Plant-based ‘meat’ ‘healthier and more sustainable than animal products’
Plant-based dietary alternatives to animal products are better for the environment and for human health when compared with the animal products they are designed to replace, say the authors of a new study. A new paper published in Future Foods argues that because these foods are ‘specifically formulated to replicate the taste, texture, and overall […]
It doesn’t matter much which fiber you choose — just get more fiber! The human gut evolved to thrive on fermentable fibers
That huge array of dietary fiber supplements in the drugstore or grocery aisle can be overwhelming to a consumer. They make all sorts of health claims too, not being subject to FDA review and approval. So how do you know which supplement works and would be best for you? A rigorous examination of the gut […]
Vitamins, supplements are a ‘waste of money’ for most Americans: There’s no ‘magic set of pills to keep you healthy.’ Diet and exercise are key
Drawn to the allure of multivitamins and dietary supplements filling nutritional gaps in their diet, people in the U.S. in 2021 spent close to $50 billion on vitamins and dietary supplements. But Northwestern Medicine scientists say for non-pregnant, otherwise healthy Americans, vitamins are a waste of money because there isn’t enough evidence they help prevent […]
Are ultra-processed foods harmful? Experts weigh the evidence
Dietary guidelines form the basis for nutrition advice and regulations around the world. While there is strong scientific consensus around most existing guidelines, one question has recently stirred debate: Should consumers be warned to avoid ultra-processed foods? Two papers published today in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) outline the case for and against […]
Benefit of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration: After 10 years, AREDS2 formula shows increased efficacy compared to original formula, benefit of eliminating beta-carotene
The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) established that dietary supplements can slow progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in older Americans. In a new report, scientists analyzed 10 years of AREDS2 data. They show that the AREDS2 formula, which substituted antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, not […]
Dietary cholesterol worsens inflammation, sickness in mice with influenza
New research from the University of Illinois suggests high levels of dietary cholesterol make mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study is the first to link cholesterol in the diet with exacerbation of a viral infection. Previously, scientists linked high-fat diets and elevated blood cholesterol with increased susceptibility to infection and lowered immune response. […]
Genes can affect our nutrient tolerance
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are essential nutrients to all animals. Yet dietary variation between species, populations and individuals can vary dramatically. In an international collaborative study, researchers from Australia, Denmark and Finland investigated how individuals of a same population differ in their ability to survive on various diets. The researchers utilised a genetic reference panel […]
Low-Salt Diet Helpful for HF Symptoms, But Not Necessarily for Clinical Events
WASHINGTON — A dietary intervention reduced sodium intake, but did not reduce clinical events, for people with heart failure (HF), according to the SODIUM-HF trial. Between patients randomized to a low-sodium diet or usual care for 12 months, there was no statistically significant difference in the combined outcome of cardiovascular-related admissions to hospital, cardiovascular-related emergency […]
Opinion | Our Food Supply Is Drowning in Salt
Since the first Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) were released in 1980, and for each updated version released every 5 years, there has been a consistent message: decrease dietary sodium. The 2020-2025 DGAs recommend 2,300 mg/day of sodium for men and women 14 years and older, and many esteemed scientific societies have issued similar guidance […]
Adjusting fatty acid intake may help with mood variability in bipolar disorders
Can specific dietary guidelines help people living with bipolar disorders better manage their health? Maybe someday, according to a new study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers. Clinical trial results showed that a diet designed to alter levels of specific fatty acids consumed by participants may help patients have less variability in their mood. […]