Research has indicated that individuals with Crohn’s disease (CD) can benefit from vitamin D3 supplementation (Carvalho et al., 2013). However, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can blunt the anti-inflammatory properties of said vitamin. Such phenotypic variability makes one question the efficacy of recommending vitamin D3 supplementation without first considering potential roadblocks to absorption and utilization. The […]
Read MoreModern Western diets, including macronutrient ratios and macronutrient quality, are substantially different than the hominin diets 10,000 years ago (Ilich, Kelly, Kim, & Spicer, 2014). Modern diets tend to include over 70% of total energy from refined sugars, refined vegetable oils, processed foods, and alcohol (Ilich et al., 2014). Of particular interest is the shift […]
Read MoreCardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition in Western society. Research suggests that carbohydrates, especially refined sources, are associated with the aforementioned malady in addition to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (Pereira, Almeida, Alfenas, & Cassia, 2014). As high as 50% of total daily calories come from refined carbohydrates in the standard American diet, […]
Read MoreCeliac disease (CD) can be defined as an inherited autoimmune disease estimated to affect 1 out of every 133 asymptomatic people (Gaillard, 2016). Individuals with CD who consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and their derivatives) damage absorptive villi of the duodenum, leading to malabsorbtion of important nutrients (Gaill ard, 2016). Non-celiac […]
Read MoreCeliac disease (CD) is a common digestive disorder that affects approximately 1% of European and North American populations (Chang, Burke, & Golub, 2011; Zimmer, 2011). Infants with CD are genetically susceptible and are reactive to foods containing a particular form of protein known as gluten. Such reactions from gluten cause an immune-mediated inflammatory response, damaging […]
Read MoreIron deficiency anemia (IDA) can be defined as a condition frequently marked by a low hemoglobin level (Brown, 2014). It is characterized by the signs of iron deficiency (depleted iron stores, weakness, fatigue, short attention span, poor appetite, weak immune system) in addition to paleness, exhaustion, and a rapid heart rate (Brown, 2014). Women with […]
Read MoreIt has been indicated that optimal maternal nutrition, or lack thereof, affects the composition of breast milk. However, most research has reported an association between breast milk quality and nutrition without directly assessing dietary habits of the mother. Therefore, the following will consider the research concerning said connection between milk composition, supplementation, contraindications, and maternal […]
Read MoreNutrient requirements during pregnancy are dynamic, and vary depending on several biomarkers of the female. Such markers include: current nutrient status, body size, physical activity levels, stage of pregnancy, and overall health status (Brown, 2014). As such, nutrient recommendations are largely unique to each individual. However, despite the specificity of said nutrient requirements, it is […]
Read MoreGastrointestinal (GI) function is paramount in providing optimal health and a strong immune system. Ultimately, the GI tract acts as a gateway connecting the outside environment to the delicate internal systems of the human body. Thus, aberrations in gut barrier function and permeability can and does lead to disruptions in homeostasis, including fertility (Fasano & […]
Read MoreNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to treat inflammation and pain associated with RA. However, a meta-analysis conducted by Lee, Bae, and Song (2012) suggested research supporting the role of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) in reducing inflammation, with a particular influence upon the amounts of NSAIDs used in RA subjects. A meta-analysis is a […]
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