Vegetable consumption is an important component of a healthy diet; as one of the main food groups vegetable provide fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, motivating young children to increase their intake from this food group often presents a challenge. Here are some suggestions what parents can do.

Chromium is an essential trace element that enhances insulin function and influences carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It has been suggested that chromium could be used as an adjunct to weight loss and to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. This article examines current understanding in these areas and outlines recommendations for chromium consumption.

There has been much interest in the role of selenium in recent years. As intakes have drifted downwards in Europe, concern has been expressed that marginal deficiencies may be putting us at greater risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. But is this the case and what should be done about it?

This mineral is ubiquitous in the body. Essential for core functions like digestion, reproduction and growth, zinc is linked to the performance of many body systems. Its list of benefits is extensive and sometimes ambitious - can zinc really fight infection and heal wounds?

In view of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in Europe, the role of certain carbohydrates, like sugar, is often controversially discussed. Here are some facts about the role of carbohydrates, sugars and sugar in our diet.

The EURRECA (EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned) Network of Excellence has been established to work towards a framework of advice on micronutrients to better inform policy-makers as they formulate national recommendations. The aim is to produce Europe-wide scientific consensus on the evidence on which micronutrient recommendations can be used, enabling such evidence to be converted rapidly, conveniently and appropriately into recommendations published in national policy documents.

Folate is part of the family of B vitamins and must be consumed daily. Ongoing debate over whether or not to fortify staple foods with folic acid, has led researchers to investigate other strategies for improving the folate status of Europeans.

The proportion of elderly people in Europe is currently around 20% and this is predicted to increase to 25% by 2020. The most dramatic demographic changes are in the oldest age group (80 years and over). A number of factors, including nutrition, have contributed to this increase in life expectancy. This global phenomenon has spiked renewed interest in the ageing process amongst researchers, policy makers and industry alike.

Food supplements and fortified foods are being used more and more by consumers, leading to increasing amounts of shelf-space in health-food shops, pharmacies, and supermarkets. But what exactly are food supplements and fortified foods, and what are they for?

SUVIMAX, a major French study investigating the impact of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer has finally delivered its verdict. Only the men benefited from taking antioxidant supplements… women had a better diet in the first place.

While the key to beating stress is to discover its cause and find ways of reducing or living with this source, regular good nutrition may help the body to cope with at least some of its negative effects.

Remember the old advice to eat carrots so you could see in the dark? Evidence is mounting that antioxidant nutrients found in many plant foods, including carrots, other red and yellow fruits and vegetables, fish oils and organ meats, may help prevent problems with eyesight that are often associated with aging.

We consider it quite a feat to escape winter without a single cold. However, research is beginning to indicate that a healthy diet may help strengthen the immune system and give your body the best chance of fighting colds.

Researchers have succeeded in genetically modifying rice to enhance its vitamin A and iron content. Once they have passed the authorisation procedure, these new varieties will be made freely available to local rice farmers for planting

Iron is a vital nutrient. In our diets, red meats are the richest source; it is also found in oily fish, the dark meat of chicken and turkey and in some nuts, seeds, dried fruits, dark green vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals.

Few people can have missed the message that fruit and vegetables do us good. They are packed with vitamins, some minerals and help to increase intakes of fibre. Good though these reasons are for trying to ensure a regular intake of such foods, these nutritional benefits seem to be just the tip of the iceberg. For hidden away inside every crunch of an apple, mouthful of mango and bit of broccoli you take are a host of other plant or 'phyto' nutrients thought to offer yet more benefits to our health and wellbeing.

Life style choices made by young people today can offset their chances of developing osteoporosis later in life. There is no secret about it - the more calcium accumulated while young the more there will be in the bones when older. An important factor is diet.