Diet & Nutrition News and Research

Latest Diet & Nutrition News and Research

Examining social and structural factors influencing obesity risk

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It has been increasing among adults of all races and ethnicities over the last two decades; however, obesity is higher among Non-Hispanic Black adults, Hispanic adults, and American Indian or Alaska Native adults, than their White and Asian counterparts, according to the National Institutes of Health.

6 Aug 2024

Potential liver risks from popular herbal supplements revealed in new study

A study in JAMA Network Open reveals that 5% of U.S. adults consume six potentially hepatotoxic botanicals, highlighting a significant need for increased regulatory oversight.

6 Aug 2024

Omega-3 fatty acids show potential in protecting brain health in older adults

Researchers assess the role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in reducing white matter lesion accumulation and neuronal integrity degeneration.

6 Aug 2024

The real cost of processed foods: How Western diets are harming global health

A recent study in Nature Medicine reviews the adverse effects of Western diets on human health, highlighting increased risks of chronic diseases and gut dysbiosis. Researchers call for global awareness and promotion of healthier dietary patterns.

6 Aug 2024

Research reveals widespread use of potentially liver-damaging botanicals

Millions of Americans consume supplements that contain potentially hepatoxic botanical ingredients, according to a study from University of Michigan researchers.

6 Aug 2024

Refined corn flour and bran blend significantly lowers LDL cholesterol, study reveals

The findings of the randomized crossover clinical trial, available online now and slated to appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Nutrition, reveal simply swapping in foods made from refined corn flour + corn bran can lower LDL cholesterol concentrations by anywhere from 5% - 13.3% in just four weeks.

6 Aug 2024

Reduced folate intake enhances metabolic plasticity in aged mice

Folate fortification of staple foods has long been practiced in many countries.

6 Aug 2024

Plant-based diet proven to combat hypertension

Doctors recommend making fruits and vegetables a foundational part of the treatment of patients with hypertension. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are found to lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health due to their base-producing effects. A new study in The American Journal of Medicine, published by Elsevier, details the findings from a five-year interventional randomized control trial.

6 Aug 2024

Menopause myths: Separating fact from fiction

Many women approach menopause with anxiety about the future. You've probably heard your grandmother, mother, or aunts lament about menopause, aka "the change," as a stressful time full of hot flashes, weight gain, and plummeting sex drive.

6 Aug 2024

Everyday products boost sunburn risk

It is well known that the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light can wreak havoc on the skin. But most people don't realize some commonly used products and medications can make us more susceptible to sunburn and other adverse reactions.

6 Aug 2024

Higher BMI in early adulthood linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk

Higher BMI in early adulthood significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in later life, emphasizing the critical need for obesity prevention and weight management during this period.

6 Aug 2024

Upper respiratory microbiome shows age, sex, and lifestyle impacts, study finds

A Dutch study analyzed the upper respiratory tract microbiome across various age groups, finding significant associations between microbial composition, age, sex, and lifestyle factors like smoking and antibiotic use.

5 Aug 2024

Researchers receive $9.5M to study polyphenols' impact on cognitive health

UCLA Health researchers, in collaboration with researchers from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, have received $9.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with support from European funding agencies -; The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Public Health Agency Health & Social Care (HSC) -; to study the effects of polyphenols on cognitive health and the brain-gut microbiome system.

5 Aug 2024

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging unveils new program to boost brain health for dementia patients, caregivers

The University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, Brain Health Activities, aimed at supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

5 Aug 2024

Community cafés improve diet quality for food-insecure populations, study finds

In recent years, the prevalence of food insecurity has notably increased, prompting a need for innovative programs like community cafés that use a pay-what-you-can system.

5 Aug 2024

Honey enhances probiotic survival in yogurt

If you enjoy a bowl of plain yogurt in the morning, adding a spoonful of honey is a delicious way to sweeten your favorite breakfast food.

5 Aug 2024

Cholesterol imbalance linked to neurodegeneration, study suggests potential strategies for intervention

Research highlights how cholesterol imbalances in the brain contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's, suggesting targeted therapeutic interventions.

5 Aug 2024

Alarming heavy metal levels found in US cocoa products

A study finds that many cocoa products in the US contain cadmium and lead levels exceeding safety limits, highlighting the need for better food monitoring.

4 Aug 2024

Decreasing folate intake can support healthier metabolisms in aging animal models

In a study published in Life Science Alliance, Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists found that decreasing folate intake can support healthier metabolisms in aging animal models, challenging the conventional belief that high folate consumption universally benefits health.

2 Aug 2024

New study links obesity to bacterium Megamonas

A recent study published in Cell Host & Microbe identifies a potential obesity-linked bacterium, Megamonas, from a large-scale cohort of obese individuals in China.

2 Aug 2024