Popular Food Bloggers Come Up Short On Nutritional Recipes November 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who analyzed the recipe recommendations of several popular food blogs found that many of the recipes were acceptable in calories, but excessive in saturated fat and sodium. The researchers noted that the meal photos on the six blogs were probably more attractive than the actual nutritional content of the foods. Another downside is that food companies sponsor the sites, so the recipes are actually advertisements for company products. “The public should be aware of the nutritional limitations of popular food blogs,” the researchers concluded. They recommended that dietitians help bloggers modify blog recipes and partner with bloggers “to improve the nutritional profile of recipes”. Elizabeth P. Schneider et al., "Do Food Blogs Serve as a Source of Nutritionally Balanced Recipes? An Analysis of 6 Popular Food Blogs", Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, November 07, 2013, © Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior

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U.S. Equity Firm Buys Jenny Crag Brand From Nestlé November 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. private equity firm has acquired the North American and Oceania Jenny Craig weight management businesses from Nestlé. The French brand was not part of the sale. Jenny Craig was launched in 1983 and acquired by Nestlé Nutrition in 2006. North Castle Partners, a private equity firm based in Connecticut, invests in high-growth, middle market businesses. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. "Nestlé sells Jenny Craig in North America and Oceania", News release, Nestlé, November 07, 2013, © Nestlé

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Celiac Disease Is Not The Only Allergy Associated With Wheat Consumption November 5, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Not all allergic reactions to wheat are caused by celiac disease, according to Italian researchers who studied data on 276 patients diagnosed with a unique disorder known as non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). In a double-blind, placebo-controlled wheat challenge, the researchers found that NCWS patients may be suffering from a non-lgE mediated food allergy, like celiac disease, that primarily affects the innermost layer of the GI tract. Symptoms are delayed, making it difficult to diagnose. NCWS symptoms involve the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, the skin and other organs. Symptoms disappear when wheat is excluded from the diet, and come back when  wheat consumption resumes. Antonio Carroccio et al., "Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity as an Allergic Condition: Personal Experience and Narrative Review", The American Journal of Gastroenterology, November 05, 2013, © The American College of Gastroenterology

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Doctors Weigh In On Whether Sugar Consumption Contributes To Spread Of Cancer November 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Physicians at a Texas cancer center have issued a statement addressing some common misconceptions about how cancer spreads. One of the most common, and most fallacious, of these myths, is that eating sugar feeds the spread of malignant tumors. It doesn’t, the researchers said. Consuming sugar from natural sources – like fruits and vegetables – absolutely does no harm, and is in fact necessary for good health. But excess sugar in the diet, especially from processed foods, contributes to obesity and an increased risk of cancer. The doctors advised people to avoid processed sugars found in cakes, baked goods and desserts, and instead eat fruits that help “maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues”. Renee Stubbins et al., "Debunking Myths About How Cancer Spreads", News release, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, November 02, 2013, © Houston Methodist Cancer Center

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High Caloric Diet – Not Just Sugar Intake – Associated With Fatty Liver Disease November 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The serious liver condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NFLD) is not associated with intake of sugar, according to a British study, but rather with a high caloric intake, no matter the source. Researchers said recommending a low-fructose or low-glycemic diet to prevent NFLD is therefore not justified. Instead, they found that a high-calorie diet, no matter the source of the calories, itself is more associated with the disease, and that a healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to prevent, and deal with, NFLD. “Our study serves as a warning that even short changes in lifestyle can have profound impacts on your liver," the researchers concluded. Richard D. Johnston et al., "No Difference Between High-Fructose and High-Glucose Diets on Liver Triacylglycerol or Biochemistry in Healthy Overweight Men", Gastroenterology, November 01, 2013, © AGA Institute

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Diet Someday May Be Used To Configure Gut Microbiota Toward Improving Human Health November 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Irish researchers report that the study of the human microbiota – trillions of beneficial bacteria in the gut belonging to a  thousand species – could transform scientific thinking about basic human nutrition, gut health and disease prevention: This has come about because of developments in DNA sequencing technology that have made possible closer analyses of complex microbial communities in the human digestive tract. Data from recent studies have shown that diet can program the gut microbiota and affect health status. Someday the  food industry might be able to design food ingredients and supplements that shape gut microbiota, improving consumer health. Paul Ross, "Our Gut Microbiota and How It Can Be Programmed by Food", News release, Teagasc, November 01, 2013, © Teagasc

