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What mothers eat in pregnancy may shape a child’s weight years later

A prospective study of 252 mother-child pairs found that higher combined maternal fruit and vegetable intake during pregnancy was associated with lower odds of overweight or obesity in children at age four. Total and natural fruit juice showed no association, whereas higher commercial fruit juice intake was associated with increased odds, though the authors emphasized that this finding was exploratory.

7 Sep 2026

Breast milk fats may reflect more than the fats a mother eats

A cross-sectional study of 109 breastfeeding women in the Netherlands found that maternal intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs and trans fats were associated with corresponding fatty acid proportions in human milk. The researchers also identified links involving dietary fiber, diet quality and several micronutrients, although whether these relationships reflect direct biological effects or broader dietary patterns remains uncertain.

26 Aug 2026

Why pulses could play a bigger role in healthy and sustainable diets

A narrative review finds that pulses may support gut and metabolic health through their fiber, protein, phytochemicals, and interactions with the gut microbiota, while offering a lower environmental footprint than many animal protein sources. Human evidence is strongest for selected cardiometabolic outcomes, while many microbiome and fermentation-related benefits remain supported mainly by animal and laboratory studies.

9 Aug 2026

Sustainable algae protein enhances ketchup's nutritional value and quality

Added protein is showing up in foods from breakfast cereal to pasta, but not many condiments … yet. Researchers reporting in ACS Food Science & Technology have now developed an enriched tomato ketchup by incorporating protein extracted from algae.

7 Aug 2026

New research highlights carbohydrate role in early human brain development

Fruit, honey and other naturally sweet foods may have helped fuel the evolution of the human brain, according to new research from the University of Sydney and the University of Glasgow.

7 Aug 2026

Genetic changes in zebrafish reveal new pathways for back pain

Neck and back pain could be caused by changes in gene activity that trigger the breakdown of the spine's natural shock absorbers, new research suggests.

6 Aug 2026

Secondhand smoke alters tooth enamel development in early life

Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke during the first days of life can cause changes in tooth enamel mineralization without causing visible changes to the teeth.

31 Jul 2026

Plant polymer lignin shows promise for future bone regeneration

A new study reveals that lignin - a natural plant polymer - can be transformed into a bioactive material that promotes the formation of bone-like minerals while supporting the growth of bone-forming cells.

27 Jul 2026

Duke University engineers use robots and AI to improve gut health

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method for systematically developing novel, complex combinations of probiotics and prebiotics to more effectively maintain gut health and treat various gastrointestinal diseases.

27 Jul 2026

Daily multivitamin improves functional health in older adults, study finds

The ability to perform everyday activities free of debilitating symptoms profoundly affects quality of life as we age.

27 Jul 2026

Maternal diets high in UPFs may influence children’s health years later

A narrative review of 84 publications links higher ultra-processed food intake during pregnancy and early childhood with poorer diet quality, maternal complications, childhood obesity, and potential immune, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental effects. The authors identify possible microbiome and biopsychosocial pathways but emphasize that the predominantly observational evidence cannot establish causality.

17 Jul 2026

WHO updates guidelines to reduce risk of dementia worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released updated guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, providing countries with evidence-based recommendations to help prevent or delay the onset of dementia across the life course.

16 Jul 2026

Sustainable oyster meat extract may reduce human intestinal inflammation

Ongoing research provides evidence that readily-available and sustainable oyster meat extract may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects on human intestinal cells.

7 Jul 2026

Dutch study shows why plant-based eating can miss key nutrients

A Dutch dietary modeling study found that replacing major animal-based protein sources with plant-based substitutes reduced protein, EAA, vitamin, and mineral intake across age groups. Older adults, adolescents, children, and women were especially vulnerable to shortfalls, highlighting the need for planned substitutions, fortified foods, and age-specific dietary guidance.

3 Jul 2026

Plant-based diets offer heart benefits but may require supplements

A study reveals unsupplemented vegan diets in Northeast China lead to micronutrient deficiencies, despite benefits for body composition and cholesterol levels.

2 Jul 2026

Okra supplements may lower cholesterol and inflammation markers in diabetes

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29 Jun 2026

Scientists identify key osteoblast protein that promotes bone formation

New study identifies CAR3 as a key osteoblast protein promoting collagen mineralization, bone formation, and skeletal regeneration.

26 Jun 2026

Childhood sugary drinks and fruit juice linked to higher adult blood pressure risk

The study finds sugary drinks and fruit juice linked to hypertension, highlighting whole fruit as a healthier alternative for long-term heart health.

26 Jun 2026

Iron overload gradually increases neurons' vulnerability to neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases affect tens of millions of people worldwide. Among these, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are the most common; in the United States alone, the Alzheimer's Disease Association and Parkinson's Foundation report roughly 7 million people with Alzheimer's and another million with Parkinson's.

25 Jun 2026

US adults are taking more supplements as multivitamins lose ground

A 25-year NHANES analysis of 63,442 US adults found that reported dietary supplement use rose from 51% to 60%, with the largest increases among adults aged 65 years and older. Use shifted away from multivitamin-multimineral products and toward vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and nonvitamin nonmineral supplements marketed for immune, anti-inflammatory, gut, skin, and joint health.

16 Jun 2026