Diet & Nutrition News and Research

Latest Diet & Nutrition News and Research

Plant-based omega-3s work better than expected in a year-long diet study

A year-long, diet-controlled intervention shows that flaxseed oil–derived alpha-linolenic acid significantly increases erythrocyte EPA, DPA, and DHA across omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan diets. The magnitude of improvement is driven mainly by baseline omega-3 status, while absolute EPA and DHA levels in vegans remain lower than in omnivores.

17 Dec 2025

Stress may help explain why patients with depression are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Patients with depression are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and a new study suggests that stress may help explain why.

17 Dec 2025

How Traditional Chinese Medicine may reshape the gut microbiome to ease insulin resistance in PCOS

This review synthesizes evidence that gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to insulin resistance and symptom severity in polycystic ovary syndrome through impaired barrier function, inflammation, and altered microbial metabolites. It evaluates how Traditional Chinese Medicine may modulate these pathways while highlighting major gaps in clinical validation, safety, and standardization.

16 Dec 2025

Specific gut bacterium reduces weight gain and improves metabolic health

The gut microbiome is intimately linked to human health and weight. Differences in the gut microbiome-the bacteria and fungi in the gut-are associated with obesity and weight gain, raising the possibility that changing the microbiome could improve health.

16 Dec 2025

Opposing protein forces fine tune mRNA stability in human cells

A newly revealed molecular tug-of-war may have implications for better understanding how a multitude of diseases and disorders - including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and immune disorders - originate, as well as how to potentially treat them, according to researchers at Penn State.

16 Dec 2025

Researchers identify partner protein that supports appetite regulating-protein

A protein essential to the human body for managing energy and regulating appetite relies on a partner protein, according to new research, and the findings could help researchers better understand genetic obesity.

16 Dec 2025

School canteen meals fall short on nutrition and sustainability

An EHU study reveals that the food served to children in canteens exceeds fat, protein and sodium recommendations.

16 Dec 2025

Fructans and ATIs impact digestive health in beer

The GLUTEN3S research group of the University of the Basque Country (EHU) has identified the presence of fructans and amylase/trypsin inhibitor (ATI) proteins in gluten-free beers made from barley, compounds that can cause digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals. Its content is comparable to that of traditional beers containing gluten, according to a study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.

16 Dec 2025

Higher benefit redemption predicts longer participation in the WIC program

Over five decades, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has become known as the nation's first "food as medicine" program.

16 Dec 2025

Injury burden is higher during menstruation in professional female footballers

The menstrual cycle is a key physiological process in women: it impacts performance, neuromuscular control, metabolism, and immune response.

16 Dec 2025

High fructose intake increases fatty liver risk

Excessive fructose intake from soft drinks is linked to liver damage and NAFLD. Lifestyle modifications are essential for effective prevention and treatment.

16 Dec 2025

What Americans eat is driving global nutrition research

WWEIA data, a cornerstone of national dietary surveillance, drives nutrition research and policy, enhancing understanding of dietary trends and health outcomes.

16 Dec 2025

Mediterranean diet and healthy habits improve cancer survival rates

Being more physically active, following a balanced diet, not smoking, and keeping body weight and blood pressure under control: the same habits that protect the heart also prove decisive after a cancer diagnosis.

16 Dec 2025

Scientists map how cinnamon’s bioactives interact with cancer signaling

This review synthesizes preclinical evidence showing that cinnamon-derived compounds can modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis through multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. While biologically plausible, the findings are largely limited to cell and animal models, underscoring the need for pharmacokinetic, safety, and clinical validation.

15 Dec 2025

Gut bacteria patterns differ in autism and siblings and link to social symptoms

This sibling-controlled East Asian study found that autistic individuals, their unaffected siblings, and typically developing controls differ in gut microbiota diversity and composition, with the clearest separation between autism and typical development. Specific taxa, particularly the butyrate-producing genus Anaerostipes, were modestly associated with social communication and internalising symptoms, supporting a gut–behaviour link without implying causality.

15 Dec 2025

Many parents struggle to navigate conversations about nutrition with teens

As teens gain more independence in their food choices, many parents struggle to navigate conversations about nutrition -which could be especially important during the holidays, when celebrations often center around meals.

15 Dec 2025

Unnecessary gluten-free diets may put children at risk

Understanding gluten-related disorders is crucial for pediatric nutrition, as gluten-free diets can pose health risks without appropriate medical supervision.

15 Dec 2025

A new trial investigates whether the MIND diet can be scaled for obesity management

This study protocol outlines a 12-week randomized trial testing whether a MIND diet intervention is feasible, acceptable, and sustainable for adults with obesity in Sweden. It will generate preliminary evidence on adherence, mental well-being, and gut microbiota changes to inform larger efficacy trials.

14 Dec 2025

Metabolic syndrome affects nearly four in ten US adults as rates climb in older and Black populations

A large NHANES analysis found that nearly four in ten US adults met criteria for metabolic syndrome between 2013 and 2023, with no statistically significant change in overall prevalence. However, prevalence rose significantly among adults aged 60 years and older and among non-Hispanic Black individuals, alongside a significant non-linear increase in hypertriglyceridemia.

14 Dec 2025

Swapping high-carb snacks for tree nuts cuts food cravings in young adults at metabolic risk

Daily replacement of typical high-carbohydrate snacks with mixed tree nuts for 16 weeks reduced cravings for sweets and fast foods in young adults with early metabolic syndrome risk. This dietary swap improved overall diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index, without increasing body weight or altering short-term glycaemic markers.

14 Dec 2025