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“Health By Stealth” Strategy Could Lead To Nutritious Pizzas October 31, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Most of today’s commercially available – either the frozen grocery store or fresh-baked  pizza restaurant varieties – can be considered junk food, primarily because of excess salt and saturated fat. But the basic recipe for pizza – bread, tomatoes, and a little cheese – is essentially healthy. British researchers says pizzas, and other “nutritionally dubious foods”, can be restored to healthy status by reformulating without ruining the taste. The researchers did a little experimenting, and came up with a recipe using less salt; whole wheat flour; a little Scottish seaweed for flavor, vitamin B12 and fiber, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and iodine; and red peppers for vitamin C. Both children and adult taste testers “gave it the thumbs-up for taste and attractiveness”. Emilie Combet et al., "Development of a nutritionally balanced pizza as a functional meal designed to meet published dietary guidelines", Public Health Nutrition, October 31, 2013, © Cambridge University Press

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Study Sheds Light On Effective Strategies For Keeping Weight Off After Successful Dieting October 31, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Dieters who have successfully lost weight can prevent the return of unwanted pounds by using anti-obesity drugs, meal replacements or a high-protein diet, according to new Swedish research. Scientists combined the data from 20 clinical studies involving more than 3,000 participants, who were either obese or overweight prior to dieting. The studies analyzed the impact of drugs, meal replacements, high protein diets, dietary supplements and exercise on rebound weight gain after completing low-calorie diets (less than 1,000 calories a day). Researchers found that anti-obesity drugs were effective but risky. In fact, the most effective drugs were are no longer on the market. However, “Meal replacement products and high protein diets are effective and available to everyone," they concluded. K. Johansson et al., "Effects of anti-obesity drugs, diet, and exercise on weight-loss maintenance after a very-low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 31, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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European Diet Found To Be Deficient In Certain Vitamins And Minerals October 31, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A European study comparing recent data from dietary surveys conducted in eight countries has found that the European diet lacks 17 basic micronutrients. Conducted by the International Life Sciences Institute, the study found that vitamin D was the most severe deficiency, but diets also were low in iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 and folic acid. The researchers said that except in the case of vitamin D, low levels of vitamins do not pose a public health risk generally, but may in the case of specific age groups. Mensink G.B.M. et al. , "Mapping low intake of micronutrients across Europe", British Journal of Nutrition, October 31, 2013, © Cambridge University Press

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“Hungry Girl” Enlisted By Potato Board To Change The Spud’s Image As A Fattening Food October 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Lisa Lillien, known to America’s weight-conscious masses as “Hungry Girl”, has partnered with the U.S. Potato Board to change the image of the humble spud as a dieter’s worst food nightmare. Lillien has an audience of millions who either get her email newsletter, routinely visit her Web site, or watch her TV show on the Food Network or the Cooking Channel. Her message is that food should be tasty and nutritious, but low in calories. That message dovetails neatly with the USPB's new ad campaign, “Guilt-Free Potato Goodness,” battling the “myth that potatoes are fattening”. Potato-lover Lillien has a track record of reaching USPB’s target audience: women 25 to 54 with kids under 18 at home. Karlene Lukovitz, "U.S. Potato Board Partners With Hungry Girl", MediaPost , October 28, 2013, © MediaPost Communications

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Turn Off The TV At Dinner Time To Combat Family Obesity October 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Family meals and their rituals are an “underappreciated battleground” in the fight against obesity, according to U.S. researchers who looked at the link between family dinner rituals and body mass index (BMI) among 190 parents and 148 children. Parents participating in the study completed a questionnaire on the family’s mealtime habits; they were then weighed along with their children. Researchers found that a higher BMI among parents tended to correlate to frequently eating dinner while watching TV. Eating at the dinner table in the dining room or kitchen, however,  was linked to lower BMIs for both children and parents. Wansink, B., & Van Kleef, E. , "Dinner rituals that correlate with child and adult BMI", Obesity, October 28, 2013, © Cornell University • Food and Brand Lab • Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

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Omega-3 Intake: Too Much Of A Good Thing Can Be Bad For Health October 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers have been touting the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for years. But a new U.S. study finds that there can be too much of a good thing. In an earlier study, mice fed large amounts of dietary omega-3s showed an increased risk of colitis and immune alteration. A new review of recent scientific literature has found that excess omega-3 fatty acids in the diet alters immune function sometimes in ways that lead to a dysfunctional immune response to viral or bacterial infections. The researchers urge people to eat omega-3-rich fish a couple of times a week. But those at risk for coronary artery disease should consult their doctors before taking supplements. Jenifer I. Fenton et al., "Long chain omega-3 fatty acid immunomodulation and the potential for adverse health outcomes", Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, October 28, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

