A Glass Of Wine A Day Is Not A Universal Prescription For Heart Health January 30, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Not all people who enjoy a glass of wine each day can expect a cardio-protective effect from the drink, according to Canadian and German researchers who conducted a meta-analysis of 44 studies involving nearly a million people and 38,627 ischemic heart disease events, including death. The researchers found that the protective effect can vary by sex, drinking patterns, and other health factors. Alcohol consumption can also be detrimental in the presence of other health problems, such as cancer. “Any advice by physicians on individual drinking has to take the individual risk constellation … into consideration,” the researchers said. Michael Roerecke & Jürgen Rehm, "The cardioprotective association of average alcohol consumption and ischemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis", Addiction, January 30, 2012, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Limiting Protein Intake Before Surgery Helps Avoid Dangerous Complications January 25, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Reducing the amount of protein or amino acids consumed before surgery can reduce the possibility of dangerous complications such as heart attack or stroke, a U.S. study has found. For the study, two groups of mice were fed either a normal diet or one lacking certain amino acids for two weeks. Both groups were then subjected to surgical stress that affected the kidneys or liver. Forty percent of the mice that ate the normal diet died after the surgery; all of the protein-restricted mice survived. The researchers said the results are significant because they isolate  protein as an important substance to eliminate from the diet before surgery to avoid complications. Wei Peng et al., "Surgical Stress Resistance Induced by Single Amino Acid Deprivation Requires Gcn2 in Mice", Science Translational Medicine, January 25, 2012, © American Association for the Advancement of Science

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Animal Fat, Cholesterol Is Linked To Higher Risk Of Gestational Diabetes In Expectant Mothers January 25, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study has found that women who reduce the number of calories consumed from animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, a condition potentially harmful to both expectant mothers and infants. The study also found that the increased risk of gestational diabetes was independent of other dietary and non-dietary risk factors. For example, women who exercised but ate larger amounts of animal fat and cholesterol did not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Diets high in total fat or other kinds of fats -- but not in animal fat or cholesterol -- did not increase the risk, the study found. K. Bowers et al., "A prospective study of prepregnancy dietary fat intake and risk of gestational diabetes", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 25, 2012, © American Society for Nutrition

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Fried Foods May Not Be Harmful To Heart Health, Depending On The Type Of Oil Used January 24, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Spanish researchers report that in their country, where foods are fried in olive oil or sunflower oil, they observed no association between consumption of fried foods and the risk of coronary heart disease or premature death. The authors stress that their findings may not apply to other countries, where solid and re-used oils are often used for frying. The researchers surveyed the cooking methods of nearly 41,000 heart disease-free adults ages 29 to 69 years over 11 years. An accompanying editorial says that the study explodes the myth that "frying food is generally bad for the heart" but emphasizes that specific aspects of frying food are relevant, such as the type of oil used. P. Guallar-Castillon et al., "Consumption of fried foods and risk of coronary heart disease: Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study", BMJ, January 24, 2012, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd

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Obesity Prevention Programs In Schools May Be Having Unintended Harmful Effects January 24, 2012: 12:00 AM EST School-based childhood obesity programs may be having an unintended harmful effect on some kids, according to a poll of American parents. Nearly a third of parents of children ages 6 to 14 who were surveyed about obesity prevention  programs in their schools said their kids were engaged in “worrisome behavior”: inappropriate dieting, excessive worry about fats in foods, preoccupation with food content and labels, refusing family meals, and too much physical activity. Eighty-two percent of parents reported at least one obesity intervention program in their child’s schools. Seven percent said their children were made to feel bad at school about what and how much they were eating. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, "School Obesity Programs May Promote Worrisome Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity in Kids", National Poll on Children's Health, January 24, 2012, © University of Michigan Health System

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Teenagers Whose Diet Is High In Fructose Are At Greater Risk For Cardiovascular Problems January 24, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study of 559 teenagers found a significant association between high-fructose diets and higher blood pressure, fasting blood glucose levels, insulin resistance and inflammatory factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Participants in the study were also found to have lower levels of cardiovascular protectors such as HDL cholesterol and the protein adiponectin. According to the researchers, the fructose in high fructose corn syrup is pretty much the same as in table sugar, “but it's believed there's something in the syrup processing that plays a role in the bad byproducts of metabolism." N. K. Pollock et al., "Greater Fructose Consumption Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers and Visceral Adiposity in Adolescents", Journal of Nutrition, January 24, 2012, © American Society for Nutrition

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High-Fiber Diet May Raise – Not Lower – Risk Of Diverticulosis January 23, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Though it has been the prevailing wisdom for four decades, a U.S. study finds that eating a high-fiber diet does not reduce the risk of diverticulosis – pouch formation – in the large intestine. In fact, consuming a diet high in fiber seems to increase the risk of diverticulosis, which affects a third of adults over age 60 and can be harmful if complications develop. The study was based on data from 2,104 patients aged 30-80 years who underwent outpatient colonoscopy from 1998-2010. "We were surprised to find that a low-fiber diet was not associated with a higher prevalence of asymptomatic diverticulosis," one researcher said. Anne F. Peery et al., "A High-Fiber Diet Does Not Protect Against Asymptomatic Diverticulosis", Gastroenterology, January 23, 2012, © Elsevier Inc.

