The European Food Information Council

Fat cell number stays constant in adults

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Whatever changes in body fat we may experience as adults, it is only the filling state of our fat cells that varies. The number of fat cells is set during childhood and adolescence and remains constant throughout later life.

Following a Mediterranean diet may lower diabetes risk

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Closely adhering to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, olive oil and fish, but with moderate dairy and low red meat intake, may reduce largely the risk of developing diabetes. This finding extends the benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet beyond its potential to lower heart disease and cancer risk.

Macadamia nuts may benefit people with elevated cholesterol levels

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Daily consumption of a handful of Macadamia nuts for five weeks helped individuals with elevated cholesterol to significantly improve their blood lipid and cholesterol profile. These findings support further the previously reported heart-healthy effects of nuts such as walnuts or almonds.

Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Die Verwendung von Lebensmittelzusatzstoffen ist ein sehr emotionales Thema, das immer wieder Bedenken bei den Verbrauchern hervorruft. In den letzten 50 Jahren wurden durch Entwicklungen in der Lebensmittelwissenschaft viele neue Substanzen entdeckt, die zahlreiche Funktionen in Lebensmitteln erfüllen können.

Living longer healthier lives through increased physical activity

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100

In the second of two interviews recently recorded at the Second International Conference on Physical Activity & Public Health (ICPAPH) in Amsterdam, EUFIC spoke with Professors Nick Wareham and Ken Fox about the important part that physical activity can play in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and increasing mental well-being.

The consequences of sedentary lifestyles & why we should be physically active

Fri, 23 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

EUFIC sprach kürzlich beim Zweiten Internationalen Kongress für Körperliche Aktivität und Volksgesundheit mit den Professoren Steven Blair und Stuart Biddle über die Auswirkungen eines inaktiven Lebensstils und einer diese Inaktivität fördernden Umwelt. In diesem ersten von zwei Podcasts erläutert Professor Blair die Risiken bezüglich Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, während Professor Biddle sich auf die Inaktivität europäischer Jugendlicher konzentriert.

Der Schlafentzug und seine Folgen für den Stoffwechsel

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Laut der Forschung hat die „24/7“-Kultur (24 Stunden am Tag, 7 Tage die Woche) der westlichen Gesellschaft, im Rahmen derer die schlaflose Phase aufgrund von Beruf und sozialem Druck verlängert wird, Folgen für unsere Schlafqualität und vielleicht auch für das Risiko von Fettsucht und Diabetes.

Ernährung, körperliche Betätigung und Krebs - ein Review bisheriger Studien

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Im November 2007 wurde ein umfangreicher Bericht veröffentlicht, der sich mit den vorhandenen Studien über das relative Risiko unterschiedlicher Krebsarten in Abhängigkeit von der Lebensführung befasst. Durch das Zusammenführen von hoch qualifizierter Forschung und internationaler wissenschaftlicher Fachkompetenz ist dieser Bericht, der gemeinsam vom Weltkrebsforschungsfonds (World Cancer Research Fund, WCRF) sowie vom Amerikanischen Institut für Krebsforschung (American Institute for Cancer Research, AICR) veröffentlicht wurde, auf dem neuesten Wissensstand hinsichtlich der Zusammenhänge zwischen Ernährung, Körperzusammensetzung, körperlicher Betätigung sowie den unterschiedlichen Krebsarten.

Zink – ein Super-Nährstoff?

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Dieses Mineral ist im Körper allgegenwärtig. Zink ist von essentieller Bedeutung für die Kernfunktionen wie Verdauung, Fortpflanzung und Wachstum und an zahlreichen Stoffwechselwegen im Körper beteiligt. Es hat eine Reihe umfangreicher und manchmal ehrgeiziger Eigenschaften – kann Zink wirklich Infektionen bekämpfen und Wunden heilen?

Characterising the nutritional value of foods, using nutrient profiling

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Nutrient (or nutritional) profiling of foods, described as the science of characterising foods based on their nutrient content, is fast becoming the basis for regulating health claims on foods, fortification, and marketing and advertising to children. Accordingly, several health authorities and regulatory bodies are assessing the nutritional profiles of food items, to implement guidelines aimed at improving the diet of the general population. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that the complete diet over a period of time is important when considering overall nutrition and health, rather than isolating individual nutrients.

A new EU regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods entered into force in January 2007. The regulation provides for the use of nutrient profiles to determine which foods may bear claims but does not specify what the profiles should be or how they should be developed. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have published a scientific opinion on which foods may carry nutrition and health claims, to assist policy makers. The next stage of the process is the definition of the nutrient profiling scheme.

Overweight parents more likely to have overweight children

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

A Greek study conducted by Harokopio University in Athens has confirmed the belief amongst health professionals that child obesity risk is much higher when parents themselves are overweight.

Snacks and inactivity predict overweight in childhood

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

A French study has evaluated the influence of different lifestyle patterns, finding that a combination of low activity and high snacking predicts the risk of obesity.

Very low carb diets could be incompatible with exercise

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

While very low carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets are popular with those trying to lose weight, there are concerns that such diets may not support the desire for exercise. This hypothesis was investigated by a US research team at Arizona State University.

Understanding scientific studies

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0100

The media, health professionals, and educators are the gatekeepers of today's food and health information. They have a large influence on what consumers hear, read, and believe about food and health. Along with that comes the responsibility to provide the facts accurately, put them in perspective, and help people understand how the findings may affect their behaviour and health choices. Responsible media reporting means that new studies should be critically reviewed before being publicised. News releases and study abstracts, although helpful for the identification of interesting research, do not provide all the information necessary to accurately report findings to the public.

Current guidelines on physical activity may create misconceptions

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study from the United Kingdom suggests that current recommendations on physical activity may create wrong beliefs about the benefits of different types of exercise.

Sugar sweetened drinks seem not to be associated with child obesity

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100

High consumption of soft drinks sweetened with sugar has been viewed as a cause of obesity. However, data from a longitudinal UK study, does not support this association.

Objective assessment of physical activity reveals self-reported overestimation

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

According to a Swedish study, adults seem to overestimate their levels of physical activity.

Food in Action Conference, November 29th and 30th 2007 - Podcast

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Food in Action 2007 betrachtet Motivations- und Verhaltensaspekte in bezug auf Übergewicht und Fettsucht. Von der Entstehung von Essensvorlieben in jungen Jahren bis hin zu Verbrauchereinstellungen und -verhalten hinsichtlich Nährstoffangaben untersucht Food in Action 2007 psychologische und Umweltfaktoren, die das frühzeitige Auftreten von Übergewicht beeinflussen. Zu guter Letzt wird die wichtige Rolle körperlicher Aktivität hervorgehoben sowie laufende Initiativen und Programme zur Lösung des Problems genannt.

