Research Round-Up

Research News
Written By Leanne Scott | FNTP, DipFNT, IHS, FDNP, RWP, BCHN, BAppSc, A-CFMP

A new paper in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) reports that the systematic reviews (SRs) underpinning the current American Dietary guidelines (2020-2025) are “suboptimal” and of “critically low quality.”¹

The authors, led by University of Ottawa methodology expert David Moher, aimed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these reviews. Several methodological quality and reporting concerns were identified, which could lead to reliability and reproducibility issues should a full reproduction attempt be made. Read the full paper.

Exercise is important. But reducing sitting time is equally crucial. A major new study found that prolonged sitting time significantly increases cardiovascular risks—even among people who exercise regularly. The research, published in JACC and involving nearly 90,000 participants tracked over eight years through wearable devices, found that sitting for more than 10.6 hours per day markedly increased the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. This elevated risk persisted even among those meeting recommended exercise guidelines of 150 minutes per week.

The good news is that replacing just 30 minutes of sitting time with any physical activity, even light movement, reduced heart failure risk by 6-15% and cardiovascular mortality by 9-10%. This research, among the largest of its kind using objective activity measurements, suggests that while regular exercise is vital, we must also focus on reducing extended periods of sitting throughout the day. This includes finding ways to break up sedentary time, whether through standing desks, walking meetings, or regular movement breaks.

Check out this article by Dr Chris Kresser How to Walk 10,000 Steps a Day If You’re a Desk Jockey for more tips.

An important new study from UCLA examining how the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats in our diet impacts prostate cancer outcomes. 

The findings are remarkable and highlight just how crucial this dietary ratio can be for men's health.

The CAPFISH-3 clinical trial found that men with early-stage prostate cancer who increased their omega-3 intake while decreasing omega-6s showed a 15% decrease in cancer cell proliferation after one year. In contrast, the control group saw a 24% increase in cancer cell growth over the same period.

Here's what the successful intervention group did:

Reduced foods high in omega-6 fats, including:

  • Processed foods

  • Fried foods

  • Commercial salad dressings

  • Foods made with industrial seed oils

Increased sources of omega-3s through:

  • Cold-water fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

  • Shellfish like oysters

  • Fish roe

  • High-quality fish oil supplements

The researchers measured the effects using Ki-67, a key marker of cancer progression. The results suggest that this simple dietary modification could help slow prostate cancer progression in men with early-stage diagnoses.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence showing that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in our diet may be just as important as the absolute amounts of either. Unfortunately, the standard American diet tends to be very high in omega-6s and low in omega-3s.

The good news is that improving this ratio is relatively straightforward. 

Focus on reducing processed foods (especially those made with seed oils) while increasing your intake of omega-3 rich foods. 

Glucocorticoids are commonly used during pregnancy to reduce risks associated with preterm birth and to treat autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. While these medications help manage inflammation and symptoms, excess prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids may affect fetal development and increase the risk of mental health issues in children.

Betamethasone and dexamethasone, which can cross the placenta, are often given to pregnant people at risk of early delivery. Comparing children exposed to glucocorticoids with those unexposed but born to mothers with similar conditions is needed to provide more accurate insights and research on this topic.

Prednisolone, a glucocorticoid often used for autoimmune diseases, does not pass through the placenta. However, high doses over long periods may impact fetal development.

Observational studies suggest links between high-dose prednisolone and anxiety, depression, or ADHD in children, but these studies face limitations.

This Danish cohort study investigated mental disorders in children exposed to glucocorticoids before birth. The study included over one million children born between 1996 and 2016, with follow-ups until 2018. Among children of mothers at risk of preterm delivery, glucocorticoid exposure was associated with higher risks of autism, ADHD, and mood or anxiety disorders.

Similar associations were observed in children of mothers with autoimmune conditions. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids is linked to an increased risk of certain mental disorders in offspring.

These findings highlight the need for further education on preconception nutrition, lifestyle management and caution when prescribing glucocorticoids during pregnancy. Read the full study.

 

The latest health research news from around the world, compiled by Lead Instructor and Program Director Leanne Scott, FNTP.

Leanne Scott | FNTP, DipFNT, IHS, FDNP, RWP, BCHN, BAppSc, A-CFMP

Leanne Scott is a trailblazer in the field of functional nutrition in Australia being the first qualified Functional Nutritional Therapist in the country. She is founder of Pure Core Nourishment, and the visionary behind the Nutritional Therapy Association of Australia and New Zealand (NTA AU/NZ). Board certified in Holistic Nutrition and a qualified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Leanne has dedicated her career to advancing unbiased, science-based functional nutrition.

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