Mar 28, 2025, 18:55 PM by James O. Hill, PhD and Holly R. Wyatt, MD

Mar 28, 2025, 18:30 PM by Mark Messina, PhD, MS

Mar 28, 2025, 17:47 PM by Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD, FTOS

Dec 18, 2024, 18:59 PM by Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

What you need to know: The type of dietary fat one consumes affects their risk of coronary artery disease. Fat types include trans fats, saturated fats, and unsaturated fats. Research shows that the greatest benefit may be achieved by not only removing saturated fat but also replacing it with unsaturated fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). This article shares practical, evidence-based recommendations for swapping sources of saturated fat to unsaturated fat which can lead to improved LDL cholesterol and decreased cardiovascular disease risk.

Dec 18, 2024, 18:18 PM by Martha Anne Belury, PhD, RDN

What you need to know: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is common in the U.S. – approximately one in four adults have the condition that usually accompanies central obesity and is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The essential omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n6) may retard lipid accumulation in the liver; dietary intake of linoleic acid (LA) is inversely associated with mortality in women and with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. This article examines observational and intervention studies that show beneficial effects of diets rich in LA, including increases in lean mass and HDL cholesterol, and decreases in trunk fat, C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), glucose, and the cardioprotective cytokine adiponectin.

Dec 18, 2024, 16:32 PM by Kristina S. Petersen, PhD, FAHA

What you need to know: The term “seed oil” has gained popularity and is used to refer to oils derived from plant seeds. Misinformation about their health effects, such as inflammation and type 2 diabetes, is rife on social media and has led to an “anti-seed oil movement”, resulting in consumers avoiding seed oils. This article reviews epidemiological evidence that demonstrates that increased consumption of essential fatty acids like omega-6 PUFA is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Aug 29, 2024, 21:32 PM by Lawrence Kushi, ScD,

Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in the U.S. and worldwide, and it is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., after lung cancer. With breast cancer incidence gradually increasing and mortality rates from breast cancer decreasing, the American Cancer Society (ACS) now estimates that there are more than four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today.

Aug 29, 2024, 21:22 PM by Mark Messina, PhD, MS,

Despite 30 years’ worth of research, the question of whether postdiagnosis soy intake impacts breast cancer outcomes cannot be definitively answered because the necessary clinical data to do so are not available. However, dietary advice based on imperfect data is routinely issued. In fact, most of the understanding about diet/health relationships, especially as related to chronic disease risk, is based on the results of observational studies (which do not allow cause and effect relationships to be established).

Aug 29, 2024, 21:14 PM by Karen Collins, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND

After breast cancer treatment, many wonder, "What's next?" Conflicting information in the media can cause anxiety and food fears, or inaction. As a follow-up to primary cancer treatment, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the American Cancer Society recommend the following cancer risk reduction steps.

Jun 27, 2024, 18:03 PM by Mark Messina, PhD, MS

“High UPF [ultra-processed food] consumption is associated with an increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. At present, not a single study reported an association between UPF intake and a beneficial health outcome.” This statement, which comes from a recently published umbrella review of 39 meta-analyses of observational studies, should concern all health professionals, but especially those in the United States because by one estimate, Americans get 58% of their calories from UPFs; more than any other country, and in most instances, markedly so.

Jun 27, 2024, 17:35 PM by Madeline N. Erlich, RD, PhD(c)

The evidence from these preliminary analyses provides a good indication that substituting sweetened soymilk for cow’s milk does not have an adverse effect on a broad range of intermediate cardiometabolic outcomes and that sweetened soymilk (with up to 7g of added sugars per 250mL) may even have advantages for LDL-C and blood pressure reduction. If the findings hold in the full analysis, these results suggest that classifying plant-based dairy alternatives like soymilk as ultra-processed could be misleading regarding their cardiometabolic effects. The results of the full analysis involving sweetened and unsweetened soymilk are expected in late 2024.

Jun 27, 2024, 16:59 PM by Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, CDN

Ultra-processed foods are controversial. Yet, despite the headlines, we rarely hear about their benefits. For example, many ultra-processed foods are extremely nutrient-dense, not to mention convenient, affordable, and accessible. As a result, they can help busy clients and patients prepare healthful, nutrient-rich meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Because ultra-processed foods have a long shelf life, they can also reduce food waste as well as time spent shopping for food.

May 9, 2024, 16:25 PM by Stuart Phillips, PhD,

The health benefits of exercise are universally recognized and supported by evidence. Exercise provides a set of signals to skeletal muscles to adapt. The stress of exercise, be it energetic or structural stress, leads to muscle adaptations that try to lessen the stress of the subsequent exercise sessions.

May 9, 2024, 16:11 PM by Marie Spano, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD,

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role supporting the extreme physical and cognitive demands placed on elite athletes, military service members, and first responders. These populations operate in challenging environments that require individualized evidence-based dietary strategies to enhance performance, health, and recovery.

May 9, 2024, 14:44 PM by Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN,

Protein is a regular topic of conversation among health professionals supporting elite athletes. Many elite athletes want to consume more plant proteins for performance as well as personal health. While plant-forward diets are sometimes associated with concerns about protein quality and adequate protein consumption, the primary need among this group is identifying convenient solutions for busy schedules and frequent travel.

May 9, 2024, 14:26 PM by Joanne Villaflor, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD,

Diet is pivotal in enhancing performance and resilience, especially for elite athletes, military service members, and first responders who push their bodies to the limit in demanding environments. Service members and first responders operate in high-stress environments where physical and mental performance is critical for mission success and personal safety. Their nutritional requirements may differ based on the nature of their duties, environmental conditions, and operational tempo. For example, soldiers deployed in combat zones may require nutrient-dense rations optimized for durability, portability, and shelf stability, while firefighters combating wildfires may face challenges in maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance under extreme heat.

Mar 4, 2024, 16:08 PM by Nasima Afzal, Mildred Min, and Raja K. Sivamani, MD, MS, AP

The pursuit of healthier skin transcends the realm of cosmetics, delving into the interplay between nutrition and dermatology. Soy contains multiple compounds that enhance skin appearance -- particularly isoflavones. A growing body of research indicates that soy supplementation contributes to both skin health and appearance through a variety of mechanisms, favorably influencing various dermatologic parameters such as hydration, elasticity, collagen synthesis, skin barrier function, fine lines, and wrinkles

Mar 4, 2024, 16:02 PM by Rajani Katta, MD

Diet and skin health have been linked since ancient times. For example, ancient texts of Ayurvedic medicine describe many herbs, minerals, and fats that could help maintain the health and beauty of skin. In the last few decades, a robust body of research has outlined this relationship more clearly. Population studies have examined the long-term effects of dietary patterns on skin health.

Mar 4, 2024, 15:56 PM by Shelley Rael, MS, RDN

It is well known that nutrition influences multiple body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system. However, despite the popularity of collagen supplements, in clinical practice, nutrition is sometimes overlooked as a factor in skin health. It is also uncommon for patients to inquire about this connection, much less understand the impact their overall diet can have on skin health.

Aug 30, 2023, 14:45 PM by Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN

Have your clients asked about the impact of fermented foods on health? Fermentation is a process by which bacteria break down carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids. As a result, fermented foods have a slightly distinct and acidic smell to them. Examples of fermented foods and beverages include cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, sourdough bread, stinky tofu, tempeh, miso, and natto. Fermented foods are considered probiotics because they can increase levels of certain bacteria in the gut.