Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.8
5.2
Journals
Foods
Special Issues
Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition
share announcement

Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 63592

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Nicolò Merendino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: omega-3 fatty acids; food science; nutrition; biochemistry; functional foods; food security
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there is a growing interest between the relationship of nutrition and human function and how it can affect human health. In fact, a lot of scientific research has been done in this regard and many new aspects have emerged in the scientific literature, especially regarding the effects of some nutrients or non nutritional compounds on healthy or pathological subjects. I refer for example, to the use of antioxidants in oncology, polyphenols as antiviral or anti-inflammatory compounds or the effects of palmitic acid or “trans” fatty acids on human health. Also metagenomic studies have shown that the gut microbiota could interact with nutrients and non nutritional compounds modifying their actions. For all these reasons, the present Special Issue has the aim to analyze the latest outcomes concerning these interactions and controversial aspects of human diet, in order to clarify this topic and thus contribute to improving the diet in healthy and pathological status.

Prof. Dr. Nicolò Merendino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • diet 
  • nutrients 
  • non-nutrient compounds 
  • diet in health and diseases 
  • gut microbiota and food interactions

Published Papers (15 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

18 pages, 2554 KiB  
Article
An Insulin Receptor-Binding Multifunctional Protein from Tamarindus indica L. Presents a Hypoglycemic Effect in a Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes—Preclinical Study
by Izael Costa, Mayara Lima, Amanda Medeiros, Lucas Bezerra, Paula Santos, Alexandre Serquiz, Maíra Lima, Gerciane Oliveira, Elizeu Santos, Bruna Maciel, Norberto Monteiro and Ana Heloneida Morais
Foods 2022, 11(15), 2207; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11152207 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1844
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) in an experimental model of T2DM and the in silico interaction between the conformational models of TTI 56/287 and the insulin receptor (IR). [...] Read more.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) in an experimental model of T2DM and the in silico interaction between the conformational models of TTI 56/287 and the insulin receptor (IR). After inducing T2DM, 15 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated in three groups (n = 5): 1—T2DM group without treatment; 2—T2DM group treated with adequate diet; and 3—T2DM treated with TTI (25 mg/kg), for 10 days. Insulinemia and fasting glucose were analyzed, and the HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were calculated. The group of animals treated with TTI presented both lower fasting glucose concentrations (p = 0.0031) and lower HOMA-IR indexes (p = 0.0432), along with higher HOMA-β indexes (p = 0.0052), than the animals in the other groups. The in silico analyses showed that there was an interaction between TTIp 56/287 and IR with interaction potential energy (IPE) of −1591.54 kJ mol−1 (±234.90), being lower than that presented by insulin and IR: −894.98 kJ mol−1 (±32.16). In addition, the presence of amino acids, type of binding and place of interaction other than insulin were identified. This study revealed the hypoglycemic effect of a bioactive molecule of protein origin from Tamarind seeds in a preclinical model of T2DM. Furthermore, the in silico analysis allowed the prediction of its binding in the IR, raising a new perspective for explaining TTI’s action on the glycemic response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 507 KiB  
Article
Non-Dairy Animal Protein Consumption Is Positively Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Israeli Adolescents
by Chen Dor, Aliza Hannah Stark, Rita Dichtiar, Lital Keinan-Boker and Tali Sinai
Foods 2022, 11(14), 2072; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11142072 - 12 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1485
Abstract
Protein consumption apparently plays a role in weight control. This cross-sectional study examined the association of protein consumption in Israeli adolescents with overweight/obesity. 7th–12th grade students participating in a national school-based survey (2015–2016) completed self-administered questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire, and height [...] Read more.
