Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060883
Authors: Jessica Thomson Alicia Landry Tameka Walls
This study’s purpose was to compare socioeconomic, dietary choice, and nutrition environment variables associated with food and nutrition security in USA households with and without children. Data were collected in 2021 and consisted of households at risk of or experiencing food insecurity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant explanatory variables for food and nutrition security by household type—with or without children (<18 years of age). Food insecurity rates were 74% and 64% in households with and without children, respectively. Nutrition insecurity rates were 38% and 30% in households with and without children, respectively. For both household types, greater dietary choice increased odds (4–15 times) of food and nutrition security. In households with children, more fast-food meals increased the odds (60%) of food security, while more processed meals and greater utilization barriers to healthful meals decreased the odds (40–50%). Greater utilization barriers also decreased the odds (20%) of food security in households without children. In households with children, higher income and greater healthfulness choice increased the odds (20% and 3 times) of nutrition security, while low (vs. high) perceived limited availability of foods doubled the odds in households without children. Dietary choice is an influential and crucial factor of food and nutrition security.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060882
Authors: Masayuki Okuda Satoshi Sasaki
Protein intake reportedly increases the risk of diabetes; however, the results have been inconsistent. Diabetes in adulthood may be attributed to early life dietary amino acid composition. This study aimed to investigate the association between amino acid composition and glycemic biomarkers in adolescents. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured in 1238 eighth graders. The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) indices (insulin resistance and β-cell function) were calculated. Anthropometrics were measured and other covariates were obtained from a questionnaire. Amino acid composition was isometric log transformed according to the compositional data analysis, which was used as explanatory variables in multivariate linear regression models for glucose, insulin, and HOMA indices. Only the association between glucose and leucine was significant. In replacement of other amino acids with leucine, an increase of 0.1% of total amino acids correlated with a lower glucose level (−1.02 mg/dL). One-to-one substitution of leucine for isoleucine or methionine decreased glucose (−2.98 and −2.28 mg/dL, respectively). Associations with other biomarkers were not observed. In conclusion, compositional data analysis of amino acids revealed an association only with glucose in adolescents; however, the results of this study should be verified in other populations.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060881
Authors: Sudhanshu Agrawal Anshu Agrawal Mamdooh Ghoneum
Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has been a major pandemic impacting a huge population worldwide, and it continues to present serious health threats, necessitating the development of novel protective nutraceuticals. Biobran/MGN-3, an arabinoxylan rice bran, is a potent immunomodulator for both humans and animals that has recently been demonstrated to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro. We here investigate Biobran/MGN-3′s potential to enhance an antiviral immune response in humans. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from eight subjects taking Biobran/MGN-3 (age 55–65 years) and eight age-matched control subjects were stimulated with irradiated SARS-CoV-2 virus and then subjected to immuno-phenotyping and multiplex cytokine/chemokine assays. Results showed that PBMCs from subjects supplemented with Biobran/MGN-3 had significantly increased activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) coupled with increased IFN-α secretion. We also observed higher baseline expression of HLA-DR (human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype) on dendritic cells (DCs) and increased secretion of chemokines and cytokines, as well as a substantial increase in cytotoxic T cell generation for subjects taking Biobran/MGN-3. Our results suggest that Biobran/MGN-3 primes immunity and therefore may be used for boosting immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infections and other diseases, particularly in high-risk populations such as the elderly.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060878
Authors: Lucía Rizzolo-Brime Andreu Farran-Codina Ricard Bou Leila Luján-Barroso Jose Ramón Quirós Pilar Amiano María José Sánchez Miguel Rodríguez-Barranco Marcela Guevara Conchi Moreno-Iribas Alba Gasque María-Dolores Chirlaque Sandra M. Colorado-Yohar José María Huerta Castaño Antonio Agudo Paula Jakszyn
Background: The consumption of processed and red meats is linked to the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Various theories have been proposed to explain this connection, focusing on nitrosyl-heme and heme iron intake. We hypothesized that differences in nitrosyl-heme and heme iron intakes will be associated with various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Methods: The study included 38,471 healthy volunteers (62% females) from five Spanish regions within the EPIC-Spain cohort. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) determined nitrosyl-heme and heme iron levels in the 39 most consumed PMs. Food intake was assessed using validated questionnaires in interviews. Nitrosyl-heme and heme iron intakes, adjusted for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), center, and energy intake, were expressed as geometric means due to their skewed distribution. Variance analysis identified foods explaining the variability of nitrosyl-heme and heme iron intakes. Results: The estimated intakes were 528.6 µg/day for nitrosyl-heme and 1676.2 µg/day for heme iron. Significant differences in nitrosyl-heme intake were found by sex, center, energy, and education level. Heme iron intake varied significantly by sex, center, energy, and smoking status. “Jamón serrano” and “jamón cocido/jamón de York” had the highest intake values, while “morcilla asturiana” and “sangrecilla” were key sources of nitrosyl-heme and heme iron. Conclusions: This is the first study to estimate levels of nitrosyl-heme intake directly in PMs for a large sample, revealing variations based on sex, BMI, smoking, and activity. Its data aids future exposure estimations in diverse populations.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060880
Authors: Matteo Bronzini Alessandro Maglione Rachele Rosso Federica Masuzzo Manuela Matta Raffaella Meroni Simona Rolla Marinella Clerico
The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is described in the literature as a beneficial dietary pattern for neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary habits in people with MS (pwMS) and to test whether adherence to the MD could have an impact on the severity of the disease measured as the MS severity score (MSSS). Adherence to the MD was assessed in 31 PwMS using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Pyramid-based Mediterranean Diet Score (PyrMDS) index, and the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI), and their eating habits were recorded in a food diary for a one-year follow-up. When data obtained from dietary analysis were compared to the MSSS, results showed that pwMS with lower MSSS adhere more to the MD than the other pwMS groups according to the MEDAS index. Furthermore, a high consumption of fiber in the MS mild severity class was observed. Further studies are needed to clarify which of the nutritional components of the MD may impact the course of MS and if the sensitization of pwMS to MD adherence can be a strategy for mitigating the disease.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060879
Authors: Natália Perin Schmidt Patrícia Molz Brenda Santos Fraga Nicole Hiller Bondarczuk Priscila Dutra Silveira Milena Henrique Ferri Thais Busatto Crestani Gabriela Merker Breyer Giuliano Rizzoto Guimarães Amanda de Souza da Motta Renata Padilha Guedes Márcia Giovenardi
Probiotic supplementation has been identified as a potential target to reduce inflammatory mediators associated with obesity. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LB1.5 on anxiety-like behavior, gene expression in the prefrontal cortex, and neuroinflammation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of male mice fed a high-fat diet. Mice aged 21 days were divided into four groups: control (CONT), control plus probiotic (CONT + PROB), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet plus probiotic (HFD + PROB), and fed for 13 weeks. The probiotic Lact. rhamnosus 1.5 (3.1 × 108 CFU/mL, derived from raw buffalo milk) was administered by gavage three times a week. Probiotic supplementation provided an anxiolytic effect in CONT and HFD. The IL-6 showed lower levels after probiotic supplementation in the HFD. Regarding immunoreactivity for GFAP in the cerebral cortex, we demonstrated that animals HFD-fed had a reduction in cells number compared to CONT. In the hippocampus, we found an interaction between diet and supplementation, as well as an effect of probiotic supplementation. A higher number of Th positive cells was observed in the cerebral cortex in mice fed HFD. Lact. rhamnosus LB1.5 supplementation decreased serum IL-6 levels in HFD-fed mice and promoted a reduction in anxiety-like behavior.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060877
