NNI News Releases

ALA-NNI dysphagia grant supports innovative Parkinsonian dysphagia study

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 Z

The ALA-Nestlé Nutrition Institute Dysphagia Research Grant has been established to promote the advancement of dysphagia intervention and education through collaborative interdisciplinary research.

This year, the $10 000 award has been given to Dr. Cara Stepp to support her innovative research into the ‘Voluntary Control of Anterior Neck Musculature in Parkinsonian Dysphagia’. Her study was selected for its practical implications for improving rehabilitation strategies for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are at high risk of swallowing impairments.

During her research, Dr. Stepp will characterise voluntary control of the anterior neck musculature of Parkinson’s patients with dysphagia and correlate this with their swallowing function and quality of life. Muscle control will be tested using a novel surface electromyographic (sEMG) biofeedback video game. Following her study, Dr. Stepp will submit a paper for publication in The Laryngoscope.

This award is given by the Nestlé Nutrition Institute in partnership with the American Laryngological Voice and Research Education Foundation (ALVRE), American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), and Centralized Otolaryngology Research Effort (CORE) Study Section.

Research abstracts from Experimental Biology 2012 now available

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 Z

Research abstracts from Experimental Biology 2012, supported or produced by Nestlé, are now available for download from the Nestlé Nutrition Institute website here.

Experimental Biology is one of the most significant annual events for scientists and researchers in the fields of: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, nutrition, and pharmacology and this year’s event attracted more than 13,000 scientists from around the world.

The Nestlé abstracts available are:

Ways of educating, informing and networking with health professionals about nutritional sciences: The Nestlé Nutrition Institute
A look at the beneficial work of the Nestlé Nutrition Institute (NNI) and its role in providing new nutrition related learning opportunities for Health Care Professionals and advancing the understanding of key nutrition related subjects. Research on NNI programs has shown that the activities are relevant for health professionals, considered a trusted source of information and used widely.

Partial substitution of fructan fibers with acacia gum (AG) altered fermentation profile in an in vitro batch system fermentation
Fructan fibers, added to enteral formulas for their prebiotic benefits and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), can lead to excess gas and gastrointestinal intolerance. In a study supported by Nestlé Health Science, it was found that partial substitution of fructan fibers with AG produced less gas early on while maintaining production of SCFAs. These results may help predict health benefits and gastrointestinal tolerance in vivo.

A blend of acacia gum, fructan-type fibers, and outer pea fiber exhibits lower gas production compared to other fiber blends in vitro
Fiber sources differ in a number of physicochemical properties, and certain combinations may yield more desirable physiological effects. Nestlé Health Science sponsored research into reducing the negative side-affects related to certain fibers, found that a 50:50 blend of fermentable and nonfermentable fibers resulted in less gas while achieving similar SCFA production as other blends. These results may help predict health benefits and tolerance in vivo.

Effects of maternal milk lactoferrin supplementation on neurodevelopment and neuroprotection
Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein containing terminal sialic acid residues, is secreted in milk. Lf is synthesized in the brains of both humans suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia, and in the mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that Lf may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. After investigating the neuroprotective effects of Lf in rats following prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) by 1H-MRS and hippocampal gene expression profiling, it was found that maternal milk Lf supplementation has a protective effect for neurodevelopment delayed IUGR in the rat model.

To learn more about the above studies, their methods and conclusions, download the full abstracts available on the Nestlé Nutrition Institute website here. Abstracts from the entire meeting are published in the FASEB journal. You can directly access them via this link: http://www.fasebj.org/content/vol26/1_MeetingAbstracts

Research abstracts from the 2012 Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting now available

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 Z

Research abstracts from the Nestlé supported sessions at this year’s Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Annual Meeting are now available for free download from the Nestlé Nutrition Institute website here.

Over four days, the PAS Annual Meeting shares the latest original pediatric research by world renowned experts with pediatricians, research scientists, health care providers, and policy makers from all corners of the globe.

