Introduction “Seed oils” – rich in the omega-6 fat linoleic acid (LA) – have been accused of promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic disease. Internet anecdotes blame seed oils for everything from heart disease to diabetes, fueling a pseudoscientific backlash against soybean, corn, sunflower, and similar oils. In reality, these claims do not hold up under scientific scrutiny. This analysis will unpack the main anti-seed oil arguments and evaluate them against the evidence. We’ll dissect the commonly cited older studies (Sydney Diet-Heart, Minnesota Coronary Experiment, LA Veterans trial) and contrast them with higher-quality human trials and meta-analyses. We’ll also address …
Traumatic Brain Injury & Dietary Interventions
Here we will discuss some of the common underlying neurochemical and metabolic responses to TBI, even though each instance of TBI is unique and affected people exhibit varied degrees of impairment, distinct areas of damage, and different recovery profiles. It may be possible to identify supporting nutritional therapeutic options for early intervention by recognising these recurring features.
Is the Fitness Industry Harming Us?: Why Messaging Needs to Change
Does changing your appearance really change how you feel about yourself?
What are the impacts of promoting appearance ideals and associating them with health?
Might we be causing more harm than good?
Ultimately, are we really helping anyone?
The Harms of Undereating for Athletes: Low Energy Availability & RED-S
In this Sigma Statement, we discuss the evidence on the implications of low energy availability for athletes’ health, the diagnosis of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), and identifying athletes at risk of, or experiencing, RED-S.
Can Fasting Increase Longevity?
One propsed intervention that has garnered a lot of excitement, owing to some interesting research, is the potential use of fasting to increase longevity and/or healthspan. Within this broad category, various different dietary interventions have been suggested, including various forms of intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, dietary restriction of certain nutritients, calorie restriction or a “fasting-mimicking” diet.
But what does the current evidence tell us? Do the conclusions match the excitement? Which claims are grounded in solid science and which ones are pseudoscientific extrapolations?
Vitamin D and COVID-19: What Do We Know?
Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed to play a role in coronavirus infection. In addition, vitamin D supplementation has been explored as a potential adjunct treatment for those with severe COVID-19 infection. This Sigma Statement aims to summarize the available evidence regarding the potential role of vitamin D status, vitamin D genotypes and vitamin D supplementation and the risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality.
Can Gut Bacteria Impact Our Mood?: Examining the Gut-Brain Axis
Can the bacteria in our gut impact our mood? This Sigma Statement examines the evidence on this interaction, including a discussion of what we know about the gut-brain axis.
Low Cholesterol & Increased Mortality Risk?: Clarifying the Confusion
There are sometimes claims about low LDL-C being associated with increased mortality and detrimental health outcomes. But is this “cholesterol paradox” an accurate interpretation of the evidence? In this Sigma Statement we explore this claim and bring some clarity to the conversation.
Which Micronutrients Do I Need? – Commonly Underconsumed Vitamins & Minerals
This Statement will discuss current evidence for nutrient deficiencies in the developed world. Particular attention will be placed on iron, vitamin D, zinc, folate (vitamin B9), and iodine.
How Does Meal Timing Impact My Blood Sugar?
How does meal timing impact my blood sugar? How does meal timing affect blood glucose levels? Read here to find out!
Are Food Intolerance Tests Accurate?
Are food intolerance tests accurate? Is food intolerance testing evidence-based? This article lays out all the evidence and facts.
Organic vs. Non-Organic Food: Is There a Difference?
Is organic food healthier than non-organic food? Is there a difference between organic and conventional food? Let’s examine the evidence…
Fatty Liver: The Relationship Between Diet & NAFLD
“Fatty liver” refers to ‘metabolic NAFLD’. This statement explores the research on how diet impacts liver fat accumulation.
Women’s Nutrition Considerations Over the Life-course
Evidence-based recommendations for women’s nutrition through life; including adolescence, adulthood, and peri-menopause. Read here…
The “Calories In, Calories Out” Confusion: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Energy Balance
Is ‘calories in, calories out’ a myth? Or does it actually explain changes in body compsoition? This article clears up the confusion and misconceptions about the energy balance equation.
Impact of Dairy on Disease Risk & Health
What is the impact of dairy on health? What does the evidence say about dairy and heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases? Read here…
Nutrition & Immune Function
How does diet impact immunity? Are there really “immune-boosting” foods? What is an evidence based answer about diet and immune function? All explained in this Sigma Statement.
Is Red Meat Good or Bad for Health?
Is red meat healthy? Is red meat unhealthy? What does science tell us about whether red meat is good or bad for health? Read for answers…
How Sleep & Nutrition Interact
The relationship between nutrition and sleep is a two-way interaction: 1) the impact of sleep on diet, and 2) the impact of diet on sleep. This statement lays out the evidence on each.
Probiotics: Common Indications and Current Evidence
Do probiotics work? Are probiotics effective? Is use of probiotics evidence-based? What is the current research on probiotics? Read here…
How Diet Influences Heart Disease Risk
Diet & heart disease risk: How does our diet impact heart disease risk? What raises LDL cholesterol? What other dietary factors impact risk?
The Impact of Diet on Blood Lipids
How does diet affect LDL cholesterol? How does diet impact triglycerides? What diet patterns reduce cholesterol? Here’s the evidence…
Cholesterol, Lipoproteins & Lipids: Understanding CVD Risk
How does cholesterol, specifically LDL cholesterol, impact heart disease risk? Here’s the evidence on lipids and lipoproteins…
What Are Sigma Statements?
I’m delighted to announce a new resource that we are making available to you: the Sigma Statements! A Sigma Statement will be written piece that gives a clear walk though and explanation of the current evidence on a specific nutritional science topic, with the aim of having you come away with a clearer and more nuanced understanding of some of the most important (and often hotly debated) topics in nutrition and health. Although they will discuss science, reseach and link to relevant studies, the statements are written with the aim of not being too difficult to read or engage with. …