Authors: Chayanisa Boonrong Sittiruk Roytrakul Prapimporn Chattranukulchai Shantavasinkul Piyamitr Sritara Jintana Sirivarasai
Integrated omics-based platforms from epigenomics and proteomics technologies are used to identify several important mechanisms in obesity etiology, food components, dietary intake, regulation of biological pathways, and potential new intervention targets. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze whether dietary factors involved in the methylation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are implicated in differential protein expression in people with normal weight and obesity. Methods: The participants were classified into the non-obese (N = 100) and obese (N = 133) groups. DNA methylation levels of the TNF-alpha gene and proteomics were analyzed using the pyrosequencing method and LC-MS-MS, respectively. Results: Comparison between geometric means of DNA methylation of TNF-α showed lower levels in subjects with obesity than in those without obesity (p < 0.05). There were associations between dietary factors and some metabolic syndrome components and TNF-α DNA methylation levels. Proteomic analysis showed important signaling pathways related to obesity, with 95 significantly downregulated proteins and 181 upregulated proteins in the non-obese group compared with the obese group. Conclusion: This study shows an association between the dietary factors involved in the methylation of TNF-α and differential protein expression related to obesity. However, a large sample size in future studies is required to confirm our results.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060876
Authors: Rubén Fernández-Rodríguez Miriam Garrido-Miguel Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni Valentina Díaz-Goñi Eva Rodríguez-Gutiérrez María José Guzmán-Pavón Ana Belén Meseguer-Henarejos Ana Torres-Costoso
Time-restricted eating (TRE) has emerged as a dietary strategy that restricts food consumption to a specific time window and is commonly applied to facilitate weight loss. The benefits of TRE on adipose tissue have been evidenced in human trials and animal models; however, its impact on bone tissue remains unclear. To systematically synthesize and examine the evidence on the impact of TRE on bone health (bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover factors), PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases were systematically explored from inception to 1 October 2023 searching for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at determining the effects of TRE on bone health in adults (≥18 years). The Cochrane Handbook and the PRISMA recommendations were followed. A total of seven RCTs involving 313 participants (19 to 68 years) were included, with an average length of 10.5 weeks (range: 4 to 24 weeks). Despite the significant weight loss reported in five out of seven studies when compared to the control, our meta-analysis showed no significant difference in BMD (g/cm2) between groups (MD = −0.009, 95% CI: −0.026 to 0.009, p = 0.328; I2 = 0%). BMC and bone turnover markers between TRE interventions and control conditions were not meta-analyzed because of scarcity of studies (less than five). Despite its short-term benefits on cardiometabolic health, TRE did not show detrimental effects on bone health outcomes compared to those in the control group. Nevertheless, caution should be taken when interpreting our results due to the scarcity of RCTs adequately powered to assess changes in bone outcomes.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060875
Authors: Mitchell K. Byrne Rebecca Cook Janina C. D. Murta Daniel Bressington Barbara J. Meyer
Background: Research suggests a link between deficiencies in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and impulsivity among psychiatric populations. However, this association is less evident in non-clinical populations. As omega-3 LCPUFAs are predominantly sourced through fish consumption, non-fish dieters may be more vulnerable to higher impulsivity. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study explored the association between lower intakes of omega-3 LCPUFA food sources and higher self-reported measures of impulsivity among healthy adults consuming non-restricted, vegetarian, and vegan diets. Results: The results from the validated Food Frequency Questionnaire showed significantly lower estimated omega-3 LCPUFA intakes among vegans and vegetarians when compared with people consuming non-restricted diets. Furthermore, although all groups scored within the normal range of impulsivity measures, vegans scored comparatively higher. Vegans also scored significantly higher in impulsivity control relating to attention than those consuming non-restricted diets. Conclusions: The significantly lower omega-3 LCPUFA dietary intakes in the vegan diets were associated with higher scores in the second-order attentional aspect of self-reported impulsiveness.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060874
Authors: Annamaria Sila Sara De Nucci Caterina Bonfiglio Vincenza Di Stasi Nicole Cerabino Martina Di Chito Roberta Rinaldi Paola Cantalice Endrit Shahini Vito Giannuzzi Pasqua Letizia Pesole Sergio Coletta Nicoletta Maria Tutino Giuseppina Piazzolla Raffaele Cozzolongo Gianluigi Giannelli Giovanni De Pergola
The most common form of chronic liver disease, recently defined as MASLD, is strongly linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes are part of MASLD prevention. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a useful option for treating MASLD and reducing liver steatosis in patients with obesity. We assessed whether a greater degree of steatosis could have a positive or negative impact on how well 8 weeks of using the VLCKD improve steatosis and fibrosis in a patient population of overweight and obese individuals. Anthropometric parameters, along with changes in hormone and metabolic biomarkers, were also assessed both before and after the dietary change. The study population included 111 overweight (14.41%) or obese subjects (85.59%) aged between 18 and 64 years; the 75 women and 36 men involved were not taking any medicine. In both the raw (0.37 95% CI 0.21; 0.52) and the multivariate models (model a: 0.439 95% CI 0.26; 0.62; model b: 0.437 95% CI 0.25; 0.63), there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the CAP delta value and the CAP before using the VLCKD. Additionally, the liver stiffness delta was found to be positively and statistically significantly correlated with liver stiffness before the use of the VLCKD in both models: the multivariate model (model a: 0.560 95% CI 0.40; 0.71; model b: 0.498 95% CI 0.34; 0.65) and the raw model (0.52 95% CI 0.39; 0.65). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, insulin resistance (measured by HOMA-IR), insulin, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass, were all decreased (p < 0.001) following the use of the VLCKD. However, following the use of the VLCKD, there was an increase in vitamin D levels. (p < 0.001). We found that using the VLCKD for 8 weeks has a greater effect on improving steatosis and fibrosis in subjects who initially have more severe forms of these conditions.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060873
Authors: Qian Zhang Qiwen Wang Haoxuan Ding Caihong Hu Jie Feng
Iron is an essential trace element in the human body. However, excess iron is harmful and may cause ferroptosis. The expression and role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ferroptosis remain largely unknown. A model of ferroptosis induced by ferric ammonium citrate in HT-1080 cells was established in this study. The miRNAs expression profiles of the control and iron groups were obtained using small RNA sequencing and verified using qRT-PCR. A total of 1346 known miRNAs and 80 novel miRNAs were identified, including 12 up-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and 16 down-regulated DE-miRNAs. SP1 was the most important upstream transcription factor regulating DE-miRNAs. The downstream target genes of DE-miRNAs were predicted based on miRDB, TargetScan, and miRBase databases, and 403 common target genes were screened. GO annotation and KEGG analysis revealed that the target genes were mainly involved in various biological processes and regulatory pathways, especially the MAPK signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Afterwards, a target genes network was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape, and the hub genes were compared with the ferroptosis database (FerrDb V2) to discover the hub genes related to ferroptosis. EGFR, GSK3B, PARP1, VCP, and SNCA were screened out. Furthermore, a DE-miRNAs-target genes network was constructed to explore key DE-miRNAs. hsa-miR-200c-3p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, and hsa-miR-7-5p were filtered out. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs and its upstream and downstream regulation in ferroptosis in HT-1080 cells using small RNA sequencing is helpful for understanding the role of miRNAs in iron overload-related diseases and ferroptosis-targeted therapy for cancer.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060871
