Nutrition reviews
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The Institute of Medicine reported in 2005 that food and beverage marketing to children and youth is "out of balance with healthful diets". The dominant policy response in the United States has been to encourage self-regulation by the food, beverage, advertising, and media industries. ⋯ The empirical literature on this topic has been reinvigorated by new data on marketing practices and expenditures. The article concludes by considering whether more directive policies are possible in the future.
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Studies show that the plant polyphenol resveratrol can extend the life span of yeast, worms, flies, and fish. It also mitigates the metabolic dysfunction of mice fed high-fat diets. ⋯ However, few foods contain resveratrol and humans metabolize it extensively, resulting in very low systemic bioavailability. Substantial research effort now focuses on identifying and testing more bioavailable and potent activators of SIRT1 for use as pharmacologic interventions in aging and age-related disorders.
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Evidence from numerous laboratories using a variety of experimental models, including humans, shows that boron is a bioactive beneficial element. Much evidence has come from studies that did not require nutritional or environmental stressors or fastidious methods in diet preparation or environmental control. The evidence includes deprivation studies showing that boron is necessary for some higher animals to complete the life cycle, and that realistic low boron intakes result in impaired bone health, brain function, and immune response. Thus, low boron intake is a relevant nutritional concern, which diets rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses can prevent.
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Evidence has established the protective effect of folic acid (FA) fortification and periconceptional supplementation on neural tube defects (NTDs). Folic acid fortification and periconceptional supplementation of women may reduce the risk of certain childhood cancers in their offspring. ⋯ Future debates and decisions regarding FA fortification should take into consideration all potential adverse effects and dose-responses of such a measure because it may be associated with very serious consequences for many generations. In addition to careful monitoring of adverse effects, preclinical and population-based studied are warranted in order to determine the efficacy, safety, and potential deleterious effects of FA fortification and supplementation on cancer risk and other health outcomes.