Alle Beiträge werden aufgezeichnet und nach der Konferenz als Podcasts oder Datei zum Herunterladen bereitgestellt (in englischer Sprache).

http://www.focusbiz.co.uk/conferences/foodinaction/

Abweichungen angehen bei Empfehlungen zur Mikronährstoffzufuhr in Europa

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Das Kompetenznetzwerk EURRECA (EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned, oder „Europäischer Ausschuss für Empfehlungen bezüglich Mikronährstoffe“) wurde gegründet, um auf einen Beratungsrahmen für Mikronährstoffe hin zu arbeiten, damit politische Entscheidungsträger aufgrund verbesserter Informationen Empfehlungen auf nationaler Ebene formulieren können. Das Ziel ist es, eine europaweite wissenschaftliche Übereinstimmung bezüglich der Nachweise zu schaffen, anhand derer Empfehlungen zu Mikronährstoffen erstellt werden können, wobei ermöglicht wird, dass solche Nachweise schnell, in geeigneter Weise und angemessen in Empfehlungen umgesetzt werden, die in nationalen Regelwerken veröffentlicht werden.

Hinweise zur Lebensmittelsicherheit für Reisende

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Eben erst aus Ihrem Sommerurlaub zurückgekehrt, und Sie sehnen sich bereits nach der Sonne im Winter? Für viele Europäer sind Herbst und Winter die ideale Saison zur Erkundung exotischer Reiseziele. Doch die Reisenden sollten vorsichtig sein, besonders wenn sie beabsichtigen, Entwicklungsländer zu besuchen. Ein Drittel der Reisenden erkrankt aufgrund der eingenommenen Nahrung sowie des Wassers, was sich in den meisten Fällen als Reisediarrhö (RD) manifestiert. Bei Reisen in Länder mit erhöhtem Risiko in Asien, Afrika und Lateinamerika kann die Inzidenz bis zu 80 % der Reisenden betragen. Aber keine Panik: Sie können die durch Nahrung und Wasser übertragenen Krankheiten vermeiden, indem Sie einige Sicherheitsvorkehrungen treffen.

Zuckerarten in unserer Ernährung

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

In Anbetracht der steigenden Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas in Europa wird die Rolle bestimmter Kohlenhydrate, wie Zucker, oft kontrovers diskutiert. Im Folgenden werden einige Fakten über die Rolle von Kohlenhydraten und Zuckerarten in unserer Diät dargestellt.

Chewing gum found to control appetite

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

UK researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University set out to examine whether chewing gum could positively influence perception of hunger and fullness, and impact on short-term energy intake.

Current food allergy labelling can still be improved

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Consumers with allergies do not find current food labels helpful, according to a study published by Dutch scientists.

Low vitamin D may be linked to pregnancy complication

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Mothers with low blood levels of vitamin D may be at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia according to a new US study.

Repeated dietary counselling in childhood may help lower heart disease risk

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A Finnish study showed that long-term dietary changes to lower saturated fat and cholesterol intakes have a positive impact on serum cholesterol in children and therefore may help lower their risk of cardiovascular disease later on.

Folic acid may help prevent heart disease

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A meta-analysis of folic acid supplementation studies has found a positive impact on an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. This suggests that high doses of folic acid could be useful in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Wholegrains may have prebiotic effects

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Health benefits associated with wholegrains may be, in part, due to their prebiotic effect. This is the conclusion of a 3-week intervention study conducted by UK scientists at Reading.

Simple energy-based front-of-pack label preferred by consumers

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Front-of-pack labelling schemes have been developed against a background of concerns about rising obesity levels. Research conducted by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) in conjunction with Wageningen University, looked at the potential of different energy-based front-of-pack flags to engage consumers and help them understand the nutrition information on food labels. The most preferred option was calorie content per portion or per 100g.

Low GI breakfasts impact on appetite in children

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A long-term study has found that children given breakfasts with a low glycaemic index (GI) tend to reduce their daily energy intakes by 60 kcal on average. The modest energy reduction, if maintained, could have a significant impact on obesity risk.

School physical activity may help prevent fat gain in boys

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Schools offering three physical activity sessions a week may be more effective at preventing adiposity (fat gain) in children than schools offering just one session a week, claims a new UK study.

Calcium intakes close to recommendations reduce the risk of bone fracture

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new Australian study has found that people who consumed 1200 mg of calcium per day had a 20% reduced risk of bone fracture than people with low calcium intakes. Bone density was also higher in people with adequate calcium intakes. The addition of vitamin D influenced bone health only slightly.

Die Europäische Kommission erwartet Taten als Antwort auf das Weissbuch über Ernährung (podcast)

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Weitere Informationen zu diesem Podcast

Robert Madelin, Generaldirektor für Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz (DG SANCO) der Europäischen Kommission, erörtert in einem Interview mit EUFIC die Implikationen des Weissbuches über ernährungs-, übergewichts- und adipositasbedingte Gesundheitsfragen und was in den nächsten Monaten erwartet werden kann.

Verfügbar in Audio- und Videoformaten.

Die Europäische Kommission erwartet Taten als Antwort auf das Weissbuch über Ernährung (vodcast)

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Weitere Informationen zu diesem Podcast

Some food additives linked with hyperactivity

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study by researchers at the University of Southampton has linked increased levels of hyperactivity in young children consuming mixtures of some artificial food colours and the preservative sodium benzoate.

Assortative mating may be contributing to obesity prevalence

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Previous research using measures, such as body mass index (BMI) or skinfold thickness, has suggested that spouses are similar in terms of body fat. A recent study employing the more accurate technique of duel-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has now confirmed this finding.

Anorexia: more common than thought but patients do recover

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new study has shed light on the eating disorder, anorexia nervosa. The illness appears to have higher incidence than previously thought, however, its outcome is generally good: up to 70% of anorexic women recover by the age of 30.

Children’s neophobia has a genetic component

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Neophobia, a reluctance to try new foods, is common in young children. A UK study has now discovered that the trait of neophobia is mainly genetic rather than influenced by a child’s environment.

Low carb, high protein diets may be unhealthy in the long term

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets (an example of such a diet could be the Atkins diet), are popular for weight control. Short-term intervention studies suggest that these diets produce a similar weight loss to traditional high-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diets. However, a large observational study has suggested that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may not be healthy in the long run.

Diet and exercise best for post-natal weight management

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Women keen to lose weight after childbirth should combine diet and exercise claims a new study published by the influential Cochrane Database.

