Skip to main content

Nutrition

How diet quality affects the gut microbiota to promote health

URBANA, Ill. – We know that eating a healthy diet affects body weight, cholesterol levels, and heart health. A new study from the University of Illinois focuses on another component: the role of diet in supporting a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota. The researchers conclude that following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) promotes a gut microbiota composition that may support overall health.

Read full story

Simple addition to corn bran could boost grain's nutritional value 15-35%

URBANA, Ill. – What if, by adding a couple of cell layers inside a corn kernel, the grain could become significantly richer in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein? Such an improvement could benefit people who rely on corn for a large portion of their diet, as in many parts of the global south.

Read full story

U of I study gives a thumbs up to carefully formulated vegan diets for dogs

URBANA, Ill. – In today’s pet food market, there are products to match nearly every lifestyle, value system, and price point pet owners demand, including vegan formulations. New University of Illinois research shows at least two human-grade, lightly cooked vegan diets provide adequate nutrition for dogs.

Read full story
Voices of ACES Blog

National Nutrition Month - Alumna Feature - Jenny Westerkamp

blog placeholder image

In honor of National Nutrition Month, the College of ACES proudly spotlights alum Jenny Westerkamp. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition from the Food Science and Human Nutrition department in 2008. She worked in professional sports for 13 years, including serving as the Team Nutritionist for the Chicago Bulls from 2017-2022. Now, she is a playmaker in business, serving as CEO of All Access Dietetics and assisting the next generation of dietitians. 

Fuel the future for National Nutrition Month

URBANA, Ill. – March is National Nutrition Month, and dietetics and nutrition students and organizations across the University of Illinois campus use this opportunity to share their passion with the community. National Nutrition Month is an educational and informational campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Read full story

Studies discuss how to get the benefits of fiber without side effects

URBANA, Ill. – Fiber-rich food is important for gastrointestinal health, but most Americans don’t get enough in their typical diet. While fiber supplements can help, they can also cause unpleasant side effects such as excessive bloating and gas.

Two new papers from the University of Illinois make it easier for food manufacturers to amplify fiber in foods and beverages for health benefit without digestive discomfort.

Read full story

Meet ACES alum Susannah Scaroni, wheelchair racing champion

ACES alum Susannah Scaroni is a record-setting athlete. Her many accomplishments as a wheelchair racer include gold and bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, a 5,000 meter world record in para-track, and record time in the New York Marathon, Women’s Wheelchair Division, where she bested the time of teammate Tatyana McFadden, also an ACES alum.

Read full story

A soybean protein blocks LDL cholesterol production, reducing risks of metabolic diseases

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A protein in soybeans blocks the production of a liver enzyme involved in the metabolism of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, scientists found in a recent study.

Read full story

How college students cope with episodic and persistent food insecurity

URBANA, Ill. ­– College students, especially first-generation and minority students, are more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population. This can contribute to social inequalities and make degree attainment more difficult for those students, University of Illinois researchers say.

Read full story
Subscribe to Nutrition