CpG and Non-CpG Methylation in the Diet –Epigenetics–Neurodegeneration Connection
AbstractPurpose of ReviewUnraveling the diet –epigenetics–neurodegeneration connection may disclose associated mechanisms and novel approaches to the neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the basic concepts and the innovative results in this field focusing on the relevance of non-CpG methylation.Recent FindingsMany multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases are associated with epigenetic changes, and the brain seems more prone to epigenetic changes than other tissues. Several environmental factors induce epigenetic modulation in the organisms: diet and nutrition retain a high capacity to modulate the epigen...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - March 17, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
The Influence of Sedentary Behavior on Cancer Risk: Epidemiologic Evidence and Potential Molecular Mechanisms
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSedentary behavior is an emerging risk factor for several cancers. Here, we review the current epidemiologic evidence on sedentary behavior and cancer risk and summarize potential underlying molecular mechanisms.Recent FindingsHigh compared to low sedentary behavior is associated with a 28 –44% increased risk of colon cancer, a 8–17% increased risk of breast cancer, and a 28–36% increased risk of endometrial cancer. For other cancer sites, the current evidence is insufficient, mainly due to sparse numbers of available studies. Potential underlying biologic mechanisms linking pro longed sedent...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - March 17, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Correction to: A Systematic Review of the Evaluation of Interventions to Tackle Children ’s Food Insecurity
The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistakes in Tables captions. (Source: Current Nutrition Reports)
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - March 3, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
A Systematic Review of the Evaluation of Interventions to Tackle Children ’s Food Insecurity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo synthesise the research which has sought to evaluate interventions aiming to tackle children ’s food insecurity and the contribution of this research to evidencing the effectiveness of such interventions.Recent FindingsThe majority of studies in this review were quantitative, non-randomised studies, including cohort studies. Issues with non-complete outcome data, measurement of duration of participation in interventions, and accounting for confounds are common in these evaluation studies. Despite the limitations of the current evidence base, the papers that were reviewed provide evidence for m...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - February 14, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
The Role of the Microbiome in Cancer Initiation and Progression: How Microbes and Cancer Cells Utilize Excess Energy and Promote One Another ’s Growth
We describe how microbe-cancer cell interactions contribute to cancer progression, including cooperation between microbes and cancer cells. We discuss the role of the immune system in preventing this apparent ‘collusion’ and describe how microbe-cancer cell interactions lead to opportunities and challenges in treating cancer.Recent FindingsMicrobiota influence many aspects of our health including our cancer risk. Since both microbes and cancer cells rely on incoming resources for their survival and replication, excess energy and nutrient input from the host can play a role in cancer initiation and progression.SummaryCe...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - February 13, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Infant Growth and Long-term Cardiometabolic Health: a Review of Recent Findings
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInfant weight gain is recognized to increase obesity risk across the lifespan. This review evaluates recent evidence relating growth in infancy to childhood, adolescent and adult body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors.Recent FindingsGreater weight or BMI gains in infancy increase both fat mass and fat-free mass in later life, but may preferentially contribute to central adiposity. Impacts of infant growth on cardiometabolic health are mixed, and most findings are attenuated after adjusting for current body size.SummaryInfant weight gain, length gain, and BMI changes are important in est...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - February 7, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Multi-etiological Perspective on Child Obesity Prevention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe simple energy balance model of obesity is inconsistent with the available findings on obesity etiology, prevention, and treatment. Yet, the most commonly stated causes of pediatric obesity are predicated on this model. A more comprehensive biological model is needed upon which to base behavioral interventions aimed at obesity prevention. In this light, alternative etiologies are little investigated and thereby poorly understood.Recent FindingsThree candidate alternate etiologies are briefly presented: infectobesity, the gut microbiome, and circadian rhythms.SummaryBehavioral child obesity preve...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - January 16, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity, Sleep, and Risk for Dementia and Cognitive Decline
