A Waterford-based scientist has defended research findings after UK-based critics described as “too small to be reliable” a study which suggested giving patients with Alzheimer’s disease antioxidant therapy with fish oil could slow down the progress of the disease.

Salt and fat are essential to good health, according to the authors of two separate reports.

Heavy smoking may lead to a fatter stomach, studies show.

Sugar-free sweeteners could increase glucose intolerance and diabetes risk by affecting bacteria in the gut, a study has suggested.

Men have to gain less weight than women to develop type 2 diabetes, new research shows.