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U.K. Food Companies Promise To Cut Megatons Of Sat-Fats From Products October 26, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The British government has wheedled new pledges out of food manufacturers and supermarkets to cut the saturated fat content of their processed foods and snacks. This despite a recent study by a cardiologist published in the British Medical Journal advising that the real problem in the rise of diabetes and heart disease is not saturated fat but excess sugar. Supermarket chain Tesco promised to remove 32 tons of fat from breadsticks and other products; Morrisons will reformulate its spreads to remove 50 tons of sat-fats; Sainsbury's will continue an ongoing program to cut sat-fats; Kraft snack unit Mondelez will reformulate belVita, Oreos and Barny cookies; and Nestlé pledged to extract 3,800 tons of sat-fats from KitKat bars. Sarah Boseley, "Saturated fat to be cut in chocolate products, makers pledge", The Guardian, October 26, 2013, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Interval Training Coupled With Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease October 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Canadian study has found that people with abdominal obesity – and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol – can reduce that risk by participating in high-intensity interval training coupled with nutritional counseling on the Mediterranean diet. Researchers reported an average reduction in waist circumference of eight centimeters, a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 6 mm Hg and an aerobic fitness improvement of 15 percent over the first nine months of the study. On average, blood sugar levels improved by 23 percent in diabetic participants; the improvement was about 10 percent in individuals with pre-diabetes. Mathieu Gayda et al., "Training Mediterranean Diet Cuts Health Risks in Obese Individuals", News release, study released at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, October 24, 2013, © Gayda et al.

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Swedish Government Is Convinced: An Atkins-Type Diet Is Healthier October 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A meta-review of relevant clinical studies has prompted the Swedish government to recommend a lower-carb, higher-fat, and higher-protein diet – basically the Atkins approach to healthy eating. The study found that a carbohydrate-managed approach is more effective for long-term weight loss and maintenance than a conventional low-fat diet. It also showed that low-carbohydrate diets were both beneficial and safe for the highly-insulin resistant, carbohydrate-intolerant population, who need to keep carbohydrate consumption low over the long-term. The Atkins Diet offers a balanced plan that comprises lean protein, good carbs from fruits and vegetables, and a balance of healthy fats. Nassib Bezerra Bueno et al., "Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials", Atkins, October 23, 2013, © British Journal of Nutrition

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Calcium Supplements Are Safe, But The Best Source Is The Diet October 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST To combat osteoporosis, patients should maintain an adequate intake of calcium, but the source of the important mineral is essential to its effectiveness, In fact, say researchers at the University of California San Francisco who reviewed earlier studies, patients and health care practitioners should focus on getting calcium from the diet – e.g., food products fortified with calcium, plus kale, broccoli and bok choy – rather than from supplements. The researchers noted, however, that if patients cannot get adequate calcium from the diet, supplements are safe and not associated with cardiovascular problems, despite recent reports to the contrary. Caren G. Solomon et al., "Calcium Supplements and Fracture Prevention", New England Journal of Medicine, October 17, 2013, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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No Risk That Vitamin D Causes Kidney Stones October 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Despite findings from earlier studies, vitamin D supplementation does not increase the risk of developing kidney stones, according to a U.S. study. Researchers looked at data collected from 2,012 participants of all ages over 19 months. The news should come as a relief for many patients because evidence is growing that a vitamin D serum level in the therapeutic range of 40 to 50 ng/mL reduces the risk of many diseases, including breast and colorectal cancer. The study did show that older males with higher body mass index were more likely to develop kidney stones. Stacie Nguyen et al., "25-Hydroxyvitamin D in the Range of 20 to 100 ng/mL and Incidence of Kidney Stones", American Journal of Public Health, October 17, 2013, © American Public Health Association

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Americans Can Boost Fiber Intake By Adding Small Amounts Of Citrus Powder To Ground Meat October 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Americans whose diet lacks sufficient fiber could reduce that fiber deficit by adding citrus fiber to ground beef without harming the quality and taste of the meat. U.S. researchers prepared three batches of meatballs – which normally contain no fiber– each with a different percentages of sweet and tangy citrus powder substituted for meat. They found that citrus fiber boosted the cooking yield of the meatball recipe. The texture and color of the meatballs remained acceptable at the one and five percent levels. The ten percent level proved unacceptable. A serving of the citrus meatballs, containing two percent citrus powder, contains approximately five grams of fiber. Ayca Gedikoglu, "Adding Citrus Fiber to Meatballs Improves Nutritional Quality, Does Not Affect Taste", News release, ongoing research, University of Missouri, October 15, 2013, © University of Missouri

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Doctors Report On Cases Of Severe Liver Damage After Consumption Of Weight Loss Supplements October 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have reported on four cases of severe liver problems that occurred after consumption of weight loss supplements, an energy drink and an energy drink. In one case, a woman who had fasted for three weeks, then ingested SlimQuick for two days, suffered liver failure and underwent a liver transplant. Other case studies involved: a woman who entered the early stages of cirrhosis after taking black cohosh to ease menstrual symptoms; a man who developed liver failure after consuming three Rockstar Sugar Free energy drinks; and a woman who suffered liver injury after three weeks of drinking Ripped Fuel, an advanced weight loss supplement. Diagnosis of liver problems is difficult when weight loss supplements are involved because patients often fail to inform their physicians. Dina Halegoua-De Marzio et al., "Herbal Weight Loss Supplements Energy Drink Associated With Liver Damage, Liver Failure", News release, case reports presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual scientific meeting, October 14, 2013, © American College of Gastroenterology

