational athletes can do just as well with water. |
| Consumer Link Should you be consuming sports drinks? |
| Research Link BMJ. 2012 Jul 18;345:e4737. |
| July 30, 2012 Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, may benefit cardiovascular health as proposed by the "French Paradox" theory. A single supplemental dose over 100 times the typical amount in a glass of red wine was found to increase arterial blood flow measured in the forearm. |
| Consumer Link Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Resveratrol |
| Research Link Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2011 Nov;21(11):851-6. |
| July 29, 2012 The grain-like seed of the quinoa plant is considered safe for people intolerant to the gluten in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. However, an evaluation of 15 cultivars of quinoa found that two of the cultivars contained levels of "celiac toxic elements" sufficient to cause an allergic response in some people. |
| Consumer Link Some quinoa varieties may be unsuitable for strict gluten-free diets, study suggests |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr August 2012 vol. 96 no. 2 337-344 |
| July 28, 2012 Some overweight children go through a pudgy phase and eventually attain a normal weight as their height increases. However, many obese children already have cardiovascular risk factors that should be reduced with a healthful diet and increased physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Severely obese children's hearts already in danger |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2012-301877 |
| July 27, 2012 It was previously thought that a woman's consumption of nuts during pregnancy could increase the risk of her child developing nut allergies. However, research continues to indicate that women should not decrease peanut and tree nut intake during pregnancy and that consumption of these nuts during pregnancy might even decrease the risk of allergy development in children. |
| Consumer Link Mom's nut consumption tied to less allergy in kids |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immun. 29 June 2012. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 26, 2012 Recommendations for exclusive breast feeding of infants for the first six month of life may represent a reasonable guideline. However, many other factors need to be considered such as health of the mother, the baby's nutrition status, and the mother's family and work life. |
| Consumer Link The Ideal and the Real of Breast-Feeding |
| Research Link BMJ Open 2012;2:e000504 |
| July 25, 2012 Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat and has a very low survival rate. A study of 23,500 people found that people whose diets provided the most vitamins C and E as well as the mineral selenium were less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. |
| Consumer Link High Dietary Antioxidant Intake Might Cut Pancreatic Cancer Risk |
| Research Link Gut doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2011-301908 Published Online First 23 July 2012 |
| July 24, 2012 A study conducted in China, where liver cancer is more common than in the U.S., found that consuming adequate vitamin E from foods or supplements was associated with a reduced risk of developing liver cancer. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E could protect against liver cancer, says study |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 Jul 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 23, 2012 The recommendations for both sodium and potassium intake are very rarely met by Americans. A study of over 12,000 adults found seven people who actually met the recommended intake for both nutrients. |
| Consumer Link More than 99.9% of Americans fail to meet both sodium and potassium recommendations: Study |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jul 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 22, 2012 Smoking is known to accelerate the decline in lung function commonly seen with aging. This decline is likely to be even more rapid when a smoker is deficient in vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D May Protect Lung Function in Smokers |
| Research Link Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. July 19, 2012. [Published ahead of print] |
| July 21, 2012 A new study of over 400,000 people indicates that an inactive lifestyle is as bad for health as smoking. Even 15 minutes a day of exercise was enough to show a significant reduction in the mortality risk compared to being totally inactive. |
| Consumer Link Inactivity 'killing as many as smoking' |
| Research Link The Lancet, Volume 378, Issue 9798, Pages 1244 - 1253, 1 October 2011 |
| July 20, 2012 Body Mass Index, also known as BMI, is an index of weight relative to height that often is used to categorize people as overweight or obese. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well if an individual has plenty of muscle mass. A new index has been proposed that is called A Body Shape Index (ABSI) which incorporates waist circumference into the index. |
| Consumer Link New Metric for Obesity Strongly Correlated to Premature Death |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7(7):e39504. |
| July 19, 2012 Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, confusion and depression, but the specific problems can vary from one person to another. Some of the symptoms are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. Since older people are at greater risk of developing both B12 deficiency and Alzheimer's disease, it is important to be careful to distinguish between the two conditions. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 deficiency harms memory and nerves |
| Research Link Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2012 Mar;28(2):151-8. |
| July 18, 2012 Vitamin D supplements are available as D2 and D3. A meta-analysis indicated that supplementation with a single large dose of vitamin D3 was more effective than D2 at raising blood levels of activated vitamin D (25-OH-D). However, there was no obvious difference between the effects of the two forms when taken daily over time. |
| Consumer Link Health Benefits of Vitamin D Dependent On Type Taken |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;95(6):1357-1364. (Author video) |
| July 17, 2012 When the RDA for vitamin C was set in the year 2000, it was based on the amount needed for antioxidant protection (not just the prevention of scurvy). However, the committee emphasized that research was needed to explore the use of new biomarkers to set vitamin C requirements. Some researchers are now proposing that the adult RDA should be about 200 mg per day to reduce chronic disease risk. The recommended intake of fruits and vegetables can provide this amount. |
| Consumer Link Increased Recommended Dietary Vitamin C Could Help Reduce Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer |
| Research Link Critical Rev Food Sci Nutr 2012;52(9):815-829. |
| July 16, 2012 Food safety focuses largely on how to keep harmful microorganisms from growing in foods. One way to do this is to promote the growth of specific friendly microorganisms that can prevent the growth of pathogenic organisms. Brewers yeast, for example, added to a pure solution of water and malt sugar, grows rapidly, prevents other microorganisms from growing and produces beer. Yogurt is another good example of a food made safer with the growth of domesticated microorganisms in the food. |
| Consumer Link Sake, Soy Sauce, and the Taming of the Microbes |
| Research Link Current Biology, 12 July 2012 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.05.033 |
| July 15, 2012 Here is more evidence that fish is brain food - or at least fish oils are brain food. The DHA component of fish oils was found to accumulate in a specific memory center of the brain in mice that were supplemented with this fish oil fatty acid. This also enhanced communication among brain cells in this region of the brain. |
| Consumer Link Why Does A Diet High In DHA Improve Memory? |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Jun 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 14, 2012 Cranberry juice has been a commonly recommended folk remedy for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. The scientific support for this is somewhat mixed, but overall, a recent review of the science does indicate benefit for some people. |
| Consumer Link Cranberry Products Associated With Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med.2012;172[13]:988-996. |
| July 13, 2012 Breast milk is considered the ideal food for young infants, however, a new study indicates that children who were exclusively breast fed for the first 6 months of life are more likely to develop nut allergies than children who are not breast fed. Children who were both breast fed and given other foods before six months of age also were less likely to develop nut allergies. |
| Consumer Link Exclusive breastfeeding linked to nut allergies |
| Research Link http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijped/2012/675724/cta/ |
| July 12, 2012 Often it is assumed that iron deficiency is not a problem unless it progresses to the stage of causing anemia. Studies have been challenging this concept for several decades. A recent French study found that iron supplementation of nonanemic women (with low iron status) significantly reduced their fatigue. |
| Consumer Link Iron supplements can reduce fatigue in nonanemic women |
| Research Link CMAJ, Epub 9 July 2012. |
| July 11, 2012 The glycemic index of a food is a measure of how much blood glucose rises during the 2-hour period after eating a measured amount of the food. A food like rice has many varieties that vary greatly in their values for glycemic index. Depending on the variety, rice can have a low, medium, or high glycemic index. |
| Consumer Link Study reveals good news about the GI of rice |
| Research Link Rice. Volume 4, Number 2 (2011), 66-74. |
| July 10, 2012 Along with economic success, China is experiencing rapid growth in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. In some respects, such as child diabetes, China already substantially exceeds the rates seen in the United States. |
| Consumer Link Child Diabetes Levels Almost Four Times Higher in China Than in US |
| Research Link Obesity Reviews, Epub 28 JUN 2012. |
| July 9, 2012 Perhaps the biggest challenge in weight loss is maintaining a reduced body weight. A recent study of 21 people who had all lost about 30 pounds found that a higher protein diet with lower carbohydrate content helped to boost their overall energy expenditure, theoretically facilitating maintenance of their weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Losing pounds can be easier than maintaining weight loss |
| Research Link JAMA. 2012;307(24):2627-2634. |
| July 8, 2012 Sweeteners, both natural and artificial, get blamed for many health issues. A new position paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics brings a rational, science-based focus to the discussion. When used as intended (in moderation), the sweeteners currently approved for use in foods are all considered to be safe. The full report is available for free online. |
| Consumer Link Updated Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics Position Paper Confirms Safety And Benefits Of Low-Calorie Sweeteners |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 May;112(5):739-58. |
| July 7, 2012 Going without eating for too long not only makes people hungry. It also seems to change what they choose to eat. People who fasted for 18 hours (skipped breakfast) tended to select starchy foods more and vegetables less than people who had eaten breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Craving Carbs on an Empty Stomach |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2012 Jun 25;172(12):961-3. |
| July 6, 2012 Drugs called proton pump inhibitors are widely used to treat heartburn and various stomach problems by inhibiting the production of stomach acid. Since the absorption of many nutrients is dependent on a normal production of stomach acid, long term use of these drugs can result in serious nutrient deficiencies. |
| Consumer Link Combating Acid Reflux May Bring Host of Ills |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 Mar;104 Suppl 2:S5-9. |
| July 5, 2012 Results of a study of over 400,000 men and women found that those who consumed the most coffee had a significantly lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to those who did not consume coffee. Although this association type of study does not establish a cause and effect relationship, it does suggest that further study is warranted. |
| Consumer Link Really? Drinking Coffee Lowers Colon Cancer Risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 4, 2012 Spinach may benefit muscle function, but not because of the high content of iron and calcium that are in poorly absorbed forms. The spinach promoter of muscle function appears to be nitrate. |
| Consumer Link The Popeye myth? New findings suggest how spinach increases muscle power |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2012 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 3, 2012 Determination of the optimal levels of nutrient intake is more complicated than estimating requirements. Using the mineral selenium as an example, researchers propose that modest deficiency of the nutrient forces the body to sacrifice less essential functions to protect the more immediately essential functions. The sacrificed functions protect the body in the short run, but accelerate aging over time. |
| Consumer Link Selenium deficiency may increase risk of chronic disease: Study |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2011 Jun;25(6):1793-814. |
| July 2, 2012 An evaluation of two commonly used methods for the clinical assessment of vitamin D status found that these techniques significantly underestimate true vitamin D status. Both clinical and research results based on these systems may need reevaluation. |
| Consumer Link Two New Vitamin D Blood Tests Are Often Highly Inaccurate, Researchers Say |
| Research Link Endocrine Society 2012 Meeting (Poster Presentation) |
| July 1, 2012 Vitamin C is important for many critical functions in the body, including functioning as an antioxidant. Many individuals may not be consuming enough of this essential nutrient. Those that may require additional vitamin C include women taking oral contraceptives, woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding, smokers, people recovering from surgery, and burn victims. |
| Consumer Link Oral Contraceptives and Antioxidant Vitamins C and E 27 Jun 2012 |
| Research Link Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin C |
| July 1, 2012 Desire for more environmentally friendly protein options has increased the number of meat-alternative products. Selecting products that make sense as plant-based meat alternatives requires reading the nutrition facts panel to assure adequate protein. Ideally, a meat substitute should contain at least 15 grams of protein per serving. |
| Consumer Link Meat-Like Vegetarian Fare: Replicating the Nutrition, Texture and Taste of Meat and Eggs |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Apr;85(4):960-6. |
| June 30, 2012 New guidelines from The Endocrine Society recommend measurement of bone density in men over age 70 and men aged 50-69 who have risk factors such as low body weight, prior fracture as an adult, smoking, etc. The guidelines also encourage consuming adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D, participating in weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Osteoporosis screening recommended for men at risk |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Jun;97(6):1802-22. |
| June 30, 2012 Vitamin C is important for many critical functions in the body, including functioning as an antioxidant. Many individuals may not be consuming enough of this essential nutrient. Those that may require additional vitamin C include women taking oral contraceptives, woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding, smokers, people recovering from surgery, and burn victims. |
| Consumer Link Oral Contraceptives and Antioxidant Vitamins C and E 27 Jun 2012 |
| Research Link Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin C |
| June 29, 2012 Overweight and obesity are frequently associated with a state of chronic inflammation. Four months of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) reduced measures of inflammation in overweight middle-age and older adults. |
| Consumer Link Inflammation Reduced In Overweight Older Adults By Omega-3 |
| Research Link Brain Behav Immun. 2012 May 26. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 28, 2012 Up to eight percent of children are affected by food allergies and the prevalence appears to be increasing. Since food allergies can be severe and potentially fatal, it is increasingly important that caregivers of children with food allergies are trained in label reading to prevent exposure to allergenic ingredients. |
| Consumer Link Rate of Severe Reactions Higher Than Thought in Young Children With Food Allergies |
| Research Link Pediatrics, 2012; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-1746 Published online June 25, 2012 |
| June 27, 2012 Balancing the stress of work with family life can be a challenge. A study of both employed and unemployed people found that the employed people who experienced high work stress were more likely to do less food preparation and to provide less healthful diets for their families. |
| Consumer Link Parents' Work-Life Stress Hinders Healthy Eating |
| Research Link Soc Sci Med. 2012 Aug;75(3):496-504. Epub 2012 Apr 21. |
| June 26, 2012 An individual's risk from exposure to natural or man-made toxins is reduced by meeting all nutrient needs. Nutrient deficiencies can make it more difficult for the body to detoxify and eliminate toxins. |
| Consumer Link Sufficient nutrient intake equips body to fight toxins. |
| Research Link Environ Health Perspect. 2012 Jun;120(6):771-4. |
| June 25, 2012 Although the best option is to meet nutrient needs with a balanced variety of wholesome foods, there are stages of life when the proper use of dietary supplements can be important for optimal health. However, excessive use of dietary supplements has the potential to damage health. |
| Consumer Link Supplements can aid diet, but be aware of their risks |
| Research Link Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2006 May;(139):1-117. |
| June 24, 2012 Brazilian researchers have developed a new type of gluten-free pasta. The major ingredient is green banana flour. Sensory evaluation results indicate good consumer acceptance as a substitute for wheat-based pasta. |
| Consumer Link Pasta Made from Green Banana Flour a Tasty Alternative for Gluten-Free Diets |
| Research Link Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2012; 112 (7): Pages 1068-1072 |
| June 23, 2012 Many breakfast cereals have become more nutritious over the years in response to consumer preferences. Cereals can provide nutrient-dense whole grains and are usually low in fat. But, pay attention when purchasing children's cereals because the most advertised brands typically are high in sugar. |
| Consumer Link More nutritious cereals but more kids' marketing, Yale report says |
| Research Link Cereal FACTS 2012: Limited progress in the nutrition quality and marketing of children's cereals |
| June 22, 2012 Researchers ar OSU's Linus Pauling Institute recently reported that spinach may have properties that aid in cancer prevention by affecting gene expression. This research has great potential to help us understand and at least partially offset the damaging effects of various carcinogens. |
| Consumer Link Carcinogens Linked to Cancer Stem Cells, but Spinach Can Help |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 May 29. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201200117. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 21, 2012 Recent research from Mayo Clinic shows that muscle mass is associated with bone strength. This may be important in developing new strategies for preventing osteoporosis and it supports the importance of exercise for bone health. |
| Consumer Link Healthy Muscle Mass Linked to Healthy Bones, but There Are Gender Differences |
| Research Link J Bone Miner Res. 2012 May 23. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.1666. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 20, 2012 The nutrients in a food are only as good as the amount of those nutrients that are absorbed into the body. A Purdue University study showed that adding various oils and fats to the diet increased the amount of fat-soluble carotenoids absorbed. |
| Consumer Link Study: No-Fat, Low-Fat Dressings Don't Get Most Nutrients out of Salads |
| Research Link Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2012; 56 (6): 866-877 |
| June 19, 2012 Study after study has confirmed that many people have low vitamin D status. Good vitamin D status is important to good health. However, every nutrient can become toxic if consumed at excessive levels for too long. A new study highlights that the risk of mortality increases at both low and high ends of vitamin D blood levels. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D - How Much Is Too Much? |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 May 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 18, 2012 A recent Canadian study found that a high intake of soft drinks was associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity in boys aged 6 to 11. However, similar associations were not apparent in other age and gender groups. |
| Consumer Link Soft Drink Consumption Not the Major Contributor to Childhood Obesity, Study Says |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Jun 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 17, 2012 There is growing evidence that obesity increases the risk for women to develop rheumatoid arthritis. It is not clear how this type of autoimmune arthritis is linked with obesity, but research that helps to understand this link could lead to a better understanding of the causes of both conditions. |
| Consumer Link Obesity Epidemic Fueling Rise in Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Women |
| Research Link Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012 Apr 18. doi: 10.1002/acr.21660. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 16, 2012 Claims have been made that a common form of vitamin B12 called cyanocobalamin can be toxic at high doses because cyanide is released from the molecule. This concern is an urban myth that was disproved long ago. Cyanide is released from the vitamin, but the amount is about 1000 times less than the amount that would be toxic. |
| Consumer Link ConsumerLab.com Answers - Vitamin B12 toxicity |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1955 Mar-Apr;3(2):129-31. |
| June 15, 2012 Vitamin D is available as vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is more efficiently converted to the vitamin's active forms in the body when large amounts of the vitamin are provided. However, there appears to be little difference between the forms when daily doses of each vitamin form are taken. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D - Which Type Is Best? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun;95(6):1357-64. |
| June 14, 2012 When vitamin D status is assessed, the blood level of a form of the vitamin called 25-hydroxy vitamin D is measured. Normal liver production of this compound is dependent on iron. Consequently, iron deficiency may promote poor vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D requires iron aid, and both are often lacking |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child. 1986 Sep;61(9):843-8. |
| June 13, 2012 Weight loss is a moving target. As weight is lost, calorie needs decline, so a calorie intake that initially triggers weight loss may need to be reduced further over time to promote ongoing weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Effective weight loss takes more than cutting calories |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Apr;95(4):989-94. |
| June 12, 2012 The recommended intakes for many vitamins and minerals are similar for men and women. However, nonpregnant women require more than twice as much iron as men and during pregnancy, iron needs are about four times as much as a man's. Iodine, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B6 needs also significantly increase during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional needs of women differ markedly from men’s |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine Dietary Reference Intakes |
| June 11, 2012 Estimates indicate that 10 to 20 percent of women experience serious depression after giving birth. A common cause of this appears to be low iron status. Experts recommend iron tests shortly before or early in pregnancy by measuring levels of an iron-containing protein called ferritin to determine if iron supplementation is warranted. |
| Consumer Link Postpartum depression common, cause unknown |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2011;59(1):50-4. |
| June 10, 2012 Adequate vitamin C intake helps to protect the body from oxidative stress. Despite not being clinically deficient in vitamin C, people with a low vitamin C diet showed much greater evidence of oxidative stress than people with a high vitamin C diet after they were each exposed to high oxygen concentrations in a hyperbaric chamber. |
| Consumer Link Oh Limey, Where did my Spunk go? |
| Research Link British Journal of Nutrition 14 June 2012 107 : pp 1645-1654 |
| June 9, 2012 In a fat cell culture "test tube" experiment, an extract of black pepper blocked the formation of new fat cells. Although adding copious amounts of black pepper to your food is unlikely to trigger fat loss, continuing study on the components of black pepper may lead to new techniques to prevent obesity. |
| Consumer Link Black Pepper as Fat Fighter |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., 2012, 60 (15), pp 3853–3860. |
| June 8, 2012 During dieting for weight control, the supply of essential nutrients generally declines. Over time this can lead to marginal or severe nutrient deficiencies that compromise many body functions, including brain function. |
| Consumer Link Thin doesn’t always mean healthy if nutrition ignored |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1998 Jul;52(7):512-8. |
| June 7, 2012 Family meals not only help to ensure a child is getting nutrients, but mealtime may also provide parents with added opportunity to provide their child with social support. |
| Consumer Link Does Dinner Make a Strong Family, or Does a Strong Family Make Dinner? |
| Research Link Journal of Marriage and Family Volume 74, Issue 3, pages 476–493, June 2012 |
| June 6, 2012 Including fruits and vegetables in a varied diet along with a physically active lifestyle are two of the most well established habits that promote more high quality years in the latter part of life. |
| Consumer Link Healthy Diet, Exercise Extend Life for Women in Their 70s: Study |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012 May;60(5):862-8. |
| June 5, 2012 The flavor of a food is not the same as the taste of the food. The flavor of a food is the brain's integration of the senses of both taste and smell and appears to have evolved as a way to identify foods that are safe to eat. |
| Consumer Link A Trained Palate: Understanding Complexities of Taste, Smell Could Lead to Improved Diet |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2012 Feb 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 4, 2012 You probably already guessed it. Now, research supports it. Children are very observant and the eating practices of mothers has a strong influence on how the child chooses to eat. |
| Consumer Link Eat Healthy -- Your Kids Are Watching |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr May 2012 vol. 95 no. 5 1031-1037 |
| June 3, 2012 An international consortium of researchers has completed the decoding of the genome for a specific variety of tomato. This paves the way for plant breeders to more easily develop improved varieties with preferred qualities including enhanced flavor and nutrient content. |
| Consumer Link Tomato Genome Gets Fully Sequenced -- Paves Way to Healthier Fruits, Veggies |
| Research Link Nature 485, 635–641 (31 May 2012) |
| June 2, 2012 The flavor of a food is not the same as the taste of the food. The flavor of a food is the brain's integration of the senses of both taste and smell and appears to have evolved as a way to identify foods that are safe to eat. |
| Consumer Link A Trained Palate: Understanding Complexities of Taste, Smell Could Lead to Improved Diet |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2012 Feb 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 1, 2012 Food and nutrition may be the basis for human monogamy. New research indicates that the evolutionary driver of monogamy was females choosing mates that could provide adequate food for successful reproduction. Raising a family required a steady supply of food to meet nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Female Choice Key to Evolutionary Shift to Modern Family |
| Research Link Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 29, 2012; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1200717109 |
| May 31, 2012 For children age five to twelve, exercise is contagious. A novel study found that children who developed friendships with more active children are very likely to increase their own physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Social Ties Move Kids to Exercise |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2012; 129: 1064–1071. |
| May 30, 2012 If you are tired of consuming sugar-based sports drinks during your workouts, go bananas. A new study found that consuming bananas along with water during a 2.5 to 3 hour session of cycling provided the same performance benefit as consuming a sports drink that provided the same amount of carbohydrate. |
| Consumer Link Bananas Are as Beneficial as Sports Drinks, Study Suggests |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(5): e37479. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037479 |
| May 29, 2012 Nuts like almonds are a good source of dietary fiber and healthful fats. It appears that some of the fat travels along with the fiber to the lower intestine where it has potential prebiotic effects to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. |
| Consumer Link Trust Your Gut |
| Research Link Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 Jul;74(14):4264-70. |
| May 28, 2012 While the body weight of Americans has increased, so has eating out. This may have distorted our perception of what is a normal portion size as portions in fast food restaurants have increased greatly over the past 50 years. |
| Consumer Link Fast food burgers have tripled in size since the 1950s: CDC graphic |
| Research Link CDC The New( Ab)normal |
| May 27, 2012 Soy isoflavone supplements have been promoted for potential cardiovascular benefits such as reducing blood pressure. However, daily supplementation with soy isoflavones over a 6-week period had no effect on blood pressure in menopausal women with high normal blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Soy supplement shows no blood pressure benefit |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun;95(6):1487-94. |
| May 26, 2012 New research supports the evolving concept that obesity is not a significant risk factor for heart disease unless the obese individual also has metabolic health problems indicated by abnormal blood pressure, blood sugar, HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation in the body. Regular physical activity can help to prevent these metabolic health problems. |
| Consumer Link Health Buzz: Obesity Not Always Tied to Heart Risk |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 25, 2012 For decades, research has questioned recommendations to avoid foods considered high in dietary cholesterol such as eggs. Not only do eggs have less cholesterol that previously thought, they are rich sources of biotin and choline that tend to be too low in American diets. |
| Consumer Link Cracking the Cholesterol Myth |
| Research Link Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Mar;15(2):117-21. |
| May 24, 2012 Low vitamin D status has been linked to body fat. Now research indicates that a low vitamin D status during pregnancy may increase body fat in offspring. |
| Consumer Link Children's Body Fat Linked to Vitamin D Insufficiency in Mothers |
| Research Link American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 23, 2012 |
| May 23, 2012 Eating a wide variety of foods provides the foundation for meeting essential nutrient needs. Including the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables also enhances intake of the non-essential, but beneficial, phytonutrients that contribute protective antioxidant functions in the body. |
| Consumer Link Too Few Servings of Fruits and Vegetables Translates to Lack of Antioxidant Nutrients |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 22, 2012 Many people take dietary supplements in hopes that the practice will reduce the risk of developing cancer. There is evidence that some supplements may be protective, however there is much to be learned about best dosages and why some specific nutrient supplements are associated with increased cancer risk. |
| Consumer Link High Doses of Certain Dietary Supplements Increase Cancer Risk |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 May 16;104(10):732-9. Epub 2012 Apr 25. |
| May 21, 2012 New research on omega-3 fatty acid function at the cellular level is likely to help explain how the fish oil fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the right dosage, yet be potentially pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess. |
| Consumer Link Why Omega-3 Oils Help at the Cellular Level |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 May 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 20, 2012 It is well known that there are critical windows for meeting nutrient needs during various stages of brain development. Research is now identifying developmental windows during which adequate levels of physical activity appear to be important for optimal brain development. |
| Consumer Link How Exercise Affects the Brain: Age and Genetics Play a Role |
| Research Link Neuroscience. 2012 Apr 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2012 Weight loss may enhance the health and longevity of those with obesity-related health problems. However, weight loss in healthy obese individuals is actually associated with increased mortality. Identifying who needs to lose weight should take this into account. |
| Consumer Link The Downside of Weight Loss? |
| Research Link Can Fam Physician. 2012 May;58(5):517-23. |
| May 18, 2012 The good news on coffee keeps coming. A new study conducted on over 400,000 men and women during a span of 13 years found that deaths from a variety of diseases were lower in those who consumed more coffee. Though this type of study does not establish a "cause and effect" conclusion, it does at least support the concept that coffee is safe and potentially healthy to drink. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Drinkers Get More Time Out of Life: Study |
| Research Link N Engl J Med 2012;366:1891-1904 |
| May 17, 2012 Meat often is considered to be a food more for men than for women. From a nutrient perspective, however, women have a much greater need for iron, a key nutrient in meat. |
| Consumer Link You Are What You Eat: Why Do Male Consumers Avoid Vegetarian Options? |
| Research Link Journal of Consumer Research, October 2012 |
| May 16, 2012 Consumption of fish and the long chain omega-3 fatty acids that fish contain, has been linked to a decreased risk of many health problems. A recent systematic review with a meta-analysis found a significantly reduced risk rectal cancer and a modest trend toward reduced risk of colon cancer with increased fish consumption. |
| Consumer Link Fish tied to lower colon cancer risk: study |
| Research Link American Journal of Medicine published online 18 April 2012. |
| May 15, 2012 Correcting specific nutrient inadequacies is known to significantly reduce chronic disease risk. In a recent study, a scientifically designed nutrition bar was shown to improve several biomarkers of chronic disease risk factors in 25 normal healthy adults in just two weeks. |
| Consumer Link New Nutrition Bar Improves Metabolic Biomarkers Linked to Cardiovascular Disease, Cognitive Decline, and Anti-Oxidant Defenses in Only Two Weeks |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2012 May 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 14, 2012 Some popular natural products can have powerful effects in the body. This makes them potentially very risky when they are taken with other medications. Also, discontinuing the use of these products well before most any type of surgery is absolutely essential. |
| Consumer Link Risks of Mixing Drugs and Herbal Supplements: What Doctors and Patients Need to Know |
| Research Link Alternative and Complementary Therapies. April 2012, 18(2): 67-70. |
| May 13, 2012 Based on a study with a mouse model, a natural flavonol compound called rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside) may prove to be the best way to prevent blood clot formation. The compound inhibits a specific enzyme that plays an important role in both platelet aggregation and the formation of fibrin in blood clotting. Human trials are needed to confirm efficacy in humans and to determine proper dosage. |
| Consumer Link Flavonoid Compound Found in Foods and Supplements May Prevent the Formation of Blood Clots, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. doi:10.1172/JCI61228. |
| May 12, 2012 Legumes like soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas produce a class of naturally-occurring protease inhibitors called Bowman-Birk inhibitors that have potential health benefits. These interesting natural compounds are being studies for anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Consumer Link Soybeans Soaked in Warm Water Naturally Release Key Cancer-Fighting Substance |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Mar 28;60(12):3135-43. |
| May 11, 2012 Proper function of the immune system depends on the body having an adequate supply of virtually all essential nutrients. Vitamin D appears to be playing an important supportive role in helping the immune system deal with viral infections. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D May Protect Against Viral Infections During the Winter |
| Research Link J Leukoc Biol. 2012 May;91(5):829-38. Epub 2012 Feb 17. |
| May 10, 2012 Diallyl sulfide, a chemical found naturally in garlic, is proving to have substantial antimicrobial effects. It is likely to become a useful tool for food safety, but it does smell and taste like garlic. |
| Consumer Link Garlic Compound Fights Source of Food-Borne Illness Better Than Antibiotics |
| Research Link J. Antimicrob. Chemother., May 1, 2012. |
| May 9, 2012 Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to impaired brain function over time. New research with a mouse model for type 2 diabetes found that diabetic mice who consumed caffeine in their drinking water did not experience the usual brain changes and memory loss. The potential use of caffeine or similar chemicals in the management of human diabetes remains to be studied. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine Can Prevent Memory Loss in Diabetes |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (4): e21899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021899 |
| May 8, 2012 The headline in the consumer article below is almost good enough for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. It is no surprise that the fitness of children has declined along with the elimination of physical education as a requirement in schools. |
| Consumer Link Students More Likely to Be Fit When Physical Education Is Mandatory |
| Research Link American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2012; 42 (5): 452 DOI: |
| May 7, 2012 Many of our food preferences may be rooted in our genes. A recent Norwegian study reported that people with a specific gene variant were more likely to dislike the smell and taste of pork that contains a substance found naturally in male pigs. |
| Consumer Link Genetics may explain why some people hate meat, study says |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(5): e35259. |
| May 6, 2012 For some time, research has indicated that consistent physical activity provides long term health benefits. A new report emphasizes that the benefits may be somewhat like alcohol consumption. Mortality is higher in non-joggers and in those undertaking extreme levels of exercise than it is in moderate joggers. |
| Consumer Link Regular Jogging Shows Dramatic Increase in Life Expectancy |
| Research Link Eur J Epidemiol. 2012 Feb;27(2):91-9. |
| May 5, 2012 A greater intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. In a study of over 1000 people, those who consumed the most omega-3 fatty acids had lower blood levels of the beta-amyloid peptide that is known to accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. |
| Consumer Link Eating Fish, Chicken, Nuts May Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease |
| Research Link Neurology, 2012 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e318258f7c2 |
| May 4, 2012 A compound in red grapes called resveratrol is thought to be one of the beneficial components of red wine. New research indicates that resveratrol affects the expression of genes that may, in fact, slow some age-related changes that commonly occur in mitochondria. |
| Consumer Link Resveratrol: Study Resolves Controversy On Life-Extending Red Wine Ingredient, Restores Hope for Anti-Aging Pill |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, 2012; 15 (5): 675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.04.003 |
| May 3, 2012 A small study with 48 prostate cancer patients found that combining a low fat diet with 5 grams of fish oil per day reduced markers of cancer proliferation. Although this high fish oil dosage is possibly risky for the average person, additional research on its value for supportive treatment of cancer seems warranted. |
| Consumer Link Improving the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio with EPA and DHA for Prostate Health |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Dec;4(12):2062-71. Epub 2011 Oct 25. |
| May 2, 2012 Adding baby foods to the diet of infants between 4 and 6 months of age is designed to meet some key nutrient needs that become significant at this stage of life. Recent analysis of widely used commercial baby foods in the U.K. found that many of these products may be running short on nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Jars of Baby Food Very Low in Micro-Nutrients, UK Study Suggests |
| Research Link Food Chemistry, 2011; 128 (1): Pages 123–128 |
| May 1, 2012 Entertaining TV ads for alcoholic beverages target the adult population. However, according to new research, these ads may encourage underage drinking by teens as well. Underage drinkers were significantly more aware of ads for alcoholic beverages than those who did not drink. It is not clear whether the ad awareness or the drinking came first. |
| Consumer Link TV Alcohol Advertising May Play Role in Underage Drinking |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 March 26. |
| April 30, 2012 Fish farming may help to relieve the human impact on wild fish populations of the fish that are being farmed. However, there is growing concern that some of the wild fish incorporated into aquaculture fish feeds may excessively impact some of the feed species. |
| Consumer Link Eight Species of Wild Fish Have Been Detected in Aquaculture Feed |
| Research Link Fisheries Research, 2012; 115-116: 115 DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2011.08.011 |
| April 29, 2012 When young men consumed watercress (85g or 2.5 cups of chopped watercress) before a workout, the workout produced significantly less damage to DNA and lipid components of cells. Like similar vegetables, watercress contains a variety of antioxidant substances that are the likely cause of this beneficial effect. |
| Consumer Link Leafy Greens Help Prevent Damage Caused by a Workout, Study Suggests |
| Research Link British Journal of Nutrition, 2012; : 1 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114512000992 |
| April 28, 2012 Discussions about organic vs conventional agriculture are usually strongly pro or con for one or the other. However, hybrid farming that combines the strengths of each approach may be the best way to maximize yields and support environmental sustainability. |
| Consumer Link Can Organic Food Feed the World? New Study Sheds Light On Debate Over Organic Vs. Conventional Agriculture |
| Research Link Nature, 2012; DOI: 10.1038/nature11069 |
| April 27, 2012 Obese women have an increased risk of developing the painful autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis. If researchers can determine why this painful joint disease is linked with these factors, it could help to uncover the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Consumer Link Obesity Epidemic Fueling Rise in Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Women |
| Research Link Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 26, 2012 Aerobic exercise appears to benefit cardiovascular health and new research indicates that strength training twice a week can enhance brain function in older people. Including both types of exercise in the weekly routine appears to be ideal for aging healthfully. |
| Consumer Link Strength Training May Give Boost to Seniors' Brains |
| Research Link Neurobiol Aging. 2011 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 25, 2012 A large California study found that mothers of children with autism were less likely to report taking prenatal vitamins during the 3 months before pregnancy or the first month of pregnancy. This supports other research findings that malnutrition even before a woman knows she is pregnant can adversely affect development. |
| Consumer Link Patterns: Prenatal Vitamins May Ward Off Autism |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2011 Jul;22(4):476-85. |
| April 24, 2012 Studies with mice have shown that compounds called amorfrutins extracted from licorice root are very beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes. However, the concentration of these substances in licorice tea and candy is far too low to have a beneficial effect. Human clinical trials are needed to assess the possible use of preparations of amorfrutins in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Liquorice Root Found to Contain Anti-Diabetic Substance |
| Research Link Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1116971109 |
| April 23, 2012 Having a low glycemic index does not necessarily mean that a food is "healthy." However, when the overall diet is composed primarily of lower glycemic index foods, it can improve blood glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition tip: Understanding the glycemic index |
| Research Link JAMA. 2008 Dec 17;300(23):2742-53. |
| April 22, 2012 New research indicates that the evolutionary success of the human race and development of a large brain was closely related to the consumption of meat. At our current stage of evolution, the challenge has changed to determining how much meat is appropriate in the contemporary human diet. |
| Consumer Link Meat Eating Behind Evolutionary Success of Humankind, Global Population Spread, Study Suggests |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (4): e32452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032452 |
| April 21, 2012 E. coli bacteria in drinking water can be greatly reduced by exposing clear plastic bottles of water to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. Adding a twist of lime to the water reduced the needed sun exposure time to 30 minutes. This method, however, did not significantly reduce the levels of a murine norovirus. |
| Consumer Link Sunlight Plus Lime Juice Makes Drinking Water Safer |
| Research Link Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2012 Apr;86(4):566-72. |
| April 20, 2012 The amount of salt in fast foods can vary by country. Most major fast food chains are gradually reducing the amount of salt in their foods. Consequently, the amount of salt in fast foods can change over time within a country. |
| Consumer Link Fast-food salt content varies by country: study |
| Research Link CMAJ April 16, 2012 First published April 16, 2012, doi: 10.1503/cmaj.111895 |
| April 19, 2012 Although large trials with vitamin E supplementation have not demonstrated consistent benefits, there is clear evidence that people with a specific genotype for a protein called haptoglobin do experience a significant cardiovascular disease risk reduction when they take supplemental vitamin E. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E Shouldn’t be a Forgotten Micronutrient |
| Research Link Diabetes Care November 2004 vol. 27 no. 11 2767 |
| April 18, 2012 The recommendation to include omega-3 fatty acids in the diet should emphasize that there are 3 major omega-3 fatty acids in foods and they don't all provide the same benefits. Some plant oils are high in alpha-linolenic acid, an 18-carbon omega-3 fatty acid. However, the major health benefits seem to come primarily from the two longer omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, that are found in fish and some algae oils. |
| Consumer Link Don’t Lump all Omega-3 Fatty Acids Together |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Oct;94(4):1097-103. Epub 2011 Aug 24. |
| April 17, 2012 Meeting essential nutrient needs is required for optimal health. Evidence is growing that low intake of some key B vitamins may increase the risk of cancer. |
| Consumer Link Just Cannot Say Enough about Importance of B Vitamins |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2011 Sep;106(6):936-43. Epub 2011 May 16. |
| April 16, 2012 More is not always better when it comes to athletic training. The best training programs balance the stress of exercise with adequate rest time for recovery from the workout stress. The body cannot adapt and strengthen without proper recovery. |
| Consumer Link Nearly 30 Percent of All College Athlete Injuries a Result of 'Overuse' |
| Research Link Journal of Athletic Training, Vol. 47, Number 2, March/April 2012 , pp. 198-204(7) |
| April 15, 2012 As body weight goes up, vitamin D status tends to go down. Why this occurs is not currently understood. Add darker skin color to obesity and it further increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Ethnic Differences in Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Metabolism. 2008 Feb;57(2):183-91. |
| April 14, 2012 The painful illness brucellosis is caused by a bacterium that can pass between pigs and humans. Although domestic pigs no longer harbor this disease, hunting of feral pigs can expose people to the bacteria. To avoid the disease, wear gloves when butchering feral pigs and cook the meat to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F (71 C). |
| Consumer Link Feral Pigs Can Carry Nasty Bacteria That Can Be Transmitted to People |
| Research Link J Wildl Dis. 2011 Apr;47(2):338-43. |
| April 13, 2012 Plant fungal infections have now outstripped bacterial and viral diseases. World hunger could be significantly decreased by halting the spread of fungal diseases in the world's five most important crops: rice, wheat, maize, potatoes and soybeans. Supporting basic agricultural research is important to both nutrition and sustainability. |
| Consumer Link Tackle Fungal Forces to Save Crops, Forests and Endangered Animals, Say Scientists |
| Research Link Nature, 2012; 484 (7393): 186 DOI: 10.1038/nature10947 |
| April 12, 2012 Based on military research, low blood levels of the fish oil types of fatty acids is associated with a greater risk of suicide. Supplementing soldiers with these fatty acids was shown to achieve substantial reduction in markers of suicidal behavior and to improve overall well-being. |
| Consumer Link Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Be a Link in the Armor of Military Personnel Post-Deployment |
| Research Link Br J Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;190:118-22. |
| April 11, 2012 Food choices and limited physical activity are likely the major contributors to the increasing rate of obesity in childhood. However, a major genetic component is gradually becoming apparent as genetics researchers identify new gene variants linked to obesity. |
| Consumer Link Genes Identified in Common Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Nature Genetics, 2012; DOI: 10.1038/ng.2247 |
| April 10, 2012 Guidelines about how to eat are worthless if they do not first meet the goal of providing adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. Basing recommendations primarily on statistical associations with chronic disease risks is fraught with potential problems. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate & Red Meat Can Be Bad for Your Science: Why Many Nutrition Studies Are All Wrong |
| Research Link Nutrition. 2010 Oct;26(10):915-24. |
| April 9, 2012 The joint pain experienced by people with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to decreased physical activity. This, in turn, tends to result in loss of muscle mass and gain in body fat. For managing the arthritic condition and promoting good health, it is important to find tolerable ways to stay physically active. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional Implications of Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Oct;76(4):774-9. |
| April 8, 2012 According to a review of current research, providing vitamin and mineral supplementation to critically ill patients is frequently beneficial. The article does stress, however, that the type of critical illness must be considered before treating with supplementation. |
| Consumer Link Micronutrients Reduce Nutritional Risk in the Critically Ill |
| Research Link Nutrition 2011;27:745-758 |
| April 7, 2012 Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, are especially beneficial for retinal health. They are found in many fruits and vegetables. Some dietary supplements provide these two compounds in the free form which makes them much better absorbed than they are from their natural sources. |
| Consumer Link Better Lutein Absorption with Free Lutein Source |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2010 Dec;29(6):575-85. |
| April 6, 2012 More research supports the link between an energy-dense diet and greater body weight. When there are more calories in each bite of food, it is much easier to consume excess calories. Foods with the greatest energy density are primarily those high in fat and/or sugar. |
| Consumer Link Higher Energy Density Diets Linked To Higher Body Weight |
| Research Link J Acad Nutr Diet. 05 April 2012 [ePub ahead of print] |
| April 5, 2012 Well designed vegetarian diets can be healthful. However, avoidance of specific food groups does increase the risk of nutritional inadequacy. For example, in many types of vegetarian eating patterns, iron can be low and/or in forms that are poorly absorbed. |
| Consumer Link Eating Vegetarian is Healthy, But Mind the Micronutrients! |
| Research Link J Nutr. 1950 Jul;41(3):433-46. |
| April 4, 2012 Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight for height. It is useful as a rough estimate of fatness in the statistical analysis of large groups of people. However, research continues to indicate that BMI is not a good way to evaluate an individual's fatness. |
| Consumer Link 'Skinny fat' label shows the vagaries of obesity |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 7(4): e33308. |
| April 3, 2012 A new report summarizing biochemical indicators of the nutritional status of the U.S. population identifies iodine, iron and vitamin D as the most commonly deficient nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Some Americans Not Getting Essential Nutrients |
| Research Link Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population |
| April 2, 2012 Studies show that choline deficiency in developing animals compromises brain function for the life of the animal. The same is likely true for people. Eggs and meat are the richest food sources of choline. |
| Consumer Link Extreme devotion to fad diets can sap key nutrients |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2000 Oct;19(5 Suppl):528S-531S. |
| April 1, 2012 It is estimated nine out of 10 Americans do not obtain an adequate amount of vitamin E in the food they consume. Although the intake is not low enough to cause frank signs of deficiency, it is difficult to know how chronic inadequate intake will affect long term health. |
| Consumer Link Increase Vitamin E Intake when following Diet |
| Research Link What We Eat in America, NHANES 2001-2002. Usual Nutrient Intakes from Food Compared to Dietary Reference Intakes. |
| March 31, 2012 Children with autism generally have high blood levels of homocysteine which is linked with inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although B-vitamin supplementation lowers homocysteine in autistic children, the supplement is unlikely to affect behavior. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins – Can They Help with Autism Symptoms? |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2011 Apr;31(4):318-21. |
| March 30, 2012 Growing knowledge about our genetic differences should eventually lead to gene-based personalized nutrition recommendations. New research on genetic variations in an enzyme associated with folic acid provides insight on how genetic differences can affect nutrient need. |
| Consumer Link Genetic Polymorphisms: What Color are Your Eyes? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jun;93(6):1365-72. Epub 2011 Apr 20. |
| March 29, 2012 Many beneficial compounds in foods and spices are chemically unstable, making them difficult to add to supplements or fortified foods in a form that does not readily break down. A new technique protects these molecules by surrounding them with a special type of carbohydrate that comes from seaweed. |
| Consumer Link Pass the lycopene: Scientist can protect supplements inside food |
| Research Link Food Funct. 2012 Mar 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 28, 2012 The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not known. However, a combined analysis of five large studies indicated that long-term vitamin E supplement use is associated with a reduced rate of ALS. Further study on the role of antioxidants in ALS may help to understand the cause of the condition. |
| Consumer Link New Data Supporting Vitamin E Supplementation |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2011 Mar 15;173(6):595-602. |
| March 27, 2012 Using a human cell culture technique, researchers found that some antioxidants such as resveratrol and genistein can damage DNA. This may prove to be another example of the "dose making the poison" since moderate intake of these antioxidants from foods seems to protect DNA from damage. |
| Consumer Link High-Throughput Screening Finds Surprising Properties for Antioxidants: Some Compounds Can Damage DNA, but May Treat Cancer |
| Research Link PNAS, 2012; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1114278109 |
| March 26, 2012 Gatorade for athletes and Pedialyte for infants and children are both designed to provide water, carbohydrate, and electrolytes. Although both beverages are essentially properly diluted Kool-Aid with a pinch of salt (sodium and potassium), Gatorade provides more carbohydrate to meet the energy demands of exercise. Pedialyte has a higher electrolyte content with a primary focus on hydration of sedentary infants and children. |
| Consumer Link Athletes Go Gaga For Pedialyte |
| Research Link JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2006 Sep-Oct;30(5):433-9. |
| March 25, 2012 Early exposure to an appropriate combination of beneficial bacteria appears to be very important for optimal health. Although good hygiene is important for avoiding pathogenic bacteria, adequate exposure to the "good guys" may help to prevent some immune-mediated conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. |
| Consumer Link Bacteria Help Body Beef Up Immunity, Study Says |
| Research Link Science 2012 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 24, 2012 The runner's high experienced by endurance athletes may have evolved due to the mobility needed for our ancestors to obtain food in the wild. Maintaining the level of fitness needed to induce this runner's high could help contemporary humans maintain a healthy weight and allow them to eat enough food to obtain adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Runner's High Motivated the Evolution of Exercise, Research Suggests |
| Research Link J. Exp. Biol. 215, 1331-1336. |
| March 23, 2012 A novel experiment indicated that people take smaller bites of food when the aroma of the food is greater. It is possible that this could be used to help reduce food intake. |
| Consumer Link How the Smell of Food Affects How Much You Eat |
| Research Link Flavour, 2012, 1:3 |
| March 22, 2012 There is growing evidence that sun exposure does not produce adequate amounts of vitamin D for many people. Food and supplemental sources of the vitamin appear to be the best option. |
| Consumer Link Sun Exposure Not Enough to Correct Vitamin D Deficiency |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Jun;92(6):2130-5. |
| March 21, 2012 There is more good news for coffee drinkers. A European study of over 42,000 participants indicated that coffee consumption does not increase the risk of chronic disease, but it may be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Coffee poses no threat to hearts, may reduce diabetes risk: EPIC data |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 20, 2012 Although a recent review of research linked white rice consumption to an increased risk of diabetes, it is not possible to conclude from this study that eating white rice is a cause of diabetes. The results do support the need for additional research on the role of overall carbohydrate intake in the development of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Take this with a whole grain of rice |
| Research Link BMJ. 2012 Mar 15;344:e1454. |
| March 19, 2012 A dietary supplement of genistein, a phytoestrogen compound found in soybeans, was found to significantly reduce menopause-related hot flashes in women. The daily amount of genistein taken was 30 milligrams. About ten ounces of tofu contains this amount of genistein. |
| Consumer Link Trying to Manage Hot Flashes? 19 Jan 2011 |
| Research Link Maturitas. 2011 Feb;68(2):189-96. Epub 2010 Dec 15. |
| March 18, 2012 Meeting the need for the B vitamin biotin is proving to be especially important for pregnant women and people with diabetes. Rich food sources of biotin include eggs, liver (especially chicken liver), peanuts, and meat, fish, and poultry in general. |
| Consumer Link Biotin Status: Easy to Measure and Often Marginal 24 Jan 2011 |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2011 Mar;141(3):353-8. Epub 2011 Jan 19. |
| March 17, 2012 It is not unusual for the calorie intake of older people to drop too low. This leads to the loss of both muscle and bone. Consequently, snacking can be important for older adults to consume enough calories. |
| Consumer Link Snacking Can Benefit Older Adults |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 May;107(5):800-6. |
| March 16, 2012 A study of 70 postmenopausal women found that a daily supplement of bone-related nutrients (800 IU vitamin D, 150 ?g vitamin K, 1 g omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, 30 mg genistein, and 500 mg calcium) increased bone mineral density within a 6 month period. |
| Consumer Link Bone Health Micronutrient Mix Increases Bone Mineral Density in Older Women |
