EW diet and health

Although it is commonly believed that artificial sweeteners like aspartame do not raise insulin levels in the same way as sugar, a…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a data-driven dietary impact assessment tool (DIA) that helps policymakers, researchers, and practitioners examine the health and environmental consequences of diets. The tool, which will debut at the upcoming COP28 conference, aims to curb unhealthy diets, a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. It uses up-to-date data on health and environmental indicators to generate scenarios and inform policy development. The DIA is expected to help countries design sustainable, impactful, and data-driven policies customized to their populations.

Biotechnological and natural ingredient advances are driving innovation in pain relief. Gencor and Arjuna Naturals are offering solutions with improved bioavailability through technologies such as LipiSperse and SpeedTech, which enhance the effectiveness of ingredients like curcumin and PEA. The companies are responding to high demand for natural alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals, providing products that not only address different types of pain but also promote overall health and well-being.

Sifter Solutions’ new smartphone application, Sifter Scan By Diet, allows consumers to match grocery products to their personal dietary needs by setting a personal diet profile and scanning food packaging. The service caters to the growing market demand for specific dietary needs, especially among Gen Z and millennials, and seeks to enhance the shopping experience for nutrition-focused customers. The technology is seen as beneficial for professionals like dietitians and nutritionists, and is positioned to support the retail grocery and health markets.

An online survey revealed that frequent melatonin use among U.S. children is “exceedingly common”, yet studies on the hormone’s long-term effects are scarce. The Council for Responsible Nutrition asserts that the survey data, suggesting substantial pediatric use of melatonin, are irrelevant and flawed. While melatonin isn’t necessarily harmful, more research is needed on its effects on development, especially since the supplement’s regulation is loose.

A study observes a 12.1% fall in child hospital admissions for tooth extraction due to dental caries following the implementation of the UK soft drinks sugar tax. The greatest reductions were seen in children up to four years old (-28.6%) and those aged 5-9 (-5.5%). The study, which used data from 2014 to 2020, estimates a reduction of 5,638 cases per year. Despite this, no changes were observed in rates among children aged 10-18. The sugar tax, encouraging manufacturers to lower sugar content, might have influenced these outcomes.

New research suggests that reducing calorie and fat intake can largely decrease fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The 16-week randomized trial revealed that patients who reduced their daily calorie intake by 19% experienced significantly lower fatigue levels. Given that there’s currently no FDA-approved drug for fatigue in MS, the study proposes such nutritional adjustments to improve patients’ quality of life.

Consumers increasingly seek holistic health solutions through supplements that support both physical and mental well-being. The industry, according to experts, is responding with ingredients and formats that improve sleep, reduce stress, and aid healthy aging, among many other benefits. However, they emphasize the need to improve nutrient absorption for better efficiency. Experts also note the growing intersection between beauty and nutrition, as well as a rise in products for stress management and healthy aging.

Reducing daily caloric intake by 19% may decrease fatigue levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, according to a 16-week randomized trial involving 39 MS patients. The results suggest that low-fat diets can improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition, with no FDA-approved drug for fatigue currently available. The trial revealed that adherence to a low-fat diet resulted in reduced fatigue levels.

Food-tech start-up SolvEat has developed a bioactive composition featuring eight botanicals that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The formulation has been introduced in a chocolate bar made by Israeli boutique chocolatier, Ornat. The chocolate, sweetened with natural sugar alternatives, debuted at the Fi Europe trade show in Frankfurt, Germany.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a data-driven dietary impact assessment (DIA) tool intended to help policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in Europe assess the health and environmental impacts of diet. The software looks at food systems’ roles in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart conditions and models different dietary scenarios based on country-specific data. The DIA tool also analyses how diets can affect environmental factors such as soil pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and packaging waste.

As esports gains global popularity, there is an increasing demand for nutrition and supplements specifically designed for gamers to enhance energy, cognitive functions, and endurance. Key players in the nutrition industry are developing products ranging from functional beverages to snack bars. Novel ingredients, such as brain-boosting botanicals and omega-3s, assure cognitive enhancements, while microbiome-supporting solutions promise overall wellness.

A recent study reveals that practicing mindfulness can improve adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet among patients with high blood pressure. Through the study, participants in an eight-week mindfulness program showed better dietary habits and increased self-awareness, leading to significant improvements in their blood pressure levels. The researchers recommend mindfulness training as a tool for enforcing healthy dietary behaviors and managing hypertension.