A Healthy Lifestyle Lengthens Telomeres – And Perhaps Lifespan September 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST With aging, telomeres – the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that help keep them stable – tend to shorten and become weaker, leading to cell death. But new U.S. research shows that eating a healthy diet, exercising moderately, reducing stress through meditation, stretching, etc., actually lengthen telomeres by as much as 10 percent. The telomeres of the men in the control group of the five-year study – they did not change their lifestyle – were nearly three percent shorter at the end of the study. The researchers said increases in telomere length may help prevent many aging-related diseases, including many forms of cancer, stroke, vascular dementia, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. Dean Ornish et al. , "Effect of comprehensive lifestyle changes on telomerase activity and telomere length in men with biopsy-proven low-risk prostate cancer", The Lancet Oncology, September 18, 2013, © Elsevier Ltd.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Mind Stress Management Aging Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Strenuous Exercise To Lose Weight Can Be Demotivating, Study Finds September 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST People who engage in moderate exercise – e.g., walking briskly for 30 minutes a day – are more likely to be motivated to continue their routines than people who engage in strenuous training, a Danish study has found. For 13 weeks, researchers monitored 60 moderately overweight, but healthy, Danish men who either exercised 30 minutes a day or worked out strenuously for one hour. The moderate exercisers lost an average of 3.6 kg; the strenuous exercisers lost only 2.7 kg. Interviews revealed that the men who exercised the least had higher energy levels and were more motivated to exercise and pursue a healthy lifestyle.  But the men who exercised for an hour a day felt exhausted and demotivated after their workouts. A. S. Gram et al., "Compliance with physical exercise: Using a multidisciplinary approach within a dose-dependent exercise study of moderately overweight men", Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, September 18, 2013, © Associations of Public Health in the Nordic Countries Regions

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Denmark

Vitamin B Seems To Reduce The Risk Of Stroke, But Not The Severity, Study Finds September 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Chinese researchers who analyzed 14 randomized clinical trials involving nearly 55,000 patients found that vitamin B supplements lowered the risk of stroke by seven percent. The researchers noted, however, that taking vitamin B did not seem to reduce the severity of stokes or the risk of death from a stroke. They also said vitamin B’s ability to reduce stroke risk may be influenced by several other factors: the body's absorption rate, the amount of folic acid or vitamin B12 concentration in the blood, and whether a person has kidney disease or high blood pressure. Folic acid, often found in fortified cereals, actually reduced the effect of vitamin B. Y. Ji et al., "Vitamin B supplementation, homocysteine levels, and the risk of cerebrovascular disease: A meta-analysis", Neurology, September 18, 2013, © American Academy of Neurology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Brain Heart & Cardiovascular Pills & Supplements Vitamins Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific China

Financial Incentives Motivate Heart Patients To Stick With An Exercise-Based Rehab Program September 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Heart attack patients are more receptive to exercising regularly if they get paid to do it, a Canadian review study finds. The financial incentives needn’t be huge – as little as $5 a week can get people up and running, walking, etc. The study looked at data on 1,500 patients who had suffered a heart attack or were at risk for one. All enrolled in cardiac rehab, but may dropped out after six months. The financial incentives model provided an additional strategy to help more people stick to the rehab program and take advantage of life-saving care available. People who participate in cardiac rehab programs after a major heart event cut the risk of dying from another event by as a much as 50 percent. Marc S. Mitchell et al., "Financial Incentives for Exercise Adherence in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis ", American Journal of Preventive Medicine, September 17, 2013, © American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Fitness & Exercise Heart & Cardiovascular Geographies Worldwide North America Asia-Pacific Canada China

Men Much More Likely To Suffer Serious Health Consequences Of Binge Eating September 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Yale University study involving 190 people – 26 percent of whom were men – who had sought treatment for obesity and binge eating disorder found that men are much more likely to suffer serious health consequences than women. Binge eating disorder involves repeatedly eating large amounts of food in a short time without any compensating activity, like the vomiting associated with bulimia. After adjusting for race and body mass index, men in the study were three times more likely than the women to meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tomoko Udo et al., "Sex differences in biopsychosocial correlates of binge eating disorder: a study of treatment-seeking obese adults in primary care setting", General Hospital Psychiatry, September 17, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Men's Health Other Men's Health Dieting & Weight Control Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Cattle Vaccination Can Cut Risk Of Human E. Coli Infection By 85 Percent September 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British researchers who analyzed veterinary, human and molecular data to determine the risk of transmitting E. coli from cattle to humans found that vaccinating cattle could have a major impact. E. coli, spread by consuming tainted food and water or by contact with livestock feces, causes severe gastrointestinal illness and even death. The researchers said their data show that vaccinating cattle could cut human sickness cases by nearly 85 percent. Studies that have looked only at the efficacy of currently available vaccines in cattle predict a 50 percent reduction in risk. L. Matthews et al., "Predicting the public health benefit of vaccinating cattle against Escherichia coli O157", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, September 16, 2013, © National Academy of Sciences

