Nutrition Cognition Research Articles
Positive Effects Through Nutrition
Specific Nutritional Strategies For Neurological Conditions -An Exciting Direction In Research
Jilly was diagnosed with apraxia and dyspraxia by an SLP and a neurologist
According to the latest estimates from the CDC, as many as one in 50 kids in U.S. schools have autism. This isn’t even including those now diagnosed with apraxia, a motor planning impairment, and yet another multifaceted neurologically based communication impairment. Based on the high number of children with autism who are also diagnosed with apraxia co existing, and even higher number of children diagnosed with apraxia alone, apraxia may even be more prevalent than autism. A ten year meta-analysis ‘Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” published by Pediatrics in Spring of 2012 found support for the use of the majority of methods of treatment for autism weak and in some cases with severe side effects.
“Nutritional Therapy”
In the past 14 years in the Cherab Foundation we’ve had strong positive parental and professional anecdotal feedback from thousands for the use of nutritional strategies. This started specifically with the addition of a very specific formula of essential fatty acids, mainly provided through fish oils or algae that is high in EPA to DHA (both Omega 3s) with a small amount of GLA (Omega 6 from primrose or borage seed oil). More recently, in the past three and a half years, this also includes the addition of all the essential amino acids and the majority of other essential nutrients through food ingredients provided by the original formula of Nutriiveda (NV). Parental as well as professional anecdotal including from medical doctors and therapists in the US and around the globe, claim improvements in close to 100% of the patients they advise to take NV original. NutriiVeda (NV) Original, an all natural healthy meal supplement, formulated and endorsed by Dr. Deepak Chopra, that contains over 22 vitamins and minerals, high quality protein, soluble fiber, and all the essential amino acids. Nutrients in NV original are from food sources. NV Original is casein and gluten free, and also tested free of any heavy metals, hormones, pesticides or herbicides, stimulants, preservatives, or any genetically modified or synthetic contaminants.
Preclinical Research on Nutriiveda (NV) Original
We started preclinical research on NV original over a year ago but have not completed it yet for financial reasons. David, one of the Dads in the Cherab Foundation, is the Director of Global Development for a research company. As a scientist, David is amazed by what he’s seen with the original formula of Nutriiveda in his own 11 year old son who has made the same remarkable gains as Lisa Geng’s 14 year old son Tanner. He has like many others seen regressions when his son was taken off NV original. His company proposed to test both formulations of Nutriiveda (original vs. the new Achieve) side by side in preclinical research as in our group we have strong anecdotal that it’s the original formula of Nutriiveda and not the new Achieve formula that we are seeing the remarkable results with for some reason. David and his CEO flew in to the US to discuss the research plans. They have various standard scientific models to test numerous indications and have already completed a few of the tests. 
As David said, typically they look for preclinical validation and then hope it works in the human population. With the original formula of NV we know we are already getting remarkable professional anecdotal feedback of close to 100 percent success so now it’s just “going backward” to “fill in the blanks” as we know it already is working phenomenally well in humans. Below are a number of research articles to support what we already know, that healthy, and in some cases specific nutrition, may hold the key to assisting in various ways to support and improve cognition. We have found very specific formulas of essential fatty acids to work best, and we have found that it’s a specific synergistic blend of foods that are most beneficial rather than these foods or nutrients in isolation. We would appreciate more validation including clinical studies to support the solid parental and professional anecdotal feedback of both fish oils as well as the specific formula of food ingredients in Nutriiveda Original. 
It doesn’t appear to matter diagnosis or age as NV has helped children from 13 months old to an 89 year old with Alzheimer’s Reports on seizures Chromosomal disorders Severe autism and clinical MR stroke and TBI rare life threatening metabolic disorders, rare life threatening genetic disorders, ADHD, complex brain impairments, even in those born missing part of their brain’s frontal lobe. More on NV on the “Getting Started” page including the most common questions and answers, recipes and serving suggestions, as well as information for the doctor. The articles below however are just a sampling that show strong support for how healthy nutrition is being shown to support and help cognition. They include research articles on essential fatty acids from fish oils, and the nutrients from the food ingredients in Nutriived a (NV) Original.
