Future-proofing sub-Saharan Africa | Chatbots for nutrition advice? | US News Report’s best-ranked diet

In this week’s nutrition news, researchers called for farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to switch to climate change-resistant and micronutrient-rich crops to future-proof food security in the region. Meanwhile, experts in Taiwan found that AI chatbots’ nutritional advice rivaled that of real-life nutritionists, though they warned the technology is not yet foolproof.

At the same time, US News Report ranked the Mediterranean diet as the best out of 30 for the seventh year in a row.

High fat diets were linked to gene dysregulation that could affect drug metabolism, nutrient absorption, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and immune responses, while omega-3 fatty acids were shown to potentially aid in slowing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

Researchers at APC Microbiome in Ireland discovered a potential link between changes in the gut microbiome and Social Anxiety Disorder and Verdure Sciences’ pomegranate extract was shown to support the microbiome via short-chain fatty acid circulation.

Several leading suppliers discussed the future of nutrition and wellness, including gut health, women’s health, immunity support and pet nutrition and Arla Foods Ingredients discussed its clear and ready-to-mix protein portfolio for personalized and fortified waters.

Lastly, a team of Netherlands-based researchers found that older women who did not consume caffeine exhibited insomnia symptoms and had overall worse sleep quality than those who did consume caffeine.

Functional health in 2024: Prinova spotlights ingredient and health trends for nutrition industry

Consumer focus on healthy eating is shifting from food restriction to inclusion, according to Prinova’s 2024 Functional Health Trends report. We sit down with the company’s marketing director for the EMEA and APAC regions to discuss the increasing demand for natural, branded ingredients that target specific health areas and focus on personal nutrition.

Healthy plant-based low-carb diets may benefit long-term weight management, study suggests

Scientists emphasize that the source and quality of low-carb diets are key for weight management. We examine a recent 20-year-long study that included over 120,000 participants and shows that — in contrast to more animal-based or unhealthy low-carb diets — high-quality protein, fats and carbohydrates from plants are linked to less weight gain.

This Week's Headlines

► M&S Food unveils berry kefir shot for gut health with Zoe nutrition
► Clear choice: Arla Foods Ingredients presents personalized protein waters
► Omega-3 fats may slow fatal pulmonary fibrosis by improving lung function

► Prinova spotlights ingredient and health trends for nutrition industry
► Healthy plant-based low-carb diets may benefit long-term weight management
► How Verdure Sciences’ pomegranate extract improves the microbiome
► High-fat diets linked to intestinal gene changes impacting immunity and metabolism
► Scientists urge climate-smart agriculture to prioritize nutritional quality
► AI chatbots could be the future of nutrition advice, but not yet, experts warn
► Caffeine sobriety connected to sleep disturbances in older women, study finds

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