Protein consumption apparently plays a role in weight control. This cross-sectional study examined the association of protein consumption in Israeli adolescents with overweight/obesity. 7th–12th grade students participating in a national school-based survey (2015–2016) completed self-administered questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire, and height and weight measurements (n = 3443, 48% males, 15.2 ± 1.6 years). WHO growth standards served to define weight status. Intakes of total protein and protein source were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated associations with overweight/obesity (BMI z-score ≥ 1), adjusting for possible covariates. Total protein intake (median (IQR)) was 62.5 (45.5, 85.7) g/d, accounting for 12.0 (10.5, 13.6) percent of daily energy. Of participants, 31.4% were overweight/obese. In multivariable models, overweight/obesity was positively associated with incremental increases of 10 g/d in total protein intake (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12, p < 0.01), total animal protein intake (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.10, p = 0.026), and non-dairy animal protein intake (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.029). No associations were found with plant or dairy protein intake. These associations remained when protein intake was reported as a percentage of daily energy and when overweight and obesity were analyzed individually. High daily protein intakes, principally from non-dairy animal sources, were positively associated with overweight/obesity in adolescents. Additional studies are needed to establish causality of these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 17640 KiB  
Article
Catechin Mediates Ferroptosis to Exert an Anti-Inflammatory Effect on RAW 264.7 Cells
by Weiyang Kuang, Jiajia Yang, Zhiyuan Liu, Jinzi Zeng, Xuewei Xia, Xiaodan Chen, Saiyi Zhong and Riming Huang
Foods 2022, 11(11), 1572; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11111572 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2655
Abstract
Catechin possesses a potential anti-inflammatory activity, but its anti-inflammatory mechanism is still unclear. Herein, the analysis of network pharmacology showed that catechin might mediate ferroptosis on macrophages to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect on RAW264.7. The metabolomics further indicated that catechin might influence [...] Read more.
Catechin possesses a potential anti-inflammatory activity, but its anti-inflammatory mechanism is still unclear. Herein, the analysis of network pharmacology showed that catechin might mediate ferroptosis on macrophages to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect on RAW264.7. The metabolomics further indicated that catechin might influence ferroptosis by activating two pathways of cysteine and methionine metabolism and glutathione metabolism, and inhibiting the pathway of ferroptosis to promote the reduction of l-methionine-s-oxide and s-glutathionyl-l-cysteine, and the reduction and synthesis of γ-glutamylcysteine. Furthermore, related proteins (MSRA, CDR, GSR and GCL) in three metabolic pathways and ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4 and SLC7A11) might be relevant to catechin through molecular docking. Thus, we speculate that catechin plays an anti-inflammatory effect through mediating ferroptosis on RAW264.7, which still needs further focus on the detailed molecular mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3555 KiB  
Article
Consumption of Tritordeum Bread Reduces Immunogenic Gluten Intake without Altering the Gut Microbiota
by Carmen Haro, María H. Guzmán-López, Miriam Marín-Sanz, Susana Sánchez-León, Luis Vaquero, Jorge Pastor, Isabel Comino, Carolina Sousa, Santiago Vivas, Blanca B. Landa and Francisco Barro
Foods 2022, 11(10), 1439; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11101439 - 16 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2184
Abstract
Gluten proteins are responsible for the wheat breadmaking quality. However, gluten is also related to human pathologies for which the only treatment is a gluten-free diet (GFD). GFD has gained popularity among individuals who want to reduce their gluten intake. Tritordeum is a [...] Read more.
Gluten proteins are responsible for the wheat breadmaking quality. However, gluten is also related to human pathologies for which the only treatment is a gluten-free diet (GFD). GFD has gained popularity among individuals who want to reduce their gluten intake. Tritordeum is a cereal species that originated after crossing durum wheat with wild barley and differs from bread wheat in its gluten composition. In this work, we have characterized the immunogenic epitopes of tritordeum bread and results from a four-phase study with healthy adults for preferences of bread and alterations in the gut microbiota after consuming wheat bread, gluten-free bread, and tritordeum bread are reported. Tritordeum presented fewer peptides related to gluten proteins, CD-epitopes, and IgE binding sites than bread wheat. Participants rated tritordeum bread higher than gluten-free bread. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the adherence to a strict GFD involves some minor changes, especially altering the species producing short-chain fatty acids. However, the short-term consumption of tritordeum bread does not induce significant changes in the diversity or community composition of the intestinal microbiota in healthy individuals. Therefore, tritordeum bread could be an alternative for healthy individuals without wheat-related pathologies who want to reduce their gluten consumption without harming their gut health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5444 KiB  
Article
Gut Microbial Signatures Associated with Peanut Allergy in a BALB/c Mouse Model
by Shimin Gu, Qiang Xie, Chen Chen, Chenglong Liu and Wentong Xue
Foods 2022, 11(10), 1395; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11101395 - 12 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2236
Abstract
Multiple studies have uncovered the pivotal role of gut microbiota in the development of food allergy. However, the effects of gut microbiota on peanut allergy are still unclear. Here, we characterized the gut microbiota composition of peanut-allergic mice by 16S rRNA sequencing and [...] Read more.