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DNA Testing Finds Contamination Of Many Herbal Dietary Products October 10, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A study using DNA barcoding to analyze the plant species found in samples of herbal supplements found that 59 percent were contaminated with plant species not listed on product labels. Worse, more than two thirds of the products tested contained plant species that were substituted for the plants listed on label. A third of the products also contained other species that may be filler or simply contamination. The U.S. study also found in some products plant species that were toxic, had side effects or had negative interactions with other herbs, supplements, or medications. The researchers suggested that the herbal industry use molecular diagnostic tools such as DNA barcoding to authenticate herbal products by testing of raw materials. Steven G Newmaster et al., " DNA barcoding detects contamination and substitution in North American herbal products", BMC Medicine, October 10, 2013, © BioMed Central Ltd

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Forty Years Of National Nutrition Survey Data Are “Implausible” – Study October 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have found that the measurement protocols used in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) have significant limitations, rendering the nutrition data collected via the survey flawed and “implausible”. The NHANES survey, conducted by the CDC and USDA, combines interviews of self-reported food and beverage consumption over 24 hours and physical examinations to assess the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. The researchers said data collected in the survey from 1971 through 2009 are not “physiologically credible”, because the "calories in" and the "calories out" reported by the 63,000 adult men and women don't add up. In fact, it would be impossible to survive on most of the reported energy intakes. ”It is time to stop spending tens of millions of health research dollars collecting invalid data and find more accurate measures," the researchers concluded. Edward Archer et al., "Validity of U.S. Nutritional Surveillance: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Caloric Energy Intake Data, 1971–2010", PLoS ONE, October 09, 2013, © Archer et al.

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High Polyphenol Consumption Linked To Longer Life October 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Italian and U.S. scientists have for the first time used a nutritional biomarker – not just questionnaire data –  to prove that consumption of polyphenols – basically a diet rich in fruits and vegetables – increases lifespan. Polyphenols are compounds found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, nuts, legumes and cereals. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. The 12-year study followed 807 men and women aged 65 and over, measuring a biomarker known as total urinary polyphenol (TUP) concentration. Results showed that a high TUP – more than 650 mg of polyphenols a day – was associated with a 30 percent reduction in mortality. R. Zamora-Ros et al., "High Concentrations of a Urinary Biomarker of Polyphenol Intake Are Associated with Decreased Mortality in Older Adults", Journal of Nutrition, October 09, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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Efforts To Cut Funding Of The Cost-Effective Federal SNAP Program Are Ill-Advised October 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. pediatricians warn that efforts to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) targeted at low-income children and families are a wrongheaded way to deal with persistent budget and economic woes. In fact, doctors from the Boston Medical Center say, the SNAP program, once known as the Food Stamp Program, is one of the country’s most cost-effective and successful public health programs, “a vaccine against food insecurity and hunger” for young children at the most critical stage of development of body and brain. SNAP benefits for pregnant women are associated with decreased rates of low birth weight; for children, SNAP enhances intake of B vitamins, iron, and calcium; lowers the risk of anemia, obesity, poor health, developmental delays, etc. Deborah Frank et al., "SNAP cuts will harm children in the USA", The Lancet, October 03, 2013, © Elsevier Ltd

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Adolescents Who Eat Five Regular Meals A Day Have Reduced Risk Of Obesity October 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Finnish study has found an association between the number of meals adolescents eat in a day and the risk of obesity. The study, which followed 4,000 children prenatally to age 16, showed  that eating five meals a day – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks – was associated with a reduced risk of overweight and obesity in both boys and girls, and a reduced risk of abdominal obesity in boys. Skipping breakfast was associated with greater body mass index and a bigger waistline. The researcher said the effects of “predisposing genotypes” (linked to obesity) can be modified by lifestyle habits, such as regular meal frequency. Anne Jääskeläinen, "Five Regular Meals a Day Reduce Obesity Risk Among Adolescents", News release, Ph.D. thesis of Anne Jääskeläinen, October 03, 2013, © University of Eastern Finland