Authors: Mathilde Foisy Sauvé Francis Feldman Alain Théophile Sané Mireille Koudoufio Natalie Patey Schohraya Spahis James Butcher Haonan Duan Daniel Figeys Valérie Marcil Alain Stintzi Emile Levy
There is currently a growing interest in the use of nutraceuticals as a means of preventing the development of complex diseases. Given the considerable health potential of milk-derived peptides, the aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of glycomacropeptide (GMP) on metabolic syndrome. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential mechanisms mitigating cardiometabolic disorders in high-fat, high-fructose diet-fed mice in the presence of GMP or Bipro, an isocaloric control. The administration of GMP for 12 weeks reduced obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia caused by a high-fat, high-fructose diet, resulting in a decline in insulin resistance. GMP also lessened systemic inflammation, as indicated by decreased circulating inflammatory cytokines. In the intestinal and hepatic tissues, GMP improved homeostasis by increasing insulin sensitivity and attenuating high-fat, high-fructose-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Biochemical and histological analyses revealed improved hepatic steatosis and fatty acid composition in the livers of high-fat, high-fructose diet-fed mice treated with GMP compared to Bipro. A trend toward a decrease in bile acids without any marked changes in intestinal microbiota composition characterized GMP-treated animals compared to those administered Bipro. GMP offers considerable potential for fighting metabolic syndrome-related components and complications given its beneficial effects on risk factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress without involving the intestinal microbiota.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060872
Authors: Chiara Porro Tarek Benameur Antonia Cianciulli Mirco Vacca Margherita Chiarini Maria De Angelis Maria Antonietta Panaro
Dietary supplements enriched with bioactive compounds represent a promising approach to influence physiological processes and enhance longevity and overall health. Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus serves as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offers various health-promoting benefits. Several chronic diseases have metabolic, genetic, or inflammatory origins, which are frequently interconnected. Pharmacological treatments, although effective, often result in undesirable side effects. In this context, preventive approaches are gaining increased attention. Recent literature indicates that the consumption of bioactive compounds in the diet can positively influence the organism’s biological functions. Polyphenols, well-known for their health benefits, are widely recognized as valuable compounds in preventing/combating various pathologies related to lifestyle, metabolism, and aging. The C. scolymus belonging to the Asteraceae family, is widely used in the food and herbal medicine fields for its beneficial properties. Although the inflorescences (capitula) of the artichoke are used for food and culinary purposes, preparations based on artichoke leaves can be used as an active ingredient in herbal medicines. Cynara scolymus shows potential benefits in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for improving overall well-being. C. scolymus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-expelling, antimicrobial, and lipid-lowering neuroprotective properties. Different studies demonstrate that oxidative stress is the leading cause of the onset and progression of major human health disorders such as cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and cancer diseases. The large amount of polyphenol found in C. scolymus has an antioxidant activity, enabling it to neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage. This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, these polyphenols demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely associated with their antioxidant properties. As a result, C. scolymus has the potential to contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies. The current review discussed the nutritional profiles, potential benefits, and pharmacological effects of C. scolymus.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060870
Authors: Damaris Elisabeth Beitze Céline Kavira Malengera Theophile Barhwamire Kabesha Veronika Scherbaum
Maternal nutrition is impacted by personal and environmental factors including dietary intake, knowledge, food availability, and affordability. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to evaluate nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and associations with hemoglobin concentration among lactating mothers in the Bukavu region, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 444 lactating mothers, nutrition-related knowledge and practice were assessed by questionnaires and translated into knowledge and practice scores ranging from 0 to 1, attitudes and drivers of food choice were assessed, the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was assessed with 24 h dietary recalls in a potential range from 0 to 10, and hemoglobin (Hb) was measured in mothers and their infants. Anemia prevalence was 28.2% among mothers and 74.3% among infants aged 3–8 months. Nutritional knowledge and practice were limited (the median total knowledge score was 0.39, median DDS was 3.0). While there were slight positive correlations between knowledge and maternal Hb, DDS did not significantly correlate with either knowledge or Hb. Although half of the mothers stated a perception about their own susceptibility to anemia or vitamin A deficiency (56.4%, 47.4%), less than half of those could justify their estimation (40.9%, 44.2%). Taste (68.1%), appearance (42.5%), availability (29.0%), and health effects (25.6%) were important drivers of food choice. In conclusion, interventions on the different influencing factors including nutrition education strategies are needed.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060869
Authors: Lin Fu Ya Shi Shengping Li Ke Jiang Laixi Zhang Yaqi Wen Zumin Shi Yong Zhao
Objective This study aimed to investigate the current status and influencing factors of healthy diet knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among middle-aged and older adults aged 45–75 in Southwest China. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1822 middle-aged and older adults in Southwest China (including Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Chongqing) from February to May 2021. Results The average score of healthy diet knowledge was (4.82 ± 2.98), with a passing rate of 7.6%. The mean score of healthy diet attitude was (21.26 ± 4.18), with a passing rate of 69.5%. The average score of healthy diet practice was (13.76 ± 2.84), with a passing rate of 55.5%. The score for healthy diet KAP was (39.85 ± 7.21), with a passing rate of 41.2%. Univariate analysis showed that the scores of healthy diet KAP were significantly different among participants of different ages, genders, ethnicities, residences, education levels, monthly household incomes, and regions, as well as varying according to whether several generations have lived in the same area (p < 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that the healthy diet KAP of participants was influenced by age, gender, residence, education level, monthly household income, and region (p < 0.05). Conclusion The healthy diet KAP of middle-aged and older adults aged 45–75 in Southwest China shows room for improvement. The knowledge regarding healthy diet was relatively low, and certain specific healthy diet practices were not up to the standard. However, there was a positive trend in the attitude towards a healthy diet. Healthy diet education should be promoted for middle-aged and older adults.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060868
Authors: Hande Mortaş Semra Navruz-Varlı Saniye Bilici
To advance both human health and environmental sustainability, it’s crucial to assess the adaptation to new dietary trends emerging in this field. This study aimed to explore the relationship between diet quality and the principles of planetary health diet in young adults studying at university. This cross-sectional study consisted of 945 young adults with a mean age of 20.1 ± 1.34 y (582 females, 363 males). A questionnaire form containing socio-demographic information (age, gender, education level), anthropometric measurements (body weight and height), and a 24 h dietary record form for three consecutive days was applied. The scores of the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) were calculated according to the dietary records. The mean total scores of the PHDI and HEI-2020 were 59.9 ± 14.16 and 54.2 ± 10.87, respectively. The association between the HEI-2020 score and the PHDI score was significant (p = 0.003). A one-unit increase in the unadjusted HEI-2020 score caused a 0.429 unit decrease in the PHDI score (95% CI: −0.709; −0.149). The findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions and educational programs to enhance the PHDI and HEI-2020 scores, promoting individual well-being and environmental sustainability in the university.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060867
