News

Extra choline may help pregnant women decrease negative effects of COVID-19 on their newborns

Pregnant women who take extra choline supplements may mitigate the negative impact that viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, can have on their babies

New gut-brain link: how gut mucus could help treat brain disorders

Mucus is the first line of defence against bad bacteria in our gut. But could it also be part of our defence against diseases of the brain?

'Laughing gas' depletes Vitamin B12 and can cause irreversible brain damage

Gut-brain axis: Microbiome linked to neuron disease

Harvard University scientists have identified a new gut-brain connection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND), through a study in mice. The researchers found that in mice with a common ALS genetic mutation, changing the gut microbiome using antibiotics or faecal transplants could prevent or improve disease symptoms.

Chemists develop foolproof new test to track the fats we eat

A team of researchers at McMaster University has developed a reliable and accurate blood test to track individual fat intake, a tool that could guide public health policy on healthy eating.

Children with autism face higher risk of eating disorders

Autistic traits in childhood come before behaviours characteristic of eating disorders, and so could be a risk factor for developing eating disorders.

A new approach to averting inflammation caused by COVID-19

Controlling the body's inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 will likely be as important as antiviral therapies or a potential vaccine

12 May 2020 - The Conversation - Alzheimer’s and dementia: eating plenty of apples, berries and tea linked to lower risk – new research

Flavonoids, compounds found in almost every fruit and vegetable, can reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, heart disease and stroke. Now, recent evidence even suggests that diets high in flavonoids can actually lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well.

Vitamin D linked to low coronavirus death rate

A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries.

Exercise and diet essential for healthy aging

Resistance training combined with a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps older women bring about gains in strength and mobility. That is researcher Peter Edholm's conclusion in his thesis, which also shows exercise in middle age is linked to healthy aging.

Revealing links between education and a good diet

Educational status appears to have positive influence on a healthy diet, particularly in low income countries, according to new research examining European nutritional data.

Scientists explore links between genetics, gut microbiome and memory

A new study is among the first to trace the molecular connections between genetics, the gut microbiome and memory in a mouse model bred to resemble the diversity of the human population.

Link identified between dietary selenium and outcome of COVID-19 disease

The COVID-19 cure rate in China was significantly associated with selenium status - areas with high levels of selenium were more likely to recover from the virus.

23 April 2020 - BBC - Coronavirus: Should I start taking vitamin D?

Public Health England is recommending people consider taking daily vitamin D supplements throughout the spring and summer as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

How a Healthy diet with nutritional supplements can support the body in fight against COVID-19

An international research team, including Professor Philip Calder from the University of Southampton, has published a new report advising how the public can support their immune system and give it the best chance of fighting the coronavirus.

16 April 2020 - European Scientist - Covid 19 and the elephant in the room

Obesity and chronic metabolic disease is killing COVID-19 patients: now is the time to eat real food, protect the NHS and save lives.

How does sugar drive consumption? Scientists discover gut-brain sugar sensor in mice

The discovery of a specialized gut-brain circuit offers new insight into the way the brain and body evolved to seek out sugar. By laying the foundation for new ways to modify this circuit, this research offers promising new paths to reducing sugar over-consumption.

Diet may help preserve cognitive function

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet - high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil - correlates with higher cognitive function. Dietary factors also seem to play a role in slowing cognitive decline.

The science of how diet can change the way sugar tastes

The food animals eat can change how they perceive future food. Researchers have discovered the basic science of how sweet taste perception is fine-tuned in response to different diets. This response uses the same machinery that the brain uses to learn.

Maternal obesity may be related to risk for ADHD in children

Mothers with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² and greater are more likely to see behavioral problems and psychiatric symptoms in their children, according to a study recently published in The Journal of Pediatrics.