Although people tend to think that bacteria are harmful germs that spoil food or make you ill, there are many bacteria that are good for our health. Your gut digests and absorbs food and naturally contains trillions of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) that are important for helping us stay healthy. Probiotics are ‘good’ microorganisms found in…
When the days shorten and the sun sinks low in the sky, that familiar winter slump sets in. There’s a fundamental reason for this seasonal fatigue: low levels of vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin”. People in the UK simply can’t make enough of this vital nutrient from sunlight during winter, which is why many are…
Folic acid is a B vitamin which is vital for the formation of red blood cells. It supports growth and cell division in the body. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is called ‘folate’. What is folic acid and who needs it? Folic acid, together with vitamin B12, is necessary to form…
What is iodine and how does it help the body? Iodine is a mineral that is important for health and comes from the diet. It is a key part of the thyroid hormones needed for many body processes including growth, metabolism and for the development of a baby’s brain during pregnancy and early life. What…
Iron is a mineral found in the environment. It is also found in lots of foods. Your body needs iron for muscle development during growth and to transport oxygen in healthy blood. Iron requirements vary, so careful choices are particularly important for some people. What are the symptoms of iron deficiency? Iron deficiency results in…
You may have heard that eating foods rich in omega-3 fats could help to keep you healthy. This Food Fact Sheet looks at which foods contain omega-3 fats, how much we need and the benefits for our health. What are omega-3 fats? Omega-3s are a family of fats that are important for your health. Where…
Abstract Background The UK has a high and increasing prevalence of folate deficiency. The decision to start mandatory folic acid fortification has not yet been implemented. Concern has been raised about the effect of high folate on vitamin B12 status. Methods The prevalence of folate deficiency was assessed based on the serum folate concentrations from…
Abstract Purpose Globally adults are not consuming enough fibre. One barrier to higher fibre intake may be the experience or expectation of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain. Identifying experiences of GI symptoms and perceptions of the role foods play could inform dietary advice to increase fibre consumption. Methods An online questionnaire…
Abstract Purpose We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents. Methods We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09–2018/19). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification. We estimated the percentage of Total Energy…
Abstract Purpose To determine the association between red meat (RM), processed red meat (PRM) and total red and processed red meat (TRPRM) consumption on nutritional adequacy and markers of health and cardio-metabolic diseases in British adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study of adults (19–64 y) from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (n = 1758), RM…
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