| Research Link Eur J Nutr. 2012 Feb 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 15, 2012 The bacterium Helicobacter pylori lives in the lining of the stomach of some people and is considered to be a cause of stomach ulcers. A new study found that people who harbor the bacteria have compromised control of blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link H. Pylori Bacteria Linked to Blood Sugar Control in Adult Type II Diabetes |
| Research Link J Infect Dis, 2012/03/12 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis106 |
| March 14, 2012 A study of 99 men found that high saturated fatty acid intake was associated with lower sperm quality. In contrast, a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids predicted higher sperm quality. |
| Consumer Link Fatty Diets May Be Associated With Reduced Semen Quality |
| Research Link Hum Reprod. 2011; March 13 [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 13, 2012 If you make it to your mid 80s, carrying some extra weight may be in your favor. A recent study found that those in this age group who were obese had a slightly lower risk of death than their underweight or normal-weight peers. |
| Consumer Link Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85? |
| Research Link J Aging Res. 2011;Article ID 765071. |
| March 12, 2012 Like other parts of the body, the brain is subject to damage by oxidation reactions. Berries are among the wide variety of foods that provide protective phytochemicals that protect brain cells from this type of damage. |
| Consumer Link Eating Berries Benefits the Brain |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Feb 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 11, 2012 Brain scans (MRI) of people following six days of reduced sleep (4 hours per night) showed increased neuronal activity in brain reward centers when exposed to food stimuli. This indicates that reduced sleep may lead to a tendency to overeat. |
| Consumer Link Sleep Restriction Activates Brain Centres That Regulate Appetite |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 10, 2012 In a study of more than 900 Austrian women in a nursing home, those with low vitamin D status at the start of the study were much more likely to die during the 27 months of data collection. This study strongly indicates that vitamin D deficient people should be treated for this essential nutrient deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Low Vitamin D Hikes Death Risk in Elderly |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Feb 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 9, 2012 You can burn five times as many calories walking up stairs than you do riding the elevator. In addition, taking the stairs has been found to save time. One study in a hospital found that when workers used the stairs, it saved them about 15 minutes each workday. |
| Consumer Link Stairs vs. Elevators |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2011 Dec 13;183(18):E1353-5. |
| March 8, 2012 Vegetable intake can be augmented by adding vegetables to recipes to make foods like zucchini chocolate chip bread and broccoli gingerbread spice cake. Although this can increase vegetable intake, it does little to help children learn to appreciate the tastes and textures of vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Should We Play Hide-And-Go-Seek With Our Children's Vegetables? |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2012 Mar;44(2):178-82. Epub 2011 Jan 21. |
| March 7, 2012 Exercise triggers beneficial changes in muscles through altered gene expression. A recent study presented evidence that caffeine can stimulate similar changes in factors that control muscle cell gene expression. But, don't forgo the exercise for a cup of Joe. There is no evidence that the effects of exercise and caffeine are identical. |
| Consumer Link Exercise and Caffeine Change Your DNA in the Same Way, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, 2012;3:405-411. |
| March 6, 2012 Since some types of fish accumulate mercury, consuming fish for heart health has been questioned by some. However, research on fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acids supports the benefits of consuming a variety of fish about twice a week. Low mercury alternatives to eating fish include taking fish and algae oil supplements. |
| Consumer Link Cardiovascular Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011:93 (1); 27-36. |
| March 5, 2012 The vitamin content of fresh fruits and vegetables can decline during transport, storage, and display in the store. Depending on the food, frozen and canned products often contain more vitamins than their fresh forms. |
| Consumer Link Is fresh food best? The answer may surprise you |
| Research Link Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Volume 87, Issue 7, May 2007, Pages: 1185–1196, |
| March 4, 2012 With the glow of youth still present in the young adult years, it is difficult for most people to realize that dietary habits and lifestyle during the twenties can set the stage for the occurrence of health problems later in life. New research supports the value of establishing healthful habits early in life. Got Nutrients? |
| Consumer Link Lifestyle Choices Made in Your 20s Can Impact Your Heart Health in Your 40s |
| Research Link Circulation. 2012 Feb 28;125(8):996-1004. |
| March 3, 2012 The benefits of non-essential, but beneficial food components can be subtle. However, when the epicatechin in dark chocolate was fed to those with impaired muscle function, the benefit was obvious and measurable. |
| Consumer Link Cocoa May Enhance Skeletal Muscle Function |
| Research Link Clin Transl Sci. 2012 Feb;5(1):43-7. |
| March 2, 2012 Adding prebiotic components to infant formula helped to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine of infants. This made the colonic bacteria of these infants more similar to that of breastfed infants. |
| Consumer Link New Infant Formula Ingredients Boost Babies' Immunity by Feeding Their Gut Bacteria |
| Research Link JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012 Jan;36(1 Suppl):95S-105S. |
| March 1, 2012 There's new evidence in support of consuming cruciferous vegetables (cabbage family) to help prevent cancer. A key compound called sulforaphane works at the level of gene expression in a prostate cancer model in a way that protects against cancer development. |
| Consumer Link Eat Your Broccoli: Another Mechanism Discovered by Which Sulforaphane Prevents Cancer |
| Research Link Clin Epigenetics. 2011; 3(1): 3. |
| February 29, 2012 A new Policy Statement from The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages exclusive breastfeeding of healthy full-term infants for the first 6 months of life. In addition, they recommend vitamin D supplementation of breastfed infants starting at birth, supplementation with iron before 6 months of age as needed, and introduction of foods rich in iron and zinc at about 6 months of age. |
| Consumer Link Exclusive Breast-Feeding Best for Baby: Experts |
| Research Link Pediatrics February 27, 2012. [ePub Ahead of Print] |
| February 28, 2012 Since its discovery, vitamin D has been known to benefit bone health. Research during the past decade has identified many other vitamin D health benefits including enhanced immune function and reduced inflammation. |
| Consumer Link How Vitamin D Inhibits Inflammation |
| Research Link J Immunol. 2012 Mar 1;188(5):2127-35. Epub 2012 Feb 1. |
| February 27, 2012 Another good reason to include green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains in your diet is to meet your needs for the mineral magnesium. A new meta-analysis review of research found that people are less likely to have a stroke if their diet provides plenty of magnesium. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium-rich diet tied to lower stroke risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb;95(2):362-6. |
| February 26, 2012 Be sure to include citrus fruits among the fruits in your diet. Specific flavanone compounds present naturally in citrus fruits are associated with a reduced risk of stroke. |
| Consumer Link Eating Citrus Fruit May Lower Women's Stroke Risk |
| Research Link Stroke, February 23 2012. |
| February 25, 2012 People who have impaired kidney function should not consume star fruit. The fruit's high oxalic acid levels are not a problem for those of us with normal kidney function. However, the consumption of one star fruit reportedly killed a person who had compromised kidney function. |
| Consumer Link Oxalic acid in star fruit can kill kidney patients |
| Research Link Intensive Care Med. 2009 Aug;35(8):1459-63. |
| February 23, 2012 Although light to moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, excessive consumption comes with increased health risks. A recent study found that college students significantly underestimate the amounts of alcoholic beverages they consume. |
| Consumer Link Many Young People Don't Know What Constitutes Sensible Alcohol Consumption |
| Research Link Drug Alcohol Rev. 2011 Nov 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 22, 2012 A recent extensive analysis of studies evaluating the theoretical weight gain effect of fructose indicates that fructose may be unfairly judged. This research showed that in controlled situations, it is the extra calorie consumption, rather than the fructose itself, that is the primary contributor to obesity. |
| Consumer Link Is Fructose Being Blamed Unfairly for Obesity Epidemic? |
| Research Link Annals of Internal Medicine, 2012; 156 (4): 291-304 |
| February 21, 2012 The prevalence of asthma has increased in the U.S. over the past few decades. There may be many reasons for this. One possible factor that is gaining scientific support is the increased use of acetaminophen causing reduced levels of glutathione (an antioxidant the body produces) in the lungs. |
| Consumer Link Does Tylenol Worsen Asthma For Kids? |
| Research Link Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011 Jan 15;183(2):171-8. |
| February 20, 2012 Researchers are identifying specific genetic variants as predictors of how specific types of exercise programs may benefit some individuals. However, coming up with an exercise prescription based on genetics should also consider things like an individual's environment, social and cultural background, beliefs, psychology, personal interests, etc. |
| Consumer Link Personalizing Exercise Protocols Based on Genetics? |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2012 Meeting the body's essential nutrient needs requires consuming enough of the right types of foods. When food intake declines, due to aging or weight loss efforts, the risk of developing one or more nutrient deficiencies increases. |
| Consumer Link Should Recommendations Focus on Eating Less or More? |
| Research Link Mech Ageing Dev. 2010 Jul-Aug;131(7-8):473-9. |
| February 18, 2012 Rice grains are known to take up arsenic present in soil. Consequently, rice can be a significant source of this toxic mineral. Samples of a popular natural sweetener called organic brown rice syrup were found to have high levels of arsenic. |
| Consumer Link Organic Food Sweetener May Be a Hidden Source of Dietary Arsenic |
| Research Link Environ Health Perspect. 2012 Feb. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 17, 2012 Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked with various health benefits. However, the study of a mouse model for alcoholism found that genetic differences in brain chemistry made some mice more susceptible to brain-damaging effects of alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Drinking Alcohol Shrinks Critical Brain Regions in Genetically Vulnerable Mice |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2011 Oct 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 16, 2012 Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in vegans, vegetarians, and older people. However, three autistic children with vision problems were recently diagnosed with B12 deficiency that was caused by restrictive eating habits. Treatment with B12 corrected the vision problems. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12: Seeing is Believing |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2010;126:e967–e970 |
| February 15, 2012 Soybean products are major components of the diets of various Asian populations that have a low risk of breast cancer. However, recent research does not support that consuming soy components (isoflavone supplements) will reduce breast cancer risk in adult women. |
| Consumer Link Soy supplements don’t prevent and may link to an increase in breast cancer |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2012 Feb;5(2):309-19. |
| February 14, 2012 There is a tendency to think of scurvy as a disease of historical interest. However, a recent study in Canada found that about 20 percent of emergency patients had blood levels of vitamin C diagnostic of scurvy. Treating these patients with vitamin C supplements significantly improved their moods within 10 days. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C Status Affects Mood |
| Research Link Linus Pauling Institute - Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health |
| February 13, 2012 Tomatoes are rich in a beneficial compound called lycopene. There is growing evidence that this red colored molecule has valuable cancer prevention properties. Tomato sauces are especially high in lycopene. |
| Consumer Link Tomato Nutrient May Intercept Cancer Growth |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2011 Dec 6:1-9. |
| February 12, 2012 It's great to feel good about eating something you really like. But, even the good stuff should be consumed in moderation. Chocolate is an excellent example. In moderation, it can be a good source of beneficial flavanols, but it doesn't take much chocolate to get a lot of calories. |
| Consumer Link Is Chocolate Good for Your Heart? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 11, 2012 Nutritionists emphasize the value of eating a balanced variety of various types of foods to meet the body's need for all essential nutrients. When foods are limited in variety or amount, meeting nutrient needs may be impossible without the appropriate use of fortified foods or a vitamin/mineral dietary supplement. |
| Consumer Link Are You Getting All the Essential Nutrients? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2010 Oct;140(10):1879-86. Epub 2010 Aug 11. |
| February 10, 2012 Legumes like soybeans contain iron in a form called ferritin. This is the form that the human body uses to store iron. New research indicates that legume ferritin is reasonably well absorbed by the human intestine. However, it is not known how well this form of iron will improve the iron status of an iron deficient individual. |
| Consumer Link Novel Iron Source: Newly Identified Iron Absorption Mechanism |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2012 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 9, 2012 As people get older, their calorie needs generally decline. Consequently, total food intake typically drops to match lower energy needs and most nutrients are consumed in reduced amounts. When the intake of vitamins B-6 and B-12 decline, it increases the risk of developing depression. |
| Consumer Link B Vitamins Associated with Depressive Symptoms |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Aug;92(2):330-5. |
| February 8, 2012 Burn calories, not electricity. Take the stairs. Researchers found that signs with messages like this placed strategically in buildings could increase use of the stairs by over 30 percent. |
| Consumer Link Posting simple signs might get people to take the stairs more often |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2012 Feb;42(2):136-41. |
| February 7, 2012 Want some fiber in your snack food? Try some popcorn. Archeological research indicates that ancient Peruvians were the first people to take advantage of this tasty food. |
| Consumer Link Ancient Popcorn Discovered in Peru |
| Research Link PNAS January 31, 2012 vol. 109 no. 5 1755-1759 |
| February 6, 2012 The effect of vitamin and mineral supplements on the risk of chronic disease is a controversial topic. A recent study using rats found that supplemental vitamins and minerals greatly reduced colon cancer. More research is needed to determine if these results will also apply to humans. |
| Consumer Link Regular Use of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Could Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2012, 90:(1) 45-54, 10.1139/y11-100 |
| February 5, 2012 New data from the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. leveled off during 2009 and 2010. Perhaps we are getting the messages to get moving and to eat a more moderate diet. |
| Consumer Link Healthy Aging: Nutrients, Exercise, Quality of Life |
| Research Link JAMA. 2012 Feb 1;307(5):483-90. |
| February 4, 2012 The causes of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia that commonly occur with aging are poorly understood. A study of over 5000 older people found that higher intake of foods rich in vitamin E modestly reduced the long-term risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E Supplementation Benefits Memory Function |
| Research Link Arch Neurol. 2010;67(7):819-825. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2010.144 |
| February 3, 2012 Metformin is a common drug that helps to normalize blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Recent research indicates that metformin can increase the need for vitamin B12. A modest supplement of the vitamin should be more than enough to meet the increased need. |
| Consumer Link Intersection of Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin and Vitamin B12 |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2012 Feb;35(2):327-33. |
| February 2, 2012 Tomato sauce, tomato paste, and catsup are concentrated forms of the tomato. Research links tomato product consumption with reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Did you Consume Enough Tomato Concentrate Today? |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2012 Feb;142(2):326-33. |
| February 1, 2012 New research indicates that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil during pregnancy may help to reduce certain types of allergies in infants. |
| Consumer Link Looking to Reduce Childhood Allergies? Omega-3 PUFA During Pregnancy Could Help |
| Research Link BMJ 2012;344:e184 |
| January 31, 2012 There are many potential causes of high blood pressure. For about ten percent of the population with a common gene variant, increased intake of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) may be the ticket to normal blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Are You Part of the 10 Percent Who Needs More Riboflavin for Healthy Blood Pressure? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 30, 2012 Age-related macular degeneration (in the retina of the eye) is a common cause of vision loss in older people. Several nutrients are thought to be important for maintaining retinal health. New research adds vitamin D to that list. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Could Help Combat The Effects Of Aging In Eyes |
| Research Link Neurobiol Aging. 2012 Jan 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 29, 2012 Lack of physical activity is commonly associated with weight gain. This may not be due only to low energy expenditure and excess eating. New research on fat cells indicates that the type of mechanical strain placed on fat cells while sitting and lying can accelerate the conversion of preadipocytes (fat cell precursors) into fat cells. |
| Consumer Link Couch potatoes gain weight without eating |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Cell Physiol |
| January 28, 2012 The term "balanced diet" often is used to describe a combination of foods that meets essential nutrient needs. Consuming a diet with plenty of variety increases the odds of obtaining adequate amounts of all nutrients. Recent research shows that this concept runs throughout the animal kingdom. Even beetles select a combinations of foods that provides optimal nutrient intake. |
| Consumer Link Even beetles plump for a balanced diet, study shows |
| Research Link Proc Biol Sci. 2012 Jan 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 27, 2012 Increased awareness of the importance of vitamin D, has greatly increased the use of blood tests to assess vitamin D status. New standards are being developed to increase the consistency of these blood test results. |
| Consumer Link New Standard for Vitamin D Testing to Ensure Accurate Test Results |
| Research Link Anal Chem. 2012 Jan 17;84(2):956-62. |
| January 26, 2012 New research shows that methionine, an essential nutrient for humans, may now be able to be used as a safe and effective insecticide against caterpillars that threaten the citrus industry. This is an example of the unique roles that nutrients have in various species. |
| Consumer Link 'Green' Pesticide Effective Against Citrus Pests |
| Research Link J Economic Entomology, 2011; 104 (6): 1986. |
| January 25, 2012 Many Americans consume diets that are low in magnesium. Although low magnesium intake generally causes no noticeable symptoms in the short-run, the risk for stroke and various chronic diseases increases. Magnesium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole-grain cereals. |
| Consumer Link Magnesium-Rich Foods May Lower Stroke Risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb;95(2):362-6. |
| January 24, 2012 For young athletes, the combined energy needs for their workouts and growth can add up to a substantial need for calories. Good performance and normal development require adequate calorie intake. |
| Consumer Link Are Nutrition Needs the Same for All Young Athletes? |
| Research Link Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2011 May;23(2):261-9. |
| January 23, 2012 Several nutrient deficiencies are known to adversely affect brain and neurological development. A recent study found that low iron status in teenagers had an impact on the nerve structure of their brains that persisted into the early adult years. |
| Consumer Link Kids’ nutritional deficits might affect brain health |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jan 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 22, 2012 Exclusively breastfed infants who have little or no sun exposure are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that these infants be given 400 IU of supplemental vitamin D per day. |
| Consumer Link Another rickets tragedy |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Sep;96(9):2681-3. |
| January 21, 2012 The message is clear that diets high in trans fatty acids are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, some natural trans fats such as those found in milk products may provide positive health effects. Not all trans fatty acids are created equal. |
| Consumer Link Expert Calls for Change in Trans Fat Labelling |
| Research Link Adv Nutr 2011 vol. 2: 332-354, |
| January 20, 2012 Maintaining normal hydration in the body is one of the most basic aspects of good nutrition. Chronically low water intake has even been linked to increased risk of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Really? The Claim: Drinking Water Can Help Lower the Risk of Diabetes. |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2011 Dec;34(12):2551-4. |
| January 19, 2012 Inadequate vitamin K intake increases the risk of both osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Cooked dark green vegetables are the richest dietary sources of vitamin K. Multivitamin supplements often do not include vitamin K. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K helps bones, brain and eyes |
| Research Link Menopause Int. 2011 Mar;17(1):19-23. |
| January 18, 2012 Some common foods with new natural colors can mean good nutrition. For example, unlike the classic white colored version, orange cauliflower, is a good source of the vitamin A precursor, beta carotene. |
| Consumer Link Understanding Orange Cauliflower May Lead To More Nutritious Crops |
| Research Link Biotechnol Annu Rev. 2008;14:171-90. |
| January 17, 2012 Even mild dehydration can affect cardiovascular function and blood concentration. Women in a state of mild dehydration experienced measurable mood changes, increased perception of task difficulty, lower concentration, and headache symptoms. |
| Consumer Link How dehydration affects women's mood |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2011 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 16, 2012 Irisin is a newly discovered hormone that increases the ability of fat cells to expend energy. Research now shows that exercise can increase blood levels of irisin and potentially promote weight loss. |
| Consumer Link A new hormone revs up the body's fat-burning engine |
| Research Link Nature. 2012 Jan 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 15, 2012 It often is reported that people with less education and lower incomes consume less fruits and vegetables than those with more education and higher incomes. Some have suggested that government subsidies to reduce the prices of fruits and vegetables could help to increase their consumption. |
| Consumer Link An Apple a Day Isn't Enough: Many People Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2011 Oct 25;10:118 |
| January 14, 2012 Humans are known to have sensors to taste sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory (umami). New research adds fat to this list and indicates that some people are better than others at tasting the presence of fat in foods. |
| Consumer Link Blame Your Taste Buds for Liking Fat: Receptor for Tasting Fat Identified in Humans |
| Research Link Journal of Lipid Research, Dec. 31, 2011 [Epub ahead of print]. |
| January 13, 2012 With aging, there is a strong tendency to become more sedentary. However, the later years of life may be the most important time to have a daily exercise program. Relatively simple exercises can provide the strength and flexibility needed for basic daily life activities such as walking, getting up from a chair, and dressing. |
| Consumer Link Exercise And Strength Training Could Improve Physical Decline In Elderly |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2002 Oct 3;347(14):1068-74. |
| January 12, 2012 Autistic children often have gastrointestinal problems. A new study found that a little known bacteria called Sutterella was present in the intestines of a high proportion of autistic children but was not found in any non-autistic children. If Sutterella has any relationship with the cause or symptoms of autism remains to be determined. |
| Consumer Link Bacteria in the gut of autistic children different from non-autistic children |
| Research Link mBio 3(1):e00261-11 |
| January 11, 2012 Excessive alcohol consumption is well known to increase breast cancer risk. Some, but not all, research indicates that compounds in red wine help to decrease breast cancer risk in those who consume alcohol moderately. |
| Consumer Link Moderate Red Wine Drinking May Help Cut Women’s Breast Cancer Risk, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Womens Health. 2011 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 10, 2012 If you walk for exercise and have increased your walking speed over time, it may be time to include some jogging in your exercise mix. As walking speed increases to over 4 miles per hour, it starts to become more biomechanically comfortable to jog. |
| Consumer Link Why People Choose Running Over Walking |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jan 4. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 9, 2012 To understand the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, researchers are even looking at the effect of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on their offspring's risk of developing diabetes. Based on both rat and human data, limited protein intake by the mother during pregnancy can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in her offspring. |
| Consumer Link What women eat while pregnant linked to diabetes in babies |
| Research Link Cell Death Differ. 2012 Jan; [Online ahead of print]. |
| January 8, 2012 Compounds from licorice root inhibit the growth of key bacteria that cause tooth decay. Don't be surprised if you start to see licorice root compounds in toothpaste or mouthwash ingredients. |
| Consumer Link Dried Licorice Root Fights the Bacteria That Cause Tooth Decay and Gum Disease, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Nat Prod. 2011 Dec 27;74(12):2514-9. |
| January 7, 2012 During the last decade or two of life, calorie needs generally decline, but nutrient needs do not. A study of over 500 nursing home residents found that those with low zinc status (based on blood values) were more likely to develop pneumonia and took longer to recover than those with normal zinc status. |
| Consumer Link Adequate Zinc Eases Pneumonia in Elderly, Study Finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1167-73. |
| January 6, 2012 The common age-related decline in mental function is associated with a decrease in brain size. Older people with good vitamin and omega-3 fatty acid status tend to maintain better mental function and have less brain shrinkage. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Diet + Vitamins Help Keep Brain from Shrinking |
| Research Link Neurology. 2011 Dec 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 5, 2012 Insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1) presents a variety of challenges for children and teens with the condition. Recent research indicates that poor quality sleep is more common in those with type 1 diabetes and is associated with lower academic performance and behavior problems. |
| Consumer Link Poor sleep linked to increased health, behavior problems in young diabetics |
| Research Link SLEEP 2012;35(1):81-88. |
| January 4, 2012 Most beer is made from barley that contains gluten. An analysis of the gluten content of a variety of beers found that beers labeled as low-gluten contained about the same amount of gluten as regular beers. However, beers labeled as gluten-free did not contain gluten. |
| Consumer Link Some 'Low-Gluten' Beer Contains High Levels of Gluten |
| Research Link J Proteome Res. 2011 Nov 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 3, 2012 Pre-eclampsia, a condition with abnormally high blood pressure, can occur during pregnancy. Taking supplemental antioxidant vitamins plus the amino acid L-arginine significantly reduced the incidence of pre-eclampsia in women at high risk for the condition. |
| Consumer Link Pre-eclampsia reduced with L-arginine plus vitamins |
| Research Link BMJ. 2011 May 19;342:d2901. |
| January 2, 2012 A study of 56 elderly women (age 64 to 82) found that 16 weeks of taking a dietary supplement containing multiple vitamins, minerals, and herbal components, enhanced various aspects of memory. It is not known what components of the multi-component supplement may have affected mental functions. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamins may boost memory: RCT data |
| Research Link Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Oct 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 1, 2012 Obesity expert Dr. Arya Sharma jokes that "the easiest way to gain 25 lbs is to lose 20!" Research on twins provides support to this concept that substantial bouts of weight loss can ultimately lead to more weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Will Losing Weight Make You Fat? |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2011 Aug 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 31, 2011 The ideal level of dietary protein is still a matter of debate. A recent well-designed, study found that healthy young men fed a diet with almost four times the recommended protein intake for three weeks had improved mental reaction time. |
| Consumer Link High protein intake makes you cleverer |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2011 Jun;30(3):303-11. |
| December 30, 2011 Even with a gluten-free diet, almost 40 percent of women with celiac disease report symptoms of depression. Iron deficiency is common in celiac disease and low iron status is known to cause depression. However, normalizing iron status in someone with celiac disease can be challenging. |
| Consumer Link Women With Celiac Disease Suffer from Depression, Disordered Eating, Study Finds |
| Research Link Chronic Illn. 2011 Sep 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 29, 2011 Since even mild iodine deficiency can adversely affect cognitive function in children, the American Thyroid Association recommends that pregnant or lactating women take a supplement providing 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day. The Institute of Medicine recommends that total iodine intake (from food and/or supplements combined) be 220 mcg/day during pregnancy and 290 mcg/day while breastfeeding. |
| Consumer Link Iodine in pregnancy, needs, impact and controversy |
| Research Link Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Nov;18(9):338-43. |
| December 28, 2011 Vegetables contribute natural antioxidant substances to the diet. The method of cooking that preserves these antioxidants best depends on the vegetable. In general, griddle- and microwave-cooking preserve antioxidants best while pressure-cooking and boiling cause the greatest losses. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidant Levels In Cooked Vegetables Vary With Cooking Method |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2009 Apr;74(3):H97-H103. |
| December 27, 2011 An adequate intake of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of developing colon or rectal cancers. A recent Australian study supported this relationship, but found that high consumption of fruit juices was associated with increased risk. |
| Consumer Link Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Risks of Specific Types of Colorectal Cancers, Study Finds |
| Research Link http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21963014 |
| December 26, 2011 For normal weight women, adequate weight gain during pregnancy is very important. For the obese woman, weight gain can be much less, but consuming a diet that meets all nutrient needs is extremely important for supporting a healthy pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Myths and Truths of Obesity and Pregnancy |
| Research Link Semin Perinatol. 2011 Dec;35(6):317-23. |
| December 25, 2011 Santa Claus is a great example of the "Health at Every Size" concept. Although his BMI may place him in the obese category, he actually has a healthy level of body fat. Much of his weight is the muscle mass required for carrying heavy bags of toys around the world. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2011 Jan 24;10:9. |
| December 24, 2011 Accumulating research on salt questions current sodium recommendations that are based on the Institute of Medicine report published in 2004. More recent research indicates that lowering sodium intake to recommended levels may slightly lower blood pressure; however, other cardiovascular risk factors are elevated. |
| Consumer Link Biggest Health & Nutrition Story of 2011: Salt Vindicated |
| Research Link Am J Hypertension (2012); 25 1, 1–15. |
| December 23, 2011 Penn State University researchers have been able to cure leukemia in a mouse model by 7 days of injecting a compound that the body produces naturally from a fish oil fatty acid called EPA. Although there remains much to do to see if this will work with humans, it certainly supports observations that an adequate intake of fish oils is associated with a reduced risk of various cancers. |
| Consumer Link Does Omega 3 Fish Oil Hold Key to Leukemia Cure |
| Research Link Blood October 3, 2011 blood-2010-11-317750 [Published online before print] |
| December 22, 2011 Confirming the importance of diets with a variety of foods from all food groups, researchers found that blood values related to cardiovascular disease were better after five weeks of consuming a diet that was relatively high in protein, moderately low in carbohydrate, and contained about 5 ounces of lean beef per day. |
| Consumer Link Study confirms beef’s role in heart-healthy diet |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 21, 2011 Rickets, a severe bone disease in infants, has long been known to be caused by vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately, there is a resurgence of this ancient infant disease in the children of parents trying to do all the right things. Exclusive breastfeeding does not meet infant vitamin D needs. Without some sun exposure, infants require supplemental vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link The disturbing reason why a growing number of parents are being falsely accused of shaking their babies to death |
| Research Link Indian J Med Res. 2008 Mar;127(3):250-5. |
| December 20, 2011 During the early adult years, it is common for physical activity to decline greatly compared to the adolescent years. This period may represent one of the most important stages of life to find ways to stay active. |
| Consumer Link Young Adults Drop Exercise With Move to College or University |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2012; 42 (1):14-20. |
| December 19, 2011 While consuming a low calorie diet for weight loss, those who consumed most of the day's carbohydrate calories in their evening meal lost more weight and experienced less hunger than those who spread out carbohydrate intake evenly across the day. |
| Consumer Link Save Your Carbs For Dinner? |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Oct;19(10):2006-14 |
| December 18, 2011 A small study with eight type 2 diabetic participants found that daily brief, high intensity exercise (ten 1-minute bouts of exercise with one minute of rest between each bout) greatly improved blood glucose control within two weeks. |
| Consumer Link J Appl Physiol. 2011 Dec;111(6):1554-60. |
| Research Link Brief, Intense Exercise Lowers Blood Sugar, Small Study Finds |
| December 17, 2011 Research into mechanisms that explain how coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease has identified caffeine as one of the protective factors. However, there is at least one other unidentified preventive substance in coffee according to studies with mouse models. |
| Consumer Link Lots of coffee may ward off Alzheimer's, USF finds |
| Research Link J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;25(2):323-35. |
| December 16, 2011 What's a calorie? Most people have a vague idea. But, researchers found that providing a physical activity equivalent such as how long you would need to run to burn off the calories in a sugar-sweetened soda was the most effective way to reduce the purchase of sodas by teens. |
| Consumer Link To Make Kids Snub Soda Translate the Calorie Count |
| Research Link Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print December 15, 2011: e1-e7. |
| December 15, 2011 We enjoy the flavors of various spices and herbs used in the right amounts to season foods. However, there is evidence that concentrated preparations such as extracts and oils from some common plant products (eg. basil, fennel, and sassafras) can contain excessively high levels of carcinogenic substances. |
| Consumer Link Some Plant-Based Food Supplements Contain High Levels of Cancer Causing Agents, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Food Nutrition Sci. 2011;2(9):989-1010. (Nov. 2011) |
| December 14, 2011 The health benefits of grapes and red wine have been attributed to the polyphenol components in the fruit's skins. Apple peels also contain polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory effects in the lower intestine. |
| Consumer Link Scientists Discover Anti-Inflammatory Polyphenols in Apple Peels |
| Research Link J Leukoc Biol. 2011 Dec;90(6):1043-54. Epub 2011 Jun 21. |
| December 13, 2011 Perhaps you have eaten raw cookie dough with no problem. However, it wasn't without risk. Even the store-bought, ready-to-bake cookie dough has caused food borne illness. To eliminate risk, enjoy the dough in its cookie form. That's why they are called cookies instead of doughies. |
| Consumer Link Beware of Raw Cookie Dough |
| Research Link FoodSafety.gov - Dangerous Food Safety Mistakes |
| December 12, 2011 A 3-month study, reported at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, found that a low-carbohydrate diet two days a week lowered risk factors associated with breast cancer. This is the type of study that raises more questions than answers, but it appears to deserve further research. |
| Consumer Link Carb Counting May Abate Breast Cancer Risk Factors |
| Research Link SABCS 2011;abstract P3-09-02. |
| December 11, 2011 Low vitamin D status now has been shown to be more common in obese children than normal weight children and it appears to be associated with increased insulin resistance. Consuming milk, other vitamin D fortified beverages, and fatty fish can increase vitamin D in the diet. |
| Consumer Link Diabetes, Vitamin D Levels Linked in Heavy Kids |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 10, 2011 Fructose has been considered to be a better sugar than glucose for diabetics because it has much less impact on blood glucose levels. However, excessive fructose may contribute to increased blood triglycerides and blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Fructose No Substitute for Glucose in Diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2009 Oct;32(10):1930-7. |
| December 9, 2011 Final exam week can be a mental endurance event for college students this time of the year. To optimize mental performance on exams, it helps to get adequate sleep and consume moderate sized meals that are balanced and include some carbohydrate to help maintain a stable level of blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link Exam cram requires good food, rest |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 1997 Apr;77 Suppl 1:S29-38. |
| December 8, 2011 Another diet scam is hitting the dust. FDA is cracking down on the so-called HCG diets that use various forms of a hormone called human corionic gonadotropin. The diets "work" only because they restrict calorie intake. Though it has been good for marketing hype, HCG is no better than a placebo for weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Firms warned over sale of weight-loss hormone |
| Research Link U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Dec. 6, 2011. |
| December 7, 2011 Web-based marketing of bogus nutrition products can be very creative, misleading, and downright fraudulent. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has filed lawsuits against a company using fake news websites to promote their acai diet pills. The defendants have allegedly taken in more than $25 million from consumers in the United States. |
| Consumer Link FTC ups the ante in crackdown vs bogus acai weight loss claims |
| Research Link Federal Trade Commission, 12/01/2011. |
| December 6, 2011 Obese children who become normal weight adults have the same risk for developing heart disease or diabetes as people who were never obese. Helping overweight and obese children properly grow into their weight as they approach their adult years can have lifelong positive health consequences. |
| Consumer Link Risk of heart disease from childhood obesity reversible |
| Research Link N Engl J Med. 2011 Nov 17;365(20):1876-85. |
| December 5, 2011 Improving the overall quality of women's diets may help to reduce birth defects more than focusing on meeting needs for a single nutrient like folic acid. |
| Consumer Link Overall Quality of Pregnant Woman’s Diet Affects Risk for Two Birth Defects, Study Shows |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011 Oct 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 4, 2011 Want to get kids to eat vegetables? A new study demonstrates what many parents may already know. Give kids a tasty dressing or sauce to dip the vegetables in and they will eat them. |
| Consumer Link Bitter Sensitive Children Eat More Vegetables With Help of Dip |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Nov 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 3, 2011 A new study out of Sweden quantified the antioxidant capacity of the total diet of over 35,000 older women and found that the risk of stroke was decreases as the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains increased. Future studies need to evaluate the role of nutrient adequacy of the diet concurrently with antioxidant capacity. |
| Consumer Link Vegetables, Fruits, Grains Reduce Stroke Risk in Women |
| Research Link Stroke, 2011; DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.635557 [ahead of print] |
| December 2, 2011 How you prepare your fish may affect your brain over time. Brain scans on 260 healthy adults showed that consuming baked or broiled fish weekly was associated with a brain composition typical of those with a lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Fried fish did not have the same protective effect. |
| Consumer Link Fish may protect the brain, study indicates |
| Research Link Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting 2011 |
| December 1, 2011 Although caffeine has had some good press lately, it is good to remember that "it's the dose that makes the poison." During 2009, over 13,000 people in the U.S. visited hospital emergency departments for reasons related to caffeine overdose from energy-drink consumption. |
| Consumer Link And now some bad news about caffeine |
| Research Link Drug Abuse Warning Network Report, Nov. 22, 2011. |
| November 30, 2011 It is common knowledge that a low intake of dietary iodine disrupts thyroid function. Less well known is that iron is a required co-factor for iodine to be incorporated into the thyroid hormone molecule. Consequently, low iron status can impair thyroid function. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78. |
| November 29, 2011 Want a better night’s sleep? A study of over 3000 people found that those who met current physical activity guidelines had better quality sleep and less leg cramps while sleeping. Current guidelines include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly. |
| Consumer Link Physical Activity Impacts Overall Quality of Sleep |
| Research Link Mental Health Phys Act. 2011 Dec;4(2):65-69. |
| November 28, 2011 Nocturia, a condition defined as needing to rise two or more times a night to urinate, can hamper the ability to get good quality sleep. Management or treatment of the problem requires medical evaluation because the condition may be a sign of underlying disease or simply a sign of aging. |
| Consumer Link Nighttime bathroom visits often increase with age |
| Research Link Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Oct;23(5):376-85. |
| November 27, 2011 Are obese people at greater risk of death following surgery? A study of almost 190,000 people reports that they are not. However, those with a low body mass index (BMI less than 23.1) had the greatest risk of death during the 30 days following surgery. |
| Consumer Link Body Mass Index Associated With Short-Term Mortality Rates Following Surgery |
| Research Link Archives of Surgery, 2011;Nov 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 26, 2011 A new review of over 140 studies on alcohol consumption confirms that heavy drinking (more than 3 or 4 drinks a day) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, light to moderate drinking seems to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment in older people. |
| Consumer Link Drink Wine To Beat Dementia Risk, But Find The Balance Study Reports |
| Research Link Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011;7:465-84. |
| November 25, 2011 Good news about coffee continues to brew. A recent study found that women who consume 4 or more cups of coffee a day have a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. |
| Consumer Link Study links coffee to lower cancer risk in women |
| Research Link Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Nov, 2011 [Online ahead of print] |
| November 24, 2011 Despite ongoing news about economic woes in the nation, sales are up for organic and heritage turkeys that can sell for up to $150. Whether you are spending $3 or $150 on a turkey, best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving Day. |
| Consumer Link Thanksgiving goes gourmet with high-end turkeys |
| Research Link USDA Top Turkey Resources |
| November 23, 2011 Low vitamin D status has been linked to increased risk of conditions like hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and renal failure. However, high vitamin D status (blood levels over 100 ng/dL) is associated with a significantly increased incidence of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. Remember Balance! |
| Consumer Link Circulation. 2011; 124: A14699. |
| Research Link Study Shows Too Much Vitamin D May Harm Your Heart Read more: http://technorati.com/women/article/study-shows-too-much-vitamin-d/#ixzz1eUnEQh9Y |
| November 22, 2011 Glucose is the major energy source for the brain. When blood glucose levels drop, brain centers are activated that trigger the desire to consume high-calorie foods. Maintaining blood glucose levels with regularly scheduled meals and moderate snacking my help to avoid that ravenous drive to binge. |
| Consumer Link To Ditch Dessert, Feed the Brain |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2011 October 3; 121(10): 4161–4169. |
| November 21, 2011 As public health messages continue to recommend a low salt diet, the research support for the recommendation is questionable. Large studies that attempt to demonstrate the benefits of a low salt diet often fail to find benefit and even find evidence of risk to health. |
| Consumer Link New study casts further doubt on risk of death from higher salt intake |
| Research Link J Gen Intern Med. 2008 Sep;23(9):1297-302. |
| November 20, 2011 High fat meals may put asthmatics at increased risk of an attack. A study with asthmatics found that a high calorie, high fat meal impaired lung function for four hours following the meal. This effect likely continued beyond four hours, but measurements were not made past four hours. |
| Consumer Link High-Fat Meals a No-No for Asthma Patients, Researchers Find |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 May;127(5):1133-40. |
| November 19, 2011 We now know that soybeans are a good source of protein along with other nutrients like riboflavin, vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron, etc. Archeologists are finding that communities in China, Korea, and Japan were well aware of this nutrient-rich food and were farming soybeans as long as 5000 years ago. |
| Consumer Link Soybean Adoption Came Early by Many Cultures, Archaeologists Say |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (11): e26720. |
| November 18, 2011 Reducing dietary fat may help to prevent or slow prostate cancer. However, reducing fat too much can provide inadequate amounts of essential fatty acids and compromise the absorption of fat soluble nutrients and phytochemicals. A new study indicates that fish oil supplements, along with a low fat diet, benefited prostate cancer patients. |
| Consumer Link You Are What You Eat: Low Fat Diet With Fish Oil Slows Growth of Human Prostate Cancer Cells, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Oct 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 17, 2011 If you like coffee and your body and brain function well under the influence of coffee, there are more reasons to keep drinking it than not. For example evidence is continuing to grow that coffee consumption helps to prevent type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's Disease. |
| Consumer Link Coffee isn’t always bad for you |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Apr;51(4):363-73. |
| November 16, 2011 It has been called normal weight obesity, skinny-fat syndrome, and thin outside, fat inside (TOFI). These normal weight individuals with a high proportion of body fat appear to be at high risk for type 2 diabetes like their overweight counterparts. |
| Consumer Link Diabetes a growing threat to young and slim |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 15, 2011 It is a common assumption that adequate dietary fiber helps to prevent colorectal cancer. Although this has not been supported by all studies on the topic, a new meta-analysis of multiple studies does support this assumption. |
| Consumer Link Fibre, Whole Grains, Linked To Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk |
| Research Link BMJ 2011;343:bmj.d6617; published online 10 November 2011. |
| November 14, 2011 Preventing childhood obesity involves much more than targeting at-risk children. It is increasing apparent that the root cause of this problem involves social changes in values and lifestyle that have occurred over time. Health professionals need to promote the values that will lead to core societal changes that support overall human well-being. |
| Consumer Link Why Preventing Childhood Obesity Should Not Be About Preventing Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011 Nov;165(11):973-5. |
| November 13, 2011 Nutrition guidelines often stress eating a wide variety of foods to enhance the odds of meeting all nutrient needs. However, it may not be wise to apply this concept to calorie-dense snack foods. When presented with unfamiliar snack foods, 11 to 12 year old children tended to overestimate the amount of the food needed to provide satiety. |
| Consumer Link Familiarity Increases the Fullness That Children Expect from Snack Foods |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Nov;94(5):1196-201. |
| November 12, 2011 Many aspects of health are determined by the interplay between our genes and what we eat. For example, there is evidence that people with a high risk gene variant for heart disease have a significantly lower heart attack risk if their diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Diet Rich in Fruit and Vegetables Can Modify Heart Disease Risk Genes |
| Research Link PLoS Medicine, 2011;9:e100110. |
| November 11, 2011 The risk of teenagers developing metabolic syndrome is lower in those who have a greater intake of high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. However, the consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol was not associated with the risk. These results emphasize the importance for health messages to stress what to eat rather than what not to eat. |
| Consumer Link More Fiber, but Not Necessarily Less Fat, Good for Teen Diets |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Nov;111(11):1688-95. |
| November 10, 2011 Weight loss has been shown to adversely affect bone health. Results from a recent study indicate that consuming a diet higher in protein primarily from dairy foods and participating in daily aerobic and resistance exercise positively affected bone health indicators. |
| Consumer Link Dairy Foods May Improve Bone Health During Diet and Exercise in Overweight Premenopausal Women |
| Research Link Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011; DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-2165 |
| November 9, 2011 Low carbohydrate "ketogenic" diets are known to help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. Using a mouse model, researchers have learned how this dietary therapy affects brain chemistry. This may open new directions in the treatment of epilepsy. |
| Consumer Link Understanding the Antiepileptic Benefits of an Atkins-Like Diet |
| Research Link J Clin Invest. 2011;121(7):2679–2683. doi:10.1172/JCI57813. |
| November 8, 2011 Research indicates that some people over-consume calories when foods are offered in small size packages. During the holiday season, bite-sized calorie-packed goodies are widely available. So remember, moderation will help to limit weight gain over the holidays. |
| Consumer Link Big weight gains can come in small, sweet packages |
| Research Link J Consumer Res. 2008; 35:391-405. |
| November 7, 2011 Unless carefully designed, public health programs aimed at reducing obesity can have unintended impacts on the target audience. The potential ethical and psycho-social consequences must be carefully considered. |
| Consumer Link Ethical Dilemmas In Obesity Prevention |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2011 Sep;12(9):669-79. |
| November 6, 2011 Fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, can have serious health consequences. The condition appears to be most commonly caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, hormonal changes and/or diabetes. However, new research is linking fatty liver to both the microbial balance in the lower intestine and an individual's genetically determined ability to synthesize choline. |
| Consumer Link Specific Populations of Gut Bacteria Linked to Fatty Liver |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2011 Mar;140(3):976-86. |
| November 5, 2011 Obese men taking 150 mg of resveratrol per day for 30 days experienced positive changes such as decreased liver fat levels and a reduction in indicators of inflammation. This dose is significantly lower than that often used in animal studies, but is still about 100 times the amount of resveratrol in a glass of red wine. |
| Consumer Link Red wine antioxidant could give metabolism a boost |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, Volume 14, Issue 5, 612-622, 2 November 2011 |
| November 4, 2011 In a recent study, researchers found that people consuming a 1-ounce mixture of raw unpeeled walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts daily for twelve weeks had higher levels of serotonin. Serotonin is associated with promoting a positive emotional state and normal sleep. |
| Consumer Link Benefits of Nut Consumption for People With Abdominal Obesity, High Blood Sugar, High Blood Pressure |
| Research Link J Proteome Res. 2011 Sep 29. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 3, 2011 Feeling down and depressed? Take a dose of exercise. Research is finding that depression tends to reduce the desire for exercise and that staying physically active is associated with a decreased risk of depression. |
| Consumer Link Exercise May Reduce Risk of Depression in Seniors |
| Research Link Health Psychol. 2011 Jul;30(4):453-62. |
| November 2, 2011 Curcumin, the compound in turmeric that gives curry its yellow color, is showing promise for use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis. However, people with low iron status should not use curcumin because it is a strong binder of iron and has the potential to further aggravate iron status. |
| Consumer Link Curry Spice Could Offer Treatment Hope for Tendinitis |
| Research Link Blood. 2009 Jan 8;113(2):462-9. |
| November 1, 2011 New collaborative research by Duke and MIT researchers has confirmed that zinc is involved in nerve function in specific parts of the brain. Zinc deficiency is linked to problems such as depression and zinc excess appears to aggravate epilepsy. An adequate, but not excessive intake of zinc is likely essential for normal brain function. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Regulates Communication Between Brain Cells |
| Research Link Neuron. 2011 Sep 22;71(6):1116-26. Epub 2011 Sep 21. |
| October 31, 2011 With Halloween approaching, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that eating too much black licorice candy at once can be life-threatening. The compound glycyrrhizin present in most licorice can cause a drop in potassium levels in some people, leading to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and even congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Black Licorice Halloween Hazard! Don't Eat Too Much Warns FDA |
| Research Link FDA Consumer Health Information |
| October 30, 2011 With Halloween approaching, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that eating too much black licorice candy at once can be life-threatening. The compound glycyrrhizin present in most licorice can cause a drop in potassium levels in some people, leading to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and even congestive heart failure. |
| Consumer Link Black Licorice Halloween Hazard! Don't Eat Too Much Warns FDA |
| Research Link FDA Consumer Health Information |
| October 29, 2011 Food safety is essential for nutrition and health. This is especially true when it comes to potentially deadly microorganisms such as Clostridium botulinum. Remember the simple food safety rule . . . when in doubt, throw it out. |
| Consumer Link Err on the side of caution when it comes to botulism |
| Research Link Indian J Med Res. 2011 July; 134(1): 10–12. |
| October 28, 2011 Arthritis can make exercise painful. However, recent research indicates that a little exercise pain can lead to a gain in joint health and reduce overall pain in the long run. |
| Consumer Link Exercise Eases Arthritis in Obese Mice Even Without Weight Loss |
| Research Link Arthritis Rheum. 2011 Sep 27. doi: 10.1002/art.33332. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 27, 2011 Dehydration is clearly a risk during a long athletic event like a marathon. However, consumption of excess fluids during a marathon is risky as well. Over-hydration can lead to dangerous cellular swelling that even affects brain function. |
| Consumer Link Marathon runners who drink too much water are at risk of a deadly condition |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med 2011;45:646-649. |
| October 26, 2011 As Breast Cancer Awareness Month nears its end, the key things to remember for the rest of the year are: exercise, maintain a normal body weight, consume a diet with a variety of foods, including vegetables and fruits, consume meats primarily in stews and soups with vegetables, limit alcohol to one drink a day. |
| Consumer Link Stay active to bring down your risk of breast cancer |
| Research Link Recent Results Cancer Res. 2011;186:13-42. |
| October 25, 2011 A substantial and growing amount of basic research on animal species is demonstrating that nutrition and lifestyle factors can alter DNA-associated proteins in ways that can pass on to the the next generation and even affect lifespan. |
| Consumer Link Propensity for Longer Life Span Inherited Non-Genetically Over Generations, Study Shows |
| Research Link Nature. 2011 Oct 19. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 24, 2011 Research continues to support physical activity as a key factor in staying healthy as the years add up. Interspersing high intensity with moderate intensity exercise is proving to be especially important for keeping fit and reducing chronic disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Cheating Father Time: 50-Year-Old Can Be Every Bit as Fit as Someone 30 Years Younger, but Exercise Is Key |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Aug;43(8):1465-73. |
| October 23, 2011 To maintain natural vitamin quality and food safety, appropriate food packaging is essential. Until now, it has been difficult to determine if a packaged food container remains airtight. Marta Lewander, physicist at Lund University in Sweden, has developed a new laser instrument to check for abnormal gas content. |
| Consumer Link Laser ensures food is fresh |
| Research Link Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of Gas in Scattering Media - 2010 University dissertation from Lund University by Marta Lewander |
| October 22, 2011 Fibromyalgia is syndrome characterized by chronic pain and fatigue along with multiple related symptoms. A recent small study with 22 women found that participating in yoga two days a week for 8 weeks reduced pain and even helped to normalize cortisol levels. |
| Consumer Link Yoga Boosts Stress-Busting Hormone, Reduces Pain, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Pain Res. 2011;4:189-201. |
| October 21, 2011 The herb hoodia gordonii has been widely marketed as an appetite suppressant that promotes weight loss. Finally, a well-designed study put the herb to the test and found that it had no effect on weight loss and had some significant adverse effects. |
