Ketogenic diet reduces body fat and circulating insulin in women with ovarian or uterine cancer
The body has difficulty curbing the growth of cancer cells, in part, because they are exceptionally good at utilizing glucose (blood sugar) as an energy source. As such, there is considerable interest in understanding whether various diets containing different amounts of sugars (carbohydrates) might be beneficial for cancer patients. In addition, many common cancer types – such as those of the ovary and uterus – are associated with being obese. In other words, overweight and obese individuals are more prone than their healthy-weight counterparts to be diagnosed with these types of cancer. Coincidentally, being overweight often also leads to high blood sugar levels which might exacerbate cancer growth. This paper by Cohen and colleagues reports the results of a controlled dietary intervention study they conducted to investigate if a ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbohydrates, might be beneficial for these patients in terms of helping regulate blood sugar as well as weight loss.

Reference: Cohen CW, Fontaine KR, Arend RC, Alvarez RD, Leath CA, III, Huh WK, Bevis KS, Kim KH, Straughn JM, Jr, Gower BA. A ketogenic diet reduces central obesity and serum insulin in women with ovarian or endometrial cancer . J Nutr 2018;148(8):1253-60
For More Information To contact the corresponding author, Dr. Caroline Cohen, please send an e-mail to cwyoder@uab.edu

Coffee may reduce risk of serious kidney disease in older men
Coffee is perhaps the most consumed and adored beverage worldwide. Indeed, the National Coffee Association estimates that most American adults drink coffee and that average daily consumption (typically with breakfast) is about 3 cups. A $40 billion dollar-a-year business in the US, the coffee culture is undeniably strong and growing. But does this cherished beverage pack more of a punch than just helping us wake up in the morning? Emerging research suggests the answer to this is likely yes. Supporting this possibility is a paper by Lew and colleagues. Their research, briefly described here, suggests that consumption of coffee (but not other caffeinated beverages) may help lower the risk of developing serious kidney disease.

For More Information:  To contact the corresponding author, Dr. Woon-Puay Koh, please send an e-mail to woonpuay.koh@duke-nus.edu.sg

Study: daily prebiotics may benefit preschoolers
The human gastrointestinal tract contains billions of bacteria that, in general, help us stay healthy by digesting dietary fibers, producing vitamins and other important compounds, and modulating the immune system. Some intestinal bacteria also compete with pathogens thereby lowering the risk of acquiring an infectious disease. The composition of the bacteria in our digestive tracts is mainly established during the first two years of life, and there has been substantial research devoted to understanding how feeding patterns (for instance breastfeeding vs. formula feeding) influence this process. For instance, unique carbohydrates in breastmilk referred to as ‘oligosaccharides’ act as prebiotics, serving as food for the breastfed infant’s intestinal bacteria. However, little is known about dietary impact of prebiotics on the gastrointestinal microbiota during the toddler and preschool years, during which time the immune system continues to develop and mature. This paper by Lohner and colleagues reports that daily consumption of a prebiotic supplement containing chicory root fiber might be beneficial in this regard.

Reference: Lohner S, Jakobik V, Mihályi K, Soldi S, Vasileiadis S, Theis S, Sailer M, Sieland C, Berényi K, Boehm G, Decsi T. Inulin-type fructan supplementation of 3 to 6 year-old children is associated with higher fecal Bifidobacterium concentrations and fewer febrile episodes requiring medical attention . J Nutr 2018;148(8):1300-8.
For More Information:  To contact the corresponding author, Dr. Szimonetta Lohner, please send an e-mail to lohner.szimonetta@pte.hu

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