How Eating Could Improve Your IQ
How eating could improve your IQ From the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, and published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The connection between childhood growth and levels of intelligence is explored in a new study from the Children of the 90s project. “Poor fetal and post-natal growth are associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Low birthweight babies experience delays in reaching motor milestones and on average have slightly lower IQs than normal weight babies.” “Similarly, short stature – a measure of poor post-natal growth and nutrition – is associated with low scores in tests of cognitive function and poor educational achievement.”
What 3-Year-Olds Eat Affects Their School Performance Many Years Later
What 3-year-olds eat affects their school performance many years later Research from the Institute of Education and the Children of the 90s study shows that children who ate a diet of “junk food” at the age of 3, made less progress in school between the ages of 6 (Key Stage 1) and 10 (Key Stage 2).
Junk Food Diets In Early Childhood May Lower IQ
Junk Food Diets in Early Childhood May Lower IQ A diet high in fats, sugars and processed foods at the age of three is associated with a lower IQ at the age of 8. A diet, high in fats, sugars, and processed foods in early childhood may lower IQ, while a diet packed full of vitamins and nutrients may do the opposite, suggests research just published online in theJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The authors base their findings on participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (also known as Children of the 90s), which tracks the long term health and wellbeing of around 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992. Overall, kids who ate empty calorie fast-food diets at age 3 had a small drop in IQ at age 8.5, compared with kids eating healthy foods.The study controlled for other environmental factors that can influence IQ, such as parental education level, maternal diet in pregnancy, socioeconomic status and stressful life events. For each unit increase in processed foods, children lost 1.67 points in IQ. For each unit increase in healthy diets, children gained 1.2 IQ points. Early diet seemed to affect kids’ later verbal abilities more than their performance abilities. “Performance IQ relates to an individual’s innate intellectual ability, while verbal IQ more reflects the impact of education, which in turn is affected by influences such as parenting and environment,” wrote the researchers. According to the researchers, this study is in line with previous studies in this cohort, which suggests that overall dietary patterns in early childhood are associated with both later child behavior, in particular hyperactivity and school performance. This study shows the common adage, “food is fuel,” relates both to how we fuel our bodies and our brains. Toddler’s brains are a mad-house of activity – forming neural connections at a dizzying rate. It only makes sense that nutrition would impart some influence one way or the other on these delicate and intense processes.
The Connection Between Good Nutrition and Good Cognition
The Connection Between Good Nutrition and Good Cognition A study that looked at biomarkers in the blood to correlate vitamins and brain function found very clear links between nutrition and brain health….The researchers found some striking connections between nutrition and brain health. People who had higher levels of B family vitamins, as well as vitamins C, D, and E had higher scores on cognitive tests than people with lower levels. The same positive relationship was found for omega-3 fatty acids, which have previously been linked to better brain health. On the flipside, people with higher levels of trans fats in their blood had poorer performance in thinking and memory tests. Their MRI scans also revealed more brain shrinkage than people who had lower trans fats levels. Trans fats are found in a variety of junk foods, like fried, packaged, and fast foods.
In regards to special needs, there is a recently published study which found ”The relationship between relative metabolic disturbances and developmental disorders is an emerging research focus.”
Amino-acid deficiency underlies rare form of autism
Amino-acid deficiency underlies rare form of autism Genetic mutations in metabolic pathway could be fixed with nutritional supplement. “This might represent the first treatable form of autism,” says Joseph Gleeson, a child neurologist at the University of California, San Diego, who led the study. “That is both heartening to families with autism, and also I think revealing of the underlying mechanisms of autism.”
UCSF autism kids study tests enzyme to improve protein digestion
UCSF autism kids study tests enzyme to improve protein digestion UCSF researchers are kicking off a clinical trial to test whether certain children with autism can benefit from regular doses of an enzyme to help them digest proteins, which may in turn improve their brain function and ease some symptoms of their disease.