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Is A Picture Worth A Thousand Calories? Maybe, Study Finds January 19, 2012: 12:00 AM EST German researchers have confirmed a fact that most people already knew: pictures of delicious food trigger hunger pangs. The study, which was conducted among healthy young men, suggests that the pervasive presence of pictures of appetizing food in the media contributes to weight increase in Western populations. The researchers showed the study participants picture of food, then measured the amount of the neurosecretory protein hormone ghrelin in the blood. They found that the level of ghrelin, which controls both eating behavior and physical processes involved in food metabolism, increased significantly as a result of visual stimulation from food images. Petra Schüssler et al., "Ghrelin Levels Increase After Pictures Showing Food", Obesity, January 19, 2012, © The Obesity Society

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Researchers See Possibility Of Controlling The Molecule That Controls Metabolism January 18, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Swiss and U.S. researchers have discovered that limiting the effect of a molecule called NcoR that adjusts metabolism much like a dimmer switch adjusts electric flow could provide a way to ramp up metabolism and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. According to the researchers, it might be possible to produce drugs that specifically target NCoR activity only in one tissue or another, such as fat or muscle. "With this adipocyte [NCoR] knockout you get systemic insulin sensitivity; the liver and muscle gets better too," the researchers concluded. "At the end of the day, it's doing something good for metabolism." Pingping Li et al., "Adipocyte NCoR Knockout Decreases PPARγ Phosphorylation and Enhances PPARγ Activity and Insulin Sensitivity", Cell, January 18, 2012, © Elsevier Inc.

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Poor Sleep Habits Linked To Risk Of Becoming Overweight January 18, 2012: 12:00 AM EST European researchers who examined the regions in the brain involved in appetite sensation found that they are affected by acute sleep loss. Using magnetic imaging (fMRI), the researchers studied the brains of 12 normal-weight males as they looked at images of foods, then compared the results after a night with normal sleep with those obtained after one night without sleep. They found that a single night of total sleep loss curbed energy expenditure the next morning. In addition, subjects had increased levels of hunger, which indicates that an acute lack of sleep may affect human's food perception. The researchers conclude that poor sleep habits can affect people's risk of becoming overweight in the long run. Christian Benedict et al., "Acute Sleep Deprivation Enhances the Brain's Response to Hedonic Food Stimuli: An fMRI Study", The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, January 18, 2012, © The Endocrine Society

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Smaller Plate And Portion Sizes Have No Effect On Calorie Intake - Study January 18, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in the U.S. have disproved the weight-loss tip that suggests smaller plates and portion sizes helps control food intake. For the study, normal weight women and overweight women were randomly assigned to eat lunch on two days. Lunch consisted of spaghetti and tomato sauce, using either a small or large plate. Each subject was asked to self-serve the food onto the assigned plate and told to eat until satisfied. During the second lunch, each subject went through the same procedure but using the alternative size plate. The researchers found that plate size did not have an impact on energy intake because participants, whether normal weight or overweight, ate until they were full regardless of what utensils they used. M. Shah et al., "A pilot study to investigate the effect of plate size on meal energy intake in normal weight and overweight/obese women", Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, January 18, 2012, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Study Finds That Vitamin D Supplements Could Provide Relief From Age-Related Diseases January 17, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Vitamin D supplements might be a simple, effective way to fight age-related eye diseases – including macular degeneration – if a discovery in animal research translates to humans. British researchers found that when old mice were given vitamin D for only six weeks, inflammation in the eyes was reduced, along with the debris that accumulates as a result of the retina’s high demand for energy, and vision improved. The researchers also noticed in the vitamin D-treated mice ia reduction in deposits of a toxic molecule called amyloid beta that accumulates with age. They said this discovery may have implications for treatment of cardiovascular disease, another age-related health problem. Lee V et al., "Vitamin D rejuvenates aging eyes by reducing inflammation, clearing amyloid beta and improving visual function", Neurobiology of Ageing, January 17, 2012, © Elsevier Inc.

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No Correlation Found Between Availability Of Junk Food In Schools And Obesity Rates January 16, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Researchers who analyzed data collected between 1998 and 2007 among school children found no correlation between overweight or obesity and the availability of junk food in schools. About 60 percent of fifth graders and 86 percent of eighth graders attended schools that sold junk food such as candy, soda, chips, etc. But despite the big increase in the percentage of students who attended schools that sold junk food between fifth and eighth grades, there was no rise in the percentage of students who were overweight or obese. In fact, the U.S. researchers said, despite the increased availability of junk food, the percentage of students who were overweight or obese actually dropped from fifth grade to eighth grade, from 39.1 percent to 35.4 percent. J. Van Hook et al., "Competitive Food Sales in Schools and Childhood Obesity: A Longitudinal Study", Sociology of Education, January 16, 2012, © American Sociological Association

