Could Healthy Gut Microbes Help Preserve Muscle as We Age?

Vitamin K: Beyond Blood Clotting

In addition to its role in blood clotting, emerging research suggests vitamin K might help protect bones and joints, promote healthy arteries, and reduce risk of diabetes.

Vitamin K was named for its role in coagulation (koagulation in German), but it turns out this important vitamin has significant roles beyond blood clotting. Work by Tufts researchers and others shows that vitamin K may be an important factor in bone health, cardiovascular health, and type 2 diabetes.

What, Exactly, is a Mediterranean Diet?

More than a diet plan, this health-promoting food pattern allows room for preferences.

Although it has been the subject of numerous health, weight loss, and cooking books, the so-called “Mediterranean diet” is not actually a diet plan—it’s the traditional way of eating in countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea.

Not All Diabetes Apps Are Created Equal

A recent study from Singapore suggests that many mobile applications (apps) designed to support diabetes self-management do not offer key features that could help with blood sugar control.

Magnesium and Migraine

The jury is out on whether or not dietary or supplemental magnesium can help prevent or treat debilitating migraine headaches.

The International Headache Society (IHS) defines migraine as a headache disorder with recurrent attacks (at least five) that last from 4 to 72 hours, are associated with nausea and/or sensitivity to light and sound, and also have at least two of four other characteristics including: pain that is of moderate or severe intensity; throbbing or pulsing; affects only one side of the head; or is worsened by routine activity such as walking. According to the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study, migraine is a major cause of disability worldwide.

DRI Update for Sodium and Potassium

An expert committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which included Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, Gershoff Professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Executive Editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, recently reviewed the scientific evidence in order to update the official U.S. and Canadian Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for sodium and potassium.

Early Introduction of Peanuts May Prevent Peanut Allergy

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published updated guidelines on the topic of maternal and early infant diets for the prevention of asthma, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and food allergy (atopic disease). The review of research studies concluded that the early introduction of appropriate forms of peanuts (such as ground peanuts or peanut protein) may prevent peanut allergy.

Carrot Muffins