Authors: Lăcrămioara Aurelia Brîndușe Irina Eclemea Andrea Elena Neculau Maria Alexandra Cucu
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a general health condition globally and is acknowledged as a public health concern in Europe. In Romania, a national program of examination of the status of vitamin D for high-risk groups has demonstrated a vitamin D deficiency prevalence of 39.83%. No national data on the status of vitamin D in the general adult population are available to date. Methods: We used the framework of the European Health Examination Survey to analyze vitamin D levels in a sample population of adults aged 25–64 years, from 120 family doctors’ patients lists, by using a sequential sampling method. Data were weighted to the Romanian population. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. Results: In total, 5380 adults aged 25–64 years were included in this study. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is 24.8%. Predictors of vitamin D deficiency were found to be obesity, female sex, living in rural areas, lower education level, and lower socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Specific recommendations for vitamin D screening and supplementation should be issued for women by specialist boards. Further studies are needed to identify seasonal variation and to establish a correlation with nutritional surveys.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060866
Authors: Anca Bălănescu Paul-Cristian Bălănescu Ioana Florentina Codreanu Iustina-Violeta Stan Valentina-Daniela Comanici Alina Maria Robu Tatiana Ciomârtan
Background: Childhood obesity is one of the major challenges of public health policies. The problem of fatty liver in childhood, known as MAFLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease), is of particular interest as the gold standard diagnosis technique is invasive (liver biopsy). Hence, efforts are made to discover more specific biomarkers for the MAFLD signature. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate Osteonectin and Hsp27 as biomarkers for MAFLD diagnosis and to assess their links with auxological and biochemical profiles of overweight and obese pediatric subjects. Methods: A cross-sectional study in which we (re)analyzed data from the MR PONy cohort comprising 71 pediatric subjects. Auxological data, liver ultrasonography and biochemical serum profile were recorded. Lipid-derived indices and body composition indices were calculated. Nevertheless, serum Osteonectin and Hsp27 levels were assessed using an ELISA approach. Results: MAFLD prevalence was 40.8%. Higher Osteonectin levels were noted in MAFLD subjects versus non-MAFLD subjects and in dyslipidemic children regardless of their liver function status. Lipid-derived indices had good diagnostic capacity for MAFLD. Conclusions: We confirm Osteonectin as a MAFLD diagnosis biomarker in children. Also, lipid-derived indices are useful as metabolic-associated organ impairment markers in children even before the onset of obesity.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060864
Authors: Wiebke Stein Helen Josephine Sauer Nadine Oberänder Arved Weimann Martin Fischer
(1) Multimodal treatment is a standard treatment for patients with obesity. However, weight loss also leads to reductions in fat-free mass. The aim was to investigate whether additional protein intake contributes to better preservation of lean body mass (LBM). (2) A total of 267 obesity patients (age 45.8 years; BMI 47.3 kg/m2) were included in this analysis. For the first 12 weeks of the program, patients were given a formula-based diet of 800–1000 kcal per day. Patients were divided into a control group (CG) (n = 148) and a protein group (PG) (n = 119). The PG was characterized by an additional protein intake with the aim of consuming 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of normalized body weight, whereas the CG had a protein intake of 1 g/kg/d. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed at the beginning (t0) and after 12 weeks (t1) of the program. (3) There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to weight loss (p = 0.571). LBM was also significantly reduced in both groups, without significant differences between CG and PG. (4) Increased protein intake had no significant effect on body composition of morbidly obese patients during a 12-week formula-based diet and multimodal treatment.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060865
Authors: Richard Daker Ghislaine Challamel Chavanne Hanson Jane Upritchard
This research explores the impact of workplace teaching kitchen cooking classes on participants’ food literacy and identifies key predictors of employee engagement. Aligning with the existing literature, we demonstrate that a workplace teaching kitchen program, with hands-on cooking classes, effectively enhances food skills and intrinsic motivation—core aspects of food literacy. Importantly, our results reveal that even a single class can have a measurable impact. Teaching kitchens can successfully engage employees, particularly those with low food skills, showcasing their broad appeal beyond individuals already engaged in wellness or seeking social connection. Awareness emerges as the most influential predictor of participation, emphasizing the crucial role of marketing. Virtual classes prove as effective as onsite ones, offering the potential to increase access for employees. Recognizing employee wellness as a strategic opportunity for employers and a sought-after benefit for top talent, we underscore the importance of practical nutrition education to support individuals in shifting food choices within lifestyle constraints. Workplace teaching kitchens emerge as an effective and scalable solution to address this need. Future research should prioritize exploring the lasting impacts of teaching kitchen education on employee eating habits and health, contributing to ongoing strategy refinement.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060860
Authors: Afshin Zand Sodbuyan Enkhbilguun John M. Macharia Krisztina Varajti Istvan Szabó Gellért Gerencsér Boglárka Bernadett Tisza Bence L. Raposa Zoltán Gyöngyi Timea Varjas
Dermal photoaging refers to the skin’s response to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, resulting in inflammation, changes to the tissue, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin is the primary betacyanin in red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and has excellent antioxidant properties. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms of betanin in HaCaT cells have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of betanin and the underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells; furthermore, in this study, we explored the protective effect of various concentrations of betanin against UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells. Additionally, we assessed its influence on the transcription of various epigenetic effectors, including members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) families. Our findings demonstrate a notable downregulation of genes in HaCaT cells, exhibiting diverse patterns upon betanin intake. We considered the involvement of DNMT and HDAC genes in distinct stages of carcinogenesis and the limited exploration of the effects of daily exposure dosages. Our results indicate that betanin may protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure. Further investigation is essential to explore these potential associations.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060863
Authors: Kate E. Killion Amy Corcoran Maria J. Romo-Palafox Jennifer L. Harris Inna Kagan Laura Gilbert Valerie B. Duffy
Responsive feeding (RF), the reciprocal feeding approach between caregiver and child that promotes child health, is understudied among low-income caregivers. This mixed methods study with low-income caregivers of 12-to-36-month-olds aimed to (1) assess variability in RF and associations with children’s dietary intake, and (2) explore caregivers’ perceptions of RF. Caregivers (n = 134) completed an online survey with RF questions (n = 25), grouped into environmental (meal environment, caregiver modeling, caregiver beliefs) and child (self-regulation, hunger/satiety cues, food for reward, food acceptance) influences scores. Children’s recent food group consumption was loaded onto healthy and less healthy intake scores. In an adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, greater RF scores for environmental and child influences were associated with greater healthy intake scores (p’s < 0.01). Greater scores for environmental influences were also associated with lower scores for unhealthy intake (p < 0.01). From focus groups with a separate sample of caregivers (n = 24), thematic analysis uncovered that two themes aligned (trust in child cues, positive strategies to encourage children to eat non-preferred foods) and two misaligned (lack of trust in child cues, use of force/bribery) with RF. Complementary integration of quantitative and qualitative findings can inform future interventions with low-income caregivers, encouraging trust in young children’s hunger/satiety cues and positive strategies for food acceptance to improve diet quality.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060862
