Beneficial For Type 2 Diabetics: Wholegrain Rye Bread, Sourdough Wheat Bread May 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Eating whole grain rye and sourdough-fermented wheat bread lowers blood sugar and insulin response after meals, effectively reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, a Finnish doctoral thesis confirms. The researcher said natural fiber of the breads, with its indigestible carbs and bioactive compounds, impact glucose metabolism in healthy people and people with metabolic syndrome, a precursor of type 2 diabetes. Everything works synergetically in glucose metabolism, Jenni Lappi shows: intestinal microbes, short chain fatty acids produced by fermenting grain fiber, and metabolites of phenolic acids contained in grain fiber. "Wholegrain bread reduces risk of diabetes: study", Xinhua News (China), May 16, 2014, © Xinhua, english.news.cn.

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Weight, Blood Sugar Are Better Controlled When Type 2 Diabetics Eat Fewer, Larger Meals May 15, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Some nutritionists and healthcare professionals have urged type 2 diabetics to eat six small meals during the day to help control weight and blood sugar. But a new study by scientists in the Czech Republic finds that eating two large meals a day. Fifty-four men and women aged 30 to 70 being treated with oral diabetes drugs followed either of two restricted-calorie diet regimens (two large meals or six small meals a day) for 12 weeks, then switched regimens for 12 weeks. The researchers measured various biomarkers, including fasting blood sugar, found that type 2 diabetics on a calorie-restricted diet benefited from eating larger breakfasts and lunches rather than six smaller meals during the day. Hana Kahleová et al. , "Eating two larger meals a day (breakfast and lunch) is more effective than six smaller meals in a reduced-energy regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized crossover study. ", Diabetologia, May 15, 2014, © Springer

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Meta-Analysis Shows That Sugar Contributes To Risk Factors For Heart Disease May 15, 2014: 12:00 AM EST New Zealand researchers who analyzed nearly 50 years of clinical study data from around the world  found that sugars contribute to cardiovascular risk, no matter what a person’s weight is. Data from 49 studies were collected and pooled for analysis. The researchers acknowledged that the effects of sugars on blood pressure and lipids were “relatively modest”, but stressed that the findings support public health recommendations to reduce added sugar in diets. They suggested that the human body somehow handles sugar metabolism differently from other carbohydrates. L. A. Te Morenga et al., "Dietary sugars and cardiometabolic risk: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of the effects on blood pressure and lipids. ", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 15, 2014, © American Society for Nutrition

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Food Industry Sees Benefits Of Including Prebiotic Fiber In New Products May 13, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Consumers and food manufacturers are increasingly aware of the role of dietary fiber in weight maintenance and weight loss. Fiber’s value in a weight loss program is based on a simple fact: it provides appetite-reducing bulk without the calories. The spotlight now is on prebiotic fibers such as oligofructose-enriched inulin and oligofructose that can be used in foods to reduce calorie intake and help people manage blood sugar levels. One clinical study involving overweight and obese adults demonstrated that intake of food enriched with oligofructose at a level of 12 grams/day over three weeks significantly reduced caloric intake. With results like that in mind, it’s not surprising that food manufacturers are including oligofructose-enriched inulin and oligofructose in new product plans. Helene Alexiou, "Prebiotic Fibers Offer New Opportunities for Weight Management", Nutraceuticals World, May 13, 2014, © Rodman Media

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Study Rules Out Resveratrol As Reason For Red Wine’s Heart-Protective Benefit May 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A 15-year U.S. study of people in Italy whose diet includes regular intake of resveratrol found that the compound is not associated with an extended lifespan or reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. For many years now resveratrol has been touted as a sort of miracle nutrient because cultures that drink red wine, which contains significant amounts of resveratrol, seem to live longer and have less heart disease. The researchers, however, could find no evidence  that resveratrol was the reason. They acknowledged that drinking red wine, eating chocolate and berries is associated with reduced risk of heart problems. But some other ingredient, so far unknown, is probably providing the protective benefit. Richard D. Semba et al., "Resveratrol Levels and All-Cause Mortality in Older Community-Dwelling Adults. ", JAMA Internal Medicine, May 12, 2014, © American Medical Association

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Study: No Connection Between Calcium Supplements And Cardiovascular Disease Risk May 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Contrary to earlier published studies, there’s no connection between cardiovascular disease in women and calcium supplements taken to maintain bone health, according to a U.S. study. The researchers analyzed data collected from a cohort study involving more than 74,000 women who were followed for 24 years. During that time, there were 2,709 heart attacks and 1,856 strokes. Women who took more than 1,000 mg/day of calcium supplements compared with none, the risk for coronary heart disease and for stroke was about the same as for non-smokers, women without hypertension, and women who had regular physical exams. The researchers concluded that their findings “do not support the hypothesis that calcium supplement intake increases cardiovascular disease risk in women”. J. M. Paik et al., "Calcium supplement intake and risk of cardiovascular disease in women. ", Osteoporosis International, May 09, 2014, © International Osteoporosis Foundation