Nutritional and metabolic status of children with autism vs. neurotypical children, and the association with autism severity
Nutritional and metabolic status of children with autism vs. neurotypical children, and the association with autism severity The autism group had many statistically significant differences in their nutritional and metabolic status, including biomarkers indicative of vitamin insufficiency, increased oxidative stress, reduced capacity for energy transport, sulfation and detoxification. Several of the biomarker groups were significantly associated with variations in the severity of autism. These nutritional and metabolic differences are generally in agreement with other published results and are likely amenable to nutritional supplementation. Research investigating treatment and its relationship to the co-morbidities and etiology of autism is warranted.
Nutrient Biomarker Patterns, Cognitive Function, and MRI Measures Of Brain Aging
Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, published in Neurology December 28th, 2011 used biomarkers in the blood to correlate nutrition with brain health, both good and bad. The researchers found some striking connections between nutrition and brain health. This study also found that those people who had higher levels of healthy nutrients in their body had higher scores on cognitive tests than people with lower levels.
‘Western’ Diet Doesn’t Make for Healthy Seniors
‘Western’ Diet Doesn’t Make for Healthy Seniors Participants on a Western-style diet had lower odds of ideal aging, defined as the absence of chronic diseases and mental health problems, as well as good cardiometabolic, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cognitive function, according to Tasnime Akbaraly, PhD, of INSERM in Montpellier, France, and colleagues.
Nutrition And Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Acute and Subacute Health Outcomes in Military Personnel (2011)
Nutrition and Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Acute and Subacute Health Outcomes in Military Personnel (2011) The Department of Defense (DoD) asked the IOM to review the potential role of nutrition in the treatment of and resilience against TBI. The U.S. Defense Department commissioned the report because traumatic brain injuries among U.S. soldiers have become more common. But the scientists behind the findings say while they were focused on TBIs in soldiers, their advice could apply to anyone with a recent brain injury. Given the complexity of TBI and the current gaps in scientific knowledge, the IOM could identify only one action that can immediately improve treatment efforts: early feeding to patients with severe TBI. Research has shown that feeding the severely injured soon after an injury is known to help in decreasing mortality. If these nutrients are delivered quickly after brain trauma, and then maintained for two weeks afterward, damaged brain cells are more likely to get the energy they need to heal, raising the chances for the patient’s survival and better recovery, the review concludes. In addition, new information suggests that nutritional interventions could help in treating or even providing resilience against TBI. The IOM identified a number of other possible benefits for specific nutritional interventions and recommends that the DoD and other collaborates conduct more research. Of special interest the chapter on Branched Chain Amino Acids (also called essential amino acids like found here) and the Omega 3s DHA and EPA (from fish oils and algae- also see this page) Open book.
Nestlé Nutrition study reveals children are developing unhealthy eating habits earlier
Nestlé Nutrition study reveals children are developing unhealthy eating habits earlier American children as young as 12 months are developing unhealthy dietary patterns which may lead to obesity in later life, according to a study by Nestlé Nutrition. The findings were presented at The Obesity Society’s annual scientific meeting in Orlando in the United States. The research found that toddlers from the age of 12 months and up consumed one third of their daily calories from snacking between meals.
Could Fish Make Our Children Smart?
Could fish make our children smart? Dr Williams says: “The Children of the 90s project in Bristol was the first to identify the associations between a prenatal diet rich in fish oil, and neurocognitive development in ordinary healthy children. “First of all we found that found that mums-to-be who eat oily fish such as sardines and mackerel have children whose visual development is better. Those children reach the adult grade of depth perception sooner, a positive association which was also seen for breastfeeding. “We’ve also found that women who ate fish regularly during pregnancy had children with better language and communication skills by the age of 18 months. “We analysed the diets of 7,400 mothers and found that there was a subtle but consistent link between eating fish during pregnancy and children’s subsequent test scores, even after adjusting for other factors such as the age and education of the mother, whether she breastfed, and the quality of the home environment. “The largest effect was seen in a test of the children’s understanding of words at the age of 15 months. Children whose mothers ate fish at least once a week scored 7 per cent higher than those whose mothers never ate fish.” Amino-Acid Deficiency Found to Underlie Rare Form of Autism Genetic mutations in a metabolic pathway could be fixed with protein supplements. “This might represent the first treatable form of autism,” says Joseph Gleeson, a child neurologist at the University of California, San Diego, who led the study. “That is both heartening to families with autism, and also I think revealing of the underlying mechanisms of autism.”