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Digestive Safety Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Compounds In Red Grapes, Blueberries, Seem To Give The Immune System A Boost September 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. scientists who studied the impact of more than 400 compounds on the human immune system report that only two – one found in red grapes, one found in blueberries – had a positive effect. The compounds, known as stilbenoids, include resveratrol and pterostilbene. Working in synergy with vitamin D, the compounds raised the expression of the CAMP gene involved in immune function. The researchers acknowledged that their findings were made in Petri dish cell cultures and would not necessarily be duplicated in dietary intake. Chunxiao Guo et al., "Synergistic induction of human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide gene expression by vitamin D and stilbenoids", Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, September 17, 2013, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Immunity Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Diet Has A Significant Impact On Depression September 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Depression has been associated with a poor diet and low-quality nutrient intake. New research from Finland finds that a healthy diet may cut the risk of severe depression. Researchers said a healthy diet comprises fruits, vegetables, berries, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat cheese. These foods are associated with a high level of folate intake. The follow-up study of more than 2,000 men in Finland showed that weight loss with lifestyle intervention was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Anu Ruusunen, "Diet and depression", Publications of the University of Eastern Finland. Dissertations in Health Sciences, September 16, 2013, © University of Eastern Finland

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Mind Depression Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Finland

“Gluten-Free” Is A Magic Marketing Word Now – But Will It Last? September 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Sales of gluten-free products this year will total $4.2 billion, and could reach $6.6 billion annually by 2017. But the gluten-free market wouldn’t be this lucrative if it relied solely on selling to the three million Americans who suffer from celiac disease. Fortunately for food and beverage manufacturers, the market is much larger, fueled by the belief that gluten causes all kinds of health problems, from obesity to arthritis. Some critics believe the bubble will burst eventually when consumers realize that the premium prices they are paying for gluten-free products aren’t buying any real health benefits. E.J. Schultz, "Gluten-Free Food Fad Gaining Momentum Among Marketers", Advertising Age, September 16, 2013, © Crain Communications

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Digestive Other Food & Nutrition Asthma & Allergies Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Low Levels Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Children Linked To Learning And Behavior Problems September 13, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British scientists have found a link between low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in children and problems concentrating and learning. For the study, blood samples were taken from 493 schoolchildren between seven and nine years old. Parents also reported on how often their children ate fish. On average, about 2.45 percent of the children's total blood fatty acids were omega-3 DHA and EPA, well below the recommended minimum of four percent. The low levels significantly predicted a child's behavior and ability to learn, the researchers found. Higher levels of omega-3 – DHA in particular – were associated with better reading and memory, as well as with fewer behavior problems as reported by parents and teachers. Alexandra J. Richardson et al., "Docosahexaenoic Acid for Reading, Cognition and Behavior in Children Aged 7–9 Years: A Randomized, Controlled Trial", PLoS ONE, September 13, 2013, © Richardson et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Mind ADHD Mental Alertness Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

7-Eleven Starts Selling Healthy Snacks; Targets Millennials September 12, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is launching healthy snacks, including Harvest Snaps Snapea Crisps and Skinny Pop All-Natural Popcorn, as part of its efforts to gain a bigger share of Millennials' spending. NPD Group values snacks as an $87 billion industry in the United States, with healthy snacks as its fastest growing segment. Market research firm Mintel reports that 38 percent of consumers say they ate more healthy snacks in 2012 compared with the previous year. Although 7-Eleven is known more for grab-and-go less healthy snacks, the retailer is exerting efforts to promote healthy snacks. Bruce Horovitz, "7-Eleven wants to be your healthy-snack store", USA TODAY, September 12, 2013, © USA Today/Gannett

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Physically Fit Children Learn And Retain Information Better Than Less Fit Peers September 11, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Children aged nine and ten who were physically fit performed better on learning and memory tests than less-fit peers, according to a study by U.S. researchers. Forty-eight children were asked to memorize names and locations on a fictitious map. They were allowed to study the information or were tested as they studied. Half the children were in the top 30 percent of their age group on a test measuring aerobic fitness; the other half scored in the lowest 30 percent. When the children were asked to recall the information they had studied, those who were physically fit performed better than those who were not as fit. Lauren B. Raine et al., "The Influence of Childhood Aerobic Fitness on Learning and Memory", PLoS ONE, September 11, 2013, © Raine et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Kid's Health Mind Pre-School/School Mental Alertness Brain Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Positive Attitude Means More Exercise, Longer Lives, For Heart Disease Patients September 10, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in Denmark and The Netherlands who assessed the moods of 600 heart disease patients hospital found after five years that patients who maintained a positive attitude exercised more and had a 42 percent less chance of dying for any reason. Patients with a less positive attitude were nearly twice as likely to die. Positive mood and exercise also cut the risk of heart-related hospitalizations. The researchers advised that heart patients should be encouraged to exercise, no matter their mood, because exercise tends to improve attitude of patients. Madelein T. Hoogwegt et al., "Exercise Mediates the Association Between Positive Affect and 5-Year Mortality in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease", Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, September 10, 2013, © American Heart Association, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Mind Happiness & Contentment Aging Heart & Cardiovascular Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Denmark Netherlands