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Eating Fruits, Vegetables Reduces Risk Of Stroke In Men And Women Of All Ages May 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A meta-analysis of 20 studies conducted around the world over two decades demonstrates that the risk of stroke can be reduced significantly by eating fruits and vegetables every day. The clinical studies, which included more than 760,000 men and women who had 16,981 strokes, showed a 32 percent decrease in stroke risk for every 200 grams of fruit eaten, and an 11 percent reduced risk for every 200 grams of vegetables. The Chinese researchers said the beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables applied equally to men and women, to type of stroke (clot or bleeding), and to all ages (younger or older than 55). D. Hu et al., "Fruits and Vegetables Consumption and Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. ", Stroke, May 08, 2014, © American Heart Association, Inc.

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Low-Carb Diet More Beneficial To Type 2 Diabetics May 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A two-year Swedish study of the impact of reducing dietary carbs or fat on type 2 diabetics has found that the low-carb diet had the more positive effect. The clinical trial involving 61 patients who ate either a low-fat or low-carb diet found that only the patients whose diet was low in carbohydrates saw reduced levels of inflammation. Both groups lost about the same amount of weight. Patients with type 2 diabetes experience higher levels of inflammation which is believed to contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications. Lena Jonasson et al., "Advice to follow a low-carbohydrate diet has a favourable impact on low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes compared with advice to follow a low-fat diet. ", Annals of Medicine, May 08, 2014, © Informa Plc.

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Revolutionary Bread Mix Provides An Answer To Almost Every Dietary Concern May 7, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Florida-based bakery says it’s ready to shake up the bread industry with a bread mix that addresses a myriad of health problems – celiac disease, gluten intolerance, insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, need for more protein, etc. Smart Baking Company will deliver its Smart Loaf mix to health food stores after its crowd-funding “kick starter” program finishes on May 21. The Smart Loaf mix will be high in protein and fiber, gluten free, zero carb and low in sodium. At 80 calories per service, the quick baking bread – just 60 minutes from start to loaf – is targeted at people who want to avoid wheat, starch and sugar, the company says. And to those who don’t own baking pans: the package serves as the pan. "World's First Zerocarb and Gluten Free Bread Mix", News release, Smart Baking Company, May 07, 2014, © Smart Baking Company

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Excessive Intake Of Phosphate-Rich Foods May Be Contributing To Hypertension May 5, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Austrian researchers have found that phosphate, found naturally in foods and used extensively in food processing, may be contributing to high blood pressure. The researchers showed that the hormone FGF23 is produced when large amounts of phosphates are consumed. The hormone, which controls renal secretion and reabsorption of sodium, has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system by increasing stress on the heart. The researchers concluded that inhibition of FGF23 or its pathway could help bring cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification under control. Olena Andrukhova et al., "FGF23 Regulates Renal Sodium Handling and Blood Pressure. ", EMBO Molecular Medicine, May 05, 2014, © Andrukhova et al.

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Schools Seek Slower Enforcement Of Healthful Lunch Mandates May 5, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Schools trying to provide healthful school lunches are feeling the blowback from disgruntled students who, for example, mostly turn up their noses at the nutritious whole grain pastas that are available. The problem is, beginning in the fall, U.S. schools are required to provide whole grain rolls, biscuits, pizza crust, tortillas and even grits in the cafeterias. So schools are asking Congress and the USDA to rescind or slow down some of the requirements because, they say, there just aren’t enough  products on the market that kids like. The School Nutrition Association has asked lawmakers and regulators to require only that half of foods be whole grain-rich. They also want the 2017 sodium requirements postponed and the fruit and vegetable requirement eliminated. Mary Clare Jalonick, "Schools seek changes to healthier lunch rules", Yahoo! News, May 05, 2014, via Associated Press, © The Associated Press/Yahoo!

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Study Shows That Obese Kids Eat Healthful Foods When They Live Closer To Supermarkets May 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Interventions to help obese children conquer their diet and weight problems work best when the families live near a supermarket, according to a Canadian study. The researchers analyzed data from a randomized, controlled clinical trial involving children aged  six to 12 in 14 pediatric practices in one state. The study compared the results of two different interventions that focused on the type of support provided to the families by the physicians. Though living closer to a supermarket did not affect consumption of sugary drinks, it did help increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. Kids who lived farther away also had larger body mass indexes. Lauren G. Fiechtner et al., "Proximity to Supermarkets Modifies Intervention Effects on Diet and Body Mass Index Changes in an Obesity Randomized Trial", Study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting, May 03, 2014, © Fiechtner et al.