Authors: Alessandro Di Minno Hammad Ullah Lorenza Francesca De Lellis Daniele Giuseppe Buccato Alessandra Baldi Paola Cuomo Hesham R. El-Seedi Shaden A. M. Khalifa Xiang Xiao Roberto Piccinocchi Gaetano Piccinocchi Roberto Sacchi Maria Daglia
Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of Cistus × incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. extracts exerts beneficial effects on oral health against gingivitis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the tolerability of a chewing gum and its efficacy on gingivitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Enrolled subjects (n = 60, 18–70 years) were randomized to receive two chewing gums or a placebo daily for 3 months. At baseline (t0) and monthly (t1, t2, and t3) timepoints, the Quantitative Gingival Bleeding Index (QGBI), the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and the Oral Health 15 items (OH-15)] were employed to assess potential improvements in gingivitis. Pain was self-quantified via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of illness (CGI-S) helped in evaluating the oral general conditions. This study is listed on the ISRCTN registry. At t3, the QGBI, MGI, OH-15, VAS, and CGI-S values decreased in the treated but not in the placebo group (β = 0.6 ± 0.1, t176 = 3.680, p < 0.001; β = 0.87 ± 0.21, t115 = 4.263, p < 0.001; β = 5.3 ± 2.5, t172 = 2.086, p = 0.038; β = 3.16 ± 0.51, t88 = 6.253, p < 0.001; and β = 1.09 ± 0.32, t83 = 3.419, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant improvement in gingival health occurred after a 3-month intervention with the chewing gums containing S. lateriflora and C. incanus extracts.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060861
Authors: Alberto Aragón Rubén Jurado Josué Jara Juan Miguel Rodríguez Belén Orgaz
The interplay between enterohepatic circulation and the gut microbiota is the main driver determining systemic levels of estrogens and their metabolites. Nevertheless, the role of potentially probiotic microorganisms in estrogen metabolism has not been investigated so far. In this work, we have explored the ability of six Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains isolated from human milk and vaginal samples to degrade and/or conjugate parental estrogens in vitro and under aerobic conditions. The quantification of estrogens and their derivatives was carried out in cell-free supernatants by LC-QQQ-MS. All the tested L. salivarius strains achieved an average degradation rate of estrone and estriol of 98% and 55%, respectively, whereas 17β-estradiol was preferentially conjugated (up to 40%). The presence of seven out of ten genes encoding enzymes relevant for estrogen metabolism was further confirmed by PCR, highlighting their genetic potential for degrading, conjugating and/or deconjugating estrogens. The tested L. salivarius strains may be considered potential probiotics affecting the fate of endogenous estrogens. Clinical trials targeting populations with estrogen-dependent conditions will be required to elucidate the true potential of these strains for the restoration and maintenance of a healthy host estrobolome.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060858
Authors: Olga Nikoloudaki Daniela Pinto Marta Acin Albiac Giuseppe Celano Alessio Da Ros Maria De Angelis Fabio Rinaldi Marco Gobbetti Raffaella Di Cagno
In recent years, heightened attention has been devoted to unravelling the intricate interplay between genetic and environmental factors shaping the gut microbiota and its significance for human health. This study delves into exploring the plausible connection between Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune disease, and the dynamics of the gut microbiome. Examining a cohort of healthy adults and individuals with AA, both the gut microbiota composition and volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolites from faeces and urine were analysed. While overall microbiota composition showed no significant differences, intra-individual variability revealed distinctions related to age, gender, and pathology status, with AA individuals exhibiting reduced species richness and evenness. Differential abundance analysis identified microbial biomarkers for AA, notably Firmicutes, Lachnospirales, and Blautia, while Coprococcus stood out for healthy individuals. The Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent Components (DIABLO) method further supported these findings including metabolite biomarkers, such as esters of branched chain fatty acids and branched chain amino acids as predictors for AA, suggesting potential links to oxidative stress. Despite certain limitations, the study highlights the complexity of the gut microbiome and its metabolites in the context of AA, while the biomarkers identified could be useful starting points for upcoming studies.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060859
Authors: Amaia Merino-Hernández Andrea Palacios-Bermejo Cristina Ramos-Navarro Silvia Caballero-Martín Noelia González-Pacheco Elena Rodríguez-Corrales María Carmen Sánchez-Gómez de Orgaz Manuel Sánchez-Luna
Introduction: Breastfeeding is one of the strategies that has been shown to be effective in preventing severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). When mother’s own milk (MOM) is not available, pasteurized donor milk (DM) is the best alternative. However, the evidence is inconclusive on the difference in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) between patients fed MOM and those fed with DM. As standard DM is usually mature pooled milk donated by mothers who have delivered their babies at term, the potential benefits of preterm milk may be lost. Materials and Methods: An observational, retrospective, single-center study was conducted in the neonatology department of a high-complexity hospital. The study included newborns <32 weeks of gestational age born between January 2020 and December 2022. When supplemental milk was needed, non-pooled preterm pasteurized donor milk (PDM) matched for gestational age and moment of lactation was used in this study, classifying preterm infants in two groups: mainly MOM (>50% of the milk) or mainly PDM (>50% of the milk). Two groups were established: those who received >50% MOM and those who received >50% PDM. They were also classified according to the diagnosis of DBP: one group included no BPD or grade 1 BPD (noBPD/1), while the other included grade 2 or 3 BPD (BPD 2–3). The objectives of this study were, firstly, to evaluate the incidence of BPD 2–3 among patients who predominantly received PDM versus MOM. Secondly, to analyze differences in the type of human milk received and its nutritional components, as well as to study the growth in patients with or without BPD. Results: One hundred ninety-nine patients were included in the study. A comparison of noBPD/1 versus BPD 2–3 groups between those receiving mainly MOM versus PDM showed no significant differences (19% vs. 20%, p 0.95). PDM colostrum in BPD 2–3 compared to noBPD/1 was higher in protein content (2.24 g/100 mL (SD 0.37) vs. 2.02 g/100 mL (SD 0.29) p < 0.01), although the statistical significance decreased after adjustment for gestational age and birth weight z-score (OR 3.53 (0.86–14.51)). No differences were found in the macronutrients in the mature milk of patients feeding more than 50% PDM in both study groups. Growth of BPD 2–3 showed a greater decrease in the difference in z-scores for height at birth and at discharge compared to noBPD/1 (−1.64 vs. −0.43, p 0.03). Conclusions: The use of mainly MOM or PDM demonstrates a similar incidence of noBPD/1 or BPD 2–3. Non-pooled and matched by gestational age and time of lactation preterm donor milk can probably be an alternative when mother’s own milk is not available, with a similar protective effect in the prevention of severe BPD.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060857
Authors: Georgios Tsamos Georgios Kalopitas Kleo Evripidou Dimitra Vasdeki Theocharis Koufakis Vasileios Kanavas Christina Antza Georgios Germanidis Michail Chourdakis
