APRIL
Seasonal changes in gut microbiome
You might have heard that your gut microbiome changes over time , but did you know that it changes both day-to-day and from season to season ? Research found that the seasonal variation in the microbiome could contribute to a population ’ s vulnerability to seasonal diseases , such as colds and flu , due to the immune role of the gut .
MAY
Updated WHO guidelines on sweeteners
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) published new guidelines conditionally recommending against the use of nonsugar sweeteners to manage weight and risk of chronic disease .
JUNE
Type 2 diabetes on the rise
Research from Deakin University ’ s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition ( IPAN ) found that in Australia between 1990 and 2019 , the total number of people with type 2 diabetes tripled - from 379,532 to 1,307,261 - and while people were less likely to die from the illness than they were 30 years ago , the rate of medical complications increased , particularly among men .
EVOO comes out on top
Prof Mary Flynn , Dr Audrey Tierney and Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos authored a narrative review summarising and evaluating the latest evidence on the protective effects of extra virgin olive oil ( EVOO ) on disease risk factors . They found that compared with other dietary fats and low-fat diets , EVOO is superior in the management of clinical biomarkers , likely due to polyphenol content .
Got nuts on your mind ?
Frequent nut consumption was associated with a smaller decline in general cognitive performance over a two-year period in older adults at risk of cognitive decline , according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . Compared with participants consuming < 1 serving per week of nuts , those consuming ≥3 servings per week showed more favourable changes in cognitive performance .
© Dietitian Connection 16 Infuse | December 2023