Large portions contribute to weight gain

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Portion sizes of ready-to-eat foods and restaurant meals have steadily increased over the past decade. This has prompted concern from health educators because larger portion sizes may cause over-consumption of energy and weight gain. A new US study suggests that this analysis is correct.

Coffee may reduce the risk of liver cancer

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Regular coffee drinking could lower the risk of liver cancer by up to 55%, suggests a new meta-analysis. The prevalence of liver cancer is rare in Western countries but affects considerable numbers of people in East and South East Asia.

Wholegrains, not fibre, seem to lower colorectal cancer risk

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Scientists have long debated whether or not total fibre intake affects the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Now a US study has shown that wholegrains, not total fibre, seem to be effective against the disease.

Food cravings: a challenge during weight loss

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The common belief that food cravings are simply due to an addiction to high carbohydrate foods has been explored by US researchers.

Could sugar help weight loss programmes succeed?

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Slimmers don’t need to cut sugar out of their diets claims new research from Scotland, where 60% of adults are overweight or obese.

Cinnamon may delay glucose response

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Adding cinnamon to carbohydrate meals may slow the rise in blood sugars, claims a new study. This could be helpful for people with diabetes, or those concerned about blood sugar control.

Fried foods related to obesity risk

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A Spanish observational study seems to confirm suspicions that high intakes of fried food are associated with obesity.

High fructose corn syrup: does it have an impact on satiety?

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new US study shows that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) used to sweeten certain beverages has a similar impact on hunger and satiety as sucrose.

Alles über Nüsse

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Forschungen in den 90er Jahren deuteten darauf hin, dass Nüsse gut für das Herz sind, aber der Grund dafür war nicht bekannt. Neue Studien geben Aufschluss über dieses Thema, und es werden andere Vorteile des Konsums von Nüssen gefunden.

Lebensmittelauswahl und -vorlieben europäischer Jugendlicher

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Die HELENA-Studie (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescents) vermittelt neue Einblicke in die Ernährungsgewohnheiten und den Lebensstil junger Menschen in fünf Ländern und zeigt innerhalb Europas überraschende Gemeinsamkeiten sowie einige Hauptunterschiede.

Lebensmittelkennzeichnung und nährwert- und gesundheitsbezogene Angaben

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Heutzutage sind auf immer mehr Lebensmitteletiketten Nährwertangaben und Gesundheitsinformationen zu finden, die uns nützliches Wissen über die von uns gekauften Nahrungsmittel vermitteln. Dadurch können wir feststellen, welchen Beitrag verschiedene Lebensmittel zu unserer Gesundheit und unserem Wohlbefinden beisteuern- und eine entsprechend ausgewogene Ernährung wählen.

Neues System zur Beurteilung chemischer Risiken

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Im täglichen Leben sind wir Tausenden chemischen Substanzen ausgesetzt. Manche von ihnen sind gesundheitsfördernd (wie etwa die Hauptbestandteile von Nahrungsmitteln), andere Substanzen (die in Nahrungsmitteln oder in der Umwelt vorkommen) können jedoch zu Gesundheitsschäden führen. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Gesundheitsschädigung hängt davon ab, wie stark, häufig und lange jemand der jeweiligen Chemikalie ausgesetzt ist.

Cocoa may help reduce cholesterol levels

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Eating cocoa could help reduce LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol, according to a Japanese intervention study.

Infants may benefit from maternal DHA supplementation

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

According to a US intervention study, infants were better at problem-solving when their mothers were supplemented during pregnancy with the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Low carb diets may be bad for gut health

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Weight loss diets that restrict dietary carbohydrates are popular with slimmers but may have a harmful effect on gut health, according to Scottish researchers.

Vitamin D could help reduce cancer risk

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A long-term dietary trial has revealed that supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can dramatically lower the risk of cancer in women.

More evidence for wholegrain benefits

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new US study adds to recent evidence showing that eating wholegrains helps to lower the risk of heart disease.

Green tea may halve risk of colon cancer

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Green tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which are believed to help protect against cancer and heart disease. A study from China has reported beneficial associations between regular consumption of green tea and colorectal cancer risk. The disease affects around a million people worldwide and is linked to poor eating habits, low levels of physical activity, and ageing populations.

Folic acid could reduce stroke

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Boiling vegetables may impair anti-cancer properties

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The anti-cancer properties of Brassica vegetables, namely broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are well-known. However, boiling such vegetables severely impairs their potential health benefits, as a new UK study has reported.

Soy nuts may reduce blood pressure

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Adding soy nuts to a healthy diet is an effective way of lowering blood pressure and LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), according to a new US study in women.

Fruit carotenoids better choice for functional ingredients

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of health-promoting nutrients called carotenoids. However, benefits to human health depend on how well these nutrients are absorbed by the body after digestion. A new study has shown that fruit carotenoids are better absorbed than those from green vegetables. This means that fruit carotenoids may be a better choice as ingredients for functional food and beverage products.

Is eating between meals good for our health?

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Over the last few decades, there have been great changes in how Europeans work, rest and play and our eating habits have adapted accordingly. One consequence of our modern fast paced lifestyles is that we tend to eat on the go and it is commonly believed that we are having more eating episodes outside meals than in the past. This review will examine if this is the case and consider the health implications of this aspect of our dietary habits.

Apple’s secret revealed

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Increasing amounts of evidence point to the health properties of apples, which are a major source of polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants are believed to offer protection against the development of cancer and heart disease. Now research has shown that of all the apple parts, the peel is the richest source of polyphenols.

Dietary flavonoids may reduce ovarian cancer risk

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Ovarian cancer affects more than 60,000 European women annually with most cases occurring in Northern Europe. This study suggests that dietary intake of certain flavonoids may reduce ovarian cancer risk.

Three meals may be better than one

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Due to lifestyle changes, there is an increasing number of people who choose to eat just once a day, but is this good for our health? New research suggests that our body copes better with the traditional three meals a day when compared with the same amount eaten in one meal.

Conjugated linoleic acid and obesity

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

With obesity affecting millions of consumers in Europe, there is strong interest in food ingredients that could help consumers regularize their weight and body composition.

Apples and fish may protect children from asthma

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Maternal diet is thought to have an impact on subsequent child health. This is because aspects of the mother’s diet can condition the rapidly growing organs of the foetus. A new study from Scotland has found that children whose pregnant mothers ate apples or fish were less likely to develop allergic conditions.

Cereal fibre linked to low diabetes risk

Tue, 29 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A large European study has found links between cereal fibre intake and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings were backed by a meta-analysis of the scientific literature.

