America’s Childhood Obesity Problem Begins Early With Poor Eating Habits

Unhealthy dietary patterns in children as young as a year old are the root cause of America’s childhood obesity problem, Nestlé Nutrition research has found. One-third of the calories consumed by toddlers from the age of 12 months and up come from between-meal snacking on nutrient-poor foods. Bad eating habits start early in life, according to the study, which noted that those habits mirror those of older children and adults. The solution starts with giving parents and guardians better nutrition guidance, establishing healthy eating habits early, and making simple dietary changes. For example, parents could make snack times “mini-meal” times when kids could eat fruits, vegetables, low fat yogurt, and whole grain foods instead of junk.

"Nestlé Nutrition study reveals children are developing unhealthy eating habits earlier", Press release, Nestlé, October 04, 2011

Amid Tough Competition, Sales Of Immune-Strengthening, Cardiovascular Ingredients Rising In Europe

U.K.-based market researcher Frost & Sullivan reports that manufacturers of functional ingredients for immune-boosting and cardiovascular supplements are profiting handsomely from Europe’s fear of epidemics such as the deadly swine flu. Sales of immune-boosting ingredients are steadily growing, thanks to a growing awareness of the relationship between a healthy immune system and prevention of flu-like diseases and respiratory ailments. Likewise, a Frost & Sullivan analyst said, there are “significant opportunities for ingredient manufacturers” because of the extent that cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, affects the European population. However, the analyst warned that manufacturers need to better educate consumers about the benefits of their ingredients in order to stand out from the competition.

"Fear of killer flu drives sales of immune ingredients, claims new report", Functional Ingredients, September 27, 2011

Affordable Potatoes Pack More Potassium Than Any Other Vegetable - Study

U.S. researchers told a nutrition conference that potatoes are one of the best nutritional values in the produce department, providing significantly better nutritional value per dollar than most other raw vegetables. Per serving, white potatoes were the largest and most affordable source of potassium of any vegetable or fruit, the researchers said. For the study, which was funded by the United States Potato Board, the researchers merged nutrient composition data from the USDA Food and Nutrition Database with the USDA national food prices database. They also obtained frequency of consumption data and used the Affordable Nutrition Index to assess nutritional value per dollar for potatoes and for other vegetables. They found that potatoes were the lowest cost source of dietary potassium, in fact half that of most other vegetables.

"Potatoes are the largest and most affordable source of potassium of any vegetable or fruit", Press Release, presentation, American Dietetic Association, September 27, 2011

Dietary Supplement Restores Limb Movement After Spinal Cord Injury – Animal Study

University of Kentucky neuroscientists report in an as-yet unpublished animal study that the common dietary supplement acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) improved outcomes and recovery when administered soon after spinal cord injury (SCI). Animals fed ALC, a derivative of essential amino acids that generate metabolic energy, soon after a paralyzing injury recovered hind limb movements more quickly, compared to the control group, and were able to stand on all four limbs and walk a month later. The recovery was correlated with significant tissue sparing at the injury site, the researchers said, adding that because ALC can be administered orally and is well-tolerated at high doses in humans, ALC might someday be used as an early treatment for people with traumatic spinal cord injuries.

"Commonly Used Supplement May Improve Recovery from Spinal Cord Injuries", Press release, unpublished research study, January 01, 1996

Compound Similar To Glucosamine Suppresses MS Symptoms In Mouse Study

Researchers at the University of California have discovered in a mouse study that a sugar-based compound similar to the popular dietary supplement glucosamine suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis. Mouse models of an MS-like autoimmune disease were fed oral N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The compound inhibited the growth and function of abnormal T-cells that in MS erroneously direct the immune system to attack and break down central nervous system tissue that insulates nerves. The autoimmune response was suppressed, reversing the progression to paralysis. Researchers cautioned consumers that more human studies are required to assess the full potential of the GlcNAc and people who purchase over-the-counter GlcNAc should consult with their doctors before use.

"N-Acetylglucosamine Inhibits T-Helper 1 (Th1) / T-Helper 17 (Th17) Responses And Treats Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis", The Journal of Biological Chemistry, September 29, 2011

Eating Fruits And Vegetables Has Varied Effect On Age-Related Cognitive Impairment

A French study probing the relationship between intake of fruits and vegetables and age-related cognitive impairment found that the effect varied depending on the type of impairment and the kind of fruits and vegetables consumed. Researchers followed 2.533 people who were 45 to 60 years old at the start of the 13-year study. Cognitive performance was tested in various ways at the end of the study. Researchers found that eating fruits and vegetables, just fruit, vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, vitamin C and vitamin E were positively associated with verbal memory scores. But eating fruits and vegetables, vegetables alone, and β-carotene–rich fruits and vegetables was negatively associated with executive functioning scores. Researchers said further research was needed to “clarify the effect of individual fruit and vegetable groups and nutrients.”

"Fruit and vegetable intake and cognitive function in the SU.VI.MAX 2 prospective study1,2,3", JAMA, September 28, 2011