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disorder, is closely associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndromes. A body of research has proposed that olive oil, a basic component of the Mediterranean diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may alleviate metabolic disturbances and retard the progression of NAFLD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of olive oil intake in people with NAFLD. We systematically searched the major electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), as well as grey literature sources, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of olive oil consumption on biochemical and anthropometric parameters of individuals with NAFLD. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the risk-of-bias tool 2.0 (RoB 2). The mean difference (MD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Seven RCTs involving 515 subjects were included in the analysis. In the random-effects model, no statistically significant differences were identified with respect to alanine transaminase (MD = −1.83 IU/L, 95% CI: −5.85, 2.19 IU/L, p = 0.37, I2 = 69%) and aspartate transaminase (MD = −1.65 IU/L, 95% CI: −4.48, 1.17 IU/L, p = 0.25, I2 = 72%) levels or waist circumference values (MD = −0.23 cm, 95% CI: −1.23, 0.76 cm, p = 0.65, I2 = 0%). However, a significant effect on body mass index was observed (MD = −0.57 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.08, −0.06 kg/m2, p = 0.03, I2 = 51%) for subjects who received olive oil compared to those who received an alternative diet or placebo. The findings of the present meta-analysis suggest a modestly positive impact of olive oil intake on body weight in people with NAFLD.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060856
Authors: Caroline Charonnat Dolores Sanchez-Rodriguez Spyridon N. Karras Duygu Gezen-Ak Erdinç Dursun Cédric Annweiler
The vitamin D status diagnosticator (VDSD), a 16-item tool, effectively identifies hypovitaminosis D in healthy older adults and can assist in determining the need for blood tests in this population. Assessing vitamin D levels is particularly crucial in the context of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the VDSD’s effectiveness in pinpointing hypovitaminosis D in older adults affected by COVID-19. The research involved 102 unsupplemented geriatric inpatients consecutively admitted to the acute geriatric division of Angers University Hospital, France, with an average age of 85.0 ± 5.9 years (47.1% women). The physician-administered VDSD was conducted simultaneously with the measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Hypovitaminosis D was defined as a serum 25(OH)D concentration of ≤75 nmol/L for vitamin D insufficiency and ≤50 nmol/L for vitamin D deficiency. Results revealed that 87 participants (85.3%) had vitamin D insufficiency and 63 (61.8%) had vitamin D deficiency. The VDSD accurately identified vitamin D deficiency with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 and an odds ratio (OR) of 40. However, its accuracy in identifying vitamin D insufficiency was lower (AUC = 0.57). In conclusion, the 16-item VDSD, a concise questionnaire, effectively identifies vitamin D deficiency in geriatric patients with COVID-19. This tool can be valuable in guiding the decision to administer vitamin D supplementation during the early stages of COVID-19.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060855
Authors: Jieshu Wu Linjing Dong Yating Sun Xianfeng Zhao Junai Gan Zhixu Wang
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition, benefitting infants’ gastrointestinal tracts. Stool analysis helps in understanding pediatric gastrointestinal health, but the effectiveness of automated fecal consistency evaluation by parents of breastfeeding infants has not been investigated. Photographs of one-month-old infants’ feces on diapers were taken via a smartphone app and independently categorized by Artificial Intelligence (AI), parents, and researchers. The accuracy of the evaluations of the AI and the parents was assessed and compared. The factors contributing to assessment bias and app user characteristics were also explored. A total of 98 mother–infant pairs contributed 905 fecal images, 94.0% of which were identified as loose feces. AI and standard scores agreed in 95.8% of cases, demonstrating good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.782, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance W (Kendall’s W) = 0.840, Kendall’s tau = 0.690), whereas only 66.9% of parental scores agreed with standard scores, demonstrating low agreement (ICC = 0.070, Kendall’s W = 0.523, Kendall’s tau = 0.058). The more often a mother had one or more of the following characteristics, unemployment, education level of junior college or below, cesarean section, and risk for postpartum depression (PPD), the more her appraisal tended to be inaccurate (p < 0.05). Each point increase in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score increased the deviation by 0.023 points (p < 0.05), which was significant only in employed or cesarean section mothers (p < 0.05). An AI-based stool evaluation service has the potential to assist mothers in assessing infant stool consistency by providing an accurate, automated, and objective assessment, thereby helping to monitor and ensure the well-being of infants.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060854
Authors: Cosima Zemlin Laura Altmayer Marina Lang Julia Theresa Schleicher Caroline Stuhlert Carolin Wörmann Laura-Sophie Scherer Ida Clara Thul Lisanne Sophie Spenner Jana Alisa Simon Alina Wind Elisabeth Kaiser Regine Weber Sybelle Goedicke-Fritz Gudrun Wagenpfeil Michael Zemlin Erich-Franz Solomayer Jörg Reichrath Carolin Müller
(1) Background: Vitamin D levels in patients remain inadequately understood, with research yielding inconsistent findings. Breast cancer patients, particularly due to oncological therapies, face an increased risk of osteopenia, which can be exacerbated by a vitamin D deficiency. (2) Methods: The prospective observational “BEGYN-1” study assessed serum 25(OH)D levels at baseline and quarterly thereafter. Clinical, pathological, nutritional, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle data were recorded. (3) Results: Before treatment, 68.5% of patients were vitamin D deficient (<30 ng/mL), with 4.6% experiencing severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL). The median baseline 25(OH)D levels were 24 ng/mL (range: 4.8 to 64.7 ng/mL). Throughout the study, the median vitamin D levels increased to 48 ng/mL (range: 22.0 to 76.7 ng/mL). Before diagnosis, 16.7% received vitamin D substitution, and 97.8% received vitamin D substitution throughout the year with a median weekly dose of 20,000 IU. It took at least three quarterly assessments for 95% of patients to reach the normal range. A multiple GEE analysis identified associations between 25(OH)D levels and supplementation, season, age, VLDL, magnesium levels, and endocrine therapy. (4) Conclusions: Physicians should monitor 25(OH)D levels before, during, and after oncological therapy to prevent vitamin D deficiency and to adjust substitution individually. While variables such as seasons, age, VLDL, magnesium, diet, and oncological interventions affect 25(OH)D levels, supplementation has the greatest impact.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060852
Authors: Maria Kossowska Sylwia Olejniczak Marcelina Karbowiak Wioletta Mosiej Dorota Zielińska Aneta Brzezicka
Background: The gut microbiota in healthy older individuals typically show a decrease in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, alongside an increase in pro-inflammatory microbes such as Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridia. These changes contrast with younger and middle-aged individuals and appear to correlate with cognitive status. Although there is extensive research on gut microbiota and cognitive functions in cognitively impaired elderly individuals, its impact on cognitively healthy elderly populations has not been extensively studied. Method: A PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus literature search combined the terms (“human” OR “people” OR “individual*” OR “healthy” OR “neurologically healthy” AND (“older adults” OR “aging” OR “older” OR “senior*” OR “old” OR “elderly” OR “oldest”) AND (“gut microbiota*” OR “gut-microbiome” OR “gut microbiome composition” OR “gut microbiota composition” OR “gut-microbiome” OR “microbiome” OR “microbial diversity” OR “gut microbiome diversity” OR “gut microflora” OR “gut-brain axis” OR “dysbiosis” OR “gut bacteria” OR “gastrointestinal microbiota”) AND (“cognitive flexibility” OR “cognitive decline” OR “cognitive” OR “cognitive health” OR “cognition” OR “cognitive function” OR “cognitive performance”) to identify studies that examine the relationship between gut microbiota composition and cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. Results: A total of 6 eligible research articles from a possible 1752 published until March 2024 were identified and included. We categorized the included studies into two groups based on their focus: the taxonomic composition of gut microbiota and the alpha diversity, which is the variety of organisms within a sample. Additionally, two methods were identified for assessing cognition: neuropsychological tests and physiological measurements, notably electroencephalography (EEG). The studies show varying results regarding the abundance of specific bacterial taxa and their cognitive associations. Notably, the relationship between certain bacteria and cognition may vary when analyzed at different taxonomic levels, such as phylum versus family. Conclusions: Changes in gut microbiota composition in the elderly, even without a cognitive impairment diagnosis, could potentially serve as early biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias before mild cognitive impairment appears.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060853