Allergy in children not linked to birth weight and gestational age

Fri, 25 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

An estimated 4 to 8% of people living in the EU are believed to suffer from food allergies, according to allergy organisations. Parents of newborns are advised to prolong breast-feeding, wean after 6 months, and avoid early exposure to potential food allergens to reduce their offspring’s risk of developing allergies. This is because the immature gut is thought to be permeable to food proteins, leading to an adverse immune response which could evolve into a food allergy. However, a new study from Canada suggests that this advice could be misplaced.

Eating fish may normalise heart function

Thu, 24 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study from Greece lends more support to the claim that eating fish is good for the heart. The large observational study looked at the impact of various dietary factors on cardiac arrhythmia, a condition where the heart beats irregularly and which can be fatal in many cases.

Flavonoids and heart disease

Mon, 21 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A Finnish study has looked at the heart health benefits associated with 26 antioxidant nutrients from the Flavonoid group (part of the Polyphenol family of antioxidants). Flavonoids are found in certain fruits and vegetables, in tea, coffee, red wine and cocoa. Sub-classes of flavonoids include flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols and anthocyanidins.

Concern about low intakes of vitamin D

Fri, 18 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Two studies have highlighted issues with vitamin D intake in Europe. Currently, few countries have dietary recommendations for vitamin D because our bodies can make vitamin D in response to sunlight. However, there is now concern that significant numbers of people are at risk from vitamin D deficiency, also called hypovitaminosis D.

Adipositasprävention im Kindesalter – Erkenntnisse aus früheren Studien (4/4)

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Dies ist der letzte Artikel einer Serie, der sich mit Maßnahmen zur Prävention von Übergewicht und Fettsucht bei Kindern befasst. Die Erkenntnisse aus den bisherigen Interventionsstudien sollen zur Verbesserung zukünftiger Präventionsmaßnahmen dienen.

Ein gesunder Lebenswandel – Die Entwicklung einer europäischen Interventionsstrategie

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Die IDEFICS-Studie (Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS) ist eine kürzlich gestartete 5-jährige epidemiologische Studie, die an verschiedenen Zentren europaweit durchgeführt und von der Europäischen Kommission finanziert wird. Diese Studie konzentriert sich auf Kinder im Alter von 2-10 Jahren und zielt auf ein besseres Verständnis der vielschichtigen Ursachen von Übergewicht und Fettleibigkeit im Kindesalter sowie auf die Prävention dieser Probleme und der daraus resultierenden Erkrankungen.

Koffein und Gesundheit

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

In vielen Kulturen haben koffeinhaltige Nahrungsmittel und Getränke einen hohen Stellenwert. Koffein gehört mit zu den bestuntersuchten Nahrungszusätzen, allerdings ist die Forschung auf diesem Gebiet noch nicht abgeschlossen. Dieser Artikel befasst sich mit den kurzzeitigen physiologischen Auswirkungen dieser weit verbreiteten Substanz. Es wird weiterhin untersucht, ob Koffein das Risiko von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und Krebs beeinflusst, und welche Auswirkungen der bei bestimmten Gruppen festgestellte Missbrauch von Koffein zeitigt.

Diet policies should promote wholegrains

Wed, 02 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new analysis of heart health studies has criticised policy makers for failing to promote wholegrain foods sufficiently. The meta-analysis combined data from seven observational studies, involving a total of 149,000 subjects. It was found that subjects eating at least 2.5 servings of wholegrains per day experienced a 21% reduction in the risk of heart disease or stroke compared with subjects who ate only 0.2 servings per day.

Almonds, heart health and weight

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Unsaturated ‘omega-3’ fats from nuts could offer heart health benefits. However, nuts are viewed as being high in total fat and calories, which has discouraged their use in traditional heart health diets.

Insufficient data to link sugar with nutrient dilution

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Critics of sugar-containing foods claim that high sugar diets contain inadequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. This is sometimes called a ‘nutrient dilution’ effect. However, a new review has questioned whether there is enough evidence to say this.

Gesundheitliche Prävention

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

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Viel Bewegung und eine ausgewogene Ernährung sind Schlüsselelemente eines gesunden Lebensstils. Das ist die zentrale Botschaft der Konferenz "Gesundheitliche Prävention, Ernährung und Bewegung - Schlüssel für mehr Lebensqualität", die gemeinsam vom Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz und dem Bundesministerium für Gesundheit veranstaltet wurde. Die Konferenz fand im Rahmen der deutschen Ratspräsidentschaft statt und wird von der Europäischen Kommission kofinanziert.

Während der Konferenz sprach Dr. Josephine Wills, Leiterin des European Food Information Council EUFIC, mit Dr. Gerd Müller, dem Parlamentarischen Staatssekretät des Ministeriums für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz, Professor Alfred Rütten von der Universität Erlangen und Professor Dr. Erik Harms, Professor für Kinderheilkunde an der Universität Münster und Vorsitzender der deutschen "Plattform Ernährung und Bewegung".

Weight re-gain may be inevitable for dieters

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

An analysis of long-term dieting studies carried out by US psychologists has revealed that most weight-loss diets don’t work in the long term. Professor Traci Mann, from the University of California in Los Angeles, conducted a rigorous analysis of 31 long-term studies to find out whether successful dieters were able to maintain their new weight in the long-term.

Obesity linked to genes

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

For years, unsuccessful dieters have tended to blame weight problems on their genes. New research suggests that there may be some truth in this, but it does not negate the importance of diet and exercise in weight management.

Mediterranean diet may protect children against asthma

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Children who eat a Mediterranean-style diet seem to have a lower risk of developing asthma, suggests new research. The survey of nearly 700 children living on the Greek island of Crete showed that a high intake of nuts, grapes, tomatoes and oranges was linked with a 50-80% lower risk of wheezing in 7 to 18 year olds.

Wholegrains linked to heart health

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Research presented at the annual American Heart Association conference suggests that eating wholegrain cereals can lower the risk of heart failure. The research was based on data from the Physicians’ Health Study, which followed the health and lifestyle of more than 10,000 American doctors from 1982 to 2006.

Novel probiotic yoghurt drink could lift mood

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Frequency of constipation has been linked with poor mood, possibly because of gastric discomfort and bloating. Probiotics – live beneficial bacteria added to food or drinks – are known to relieve constipation. British researchers brought these two aspects together in order to test the impact of a probiotic drink on mood and bowel habits.

Tomato products may offer health benefits

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Tomatoes are a rich source of the antioxidant nutrient, lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene can help protect body cells from oxidative damage in the same way that antioxidants in food processing prevent fats from becoming rancid.