The PAS research abstracts available cover the following topics:

Lower Weight Gain in Infants of Obese Mothers Who Receive a Low Protein Formula
This is the first study to indicate that in infants of overweight and obese mothers, a low protein intake from infant formula (IF) is safe and leads to slower weight gain than a higher protein IF.

Growth of Infant Fed with Low Protein Acidified Formulae Containing Probiotics
This study further tested the effects of acidified Infant Formula (IF) and found that feeding infants with acidified formulas for a duration of one year is safe. Likewise, given the observed lower antibiotic consumption, acidified formula may be beneficial to infants by reducing the incidence of diarrhea and episodes of fever.

Postnatal Growth in Preterm Infants Fed Probiotics: PREMAPRO Study
A study to evaluate postnatal growth in preterm infants supplemented with different probiotics has concluded that preterm infants supplemented with bifidobacteria, whatever the strain, did not exhibit better postnatal growth.

Safety of Different Probiotics in Preterm Infants: PREMAPRO Study
Although oral supplementation with probiotics has been shown to be beneficial in preterm infants, safety is still questioned in these subjects. In a study to further investigate the safety of probiotic supplementation it was found that using bifidobacteria as a supplement in preterm infants was well tolerated and no adverse effect was related to probiotics.

To learn more about the above studies, their methods and conclusions, download the full abstracts available on the Nestlé Nutrition Institute website here. You can access all abstracts from the annual PAS meeting following this link: http://www.abstracts2view.com/pas/

NNI sponsors IBEC, the premier sports nutrition event

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 Z

The Nestlé Nutrition Institute is sponsoring the 2012 International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference (IBEC). The event is the premier research meeting devoted to exercise physiology and biochemistry in health and disease, making it one of the most important events in sports nutrition.

The meeting, which will take place in Stockholm in June, will highlight important themes in the wide field of biochemistry of exercise, presenting the latest evidence.

This year the biochemical basis of fatigue symposium will have a special focus on exercise biochemistry and physiology in memory of Eric Hultman, following his sad demise in March 2011.

Over five decades, Eric made significant contributions in the area of muscle metabolism and fatigue through his seminal and active research. During this impactful session, speakers will be taking the science beyond Eric’s foundations to highlight major recent advances and controversies relating to this field.

Following the event, review papers will be published by The Journal of Physiology and made available to NNI members via the NNI website.

For more information about the event, visit our event page

New e-learning module available: Nutritional strategies for premature babies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 Z

Preterm babies and infants with a very low birth weight are vulnerable to a variety of problems due to developmental immaturity of their gastrointestinal (GI) tract and their extraordinarily high nutritional needs.

The Nestlé Nutrition Institute has supported the development of a new free e-learning module, which gives healthcare professionals a better understanding of the affects of low birth weight and GI tract immaturity. It also helps them build the knowledge to ensure the preterm infants in their care gain adequate nutrition, promoting their healthy long-term growth and neurodevelopment.

The course is recommended for pediatricians, nurses, pediatric nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of children.

Those completing the online course are eligible for a Continuing Medical Education credit.

Learn more or get started

Announcing the launch of the Nestle Nutrition Institute on Twitter

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 Z

We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our member and with other stakeholders within the nutrition community. Therefore it gives us great pleasure to announce that this week we launched the NNI Twitter profile (@NNInstitute)

We hope that as well as providing you with another convenient way of staying in touch with the very latest news and nutrition science that the NNI has to offer, it will also further extend the NNI’s online engagement and offer new ways of interacting with you, our members.

Starting with Experimental Biology 2012 in San Diego, we will be using Twitter to bring you the very latest news and happenings from the global nutrition conferences that NNI attends throughout the year. So if you are attending EB2012, please follow us to stay in touch with the NNI during the conference, and if you are unable to attend, follow us anyway to be part of this great event.