Millions Of American Children Are Classified As “Severely Obese” September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement declaring that five percent of American children over the age of two, as well as teenagers, fall into a new classification of health risk called “severely obese”. These children – between three and four million – have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems at younger issues., with few treatment options. Severely obese children are defined as those whose body mass index (BMI) is 20 percent higher than the 95th percentile for their gender and age, or the BMI score is 35 or higher. According to ChildStats.gov, there are about 74 million children between the ages of one and 17. A.. S. Kelly et al., "Severe Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Identification, Associated Health Risks, and Treatment Approaches: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association", Circulation, September 09, 2013, © American Heart Association, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Kid's Health Pre-School/School Teen Dieting & Weight Control Heart & Cardiovascular Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Copper And Its Alloys Destroy Infectious, Costly Norovirus Pathogen September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The highly infectious norovirus bug is responsible for 267 million cases of acute gastroenteritis worldwide each year, costing millions of dollars in health care expenses. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus, which is contracted from contaminated food or water, and from human and surface contact. But scientists in the U.K. have found that norovirus is rapidly destroyed on copper and its alloys, especially on alloys containing more than 60 percent copper. The researchers said using antimicrobial surfaces containing copper in clinical and community environments, such as cruise ships and care facilities, could help reduce the spread of the costly pathogen. Sarah L. Warnes & C. William Keevil, "Inactivation of Norovirus on Dry Copper Alloy Surfaces", PLoS ONE, September 09, 2013, © Warnes, Keevil

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Safety Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Purple Sweet Potatoes Offer A Natural Color Alternative For Foods, Beverages September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Natural colors derived from vegetables are making a comeback, thanks to consumer demand, the needs of manufacturers and the realization that the antioxidant-rich compounds offer health benefits. According to a Texas A & M University professor, certain root crops – black carrots, purple sweet potatoes and purple carrots, etc. – are being grown specifically to meet the growing natural color needs of the food and beverage industry. Purple sweet potatoes (PSPs), in addition to tasting like regular varieties, offer a range of colors, including light pink, rose, red, and deep purple that are used in  fruit drinks, vitamin waters, ice cream and yogurt. PSPs have the same healthy anthocyanin pigments found in black cherries. Stephen T. Talcott, "Purple Sweet Potatoes Among 'New Naturals' for Food and Beverage Colors", News release, presentation at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, September 09, 2013, © American Chemical Society

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Studies That “Prove” A Link Between Breakfast And Weight Loss Are Faulty September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers say that studies designed to find an association between eating a nutrient-dense breakfast and losing weight do not prove that one causes the other. The researchers examined 92 studies that looked at the effect of breakfast on obesity, finding that many were either biased or simply did not advance knowledge about the issue beyond the status quo. They said a number of the research articles tended to overstate the strength of study designs and “ignored evidence that did not support” their hypothesis. A. W. Brown et al., "Belief beyond the evidence: using the proposed effect of breakfast on obesity to show 2 practices that distort scientific evidence", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 09, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

U.K. Commercial Baby Foods Are Pushed On Infants Too Early, Study Finds September 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Commercial baby foods in the U.K. that are promoted as a way to wean children from breast milk are actually sweet foods that provide little extra nutritional benefit over breast milk or formula,  according to new research. British government guidelines say infants should not be weaned before six months, and the foods they eat – cereals, vegetables, fruits and proteins – should be introduced gradually. The researchers looked at products from four manufacturers, finding that commonly used commercial foods supplied no more energy than breast or formula milk and are promoted at an age – four months– when babies should be consuming breast or formula milk. A. L. Garcia et al., "Nutritional content of infant commercial weaning foods in the U.K.", Archives of Disease in Childhood, September 09, 2013, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Kid's Health Babies Breast Feeding Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Chloride Levels In Blood Seem To Play A Role In Hypertension September 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists are finding that the other, often overlooked, element in table salt – namely, chloride – plays an important role in blood pressure. A U.K. study shows that low chloride levels in the blood signals an increased mortality and cardiovascular disease risk in people with hypertension. That is the opposite of what is known about sodium levels. The study analyzed data from 13,000 patients with high blood pressure, finding that people with the lowest levels of chloride in their blood were 20 percent more likely to die than people with normal levels. The researchers said it is too early to draw “any conclusions about relating this finding to salt intake and diet”. L. McCallum et al., "Serum Chloride Is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Hypertensive Patients", Hypertension , September 08, 2013, © American Heart Association