New sweeteners study shows no link with cancer

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study of more than 16,000 patients has found no link between sweetener intake and the risk of cancer. This supports a previous ruling by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

High Glycaemic Index foods may hasten sleep

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Many people experience difficulty in getting off to sleep. Scientists have shown that carbohydrate foods with a high Glycaemic Index (GI) may induce a quicker sleep onset.

Absorption of food folate better than expected

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new study has found that the absorption of the natural form of folic acid present in foods, called folate, relative to folic acid capsules, is better than expected.

Antioxidant impact of juice not due to vitamin C

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Experts believe that heart disease and cancer have their origins in long-term damage to the body’s cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules created during normal metabolism or via exposure to pollutants in the environment e.g. cigarette smoke. Normally, the body is able to protect itself from free radical damage with antioxidant nutrients in the blood. However, the stress of daily life combined with poor diets often leaves individuals with a deficient antioxidant defence. This increases the importance of dietary sources of antioxidants.

Could oily fish strengthen bones?

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The cardiovascular effects of the omega-3 fats present in oily fish are well-known. Now a new study points to a benefit for bone health.

Independent expert panel confirms safety of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

An international team of experts has met to consider new evidence on the safety of the food additive, monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is used to enhance flavour in Chinese food and some processed food and beverage products. The resulting consensus was intended to replace a similar exercise published in 1997.

2. Jahrestag der Gründung der EU-Plattform für Ernährung, körperliche Bewegung und Gesundheit

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Weitere Informationen zu diesem Podcast

Aus Anlass des 2. Jahrestages der Gründung der EU-Plattform für Ernährung, körperliche Bewegung und Gesundheit sprach der Leiter der Generaldirektion für Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz (DG SANCO), Robert Madelin, in einem Interview mit EUFIC offen über erreichte Ziele, notwendige Verbesserungen und die Rolle der EU-Plattform bei der Gestaltung der zukünftigen EU-Politik. (Nur in Englisch verfügbar)

Zur Bedeutung von „Guideline Daily Amounts“

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Sie haben vielleicht schon den Begriff „Guideline Daily Amounts“ auf Lebensmitteletiketten gelesen? Was versteht man unter ‚Guideline Daily Amounts’ (GDA)? „Guideline Daily Amounts“ geben die empfohlene Tageszufuhr von Energie und Nährstoffen an, die ein gesunder Erwachsener im Durchschnitt pro Tag zu sich nehmen sollte. Diese Angaben von Lebensmittel- und Getränkeherstellern sowie Handelsunternehmen sind freiwillig. Sie sollen über den Energie- und Nährstoffgehalt von Lebensmitteln und Getränken informieren. Man hofft dass die Verbraucher mit Hilfe dieser Angaben besser verstehen, wie einzelne Produkte zu einer ausgewogenen Ernährung beitragen.

A new study has examined a quirky aspect of consumer behaviour: Do shopping lists promote or prevent healthy choices?

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The study, from the Journal of Consumer Research, suggests having to come up with options from memory led to more impulsive decisions.

Study suggests Atkins Diet is effective

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The Atkins Diet is in the news again - and this time with the backing of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Women following the Atkins diet lost more weight than women following other diets, with no concerns expressed over cardiovascular risk factors.

Hyperaktivität und künstliche Lebensmittelfarben

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Vor über 30 Jahren ist postuliert worden, dass ein Großteil der Hyperaktivität, die mit Lernschwächen einhergeht, auf künstliche Lebensmittelfarben (artificial food colours = AFCs) zurückzuführen sein könnte ebenso wie auf bestimmte Frucht- und Gemüsesorten, die Salze der Salicylsäure (Salicylate) und Zucker enthalten. Seitdem haben Dutzende von Wissenschaftlern diese Theorie geprüft, aber die Beweislage bleibt kontrovers.

Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern vorbeugen – das Umfeld prüfen (3/4)

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Bislang haben wir im Rahmen dieser Artikelserie über die Kernbotschaften zur grundlegenden Prävention von Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern diskutiert und haben aufgezeigt, wie Alter, Geschlecht und ethnische Zugehörigkeit der jungen Zielgruppe das Ergebnis beeinflussen. Nun beleuchten wir den Einfluss des Umfelds auf den Erfolg eines Programms.

Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): an observational cohort study

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Higher maternal seafood consumption during pregnancy results in children showing better neurological function than children whose mothers eat low amounts or no seafood during pregnancy, according to an Article. The authors conclude: “we noted that children of mothers who ate small amounts of seafood were more likely to have suboptimum neurodevelopmental outcomes than children of mothers who ate more seafood”

Q&A on Avian Influenza: Is it safe to eat poultry meat and eggs?

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Birds, like people, can have the flu. Avian influenza or bird flu was first identified over 100 years ago during an outbreak in Italy. Over the years, the disease has appeared from time to time in regions all over the world. Avian influenza spreads easily among wild birds, but it can also infect domesticated birds including chickens, turkeys and ducks. Left untreated, avian influenza can devastate an entire flock of chickens.

Breakthrough in understanding type-2 diabetes as key genes identified

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Using fibre in the fight against breast cancer

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereal could be key weapons in the battle against breast cancer.

A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go to work

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100

There will soon be no more bitter pills to swallow, thanks to new research by Leeds scientists: a spoonful of sugar will be all we need for our bodies to make their own medicine.

The "NutritionDay in Europe" initiative will, on January 25, collect benchmarking data from 31 countries about nutrition care provision in European hospitals

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Data collected on NutritionDay2006 showed that disease-related malnutrition increases length of stay by 6 days and is accompanied by a fourfold increase in mortality. The president of the Ecosocial Forum Europe, former EU-commissar Franz Fischler emphasises the social dimension of the Initiative.

Weltweite Verbrauchereinstellungen zu auf Lebensmittelverpackungen aufgedruckten Nährwertangaben

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Weitere Informationen zu diesem Podcast

Wissen Verbraucher, wie viel sie essen sollten? Wissen sie, wie viele Kalorien bestimmte Lebensmittel haben? Lesen Verbraucher die auf Lebensmittelverpackungen aufgedruckten Nährwertangaben, verstehen sie deren Bedeutung und spielen diese Angaben bei der Auswahl von Lebensmitteln irgendwelche Rolle?

The Community Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents, Antimicrobial Resistance and Foodborne Outbreaks in the European Union in 2005

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Zoonoses are diseases or infections, which are transmissible from animals to humans. The infection can be acquired directly from animals, or through ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. In humans, the gravity of these diseases can vary from mild symptoms to life threatening conditions. The importance of a zoonosis as a human disease depends on several factors, such as severity of the disease, the case fatality, and number of cases (incidence) in the population.