Authors: Zofia Utri-Khodadady Dominika Skolmowska Dominika Głąbska
Fish intake in youth is commonly inadequate with several potential determinants. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of potential fish intake determinants in a nationwide sample of Polish youth. Associations between the participants’ fish intake and their gender, age, body mass index, place of residence (region and size of locality), school type, nutritional knowledge about fish, and their parents’/legal guardians’ fish intake were assessed. A total sample of 1317 adolescents (870 female, 447 male) aged 14–22 from 32 secondary schools from all regions of Poland participated in the study. Median fish intake among the youth was 34.9 g/week. The recommendation to consume at least 300 g of fish/week was followed by 6% of participants. Fish intake was determined by gender and the type of school, with males and comprehensive high school students consuming more fish, but it was not determined by the region or size of the locality of residence and age group, nor did the body mass index determine fish intake. Participants’ fish intake was positively associated with their nutritional knowledge about fish, as well as with their parents’/legal guardians’ fish intake. Most youths do not follow the recommendation to consume at least 300 g of fish weekly; hence, nutritional education on the recommendations and the benefits of fish consumption is necessary.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060849
Authors: Angela Mungala Lengo Ibrahim Mohamed Jean-Claude Lavoie
The parenteral nutrition (PN) received by premature newborns is contaminated with peroxides that induce global DNA hypermethylation via oxidative stress. Exposure to peroxides could be an important factor in the induction of chronic diseases such as those observed in adults who were born preterm. As endogenous H2O2 is a major regulator of glucose–lipid metabolism, our hypothesis was that early exposure to PN induces permanent epigenetic changes in H2O2 metabolism. Three-day-old guinea pigs were fed orally (ON), PN or glutathione-enriched PN (PN+GSSG). GSSG promotes endogenous peroxide detoxification. After 4 days, half the animals were sacrificed, and the other half were fed ON until 16 weeks of age. The liver was harvested. DNA methylation and mRNA levels were determined for the SOD2, GPx1, GCLC, GSase, Nrf2 and Keap1 genes. PN induced GPx1 hypermethylation and decreased GPx1, GCLC and GSase mRNA. These findings were not observed in PN+GSSG. PN+GSSG induced Nrf2 hypomethylation and increased Nrf2 and SOD2 mRNA. These observations were independent of age. In conclusion, in neonatal guinea pigs, PN induces epigenetic changes, affecting the expression of H2O2 metabolism genes. These changes persist for at least 15 weeks after PN. This disruption may signify a permanent reduction in the capacity to detoxify peroxides.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060851
Authors: Hiromi Matsuo Ryota Matsui Koshi Kumagai Satoshi Ida Yoko Saino Aya Fujihara Kumi Takagi Yukiko Itami Misuzu Ishii Naoki Moriya Yuna Izumi-Mishima Kazuhiro Nomura Yasuo M. Tsutsumi Souya Nunobe Rie Tsutsumi Hiroshi Sakaue
Patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer may experience alterations in olfaction, yet the association between olfactory changes and postoperative weight loss remains uncertain. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between olfactory changes and postoperative weight loss in patients with gastric cancer. Patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer between February 2022 and August 2022 were included in the study. Those experiencing a higher Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score postoperatively compared to preoperatively were deemed to have undergone olfactory changes. Postoperative weight loss was determined using the 75th percentile as a cutoff value, designating patients surpassing this threshold as experiencing significant weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for postoperative weight loss, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Out of 58 patients, 10 (17.2%) exhibited olfactory changes. The rate of postoperative weight loss at one month was markedly higher in the group with olfactory changes compared to those without (9.6% versus 6.2%, respectively; p = 0.002). In addition, the group experiencing olfactory changes demonstrated significantly lower energy intake compared to the group without such changes (1050 kcal versus 1250 kcal, respectively; p = 0.029). Logistic regression analysis revealed olfactory changes as an independent risk factor for significant weight loss at one month postoperatively (odds ratio: 7.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–71.85, p = 0.048). In conclusion, olfactory changes emerged as an independent risk factor for postoperative weight loss at one month in patients with gastric cancer following gastrectomy.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060850
Authors: Soon-Ae Kim Seyl Kim Hyungyung Chai Junlae Cho Yu-Jin Paek
This randomized, double-blind, placebo comparative clinical trial aimed to determine the immune-enhancing effects and safety of a nanomaterial with iron and zinc (ALP1018) in healthy adults. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study (n = 80) and randomly assigned to either the test group (n = 40), which was given Alp1018 in capsule form, or the placebo group (n = 40), which was given crystal cellulose capsules of identical appearance, weight, and flavor for 8 weeks. Compared to baseline, natural killer (NK) cell activity (%) increased in the test group after 8 weeks, although there were no changes in the placebo group. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected participants, significantly increased NK cell activity was observed in the test group at 4 (p < 0.05) and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in cytokine levels between the two groups. ALP1018 supplementation appeared to enhance immune function by improving NK cell activity without adverse effects in healthy adults.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060848
Authors: Shujuan Zheng Ruixuan Geng Jingya Guo Seong-Gook Kang Kunlun Huang Tao Tong
Previous studies have reported the therapeutic effects of oleuropein (OP) consumption on the early stage of diabetic nephropathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the efficacy of OP on the long-course of these diabetes complications has not been investigated. Therefore, in this study, to investigate the relieving effects of OP intake on these diseases, and to explore the underlying mechanisms, db/db mice (17-week-old) were orally administrated with OP (200 mg/kg bodyweight) for 15 weeks. We found that OP reduced expansion of the glomerular mesangial matrix, renal inflammation, renal fibrosis, and renal apoptosis. Meanwhile, OP treatment exerted cardiac anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects. Notably, transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses indicated 290 and 267 differentially expressed genes in the kidney and heart replying to OP treatment, respectively. For long-course diabetic nephropathy, OP supplementation significantly upregulated the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (cGMP–PKG) signaling pathway. For long-course diabetic cardiomyopathy, p53 and cellular senescence signaling pathways were significantly downregulated in response to OP supplementation. Furthermore, OP treatment could significantly upregulate the transcriptional expression of the ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 3, which was enriched in the cGMP–PKG signaling pathway. In contrast, OP treatment could significantly downregulate the transcriptional expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase 1, G two S phase expressed protein 1, and cyclin B2, which were enriched in p53 and cellular senescence signal pathways; these genes were confirmed by qPCR validation. Overall, our findings demonstrate that OP ameliorated long-course diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy in db/db mice and highlight the potential benefits of OP as a functional dietary supplement in diabetes complications treatment.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060844
Authors: Yujie Zhang Yimei Wang Zhimo Zhou Yang Yang Jincheng Zhao Xiaohong Kang Zhouyong Li Xi Shen Fang He Ruyue Cheng
