Mass nutritional fortification, beer consumption, latest research findings and more
Metabolic Benefits of Salt? Role in increasing energy consumption worthy of further investigation
A study by researchers from Australia and China found that salt may have a positive metabolic effect by promoting negative energy balance to combat obesity, but given the negative consequences of high intakes on cardiovascular health, extensive further research is needed.
Salt intake has been found to regulate energy expenditure by stimulating non-shivering thermogenesis, a mechanism by which the body produces heat to adapt to the cold.
This could open the door to therapeutic uses, provided they didn’t lead to dire health consequences.
Strengthened future? China relies on mass fortification of staple foods to combat shortages – consultation open
The China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) has outlined a detailed proposal to mandate the nutritional fortification of a variety of staple foods, including food groups such as dairy, rice, wheat flour and vegetable oil, to boost public health and combat nutrient deficiencies .
According to these regulations, mass fortification is enforced according to the type of nutrients and the food group involved. For example, it would be mandatory to fortify pasteurized milk products or fermented milk products with vitamins A and D, rice and wheat with vitamins B1 and B2 and folic acid.
Food companies can also fortify these products with other types of nutrients on a voluntary basis.
Booze boost: New Kirin data shows China dominates global beer consumption rankings
According to Kirin’s latest Global Beer Consumption Report, which includes 2021 insights into beer consumption in 170 major markets worldwide, China has become the largest beer consuming country with a total consumption of 38.1 billion liters and a 20.5% share of the world market of the year developed share.
This is significant as China was not only the world’s largest consumer of beer, but also one of the few large Asian markets to see consumption increase by 5.6%, while consumption in many other regional markets fell across the board.
Protein and cognition: Increased intake in old age associated with reduced risk of impairment – data from China
Increasing protein intake appears to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in old age, while extreme declines in animal protein consumption are associated with a 48% increase, new data from a long-term study in China suggest.
Unlike red meat protein, plant sources are not associated with adverse neural consequences due to low-level systemic inflammation. This could therefore lead to better cognition as adults reach older ages.
While the researchers noted that higher protein intakes are required as people age, more studies are needed to determine optimal amounts and sources.
Triple Whammy: Poor Diet Increases CVD Risk by Affecting Obesity and Depressive Symptoms – China Study
According to researchers from Qingdao University, poor dietary habits are significantly linked to obesity and depression, which in turn increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The study analyzed data from four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2018 and the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED).
It has been found that people who are overweight have a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, which interact statistically significantly with cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.