Diet & Nutrition News and Research

Latest Diet & Nutrition News and Research

Alarming rise in sugary drink consumption among youth

A new global analysis of the dietary habits of children and adolescents from 185 countries revealed that youth, on average, consumed nearly 23% more sugar-sweetened beverages in 2018 compared to 1990. Overall, intakes were similar in boys and girls, but higher in teens, urban residents, and children of parents with lower levels of education. Researchers from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University published the findings on August 7th, 2024 in The BMJ.

7 Aug 2024

Study finds association between pesticide exposure and stillbirth risk

Living less than about one-third of a mile from pesticide use prior to conception and during early pregnancy could increase the risk of stillbirths, according to new research led by researchers at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center.

7 Aug 2024

Does type 1 diabetes affect taste and flavor recognition?

Type 1 diabetes patients show reduced taste and flavor perception, affecting food preferences and quality of life. This highlights the need for further research into the sensory changes in T1D.

7 Aug 2024

High blood sugar at stroke admission linked to poor prognosis

Having higher than usual blood sugar levels at the time of hospital admission for an ischemic stroke significantly increases the risk of a poor functional prognosis or death within three months of the stroke.

7 Aug 2024

Ketogenic vs. low-sugar diet: Study reveals distinct metabolic effects and fat loss benefits

A ketogenic diet and reduced free sugar intake both lead to weight loss but have different effects on glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and the gut microbiome, with the ketogenic diet showing unfavorable metabolic changes.

7 Aug 2024

Study finds aspirin reduces colon cancer risk, with benefits varying by lifestyle factors

Aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer risk, but its effectiveness varies based on lifestyle factors such as diet, BMI, and smoking. Personalized recommendations are crucial to identify those who would benefit most from aspirin use.

7 Aug 2024

UK dietitians exhibit significant weight stigma towards themselves and others

In a survey-based study, UK dietitians exhibited significant weight stigma, both towards themselves and towards others.

7 Aug 2024

Healthy diet and exercise can mitigate genetic risk for type 2 diabetes, study finds

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland is the first in the world to show that a healthy diet and regular exercise reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even in individuals with a high genetic risk.

7 Aug 2024

NUS study finds 5-HTP enhances sleep quality and gut health in older adults

National University of Singapore (NUS) nutritionists have found that 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplementation can improve sleep quality in Singaporean older adults, particularly in individuals with poor sleep patterns, and manage their gut microbiome composition.

7 Aug 2024

Yogurt with probiotics and honey boosts gut bacteria but no digestive or cognitive benefits

A study in The Journal of Nutrition found that yogurt with B. animalis and honey increases probiotic levels but doesn't affect digestion, cognition, or mood.

6 Aug 2024

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