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Problems From Folic Acid Deficiencies Are Passed To Future Generations October 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A lack of folic acid in a parent’s diet can have a rippling effect through future generations, according to a study in mice. Folic acid deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to birth defects or low birth weight, though scientists are not sure why. For the study, mice bred with a mutated MTRR gene (important to folic acid metabolism) were mated with normal mice. Some of the fetuses developed abnormalities such as heart defects and spina bifida. Siblings without defects were then mated with normal mice, and the same problems occurred. This was repeated for two more generations, even though the mutation was not passed on in the DNA, but in the gene-switching system, an “epigenetic” phenomenon. Nisha Padmanabhan et al., "Mutation in Folate Metabolism Causes Epigenetic Instability and Transgenerational Effects on Development", Cell Magazine, October 02, 2013, © Elsevier Inc

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Americans Think They Eat Nutritious Foods, But Actually Don’t October 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Though four out of five Americans say they know a lot about nutrition, are eating adequate amounts of nutritious foods, they really aren’t. There is a wide gulf between perceptions of adequate nutritious intake and actual intake, according to research from the International Food Information Council. For example, 68 percent of those surveyed said they were consuming adequate levels of vitamin D, but only 32 percent actually were. Sixty-seven percent said they get enough fiber in their diet, but only five percent actually were. On the subject of functional foods (i.e., those that offer health benefits beyond nutrition), 90 percent agreed that such foods are available. But a third of Americans said they are not consuming enough of them, especially those containing omega 3 fatty acids, lutein, flavonoids or zeaxanthin, to realize any health benefit. "Perception Does Not Equal Reality When It Comes to Knowledge About Nutrient Intake", International Food Information Council, October 02, 2013, © International Food Information Council

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Resveratrol Is Still Actively Beneficial Even After It Has Been Metabolized October 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British researchers have found that resveratrol, a beneficial compound found in the skin of red grapes, is not neutralized once the body has converted it into other compounds. The chemical  has been shown to have several health benefits, such as fighting cancer, protecting the heart and circulatory system, lowering cholesterol, and protecting against deadly blood clots. But because it is metabolized very quickly, scientists had thought that levels dropped too quickly to make it usable in clinical trials. The new research shows that it can still be absorbed by cells after it has been metabolized into resveratrol sulfates. Ketan R. Pate et al., "Sulfate Metabolites Provide an Intracellular Pool for Resveratrol Generation and Induce Autophagy with Senescence", Science Translational Medicine, October 02, 2013, © AAAS

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Researchers Report On Beneficial Compounds In “Super Grain” Oats October 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Oats contain a wide variety of biologically active, nutritious compounds, including carotenoids, tocols (vitamin E), flavonoids and a type of polyphenol known as avenanthramides, ingredients that support its reputation as a complex “super grain”, according to researchers from the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence. There are more than 25 avenanthramides in oats that all behave differently. Compared to compounds in grains like wheat and rye, oats may be more bioavailable and possess more anti-inflammatory properties. Avenanthramides, which are unique to oats, are widely used in skincare products because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects. In addition, oats and oat products that meet the minimum FDA level of beta-glucan can make the health claim for cholesterol-lowering benefits. "New Research Emerging Around Role for Phytonutrients in Oats", Nutrition Horizon, October 02, 2013, © CNS Media BV

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Usually Beneficial Resveratrol Worsens Symptoms In MS Mice October 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Numerous animal studies of the polyphenol resveratrol, found in the skin of red grapes and in red wine, have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. But a new U.S. study in animal models of multiple sclerosis finds that resveratrol exacerbates MS-like neuropathology and inflammation, and has no neuroprotective effects. The findings were so significant in the lab mice that the lead researcher said resveratrol “should be discouraged for supplemental use by MS patients pending further research". Fumitaka Sato et al., "Resveratrol Exacerbates Both Autoimmune and Viral Models of Multiple Sclerosis", The American Journal of Pathology, October 01, 2013, © The American Journal of Pathology

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Restricting Fish Consumption By Mothers-To-Be Because Of Mercury Content May Be Misguided September 30, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Guidelines for pregnant women that discourage excessive fish consumption because of mercury contamination should get another look, British researchers reported. Their study analyzed 103 food and drink items consumed by nearly 4,500 expectant mothers. They found that the 103 items together accounted for less than 17 percent of total mercury levels in the body. They also found that herbal teas and alcohol, especially wine, were also associated with the highest mercury blood levels. The researchers concluded that limiting fish consumption during pregnancy probably doesn’t reduce mercury intake significantly. But fish is beneficial for the unborn child, because of iodine and omega 3 content. Jean Golding et al., "Dietary Predictors of Maternal Prenatal Blood Mercury Levels in the ALSPAC Birth Cohort Study", Environmental Health Perspectives, September 30, 2013, © Golding et al.

