by Bianca Garilli, ND Obesity has both genetic and environmental underpinnings. Research has elucidated key fat-regulating genes, one of which is the fat-mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene located on chromosome 16q12.2. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the FTO gene have been associated with an increased risk for obesity.1 Certain obesity-related SNPs have been shown to be specific to a person’s ethnic and racial makeup. As body mass index (BMI) continues to increase at an alarming rate across the globe, it is…

Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School discusses what excites him most about his research in inflammation resolution and specialized pro-resolving mediators, SPMs. He reveals that the opportunity for resolution of inflammation to leave the lab and enter clinical application is most exciting to him. Research and science about stimulating resolution of inflammation are now emerging for general practice. This is a concept that has been in development for many years and it is now ready for “prime time.” SPMs…

For the past 40 years, clinical research in inflammation has been focused on blocking, suppressing or inhibiting an inflammatory response. This focus was largely driven by an interest to facilitate recovery, modulate a better immune response and to minimize or manage pain responses. And, while these approaches have resulted in symptomatic relief, unknowingly, blocking the inflammatory response resulted in suppression of an active process now known to fully resolve the inflammatory response. The outcome of this has since been shown…

by Milene Brownlow, PhD It seems like we’re always on our way to a destination. Whether it’s a physical journey, such as traveling out of town, or a mental one, like getting ready for a job interview, we must prepare for the journey in order to get there. Entering a state of ketosis is no different. Strategic planning is important. What is “ketosis,” and how can you get there? Many people associate ketosis with a popular diet program and as…

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, Jeff Volek, PhD, RD reviews the concept of ketogenesis, nutritional ketosis, and keto-adaptation. He discusses the utility of ketogenic diets in clinical practice and the potential benefits of the ketogenic approach to enhance physical performance, manage inflammation, and improve lifespan. Dr. Volek is a Professor in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. For 20+ years, Dr. Volek has studied the effects of how diets extremely low in carbohydrates can induce…

by Lewis Chang, PhD This multi-part series will help you understand what prebiotics are, what they do, and how they may improve the health of your patients. Based on published scientific literature, this series will also clarify common misconceptions surrounding prebiotics and summarize clinical evidence of specific ingredients with prebiotic properties Series Part 3: Regarding Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Uniquely human It was more than 100 years ago when researchers first noticed that breast-fed infants had higher survival rate and…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Series Part 2: An Overview on Prebiotics This multi-part series will help you understand what prebiotics are, what they do, and how they may improve the health of your patients. Based on published scientific literature, this series will also clarify common misconceptions surrounding prebiotics and summarize clinical evidence of specific ingredients with prebiotic properties.  Series Part 2: (A) Regarding Fiber vs. Prebiotics  (B) Regarding IMOs What are fibers? Fibers, starches and sugars are actually all carbohydrates. What…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Series Part 1: An Overview on Prebiotics This multi-part series will help you understand what prebiotics are, what they do, and how they may improve the health of your patients. Based on published scientific literature, this series will also clarify common misconceptions surrounding prebiotics and summarize clinical evidence of specific ingredients with prebiotic properties.  Introduction: I think I know what prebiotics are, but... Many health-conscious consumers have become familiar with the term “prebiotics.”  Yet, conflicting information…

Human Milk Oligosaccharides – Part 2 Presented by Lars Bode, PhD Lars Bode, PhD presents and overview of Human Milk Oligo Saccharides, what they are, their metabolism and how HMOs serve as prebiotics. HMOs are the third most abundant component in human milk and their composition follows a basic blueprint. There are more than 150 different HMOs identified. This video presentation includes a very informative Q&A session following the overview.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides – Part 1, Presented by Lars Bode, PhD Lars Bode, PhD presents an overview of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), what they are, their metabolism, and how they serve as prebiotics. HMOs are the third most abundant component in human milk, and their composition follows a basic blueprint. There are more than 150 different HMOs identified.