| Consumer Link Why Unilever canned €20m hoodia project: Newly published study disappoints |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 20, 2011 Food allergies are associated with a compromised cell-lining structure of the small intestine. Recent research in a mouse model found that feeding the animals kefir-cultured milk or soymilk reduced their allergic responses to a known allergen. Kefir is made from a traditional culture composed of both bacteria and yeast. |
| Consumer Link Kefir ingredients could help food allergies |
| Research Link J Science of Food and Ag. (2006) 86:2527–2533. |
| October 19, 2011 Using an osteoarthritis-prone guinea pig strain as an animal model, researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil could greatly reduce the signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Further research needs to see if these fatty acids primarily prevent osteoarthritis or if they also can be used to treat osteoarthritis. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Fatty Acids Shown to Prevent or Slow Progression of Osteoarthritis |
| Research Link Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011 Sep;19(9):1150-7. |
| October 18, 2011 Obese kids with asthma often have more difficulty controlling the condition. Consequently, helping them find safe ways to exercise regularly and eat a healthful diet without excess calories can help both their weight and their asthma. |
| Consumer Link Obese kids have more asthma flare-ups |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Aug 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 17, 2011 Protein appears to play a special role in satiety. A recent study found that under controlled conditions, non-dieting lean adults consumed 12 percent more calories when their diet contained 10 percent of calories from protein compared to when they consumed a diet with 15 percent of calories from protein. |
| Consumer Link Proper Protein Intake Crucial for Moderating Energy Intake, Keeping Obesity at Bay |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (10): e25929. |
| October 16, 2011 Herbal dietary supplements commonly contain natural chemicals that interact with drugs. Of special concern is the recent observation that 69 percent of the 100 most-used supplements interfere with the effectiveness of the blood thinner warfarin (coumadin). |
| Consumer Link Danger of Combining Warfarin With Herbal and Dietary Supplements Revealed |
| Research Link Methods Mol Biol. 2010;663:229-40. |
| October 15, 2011 Population growth and increased global food needs are projected to create significant pressure on agriculture, land availability, water, biodiversity, and climate change. As we seek solutions to minimize environmental damage, necessary dietary changes will be challenged to maintain an adequate intake of essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Feeding the World While Protecting the Planet: Global Plan for Sustainable Agriculture |
| Research Link Nature (2011) published online 12 October |
| October 14, 2011 Peanut allergies can be life-threatening. A new technique to treat peanut allergies may be on the horizon. Researchers have found that attaching a peanut protein to blood cells and infusing them back into mice can eliminate the peanut allergy. |
| Consumer Link Scientists figure out how to switch off peanut allergy |
| Research Link J Immunol. 2011 Oct 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 13, 2011 Vitamins and other beneficial food components are generally absorbed very well from dietary supplements. However, key beneficial phytochemicals in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are absorbed much better from the fresh or lightly cooked vegetable. |
| Consumer Link Health Benefits of Broccoli Require the Whole Food, Not Supplements |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., Sept 19, 2011 [Epub] |
| October 12, 2011 It is known that certain genes can greatly increase the risk of heart disease. However, even in people who carry these high risk genes, a varied diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. |
| Consumer Link Eating Your Greens Can Change the Effect of Your Genes On Heart Disease |
| Research Link PLoS Medicine, 2011; 9 (10): e1001106 |
| October 11, 2011 Today's drug tests for highly competitive athletes can detect even trace amounts of banned substances. Due to contamination with illegal drugs, some dietary supplements have caused athletes to have positive drug tests. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Supplements Could Make Athletes Unwitting Drugs Cheats |
| Research Link J Sports Sci. 2007;25 Suppl 1:S103-13. |
| October 10, 2011 The B-vitamin niacin has been used medicinally in humans to lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol levels. New animal research has found that a compound synthesized from niacin in the body. called NMN, benefits blood sugar control in diabetic mice. Human research is needed to evaluate the possible use in people. |
| Consumer Link Natural Compound Helps Reverse Diabetes in Mice |
| Research Link Cell Metabolism, 5 October 2011; 14(4) pp. 528 - 536. |
| October 9, 2011 When people cut potatoes out of their diet, they generally replace them with foods like bread, rice or pasta. A cup of cooked potato provides about 115 calories. However, a single slice of whole-grain bread has about 130 calories, a cup of rice (brown or white) is more than 200 calories and a cup of pasta will range from 150 to 200 calories. Do the math and potatoes look pretty good. |
| Consumer Link Nutrient-packed potatoes wrongfully considered ‘bad’ |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Nov;49(10):823-40. |
| October 8, 2011 The flavors of foods that a mother consumes during breastfeeding pass into her milk. Consequently, when a mom consumes a varied diet during breastfeeding that includes fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, her baby is less likely to be a picky eater after it makes the transition to solid foods. |
| Consumer Link Eat Fruits And Veggies While Breastfeeding And Baby Will Probably Like Them |
| Research Link Food Qual Prefer. 2006 October; 17(7-8): 635–637. |
| October 7, 2011 Too much of a good thing isn’t always good. For example, high intake of calcium and vitamin D increased the risk of poor cognitive function in elderly. |
| Consumer Link High Calcium And Vitamin D Intakes Associated With Higher Risk Of Cognitive Impairment In Elderly |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2008 May;28(5):285-92. |
| October 6, 2011 Since the usual sources of food contamination with listeria are deli meats and soft cheeses, the recent listeria food poisonings from cantaloupe are unusual. Before cutting a melon, it is good practice to scrub the surface with a clean produce brush, rinse well, and dry a clean cloth or paper towel. |
| Consumer Link Cantaloupe toll rises to 100 sick and 18 dead, CDC says |
| Research Link CDC Investigation Update |
| October 5, 2011 Researchers have found that an adequate vitamin D status lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes and subclinical inflammation. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Could Lower Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2011 Oct;34(10):2320-2. Epub 2011 Aug 26. |
| October 4, 2011 Body mass index or BMI often is applied to the health assessment of individuals. This, however, is risky business. An evaluation of the use of BMI with children found that 2 out of 3 children classified as obese by BMI actually had normal levels of body fat. |
| Consumer Link BMI not useful on its own to assess individual’s health |
| Research Link J Young Invest. 2011 July;22(1):13-35. |
| October 3, 2011 Have you ever heard that if you feel like you are getting sick, just drink enough alcohol and it will kill off anything that might ail you? Don't believe it. According to some new research, alcohol abuse is likely to impair immune functions and increase susceptibility to viral infection. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol Impairs the Body's Ability to Fight Off Viral Infection, Study Finds |
| Research Link BMC Immunology 2011, 12:55 |
| October 2, 2011 Taking glucocorticoid drugs like prednisone, cortisone, etc. more than doubles the risk of severe vitamin D deficiency according to an analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey (NHANES) data on over 22,000 children, adolescents, and adults. |
| Consumer Link Oral Steroids Linked To Severe Vitamin D Deficiency In Nationwide Study |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Sep 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 1, 2011 Children commonly go through picky eating phases. However, refusal to eat enough food or the avoidance of a complete food group can result in a "feeding disorder." Feeding disorders can seriously impair physical and mental development. Due to the risk of permanent damage professional intervention is needed. |
| Consumer Link Does Your Picky Eater Have a 'Feeding Disorder'? |
| Research Link Pediatric Feeding Disorders Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute |
| September 30, 2011 Resveratrol is a compound found in the skins of dark colored grapes and the juice and wine made from them. Peanuts and some berries also contain resveratrol. Cell-culture and animal research indicate that resveratrol may help to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer, however definitive human research is lacking. |
| Consumer Link Red Wine Ingredient Resveratrol Stops Breast Cancer Growth, Study Suggests |
| Research Link The FASEB Journal, 2011; 25 (10): 3695. |
| September 29, 2011 Recent results from the large Nurses' Health Study indicated that older women who consumed the most caffeine (mostly as coffee) had the lowest incidence of depression. The study design cannot prove that caffeine or caffeinated coffee reduces the risk of depression but their results suggest that caffeine may provide a protective effect - mechanism unknown. |
| Consumer Link Increased Caffeinated Coffee Consumption Associated With Decreased Risk of Depression in Women, Study Finds |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(17):1571-1578. |
| September 28, 2011 A four and a half year study of 121 older people found that those with the lowest vitamin B-12 status experienced the greatest brain shrinkage and decline in cognitive function. The blood level of vitamin B-12 itself was not associated with cognitive problems or loss in brain volume, confirming that measuring other related blood factors is a better test of B-12 status. |
| Consumer Link Low Vitamin B12 Levels May Lead to Brain Shrinkage, Cognitive Problems |
| Research Link Neurology. 2011 Sept 27;77(13):1276-1282. |
| September 27, 2011 For many decades, it has been common practice for hospitals to send new mothers home with a supply of free infant formula. Fortunately, this practice is beginning to decline as hospital personnel realize that it tends to reduce breastfeeding which is almost always better for the baby’s health. |
| Consumer Link Breast-Feeding Boost: Fewer Hospitals Handing Out Free Formula |
| Research Link Pediatrics 2011; Sept [ePub Ahead of Print] |
| September 26, 2011 If you thought that prunes were only good for keeping the bowels on the move, think again. Also called dried plums, prunes are beneficial to bone health. It is not known exactly why prunes are good for bones, but it is likely due to the unique mixture of phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals found in prunes. |
| Consumer Link No Bones About It: Eating Dried Plums Helps Prevent Fractures and Osteoporosis, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2011 Sep;106(6):923-30. |
| September 25, 2011 A lesser-known variety of rice is black in color due to anthocyanin antioxidant compounds like those found in blueberries. Based on animal research with black rice, it may be good to mix black rice with white and brown rice for both color and good health. |
| Consumer Link Black Rice Bran May Help Fight Disease-Related Inflammation |
| Research Link J Ag Food Chem, 2010; 58 (18): 10007. |
| September 24, 2011 If the recommendation to exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week is too much for you, you can take heart in the results of a very large study conducted in Taiwan. Following over 400,000 people over a 22 year period, researchers found that just 15 minutes a day on most days (90 minutes per week) was enough exercise to extend the lifespan by about 3 years. |
| Consumer Link 15 minutes of exercise a day can extend life by three years |
| Research Link Lancet. 2011 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 23, 2011 A meta-analysis of 61 studies indicated that alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. One to two drinks a day was associated with a rather slight increase in risk, but more than four drinks a day was associated with significantly increased risk that continued to increase with higher alcohol consumption. |
| Consumer Link Relation of alcohol consumption to colorectal cancer |
| Research Link Ann Oncol. 2011 Sep;22(9):1958-72. |
| September 22, 2011 New research has established that zinc plays an essential role in the nerve function of a key memory and learning center of the brain called the hippocampus. Both adequate zinc in the diet and avoidance of too much zinc from excessive supplementation appear to be important for optimal function of these brain cells. |
| Consumer Link Zinc is good for the memory... but too much could 'trigger epilepsy' |
| Research Link Neuron 2011;71(6):1116-1126. |
| September 21, 2011 Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal food sources of vitamin D. To boost the vitamin D content of commercial mushrooms, some growers expose their growing mushrooms to ultraviolet light. |
| Consumer Link A Scientific 'Go' for Commercial Production of Vitamin-D Enhanced Mushrooms |
| Research Link J Ag Food Chem 2011; 59 (16): 8724-8732. |
| September 20, 2011 As a group, vegetarians are thought to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than their omnivorous counterparts. However, vegetarians do contract heart disease. Vegetarian diet risk factors include a low intake of vitamin B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Vegans' Elevated Heart Risk Requires Omega-3s and B12, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem., 2011, 59 (3), pp 777–784. |
| September 19, 2011 A recent meta-analysis of studies on caffeine consumption during pregnancy concluded that caffeine intake during pregnancy is not associated with premature birth. However, due to potential links with lower birth weights, it is commonly recommended to keep caffeine intake below 300 mg per day from all sources combined (coffee, tea, sodas with caffeine, etc.). |
| Consumer Link Caffeine in Pregnancy |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Nov;92(5):1120-32. Epub 2010 Sep 15. |
| September 18, 2011 According to a well-designed mouse study, when mice consume a high fat diet before and during pregnancy, they have babies that grow up fatter and have smaller livers. Although this cannot be directly applied to humans, it does suggest that extreme diets are a bad idea during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Moms Who Eat High-Fat Diet Before, During Pregnancy 'Program' Babies to Be Fat, at Risk, Mouse Study Shows |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Sep 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 17, 2011 The old adage to eat an apple a day may help to keep body fat at bay. When a fresh apple was consumed before a meal, people consumed 15 percent less calories on average. And, that included the calories from the apple. Apple sauce and apple juice did not have the same effect. |
| Consumer Link What Are the Benefits of an Apple a Day? |
| Research Link Appetite. 2009 Apr;52(2):416-22. |
| September 16, 2011 Breakfast cereals are commonly fortified with vitamins and minerals. A recent study of over 3700 low income individuals in the U.K. found that study participants who commonly consumed breakfast cereals generally had a greater intake of micronutrients than those who did not consume cereals. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast cereals boost nutritional intake in low income populations: Study |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 15, 2011 Feeding 6 to 8 golf ball size purple potatoes twice a day to a group of obese people with hypertension resulted in a significant drop in blood pressure. This may have been due to specific phytochemicals found in these potatoes or due to the high potassium content common to all types of potatoes. |
| Consumer Link Potatoes Reduce Blood Pressure in People With Obesity and High Blood Pressure |
| Research Link 242nd ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Fall 2011. |
| September 14, 2011 Sodium and chloride, the components of salt, are essential nutrients that were difficult for early humans to obtain. Our enjoyment of the taste of salt is thought to be tied to basic survival drive mechanisms in the brain. |
| Consumer Link Salt Might Be 'Nature's Antidepressant |
| Research Link Physiology & Behavior, 94 (5), p.709-721 |
| September 13, 2011 Simple food choices are actually quite complex. To make a decision to eat a food, the brain juggles multiple factors such as food taste and appearance versus perceived health attributes. The good news is that when presented with health cues, research subjects did tend to make more healthful food choices. |
| Consumer Link Think Healthy, Eat Healthy: Scientists Show Link Between Attention and Self-Control |
| Research Link Journal of Neuroscience, 2011; 31 (30): 11077 |
| September 12, 2011 How a woman eats during pregnancy may influence the risk of her infant developing food allergies. According to a study on pigs, when a mother's diet contains adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oils, the baby's gut develops better, making the baby less likely to suffer from allergies. |
| Consumer Link Mother's diet influences baby's allergies -- new research |
| Research Link J Physiol. 2011 Sep 1;589(Pt 17):4341-52. |
| September 11, 2011 "Timing is everything" can certainly apply to pregnant women. Research on a group of about 500 infants with likely milk or egg allergy found that the infants also were more likely to have signs of peanut allergy when their mothers had consumed peanuts during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Pregnant women who eat peanuts may put infants at increased risk for peanut allergy |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Dec;126(6):1191-7. |
| September 10, 2011 Moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as one drink per day for a woman. Recent analysis of data from the U.S. Nurses Health Study found that women who consumed alcohol moderately on 5 to 7 days a week were more likely to have good overall health status as they aged than women who did not drink at all or who drank only a couple of times a week. |
| Consumer Link One Drink a Day May Be Related to Good Overall Health in Women When Older, Study Suggests |
| Research Link PLoS Medicine, 2011; 8 (9): e1001090 |
| September 9, 2011 It is well known that excess body fat increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 25-year study that followed over 8000 people from their teen/young adult years into middle age found that the best predictor of developing diabetes was how long a person carried excess body weight. |
| Consumer Link How much, how long person is overweight may decide diabetes risk |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. September 2011 [ePub Ahead of Print] |
| September 8, 2011 A recent study found that men and women over 50 with healthy habits (staying physically active, eating healthfully, and not smoking or drinking excessively) had a significantly reduced risk of developing diabetes even if they were overweight and had a family history of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Many lifestyle factors linked to diabetes risk |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(5):292-299. |
| September 7, 2011 Thickness of dairy foods, like yogurts and custards, appears to be an important factor in determining satiety. A recent study found that even the flavor of the food had little effect on perceived satiety when compared to the thickness of the food. |
| Consumer Link Texture not flavour determine satiety, says study |
| Research Link Appetite. 2011 Aug 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 6, 2011 When athletes drink too much fluid during endurance events, it increases their risk of developing low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) that can become life threatening. According to a recent survey, many endurance athletes may be drinking excessive amounts of fluid during events. |
| Consumer Link Nearly Half of Runners May Be Drinking Too Much During Races |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;45(8):646-9. Epub 2010 Sep 28. |
| September 5, 2011 Low intake of magnesium is common in U.S. diets. Since low magnesium intake can contribute to many chronic ailments, the daily diet should include high magnesium foods such as green vegetables, nuts, beans, milk products and whole grains. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82. |
| September 4, 2011 Weight loss requires focus and consistency. A recent study found that overweight adults who read food labels and participate consistently in exercise are more likely to be successful at losing weight. |
| Consumer Link Reading Food Labels, Combined With Exercise, Can Lead to Weight Loss, Study Finds |
| Research Link Journal of Consumer Affairs, Volume 44, Issue 3, pages 516–527, Fall 2010 |
| September 3, 2011 The "post-exercise calorie burn" appears to be most significant after vigorous exercise. In a new study, men who exercised for 45 minutes at a relatively high intensity expended an additional 190 calories on average during the 14 hours following the exercise. |
| Consumer Link Vigorous exercise burns calories 14 hours after workout |
| Research Link Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: Sept 2011, V43 Issue 9 - pp 1643-1648 |
| September 2, 2011 Curcumin, a key component of turmeric, has been recommended as a "natural" medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. Using a cell culture model of human tendon inflammation, a new study has found biochemical mechanisms that support the potential efficacy of curcumin in treating arthritis and a range of rheumatic diseases. |
| Consumer Link Curry Spice Could Offer Treatment Hope for Tendinitis |
| Research Link J Biol Chem. 2011 Aug 12;286(32):28556-66. Epub 2011 Jun 13. |
| September 1, 2011 Vitamin C supplementation of 200 mg per day was found to improve lung function in asthmatic children by about 30 percent compared to children receiving a placebo pill. The likelihood of vitamin C supplementation to have this benefit likely depends on the initial vitamin C status of the child. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C May Be Beneficial for Asthmatic Children, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Clinical and Translational Allergy 2011, 1:9. |
| August 31, 2011 Among 90 women participating in a 16-week diet and exercise weight loss program, those who consumed a diet higher in protein and milk products lost more fat than those consuming lower protein diets. This study confirms the well known need to increase protein intake when energy intake is reduced for weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Foods Rich in Protein, Dairy Products Help Dieters Preserve Muscle and Lose Belly Fat |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2011 Sep;141(9):1626-34. |
| August 30, 2011 Pregnant women who exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week had fetuses with lower heart rates during the final weeks of development. This sign of heart health persists in the infant during its first month of life and possibly longer. |
| Consumer Link Labor of Love: Physically Active Moms-To-Be Give Babies a Head Start On Heart Health |
| Research Link FASEB J. April 2010 24 (Meeting Abstract Supplement) 629.7 |
| August 29, 2011 Older people generally lose lean muscle mass with age. Dieting for weight loss can greatly accelerate this muscle loss. When weight loss is necessary, combining appropriate exercise with dieting helps to prevent muscle loss. |
| Consumer Link Older People Who Diet Without Exercising Lose Valuable Muscle Mass |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2008 Sep;105(3):825-31. |
| August 28, 2011 Present research indicates that a diet rich in the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) helps to reduce brain damage from ischemic strokes and enhance recovery. Fatty fish and special algae oils available in supplement form are excellent sources of DHA. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3s Reduce Stroke Severity, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Stroke. 2011 Aug 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 27, 2011 Researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) developed a web-based application for modeling weight loss progress. Intended for researchers and clinicians, the tool helps to set reasonable plans for diet and exercise that can achieve and maintain healthy weight. |
| Consumer Link Mathematical Model Predicts Weight With Varying Diet, Exercise Changes |
| Research Link NIDDK Body Weight Simulator |
| August 26, 2011 Increasing consumption of foods like oatmeal and beans along with a reduced saturated fat diet has been shown to lower total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. |
| Consumer Link Sat fat reductions not as effective for cholesterol reduction suggests study |
| Research Link JAMA. 2011 Aug 24;306(8):831-9. |
| August 25, 2011 Recent research has shown that the oil from the herb Coriander may help to prevent food-borne illnesses and even treat antibiotic-resistant infections. |
| Consumer Link Coriander Oil Could Tackle Food Poisoning and Drug-Resistant Infections |
| Research Link J Med Microbiol, August 23, 2011 Epub ahead of print |
| August 24, 2011 Vitamin D, commonly known to benefit bone health, is proving to be involved in many body functions. Recently, researchers reported that adequate vitamin D helps to protect against colon cancer. |
| Consumer Link Confirmation That Vitamin D Acts as a Protective Agent Against the Advance of Colon Cancer |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (8): e23524 |
| August 23, 2011 A study of over 35,000 Danish women found that taking multivitamin/mineral supplements before and after conception significantly reduced the risk of having a small-for-gestational-age (low birth weight) baby. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamins Could Prevent Pregnancy Complications |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jul 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 22, 2011 Several studies have found that consuming a protein-containing food or beverage shortly after strength training helps support muscle protein synthesis. A recent study supported this and found that 25 grams of whey protein consumed all at once following exercise was better than consuming it gradually over a 3-hour post-exercise period. |
| Consumer Link Muscle-Building Effect of Protein Beverages for Athletes Investigated |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jul 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 21, 2011 One small way to increase variety in your diet is to include multigrain products. Researchers in India report that combining flour from inexpensive finger millet with wheat flour worked well in bakery products and even improved their nutrient composition. |
| Consumer Link Finger millet flour may boost bakery nutrition: Study |
| Research Link Journal of Texture Studies online 27 JUN 2011 [ahead of print] |
| August 20, 2011 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that added sugars not exceed 25 percent of total calorie needs. A recent study, however, questions this recommendation because it found that increasing dietary sugar to this level for two weeks resulted in a significant increase in blood components associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Upper limit for sugar intake may be too high suggests study |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Aug 17. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 19, 2011 The alcohol in alcoholic beverages provides about 7 calories per gram, but only heavy drinking seems to be associated with weight gain. Light to moderate drinking is not linked to weight gain. |
| Consumer Link Does moderate alcohol consumption increase body weight? |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2011 Aug;69(8):419-31. |
| August 18, 2011 The protein called gluten is what gives bread its springy and chewy texture. To make gluten-free bread products for those with gluten allergies, food scientists are finding that egg white protein can be a good substitute for gluten in some baked products. |
| Consumer Link Egg whites show gluten-free product potential: Study |
| Research Link Food Chemistry 129(1)Nov 2011, P84-91. |
| August 17, 2011 A body mass index (BMI) value of 30 is classified as obese. However, new research emphasizes the importance of accounting for coexisting risk factors such as abnormal values for blood pressure, serum lipids, and fasting glucose, as well as physical limitations, and psychopathology before a high BMI is considered to be a medical problem needing treatment. |
| Consumer Link Setting The Stage For Obesity Staging |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2011 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 16, 2011 Obesity appears to impair iron status by raising the levels of a hormone called hepcidin. This hormone reduces the body's absorption of iron from the diet. |
| Consumer Link Obesity may influence blood iron levels |
| Research Link Obesity (2010) 18 7, 1449–1456. |
| August 15, 2011 Maintaining lifelong bone health requires adequate calcium, vitamin D, and several other nutrients. However, the amount of calcium needed for bone health continues to be controversial. A recent Swedish study indicated that calcium intake exceeding 800 mg a day provided no additional benefit to bone health. |
| Consumer Link Advice on calcium varies with global dietary customs |
| Research Link BMJ. 2011 May 24;342:d1473. |
| August 14, 2011 Soybeans and soy products are nutritious components of a varied diet. However, claims that soy isoflanoves (estrogen-like compounds in soy) benefit bone health and reduce menopause symptoms were not supported by a 2-year double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 45- to 60-year old women. Interestingly, the women taking 200 mg/day of isoflavones had more hot flashes than the placebo group. |
| Consumer Link Soy no help for bone loss, hot flashes |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2011 Aug 8;171(15):1363-9. |
| August 13, 2011 Want to have a child who is not a picky eater? Keep in mind that what a mother eats during pregnancy and breastfeeding passes food flavors along to the fetus and infant and appears to ultimately affect the flavor preferences of the child. |
| Consumer Link Influence Your Child's Palate Before Birth |
| Research Link J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009 Mar;48 Suppl 1:S25-30. |
| August 12, 2011 While consuming a 1400 calorie diet to lose weight, postmenopausal women lost more weight, more fat, and less muscle when they consumed 25 grams of whey protein twice a day. |
| Consumer Link Eating Protein Throughout the Day Preserves Muscle and Physical Function in Dieting Postmenopausal Women, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Jul 27. |
| August 11, 2011 Like spicy food? A spice blend that included cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, and other spices was recently shown to reduce insulin and triglyceride levels following a 1200 calorie meal. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidant spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, reduce negative effects of high-fat meal |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2011 Aug;141(8):1451-7. |
| August 10, 2011 For those with celiac disease and less severe forms of gluten sensitivity, avoidance of offending foods can be very challenging. A recent study confirmed that the grains tef and millet, along with amaranth and quinoa (not true grains) are gluten-free options. |
| Consumer Link Millet, Amaranth, and Quinoa deemed gluten free: Study |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011 Aug;55(8):1266-70. |
| August 9, 2011 In a telephone survey of 1500 women in Montreal, researchers found that 5 percent of the women met the criteria for some type of eating disorder. In addition, 15 percent of the women were identified as having disordered eating - sometimes considered a "pre-eating disorder" type of condition. |
| Consumer Link Disordered Eating May Affect 10 to 15 Percent of Women |
| Research Link Int J Eat Disord. 2009 Mar;42(2):158-65. |
| August 8, 2011 When pregnant women took an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (400 mg a day of DHA from an algal source) during the last half of pregnancy, their infants were less likely to catch a cold and had a shorter duration of symptoms if they did catch a cold. |
| Consumer Link Prenatal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements May Cut Babies' Colds |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2011 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 7, 2011 When the concern for healthful eating becomes excessive, it can develop into a psychological condition called orthorexia nervosa. This normally positive concern for health, taken to the extreme, can adversely affect normal socialization and can even harm health. |
| Consumer Link Orthorexia — When eating healthy goes awry |
| Research Link Eat Weight Disord. 2004 Jun;9(2):151-7. |
| August 6, 2011 A new study conducted in the United Kingdom confirmed previous research that women with eating disorders have more difficulty conceiving. Also interesting, these women are more likely to have unplanned pregnancies than women who eat normally. |
| Consumer Link Eating Disorders Can Harm Women's Fertility |
| Research Link BJOG. 2011 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 5, 2011 Do you need to lift heavy weights to build muscle? New research says no. The study found that lifting lighter weights for enough repetitions to reach your limit is effective at building muscle mass. |
| Consumer Link Building Muscle Doesn't Require Lifting Heavy Weights, Study Shows |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (8): e12033. |
| August 4, 2011 Researchers followed 2818 people who were mostly vegetarians over a 26 year time-span. During that time, 441 of them developed colon or rectal polyps (commonly become cancerous). The foods most closely associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal polyps in this group of people were cooked green vegetables, dried fruit, legumes, and brown rice. |
| Consumer Link Legumes, Cooked Green Vegetables, Dried Fruit, and Brown Rice Associated With Fewer Colon Polyps |
| Research Link Nutr Cancer. 2011 May;63(4):565-72. |
| August 3, 2011 Dosage generally applies to drugs or supplements, but it is time to think of exercise in a similar way. Ongoing research finding suggest that a dose of just 30 min a day on five days a week can significantly reduce heart disease risk. |
| Consumer Link Little Exercise Beats None |
| Research Link Circulation. August 1, 2011 [Epub ahead of print] |
| August 2, 2011 Periodontal disease can be a complication of diabetes. New research indicates that dentists can spot the signs of undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes and refer their patients for appropriate follow-up with a physician. |
| Consumer Link Dentists May Be Able to Spot Undiagnosed Diabetes |
| Research Link J Dent Res. 2011 Jul;90(7):855-60. |
| August 1, 2011 No big news: On average, Americans do not eat the recommended amount of vegetables. Surveys have reported that people who garden eat more vegetables. However, their reasons for gardening are unrelated to the amount of vegetables they consume. |
| Consumer Link Gardening Linked to Increased Vegetable Consumption in Older Adults |
| Research Link HortTechnology. 2010;20:711-717. |
| July 31, 2011 Body weight and body mass index are not always good predictors of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. Some racial groups such as South Asians tend to accumulate internal abdominal fat (visceral) and may have increased risk without excess body weight. |
| Consumer Link Packing on pounds riskier for South Asians, say McMaster researchers |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (7): e22112 |
| July 30, 2011 Asthma can develop in most anyone, but it appears to be more common in obese individuals and more common in women than men. Finding the reasons for these differences may lead to a better understanding of what causes asthma. |
| Consumer Link Are asthma and weight linked? |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Jul;30(7):1111-8. |
| July 29, 2011 Muscle cells are insulin sensitive and can take up, utilize, and store glucose. Consequently, it makes sense that having more muscle mass as well as using muscles can improve the body's ability to handle blood sugar. |
| Consumer Link Increased Muscle Mass May Lower Risk of Pre-Diabetes: Study Shows Building Muscle Can Lower Person's Risk of Insulin Resistance |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jul 21. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 28, 2011 If your mother said you should stay out of the water after eating, she may have been right. Japanese researchers found that about 80 percent of those who died from accidental drowning had food in their stomach compared to 43 percent of those who died from suicidal drowning. |
| Consumer Link Eating Before Swimming May Be Dangerous, After All |
| Research Link Med Sci Law. July 2011 [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 27, 2011 A recent study found that when the same food was served daily to women, they consumed less calories as they became habituated to the food . . . the Boredom Diet anyone? Unfortunately this diet would clash with one of the basic tenets of healthful eating - consuming a wide variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Manage Your Weight With a Boring Diet? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;94(2):371-6. |
| July 26, 2011 Can't get your kids to eat vegetables? Researchers found that by incorporating pureed vegetables into several standard recipes, they were able to nearly double vegetable intake and the children naturally consumed 11 percents less calories. |
| Consumer Link Hiding Vegetables in Kids' Foods Can Increase Vegetable Intake |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jul 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 25, 2011 When undernutrition occurs during the first few years of life, it can have life-long impacts. Early malnutrition can adversely affect things like growth, learning, and insulin sensitivity in later childhood and the adult years of life. |
| Consumer Link Impact of Malnutrition |
| Research Link Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 Jun;8(6):1817-46. |
| July 24, 2011 A study of over 9000 adolescents in China found that overweight teens consumed vegetables and fruits more frequently, and sweets, snacks, and fast foods less frequently than those who were not overweight. Why? The extra weight likely was due to the most common forms of vegetable preparation: deep-fried and stir-fried with vegetable oils. |
| Consumer Link Healthy eating habits making Chinese youth overweight |
| Research Link American Journal of Health Behavior, Volume 35, Number 4, July 2011, pp. 496-506(11) |
| July 23, 2011 Seaweeds represent a widely under-utilized food and source of beneficial food ingredients. As rich sources of polyphenols among other compounds, seaweed components can both enhance food safety and provide healthful antioxidants. |
| Consumer Link Seaweed ingredients may improve quality and safety of foods: Review |
| Research Link Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 Mar;4(3):205-11. Epub 2011 Apr 12. |
| July 22, 2011 The calorie amounts provided with restaurant foods should be considered to be rough estimates. Culinary measurements of ingredients, preparation techniques, and variability in the composition of ingredients all add to the error. |
| Consumer Link Restaurant calorie counts not always accurate |
| Research Link JAMA 2010 306(3):237-330. |
| July 21, 2011 Clearly, losing weight is not "all in your head." But some of it may be. Researchers found that helping overweight women feel better about their body image significantly enhanced weight loss during a one-year weight loss program. |
| Consumer Link 'Love Your Body' to Lose Weight |
| Research Link Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2011, 8:75 (18 July 2011) |
| July 20, 2011 Depression can be caused by many things. One nutritional factor that may contribute to depression in some people is a low intake of the types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. |
| Consumer Link Omega-3 Fatty Acids Affect Risk of Depression, Inflammation |
| Research Link Psychosom Med. 2007 Apr;69(3):217-24. Epub 2007 Mar 30. |
| July 19, 2011 It is commonly thought that all of the protein in eggs is contained in the egg white. In fact, about 40 percent of the protein is in the yolk (along with many other essential nutrients). |
| Consumer Link Common nutrition beliefs are merely urban myths |
| Research Link USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory |
| July 18, 2011 Current recommendations for a very low salt diet have been challenged by some researchers. Among the many issues related to inadequate salt in the diet is that insulin resistance can develop and cause increased blood glucose. |
| Consumer Link Low sodium intake targets shortchange vital nutrient |
| Research Link Metabolism. 2011 Jul;60(7):965-8. |
| July 17, 2011 After puberty, meeting nutritional needs can be more challenging for girls than it is for boys due to increasing iron requirements. In many cultures, however, during times of food insecurity, boys commonly get preferential treatment and maintain better nutritional status. |
| Consumer Link Parents Give Boys Preferential Treatment When There Is a Chronic Food Shortage |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2011 Feb;127(2):e398-405. |
| July 16, 2011 Substantial evidence is accumulating that compromised nutrition during pregnancy can have life-long effects on the offspring. For example, when pregnant mice were fed a low protein diet, their offspring produced lower than normal levels of the hormone leptin, potentially increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Maternal Nutrition: What Impact Does It Have On Gene Expression? |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2011 Jun 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 15, 2011 It is difficult to drink too much water, but it is possible. The Institute of Medicine points out that the maximal adult kidney excretion rate is 0.7 to 1.0 liters of water per hour. Unless the rate of sweat loss is substantial, consuming water at or above this rate could be harmful and even deadly. |
| Consumer Link Waterlogged America: Do We Drink Too Much? |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Water |
| July 14, 2011 Research has shown that consuming a low-calorie soup prior to the lunch entree can help to reduced total calories consumed at that meal in both adults and children. |
| Consumer Link Eating Soup Will Help Cut Calories At Meals |
| Research Link Appetite. 2011 Aug;57(1):213-9. Epub 2011 May 8. |
| July 13, 2011 The condition called panic disorder can be very debilitating. Triggered my extreme anxiety, the condition can cause symptoms that range from chest pains and shortness of breath to dizziness and trembling. Engaging in high levels of daily physical activity can significantly lessen panic sensations among victims of panic disorder. |
| Consumer Link Study: People at risk for panic buffered from stressor by high levels of physical activity |
| Research Link Psychosom Med. 2011 Jul;73(6):498-503. |
| July 12, 2011 If you need a good reason to make exercise and a healthful diet part of your lifestyle, recent research indicates that doing the opposite is strongly associated with sexual dysfunction. |
| Consumer Link Unhealthy Lifestyle Is Associated With Sexual Dysfunction |
| Research Link J Sex Med. 2011 May 13. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 11, 2011 Most everyone who has been overweight, lost weight, and attempted to keep it off has found that it is virtually impossible to not regain the weight. A recent study on the food intake control brain center of rats found that high levels of body fat (due to a high fat diet) were associated with ‘micro-scarring’ of neurons that appeared to up-regulate satiety mechanisms to maintain the higher level of body fat. |
| Consumer Link Does Neuronal Scarring Determine the Body Weight Set Point? |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Aug 17;107(33):14875-80. |
| July 10, 2011 Genetic predisposition is a major determinant of the risk of developing vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, a study of identical twins found that siblings who smoked and/or had diets low in vitamin D, betaine, and methionine had a greater risk of developing AMD. Good sources of betaine include beets, spinach, and quinoa. Methionine is high in eggs and most high protein animal foods. |
| Consumer Link Twin Study Shows Lifestyle, Diet Can Significantly Influence Course of Macular Degeneration |
| Research Link Ophthalmology. 2011 Jul;118(7):1386-94. Epub 2011 May 28 |
| July 9, 2011 No big surprise . . . a large study reports that a "healthy lifestyle" is associated with a low risk of sudden cardiac death in women. But what is interesting is that the lifestyle factors associated with the greatest risk reduction were never smoking and exercising at least 6 hours a week. It also helped to eat a wholesome and varied diet and to not be too heavy or too thin. |
| Consumer Link Healthy Lifestyle Associated With Low Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women |
| Research Link The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2011; 306 (1): 62 |
| July 8, 2011 Sodium and chloride, the components of common salt, are essential nutrients for the human body. Like many other nutrients, it is possible to consume too much of them. However, how much is too much salt is not as clear as many would like to think according to a recent extensive review of the subject. |
| Consumer Link Salt reductions may not reduce heart disease risk: Cochrane review |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2011 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 7, 2011 Over time, excess consumption of fat and sugar have been found to lead to increased rates of cell death in organs like the liver and kidneys. This is thought to be a key factor in the development of conditions like type 2 diabetes. New research is finding that 3 specific small RNA molecules increase in the lipid overload condition and cause cell death. |
| Consumer Link Surprising Culprits Behind Cell Death from Fat and Sugar Overload |
| Research Link Cell Metab. 2011 Jul 6;14(1):33-44. |
| July 6, 2011 Vitamin E is naturally present in foods in two major forms - tochopherols and tocotrienols. Supplementation of stroke-prone mice with the lesser known tocotrienol form was found to help prevent the brain cell death that normally occurs after a stroke. |
| Consumer Link 'Gifted' Natural Vitamin E Tocotrienol Protects Brain Against Stroke in Three Ways |
| Research Link Stroke. 2011 Jun 30. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 5, 2011 Fat tissue that accumulates around the internal organs is called visceral fat and is associated with greater chronic disease risk. It is not known why, but eating more foods high in soluble fiber (like beans, peas, oats, and apples) and exercising regularly helps to reduce this internal belly fat. |
| Consumer Link Soluble Fiber Strikes a Blow to Belly Fat |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Jun 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 4, 2011 Food allergies are caused by an immune response to a normally harmless food protein. In some cases, cooking a food can change the chemical structure of the allergenic protein so that the cooked food does not cause an allergic response in an individual who is allergic to the raw food. Researchers have used cooked milk in foods to help children gradually decrease their milk allergy sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Foods With Baked Milk May Help Build Tolerance in Children With Dairy Allergies, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 May 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 3, 2011 One of the major components of most kidney stones is calcium. Interestingly, consuming a diet low in food sources of calcium has been found to increase the risk of developing kidney stones. In contrast, women taking calcium supplements were more likely to get kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Can calcium supplements cause kidney stones? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jul;94(1):5-6. |
| July 2, 2011 A recent study found that type 2 (adult onset) diabetes is essentially cured by 8 weeks of consuming only 600 calories per day. This, of course, causes rapid weight loss and many associated metabolic changes. The problem, however, is that many other studies indicate that about 95% of people who lose weight this rapidly will regain all their weight, and then some in a fairly short period of time. |
| Consumer Link Low calorie diet may reverse diabetes: Study |
| Research Link Diabetologia [online ahead of print], doi: 10.1007/s00125-011-2204-7 |
| July 1, 2011 For over two decades, public health advice has recommended reducing foods high in saturated fatty acids to reduce the risk of heart disease. Accumulating research does not support this focus on saturated fats but rather encourages a "well-rounded" diet that is not excessively high in overall fat, carbohydrate, or protein. |
| Consumer Link Is saturated fat really the dietary bogeyman? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Mar;91(3):535-46. |
| June 30, 2011 Like many fruits, strawberries contain flavanoids thought to benefit health. Based on animal studies, a specific polyphenolic flavanoid in strawberries, called fisetin, has been found to reduce many of the adverse consequences of diabetes. |
| Consumer Link It's Not an Apple a Day After All -- It's Strawberries |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (6): e21226 |
| June 29, 2011 The declining populations of bees and other pollinators could have substantial nutritional consequences for humans. For example, the vast majority of food sources of vitamin C come from plants that require pollination. |
| Consumer Link Pollinators Make Critical Contribution to Healthy Diets |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (6): e21363. |
| June 28, 2011 Vitamin B-12 deficiency often goes undiagnosed and can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, including the brain. New research provides evidence that it may be possible to develop a relatively simple breath test to accurately assess vitamin B-12 status. |
| Consumer Link A Breath of Fresh Air for Detecting Vitamin B12 Deficiency |
| Research Link J Breath Res. 2011 Jun 23;5(4):046001. |
| June 27, 2011 Most Americans do not consume recommended levels of magnesium. Although the health consequences of this are unclear, taking 170 mg magnesium supplementation twice a day has been found to improve lung function and quality of life in people with asthma. |
| Consumer Link Obesity and magnesium deficiency may increase asthma symptoms |
| Research Link Journal of Asthma, 47:83–92, 2010 |
| June 26, 2011 Some research has reported that stretching before exercise can impair performance. A recent review of this topic concluded that if the duration of static stretching of a muscle group is less than 60 seconds, subsequent performance is not affected by stretching. |
| Consumer Link To Stretch or Not to Stretch |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Jun 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 25, 2011 The competitive drive and desire to manage body weight often pulls athletes into eating habits that limit key foods and can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders. The National Athletic Trainers Association released a position statement that provides rational weight management guidelines that are designed to support health and optimal athletic performance. |
| Consumer Link Athletic trainers stress safe weight loss methods |
| Research Link J Athl Train. 2011;46(3):322-36. |
| June 24, 2011 Including a variety of colorful fruits in the daily diet is commonly recommended for good health. As a food group, fruits contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds. A recent study found that daily consumption of strawberries enhanced the ability of red blood cells to handle oxidative stress. |
| Consumer Link Strawberries Boost Red Blood Cells, Study Finds |
| Research Link Food Chemistry Volume 128, Issue 1, 1 September 2011, Pages 180-186 |
| June 23, 2011 Recent research shows that food products made with fat substitute ingredients designed to mimic high fat food characteristics may actually interfere with normal satiety mechanisms. The end result showed that rats actually gained weight when offered low-calorie potato chips made with fat substitutes. |
| Consumer Link Fat Substitutes Linked to Weight Gain: Rats On High-Fat Diet Gained More Weight After Eating Low-Calorie Potato Chips Made With Fat Substitutes |
| Research Link Behavioral Neuroscience, 2011; 125 (4) |
| June 22, 2011 A study of 237 children age 8 to 18 found that both black and white children with low vitamin D status had greater amounts of body fat than children with normal vitamin D status. Since vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, it makes sense that high body fat could increase vitamin D needs. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Different Types of Obesity in Black and White Children |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 May;96(5):1560-7. |
| June 21, 2011 Often it is assumed that fast food restaurants in a neighborhood contribute to increased body weight and obesity. A recent study, however, found that the body weight of high school students was not associated with the presence of fast food restaurants near the schools. Clearly, many other factors play a role. |
| Consumer Link Fast Food Restaurants Have No Impact On High School Students' Weight, Maine Study Finds |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2011 Jul-Aug;43(4):274-278. |
| June 20, 2011 Using reusable shopping bags is a great way to cut back on wasteful use of plastic bags. But, keep in mind that these bags can harbor disease-causing microorganisms and should be washed on a regular schedule. |
| Consumer Link Clean those reusable shopping bags |
| Research Link Health Canada Advisories |
| June 19, 2011 ConsumerLab.com recently compared the labeled amounts of nutrients in multivitamin and multimineral supplements to the chemically analyzed amounts. Among products designed for adults, children, and pets, more than 30 percent of the products had problems. |
| Consumer Link Many multivitamins don't have nutrients claimed in label |
| Research Link ConsumerLab.com Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review |
| June 18, 2011 Although alcohol is the most commonly consumed drug in the world, we are only beginning to understand the chemical details of how it affects the brain. Like most other mind altering drugs, alcohol appears to bind to specific proteins in the brain. Knowledge of these molecular details may lead to new treatments for alcoholism. |
| Consumer Link Understanding Alcohol's Damaging Effects on the Brain |
| Research Link Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01502.x |
| June 17, 2011 Depression during and after pregnancy occurs in about one out of ten women. A new study reports that women who experience this peri-pregnancy depression are much more likely to have histories of eating disorders. Could nutrient deficiencies due to the eating disorders be related? |
| Consumer Link Pregnancy-related depression linked to eating disorders and abuse histories |
| Research Link J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011 Jun;20(6):863-70. |
| June 16, 2011 Amid the high vs low carbohydrate diet debates, a recent mouse study reported that a low carb diet greatly reduced the risk of cancer development. What's best for humans may depend on many factors including the amount and type of physical activity a person has. High intensity and long duration exercise utilize large amounts of carbohydrate. For couch potatoes, a low carb diet may prove to be best. Stay tuned. |
| Consumer Link Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diets May Reduce Both Tumor Growth Rates and Cancer Risk |
| Research Link Cancer Res June 14, 2011 ; Published OnlineFirst June 14, 2011; doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-10-3973 |
| June 15, 2011 With the increased use of vegetable oils that started about 75 years ago, omega-6 fatty acid intake has almost tripled. High intake of these fatty acids is related to increased production of pro-inflammatory messengers in the body that increase the risk for various chronic diseases. Those with African ancestry appear to have a greater propensity for converting omega-6 fatty acids into these inflammatory messenger molecules. |
| Consumer Link Ancestry Plays Vital Role in Nutrition and Disease, Study Shows |
| Research Link BMC Genet. 2011 May 20;12(1):50. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 14, 2011 A new study provides more evidence that poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation can have a major impact on the adult health of their offspring. When baboon mothers were fed a diet reduced to70 percent of normal while pregnant and nursing, their children developed insulin resistance as adults along with a predisposition to develop type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Undernourishment in Pregnant, Lactating Females Found Key to Next Generation's Disease |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2011 Jun 8. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 13, 2011 It is commonly assumed that mothers have the greatest influence on the food preferences of their children. However, new research indicates that fathers may have even greater influence on the food choices of their children. |
| Consumer Link Children eschew the fat if dads aren't lenient |
| Research Link J Nutr Educ Behav. 2011 May-Jun;43(3):142-9. |
| June 12, 2011 A mother's nutrition during pregnancy can have life-long effects on the health of her young. Based on a recent study with mice, a mild deficiency of the B vitamins folate, B-2, B-6, and B-12 in the diet of the mother can greatly increase the risk of colorectal cancer in her offspring. |
| Consumer Link B Vitamins in Mother's Diet Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk in Offspring, Animal Study Suggests |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2011 Jun 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 11, 2011 It has been suggested that the greater intake of phytoestrogens such as isoflavones and lignans by women in Asian countries may reduce postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating. However, a well-controlled study found that high intake of lignans from flax seeds had no effect on these postmenopausal symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Mayo Clinic: Flaxseed no cure for hot flashes during breast cancer or menopause |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2010 Feb;140(2):293-7. |
| June 10, 2011 Almost ten times as many people are infected by the hepatitis C virus compared to the AIDS virus. Although no reliable treatment currently exists for hepatitis C, coffee consumption has been reported to slow the progression of the disease and to improve the response to current standard treatment. |
| Consumer Link Coffee Drinking Improves Hepatitis C Treatment Response, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2011 Jun;140(7):1961-9. |
| June 9, 2011 Research using brain imaging technology provides an explanation for why obesity seems to be a self-perpetuating condition. Women who gained weight over a 6 month period had a weakened response in their brain reward circuitry when they consumed a palatable food. This likely increases the drive to overeat. |
| Consumer Link Research Examines Vicious Cycle of Overeating and Obesity |
| Research Link J Neurosci. 2010 Sep 29;30(39):13105-9. |
| June 8, 2011 Osteoporosis often is treated with bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel. These drugs work best when combined with adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D levels should be higher in people taking certain osteoporosis drugs, experts say |
| Research Link Calcif Tissue Int. 2011 Jun;88(6):485-94. |
| June 7, 2011 A recent Boston study indicated that those consuming a vegan diet had low levels of urinary iodine, indicating a low dietary iodine intake. Low iodine status in a woman is especially risky for her developing fetus and for her infant during breastfeeding. |
| Consumer Link Vegans may be at risk for low iodine: study |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 May 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| June 6, 2011 The current E. coli food poisoning cases in Germany now appear to be due to contaminated sprouts. The warm and humid conditions used to grow sprouts are ideal for the growth of a few types of pathogenic bacteria. Food safety experts consider sprouts to be one of the most risky sources of food-borne illness. |
| Consumer Link Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to German Sprouts |
| Research Link Sprouts: What You Should Know - FDA Food Safety |
| June 5, 2011 A study of over 5000 women in Sweden found that calcium intake below 750 milligrams per day was associated with an increased risk of bone fractures. However, increasing calcium intake above 750 to 800 milligrams per day did not provide any further protection against bone fractures. |
| Consumer Link With Calcium, More May Not Be Better |
| Research Link BMJ 2011; 342:d1473 |
| June 4, 2011 Some children with autism have abnormalities in energy metabolism. When these autistic children were given supplements of ribose (a sugar component of ATP) or NADH (a derivative of the vitamin niacin), it normalized some of these abnormalities. |
| Consumer Link Therapies to Improve Biochemical Functions Hold Promise as Treatments for People With Autism |
| Research Link Autism Insights 2011:3 3-13. |
| June 3, 2011 A rarely appreciated function of vitamin C is its antioxidant function in brain cells - especially during the rapid brain development of fetal and early infancy stages of growth. Research on guinea pigs found that a moderate deficiency of dietary vitamin C that did not cause scurvy symptoms did impair brain development and impaired spatial memory. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C Deficiency Impairs Early Brain Development, Guinea Pig Study Finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):540-6. |
| June 2, 2011 Major intestinal surgery can reduce the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin A. Based on case studies, it may take years or even decades for the effects of malabsorption to become clinically apparent. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin A Deficiency Linked To Major Intestinal Surgery |
| Research Link Br J Ophthalmol. 2006 August; 90(8): 955–956. |
| June 1, 2011 The human body can survive without optimal nutrition for long periods of time. New research, however, proposes that this survival is at the expense of accelerated aging. The body seems to protect the most immediately essential functions of a limited nutrient at the expense of functions that are of less immediate concern. |
