Loss of body fat and associated decrease in leptin in early lactation are related to shorter duration of postpartum anovulation in healthy US women.

Background: The mechanisms regulating postpartum anovulation (PPA) are not well understood, although poor nutritional status and "intense" breastfeeding behaviors are associated with longer durations.

Objectives: This study was designed primarily to investigate the hypothesis that higher body fat and leptin concentrations are related to shorter PPA in healthy, lactating US women. Nutrient intake, breastfeeding behaviors, prolactin, and insulin levels were also evaluated.

The effects of soy milk and isoflavone supplements on cognitive performance in healthy, postmenopausal women.

Rationale: The decline in estrogen concentrations in women after menopause can contribute to health related changes including impairments in cognition, especially memory. Because of the health concerns related to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), alternative approaches to treat menopausal symptoms, such as nutritional supplements and/or diet containing isoflavones, are of interest.

Objectives: This study investigated whether soy isoflavones (soy milk and supplement) could improve cognitive functioning in healthy, postmenopausal women.

Soy isoflavones modulate immune function in healthy postmenopausal women.

Background: The immune system may be compromised after menopause because of the effects of aging and diminishing concentrations of estrogen, an immune-modulating hormone. Isoflavones, plant-derived compounds with estrogenic and antioxidant properties, may offer immunologic benefits to women during this stage of life.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones, both in soymilk and in supplement form, on markers of immunity and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.

Dietary fat type influences total milk fat content in lean women.

Trans fatty acids (TFA) are found naturally in some foods (e.g., dairy products) as well as many processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO).

Field gleaning as a tool for addressing food security at the local level: case study.

Field gleaning, or harvesting crops after the commercial harvest, has been promoted as a way to increase food security; however, the effectiveness of gleaning programs is not well documented. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of gleaning on individual gleaners and the community by documenting total amounts gleaned, individual uses of produce, and self-reported benefits and barriers to gleaning. During the 1997 season, approximately 50 gleaners participated in the Pierce County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Gleaning Project; 29 participated in an intensive 4-week study to track use of produce by gleaners.