We look forward to seeing you on Twitter @NNInstitute

Sports nutrition expert interviews – exclusive YouTube content

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 Z

Over the next few weeks we will be releasing a series of short interviews with leading sports nutrition experts via the NNI YouTube channel. The interviews were recorded during the Sports Nutrition Conference held in Mallorca in December, and cover a wide range of topics, including:

Andrew Jones discussing beetroot juice and its potential as a sports supplement
Louise Burke on pH buffers such as bicarbonate in high intensity exercise
Luc van Loon explaining why it is important for athletes to consume the right protein post-exercise
Martin Gibala discussing nutritional strategies for high intensity interval training
Martin Gleeson on nutrition to support immune status during exercise
Asker Jeukendrup explaining the role of carbohydrates in exercise nutrition
John Hawley explaining how nutrition can be used to manipulate adaptation to intense exercise
Kevin Tipton talks about strategies to help prevent muscle loss during injury

Come and visit the NNI channel on YouTube and please feel free to join the debate by sharing your comments on these topics. Remember to subscribe to our channel so that you can access the latest exclusive videos as they are released.

Study shows probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis can boost immune response in Formula-Fed Infants

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 Z

Although it is known that breastfeeding is best, there are times when a mother is not able to adequately feed her baby, or does not wish to breastfeed. In such circumstances, having a formula able to provide positive immune-related effects as well as the needed nutrition can have long-term health benefits.

A recent study aimed at investigating the effect of infant starter formula containing the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis on intestinal immunity and inflammation has revealed that the inclusion of this probiotic can have a positive effect on the immune function of non-exclusively breastfed infants.

The randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial studied two groups of healthy formula fed infants in parallel with a breastfed comparison group.

The study showed that the negative immune-related effects of not breastfeeding and cesarean delivery can be mitigated by including Bifidobacterium lactis in infant formula; providing infants with a safe, dietary, immune-modulating bacterial introduction.

While the study has some interesting implications for the future of infant formula, breast milk remains the ideal source of nutrition for infants, as it is also a source of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as bacteria, which enhance both passive and active infant immunity – benefits that are not provided by the routine use of infant formula.

NNI has supported the publication of the study’s results. For further details, download a full copy of the study’s findings.

Want to know more about clinical trials to investigate the role of prebiotics and probiotics in supporting the intestinal microbiome and their consequences on health? Watch Prof. K.A. Tappenden’s presentation on the subject, available in the Online Conferences section of the NNI website.

Beginning with the pioneering work of Elli Metchnikov and ending with today’s clinical evidence and practical tips on how to select the right prebiotic and probiotic to maximize the clinical benefits for the patient, Tappenden tells the story of probiotics in the treatment of diverse disorders.

Watch Tappenden’s talk – ‘Prebiotics and Probiotics in Clinical Practice’

NNI sponsors the Fomon Young Physician Award

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 Z

NNI sponsors the Fomon Young Physician Award

Each year the Samuel J. Fomon Young Physician Award is given to a physician, expected to complete their medical postdoctoral training within the next ten years, for outstanding work in the general area of pediatric nutrition, and infant nutrition, infant growth or body composition in particular.

As the award honors Dr Fomon, a pioneer in pediatric nutrition research, research that impacts infant feeding is of particular interest.

The 2012 award is sponsored by the Nestlé Nutrition Institute and will be presented during Experimental Biology 2012, taking place in April in San Diego.

The 2011 award was presented to Renan Orellana, Baylor College of Medicine.

We look forward to sharing details of the 2012 winner after the presentation in April.

For details on EBC 2012 visit our event page here

NNI symposium highlighted the impact of nutrition on the outcomes of critically ill patients

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 Z

Last month the NNI held a breakfast symposium during Clinical Nutrition Week 2012 in Orlando, USA. As one of the premier events in the calendar of healthcare professionals practicing in clinical nutrition, this was an important opportunity to share new thinking and advance awareness of the impact that nutrition can have on the outcomes of critically ill patients.