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDiet, physical activity, and sleep are three major modifiable lifestyle factors. This selective review examines the evidence for strong and reliable associations between these three lifestyle factors and risk of dementia and cognitive decline, in an effort to assist clinicians with providing more informed answers to the common questions they face from patients.Recent FindingsCertain aspects of nutrition can decrease risk for dementia. Physical activity has also been associated with delayed or slower age-related cognitive decline. In addition, emerging evidence links sleep dysfunction and dementia, ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - November 9, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Dairy Consumption and Cardiometabolic Diseases: Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analyses of Prospective Cohort Studies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDairy products contain both beneficial and harmful nutrients in relation to cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we provide the latest scientific evidence regarding the relationship between dairy products and cardiometabolic diseases by reviewing the literature and updating meta-analyses of observational studies.Recent FindingsWe updated our previous meta-analyses of cohort studies on type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke with nine studies and confirmed previous results. Total dairy and low-fat dairy (per 200 g/d) were inversely associated with a 3–4% lower risk of diabetes. Yogu...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - November 8, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Gene-Environment Interplay in Child Eating Behaviors: What the Role of “Nature” Means for the Effects of “Nurture”
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis narrative review describes the evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on child appetitive traits and suggests ways of thinking about how these interact and correlate to influence how a child eats.Recent FindingsEmerging evidence from social network analysis, and from longitudinal studies questioning the direction of association between parent feeding behaviors and child obesity risk, suggest that children ’s genes may shape the environmental risk for obesity that they are exposed to.SummaryThere is strong evidence that child appetitive traits are both heritable and shaped by ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - October 30, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Trimethylamine N-Oxide and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTrimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbiota-dependent metabolite produced from choline and phosphatidylcholine. Trimethylamine N-oxide was found associated with enhanced atherosclerosis and thrombosis in vitro and in vivo. We summarized available clinical studies which investigated TMAO ’s role in predicting prognostic outcomes, including mortality, in patients with cardiovascular diseases.Recent FindingsIn chronic kidney disease cohorts, higher TMAO levels were significantly associated with higher mortality from 1.18 to 4.32 folds. Higher TMAO levels were not significantly associated with ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - October 25, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Child, Caregiver, Family, and Social-Contextual Factors to Consider when Implementing Parent-Focused Child Feeding Interventions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInterventions that aim to alter child eating behaviors often focus on parents as a proximal influence. Yet, parents can be difficult to engage. Therefore, intervention recommendations are often not implemented as designed. The goal of this review is to highlight factors at multiple contextual levels that are important to consider when developing interventions to address child eating, due to their implications for overcoming parent engagement challenges.Recent FindingsIntervention studies suggest that parents are often the key to successfully changing child eating behaviors, and many interventions f...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - October 23, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Maternal Predictors of Child Dietary Behaviors and Weight Status
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide scientific evidence showing links between parenting/feeding, child eating, and weight status and recommend best practices for creating a feeding environment protective against childhood obesity.Recent FindingsCurrent research shows that authoritative styles in both feeding and general parenting contexts has been consistently associated with better child health outcomes. Authoritativefeeding styles have been associated with better child dietary quality and weight. Indulgentfeeding styles have been associated with problematic child eating behaviors and higher weight. Authoritativegeneral p...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - October 22, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
An Intergenerational Approach to Break the Cycle of Malnutrition
This article examines how nutritional status is treated throughout the lifecycle. In doing so, the review identifies promising life stages during which intervention may improve nutritional status of future generations.Recent FindingsA life course perspective suggests that nutritional changes are most likely to be sustained when they occur during times of developmental transition, such as pregnancy or adolescence. Adolescence is a unique period in which malnutrition in future generations may be addressed because it is the first life stage at which pregnancy becomes feasible and individuals seek independence from parents.Sum...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - October 15, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Child Health: Implications for Policy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVarious policies to reduce sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption in children have been implemented. Here, we review the evidence on whether these policies are effective in reducing SSB intake and whether a reduction in SSB intake results in a concomitant reduction in child obesity. We also highlight ethical concerns with such efforts.Recent FindingsThe evidence supporting relationship between SSB consumption and child body mass index (BMI) is consistently small and lacks causality. The effects of policies are unclear; taxation has no clear relationship to SSB purchasing, innovative marketing...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - October 3, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
