CASI Blog
Peer-reviewed nutrition science, organized by topic and section.
Fully-referenced deep dives, written for practitioners and the science-curious.
Science Update
Changes to bone integrity may occur throughout adulthood as a result of some modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors; these include aging, certain concurrent illnesses, and genetics. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity and nutritional intake are thought to play a critical role in bone heal
Amino Acids
It has been shown that L-glutamine, an amino acid, is vital for maintaining a healthy gut barrier function. The health of the gut barrier's mucosal epithelium is critical for proper digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. The mucosal epithelium also serves as a structural and immunological
Nutrition Notes
Silicon is present in all healthy tissues in the body, including hair, skin, and nails. But as part of the aging process, the cellular presence of silicon decreases over time. Evidence suggests that certain micronutrients such as silicon may help support cellular health and potentially prevent age-r
Science Update
It’s estimated that 350 million people are affected by depression globally. The financial burden of depression in the U.S. is over $70 billion annually, and this number is expected to rise. In developing countries, depression is a leading cause of disability.
Amino Acids
Although vitamin U is not technically classified as a vitamin, it is commonly referred to as “vitamin U” due to its potential benefits in promoting a healthy upper gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal lining. Vitamin U is a compound called S-methylmethionine sulfonium (MMS), a derivative of the amino acid
Nutrition Notes
Dental enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, and is composed mainly of a mineral called hydroxyapatite (HAP). Strain on the existing mineral structure of HAP can lead to erosion and demineralization. Dental sensitivities can arise from certain conditions related to demineralization or excessiv
Science Update
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a molecule that is a byproduct of many critical biochemical processes within the cell. It also participates as a second messenger in certain cell signaling pathways. However, hydrogen peroxide is also considered a major reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it easily breaks
Immune Support
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is an herb traditionally used externally to promote the normal wound healing of wounds, burns, and skin irritations. While aloe vera may cool and soothe damaged cells on the body’s surface, research is investigating its potential to soothe the gastrointestinal tra
Nutrition Notes
Berberine is a botanical with a long history of use in supporting many aspects of gastrointestinal health. Several recent studies have explored berberine’s potential to influence biochemical mechanisms related to both the inflammatory response and gut health.
Science Update
Oral hygiene can be challenging to maintain while undergoing orthodontic treatment. For instance, fixed orthodontic treatments may cause the tooth surface to trap food or certain unwanted microbes such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). S. mutans is the primary microbe associated with dental carie
Immune Support
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two chronic, autoimmune diseases in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Research is investigating the potential connection between IBD and histamine intolerance, which affects approximately 1% of the total population