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Levels Of Dietary Iron In Adolescents Affects Structure Of Developing Brain January 12, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A lack of iron in the diet in the early years of life can affect the brain’s physical structure, according to a study by U.S. researchers who measured levels of a protein (transferrin) that transports iron throughout the body and the brain in adolescents. They found that transferrin levels were related to detectable differences in the brain’s macro-structure and micro-structure when the adolescents reached young adulthood. The researchers hope that their discovery may shed some light on the neural mechanisms by which iron affects, neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. N. Jahanshad et al., "Brain structure in healthy adults is related to serum transferrin and the H63D polymorphism in the HFE gene", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, January 12, 2012, © National Academy of Sciences

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Receptor On The Tongue Makes People More Sensitive To The Taste Of Fat January 12, 2012: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers report that variations in the gene CD36 make people’s taste buds more or less sensitive to the taste of fat. The study is the first to identify a receptor on the human tongue that can taste fat, and suggests that some people may be more sensitive to the presence of fat in foods. The researchers suggest that as people consume more fat they become less sensitive to it, requiring more intake for the same satisfaction. A better understanding of how CD36, a protein that facilitates the uptake of fatty acids, works in people could provide a clue to the development of more effective ways to fight against obesity. M. Y. Pepino et al., "The fatty acid translocase gene, CD36, and lingual lipase influence oral sensitivity to fat in obese subjects", The Journal of Lipid Research, January 12, 2012, © American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Low Glycemic Load Diet Reduces Biomarker Of Inflammation – And Risk Of Chronic Disease January 11, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Overweight and obese individuals who stuck to a “low glycemic load” diet of grains, legumes and other slowly-digested, high-fiber foods experienced a significant reduction in a biomarker of inflammation called C-reactive protein, a U.S. study has found. The biomarker is associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hardening of the arteries. For the 28-day study, 80 healthy males, half of whom were obese or overweight, ate either a high glycemic load diet (carbohydrates that are typically low-fiber, highly processed carbs) or a low glycemic load diet (carbohydrates higher in fiber). Among participants who followed the low glycemic load diet, the inflammation biomarker was reduced by 22 percent. M. L. Neuhouser et al. , " A Low-Glycemic Load Diet Reduces Serum C-Reactive Protein and Modestly Increases Adiponectin in Overweight and Obese Adults", Journal of Nutrition, January 11, 2012, © American Society for Nutrition

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Recovery From Peripheral Nerve Damage Is Faster When Omega-3 Levels Are High January 11, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil could play a role in treating peripheral nerve cell damage, according to British researchers. Peripheral nerves transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. The nerves have the ability to regenerate when damaged, but full recovery only occurs when injuries are minor. The study found that a high level of omega-3 fatty acids helped mice recover from sciatic nerve injury more quickly and more fully. And their muscles were less likely to waste following nerve damage. Stacy J. Gladman et al. , "mproved Outcome after Peripheral Nerve Injury in Mice with Increased Levels of Endogenous Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids", Journal of Neuroscience, January 11, 2012, © Society for Neuroscience

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Scientists Discover Hormone That Delivers Fat-Burning Benefits Of Exercise January 11, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A protein-based hormone in muscle cells that serves as a chemical messenger could be a very promising candidate for developing novel treatments for diabetes, obesity and perhaps even cancer, U.S. scientists report. The protein apparently triggers some of the key health benefits of exercise. Dubbed “irisin,” it directly affects adipose (fat) tissue that stores excess calories and contributes to obesity. A rise in irisin levels through repeated bouts of prolonged exercise – but not during short-term muscle activity – switches on genes that convert white fat into good “brown” fat, which burns off more calories than exercise itself. Pontus Boström et al., "A PGC1-α-dependent myokine that drives brown-fat-like development of white fat and thermogenesis", Nature, January 11, 2012, © Nature Publishing Group

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Two Compounds In Coffee Block Activity Of Diabetes-Causing Substance January 11, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A Chinese study finds that two types of compounds in coffee significantly inhibit a substance that has been determined to be a cause of type 2 diabetes. The misfolding of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) causes type 2 diabetes, and the new research shows that drinking four or more cups of coffee daily cuts the risk of type 2 diabetes in half, mainly because of the blocking activity of two components: caffeic acid (CA) and chlorogenic acid (CGA). “CA shows the highest potency in delaying the conformational transition of the hIAPP molecule with the most prolonged lag time.” Another component of coffee extracts –  caffeine – shows the lowest potency in blocking hIAPP. Biao Cheng et al., "Coffee Components Inhibit Amyloid Formation of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide in Vitro: Possible Link between Coffee Consumption and Diabetes Mellitus", Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, January 11, 2012, © American Chemical Society