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"Healthy Snackers" Reveal Some Interesting Preferences September 26, 2013: 12:00 AM EST American consumers who prefer to eat healthy snacks look for good taste first of all, then low sugar and high protein, according to a study by market researcher Lab42. The survey also found that the vast majority of self-described healthy snackers – 86 percent – said snacks are important for losing or maintaining weight. Healthy snackers also said they are willing to pay a premium price for a healthy snack, especially “all natural” snacks (87 percent). Seventy percent said the word “organic” on a snack package meant the snack was healthy, while 64 percent felt the same about the words “all natural”. "Research Reveals Purchase Decisions and Eating Habits of Healthy Snackers", Nutraceuticals World, September 26, 2013, © Rodman Media

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Omega-3s Do Not Slow Cognitive Decline In Older Women September 25, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in older women found no difference in the decline of memory and thinking skills between women with high and low levels of omega-3s in the blood. The researchers said they did not recommend that women change their diet because of the findings, because there is strong evidence that omega-3s, found in fish oil and some nuts, have beneficial effects on the heart, blood vessels and brain. The study involved 2,157 women aged 65 to 80 who were given annual tests of thinking and memory for six years. E. M. Ammann et al., "Omega-3 fatty acids and domain-specific cognitive aging: Secondary analyses of data from WHISCA", Neurology, September 25, 2013, © American Academy of Neurology

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Research Confirms That Melatonin Helps The Body Burn Fat September 25, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Spanish and U.S. scientists have found that regular melatonin consumption induces the appearance of “beige fat” that burns calories rather than storing them. The discovery answers questions about why melatonin has metabolic benefits in treating diabetes and excess lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia). The study in diabetic lab animal models showed that continual administration of melatonin sensitizes the thermogenic (heat creation through fat burning) effect of exposure to cold, heightens the thermogenic effect of exercise “and, therefore, constitutes excellent therapy against obesity”. Aroa Jiménez-Aranda et al., "Melatonin induces browning of inguinal white adipose tissue in Zucker diabetic fatty rats", Journal of Pineal Research, September 25, 2013, © John Wiley & Sons A/S

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Diet Plus Exercise Reduces Weight, Improves Symptoms Of Knee Osteoarthritis September 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. clinical study involving 454 overweight people age 55 and older with chronic knee osteoarthritis finds that diet and exercise together led to greater weight loss and reduced knee pain. The intensive diet and exercise regiment was compared to diet alone and exercise alone. Researchers found that diet exercise led to greater weight loss, better knee function, faster walking speed and better physical health-related quality of life. The researchers concluded that patients can safely lose 10 percent of their weight and improve osteoarthritis symptoms with the combined regimen. Stephen P. Messier et al., "Effects of Intensive Diet and Exercise on Knee Joint Loads, Inflammation, and Clinical Outcomes Among Overweight and Obese Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis", JAMA, September 24, 2013, © American Medical Association

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Low-Salt Diet Improves Health Outlook For Heart Failure Patients September 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Diet definitely plays an important role in the progression of heart failure, U.S. researchers report, and patients can reduce their blood pressure by following a low-sodium eating plan such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Researchers found that patients in their 60s and 70s who followed the DASH diet for 21 days saw a drop in blood pressure similar to taking hypertension medicine. The DASH diet is high in potassium, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants, but low in sodium – no more than 1,150 milligrams a day, much lower than the 3- 4,000 mg consumed by most adults. Scott Hummel, "Living Better With Heart Failure by Changing What You Eat", News release, presentation at the Heart Failure Society of America meeting , September 24, 2013, © Scott Hummel

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“Skinny Bitch” Author Provides 80 Vegan Recipes For Baked Treats In New Book September 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST “Skinny bitch” vegan author Kim Barnouin has branched out into the world of baking, publishing a book with 80 vegan recipes for cakes, pies, cookies, savories, breads, cold treats and gluten-free items that are all dairy- and egg-free. “Skinny Bitch Bakery” lists simple rules for vegan baking, vegan baking substitutions, healthy sugar alternatives, and necessary vegan pantry staples. Barnouin says the baked goods made from her recipes are as light and fluffy as conventional products, but are healthier and “cruelty free”. "Decadent Baked Goods for Holidays and Every Day Without Milk, Butter or Eggs", News release, HarperOne Books, September 24, 2013, © HarperOne Books

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FDA Approval Of Whole Grain Health Claim For Type 2 Diabetes Is Hardly A Ringing Endorsement September 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The FDA has approved a petition from U.S. food makers for a qualified health claim linking whole grain food consumption with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, despite an analysis of scientific studies that revealed “very limited credible evidence” of such a link. Nevertheless, one of the petitioners, ConAgra Foods Inc., said it was “thrilled” by the FDA decision, noting that the agency “is confirming that whole grains … can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.” Actually, the decision means that foods containing whole grains may carry the following claim: “Whole grains may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, although the FDA has concluded that there is very limited scientific evidence for this claim.” "ConAgra Foods – Maker of 100% Whole Grain Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn and Ultragrain Whole Wheat Flour – Applauds FDA Approval of Qualified Health Claim", News release, ConAgra Foods, September 24, 2013, © ConAgra Foods, Inc

