Latest News
Government soft drinks industry levy (SIDL) lowered from 5g to 4.5g of sugar per 100ml
The government will reduce the current lower threshold at which SDIL applies from 5g of total sugar per 100ml to 4.5g of total sugar per 100ml.
It has also listened to feedback received on the technical challenges involved in reformulating products to below 4g sugar per 100ml, as well as the costs and risks of reformulation for businesses.
The government considers that the change strikes the appropriate balance between supporting health objectives and fostering conditions that allow the industry to continue to grow and invest.
WHO launches guidelines on the fortification of edible oils with vitamins A and D
Vitamin D deficiency has become a public health concern, especially in places with insufficient sunshine or with sun avoidance behaviours that prevent dermal synthesis, and have infrequent access to or intake of dietary sources of vitamin D.
The WHO guidelines provide clear, evidence-informed global recommendations on the fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D as a strategy to improve the intake of these vitamins and the nutritional and health status of populations.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders launches survey for GERD awareness week
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week is a time to remember how many individuals live each day managing the challenges of GERD. Although it is a common condition, there is still much we do not fully understand - especially when it comes to real-life experiences.
To help close this gap, IFFGD has developed a new survey focused on understanding the patient journey, with the aim of gaining meaningful insights that support education, research, and better patient-centred care.
Three-quarters not meeting recommended intakes of omega-3, finds first-of-its-kind study
A review by the University of Southampton found that 76 per cent of people worldwide are not meeting recommended intakes of EPA and DHA.
The peer-reviewed paper, published in Nutrition Research Reviews, was a collaboration with scientists at the University of East Anglia and Holland & Barrett.
It is the first global review of national and international omega-3 intake recommendations across all life stages for generally healthy people.
Pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes to be included in UK sugar tax
Extending the sugar tax to milk-based drinks will happen from 1 January 2028.
The government says companies that make these drinks will have to reduce the sugar they contain or face paying the tax.
That means they could either taste different (less sugary) or cost a bit more.
The tax was introduced by the Conservative government in April 2018 as a means to make diets healthier and tackle obesity, by cutting sugar intake.
Global surge in ultra-processed foods sparks urgent health warning
A major three-paper series in The Lancet has found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are rapidly replacing fresh and minimally-processed meals around the world. The evidence links rising UPF intake to poorer diet quality and higher risks of multiple chronic diseases.
The authors say that although more research on UPFs will continue to be valuable, the current science is already strong enough to justify immediate public health action.
A hidden regulatory system helps determine how much fat the body keeps or loses
Researchers have uncovered a new role for hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) protein: beyond breaking down fat, it works inside the nucleus of fat cells to keep them functioning properly. When HSL is missing, fat tissue doesn’t expand as expected - instead, it shrinks, leading to lipodystrophy.
This new finding opens up fresh paths for understanding metabolic diseases.
Eating lean beef as part of a healthy diet may not increase heart disease risk
Eating moderate amounts of lean beef each day as part of a Mediterranean diet does not increase an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study from Penn State.
The researchers examined indicators of heart health and gut microbiome diversity among relatively young and healthy participants who ate four different diets, including varying amounts and types of beef, for four weeks. The research focused on the risk indicator, trimethylamine N-oxide.