Maternal diet influences postnatal diabetes risk

Studies in a primate animal model suggest that islet hyperfunction — which in humans is associated with increased fat mass and Type 2 diabetes — is programmed in offspring by a maternal Western-style diet during pregnancy.

Low potassium injures kidney

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that low dietary potassium causes direct kidney injury, suggesting potential new targets for treating chronic kidney disease.

Study finds that reducing intake of simple sugars improves GERD

A Vanderbilt study found that reducing dietary carbohydrates improved both symptoms and objective measurements of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a randomized controlled trial.

VUMC to support $170 million NIH nutrition research initiative

Study reveals missing link between high-fat diet, microbiota and heart disease

A high-fat diet disrupts the biology of the gut’s inner lining and its microbial communities — and promotes the production of a metabolite that may contribute to heart disease, according to a study published Aug. 13 in the journal Science.

Study shows healthy diet is associated with diverse and health-promoting microbiome

Scientists are just beginning to understand the impact of diet on the gut microbiome and how this interaction affects human health, but baselines must first be established to yield answers.