Nutrition

A new study finds strokes in young adults have nearly doubled over the past three decades, challenging the assumption that cardiovascular disease is only a concern later in life. The findings are prompting calls for younger people to pay closer attention to cardiovascular risk factors such as diet, blood pressure and lifestyle habits earlier in life.

A new Norwegian science study reports that users aged 9 to 18 increasingly turn to AI tools instead of traditional Google searches for information online. Researchers caution that the consequences of this shift remain unknown, raising concerns about how young people evaluate sources, verify facts, and develop search skills as AI-generated answers replace conventional search results.

A newly published review suggests that reducing protein intake could be beneficial for some people, particularly in relation to heart health. The findings challenge the common assumption that more protein is always better, indicating that certain groups may gain cardiovascular advantages from eating less of it. Details on which populations would benefit and by how much remain limited in the available reporting.

A survey reported by Plant Based News suggests most health professionals believe key plant foods are underrepresented in official dietary guidelines. The finding adds to ongoing debate among nutrition experts about whether national recommendations reflect current evidence on legumes, nuts, whole grains and other plant-based staples. Advocates for plant-forward diets are citing the result to push for updated guidance.

Minnesota has agreed to an $18.5 million settlement with a nonprofit over claims of child nutrition program fraud. The agreement resolves allegations tied to improper use of federal child meal funding in the state. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of oversight failures in Minnesota's pandemic-era nutrition programs, which have drawn federal attention and criminal investigations.

Gluten-free food is under the spotlight as consumer demand for such products continues to grow alongside regulatory changes affecting labeling and standards. Industry coverage highlights how manufacturers must balance rising consumer interest in gluten-free diets with evolving rules on what can be labeled gluten-free. The discussion centers on nutrition trends and compliance challenges for food producers.

A new study finds that health claims printed on food packaging can obscure important nutritional trade-offs. Products marketed as healthy in one respect may be worse in others, such as higher sugar or lower protein, leading shoppers to overestimate their overall nutritional value. Researchers say the findings raise questions about labelling rules and how consumers interpret front-of-pack claims.

A new study reports that about one in six children taking GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, developed nutritional deficiencies while on the drugs. The findings raise concerns that appetite suppression and reduced intake may leave some children short on key nutrients, prompting calls for closer monitoring of children prescribed these increasingly used weight-loss medications.

Florida has introduced new restrictions on SNAP, the federal food assistance program, prompting concern from those who work closest to the issue. Food banks say they are preparing for greater demand as benefit rules tighten, while dietitians are questioning how the restrictions will affect the diets and health of low-income residents. The debate is unfolding as hunger-relief organizations brace for the practical consequences of the policy change.

A new study has connected the use of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes medications in children with nutritional deficiencies, according to Scripps News, which published an interactive report on the findings. The drugs, widely prescribed to minors amid rising childhood obesity rates, may leave young users short of key nutrients. The findings add to ongoing debate over the safety and supervision of GLP-1 treatment in pediatric patients.

Scientists at CIMMYT argue that successful zinc biofortification of wheat depends on more than breeding fortified seed. In a new piece, they say outcomes hinge on matching the right varieties to local soil conditions and pairing them with proper crop management, including fertilizer practices. The message is aimed at researchers, policymakers and farmers working to reduce zinc deficiency through staple crops.

The Pentagon is asking for $30 million to develop an AI-powered lie detector, according to an MIT Technology Review report. The proposed funding has drawn attention for its civil-liberties and accuracy implications, with observers questioning how reliable AI deception detection could be and what uses the military has planned for the technology.