The Role Of Whey Protein In Nutritional Therapy
The Role of Whey Protein in Nutritional Therapy The number of children with special health care needs is increasing due to medical advances, early disease identification and improved nutritional interventions. Children with special health care needs often require individualized nutrition care in order to grow and develop to their full potential. This article will identify common nutrition challenges and highlight nutrition assessment parameters used in evaluating children with special healthcare needs, particularly those children with developmental delays. The potential benefits of whey-based formulas in the nutritional management of this population are then presented.
An Overview of Curcumin in Neurological Disorders
An Overview of Curcumin in Neurological Disorders 14 studies are reviewed and based on the evidences, it can be concluded that curcumin possessed multiple actions in brain. Curcumin can be a future drug of therapy for the treatment of various neurological disorders such as major depression, seizures, tardive dyskinesia and diabetic neuropathy.
Heavier Babies- Is Fish Consumption A Red Herring?
Heavier Babies – Is Fish Consumption A Red Herring? A mother-to-be who eats fish during the later stages of pregnancy is less likely to have a very small baby.
Food So Important For Children’s Skeletons
Food So Important For Children’s Skeletons The foods our children eat in early life affects the health of their skeleton in later childhood, according to research revealed at the Ninth Bath Conference on Osteoporosis.
Children As Young As Nine At Risk Of Depression Due To Vitamin D Deficiency
Children as young as nine at risk of depression due to vitamin D deficiency New research from Children of the 90s, shows that the link between low levels of vitamin D and depression is established in childhood and that ensuring children have a good intake of vitamin D could help reduce depression in adolescence and adulthood. The link between depression and vitamin D (which we get from exposure to sunlight and from certain foods, like oily fish and fortified breakfast cereals) has already been established in adults but this is the first study to look at the vitamin’s effect in children.
Learning To Drink From A Cup Helps Toddlers In The Battle For Healthy Eating
Fun facts about fruit
Toddlers who drink from a cup – rather than a bottle — were found to have a more balanced diet, according to a report out today.
Pre-School Children Turning Their Noses Up At Fruit
Pre-School Children Turning Their Noses Up At Fruit Researchers at Bristol University studying foods eaten by three-year-olds found that one in six children ate no vegetables -and a similar number turned their noses up at fruit.
Slideshow: The Truth About Omega-3, The Good Fat
Slideshow: The Truth About Omega-3, the Good Fat Omega-3 fatty acids may have far-reaching health benefits. Studies suggest they help lower the risk of heart disease, the nation’s top killer. They may also protect against depression, dementia, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3s are found in salmon, walnuts, spinach, and more – but the health benefits can differ greatly from one source to another.
Children’s Packed Lunches -Are They Even Worse Than Turkey Twizzlers?
Children’s packed lunches – are they even worse than Turkey Twizzlers? Packed lunches taken to school by 7-year olds are even less healthy than school meals used to be before Jamie Oliver set out to reform them.
Fish And Children: Seafood May Improve Development
Fish And Children: Seafood May Improve Development A new study of children in Bristol has shown that women who ate fish regularly during pregnancy had children with better language and communication skills by the age of 18 months.
Size Zero Is Bad News For Bones
Size Zero is bad news for bones Teenage girls who are too thin may be putting themselves at risk of brittle bones in later life. New research shows that fat mass is closely related to bone growth, particularly in girls.
Childhood Obesity: A Weight On The Nation
Childhood Obesity: A Weight On The Nation “The rise in obesity in our population is a major public health problem that has serious implications for our health now and in the future. “It is well known that there is a connection between obesity and a range of Illnesses like diabetes or blood pressure. What hasn’t always been appreciated is the association with a range of other diseases too, from depression and arthritis to cancer and heart attacks.