| Consumer Link How Vitamins and Minerals May Prevent Age-Related Diseases |
| Research Link The FASEB Journal June 2011 vol. 25 no. 6 1793-1814 |
| May 31, 2011 Vitamin D status tends to be lower in overweight and obese individuals. New research indicates that significant weight loss can improve vitamin D status. It is not known how body fatness should affect vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Losing more than 15 percent of body weight significantly boosts vitamin D levels in overweight women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May 25. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 30, 2011 Green tea and red wine are both sources of compounds called polyphenols. The potential benefits of polyphenols depend on the consumer's iron status. When consumed with iron-containing foods, polyphenols strongly inhibit iron absorption. In this case, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. |
| Consumer Link Polyphenol Antioxidants Inhibit Iron Absorption |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2010 Jun;140(6):1117-21. |
| May 29, 2011 Research on occupational energy expenditure estimates that people now use 120 to 140 fewer calories a day than they did in 1960. Without decreasing food intake by 120 to 140 calories a day, a person would gain about 10 pounds of body fat per year. |
| Consumer Link Workers more obese, burning fewer calories than ever before |
| Research Link PLoS ONE. 2011;6(5):e19657. |
| May 28, 2011 Male fertility can be affected by many things. Normal vitamin D status may be one of these factors. New research from Denmark found that sperm motility was greater for men with normal vitamin D status than for men who had low blood levels of the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D increases speed of sperm cells |
| Research Link Hum Reprod. 2011 Jun;26(6):1307-17. |
| May 27, 2011 A woman's nutrition before and during pregnancy may be a major factor in the risk of having a child with autism. Women who reported taking a daily prenatal vitamin supplement during the 3 months before pregnancy and during the first month of pregnancy had almost half the risk of having a child with autism in comparison with women who did not take a prenatal supplement. |
| Consumer Link Women Who Start Prenatal Vitamins Early Are Less Likely to Have Children With Autism, Study Finds |
| Research Link Epidemiology. 2011 May 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 26, 2011 Would you recognize scurvy if you saw it? This disease is caused by deficient vitamin C intake. Although scurvy is thought of as a disease of historical interest, its incidence seems to be increasing in children who consume very limited diets that lack fruits and vegetables. Common symptoms are bleeding gums, loose teeth, easy bruising, sore joints, and pinpoint blood spots on the skin. |
| Consumer Link Child scurvy cases rising |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):E55. |
| May 25, 2011 Errors of fact are now easier than ever to spread around the world via the Internet - even when the original toxic error has been corrected. The correct iron dose for infants 6 months to a year of age should be 11 mg of iron per day NOT 11 mg of iron per kg per day. |
| Consumer Link Harmful data remain on Web despite fix |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2010 Nov;126(5):1040-50. |
| May 24, 2011 A type of diabetes called gestational diabetes frequently develops in women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Women who gain a significant amount of weight after their first pregnancy are at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes during their second pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Weight Gain Between First and Second Pregnancies Increases Woman's Gestational Diabetes Risk, Study Finds |
| Research Link Obstetrics & Gynecology 2011;117 ( 6):1323-1330. |
| May 23, 2011 A 14-year study of over 40,000 adult women in the Black Women’s Health Study found that those who had a varied diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables experienced significantly less weight gain than those with more limited dietary variety that lacked significant amounts of fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Diet high in vegetables and fruit associated with less weight gain in African-American women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 22, 2011 Research indicates that excessive daytime sleepiness in children is linked with both obesity and asthma. However, it remains unclear why these conditions tend to coexist. |
| Consumer Link Sleepiness in Children Linked to Obesity, Asthma |
| Research Link Sleep. 2011 Apr 1;34(4):503-7. |
| May 21, 2011 During pregnancy, a dangerous condition develops in some women called pre-eclampsia. Characterized by excessively high blood pressure and related problems, this condition can be very dangerous for both mother and fetus. Recent research found that daily consumption of a food bar fortified with the amino acid arginine significantly reduced the incidence of pre-eclampsia. Foods that are rich in arginine include meats, poultry, eggs, nuts, and seeds. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Supplement Can Protect Against Pre-Eclampsia, New Study Suggests |
| Research Link BMJ 2011; 342:d2901 |
| May 20, 2011 We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If this is true, what foods are best to consume at breakfast? A growing body of research supports consuming a variety of breakfast foods that always include some high protein foods. |
| Consumer Link Eat a Protein-Rich Breakfast to Reduce Food Cravings, Prevent Overeating Later, Researcher Finds |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 19, 2011 How fast can you jog a mile? Research indicates that after middle age, common tests of fitness level can be as good as most other risk factors at predicting the risk of a heart attack or stroke. |
| Consumer Link Simple fitness test could predict long-term risk for heart attack, stroke in middle-aged people |
| Research Link Circulation. 2011 Apr 5;123(13):1377-83. Epub 2011 Mar 21. |
| May 18, 2011 Higher body fat levels have been found to be associated with lower vitamin D status (low plasma 25(OH) vitamin D) in adults. The same relationship also has been observed in 8 to 18 year-old black and white children. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D deficiency is associated with different types of obesity in black and white children |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 May;96(5):1560-7. |
| May 17, 2011 The ability of the human body to efficiently use carbohydrate for energy and then switch to fat when carbohydrate is not available is shared even by fruit flies. Consequently, studies of the metabolic switches in fruit flies may be leading to better treatments for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. |
| Consumer Link Evolutionary conservation of fat metabolism pathways |
| Research Link Cell. 2011 May 13;145(4):596-606. |
| May 16, 2011 Nutrition during the first two years of life can have life-long effects on health and function later in life. A follow-up study on over 1400 Guatemalan adults (at age 32) found that those who had received an infant supplement providing extra protein and calories scored higher on intellectual tests of reading comprehension and cognitive functioning than those who had received a similar supplement with no protein and less calories. |
| Consumer Link Early-Life Nutrition May Be Associated With Adult Intellectual Functioning |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008 Jul;162(7):612-8. |
| May 15, 2011 A decrease in brain size is associated with a decline in mental function in older people. Those with high blood homocysteine levels generally experience a more rapid rate of brain atrophy. Supplementation with the B vitamins folate, B-6, and B-12 has been found to lower blood homocysteine levels and to help prevent the loss of brain mass. |
| Consumer Link Brain Research: Vitamins & Nutrition |
| Research Link PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (9): e12244 DOI: |
| May 14, 2011 Thirty years ago, a theory was proposed that iron accumulation in the body is a major cause of disease. Although this theory has received wide acceptance, there continues to be little scientific support for it. A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers of over 12,000 adults found no association between mortality and biomarkers for iron storage. |
| Consumer Link Iron level is important to good health |
| Research Link Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2011 Feb 15. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 13, 2011 Corn comes in many colors besides yellow and white. Some types of orange corn provide beta-carotene, the vitamin A precursor, and have the potential to reduce serious vitamin A deficiency in some parts of the world. Other types of orange corn provide zeaxanthin, a compound needed to help prevent age-related macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Orange Corn Holds Promise for Reducing Blindness, Child Death |
| Research Link Nat Genet. 2010 Apr;42(4):322-7. Epub 2010 Mar 21. |
| May 12, 2011 Health benefits due to the components of dark chocolate continue to be confirmed by research. While enjoying dark chocolate, remember that most forms of chocolate are very concentrated sources of calories. Moderation in all things . . . including dark chocolate! |
| Consumer Link The benefits of chocolate |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 May 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 11, 2011 Bone loss and osteoporosis have been associated with irritable bowel diseases (both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Recent research indicates that low vitamin D status is common in people with irritable bowel diseases and improving vitamin D status may be especially important for people with this condition. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Deficiency Puts Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients at Greater Risk of Osteoporosis, Study Finds |
| Research Link Indian J Med Res. 2009 Aug;130(2):133-7. |
| May 10, 2011 When a child has health problems that seem to be linked to food allergies, there is a tendency for parents to overly restrict the child's diet. This runs the risk of causing nutrient deficiencies that can make the problem even worse. Children should be fully evaluated by an allergist before instituting extreme dietary restrictions. |
| Consumer Link Food-Allergy Fears Drive Overly Restrictive Diets, Study Suggests |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2011 Apr;158(4):578-583.e1. Epub 2010 Oct 28. |
| May 9, 2011 Should everyone drink 8 cups of water a day? For most people this is more than enough. However, some athletes can sweat off 8 cups of fluid during one hour of exercise. Water to replace these losses can come from many types of beverages and foods. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Mil Med. 1999 Jul;164(7):502-8. |
| May 8, 2011 Sodium is an essential nutrient. The optimal amount to consume continues to be a hot and controversial topic. The results of a recent study conducted in Belgium go against current recommendations for low salt diets. The study found that those with the lowest salt intake had the greatest death rate from cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Author Insights: Questioning the Benefits of Salt Restriction |
| Research Link JAMA. 2011 May 4;305(17):1777-85. |
| May 7, 2011 In case you want some "feel good" information to support your coffee habit, caffeine is known to "scavenger" some free radical types of molecules called alkoxyl radicals. In "street language," this means that caffeine has antioxidant activity! |
| Consumer Link New Evidence That Caffeine Is a Healthful Antioxidant in Coffee |
| Research Link J Phys Chem B. 2011 Apr 21;115(15):4538-4546. |
| May 6, 2011 Researchers find that the time of day (or night) that people eat and sleep seems to play a role in the storage of body fat. Those who typically go to bed well past mid-night (around 3:45 am) are more likely to be obese. |
| Consumer Link Night Owls at Risk for Weight Gain and Bad Diet |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 5, 2011 It is well known that staying fit with regular exercise can reduce the risk of having a heart attack and, in addition, can decrease damage to the heart should a heart attack occur. Recent studies with animals indicate that daily exercise increases the body's capacity to produce nitric oxide, a short-lasting molecule that stimulates blood vessels to dilate and allow more blood to flow to the heart and other parts of the body. |
| Consumer Link Exercise Protects the Heart Via Nitric Oxide, Researchers Discover |
| Research Link Circ Res. 2011 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print] |
| May 4, 2011 If you have been urged to take medication due to low bone density, talk to your doctor about a one year trial of treating this with nutrition first. An adequate intake of vitamin D, calcium, vitamin K, and protein along with all other essential nutrients can be as effective as medications to rebuild bone in some people. |
| Consumer Link Before You Start Bone-Building Meds, Try Dietary Calcium and Supplements, Experts Urge |
| Research Link Nutrients 2010, 2, 1086-1105; doi:10.3390/nu2111086 |
| May 3, 2011 If you frequently have an irritation or a cut at the corners of your mouth, your diet might be low in vitamin B-2. Reasonable sources of B-2 (riboflavin) include fortified cereals, milk and other dairy products, almonds, and meats. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin works with other vitamins |
| Research Link Med J Aust. 1984 Nov 10;141(10):635-7. |
| May 2, 2011 The brain's main energy source is glucose (blood sugar). Long-term consumption of excessively low carbohydrate diets may have a negative effect on the mood of some people. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2009 Nov 9;169(20):1873-80. |
| May 1, 2011 It is well known that weight loss (especially rapid weight loss) is accompanied by bone loss. However, adding lean meats and low fat dairy foods to the diet in place of high carbohydrate foods was found to help prevent bone loss during weight loss. |
| Consumer Link U of I study shows how to lose weight without losing bone |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1096-100. |
| April 30, 2011 A study comparing the eating habits of children in the late 1970s to the eating habits of children in 2003-2006 found that children decreased their calorie intake from meals, but increased the calories they consumed from snacks. This resulted in an increase in total calories consumed. The trend away from regular family meals may be a major contributor to childhood obesity. |
| Consumer Link Study: Snacking Trends Linked to Childhood Obesity |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2011 Apr 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 29, 2011 The human need for omega-3 fatty acids promises to have an increasingly negative impact on the ocean fish population. Research on the fatty acid composition of various types of fish livers indicates that this typically discarded part of the fish is a rich source of these beneficial fatty acids. Using fish livers as a source of fish oil could potentially relieve some of the pressure on the fish population. |
| Consumer Link Fish Livers Contain Beneficial Fatty Acids, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2011; 24 (2): 217 |
| April 29, 2011 The human need for omega-3 fatty acids promises to have an increasingly negative impact on the ocean fish population. Research on the fatty acid composition of various types of fish livers indicates that this typically discarded part of the fish is a rich source of these beneficial fatty acids. Using fish livers as a source of fish oil could potentially relieve some of the pressure on the fish population. |
| Consumer Link Fish Livers Contain Beneficial Fatty Acids, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2011; 24 (2): 217 |
| April 28, 2011 Women who have had a pregnancy with a preterm delivery are at increased risk for recurrence with future pregnancies. Moderate intake of fish during pregnancy may help to reduce repeat preterm pregnancies. |
| Consumer Link Fish-eaters show lower risk of preterm birth |
| Research Link Obstet Gynecol. 2011 May;117(5):1071-1077. |
| April 27, 2011 Blacks tend to have higher blood pressure than whites. Due to their darker skin, blacks also typically have lower vitamin D blood levels. Research indicates that high blood pressure is associated with low vitamin D and supports the need to study the effects of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure in blacks. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D May Help Explain Racial Differences in Blood Pressure |
| Research Link J Gen Intern Med. 2011 Apr 21. |
| April 26, 2011 There are many reasons to grow or purchase organically grown produce. However, in the continual debate about which is better, organic or non-organic produce, a recent study reports no real antioxidant difference. So, while the debate goes on, rest assured that produce provides a significant amount of healthful antioxidants, organically grown or not. |
| Consumer Link Organic Onions, Carrots and Potatoes Do Not Have Higher Levels of Healthful Antioxidants, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Oct 13;58(19):10323-9. |
| April 25, 2011 A new study provides another reason to consume alcohol only in moderation. In a rat model, heavy alcohol consumption triggered a substantial inflammatory response in the lungs that would normally delay surgery. However, this inflammatory state was not detectable by the blood tests commonly conducted prior to surgery. |
| Consumer Link Another Reason Not to Binge Drink: Patient's Binge Drinking May Mislead Doctors About a Blood Test Used in Timing an Operation |
| Research Link J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011 Apr;93(8):739-49. |
| April 24, 2011 Due to the stimulant effects of caffeine, it often is assumed that drinking coffee can increase blood pressure. However, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of over 170,000 people in six studies found little or no relationship between coffee drinking and blood pressure. It does remain possible that blood pressure in some individuals may be sensitive to caffeine. |
| Consumer Link Coffee doesn't increase high blood pressure risk |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Mar 30. |
| April 23, 2011 Obesity can include accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease." Weight loss and increased physical activity help to treat the condition. In addition, recent research supports consuming a low carbohydrate diet for a few weeks to help reduce fat in the liver. |
| Consumer Link Limiting Carbs, Not Calories, Reduces Liver Fat Faster, Researchers Find |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May;93(5):1048-52. |
| April 22, 2011 High blood glucose levels in diabetes are known to contribute to progressive kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy). A recent study of diabetic mice found that a low carbohydrate "ketogenic" diet reversed diabetic nephropathy in two months. The researchers plan to explore how their observations may be tested further in humans. |
| Consumer Link Low Carbohydrate Diet May Reverse Kidney Failure in People With Diabetes |
| Research Link PLoS ONE 6(4): e18604. |
| April 21, 2011 A recent study on post-menopausal women found that the risk of heart attack was increased by about 20 percent in women taking calcium supplements with or without vitamin D. Additional research is needed to confirm these results and to find the right balance for maintaining both healthy bones and heart function. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk in Post-Menopausal Women: Study |
| Research Link BMJ. 2011;342:d2040. |
| April 20, 2011 A compound found in milk fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and even diabetes. Recent evidence found that yak cheese has about four times as much CLA as cheese made from cow's milk. |
| Consumer Link Heart-Healthy Yak Cheese |
| Research Link J. Agric. Food Chem. 2008 56 (5):1654–1660. |
| April 19, 2011 A study of over 60,000 women found that those who consumed the most alcohol during pregnancy were about 4 times more likely to have "very preterm" births (<32 weeks) than women who never drink alcohol. However, it still remains unclear how much alcohol is unsafe and the best recommendation is to not drink alcohol if pregnancy is even possible. |
| Consumer Link Drinking during pregnancy increases risk of premature birth |
| Research Link BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2011, 11:27doi:10.1186/1471-2393-11-27 |
| April 18, 2011 Over-the-counter fat-blocker drugs like orlistat (Xenical and Alii) reduce fat absorption in the intestine. This also reduces calcium absorption and increases oxalate absorption which would be expected to increase the risk of kidney damage and kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Roche's diet drug tied to kidney damage |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(7):703-704. |
| April 17, 2011 Not eating your vegetables? Consider taking up gardening. It is good hobby both for physical activity and studies find that people who do gardening generally eat more vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Gardening Linked to Increased Vegetable Consumption in Older Adults |
| Research Link HortTechnology, 20: 711-717 (2010) |
| April 16, 2011 A number of beneficial compounds have been identified in green tea. However, an analysis of dietary supplement products with green tea concentrates found that these compounds are often degraded during manufacturing and storage. |
| Consumer Link USDA analysis questions green tea supplements as alternatives to tea leaves |
| Research Link J AOAC Int. 2010 Nov-Dec;93(6):1788-97. |
| April 16, 2011 A number of beneficial compounds have been identified in green tea. However, an analysis of dietary supplement products with green tea concentrates found that these compounds are often degraded during manufacturing and storage. |
| Consumer Link USDA analysis questions green tea supplements as alternatives to tea leaves |
| Research Link J AOAC Int. 2010 Nov-Dec;93(6):1788-97. |
| April 15, 2011 A gluten-free food does not make a food "healthy." However, for the 6 percent of the population with "gluten sensitivity" or the individuals (estimated as 1 out of 133 Americans) with celiac disease, a gluten free diet is the only way to prevent additional intestinal damage. |
| Consumer Link Gluten-free diet is great--if you actually need it |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Oct;108(10):1682-7. |
| April 14, 2011 Beetroot juice has been shown to enhance various aspects of exercise performance, such as enabling a person to work out longer. This is due to the naturally high levels of nitrate. Borscht anyone? |
| Consumer Link Beetroot juice could help people live more active lives |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2011 Mar;110(3):591-600. |
| April 13, 2011 A recent study of children who suffered from serious burn injury found that the body's vitamin E levels tended to drop to seriously low levels during the first 4 weeks of recovery. It is not known why this extreme physiological stress on the body affects vitamin E status or if other types of stress have similar effect. |
| Consumer Link Burn injuries rapidly deplete vitamin E |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Dec;92(6):1378-84. |
| April 12, 2011 A coalition of European scientists reviewed which vitamins and minerals needed the most attention for research to update their levels of recommended intake. Vitamin D, iron and zinc were ranked as the highest-priority nutrients across all age groups. |
| Consumer Link Scientists contemplate most important nutrients |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jun;64 Suppl 2:S19-30. |
| April 11, 2011 Research suggests that omitting breakfast can interfere with learning and the effect is greater in children who are nutritionally at-risk than it is in well-nourished children. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1998 Apr;67(4):804S-813S |
| April 10, 2011 Getting all of the essential nutrients in the diet is not always easy. Dietary variety is possibly one of the most basic but important ways to accomplish this. |
| Consumer Link Eating for disease prevention may not be healthy |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2004 Jul;134(7):1779-8 |
| April 9, 2011 Interesting new research found that some types of human gut microflora convert choline into a pro-atherosclerotic compound that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in some people. Based on this, it seems best to avoid excessively high intake of supplemental choline. |
| Consumer Link Common Dietary Fat and Intestinal Microbes Linked to Heart Disease |
| Research Link Nature, 2011;472: 57-65. |
| April 8, 2011 Recent research with overweight and obese Yup'ik Eskimos found that those with a high intake of fish had high blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils. Those with the highest levels had reduced reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Eskimo Study Suggests High Consumption of Omega-3s in Fish-Rich Diet Reduces Obesity-Related Disease Risk |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Mar 23 |
| April 7, 2011 The isoflavones in soy foods can bind to estrogen receptors and influence estrogen function. Based on this and on animal study results, researchers have expressed concerns that soy foods might promote breast cancer development. However, a recent study of over 16,000 breast cancer survivors found that soy food intake did not increase breast cancer risk. |
| Consumer Link Soy Isoflavones Not a Risk for Breast Cancer Survivors, Study Finds |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2001 Nov;131(11 Suppl):3095S-108S. |
| April 6, 2011 Low birth weight is linked to obesity later in life. The cause appears to be compromised brain development in regions of the brain that regulate food intake. The mother's nutrition during pregnancy sets the stage for a baby's life in many ways. |
| Consumer Link Why Low Birth Weight Is Linked to Obesity Later in Life: Study Provides Explanation |
| Research Link Brain Res. 2011 Mar 10;1378:29-42. |
| April 5, 2011 The benefits of regular physical activity are often impressive. Now, there is growing evidence that a habit of frequent vigorous exercise may prevent the shortening of telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes). Shortened telomere length is a sign of cell aging and declining health. |
| Consumer Link Exercise may prevent stress on telomeres, a measure of cell health |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2010; 5(5): e10837. Published online 2010 May 26 |
| April 4, 2011 Many types of inflammatory conditions appear to improve when the two key omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA and DHA) are consumed in adequate amounts. Researchers recently identified a DHA derivative that reduces the inflammatory chemicals and airway hyperresponsiveness associated with asthma. |
| Consumer Link Fish is not just meant for Fridays anymore |
| Research Link Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2010 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print] |
| April 3, 2011 Researchers have found that poor nutrition during pregnancy and early infancy can have serious long-term impact on the baby’s health much later in their adult years. This appears to occur due to mechanisms that effect how DNA functions in cells. |
| Consumer Link Is epigenetics the ‘means’ to achieving nutrition’s potential? |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2010 Nov;68 Suppl 1:S38-47. |
| April 2, 2011 Perhaps the major downfall for people attempting to control body weight is the drive to consume excess calories in the evening or night time. A recent study on overweight and obese men found that if they consumed lean protein foods at each of three meals a day in amounts of about 50 grams of protein per meal, the men experienced much less of the evening munchies. |
| Consumer Link Adding protein, like lean pork, may help dieters curb late-night munchies |
| Research Link Obesity. 2011 Apr;19(4):818-24. |
| April 1, 2011 Since weight loss in older people can result in significant loss of muscle mass and bone mass, losing weight in a healthy way can be difficult. In obese seniors 65 years of age and up, a year of combining exercise and diet proved to be much better than diet or exercise treatments alone. |
| Consumer Link Diet-Exercise Combo Best for Obese Seniors |
| Research Link New England Journal of Medicine, 2011; 364 (13): 1218. |
| March 31, 2011 More and more, we are learning that natural foods contain non-nutrient chemical compounds that provide health benefits. One of the latest surprises came from the identification of over 50 beneficial compounds in maple syrup. However, there is much to learn about how these compounds affect the body and how much is needed to make a difference. |
| Consumer Link URI scientist discovers 54 beneficial compounds in pure maple syrup |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Nov 24;58(22):11673-9. Epub 2010 Oct 29. |
| March 30, 2011 Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, are growing increasingly common in older people. These older sufferers are more likely to die from complications of the condition than are younger victims. The mortality rate for those over 50 years old is estimated to be a rather shocking 21%. |
| Consumer Link Eating Disorders Rising Among Elderly Women |
| Research Link Int Psychogeriatr. 2010 Jun;22(4):523-36. Epub 2010 Feb 22. |
| March 29, 2011 A recently published study of over 4000 pregnant women found that those with the lowest levels of vitamin B-12 in their blood were about 4 times as likely to have babies who cried excessively (3 or more hours a day). Adequate B-12 is required for normal neurological development in the fetus and infant, so a cause and effect relationship is certainly possible. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12. Can it Really Help Prevent Colic in Babies? |
| Research Link Early Hum Dev. 2011 Apr;87(4):309-14. |
| March 28, 2011 Do you find it challenging to plan out a week’s worth of food shopping? Then, consider that NASA food scientists are striving to work out ways to provide 3 to 5 years of food supplies to meet all of the nutritional needs of astronauts on a Mars mission. |
| Consumer Link Food Science Challenges for NASA Missions to Mars |
| Research Link Journal of Food Science, 2011; 76 (2): R40-48. |
| March 27, 2011 A study that followed almost 4000 people for 20 years found that those who consumed the greatest amounts of a trans fatty acid (trans-palmitoleate) naturally present in milk fat had better insulin sensitivity and were less likely to develop diabetes. Based on these results, skim milk may not be the best option. |
| Consumer Link Fatty acid in dairy products may reduce type 2 diabetes risk |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2010 Dec 21;153(12):790-9. |
| March 26, 2011 Weight training is not typically recommended during pregnancy, however, a new study has now found that low to moderate intensity strength exercise was well tolerated by 32 pregnant women. The women performed strength exercise twice a week for 12 weeks and experienced an increase in strength with no change in blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Supervised Weight Training Safe for Pregnant Women, Study Suggests |
| Research Link Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 8, Issue 3, p309-320. |
| March 25, 2011 A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the levels of mercury consumed in fish do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. This was based on two major studies with a total of over 170,000 participants. |
| Consumer Link Study finds no association between mercury exposure and risk of cardiovascular disease |
| Research Link NEJM Vol. 364 No. 12 P 1116-1125. |
| March 24, 2011 Researchers estimate that about 5 percent of obese people are purely "genetically obese," making it virtually impossible for them to have a normal body weight. Since genes can clearly influence body weight, it is best to exercise, eat well, and let the body find the weight at which everything functions best physically and mentally. |
| Consumer Link Can you blame your genes for tight jeans? |
| Research Link J Intern Med. 2003 Nov;254(5):401-25. |
| March 23, 2011 A good rule of thumb: Your diet should have more color than your wardrobe. |
| Consumer Link March is National Nutrition Month – Eat right with color |
| Research Link Molecules. 2011 Feb 18;16(2):1710-38. |
| March 22, 2011 If you have ever thought that dieting makes you more irritable, now there is research to support it. Studying dieters, researchers found that people who exerted self-control were more quick to anger and expressed more irritation at a message that used controlling language to convince them to change their exercise habits. |
| Consumer Link Cranky? On a Diet? How Self-Control Leads to Anger |
| Research Link J Consumer Res. March 2011. |
| March 21, 2011 Both Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and celiac disease have been linked to low iron status. Although the cause and effect relationships are not entirely clear, evaluating both iron status and the presence of celiac disease is recommended for the medical assessment of RLS. |
| Consumer Link Celiac Disease Screening Recommended for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) with Iron Deficiency |
| Research Link Sleep Med. 2009 Aug;10(7):763-5. |
| March 20, 2011 The long-term balance between physical activity and calorie intake determines body weight and body fat levels. People who have the painful condition called fibromyalgia are frequently overweight. Some researchers suggest that weight loss may improve the condition. However, the person with fibromyalgia is in a bit of a bind because the condition causes physical activity to be more painful and, thus, weight loss more difficult. |
| Consumer Link Study Probes Obesity Link to Fibromyalgia |
| Research Link J Pain. 2010 Dec;11(12):1329-37. Epub 2010 Jun 9 |
| March 19, 2011 It is well known that vitamin A is important to human nutrition and fetal development. However, we now know that the retinol form of vitamin A plays an extremely important role the production of energy at a cellular level. Both too much and too little vitamin A can disturb normal energy production and cause cellular havoc. |
| Consumer Link Too Much Of A Good Thing? Scientists Explain Cellular Effects Of Vitamin A Overdose And Deficiency |
| Research Link FASEB J. 2010 Feb;24(2):627-36. |
| March 18, 2011 Exercise programs have been found to be good treatment for some types of depression. A recent study on older people with depression found that even a gentle exercise like tai chi significantly improves the success of standard therapy for depression. |
| Consumer Link Tai chi beats back depression in the elderly, study shows |
| Research Link Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Mar 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 17, 2011 A large European study found that participants with higher levels of "good" HDL cholesterol had lower risk of developing bowel cancer. If other studies support this observation, HDL levels may be used to assess more than risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link High levels of 'good' cholesterol may cut bowel cancer risk |
| Research Link Gut (2011). doi:10.1136/gut.2010.225011 |
| March 16, 2011 Much of the world suffers from blindness and low resistance to infections because of vitamin A deficiency. A genetically modified rice, called “golden rice” contains beta carotene, a precursor for vitamin A. Although this would seem to be a simple solution to the problem, significant hurdles include resistance to the use of genetically modified plant and cultural acceptance of a different colored type of rice. |
| Consumer Link Multiple approaches necessary to tackle world's food problems |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun;89(6):1776-83. Epub 2009 Apr 15 |
| March 15, 2011 A study of nursing facility residents found that those with low serum (blood) zinc concentrations were much more likely to develop pneumonia and to take longer to recover than those with normal zinc levels. Those with low zinc status also had lower protein status. This makes sense because the main foods that provide well-absorbed zinc are animal protein foods. |
| Consumer Link Adequate Zinc Eases Pneumonia in Elderly, Study Finds |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1167-3. |
| March 14, 2011 When trying to get the benefits of consuming vegetables, don’t forget the tomato sauce on your pasta and pizza. One tablespoon of tomato sauce provides as much of the beneficial lycopene as a medium-sized fresh tomato. Also, cooking of the sauces greatly improves the bioavailability of lycopene. |
| Consumer Link Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes Emerge |
| Research Link Amer J Lifestyle Med. doi:10.1177/1559827610387488 |
| March 13, 2011 During pregnancy, a woman’s Recommended Dietary Allowance for iron increases from 18 to 27 mg per day. Meeting this need may be extremely important for the lifelong health of a woman’s child. Recent research links maternal iron deficiency to increased risk of asthma in the child. |
| Consumer Link Pregnancy Anemia Linked to Childhood Wheezing and Asthma |
| Research Link Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2011 Feb;106(2):131-139.e1. |
| March 12, 2011 More good news about coffee: A Swedish study from the Karolinska Institute found that NOT drinking coffee was associated with an increased risk of stroke in women. It is not known why this is the case, but it could be due to coffee’s ability to moderate subclinical inflammation, decrease oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Add cream, sugar and a lower risk of stroke to your coffee |
| Research Link Stroke. 2011 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 11, 2011 Almonds are a healthful addition to the diet and 4 ounces of almonds contain as much calcium as 8 ounces of milk. But wait! Due to limited bioavailability of calcium in almonds and high calorie content, meeting daily calcium needs with almonds requires eating more than 3,000 calories of almonds compared to less than 300 calories of nonfat milk. |
| Consumer Link All calcium sources not created equal |
| Research Link J Food Comp Anal. 2007;20(8):717-724. |
| March 10, 2011 Eating disorders in teens are often linked to depression, anxiety or other mental disorders. Even suicide thoughts or attempts are commonly reported. Since disordered eating causes nutrient deficiencies, it should not be surprising that serious mental problems can coexist with eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Eating disorders hit more than half million teens |
| Research Link Arch Gen Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.22 |
| March 9, 2011 An old medical condition called "milk alkali syndrome" has resurfaced and researchers are recommending a new name: "calcium alkali syndrome." Overuse of calcium supplements and calcium-containing antacids can cause high blood pressure and even kidney failure. Researchers recommend keeping total calcium intake below 1200 to 1500 mg per day. |
| Consumer Link Calcium Supplements: Too Much of a Good Thing? |
| Research Link BMJ. 2007 August 25; 335(7616): 397–398. |
| March 8, 2011 About half of us are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that lives in the stomach lining. Most of us have no obvious symptoms, however, research indicates that children, infected with H. pylori have lower iron levels than children previously treated for this bacteria. Since adequate iron is essential for normal brain development and function, it may become more routine to test children for the presence of H. pylori. |
| Consumer Link Helicobacter pylori infection linked to decreased iron levels in otherwise healthy children, according to research at UTHealth |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2006 Jan 15;163(2):127-34. Epub 2005 Nov 23. |
| March 7, 2011 March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme from the American Dietetic Association is, "Eat Right with Color." A colorful meal appeals both to the eye and the palate and provides a greater variety of nutrients and beneficial phytochemicals. |
| Consumer Link March is National Nutrition Month – Eat right with color |
| Research Link Molecules. 2011 Feb 18;16(2):1710-38. |
| March 6, 2011 Exercise is an important part of staying healthy. So whether you are looking for a new house location or needing a place of solace, remember community parks and playgrounds have been shown to provide opportunities for both escape and physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Key to better health care may be a walk in the park |
| Research Link Disasters. 2011 Apr;35(2):383-403. |
| March 5, 2011 To supplement or not to supplement? The answer is not always simple. For example, research reports that vitamin E supplementation may decrease the risk of pneumonia if you exercise regularly and don’t smoke. But, if you smoke and don’t exercise vitamin E supplementation can increase your risk of pneumonia. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin E May Increase or Decrease the Risk of Pneumonia, Depending on Smoking and Exercise |
| Research Link Clinical Epidemiol. 2011; 2011;51-59. |
| March 4, 2011 A new study about nutrition during early pregnancy in non-human primates provides potentially breakthrough concepts that may help us understand what causes deficits in intellect and attention. Just a 30 percent reduction in nutrient intake by the mother during early pregnancy had a major impact on brain development of the fetus. |
| Consumer Link Reducing Diet Early in Pregnancy Stunts Fetal Brain Development, Study Finds |
| Research Link PNAS February 15, 2011 vol. 108 no. 7 3011-3016 |
| March 3, 2011 Brain scanning techniques show that brain shrinkage is associated with mental function decline in older people. One study found that supplements of vitamin B12, B6, and folic acid helped to slow brain shrinkage. Other studies have demonstrated that vitamin B12 is especially important for maintaining brain and neural tissues. |
| Consumer Link B Vitamins Slow Brain Atrophy in People With Memory Problems |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2010; 5(9): e12244. |
| March 2, 2011 Consumer research shows that labeling a food as “healthy” or “tasty and delicious” affects appetite. When people eat a food identifies as “healthy”, their appetite is not decreased as much as when they eat the same food identified as “tasty and delicious”. |
| Consumer Link Healthy Food Makes Consumers Feel Hungrier When Choices Are Limited |
| Research Link JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc. Vol. 37 October 2010 |
| March 1, 2011 Researchers studying omega-3 fatty acids have found that humans can convert less than one percent of alpha-linolenic acid (the plant oil omega-3 fatty acid) into DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid in fish and algae oils. Since DHA makes up over 90 percent of the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain, DHA deficiency during fetal and infant stages may contribute to the development of mental disorders. |
| Consumer Link New Study Links DHA Type of Omega-3 to Better Nervous-System Function |
| Research Link Lipids. 2009 Aug;44(8):685-702. Epub 2009 Jul 9. |
| February 28, 2011 When attempting to make healthful changes in eating habits, it is important to have a clear action plan. Also, as sports psychologists point out, adding mental imagery to clearly visualize carrying out the details of the action plan can increase the likelihood of success. |
| Consumer Link Planning and visualization lead to better food habits |
| Research Link Psychol Health. 2011 Feb 18:1-17. |
| February 27, 2011 Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed primarily by observation of progressive impairment of memory and other cognitive functions. Research often links high homocysteine and low vitamin B-12 status with the development of Alzheimer's disease. Since, however, B-12 deficiency causes direct damage to nerve structure and can impair memory, B-12 deficiency (which is easily treated) could be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B12 May Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's Disease |
| Research Link Neurology. 2010 Oct 19;75(16):1408-14. |
| February 26, 2011 Fresh produce can sometimes lose vitamin content in the market while waiting to be purchased. However, this is not the case for fresh spinach leaves displayed under fluorescent lighting. After 3 days of showcase-like exposure to fluorescent light, spinach's levels of vitamins C, K, E, and folate increased significantly. |
| Consumer Link Supermarket Lighting Enhances Nutrient Level of Fresh Spinach |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Mar 10;58(5):2980-7. |
| February 25, 2011 A recent study found that adding a cup or two of vegetable juice (V8) to the daily diet helped people meet their vegetable recommendations. Those with blood pressure greater than 120/80 had a significant decrease in blood pressure at the end of 12 weeks. The juice increased their intake of both sodium and potassium. |
| Consumer Link Research suggests V8 100% vegetable juice can help people meet key dietary guidelines |
| Research Link Nutr J. 2010; 9: 38. Published online 2010 September 17. |
| February 24, 2011 Vitamin D is known to play a role in supporting normal immune function. A recent study reported that children and adolescents with low vitamin D status were much more likely to have environmental and food allergies than those with normal vitamin D status. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin D levels linked to allergies in kids |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Feb 15. |
| February 23, 2011 Why will some children eat vegetables and others turn up their nose? It may be largely due to the sensitivity of their bitter taste receptors that appears to be genetically determined. Children with a bitter taste gene have a greater aversion to bitter foods and a greater preference for sweet foods. Luckily for health, the bitterness aversion tends to decline with age. |
| Consumer Link Psychobiologists Find Genetic Component in Children's Food Preference |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2005 Feb;115(2):e216-22. |
| February 22, 2011 Garlic is known to have antibacterial properties due to a compound called allicin. However, the allicin that is present in freshly crushed garlic degrades rapidly within hours or a few days, depending on how it is processed. |
| Consumer Link Love That Garlic? Fresh May Be Healthier Than Bottled |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Jun 11;56(11):4229-35. |
| February 21, 2011 Some of the components of nutritional supplements can break down over time and lose their effectiveness. This is especially true when supplements are stored in humid locations like the bathroom. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins stored in bathrooms, kitchens may become less effective |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Mar 24;58(6):3532-40. |
| February 20, 2011 Celiac disease damages the intestinal lining and can impair the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. As a consequence, both children and adults with celiac disease are at increased risk for low bone density. Recent research suggests that taking supplements with vitamins D and K may be especially important to prevent bone loss in those with celiac disease. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins needed to help celiacs stave off bone disease |
| Research Link Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2011 Jan 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 19, 2011 While monitoring over 600 adults with type 2 diabetes during a 10-year period, Australian researchers found that those with the greatest amount of salt in their diet had the lowest risk of dying during the study period. The researchers stress that more research is needed, but emphasize that restricting salt is not always beneficial. |
| Consumer Link Doubt cast on salt guidelines for diabetics |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2011 Feb 2. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 18, 2011 Infants are susceptible to having Clostridium botulinum bacteria thrive in their immature intestine, poisoning them from within. This is why infants should never be fed honey. This concentrated sugar food can harbor the dormant spore form of this bacteria. Fortunately, honey is safe for older children and adults. |
| Consumer Link Err on the side of caution when it comes to botulism |
| Research Link CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Apr. 1996, p. 119–125 |
| February 17, 2011 Infants and children sometimes develop constipation. Increasing food sources of dietary fiber can help to relieve this problem. However, increasing the child's fiber intake too high for too long can seriously impair the absorption of essential minerals. |
| Consumer Link Childhood obesity – is more fiber the answer? |
| Research Link J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1982;1(1):91-5. |
| February 16, 2011 A recent review reports that taking zinc syrups, lozenges or tablets within a day of the onset of cold symptoms can reduce the severity and length of illness. However, don’t confuse these oral products with the intranasal zinc products that FDA warned can cause loss of the sense of smell. |
| Consumer Link Zinc reduces the burden of the common cold |
| Research Link Med Hypotheses. 2010 Mar;74(3):482-92. |
| February 15, 2011 Ads for weight loss supplements and powders are tempting if you need to lose weight. However, research is very limited to support weight loss supplement use. There is however research that supports moving more. Remember even just standing up burns twice the calories of lying on the couch. |
| Consumer Link Do weight loss supplements work? No, says researcher |
| Research Link Nutrition Bulletin, Volume 35, Issue 4, pages 300–303, December 2010. |
| February 14, 2011 Full recovery from exercise bouts is as important for athletes as a good workout. A recent double-blind study found that daily consumption of a sour cherry (Montmorency) juice concentrate could enhanced muscle recovery from hard workouts. |
| Consumer Link New research suggests tart cherries could speed muscle recovery |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Jan 12. |
| February 13, 2011 The common sugar fructose, present in many fruits, table sugar, and high fructose corn syrup, has been proposed to be a contributor to obesity. However, a recent extensive evidence-based review concluded that even relatively high levels of fructose consumed as part of the diet do not contribute to obesity. Excess calories from any source can promote obesity. |
| Consumer Link Fructose Does Not Increase Food Intake or Impact Weight, Extensive Research Demonstrates |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Nov;50(10):889-918. |
| February 12, 2011 Researchers reported at this year’s International Stroke Conference that daily consumption of diet soda is associated with a greater risk of stroke. A critical commentary on this study from the American Council on Science and Health considers the study to be flawed and doubts that it will be publishable in a reputable peer- reviewed journal. |
| Consumer Link Diet Soda Study Goes Flat |
| Research Link Stroke Vol 42, No 3 March 2011, Abstract # Th P55, page e273 |
| February 11, 2011 It was found decades ago that dietary cholesterol has little or no effect on blood cholesterol levels in most people. Despite this knowledge, recommendations persist to reduce egg consumption for lowering blood cholesterol. The good news for those who "missed the memo" is that the cholesterol in a large egg is 185 mg, 14 percent lower than previously recorded. |
| Consumer Link Eggs are now naturally lower in cholesterol |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference |
| February 10, 2011 Studies continue to indicate that breakfast is the best way to start the day. Teenage mothers who ate breakfast regularly had a lower weight for their height and consumed significantly less snack foods and soft drinks than their counterparts who rarely ate breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast Is an Important Meal, Especially for Teen Moms and Their Kids |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Jan;111(1):124-30. |
| February 9, 2011 People often end up in the hospital for ailments that demand symptomatic medical treatment. However, studies show that malnutrition is a frequent, but unnoticed, cause or component of these medical conditions. |
| Consumer Link Malnutrition: A skeleton in the health care closet |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2010 Aug;14(8):622-8. |
| February 8, 2011 Binge drinking is defined as consuming four drinks (women) or five drinks (men) on a single occasion within the past 2 weeks. This type of drinking, especially in teenagers and young adults, can cause permanent brain damage that results in memory problems and impaired cognitive function. Remember moderation. |
| Consumer Link Rural underage binge drinkers put their health at risk |
| Research Link Psychol Bull. 2009 Jan;135(1):142-56. |
| February 7, 2011 It is not clear why, but girls from 2 to 5 years of age are more likely to be overweight if their family has been experiencing food insecurity and hunger. The same association was not found for boys. |
| Consumer Link Paradoxically, food insecurity may be underlying contributor to overweight |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Oct;109(10):1790-4. |
| February 6, 2011 Whey protein, a byproduct of cheese production, is commonly used as a protein source in high protein beverages and other products. When young adults with high blood pressure added a daily drink containing 28 grams of whey protein to their usual diet, it normalized their blood pressure. The whey protein drink had no effect on those with normal blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Whey supplements lower blood pressure |
| Research Link Int Dairy J. 2010;11:753-760. |
| February 5, 2011 Spinach is not a good source of absorbable iron or calcium, but it does provide other beneficial substances. Recent studies show that the amount of nitrate in spinach is similar to amounts found to enhance performance of endurance exercise. |
| Consumer Link Want more efficient muscles? Eat your spinach |
| Research Link Free Radic Biol Med. 2010 Jan 15;48(2):342-7. |
| February 4, 2011 A vegan diet can provide health benefits, but this diet has specific risks like virtually all styles of eating. The major nutritional limitations of a vegan diet appear to be low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, and iron. |
| Consumer Link Vegans' elevated heart risk requires omega-3s and B12 |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Feb 9;59(3):777-84. |
| February 3, 2011 Iron deficiency during late fetal development and early infancy causes irreversible damage to brain development and function. Using rats previously exposed to early iron deficiency, researchers found that treatment with low dose ritalin improved brain function much the same as it does in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children. |
| Consumer Link Ritalin may ease early iron deficiency damage |
| Research Link Behav Brain Res. 2011 Jan 1;216(1):146-52. |
| February 2, 2011 Reversing type 2 diabetes without drugs is possible. It requires major changes in lifestyle that include increased daily exercise, cutting back on high calorie foods, and eating an overall healthful diet that meets nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Reversing diabetes is possible |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2008 May;104(5):1313-9. |
| February 1, 2011 Feel like a strong mug of coffee after that long run? It may not be a bad idea. A double-blind study with endurance athletes found that when caffeine was consumed with carbohydrate after exhaustive exercise, the caffeine boosted carbohydrate storage (glycogen) in muscles by 66%. |
| Consumer Link Post-exercise caffeine helps muscles refuel |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2008 Jul;105(1):7-13. |
| January 31, 2011 When was the last time you had chocolate milk and felt good about it? Research on chocolate milk as an exercise recovery drink indicates that it has a good balance of carbohydrate and protein to enhance recovery and muscle repair after a workout. |
| Consumer Link Chocolate milk is a 'natural' for post-exercise recovery |
| Research Link J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010; 7: 19. |
| January 30, 2011 A mouse study clearly demonstrated what human dieters already know. Mice that had previously experienced weight loss diets responded to stress by consuming more high-fat foods than mice that had never been on a weight loss diet. This may be why lost weight is so rarely kept off. |
| Consumer Link Yo-yo dieting alters genes linked with stress |
| Research Link J Neurosci. 2010 Dec 1;30(48):16399-407. |
| January 29, 2011 Many of us choose skim milk products to keep calories down. It may be better, however, to not go totally non-fat. There is growing evidence that some of the components in milk fat are beneficial and may reduce the risk of diabetes, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Got milk? What kind? |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2010 Dec 21;153(12):790-9. |
| January 28, 2011 It has become an increasingly common practice to mix highly caffeinated energy drinks with alcoholic beverages. Health professionals are expressing concern about this practice because those who combine caffeine and alcohol appear to be more likely to underestimate their level of impairment. |
| Consumer Link Non-alcoholic energy drinks may pose 'high' health risks |
| Research Link Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006 Apr;30(4):598-605. |
| January 27, 2011 An increasing number of health professionals question the emphasis on reducing body weight for health. An overweight individual's health may benefit more from focusing on exercise and healthful eating rather that waging a battle on body weight. |
| Consumer Link Weight loss's link to better health questioned |
| Research Link Nutrition Journal 2011, 10:9 |
| January 26, 2011 Children are regularly targeted by commercials promoting calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. It is now clear that excess sugar and fat are linked to obesity. Don't expect children to be able to make wise food choices from a selection of foods that should only be consumed as occasional treats. |
| Consumer Link Preschool kids know what they like: Salt, sugar and fat |
| Research Link Appetite. 2011 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 25, 2011 A major concern as we age is losing mobility and independence. Avoiding overweight and obesity during the young and middle-aged years appears to be important for preventing or delaying the onset of mobility limitations later in life. |
| Consumer Link Weight gain early in life leads to physical disabilities in older adults |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2007 Nov;31(11):1680-7. |
| January 24, 2011 Having an "exercise buddy" can make regular physical activity more enjoyable. New research shows that this is the case for children. Helping kids connect with other physically active kids is likely to be a major factor for staying fit and maintaining a healthy body weight. |
| Consumer Link Best friends can make a child more physically active |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Feb;43(2):259-65. |
| January 23, 2011 If it tastes good, it CAN be good for you. Research from the Nurses' Health Study indicates that berries have clear health benefits. Foods containing high levels of anthocyanins (found mainly in blueberries and strawberries) were associated with lower levels of hypertension, especially in individuals younger than 60 years of age. |
| Consumer Link Bioactive compounds in berries can reduce high blood pressure |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;93(2):338-47. |
| January 22, 2011 Rapid weight loss from cutting calories can cause bone loss. Some researchers consider this association to be a serious and emerging problem following common types of obesity surgery. To reduce this bone loss while dieting, consume a diet high in protein, milk products, and calcium. |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1096-100 |
| January 21, 2011 A balanced diet helps to maintain a balanced population of beneficial bacteria living in the lower part of the intestinal tract. This helps to protect us from pathogenic bacteria, some cancers, and possibly even the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| January 20, 2011 Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to maintain a lower body weight over time. On the other hand, too little and too much carbohydrate can complicate weight management. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2006 Feb;7(1):49-58. |
| January 19, 2011 A common condition called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is often caused by iron deficiency. RLS researchers recommend that serum ferritin, a blood index of body iron stores, be greater than 50 ng/ml. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency might play role in jittery legs |
| Research Link Mov Disord. 2008 Jun 15;23(8):1184-7. |
| January 18, 2011 The book titled the “China Study” promotes a completely plant-based diet free of meat, fish, or milk. The author, however, fails to discuss his own published research from the “China Study.” His research demonstrated clear benefits of milk consumption on bone health in the Chinese population. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Advice From the China Study |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 Aug;58(2):219-27. |
| January 17, 2011 Need to avoid that afternoon decline in mental focus? Try chewing sugarless gum. There is evidence that chewing gum enhances brain function, possibly by increasing blood flow to the brain. |
| Consumer Link Chewing gum could offer health benefits |
| Research Link Br J Psychol. 2008 May;99(Pt 2):293-306. |
| January 16, 2011 Recent research shows that simply taking more steps every day not only helps ward off obesity but also reduces the risk of diabetes. Incorporating 10,000 steps a day into their daily routine was shown to be beneficial for improving body mass index, waist to hip ratio, and insulin sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Taking more steps every day can help ward off diabetes |
| Research Link BMJ. 2011 Jan 13;342:c7249. |
| January 15, 2011 If you take vitamin D supplements, select products with vitamin D3. This is important because Vitamin D2 is not as effectively utilized by the body. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D3 ’87 percent more potent’ than D2: Study |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Dec 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 14, 2011 Mother's milk is the best food for young babies. New recommendations from a variety of sources suggest that supplemental or food sources of iron should be fed to exclusively breastfed babies beginning at about 4 months of age. This is because breast milk is low in iron and most babies are born with only about 4 months worth of iron stored in their body. |
| Consumer Link Is 'breast only' for first 6 months best? |
| Research Link J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008 Jan;46(1):99-110. |
| January 13, 2011 To maintain health, the adult "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans" suggest aiming for 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 150 minutes per week of vigorous intensity exercise. |
| Consumer Link Metabolic ailment a rising health risk |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2010 Oct;39(4):305-13. |