Multiple studies have uncovered the pivotal role of gut microbiota in the development of food allergy. However, the effects of gut microbiota on peanut allergy are still unclear. Here, we characterized the gut microbiota composition of peanut-allergic mice by 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed the correlation between allergic indicators and gut microbiota composition. Outcomes showed that the gut microbiota composition was reshaped in peanut-allergic mice, with Acidobacteriota, Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, Alistipes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group significantly down-regulated and Muribaculaceae up-regulated. All of them were significantly correlated with the serum peanut-specific antibodies. These results suggested that these six bacterial OTUs might be the gut microbial signatures associated with peanut allergy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 1509 KiB  
Article
Trans-Fatty Acids in Fast-Food and Intake Assessment for Yerevan’s Population, Armenia
by Davit Pipoyan, Meline Beglaryan, Seda Stepanyan and Nicolò Merendino
Foods 2022, 11(9), 1294; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11091294 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2403
Abstract
There are stringent regulations applicable for trans-fatty acid (TFA) limitations from food supply across the world. However, in Armenia, there is a scarcity of data on TFA content in food products and their consumption levels. Considering that fast-food is among the major contributors [...] Read more.
There are stringent regulations applicable for trans-fatty acid (TFA) limitations from food supply across the world. However, in Armenia, there is a scarcity of data on TFA content in food products and their consumption levels. Considering that fast-food is among the major contributors to TFA intake, this study aims to assess the dietary exposure of TFAs through the consumption of fast-food in Yerevan, Armenia. Eleven types of fast-food were included in the study. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate daily fast-food consumption. TFA contents in samples were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mean daily fast-food consumption values ranged from 14.68 g/day to 76.09 g/day, with popcorn as the lowest and pastry as the highest consumed food. The study results indicate that the aggregate average daily intake (DI) of TFA is 0.303 g/day. Even though TFA DI values do not exceed the WHO limit of 1%, they substantially contribute to daily TFA intake and may exceed the limit when combined with other foods. Hence, it is recommended to carry out continuous monitoring of TFA content in the food supply to ensure consumer health protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4355 KiB  
Article
A Comparison Study on the Therapeutic Effect of High Protein Diets Based on Pork Protein versus Soybean Protein on Obese Mice
by Songsong Jiang, Shanshan Ji, Xinlei Tang, Tao Wang, Hengpeng Wang and Xiangren Meng
Foods 2022, 11(9), 1227; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11091227 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4805
Abstract
In this study, an obese C57BL/6J mice model was induced to compare the effect of different high protein diets (soybean protein and pork protein) on obesity. The obese mice were randomly divided into four groups: natural recovery (NR), high-fat diet (HF), high soybean [...] Read more.
In this study, an obese C57BL/6J mice model was induced to compare the effect of different high protein diets (soybean protein and pork protein) on obesity. The obese mice were randomly divided into four groups: natural recovery (NR), high-fat diet (HF), high soybean protein diet (HSP), and high pork protein diet (HPP) groups. After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, the obesity-related indexes of mice were measured, such as body weight, fat coefficients, blood lipid indexes and so on. Results showed that HSP and HPP decreased the weight and fat coefficients of mice, the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and leptin (p < 0.05). Soybean protein was shown to be more effective in reducing the weight and fat mass of obese mice, although pork protein seemed to have a better effect on regulating serum triglyceride (TG). In addition, the two high protein diets both alleviated hepatic fat deposition effectively. Furthermore, HPP and HSP decreased the expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and increased the protein expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), phosphorylated acetyl CoA carboxylase (pACC), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study shows that high protein diets based on both pork protein and soybean protein alleviated abdominal obesity in mice effectively by regulating lipid metabolism, probably via the UCP2-AMPK-ACC signaling pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2583 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical, Microbiological and Microstructural Characteristics of Sucrose-Free Probiotic-Frozen Yogurt during Storage
by Atallah A. Atallah, Elsayed A. Ismail, Hany M. Yehia, Manal F. Elkhadragy, Abeer S. Aloufi and Dalia G. Gemiel
Foods 2022, 11(8), 1099; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11081099 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2633
Abstract
Frozen yogurt is known as ice cream with some properties of yogurt. Frozen yogurts are a rich source of sucrose levels between 15% and 28% of total ingredients. Consumers suffering from lactose intolerance and metabolic syndrome are looking for sugar-free products. The current [...] Read more.