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Walnut-Enhanced Diet Reduces Risk Of Diabetes And Heart Disease September 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A small American clinical study among adults with a higher-than-healthy body mass index (BMI) finds that consuming walnuts can improve blood vessel dilation and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Participants had a BMI larger than 25, and a waist circumference exceeding 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. All had one or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome, a precursor of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The group was randomly assigned to two 8-week sequences, eating either a walnut-enriched – 56 grams a day – regular diet or a regular diet without walnuts. Those on the walnut-enhanced diet showed improved blood flow in the brachial arterly and lower systolic blood pressure. And eating the walnuts did not lead to weight gain. David L Katz et al., "Effects of Walnuts on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults with Visceral Obesity", Journal of the American College of Nutrition, September 23, 2013, © American College of Nutrition

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Study Finds That The Brain Needs Sweets, But Not The Fake Kind September 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The brain likes sweets, and is not fooled by the artificial varieties, according to new U.S. research. The study in mice discovered a physiological brain signal critical for determining choice between sugars and sweeteners. The signal regulates dopamine levels, the chemical necessary for reward signaling in the brain, and is activated only when sugar is broken down into a form usable as fuel for cells to function. In other words, greater reward in the brain is attributed to sugars than to artificial sweeteners. To sidestep the obesity problem associated with sugar intake, the researchers suggest combining sweeteners with minimal amounts of sugar. That way energy metabolism doesn't drop, and caloric intake is minimized. Tellez L et al., "Glucose utilization rates regulate intake levels of artificial sweeteners", The Journal of Physiology, September 22, 2013, © The Physiological Society

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Scarcity Has A Profound Impact On The Brain, Resulting In Bad Decisions September 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Harvard economics professor makes the case that dealing with scarcity – of food, money, time, etc. – clogs the brain. People on diets tend to be so distracted by thoughts of calories that they end up making bad food decisions. The impact of scarcity on the brain extends beyond calorie counting. A similar impairment occurs whenever people must make do with less time or money. Poor people don’t make bad choices because they are inherently incapable. The real problem is “the mental strain that poverty imposes on anyone who must endure it”. As to dieting, the professor says the Atkins diet is probably popular because it simply bans certain foods: it doesn’t require mentally taxing calorie counting. Sendhil Mullainathan, "The Mental Strain of Making Do With Less", The New York Times, September 21, 2013, © The New York Times Company

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Consumption Of Whole Grain Bread, Rice, Rises Under Revised WIC Program For Poor Families September 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Low-income families who rely on the federal WIC program have begun to choose healthier foods now that the vouchers include whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole grain cereals, according to a new study. Prior to the change, most of the bread and rice purchased by WIC’s low-income households – with pregnant women or children under five – were made from refined grains. After the change, whole grain bread purchases went from eight percent to 24 percent; brown rice purchases rose to 30 percent. The WIC program also includes a new monthly $10 voucher for fresh fruits and vegetables. Ed Stannard, "Yale study: WIC changes mean low-income families eat more whole grains", New Haven Register, September 18, 2013, © The New Haven Register

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Men Much More Likely To Suffer Serious Health Consequences Of Binge Eating September 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Yale University study involving 190 people – 26 percent of whom were men – who had sought treatment for obesity and binge eating disorder found that men are much more likely to suffer serious health consequences than women. Binge eating disorder involves repeatedly eating large amounts of food in a short time without any compensating activity, like the vomiting associated with bulimia. After adjusting for race and body mass index, men in the study were three times more likely than the women to meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tomoko Udo et al., "Sex differences in biopsychosocial correlates of binge eating disorder: a study of treatment-seeking obese adults in primary care setting", General Hospital Psychiatry, September 17, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

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Compounds In Red Grapes, Blueberries, Seem To Give The Immune System A Boost September 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. scientists who studied the impact of more than 400 compounds on the human immune system report that only two – one found in red grapes, one found in blueberries – had a positive effect. The compounds, known as stilbenoids, include resveratrol and pterostilbene. Working in synergy with vitamin D, the compounds raised the expression of the CAMP gene involved in immune function. The researchers acknowledged that their findings were made in Petri dish cell cultures and would not necessarily be duplicated in dietary intake. Chunxiao Guo et al., "Synergistic induction of human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide gene expression by vitamin D and stilbenoids", Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, September 17, 2013, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Diet Has A Significant Impact On Depression September 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Depression has been associated with a poor diet and low-quality nutrient intake. New research from Finland finds that a healthy diet may cut the risk of severe depression. Researchers said a healthy diet comprises fruits, vegetables, berries, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat cheese. These foods are associated with a high level of folate intake. The follow-up study of more than 2,000 men in Finland showed that weight loss with lifestyle intervention was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Anu Ruusunen, "Diet and depression", Publications of the University of Eastern Finland. Dissertations in Health Sciences, September 16, 2013, © University of Eastern Finland