With Amino Acid Diet, Mice Improve After Brain Injury
With Amino Acid Diet, Mice Improve After Brain Injury Neurology researchers have shown that feeding amino acids to brain-injured animals restores their cognitive abilities and may set the stage for the first effective treatment for cognitive impairments suffered by people with traumatic brain injuries. “We have shown in an animal model that dietary intervention can restore a proper balance of neurochemicals in the injured part of the brain, and simultaneously improves cognitive performance,” said study leader Akiva S. Cohen, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If the results in mice can be reproduced in people, patients with traumatic brain injuries could receive the BCAAs in a drink.”~ Akiva S. Cohen, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia The animals in the current study received a cocktail of three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), specifically leucine, isoleucine and valine, in their drinking water. Previous researchers had shown that people with severe brain injuries showed mild functional improvements after receiving BCAAs through an intravenous line. BCAAs are crucial precursors of two neurotransmitters—glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, which function together to maintain an appropriate balance of brain activity. Glutamate excites neurons, stimulating them to fire, while GABA inhibits the firing. “Drug therapy that combines a derivative of the antibiotic tetracycline and a synthetic derivative of an amino acid may help patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, a new study in animals suggests”
Dietary Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dietary Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder Evidence is emerging that there may be a link between diet, ASD, gut epithelial changes and altered immune responses, however the studies so far have had small sample sizes and clearly further well constructed and adequately-powered randomised control trials are urgently needed in this field.
Diet May Help ADHD More Than Drugs
Diet May Help ADHD More Than Drugs
According to a study published in The Lancet journal diet may help ADHD more than drugs. Listen to an NPR Podcast here. See more on this website as well.
Babies Weaned On Home-Cooked Fruit And Veg More Likely To Eat ’5 A Day’ As Children
Babies weaned on home-cooked fruit and veg more likely to eat ‘5 a day’ as children Babies weaned on home-cooked fruit and vegetables are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables as children, according to recent research using data from the Bristol-based Children of the 90s study.
High-Carb Diet Linked To Higher Risk Of Cognitive Impairment After Age 70, Mayo Study Finds
High-carb diet linked to higher risk of cognitive impairment after age 70, Mayo study finds A diet consisting of a high percentage of carbohydrates, particularly sugars, is associated with a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among people aged 70 and older, a study from the Mayo Clinic has found. The study also found that consuming a higher percentage of protein and fat in relation to carbohydrates was associated with a lower risk of becoming cognitively impaired.
Are Dietary Patterns In Childhood Associated With IQ At 8 Years Of Age? A Population-Based Cohort Study
Are dietary patterns in childhood associated with IQ at 8 years of age? A population-based cohort study Traditionally, nutrients have been viewed as a means to provide humans with basic calories to maintain homeostasis. Of these, fat has been the substrate that provides the most concentrated source of calories, while providing essential fatty acids and assisting in the luminal absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Abstract Background; Little is known about the effects of overall diet in childhood and intelligence later in life. Methods The current study, based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, uses data on children’s diet reported by parents in food-frequency questionnaires at 3, 4, 7 and 8.5 years of age. Dietary patterns were identified using principal-components analysis and scores computed at each age. IQ was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children at 8.5 years. Data on a number of confounders were collected, and complete data were available for 3966 children. Results After adjustment, the ‘processed’ (high fat and sugar content) pattern of diet at 3 years of age was negatively associated with IQ assessed at 8.5 years of age—a 1 SD increase in dietary pattern score was associated with a 1.67 point decrease in IQ (95% CI −2.34 to −1.00; p<0.0001). The ‘health-conscious’ (salad, rice, pasta, fish, fruit) pattern at 8.5 years was positively associated with IQ: a 1 SD increase in pattern score led to a 1.20 point increase in IQ (95% CI 0.52 to 1.88; p=0.001). Conclusion There is evidence that a poor diet associated with high fat, sugar and processed food content in early childhood may be associated with small reductions in IQ in later childhood, while a healthy diet, associated with high intakes of nutrient rich foods described at about the time of IQ assessment may be associated with small increases in IQ.