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Increased Consumption Of Dietary Fiber Offers Many Health Benefits January 11, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Indian scientists who analyzed decades of research on the benefits of dietary fiber (or roughage) report that consuming adequate quantities can improve  gastrointestinal health, reduce susceptibility to diseases such as diverticular disease, heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes. Consuming more dietary fiber has also been associated with increased satiety and weight loss. Dietary fiber – i.e., the non-digestible parts of the fruit and vegetable products we eat – can be obtained from fruit, vegetables, whole-grain foods, such as muesli and porridge, beans and pulses, as readily available foods rich in dietary fiber. Vikas Rana et al., "Dietary fibre and human health", International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, January 11, 2012, © Inderscience Enterprises Limited

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Vitamin D Deficiency Is Major Problem Among Europeans January 10, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Europeans reportedly are alarmingly deficient in vitamin D, a nutrient that is essential to the immune system, calcium absorption and other biological processes, researchers in Spain have found. Scientists believe the ideal plasma level of vitamin D is at least 30 ng/ml, but the level in as many as 50 to 70 percent of Europeans is much lower than that, putting them at risk of many diseases and disorders. In menopausal women, a vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, loss of motor coordination and bone fractures. The researchers suggest that vitamin D supplementation would help reduce the risk, especially among postmenopausal women. Faustino R. Pérez-López et al., "Vitamin D and postmenopausal health", Maturitas, January 10, 2012, © Elsevier B.V.

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Socioeconomic Factors Are Linked To Lower Daily Consumption Of Fruits And Vegetables January 10, 2012: 12:00 AM EST An analysis of data from 94,000 Canadians aged 18 to 69 years has found that many people, especially those with low income or low education, are less likely to eat healthy levels of fruits and vegetables each day. A geographic exception to the finding was people from Quebec, who have a long tradition of farming and eating fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Men, singles, smokers, people in their 40s and households with no children all were less likely to eat fruits. And women tended to snack on fruit and vegetables more frequently (5.4 times a day) than men (4.5 times). Mesbah Sharaf and Sunday Azagba, "Disparities in the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption by socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics in Canada", Nutrition Journal, January 10, 2012, © BioMed Central Ltd

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Participating In Lifestyle Change Programs Is Key To Reducing Weight, Risk Of Diabetes January 10, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Lifestyle intervention among people at high risk of diabetes could cut the rate of progression to the debilitating disease by as much as 50 percent, according to a U.S. study. Researchers reviewed published literature and studies that tested adaptations of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial, in which participants received exercise shoes, meal replacement shakes, one-on-one coaching by exercise physiologists, nutritionists, and nurses, and gym memberships. The researchers found that one year after enrollment the average participant had lost about four percent of baseline body weight, an amount that may offer diabetes protection. Costs associated with diabetes prevention could also be lowered without sacrificing effectiveness. The key to success in weight loss? Motivating higher session attendance. K. E. Thorpe, "The Affordable Care Act Lays The Groundwork For A National Diabetes Prevention And Treatment Strategy", Health Affairs, January 10, 2012, © Project HOPE

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Study Finds That Young Women Often Don’t Realize They’ve Gained Weight January 10, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Researchers at the University of Texas have found that significant numbers of young women do not realize that they have gained several pounds over six months. Nearly one-third of women in the study did not recognize weight gain of 4.5 pounds, and nearly one-quarter of women did not recognize gains of 8.8 pounds during a six month interval. Black women and DMPA users (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, commonly known as the birth control shot) were more likely to recognize weight gain than their counterparts. Failure to recognize recent significant weight gain puts women at risk for cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related conditions. Researchers said self-perception of weight gain appears to be significantly influenced by race, ethnicity and contraceptive methods. Mahbubur Rahman et al., "Self-Perception of Weight Gain Among Multiethnic Reproductive-Age Women", Journal of Women's Health, January 10, 2012, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

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Tiny Tax On Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Would Have Health, Economic Benefits January 9, 2012: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers estimate that a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks would reduce consumption by 15 percent and reduce the occurrence of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the study, over a ten-year period (2010-2020), the penny-per-ounce tax could reduce new cases of diabetes by 2.6 percent, and prevent as many as 95,000 coronary heart events, 8,000 strokes, and 26,000 premature deaths. The health benefits represent more than $17 billion over a decade in medical costs avoided for adults ages 25 to 64, in addition to generating approximately $13 billion in annual tax revenue. Y. C. Wang et al., "A Penny-Per-Ounce Tax On Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Would Cut Health And Cost Burdens Of Diabetes", Health Affairs, January 09, 2012, © Project HOPE

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Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes May Begin In The Womb With Healthy Nutrition January 6, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Potential new preventative treatments for type 2 diabetes may begin as early as pre-birth, according to British research. Poor nutrition in the womb can put a person at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other age-related diseases because they are less able to store fats correctly as adults. Storing fats in the right areas of the body is important because otherwise they can accumulate in places like the liver and muscle where they are more likely to lead to disease. The process is controlled by a molecule called miR-483-3p produced at higher levels in individuals who had experienced a poor diet in their mother's wombs than those who were better nourished. D. Ferland-McCollough et al., "Programming of adipose tissue miR-483-3p and GDF-3 expression by maternal diet in type 2 diabetes", Cell Death and Differentiation, January 06, 2012, © Associazione Differenziamento e Morte Cellulare