Eine große Zukunft für die Wissenschaft der kleinen Teilchen

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Nanotechnologie ist die Entwicklung neuer Produkte und Prozesse unter Nutzung von Materialien in der Größenordnung von 0.1 bis 100 Nanometern. Ein Nanometer ist ein Milliardstel eines Meters (oder ein Millionstel eines Millimeters), was die Nanotechnologie wahrhaftig zur „Wissenschaft des Kleinen“ macht. Um dies in Relationen zu setzen: ein Atom misst im Querschnitt zirka ein Zehntel eines Nanometers, ein DNA-Molekül ist ungefähr 2,5 Nanometer groß und die Dicke eines menschlichen Haares beträgt ungefähr 80.000 Nanometern.

Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern vorbeugen – prüfen, welche Initiative wirkt (2/4)

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Programme zur Prävention von Übergewicht und Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern, die sich darauf konzentrieren, das Ernährungsverhalten zu ändern, die körperliche Aktivität zu steigern oder sitzende Tätigkeiten zu reduzieren, liefen etliche Jahre in Ländern auf der ganzen Welt. Viel versprechende Ergebnisse haben dabei nützliche Daten für die Entwicklung zukünftiger Initiativen geliefert. Dies ist der zweite Artikel einer Reihe, die die aktuelle Forschung zur Prävention von Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern diskutiert

Salz, Kalium und die Kontrolle des Blutdrucks

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Salz ist der gebräuchliche Begriff für Natriumchlorid (NaCl). Es ist lebensnotwendig und essenziell für eine gute Gesundheit. Hoher Blutdruck ist ein Risikofaktor für Herz- und Gefäßkrankheiten sowie Schlaganfälle. Er steht in Zusammenhang mit hoher Natrium- und geringer Kaliumzufuhr. Aber: können Empfehlungen, weniger Salz aufzunehmen, etwas daran ändern?

Food is getting healthier and better, thanks to EU research

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

“Food quality and safety are major concerns for European citizens and it is great to see relevant new results coming out of EU-funded research” said European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. “Basing decisions about food on scientific evidence benefits consumers. Measures proposed by researchers from EU projects have been tested for validity and reliability and can be used on farms and in food production.”

Sugar not linked with diabetes risk

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

It has long been suspected that a high sugar diet over a long term period may lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes. But there has been little or no evidence to support this idea, with studies on the role of any aspect of the diet in the development of diabetes difficult to conduct.

TV viewing and physical inactivity independently associated with metabolic risk in children

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Watching TV and level of activity in children appear to be associated independently of each other with risk factors that may influence the chance that children have of developing metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes) and cardiovascular diseases in later life.

Underweight women at greater risk of miscarriage - but having a healthy diet and reducing stress when pregnant may lower risk.

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Women who have a low body mass index before they become pregnant are 72% more likely to suffer a miscarriage in the first three months of pregnancy, but can reduce their risk significantly by taking supplements and eating fresh fruit and vegetables, according to study findings published online today.

Low impact aerobic exercise reduces fatigue in auto-immune conditions says multi-study review

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Low impact aerobic exercise, such as walking and cycling, can effectively reduce fatigue in adults with chronic auto-immune conditions, according to a research review in the latest issue of the UK-based Journal of Advanced Nursing.

76% of workers older than 60 years of age are overweight or obese

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

76% of workers older than 60 years of age are overweight or obese. However, less than one third of those 40 years of age and younger suffer these health issues.

Can we prevent type 1 diabetes by modifying infant nutrition?

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Type 1 diabetes is a growing health problem among European children. European data indicate that the disease incidence has increased five- to six-fold among children under the age of 15 years after World War II, and there are no signs that the increase in incidence is levelling off.

Diet may help prevent allergies and asthma

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A recent publication from the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN) provides new insights into the role that diet may play in the development of allergies, especially in children. The work suggests that the significant changes in European diets over the past 20-40 years may have contributed to the increased incidence of allergic diseases in both children and adults seen over this period.

Commission presents Eurobarometer on Health, Food and Nutrition

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Most Europeans consider themselves to be in good health, but 38% feel they are overweight, according to the results of the latest Eurobarometer on Health, Food and Nutrition presented by the European Commission today. The survey, which reveals that 95% of EU citizens agree that obesity is harmful for health, addresses the health and physical characteristics of Europeans, their diet and general eating habits, problems related to being overweight, and their physical activity levels. Eating more vegetables and less fat are the most frequent changes that Europeans say they are introducing in their eating habits. However, most respondents report feeling trapped in a sedentary life that restricts their attempts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Less than 30% of Europeans carry out “intensive” physical activity on a regular basis. Most Europeans (85%) feel public authorities should play a stronger role in fighting obesity. Nine out of ten Europeans feel that marketing and advertising influence children in their food and drink choices.

EFSA recommendations on the prevention and reduction of animal diseases transmissible to humans (zoonoses)

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

At the end of last year the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its first annual report1 on infectious diseases transmissible from animals to humans (zoonoses) which affect over 380,000 EU citizens per year. Based on this report, at the request of the Council of Ministers of the European Union (EU), EFSA has now for the first time set out a series of scientific conclusions and recommendations and risk communications initiatives to prevent and reduce zoonotic diseases in the EU. The Authority has also identified aspects of the zoonoses reporting system that should be improved.

New report shows chronic diseases threatening economies of developing and developed countries

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A new report from the Oxford Health Alliance (OxHA) demonstrates that chronic diseases - heart and lung disease, cancer and diabetes - are having a negative economic impact on both the developed and developing world and should thus be adequately addressed by domestic and international policy makers.

Energy cost of walking: Over 70s use a third more energy than young

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The human body is like a car: it becomes more gas-guzzling with age. That's according to scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University who observed that active pensioners may not be getting enough calories to cope with increased "fuel loss".

Fatty fish may protect against prostate cancer

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Men who eat a lot of fatty fish run a lower risk of prostate cancer, concludes a new research paper from Karolinska Institutet. The effect is likely to be attributable to the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, although there is also a hereditary factor.

Microwave pre-cooking of chips reduces cancer chemicals

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Microwaving your chips before you fry them reduces the levels of a cancer-causing substance, reveals findings published today in the SCI’s Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Fish benefits outweigh risks, conclude two studies

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Two new studies published in the US this week seek to blow out of the water fears that people who regularly consumer seafood are putting themselves at risk due to methylmercury, PCB and dioxin contamination. Rather, the benefits of regular fish consumption on heart disease risk and neurodevelopment were seen to outweigh the risks.