Fast Food Linked To Asthma And Allergies In Kids
Fast Food Linked to Asthma and Allergies in Kids
Eating fast food meals at least three times a week was linked to a 39% increased risk of severe asthma in teenagers and a 27% increased risk among children between ages six and seven.
A Macroenpigenetic Approach To Identify Factors Resonsible For The Autism Epidemic In The US
A macroepigenetic approach to identify factors responsible for the autism epidemic in the United States How high fructose corn syrup may be one of the factors behind the autism epidemic -A macroepigenetic approach to identify factors responsible for the autism epidemic in the United States
Promoting Healthy Drinking Habits In Children
Promoting healthy drinking habits in children Fewer than one third of primary school children drink enough fluids, which can affect their cognitive function as well as their physical health. Why good hydration is particularly important in children NICE’s recommendations for how much children should drink The role of schools in promoting healthy drinking
Dysfunction in GABA signalling mediates autism-like stereotypies and Rett syndrome phenotypes
Dysfunction in GABA signalling mediates autism-like stereotypies and Rett syndrome phenotypes Mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, which encodes the transcriptional regulator methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), cause Rett syndrome and several neurodevelopmental disorders including cognitive disorders, autism, juvenile-onset schizophrenia and encephalopathy with early lethality. Rett syndrome is characterized by apparently normal early development followed by regression, motor abnormalities, seizures and features of autism, especially stereotyped behaviours. The mechanisms mediating these features are poorly understood. Here we show that mice lacking Mecp2 from GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-releasing neurons recapitulate numerous Rett syndrome and autistic features, including repetitive behaviours. Loss of MeCP2 from a subset of forebrain GABAergic neurons also recapitulates many features of Rett syndrome. MeCP2-deficient GABAergic neurons show reduced inhibitory quantal size, consistent with a presynaptic reduction in glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (Gad1) and glutamic acid decarboxylase 2 (Gad2) levels, and GABA immunoreactivity. These data demonstrate that MeCP2 is critical for normal function of GABA-releasing neurons and that subtle dysfunction of GABAergic neurons contributes to numerous neuropsychiatric phenotypes.
GABA-Based Evaluation of Neurologic Conditions
GABA-Based Evaluation of Neurologic Conditions GABA arises from glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in protein. Autism Spectrum Disorders GABAA and GABAB receptor down regulation has been proposed as a potential pathophysiologic mechanism in autism.73,74 Harada et al75 recently reported the first MR spectroscopy evaluation of GABA in children with autism, which demonstrated significantly reduced GABA concentration in the frontal lobes and in the GABA/Glu ratio, suggesting that GABAergic activity declines while glutamatergic activity is excessive.These reductions in GABA could explain the cognitive impairment and increased seizure risk inherent in autism.
Chocolate Makes Snails Smarter
Chocolate Makes Snails Smarter Flavonoid in dark chocolate ‘makes snails smarter’- what no human volunteers for the chocolate study? Explanation “Lukowiak and Fruson decided to concentrate on a group of compounds – the flavinoids – found in a wide range of ‘superfoods’ including chocolate and green tea, focusing on one particular flavonoid, (-)epicatechin (epi). However, figuring out how a single component of chocolate might improve human memory is almost impossible – too many external factors influence memory formation – so Lukowiak turned to his favourite animal, the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, to find out whether the dark chocolate flavonoid could improve their memories”
Flavonols From Chocolate May Help Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Flavonols from chocolate may help patients with mild cognitive impairment Researchers at the University of L’Aquila in L’Aquila, Italy have discovered that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who consumed a high dosage of flavonols from cocoa had significantly higher overall cognitive scores than people who took intermediate or low amounts of the substance. “This study provides encouraging evidence that consuming cocoa flavanols, as a part of a calorie-controlled and nutritionally-balanced diet, could improve cognitive function,” study lead author Dr. Giovambattista Desideri, director of Geriatric Division, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila in Italy, said
University of Colorado, Boulder new citizen-science initiative the American Gut project
University of Colorado, Boulder new citizen-science initiative the American Gut project Few of the scientists … had much doubt that the Western diet was altering our gut microbiome in troubling ways. Some, like Blaser, are concerned about the antimicrobials we’re ingesting with our meals; others with the sterility of processed food. Most agreed that the lack of fiber in the Western diet was deleterious to the microbiome, and still others voiced concerns about the additives in processed foods, few of which have ever been studied for their specific effects on the microbiota. According to a recent article in Nature by the Stanford microbiologist Justin Sonnenburg, “Consumption of hyperhygienic, mass-produced, highly processed and calorie-dense foods is testing how rapidly the microbiota of individuals in industrialized countries can adapt.” As our microbiome evolves to cope with the Western diet, Sonnenburg says he worries that various genes are becoming harder to find as the microbiome’s inherent biodiversity declines along with our everyday exposure to bacteria.