| January 12, 2011 Tomato is one of the most common agricultural crops worldwide and now we have another great reason to keep tomatoes in our diet. Researchers have found another beneficial compound besides lycopene that helps to improve abnormalities of lipid metabolism. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes found to contain nutrient which prevents vascular diseases |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 Nov 18. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 11, 2011 Although genetic factors affect the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, a number of studies also show that dietary factors play a major role in disorders of brain aging. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):386-99. |
| January 10, 2011 Regular physical activity helps to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. For some diabetics, however, exercise can cause blood glucose to drop too low. Consequently, people with diabetes should work with appropriately trained health professionals to design their best exercise program. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps treat diabetes |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2007;37(11):937-46. |
| January 9, 2011 The Institute of Medicine has set recommended levels of intake for fluoride (Adequate Intake values). The range of safe intake, however, is fairly narrow. The Adequate Intake for adults is 3 to 4 mg/day and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level Level is 10 mg/day. |
| Consumer Link US says too much fluoride causing splotchy teeth |
| Research Link Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| January 8, 2011 Want a simple way to increase your calorie needs? Simply spend more time standing up. Standing uses about twice as many calories per minute as sitting. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Food and Nutrition Information Center |
| January 7, 2011 Low vitamin D blood levels have been associated with increased falls, fractures, cancer, immune system problems, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. The best food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs from hens fed vitamin D, and fortified cereals and milk products. |
| Consumer Link Low vitamin D levels associated with death from cardiovascular, all causes |
| Research Link Osteoporos Int. 2007 Mar;18(3):251-9. |
| January 6, 2011 Although strokes are uncommon in children, they do sometimes occur. Some research indicates that iron deficiency anemia is associated with the risk of strokes in children. |
| Consumer Link Association Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Ischemic Stroke |
| Research Link Arch Dis Child. 2010 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 5, 2011 The sense of taste can be altered by illness, medical treatments, or medications. Usually these changes are temporary and will improve with time. Adding spices and other flavorings to foods can help to maintain a normal diet despite disturbances in taste sensitivity. |
| Consumer Link Eating during cancer treatment |
| Research Link J Clin Oncol. 2009 Apr 10;27(11):1899-905. |
| January 4, 2011 January is Thyroid Awareness Month! Thyroid function can be impaired by a dietary deficiency of iodine, iron, selenium, and/or vitamin A. To keep your thyroid in shape, eat a wide variety of foods from all the major food groups. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78. |
| January 3, 2011 Excessive hair loss in women is often thought to be strictly related to emotional or physiological stress. However, there is increasing evidence that low iron stores are strongly associated with hair loss in women who are free of systemic inflammation and other underlying disorders. |
| Consumer Link Hair loss in women has contributing factors |
| Research Link Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2009;17(4):279-84. |
| January 2, 2011 Research on children in New Zealand reported that those who were vitamin D deficient at birth were more likely to have respiratory infections and wheezing problems during early childhood than children with normal vitamin D status. However, the risk of asthma was not related to vitamin D status in this study. |
| Consumer Link Newborns with low vitamin D levels at increased risk for respiratory infections |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2010 Dec 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| January 1, 2011 A recent review of 52 research studies indicates that physical activity is associated with a 25% reduction in colon cancer risk, as well as a reduced risk of cancer recurrence and death following a cancer diagnosis. |
| Consumer Link Consistent exercise associated with lower risk of colon cancer death |
| Research Link Recent Results Cancer Res. 2011;186:73-100 |
| December 31, 2010 Research indicates that greater intakes of dietary calcium reduces the risk of kidney stone formation in both younger and older women. |
| Consumer Link Study finds diet can affect kidney stones |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2004 Apr 26;164(8):885-91. |
| December 30, 2010 Are you getting ready to wrap up the holiday party season? Remember to have a high-protein snack before heading off to a party. Research shows that high-protein foods have a high satiety value and can help reduce the desire to mindlessly over-consume those special goodies at the party. |
| Consumer Link Balance and moderation best at holiday parties |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1558S-1561S. |
| December 29, 2010 Eating habits of the mother may affect what foods her toddler will eat. Research indicates that toddlers are less likely to consume adequate fruits and vegetables if their mother does not. |
| Consumer Link Mothers' diets have biggest influence on children eating healthy. |
| Research Link Public Health Nurs. 2010 Sep;27(5):408-17. |
| December 28, 2010 University of Mass. Medical School research showed that what a mouse is fed before becoming a father can affect health risk factors in their offspring. Male mice fed a low protein diet fathered offspring that had altered synthesis of lipids and cholesterol in the liver. This research will undoubtedly open many new research doors. |
| Consumer Link You are what your father ate. |
| Research Link Cell. 2010 Dec 23;143(7):1084-96. |
| December 27, 2010 Not all foods are created equal, even if their culinary function is the same. For example, egg white may be used in place of whole egg, but eliminating the egg yoke also eliminates about half of the protein and nearly all of the essential nutrient choline. |
| Consumer Link Little-noticed choline plays essential role |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23 for choline |
| December 26, 2010 The enjoyment of exercise is associated with the ease of the exercise. Adequate hydration has been shown to decrease muscle fatigue allowing you to get better workouts. |
| Consumer Link Fluids and Exercise |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001 Oct;33(10):1694-700 |
| December 25, 2010 Meeting nutritional needs is very difficult when a person cannot count on obtaining adequate amounts of food. USDA indicates that between 5 - 10% of the US population is food insecure. Specific populations, including college students, may have even higher rates of food insecurity. |
| Consumer Link Food Security in the United States: Frequency of Food Insecurity |
| Research Link Public Health Nutr. 2009 Nov;12(11):2097-103. |
| December 24, 2010 Santa says that there can be health at every size. He emphasizes that body fat has important biological functions, especially in the North Pole climate. He may be a big man, but the high level of physical activity required for his work keeps him quite fit and healthy. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1854-61. |
| December 23, 2010 Are you anticipating several hours of shopping at the mall? Although the mall-a-thon may not be quite like a marathon, it is still important to maintain hydration and electrolyte status to successfully complete the event. |
| Consumer Link Endurance shoppers need nutrition plan, too |
| Research Link Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010 Oct;20 Suppl 3:40-7. |
| December 22, 2010 Many food lists indicate that clams are a good iron source. Chopped and minced clam products however are actually very low in iron. Whole baby clam products that are generally rich in iron can contain excessive amounts of other minerals due to environmental conditions. |
| Consumer Link Finding iron-rich foods can be a difficult task |
| Research Link J Food Comp and Analysis. 2009;(22):S78-S82. |
| December 21, 2010 The increased risk of cancer sometimes associated with consuming meat may be related only to consuming high-fat and processed meats. Lean red meat provides a number of anticancer micronutrients including selenium and vitamins B6 and B12. Consuming lower fat meats along with plenty of veggies may contribute to reduced cancer risk. |
| Consumer Link Don't forget to eat your veggies |
| Research Link Meat Sci. 2010 Feb;84(2):308-13. Epub 2009 Jun 23. |
| December 20, 2010 Excessive alcohol consumption increases a person's requirement for thiamin (vitamin B-1). Symptoms associated with B-1 deficiency include: erratic eye movements, staggering gait and deranged mental functions. |
| Consumer Link B-1 deficiency causes serious health woes |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 Dec;33(12):2750-61. |
| December 19, 2010 Strength training is especially beneficial for people over 65 years of age. Besides strengthening the muscles, strength training appears to benefit the brain as well and requires just once a week on an ongoing basis. |
| Consumer Link Strength training keeps seniors’ wits sharp: Study |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(22):2036-2038. |
| December 18, 2010 For most of us, holiday eating tends to be higher in fat and calories than how we eat the rest of the year. Maintaining modest amounts of fruit and vegetables in the diet can help to reduce the potential short-term adverse effects of high-fat meals on the cardiovascular system. |
| Consumer Link Switch from fat phobia to fat smarts |
| Research Link J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003 May 21;41(10):1744-9. |
| December 17, 2010 Parents have a strong influence on how a child feels about their body image. Especially during the holidays, parents should be careful about how they verbalize concerns about overeating of holiday goodies. |
| Consumer Link Criticism may trigger eating disorders |
| Research Link Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2009 Mar;17(2):137-51 |
| December 16, 2010 Home canned foods can be very special holiday gifts with that personal touch. Just remember that food canning is a science, not an art. Getting too creative could result in an unforgettable gift – not in a good way. |
| Consumer Link Homemade holiday food baskets may give gift of botulism |
| Research Link J Food Prot. 2010 May;73(5):993-1002. |
| December 15, 2010 A study conducted on 8 to 10 year-old children in Hong Kong found that the children who consumed the least fluid and least liked eating fruits and vegetables were more than 10 times as likely to have constipation. |
| Consumer Link Children Who Don't Like Fruit And Vegetables Are 13 Times More Likely To Be Constipated |
| Research Link J Clin Nurs. 2010 Dec;19(23-24):3390-400. |
| December 14, 2010 When cutting calories for weight loss, it is important to not cut calories from protein. In fact, protein needs actually increase on a low calorie diet. |
| Consumer Link Protein really is a prescription for weight loss |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S. |
| December 13, 2010 Cold and flu viruses often spread when people get together for the holidays. Hot chicken soup can help treat the symptoms by known anti-inflammatory effects and by temporarily increasing the flow of mucus. |
| Consumer Link Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt |
| Research Link Chest. 2009 Nov;136(5 Suppl):e29. |
| December 12, 2010 Cranberries tend to be consumed as a holiday food. However, research on the chemical components of cranberries indicates that there are good reasons to consume these berries year-round. |
| Consumer Link Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Aug;50(7):666-79. |
| December 11, 2010 Children and teenagers who participate in organized sports frequently do not get enough physical activity to meet national recommendations for at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Parents should strive to provide additional opportunities for their children to be physically active. |
| Consumer Link Kids active only about half of time in sports practices |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010 Dec 6. [Epub ahead of print] |
| December 10, 2010 Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a compound in milk that is associated with decreased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Maybe this is why Santa likes milk with his cookies. |
| Consumer Link Why Santa needs milk and cookies |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Oct;80(4):887-95. |
| December 9, 2010 Compression stockings are commonly used to treat health problems related to poor circulation in the lower legs. Endurance athletes use similar stockings and there is evidence that their use can enhance certain types of sports performance and promote recovery from workouts. |
| Consumer Link Athletes hope stockings can improve blood flow |
| Research Link J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):101-5. |
| December 8, 2010 The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases released their first ever set of guidelines for diagnosis and management of food allergy. These standards have been much needed by clinicians. The guidelines should help to avoid depriving children and adults of foods that have been improperly identified as allergenic. |
| Consumer Link Food allergy guidelines urge doctors to be thorough |
| Research Link Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States |
| December 7, 2010 People who eat a diet rich in vitamin B12 may be protecting themselves from developing Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin B12 is found in eggs, fish, poultry and red meats or can be obtained in specially fortified foods and dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamin B12 Reduce Alzheimer's Risk? |
| Research Link J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;19(2):481-8. |
| December 6, 2010 The vitamin D Recommended Dietary Allowances are set to be adequate for the average healthy person. These recommendations may not meet the needs of high risk seniors such as those who are obese, have osteoporosis, or have limited sun exposure. The International Osteoporosis Foundation recommends greater amounts of vitamin D for these individuals. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Intakes Recommended by the IOM Adequate for Most Average Risk Seniors, However IOF Advises Higher Daily Intakes for High Risk Seniors |
| Research Link IOF position statement: vitamin D recommendations for older adults. |
| December 5, 2010 Regular exercise is an important component for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Federal guidelines and a position statement from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. |
| Consumer Link Diabetics should exercise 150 minutes a week |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exer. 2010;42(12):2282-2303. |
| December 4, 2010 People often skip meals as they get busy. Remember, fasting is a strong headache trigger, especially among chronic headache sufferers. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link Neurology. 1995 Nov;45(11):1953-5. |
| December 3, 2010 The new daily calcium intakes recommended by the Institute of Medicine are essentially the same as those released 13 years ago but they now are firmly supported by 13 more years of research. |
| Consumer Link Got Expert? Nutrition Professor Discusses New Calcium Guidelines |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D |
| December 2, 2010 There are trillions of bacterial organisms living in the lower part of the human intestine. A balanced diet helps this "microbiota" protect us against infections, some cancers, and may even play a role in the prevention of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| December 1, 2010 Yesterday the Institute of Medicine recommended a moderate increase in daily vitamin D intake. The non-profit Vitamin D Council considers these recommendations to be much too low because the Institute based their recommendation on bone health rather than considering the many other functions of vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D Guidelines Edge Upwards, But Most Americans Getting Enough:Report |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D |
| November 30, 2010 Exclusively breast-fed infants should be given an iron supplement starting at 4 months of age. The supplement should provide 1 mg of iron per kg body weight per day until the infant is consuming an adequate amount of iron-rich foods. |
| Consumer Link Protect your child from iron deficiency |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2010 Nov;126(5):1040-50. |
| November 29, 2010 Most of the so-called energy drinks provide real energy (calories) in the form of sugar and perceived energy from the effects of caffeine on the brain. |
| Consumer Link Energy Drinks |
| Research Link Drug Alcohol Depend. 2009 Jan 1;99(1-3):1-10. |
| November 28, 2010 Supplementation with vitamin C does not generally decrease the risk of catching a cold. However, research does indicate that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of colds for people exposed to extreme physical stresses like running a marathon. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980. |
| November 27, 2010 Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract) caused by E. coli and campylobacter bacterial infections may have long-term effects. A recent study reported increased risk of hypertension, impaired kidney function, and cardiovascular disease in people who had previously suffered from these types of infections. |
| Consumer Link Gastroenteritis may be over in a few days, but the consequences can linger for years |
| Research Link BMJ. 2010 Nov 17;341:c6020. |
| November 26, 2010 Many studies have reported a reduced risk of chronic disease in people who eat more fruits and vegetables. Researchers initially expected this was due to increased beta-carotene intake. However, recent research indicates that alpha-carotene may be the protective factor. Like beta-carotene, alpha carotene is found in many yellow-orange and dark green fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link High Alpha-Carotene Levels Associated With Longer Life |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med [ePub online November 22, 2010] |
| November 25, 2010 Meeting protein needs is especially important as we age. When protein needs are not met, the much too common geriatric condition of sarcopenia (loss of muscle) can develop. By starting the day with high protein foods, a person is more likely to obtain the protein they need. |
| Consumer Link Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight |
| Research Link Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Jan;12(1):86-90 |
| November 24, 2010 The most common conditions linked to chronically low magnesium intake include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Spinach, nuts, seeds, beans, and brown rice are all reasonable sources of magnesium. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Magnes Res. 2009 Dec;22(4):235-46. |
| November 23, 2010 Along with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, there is good news from a recent survey by the American Dietetic Association. Since 2003, the number of families daily eating meals together at home increased from 52 to 73 percent. |
| Consumer Link The importance of dinner together — not just at Thanksgiving, but every day |
| Research Link American Dietetic Association Press Release |
| November 22, 2010 With Thanksgiving dinner preparations, it is important to remember that we are each at the end of the food safety chain from farm to fork. Let's keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold for a happy holiday! |
| Consumer Link 10 steps to avoid Tom Turkey's revenge |
| Research Link Food Safety and Inspection Service |
| November 21, 2010 Older individuals who wear dentures tend to consume fewer servings of fruits and vegetables than those with teeth. Food service for older people should include soft foods and juices rich in carotenoids and vitamin C. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Public Health Dent. 2009 Fall;69(4):207-16. |
| November 20, 2010 The phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in the retina of the eye. The best absorbed sources include commonly used tomato sauce and catsup. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes prove their worthiness |
| Research Link Can Med Assoc J. 2000 Sep 19;163(6):739-44. |
| November 19, 2010 Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appears to be increasing in the U.S. population. Researchers have proposed many potential causes, including nutrient deficiencies in zinc, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Consumer Link Increasing Prevalence of Parent-Reported ADHD Among Children --- United States, 2003 and 2007. |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Oct;66(10):558-68. |
| November 18, 2010 Controlled studies report that drinking water before meals can decrease calorie intake during the meal and enhance attempts to lose weight. At the very least, this is a simple and harmless practice with potential benefits. |
| Consumer Link The Claim: Drinking Water Before Meals Aids Weight Loss |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010 Feb;18(2):300-7. |
| November 17, 2010 Iron needs for physically active individuals may be 30% greater than the needs of their less active friends. Meeting iron needs with food sources of well-absorbed iron is important for overall health. In general, iron is absorbed better from animal foods than from plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Iron - Micronutrient Information Center |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes - Food & Nutrition Board |
| November 16, 2010 The calories used to walk a mile depend mostly on a person's body weight. However, for two people weighing the same, the shorter person will typically use slightly more calories – about one extra calorie (kcal) per mile for each inch difference in height. |
| Consumer Link Take that, Stretch! Short people burn more calories walking |
| Research Link J Exp Biol. 2010;213:3972-3979. |
| November 15, 2010 What causes food allergies in infants is not well understood. A recent study found that the women who ate the most peanuts during pregnancy were the most likely to have infants that developed peanut allergies. |
| Consumer Link Eating peanuts while pregnant may raise kid's allergy risks |
| Research Link J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 14, 2010 Doctors often encourage their patients to become "educated consumers" of their medical care and personal health problems. Remember when seeking medical information through the Internet that many website offer medical fiction rather than fact. Seek reliable science-based websites. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| November 13, 2010 Staying in shape takes a lot less effort than getting into shape. Therefore maintain at least a small amount of exercise to prevent rapid fat gain. |
| Consumer Link Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1975-84. |
| November 12, 2010 True food allergies can be life threatening, but it is important to know that in a controlled clinical setting, almost 90% of children previously diagnosed with food allergies actually were not allergic to the supposedly offending foods when tested with an oral food challenge test. |
| Consumer Link Study suggests over-diagnosis of food allergy in children |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2010 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] |
| November 11, 2010 Based on four studies conducted before 2007, the American Institute for Cancer Research stated that there was "limited evidence from sparse and inconsistent studies suggesting that processed meat is a cause of prostate cancer." However, a recent "meta-analysis" of 26 studies found that the consumption of red meat or processed meat had no positive association with the occurrence of prostate cancer. |
| Consumer Link No red or processed meat link to prostate cancer: Meta-analysis |
| Research Link Nutrition Journal 2010, 9:50. |
| November 10, 2010 Iron needs for physically active individuals can be as much as 30% greater than the needs of their less active friends. Consuming food sources of well-absorbed iron is important for overall health. In general, iron is absorbed better from animal foods than from plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Iron - Micronutrient Information Center |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes - Food & Nutrition Board |
| November 9, 2010 Daily exercise provides clear health benefits, but high intensity and very long duration exercise can create oxidative stress in the body. To facilitate the body's adaptation to this oxidative stress, consume recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant benefits. |
| Consumer Link Marathon runners deplete vitamins, raise oxidative stress |
| Research Link Free Radic Biol Med. 2001 Oct 1;31(7):911-22. |
| November 8, 2010 Although increased fluid and sodium needs are associated with hot weather and exercise, remember the flu can cause an increased internal temperature that requires increased fluid as well. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link J Occup Med Toxicol. 2008 Jan 29;3:4. |
| November 7, 2010 A balanced breakfast with a mixture of protein, carbohydrate, and fat can help to avoid that mid-morning dive in mental focus and the pre-lunch surge in appetite that are more likely to follow a high carbohydrate breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| November 6, 2010 There has been considerable debate about how much protein a person needs during their last decade or two of life. Recent studies, however, indicate that for optimal health, protein needs increase somewhat during these years. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009 Jun;57(6):1073-9. |
| November 5, 2010 Too much or too little of some nutrients can change the senses of taste and smell. For example, a deficient or imbalanced intake of iron or zinc can eventually impair normal sensitivity to flavors and odors. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jul;136(7):673-6. |
| November 4, 2010 Gallstone disease can cause extreme pain and require surgery. Risk of developing gallstones is greatly increased by prolonged fasting or rapid weight loss. Risk is decreased by consuming adequate calories, exercising regularly, and eating recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| November 3, 2010 Vitamins in dietary supplements degrade more rapidly in a moist environment like the bathroom medicine cabinet. Store unopened vitamin supplements in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let the bottle warm to room temperature before opening and then store in a dry place at room temperature when the bottle is being opened on a daily basis. |
| Consumer Link The Claim: Always Store Vitamins in the Medicine Cabinet |
| Research Link J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Mar 24;58(6):3532-40. |
| November 2, 2010 Red yeast rice supplements are taken by many people to lower blood cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, chemical analysis of 12 commercial preparations showed that the amount of active compounds varied greatly with the highest product containing 35 times as much as the lowest. Possibly of greater concern, four products contained a liver toxin. |
| Consumer Link Red Yeast Rice Supplements Vary in Potency |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(19):1722-1727. |
| November 1, 2010 Based on a mouse study, consuming white button mushrooms can enhance potentially beneficial immune system function. |
| Consumer Link Researchers Study Benefits of White Button Mushrooms |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Mar;138(3):544-550. |
| October 31, 2010 Got heartburn? To avoid symptoms while sleeping, don't eat close to bedtime and consider adding a slight incline to your bed to raise the upper body. Also, sleeping on the left side causes less symptoms than sleeping on the right side. |
| Consumer Link The Claim: Lying on Your Left Side Eases Heartburn |
| Research Link Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Oct;95(10):2731-6. |
| October 30, 2010 Rather that a focus on short-term weight loss goals, a long-term focus on developing fitness is more likely to deliver health benefits. Many disease risks associated with excess body weight, such as cardiovascular disease, are greatly reduced by regular physical activity even without weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Worry about fitness, not fat |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| October 29, 2010 Fresh produce that is consumed raw or lightly cooked can have a risk of foodborne illness. Like other types of produce, fresh sprouts, including organic sprouts, may become contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms. Individuals with compromised immune systems can still enjoy sprouts if they are cooked before eating. |
| Consumer Link Sprouts: What You Should Know |
| Research Link Int J Food Microbiol. 1999 Nov 15;52(3):123-53. |
| October 28, 2010 Vitamin D is known to be important for healthy bones. More recent research shows vitamin D also is essential for many other physiological functions, such as a strong immune system. |
| Consumer Link Is vitamin D deficiency casting a cloud over your health? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35. |
| October 27, 2010 Caffeine is considered to be the most commonly consumed drug in the world. Among other bits of good news from research on coffee, moderate consumption appears to reduce the risk of developing liver and gallstone diseases. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(2):101-23. |
| October 26, 2010 Studies on bone health report that a low protein diet can be as bad for bones as a low calcium diet. A balanced diet with adequate protein, calcium, and all other nutrients helps to avoid osteoporosis. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:131-55. |
| October 25, 2010 Evidence continues to support eating the recommended amount of vegetables to reduce chronic disease risk. The adult recommendation for 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day assumes that the vegetables are consumed as part of an overall balanced diet with all food groups included. |
| Consumer Link Collards and carrots may thwart breast cancer |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2010 Oct 11. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 24, 2010 Pagophagy is the medical term for the drive to consume copious amounts of ice. People with this condition frequently are deficient in iron and correcting the deficiency eliminates the craving. |
| Consumer Link With this eating disorder, 1 theory does not fit all |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2010 Aug 21;30:403-22. |
| October 23, 2010 Decreasing salt in your diet and increasing high potassium foods may or may not reduce your blood pressure. Researchers are working toward finding the specific genes that can help to identify those who are salt sensitive. |
| Consumer Link Study suggests genetic mechanisms for blood pressure and salt intake |
| Research Link J Hum Hypertens. 2010 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 22, 2010 Vitamin B12 deficiency can damage nerve cells and lead to memory loss similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Recent research suggests that maintaining adequate B12 levels in the body may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Adequate B12 status also helps to prevent the misdiagnosis of B12 deficiency as Alzheimer’s disease. |
| Consumer Link Can Vitamin B12 Reduce Alzheimer's Risk? |
| Research Link Neurology 2010;75:1408-1414. |
| October 21, 2010 Treatment of the eating disorder anorexia nervosa requires normalizing nutrition for psychological complications to resolve. Recent research shows that involving family members as a component in the treatment process can improve successful recovery. |
| Consumer Link Bringing in family to combat anorexia |
| Research Link Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010 Oct;67(10):1025-32. |
| October 20, 2010 The "Got Nutrients?" October 17th tip warned about a serious error rapidly spreading on the Internet that recommended excessively high iron intake for infants. The original source of this error was a press release that has now been corrected and can be viewed at today's consumer link. It will take awhile to get this error corrected elsewhere on the web. |
| Consumer Link AAP Offers Guidance to Boost Iron Levels in Children |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2010 Oct 5. |
| October 19, 2010 Iodized salt is the major source of essential iodine in many people’s diets. When salt is restricted in the diet, alternative sources of iodine need to be included to avoid iodine deficiency and thyroid problems. Food sources include seafood and foods from plants grown near the ocean. |
| Consumer Link Salt restriction could increase risk of iodine deficiency |
| Research Link Am J Hypertens. 2010 Oct;23(10):1095-102. |
| October 18, 2010 Foodborne illness remains a persistent problem causing more than 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. As football season and tailgating roll into full swing, don’t forget to keep foods safe by keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Always store perishables foods at 40 degrees F or below. |
| Consumer Link Food Safety Tips for Tailgating |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2010 May;68(5):257-69. |
| October 17, 2010 An article, “Pediatricians Issue New Iron Guidelines,” released by HealthDay news service, contains a dangerous error recommending a toxic level of iron (11 mg of iron per kg body weight per day) for infants age 6 months to a year rather than 11 mg per day as cited by the researchers. This misinformation is now on many websites including government sites. |
| Consumer Link Toxicity, Iron |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2010 Oct 5. |
| October 16, 2010 It is estimated that iron deficiency affects as much as 15 percent of infants and toddlers up to the age of 3 in the United States. Unfortunately, iron deficiency during this life stage can have irreversible adverse effects on cognitive and behavioral development. |
| Consumer Link Pediatricians Issue New Iron Guidelines |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2010 Oct 5. [Epub ahead of print] |
| October 15, 2010 Researchers find that teens and young adults with eating disorders frequently attempt to hide their condition under the guise of a vegetarian diet. |
| Consumer Link Not Always So Healthy Experts link vegetarianism to possible eating disorders |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Apr;109(4):648-55. |
| October 14, 2010 Consuming adequate dietary fiber requires including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in the diet. However, too much fiber can reduce the ability to absorb essential minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. Good health is a matter of balance, not extremes. |
| Consumer Link Balancing the facts on fiber |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2002 May;60(5 Pt 1):127-34. |
| October 13, 2010 Hair loss in women is often caused by a diet that is too low in iron and the amino acid lysine. Rich sources of lysine include poultry, fish, and lean red meat. Red meat also is a good source of iron. |
| Consumer Link Hair loss in women has contributing factors |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| October 12, 2010 If you take a fish oil supplement, don't exceed the product's dosage directions. Some studies have reported that taking excessive amounts of fish oil on a regular basis could impair immune function and increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke due to a blood-thinning effect. |
| Consumer Link A diet of only good foods is impossible |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 1993 Dec;12(6):321-8. |
| October 11, 2010 People with cancer often need to follow diets different from what they believe is healthy. Plenty of protein and calories can be needed to keep up strength and rebuild tissues harmed by cancer treatment. Ask your physician to refer you to a dietitian for help. |
| Consumer Link Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment |
| Research Link CA Cancer J Clin. 2006 Nov-Dec;56(6):323-53. |
| October 10, 2010 Research indicates that three 10-minute walks may be just as beneficial to health as one 30-minute walk. If your are just getting back into exercise, you can start with one10-minute walk and build up to three a day. |
| Consumer Link Burn calories without burning out |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| October 9, 2010 Vitamin B6, b12 and folate may be extremely important for protecting your brain from the typical damage that occurs with aging. A rich source of all three of these nutrients is liver. |
| Consumer Link B vitamins help combat the brain drain of aging |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2010; 5(9): e12244. |
| October 8, 2010 Most Americans consume only 75 to 80 % of the magnesium recommended for long term health. Green vegetables, beans, and whole grains (including brown rice), are good food sources of magnesium. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Apr 15;105(15):5768-73. |
| October 7, 2010 Normal nerve development in infants requires adequate iodine from mother's milk or infant formula. Dietary iodine comes primarily from iodized salt. Therefore, if you are limiting salt intake, make sure your dietary supplement contains iodine. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ Sci Technol. 2008 Feb 15;42(4):1315-23. |
| October 6, 2010 Studies on coffee and caffeine have identified some encouraging links to specific health benefits. Although these types of studies can't prove cause and effect, they do indicate that coffee drinkers have a decreased risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, Alzheimer's disease and colorectal cancer. |
| Consumer Link Moderate amount of coffee can be beneficial to health |
| Research Link Nutrition. 2010 Oct;26(10):932-8. |
| October 5, 2010 Vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system and may be especially important as we enter into flu season. Recent research indicates that even those with seemingly adequate sun exposure may be low in vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, fortified milk, and dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Holiday flu could be caused by a shortage of vitamin D |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Jun;92(6):2130-5. |
| October 4, 2010 Despite extensive media attention to high fructose corn syrup, it is not likely the major contributor to obesity and related health problems. Increased consumption of vegetable oils and cereal products have added a significant amount of calories to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. |
| Consumer Link Is high fructose corn syrup making us fat? |
| Research Link Physiol Rev. 2010 Jan;90(1):23-46. |
| October 3, 2010 Consuming a diet with adequate protein is important for bone health. |
| Consumer Link Proper protein is necessary |
| Research Link Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009 Mar 13;6:12. |
| October 2, 2010 Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength resulting in frailty in the elderly. Exercise and adequate protein helps to slow this aging process. |
| Consumer Link Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight |
| Research Link J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Jan;21(1):1-13. Epub 2009 Oct 1. |
| October 1, 2010 Both increased exercise and cutting calories can increase protein needs. Consequently, when attempting to lose weight with exercise or diet, care should be taken to maintain an adequate intake of high protein foods. Calorie cutting should focus on foods high in carbohydrate and fat -- not protein. |
| Consumer Link Men, women respond differently to exercise |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010 Sep;18(9):1725-32. |
| September 30, 2010 People with diabetes can make major improvements in their condition with the right type of exercise and diet. Diabetic athletes are best managed individually by a team of medical professionals including the athletic trainer, sports nutritionist, and physician. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps treat diabetes |
| Research Link Clin Sports Med. 2009 Jul;28(3):479-95. |
| September 29, 2010 Modern sedentary lifestyles may be the major cause of many common health problems. Find fun physical activities to increase your calorie needs. Being able to eat more food to meet higher calorie needs also increases the intake of essential nutrients and other beneficial food components. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2006 Jul 19;3:17. |
| September 28, 2010 Although vitamin B12 deficiency is common in those over 65 years of age, the deficiency often goes unrecognized because of its subtle clinical symptoms. Taking a preventive B-12 supplement is recommended for those entering their sixth or seventh decades of life. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link QJM. 2009 Jan;102(1):17-28. Epub 2008 Nov 5. |
| September 27, 2010 Despite increasing rates of overweight and obesity, the current medical system typically allows little time for physicians to counsel patients about weight management. Those with weight problems should request referrals to meet with qualified nutrition and fitness professionals. |
| Consumer Link City-Dwelling Women Face Diet And Exercise Challenges |
| Research Link Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Oct;116(4):1011-4. |
| September 26, 2010 For middle-age adults, the overall risk of death is greatest for the thinnest and the heaviest. Individuals in the middle weight range have the lowest risk. However, for people over 75, those with the most body fat are most likely to survive hospitalization. |
| Consumer Link Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):505-10. |
| September 25, 2010 Carbohydrate is a food component that provides sugar (glucose) required by the brain. In a balanced diet, some of this glucose comes directly from sugars, but most of it comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as rice, potatoes, bread, and pasta. |
| Consumer Link Sweeten life with sugar in moderation |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Oct;78(4):893S-897S. |
| September 24, 2010 The three components of the "Female Athlete Triad" are disordered eating, disrupted menstrual cycle and osteoporosis. The disordered eating component is mainly related to low calorie intake and poor food selection. The inadequate calorie intake can be inadvertent, intentional or psychopathological. |
| Consumer Link 'Female athlete triad' hurts performance and health |
| Research Link Conn Med. 1999 Nov;63(11):647-52. |
| September 23, 2010 To decrease your risk of cancer, scientific studies support eating a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts, as well as lower-fat milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish. |
| Consumer Link Milk contains anti-cancer nutrients |
| Research Link Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Dec;14(12):2898-904. |
| September 22, 2010 Vitamin A is needed for normal growth, reproduction, bone health, blood cell production, skin health and immune function, but too much vitamin A (just 2 to 3 times the current recommended vitamin A intake) has been linked to increased bone loss and birth defects. |
| Consumer Link Too much vitamin A can be toxic |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2007 Oct;65(10):425-38. |
| September 21, 2010 In a healthy person, intestinal bacteria help to protect the body against invasion by disease-causing bacteria. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains helps to support a beneficial bacterial ecology in the lower intestine. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link PLoS One. 2010 May 17;5(5):e10667. |
| September 20, 2010 Dehydration can adversely affect many body functions, especially in older adults. Even something as basic as balance can be impaired, leading to an increased risk of falling. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Feb;64(2):115-23. |
| September 19, 2010 The most common kidney stones are calcium oxalate. Interestingly, low calcium diets increase the risk of forming these stones, apparently because more oxalate is absorbed from the diet when dietary calcium is low. |
| Consumer Link This Too Shall Pass: Avoid Kidney Stones Through Diet |
| Research Link Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010 Sep 16. [Epub ahead of print] |
| September 18, 2010 Marginal-to-moderate magnesium deficiency may play a role in high blood pressure and conditions associated with inflammatory stress. Boost magnesium in your diet by including green vegetables, beans, and whole grains. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2010 Jun;68(6):333-40. |
| September 17, 2010 The safe use of a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement depends on its nutrient formulation and your overall diet. Some dietary supplements may exceed safe levels for certain nutrients; if you also eat fortified foods, you may be at greater risk of exceeding safe limits for some nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Is a multivitamin a smart idea? |
| Research Link How much is too much? |
| September 16, 2010 Our brain is a major part of our human individuality. Without adequate nutrition, many mental functions can be compromised. Consuming a balanced diet with all essential nutrients supports a healthy mind that can help us to fully express our uniqueness. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| September 15, 2010 Exercise programs can be effective in treating anxiety disorders and depression. This may not mean swapping professional treatment for a pair of running shoes, but daily exercise is likely to enhance the effects of other therapies. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link Nord J Psychiatry. 2008;62 Suppl 47:25-9. |
| September 14, 2010 People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes often have low blood levels of thiamin (vitamin B-1). This is likely due to increased daily loss of thiamin in the urine. Foods rich in thiamin include pork, nuts, fish, soybeans, and enriched grain products. |
| Consumer Link B-1 deficiency causes serious health woes |
| Research Link Curr Diabetes Rev. 2005 Aug;1(3):287-98. |
| September 13, 2010 Taking high levels of dietary supplements may be beneficial in states of nutrient insufficiency, however consuming ample amounts of a wide variety of foods is a safer route to health. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin limits hard to set |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1543S-1548S. |
| September 12, 2010 Keeping a wide variety of foods in the diet is extremely important, even for the prevention of hypothyroidism. Excessive consumption of cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables, soy products, and millet can interfere with thyroid hormone production. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Endocr Rev. 2009 Jun;30(4):376-408. Epub 2009 May 21. |
| September 11, 2010 Some medications can decrease the ability to absorb a nutrient. For example, drugs that decrease stomach acid can reduce the ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods and a supplemental source of vitamin B-12 is needed. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link Ann Pharmacother. 2002 May;36(5):812-6. |
| September 10, 2010 Both human and animal studies have shown that abruptly stopping an exercise habit results in rapid gain in body fat. Staying active at a reduced level, however, does not seem to have much effect on body fat. |
| Consumer Link Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1975-84. |
| September 9, 2010 A woman's bones are designed to handle the demands of pregnancy as long as her diet has an adequate supply of all nutrients (especially calcium). |
| Consumer Link Childbearing strains mom's calcium level |
| Research Link Endocrinology. 2010 Mar;151(3):886-95. |
| September 8, 2010 Breast cancer risk does not seem to be linked to any specific types of foods in the diet. Moderating risk appears to involve consuming a wide variety of foods in moderate amounts from among all types of foods. However, excessive alcohol consumption and excess body weight are both linked to increased breast cancer risk. |
| Consumer Link Milk contains anti-cancer nutrients |
| Research Link Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Feb;21(1):80-5. |
| September 7, 2010 Vitamin D plays important roles in the function of the immune system. Avoiding sun exposure may benefit skin health, but a lack of sunshine does increase your need for food or dietary supplement sources of vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Holiday flu could be caused by a shortage of vitamin D |
| Research Link Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40. |
| September 6, 2010 Both low carbohydrate/high fat and low fat/high carbohydrate diets have been shown to promote weight loss when calories are controlled. However, some research indicates that high fat diets may adversely affect the flexibility of arteries. |
| Consumer Link Here's the skinny on cutting fat, carbs |
| Research Link Diabetes. 2009 Dec;58(12):2741-8. |
| September 5, 2010 Some people are so concerned with healthy eating that they have grown afraid of food. This condition, called “orthorexia nervosa,” can lead to a diet so narrow that it causes nutrient deficiencies that damage health. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2007 Dec;57(4):313-5. |
| September 4, 2010 There may be something to the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Daily consumption of two apples or 12 ounces of apple juice was found to reduce oxidation of the "bad" low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in healthy men and women. |
| Consumer Link NY Apple Country Heart Health Study |
| Research Link J Med Food. 2000 Winter;3(4):159-66. |
| September 3, 2010 Body Mass Index, or BMI, is often used to assess a person’s fatness. However, it is a rather inaccurate estimate of an individual’s body fat. Decisions about the need to lose weight should not be based on BMI alone. |
| Consumer Link Weight Index Doesn’t Tell the Whole Truth |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Jun;32(6):959-66. |
| September 2, 2010 Sensitivity to thirst often declines with age. Therefore, consuming fluids on a schedule rather than when thirsty can become essential to maintain basic body functions such as adequate blood flow throughout the body and especially to the brain. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009;49 Suppl 1:19-27. |
| September 1, 2010 Although exercise is less likely to promote fat loss in women than in men, exercise does benefit health in both genders and allows both men and women to eat more calories without gaining weight. |
| Consumer Link Men, women respond differently to exercise |
| Research Link Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Feb;296(2):R233-42. |
| August 31, 2010 Does your job keep you too sedentary? Find ways to make many small extra movements throughout the day. Even simple fidgeting can add up to many extra calories burned. |
| Consumer Link Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time |
| Research Link Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2008 Oct;15(5):409-15. |
| August 30, 2010 Why do some people really like flavors that you don’t like? It may be in your genes. Some people are “supertasters” of specific flavors in foods, especially bitter flavors. |
| Consumer Link Genetics determines how we taste |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2000 Aug;25(4):447-60. |
| August 29, 2010 Research on caffeine consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease often reports a potential benefit of caffeine rather than a risk. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine not linked to certain heart risks in women |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr 92: 509-514, 2010. |
| August 28, 2010 Some B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism, the process of utilizing the calories in carbohydrate, fat, and protien. Good sources of thiamin, riboflavin and niacin include whole and enriched grain products. |
| Consumer Link Water-Soluble Vitamins |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference |
| August 27, 2010 Breakfast benefits brain function. Research has repeatedly indicated that cognitive function is better when breakfast is not skipped. This effect is most pronounced in children and teens. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast for a good start to day |
| Research Link Nutr Res Rev. 2009 Dec;22(2):220-43. |
| August 26, 2010 The link between food and health has been appreciated since at least the time of Hippocrates. Consuming an inadequate amount of even one essential nutrient can increase risk factors for disease. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition needed, even with ‘longevity gene’ |
| Research Link Nutr Health. 2009;20(2):135-66. |
| August 25, 2010 Depression and moodiness can result from nutrient deficiencies. In particular, deficient intake of folate, vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12, iron, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids can adversely affect brain function. |
| Consumer Link Can nutrients affect your mood? |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Nov 1;58(9):679-85. |
| August 24, 2010 Too much of a good thing can be bad. This applies to nutrients and even exercise. “Tolerable Upper Intake Levels” have been established for many nutrients to help people know how much is too much. |
| Consumer Link How much is too much? |
| Research Link Proc Nutr Soc. 2003 May;62(2):413-20. |
| August 23, 2010 Consuming the right balance of essential nutrients is the foundation for good health. These nutrients can be obtained from a balanced intake of a wide variety of foods. When diet is limited, proper use of nutritional supplements can be required to meet nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link JAMA. 2005 Jul 20;294(3):351-8. |
| August 22, 2010 With summer coming to an end, it is important to stay physically active. This helps to maintain or achieve a healthy weight and decreases risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Staying active can reduce diabetes risk in adulthood |
| Research Link Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;68 Suppl1:S73-81. |
| August 21, 2010 Research indicates that vitamin C does not prevent colds, but it can help to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Take steps against colds |
| Research Link Scand J Infect Dis. 1994;26(1):1-6. |
| August 20, 2010 Unscrupulous sellers of nutritional products often use marketing techniques that prey on our basic fears and desires under the guise of having scientific evidence for their product. Too often the "evidence" is just contrived pseudoscience. |
| Consumer Link Pseudoscience formula helps sell bogus products |
| Research Link Creating Your Own Pseudoscience |
| August 19, 2010 Methods of processing and preparation can affect the nutrient content of foods. For example, fresh tender bitter melon leafy tips are an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. However, during cooking a large amount of vitamin C is lost. |
| Consumer Link Foods used by Filipinos in Hawaii (14 MB) |
| Research Link J Food Sci. 2009 Aug;74(6):C441-8. |
| August 18, 2010 Too little good sleep can affect the balance and function of several hormones in ways that stimulate appetite, trigger cravings and affect the regulation of blood sugar in the body. This may be why inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain and diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Getting good night's sleep can ease health ailments |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jun;91(6):1550-9. |
| August 17, 2010 Low blood levels of vitamin D are more common in obese individuals. This fat soluble vitamin accumulates in fat cells and may be less available to meet the body's needs. Consequently, obese individuals appear to require more vitamin D than their leaner friends. |
| Consumer Link Overweight people need fat-soluble vitamins |
| Research Link Am J Med. 2009 Nov;122(11):1056-60. |
| August 16, 2010 Alternative “cures” for cancer can be very tempting to cancer patients. However, opting for questionable therapies can be very risky and can delay evidence-based treatments to the point that they may no longer be effective. |
| Consumer Link How Quackery Harms Cancer Patients |
| Research Link Ir Med J. 2008 Mar;101(3):82-4. |
| August 15, 2010 If you are starting up a new exercise program, remember that joints take longer than muscles to adapt to the stresses of exercise. So, gear up gradually to avoid damaging your joints. |
| Consumer Link Too fast, too furious exercise is ‘pain, no gain' |
| Research Link Br Med Bull. 1992 Jul;48(3):668-82. |
| August 14, 2010 If you are thinking that a nutritional product’s claims are “too good to be true,” try conducting an Internet search using the product’s name and terms like “scam” and “ripoff.” This can yield interesting and useful information. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin O marketers full of hot air |
| Research Link Int J Toxicol. 2003 Sep-Oct;22(5):387-90. |
| August 13, 2010 According to recent research, levels of the essential nutrient iodine have declined in the American diet over the past two decades. As people decrease their intake of iodized salt, it becomes more important to include seafood in the diet on a regular basis. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| August 12, 2010 When in doubt, throw it out. Foods contaminated with microorganisms make people extremely sick and can even kill. |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):103-8. |
| August 11, 2010 Inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids can aggravate arthritis. Consuming fish and algae oils can provide these food components and benefit overall joint health. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins can help ease pain in joints |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):133-40. |
| August 10, 2010 Foods and food components that show potential for preventing cancer are not necessarily beneficial during the treatment of cancer. A review of clinical trials reported that supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene should not be used during chemotherapy. |
| Consumer Link Not too much ... not too little ... but enough |
| Research Link J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Jun 4;100(11):773-83. |
| August 9, 2010 A multivitamin/mineral type of dietary supplement can make sense when calorie intake is low. This often is the case for those who are cutting calories for weight loss and for older adults who have low levels of physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Is a multivitamin a smart idea? |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 Aug;107(8):1322-32. |
| August 8, 2010 Over 70 percent of all kidney stones contain calcium oxalate. Increasing calcium intake while eating oxalate-rich foods reduces the risk of kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Combat kidney stones with water |
| Research Link Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1998 Sep;13(9):2241-7. |
| August 7, 2010 When you decide to eliminate a food from your diet, make sure your decision is based on science rather than Internet scare tactics masquerading as the latest nutrition news. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| August 6, 2010 Many studies indicate that exercise is more effective at preventing weight gain than it is at producing weight loss. However, exercise is very beneficial for everyone. Being overweight and fit appears to carry lower health risk than being thin and sedentary. |
| Consumer Link Worry about fitness, not fat |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| August 5, 2010 Recent analysis of national eating patterns found that choline intakes of older children and adults are far below the "Adequate Intake" recommendation. Since eggs and meat are the richest food sources of this nutrient, limiting these foods also reduces choline intake. |
| Consumer Link Little-noticed choline plays essential role |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23. |
| August 4, 2010 Although dietary protein tends to increase the loss of calcium in the urine, dietary protein also enhances the absorption of calcium. Overall, adequate protein benefits bone health. |
| Consumer Link Proper protein is necessary |
| Research Link Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009 Mar 13;6:12. |
| August 3, 2010 Cases of the bone deformity disease called rickets occurred when infants were fed macrobiotic diets by well-intentioned parents. This happened because the diet lacked vitamin D that can be found in fortified cow and soy milks. |
| Consumer Link Rickets makes a comeback |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2001 Apr;107(4):E46. |
| August 2, 2010 Dehydration can lead to overly low blood pressure and impair both brain function and balance. Drinking enough fluid can especially help older people avoid falls due to dizziness or disorientation. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Dehydration |
| August 1, 2010 Getting regular exercise is beneficial to long-term health. Recent research indicates that even if you exercise regularly, spending less time sitting provides additional health benefits. |
| Consumer Link The longer you sit, the shorter your life |
| Research Link Am J Epidemiol. 2010 Jul 22. [Epub ahead of print] |
| July 31, 2010 During endurance exercises like jogging, the first nutrient that runs low is water and the second is carbohydrate. For good endurance, stay hydrated during exercise and consume a balanced diet that includes high carbohydrate foods. |
| Consumer Link Athletes need to hydrate and devour carbohydrates |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 Mar;41(3):709-31. |
| July 30, 2010 One way to control calories without triggering hunger is to decrease portion size and mostly choose lower calorie options among your favorite foods. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jan;83(1):11-7. |
| July 29, 2010 Excess abdominal fat stored internally (also called visceral fat) is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fortunately, daily exercise helps to reduce this specific type of risky body fat. |
| Consumer Link Fat that lies beneath carries more risk |
| Research Link Int J Obes (Lond). 2007 Dec;31(12):1786-97. |
| July 28, 2010 Vitamin D is now known to be important in brain function. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with substantial cognitive decline in an older population studied over a 6-year period. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D and Mental Illness |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(13):1135-1141. |
| July 27, 2010 Parents feeding their infants and toddlers vegetarian milk alternatives need to be careful that the child is obtaining enough vitamin D and calcium. Children of well-intentioned parents have ended up with deformed bones due to rickets. |
