Information about the Aspen Ideas Festival is here. I am scheduled for a session, The American Wellness Paradox, currently scheduled from 11:00-11:50 a.m., at the East Lawn Tent. This will be a discussion with senior HHS policy advisor, Calley Means. Here’s the blurb on it: “Americans are spending more than ever on healthcare, supplements, wellness trends, and “clean eating,” yet rates of chronic disease and metabolic illness continue to climb. As skepticism fuels the rise of movements like MAHA, debates over what Americans should eat have become deeply cultural, political, and economic. Two influential voices with sharply different perspectives on nutrition and food science explore how food systems, farming practices, consumer culture, and the wellness industry collided to create one of the defining public health debates of our time.”
Industry-funded study of the week: OLIPOP (prebiotic soda)
Here is yet another industry-funded study with a predictably favorable outcome, this one about a drink containing 6 grams of dietary fiber shown in this study to reduce blood glucose levels after consumption.
Conclusion: a prebiotic soda is a favorable alternative to traditional soda formulations for managing postprandial blood glucose levels and maximal glucose excursion in generally healthy adults with overweight or obesity.
Competing interest statement: This study was funded by the manufacturer of the prebiotic soda beverage, OLIPOP, Inc. CFM, TB, EM, VK, and CC were employees of Biofortis, Inc., a Contract Research Organization that received funding from OLIPOP, Inc. to conduct the study. NV, MJM, and CM were employees of OLIPOP, Inc., the study sponsor company. AMV was a consultant of OLIPOP, Inc. for research support at the sponsor’s request.
Funding Statement: This study was funded by OLIPOP, Inc.
Comment: I particularly wanted to include this one because it is so blatantly done for commercial purposes, funded by the maker of the soda and conducted by employees or consultants. It belongs in the Journal of Industry-Funded Research, if such a thing existed. Adding fiber to sodas to feed your microbiome? I’d rather get mine from vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and fruits.
