DHA or EPA supplementation during gestation increases SPM levels in mothers and newborn babies. Omega-3 fatty acids and metabolic precursors such as specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs, have been associated with reduction of inflammation, and other health conditions.  In pregnancy, omega-3 supplementation has been shown to reduce preterm birth and neonatal concerns. A study by Ellen L. Mozurkewich et al explored if supplementation of EPA- or DHA-rich supplements during pregnancy increases SPM metabolites in serum and cord samples. This study…

Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, LD, CNSc: The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease 2-part series, "Therapeutic Manipulations of Gut Microbiota – Module 2" In this module Dr. Gail Cresci discusses the therapeutic manipulations of gut microbiota, including methods for managing peptic ulcers. Dr. Cresci explores the use of fecal microbiota transplants to manage recurrent C. difficile infection, as well as the benefits of pre- and probiotics for specific ailments. Dr. Cresci’s research examines the desirable properties of specific probiotic strains, their…

Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, LD, CNSc: The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease 2-part series, “Diversity of the Gut Microbiota and the Host – Module 1” In this module Dr. Gail Cresci discusses the diversity of the gut microbiome and its influences on the host, as well as the associations of gut dysbiosis and synbiosis. Dr. Cresci's research has led to a greater understanding of the impact of the gut microbiota on metabolism, gene expression and immune function, as well…

In this presentation Gail Cresci, PhD, RD reviews how digestive health is enhanced when the gut microbiome is rich in diverse micro flora. This diversity is supported when preferred energy sources for the bacteria are available and support the viability of microbiota. The importance of these combinations lies in the fact that a metabolic environment is created which in turns provides protection of the gut barrier, optimal immune response and normal gut function and influences on a variety of other…

In this video, Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, LD, CNSC from the Cleveland Clinic discusses the microbiome and whether synbiotics, synergistic combination of pre- and probiotics, make a difference. She covers the rationale for synbiotic use, synbiotic approaches, supporting evidence for health outcomes. Presented at ASPEN Clinical Nutrition Week 2015. View the Slide Deck

Rob Knight, PhD is a pioneer in the study of microbiomes, in humans, animals, and the environment. He says “the three pounds of microbes that you carry around with you might be more important than every single gene you carry around in your genome.” Dr. Knight is the author of a popular TED book, Follow Your Gut: The Enormous Impact of Tiny Microbes, which explores how microbes impact your health, mood, and more. In this TED Talk, Dr. Knight discusses…

The microbial community in each of our bodies influences our physiology, metabolism and immune function, playing roles in both health and disease. This community of bacteria helps its human host digest food, synthesize certain vitamins, and protect against pathogenic bacteria. Recognizing the benefits of “good” microbes begs the question, what does the microbial population look like in a healthy person? And how does the population differ in a person with metabolic or digestive disease? This monograph reviews the role of…

Robert Martindale, MD proposes that we have been so lost in trying to prevent inflammation that we have forgotten about the resolution of inflammation. Resolution is an active process. Anti-inflammation is not equivalent to Pro-Resolution. SPMs are lipid compounds isolated in many human tissues during inflammation. 1) Chemically synthesized in lab and in vivo 2) Injected into humans at physiologic doses 3) Inflammation resolves faster – mimics natural healing 4) Prevents transition to chronic inflammation 5) Increases bacterial and viral…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  Many nutrition studies utilizing a low fat diet for weight and health management have not consistently demonstrated reductions in cardiovascular events or mortality. In contrast, higher fat diets have netted improved body composition, diet adherence, and satisfying food preferences. However, it is still unknown whether there is an optimal diet composition of fat content for health benefits. A balanced high fat diet (BHFD) is a diet with 50/30/20 ratio of fat/carbohydrate/protein in which the fat component…