SmartBrief for Nutritionists

Study: Low fruit intake does not improve glycemic control | Dietitians say Southern cooking can be part of a healthy diet | Md. bills would require restaurants to have an allergy expert

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March 12, 2013

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Healthy Start

Study: Low fruit intake does not improve glycemic control
A study of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients found that those in a low-fruit-intake group and a high-fruit-intake group had similar reductions in A1C levels, body weight and waist size, suggesting that patients don't need to restrict their fruit consumption, according to a study on the website of Nutrition Journal. Medscape (free registration) (3/8)

Dietary Health

Dietitians say Southern cooking can be part of a healthy diet
Southern cooking can fit into a healthy diet as long as fried foods are occasional treats and flavorings such as bacon fat are used sparingly, registered dietitians say. RD Evelyn Crayton of Auburn University suggests keeping fried chicken for weekends only, and noted that on weekdays when she was growing up "we dined on a pot of vegetables with hot corn bread and we also went outside to play." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (3/12)

Bloomberg defends soda rule after judge strikes it down
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg defended his ban on sugar-sweetened drinks that are larger than 16 ounces and said the city will appeal a judge's ruling that struck down the measure hours before it was to take effect. State Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling called the ban arbitrary and said the "loopholes in this rule effectively defeat the stated purpose." National Public Radio/The Associated Press (3/12)

Md. bills would require restaurants to have an allergy expert
Bills being considered in the Maryland Legislature would require restaurants to designate a person to become well-versed in food allergies and help diners with allergies select the right dishes. At One Dish Cuisine in Ellicott City, owner Maureen Burke already color-codes each dish on the menu and operates four ovens to keep dairy and soy separate. Capital News Service (University of Maryland) (2/22)

Science & Research

Officials tie soda intake to high obesity rates in NYC
Nine of New York City's 10 neighborhoods with the highest obesity rates also showed the highest intake of nondiet soda and other sugar-laden drinks, demonstrating a link between obesity and soda consumption, according to statistics released by city officials. The Wall Street Journal/The Associated Press (3/11)

Study assesses effectiveness of iron supplements in young children
Iron supplementation increased the hemoglobin and iron levels of children ages 2 to 5, according to an analysis in the journal Pediatrics. However, none of the trials in the study showed that the supplements helped reduce children's odds of having iron deficiency or iron-deficiency-related anemia. Evidence linking the supplements to improved brain development was limited and weak, researchers said. DailyRx.com (3/11)

Study links intentional exposure to allergic reactions
A Johns Hopkins University study found that about 11% of allergic reactions in children with food allergies involved intentional exposures by caregivers, usually parents. The study showed that 46% of caregivers thought a small quantity would be safe, 42% said they wanted to test whether the condition had resolved and 38% indicated the children had consumed a baked form of the food before so they believed it to be safe. Study researcher Kim Mudd said caregivers "want to have their kids' and their lives as normalized as possible." Medscape (free registration) (3/8)

Fitness

Fitness parties are a growing trend for business, pleasure
U.S. gyms host fitness parties for special occasions, such as business conferences, birthdays or college reunions, with pole-dancing parties among the most popular with younger women. The parties are good marketing tools for gyms and fitness instructors and are part of a trend toward having healthier events at business functions. Reuters (3/11)

Institutional Foodservice

Conn. schools encouraged to begin breakfast programs
Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has launched the Connecticut No Kid Hungry campaign with the anti-hunger group End Hunger Connecticut, which will seek to increase participation in school-breakfast programs. Statewide, about 64% of schools offer breakfast. The 300 schools in the state not currently offering breakfast will be sent letters asking them to begin such programs and also will be encouraged to serve meals in the classroom. The Hartford Courant (Conn.) (3/7)

Recipe of the Day

Chicken and broccoli salad with peanut dressing
Use leftover rotisserie chicken and have this low-carb dinner on the table in 20 minutes. Kalyn's Kitchen

Editor's Note

SmartBrief's inside look at #SXSW
SmartBrief is attending the South by Southwest Interactive Festival, with tweeting @SmartBrief and blogging at SmartBlogs. Here's some of our coverage so far.