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Seminal Study Of Inuits, Whale Blubber Diet And Heart Disease Called Into Question May 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Forty years ago two Danish scientists suggested that a whale and seal blubber diet protected the Inuit of Greenland from coronary artery disease. Nutritionists and physicians have relied on those findings in recommending oily fish to protect arteries. But a new Canadian study that looked at data from four decades of research shows that the Inuit actually did suffer from coronary artery disease (CAD), but it was underreported to medical authorities because of the difficulty of collecting health information from people in remote areas.  The new investigation shows that the Inuit not only are just as likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease as non-Inuits, but they have very high rates of mortality due to strokes. George J. Fodor et al., "“Fishing” for the origins of the “Eskimos and heart disease” story. Facts or wishful thinking? A review", Canadian Journal of Cardiology, May 01, 2014, © Canadian Cardiovascular Society

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Acetate Released From Fiber Digestion May Be Key To Controlling Appetite April 30, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in the U.K. have discovered a molecule that may explain why eating high-fiber fruits and vegetables curbs the appetite. Dietary fiber, found in most plants and vegetables, is digested by bacteria in the intestines, where it ferments and releases large amounts of acetate into the bloodstream. Researchers tracked the acetate as it made its way to the brain. On arrival in the hyothalamus, the acetate produces a signal that suppresses the appetite. The researchers said their findings could be helpful in treating obesity if they could figure out either how to deliver acetate to the brain in safe doses, or how to manipulate fiber so that smaller amounts would release larger amounts of acetate. G. Frost et al. , "The short-chain fatty acid acetate reduces appetite via a central homeostatic mechanism. ", Nature Communications, April 30, 2014, © Frost et al.

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Whey Protein Offers Significant Health Benefits To Pre-Diabetic Obese People April 30, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Danish research shows that meals supplemented with whey protein could help improve metabolism for people who are obese but not yet diabetic. For the study, participants ate the same meal of soup and bread plus one kind of protein: whey, gluten, casein or cod. They found that the meal supplemented with whey, which is found in milk and cheese, caused stomachs to empty more slowly. They also had lower levels of fatty acids in their blood after meals and higher amounts of the types of amino acids that boost insulin, which keeps blood sugar levels where they’re supposed to be. Jan Stanstrup et al., "Whey Protein Delays Gastric Emptying and Suppresses Plasma Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites Compared to Casein, Gluten, and Fish Protein. ", Journal of Proteome Research, April 30, 2014, © American Chemical Society

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People Under Stress Metabolize Calories Differently, With Unhealthy Results April 29, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Highly stressed people who consume a high-fat, high-sugar diet tend to be more at risk for serious health problems than less stressed people who indulge in the same unhealthy diet, a new U.S. study finds. Researchers followed 61 healthy women, 33 of whom were chronically stressed from caring for a spouse or parent with dementia. The women reported their consumption of high sugar, high fat foods for a year. The researchers evaluated key biological markers associated with elevated metabolic risk. More frequent high-fat, high-sugar eating significantly predicted a larger waistline, more truncal fat, higher oxidative damage, and more insulin resistance among the stressed-out women. These women also had higher levels of a stress-related biomarker, peripheral Neuropeptide Y. Kirstin Aschbacher et al., " Chronic Stress Increases Vulnerability to Diet-Related Abdominal Fat, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Risk. ", Psychoneuroendocrinology, April 29, 2014, © Elsevier Ltd.

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Smartphone Technology Can Be An Effective Way To Make Weight Loss Strategies Work April 29, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Starting – and failing at – dieting is a familiar experience for the seven of ten Americans who are overweight or obese. Now a U.S. researcher reports that information technology generally, and smartphones and their treasure trove of apps in particular, are helping to improve that situation. The weight loss strategies embraced by the apps have been around a long time. But the apps repackage the good advice and put helpful tools like exercise logs and nutritional databases at dieters’ fingertips. Self-monitoring is the key to  weight loss, according to Cheryl Shigaki, and that is much easier to do with hand-held information technology. Feedback on weight loss progress is an effective motivator that also permits better evaluation of health behaviors. Cheryl L. Shigaki et al., "Successful weight loss: how information technology is used to lose", Telemedicine and e-Health, April 29, 2014, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

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Tart Cherry Juice Shown To Improve Sleep In Seniors April 28, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study presented at a recent scientific meeting makes the case that a regular dietary regimen of tart cherry juice effectively combats insomnia, a disorder that has been linked to higher levels of chronic pain, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and dementia in older people. In a small clinical trial, seven insomniacs whose average age was 68 drank eight ounces of tart cherry juice twice daily for two weeks. A two-week washout period followed, then two weeks when they drank another beverage. The people were monitored and completed questionnaires. Those who drank the Montmorency tart cherry juice in the morning and at night slept an hour longer each night (averaging 84 minutes) and their sleep was more efficient. "Study: Tart Cherry Juice Increases Sleep Time In Adults With Insomnia", News release, Cherry Marketing Institute, April 28, 2014, © Cherry Marketing Institute

