Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Breastfeeding, Dietary Supplements and Minerals
Published How pre- and postnatal B-12 vitamins improve breast milk vitamin B-12 levels, which supports infant brain development
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source According to a new study B-12 vitamins increase the presence of the micronutrient in mothers' breast milk, which is especially helpful in countries where it can be difficult to eat what is needed for the body to produce B-12 naturally.
Published Mice eating less of specific amino acid -- overrepresented in diet of obese people -- live longer, healthier
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study in mice shows that cutting down the amount of a single amino acid called isoleucine can, among other benefits, extend their lifespan, make them leaner and less frail as they age and reduce cancer and prostate problems, all while the mice ate more calories.
Published Nutrient found in beef and dairy improves immune response to cancer
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a long-chain fatty acid found in meat and dairy products from grazing animals such as cows and sheep, improves the ability of CD8+ T cells to infiltrate tumors and kill cancer cells, according to a new study.
Published Study reveals surprising link between malnutrition and rising antibiotic resistance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have uncovered startling connections between micronutrient deficiencies and the composition of gut microbiomes in early life that could help explain why resistance to antibiotics has been rising across the globe. The team investigated how deficiencies in crucial micronutrients such as vitamin A, B12, folate, iron, and zinc affected the community of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes that live in the digestive system. They discovered that these deficiencies led to significant shifts in the gut microbiome of mice -- most notably an alarming expansion of bacteria and fungi known to be opportunistic pathogens. Importantly, mice with micronutrient deficiencies also exhibited a higher enrichment of genes that have been linked to antibiotic resistance.
Published Vitamin B12: A key player in cellular reprogramming and tissue regeneration
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers reveal that vitamin B12 significantly boosts the efficiency of cellular reprogramming, thus holding promise for regenerative medicine. Vitamin B12 supplementation shows potential in speeding up tissue repair in a model of ulcerative colitis -- an observation that points to potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Published New compound outperforms pain drug by indirectly targeting calcium channels
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A compound -- one of 27 million screened in a library of potential new drugs -- reversed four types of chronic pain in animal studies, according to new research. The small molecule, which binds to an inner region of a calcium channel to indirectly regulate it, outperformed gabapentin without troublesome side effects, providing a promising candidate for treating pain.
Published Team creates synthetic enzymes to unravel molecular mysteries
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A bioengineer has developed synthetic enzymes that can control the behavior of the signaling protein Vg1, which plays a key role in the development of muscle, bone and blood in vertebrate embryos. The team of researchers is using a new approach, called the Synthetic Processing (SynPro) system, in zebrafish to study how Vg1 is formed. By learning the molecular rules of signal formation in a developing animal, researchers aim to engineer mechanisms -- such as giving cells new instructions -- that could play a role in treating or preventing disease.
Published Clinical trial data suggests prenatal vitamin D reduces a child's risk of asthma
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A review of 15 years' worth of data found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was linked to reduced rates of asthma and wheezing in children compared to standard prenatal multivitamin.
Published Reducing vitamin B5 slows breast cancer growth in mice
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered that breast cancer cells expressing a cancer-driving gene heavily rely on vitamin B5 to grow and survive.
Published Selenium reduces mixtures of environmental pollutants' harmful effects on health
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A study in mice demonstrates that exposure to contaminating mixtures of metals and drug residue increases damage to health, and evaluates the positive effects of a diet enriched in selenium to reduce this harm.
Published Intestinal bacteria metabolite promotes capture of antigens by dendritic cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Dendritic cells are immune cells that capture and present antigens to T cells, activating an immune response. Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acids produced by intestinal bacteria regulate a crucial step in this process, the extension of dendritic 'arms.' This breakthrough finding could potentially lead to the development of disease prevention strategies involving beneficial bacteria and new drugs targeting the regulation of dendritic cell function.
Published The genetic heritage of the Denisovans may have left its mark on our mental health
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research team has identified the most widespread genetic contribution by Denisovans to date. The study reveals that the genetic variant observed, which affects zinc regulation, could have signified an evolutionary advantage in our ancestors' adaptation to the cold. The study also reveals that this genetic adaptation may have predisposed modern humans to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Published Researchers uncover mechanism for treating dangerous liver condition
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A study has shown why certain polyunsaturated fatty acids work to combat a dangerous liver condition, opening a new avenue of drug research for a disease that currently has no FDA-approved medications.
Published How eggs of the Zika-carrying mosquito survive desiccation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Eggs of the mosquito that carries Zika virus can tolerate extended desiccation by altering their metabolism, according to a new study. The finding offers potential new ways to control the spread of this mosquito.
Published Physical theory improves protein folding prediction
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Proteins are important molecules that perform a variety of functions essential to life. To function properly, many proteins must fold into specific structures. However, the way proteins fold into specific structures is still largely unknown. Researchers have developed a novel physical theory that can accurately predict how proteins fold. Their model can predict things previous models cannot. Improved knowledge of protein folding could offer huge benefits to medical research, as well as to various industrial processes.
Published Link between seasons and eating habits
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The number of hours of light exposure we experience affects how we eat and how we burn energy. This may help us understand the link between seasons and metabolism.
Published Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered a convenient new way to track levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, making it much easier to access information that is critical to cardiovascular and cognitive health, but which has previously been challenging to gather. While the human body can generate most of the fats it needs, it cannot produce adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids and must obtain them from dietary sources.
Published Omega-3 discovery moves us closer to 'precision nutrition' for better health
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have obtained new insights into how African-American and Hispanic-American people’s genes influence their ability to use Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for good health. The findings are an important step toward “precision nutrition” – where a diet tailored to exactly what our bodies need can help us live longer, healthier lives.
Published That smell: New gut microbe produces smelly toxic gas but protects against pathogens
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Microbiologists have discovered a new intestinal microbe that feeds exclusively on taurine and produces the foul-smelling gas hydrogen sulfide. The researchers have thus provided another building block in the understanding of those microbial processes that have fascinating effects on health. This is also true of Taurinivorans muris: the bacterium shows a protective function against Klebsiella and Salmonella, two important pathogens.
Published Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood affects food choices, weight gain and the microstructure of the brain
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study finds poor quality of available foods, increased intake of calories from foods high in trans-fatty acids, and environments that do not foster physical activity, all prevalent in disadvantaged neighborhoods, disrupt the flexibility of information processing in the brain that is involved in reward, emotion regulation, and cognition.