| Consumer Link Rickets makes a comeback |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2001 Apr;107(4):E46. |
| July 26, 2010 Memory loss and vitamin B-12 deficiency are both common in those over 50. Since B-12 deficiency can cause memory problems, a thorough evaluation of vitamin B-12 status should be conducted in anyone who develops memory problems or other neurological symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2007 Mar-Apr;11(2):132-52. |
| July 25, 2010 Weight-loss surgery can make it very difficult to meet essential nutrient needs. Although this may not always cause obvious health problems, it can result in serious birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while deficient in a nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Study cautions women who have weight-loss surgery |
| Research Link J AAPOS. 2010 Jun;14(3):274-276. |
| July 24, 2010 Zinc nasal gels have been a popular cold remedy. Unfortunately, recent research indicates that their use can damage olfactory function and result in loss of the sense of smell. |
| Consumer Link Homeopathic Nasal Zinc Linked to Loss of Smell |
| Research Link Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jul;136(7):673-6. |
| July 23, 2010 If you eat a wide variety of wholesome foods, your child is more likely to follow suit. |
| Consumer Link Children's nutrition: 10 tips for picky eaters |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Jun;103(6):692-8. |
| July 22, 2010 Short-term memory loss can be a sign of a vitamin B-12 deficiency? Since the ability to absorb B-12 from foods declines with age, it is commonly recommended that people over 50 years of age meet their B-12 needs with fortified foods or supplements. |
| Consumer Link Dietary B-12 may not be enough |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2010;14(5):339-45. |
| July 21, 2010 For nursing infants to obtain adequate iodine from mother's milk, it is essential that the mother consume enough iodine in her diet. If you are cutting back on salt, it can reduce iodine intake and lower the iodine content of breastmilk. Be sure to find other sources of iodine. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| July 20, 2010 Prolonged stress has been shown to have negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Regular daily exercise is a great way to release stress and benefit heart and blood vessel health. |
| Consumer Link Take heart care in hand for good life |
| Research Link Cardiovascular Consequences of Chronic Stress |
| July 19, 2010 Unfortunately, some non-prescription medications, herbal products, and essential oils can cause birth defects. Consequently, no drugs or herbs should be used without the guidance of a physician or pharmacist - especially during pregnancy. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003 Dec;68(6):505-10. |
| July 18, 2010 Research shows that regular use of high vitamin C supplementation does not prevent the common cold. However, in people who are exposed to an extreme physical stress like running a marathon, vitamin C supplementation can cut the risk of catching a cold in half. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980. |
| July 17, 2010 Consuming adequate fruits, vegetables, and fish can help to maintain the health of your blood vessels and heart. |
| Consumer Link Heart healthy diet helps avoid strokes |
| Research Link Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2010 Feb;17(1):50-5. |
| July 16, 2010 Green tea is widely extolled for its beneficial content of polyphenols that are linked to reduced chronic disease risks. However, consuming too much tea (green or black) also can potentially supply excessive amounts of aluminum and fluoride. |
| Consumer Link The dark side of healthful 'superfoods' |
| Research Link Rev Saude Publica. 2004 Feb;38(1):100-5. Epub 2004 Jan 30. |
| July 15, 2010 Optimal nutrition promotes optimal health. The World Health Organization defines health as complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. |
| Consumer Link Optimal nutrition for optimal health |
| Research Link Üstün & Jakob. 2005;83:802 |
| July 14, 2010 Since the immune system is clearly involved in psoriasis, maintaining a healthy immune system helps to deal with the disease. Many nutrients are involved in supporting immune function, so meeting all nutrient needs may be step one in treating psoriasis. |
| Consumer Link Causes of psoriasis are not yet determined |
| Research Link Br J Dermatol. 2005 Oct;153(4):706-14. |
| July 13, 2010 Food sources of fats and oils provide various amounts of the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Low fat diets make it important to carefully select the fats and oils that provide enough of these fatty acids to meet recommended intake. |
| Consumer Link Fat is essential for health, in right types and amounts |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2004;24:597-615. |
| July 12, 2010 Decreasing a person's calorie intake by 300 to 400 calories per day below their calorie requirement can increase protein needs by at least 25 percent. Consequently, weight-loss diets that lower protein too much can be counter-productive. |
| Consumer Link Cut calories and add exercise to lose fat, not muscle |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Mar;139(3):514-21. |
| July 11, 2010 Physicians studying female hair loss report that many cases improve with iron supplementation even when initial blood values for iron status are within normally acceptable ranges. |
| Consumer Link Hair loss in women has contributing factors |
| Research Link Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2009;17(4):279-84. |
| July 10, 2010 The fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) naturally accumulate in body fat cells. This appears to increase the need for these vitamins in people who have higher amounts of body fat. |
| Consumer Link Overweight people need fat-soluble vitamins |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2010 May;140(5):1029-34. |
| July 9, 2010 Poor nutrition at any stage of life can affect health. Even the nutritional status of parents before conception can affect their child's lifelong health. Missing even one essential nutrient can impair the function of many cell types, including cells of the reproductive organs. |
| Consumer Link All essential nutrients needed to stay healthy |
| Research Link Indian J Med Res. 2009 Nov;130(5):600-8. |
| July 8, 2010 The breast-fed infant of a healthy mother can thrive on breast milk alone for four to six months. However, if a mother is deficient in vitamin B-12, her milk also will be deficient. This can irreversibly damage the baby's brain and nerve development. Consequently, vegetarian mothers are commonly advised to take a B-12 supplement. |
| Consumer Link New moms need B-12 for baby’s milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 May;66(5):250-5. |
| July 7, 2010 Fat is required in the diet for numerous important biological functions. Without some dietary fat, the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K are poorly absorbed. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to serious health problems. |
| Consumer Link Switch from fat phobia to fat smarts |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Apr;53 Suppl 1:S84-8; discussion S88-93. |
| July 6, 2010 Frequent, vigorous exercise during the child and adolescent years is becoming recognized as the most effective way to prevent chronic health conditions that develop during the adult years. |
| Consumer Link Active kids avoid later health woes |
| Research Link Exerc Immunol Rev. 2005;11:108-44. |
| July 5, 2010 Strength training becomes particularly important as a person ages. Building or maintaining muscle mass helps to prevent the typical decline in strength and calorie needs that occurs with age. |
| Consumer Link Lift weights to live longer, live stronger |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Dec;26(6):696S-703S. |
| July 4, 2010 The brain requires blood sugar for energy, using about 400 calories of glucose each day. If inadequate carbohydrate is consumed, muscle protein may be broken down to provide needed glucose. Consume at least 130 grams of carbohydrate a day to feed the brain and help prevent muscle loss. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Prog Brain Res. 2006;153:129-40. |
| July 3, 2010 For those who are severely obese, bariatric surgery may be an effective treatment. However, the list of possible bariatric surgery side effects is extensive and individuals run the risk of many nutrient deficiencies if their food and supplement intake is not managed carefully. |
| Consumer Link Weight-loss surgery comes with risks |
| Research Link Am J Med Sci. 2006 Apr;331(4):219-25. |
| July 2, 2010 The content of some key vitamins in fresh produce begins to decrease soon after harvest. Therefore to get the most nutrients from your produce, buy fresh produce in quantities that can be consumed within a few days. |
| Consumer Link Ways to use vegetables in Hawaii |
| Research Link Eur J Cancer Prev. 1997 Mar;6 Suppl 1:S21-4. |
| July 1, 2010 Vitamins are essential nutrients your body requires in small amounts for vital functions in the human body. Vitamin K plays an essential role in both normal blood clotting and helps to promote bone health. |
| Consumer Link Fat-Soluble Vitamins |
| Research Link Clin Calcium. 2009 Sep;19(9):1354-60. |
| June 30, 2010 Those with a family history of diabetes can reduce their own risk of developing the disease by maintaining a daily habit of vigorous exercise. |
| Consumer Link Staying active can reduce diabetes risk in adulthood |
| Research Link Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;68 Suppl1:S73-81. |
| June 29, 2010 Good nutrition is required for a healthy mind and an active memory. The major energy supply for the brain is glucose, a sugar molecule best obtained from whole foods like grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and some milk products. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Rev Neurol (Paris). 2004 Sep;160(8-9):767-92. |
| June 28, 2010 Brain researchers report that eating fish a few times a week supports brain function in older people. They think that this is due to the omega-3 components of fish oil. |
| Consumer Link Fish is good for the brain, study shows |
| Research Link Neurology. 2008 Aug 5;71(6):439-46. |
| June 27, 2010 Many drugs used to treat heartburn greatly reduce how much vitamin B-12 is absorbed from foods. Consequently, people using GERD medications should take a supplemental source of vitamin B-12. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link Ann Pharmacother. 2002 May;36(5):812-6. |
| June 26, 2010 All foods have the potential to cause foodborne illness. Even fresh produce needs to be handled, stored, and prepared safely to obtain essential nutrients with minimal risk of illness. |
| Consumer Link Reducing Risk of Getting a Foodborne Illness from Fresh Produce |
| Research Link Emerg Infect Dis. 1997 Oct-Dec;3(4):459-65. |
| June 25, 2010 Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are recommended for reducing cancer risk. Incorporate local tropical fruits and vegetables into your daily diet to help yourself and your local farmer. |
| Consumer Link Use of Tropical Vegetables to Improve Diets in the Pacific Region |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Sep;78(3 Suppl):559S-569S. |
| June 24, 2010 The vitamin folate is important for promoting healthy pregnancies and reducing the risk of heart disease. Foods rich in folate include liver, green vegetables, beans, some fruits, and enriched cereals. |
| Consumer Link Women's Health Issues |
| Research Link Ther Umsch. 2005 Sep;62(9):641-6. |
| June 23, 2010 Rapid weight loss increases the risk for accelerated bone loss and developing osteoporosis. Gradually building fitness and eating a balanced diet is more likely to result in long term success. "Slow and steady wins the race." |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Jun;93(6):2181-7. |
| June 22, 2010 On an average, a sedentary adult should drink 6 to 7 cups of water per day, as water. Exposure to hot weather and trade winds, however, increases invisible sweat loss and water needs. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Feb;64(2):115-23. |
| June 21, 2010 There are a variety of potential causes for a woman to experience hair thinning and loss. Research indicates that poor iron nutrition is one of the more common causes. |
| Consumer Link Hair loss in women has contributing factors |
| Research Link Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2009;17(4):279-84. |
| June 20, 2010 Lactose intolerance is not the same thing as a milk allergy. Most hard cheeses and live culture yogurts contain little lactose and are well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2003 Jun;61(6 Pt 1):221-3. |
| June 19, 2010 There are more than 40 essential nutrients required in our diets. Picky eaters run the risk of missing out on one or more of these nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| June 18, 2010 Good health requires balanced nutrition. If you eat only the “healthy foods” such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you will eventually become deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamin B-12, iron, and protein. |
| Consumer Link It can be possible to have too much of a good thing |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| June 17, 2010 Maintaining strong bones requires an adequate intake of many nutrients. In addition to meeting the need for nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, consuming adequate protein also benefits bones. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6 Suppl):526S-36S. |
| June 16, 2010 Studies on people consuming vegan and macrobiotic diets have reported poor vitamin B-12 status in as many as 90 percent of the study participants. Diets free of animal foods require adequate B-12 from supplements or fortified foods. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B-12 deficiency impairs brain |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34. |
| June 15, 2010 Caffeine is the most commonly consumed drug in the world. Fortunately, a number of studies have reported potential health benefits of caffeine such as reducing the risk of developing diabetes. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008 Dec;33(6):1290-300. |
| June 14, 2010 The use of sunscreen helps to prevent skin damage, but it greatly reduces the body's production of vitamin D. Obtaining adequate vitamin D in foods and/or supplements seems to be the safest way to meet the need for this nutrient. |
| Consumer Link How much Vitamin D is enough? |
| Research Link Medical News Today, June 10, 2010. |
| June 13, 2010 Drugs that supply the mineral strontium are widely used in Europe for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In the U.S. strontium is available only in the form of dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link European strontium drug spurs supplement sales in U.S. |
| Research Link J Endocrinol Invest. 2005;28(8 Suppl):50-7. |
| June 12, 2010 Variety, balance, and moderation are the three most important words in nutrition. Extreme diet changes may seem to have short-term benefits but too often can lead to long-term unforeseen problems. |
| Consumer Link Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1543S-1548S. |
| June 11, 2010 Keeping all of your senses sharp requires meeting the body's need for all essential nutrients. Many nutrient deficiencies impair the function of the nervous system. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2007 Mar;23(2):171-7. |
| June 10, 2010 Several vitamin and mineral deficiencies can affect brain function and lead to psychological problems like depression. Adequate intake of essential nutrients from a balanced diet is the best protection. When that's not possible, dietary supplements can fill the gaps. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Rev Neurol (Paris). 2004 Sep;160(8-9):767-92. |
| June 9, 2010 Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that sugar does not cause increased aggressiveness and hyperactivity. In fact, a study of incarcerated teenage boys found that sugar had a calming effect and helped the boys to concentrate and pay attention. |
| Consumer Link A researcher's sweet truths |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 1994 May;52(5):173-5. |
| June 8, 2010 Exercise causes the body to lose water and salt in sweat. Typical salt loss during exercise is about a half a teaspoon per hour. Some people lose twice this much. Athletes may crave salt because their needs are much greater than the average person. |
| Consumer Link Some athletes run risk of low blood sodium |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Oct;18(5):457-72. |
| June 7, 2010 The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children and teenagers. This activity can be spread throughout the day. Even 10-minute bouts of activity can contribute to the recommended daily total. |
| Consumer Link Becoming fit requires developing new habits |
| Research Link 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans |
| June 6, 2010 Sublingual vitamin B-12 pills designed to dissolve under the tongue are not more effective than pills that are swallowed, according to current research. However, the sublingual pills can be a good option for those who have difficulty swallowing pills. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin delivery doesn't change absorption rates |
| Research Link Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Dec;56(6):635-8. |
| June 5, 2010 As the weather gets hotter, remember that children are more likely than adults to overheat during exercise. This is especially true for overweight children. Keep plenty of fluids available and encourage drinking. |
| Consumer Link Demands of exercise different for children and adults |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008 Apr;33(2):420-7. |
| June 4, 2010 You may be able to prevent dental caries and periodontal gum disease simply by making sure to consume all your essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link How Does What I Eat Affect My Oral Health? |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 May;103(5):615-25. |
| June 3, 2010 During the past few decades, the opportunities have increased to consume larger portions of high calorie foods and to be more sedentary. Maintaining a healthy weight requires both decreasing food portion sizes and increasing physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Physical Activity and the Health of Young People |
| Research Link Adv Exp Med Biol. 2009;646:71-81. |
| June 2, 2010 Low potassium intake has been linked to hypertension in overweight children. Edamame (green soybeans) makes a great lower calorie high potassium snack. |
| Consumer Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22 for Potassium. |
| Research Link J Pediatr. 2010 May 18. |
| June 1, 2010 In the world of nutrition, things that sound reasonable are not always correct. Unfortunately, it is very easy to change your food choices based on fiction and become part of a "mutual illusion support system" of people who unknowingly promote misinformation. |
| Consumer Link Zeal does not make it true |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Apr;106(4):601-7. |
| May 31, 2010 Studies show that individuals with intolerance to the gluten in wheat often do not get adequate fiber from grains. Other grains that can be substituted, include rice, corn, quinoa, amaranth, and millet. |
| Consumer Link Gluten-Free Diets |
| Research Link J Hum Nutr Diet. 2010 Mar 23. |
| May 30, 2010 Spices that are rich in antioxidants may be useful in reducing potentially harmful oxidation products in the body. These spices include cloves, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, ginger, black pepper and paprika. |
| Consumer Link Antioxidant-Rich Spices May Be Healthy |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1180-4. |
| May 29, 2010 Biotin is an essential B vitamin that is important at all ages. Recent research found that food levels of biotin are significantly lower than previously thought. Good food sources include eggs, lean meats, salmon, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. |
| Consumer Link B vitamins are unsung heroes of good health |
| Research Link J Food Compost Anal 2004 Dec;17(6):767-776. |
| May 28, 2010 A diet that promotes the "good" and "bad" foods concept should raise a red flag. We require a variety of nutrients and that means consuming a variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition Quackery |
| Research Link J Fam Health Care. 2006;16(5):143-5. |
| May 27, 2010 Dietary potassium may play a role in decreasing blood pressure. Papaya is one of many fruits that provides a good potassium source. |
| Consumer Link Potassium and Health |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database |
| May 26, 2010 Recent research indicates that many of us do not consume enough of a nutrient called choline. It is especially important for normal brain and muscle function. Rich food sources include liver and eggs, followed by most meats, poultry, and fish. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23. |
| May 25, 2010 The brain likes sugar. Its major source of energy is glucose (blood sugar). It uses about 400 calories of glucose every day. Sweet and starchy foods can both meet this need. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Apr;53 Suppl 1:S107-11. |
| May 24, 2010 To help both your heart and your brain, include plenty of vegetables and fruits in a balanced diet to reduce oxidative damage to blood vessels. |
| Consumer Link Heart healthy diet helps avoid strokes |
| Research Link Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2010 Feb;17(1):50-5. |
| May 23, 2010 It is possible to choose vegetarian foods that meet calcium needs. However, including dairy products can make it easier to get enough calcium for bone health. |
| Consumer Link Debunking calcium myths |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3 Suppl):543S-548S. |
| May 22, 2010 Eating disorders can develop from excessive dieting, binge eating, and inappropriate weight loss techniques. Research shows that teasing young family members about their weight can trigger these behaviors. |
| Consumer Link Criticism may trigger eating disorders |
| Research Link Am J Prev Med. 2007 Nov;33(5):359-369. |
| May 21, 2010 Studies indicate that the short-term use of ginger can help to relieve pregnancy-related nausea. |
| Consumer Link Herbs at a Glance, Ginger |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 1;75(11):1689-91. |
| May 20, 2010 Good nutrition starts with food safety. Remember to: 1) Wash your hands before handling foods; 2) Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. For picnics, plan ahead with adequate coolers and ice. |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Care. 2004 Oct-Dec;7(4):134-40. |
| May 19, 2010 Summertime often triggers dieting. Healthy weight loss is fat loss. Exercise required for building muscle must be supported by adequate nutrition - not just "rabbit food." |
| Consumer Link Focus on muscle, fat—not weight |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Mar;139(3):514-21. |
| May 18, 2010 The consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits has a strong protective effect for coronary heart disease. Now research also indicates there is likely a protective effect to cognitive function as we age. |
| Consumer Link Don't forget to eat your veggies |
| Research Link Int Psychogeriatr. 2010 Mar;22(2):174-87. |
| May 17, 2010 The essential mineral zinc is more efficiently absorbed from animal foods than from plant foods. Vegetarian diets need to contain about 50 percent more zinc to meet the body's needs. |
| Consumer Link Zinc Consumer Fact Sheet |
| Research Link Zinc Health Professional Fact Sheet |
| May 16, 2010 Motivating children to exercise can sometimes seem like a formidable task. But, make it fun and part the daily lifestyle and it can yield lifelong health rewards. |
| Consumer Link Keeping Kids Active |
| Research Link J Pediatr Health Care. 2003 Jan-Feb;17(1):11-7. |
| May 15, 2010 Mental performance on exams can benefit from adequate sleep and moderate sized meals that are balanced and include some carbohydrate. |
| Consumer Link Exam cram requires good food, rest |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 1997 Apr;77 Suppl 1:S29-38. |
| May 14, 2010 When it comes to nutrition and health, it is often a challenge to sort out sensible information from nonsense. Science should drive decisions, not marketing. |
| Consumer Link Zeal does not make it true |
| Research Link Phys Sportsmed. 1997 Jun;25(6):77-92. |
| May 13, 2010 Optimal nutrition promotes optimal health only when all nutrient needs are met. The World Health Organization defines health as "complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." |
| Consumer Link Optimal nutrition for optimal health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Aug;102(8):1096-104. |
| May 12, 2010 Depression is a complex mental disease that sometimes may be triggered by limited nutrition. Several nutrients are required for normal brain function. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Nov 1;58(9):679-85. |
| May 11, 2010 Like cholesterol, high blood levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Including fish as a regular part of your diet is associated with better heart health. |
| Consumer Link Lower blood triglycerides to ward off heart disease |
| Research Link Nutr Health. 2009;20(1):11-20 |
| May 10, 2010 Daily exercise is not just for looking good. Regular exercise also is important for both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Exercise can help dilute adult diabetes |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2007 Oct;103(4):1113-20. Epub 2007 Jul 26. |
| May 9, 2010 Skipping breakfast has been linked to decreased mental and physical performance. A balanced morning meal of foods that provide carbohydrate and protein works best for both the brain and the body. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| May 8, 2010 Eating only "healthy foods," rather than an overall healthy diet, can lead to inadequate protein, excessive fiber and iron deficiency, among other problems. Good nutrition is often as simple as variety, balance, and moderation. |
| Consumer Link Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11):3476-84 |
| May 7, 2010 During hot weather and exercise, our thirst alarm system may function too slowly. Therefore, it is important to drink before you get thirsty under those conditions. |
| Consumer Link Dehydration is linked to many ills |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med. 1997 Sep;31(3):175-82. |
| May 6, 2010 It has been estimated that one out of seven people over age 65 lose the ability to absorb vitamin B-12 normally and are at risk of developing a deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Age plays crucial role in B-12 needs |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2005 May 23;165(10):1167-72. |
| May 5, 2010 During one hour of exercise in the heat you can lose twice the daily recommended intake of sodium in sweat loss. Remember, sodium is an essential nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link Current Sports Medicine Reports. 7(4):S1-S2, July/August 2008. |
| May 4, 2010 Moderate amounts of fats and oils are essential for a healthful diet. Not only do they provide essential fatty acids, but they also help the body absorb certain vitamins and other beneficial food components. |
| Consumer Link Jack Sprat missed out on essential acids |
| Research Link Biochem Pharmacol. 2009 Mar 15;77(6):937-46. |
| May 3, 2010 One large banana provides almost 500 mg of potassium, a little more than 10 percent of the daily recommended intake for an adult. |
| Consumer Link Bananas need no hype to be considered good |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference |
| May 2, 2010 A single large egg contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals and only 70 calories, making it an ideal component of a balanced diet. |
| Consumer Link It’s All In An Egg! |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):596S-600S. |
| May 1, 2010 The age-associated loss of body protein is called sarcopenia. To increase muscle along with bone density, consume adequate protein and exercise regularly. |
| Consumer Link Keep fit for life |
| Research Link Maturitas. 2010 Apr 20. |
| April 30, 2010 Food labeling regulations change slowly despite growth in nutrition knowledge. Currently, when a food or dietary supplement label indicates 100% of the "Daily Value" for vitamin A, it actually contains just over 200% of the currently recommended intake for a woman. |
| Consumer Link Too much vitamin A can be toxic |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2007 Oct;65(10):425-38. |
| April 29, 2010 Preventing osteoporosis starts in adolescence and young adulthood. It is particularly important to have adequate calcium intake and physical activity to prevent bone fractures later in life. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition for older persons |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1999 Oct;18(5 Suppl):406S-412S. |
| April 28, 2010 To have a healthy baby, always tell your doctor what dietary supplements you are taking. Consuming some herbal products and high intake of some nutrients during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a baby with birth defects. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003 Dec;68(6):505-10. |
| April 27, 2010 It is not uncommon for the media to promote a drug for common symptoms that could actually be due to a nutrient deficient diet. Don't let fear of a possible disease hook you into a drug solution just because it is easier than eating a balanced diet. |
| Consumer Link Hype drives prescriptions' popularity |
| Research Link PLoS Med. 2008 May 27;5(5):e106. |
| April 26, 2010 With the emphasis on decreasing obesity in children, it is important to recognize that overweight and obese children have a greater tendency to overheat during exercise. Be sure to supply adequate hydration, especially on hot days. |
| Consumer Link Demands of exercise different for children and adults |
| Research Link Sports Med. 1998 Apr;25(4):221-40. |
| April 25, 2010 The Internet has opened a Pandora's box of nutritional misinformation. Even though there is a strong human tendency to just believe what sounds good, being a skeptic has its long term health benefits. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Complement Ther Med. 2004 Dec;12(4):217-27. |
| April 24, 2010 Studies show that consumers have difficulty self-regulating the consumption of large portion sizes. Buying food in smaller packages may cost more but can help to prevent adding inches to your waist. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Health Educ Res. 2010 Feb;25(1):109-20. |
| April 23, 2010 Vitamin K, found in green vegetables, is well known for it role in normal blood clotting, but this vitamin also is needed for supporting the health of bones and arteries. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K helps bones, brain and eyes |
| Research Link Thromb Haemost. 2007 Jul;98(1):120-5. |
| April 22, 2010 Researchers have identified genes that strongly predispose people to obesity. For teenagers with a genetic predisposition to obesity, daily exercise of 60 minutes or more can help them avoid obesity. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps even if genes foster obesity |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med./ 2010;164(4):328-333. |
| April 21, 2010 Many things can cause hair thinning and hair loss. One possible cause is inadequate iron in the diet. Iron deficiency, even without anemia, can disrupt normal hair growth. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| April 20, 2010 People taking "blood thinner" drugs are commonly advised to avoid high vitamin K foods. However, since vitamin K plays a role in preventing "hardening of the arteries," researchers are now advising physicians to adjust the drug dose to a steady day to day intake of vitamin K. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K helps bones, brain and eyes |
| Research Link Thromb Haemost. 2007 Jul;98(1):120-5. |
| April 19, 2010 Many people may not meet their need for the B vitamin biotin. Since a biotin deficiency increases the risk of birth defects, pregnant women should consume good food sources of biotin such as eggs, lean meats, salmon, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. |
| Consumer Link B vitamins are unsung heroes of good health |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):154-7. |
| April 18, 2010 When calorie intake is reduced for weight loss, protein needs actually increase. Consequently, when dieting, cut back on foods that are high in fat, sugar, and starch. |
| Consumer Link Careful diet plan sheds fat |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S. |
| April 17, 2010 Prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes requires both children and adults to consume a health-promoting diet of wholesome foods that meet nutrient needs with a moderate amount of calories. |
| Consumer Link Preventing Diabetes with Good Nutrition |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2008 Nov;31(11):2120-5. |
| April 16, 2010 Good nutrition is especially important when a woman is pregnant. Much of the calcium needed for infant bone development is drawn from the mother’s bones. Consuming adequate amounts of high calcium foods helps to maintain bone health of the mother. |
| Consumer Link Childbearing strains mom's calcium level |
| Research Link J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005 Apr;10(2):105-18. |
| April 15, 2010 Controlling high blood pressure takes more than just cutting back on salt. A low intake of magnesium also can contribute to high blood pressure. Green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans are all good food sources of magnesium. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Apr-May;23(2):142-51. |
| April 14, 2010 There are many good reasons to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Most fresh produce should be consumed within 7 days of harvest. Otherwise, frozen or canned products are good alternatives. |
| Consumer Link Comparison of Canned, Fresh and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables |
| Research Link J Sci Food Agric 87:930–944 (2007). |
| April 13, 2010 Our food environment offers a great variety of foods throughout the year. Despite this modern abundance, many people eat a rather limited variety of foods. Eating too narrow for too long may have serious long-term health consequences due to chronically low intake of some essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| April 12, 2010 Fats and the essential fatty acid components of fat are required for numerous important functions in the body. People who attempt to eat a nearly fat-free diet or limited amounts of certain types of fat may not be meeting their essential fatty acid requirements. |
| Consumer Link Jack Sprat missed out on essential acids |
| Research Link Biochem Pharmacol. 2009 Mar 15;77(6):937-46. Epub 2008 Oct 28. |
| April 11, 2010 Research indicates that a complex dance among genetics, diet, and physical activity determines our body weight. During the teenage years, at least 60 minutes of exercise per day may be the best way to blunt the genetic predisposition to storing extra body fat. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps even if genes foster obesity |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010 Apr;164(4):328-33. |
| April 10, 2010 Too often people equate good nutrition with eliminating the so-called "bad" foods and ingredients from their diets. The number one goal for good nutrition is to meet the need for essential nutrients within a person's calorie requirements. |
| Consumer Link People should meet essential nutrient needs |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Apr;24(2):150S-154S. |
| April 9, 2010 Two of the major risk factors for gallstone disease are prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss. Restricted food intake, especially when low in fat, slows the release of bile from the gall bladder and gallstones are more likely to form. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| April 8, 2010 The theory that heart disease is caused by too much iron in the body has been refuted by a number of studies. Too much iron is mainly a concern for those with the genetic condition called hemochromatosis. |
| Consumer Link Iron level is important to good health |
| Research Link Can J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009;19(1):26-32. |
| April 7, 2010 Too often headaches are blamed on stress or lack of sleep, when something as simple as skipping meals and dehydration can be the culprit. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link National Headache Foundation |
| April 6, 2010 When looking at the "Nutrition Facts" information on a food label, the first thing to notice is the serving size. Everything else on the label indicates the amount in one serving. |
| Consumer Link How do food labels influence your food choices? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Nov;90(5):1351-7. |
| April 5, 2010 Falling is always a concern for older individuals. Research on vitamin D supplementation showed a reduced risk of falling in women taking 700 IU of vitamin D per day over a three year period. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2006 Feb 27;166(4):424-30. |
| April 4, 2010 Researchers have found that several nutrient deficiencies are linked to depression. Ideally, part of the medical evaluation of depression should include a thorough nutritional assessment. |
| Consumer Link Can nutrients affect your mood? |
| Research Link Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Nov 1;58(9):679-85. |
| April 3, 2010 Supersizing low-energy-dense foods like salads and lower fat soups is a great way to control hunger while restricting energy intake. Salads and soups also provide important essential nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| April 2, 2010 Calcium-fortified foods make getting your daily calcium relatively simple. Because excess calcium can decrease the absorption of other essential minerals like iron and zinc, it might be prudent to consume only 1 calcium fortified food a day. |
| Consumer Link How much is too much calcium? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 1993 Mar;69(2):533-40. |
| April 1, 2010 Many herbal products are marketed to athletes with promises to boost performance despite very limited research to support these claims. The first step to quality performance is a balanced diet that meets essential nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Herbs and Athletes |
| Research Link Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 72:624S–636S. |
| March 31, 2010 Bariatric surgery is becoming more common as a treatment for obesity. For those who opt for this treatment, it will become especially challenging to meet essential nutrient needs with more limited food intake. Dietary supplements will become essential. |
| Consumer Link Weight-loss surgery comes with risks |
| Research Link Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2007 Apr;31(4):369-77. |
| March 30, 2010 Meeting essential nutrient requirements is always required for good health, but it becomes especially critical when a person needs surgery. Plan ahead on good nutrition before surgery to maintain a strong immune system and to assure speedy tissue repair. |
| Consumer Link Eat well before, after surgery |
| Research Link Curr Opin Crit Care. 2008 Dec;14(6):690-5. |
| March 29, 2010 The mineral copper is an essential nutrient needed for the production of normal blood cells and multiple other biological functions. Good sources of copper include: organ meats, shellfish, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. Other foods that contain significant amounts of copper are wheat bran cereals and whole grain products. |
| Consumer Link Copper Content of Selected Foods |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes for Copper, 2001; pp 224-257. |
| March 28, 2010 Often people believe that eating meat leads to obesity problems. However, this belief is contradicted by researchers finding that many overweight and obese people are iron deficient. Consequently, foods rich in iron, like beef and chicken thigh, may prove to be beneficial in weight management. |
| Consumer Link Lean red meat best source of iron in food |
| Research Link Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003 Mar;27(3):416-8. |
| March 27, 2010 Calcium-fortified orange juice provides about the same amount of absorbable calcium as milk. For best results for bone health, choose fortified orange juice that also contains vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age |
| Research Link Can Fam Physician. 2005 September 10; 51(9): 1205–1206. |
| March 26, 2010 Increased physical activity helps to get the appetite in sync with calorie needs. When people are more sedentary, it is easier to eat more calories than needed. Even modest levels of physical activity can help to control appetite. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Sports Med. 1988 Sep;6(3):135-45. |
| March 25, 2010 Can you blame your genes for your tight jeans? Maybe. Many genetic factors are associated with obesity. Researchers estimate that about 5 percent of obese people are purely "genetically obese," making it virtually impossible to have a normal body weight. |
| Consumer Link Can you blame your genes for tight jeans? |
| Research Link J Intern Med. 2003 Nov;254(5):401-25. |
| March 24, 2010 Beans promote good intestinal health, however people often avoid beans because of increased flatulence. Beano, an over-the-counter enzyme product, can decrease or prevent intestinal gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms resulting from a high-fiber diet. |
| Consumer Link High-carb food can be a gas to eat at times |
| Research Link J Fam Pract. 1994 Nov;39(5):441-5. |
| March 23, 2010 The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA, is a major component of the brain. There is growing evidence that this fatty acid helps to preserve brain function during aging. Fatty fish are a rich food source of DHA. |
| Consumer Link Fish is good for the brain, study shows |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Apr;139(4):804S-19S. |
| March 22, 2010 The body has many complex systems that protect it against oxidative damage and inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich sources of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene and should be consumed daily. |
| Consumer Link Plant food diet can protect lungs |
| Research Link Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2005 Apr;9(4):362-74. |
| March 21, 2010 A breakfast that contains carbohydrate, protein and fat will help to provide mental sharpness and prevent a dive in energy level that occurs when only carbohydrate is consumed. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day. |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| March 20, 2010 Tomatoes contain a compound called lycopene that is associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Consume tomatoes and tomato sauces with vegetable oils for better absorption of lycopene. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes prove their worthiness |
| Research Link Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2000 Sep 19;163(6):739-44. |
| March 19, 2010 Long, continuous bouts of exercise can trigger asthma attacks in some people. Exercise that involves short, repeated five-minute bouts of exercise with short rests between bouts is less likely to provoke asthma. |
| Consumer Link Exercise-induced asthma is a common but manageable condition |
| Research Link Curr Sports Med Rep. 2002 Apr;1(2):86-92. |
| March 18, 2010 During weight loss, it is important to maintain a healthy intake of protein. When calories drop below daily needs, protein needs actually go up. Depending on a person's usual eating style, this could mean an increase or a decrease in protein intake. |
| Consumer Link Put focus on fitness, not weight loss |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S. |
| March 17, 2010 The classic sign of B-12 deficiency is anemia, causing increased fatigue. B-12 deficiency can also manifest itself as short-term memory problems similar to early Alzheimer's disease. Taking a preventive B-12 supplement is recommended for those entering their sixth or seventh decades of life. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2004 Aug 3;171(3):251-9. |
| March 16, 2010 Many individual foods have special health-promoting qualities. But, a healthful diet depends on the balance of a wide variety of these individual foods. |
| Consumer Link Eating for disease prevention may not be healthy |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2004 Jul;134(7):1779-85. |
| March 15, 2010 March is “Nutrition Month." But eating well is only half of the formula for good health. Exercise, as you probably guessed, is the other half. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009 Sep-Oct;24(5):344-51. |
| March 14, 2010 Dietary fiber is important to overall health. But when consumed in excess, fiber can adversely affect the intestinal absorption of calcium. |
| Consumer Link Debunking calcium myths |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2009 Jun;32(6):990-5. Epub 2009 Mar 11. |
| March 13, 2010 If people eat a wide variety of wholesome foods, they generally meet their need for nutrients. However, people with low calorie needs, pregnant women, and those with special medical problems may benefit from multivitamin/mineral supplements often recommended by health professionals. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin pill no substitute for good diet |
| Research Link NIH Consens State Sci Statements. 2006 May 15-17;23(2):1-30. |
| March 12, 2010 Most birth defects develop during the first two to eight weeks of pregnancy. For women who might become pregnant, it is wise to have an adequate diet even before conception. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2007 Dec;29(12):1003-26. |
| March 11, 2010 Research shows that moderate coffee consumption appears to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Although these types of studies can't claim cause and effect, they do reduce concerns about potential harmful effects. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Mov Disord. 2007 Nov 15;22(15):2242-8. |
| March 10, 2010 Dietary fiber is not entirely calorie-free. However, it provides a minor amount of calories when compared to food components like sugar, starch, protein and fat. |
| Consumer Link Childhood obesity – is more fiber the answer? |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Nov;62(5 Suppl):1158S-1160S. |
| March 9, 2010 A balanced diet is the ideal way to meet nutrient needs. However, people who limit specific food groups or have very low calorie needs can benefit from taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement. |
| Consumer Link Optimal nutrition for optimal health |
| Research Link Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009;49 Suppl 1:19-27. |
| March 8, 2010 Leading a full life requires both a strong body and a healthy mind. Marginal deficiencies of many nutrients can contribute to subclinical depression and impaired memory. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| March 7, 2010 A busy lifestyle can lead to less healthful diets and contribute to obesity and chronic health problems. Making time for adequate nutrition now will lead to more "quality time" in the future. |
| Consumer Link Quest for convenience can lead to nutrition disorders |
| Research Link Appetite. 2006 Sep;47(2):196-204. |
| March 6, 2010 Preventing joint problems is easier than fixing them. Adequate daily intake many nutrients, including water and protein, helps to maintain good levels of synovial fluid in joints. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins can help ease pain in joints |
| Research Link Hand Clin. 1987 Aug;3(3):325-36. |
| March 5, 2010 Poor nutrition at any stage of life can affect health. Consuming adequate quantities of a wide variety of foods from all food groups is the best way to get all of your nutrients. |
| Consumer Link All essential nutrients needed to stay healthy |
| Research Link Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009;49 Suppl 1:19-27. |
| March 4, 2010 The most common conditions linked to chronically low magnesium intake include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. A diet with a wide variety of unprocessed wholesome foods can easily meet magnesium needs. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22 |
| March 3, 2010 Eating higher fat ocean fish like butterfish, kahala, salmon and sardines, provides the omega-3 fatty acids that are proving to be so important for maintaining many body functions, including vision and the function of the aging brain. |
| Consumer Link Cut calories, but not nutrients, as you age |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2004;8(3):163-74. |
| March 2, 2010 Overly low blood pressure (hypotension) can impair both brain function and balance. Caffeine sources like coffee and tea may help some people avoid the blood-pressure drops that commonly occur following meals. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):392-8. |
| March 1, 2010 Although it is commonly believed that coffee increases blood pressure, most research evidence indicates that daily consumption of coffee does not increase the risk of high blood pressure. |
| Consumer Link Caffeine and Your Health: Controversies and Misconceptions Continue |
| Research Link Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2008;4(5):963-70. |
| February 28, 2010 Choline is a food component that is essential for normal function of all cells, including brain cells. Eggs and meat are rich sources of choline in the North American diet. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23. |
| February 27, 2010 Vegetables are an excellent source of many nutrients, but on average it takes about 20 pounds of raw vegetables to provide the typical daily calorie need of 2000 calories. |
| Consumer Link The calorie paradox of raw veganism |
| Research Link Appetite. 2003 Aug;41(1):97-8. |
| February 26, 2010 When food portion sizes are large, people tend to eliminate healthful foods to lower calories. Research has shown that including lower calorie foods that are nutrient dense such as fruits, vegetables, and soups can help to maintain satiety while cutting calories. |
| Consumer Link How to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls to Help Manage Your Weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| February 25, 2010 Consuming foods and beverages that contain protein and carbohydrate within an hour after exercise aids in muscle repair and muscle building. |
| Consumer Link Protein nutrition and endurance exercise: What does science say? |
| Research Link Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008 Jul-Aug;7(4):193-201. |
| February 24, 2010 Research at the University of Connecticut shows that vitamin B-12 and folate may be important nutrients in preventing canker sores. |
| Consumer Link Low B vitamins may up risk for canker sores |
| Research Link J Oral Pathol Med. 2010 Feb 7. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 23, 2010 Research shows that children eating breakfast are more likely to get needed nutrients and are more likely to participate in physical activities. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast Basics |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2008 Nov;28(11):744-52. |
| February 22, 2010 It is possible to be a normal weight and be too fat at the same time. Researchers call this “normal weight obesity” and find that it carries the same health risks as obesity. |
| Consumer Link 'Skinny fat' label shows the vagaries of obesity |
| Research Link Eur Heart J. 2009 Nov 20. [Epub ahead of print] |
| February 21, 2010 With all the recent hype to limit salt intake, don't forget that the balance of nutrients in the overall diet may be more important to health. Despite being high in salt, the Japanese diet has a great variety of foods and is associated with a low risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumer Link Balancing the latest news about salt |
| Research Link Int J Epidemiol. 2007 Jun;36(3):600-9. Epub 2007 Feb 22. |
| February 20, 2010 MSG is one of the most extensively researched food additives in the world and has been declared not to represent a health hazard by multiple international organizations. For people who must watch their sodium intake, MSG contains only 12% sodium, whereas table salt is 40% sodium. |
| Consumer Link Some Facts about Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Mar;61(3):304-13. Epub 2006 Sep 6. |
| February 19, 2010 The number one goal for good nutrition is to meet essential nutrient needs within a person's calorie requirements. Eliminating "bad" foods from the diet without good substitutes can compromise nutrient intake and eventually harm health. |
| Consumer Link People should meet essential nutrient needs |
| Research Link Am J Lifestyle Med. 2009; 3(1 Suppl): 35S–38S. |
| February 18, 2010 One of the best ways to improve both physical and mental health is to be physically active. If exercise could be put into a pill, it would be the most frequently prescribed medication in the world. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med. 2009 Feb;43(2):120-3. |
| February 17, 2010 "Heartburn" or GERD medications generally reduce stomach acid. This can reduce the ability to absorb calcium and contribute to bone loss over time – especially if calcium is low in the diet. |
| Consumer Link GERD drugs are connected to osteoporosis |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):103-8. |
| February 16, 2010 Skipping breakfast is like starting a long trip on a near empty gas tank. Eating breakfast helps most people, especially children, to function better both mentally and physically. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast for a good start to day |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 May;105(5):743-60. |
| February 15, 2010 Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kim chee all contain friendly bacteria that make the foods more safe to eat. To avoid unfriendly bacteria, remember to stay out of the food “danger zone” by keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot. |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2003;23:315-44. |
| February 14, 2010 Valentine’s Day and chocolate are tightly linked. Components of chocolate can dilate blood vessels and stimulate the heart, making one feel maybe a bit more fondly toward the giver of the chocolate. |
| Consumer Link The benefits of chocolate |
| Research Link Curr Hypertens Rep. 2006 Jun;8(3):205-11. |
| February 13, 2010 In the U.S., iodized salt has been a major source of the essential nutrient iodine. With the encouragements to cut back on salt, it is important to make sure that people still meet their need for iodine. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| February 12, 2010 Research shows that protein from animal foods does not harm bone density unless the overall diet is low in calcium. When the recommended intake of calcium is met, protein, including animal protein, can actually improve bone density. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:131-55. |
| February 11, 2010 Virtually every function in the body is dependent on the presence of an adequate amount of water. Getting adequate fluid is important for both short- and long-term health. |
| Consumer Link Make sure you consume enough water |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Oct;26(5 Suppl):535S-541S. |
| February 10, 2010 Vitamin B-12 deficiency can impair memory, decrease intellectual capacity, and cause emotional instability. Vegetarians are more prone to B-12 deficiency because only animal foods contain significant amounts of B-12. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B-12 deficiency impairs brain |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34. |
| February 9, 2010 Recommendations for daily calcium intake are based on the assumption that the body absorbs about 30 percent of the calcium in the diet. Milk products and calcium-fortified juices are reliable rich sources of well-absorbed calcium. |
| Consumer Link Calcium plays important role in bone health |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference |
| February 8, 2010 To build or maintain muscles requires fueling the body. Especially for seniors, it is important to meet calorie needs and consume adequate nutrients, including dietary protein. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jan;87(1):150-5. |
| February 7, 2010 Iodine is an essential nutrient for nerve development in infants and thyroid function at any age. For some people, iodized salt is a major source of this mineral and cutting back on salt can decrease iodine intake. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| February 6, 2010 Health problems caused by iron deficiency may go undiagnosed if the deficiency does not produce anemia. This "nonanemic" iron deficiency may have negative effects on brain development during infancy. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2002 Oct 1;66(7):1217-24. |
| February 5, 2010 Research involving over 11,000 people showed that regular use of vitamin C supplementation did not prevent the common cold, but it did reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of a cold. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980. |
| February 4, 2010 Creatine supplementation has been studied mostly for enhancing muscle strength. Researchers also found that six weeks of creatine supplementation improved short-term memory in young adult vegetarians. |
| Consumer Link Creatine has wide range of benefits |
| Research Link Proc Biol Sci. 2003 Oct 22;270(1529):2147-50. |
| February 3, 2010 Adequate dietary protein is as essential as calcium and vitamin D for bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Too much protein, however, may compromise bone health. It is all about balance. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6 Suppl):526S-36S. |
| February 2, 2010 Iodine is an essential nutrient needed for normal function of the thyroid gland. Good food sources of iodine include most seafood and seaweeds. Sea salt, however, is actually very low in iodine. |
| Consumer Link We all need the essential mineral iodine |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2007 Dec;65(12 Pt 1):535-43. |
| February 1, 2010 Research indicates that getting plenty of good sleep is an important component of a weight control program. Adequate sleep is especially important when starting a new exercise program. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity. 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| January 31, 2010 Tasty and decorative star fruit can be enjoyed by most of us as a good source of vitamin C. However, consuming just one fruit can cause kidney failure in people with impaired kidney function. |
| Consumer Link Kidney patients should avoid star fruit |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May;46(5):1744-52. |
| January 30, 2010 Fruits and vegetables are important in the daily diet, but they are low in protein. This is one reason why other food groups also should be part of our regular fare. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Jun;56(6):M373-80. |
| January 29, 2010 Older people often have dental challenges that prevent them from eating raw and lightly cooked vegetables. Eating well-cooked vegetables is definitely better than eating none at all. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Jan;103(1):61-6. |
| January 28, 2010 For a variety of reasons, some people poorly absorb vitamin B12. These individuals can benefit from monthly injections of the vitamin to prevent short-term memory loss that can mimic early Alzheimer disease. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;81(5):1155-62. |
| January 27, 2010 To avoid the bone loss generally seen during weight loss, consume a diet high in protein, milk products, and calcium. |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1096-100. |
| January 26, 2010 Contrary to popular belief, Popeye does not eat spinach to get iron. Because of other components in spinach, it takes about five cups of cooked spinach to provide the same amount of absorbable iron found in three ounces of lean beef. |
| Consumer Link Lean red meat best source of iron in food |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;62(3):336-41. Epub 2007 Apr 18. |
| January 25, 2010 Impaired thyroid function can result from many causes. Poor iron nutrition is known to be one possible contributor. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78. |
| January 24, 2010 Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) deficiency is most common in adolescent girls, the elderly, and some vegetarians. Rich food sources of riboflavin include milk products, fortified soy milk, and fortified breakfast cereals. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin works with other vitamins |
| Research Link Med J Aust. 1984 Nov 10;141(10):635-7. |
| January 23, 2010 Vitamin B-12 is essential for normal infant brain development. If a mother has little B-12 in her diet, her milk will be low in the vitamin. Vegetarian mothers must be especially careful to consume good sources of B-12. |
| Consumer Link New moms need B-12 for baby’s milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 May;66(5):250-5. |
| January 22, 2010 Researchers find that poor nutrition may predispose some people to developing eating disorders and successful treatment requires learning how to eat again. |
| Consumer Link Normalizing nutrition eases eating disorders |
| Research Link Front Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Oct;29(4):445-62. |
| January 21, 2010 Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium. However, moderation is the key since only five nuts a day can contain more selenium than the tolerable upper intake level established by the Institute of Medicine. |
| Consumer Link The dark side of healthful 'superfoods' |
| Research Link Chemosphere. 1995 Feb;30(4):801-2. |
| January 20, 2010 Weight loss can cause bone loss. To protect your bones during weight loss, remember to include good food sources of protein and calcium. |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1096-1100. |
| January 19, 2010 Those with lactose intolerance are not destined to a diet devoid of high-calcium milk products. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss contain only trace amounts of lactose. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Postgrad Med J. 2005 Mar;81(953):167-73. |
| January 18, 2010 The health of someone's hair is often a reflection of the adequacy of their diet. Hair thinning is sometimes a sign of inadequate iron in the diet. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Eur J Dermatol. 2007 Nov-Dec;17(6):507-12. |
| January 17, 2010 Research shows that dietary protein has a positive influence on bone health, reduced hip fracture risk, and promotes post-fracture recovery. Of course it is important to remember everything in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:131-55. |
| January 16, 2010 Too often when a person plans to get into shape, they forget that getting plenty of good sleep may be the first step to eating and exercising better. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity. 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| January 15, 2010 Maintaining a healthy heart means taking care of nutrition basics. Eat moderate amounts of a wide variety of foods and be sure to include fruits, vegetables, adequate fluids and daily physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Take heart care in hand for good life |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 1998 May;56(5 Pt 2):S3-19; discussion S19-28. |