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Statin Users Are Eating More Fat, Undermining The Effect Of The Drug April 28, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study comparing statin drug users in 2000 and 2010 found the recent group eating more calories and fat, thereby undermining  therapeutic effect of the drugs. The data suggested to researchers that taking statins to lower cholesterol gave patients a “false sense of security” that led to greater body mass index levels and a greater risk of heart disease and other obesity-related health problems. Analyzing data from national health surveys conducted ten years apart, the researchers found that caloric intake among statin users rose 9.6 percent over the decade, and fat consumption rose 14.4 percent. Eating more fat, especially saturated fat, leads to higher cholesterol levels that undermine the purpose of taking statins. Takehiro Sugiyama et al., "Different Time Trends of Caloric and Fat Intake Between Statin Users and Nonusers Among US Adults. ", JAMA Internal Medicine, April 28, 2014, © Sugiyama et al.

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Cost Is The Main Barrier To Healthful Diet In The U.S. April 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The main reason poorer Americans tend not to eat a healthful diet is money, or more precisely, the lack of it, according to a recent study. The vast majority of low-income families – 85 percent – in the U.S. know that eating nutritious foods is important to health and are interested in learning more about buying and preparing healthful meals. But 70 percent said that cost is keeping them from buying such foods. The hungriest Americans are the unemployed, according to the study, and single men under the age of 65. Federal nutrition assistance programs such as WIC and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) help, but they don’t cover the whole cost of feeding a family. "Cost Impacting Healthy-eating Desire", Prepared Foods Network, April 27, 2014, © BNP Media

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Writer Finds It Curious That A Study On Obesity Fails To Mention Sugar Or Soda April 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A recent article on exercise and obesity published in a scientific journal prompted Forbes writer Larry Husten to question the involvement of food and beverage companies in health-related studies. Three of the five authors of the study that downplayed the role of calories and diet in the obesity epidemic have financial ties to the Coca-Cola company. The article, which did not mention “sugar”, “soda”, or “beverage”, concluded that lack of exercise is the cause of obesity. The skeptical Husten interviewed the lead author of the article, who denied that his connections to Coca-Cola influenced the study’s conclusions: it was just good science. Husten noted, however, that “the vast majority of experts agree that diet, and sugar in particular, plays some sort of significant role in the problem [of obesity]”. Larry Husten, "What Role Should Coca-Cola Play In Obesity Research?", Forbes.com, April 27, 2014, © Forbes.com LLC

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Evidence Mounts That Eating Fatty Fish Helps Prevent Cognitive Decline April 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A group of 895 seniors who were given cognitive tests (i.e., memory, attention, organization and planning, etc.) were also asked how much omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) they ate in the form of seafood. The intake, mostly from canned tuna, was low. Dietary guidelines recommend eight or more ounces of seafood a week, but only 27 percent met or exceeded that level. Comparing omega-3 intake and test results after a two-year follow-up, U.S. researchers said those who ate the smallest amounts were the most likely to experience cognitive decline during the study period. The researchers concluded that intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and trout certainly has health benefits, and may help prevent cognitive decline. Tammy Scott et al., "Diet can predict cognitive decline, researchers say", News release, study presented at the Experimental Biology 2014 meeting, April 27, 2014, © Scott et al.

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Smaller Cereal Flakes Increase Total Weight Of Cereal Serving – And Caloric Intake April 26, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who tested the influence of food volume on calorie intake – they used a rolling pin to gradually reduce the size of cereal flakes and the volume by weight – found that smaller flake size led to increased caloric consumption. Even though people poured a smaller volume of the crushed cereal into their bowls, they ended up eating more cereal by weight – and more calories. As the volumes decreased, people thought they were eating less cereal and the same or fewer calories, “but instead they ended up significantly overeating”. The researchers recommended that, when eating cereals with small pieces, people should reduce the recommended serving size to account for the low volume. Barbara J. Rolls et al., "Variations in Cereal Volume Affect the Amount Selected and Eaten for Breakfast", Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, April 26, 2014, © Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Protein Supplement Blended From Soy And Dairy More Effectively Builds Lean Muscle April 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A new U.S. study finds that the source of supplemental protein is as important as the quantity and other factors in building lean muscle mass. The randomized clinical trial with 16 healthy adults aged 19 to 30 tested the impact of a soy-dairy protein drink compared to a single (whey isolate) protein drink. Muscle biopsies were taken at the start and after five hours of resistance exercise. The soy-dairy blend (soy, caseinate and whey) increased amino acid delivery for an hour longer than whey alone. The blend also sustained a greater positive amino acid balance, suggesting that there was less muscle protein breakdown right after the drink was consumed. P. T. Reidy et al., "Soy-Dairy Protein Blend and Whey Protein Ingestion After Resistance Exercise Increases Amino Acid Transport and Transporter Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle. ", Journal of Applied Physiology, April 25, 2014, © The American Physiological Society