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Depression Linked To Vitamin D Deficiency January 5, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Vitamin D deficiencies, which have been associated with a wide variety of diseases and disorders, have now been linked to depression, a U.S. study finds. Researchers examined data from 12,600 participants from late 2006 to late 2010. Higher vitamin D levels were associated with a significantly decreased risk of current depression, particularly among people with a prior history of depression. Low vitamin D levels were associated with depressive symptoms, particularly those with a history of depression. The study did not address whether increasing vitamin D levels reduced depressive symptoms. But the researchers say their findings suggest that screening for depression in people with low vitamin D levels “might be useful.” MinhTu T. Hoang, BS et al., "Association Between Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Depression in a Large Sample of Healthy Adults", Mayo Clinic Proceedings, January 05, 2012, © Elsevier Inc.

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Thinking About What’s Important In Life May Help Prevent Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors January 4, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in Canada and the U.S. who studied 45 overweight and obese women found that women who spent 15 minutes writing about why certain values were most important to them actually lost more weight over four months than women who did not. All of the women ranked their values – e.g., creativity, music, friends, family, etc. – in order of importance. But half of the group wrote about why those values were important, while the other half did not. Those who had written about an important value lost an average of 3.41 pounds, while women in the control group gained an average of 2.76 pounds. The researchers suggested that reminding yourself of what’s important in life may help prevent unhealthy habits, such as snacking. C. Logel and G. L. Cohen, "The Role of the Self in Physical Health: Testing the Effect of a Values-Affirmation Intervention on Weight Loss", Psychological Science, January 04, 2012, © Association for Psychological Science

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Fish Oil Capsules Taken During Pregnancy Do Not Prevent Newborn Obesity January 4, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A German study of the effect of consuming omega 3 fatty acid supplements during pregnancy on the fat mass of newborns has found no evidence of any association. The study was launched to see whether pregnant mothers could “program” their children to avoid obesity by eating healthy fats. For the study, expectant mothers increased their intake of omega 3 fatty acids with fish oil capsules and fish-based meals during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The diet did not have any discernable impact on the fat mass of the offspring. At 12 months, the babies were as rotund or slim as the children in the control group. The researchers advised that "many of the claims associated with food supplements should be treated with caution." Hans Hauner et al., " Effect of reducing the n−6:n−3 long-chain PUFA ratio during pregnancy and lactation on infant adipose tissue growth within the first year of life", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 04, 2012, © American Society for Nutrition

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Vitamin D Is Essential To Bone And Heart Health, But Too Much Is Harmful January 4, 2012: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have found that too much vitamin D – which is necessary for healthy bones and heart protection – may adversely affect cardiovascular health and could actually cause harm. Increasing levels of vitamin D in the blood are linked with lower levels of a marker for cardiovascular inflammation: c-reactive protein, or CRP. But increases in vitamin D beyond normal levels were associated with increases for the inflammation marker, which is linked to stiffening of the blood vessels and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. “At some point,” the researchers concluded, “[vitamin D] can be too much of a good thing.” The findings were based on an analysis of data from more than 15,000 nutrition and health survey participants. Muhammad Amer, M.D. et al., "Relation Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and C-Reactive Protein in Asymptomatic Adults ", American Journal of Cardiology, January 04, 2012, © Elsevier Inc.

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BMI Is Most Accurate Way To Calculate Weight Among Kids With Eating Disorders January 4, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study has found that the body mass index (BMI) percentile method of calculating body weight of adolescents is best for clinical and research purposes. Researchers decided to study the problem because there are no clear guidelines on calculating weight among children and adolescents with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. For the study, they calculated expected body weights using the BMI method along with two other commonly used measures: the McClaren and Moore methods. BMI was the most useful method for children and adolescents of all ages, heights and weights, and could account more accurately for very short and very tall patients as well. Daniel Le Grange et al., "Calculation of Expected Body Weight in Adolescents With Eating Disorders", Pediatrics, January 04, 2012, © American Academy of Pediatrics

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Study Associates Weight Loss Surgery With Reduction In Cardiovascular Events And Deaths January 3, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A Swedish study of about 4,000 obese people – half of whom had had bariatric (weight loss) surgery – found that the surgery was associated with a reduced long-term incidence of cardiovascular deaths and events such as heart attack and stroke. After adjustment for several  variables, bariatric surgery was associated with fewer fatal cardiovascular events and a lower incidence of total cardiovascular events. The surgery was also associated both with fewer fatal stroke events and total stroke events. However, the researchers found no significant relationship between weight change and cardiovascular events in either group, perhaps because of “inadequate statistical power to detect this relationship.” Surgery patients underwent gastric bypass (13.2 percent), banding (18.7 percent), or vertical banded gastroplasty (68.1 percent). L. Sjostrom et al., "Bariatric Surgery and Long-term Cardiovascular Events", The Journal of the American Medical Association, January 03, 2012, © American Medical Association

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Vitamins, Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Linked To Better Thinking Scores, Less Brain Shrinkage December 29, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study reported that people whose diet is rich in certain vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, not only had higher scores on mental thinking tests, they were less likely to experience the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are mainly found in fish, while the B vitamins and antioxidants C and E are found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The researchers also noted that people with diets rich in trans fats are more at risk for brain shrinkage and have lower scores on thinking and memory tests. Trans fats are primarily found in fast, fried and frozen foods, and in baked goods and margarines. The study involved 104 people (average age 87) with very few risk factors for memory and thinking problems. G.L. Bowman et al., "Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging", Neurology, December 29, 2011, © AAN Enterprises, Inc.