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Caloric Restriction Seems To Improve Chances Of Cancer Survival September 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Studies have shown a relationship between excess caloric intake and the onset of cancer, but a new French study shows that restricting caloric intake may improve the body’s response to cancer treatment. The study in mice proved that reducing caloric intake inhibited the overexpression of the protein Mcl-1, which is associated with several cancers. The researchers said that understanding the link between metabolism and the body's natural cancer suppressors and activators could lead to more effective therapies and improved survival for cancer patients. O. Meynet et al., "Caloric restriction modulates Mcl-1 expression and sensitizes lymphomas to BH3 mimetic in mice", Blood, September 07, 2013, © American Society of Hematology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Dieting & Weight Control Cancer & Cancer Prevention Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe France

Obese Teenagers Who Lose Weight Often Experience Eating Disorders September 5, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Formerly overweight adolescents tend to have more medical complications from eating disorders, according to a Mayo Clinic study, and it takes longer to diagnose the disorders. The researchers said adolescents with a history of being overweight or obese make up a substantial portion of adolescents who are treated for eating disorders. The study looked at two examples of eating disorders that developed after obese adolescents reduced their weight. Both examples showed how difficult it was to identify eating disorders in formerly obese children and the subsequent delay in getting appropriate medical help. Leslie A. Sim et al., "Eating Disorders in Adolescents With a History of Obesity", Pediatrics, September 05, 2013, © American Academy of Pediatrics

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Kid's Health Teen Dieting & Weight Control Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Vitamin D Deficiency Is A Global Problem September 4, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A German review of studies that reported on patterns of vitamin D status at the population level globally found that more than a third of the studies reviewed reported mean serum vitamin D levels that are considered inadequate by world health authorities. They also found that vitamin D values were higher in North America than in Europe or the Middle-East and there were age-related differences for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, but not elsewhere. Vitamin D deficiencies have a potentially serious impact on health, particularly on bone and muscle health. Jennifer Hilger et al., "A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide", British Journal of Nutrition, September 04, 2013, © Hilger et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Vitamins Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Germany

Test For Obesity Gene Relieves Emotional Stress Attached To Weight Control September 4, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists have developed a test that tells whether a person is genetically susceptible to weight gain and obesity and, though the test is not yet commercially available, researchers wanted to know if knowing the test results might discourage people. Would knowing the results of such testing cause a feeling among overweight people that obesity was their destiny and nothing could be done about it? British researchers tested 18 men and women of all weights and not only found no negative reactions, participants who had struggled with their weight said that the results removed some of the emotional stress attached to weight control and relieved some of the stigma and self-blame. S. F. Meisel et al., "‘Battling my Biology’: Psychological Effects of Genetic Testing for Risk of Weight Gain", Journal of Genetic Counseling, September 04, 2013, © Springer US

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Mind Dieting & Weight Control Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Hydrogel Particles Could Someday Be Used To Reduce Caloric Content Of Fatty Foods September 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Many emulsion-based food products – sauces, dressings, desserts, etc. – are fairly high in fat-derived calories. Reducing their caloric content is difficult without damaging texture, flavor, and other critical characteristics. But U.S. scientists who collaborated with ConAgra foods on a new study report that hydrogel particles could easily be used to develop reduced-calorie foods without harming those characteristics. They came up with a simplified way to make oil-filled hydrogel particles from a concoction of fat droplets, caseinate and pectin. The particles could someday be used to replace fat droplets or starch granules in reduced calorie products. Cheryl Chung et al., "Oil-Filled Hydrogel Particles for Reduced-Fat Food Applications: Fabrication, Characterization, and Properties", Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies , September 03, 2013, © Elsevier Ltd.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Program That Encourages Healthier Eating Among Low-Income Families Is Effective September 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Access to healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables is often limited in low-income communities. Now a study by a North Carolina medical center shows that community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs that link consumers to a local farm’s produce during the growing season may provide an solution to the problem. The small feasibility study involved low-income women with children evenly divided into an intervention group and a control group. Intervention participants – but not the control group – received a free box of fresh produce for 16 weeks, educational sessions, a farm tour and a grocery store tour. The researchers observed a significant increase in the number of different fruits and vegetables in the intervention households as well as increases in fruit and vegetable consumption. Sara A. Quandt et al., "Feasibility of Using a Community-Supported Agriculture Program to Improve Fruit and Vegetable Inventories and Consumption in an Underresourced Urban Community", Preventing Chronic Disease, September 03, 2013, © Quandt et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Study Finds Improved Mental Health Among Women Who Gained Weight Over Time September 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST German researchers report that female participants in a study of the relationship between body weight and health-related quality of life actually experienced improved mental well-being when they gained weight, despite deterioration of physical health. Data for the study were collected over seven years from 3,000 men and women. The researchers said their findings indicate the complexity of the relationship between body weight and physical and mental health. But understanding the relationship is important for developing medically effective and cost-effective strategies to prevent and manage obesity. Michael Laxy et al., "The longitudinal association between weight change and health-related quality of life", International Journal of Public Health, September 03, 2013, © Springer Basel

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Mind Happiness & Contentment Dieting & Weight Control Obesity Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Germany