New study gives further hope that vitamin D can help to fight breast cancer

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Vitamin D may help curb breast cancer progression, according to a study published today in the Journal of Clinical Pathology. The authors, from Imperial College London, measured the levels of vitamin D in the blood serum of 279 women with invasive breast cancer. The disease was in its early stages in 204 of the women, and advanced in the remaining 75.

The dietary history locked up in strands of hair can help diagnose eating disorders

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Women with eating disorders often cannot recognise their problem, or attempt to disguise it. This makes diagnosis and treatment very difficult. But newly published research from Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry shows that analysing the carbon and nitrogen bound into hair fibres can determine whether a person does indeed have an eating disorder.

Gain Weight, Lose Brain Power?

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Add another hazard to the pitfalls of being overweight -- a few extra pounds might reduce your brainpower. According to a new French study, heftier people score lower on cognitive tests, even when factors such as education level are taken into account.

Außer Haus essen – auf die gesündere Art

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Viele Europäer essen immer mehr Mahlzeiten außer Haus oder bereiten sie außer Haus zu, da sie zu beschäftigt sind selbst einzukaufen oder zu kochen. Beispielsweise sich auf dem Weg zur Arbeit etwas zum Frühstück zu greifen, mittags in einem nahegelegenen Café zu essen und das Abendessen in einem Schnellimbiss oder einem Restaurant zu sich zu nehmen. Je häufiger man auswärts isst, desto wichtiger wird es, bei der Essensauswahl vernünftige Entscheidungen zu treffen, um insgesamt eine gesunde Ernährungsweise aufrechtzuerhalten. Hier finden Sie ein paar nützliche Tipps, die Ihnen helfen sollen...…

Es ist Zeit, die Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern anzugehen (1/4)

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Da die Fettleibigkeits- und Übergewichtsrate bei europäischen Kindern zunehmend ansteigt, besteht die generelle Übereinkunft, dass vorbeugende Aktionen dringend nötig sind. Es wird jedoch immer noch viel darüber diskutiert, wann und wie eine Intervention eingesetzt und welche konkreten Maßnahmen genutzt werden sollen. Einige Überlegungen sind im Folgenden aufgeführt.

Über Inhaltsstoffe Bescheid wissen

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Konsumenten möchten wissen, was in ihrem Essen ist. Aus einer Vielzahl von Gründen können sie sich wünschen, bestimmte Zutaten zu vermeiden. In Europa müssen nahegehend alle abgepackten Lebensmittel gemäß EU-Recht gekennzeichnet sein. Dennoch dürfte die Terminologie der Inhaltsstoffkennzeichnung für Verbraucher nicht immer offensichtlich sein. Für manche Konsumenten ist es auch ein Problem, die benannten Zutaten zu interpretieren.

Black tea can soothe away stress

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Daily cups of tea can help you recover more quickly from the stresses of everyday life, according to a new study by UCL (University College London) researchers. New scientific evidence shows that black tea has an effect on stress hormone levels in the body. The study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology, found that people who drank tea were able to de-stress more quickly than those who drank a fake tea substitute.

Gaining Weight in Between Pregnancies Could Lead to Pregnancy Complications

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A new large-scale study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, found that an increase in body mass index (BMI) between first and second pregnancies was associated with adverse outcomes. The findings support for the first time a possible causal relationship between obesity and pregnancy complications, and are published in The Lancet.

Fatty fish may protect against cancer

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

If you want to avoid cancer of the kidneys, a new major study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that eating salmon or other kinds of fatty fish a few times a month would be one good way to go about it.

"No time to exercise" is no excuse

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A new study, published in The Journal of Physiology, shows that short bursts of very intense exercise — equivalent to only a few minutes per day — can produce the same results as traditional endurance training.

Commission presents results of consultation on healthy diets and physical activity

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The Commission today presents the results of a public consultation on promoting healthy diets and physical activity, with a focus on the prevention of overweight, obesity and chronic diseases. With around 14 million children in Europe currently overweight, of which more than 3 million are obese, this is now an urgent public health issue requiring co-ordinated action at EU level, as well as within Member States.

Appetite – it’s a brain thing

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The regulation of body weight and energy balance in animals depends on the central nervous system capacity to read the body’s metabolic state and respond accordingly. But how does the brain process and integrate information to regulate feeding behaviour in order to sustain the energetic needs of the organism? In an article now published on the journal "Neuron", scientists from the US and Portugal study the brain activity of rats during a feeding cycle - consisting of an episode of hunger, satiety and hunger again - and found that, while individual neurons respond to parts of the cycle, the pooled activity of the neurons in entire brain areas is always high throughout hunger, diminishing after the animal is fed and satiated, and again increases when the animal is hungry again, a variation that most probably underlies the activation of the mechanism associated with feeding motivation in these animals.

How big is the energy gap in obesity? Top expert warns of public misunderstanding

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The oversimplification of the “energy-in/energy out” equation is generating a fundamental public misunderstanding of the challenges of obesity, an eminent expert has warned at the International Congress on Obesity in Sydney today.

Lack of outdoor play is health time bomb for children

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Unless more suitable outdoor play opportunities are provided for children and young people, a physical and mental illness time bomb is likely to explode, an international conference in Bristol was told.

Are you a little low? Failure to match energy intake with requirements is a possible cause of that ‘low blood sugar’ feeling.

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

As many as one third of women experience symptoms which they believe are caused by low blood glucose (sugar), according to a recent survey conducted in Nottinghamshire (1). The symptoms of such low blood glucose (or hypoglycaemia, as it is medically termed), include: irritability; faintness; tremor; hunger and anxiety.

Waist-hip ratio could be used to replace body mass index as indicator of mortality risk in older people

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Older people with high waist-hip ratios (WHRs) have a higher mortality risk than those with a high body mass index, or BMI, a new study reveals

An energy-based approach to nutrition information on food labels (English only)

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Das Europäische Informationszentrum für Lebensmittel: Interview mit Robert Madelin, DG SANCO

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

In einem Interview mit EUFIC spricht Robert Madelin über die wichtigsten Ergebnisse der EU-Aktionsplattform für Ernährung, körperliche Bewegung und Gesundheit, und er beschreibt die Hauptprioritäten für die Zukunft (Nur in Englisch verfügbar).

Big kids are getting too big

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The epidemic of obesity in young children has been far worse in the tallest, fastest growing young children, according to new research published in The International Journal of Obesity today (1 August 2006).