Five presenters took to the podium during the event and webinars will be available on the NNI website soon. In the meantime, here are the key points from each presentation:

Dr. Steven McClave: ‘When does Nutrition Change Therapy Outcomes?’

Increased calorie deficit creates increases in negative outcomes such as increased sepsis, ARDS, LOS and even mortality
Volume-based feeding as a goal can limit this loss of calories each day by making up the difference
Enteral nutrition to replace calories lost is still preferable to parenteral nutrition

Dr. Jose Saavedra: ‘Spectrum of Intestinal Dysfunction in the ICU’

An empty GI tract creates an increase in gut permeability and causes increased inflammation
The key to stopping the vicious cycle is to stop unnecessary NPO (patients not allowed anything in their GI tract)!

Dr. Robert Martindale: ‘Case Presentation and Nutrition Therapy’

Appropriate enteral feeding improves patient outcomes—we must advocate for nutritional therapy
Dietitians and nutrition professionals need to round with physicians—that way all appropriate information can be shared when orders are being changed

Dr. Kevin Miller: ‘CAN WE FEED - A Mnemonic Merging Nutrition Support and Critical Care’

A multi-disciplinary approach to increase EN in Critical Care Units is needed
The mnemonic CAN-WE-FEED can be used to help recognise those patients appropriate for nutrition support – taking into account how sick the patient is, nutrition screening, access and type of formula used for success (considering a small peptide formula for malabsorption patients)

Beth Taylor, MS, RD, CNSD, FCCM: ‘Advanced Practice Role of RD in the ICU setting’

Dietitians can be part of money-saving programs to improve patient outcomes
Tube placement, blood sugar management and physical/nutritional assessment can all be in the realm of responsibility of the advanced practicing dietitian

A vast library of nutrition related studies, articles, and webinars is freely available on the Nestlé Nutrition Institute website in the ‘Resources’ section: www.nestlenutrition-institute.org/resources

Unhealthy eating habits can start as early as 12 months, latest FITS results show

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 Z

The latest findings from the landmark ‘Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study’ (FITS) has shown that children as young as 12 months are beginning to develop some unhealthy dietary patterns that may contribute to childhood obesity.

Encouragingly, the report also highlights how simple changes can make significant improvements to children’s diets, promote the development of healthy eating habits and give long-term health benefits.

The study, first initiated in 2002, is the largest and most comprehensive dietary intake survey of parents and caregivers of young children and provides information and insights on the diets and eating habits of infants, toddlers and preschoolers living in the United States. In its latest findings, the study found that young children do not consume enough vegetables or whole grains and consume far too many calories from solid fats and added sugar.

The study found that nearly a third of calories consumed by pre-schoolers in America come from snacks, highlighting the importance of ensuring that these ‘mini-meals’ are healthy and nutritious.

The study’s other recommendations for helping children develop healthy eating habits include:

Giving parents and caregivers better nutrition guidance to help children develop healthy eating habits from an early age.
Considering snacks as mini-meals and ensuring they contain foods that contribute to good health such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat yogurt and dairy and whole grain foods.
Offer water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.
From age 2, children should drink 1 percent or skimmed milk.
Limit foods high in saturated fat, such as cheese and high-fat meats like hot dogs and bacon.
Offer plenty of foods lower in saturated fat such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats, low fat dairy foods.
Give children healthier fats from foods like avocado and fish, and foods made with canola, safflower and olive oils.

“We are all responsible for the health of future generations, and it is much easier to establish good habits when children are young than to try to correct poor habits later,” said Dr. Jose Saavedra, M.D., FAAP, Medical Director, Nestlé Nutrition. “Parents need consistent messages about how to feed young children in a healthy way. If we can help educate parents on the big impact of relatively simple dietary changes, we may be able to help prevent obesity and chronic disease in our children.”

