Category: Health Conditions
Strategic nutrition for diabetes
According to the World Health Organization, in 2000 there were 171 million people with diabetes. In 2010, that number rose to 366 million, and projections estimate that nearly 600 million people will have diabetes within the next 20 years. The personal and societal costs of diabetes are significant. KEEP READING >>
Our latest paper highlights in-demand nutrients targeting weight loss
Maintaining weight loss is by no means easy. A study from the British Journal of Nutrition a few years ago reported that only one out of five people, who successfully achieved their weight loss goal using a popular weight loss program, were able to remain at or below their goal weight after two years (Lowe, Kral et al. 2008). Thus, in addition to adopting dietary and life style changes, such as reduced caloric intake and increased regular exercise that initially help to promote weight loss, it is also important to consider what you can do to maintain weight loss and prevent a constant cycle of yo-yo dieting. Energy restriction, associated with losing weight, may increase the drive to eat more. To combat this phenomenon and maintain body weight, look to foods that have high satiety value to curb your feelings of hunger between meals. KEEP READING >>
Fortitech’s Ram Chaudhari talks heart health ingredients with Beverage Industry magazine
Yesterday, Beverage Industry posted online its R&D feature about how Americans’ focus on risk factors for heart disease is leading to demand for food and beverages fortified with heart health ingredients. With input from Fortitech’s Chief Scientific Officer Ram Chaudhari, the article – “Prevention at the heart of health concerns: Cardiovascular concerns propel heart health ingredients” – reported on the role of functional products as prevention rather than cure. Ram “caution[ed] that beverage-makers must respond with balanced formulations,” meaning “proper dose, proper quality of the nutrients and proper format.” KEEP READING >>
Role of protein continues to be proven
The role of protein in both weight loss and general health (including muscle maintenance) continues to be proven. Recommendations for protein intake (in grams) vary by age and gender, but individuals should include protein in both meals and snacks. There are a number of fortified foods and beverages – from a simple glass of milk to a more complex energy bar – consumers can rely on to meet their bodies’ demand for this important nutrient. KEEP READING >>
Beverage Industry magazine taps Fortitech for bone health feature
The current issue of Beverage Industry contains an article on bone health by Managing Editor Jennifer Zegler. For its May R&D feature – “Bone health fortifications defy age barriers” – the magazine consulted Fortitech’s Chief Scientific Officer Ram Chaudhari who contributed information about the market for bone and joint products along with research about the combined effect of calcium and vitamin D. As quoted in the article, Chaudhari, who is also Fortitech’s senior executive vice president, says food and beverages fortified with nutrients for bone health have appeal not only to women and older adults but also to a market segment that now includes more men and younger adults. He cites research that says even children may have vitamin D deficiencies. Chaudhari recommends that products fortified with calcium also include vitamin D for another reason: the vitamin works in concert with the calcium to improve its benefit to bone health. We encourage you to check out the Beverage Industry article, and if you are interested in learning more about nutrients or premixes for bone health products, we have several resources: Earlier this month, here at Fortitalk, we published a post about calcium fortification, specifically how it relates to bone health … KEEP READING >>
How fast you can "Go" may be a measure of heart health
We all know what it feels like to be tired and experience muscle fatigue. Very often, daily life is enough to leave us drained of energy, and exhaustion can be a tough obstacle to overcome when attempting to stay true to a fitness regime. We know how fast you feel like you can “Go” isn’t only a point of reference for fitness and health but also a critical quality of life issue. KEEP READING >>
Magnesium Supplementation Improves Insulin Secretion
Diets rich in whole grains, leafy green vegetables, vegetables, legumes and nuts have been shown to be associated with positive health outcomes, such as reduced cardiovascular disease. Current nutrition research is focused on trying to better understand what important essential nutrients and bioactive food components are delivered by these foods that can enhance health. KEEP READING >>
Alpha-lipoic Acid Aids Weight Loss
Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural short-chain fatty acid that can act as a potent antioxidant, and is important for mitochondrial respiration and function. It has also gained clinical interest as a possible treatment for diabetic polyneuropathy. Interestingly, alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to reduce body weight in rodents. KEEP READING >>
Use Ferrous Sulphate to Better Target Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is a significant, worldwide public-health problem leading to a variety of negative outcomes that affect morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Iron fortification is an important tool to help combat iron deficiency. However, the question of what is the most efficacious form of iron to use for fortification continues to be debated. KEEP READING >>
Antioxidant-fortified Functional Food Beverage Reduces Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress
Exercise has many positive health effects and is an important part of many health programs to help ward off functional declines associated with aging and the development of chronic diseases. However, exercise increases oxygen consumption and the production of potentially harmful reactive oxygen species that can lead to oxidative stress and cellular injury. KEEP READING >>