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Reducing Diabetes Risk Can Be As Simple As Increasing Coffee Consumption April 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who wanted to see how changes in consumption of coffee and tea over time affect the risk of type 2 diabetes found some interesting connections in their analysis of three studies involving more than 100,000 people. Increasing coffee consumption by an average of 1.5 cups a day over four years reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11 percent. Those who drank the most coffee (three or more cups a day) had a 37 percent lower risk than those who drank only one cup or less a day. The researchers could not find any link between changes in tea consumption and type 2 diabetes risk. Shilpa Bhupathiraju et al. , "Changes in coffee intake and subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes: three large cohorts of US men and women. ", Diabetologia, April 24, 2014, © European Association for the Study of Diabetes

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In The Game Of Healthy Nutrition, Snacks Provided At Youth Sports Events Strike Out April 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Children who participate in organized youth sports like baseball usually benefit from the increased physical activity, social interaction and other positive health behaviors. But they are also increasing their risk for being overweight or obese because of the constant exposure to junk food, U.S. researchers report. The observational study tracked foods consumed by players (boys ages 8 to 12) and family members during 12 games at a youth baseball field in North Carolina. Most of the snacks provided at concession stands were high-calorie food items like French fries, candy and cookies. Most beverages were sugar-sweetened. The findings suggest that Little Leaguers may be leaving the ball park having consumed more calories than they expended. Irby, Megan B. et al., "The Food Environment of Youth Baseball. Childhood Obesity", Childhood Obesity, April 24, 2014, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

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Unilever May Shed Its Weight Loss, Pasta Sauce Brands April 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Unilever acknowledged it is reviewing the sales performance of its SlimFast weight loss brand as well as its pasta sauces unit, which includes the Ragu brand. A company spokesman said the review could lead to a divestiture of the product lines, but “it doesn’t necessarily have to”. Purchased in 2000 for £1.4 billion, the SlimFast line was badly bruised by the rise of the Atkins low-carb products starting in 2003, and has recently felt the impact of Kellogg’s refocus of some of breakfast cereals as weight loss products. Industry experts say Unilever’s plan is to focus more tightly on its health and beauty businesses. Julia Kollewe, "Unilever puts SlimFast and US pasta sauce range up for sale", The Guardian, April 24, 2014, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Meta-Study Finds No Evidence That Vitamin D Prevents Falls Among Seniors April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Previous studies have reported evidence of a correlation between vitamin D supplements and a reduced risk of falls among older people. But a new meta-study of 20 clinical trials involving 29,535 people found no evidence at all that vitamin D reduced falls. But because most clinical trials report on only the total number of falls, not the number of falls per person, it cannot be established whether vitamin D might reduce falls in particularly vulnerable older people – i.e., those who fall often. The researchers acknowledged they are not sure whether a large clinical trial “in this vulnerable population” would be feasible. Mark J Bolland et al., "Vitamin D supplementation and falls: a trial sequential meta-analysis. ", The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, April 23, 2014, © Elsevier Ltd

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Community-Based, Structured Weight Loss Programs Work Better For Diabetics April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST People who participate in community-based structured weight loss programs lose more weight on average than those who go it alone, a University of California, San Diego, study has determined. The clinical trial enrolled 227 overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes, half of whom received diabetes self-management education, weight counseling, portioned-controlled food (Jenny Craig), a planned menu and one-on-one counseling. The control group received counseling on diabetes care and weight loss. After six months, 72 percent on the weight loss program that included portion-controlled foods and personalized counseling were able to change their insulin use compared to eight percent of the control group. They also experienced 8.2 percent weight loss, compared to 2.5 percent. Cheryl L. Rock et al., "Weight Loss, Glycemic Control, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Response to Differential Diet Composition in a Weight Loss Program in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ", Diabetes Care, April 23, 2014, © American Diabetes Association

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Obesity Society Weighs In On Impact Of Sugar-Sweetened Drinks April 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Sugar-sweetened beverages are contributing to the obesity epidemic in the U.S., particularly among children, the Obesity Society said in an official report based on a review of current research. The society recommended that children should minimize drinking sugary beverages and adults should reduce or avoid sugary drinks as part of an overall strategy to reduce calories. Evidence from studies shows that individuals with a higher BMI consume more sugary beverages than leaner individuals, and decreasing their consumption “may reduce overall calorie intake and help individuals with obesity or overweight reach healthy weight goals”. "Reduced Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Can Reduce Total Caloric Intake", Position Statement: The Obesity Society, April 23, 2014, © The Obesity Society

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Study Determines How Bariatric Surgery Leads To Health Benefits April 22, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.S., Danish and Swedish scientists report that bariatric surgery leads to weight loss, but for very different reasons than once thought. The procedure, which also has positive effects on diabetes and heart disease, apparently causes an increase in bile acids in the blood. It is the increase in these acids – not the shrinkage of the stomach – that leads to the health benefits. The findings indicate that bile acids could be a new target for treating obesity and diabetes. Karen K. Ryan et al., "FXR is a molecular target for the effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy. ", Nature, April 22, 2014, © Macmillan Publishers Limited

