In Canada, the fifth highest ranking country for obesity, 1 in 4 adults are now obese; a ratio that constitutes 25% of the population, and one that has doubled since 1978.1,2Such an epidemic and condition is also a known risk factor for some cancers, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and diabetes.2(331)Thus, considering causes of obesity is […]
Read MoreUltra-processed foods and drinks (UPFDs) contains a combination of substances not found in the natural environment.1,2 It has been hypothesized that such foods tend to make consumers overeat, which is likely contributing to obesity and metabolic syndrome.2(518)As a means of appreciating UPFDs, hyperpalatability, and overconsumption of food, the following will explore the same in greater […]
Read MoreFat is a macronutrient necessary for several key physiological roles in the body. Specifically, fatty acids (carbon bonds ranging from 4-24 with a carboxyl group) which form fats, is a large energy source and provider of cell membrane constituents (Calder, 2015; Lord & Bralley, 2012). Fatty acids (FAs) also have biological roles that include tissue […]
Read MoreInsulin resistance (IR) can be thought of as an early biomarker in the development type 2 diabetes (T2D). Such a condition presents as higher than normal levels of insulin required to dispose of blood glucose (Lord & Bralley, 2012). Generally, if fasting serum insulin levels are above 10IU/mL, such a condition may indicate the beginnings […]
Read MoreMetabolic syndrome (MS) is a term that identifies an aggregate of physiological abnormalities which increases the risk of liver disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (Agyemang-Yeboah, Eghan, Annani-Akollor, Togbe, Donkor, & Afranie, 2019). Physiological abnormalities that constitute MS include dysregulated glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and abnormal lipid profiles (Agyemang-Yeboah et […]
Read MoreThe gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an estimated 16-foot long system, which includes the upper digestive tract (esophagus, oral cavity, stomach) in addition to the lower digestive tract (small and large intestine) and accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Such a system serves as a semipermeable gateway connecting the outside environment to […]
Read MoreBoron (B) is a substance once used as a preservative in foods (i.e., 50 years ago) thought to be a beneficial element, but is currently not considered essential to the human diet (Gropper et al., 2018). Although B is not essential, said micronutrient does exert influence over selected physiological processes to include bone development, mediation […]
Read MoreIodide (I) is a non-metal responsible for many roles to include thyroid hormone synthesis; a substance influencing several physiological processes to include stimulation of oxygen consumption, body heat production, nervous system development, and maintenance of basal metabolism (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018; Weng, Liu, Ye, Pan, & Xia, 2014). Thus, adequate consumption I is essential […]
Read MoreChromium (Cr) is a metal found in a ubiquitous fashion amongst soil, water, and air (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Several oxidized states of Cr exist, however, researchers consider Cr3+ the most biologically relevant form (Vincent & Lukaski, 2018). Cr3+, also known as trivalent chromium, is the most stable of the oxidized forms often bound […]
Read MoreSelenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is a component of larger proteins (i.e., selenoproteins) involved in such processes as redox reactions, antioxidant activity, reproduction, immune function, and thyroid metabolism (Thomason, Chisholm, McLachlan, & Campbell, 2008). Deficiencies in Se have been associated with viral infections, inflammatory disorders, male infertility, altered immune function, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and […]
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