Sigma Nutrition Radio

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Join the Sigma mailing list Sigma's Recommended Resources About This Episode: There is a lot of interesting research going on related to plant-derived fatty acids, owing to their potential to help improve health and provide sustainable alternatives to other sources of healthy-promoting fatty acids. In addition to work looking at the long-investigated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), some research is now starting to look at more novel fatty acids like stearidonic acid (SDA), and pinolenic acid (PLA), each presenting unique structures and potential benefits within various plant sources. One intriguing focal point is Ahiflower oil, a distinctive source that harbors both ALA and SDA. In this episode, Dr. Ella Baker of the University of Southampton discusses some of the science behind plant-derived fatty acids, offering a deeper understanding of their distinctive qualities, conversion pathways, and the captivating interplay between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Dr. Baker’s research to date focuses on the metabolism, functionality, and underlying mechanisms of action of plant-derived fatty acids. Her interests include novel plant-derived fatty acids and exploring the effects on membrane structure and function.

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Sigma's recommended resources Join our email newsletter for free About This Episode: Kidney stones, crystalline deposits formed within the kidneys, present a formidable challenge to individuals grappling with their debilitating effects. These mineral accumulations, though small in size, can inflict significant pain and discomfort as they navigate through the urinary tract. Understanding the nuances of dietary management and treatment for kidney stones is crucial for those seeking relief and prevention. What makes this subject particularly intricate is the diversity of kidney stones – a mosaic of compositions ranging from calcium oxalate to uric acid. Recognizing that not all kidney stones are created equal, dietitians and renal specialists tailor their recommendations to address the specific nature of the stones, unveiling a spectrum of dietary strategies that aim to alleviate symptoms and impede the recurrence of these insidious formations. In this episode, specialist renal dietitian Deepa Kariyawasam brings us through the main causes of kidney stones, the potential dietary interventions, and how to guide individuals toward personalized pathways for kidney stone management.

Acronyms: RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance  AI = Adequate Intake  UL = Tolerable Upper Intake Level  EAR = Estimated Average Requirement About This Episode: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a set of nutrient reference values, developed in the US, that are used to assess and plan the nutrient intake of healthy individuals. They provide guidelines for the recommended amounts of various nutrients to maintain health and prevent deficiencies or excesses. Different countries may have their own sets of dietary reference values or guidelines that serve similar purposes but may be named differently. DRIs include several different reference values: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) Adequate Intake (AI) Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) DRIs play a crucial role in nutrition and public health for several reasons. DRIs provide specific recommendations for the intake of essential nutrients, helping individuals and health professionals understand the amounts needed to maintain good health. By establishing RDAs and ULs, DRIs help prevent nutrient deficiencies and toxicity, ensuring that individuals consume an appropriate range of nutrients. Governments and health organizations use DRIs to develop public health policies, nutrition programs, and guidelines for food fortification to improve the overall health of populations. For nutrition professionals, understanding DRIs is essential as it forms the basis for assessing and planning dietary recommendations for individuals and populations.   Note: This episode is one of our Premium-exclusive episodes. To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Otherwise, you can hear a preview of the episode above or on the public feed of the podcast.   Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Experts discuss Alzheimer's disease, lifestyle factors, and prevention strategies. Topics include genetics vs. lifestyle impact, dietary patterns, cognitive resilience, and promoting brain health through nutrition and habits.

This podcast explores the misinterpretation of null findings in nutrition studies. It discusses the challenges of designing studies and the potential for false negatives. It highlights the difference between observational studies and trials and emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in nutrition research.

Shannon Beer, a psychologist and expert on social comparison theory, discusses the impact of social comparisons on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. She explores the concept of social comparison, the link between body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, and the importance of self-acceptance and self-compassion. She also talks about her course 'Crushing Comparisons' and the benefits of curiosity and Sigma Nutrition Premium.

An AMA episode of Sigma Nutrition Radio where the host answers various questions. Topics include implementing a calorie surplus for bulking, establishing the 80/20 of a healthy lifestyle with a busy schedule, the controversies surrounding coconut oil, the representation of risk in ApoB and LDL particle numbers, the need for supplementing to reach micronutrient RDA, the benefits of raw oats in smoothies, the impact of diet on oral thrush, and the potential benefits of supplemental collagen.

Jonathan Steedman, a dietitian, discusses the challenges of addressing nutrition confusion, client expectations, and the impact of poor nutrition information. They explore the concept of sunk cost fallacy in client consultations and share tips for finding joy in life. They also recommend a parody TikTok reel and highlight the benefits of subscribing to Sigma Nutrition Premium.

Dr. Jose Areta, a researcher specializing in energy deficiency's effects on performance, discusses how athletes can achieve high performance even during an energy deficit. The podcast explores the concept of energy availability and its implications on athlete health and performance. It also delves into the debate surrounding the impact of energy deficit on performance and the evolutionary perspective on low energy availability. The relationship between energy intake and athlete performance is explored, emphasizing the need for more research and considering other stressors that can affect athletes.

Dr. Andrea Glenn, PhD in nutrition, discusses the impact of the Portfolio diet on heart disease risk. She explores adherence to the diet, assesses sample size in population studies, and analyzes the diet's impact on heart disease. The episode also promotes the SIGmanutrition Premium subscription.