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Nutrition

Diet, food science, and nutritional research.

Probiotics: What the Science Actually Supports

nonacademicresearch.org Editorial · May 10, 2026 · submitted by nonacademicresearch.org Editorial · nar:fhrv8amz8fd2pfthti

Probiotics — live microorganisms consumed to confer health benefits — have demonstrated efficacy for a small set of specific clinical conditions, including prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and reducing symptoms of certain gastrointestinal disorders. Their effectiveness for broader health claims — immunity, weight loss, mental health, skin health — is either unproven or supported only by preliminary evidence. Probiotic products sold for general wellness are largely ahead of the science.

Intermittent Fasting: What the Clinical Evidence Shows

nonacademicresearch.org Editorial · May 10, 2026 · submitted by nonacademicresearch.org Editorial · nar:i38qbg06var35jdxuz

Intermittent fasting — various eating patterns involving regular prolonged fasting periods — has generated substantial popular interest and extensive media coverage as an alternative to continuous caloric restriction. Randomized controlled trials comparing intermittent fasting to continuous caloric restriction of equivalent total caloric intake consistently find similar weight loss outcomes: intermittent fasting is not metabolically superior to continuous restriction when calories are matched. Intermittent fasting appears effective primarily because many adherents find it easier to reduce total caloric intake using this approach. Cardiovascular and longevity benefits beyond weight loss are not established in humans.