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AJCN March, 2009 from Nutrition Investigator Roc

SUMMARY - AJCN March, 2009 - It took more than usual to summarize all of the relevant nutrition news this month. Read the full stories with links at http://www.beloit.edu/nutrition/ln/ln09marajcn.htm.

1. SYMPOSIUM: MATERNAL AND CHILD MENTAL HEALTH
Introduction - in some countries, rates of undernutrition approach 50%...Suggestive evidence for the role of nutrients in maternal and child mental health has come from the reviews of iron, zinc, and omega-3 (n–3) fatty acids highlighted in the following articles.
Zinc - a focus on 2 mental health problems that commonly affect women and children: depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The data support a relation between low concentrations of zinc and mental health problems,
Iron - Iron deficiency is the most prevalent single nutrient deficiency in the world (1) and is recognized by the World Health Organization as 1 of the 10 greatest global health risks in existence today (2). Worldwide, 50% of women of reproductive age are iron-deficient, with estimates as high as 80% in pregnant women from developing countries.
Fish oil [DHA] - Observational studies support a direct association between poor n–3 fatty acid status and increased risk of maternal depression and childhood behavioral disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

2. SYMPOSIUM: LEPTIN: WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND BEYOND
Introduction - In 1994 Friedman et al (1) identified the hormone leptin in adipose tissue.
Biological Basis for Obesity - The identification of human mutations that cause obesity requires that we modify the explanation that is often invoked to explain the pathogenesis of obesity: "The obese eat too much and exercise too little."Although this is undoubtedly true, the deeper question is, "Why do the obese eat more and exercise less?"The answer appears to be less about the conscious choices that the obese make and more about their biological makeup.

3. French fries, potato chips may be hazardous - These novel findings seem to indicate that chronic ingestion of acrylamide-containing products induces a proinflammatory state, a risk factor for progression of atherosclerosis.
4. 3 g of cinnamon controls blood glucose
5. Eating nuts does not cause weight gain
6. Green tea catechins aid weight loss and maintenance
7. Green leafy vegetables help your heart
8. Nutrition to control blood pressure - the DASH diet has Blood Pressure effects that are more evident and consistent than individual nutrients.
9. High casein diet aids weight maintenance
10. Vitamin supplement designed for pregnant women
11. Oral testosterone benefits hospitalized elderly

I wish you a nutritious spring! Our redwing blackbirds have arrived.