Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen is an US based dietitian and author of this guest post. She sheds light on where we health care professionals should re-focus our attention in regards to childhood obesity. Mary Ann believes that it would bring about better results if we paid more attention to “how we eat in this family” rather than only to “what to eat”. Read more to find out why.
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NEJM study: Moderately high protein low GI diet works well in weight management
Posted on 07. Dec, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen ja Maria Mukkala in News.
Protein has a high termic effect; it may increase satiety and prevent muscle waste during weight loss. A large European multicenter study shows how moderate increase in daily protein intake, circa 20 grams per day, together with low glycemic choices may keep the weight off most effectively after an initial weight loss. However, study leaves many questions open and failed to demonstrate satiety increase during high protein diet. Larsen T et al. N Eng J Med 2010; 363: 2102-2113
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Fish oil may protect memory, but in Alzheimer’s disease it’s late
Posted on 18. Nov, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen ja Maria Mukkala in News.
High consumption of fish or fish oil has been linked to the maintenance of healthy cognition in epidemiological studies. Previous clinical trials have shown conflicting results regarding omega-3 supplementation in cognitive impairment. Two new randomized trials join in. In the first study DHA supplementation with a high dose of 2 g for 1,5 years did not result in any significant outcome versus placebo among Alzheimer’s patients. (Quinn J et al. JAMA 2010; 304: 1903-1911). In another recent trial, a lower dose of DHA (0.9 g/day) improved some cognitive parameters but not all when compared to placebo (Yurko-Mauro et al. Alzheimers Dement 2010;6:456-464). According to the researchers omega-3 fatty acids may be protective in maintaining healthy cognition or improving mild cognitive impairment but it might be too late to use them in established Alzheimer’s disease.
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In irritable bowel, this diet helps
Posted on 19. Oct, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen ja Maria Mukkala in News.
IIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common disorder affecting circa 10 % population. Regular bowel pain and discomfort periods are akin to migraine, they may be very severe and difficult to bear. There are no approved medications against IBS, dietary modifications are still the key remedy. This recent study encourages avoidance of FODMAP carbohydrates, up to 3 patients out of 4 may benefit. Read more. Ong D et al. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010;25:1366-1373
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It’s reported that contemporary life style has led to decreased sleep length in many populations. Recent studies have shown how poor sleep messes up our metabolism and elevates stress levels. Hormonal changes that take place due to sleep deprivation turn on catabolism and favor fat accumulation. That’s something that we would not want to take place. Read on for details.
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Rosa ribbon day (15.10.2010) made me curious about what new information has accumulated in regards to breast cancer and diet. After several PubMed literature reviews I could conclude that majority of the scientific human data is based on cohort trials. Few randomized trials have been published, we need to rely on epidemiological data. Anyway, here [...]
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Saturated fat linked to fewer strokes
Posted on 12. Oct, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen ja Maria Mukkala in News.
According to the recent data, intake of saturated fat (SFA) is not independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. A replacement of SFA in diet with polyunsaturated fats may decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease. Less is known about the effect of saturated fat intake on incidence of strokes. In this Japanese prospective cohort intake of saturated fat was linked to fewer strokes. The following presentation gives the details and discusses the relevance of the findings. Yamagishi K et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2010;92:759-765.
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Vast European study on dietary factors and cancer prevention
Posted on 03. Oct, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen ja Maria Mukkala in News.
This large European EPIC study investigated the effects of dietary factors on cancer incidence. Red and processed meat was associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers whereas Mediterranean diet, high intake of fiber and fish were associated with decreased incidence of some GI cancers. Associations of dietary factors in breas, prostate and lung cancers were much weaker. Gonzalez and Riboli. Eur J Cancer 2010;46:2555-2562
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Mediterranean diet is good for senior health, low carb diet not?
Posted on 22. Sep, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen in News.
Both low carbohydrate and Mediterranean are intensively studied. It is known that glycemic load is independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The question has risen wether restricting carbohydrates would protect from cardiovascular diseases. This Swedish cohort study concluded that adhering to Mediterranean diet is associated with improved survival when compared to carbohydrate restricted diet. Sjögren P et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; Sept 8, e-pub ahead of print
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Restricting carbohydrates, healthy way
Posted on 22. Sep, 2010 by Reijo Laatikainen ja Maria Mukkala in News.
Low carbohydrate diets have been associated with effective weight loss. Low carb diets increase HDL-cholesterol and decrease triglyserids more effectively than low fat diet. In this recent cohort study investigators found that plant-based carbohydrate restricted diet was associated with decreased mortality while animal-based carbohydrate diet was associated with increased mortality vs high carbohydrate diet. Fung T et al. Ann Intern Med 2010;153:289-298
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