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Calories – Not Protein – Contribute To Weight Gain, Study Finds December 29, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study among 25 healthy people who consumed either low, normal or high protein diets found that those on the low-protein diet gained less weight than those on the normal or high protein diets. In fact, researchers said, calories alone, not protein, appeared to contribute to an increase in body fat. Protein contributed to changes in energy expenditure and lean body mass, but not increases in fat. All participants in the study, both men and women, gained weight. But the rate of weight gain in the low protein diet group was significantly less than in the other two groups: 6.97 lbs. vs. 13.3 lbs for the normal protein diet group and 14.4 lbs in the high protein diet group. George A. Bray, M.D. et al., "Effect of Dietary Protein Content on Weight Gain, Energy Expenditure, and Body Composition During Overeating", Journal of the American Medical Association, December 29, 2011

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Fruit, Vegetables, Omega-3 Associated With Better Brain Health December 28, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study of 104 dementia-free elderly people found that a diet rich in certain vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids and low in trans fats correlates with better cognitive function and less brain atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease than their peers with diets less abundant in these nutrients.   The study identified three distinct nutrient biomarker patterns (NBPs) in blood that relate to cognitive performance and measures of brain aging and found that two NBPs were associated with more favorable cognitive scores and greater brain volume; one was high in plasma B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folate, and B12), as well as vitamins C, D, and E, and the other was high in plasma marine omega-3 fatty acids. The third NBP associated with high trans-fat consumption was consistently associated with less favorable cognitive function and lower total cerebral brain volume.   Study author Gene L. Bowman says “The combination of the B vitamins, the antioxidants C and E, plus vitamin D was the most favorable combination of nutrients in the blood for healthy brain aging in our population."   G.L. Bowman, ND, MPH, L.C. Silbert, MD, MCR, D. Howieson, PhD, H.H. Dodge, PhD, M.G. Traber, PhD, B. Frei, PhD, J.A. Kaye, MD, J. Shannon, PhD, MPH and J.F. Quinn, MD, "Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging", Neurology, December 28, 2011, © AAN Enterprises, Inc.

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Celiac Disease Patients Tend To Be At Higher Risk For Psychological Disorders December 27, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Women who are effectively managing celiac disease – mainly by not eating foods containing gluten – still have a higher risk of depression and disordered eating than the general population, a study by Penn State University researchers finds. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting when gluten, a protein composite found in wheat and other grains, is consumed. For the study, researchers, surveyed 177 American women over age 18 diagnosed with celiac disease, about their physical and psychological symptoms. They found that even those managing their illness very well reported higher rates of stress, depression and a range of issues related to body dissatisfaction, weight and shape when compared to the general population. D. Arigo et al., "Psychiatric comorbidities in women with Celiac Disease", Chronic Illness, December 27, 2011, © SAGE Publications

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Preclinical Research Finds That Omega-3 Fatty Acid EPA Kills Leukemia-Causing Stem Cells December 22, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study that tested a compound derived from an omega-3 fatty acid in fish and fish oil found that it targeted and killed the stem cells of myelogenous leukemia in mice. The researchers, who have applied for a patent for the compound, known as delta-12-prostaglandin J3, or D12-PGJ3, say their next step is to test its efficacy in human trials. Prior research on fatty acids has shown the health benefits for the cardiovascular system and brain development, particularly in infants. The new research shows that some metabolites of omega-3, specifically EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid, can selectively kill leukemia-causing stem cells. "The important thing is that the mice were completely cured of leukemia with no relapse," the researchers said. Shailaja Hegde et al., "Δ12-prostaglandin J3, an omega-3 fatty acid–derived metabolite, selectively ablates leukemia stem cells in mice", Blood, December 22, 2011, © American Society of Hematology

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Many Beers, Including “Gluten Free” Brands, Contain A Barley-Derived Gluten December 21, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Australian researchers report that most of the 60 brands of beer they tested, including some marketed as “low-gluten”, contain enough of a gluten known as hordein to cause symptoms associated with celiac disease. Eight of the beers labeled “gluten free” did not contain gluten, but two “gluten free” brands contained as much gluten as regular beer. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by exposure to gluten, a protein found in foods and beverages made from barley, wheat and rye. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.  The only treatment is to follow a gluten free diet. Hordein is the gluten component found in barley-based beers. Michelle L. Colgrave et al., "What is in a Beer? Proteomic Characterization and Relative Quantification of Hordein (Gluten) in Beer", Journal of Proteome Research, December 21, 2011, © American Chemical Society