Researchers Complete Genome Sequencing Of Uruguay’s Prize Grape Variety September 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists in Uruguay have sequenced the genome of the country’s Tannat grape, purported to produce the healthiest wines in the world because of their high concentrations of the antioxidant tannin and of the flavonoid procyanidin. The researchers, who say wines made with Tannat grapes have twice the tannins of Cabernet, Merlot or Pinot Noir, believe that sequencing the grape's genome will allow Uruguayan vintners to protect “a valuable niche in the world's $300 billion wine industry”. The scientists will now turn their attention to determining how soil conditions, minerals, sun, temperature, climate, altitude and other environmental factors affect the expression of genes in grapes and the chemistry of wine's aromas and color. "Scientists sequence genome of high-value grape, seek secrets of wine's aroma", EurekAlert, September 02, 2013, © AAAS, the science society.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide Latin America Uruguay

Labeling Food As “Low Fat” Is A Powerful Inducement For Consumers September 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In a study involving 175 female college students, researchers at the University of Hawaii found that the label “low fat” on candy (M&M's) conveyed an impression that the food was not only healthier but better tasting than regular M&M's. (All of the M&M's in the study were regular versions.) They also found that participants significantly underestimated the caloric content of candy labeled as low fat. Those who did not know the calorie content underestimated the calories of supposedly low fat M&M's by an average of 71 calories, and  overestimated the caloric value of regular M&M's by an average of 38 calories. “The study findings may be related to the ‘health halo’ associated with low fat foods,” the researchers concluded. Daria S. Ebnetera et al., "Is less always more? The effects of low-fat labeling and caloric information on food intake, calorie estimates, taste preference, and health attributions ", Appetite (Volume 68, 1 September 2013, Pages 92–97), September 01, 2013, © Elsevier B. V.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Intensity Of Exercise, Rather Than Duration, Is More Important In Losing Weight September 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Even very short periods of intense physical activity can lead to weight loss, a new U.S. study finds. Current physical activity guidelines for Americans recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a week, which can be accumulated in eight- to ten-minute sessions. The new study shows that higher-intensity activity was associated with a lower risk of obesity, whether in bouts of fewer or greater than 10 minutes, as long as the physical activity puts the heart and lungs to work. In fact, each daily minute of higher-intensity activity lowers the odds of obesity by five percent for women and two percent for men. Jessie X. Fan et al., "Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Weight Outcomes: Does Every Minute Count?", American Journal of Health Promotion, September 01, 2013, © American Journal of Health Promotion

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Heart & Cardiovascular Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Small Changes At The Molecular Level Have A Big Impact On How The Body Uses Flavonoids August 30, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British researchers studying dietary molecules produced by plants have found that even very small modifications to flavonoids can have a large effect on bioactivity and the human immune system. Using a newly developed assay system involving human cells, the researchers showed that the way in which a flavonoid scaffold was arranged significantly affected the production of inflammatory mediators stimulated by microbes. The research has important implications for diet and in the development of new pharmaceuticals from plant natural products, the researchers said. E.-K. Lim et al., "Regiospecific Methylation of a Dietary Flavonoid Scaffold Selectively Enhances IL-1 Production following Toll-like Receptor 2 Stimulation in THP-1 Monocytes", Journal of Biological Chemistry, August 30, 2013, © The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Digestive Immunity Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Vinegar Beats Prescription Drugs In Reducing Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes August 30, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A small clinical study by U.S. researchers has found that ingesting a small amount of vinegar at mealtime twice a day may benefit people at risk for type 2 diabetes. Participants, who were otherwise healthy, either drank 750 mg (one tablespoon) of acetic acid or ingested a placebo pill at two meals each day for 12 weeks. Blood sugar was measured daily. Those who ingested the vinegar showed greater reductions in fasting blood sugar levels than those from taking diabetes drugs metformin or rosiglitazone. The researchers concluded that vinegar, “a simple addition to meals, has antiglycemic effects in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, possibly related to carbohydrate maldigestion”. Carol S. Johnston et al., "Vinegar ingestion at mealtime reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations in healthy adults at risk for type 2 diabetes", Journal of Functional Foods, August 30, 2013, © Elsevier B.V.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

New Technology Tests Foods For Harmful Silver Nanoparticles August 30, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. scientists have discovered a reliable way to test fresh produce and other food products for toxic silver nanoparticles used in water treatment, food packaging, pesticides, cosmetics and other industries. When ingested, nanoparticles are abosrbed into the blood and lymph system, then circulate to sensitive sites such as the spleen, brain, liver and heart. For the study, the scientists immersed pears in a silver nanoparticle solution similar to a pesticide application, then washed and rinsed them  repeatedly. Four days later, using their technology, the scientists found silver nanoparticles still attached to the skin. Smaller particles had penetrated the skin and reached the pear pulp. Zhong Zhang et al., "Detection of Engineered Silver Nanoparticle Contamination in Pears", Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, August 30, 2013, © American Chemical Society

