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25 September 2018 - MedicalXpress - Does our environment affect the genes in our brains?

Is there a link between differences in IQ test performance and the activity of certain genes? Researchers have shown that modifications in the structure of a specific gene have a negative impact on individual test performance. This suggests that environmentally induced epigenetic changes to our genetic material have a greater impact on intelligence than previously thought.


25 September 2018 - Nutraingredients - Omega-3 and vitamin B12 may improve autistic behaviours, Saudi study finds

The consumption of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids - either in combination or independently - may alleviate autistic behaviours, according to new study.


21 September 2018 - MedicalXpress - Are there health benefits to taking turmeric?

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, effectively kills certain cancer cells. While research continues on the role turmeric plays in treating cancer, there may be other health benefits to ingesting the spice.


21 September 2018 - Science Daily - Breast milk may be best for premature babies' brain development

Babies born before their due date show better brain development when fed breast milk rather than formula.


21 September 2018 - Futurity - Brain-Gut Link May Be Way Faster Than We Thought

New research with mice may upend our understanding of the connection between the gut-brain axis, as well as appetite.


21 September 2018 - The Mother and Child Foundation - Prenatal nutrition: of paramount importance

In a population of 296 mothers the red cell composition for a fatty acid – oleic acid – predicted with a confidence of 93% preterm delivery at 34 weeks and a confidence of 85% at 30 weeks. Hence this marker is also predicting risk.


Fish-rich diets may boost babies' brain development

Women could enhance the development of their unborn child's eyesight and brain function by regularly eating fatty fish during pregnancy. New research supports previous findings that show how important a prospective mother's diet and lifestyle choices are for the development of her baby.


Quitting junk food produces similar withdrawal-type symptoms as drug addiction

Trying to give up junk food can result in similar withdrawal-type symptoms to those of addicts attempting to quit using drugs. A new study evaluates the withdrawal symptoms people experience when giving up highly processed foods such as pastries, chips and pizza.


19 September 2018 - MedicalXpress - High gluten diet in pregnancy linked to increased risk of diabetes in children

A high gluten intake by mothers during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of their child developing type 1 diabetes, suggests a new study. However, the researchers say that further studies are needed to confirm or rule out these findings before any changes to dietary recommendations could be justified.


19 September 2018 - BMJ - Ban on sale of energy drinks to children

“Not recommended for children.” This is the warning on every can of energy drink sold in the UK that contains 150 mg or more of caffeine per litre. But when should a product warning turn into legislation? That’s the debate currently taking place after recent government proposals to ban the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to children and young people in England.


19 September 2018 - Health News Review - Your kitchen could hurt you, save you, or make your children overweight

Find an observational study touching on a lifestyle choice or widespread health concern… take the associations found in the study and erroneously present them with cause-and-effect language… finally, make matters worse by de-emphasizing caveats and limitations but emphasizing clickbait headlines, thereby leading readers down the path to misinformation...


18 September 2018 - BBC - Pregnancy weight gain 'going unmeasured'

Midwives are calling for official guidance on how much weight is healthy for women to put on during pregnancy. One in five women in the UK are obese when they start pregnancy, yet there is no national target for what constitutes normal pregnancy weight gain.


18 September 2018 - The Conversation - High levels of sugar in organic and children’s yogurts – new survey

In a recent survey of yogurts sold in the UK, it was found that fewer than 10% had low sugar – almost none of which were the one marketed as children’s yogurts. It was also found that organic products, usually viewed as healthier options, contained some of the highest levels of sugar.


17 September 2018 - Nutritional Outlook - Omega-3 Consumption Associated with Reduced Anxiety in New Cross-Sectional Analysis

A new cross-sectional analysis1 published in the journal Nutrients indicates that omega-3 consumption may help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. In the analysis, increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish was shown to exert a possible protective effect against anxiety.


Stress over fussy eating prompts parents to pressure or reward at mealtime

Although fussy eating is developmentally normal and transient phase for most children, the behavior can be stressful for parents. A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that concern over fussy eating prompts both mothers and fathers to use non-responsive feeding practices such as pressuring or rewarding for eating.


17 September 2018 - Eurekalert - Household cleaning products may contribute to kids' overweight by altering their gut microbiota

Clean eating?... Commonly used household cleaners could be making children overweight by altering their gut microbiota, says a new Canadian study.


Picky eating may mask larger issues

Many children are picky eaters, making every meal a challenge. But for some, the problem goes deeper than not liking vegetables or whole-wheat bread.


14 September 2018 - MedicalXpress - Toxic metal pollution linked with development of autism spectrum disorder

Russian researchers, together with their foreign colleagues, have demonstrated that environmental metal and metalloid pollution (lead, mercury, aluminum, and arsenic) may induce autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and have considered possible mechanisms of exposure to these substances. The study may be useful for the prevention and therapy of ASD.


14 September 2018 - MedicalXpress - Dietary fiber reduces brain inflammation during aging

As mammals age, immune cells in the brain known as microglia become chronically inflamed. In this state, they produce chemicals known to impair cognitive and motor function. That's one explanation for why memory fades and other brain functions decline during old age. But, according to a new study from the University of Illinois, there may be a remedy to delay the inevitable: dietary fibre.


14 September 2018 - Futurity - Obesity can boost your risk of asthma

Obesity changes how airway muscles function, which increases the risk of developing asthma, a new study suggests.