Full details of the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study’ (FITS) and its latest findings can be downloaded free from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website

A symposium on early nutrition and later growth in Paris, France, is supported by an unrestricted, educational grant of the NNI

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 Z

The quality of nutrition in the first 1000 days of life can have long-term impacts. The importance of nutrition in this early period of life cannot be underestimated as both animal and human data show that nutrition may influence the levels of risk of non-communicable disease.

At the upcoming ‘International Conference on Nutrition & Growth’ to be held in Paris in March, an unrestricted NNI grant is supporting a symposium looking at the link between early nutrition and later growth. During the meeting, world-renowned experts will talk about some pressing issues including:

Prof. B. Koletzko: Early nutrition, child growth and later risks of obesity
Dr. N. D. Embleton: Early nutrition and later growth – the premature infant perspective
Prof. D. Turck: Breast feeding and Growth
Prof. F. Haschke: Early Infant feeing and long-term growth. A challenge for science, industry and regulatory issues

The Symposium will take place on 1 March from 16:00-17:30 at the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel.

More information about the 2012 International Conference on Nutrition and Growth

Dietary prevention and management of allergies in childhood – An outlook into the future

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Z

Pediatric food allergy is becoming a concern in various parts of the world. At a recent satellite symposium held during the XXII World Allergy Congress in Cancún, México, distinguished speakers discussed the diagnosis and treatment of severe cases of food allergy and reviewed recommendations on the dietary management of food and cow’s milk allergy in children.

The experts also introduced oral tolerance induction as an approach to treat food allergy.

Click here to read the full press release

Discover how nutrition can improve the outcome of the critically ill at NNI symposium

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Z

The Nestlé Nutrition Institute will be discussing how nutrition can improve the outcomes of critically ill patients at an informative breakfast symposium during this year’s Clinical Nutrition Week in Orlando, Florida, USA from 21 to 24 January.

During the meeting, four distinguished speakers will explore the subject, moderated by Robert Martindale MD, PhD, a respected specialist in gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgery. The speakers will be:

Stephen McClave, MD

Keith Miller, MD

Jose Saavedra, MD

Beth Taylor, MS, RD

The symposium will take place on Sunday 22 January in the Pacific Hall C of the Dolphin & Swan Hotel. Discussions will start at 6:00am and a breakfast buffet will be available from 5:30am.

Entrance to the symposium is free of charge, but space is limited.

Visit our website for further details about both Clinical Nutrition Week 2012 and the the NNI satellite symposium.

Selected short NNI webinars now also on YouTube

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Z

By creating a dedicated channel for its short webinars on YouTube, NNI has made it even more convenient to discover the latest thinking on a wide range of key nutrition related subjects.

By visiting the NNInstitute YouTube channel, you can access a selection of our short webinars and experience our scientific lectures anytime and anywhere; from your computer, smart phone or tablet.

The new channel supplements the full range of about 400 webinars available on the NNI website, which allows site members to watch NNI lectures and meetings at their own convenience and learn directly from some of the world’s leading clinical and scientific experts in the field of nutrition.

The NNI is continually adding to its range of webinars on both its website and the NNI channel.

Subscribe via YouTube for easy access to the latest NNI resources

NNI celebrates 30 years of quality nutritional debate

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Z

To help improve global nutrition, since 1981, Nestlé has organised more than 70 international workshops for scientific and medical professionals. Over the last 30 years, we are proud to have brought together some of the world’s most respected minds to debate and discuss a wide-range of critical topics, helping to advance understanding around nutrition related subjects and enhance lives.

Each workshop provides a forum for the highest levels of review and debate around key nutrition topics, including pediatric, adult, clinical and sports nutrition.

Through our recently improved website, our vast workshop book library spanning 30 years of nutrition information and research, including webinars of our workshops held since 2005, are freely available to anyone in the medical or scientific community. With a further three workshops planned for 2012, we look forward to bringing you even more insights into some of the most critical nutrition issues of today.

Visit the Online Conferences section of our website to learn more about our regular workshops.