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Vitamin D Deficiency Among Seniors Linked To Cognitive Decline April 22, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study adds to the mounting evidence that vitamin D deficiency in seniors is associated with cognitive decline over time. The researchers looked at 2,777 well-functioning adults aged 70 to 79 whose cognitive performance was measured at the start of the study and again four years later. Vitamin D levels were measured at the 12-month follow-up visit. Low vitamin D was associated with worse cognitive performance on one of the two cognitive tests used. The researchers were careful to point out they could not determine a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but there was enough associative data to support a campaign to increase vitamin D supplementation among the elderly. Valerie K. Wilson et al., "Relationship Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. ", Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, April 22, 2014, © Wilson et al.

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Study Associates Drop In Salt Intake With Fewer Heart Disease Deaths In U.K. April 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST An analysis of data from 31,500 health surveys conducted in the U.K. over eight years finds a connection between a drop in salt consumption and in heart disease deaths. Between 2003 and 2011, daily salt intake fell by an average of 1.4 g, or about 15 percent. During the same period, stroke deaths fell by 42 percent and coronary heart disease deaths fell 40 percent. In addition, risk factors for cardiovascular disease also fell, including average cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking. Average weight (body mass index) rose, and fruit and vegetable consumption rose slightly. F. J. He et al., "Salt reduction in England from 2003 to 2011: its relationship to blood pressure, stroke and ischemic heart disease mortality. ", BMJ Open, April 21, 2014, © He et al.

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Advisories To Pregnant Women About Persistent Contaminants Are Mostly Ineffective April 17, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Canadian and Swedish researchers have found that advising pregnant women about the potential dangers to infants of exposure to quickly eliminated contaminants in fish – e.g., mercury – are generally effective. But advisories don’t work well when it comes to “persistent organic pollutants”: chemicals such as DDT and PCBs banned long ago but still in the environment and the food chain. Persistent pollutants can remain in the body for years, even decades because the human body has a difficult time eliminating them. Women who stop eating fish shortly before or during their pregnancy may only lower their child's exposure to persistent pollutants by 10 to 15 percent. Matthew J. Binnington et al., "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Consumption Advisories: Modeling Prenatal, Postnatal, and Childhood Exposures to Persistent Organic Pollutants. ", Environmental Health Perspectives, April 17, 2014, © Binnington et al.

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Chromium Supplements Do Not Improve Fasting Blood Sugar April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. researcher who analyzed 30 years of data on chromium supplementation has concluded that chromium has no effect on the fasting blood sugar levels of either healthy or diabetic individuals. It has been suggested that chromium might help the 26 percent of Americans whose fasting glucose is impaired, a precursor of type 2 diabetes. But after combing through 16 studies published from 1985 to 2012, involving 809 adults of all ages (to 67 years), the researchers found no positive effect from chromium chloride, chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate, chromium dinicocysteinate or chromium yeast at doses ranging from 200 to 1,000 μg a day. Christopher H. Bailey et al., "Improved Meta-Analytic Methods Show No Effect of Chromium Supplements on Fasting Glucose. ", Biological Trace Element Research, April 16, 2014, © Springer US

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Study Data Show Significant Link Between High-Fat/Sat-Fat Diet And Breast Cancer April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A study by Italian researchers has found an association between a high-fat – including saturated fat –  diet and two types of breast cancer as well as human epidermal growth factor disease. Researchers analyzed data from epidemiological and case-control studies involving nearly 350,000 women. High total and saturated fat intake were associated with greater risk of estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-positive (ER+PR+) breast cancer (BC), and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor-negative (HER2-) disease. S. Sieri et al., "Dietary Fat Intake and Development of Specific Breast Cancer Subtypes. ", JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, April 16, 2014, © Sieri et al.

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Data Confirm That Iron Supplements Improve Exercise Performance In Women April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST An Australian study that examined data collected and merged from 22 small clinical trials confirmed that women who take iron supplements improved their exercise performance and efficiency at all levels of exertion. The researchers saw the effect mainly among women who had been iron deficient or anemic at the start of studies, and in female athletes who were in training. The study also confirmed that iron deficiency impairs exercise performance in women. Iron deficiency also produces fatigue and lethargy,  and often results in iron deficiency anemia. S.-R. Pasricha et al., "Iron Supplementation Benefits Physical Performance in Women of Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ", Journal of Nutrition, April 16, 2014, © American Society for Nutrition

