Nutrition

When surveyed, almost 1 in 5 Americans report that they have a food allergy, but only 1 in 10 report symptoms consistent with food allergies or have received a diagnosis from a physician. This suggests that around twice as many Americans believe they have a food allergy than actually do.

Taking estrogen-containing birth control is linked to higher levels of vitamin D for African-American women; however, those who stop taking birth control could increase their risk of vitamin D deficiency.

In women of reproductive age, mild iron deficiency was associated with lower levels of physical activity, temperamental traits such as irritability, and reduced mental endurance on an intelligence test.

Physiology & Behavior

Drinking alcohol is associated with a greater risk of cancer and all-cause mortality. The only amount of alcohol consumption that is not associated with an increased health risk is zero.

People over 50 years old who drank a cup of hot tea daily were less likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma.

Sugar consumption is associated with more frequent risky behavior, such as fighting, bullying, drinking, and smoking, in adolescents. Consuming sugary drinks is more strongly associated with risky behavior than consuming sweets such as chocolate and candy.

Social Science & Medicine

In 4th- and 7th-grade children, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with childhood hypertension. This relationship was greater for 7th-grade children and boys regardless of age.

Journal of Human Hypertension

Industrial trans fats (found in many processed foods), but not trans fats from animal products or saturated fats, are associated with coronary heart disease.

BMJ

People with type 2 diabetes who ate high fiber diets (about 37 grams per day) had more beneficial gut bacteria and improved blood sugar regulation.

Science

Iron deficiency is associated with lower levels of thyroid hormone production. Women of childbearing age are more likely to be iron deficient, which puts them at risk of developing thyroid-related pregnancy complications if they become pregnant.

Scientific Reports