Catherine Lozupone in Boulder and Andrew Gewirtz, an immunologist at Georgia State University, directed my attention to the emulsifiers commonly used in many processed foods — ingredients with names like lecithin, Datem, CMC and polysorbate 80. Gewirtz’s lab has done studies in mice indicating that some of these detergentlike compounds may damage the mucosa — the protective lining of the gut wall — potentially leading to leakage and inflammation.
A growing number of medical researchers are coming around to the idea that the common denominator of many, if not most, of the chronic diseases from which we suffer today may be inflammation — a heightened and persistent immune response by the body to a real or perceived threat. Various markers for inflammation are common in people with metabolic syndrome, the complex of abnormalities that predisposes people to illnesses like cardiovascular disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and perhaps cancer. While health organizations differ on the exact definition of metabolic syndrome, a 2009 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 34 percent of American adults are afflicted with the condition. But is inflammation yet another symptom of metabolic syndrome, or is it perhaps the cause of it? And if it is the cause, what is its origin?
This Is Your Brain On Sugar: Study In Rats Shows High Fructose Diet Sabotages Learning Memory
This Is Your Brain On Sugar: Study in Rats Shows High-Fructose Diet Sabotages Learning, Memory ScienceDaily (May 15, 2012) — Attention, college students cramming between midterms and finals: Binging on soda and sweets for as little as six weeks may make you stupid. A new UCLA rat study is the first to show how a diet steadily high in fructose slows the brain, hampering memory and learning — and how omega-3 fatty acids can counteract the disruption. The peer-reviewed Journal of Physiology publishes the findings in its May 15 edition.
Good health and nutrition enable children to learn better
Good health and nutrition enable children to learn better School health and nutrition programs have been shown to make the greatest difference in terms of both health and cognition, with girls and the poorest, most disadvantaged children, and recently more of these children are enrolled in school.
Berries Delay Memory Decline In Adults
Berries Delay Memory Decline in Adults A new study by Harvard researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) finds that a high intake of flavonoid-rich berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, over time, can delay memory decline in older women by two and a half years. This study was published April 26th, 2012 by Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society.
New studies examine caffeine’s effect on cognitive tasks, food pairing
New studies examine caffeine’s effect on cognitive tasks, food pairing Since 1977, there has been a 70% increase in caffeine consumption among children and adolescents. Whether it is coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks, our children are consuming more of it. One well documented effect of caffeine is improved cognitive performance on certain tasks.
