Monthly Archives: May 2012

Imbalances in Essential Fatty Acids

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 (n-6)) and α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 (n-3)) can be metabolised to other more unsaturated, long-chain fatty acids by the insertion of additional double bonds during consecutive elongation and desaturation reactions. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Alpha Linolenic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Dihomo Gamma Linolenic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Fatty Acids, Fish, Fish Oils, Gamma Linolenic Acid, Inflammation | Comments Off on Imbalances in Essential Fatty Acids

Human Milk Oligosaccharides

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are biologically active molecules in human milk that provide a source of energy for the microflora within the intestine of the infant during breast feeding. In addition, they also provide direct stimulation of the immune system … Continue reading →

Posted in Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Milk, Short Chain Fatty Acids | Comments Off on Human Milk Oligosaccharides

Changes in Macronutrients and Energy in the US

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Obesity is increasing amongst adults and children in Western countries, and although it has been extensively studied the cause is not certain. Amongst adults in the US the prevalence of obesity was 11.9% in men and 16.6% in women, according … Continue reading →

Posted in Carbohydrate, Obesity, Protein, Sucrose, Sugar, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Changes in Macronutrients and Energy in the US

Nutrient Detection Regulates Energy Balance

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Mammals can maintain energy balance despite large fluctuations in physical activity and energy intakes because they have complex neuronal and hormonal systems that regulate appetite, satiety and metabolism. Short term appetite regulation is achieved by receptor mediated detection of food … Continue reading →

Posted in Cholecystokinin, Oloeic Acid, Peptide YY, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Nutrient Detection Regulates Energy Balance

Peptide YY

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Peptide YY is a gut hormone consisting of 36 amino acids which shares structural similarity to neuropeptide Y and pancreatic polypeptide. Peptide YY is released from the mucosa of the ileum of the small intestine and the colon where it … Continue reading →

Posted in Peptide YY, Protein, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Peptide YY

Vegetables and Energy Intake

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that vegetables consumption provides a number of health benefits. In particular, epidemiological evidence shown that high vegetable intakes are associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, vegetables have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Satiety, Vegetables, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Vegetables and Energy Intake

Vitamin D and Diabetes

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that in the absence of adequate sunlight, dietary vitamin D is required in higher concentrations than was previously thought. Sub-clinical insufficiencies of vitamin D appear to be common at higher latitudes and are associated with … Continue reading →

Posted in Diabetes, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Vitamin D and Diabetes

Essential Fatty Acids and Childhood Adiposity

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The essential fatty acids α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 (n-3)) and linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 (n-6)) are required for normal human metabolism. Chronic sub-clinical deficiencies of these fatty acids are increasingly being linked to major diseases such as cardiovascular disease and … Continue reading →

Posted in Alpha Linolenic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Linoleic Acid, Pregnancy | Comments Off on Essential Fatty Acids and Childhood Adiposity

Supplements Versus Whole Foods

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Robert Barrington

In recent years there has been a huge growth in the industry that supplies and sells dietary supplements. The range and quality of supplements available has improved as demand from consumers increases thanks to a growing body of research demonstrating … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Supplements Versus Whole Foods

Olive Oil, More than a Monounsaturated Fat

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Epidemiological evidence suggests that those who consume a traditional Mediterranean diet are protected from cardiovascular disease. Clinical trials have also shown the Mediterranean diet to be beneficial to the vascular system by decreasing oxidation and improving lipid profiles. One component … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Cardiovascular Disease, HDL, Heart Disease, LDL, Olives | Comments Off on Olive Oil, More than a Monounsaturated Fat