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Safety Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Whole Fruits, But Not Fruit Juices, Reduce The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes August 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The first study to examine the impact of individual fruits on the risk of type 2 diabetes has found that blueberries, grapes and apples are particularly effective at preventing the disease. However, the U.S. study found, drinking fruit juices significantly increased the risk. Researchers examined diet and health data gathered between 1984 and 2008 from 187,382 participants in threMore than 12,000 participants developed diabetes during the study period. People who ate at least two servings a week of certain whole fruits reduced their risk 23 percent compared to those who ate less than one serving a month. Those who consumed one or more servings of apple, orange, grapefruit, or other fruit juices each day increased their risk by 21 percent. Isao Muraki et al., "Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies", BMJ, August 29, 2013, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Food & Nutrition Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Healthy Diet, Adequate Exercise – Plus Twice The RDA Of Protein – Prevent Muscle Loss August 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Eating twice the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein while regularly exercising and eating a healthy diet prevents muscle loss and promotes fat loss, according to a U.S. study. The caloric intake and exercise levels of the men and women in the study were tightly controlled. In addition, they were assigned to groups that ate the normal RDA of protein, twice the RDA and three times the RDA. The researchers concluded that eating twice the RDA of protein helps prevent muscle loss when trying to lose fat, along with adequate exercise and a well balanced diet. S. M. Pasiakos et al., "Effects of high-protein diets on fat-free mass and muscle protein synthesis following weight loss: a randomized controlled trial", The FASEB Journal, August 29, 2013, © Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Environmental Contaminants May Be Contributing To Prevalence Of Metabolic Diseases August 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A study in mice by French scientists sheds new light on the impact of environmental food contaminants on the development of metabolic diseases. Two groups of obese mice were fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet, while one group received a mixture of pollutants in its food at a very low dosage. Researchers detected a deterioration of glucose tolerance in females, suggesting a defect in insulin signaling. Glucose tolerance was not affected in males exposed to the pollutants, but they did show changes in the liver related to cholesterol synthesis and transport. The researchers said their findings support the idea that pollutants may contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases, including metabolic diseases and diabetes. D. Naville et al., "Low-dose food contaminants trigger sex-specific, hepatic metabolic changes in the progeny of obese mice", The FASEB Journal, August 29, 2013, © Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Food & Nutrition Safety Diabetes Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe France

Procter & Gamble Plans U.S. Launch Of Home Pregnancy Test That Measures Length Of Pregnancy August 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Procter & Gamble said it plans to launch the Clearblue Advanced Pregnancy Test with Weeks Estimator home pregnancy test product in the United States. Unlike conventional pregnancy test kits, which only have one strip, the Clearblue comes with two strips —one measures the human  chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) hormone level and the other determines the length of the pregnancy. Already available for women in Europe, where it was launched in 2008, Clearblue received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval for market in December 2012. Alexandra Sifferlin , "Finally, The First Home Pregnancy Test That Tells You How Pregnant You Are", Time Magazine, August 28, 2013, © Time Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Women's Health Pregnancy Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Broccoli Compound Seems To Improve Joint Health August 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The compound sulforaphane, which is found in cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage and particularly broccoli, slows the destruction of cartilage in joints affected by osteoarthritis, a British study in mice has found. Earlier research suggested that sulforaphane has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. But in this study researchers showed that sulforaphane blocks the enzymes that cause joint destruction by stopping a key molecule known to cause inflammation. The researchers are launching a small clinical trial to test the impact of sulforaphane on the joints of patients slated to have knee replacement surgery. Rose K Davidson et al., "Sulforaphane represses matrix-degrading proteases and protects cartilage from destruction in vitro and in vivo", Arthritis & Rheumatism, August 27, 2013, © American College of Rheumatology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Bones & Joints Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Tough Challenge: Prodding Grocery Shoppers To Make The Produce Aisle A Top Priority August 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Nutrition and health researchers are testing ways to prod grocery shoppers away from the processed food aisles and toward the produce aisles. Acknowledging that it’s a tough challenge – food companies and grocery stores have a huge array of tricks to get people to buy high-margin junk food and drinks – the researchers are nevertheless determined to keep at it. Among the tricks being tested: putting mirrors in shopping carts so shoppers can see they need to eat healthier; and dividing shopping carts in half using yellow duct tape and suggesting that fruits and vegetable be placed in the front of the cart. That second trick boosted average produce sales from $3.99 to $8.85. Michael Moss, "Nudged to the Produce Aisle by a Look in the Mirror", The New York Times, August 27, 2013, © The New York Times Company

