Nutrition Content

More Families Purchased School Meals After Federal Nutrition Policies Enacted

Karen Michele Nikos — November 06, 2024 - 8:41am

Families purchased more school lunches and breakfasts the year after the federal government toughened nutritional standards for school meals. A new University of California, Davis, study suggests that families turned to school lunches after the Obama administration initiative was in effect to save time and money and take advantage of more nutritious options.

What’s In Our Food?

Andy Fell — April 09, 2024 - 2:48pm

We know surprisingly little about the molecules that make up our food. Now the Periodic Table of Food Initiative has published a list of 1,650 foodstuffs from around the world for rigorous biochemical analysis. About two-thirds of the foods on the list are not included in any globally recognized food composition database.

An article describing the list was published March 8 in Nature Food.

The Right Combo: Getting the Most Health Benefits from Fruit Smoothies

Amy M Quinton — August 24, 2023 - 10:13am

Blending certain ingredients in fruit smoothies can influence whether your body is getting a nutritional boost, finds a �ٺ��Ƶ study.

Unsafe Feeding Methods Spiked During Infant Formula Shortage

Amy M Quinton — June 27, 2023 - 2:41pm

A �ٺ��Ƶ survey finds nearly half of parents who rely on formula for their babies resorted to potentially harmful feeding methods during the infant formula shortage.

Temptation at the Checkout: 70% of Food, Drinks Within Arm’s Reach Are Unhealthy

Karen Michele Nikos — June 07, 2023 - 12:00pm

About the study

Researchers analyzed the checkout lanes in 102 food stores in Davis, Sacramento, Oakland and Berkeley, California.

The study was published in Current Developments in Nutrition.

Warning Labels on Restaurant Menus Reduced Likelihood Consumers Would Order High-Sugar Foods

Andy Fell — April 18, 2023 - 8:59am

Added-sugar warning labels reduced the likelihood that consumers would order items containing high amounts of added sugar in an online experiment led by University of California, Davis, researchers. Menu labels can help inform consumers about the surprisingly high amount of added sugar in even the smallest sizes of soda or in unexpected items like salad dressings and sauces.

Fewer Than 10% of Patients Screened for Food Insecurity During Pandemic

Amy M Quinton — March 30, 2023 - 9:00am

Only seven percent of primary care providers screened patients for food insecurity during the pandemic. A new �ٺ��Ƶ study finds that screening rates were even lower if the appointment was virtual.

Can Food Banks Better Promote Nutrition and Health?

Amy M Quinton — March 13, 2023 - 12:00pm

�ٺ��Ƶ researchers develop new tool to help food banks better promote nutrition and health.

Molecule That Supresses Appetite Post-Exercise Identified

Andy Fell — June 16, 2022 - 3:50pm

Why don’t you feel hungry right after a hard workout? A report published June 15 in Nature describes a molecule called lac-phe that spikes right after exercise, suppresses appetite and in the longer term, reduces obesity. The work was led by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine. The team included Benjamin Moeller and Rick Arthur at the �ٺ��Ƶ School of Veterinary Medicine.

Should There Be More Microbes on Your Plate?

Amy M Quinton — May 18, 2022 - 9:19am

Friendly microbes from raw and fermented foods have not been measured as part of our diets - until now. �ٺ��Ƶ researchers find Americans are increasing their intake of friendly microbes, which are good for gut health and can promote a healthy immune system.