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“Gluten-Free” Is A Magic Marketing Word Now – But Will It Last? September 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Sales of gluten-free products this year will total $4.2 billion, and could reach $6.6 billion annually by 2017. But the gluten-free market wouldn’t be this lucrative if it relied solely on selling to the three million Americans who suffer from celiac disease. Fortunately for food and beverage manufacturers, the market is much larger, fueled by the belief that gluten causes all kinds of health problems, from obesity to arthritis. Some critics believe the bubble will burst eventually when consumers realize that the premium prices they are paying for gluten-free products aren’t buying any real health benefits. E.J. Schultz, "Gluten-Free Food Fad Gaining Momentum Among Marketers", Advertising Age, September 16, 2013, © Crain Communications

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ConAgra Sells LightLife Foods Unit To Private Equity Fund September 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST ConAgra Foods has sold its Lightlife brand to a private equity fund that invests in North American lower middle market consumer companies. The Lightlife brand, founded 34 years ago, includes products such as vegetarian-based burgers, hot dogs and other meatless frozen and refrigerated foods. Brynnwood Partners also acquired the Lightlife manufacturing operation in Turners Falls, Mass. Terms and conditions of the transaction, which closed today, were not disclosed. Brynwood Partners in the past has acquired Sun Country Foods, Balance Bar Company, Richelieu Foods, Lincoln Snacks Company and Signature Snacks Company. "Brynwood Partners VI L.P. Acquires the Lightlife Brand from ConAgra Foods", Brynwood Partners, September 16, 2013, © Brynwood Partners

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Low Levels Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Children Linked To Learning And Behavior Problems September 13, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British scientists have found a link between low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in children and problems concentrating and learning. For the study, blood samples were taken from 493 schoolchildren between seven and nine years old. Parents also reported on how often their children ate fish. On average, about 2.45 percent of the children's total blood fatty acids were omega-3 DHA and EPA, well below the recommended minimum of four percent. The low levels significantly predicted a child's behavior and ability to learn, the researchers found. Higher levels of omega-3 – DHA in particular – were associated with better reading and memory, as well as with fewer behavior problems as reported by parents and teachers. Alexandra J. Richardson et al., "Docosahexaenoic Acid for Reading, Cognition and Behavior in Children Aged 7–9 Years: A Randomized, Controlled Trial", PLoS ONE, September 13, 2013, © Richardson et al.

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Studies That “Prove” A Link Between Breakfast And Weight Loss Are Faulty September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers say that studies designed to find an association between eating a nutrient-dense breakfast and losing weight do not prove that one causes the other. The researchers examined 92 studies that looked at the effect of breakfast on obesity, finding that many were either biased or simply did not advance knowledge about the issue beyond the status quo. They said a number of the research articles tended to overstate the strength of study designs and “ignored evidence that did not support” their hypothesis. A. W. Brown et al., "Belief beyond the evidence: using the proposed effect of breakfast on obesity to show 2 practices that distort scientific evidence", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 09, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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U.K. Commercial Baby Foods Are Pushed On Infants Too Early, Study Finds September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Commercial baby foods in the U.K. that are promoted as a way to wean children from breast milk are actually sweet foods that provide little extra nutritional benefit over breast milk or formula,  according to new research. British government guidelines say infants should not be weaned before six months, and the foods they eat – cereals, vegetables, fruits and proteins – should be introduced gradually. The researchers looked at products from four manufacturers, finding that commonly used commercial foods supplied no more energy than breast or formula milk and are promoted at an age – four months– when babies should be consuming breast or formula milk. A. L. Garcia et al., "Nutritional content of infant commercial weaning foods in the U.K.", Archives of Disease in Childhood, September 09, 2013, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health

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Chloride Levels In Blood Seem To Play A Role In Hypertension September 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists are finding that the other, often overlooked, element in table salt – namely, chloride – plays an important role in blood pressure. A U.K. study shows that low chloride levels in the blood signals an increased mortality and cardiovascular disease risk in people with hypertension. That is the opposite of what is known about sodium levels. The study analyzed data from 13,000 patients with high blood pressure, finding that people with the lowest levels of chloride in their blood were 20 percent more likely to die than people with normal levels. The researchers said it is too early to draw “any conclusions about relating this finding to salt intake and diet”. L. McCallum et al., "Serum Chloride Is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Hypertensive Patients", Hypertension , September 08, 2013, © American Heart Association

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