The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) is gearing up for its annual flagship event, NUTRITION 2024, scheduled to take place from June 29 to July 2 at McCormick Place, Chicago. This exciting conference serves as a hub for professionals to exchange groundbreaking research and insights related to food and nutrition science. With the promise of stimulating discussions and fresh research announcements, the ASN invites reporters and bloggers to attend this significant event, offering complimentary press passes to those interested.
One notable theme of NUTRITION 2024 will be the dietary practices of elite athletes, especially as we gear up for the Summer Olympics. Attendees can expect to hear from researchers about the latest findings on how dietary habits affect exercise performance. Do you ever wonder what fuels these high-performing athletes? Well, this session promises to give insights to satisfy such curiosities.
Another salient topic slated for discussion is the connection between diet and brain health. Nutrition impacts every stage of brain development, from early childhood to old age. Researchers will be sharing new research findings on how specific foods and gut microbes play pivotal roles in maintaining cognitive function, and preventing age-related cognitive decline.
On top of these themes, another engaging session featured will explore the influence of food environments on dietary choices. The research presented will shed light on how the places where people live, shop, and eat shape nutritional decisions across various communities worldwide. Examining these factors can provide useful strategies for promoting healthier eating habits on a larger scale.
With disease prevention as another core area of focus, the conference will feature discussions on how specific food items influence the risk of chronic illnesses. Think potatoes and diabetes! Participants will learn about the nuances of these relationships, helping to inform better dietary choices aimed at preventing diseases.
Food will be at the forefront of discussions about immune system health, too. The sessions will focus on the link between nutrition and inflammation, exploring how various foods and supplements might help mitigate chronic inflammation—something known to be at the heart of many health issues.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of organizations like Balchem Corporation, the Linus Pauling Institute is enhancing its Micronutrient Information Center, which acts as a valuable resource providing insights on dietary nutrients and their role in maintaining health. Balchem has recently granted funding to update and expand the resources available on the site which supports optimal health through nutrition science. This includes updated information about critical nutrients like choline, particularly during pregnancy.
Emerging research underscores the importance of choline, especially during pregnancy when expectant mothers need to prioritize this nutrient for the healthy development of the fetus. The Linus Pauling Institute, established to honor the legacy of renowned scientist Dr. Linus Pauling, serves as the go-to destination for sound nutritional advice, helping the public and health professionals stay informed on current nutritional guidelines.
Shifting gears from professional research to everyday nutrition, it’s apparent many Americans may not be getting enough fiber. A new study involving over 14,000 adults revealed alarming statistics: only 7.4% are hitting the recommended intake of 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed. While fiber is critical for many bodily functions—helping with weight management, digestion, and blood sugar control—it seems many individuals are falling short. So, how do we boost our fiber intake? Simple additions like beans, whole grains, and leafy greens can make all the difference.
Opting for foods with more fiber can be both delicious and easy. Think about adding black beans to your salsa or picking whole grain bread instead of white. Just by making those small changes, you can boost your daily fiber intake significantly without much effort. For some tasty inspiration, why not try out the three-bean chili recipe included within these discussions? It’s not only packed with fiber but is also delicious!
Meanwhile, there are concerns surrounding the nutritional viability of products like infant formula, especially with recent recalls impacting the market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tasked with ensuring these products are safe and nutritionally adequate for the infants who rely on them. The agency has instituted regulations requiring infant formula manufacturers to notify before marketing any new formulas, which allows the FDA to review and vet these products comprehensively.
For parents facing challenges finding the specific formula their little ones need, the FDA also offers guidance on finding safe substitutes. This support is particularly critical considering many infants depend on formula for their nutrition. When considering different products, caregivers have to consult their healthcare providers to make informed decisions on what might meet their child’s dietary needs.
Beyond just reliance on formulas, the FDA emphasizes safe preparation practices to avoid contamination and protect infants from foodborne illnesses. This art of preparation can be the difference between healthy, safe nutrition, and potential hazards.
Conclusively, as the discussions at NUTRITION 2024 and the research emerging from leading institutions evolve, they create pathways toward improved nutrition for everyone—from elite athletes to new mothers or the average American adult trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. Continued collaboration between research organizations, like the Linus Pauling Institute and supportive companies like Balchem, will only serve to fortify the tools available for better nutritional health.
