Category: Health science

Studies confirm a strong link between nutrition and growth, with malnutrition leading to physical and cognitive developmental delays. So, do nutrients promote growth? Yes, they are the fundamental components that fuel the complex processes of cellular multiplication, tissue repair, and overall physical development from fetal life through adolescence.

Over 90% of nitrogen excreted from the body is lost through urine, making it a key indicator for measuring protein status. The purpose of checking nitrogen balance is to determine if the body is in a state of anabolism (building protein) or catabolism (breaking down protein).

The human body absorbs vitamin A differently depending on whether it comes from animal products (retinol) or plant sources (carotenoids). For this critical reason, vitamin A is measured in RAE, or Retinol Activity Equivalents, a standardized unit that accounts for these variations in absorption and conversion.

Our cells need a constant supply of energy to survive. While food doesn't have its own inherent power source, it is packed with chemical energy, stored in the bonds of its molecules, that our bodies can process. The question, "Does food have its own energy?" is best answered by exploring how that energy is released and harnessed by the body.

According to a 2023 review, regular vitamin C supplementation may only slightly reduce the duration of a cold, offering little to no preventative effect for most healthy people. So, does taking Emergen-C really help in a significant way, or is it more of a well-marketed placebo?

According to one study, up to 41% of adults have used artificial sweeteners, with sucralose being a popular choice. While promoted as a zero-calorie alternative to sugar, what does sucralose do to the human body, and are its effects entirely benign?

Over 700 carotenoids exist in nature, and research into their role in human health is extensive. The answer to "do carotenoids act as antioxidants?" is yes, but it's not a simple one, as their function depends heavily on various factors, including concentration and oxygen levels. This dual nature means context is everything when discussing their effects on oxidative stress.

As the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, chitin is a fibrous polysaccharide found in crustacean shells and fungi. So, what does chitin do to humans, and how does our body interact with this ubiquitous compound that is increasingly found in modern food sources?

While self-reported dietary methods often underestimate actual energy intake, particularly in certain demographics, the most accurate estimation of a person's typical food intake depends on the specific method and application. Choosing the right tool for dietary assessment is crucial for researchers and clinicians seeking valid and reliable data. The optimal method balances accuracy, respondent burden, and study objectives.

The human body requires 20 amino acids to function correctly, with 11 being non essential amino acids that our cells can synthesize internally. While this means they don't have to come from your diet under normal circumstances, these compounds are nonetheless crucial for countless biological processes, from protein synthesis to immune function.