Nutritional Information. Answers to questions about nutrition, obesity, herbal and nutritional supplements, and the role of diet in improving and maintaining your health.
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Millions of kids take melatonin but doctors are raising red flags
Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less data exists for typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and rising accidental ingestions among young kids. Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only alongside proven behavioral sleep strategies.
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Scientists tested vitamin D for COVID and found an unexpected long COVID clue
A major clinical trial has delivered an unexpected twist in the search for ways to fight COVID-19 and its lingering effects. Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that taking high doses of vitamin D3 did not make COVID-19 infections less severe or reduce hospital visits. However, the study uncovered a subtle but intriguing signal suggesting that people who consistently took vitamin D supplements might be slightly less likely to develop long COVID symptoms weeks after infection.
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The financial crisis that quietly stunted a generation
When the Asian financial crisis sent rice prices soaring in Indonesia in the late 1990s, the shock didn’t just strain household budgets—it left lasting marks on children’s bodies. Researchers from the University of Bonn found that kids exposed to the food price surge were more likely to experience stunted growth and, years later, a higher risk of obesity. The findings suggest that during crises, families often maintain calorie intake but cut back on nutrient-rich foods, creating hidden nutritional deficiencies that disrupt healthy development.
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How often do people really fart? Scientists built smart underwear to find out
Researchers have created “Smart Underwear,” a wearable device that measures flatulence by detecting hydrogen produced by gut microbes. Early tests suggest people may pass gas about 32 times a day—much higher than previous estimates. The device gives scientists a new way to track gut microbial activity in everyday life. It will power a new nationwide study called the Human Flatus Atlas to map normal patterns of gas production.
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Microplastics may be quietly damaging your brain and fueling Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Tiny plastic particles may be quietly threatening brain health. New research suggests microplastics—now widely found in food, water, and even household dust—could trigger inflammation and damage in the brain through multiple biological pathways. Scientists estimate adults may consume about 250 grams of these particles each year, and some can accumulate in organs including the brain.
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Scientists solve the mystery of a vitamin B5 molecule that powers your cells
Coenzyme A, a molecule derived from vitamin B5, is vital for metabolism throughout the body. Scientists discovered that most of it resides inside mitochondria, yet how it reached these cellular powerhouses was unclear. Yale researchers have now identified the transport system that moves CoA into mitochondria, solving a long-standing biological puzzle. The discovery could help researchers better understand diseases linked to metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial problems.
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Scientists found a surprising way to make exercise work better
Exercise normally boosts the body’s ability to use oxygen, a key marker of health and longevity — but high blood sugar can block that benefit. Researchers found that a ketogenic diet helped mice normalize blood sugar and dramatically improved how their muscles responded to exercise. Their muscles became better at using oxygen and built more endurance fibers. The results suggest diet and exercise may work together in surprising ways to improve metabolic health.
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Popular pre-workout supplements linked to dangerous sleep loss
Pre-workout supplements promising extra energy for workouts may come with a hidden cost: severely reduced sleep. A study of people aged 16–30 found users were more than twice as likely to sleep five hours or less per night. Many of these products pack huge doses of caffeine and stimulants that can linger for hours. Researchers say the findings raise concerns about the impact on young people’s health and development.
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Scientists say this simple diet change could transform your gut health
A growing trend called “fibermaxxing” is putting dietary fiber in the spotlight—and for good reason. Fiber plays a powerful role in keeping the body healthy, from supporting digestion and feeding beneficial gut microbes to helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Researchers say getting enough fiber may even lower the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.
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Parents’ stress may be quietly driving childhood obesity, Yale study finds
A Yale study found that lowering parent stress can help protect young children from obesity. When parents practiced mindfulness and stress-management skills, their kids showed healthier eating patterns and avoided the weight gain seen in families that only focused on diet and exercise.
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Popular fruits and vegetables linked to higher pesticide levels
A sweeping new study reveals that what’s on your plate may directly shape the pesticides circulating in your body. Researchers found that people who eat more fruits and vegetables known to carry higher pesticide residues—such as strawberries, spinach, and bell peppers—also have significantly higher levels of those chemicals in their urine. While produce remains a cornerstone of a healthy diet, the findings highlight how everyday food choices can drive real-world exposure to substances linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental harm.
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Scientists just created chocolate honey packed with surprising health perks
Scientists in Brazil have transformed cocoa waste into a functional chocolate-infused honey packed with antioxidants and natural stimulants. Using ultrasound waves, they enhanced honey’s ability to pull beneficial compounds from cocoa shells—no synthetic solvents required. The process is considered green and sustainable, and the product could find its way into gourmet foods and cosmetics.
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Is bubble tea bad for you? New research raises red flags
That photogenic cup of bubble tea may come with hidden downsides. Tapioca pearls made from cassava can absorb heavy metals like lead, and in large amounts they may slow digestion or even cause blockages. The drink is often loaded with sugar—sometimes more than soda—raising risks for cavities, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. There are even reports linking frequent consumption to kidney stones and poorer mental health.