Frozen yogurt is known as ice cream with some properties of yogurt. Frozen yogurts are a rich source of sucrose levels between 15% and 28% of total ingredients. Consumers suffering from lactose intolerance and metabolic syndrome are looking for sugar-free products. The current study investigates the sugar replacements by using sweeteners (stevia, sucralose and sorbitol) on physicochemical, microbiological, microstructural and sensory characteristics of probiotic-frozen yogurt. Four different treatments of probiotic-frozen yogurts were studied (control probiotic-frozen yogurt with sucrose (F1), probiotic-frozen yogurt with stevia (F2), probiotic-frozen yogurt with sucralose (F3) and probiotic-frozen yogurt with sorbitol (F4)). The chemical properties were not significantly present p > 0.05) during storage in all treatments. In the F1 treatment, sucrose value was higher (14.87%) and not detected in the F2, F3 and F4 treatments. The highest values of overrun, hardness and viscosity (p < 0.05) were detected in the F2, F3 and F3 samples, but the lowest value was detected in the F1 treatment. Total Str. thermophilus and Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus counts were gradually decreased (p < 0.05) during storage periods. At 1 day, the Bifidobacteria counts ranged from 7.56 to 7.60 log10 CFU g−1 in all groups and gradually decreased during storage, but these bacterial counts remained viable (>6.00 log10 CFU g−1) during storage periods up to 60 d. During storage periods, the highest scores of total acceptability were detected in the F3, F4 and F2 treatments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of all probiotic-frozen yogurt treatments illustrated that the microstructures showed a difference with a fine network, size pores and structure between the frozen yogurt with sweeteners (F2, F3 and F3) and control frozen yogurt (F1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2140 KiB  
Article
Effects of Repeated Heating on Fatty Acid Composition of Plant-Based Cooking Oils
by Zoltan Szabo, Tamas Marosvölgyi, Eva Szabo, Viktor Koczka, Zsofia Verzar, Maria Figler and Tamas Decsi
Foods 2022, 11(2), 192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11020192 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6861
Abstract
Several polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered to have beneficial health effects, while saturated fatty acids and industrial trans fatty acids (TFAs) are linked to negative health consequences. Given the increased formation of TFAs during heating, many studies already investigated compositional changes in oils [...] Read more.
Several polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered to have beneficial health effects, while saturated fatty acids and industrial trans fatty acids (TFAs) are linked to negative health consequences. Given the increased formation of TFAs during heating, many studies already investigated compositional changes in oils after prolonged heating or at extremely high temperatures. In contrast, our aim was to measure changes in fatty acid composition and in some health-related indices in edible oils after short-time heating that resembles the conventional household use. Potatoes were fried in palm, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower and extra virgin olive oils at 180 °C for 5 min, and samples were collected from fresh oils and after 1, 5 and 10 consecutive heating sequences. Regardless of the type of oil, the highest linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid values were measured in the fresh samples, whereas significantly lower values were detected in almost all samples following the heating sequences. In contrast, the lowest levels of TFAs were detected in the fresh oils, while their values significantly increased in almost all samples during heating. Indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity were also significantly higher in these oils after heating. The present data indicate that prolonged or repeated heating of vegetable oils should be avoided; however, the type of oil has a greater effect on the changes of health-related indices than the number of heating sequences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6225 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effects of Different Dietary Patterns on Breast Cancer: Monitoring Circulating Tumor Cells
by Xiuxiu Wang, Xiaoyu Liu, Zhenzhen Jia, Yilun Zhang, Shuo Wang and Hongyan Zhang
Foods 2021, 10(9), 2223; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10092223 - 19 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3516
Abstract
The occurrence and development of breast cancer are closely related to dietary factors, especially dietary patterns. This study was to investigate the effects of dietary patterns on the process of tumor metastasis by in vivo circulating tumor cell (CTC) capture strategy and monitoring [...] Read more.