Harvard School Of Public Health-The Nutrition Source
Harvard School of Public Health » The Nutrition Source Harvard Medical School -Nutrition 101: Good eating for good health
- Introduction: The Best Guides to a Healthy Diet
- Building MyPyramid and MyPlate
- Dietary Guidelines in the 21st Century: Progress, Not Perfection
- The Problems with MyPyramid and MyPlate
- Building a Better Pyramid and Plate • The Healthy Eating Pyramid • The Healthy Eating Plate
- Using the Healthy Eating Pyramid and the Healthy Eating Plate
- Other Alternatives to MyPlate
- Evidence that Following the Healthy Eating Pyramid and Healthy Eating Plate Lowers Disease Risk
- References
Projects From The Center For Nutrition, Learnning, And Memory
Projects from the Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory “Through scientific discovery and targeted research, the Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory (CNLM) drives the understanding of nutrition’s impact on brain cognition. The Center is the first interdisciplinary cognition and nutrition research center in the country. The research at the CNLM is led by faculty at Illinois in partnership with the leading scientists in cognition, brain function and supporting technologies from all over the world. The Center hosts an annual research competition to support pioneering, multi-disciplinary research, enabling teams of investigators to apply new technologies and thinking from across a wide range of disciplines to take nutrition and cognition research to a new level. The Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory partners with two world-renowned Urbana campus research facilities, the Institute of Genomic Biology and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, in collaboration with the Division of Nutritional Sciences and the Neuroscience Program. The Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory partners with two world-renowned Urbana campus research facilities, the Institute of Genomic Biology and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, in collaboration with the Division of Nutritional Sciences and the Neuroscience Program. The Center aims to push the field of traditional nutrition science research forward with leading-edge brain imaging and supercomputing technologies. The Center is governed by representatives from both Abbott and Illinois.” Selected proposals for 2012 are:
- Nutritional Intake, Cognitive Function and Measures of Brain Aging
- Nutritional Enhancement of Cognition Through Stem Cells
- Optimizing Assessment Tools for Determining Nutritional Enhancement of Learning and Memory
- Cognitive and Brain Development in Premature Infants
- Development of a Methodology for Investigating the Effects of Nutrition on the Maturation of Brain Networks Associated with Memory and Language in Infants
- The Effects of a Bioactive Nutrient on Cognitive Functioning in an Animal Model of Normal Aging
- Molecular Basis of Cognitive Impairment in “ChemoBrain” and Nutritional Intervention
- The Effects of Fortified Nutritional Supplementation on Cognition, Memory, & Achievement
- Development of a Small-for-Gestational-Age Piglet Model
- Synergistic Effects of Exercise and Nutrition on Cognition & Brain Health of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Probing the Effect of Brain Metabolism on Cognitive Function
- Mouse Cognition Core Facility
- Nutritional Regulation of Human Neuronal Development
- Enhancing Learning and Memory in the Aged: Interactions Between Dietary Supplementation and Exercise
Abbott Explores Brain Food With The Univeristy Of Illinois
Abbott Explores Brain Food With The Univeristy Of Illinois Healthcare giant Abbott has announced a tie up with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to establish a multi-disciplinary research center exploring the relationship between diet and cognition. The Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory will lead “directed and solicited research on the impact of nutrition on learning and memory” and will direct an annual call for proposals designed to uncover innovative scientific research in the field.
Abbott Laboratories’ Golden Goose: The Nutrition Business
Abbott Laboratories’ Golden Goose: The Nutrition Business Nutrition is not a glamorous business, but an efficient one. It is suitable for employing large factories, continuous process manufacturing and direct-to-consumer marketing. Nutrition, after the split of the company, accounts for roughly 30 percent of Abbott Laboratories’ (ABT) overall revenue for 2012 when adjusting out the $18 billion proprietary pharmaceuticals revenue. In the post-AbbVie world, nutrition is Abbott’s largest division, with $6.471 billion in sales last year.
Nestle Health Sciences
Nestlé Health Science Nestlé Health Science offers nutritional solutions for people with specific dietary needs related to illnesses, disease states or the special challenges of different life stages. Nestlé Health Science
Feingold Association For The Feingold Diet Research
Feingold Association for the Feingold Diet Research A huge number of studies supporting diet therapy for numerous conditions including ADHD, autism, seizures, and learning difficulties, some of them complied by the Feingold Association for the Feingold diet. Nutriiveda (NV) has been approved by the Feingold Diet
- How can a simple diet help so many different problems?
- What is the deal with saliclates?
- Is the diet only for children?
- Conditions & Research
- The Feingold program
‘Medical Foods’ and Supplements for Brain Health Advance
‘Medical Foods’ and Supplements for Brain Health Advance As pharmaceutical companies struggle to devise new drugs to treat symptoms of dementia, a host of supplements and products called “medical foods” purporting to improve cognitive function are advancing toward the market.
