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Protein and children’s health
Dr Emma Derbyshire PhD RNutr (Public Health) Nutritional Insight Ltd
High protein diets have been linked to childhood obesity, although for adults some health benefits have been seen, e.g. possible satiety effects. Now, a new review of 56 studies has looked into links between protein and health in the under 18s. Data extracted from 56 studies did not find any significant links between protein intakes and insulin sensitivity or blood lipids. Some studies found associations between higher protein intakes and lower blood pressure, although the evidence was not strong. Four of the studies looked at animal protein intakes and health, but findings were inconsistent. Overall, there could be a trend towards reduced blood pressure with higher protein intakes, but better designed studies are needed controlling rigorously for confounders. Possible mechanisms of action also need to be investigated. For more information see Voortman T and Vitezova A et al (2015). British Journal of Nutrition, 113(03), pg 383-402.
Latest on tea and health
Dr Emma Derbyshire is a freelance nutritionist and former senior academic. Her interests include pregnancy and public health. www.nutritionalinsight.co.uk hello@nutritionalinsight.co.uk
Tea is renowned for its health and wellbeing benefits, with two new studies looking into this further. One study tested whether green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could help to improve energy metabolism in patients with multiple sclerosis, as muscle weakness and fatigue are common symptoms. Eighteen patients with MS symptoms took part in a double-blind randomised trial, taking either EGCG (600mg per day) or a placebo for 12 weeks with a four-week washout period in between. Metabolic responses were measured at rest and during 40 minutes of exercise. Results showed that EGCG provided over 12-weeks improved muscle metabolism during moderate exercise for men (energy expenditure after eating
Early years’ report
Nearly every aspect of human development is laid down in early childhood. This includes nutritional exposures before, during and after pregnancy, all of which have lifelong effects on the health and wellbeing of the next generation. A new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, which includes contributions from Nutritional Insight Ltd, discusses and makes recommendations in relation to aspects of maternal nutrition, infant nutrition, early years following weaning, childhood obesity and the education and training needs of health and education professionals. Points such as the need to establish anti-obesity strategies from infancy, target micronutrient deficiencies, e.g. vitamin D in childhood and train health visitors in nutrition are discussed. For more information see: www. nutritional-insight.co.uk/publications/ (click on the Early Years’ Report image).
was lower and carbohydrate oxidation more stable), but not amongst women, possibly due to hormonal differences. A second study looked into tea (and coffee) drinking in relation to endometrial cancer risk. The study pooled data from 560,356 subjects who had taken part in the UK Million Women Study and a meta-analysis was also carried out on the results. Overall, it was found that there was no significant association between tea consumption and endometrial cancer risk, although a weak association was found for coffee. For more information see: Merinio J et al. (2015) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(3), pg440-448 and Owen Yang TY et al (2015) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(3), pg570-78. NHDmag.com May 2015 - Issue 104
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