The occurrence and development of breast cancer are closely related to dietary factors, especially dietary patterns. This study was to investigate the effects of dietary patterns on the process of tumor metastasis by in vivo circulating tumor cell (CTC) capture strategy and monitoring changes of CTC numbers in breast tumor mice model. Meanwhile, the effects of different dietary patterns on the development of lung metastases of breast cancer and the volume and weight of carcinoma in situ were investigated. In this study, the increase in the number of CTCs was significantly promoted by dietary patterns such as high-salt diet, high-sugar diet, and high-fat diet, while it was delayed by ketogenic diet, low-fat diet, low-protein diet, diet restriction, and Mediterranean diet. These results indicated that the in vivo capture and detection of CTCs provides a convenient method for real-time cancer metastasis monitoring, and through in-depth study of the effects of different dietary patterns on tumor growth and metastasis, it can expand a new horizon in future cancer treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5773 KiB  
Article
Effects of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Energy Intake, Body Weight and Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy and with Altered Glycemic Response Rats
by Meztli Ramos-García, Jorge Luis Ble-Castillo, Carlos García-Vázquez, Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate, Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop, Viridiana Olvera-Hernández, Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza, Rubén Córdova-Uscanga, Carlos Alfonso Álvarez-González and Juan Cuauhtémoc Díaz-Zagoya
Foods 2021, 10(5), 958; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10050958 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3437
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) consumption on energy intake, body weight and postprandial glycemia in healthy and with altered glycemic response rats. Animals on normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) were divided to [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) consumption on energy intake, body weight and postprandial glycemia in healthy and with altered glycemic response rats. Animals on normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) were divided to receive NNS (sucralose, aspartame, stevia, rebaudioside A) or nutritive sweeteners (glucose, sucrose) for 8 weeks. The NNS were administered at doses equivalent to the human acceptable daily intake (ADI). A test using rapidly digestible starch was performed before and after treatments to estimate glycemic response. No effects of NNS consumption were observed on energy intake or body weight. Sucrose provoked an increased fluid consumption, however, energy intake, and weight gain were not altered. In ND, no effects of NNS on glycemic response were observed. In HFD, the glycemic response was increased after sucralose and stevia when only the final tolerance test was considered, however, after including the baseline test, these results were no longer significant compared to glucose. These findings provide further evidence suggesting that at the recommended doses, NNS do not alter feeding behavior, body weight or glycemic tolerance in healthy and with altered glycemic rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

24 pages, 1524 KiB  
Review
Nutrition and Physical Activity-Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota: Possible Implications for Human Health and Athletic Performance
by Vittoria Cella, Viviana M. Bimonte, Claudia Sabato, Antonio Paoli, Carlo Baldari, Matteo Campanella, Andrea Lenzi, Elisabetta Ferretti and Silvia Migliaccio
Foods 2021, 10(12), 3075; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10123075 - 10 Dec 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4679
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a complex heterogeneous microbial community modulated by endogenous and exogenous factors. Among the external causes, nutrition as well as physical activity appear to be potential drivers of microbial diversity, both at the taxonomic and functional level, likely also influencing [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota is a complex heterogeneous microbial community modulated by endogenous and exogenous factors. Among the external causes, nutrition as well as physical activity appear to be potential drivers of microbial diversity, both at the taxonomic and functional level, likely also influencing endocrine system, and acting as endocrine organ itself. To date, clear-cut data regarding which microbial populations are modified, and by which mechanisms are lacking. Moreover, the relationship between the microbial shifts and the metabolic practical potential of the gut microbiota is still unclear. Further research by longitudinal and well-designed studies is needed to investigate whether microbiome manipulation may be an effective tool for improving human health and, also, performance in athletes, and whether these effects may be then extended to the overall health promotion of general populations. In this review, we evaluate and summarize the current knowledge regarding the interaction and cross-talks among hormonal modifications, physical performance, and microbiota content and function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1777 KiB  
Review
The Effect of Trans Fatty Acids on Human Health: Regulation and Consumption Patterns
by Davit Pipoyan, Stella Stepanyan, Seda Stepanyan, Meline Beglaryan, Lara Costantini, Romina Molinari and Nicolò Merendino
Foods 2021, 10(10), 2452; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10102452 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 13647
Abstract
Health effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on human organisms can vary according to their type, structure, composition, and origin. Even though the adverse health effects of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) have been widely discussed, the health effects of natural TFAs (nTFAs) are still [...] Read more.