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Food & Nutrition Other Food & Nutrition Obesity Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Study Shows Company’s Probiotic Product Supports Digestive Health In Seniors August 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Probiotics manufacturer Ganeden Biotech says a British study confirms the effectiveness of its GanedenBC30 product in supporting digestive and immune health in healthy seniors. The study showed that GanedenBC30 increased healthy bacteria in the intestines and improved immune markets in people age 65 and over. One of the researchers noted that as people age the balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut tends to change as bad bacteria increases. The result is that people experience more gastro-intestinal (GI) issues and changes in immune function because most immune cells are in the gut. "Study Finds GanedenBC30 Probiotic Supports Digestive and Immune Health in Healthy Seniors", Nutraingredients-USA, August 27, 2013, © Ganeden Biotech, Inc.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Aging Digestive Immunity Pills & Supplements Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Women Benefit More From Interval Training Than Men – Study August 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Interval training – alternating periods of high-intensity and low-intensity exercise – benefits women runners more than men, according to a new U.S. study. Eight men and eight women in their twenties were put through self-paced, high-intensity interval training on the treadmill with different recovery periods. Maximum oxygen consumption and heart rates were measured throughout, and the results revealed a significant difference between the sexes on both measurements. The men tended to run faster, but the women worked at a higher percentage of their maximum heart rate and a higher percentage of their maximum oxygen consumption. The findings indicated that the women got more benefit from the interval training than the men. C. Matthew Laurent et al., "Sex specific responses to self-paced, high-intensity interval training with variable recovery periods", Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, August 27, 2013, © National Strength & Conditioning Association

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Women's Health Other Women's Health Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Canada Allows Kellogg’s To Fortify More Cereals With Vitamin D August 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Health Canada has given Kellogg’s Canada permission to fortify its line of breakfast cereals with vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin”. The company began adding the vitamin to some of its cereals last year, driven mainly by scientific reports of increased vitamin D deficiencies and the broader “functional food” trend. The Canadian government has been careful to allow fortification of some foods – especially milk and margarine – to reduce deficiencies, but not others for fear of overconsumption of the vitamin. Kellogg says the government’s decision to allow vitamin D fortification in more cereals is part of a three-year study to see if adding the vitamin to more foods “would benefit Canadians”. Carys Mills , "Kellogg given OK to add ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ to cereal", Toronto Star, August 24, 2013, © Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Vitamins Geographies Worldwide North America Canada

Animal Study Finds That Omega-3 Supplements Reduce ADHD Symptoms August 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Norwegian study in young rats with hyperactivity, poor ability to concentrate and impulsiveness – all symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in humans – has found that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids led to a decline in the symptoms. The rats were given omega-3 supplements while in the womb and from the earliest stages of life. Monitoring of the animals found substantial differences in the behavior of those given the omega-3 supplements as fetuses and as baby rats and those that had not. Male rats showed improved ability to concentrate, while all of the omega-3 rats showed reduced hyperactivity. The researchers cautioned that these findings might not translate to human beings for a variety of reasons. Kine S Dervola et al., "Marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce sex-specific changes in reinforcer-controlled behavior and neurotransmitter metabolism in a spontaneously hypertensive rat model of ADHD", Behavioral and Brain Functions, August 23, 2013, © Dervola et al.

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Kid's Health ADHD Pills & Supplements Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Norway

Europeans Feel Personalized Nutrition Programs Are Better For Health And Fitness August 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A European focus group study has found that consumers believe personalized nutrition – whereby diets are customized for individuals – is better for their health and fitness. Researchers at the Food4Me project also found that consumers liked the programs because they are convenient and payment-based. But at the same time the 126-person group worried about the security of the health data gathered by regulators and nutrition service providers. Personalized nutrition takes into account genetic differences among individuals, including how certain genes affect the risk of diet-related diseases. The goal  of the Food4Me project, funded by the European Commission, is to find the best ways to deliver information and services. "Personalized Nutrition Perceived Positively by Consumers", Nutrition Horizon , August 21, 2013, © CNS Media BV

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe

Exercise Can Prevent Some Unhealthy Results Of A Junk Food Diet August 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study  finds a link between the Western junk food diet – high in saturated fat, vegetable oil fats and sugar – and erectile and coronary artery dysfunction , particularly with a sedentary lifestyle. The study was conducted in rats who ate either a healthy diet or a fat-rich diet, and who either exercised or remained sedentary. The findings showed that rats who ate the Western diet but stayed sedentary developed erectile dysfunction and poorly relaxing coronary arteries. But those who ate a junk food diet – and exercised – were able to prevent these problems. Animals who ate a healthy diet avoided both erectile and coronary artery dysfunction. J. D. La Favor et al., "Exercise prevents Western diet-associated erectile dysfunction and coronary artery endothelial dysfunction: response to acute apocynin and sepiapterin treatment", AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, August 20, 2013, © American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Men's Health Erectile dysfunction Dieting & Weight Control Fitness & Exercise Heart & Cardiovascular Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Chinese Herbal Remedy Improves Locomotion In Rats With Spinal Cord Injuries August 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A preclinical study in rats has found that a mix of Chinese herbs ingested for three weeks after spinal cord injury had a therapeutic effect on the neural cells. Researchers in Canada demonstrated that the injured rats had improved locomotor function, reduced tissue damage and preserved neural cell structure compared to control rats. The medicine, Ji-Sui-Kang, targets multiple biochemical and cellular pathways that may help protect against the primary traumatic injury as well as subsequent secondary injuries that evolve over time. For proprietary reasons, the authors did not disclose all of the ingredients in JSK, but some are ginseng, glycyrrhizae radix (gan cao), paeoniae alba radix (bai shao) and cinnamomi cortex (rou gui). Caixin Su et al., "Effects of a novel herbal formulation JSK on acute spinal cord injury in rats", Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, August 19, 2013, © IOS Press

