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Research

Neonatal Docosahexaenoic Acid in Preterm Infants and Intelligence at 5 Years

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a component of neural tissue. Because its accretion into the brain is greatest during the final trimester of pregnancy, infants born before 29 weeks' gestation do not receive the normal supply of DHA. The effect of this deficiency on subsequent cognitive development is not well understood.

Research

Awake and Alert: Examining the Portrayal of Energy Drinks on TikTok

Energy drinks (EDs) are not recommended for minors' consumption due to a myriad of health risks, but marketing initiatives persist. This study explored the promotion of EDs on TikTok, a platform frequented by children and adolescents.

Research

Metagenomic Characterisation of the Gut Microbiome and Effect of Complementary Feeding on Bifidobacterium spp. in Australian Infants

Complementary feeding induces dramatic ecological shifts in the infant gut microbiota toward more diverse compositions and functional metabolic capacities, with potential implications for immune and metabolic health. The aim of this study was to examine whether the age at which solid foods are introduced differentially affects the microbiota in predominantly breastfed infants compared with predominantly formula-fed infants. 

Research

Techniques and Processes Involved in Nanoencapsulation of Omega-3, -6, and -9 Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids are essential for young children’s growth and development. They also have essential functions in cell receptors of membranes and regulation of hormones synthesis. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and -6 can only be obtained through food mainly fish and other seafood and to a lesser extent through nuts, seeds, and plant oils.

Research

Recent developments and emerging trends in dietary vitamin D sources and biological conversion

This review elaborates on biochemical characteristics, in vivo metabolism, biological conversion through UV irradiation, as well as dietary fortification of vitamin D. Recent innovations in vitamin D utilization, including nanoencapsulation, direct or indirect addition, emulsion, ultrasound, microwave processing, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, as well as UV photoconversion, were summarized.

Research

Altered dietary behaviour during pregnancy impacts systemic metabolic phenotypes

Evidence suggests consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) can positively impact both maternal and offspring health, potentially mediated by a beneficial effect on inflammatory pathways. We aimed to apply metabolic profiling of serum and urine samples to assess differences between women who were stratified into high and low alignment to a MD throughout pregnancy and investigate the relationship of the diet to inflammatory markers.  

Research

A great way to bring up health behaviour topics at playgroup: a qualitative evaluation of the Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup program

The early years is a critical stage to establish optimal nutrition and movement behaviours. Community playgroups are a relaxed environment for parents with a focus on social connection and supporting parents in their role as 'First Teachers'. Playgroups are therefore an opportunistic setting to promote health behaviours in the early years.

Research

Macronutrients in Human Milk and Early Childhood Growth—Is Protein the Main Driver?

Infant growth trajectories reflect current health status and may predict future obesity and metabolic diseases. Human milk is tailored to support optimal infant growth. However, nutrient intake rather than milk composition more accurately predicts growth outcomes. Although the role of protein leverage in infant growth is unclear, protein intake is important for early infancy growth.

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Energy drink intake is associated with insomnia and decreased daytime functioning in young adult females

To investigate the association between energy drink (ED) use and sleep-related disturbances in a population-based sample of young adults from the Raine Study.

Research

The relationship between meal carbohydrate quantity and the insulin to carbohydrate ratio required to maintain glycaemia is non-linear in young people with type 1 diabetes: A randomized crossover trial

To determine if the relationship between meal carbohydrate quantity and the insulin to carbohydrate ratio (ICR) required to maintain glycaemia is linear in people with type 1 diabetes.