News Bites: Sodium and Potassium Update; Peanut Allergy; Post-Exercise Snacks
An expert committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which included Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, Gershoff Professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Executive Editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, recently reviewed the scientific evidence in order to update the official U.S. and Canadian Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for sodium and potassium. Sodium and potassium are interrelated, essential nutrients that are vital to many normal body functions, including nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. Low potassium intakes and high sodium intakes have been linked to risk of chronic disease, particularly cardiovascular disease. The new level of Adequate Intake (AI) for potassium—the minimum intake level estimated to be adequate for apparently healthy adults—was determined to be 2,600 milligrams (mg) per day for women and 3,400 mg per day for men, each a decrease from the prior value of 4,700 mg per day. The new AI for sodium for adolescents and adults was set at 1,500 mg per day. And, for the first time, the committee established a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction maximum intake level for sodium of 2,300 mg per day, based on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in a healthy population. DRIs are important guideposts to help us achieve and maintain good health. It is better to get less sodium from foods, and more potassium. Fruits and vegetables are generally excellent sources of potassium, while sodium is often highest when used as a preservative, such as in bread and ready-to-eat foods, and also many restaurant meals.
Early Introduction of Peanuts May Prevent Peanut Allergy
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published updated guidelines on the topic of maternal and early infant diets for the prevention of asthma, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and food allergy (atopic disease). The review of research studies concluded that the early introduction of appropriate forms of peanuts (such as ground peanuts or peanut protein) may prevent peanut allergy. It is not recommended that mothers change their diet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to prevent atopic disease. It is also not recommended to delay the introduction of high-allergy foods such as eggs, fish, and peanuts, as there is no evidence that such a delay would prevent atopic disease. Researchers note that it is still difficult to draw firm conclusions about the prevention of atopic disease through change in diet early in life.
Choose Your Post-Exercise Snack Before Your Workout
A recent research study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that visitors to a university recreational center were more likely to select a healthier post-exercise snack when the choice was made pre-exercise. Researchers asked 256 study participants to choose between a chocolate brownie and an apple to eat upon completion of their workout. All participants also had the choice to decline both snack options. Roughly half of the participants were randomly selected to make this snack choice pre-exercise, while the other half made the choice after their workout. When presented with the snack choice pre-exercise, 74 percent chose an apple, 14 percent chose a brownie, and 12 percent chose no snack at all. When presented post-exercise, 55 percent chose an apple, 20 percent chose a brownie, and 25 percent chose no snack. Based on this single study, the timing of choosing a snack to eat after exercise may alter snack choice. More research is needed.
The post News Bites: Sodium and Potassium Update; Peanut Allergy; Post-Exercise Snacks appeared first on University Health News.
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