| January 14, 2010 Although green tea may provide health benefits, it's important to check with your pharmacist to see if the components in green tea interfere with any pain or blood-thinning medications you take. |
| Consumer Link Green tea can clash with common drugs |
| Research Link Green Tea, MedlinePlus. |
| January 13, 2010 If you recently started exercising and haven't noticed any weight loss, remember that you are likely building muscle and losing fat. Changes in inches can occur before pounds. So, step away from the scale! |
| Consumer Link Exercise program can result in quick weight gain |
| Research Link Menopause. 2009 Jul-Aug;16(4):777-84. |
| January 12, 2010 Stay "food safe" by always washing your hands well before handling foods and by keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot - out of the "danger zone." |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link J Food Prot. 2003 Oct;66(10):1893-9. |
| January 11, 2010 Adequate hydration is important for good health. Because exercise increases water needs, it is important to start exercise well hydrated and consume appropriate fluids during and after exercise to limit water and salt deficits. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Oct;18(5):457-72. |
| January 10, 2010 Research indicates that increased blood levels of the compound homocysteine leads to heart disease. Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid in foods or supplements can help to lower homocysteine levels. |
| Consumer Link Take heart care in hand for good life |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6):1448-54. |
| January 9, 2010 Exercise can help to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. For some diabetics, exercise can cause blood glucose to drop too low. Therefore, it is essential to work with appropriately trained health professionals to determine the best exercise program. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps treat diabetes |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2007;37(11):937-46. |
| January 8, 2010 Research shows that individuals deprived of sleep tend to consume more calories primarily from snacks with higher carbohydrate content. So don't forget your beauty sleep. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 89:126-133. |
| January 7, 2010 To burn more calories - simply stand up. Standing uses twice as many calories per minute as sitting and walking briskly expends about 4 times the calories. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Food and Nutrition Information Center |
| January 6, 2010 The Federal Trade Commission recommends being careful about ads for “free” dietary supplements - "just for the cost of shipping." You may receive a second “subscriber” shipment in a month and a bill on your credit card. |
| Consumer Link Diet ad scams easily reported to U.S. agency |
| Research Link Federal Trade Commission |
| January 5, 2010 A lifestyle that includes frequent and consistent physical activity helps protect against colon, breast, prostate and lung cancers. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps prevent and treat cancers |
| Research Link ACS Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity |
| January 4, 2010 If past New Year’s resolutions to lose weight were short-lived, try changing the resolution to seeking health and fitness and let your body gradually find the weight that is ideal for you. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| January 3, 2010 A common cause of headaches is low blood sugar. Dips in blood sugar levels can be caused by skipping meals or fasting. When dieting, be sure to spread out your meals. Your brain will thank you. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link Headache. 2009 May;49(5):744-52. |
| January 2, 2010 Consuming too little or too much carbohydrate can complicate weight loss. Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to lower weight over time. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2006 Feb;7(1):49-58. |
| January 1, 2010 If you are making New Year resolutions for weight loss, remember that the three most important words in nutrition are variety, balance, and moderation. Avoid extreme changes for long-term success. |
| Consumer Link Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11):3476-84. |
| December 31, 2009 Time is the main thing required to recover from consuming too much alcohol. Eating a meal, however, has been shown to increase the rate at which your body eliminates alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Sensible ways to enjoy holiday drinks |
| Research Link J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Dec;41(12):1345-50. |
| December 30, 2009 During this season of many sweet treats, don't forget your dental health. Remember to rinse your mouth with water after eating high sugar or high acid foods (like fruits, sodas, candies, and sports drinks). |
| Consumer Link Toothy facts about what you eat |
| Research Link American Dental Association |
| December 29, 2009 New research indicates that a variety of emerging health problems may be caused decreased iodine in the U.S. food supply. When you use salt, select the iodized type. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ Sci Technol, 42 (4), 1315-1323, 2008. |
| December 28, 2009 Are you enjoying leftover cranberry sauce or drink? So is your bladder. Substances in cranberries are known to benefit the health of the urinary tract. |
| Consumer Link Holiday berry has year-round applications |
| Research Link Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jun;51(6):732-7. |
| December 27, 2009 Staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight is much easier than getting fit when out of shape. Helping a child to develop a healthy lifestyle is a great lifelong gift. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Ann Med. 1999 Apr;31 Suppl 1:26-32. |
| December 26, 2009 There are more than 60 known factors triggering primary headaches, but low carbohydrate consumption and caffeine withdrawal are two key causative factors. To prevent those holiday headaches, don't starve yourself before the holiday parties. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link Headache. 2009 May;49(5):744-52. |
| December 25, 2009 Santa is a big man, but he is not overly fat. His very active job keeps him more fit than fat. |
| Consumer Link Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1854-61. |
| December 24, 2009 The brain needs a steady supply of energy for normal function. Its major fuel is glucose, a sugar molecule derived primarily from high carbohydrate foods like grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Rev Neurol (Paris). 2004 Sep;160(8-9):767-92. |
| December 23, 2009 To better handle those holiday drinks, avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Eating some food before drinking alcoholic beverages helps to moderate the rise in blood alcohol. |
| Consumer Link Sensible ways to enjoy holiday drinks |
| Research Link J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Dec;41(12):1345-50. |
| December 22, 2009 High-fat meals may increase the risk of a heart attack for several hours because arteries narrow and blood flow slows. Enjoy the higher fat holiday foods, but in moderation. |
| Consumer Link Switch from fat phobia to fat smarts |
| Research Link Am J Cardiol. 1997 Feb 1;79(3):350-354 |
| December 21, 2009 For longterm health, focus on developing fitness rather an "ideal" body weight. Your ideal body weight is the weight at which you function best mentally and physically. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| December 20, 2009 Rapid weight loss, fasting, and diets extremely low in fat can increase the risk of gallstone disease. Protecting the gallbladder is another reason to lose weight gradually. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| December 19, 2009 A hectic holiday schedule that makes you too rushed to eat and drink on your normal schedule can back-fire by triggering headaches. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link National Headache Foundation |
| December 18, 2009 The average American body weight has increased right along with package and serving sizes. If you are concerned about your weight, remember that weight control is often an issue of portion control. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| December 17, 2009 Meeting the body's need for nutrients is "step one" in nutrition. A short supply of just one of about 50 essential nutrients will eventually lead to serious health problems. |
| Consumer Link Key nutrients lag despite ample diet |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Jun;139(6):1198-202. |
| December 16, 2009 Trying to avoid packing on extra pounds over the holidays? The calories in alcoholic beverages can add up quickly without notice - another reason to drink moderately. |
| Consumer Link Alcohol adds to holiday weight gain |
| Research Link Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2005;42(3):197-227. |
| December 15, 2009 Cranberries are loaded with beneficial phytochemicals that can help to prevent health problems like urinary infections. |
| Consumer Link Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round |
| Research Link Drugs. 2009;69(7):775-807. |
| December 14, 2009 Although Santa may look fat, he is actually very fit. His work requires a great deal of physical activity and this decreases his risk for disease below the risk for a sedentary thin person. |
| Consumer Link Santa might be fat, but he's still fit |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| December 13, 2009 Although clams are frequently listed as a good food source of iron, chopped and minced clam products are very low in this mineral. So, don't rely on clam chowder to meet your iron needs. |
| Consumer Link Finding iron-rich foods can be a difficult task |
| Research Link J Food Comp and Analysis. 2009;(22):S78-S82. |
| December 12, 2009 If you are a serious spectator at the Honolulu Marathon this Sunday, the walking, standing, clapping and cheering you do may actually expend about half as many calories as the runners burn to go 26.2 miles. |
| Consumer Link Just watching the marathon burns calories |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Dec;36(12):2128-34. |
| December 11, 2009 Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that are needed by the brain and also may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. |
| Consumer Link Fish is good for the brain, study shows |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD005379 |
| December 10, 2009 If you are participating in the Honolulu Marathon this Sunday, it is time to rest. Your best preparation includes muscle repair, recovery from training, and carbo-loading. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional guide for marathon |
| Research Link J Sports Sci. 2007;25 Suppl 1:S29-38. |
| December 9, 2009 Walking 30 minutes a day or 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day can benefit overall health. Why not ask Santa for a pedometer? |
| Consumer Link Holiday exercise is easy with upfront planning |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| December 8, 2009 Strontium is a mineral that can benefit bone strength. However, foods are not a good source of this mineral. In Europe, the drug strontium ranelate is sold as an effective and well-tolerated osteoporosis treatment. Currently, in the U.S., strontium is only available in dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link European strontium drug spurs supplement sales in U.S. |
| Research Link J Endocrinol Invest. 2005;28(8 Suppl):50-7. |
| December 7, 2009 With aging, there is a gradual decline in physical activity and calorie needs. Some nutrient needs, however, actually increase. For example: vitamin D recommendations double at age 51 and triple for those over 70. |
| Consumer Link Cut calories, but not nutrients, as you age |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Aug;106(8):1172-80. |
| December 6, 2009 Are you tired of ads for fraudulent nutrition products? File complaints about questionable products online at the Federal Trade Commission website. |
| Consumer Link Law shields consumers from dodgy products |
| Research Link Federal Trade Commission complaints |
| December 5, 2009 Compression stockings often are prescribed for people to improve poor circulation in their lower legs. Athletes are now using similar stockings to enhance sports performance and recovery from workouts. |
| Consumer Link Athletes hope stockings can improve blood flow |
| Research Link J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):101-5. |
| December 4, 2009 Short term memory problems can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Similar memory problems can be caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency due to age-related decline in absorption of the vitamin. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2004 Aug 3;171(3):251-9. |
| December 3, 2009 Excessive alcohol consumption greatly increases the body's need for thiamin (vitamin B-1). Increased need for B-1 along with a poor-quality diet explains the erratic eye movements, staggering gait and deranged mental functions commonly seen in serious alcoholism. |
| Consumer Link B-1 deficiency causes serious health woes |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 Dec;33(12):2750-61. |
| December 2, 2009 If you don't consume milk products, your diet could be low in riboflavin (vitamin B-2). A low intake of B-2 is associated with an increased risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and cataracts. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin works with other vitamins |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jun;77(6):1352-60. |
| December 1, 2009 Researchers are finding that vitamin K has many more functions than previously thought. The vitamin is showing benefits for both bone and cardiovascular health. To get enough vitamin K eat dark green vegetables regularly. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin takers may miss vitamin K |
| Research Link Thromb Haemost. 2007 Jul;98(1):120-5. |
| November 30, 2009 Strangely enough, there are trillions of bacterial organisms living in the lower part of the human intestine. A balanced diet helps this "microbiota" protect us against infections, some cancers, and possibly even the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| November 29, 2009 Fasting and extreme diets can slow down the gallbladder and increase the risk of gallstone formation. Like your brain, your gallbladder appreciates a steady supply of nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| November 28, 2009 It's the season for cranberries, but remember that cranberry juice helps to prevent urinary tract infections and can be a valuable part of the diet year-round. |
| Consumer Link Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round |
| Research Link Biotechnol Bioeng. 2006 Feb 5;93(2):297-305. |
| November 27, 2009 Nutrition misinformation is widespread on the Internet. Be sure that you are surfing reliable websites with sound science-based advice before you make radical changes in your diet. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| November 26, 2009 As a person moves towards retirement age, their energy requirements typically go down but their protein requirements often go up. Eat good protein sources first and then consider holiday sweets. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;27(5):675-84. |
| November 25, 2009 To ensure adequate hydration, pay attention to your sense of thirst and drink enough so that urine looks more like lemonade than apple juice. Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) in a supplement can complicate this rule by temporarily turning urine bright yellow. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S30-9. |
| November 24, 2009 Don't be seduced into believing that foods are "good" or "bad." Health problems can develop when a person limits their food intake to too few foods, even if they are all "good" foods. |
| Consumer Link Food is not the enemy |
| Research Link Clin Biochem. 1984 Apr;17(2):132-42. |
| November 23, 2009 The phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in the retina of the eye. The best absorbed sources include commonly used tomato sauce and catsup. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes prove their worthiness |
| Research Link Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2000 Sep 19;163(6):739-44. |
| November 22, 2009 "Antioxidants" protect the body from oxidative damage. Fruits and vegetables are among of the best sources of these antioxidants. |
| Consumer Link Plant food diet can protect lungs |
| Research Link Proc Nutr Soc. 2004 Nov;63(4):579-85. |
| November 21, 2009 Researchers suggest that daily caffeine intake of adults not exceed 400 milligrams. That is the amount typically found in four 6- to 8-ounce cups of coffee, depending on the strength of the brew. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Ann Intern Med. 2008 Jun 17;148(12):904-14. |
| November 20, 2009 Recommendations to meet daily iron needs assume that the diet includes animal foods. A diet based only on plant foods needs to contain nearly twice as much iron due to limited absorption of iron from plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarian diet alone is not panacea for health |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes for Iron |
| November 19, 2009 Good vitamin D status is important for the immune system and may be especially important during the flu season. When we limit sunshine exposure, it is important to get vitamin D from foods like fatty fish and fortified milk or dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Holiday flu could be caused by a shortage of vitamin D |
| Research Link Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40. |
| November 18, 2009 Intense exercise can actually increase oxidative stress on the body. Therefore, the more active you are, the more important it is to consume fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant benefits. |
| Consumer Link Marathon runners deplete vitamins, raise oxidative stress |
| Research Link Free Radic Biol Med. 2001 Oct 1;31(7):911-22. |
| November 17, 2009 Iron needs for physically active individuals may be 30% greater than the needs of their less active friends. Consuming food sources of well-absorbed iron is important for overall health. In general, iron is absorbed better from animal foods than from plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Iron - Micronutrient Information Center |
| Research Link Dietary Reference Intakes - Food & Nutrition Board |
| November 16, 2009 Optimal nutrition promotes optimal health. But optimal nutrition means consuming balanced amounts of essential nutrients, not excessive amounts that could strain organs like the liver and kidneys. This balance is easiest to achieve with a varied diet. |
| Consumer Link Optimal nutrition for optimal health |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11):3476-84. |
| November 15, 2009 Besides adequate hydration, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may help to decrease joint pain. Key sources of these include fatty fish such as salmon and sardines and supplements of fish or algae oils. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins can help ease pain in joints |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):133-40. |
| November 14, 2009 For a successful weight loss plan of action, be sure to establish good sleep patterns. Research suggests that inadequate sleep may negatively influence weight by affecting appetite and decreasing effort during physical activity. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity. 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| November 13, 2009 The Internet is the largest medical library in the world, but likely contains as much health fiction as fact. This is especially true for information on food and weight loss. Seek reliable science-based websites when surfing the web. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| November 12, 2009 Most people function best with something for breakfast. The most beneficial breakfasts provide a balanced mixture of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Without all three of these energy sources, many people fade out before lunch time. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| November 11, 2009 As long as you consume a diet with lots of variety and adequate calories, then you should be getting an adequate amount of vitamin B6. |
| Consumer Link Though B6 is important, don't overdose |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine DRI Chapter on Vitamin B-6 |
| November 10, 2009 Vegetarians are prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency, therefore if you are a vegetarian, it is important to consume a high dose supplement of vitamin B-12. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B-12 deficiency impairs brain |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34 |
| November 9, 2009 Both regular exercise and adequate nutrition play essential roles in maintaining muscle. Consuming a whey protein supplement may help to improve skeletal muscle in older individuals. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2008 Oct;28(10):651-8. |
| November 8, 2009 Dietary supplements claiming to take the place of nutrients can be dangerous to the consumer. This is especially true for steroid containing products that claim to accelerate weight loss or muscle gain. |
| Consumer Link Law shields consumers from dodgy products |
| Research Link Voluntary Nationwide and International Recall of 65 Dietary Supplements |
| November 7, 2009 Although increased fluid and sodium needs are typically thought to be associated with hot weather and exercise, remember the flu can cause an increased internal temperature that requires increased fluid as well. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link J Occup Med Toxicol. 2008 Jan 29;3:4. |
| November 6, 2009 Your risk of gallstone disease strongly increases during prolonged fasting or rapid weight loss. Besides consuming adequate calories, regular exercise and eating enough fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of gall stones. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| November 5, 2009 The senses of taste and smell have been essential for successful evolution and survival of the human species. Consuming a diet with adequate food variety helps to prevent marginal nutrient deficiencies that can dull these senses. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2007 Mar;23(2):171-7. |
| November 4, 2009 The development of an infant in the womb is amazingly complex and can be negatively affected by prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal products, and essential oils. Check with your physician or pharmacist before using any of these. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003 Dec;68(6):505-10. |
| November 3, 2009 Moderate use of green tea may provide health benefits for many people. However, the caffeine and flavonoids in green tea can interfere with common prescription and nonprescription drugs. Check with your pharmacist. |
| Consumer Link Green tea can clash with common drugs |
| Research Link Green Tea, MedlinePlus. |
| November 2, 2009 The painful condition of osteoporosis is increasing as our population ages. Milk products are an easy way to meet bone calcium needs. If you don't consume milk products, make sure your food choices include other well absorbed sources of calcium. |
| Consumer Link Debunking calcium myths |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1994 May;59(5 Suppl):1238S-1241S. |
| November 1, 2009 To help prevent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), avoid eating large meals, stay upright for at least two hours after eating, exercise when the stomach is empty, maintain a healthy weight, and be happy. |
| Consumer Link Heartburn linked to many causes |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Jun-Jul;23(3):293-8. |
| October 31, 2009 The benefits of an active lifestyle are much more important for long-term health than for short-term weight loss. Many health risks associated with excess weight, such as cardiovascular disease, are greatly reduced by regular physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Worry about fitness, not fat |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| October 30, 2009 To prevent a resurgence of early 20th-century rickets in children, it is important to support bone health with adequate vitamin D. When substituting rice or soy milk for cow's milk, make sure that the products are fortified with vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Rickets makes a comeback |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2001 Apr;107(4):E46. |
| October 29, 2009 Individuals at risk for diabetes should consider adding strength training to their exercise program. Research indicates that strength-building exercise improves the ability to clear sugar from the blood and helps to build muscle and decrease body fat. |
| Consumer Link Healthy diet, exercise can avert diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2003 Nov;26(11):2977-82. |
| October 28, 2009 An important treatment for type 2 (adult onset) diabetes may be daily exercise like walking and jogging in combination with strength-building resistance exercise two to three times a week. Check with your doctor. |
| Consumer Link Healthy diet, exercise can avert diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2003 Nov;26(11):2977-82. |
| October 27, 2009 It takes longer to get into shape than to get out of shape. Within only 2 to 3 weeks of stopping exercise, changes in fitness can be measured. Even maintaining a lower level exercise helps to prevent rapid fat gain that often occurs with abrupt cessation of an exercise program. |
| Consumer Link Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1975-84. |
| October 26, 2009 Body dissatisfaction can cause abuse of performance-enhancing substances and excessive use of dietary supplements. Remember, excessive nutrient intake may be as harmful as inadequate intake. |
| Consumer Link Size does matter to too many men |
| Research Link Body Image. 2008 Sep;5(3):244-50. |
| October 25, 2009 Iron deficiency is one of the most common and serious nutrition problems in the world. Some types of hair loss are among the many possible effects of iron deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| October 24, 2009 Chronic joint pain is one of the most common medical complaints. Consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids helps to relieve some types of joint pains. Fish and algae oils show the most benefit. Some plant oils like flax, walnut, and canola also may help. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins can help ease pain in joints |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):133-40. |
| October 23, 2009 Caffeine is often said to be the most commonly consumed drug in the world. Moderate coffee consumption appears to reduce the risk of developing liver and gallstone diseases. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(2):101-23. |
| October 22, 2009 For those with dentures or a decreased ability to chew, mixing a protein powder with a beverage or yogurt can be an easy way to meet protein requirements. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Jan;103(1):61-6. |
| October 21, 2009 Research shows that maintaining bone-mineral density with age requires a diet that provides adequate protein as well as calcium. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:131-55. |
| October 20, 2009 Vitamin D deficiency is making a comeback and the consequences include bone loss, impaired immune function, and even loss of muscle strength. Major food sources are fortified milk, fish, and fortified foods like orange juice with added calcium and vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D deficiency makes a comeback |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;85(1):6-18. |
| October 19, 2009 People want quick weight loss, but losing fat is a slow process. Preying on the quick loss desire, some non-prescription weight loss products have been identified to contain dangerous and illegal pharmaceutical ingredients. Unfortunately, unwary users of these products put their health at risk. |
| Consumer Link FDA finding dangerous diet products |
| Research Link FDA Warning About Tainted Weight Loss Pills |
| October 18, 2009 Fear of foods in the name of health or weight control can create a variety of eating problems. Extreme fear of fat and specific foods can lead to serious health problems and result in dangerous eating disorders. |
| Consumer Link Extremes in calorie control plague nation |
| Research Link Physiol Behav. 2007 Sep 10;92(1-2):283-90. |
| October 17, 2009 The body requires about 50 specific chemicals that must be obtained from foods. Inadequate intake of even one of these essential nutrients eventually impairs body function and leads to related health problems. |
| Consumer Link People should meet essential nutrient needs |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2005 Nov-Dec;20(6):451-60. |
| October 16, 2009 Including fish as a regular part of your diet is associated with better heart health. Fish high in "heart-healthy" omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, tuna, and black cod. |
| Consumer Link Lower blood triglycerides to ward off heart disease |
| Research Link Nutr Health. 2009;20(1):11-20. |
| October 15, 2009 Losing weight too quickly can cause muscle loss. This lowers calorie needs and makes it more difficult to maintain that lower weight. Moderate calorie-cutting along with an exercise program increases your odds of long-term success. |
| Consumer Link Slow fat loss key to lasting weight loss |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Jun;61(6):1179-85. |
| October 14, 2009 Research on children indicates that inadequate sleep is strongly and consistently associated with concurrent and future obesity. Getting adequate sleep may be the first step to eating and exercising better. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| October 13, 2009 Fiber can help to prevent constipation. Excessively high fiber intake, however, can interfere with essential mineral absorption and can even cause constipation if inadequate fluids are consumed. |
| Consumer Link Balancing the facts on fiber |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2002 May;60(5 Pt 1):127-34. |
| October 12, 2009 Choline is a nutrient that the body uses for many functions. In particular, it produces a neurotransmitter used for memory storage. A single egg contains about half of the daily choline recommendation. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1992 Oct;11(5):473-81. |
| October 11, 2009 There is no perfect food that provides all the nutrients we require. This makes nutrition a bit of a balancing act and explains why guidelines for healthful eating stress variety, moderation, and balance. |
| Consumer Link A diet of only good foods is impossible |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Jan;102(1):100-8. |
| October 10, 2009 Staying physically active allows us to consume more food. This makes it easier to meet nutrient needs from food. Calories expended to walk a mile average between 60 and 100 calories, depending on body weight. |
| Consumer Link Burn calories without burning out |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| October 9, 2009 The B-vitamin biotin is required by cells for normal gene function. It is presently thought that biotin is especially important for cell function in older individuals. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, lean meats, salmon, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. |
| Consumer Link B vitamins are unsung heroes of good health |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2007 Jan;137(1):25-30. |
| October 8, 2009 Eating a wide variety of foods helps ensure you'll meet all your essential nutrient needs. Miss just one essential nutrient and eventually serious health problems can develop. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition key to body’s long haul |
| Research Link Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Sep;8(9):685-98. |
| October 7, 2009 More than 60 factors are known to trigger primary headaches. Low blood glucose from skipping meals is one trigger we can control. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link National Headache Foundation |
| October 6, 2009 The plaque that accumulates in the arteries of people with cardiovascular disease often contains calcium. Vitamin K helps to prevent this calcium accumulation called "hardening of the arteries." Green vegetables are a key source of vitamin K in the diet. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin takers may miss vitamin K |
| Research Link Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008 Sep;3(5):1504-10. |
| October 5, 2009 Research shows that mental and physical performance declines rapidly without breakfast. Any food is better than nothing, but for optimal performance a breakfast should provide a balanced mixture of energy-containing nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| October 4, 2009 People training heavily for endurance sports require more salt in their diet than the average person. Exactly how much depends on the hours and intensity of daily training and the amount of salt lost in their sweat. |
| Consumer Link Some athletes run risk of low blood sodium |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Oct;18(5):457-72. |
| October 3, 2009 Good nutrition is always important for health, but eating well both before and after surgery is especially needed. All nutrients are important. A well-balanced diet with adequate protein provides some of your best insurance for success. |
| Consumer Link Eat well before, after surgery |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Oct;138(10):2040S-2044S. |
| October 2, 2009 Medications that decrease stomach acid also increase the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency. People taking medications for GERD or "heartburn" should also take a supplemental source of vitamin B-12. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link Ann Pharmacother. 2002 May;36(5):812-6. |
| October 1, 2009 Mental functions can be noticeably affected by inadequate nutrition. Good nutrition is the first step to a healthy mind and an active memory. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Rev Neurol (Paris). 2004 Sep;160(8-9):767-92. |
| September 30, 2009 To reduce the risk of breast cancer, the consensus of research studies supports consuming a variety of foods in moderate amounts, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains, along with lower-fat milk and milk products, and lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. |
| Consumer Link Milk contains anti-cancer nutrients |
| Research Link Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Dec;14(12):2898-904. |
| September 29, 2009 Children should be strongly encouraged to consume calcium-rich foods not only for bone health, but also because adequate calcium intake is associated with lower body fat. |
| Consumer Link Calcium can help kids cut body fat |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Dec;103(12):1626-31. |
| September 28, 2009 Focusing on health and fitness rather than on dieting and achieving an "ideal" body weight helps to prevent food obsessions and an overly self-conscious attitude. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| September 27, 2009 It is common knowledge that iodine is essential for normal function of the thyroid gland. Less widely appreciated is the fact that normal iron status also is essential for production of the thyroid hormone. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78. |
| September 26, 2009 Studies of people over the age of 75 years report that the heaviest individuals have the lowest risk of death. Consequently, it is not wise to attempt significant weight loss after the age of 75 without medical supervision. |
| Consumer Link Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):505-10. |
| September 25, 2009 The carbohydrate in starchy foods and fruits supports normal brain function. When reducing calories for weight loss, eating a moderate amount of carbohydrate and adequate protein promotes fat loss, inhibits muscle loss and helps lower weight over time. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Apr;53 Suppl 1:S107-11. |
| September 24, 2009 A body shaped more like an apple than a pear has increased health risks. Adequate sleep, exercise, relaxation and a balanced diet all help the body to lose belly fat and "morph" into the preferred fruit shape. |
| Consumer Link Fat that lies beneath carries more risk |
| Research Link Curr Diabetes Rev. 2006 Nov;2(4):367-73. |
| September 23, 2009 Several nutrients influence bone health, including protein, magnesium, vitamins D and K, and, of course, calcium. These and other nutrients work together to maintain strong bones. |
| Consumer Link It takes more than calcium to build bones |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2007 Nov;137(11 Suppl):2507S-2512S. |
| September 22, 2009 A person increases the risk of gallstones when there is less stimulus for the gallbladder to contract. Diets that are very low-calorie, low-fat or low-protein decrease the stimulus to the gallbladder. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| September 21, 2009 Trillions of bacteria live in the lower part of our intestine. They thrive on our “leftovers” – food components that we can’t digest and absorb. A balanced diet supports the right proportions and amounts of beneficial types of these bacteria. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| September 20, 2009 Healthy weight loss is fat loss. Losing a pound of fat tissue requires eating about 3500 calories less than your body uses. This is why it takes time to lose fat and why quick weight loss is not healthy fat loss. |
| Consumer Link Focus on muscle, fat—not weight |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Mar;139(3):514-21. Epub 2009 Jan 21. |
| September 19, 2009 Large research studies have clearly demonstrated that the risk for stone formation decreases when calcium consumption is increased and plenty of fluid is consumed. |
| Consumer Link Combat kidney stones with water |
| Research Link Ther Umsch. 2000 Mar;57(3):138-45. |
| September 18, 2009 When eating to prevent a specific disease is taken to extremes, eating habits can become imbalanced and lead to unexpected health problems. A diet that promotes long-term health takes a balanced approach to foods. |
| Consumer Link Eating for disease prevention may not be healthy |
| Research Link Can J Public Health. 2005;96 Suppl 3:S15-99, S16-21. |
| September 17, 2009 If the body runs low on one or more of the essential nutrients, health is compromised initially and completely lost if the deficiency goes too far for too long. To increase your odds of getting enough nutrients without too many calories, eat moderate amounts of a wide variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Food is not the enemy |
| Research Link Appetite. 2009 Feb;52(1):253-5. |
| September 16, 2009 Getting enough water is very basic for good health. A person requiring 2000 calories a day should typically consume 2.7 liters of water per day coming from both foods and beverages. Physical exercise can greatly increase the daily water needs. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S30-9. |
| September 15, 2009 If you need to cut calories in your diet, mainly cut the fat calories, keep protein intake adequate and consider a multivitamin/mineral supplement to assure adequate calcium and vitamin D. |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1096-1100. |
| September 14, 2009 Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are subtle and are not easily diagnosed. Sixty percent of deficiencies are due to insufficient dietary intake and malabsorption. Taking a preventive B-12 supplement is commonly recommended for those entering their sixth or seventh decades of life. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2004 Aug 3;171(3):251-9. |
| September 13, 2009 Regular exercise several times a week significantly reduces depression in some people. Those who are most unfit seem to get the most benefit, and the more vigorous the exercise, the greater the benefits. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link Nord J Psychiatry. 2008;62 Suppl 47:25-9. |
| September 12, 2009 Various nutrient deficiencies may play a role in Restless Legs Syndrome. Iron deficiency is the most likely contributor. Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 also may be part of the cause in some people. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency might play role in jittery legs |
| Research Link Altern Med Rev. 2007 Jun;12(2):101-12. |
| September 11, 2009 Garlic can help to lower blood cholesterol. But too much garlic may increase blood-clotting time, a side effect that could prove problematic before surgery or for those taking blood thinners. |
| Consumer Link It can be possible to have too much of a good thing |
| Research Link Curr Drug Metab. 2008 Dec;9(10):1063-120. |
| September 10, 2009 Mental and physical performance can decline when people skip breakfast. A morning meal that includes a balanced mixture of carbohydrate, protein and fat can help to keep you alert without triggering the midmorning appetite. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| September 9, 2009 Research suggests that when people abruptly stop an established exercise program, they are likely to experience a rapid gain in body fat. However, just maintaining a reduced level of exercise generally prevents fat gain. |
| Consumer Link Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1975-84. |
| September 8, 2009 Adult habits often start in childhood and this includes being a picky eater. If parents provide a wide variety of wholesome foods as the main fare, children are more likely to learn to appreciate a wide variety of foods and to obtain adequate nutrients throughout their adult life. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 1998 Mar;101(3 Pt 2):539-49. |
| September 7, 2009 It is thought that 25 to 50 percent of a person's potential for longevity is directly related to their genetic makeup. Even so, good nutrition also plays an important role in health with or without good genes for longevity. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition needed, even with ‘longevity gene’ |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52 Suppl 1:2-5. |
| September 6, 2009 Vitamin D plays important roles in the function of the immune system. If you wear sunscreen, avoid the sun, and/or have dark skin, you are more likely to need sources of vitamin D from food or supplements. |
| Consumer Link Holiday flu could be caused by a shortage of vitamin D |
| Research Link Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40. |
| September 5, 2009 Vitamin B-6 is required in tiny amounts measured in thousandths of a gram. Many foods contain vitamin B-6, so it is unlikely to be too low unless your diet is extremely limited in variety or total food consumed. B-6 supplements in high doses, however, can cause nerve damage. |
| Consumer Link Though B6 is important, don't overdose |
| Research Link Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Nov 12;149(46):2545-6. |
| September 4, 2009 The average adult in the U.S. consumes only 75 to 80 percent of recommended intake for the essential mineral magnesium. Low magnesium intake likely contributes to many chronic ailments. A diet with a wide variety of unprocessed wholesome foods can easily meet magnesium needs. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82. |
| September 3, 2009 When cutting calories for weight loss, it is important to consume a moderate amount of carbohydrate-containing foods along with adequate protein. Reasonable amounts of these calorie sources help to minimize the loss of metabolically active muscle tissue and maximize the loss of fat. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2006 Feb;7(1):49-58. |
| September 2, 2009 Vitamin B-12 deficiency can seriously damage the nervous system. The risk of B-12 deficiency is greatest for the elderly and vegetarians. Blood tests for levels of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine assist physicians in the evaluation of B-12 status. |
| Consumer Link Dietary B-12 may not be enough |
| Research Link Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Dec 10;149(50):2789-94. |
| September 1, 2009 With good intentions to eat more healthfully, some people make extreme changes that go too far in the "healthy" direction. Taking healthy eating to an unhealthy extreme can damage health when food variety becomes too limited. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71 |
| August 31, 2009 A diet low in magnesium contributes to several chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, poor blood lipid patterns, and high blood glucose. Consuming a variety of green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans helps to get adequate magnesium. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Apr-May;23(2):142-51. |
| August 30, 2009 Consuming adequate amounts of thiamin (also known as vitamin B1) has been shown to help decrease the complications of diabetes. Foods rich in thiamin include pork, nuts, fish, soybeans, and enriched grain products. |
| Consumer Link B-1 deficiency causes serious health woes |
| Research Link Curr Diabetes Rev. 2005 Aug;1(3):287-98. |
| August 29, 2009 Studies show that thyroid function can be impaired by a nutrient deficiency of iodine, iron, vitamin A, or selenium. Like other parts of the body, the small thyroid gland depends on multiple nutrients from ample amounts of a wide variety of foods in the diet. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78. |
| August 28, 2009 A variety of nutrient deficiencies can affect brain function. For example, some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been linked with iron deficiency. Foods with readily absorbed iron include red meat and chicken thigh. Foods high in vitamin C enhance the absorption of iron from plant foods. |
| Consumer Link Veggy diets run risk of deficiencies |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004 Dec;158(12):1113-5. |
| August 27, 2009 A research study of over 1200 women found that those consuming more than 1,100 milligrams of calcium daily from foods had almost half the risk of developing kidney stones as those who consumed less than 600 milligrams. Eight ounces of milk or yogurt contain about 300 mg of calcium. |
| Consumer Link Study finds diet can affect kidney stones |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2004 Apr 26;164(8):885-91. |
| August 26, 2009 Birth defects are most likely to occur in a developing fetus before a woman knows she is pregnant. The greatest risk is during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Research suggests that eating a balanced diet and taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy are associated with a reduced risk of birth defects. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program. 2008;61:79-89. |
| August 25, 2009 Inadequate dietary zinc depresses immune function, making a person more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Diets devoid of animal foods tend to increase the risk of zinc deficiency because beans and whole grains contain phytates that inhibit the absorption of zinc. |
| Consumer Link Think zinc if 20-year-old looks like 10 |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1988 Oct;7(5):377-84. |
| August 24, 2009 Joint pain and inflammation in older people often occurs due to cartilage loss and damage from wear and tear. To help maintain joint health, consume adequate vitamin C and protein to support cartilage formation and drink plenty of fluids. |
| Consumer Link Too fast, too furious exercise is ‘pain, no gain' |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2005;45(3):145-64. |
| August 23, 2009 If you are concerned about your weight and your job keeps you sedentary, find ways to make as many small extra movements as possible throughout the day. Even simple fidgeting can add up to more calories burned each day. Using the staircase is another great way to add a little exercise to your day. |
| Consumer Link Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time |
| Research Link Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2008 Oct;15(5):409-15. |
| August 22, 2009 Over the past few decades, portion sizes both at home and in restaurants have increased substantially. Maintaining a healthy weight doesn't necessarily mean eliminating favorite foods, but rather making sure that the portion size is appropriate. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| August 21, 2009 Teenagers are sensitive about their appearance and especially about their weight. Even a joking comment or criticism about a young person's appearance can be the first step to an eating disorder. |
| Consumer Link Criticism may trigger eating disorders |
| Research Link Health Promot Int. 2008 Jun;23(2):173-89. |
| August 20, 2009 Taking medications that lower stomach acid can interfere with the absorption of important nutrients. If you are taking antacids regularly, be sure to consume a diet that provides adequate calcium. |
| Consumer Link GERD drugs are connected to osteoporosis |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):103-8. |
| August 19, 2009 In efforts to restrict salt, some mothers may not obtain adequate iodine from the combination of iodized table salt and foods. This is especially a problem for their infants who must obtain iodine from mother's milk. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008. |
| August 18, 2009 It is easy to become dehydrated before you realize it, especially in hot weather. To help prevent problems such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones, drink fluids before you become thirsty. |
| Consumer Link Make sure you consume enough water |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Oct;26(5 Suppl):535S. |
| August 17, 2009 It is a common misconception that protein from animal foods weakens bones. When the recommended intake of calcium is consumed, protein, including protein from animal foods, actually improves bone density. Milk is especially good because it is a high-quality protein source that also provides plenty of calcium. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6 Suppl):526S-36S. |
| August 16, 2009 When people are short on sleep, they tend to be less inclined to exercise and more inclined to reduce exercise intensity. Getting adequate sleep is an essential component of a fitness program. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity. 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| August 15, 2009 Muscle, the body’s major protein reserve, supports immune function, healing, blood pressure regulation, heart function, and much more. Getting adequate protein in the diet and regular exercise both help to maintain muscle as people age. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Jun;56(6):M373-80. |
| August 14, 2009 Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight. Because most of us are avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreens to promote skin health, we need to obtain vitamin D from foods like milk and fish or from dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D deficiency makes a comeback |
| Research Link Risk assessment for vitamin D |
| August 13, 2009 Some dark leafy greens and beans contain a fair amount of iron, but the mineral is usually in a form that is very poorly absorbed. In comparison, lean beef and chicken thigh provide iron that is efficiently absorbed by the body. |
| Consumer Link Lean red meat best source of iron in food |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;62(3):336-41. |
| August 12, 2009 A healthy body is a body in balance. To maintain an internal balance requires adequate nutrients from a variety of foods and food groups. Focusing on some food groups at the expense of others leads to imbalance. |
| Consumer Link It can be possible to have too much of a good thing |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| August 11, 2009 If lactose intolerance keeps you from enjoying foods that contain your favorite milk products, consider taking over-the-counter lactase tablets with the first bite. The enzyme contained in these products helps to digest milk sugar and prevent distress. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2003 Jun;61(6 Pt 1):221-3. |
| August 10, 2009 Rinsing your mouth with water after eating foods high in sugar or acid is a habit that can promote long-term dental health. Common foods that fit into these categories include sweets, sweet or tart fruits, fruit drinks, sodas (regular and diet), and sports drinks. |
| Consumer Link Toothy facts about what you eat |
| Research Link American Dental Association |
| August 9, 2009 Having memory problems can become somewhat worrisome. But did you know that short-term memory problems can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin B-12? If you can't remember where you left your keys, have your physician check your B-12 level. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2004 Aug 3;171(3):251-9. |
| August 8, 2009 Can you be fat and fit? Yes! Of course, there are limits, but fit overweight people can have a lower risk of chronic disease than their thin sedentary counterparts. Regular physical activity helps the body gravitate to its unique genetically determined optimal weight. |
| Consumer Link Worry about fitness, not fat |
| Research Link Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):137-63. |
| August 7, 2009 A high-protein diet increases the loss of calcium in the urine. But a diet that is slightly low in protein decreases the absorption of calcium. Overall, consuming a diet slightly greater in protein than the current recommendation is best for bone health. |
| Consumer Link Proper protein is necessary |
| Research Link Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009 Mar 13;6:12. |
| August 6, 2009 It is important to consume adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. However, because excessive intake of some nutrients can be harmful, a “Tolerable Upper Intake Level” has been established for many nutrients. These values represent the maximum daily amount of a nutrient thought to not cause harm. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin limits hard to set |
| Research Link Establishing Upper Intake Levels for Nutrients |
| August 5, 2009 As people get older, their calorie needs often decrease, however their nutrient needs stay the same or may even increase for some nutrients. Consequently, as the quantity of food consumed decreases, the quality of the overall diet needs to improve. |
| Consumer Link Cut calories, but not nutrients, as you age |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Aug;106(8):1172-80. |
| August 4, 2009 It is well known that vitamin D deficiency leads to weakened bones. However, more recent research also links low vitamin D levels to increased risk of many other health problems, including certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D can protect against many diseases |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Oct;66(10 Suppl 2):S182-94. |
| August 3, 2009 Modern cases of rickets have occurred when well-intentioned parents fed their infants macrobiotic diets that lacked a dietary source of vitamin D. Particularly for infants and toddlers, milk alternatives should be fortified with vitamin D since this may be the sole source of nutrients for the child. |
| Consumer Link Rickets makes a comeback |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2001 Apr;107(4):E46. |
| August 2, 2009 Diet plays an important role in heart and blood vessel health. Consuming a balanced diet with recommended amounts of vegetables and fruits is especially important for maintaining the health of blood vessels. |
| Consumer Link Heart healthy diet helps avoid strokes |
| Research Link Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 2010 Feb;17(1):50-5. |
| August 1, 2009 To support exercise demands, the young or old athlete must first stay hydrated and second, consume adequate amounts of high-carbohydrate foods. Without these two nutrients, an athlete's endurance will suffer. |
| Consumer Link Athletes need to hydrate and devour carbohydrates |
| Research Link Pediatr Clin North Am. 2002 Aug;49(4):829-55. |
| July 31, 2009 Nutrition is important in the prevention of osteoporosis. By eating a variety of foods you are more likely to consume the many vitamins and minerals needed for bone health. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones are important for senior citizens |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 2009 Jun;101(11):1581-96. |
| July 30, 2009 Skimping on fruits and vegetables may not cause identifiable short-term health problems, but the long-term health ramifications may be significant. So balance your diet with enough fruits and veggies! |
| Consumer Link Don't forget to eat your veggies |
| Research Link Cancer. 1993 Aug 1;72(3 Suppl):1015-8. |
| July 29, 2009 Choline was recently discovered to be an essential nutrient. It is needed for many things, including normal brain and liver function. Many foods contain modest amounts of choline, but eggs are especially rich. One egg provides over half of the adult daily need for choline. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1992 Oct;11(5):473-81. |
| July 28, 2009 Studies show that eating breakfast increases the speed and accuracy of information recall, an essential skill for top performance in school or on the job. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast for a good start to day |
| Research Link Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Jan 31:1-7. |
| July 27, 2009 Vitamin B-12 deficiency can manifest itself as short-term memory problems similar to early Alzheimer's disease. Taking a preventive B-12 supplement is recommended for those past their fifth decade of life. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2007 Mar-Apr;11(2):132-52. |
| July 26, 2009 Green tea contains a plethora of antioxidants, but also can raise blood pressure in high doses and should not be used by individuals with kidney inflammation, ulcers, insomnia or some heart problems. |
| Consumer Link It can be possible to have too much of a good thing |
| Research Link Nutrition. 1999 Nov-Dec;15(11-12):946-9. |
| July 25, 2009 A full life requires not only a strong body but also a healthy mind. Marginal deficiencies of many nutrients can cause subclinical depression and in turn impair memory. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| July 24, 2009 Vitamin B-6 is needed to make blood, keep the nervous and immune systems functioning properly, and regulate blood glucose levels. But, high doses of this vitamin can damage nerves - especially those in the arms, hands, legs and feet. |
| Consumer Link Though B6 is important, don't overdose |
| Research Link Institute of Medicine DRI Chapter on Vitamin B-6 |
| July 23, 2009 Knowing the basics of nutrition science helps to decrease a person's susceptibility to all the “snake oil” health hype that pervades the modern world. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition key to body’s long haul |
| Research Link Int J Health Serv. 2003;33(2):383-9. |
| July 22, 2009 Good nutrition is always important for health, but it becomes even more important before and after surgery. Nutritional preparation for surgery means providing the body with adequate nutrient building blocks for both optimal immune function and tissue repair. |
| Consumer Link Eat well before, after surgery |
| Research Link Curr Opin Crit Care. 2008 Dec;14(6):690-5. |
| July 21, 2009 Lycopene, the colorful compound in tomatoes, is proving to provide many health benefits. This phytochemical is absorbed better from cooked tomato products than from fresh tomatoes, so even catsup can count as part (but not all) of your daily vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes prove their worthiness |
| Research Link CMAJ. 2000 Sep 19;163(6):739-44. |
| July 20, 2009 Changes in food portions provided in market packaging or fast food servings have altered our recognition of a lot more calories. For example, today’s wraps are equivalent to 2 tortillas or 3 or 4 slices of bread and a large “mega-muffin” is similar to 4 muffins from 30 years ago. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| July 19, 2009 The toxin in Clostridium botulinum bacteria causes muscle paralysis and even small amounts of this toxin in spoiled food can kill an adult. These bacteria live without oxygen. So, for canned foods, when in doubt, throw it out. |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):103-8. |
| July 18, 2009 Because prepared and fast-food products in the U.S. usually do not contain iodized salt, researchers fear that poor iodine nutrition may be causing many health problems. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ Sci Technol, 42 (4), 1315-1323, 2008. |
| July 17, 2009 Although too little physical activity promotes the development of obesity, research also indicates that getting too little good quality sleep may contribute to weight gain and obesity. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| July 16, 2009 Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit joint health. Good food sources include fatty fish such as salmon, herring and sardines. Plant sources include flaxseed oil, walnuts and canola oil. Supplemental fish oils or algae oil also provide omega-3 fatty acids and generally show more benefit than plant-oil sources. |
| Consumer Link Vitamins can help ease pain in joints |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):133-40. |
| July 15, 2009 Eating a wide variety of foods in a balanced fashion is probably more important for heart health than eating any one "healthy food." |
| Consumer Link Heart health requires a varied diet |
| Research Link Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2004 Aug;6(4):291-302. |
| July 14, 2009 Adequate calcium is good for bone health, but it is possible to get too much. The Institute of Medicine considers 2500 mg/day to be the upper limit. Indiscriminate use of calcium- fortified foods plus supplements can easily go over that limit. |
| Consumer Link How much is too much calcium? |
| Research Link ODS Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium |
| July 13, 2009 Too often dieters cut the protein in order to cut calories. Did you know that protein needs increase during low calorie dieting? |
| Consumer Link Protein is crucial part of a sound diet |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S. |
| July 12, 2009 Short term memory problems are often attributed to that "senior moment." But did you know that short-term memory loss can be a sign of a vitamin B-12 deficiency? Ask you physician for a B-12 check-up. |
| Consumer Link Dietary B-12 may not be enough |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| July 11, 2009 With an increasing number of calcium-fortified foods available, the likelihood for some people to consume too much calcium is potentially real. Excess calcium can reduce the absorption of other essential minerals like iron and zinc. It is all about balance! |
| Consumer Link How much is too much calcium? |
| Research Link Br J Nutr. 1993 Mar;69(2):533-40. |
| July 10, 2009 Low calorie diets for weight loss often reduce nutrient intake along with calories. To stay healthy, it is important to maintain adequate intake of essential nutrients. In fact, protein needs actually increase during weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Balance your calorie checkbook |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Mar;139(3):514-21. |
| July 9, 2009 If a person claims a food is all “good” or all “bad” – beware. Nutrition science is complex and nutrition misinformation is common. Eating a balanced variety of foods to meet your nutritional needs is likely the safest and wisest choice. |
| Consumer Link Zeal does not make it true |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Apr;106(4):601-7. |
