The French National Public Health Agency (Santé publique France) has updated its recommendations on diet and healthy lifestyle.

Many older adults do not consume adequate amounts of vitamin E from their habitual diet. Inadequate vitamin E intake is of concern for this population group because lower concentrations have been associated with age-related diseases.

Certain dietary patterns, especially those rich in fruits and vegetables, may help decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite campaigns and educational efforts, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is lower than that recommended by health agencies.

This review, recently published in the journal Nutrients, observed if the potential benefits of nut consumption in the prevention and management of overweight and obesity were related to their content in nutrients and bioactive compounds.

A study published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine observed that people suffering from a peanut allergy may protect themselves from accidental ingestion by building up their tolerance to peanut over time.

Infertility is a major clinical concern, affecting 15% of all reproductive-age couples. Pollution, smoking and trends toward a Western-style diet (generally characterized by processed and refined foods, high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and protein from processed and red meat) are hypothesized as potential causes of infertility.

The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has launched its Annual Call for Research Projects (300,000 euros) and Annual Call for Promotion and Dissemination Projects to fund research into the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits and spread the message around the globe.