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Pregnant Obese Women Face A Unique Set Of Challenges December 21, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Obese women can experience healthy and successful pregnancies as long as they cope with the special challenges they face, a U.S. researcher reports. For example, forty percent of obese pregnant women are deficient in iron, 24 percent in folic acid, and four percent in vitamin B12. These deficiencies can cause cardiac problems and spinal defects in newborns. It is a myth that obese women need to gain 15 pounds during pregnancy. The fact is that excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, including preterm birth, failed labor induction, etc. Other topics reviewed by the author include obese women and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth and respiratory complications, and the likelihood of breastfeeding. Loralei L. Thornburg, "Antepartum Obstetrical Complications Associated with Obesity", Seminars in Perinatology, December 21, 2011, © Elsevier Inc.

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Researchers Clarify Role Of Vitamin B Therapy In Reducing Cardiovascular Risk December 21, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Researchers from Canada and the U.S. argue in a recent medical journal editorial that a couple of key issues have been overlooked in the interpretation of clinical trials that found that vitamin B therapy did not result in any cardiovascular benefits. In fact, vitamin B12 is harmful – it actually increased the risk of heart attack and stroke – in the presence of renal (kidney) failure, but is beneficial in people with good renal function. Studies lumped the two groups together, skewing the results. In addition, the researchers argued, most of the trials did not use a high enough dose of vitamin B12. The conclusion? Vitamin B therapy still has a role in reducing the risk of stroke. J. D. Spence and M. J. Stampfer, "Understanding the Complexity of Homocysteine Lowering With Vitamins: The Potential Role of Subgroup Analyses", The Journal of the American Medical Association, December 21, 2011, © American Medical Association

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Mediterranean Diet Adds Years To Lifespan – Study December 20, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Swedish researchers studying the impact of the Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables and fish found that it significantly increases lifespan. Using the unique "H70 study" to compare 70-year-olds who eat a Mediterranean diet with others who have eaten more meat and animal products, researchers found that those who eat a Mediterranean diet have a 20 percent higher chance of living longer. "This means in practice that older people who eat a Mediterranean diet live an estimated 2 - 3 years longer than those who don't," the researchers concluded. Gianluca Tognon et al., "Does the Mediterranean diet predict longevity in the elderly? A Swedish perspective", Age, December 20, 2011, © The Authors

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Preference For Salty Foods Begins In Infancy December 20, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Infants six months old who have eaten starchy table foods containing salt learn to prefer salty foods more than infants not exposed to the foods. For the U.S. study, salt preference of 61 infants was tested using plain or slightly salty water at both two and six months. Twenty-six infants already eating starchy foods preferred the salt solutions to water. The 35 babies not yet introduced to starchy foods were indifferent to, or rejected, the salty water. Exposed infants consumed 55 percent more salt during a food preference test than did babies not yet introduced to starchy foods. "Our findings suggest that early dietary experience influences the preference for salty taste," the researchers concluded. L. J. Stein et al., "The development of salty taste acceptance is related to dietary experience in human infants: a prospective study", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 20, 2011, © American Society for Nutrition

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Healthy Slice Of American Adults Eat Vegetarian At Least Part Of The Time December 14, 2011: 09:37 PM EST A Harris Interactive telephone survey sponsored by the Vegetarian Resource Group has found that about a third of adult Americans eat vegetarian meals a significant amount of the time, along with committed vegetarians. The finding, according to the VRG, provides a reason for companies producing vegetarian foods to be optimistic. And, “No wonder so many restaurants have added vegetarian options.” Seventeen percent of adult Americans eat no meat, fish, seafood, or poultry at many of their meals, though less than half the time, and 16 percent don't eat these foods at more than half of their meals, but not all the time. Almost half (48 percent) of those surveyed said they eat meat, fish or poultry at every meal. The survey was conducted between March 30 and April 3 of 2011 among 1,010 adults. Charles Stahler, "How Often Do Americans Eat Vegetarian Meals? And How Many Adults in the U.S. Are Vegan?", Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), December 14, 2011, © Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG)

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Better Communication Of Caloric Content Of Sugary Drinks Would Cut Kids’ Consumption In Half December 15, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Because people – especially minority and lower income adolescents – tend to underestimate the caloric content of sugary drinks, they consume soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit beverages unaware of the risk of obesity. New U.S. research has found, however, that providing easily understandable caloric information, specifically in the form of a physical activity equivalent, may cut in half sugar-sweetened beverage purchases among adolescents. For example, adolescents should know that working off a bottle of soda or fruit juice takes about 50 minutes of running. The researchers said it is “critical to explore the most effective strategies for presenting caloric information to consumers on fast food restaurant menu boards.” Sara N. Bleich, Ph.D. et al., "Reduction in Purchases of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among Low-Income, Black Adolescents After Exposure to Caloric Information", American Journal of Public Health, December 15, 2011, © American Public Health Association