New logo signals NNI’s improved digital presence

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Z

To make Nestlé Nutrition Institute’s (NNI) information and research more accessible to the health and nutrition community, we have extended our online presence. A change that is reflected in the site’s new look and feel and crowned by NNI’s dynamic new logo.

Through the new site, health professionals and nutritional can quickly access the latest scientific information and online educational opportunities spanning a broader range of nutrition topics; from pediatrics to geriatrics, sports nutrition to weight management and, critically, disease states.

Our new homepage makes it easier to access this information and gives you instant access to the latest news. With more functionality to be added soon, including a useful ‘My Favourite’ section, the site will continue to build into an invaluable library for professionals looking for nutrition related information, knowledge and tools.

NNI, a non-profit making organization that is operated separately from the Nestlé business, will continue to work with medical communities globally and offer the high-standard of tailor-made nutrition information, education and networking it has become known for.

NNI e-learning qualifies for Continuous Medical Education credits

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Z

The long-hours and shifts of most medical professionals can make classroom-based learning difficult. However, e-learning is becoming an effective alternative, helping more professionals to keep up with the latest medical advances and treatments and maintain the highest levels of patient care.
With this in mind, NNI has sponsored e-learning programs in the field of pediatric nutrition, nutrition in the critically ill obese, through the provision of unrestricted grants. All of which are available through its recently enhanced website.

One such program is ‘Pediatric Nutrition in Practice’, an intensive learning experience based on the acclaimed book of the same name. The quality of the programme has recently earned it 20 European continuous medical education (CME) credits by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME).* Credits that are also recognised by the American Medical Association (AMA) and count towards the Physician's Recognition Award (PRA).

The Pediatric Nutrition in Practice e-learning program is grouped into nine modules, each containing 5–7 chapters. Each module contains objectives, course material, a progress check to support exam preparation and a list of key terms and references. These materials can also be used for self-learning or to explore options for accreditation for continuous medical education (CME) in your country. The course takes around 120 minutes and can be completed at the learner’s convenience, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.

The training has been developed to address the learning needs of paediatricians, nutritionists, hepatologists and medics in training, who can take the corresponding exams to test their new knowledge and receive credit points for Continued Medical Education, as well as other medical staff involved in pediatric nutrition.

Explore the new e-learning options on the NNI website

*The EACCME is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).

Experts endorse strategies for early nutritional intervention in newborns

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Z

During a recent Nestlé Nutrition Institute Satellite Symposium, leading international experts explored nutritional strategies for the management of very low birth weight neonates. Their discussions highlighted the need for early intervention.

The three prevalent messages from the event were:

The need for more evidence: There is sufficient evidence supporting prophylactic supplementation of probiotics to reduce necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).

Standard treatments are not enough: Individualised nutrition is required to ensure that optimised post-natal growth and development targets are met.

Early high protein intake can lead risks later: The use of low protein formulas in non-breast-fed infants can lead to a reduction of chronic disease and obesity in adulthood.

To read more about the discussions and outcomes from the symposium, please read the full press release.

Nestlé Nutrition Institute organizes a Satellite Symposium at the XXIII World Allergy Congress

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Z

To correspond with the XXII World Allergy Congress, held in Cancun Mexico from 4-8 December, the NNI is organising a satellite symposium on 'Dietary prevention and management of allergies in childhood – an outlook for the future'.

The NNI symposium will take place on Tuesday 6 December from 10:45 – 12:15 at the Cancun Convention Centre, where leading experts will present the following topics:

• Oral tolerance induction: Are we any closer to a cure for food allergy? (Professor Mimi Tang, Australia)
• Severe food allergy: Treatment and management (Dr Ralf G. Heine, Australia)
• Nutrition in allergic children: Recommendations and guidelines (Professor Christophe Dupont, France)

Following the event, speaker presentations and a summary of discussions will be available on our website.

Via our website, you can find further details for both WAO’s biennial scientific meeting and NNI’s satellite symposium.