Health effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on human organisms can vary according to their type, structure, composition, and origin. Even though the adverse health effects of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) have been widely discussed, the health effects of natural TFAs (nTFAs) are still questionable. Hence, it is important to review the literature and provide an overall picture on the health effects of different TFAs coming from industrial and ruminant sources, underlining those types that have adverse health effects as well as suggesting methods for reducing their harmful effects. Multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, etc.) were searched with the key words “trans fatty acid sources”, “ruminant”, “industrial”, “conjugated trans linoleic acid”, “human”, “coronary heart disease”, “cancer”, etc. Reference lists of the studies were scanned discussing the health effects of iTFAs and nTFAs. The review of the literature showed that iTFAs are found to be more harmful than ruminant-produced nTFAs. Although several beneficial effects (such as reduced risk of diabetes) for nTFAs have been observed, they should be used with caution. Since during labeling it is usually not mentioned whether the TFAs contained in food are of industrial or natural origin, the general suggestion is to reduce their consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1119 KiB  
Review
New Insights on the Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Impaired Skin Healing in Diabetes and Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers
by Simona Serini and Gabriella Calviello
Foods 2021, 10(10), 2306; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10102306 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4621
Abstract
Long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 PUFAs) are widely recognized as powerful negative regulators of acute inflammation. However, the precise role exerted by these dietary compounds during the healing process is still largely unknown, and there is increasing interest in understanding their specific [...] Read more.
Long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 PUFAs) are widely recognized as powerful negative regulators of acute inflammation. However, the precise role exerted by these dietary compounds during the healing process is still largely unknown, and there is increasing interest in understanding their specific effects on the implicated cells/molecular factors. Particular attention is being focused also on their potential clinical application in chronic pathologies characterized by delayed and impaired healing, such as diabetes and vascular diseases in lower limbs. On these bases, we firstly summarized the current knowledge on wound healing (WH) in skin, both in normal conditions and in the setting of these two pathologies, with particular attention to the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. Then, we critically reviewed the outcomes of recent research papers investigating the activity exerted by Omega-3 PUFAs and their bioactive metabolites in the regulation of WH in patients with diabetes or venous insufficiency and showing chronic recalcitrant ulcers. We especially focused on recent studies investigating the mechanisms through which these compounds may act. Considerations on the optimal dietary doses are also reported, and, finally, possible future perspectives in this area are suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 2222 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy of Plant Sterol-Enriched Food for Primary Prevention and Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Literature Review
by Elisa Turini, Miriana Sarsale, Davide Petri, Michele Totaro, Ersilia Lucenteforte, Lara Tavoschi and Angelo Baggiani
Foods 2022, 11(6), 839; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11060839 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4297
Abstract
Plant sterols/phytosterols (PSs) are molecules with a similar structure to cholesterol that have a recognized effect on elevated LDL concentrations (LDL-c). PSs are used as a natural therapy against elevated LDL-c in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. A systematic review was [...] Read more.
Plant sterols/phytosterols (PSs) are molecules with a similar structure to cholesterol that have a recognized effect on elevated LDL concentrations (LDL-c). PSs are used as a natural therapy against elevated LDL-c in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy of PS-enriched foods in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Randomized controlled clinical studies reporting the use of PS-enriched foods to reduce LDL-c among adult individuals were retrieved and assessed for risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed to assess changes in LDL-c by treatment, food matrix, LDL-c range, sterols dosage and risk of bias (RoB). In the 13 studies analyzed, LDL-c in PS-treated participants decreased by an average of 12.14 (8.98; 15.29) mg/dL. PS administration was statistically more effective in patients with LDL-c ≥ 140 mg/dL and for PS dosages > 2 g/day. It can be concluded that PSs can be used as an important primary prevention measure for hypercholesterolemia and as tertiary prevention for cardiovascular events in patients who already have mild to moderate LDL-c. However, in severe hypercholesterolemia and in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia, it is necessary to combine dietary treatment with the use of statins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diet and Human Nutrition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-15
Back to TopTop