Ernährung, Krebsrisiko und Herz-Kreislauferkrankungen – die Resultate der bisher größten Interventions-Ernährungsstudie

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Laut den gängigen Ernährungsempfehlungen sollen wir mäßig Fett, aber viel Obst, Gemüse und Vollkornprodukte essen. Die jüngsten Ergebnisse der bisher größten Meta-Ernährungsstudie belegen den vorteilhaften Effekt von solchen Ernährungsempfehlungen im Hinblick auf die Reduzierung von Krebs, Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen nicht. Oder doch? Tatsächlich benötigen die Analysen dieser Meilenstein-Studie eine nuancierte, sorgfältige Analysen.

Gesundheitlicher Nutzen von Kakaoflavonoiden

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Schon mehr als zwei Jahrtausende wird die Kakaobohne medizinisch genutzt – darauf deuten historische Quellen hin. Die Anwendung als Heilpflanze reicht von den Mayas und Azteken bis hin zur Einführung ins mittelalterliche Europa. Über 100 medizinische Nutzungsmöglichkeiten für Kakao und Schokolade sind aufgezeichnet. Dazu zählen die Behandlung von Müdigkeit, Kachexie, Fieber, Angina und Herzschmerzen, Anämie, Kurzatmigkeit, Nieren- und Darmbeschwerden. Es existieren allerdings keine ausreichenden wissenschaftlichen Daten, um die Wirksamkeit bei der Vorbeugung oder Behandlung solcher gesundheitlicher Probleme zu untermauern. Noch heute verwenden die Ureinwohner in Zentral- und Südamerika zahlreiche Bestandteile der Kakaopflanze bei der Herstellung ihrer traditionellen Medizin.

Lebensmittelsicherheit: Risikowahrnehmung der europäischen Verbraucher

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Für die Entwicklung von wirkungsvollen Strategien zur Kommunikation von Sachverhalten, die Gesundheitsgefährdungen thematisieren, ist es wichtig, die Risikowahrnehmung der Verbraucher zu verstehen. Die kürzlich veröffentlichte Eurobarometer Studie zu „Risikothemen“ liefert wertvolle Einsichten dahingehend, wie die europäischen Verbraucher Lebensmittelsicherheitsrisiken wahrnehmen und insbesondere, wie sie auf Informationen über derartige Risiken reagieren.

Neue Webseite für das Europäische Informationszentrum für Lebensmittel (EUFIC)

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Um Gutes weiter zu verbessern, hat das Europäische Informationszentrum für Lebensmittel (EUFIC) seine Weibseite www.eufic.org vollkommen neu gestaltet. Mit mehr als 350.000 Besuchern pro Monat war die vom Magazin der British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) “Good Food” im März 2006 zu einer der 5 Top-Webseiten für vertrauenswürdige Information über Ernährung gewählte frühere Internetseite zu einer anerkannten Institution geworden. Nun wurde die neue nach modernen Standards umgestaltete Webseite aufgrund wertvoller Rückmeldungen von Benutzern noch verbessert und bietet mehr als 4000 Seiten mit wissenschaftlich fundierten Daten, die den Besucher auf einfache und benutzerfreundliche Weise Anleitungen und Informationen rund um die Lebensmittelsicherheit sowie um Gesundheit und Ernährung liefern.

Exercise can help to control type 2 diabetes

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus who perform regular exercise improve their blood sugar control and have reduced body fat. This reduction in fat occurs even if they don’t loose weight, suggesting that some of the fat may have been replaced by muscle.

Taking calcium supplements during pregnancy may halve the risk of pre-eclampsia

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Worldwide pre-eclampsia accounts for 40,000 maternal deaths a year and can trigger premature birth which is extremely dangerous for the child. A Cochrane Review of trials found that taking calcium supplements during pregnancy is a safe and cheap means of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Commission presents results of Eurobarometer on Avian Flu

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Europeans are well informed about avian influenza and have confidence in the actions of EU and national authorities to tackle it, but significant gaps in knowledge remain about the risks, according to a special Eurobarometer survey on avian influenza published today by the Commission and conducted in March and April. Most respondents (between 70% and 80% according to the type of measures) correctly identified specific surveillance, control and eradication measures taken to prevent and contain avian flu outbreaks, and 70% of respondents agree that EU public authorities are guided in their actions by genuine concern about the health of European citizens. However, the survey reveals that a significant percentage of Europeans remain unsure about certain basic facts about avian flu. For example, 28% do not know that avian flu cannot be transmitted through properly cooked eggs and poultry meat. Most EU citizens replied that they had not reduced their consumption of poultry products, and those that did indicated they had done so only as a precaution.

Body measures and colon cancer risk – new results from the EPIC study

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Men and women with a large waist circumference and a large waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. In contrast, only in men is a high body mass index (BMI) clearly associated with a higher colon cancer risk. However, there is no relation between the body measures of the investigation and rectal cancer risk. These results from the European-wide EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) were published on July 5th by Tobias Pischon of the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) and his colleagues in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

E-numbers

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Q&A about aspartame

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Available for almost 25 years, aspartame is approved for use by the general population in 130 countries around the world. Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested food additives in history with a comprehensive battery of studies done in humans and animals, including toxicity and carcinogenicity studies. All demonstrated that aspartame was safe for human consumption. Safety authorities have regularly reviewed new studies and they have always reconfirmed aspartame’s safety. Recently, aspartame has been again the subject of a public controversy after a new study was published linking the sweetener with a raised incidence of some tumours in rats. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) acknowledged to consider the new findings and ordered a review of aspartame’s safety, which confirmed the safety of the product.

Süßigkeiten-Management

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Von Geburt an hat der Mensch eine Vorliebe für das Süβe. Während einer wissenschaftlichen Konferenz in Brüssel im Juni 2006 hat Dr. Josephine Wills mehrere europäische Wissenschaftler gefragt, wie die Leute das Süβe in eine gesunde Ernährung integrieren können. (Nur in Englisch verfügbar)

Quo vadis food risk communication? (English only)

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The field of risk communication is going through a period of change. The area, having evolved from studies of public perceptions associated with nuclear power plants, noxious chemical facilities and crisis management issues, has now become closely intertwined with food. Food issues, be they associated with genetically modified organisms, acrylamide and whether fried foods are indeed safe to eat, or food safety issues in general, are key topics of discussion at international risk communication meetings at the present time and are gaining prominence in media and policy debates.

10 gesunde Ernährungstipps für Kinder

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Das Geheimnis einer gesunden und reichhaltigen Ernährung lautet Abwechslung, Mäßigung und Bewegung. EUFIC gibt Ihnen 10 grundsätzliche Tipps, die Ihre Einstellung zur Ernährung verändern werden.

10 tips to healthy eating (English only)