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Not Exactly Diet Donuts, But Definitely “Guilt Free” April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Manhattan bakery is selling a donut that contains only a fraction of the fat, cholesterol and calories of regular donuts. While Holey Donuts does consider the new made-to-order product a “premium guilt free” treat, it stops short of calling it a diet donut. Second-generation donut entrepreneur – his dad became a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee in 1958 – Frank Dilullo experimented with lower-fat recipes in the back of one of his dad’s stores. The innovative cooking process results in donuts – sold at $3.95 apiece – with only three to five grams of fat, compared to 15 to 40 grams in traditional donuts, are only150-200 calories each, and contain no artificial sweeteners or non-natural flavors. Taylor Lorenz, "Is this the first 'guilt-free' donut? A new bakery is offering made-to-order confections with just THREE GRAMS of fat. FEMAIL puts them to the test...", Mail Online, April 16, 2014, © Associated Newspapers Ltd

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Compound In Green Tomatoes Strengthens Muscles, Prevents Atrophy April 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Harvard University researcher has determined that a compound found in green tomatoes helps build muscle and protect against muscle atrophy caused by cancer, heart failure and orthopedic injuries. Using a systems biology tool called the Connectivity Map, the researcher discovered that tomatidine changes gene expression in ways opposite to changes that occur in muscle cells affected by atrophy. They found that tomatidine stimulates growth of cultured muscle cells from humans, and that healthy mice supplemented with tomatidine grew bigger muscles, became stronger, exercised longer, and avoided muscle atrophy. The compound may also have potential for treating obesity. M. C. Dyle et al., "Systems-Based Discovery of Tomatidine as a Natural Small Molecule Inhibitor of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy. ", Journal of Biological Chemistry, April 16, 2014, © American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Eating More Slowly Helps You Lose Weight, Study Suggests April 15, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Swiss study comparing satiety between normal weight and obese people found that the obese tend to eat faster, take less time to feel full, spend less time eating and yet consume more calories. For the study, obese and normal weight people consumed as many nutritional drinks as they wanted, as fast as they wanted, in the morning on an empty stomach. They then reported when they felt full. On average, the obese people reported feeling sated after just ten minutes, four minutes earlier than those of normal weight. But during those ten minutes they consumed about 85 cal a minute, compared with 50 cal a minute by normal weight participants. The solution? "Eating slowly is not only healthy, but it should also help you lose weight," one researcher said. Anne C. Meyer-Gerspach et al., "Gastric and intestinal satiation in obese and normal weight healthy people. ", Physiology & Behavior, April 15, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

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Dietary Supplement Use Is More Prevalent Than Reported By National Surveys April 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) have tended to underreport use of dietary supplements in the U.S., according to a study, because they often ignore occasional and seasonal use. In fact, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of adult Americans could be supplement users, and more than half (53 percent) are regular users. One of the researchers called dietary supplement usage “a mainstream practice”. Supplement users do not use these products as a way to avoid eating right or exercising, researchers said. In fact, they are “health conscious individuals trying to do all the right things to be healthy”. They said the NHANES surveys are faulty because they capture usage only in the 30 days prior to the respondents’ interviews. Annette Dickinson et al., "Consumer Usage and Reasons for Using Dietary Supplements: Report of a Series of Surveys", Taylor & Francis Online, April 14, 2014, © Informa UK Limited

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New Research Contradicts Report That Said U.S. Children Are Less Obese April 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST All classes of obesity in American children have crept upward over the last 14 years, according to national survey data collected on 26,690 children (ages 2 to 19) between 1999 and 2012.  Applying several definitions of obesity based on height and weight measurements (the body mass index), the researchers found that 17.3 percent of U.S. children ages 2-19 were obese in 2011-2012. At the same time, eight percent met criteria for the two most severe forms of obesity (Class 2 and Class 3). The findings contradict a recent report showing a drop in obesity among young children in the last decade. Asheley Cockrell Skinner et al., "Prevalence and Trends in Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Children in the United States, 1999-2012. ", JAMA Pediatrics, April 14, 2014, © American Medical Association

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Meta-Analysis Of Clinical Trials Proves Vitamin D Supplements Are Safe For Elderly Women April 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Despite a flurry of contradictory reports in recent years, a new U.S. and European study finds that calcium supplements, with or without vitamin D, for osteoporosis are probably safe for older women. The researchers searched clinical trial databases for research conducted between 1966 and 2013, finding 18 (of 661) involving nearly 64,000 postmenopausal women that met stringent inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D does not increase coronary heart disease or increase the risk of death in elderly women. J. R. Lewis et al., "The effects of calcium supplementation on coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.", News release, study presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, April 12, 2014, © Lewis et al.