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Mothers’ Pre-Pregnancy Weight, Plus Pregnancy Weight Gain, Predict Babies’ Birth Weight December 13, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study by Norwegian scientists finds that a women’s weight before pregnancy, coupled with the amount of weight gain during pregnancy, are significant indicators of a baby’s birth weight and, possibly, adult weight. The researchers assessed data on pre-pregnancy and pregnancy weight for more than 58,000 women over seven years. It was found that the birth weight of the newborn child increased with increasing maternal pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI); offspring birth weight also increased with increasing weight gain of the mother during pregnancy. Every one kilogram increase in pre-pregnancy BMI increased birth weight with 22.4 g. A subsequent increase in weight gain during pregnancy of 10 kg increased birth weight with 224 g. Unni Mette Stamnes Koepp et al., "Maternal pre-pregnant body mass index, maternal weight change and offspring birthweight", Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, December 13, 2011, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Older Female Dieters Tend To Regain Lost Weight As Fat Rather Than Muscle December 12, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Some older women who lose weight gain a lot of it back within 12 months, mainly in the form of fat rather than muscle, a fact that may have negative implications for the elderly, a U.S. study has found.  Researchers evaluated 78 postmenopausal women averaging 58 years old who had lost weight while dieting. At the end of the study, it was found that 84 percent of the women gained back more than 4.4 pounds on average. After 12 months, 26 percent of fat lost was regained, whereas only six percent of muscle lost was regained. The researchers said long term consequences of their findings are unknown. But in combination with the loss in bone density during aging, the loss of muscle could increase the risk of falling among other things. Kristen M. Beavers, Ph.D. et al., "Is lost lean mass from intentional weight loss recovered during weight regain in postmenopausal women?", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 12, 2011, © American Society for Nutrition

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Tart Cherry Juice Rich In Melatonin Improves Sleep Behavior December 8, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study by British researchers has found that drinking tart cherry juice twice a day leads to longer sleep time, less daytime napping and increased overall sleep efficiency. The researchers attributed the sleep benefits to the melatonin content of the pure Montmorency juice concentrate diluted in a half pint of water. The researchers, whose experiment included 20 adults, found that when participants had two daily glasses of tart cherry juice they slept 39 minutes longer, on average, and had up to a six percent increase in overall sleep efficiency (i.e., significantly less non-sleep time in bed), compared to when they drank a non-cherry, fruit cocktail. G. Howatson et al., "Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality", European Journal of Nutrition, December 08, 2011, © Springer

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Study Links Increased Recurrence Of Breast Cancer With Higher Starch Intake December 8, 2011: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who studied the dietary patterns of more than 3,000 breast cancer survivors over seven years found a link between increased starch intake to a greater risk for breast cancer recurrence. Women whose cancer recurred had a mean increase in carbohydrate intake of 2.3 grams per day during the first year, while women whose cancer did not recur reported a mean decrease of 2.7 grams per day during the first year. Researchers said starches were particularly important: changes in starch intake accounted for 48 percent of the change in carbohydrate intake. The results indicate a need for more research on dietary recommendations that consider limiting the starch intake of women who have breast cancer. Jennifer A. Emond, M.S. et al., "Starch Intake May Influence Risk for Breast Cancer Recurrence, Study Suggests", Press release, presentation at the CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 08, 2011, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Low-Carb, High-Protein Diet Promotes Weight Loss, May Help Prevent Breast Cancer December 8, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A British study has found that restricting carbohydrate intake two days a week may be a better way to prevent breast cancer and other diseases than simply restricting calories. Researchers compared three diets over four months to determine the effect on weight loss and on blood markers of breast cancer among 115 women with a family history of breast cancer. Patients were randomly assigned to a calorie-restricted, low-carb diet for two days a week; an low-carb, high-protein, high-healthy fat diet for two days a week; or a standard calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet for seven days a week. The intermittent low-carb diet that allowed unlimited protein and fats was superior to the calorie-restricted diet for reducing weight and reducing insulin levels, a marker for breast cancer. Michelle Harvie, Ph.D., SRD et al., "Intermittent, Low-Carbohydrate Diets More Successful Than Standard Dieting, Study Finds", News release, presentation, 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 08, 2011, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Exercise Helps Chocolate Lovers Avoid Mindless Snacking December 7, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A British study of 78 habitual chocolate eaters found that those who exercised before going to work cut their chocolate consumption by half compared to those who did not exercise. After two days of abstinence from chocolate, participants in one group entered a simulated work environment and were asked to take a brisk 15-minute walk on the treadmill and then complete either a demanding or an easy task. The other group completed the same assignments without exercising first. The key finding? “People often find it difficult to cut down on their daily treats but this study shows that by taking a short walk, they are able to regulate their intake by half." Hwajung Oh et aL., "Brisk walking reduces ad libitum snacking in regular chocolate eaters during a workplace simulation", Appetite, December 07, 2011, © Elsevier Ltd.

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