EurekAlert! In the Spotlight

This month, we’re focusing on nutrition and the powerful role it plays in our lives. Here, we’ll share the latest research on how nutrients affect the body and brain, how scientists investigate diet and health, what these findings may mean for building healthier habits, and more.

Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates

Penn State
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In mice, high-fat diets caused more health problems than a high-carbohydrate diet, which was not as healthy as the whole-grain based diet, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.

Journal: Journal of Nutrition

9-Feb-2026

Study warns of nutritional risks of prolonged use of the drug omeprazole

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Research conducted on rats reinforces the idea that proton pump inhibitors, which are widely used to treat stomach problems, can affect mineral absorption and compromise bone health.

Journal: ACS Omega
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-Feb-2026

New trial aims to transform how we track our daily diet

Aberystwyth
Business Announcement

Scientists are recruiting adults from across the UK to take part in a groundbreaking trial to accurately track what they eat and drink in their daily lives.

9-Feb-2026

Does a vegetarian upbringing stunt growth?

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Peer-Reviewed Publication

While the global shift toward plant-based living continues to accelerate, a critical question has lingered for parents and pediatricians: Can a vegan or vegetarian diet support the rapid growth required in the first two years of life?

A landmark study of nearly 1.2 million infants led by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers and the Nutrition Division of the Israeli Ministry of Health suggests the answer is a reassuring yes.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

5-Feb-2026

Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In this cohort study, infants from vegan households had growth patterns similar to those from omnivorous households, with a higher odds of early underweight that decreased by age 24 months. In the context of developed countries, these findings seem reassuring. Further research should examine vegan diet quality and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy in supporting optimal infant development.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

5-Feb-2026

Psychosocial and community factors are strongly linked to diet quality among rural adults, study finds

Elsevier
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A large cross-sectional study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB), published by Elsevier, examined how psychosocial and environmental factors relate to diet quality among 2,420 adults living in rural and micropolitan communities in New York and Texas. Findings demonstrated that psychosocial factors, including healthy eating motivation, confidence in maintaining healthy eating habits, and social support from family and friends, were consistently associated with better diet quality.

Journal: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

Latest News Releases

Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates

Study warns of nutritional risks of prolonged use of the drug omeprazole

New trial aims to transform how we track our daily diet

Does a vegetarian upbringing stunt growth?

Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns

Psychosocial and community factors are strongly linked to diet quality among rural adults, study finds

Choline intake in pregnancy linked to lower inflammation