| July 8, 2009 People with diabetes can greatly improve their condition with proper exercise and diet. Since diabetes is associated with a variety of health complications, it is important to work with certified health professionals to develop appropriate diet and exercise programs. |
| Consumer Link Exercise helps treat diabetes |
| Research Link Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2009 Apr;16(2):150-5. |
| July 7, 2009 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently found more than 70 weight loss products that contained dangerous and illegal drugs. For brand name details, visit www.fda.gov and search for "weight loss pills." |
| Consumer Link FDA finding dangerous diet products |
| Research Link FDA Warning About Tainted Weight Loss Pills |
| July 6, 2009 To maintain a healthy immune system, the body needs adequate protein for the production of antibodies. Many vitamins and trace minerals are also essential for overall health of the immune system. |
| Consumer Link More than luck needed to avoid flu |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):113-9. |
| July 5, 2009 Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, but excessive sun exposure damages the skin. Food sources include oily ocean fish like salmon and sardines along with milk, and fortified juices. |
| Consumer Link Many don’t get enough vitamin D |
| Research Link J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Jun;92(6):2130-5. |
| July 4, 2009 One of the most common causes of headaches is skipping meals. Carrying a small snack (such as a piece of fruit) may help to keep those hunger headaches away. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link Headache. 2009 May;49(5):744-52. |
| July 3, 2009 New research on eating disorders like anorexia nervosa indicates that the associated psychological problems are caused by malnutrition and therefore a focus on re-learning how to eat is a more effective treatment than a focus on psychological therapy. |
| Consumer Link Normalizing nutrition eases eating disorders |
| Research Link Front Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Oct;29(4):445-62. |
| July 2, 2009 Most everyone has heard about the "5-A-Day" fruits and vegetables campaign. But, there also is a 3-A-Day campaign. It recommends consuming 3 servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese a day to support bone health. |
| Consumer Link 3-A-Day plan aims to boost calcium intake |
| Research Link J Fam Health Care. 2008;18(1):22-4. |
| July 1, 2009 It remains a common misbelief that sweet foods cause hyperactivity in children. However, several well-designed research studies indicated that this was not the case. |
| Consumer Link A researcher's sweet truths |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 1994 May;52(5):173-5. |
| June 30, 2009 Pervasive media images of extremely muscular and attractive men may be at the root of what is called reverse anorexia, muscle dysmorphia, big syndrome, and the Adonis Complex. This dissatisfaction with body image can lead to habits detrimental to health. |
| Consumer Link Size does matter to too many men |
| Research Link Body Image. 2008 Sep;5(3):244-50. |
| June 29, 2009 Staying physically active may be the most effective way to reduce the risk developing type 2 diabetes. Even those who are overweight have much less risk of developing diabetes if they stay physically active. |
| Consumer Link Staying active can reduce diabetes risk in adulthood |
| Research Link Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;68 Suppl1:S73-81. |
| June 28, 2009 Eating disorders frequently start with a disordered eating pattern that excludes various foods perceived as fattening or "bad for you." If someone is a picky eater, they may be at greater risk of developing a serious eating problem. |
| Consumer Link Extremes in calorie control plague nation |
| Research Link Physiol Behav. 2007 Sep 10;92(1-2):283-90. Epub 2007 May 25. |
| June 27, 2009 The sodium and chloride components of salt are essential nutrients. Due to heavy sweat losses, some endurance athletes can develop dangerously low blood sodium levels. This can lead to nausea, headache, swollen hands and feet, and life-threatening brain swelling. |
| Consumer Link Some athletes run risk of low blood sodium |
| Research Link Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Oct;18(5):457-72. |
| June 26, 2009 The fast food industry is often blamed for the "obesity epidemic" since fast foods provide such an easy way to consume calories. However, it is just as sensible to blame cars, TVs, computers, and video games that have reduced calorie needs by making us more sedentary. |
| Consumer Link If you're fat, you can either jog or sue |
| Research Link Tort Trial Insur Pract Law J. 2004 Fall;40(1):75-106. |
| June 25, 2009 Fish is often called “brain food” and this reputation may be deserved. One of the components of fish oil is also a major part of the human brain. There is some research that suggests consuming fish once or twice a week may help to protect brain function with aging. |
| Consumer Link Fish is good for the brain, study shows |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD005379. |
| June 24, 2009 A large research study in China found that the women in rural counties with a dairy industry had significantly higher bone density associated with their greater consumption of milk products. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition issue simmers over milk products |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 Aug;58(2):219-27. |
| June 23, 2009 Even though the odds are very low for any individual to become ill from salmonella contamination in eggs, fully cooking eggs reduces this small risk even more. |
| Consumer Link Salmonella contamination is preventable |
| Research Link Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2006 Winter;3(4):403-12. |
| June 22, 2009 The statistics are sobering: One in six men will develop prostate cancer. To reduce risk, the American Cancer Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day as part of an overall balanced diet. |
| Consumer Link Good diet may lower prostate cancer risk |
| Research Link Am J Mens Health. 2008 Jun;2(2):178-89. |
| June 21, 2009 An important treatment for type 2 (adult onset) diabetes may be daily exercise like walking and jogging in combination with strength-building resistance exercise two to three times a week. Check with your doctor. |
| Consumer Link Healthy diet, exercise can avert diabetes |
| Research Link Diabetes Care. 2003 Nov;26(11):2977-82. |
| June 20, 2009 For most people, moderate use of green tea may provide health benefits. But, those who rely on drugs to treat medical conditions should be aware that green tea and its extracts can clash with many common prescription and nonprescription drugs. |
| Consumer Link Green tea can clash with common drugs |
| Research Link Green Tea, MedlinePlus. |
| June 19, 2009 Research shows a relationship between increased dietary calcium and lower body fat in both adults and children. Although this concept is still being explored, it provides another reason to include calcium rich foods in your diet. |
| Consumer Link Calcium can help kids cut body fat |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Dec;103(12):1626-31. |
| June 18, 2009 The "Health at Every Size" movement emphasizes a focus on health and fitness rather than on diets and seeking an "ideal" body weight. Growing evidence indicates that this approach likely benefits long term health more than a focus on weight loss. |
| Consumer Link Overall health more critical than body size |
| Research Link AAOHN J. 2007 Apr;55(4):143-50. |
| June 17, 2009 Most drugs taken to treat heartburn can greatly reduce the ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods. Consequently, people taking these medications also should take a supplemental source of vitamin B-12. |
| Consumer Link Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain |
| Research Link Ann Pharmacother. 2002 May;36(5):812-6. |
| June 16, 2009 About 70 genes are known to control metabolic links associated with obesity. Consequently, the causes and treatments of obesity can vary greatly from one person to another. |
| Consumer Link Can you blame your genes for tight jeans? |
| Research Link J Intern Med. 2003 Nov;254(5):401-25. |
| June 15, 2009 What is the best way for an overweight, sedentary person to become active? Gradually! Fitness is a lifetime commitment, so start slow and build to a steady but sustainable pace. |
| Consumer Link Shaping up when you're out of shape |
| Research Link Cardiol Clin. 2001 Aug;19(3):459-70. |
| June 14, 2009 If you want to lose fat, rapid weight loss is not for you. Quick fat loss is impossible. One pound of body fat contains about 3,500 calories. Consequently, a 200-pound person needs to run about 24 miles to expend enough calories to lose a pound of fat tissue. |
| Consumer Link Slow fat loss key to lasting weight loss |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Jun;61(6):1179-85. |
| June 13, 2009 During exercise, children may be more likely than adults to overheat. Especially when a child is dehydrated at the start of exercise, the risk of overheating is greater. Meeting water needs before and during exercise is essential. |
| Consumer Link Demands of exercise different for children and adults |
| Research Link Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008 Apr;33(2):420-7. |
| June 12, 2009 Food safety is a year-round concern, but the incidence of foodborne illness increases during the hot summer months. A good preventive measure is to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing any foods. |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2004 Nov;104(11):1708-17. |
| June 11, 2009 Summer heat increases water needs. Severe dehydration can lead to a medical emergency. Less severe chronic under-hydration has fewer obvious signs but can lead to problems like kidney stones, blood pressure fluctuations, headaches and intestinal problems. |
| Consumer Link Summer time is fluid time to stay safe |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;57 Suppl 2:S19-23. |
| June 10, 2009 The location of body fat is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Risk is greatest when most of the fat is located internally around the belly area, creating the apple shape. Incorporate adequate sleep, exercise, relaxation and a balanced diet to decrease your risks. |
| Consumer Link Fat that lies beneath carries more risk |
| Research Link Curr Diabetes Rev. 2006 Nov;2(4):367-73. |
| June 9, 2009 A variety of dietary supplements are promoted for prostate health, but the best research evidence currently supports eating a balanced diet with a good variety of fruits and vegetables and staying fit as the best way to support prostate health. |
| Consumer Link Healthy habits help protect the prostate |
| Research Link Am J Mens Health. 2008 Jun;2(2):178-89. Epub 2008 Feb 29. |
| June 8, 2009 Most people function best (mentally and physically) with something for breakfast. The most beneficial breakfasts provide a balanced mixture of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Without all three of these energy sources, many people fade out before lunch time. |
| Consumer Link Premium breakfast fuels a better day |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20. |
| June 7, 2009 Research indicates that it takes longer to get into shape than to get out of shape. Within only 2 to 3 weeks of stopping exercise, changes in fitness can be measured. Maintaining a reduced amount of exercise helps to prevent rapid fat gain that often occurs with abrupt cessation of an exercise program. |
| Consumer Link Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain |
| Research Link Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1975-84. |
| June 6, 2009 Making healthy food choices is not as simple as choosing only “good foods” and avoiding all “bad foods.” Most natural foods contain both healthful properties and properties that in excess can cause harm. Good nutrition is not black and white. |
| Consumer Link A diet of only good foods is impossible |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Jan;102(1):100-8. |
| June 5, 2009 Encouraging family health by being a good role model for healthy eating and regular physical activity can be a lifelong gift to your child. Try providing frequent opportunities for enjoyable physical activities to help prevent excess weight gain in children and teens. |
| Consumer Link Parents can influence kids weight gain |
| Research Link Eur J Pediatr. 2000 Sep;159 Suppl 1:S35-44. |
| June 4, 2009 Children should decide when they have had enough to eat. Parents, however, are responsible for creating a food environment that provides the child with a wide variety of wholesome foods and keeps high calorie tasty treats as occasional options. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 1998 Mar;101(3 Pt 2):539-49. |
| June 3, 2009 To help your body maintain a healthy heart, take care of the basics. Eat moderate amounts of a wide variety of foods and be sure to include fruits, vegetables, adequate fluids and daily physical activity. |
| Consumer Link Take heart care in hand for good life |
| Research Link JAMA. 2002 Nov 27;288(20):2569-78. |
| June 2, 2009 The best way to protect your lungs from the oxidative damage that can lead to lung diseases is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of an overall balanced diet. |
| Consumer Link Plant food diet can protect lungs |
| Research Link Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2005 Apr;9(4):362-74. |
| June 1, 2009 More than 300 species of bacteria naturally live in the mouth. Some of these bacteria convert sugar into acids that gradually dissolve and erode tooth enamel. Foods that stimulate saliva flow can protect teeth by helping to flush acids out of the mouth. |
| Consumer Link Toothy facts about what you eat |
| Research Link J Am Dent Assoc. 2008 May;139 Suppl:18S-24S. |
| May 31, 2009 Depression, no matter what the cause, can result in memory problems. Several vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause depression. Eating a wide variety of foods helps to meet these nutrient needs. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link Rev Neurol (Paris). 2004 Sep;160(8-9):767-92. |
| May 30, 2009 Choline is an essential nutrient required by all cells. It is especially important for normal brain and muscle function. Most foods provide choline, with the richest sources being liver and eggs, followed by most meats, poultry, and fish. |
| Consumer Link Get to know choline's essential role |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2006;26:229-50. |
| May 29, 2009 A steady supply of oxygen is essential for life. Too much oxygen, however, can be harmful to the body. Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans and grains helps to protect lungs from oxidative damage. |
| Consumer Link Plant food diet can protect lungs |
| Research Link Proc Nutr Soc. 2004 Nov;63(4):579-85. |
| May 28, 2009 Strictly speaking, there is no dietary requirement for carbohydrate. The brain, however, prefers glucose for its metabolic fuel and uses about 400 calories of the blood sugar glucose each day. For this reason, some carbohydrate sources are recommended in all prudent diets. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Apr;53 Suppl 1:S107-11. |
| May 27, 2009 To increase your odds of getting plenty of essential nutrients and other beneficial food components that promote the highest level of health, eat moderate amounts of a wide variety of foods. |
| Consumer Link Food is not the enemy |
| Research Link Clin Biochem. 1984 Apr;17(2):132-42. |
| May 26, 2009 The senses of taste and smell are essential for selection of safe foods that are not spoiled and toxic. Eating a variety of foods can support keen senses by providing key nutrients such as vitamin A, thiamin (B1), iron, zinc and copper. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2007 Mar;23(2):171-7. |
| May 25, 2009 Good nutrition is especially important before and after surgery. Glutamine, an amino acid especially high in animal foods and available in supplement form, is known to be especially helpful when significant amounts of body tissue must be repaired and replaced. |
| Consumer Link Eat well before, after surgery |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Oct;138(10):2040S-2044S. |
| May 24, 2009 Parents are responsible for what, when and where children are able to eat. Providing and promoting a wide variety of wholesome foods is essential for helping a child meet nutrient needs and avoid becoming a picky eater. |
| Consumer Link Help children develop good eating habits |
| Research Link Ann Med. 1999 Apr;31 Suppl 1:26-32. |
| May 23, 2009 Although there have been many studies suggesting anti-cancer properties of certain foods, the consensus of scientific studies supports consuming a variety of foods in moderate amounts, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains, along with lower-fat milk and milk products, and lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. |
| Consumer Link Milk contains anti-cancer nutrients |
| Research Link Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Dec;14(12):2898-904. |
| May 22, 2009 Based on current research, fish oils offer a number of protective functions. Adding a large serving of oily fish to the diet may reduce the risk of sudden heart attacks and strokes in women. |
| Consumer Link Fat is essential for health, in right types and amounts |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Med 2007 Sep;8 Suppl 1:S23-6. |
| May 21, 2009 Breakfast can increase the speed and accuracy of recalling information. To get a good start on meeting daily nutrient needs, try eating one-fourth of the day's calories at breakfast. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast for a good start to day |
| Research Link Indian Pediatr. 2008 Oct;45(10):824-8. |
| May 20, 2009 After mid-life, people generally experience a gradual loss of muscle mass. Both regular exercise and adequate nutrition play essential roles in preventing excessive muscle loss with age. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;27(5):675-84. |
| May 19, 2009 Vegetarian diets are not always healthy. Whether you consume animal products or not, consuming a good balance of essential nutrients is more important than what the diet excludes. |
| Consumer Link Vegetarian physician debunks dietary myths |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1607S-1612S. |
| May 18, 2009 A woman's bones are designed to handle the demands of pregnancy as long as her diet has an adequate supply of all nutrients - especially calcium. |
| Consumer Link Childbearing strains mom's calcium level |
| Research Link Salud Publica Mex. 2009;51 Suppl 1:S100-7. |
| May 17, 2009 Good nutrition is needed for a healthy mind and an active memory. Eating a wide variety of foods from all of the food groups helps to provide all nutrients needed for peak brain function. |
| Consumer Link Feed your brain for best performance |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85. |
| May 16, 2009 An elevated blood level of homocysteine is considered to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Taking a daily multi-vitamin with vitamins B6, B12, and folate can help to reduce homocysteine. |
| Consumer Link Take heart care in hand for good life |
| Research Link Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1997 Jun;47(2 Suppl 1):9-12. |
| May 15, 2009 The “longevity gene” may play a role in the length of a person’s life, but nutrition and exercise are still extremely important to the quality of life. Even if health begins to decline, good dietary habits can decrease the progression and severity of problems no matter what genes you have. |
| Consumer Link Nutrition needed, even with ‘longevity gene’ |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52 Suppl 1:2-5. |
| May 14, 2009 Why influenza viruses show up when they do is a medical puzzle. One theory proposes that because vitamin D status drops during the winter months, people become more susceptible to infection. Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish and D-fortified foods like milk. |
| Consumer Link Holiday flu could be caused by a shortage of vitamin D |
| Research Link Virol J. 2008 Feb 25;5:29. |
| May 13, 2009 Fats and oils in our diet provide nutrients called essential fatty acids. However, some fats are rather low in these nutrients. For example, it requires about 2,000 calories of olive oil to meet the daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids compared to only 200 calories worth of soybean oil. |
| Consumer Link Jack Sprat missed out on essential acids |
| Research Link Biochem Pharmacol. 2009 Mar 15;77(6):937-46. Epub 2008 Oct 28. |
| May 12, 2009 Including enough high fiber plant foods in the diet can benefit intestinal health. Too much fiber, however, can reduce the ability to absorb essential minerals like iron, copper and zinc. |
| Consumer Link Balancing the facts on fiber |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2002 May;60(5 Pt 1):127-34. |
| May 11, 2009 Less than 2 milligrams of vitamin B-6 is all that is needed to meet an adult’s daily needs; only 200 milligrams consumed daily can cause nerve damage over time. Check that your dietary supplement does not contain toxic levels of this essential nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Though B6 is important, don't overdose |
| Research Link Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Nov 12;149(46):2545-6. |
| May 10, 2009 Since about one out of every 200 people carries a gene that makes them susceptible to iron overload disease, iron supplements should not be taken needlessly. However, medically supervised use of iron supplements is extremely important for treating the much more common problem of iron deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Iron level is important to good health |
| Research Link Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2003:40-61. |
| May 9, 2009 The most common conditions linked to low magnesium intake are high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. That’s a good reason to include green vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts in your daily diet. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82. |
| May 8, 2009 If you find yourself craving salt as the weather heats up, there could be a good reason. Due to increased sodium loss in sweat, the sodium needs of those who work outdoors all day can substantially exceed current recommendations for sodium intake. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link J Occup Med Toxicol. 2008 Jan 29;3:4. |
| May 7, 2009 Both too little and too much carbohydrate can complicate weight management. Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to maintain a lower body weight over time. |
| Consumer Link Too much carb cutting affects your brain |
| Research Link Obes Rev. 2006 Feb;7(1):49-58. |
| May 6, 2009 Studies of a French drug called strontium ranelate have shown that it treats osteoporosis as effectively as other common drugs used to boost bone density. In the U.S., this drug is not available, but dietary supplements are sold that contain strontium. |
| Consumer Link European strontium drug spurs supplement sales in U.S. |
| Research Link J Endocrinol Invest. 2005;28(8 Suppl):50-7. |
| May 5, 2009 If the label of a food or dietary supplement indicates 100% of the "Daily Value" for vitamin A, then one serving of the product contains about 200% of the daily intake currently recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Since high vitamin A intake may promote bone loss and birth defects, revision of labeling regulations is long overdue. |
| Consumer Link Too much vitamin A can be toxic |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2007 Oct;65(10):425-38. |
| May 4, 2009 Vitamin B-12 is essential for many nervous system functions including overall brain function and especially short-term memory. B-12 is naturally present in animal foods like meat, milk products, and eggs. Also, this vitamin is added to some foods like fortified soymilk. |
| Consumer Link Lack of B-12 Widespread |
| Research Link Clin Chim Acta. 2002 Dec;326(1-2):47-59. |
| May 3, 2009 Both excess iron and iron deficiency are common in older people. Either extreme may lead to health problems if not treated. To maintain health, older individuals should consume adequate amounts of iron-containing foods and have their iron status checked periodically. |
| Consumer Link Seniors still need adequate iron for good health |
| Research Link Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1996;66(1):66-70. |
| May 2, 2009 If you frequently have an irritation or a cut at the corners of your mouth, your diet might be low in vitamin B-2. Reasonable sources of B-2 (riboflavin) include fortified cereals, milk and other dairy products, almonds, and meats. |
| Consumer Link Riboflavin works with other vitamins |
| Research Link Med J Aust. 1984 Nov 10;141(10):635-7. |
| May 1, 2009 Vitamin K is beneficial for blood, bone, and cardiovascular health, but it is commonly left out of multi-vitamin supplements. Green vegetables are the main source of vitamin K in most people's diets. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin takers may miss vitamin K |
| Research Link Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008 Sep;3(5):1504-10. |
| April 30, 2009 Disease mongering is the process of enlarging the market for a disease treatment by convincing people that they have a medical condition that is treatable. Common examples are the TV ads that encourage you to ask your doctor about drug X if you think you have some ailment. |
| Consumer Link Hype drives prescriptions' popularity |
| Research Link PLoS Med. 2008 May 27;5(5):e106. |
| April 29, 2009 A high level of blood triglycerides is one of many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Consuming fish two or three times a week provides omega-3 fatty acids that can help to decrease triglycerides. |
| Consumer Link Lower blood triglycerides to ward off heart disease |
| Research Link Nutr Health. 2009;20(1):11-20. |
| April 28, 2009 During pregnancy, even non-prescription medications, herbal products and essential oils have the potential to cause birth defects. Drugs and herbal supplements should be used only with the guidance of a physician or pharmacist. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003 Dec;68(6):505-10. |
| April 27, 2009 As the weather warms up, the body’s fluid needs increase due to greater sweat loss. Even unnoticeable sweat loss can lead to a drop in blood volume that could increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Remember to drink more fluids in hot weather. |
| Consumer Link Fluid needs rise with temperature |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S2-5. |
| April 26, 2009 The Internet is loaded with misinformation. Before you let the Internet drive your beliefs and your food choices, be sure that you are surfing reliable websites with sound science-based advice. |
| Consumer Link False claims thrive on Internet |
| Research Link Indian J Med Sci. 2004 Aug;58(8):321-6. |
| April 25, 2009 Exercise and nutrition go hand-in-hand to promote good health. As it turns out, three 10-minute walks are just as beneficial to health as one 30-minute walk and are much easier to fit into a busy lifestyle. |
| Consumer Link Burn calories without burning out |
| Research Link Sports Med. 2009;39(1):29-43. |
| April 24, 2009 Vitamin K contributes to bone health by helping bones retain calcium. In contrast, vitamin K benefits cardiovascular health by preventing calcium accumulation in blood vessels and hardening of the arteries. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin K helps bones, brain and eyes |
| Research Link Thromb Haemost. 2007 Jul;98(1):120-5. |
| April 23, 2009 Some pregnant women may get too little of the “unsung” B-vitamin biotin. This may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, most lean meats, some fish such as salmon, and some nuts and seeds like peanuts and sunflower seeds. |
| Consumer Link B vitamins are unsung heroes of good health |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):154-7. |
| April 22, 2009 To help weight loss be fat loss, cut down on foods high in fat, sugar, and starch. Protein needs actually increase during weight loss, so maintain an adequate intake of high protein foods. |
| Consumer Link Careful diet plan sheds fat |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S. |
| April 21, 2009 A three-year study of women over 65 found that a daily supplement with 700 IU of vitamin D reduced the odds of falling by 46 percent in the more active women and by 65 percent in less-active women. Other studies report that good vitamin D status enhances lower-body strength and coordination. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2006 Feb 27;166(4):424-30. |
| April 20, 2009 Hair loss is often the unavoidable consequence of aging. However, hair thinning is sometimes a sign of inadequate iron in the diet. Physicians who specialize in treating hair thinning prefer to see the index of body iron stores (ferritin) at a level greater than 70 ng/ml. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404. |
| April 19, 2009 Drinking cranberry juice may be just what is needed to prevent urinary tract infections. This prevention occurs by reducing the ability of unwanted microorganisms to adhere to cells lining the urinary tract. |
| Consumer Link Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round |
| Research Link Biotechnol Bioeng. 2006 Feb 5;93(2):297-305. |
| April 18, 2009 The most common type of kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate. But, cutting back on calcium is not the answer. Instead, high calcium foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt reduce the absorption of oxalate and help to decrease stone formation. |
| Consumer Link Combat kidney stones with water |
| Research Link Urology. 2009 Mar;73(3):484-9. |
| April 17, 2009 During pregnancy, the developing fetus requires about 30,000 milligrams of calcium for its skeleton. Much of this calcium is drawn from the mother’s bones. Consuming adequate amounts of high calcium foods before and during pregnancy can help to maintain bone quality. |
| Consumer Link Childbearing strains mom's calcium level |
| Research Link J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005 Apr;10(2):105-18. |
| April 16, 2009 The average U.S. adult consumes only 75 to 80 percent of the amount of magnesium recommended. This may contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans are all good food sources. |
| Consumer Link Brown rice can provide vital magnesium |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Apr-May;23(2):142-51. |
| April 15, 2009 Athletes often take creatine supplements to boost muscle performance in high intensity sports. The brain also uses creatine for energy and supplements may enhance certain types of brain performance. Food sources are meats, poultry and fish. |
| Consumer Link Creatine has wide range of benefits |
| Research Link Neurosci Res. 2002 Apr;42(4):279-85. |
| April 14, 2009 Exercise stimulates muscles to accumulate protein and build muscle fibers. But, this is only possible with an adequate supply of key nutrients, including protein. Both regular exercise and adequate nutrition play essential roles in maintaining muscle. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Nutr Res. 2008 Oct;28(10):651-8. |
| April 13, 2009 Poor iron nutrition may predispose people to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. When low iron status is properly diagnosed in a child with ADHD, iron supplementation may reduce symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Veggy diets run risk of deficiencies |
| Research Link Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004 Dec;158(12):1113-5. |
| April 12, 2009 The gallbladder could be considered a “use it or lose it” organ. If the flow of bile slows down, gallstones are more likely to form. Fasting and extreme diets can slow down the gallbladder and increase the risk of gallstone formation and possibly the need for gallbladder surgery. |
| Consumer Link Painful stones gall many U.S. adults |
| Research Link Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20(6):1063-73. |
| April 11, 2009 Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils are known to provide a variety of health benefits. Similar fatty acids in plant oils like canola and flax oils don’t have the same effects, but new plant oils are being developed that may match the benefits of fish oils. |
| Consumer Link Fatty acids are not all created equal |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):5-10. Epub 2008 Dec 3. |
| April 10, 2009 Over 50 specific chemicals such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids are required for the body to function. Picky eaters often miss out on many essential nutrients and other beneficial food components. Get excited about exploring the world of food and it will benefit your health throughout your life! |
| Consumer Link Nutrition key to body’s long haul |
| Research Link Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Sep;8(9):685-98. |
| April 9, 2009 Successful weight loss equals fat loss. Weight loss that is mostly from body water and muscle mass will only be temporary. Regular physically activity that includes both strength training and endurance exercises helps to promote fat loss - weight loss that lasts! |
| Consumer Link Resolved: Keep sanity in diet plan |
| Research Link Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2005 Oct;33(4):169-74. |
| April 8, 2009 Equilibrium is the key to maintaining good health. It is best to maintain a balanced nutrient intake with a wide variety of wholesome foods. When that is difficult, reasonable use of nutritional supplements can fill some gaps. |
| Consumer Link Balanced living keeps senses sharp |
| Research Link Nurs Times. 2005 Jan 4-10;101(1):30-1. |
| April 7, 2009 The metal zinc is an essential nutrient that has 100s of functions in the body. Among other things, zinc deficiency impairs the senses of taste and smell. The best absorbed sources of zinc are meat, poultry, and fish. |
| Consumer Link Think zinc if 20-year-old looks like 10 |
| Research Link Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Mar;128(3):333-9. |
| April 6, 2009 About 60 percent of the students in a high school had blood test results associated with iron deficiency. Symptoms, including dizziness, irritability, and depression, were successfully treated with iron supplements. Food sources of iron include red meat, dark poultry meat, and fortified breakfast cereals. |
| Consumer Link Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet on Iron |
| Research Link Scand J Prim Health Care. 2005 Mar;23(1):28-33. |
| April 5, 2009 A healthy body contains trillions of bacterial organisms living in the intestine. This is actually a good thing! The right proportions and amounts of beneficial types of bacteria can protect against infections, the development of some cancers, and possibly even the development of obesity. |
| Consumer Link Useful bacteria build intestine’s fortitude |
| Research Link Gastroenterology. 2009 Jan;136(1):65-80. |
| April 4, 2009 A 28-year old theory proposes that iron accumulation in the body increases the risk for coronary heart disease. To date, however, this theory remains unproved, with several studies refuting the theory. It is likely that both too much and too little iron increase health risks. |
| Consumer Link Iron level is important to good health |
| Research Link Can J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009;19(1):26-32. |
| April 3, 2009 A sedentary lifestyle means you require limited calories. This makes it more challenging to meet your daily essential nutrient needs. Physical activity may be good for your health partly because you can eat more! Go exercise! |
| Consumer Link Nutrition key to body’s long haul |
| Research Link Appl Physiol. 2008 Sep;105(3):988-1001. |
| April 2, 2009 Fear of the unknown is a logical human survival trait that can raise suspicions about advances in agricultural biotechnology. To avoid unnecessary fears of food, be sure to educate yourself on all aspects of genetic engineering. |
| Consumer Link Technology seen as boost to agriculture |
| Research Link Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003 Jun;90(6 Suppl 3):90-8 |
| April 1, 2009 Calcium is a key nutrient for bone health, but it is not the only important nutrient for bones. Adequate protein along with magnesium and vitamins D and K may be equally important for maintaining strong bones. |
| Consumer Link It takes more than calcium to build bones |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2007 Nov;137(11 Suppl):2507S-2512S. |
| March 31, 2009 A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes. Daily exercise is a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. |
| Consumer Link Exercise can help dilute adult diabetes |
| Research Link J Appl Physiol. 2007 Oct;103(4):1113-20. Epub 2007 Jul 26. |
| March 30, 2009 Some studies link moderate coffee consumption with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as Parkinson's, liver and gallstone diseases. These types of studies can't claim cause and effect, but they do reduce concerns about possible harmful effects. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(2):101-23. |
| March 29, 2009 In addition to helping blood clot normally, vitamin K benefits both bone and cardiovascular health. To get enough vitamin K eat dark green vegetables regularly. |
| Consumer Link Multivitamin takers may miss vitamin K |
| Research Link Thromb Haemost. 2007 Jul;98(1):120-5. |
| March 28, 2009 Over 50 years ago, Dr. Jean Mayer demonstrated that sedentary people tend to eat more calories than they need. He found that even modest levels of daily physical activity helped to control appetite and promote a healthy body weight. |
| Consumer Link Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill |
| Research Link Sports Med. 1988 Sep;6(3):135-45. |
| March 27, 2009 There is evidence that some of the complications of diabetes are caused by an increased need for vitamin B1. Foods rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin) include pork, nuts, fish, soybeans, and enriched grain products. |
| Consumer Link B-1 deficiency causes serious health woes |
| Research Link Curr Diabetes Rev. 2005 Aug;1(3):287-98. |
| March 26, 2009 Poor iron nutrition can impair the ability of the thyroid gland to use iodine to produce thyroid hormone. It is a good idea for people with thyroid problems to get a full evaluation of their iron status. |
| Consumer Link Iron plays an important role for the thyroid |
| Research Link Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78. |
| March 25, 2009 Water is an important essential nutrient. Virtually every function in the body is dependent on the presence of enough water. In addition, adequate water can help to prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones. |
| Consumer Link Make sure you consume enough water |
| Research Link Urol Int. 2004;72 Suppl 1:29-33. |
| March 24, 2009 Researchers estimate that about 5 percent of obese people can blame their condition completely on genetics. Those with purely "genetic obesity" will be overly fat even with eating and exercise habits that would prevent obesity in most people. |
| Consumer Link Can you blame your genes for tight jeans? |
| Research Link J Intern Med. 2003 Nov;254(5):401-25. |
| March 23, 2009 Vitamins are absolutely essential for normal body function. Carbohydrate and fiber, however, are debatably essential but proper amounts in the daily diet can benefit health. |
| Consumer Link People should meet essential nutrient needs |
| Research Link J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2005 Nov-Dec;20(6):451-60. |
| March 22, 2009 Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Lycopene is absorbed better from tomato products like tomato sauce and catsup than it is from raw tomatoes. Tomato soup anyone? |
| Consumer Link Tomatoes prove their worthiness |
| Research Link Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2000 Sep 19;163(6):739-44. |
| March 21, 2009 Consuming three to four milk product servings daily is estimated to cut the risk of developing kidney stones in half by reducing the amount of oxalate absorbed from high-oxalate foods such as spinach, amaranth, cassava and taro leaves. |
| Consumer Link Combat kidney stones with water |
| Research Link Ther Umsch. 2000 Mar;57(3):138-45. |
| March 20, 2009 Exercise can provoke asthma in some people, however regular exercise can actually reduce the frequency of attacks. There is also some evidence that staying hydrated with plenty of fluids helps to reduce asthma in general. |
| Consumer Link Exercise-induced asthma is a common but manageable condition |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;57 Suppl 2:S81-7. |
| March 19, 2009 Large daily doses of vitamin C do not appear to prevent colds, but taking vitamin C supplements during a cold may slightly reduce the duration of cold symptoms. |
| Consumer Link Take steps against colds |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980. |
| March 18, 2009 Older people usually need less calories as they age, but protein needs don't decrease. In fact, studies indicate that the optimal protein intake is greater for older people. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;27(5):675-84. |
| March 17, 2009 Contrary to popular belief, dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol. Including one or two whole eggs in the diet daily can provide many beneficial nutrients, including eye-protecting phytochemicals, without adding too much cholesterol. |
| Consumer Link Cracks found in latest egg study |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):596S-600S. |
| March 16, 2009 Everyone knows that consuming enough high calcium foods is good for bones, but did you know that it also lowers the risk of developing kidney stones? |
| Consumer Link Study finds diet can affect kidney stones |
| Research Link Arch Intern Med. 2004 Apr 26;164(8):885-91. |
| March 15, 2009 Feeling anxious or depressed lately? Research indicates that exercise can be an effective antidote for these mental/emotional problems. Make your muscles happy and the brain will follow. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006 Jan;38(1):173-8. |
| March 14, 2009 Are you a picky eater? It may be because you are a “supertaster” and more sensitive to the taste of bitter substances in foods. Just remember, you still need to meet your nutrient needs from a wide variety of foods or from dietary supplements. |
| Consumer Link Genetics determines how we taste |
| Research Link Forum Nutr. 2007;60:176-82. |
| March 13, 2009 During pregnancy, daily caffeine intake exceeding 300 milligrams may increase the risk of miscarriage and result in reduced infant birth weight. A strong 8-ounce cup of coffee can contain as much as 180 milligrams of caffeine. |
| Consumer Link In moderation, caffeine found to aid health |
| Research Link Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2009 Feb 24. [Epub ahead of print] |
| March 12, 2009 Vertigo and dizziness are most often related to inner ear problems or the side effects of drugs. Another possible cause is iron deficiency (even without anemia). If other causes of dizziness are not established, iron status should be thoroughly evaluated. |
| Consumer Link Lower risk of falling with good nutrition |
| Research Link Scand J Prim Health Care. 2005 Mar;23(1):28-33. |
| March 11, 2009 Breast milk of vegetarian mothers can become deficient in vitamin B-12. Because B-12 is needed for infant brain and nerve development, vegetarian women should be especially careful to meet their B-12 needs with supplements or fortified foods. |
| Consumer Link New moms need B-12 for baby’s milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 May;66(5):250-5. |
| March 10, 2009 It is more important to focus on eating an all-around healthy diet than on eliminating "unhealthy foods." A healthy diet includes a wide variety of foods that can provide all essential nutrients and other important food components. |
| Consumer Link Eating for disease prevention may not be healthy |
| Research Link Can J Public Health. 2005 Jul-Aug;96 Suppl 3:S15-9, S16-21. |
| March 9, 2009 It is possible to choose a healthy diet that does not include milk products. However, this must be done carefully to provide adequate calcium for long-term bone health. |
| Consumer Link Debunking calcium myths |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 1994 May;59(5 Suppl):1238S-1241S. |
| March 8, 2009 Most colds are caused by one of more than 100 rhinoviruses. The best strategy to stay healthy is to avoid exposure to these viruses. However, since that is not always possible, maintaining a balanced diet will promote overall good health and speed recovery from a cold. |
| Consumer Link Take steps against colds |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. |
| March 7, 2009 The risk of birth defects is greatest between two and eight weeks after conception. Therefore, during early pregnancy, it is wise to eat a varied and balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy also can help to promote the best outcome. |
| Consumer Link Safe conception helps prevent birth defects |
| Research Link Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program. 2008;61:79-89. |
| March 6, 2009 Teas are one way to get the water your body needs. Black and green teas are good natural sources of fluoride that can benefit teeth. In contrast, some herbal teas are acidic and may erode tooth enamel. It can help to swish your mouth with water after eating food or drinking liquids high in acid or sugar. |
| Consumer Link Herbal teas often take a toll on teeth |
| Research Link J Dent. 2003 May;31(4):241-6. |
| March 5, 2009 Don't over-react to popular reports that paint certain foods as all good or all bad. It is easier to meet your essential nutrient needs if your diet consists of a wide variety of foods and food sources. |
| Consumer Link Food is not the enemy |
| Research Link Appetite. 2009 Feb;52(1):253-5. |
| March 4, 2009 Diets composed mostly of whole grains and beans can stunt a child’s growth and also delay sexual maturation. These problems occur due to limitations in the ability of humans to absorb zinc from these foods. |
| Consumer Link Think zinc if 20-year-old looks like 10 |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 1988 Oct;7(5):377-84. |
| March 3, 2009 It is well known that chewing sugarless gum can benefit dental health. Did you know that chewing gum also can boost brain function? This may be due to increased blood flow to the brain stimulated by the chewing motions of the jaws. |
| Consumer Link Gum chewing could offer health benefits |
| Research Link Nutrition Today 43(2), 75-81, 2008. |
| March 2, 2009 Iodine is an essential nutrient for normal function of the thyroid gland. Iodized salt is a good source of iodine, but if iodized salt is stored in a humid climate it can lose most of its iodine within a month or two. Keep iodized salt tightly sealed and dry. |
| Consumer Link We all need the essential mineral iodine |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008 |
| March 1, 2009 To help prevent exercise from damaging joints, exercise frequently at low-to-moderate intensity and make sure your diet has all of the essential nutrients including adequate vitamin C for cartilage formation and plenty of fluids for lubrication. |
| Consumer Link Too fast, too furious exercise is ‘pain, no gain' |
| Research Link Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2005;45(3):145-64. |
| February 28, 2009 Before buying special dietary supplements to enhance your health and energy level, take the extra step to make sure that the product is not another form of "snake oil." A web search on the product name along with the terms "scam" or "ripoff" can bring up interesting information. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin O marketers full of hot air |
| Research Link Int J Toxicol. 2003 Sep-Oct;22(5):387-90. |
| February 27, 2009 If you experience GERD, commonly known as heartburn, eat moderate sized meals, stay upright after eating for at least two hours, and eliminate foods that don’t agree with you. Also, inform your doctor of heartburn symptoms if you are taking a new medication. |
| Consumer Link Heartburn linked to many causes |
| Research Link Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Jun-Jul;23(3):293-8. |
| February 26, 2009 Body size, physical activity, and weather conditions all affect our daily water needs. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult males consume about 3.7 liters (15 cups) and adult females about 2.7 liters (10 cups) each day in their foods and beverages combined. |
| Consumer Link Water needs vary with diet and lifestyle |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2005 Jun;63(6 Pt 2):S30-9. |
| February 25, 2009 The fear of getting too much iron in their diet seems to be causing many seniors to get too little iron. The health consequences of both extremes are serious. When making diet changes for health, remember iron is an essential nutrient. |
| Consumer Link Seniors still need adequate iron for good health |
| Research Link Am Fam Physician. 2000 Oct 1;62(7):1565-72. |
| February 24, 2009 There are many ways to stay physically active and increase the calories you burn each day. Even many small movements can add up to plenty of calories. If you have an opportunity to move, take it. |
| Consumer Link Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time |
| Research Link Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2008 Oct;15(5):409-15. |
| February 23, 2009 For lactose intolerant people, it’s the amount of milk that matters. Most lactose intolerant individuals can consume up to 8 ounces of milk or yogurt with a meal and not experience symptoms. Hard cheeses have little or no lactose. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Pediatrics. 2007 Sep;120(3):e669-77. |
| February 22, 2009 Weight control is often an issue of portion control. The larger the food portion, the more we tend to eat. During the past few decades, the average American body weight has increased right along with package and serving sizes. |
| Consumer Link Big servings lead unwary to overeat |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):236S-241S. |
| February 21, 2009 Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid is important to overall health. However, taking high dose folic acid supplements can interfere with the timely diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency that is common in older people and strict vegetarians. |
| Consumer Link Taking folate supplements not for all |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2004 Jun;62(6 Pt 2):S3-12. |
| February 20, 2009 A thoughtless comment about a teenager’s body weight or fatness can impact their sense of self-worth. This can be a key factor that triggers an eating disorder such as anorexia (starving) or bulimia (binge eating and purging). |
| Consumer Link Criticism may trigger eating disorders |
| Research Link Health Promot Int. 2008 Jun;23(2):173-89. |
| February 19, 2009 Have you ever wondered why some people really like flavors that you don’t like? It may be in your genes. Some people are “supertasters” of specific flavors in foods, especially bitter flavors. |
| Consumer Link Genetics determines how we taste |
| Research Link Chem Senses. 2000 Aug;25(4):447-60. |
| February 18, 2009 If exercise could be put into a pill, it would be the most frequently prescribed medication in the world. Increasing physical activity can improve both physical and mental fitness. |
| Consumer Link Exercise for physical, mental fitness |
| Research Link Br J Sports Med. 2009 Feb;43(2):120-3. |
| February 17, 2009 Frequent “heartburn” is medically known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD for short. Because frequent use of common GERD medications may lead to increased bone loss over time, it is important to consume a diet rich in calcium. |
| Consumer Link GERD drugs are connected to osteoporosis |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):103-8. |
| February 16, 2009 Food is the fuel that keeps the body going. To get a good start at meeting your daily nutrient requirements, it is recommended that a fourth of the day’s calories be eaten at breakfast. Skipping breakfast is like starting a long trip on a near empty gas tank. |
| Consumer Link Breakfast for a good start to day |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 May;105(5):743-60. |
| February 15, 2009 Peanut products are just the latest food victims of bacterial contamination. To stay "food safe" on an ongoing basis, 1) wash your hands well before handling foods and 2) keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot and out of the "danger zone." |
| Consumer Link How to keep bacteria off the menu |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2003;23:315-44. |
| February 14, 2009 No food is more tightly linked to romance than chocolate. This may be due to a stimulatory effect of the compound theobromine. Although not a nutrient, theobromine can dilate blood vessels and stimulate the heart, giving that "feeling a little flushed" sensation. |
| Consumer Link The benefits of chocolate |
| Research Link Curr Hypertens Rep. 2006 Jun;8(3):205-11. |
| February 13, 2009 Research indicates that the amount of iodine in foods has declined over the past two decades. This nutrient is essential for normal function of the thyroid gland. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008 |
| February 12, 2009 Especially during hot weather, it is easy to become dehydrated before you realize it. Plan ahead on fluid intake and you will reduce your risk of developing urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder and colon cancer, and possibly even blood clots. |
| Consumer Link Make sure you consume enough water |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Oct;26(5 Suppl):535S-541S |
| February 11, 2009 Research shows that moderate to high protein intake has positive effects on bone health. Along with calcium, vitamins D and K, it is important to consume reasonable amounts of high protein foods. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:131-55 |
| February 10, 2009 Some types of tofu provide a significant amount of easily absorbed calcium, and some types do not. If the food label indicates "30 percent," then a serving provides about 300 mg of calcium. |
| Consumer Link Calcium plays important role in bone health |
| Research Link USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference |
| February 9, 2009 Since only animal foods contain significant amounts of vitamin B-12, people consuming vegan and macrobiotic diets are at risk for B-12 deficiency. Studies on these groups have reported poor B-12 status in as many as 90 percent of the study participants. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin B-12 deficiency impairs brain |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34 |
| February 8, 2009 Iodine is a critical nutrient for normal nerve development in infants. Since infants need a fresh supply of iodine each day in mother's milk, mom’s dietary supplement needs to contain iodine. |
| Consumer Link Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake |
| Research Link Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008 |
| February 7, 2009 Older people with dentures or dental problems may have difficulty chewing meats. Therefore to meet protein needs, consume high protein foods like eggs, cottage cheese, tender fish, ground meat, and protein drinks. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jan;87(1):150-5 |
| February 6, 2009 Health problems caused by iron deficiency may go undiagnosed for a long time when more sensitive indicators of iron status are not measured. Ask your doctor for a full panel of iron blood tests if you think you are running low on iron. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency sometimes goes unseen |
| Research Link Am J Nephrol. 2007;27(6):565-71 |
| February 5, 2009 Several studies found that vitamin C supplements do not prevent the common cold. Vitamin C supplementation, however, has been shown to cut the risk of catching a cold for those exposed to an extreme physical stress like running a marathon. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain |
| Research Link Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980 |
| February 4, 2009 Power athletes take creatine supplements to enhance strength. Creatine also may help to boost the brain. A study of young adult vegetarians found significantly improved short-term memory after taking creatine for six weeks. |
| Consumer Link Creatine has wide range of benefits |
| Research Link Proc Biol Sci. 2003 Oct 22;270(1529):2147-50 |
| February 3, 2009 Strong bones require both adequate dietary calcium and protein. Milk products and calcium fortified soymilk are good sources of both nutrients. |
| Consumer Link Healthy bones need protein |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6 Suppl):526S-36S. |
| February 2, 2009 Thyroid function is essential for normal metabolism. To help prevent impaired thyroid function in later life, it is especially important to include iodine in the diet. The most consistent iodine sources are seafood and seaweeds. Sea salt, however, is actually very low in iodine. |
| Consumer Link We all need the essential mineral iodine |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2007 Dec;65(12 Pt 1):535-43. |
| February 1, 2009 Getting plenty of good sleep may be the first step to eating and exercising better. This is especially important before starting a new exercise program. |
| Consumer Link More sleep could help control weight |
| Research Link Obesity. 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53. |
| January 31, 2009 Star fruit (also known as carambola) is a good source of vitamin C. If, however, you have impaired kidney function, you need to find other sources of vitamin C. Medical research shows that star fruit can cause kidney failure in those with impaired kidney function. |
| Consumer Link Kidney patients should avoid star fruit |
| Research Link Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May;46(5):1744-52. |
| January 30, 2009 Getting too little protein can cause muscles and the immune system to weaken. Be sure to include high protein foods along with those fruits and vegetables. |
| Consumer Link Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve |
| Research Link J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Jun;56(6):M373-80 |
| January 29, 2009 Dental problems may cause problems with chewing raw and al dente cooked vegetables. Eating well-cooked vegetables is better than eating none at all. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Jan;103(1):61-6 |
| January 28, 2009 Some individuals cannot absorb Vitamin B12. These individuals will require monthly injections of vitamin B12 to prevent short-term memory loss mimicking Alzheimer disease. |
| Consumer Link Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;81(5):1155-62. |
| January 27, 2009 With our growing knowledge of how Vitamin D plays many roles in health, many researchers worldwide are recommending over 1000 IU/day - about double the amount in current recommendations. |
| Consumer Link Vitamin D deficiency makes a comeback |
| Research Link Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;85(1):6-18. |
| January 26, 2009 To reduce the bone loss generally seen during weight loss, consume a diet high in protein, milk products, and calcium. |
| Consumer Link Bone mass at risk during weight loss |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1096-100 |
| January 25, 2009 A half-cup of cooked spinach and three ounces of cooked lean beef contain similar amounts of iron, but because iron from spinach is poorly absorbed, it really takes five cups of the spinach to equal three ounces of beef when it comes to meeting iron needs. |
| Consumer Link Lean red meat best source of iron in food |
| Research Link Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;62(3):336-41. Epub 2007 Apr 18. |
| January 24, 2009 To lose fat and decrease muscle loss, increase your protein intake during dieting. |
| Consumer Link Protein is a crucial part of a sound diet |
| Research Link J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-636S |
| January 23, 2009 Healthy eating is important, but taking healthy eating to an unhealthy extreme can damage a person's health. This condition is called orthorexia nervosa. |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71 |
| January 22, 2009 If you have Restless Legs Syndrome, you may be iron deficient. Have your physician check the ferritin in your blood. A number less than 50 indicates more iron is needed to reverse this nutrition deficiency. |
| Consumer Link Iron deficiency might play role in jittery legs |
| Research Link Mov Disord. 2008 Jun 15;23(8):1184-7 |
| January 21, 2009 Health messages that encourage you to eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, assume you are already eating adequate protein and calcium sources to meet your nutrient requirements. |
| Consumer Link It can be possible to have too much of a good thing |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| January 20, 2009 Chewing sugarless gum benefits dental health. There also is evidence that chewing gum enhances brain function, possibly by increasing blood flow to the brain. |
| Consumer Link Chewing gum could offer health benefits |
| Research Link Br J Psychol. 2008 May;99(Pt 2):293-306. Epub 2007 Jul 24. |
| January 19, 2009 Lactose intolerant? Consider adding the over-the-counter tablet-lactase. When taken with the first bite or sip of milk products, this enzyme product breaks down the sugars you don't digest so well. |
| Consumer Link Even lactose intolerant can drink milk |
| Research Link Nutr Rev. 2003 Jun;61(6 Pt 1):221-3 |
| January 18, 2009 Grapefruit is a great vitamin C source. Check with your pharmacist to make sure the grapefruit doesn't conflict with you heart medications. |
| Consumer Link It can be possible to have too much of a good thing |
| Research Link Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52 Suppl 1:29-32 |
| January 17, 2009 If your short-term memory is getting shorter, ask your physician to check your vitamin B12 status. You may need to get monthly B12 injections to maintain a sharp wit. |
| Consumer Link Dietary B-12 may not be enough |
| Research Link J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):377-85 |
| January 16, 2009 Picky eaters risk missing important nutrients. Variety is not only the spice of life but also the substance of good nutrition. Eat a wide variety of foods for best health |
| Consumer Link Varied menu is the best path to good health |
| Research Link J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Mar;97(3):266-71. |
| January 15, 2009 Keeping your teeth healthy is essential for long term health. Always rinse your mouth with water after eating high sugar or high acid foods (like fruits, sodas, and sports drinks). |
| Consumer Link Toothy facts about what you eat |
| Research Link American Dental Association |
| January 14, 2009 Headaches have many causes: stress, lack of sleep, and poor posture for an extended time. But remember headaches also can be caused by skipping meals. |
| Consumer Link Diet may play part in your headaches |
| Research Link National Headache Foundation |
| January 13, 2009 Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause short-term memory problems similar to early Alzheimer's disease. Other possible symptoms are depression, numbness in the feet or hands, vision problems, or unexplainable random pains. |
| Consumer Link Remember B-12 for healthy aging |
| Research Link Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in elderly patients |
| January 12, 2009 The three most important words in nutrition are variety, balance, and moderation. Making extreme changes in your diet may seem to have short-term benefits but can lead to long-term problems. |
| Consumer Link Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad |
| Research Link J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11):3476-84 |