Nutrients News and Research

RSS

Blood and urine tests reveal how much ultra-processed food you really eat, study finds

Researchers developed and validated blood and urine metabolite scores that objectively measure ultra-processed food (UPF) intake in adults. These biomarker profiles accurately distinguished between high- and low-UPF diets and may transform nutrition research and public health monitoring.

21 May 2025

Longer breastfeeding boosts brain growth and thinking skills in teens, study shows

Longer breastfeeding duration is associated with greater cortical thickness, surface area, and improved fluid cognition in adolescents. These brain structures and cognitive benefits remain stable over two years and support current recommendations for extended breastfeeding.

20 May 2025

Gut bacteria and genes jointly shape obesity risk, review reveals hidden links

Researchers examined the heritability of body mass index (BMI), highlighting that genetics and the gut microbiome both play major roles in obesity risk. The review emphasizes that maternal microbiome transmission and family environment may help explain “missing heritability” beyond known genetic factors.

20 May 2025

NIH researchers develop poly-metabolite score to measure ultra-processed food intake

For the first time, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified patterns of metabolites in blood and urine that can be used as an objective measure of an individual's consumption of energy from ultra-processed foods.

20 May 2025

Including dessert in diet plans helps reduce cravings and maintain weight loss

Food cravings are the downfall of many dieters, who feel locked in an eternal battle with their willpower to resist the tempting sweets, snacks and other foods they love.

19 May 2025

Skipping breakfast and losing sleep: Are US girls sacrificing health to slim down?

More than half of US adolescent girls want to lose weight, even those with a healthy BMI. Many pursue weight loss while adopting habits like skipping breakfast, poor sleep, and increased screen time, highlighting a need for better health interventions.

18 May 2025

Floral diversity supports honeybee survival through winter

Especially in temperate climates, winter poses a major challenge for honeybee colonies. To ensure their survival, the animals must maintain the right temperature in the hive and raise the next generation of workers.

16 May 2025

New stem cell model replicates human amniotic sac development

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have developed a new stem cell model of the mature human amniotic sac, which replicates development of the tissues supporting the embryo from two to four weeks after fertilization.

15 May 2025

GLP-1 weight loss drugs leave users low on key nutrients, study finds

This study assessed nutrient intake in adults using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and found widespread deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Despite appetite suppression and weight loss benefits, most participants exceeded fat intake recommendations and failed to meet protein and micronutrient needs.

14 May 2025

Can diet ease IBS? A low-FODMAP plan cut symptoms but raised nutrient concerns

A 10-week low-FODMAP diet significantly reduced symptom severity in Saudi adults with IBS, with most shifting from severe to moderate symptoms. However, the restrictive diet also led to declines in several essential nutrients, highlighting the need for professional guidance.

14 May 2025

New approach directly combats the progression of Alzheimer’s and ALS

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a new approach that directly combats the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

14 May 2025

Solgate streamlines SLC drug discovery with INTEGRA's automated pipetting systems

Solgate - a biotech start-up based in Klosterneuburg, Austria - is accelerating the development of new therapies targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters using automated liquid handling systems from INTEGRA Biosciences.

14 May 2025

Skin microbiome plays active role in sun protection and immune balance

The skin microbiome plays an important role in health and disease. Researchers have now substantiated that certain skin bacteria can protect us from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation specifically by metabolizing cis-urocanic acid using an enzyme called urocanase.

13 May 2025

Lipid overload in ascites weakens immune response in ovarian cancer

A Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a key mechanism by which advanced ovarian cancers suppress anti-tumor immune responses and resist immunotherapies.

13 May 2025

What’s stopping restaurants from offering healthier kids’ meals?

Dutch researchers explored what motivates restaurants to offer healthier kids’ meals and what stands in the way. While willingness is high, perceived low demand, food waste, and operational barriers hold many back.

13 May 2025

Collagen protein bars show promise for safe and effective weight loss

Research being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) and published in the journal Nutrients indicates that collagen could be a safe and effective weight-loss supplement.

12 May 2025

Vegetarians may need to watch thyroid health, especially with low iodine intake

Vegetarians had a modestly higher risk of developing hypothyroidism compared to high meat-eaters, but only after adjusting for BMI. No increased risk was seen for vegans or pescatarians in incident cases, though pescatarians showed a slight increase in baseline prevalence.

11 May 2025

Eating avocado in pregnancy cuts infant food allergy risk by nearly half

Pregnant women who ate avocado were significantly less likely to have children with food allergies at 12 months of age. The association held even after adjusting for maternal diet quality, lifestyle, and perinatal factors in a large Finnish cohort.

8 May 2025

How nutritious is dried Gapal? Study reveals its strengths and one hidden weakness

Researchers analyzed the nutritional composition of dried Gapal, a traditional fermented milk-cereal food from Burkina Faso, revealing its high carbohydrate and mineral content. Despite its nutritional potential, high phytic acid levels may limit mineral bioavailability, especially for zinc.

7 May 2025

Can your diet slow skin aging? New review reveals what helps and what harms

Scientists reviewed recent studies and found that antioxidant-rich diets help slow skin aging, while high intake of refined sugars and trans fats accelerates it. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet may be a practical way to protect skin health and delay visible signs of aging.

6 May 2025