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Junk Food Diet, Obesity, Lead To Lethargic Behavior April 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Diet experiments conducted in rats found that, as expected, animals who ate highly-processed junk food for three months gained considerably more weight than those who ate standard, unprocessed foods. Researchers at UCLA also found that the obese rats appeared lazier than the  lean  rats, taking substantially longer to return to assigned tasks after breaks. After switching the diets for several days, there was no significant change in weight or performance in the two groups: the lean rats did not suddenly get fat, nor did the fat rats get lean. This finding suggests that the long-term pattern, not the occasional binge, is responsible for obesity and cognitive impairments. Aaron P. Blaisdell et al., "Food quality and motivation: A refined low-fat diet induces obesity and impairs performance on a progressive ratio schedule of instrumental lever pressing in rats. ", Physiology & Behavior, April 11, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

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Dieters, Who Can’t Get No Satisfaction, Shun “Diet” Foods And Beverages April 10, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Once fixated on calories and weight loss, dieters have taken a new tack. They still want to lose weight, but they don’t want to feel deprived. They’re tired of foods that provide only short-lived satisfaction. They’re thinking that eating foods with more protein or fat will keep them from binge eating later, even if they might be higher in calories. The trend is seen in so-called diet foods: sales of Special K cereal are down seven percent since 2012; sales of Nestle's Lean Cuisine dropped 27 percent in the past four years; and sales of Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi fell seven percent in 2013. All of these brands are making adjustments to their product lines to counter the trend. Candice Choi, "Dieters move past calories, food makers follow", The Big Story, April 10, 2014, © The Associated Press

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Obesity Increases Occurrence Of Cancer In Animal Study April 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in mice suggests that obesity itself, not diet, makes the colon receptive to cancer and increases the risk. Two groups of mice were fed a high-fat diet. The group that carried a human gene that protects against colorectal cancer did not gain weight. Mice without the gene became obese. But, more importantly, the obese mice exhibited molecular signals in their intestines that led to the progression of cancer. The normal weight mice did not have those same indicators. Preexisting colon lesions in the animals tended to evolve rapidly into malignant tumors. "The same thing may happen in humans," one researcher said. Ruifang Li et al., "Obesity, Rather Than Diet, Drives Epigenomic Alterations in Colonic Epithelium Resembling Cancer Progression. ", Cell Metabolism, April 09, 2014, © Elsevier Inc.

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Soda Taxes Don’t Reduce Obesity Rates – Study April 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Earlier studies on the impact of taxes on sugary drinks claimed that taxation would reduce obesity by 20 percent. But they were flawed because they relied on household data rather than individual consumption patterns: they assumed people didn’t replace soda calories with calories from another source. But new U.S. research that analyzed national survey data collected between 1989 and 2006 found that hiking soft drink taxes may cut soda drinking, but not total caloric intake because people replace the soda calories. "The impact of soft drink taxes on the body mass index is small in magnitude and not statistically significant," researchers concluded, noting that there should be “fundamental changes to policies” based on soda taxes as a strategy for reducing obesity rates. Jason M. Fletcher et al., "Non-Linear Effects Of Soda Taxes On Consumption And Weight Outcomes", Health Economics, April 04, 2014, © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Does Calorie Restriction In Primates Reduce Mortality? The Debate Continues April 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A 2012 National Institute on Aging report on monkeys and diet found no differences in survival or better overall health among animals that were calorie restricted. But University of Wisconsin researchers conducting a 25-year study on the impact of calorie restrictions on monkeys report just the opposite: a significant lengthening of lifespan and reduction in age-related diseases. The discrepancy may be due to differences in the way the animals were fed in the two studies. The Wisconsin study started with two groups of adults, one of which ate 30 percent fewer calories.  The NIA control monkeys, however, were fed according to a standardized food intake chart and may also have been calorie restricted. Ricki Colman et al., "Caloric restriction reduces age-related and all-cause mortality in rhesus monkeys.", Nature Communications, April 01, 2014, © Colman et al.

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Diet Sodas Linked To Cardiovascular Problems In Postmenopausal Women March 29, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Researchers who analyzed data from nearly 60,000 women found a significant relationship between diet drink consumption, heart attacks and mortality in those who had reached menopause. The U.S. study compared cardiovascular outcomes among women who never or rarely drank diet beverages and those who consumed two or more a day. Heavy diet soda drinkers were 30 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack and 50 percent more likely to die from coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary revascularization procedure, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The researchers acknowledged that they had only found an association, not a cause and effect relationship. Ankur Vyas et al. , "Too many diet drinks may spell heart trouble for older women, study suggests", News release, study presented at the American College of Cardiology's scientific session, March 29, 2014, © Vyas et al.

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Evidence Of Health Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet Continues To Accumulate March 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Greek researchers who analyzed data pooled from 19 clinical studies and 162,000 participants found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 21 percent reduced risk of diabetes when compared to control dietary groups. The effect was especially notable among people at high risk for cardiovascular disease: they were 27 percent less likely to develop diabetes. A Mediterranean diet generally features fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, olive oil and even small amounts of red wine. Demosthenes Panagiotakos et al., "Mediterranean diet may lower risk of diabetes", News release, research presented at the American College of Cardiology's scientific session, March 27, 2014, © Panagiotakos et al.

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