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Food & Nutrition Pills & Supplements Geographies Worldwide North America Canada

Caffeine Shown To Have Therapeutic Effect On Fatty Liver Disease August 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in the U.S. and Singapore have found evidence that increasing caffeine intake could reduce fatty liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Results from lab culture and animal tests showed that caffeine stimulates the metabolism of lipids stored in liver cells, decreasing the fatty liver of lab animals. The U.S. researchers said that consuming the equivalent caffeine intake of four cups of coffee or tea a day may help prevent and protect against the progression of NAFLD in humans. Their findings may lead to the development of caffeine-like drugs that do not have caffeine side effects, but do retain the therapeutic effects on the liver. Rohit Anthony Sinha et al., "Caffeine stimulates hepatic lipid metabolism via autophagy-lysosomal pathway", Hepatology, August 16, 2013, © American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Food & Nutrition Alternative Therapies Digestive Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Geographies Worldwide North America Asia-Pacific United States of America Singapore

Exercise Can Improve Sleep, But It’s A Long-Term Project August 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Exercise can help insomniacs fall asleep, but it’s not a fast-acting therapeutic, according to new U.S. research, and must be applied over time. The long-term study analyzed data from a 2010 clinical trial that demonstrated the ability of aerobic exercise to improve sleep, mood and vitality of 11 women ages 57 to 70. The data showed that aerobic exercise during the day did not result in improved sleep the same night among people with sleep problems. Exercise and sleep affected each other in both directions: regular long-term exercise was good for sleep but poor sleep also led to less exercise. Kelly Glazer Baron et al., "Exercise to Improve Sleep in Insomnia: Exploration of the Bidirectional Effects", Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, August 15, 2013, © American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Mind Women's Health Other Women's Health Sleep & Relaxation Fitness & Exercise Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Mediterranean Diet Coupled With Low GI Carbs Reduces Risk Of Diabetes August 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Italian researchers who studied more than 22,000 Greek patients for 11 years found that those who followed the Mediterranean diet more closely – and especially ate more low glycemic index foods – were 12 percent less likely to develop diabetes than those who followed the diet less closely. Those whose diet was more rich in high glycemic index carbohydrates were 21 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The researchers said the Mediterranean diet was not associated with weight loss, but with “dietary characteristics”. They suggested that a Mediterranean diet whose foods were low on the glycemic index “may reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes". Carlo La Vecchia et al., "Mediterranean diet and glycaemic load in relation to incidence of type 2 diabetes: results from the Greek cohort of the population-based European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)", Diabetologia, August 15, 2013, © Diabetologia

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Dieting & Weight Control Preventative Care Other Food & Nutrition Diabetes Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Italy Greece

GLG Lifetech Partners With China's Largest Food Company To Develop Healthy Products, Help Tackle Obesity And Diabetes Epidemic August 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Stevia producer GLG Lifetech announced it is working with state-owned China National Cereals, Oils, and Foodstuffs Corporation, the largest food company in China, on three major healthy food and beverage formulation projects. Two of the projects cover dairy products for the COFCO Mengniu Dairy business unit and one involves the company's China Foods subsidiary, according to GLG investor relations head Stuart Wooldridge. China's government is concerned about the increase in number of obese people in the country to more than 200 million, while those diagnosed with diabetes have reached 90 million. As part of its deal with COFCO's Nutrition and Health Research Institute, GLG will supply stevia ingredients and technologies and help the Chinese company develop products with zero or reduced sugar content. Elaine WATSON , "GLG Lifetech works with China’s largest food company to tackle obesity, diabetes epidemic with stevia", Nutraingredients USA, August 15, 2013, © William Reed Business Media SAS

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Conditions Diabetes Obesity Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific China

Gluten-Free Baked Goods Among Best New Products At Fancy Food Show August 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Food writer Ruth Taber sampled a lot of innovative foods and beverages at last month’s Fancy Food Show in New York City, but was especially fond of some tasty gluten-free baked snacks. Among her  favorite products: Barry Novick’s award winning All Parmesan Gourmet Wafer Crisps made entirely of cheese; Just The Crumbs – created by a woman with celiac disease – combining brown rice, quinoa, flax, and sesame seeds and suitable for any recipe calling for crumbs; and Israeli firm Osem’s Gratify gluten-free pretzels made with rice and soy flour (and wheat, milk, casein and egg free). Ruth Taber, "Ruth Taber: Food finds", El Paso Times, August 15, 2013, © MediaNews Group

Domains HEALTH & WELLNESS Body Conditions Food & Nutrition Digestive Other Food & Nutrition Asthma & Allergies Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America