Research on regulating brain functions with probiotics and postbiotics through the gut–brain axis is attracting attention, offering the possibility of adjuvant therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Three-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were gavaged with live and heat-inactivated S. thermophilus MN-002 for three months. This study demonstrated that live and heat-inactivated S. thermophilus MN-002 improved cognitive dysfunctions in APP/PS1 mice, especially in spatial memory. However, the main effects of live S. thermophilus MN-002 directly altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased serum IL-1β and IL-6. Heat-inactivated S. thermophilus MN-002 increased colonic propionic acid levels and enhanced the hippocampus’s antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the changes were more obvious in the high-dose group, such as astrogliosis in the hippocampus. These results indicate that different forms and doses of the same strain, S. thermophilus MN-002, can partly improve cognitive functions in AD model mice via the gut–brain axis.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060847
Authors: Melissa Rouphael Yonna Sacre Tania Bitar Christian R. Andres Walid Hleihel
The occurrence of overweight and obesity among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a worldwide epidemic. However, there is limited research on this topic in the Lebanese population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the differences in anthropometric measurements and body composition variables among Lebanese children, pre-adolescents, and adolescents diagnosed with ASD in contrast to typically developing peers across various developmental stages. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity within this population. A total of 86 participants with ASD and 86 controls were involved in this case–control study, conducted between June 2022 and June 2023. Anthropometric measurements and body composition variables were assessed, followed by statistical analyses to examine the differences between these two groups. The results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals with ASD, particularly evident during childhood and pre-adolescence. Additionally, this group exhibited a higher body fat mass and total body fat percentage compared to controls. However, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups during adolescence. These findings emphasize the significance of monitoring and addressing weight status in individuals with ASD to improve their overall health outcomes. Future research directions could focus on investigating the underlying mechanisms contributing to the heightened prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060846
Authors: June-Seok Lim Ji-Hyun Im Xionggao Han Xiao Men Geon Oh Xiaolu Fu Woonsang Hwang Sun-Il Choi Ok-Hwan Lee
Obesity is a global health concern. Recent research has suggested that the development of anti-obesity ingredients and functional foods should focus on natural products without side effects. We examined the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of Brassica juncea extract (BJE) in combating obesity via experiments conducted in both in vitro and in vivo obesity models. In in vitro experiments conducted in a controlled environment, the application of BJE demonstrated the ability to suppress the accumulation of lipids induced by MDI in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, it downregulated adipogenic-related proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), and lipid synthesis-related protein acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). It also upregulated the heat generation protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and fatty acid oxidation protein carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). The oral administration of BJE decreased body weight, alleviated liver damage, and inhibited the accumulation of lipids in mice with diet-induced obesity resulting from a high-fat diet. The inhibition of lipid accumulation by BJE in vivo was associated with a decreased expression of adipogenic and lipid synthesis proteins and an increased expression of heat generation and fatty acid oxidation proteins. BJE administration improved obesity by decreasing adipogenesis and activating heat generation and fatty acid oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells and in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. These results suggest that BJE shows potential as a natural method for preventing metabolic diseases associated with obesity.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060845
Authors: Mei You Meihong Xu
During ageing, the permeability of the intestinal barrier increases, the integrity of the intestinal barrier decreases, and the physiology of intestinal cells changes. Furthermore, intestinal inflammation and excessive oxidative stress are both likely to cause systemic diseases. Ginseng oligopeptides have a positive significant effect in terms of improving human health and delaying ageing, but their role in the ageing of the intestine has not been studied much. In our experiment, we constructed a gut-on-a-chip model and induced senescence of the chip with H2O2 so as to explore the effects of ginseng oligopeptides on the senescent intestine. The experimental results showed that ginseng oligopeptides had no obvious effects on the integrity of the intestine, including the TEER value and the expression of tight junction proteins. However, ginseng oligopeptides might have other positive effects, such as inhibiting excessive cell proliferation, promoting mucin secretion, and increasing the antioxidant capacity of the intestine, to improve intestinal health.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060843
Authors: Joanna Popiolek-Kalisz Tomasz Chrominski Marcin Szczasny Piotr Blaszczak
(1) Background: Nutritional status is a factor that impacts the patients’ outcomes in various medical conditions including cardiovascular patients or surgical procedures. However, there is limited available information about its impact on the short-term outcomes of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations. This study aimed to assess the relationship between nutritional status, complications, mortality risk, and length of stay at the hospital in patients undergoing CIED implantations. (2) Material and Methods: 588 patients who underwent CIED implantation in 2022 and 2023 were included in the retrospective analysis. The nutritional status assessment was performed using NRS 2002 and BMI. The implanted devices were single-chamber pacemakers (n = 82), dual-chamber pacemakers (n = 329), one-chamber ICDs (n = 83), dual-chamber ICDs (n = 19), CRT-P (n = 19), and CRT-D (n = 56). (3) Results: The regression analysis showed that the NRS 2002 score predicted the length of stay (age-adjusted: β = 1.02, p = 0.001) among the CIED-implanted patients. The CRT-D subgroup was particularly responsible for this relationship (β = 4.05, p = 0.003 after age adjustment). The analysis also revealed significant differences between the NRS 2002 score in the in-hospital death subgroups (1.75 ± 1.00 points for deaths vs. 1.00 ± 1.00 points for survivors; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in nutritional status parameters regarding early complications subgroups. (4) Conclusions: This study showed that nutritional risk assessed with NRS 2002 is a predictor of length of stay (particularly for CRT-D) and mortality among patients undergoing CIED implantations. The results of the analysis point out the impact of patients’ nutritional status on short-term outcomes of CIED implantations, particularly in CRT-D implants where 1 NRS 2002 point was a predictor of a mean 4.05 days (77.2%) longer hospitalization.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060842
Authors: Yingying Shi Jianbo Chen Di Qu Qiang Sun Yang Yu Hao Zhang Zhengbo Liu Jiyue Sha Yinshi Sun
The primary objective of this investigation was to elucidate the manner in which ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5) ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) via the modulation of the gut microbiota milieu. We administered either a standard diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD), coupled with 12-week treatment employing two distinct doses of Rg5 (50 and 100 mg/kg/d), to male C57BL/6J mice. In comparison to the HFD cohort, the Rg5-treated group demonstrated significant enhancements in biochemical parameters, exemplified by a substantial decrease in lipid concentrations, as well as the reduced expression of markers indicative of oxidative stress and liver injury. This signifies a mitigation of hepatic dysfunction induced by an HFD. Simultaneously, Rg5 demonstrates the capacity to activate the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, instigating energy metabolism and consequently hindering the progression of NAFLD. Furthermore, we underscored the role of Rg5 in the treatment of NAFLD within the gut-microbiota-liver axis. Analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing unveiled that Rg5 intervention induced alterations in gut microbiota composition, fostering an increase in beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Akkermansia, while concurrently reducing the relative abundance of detrimental bacteria, exemplified by Olsenella. Furthermore, employing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments, we observed analogous outcomes in mice subjected to fecal bacterial transplants, providing additional verification of the capacity of Rg5 to mitigate NAFLD in mice by actively participating in the restoration of gut microbiota via FMT. Drawing from these data, the regulation of the gut microbiota is recognized as an innovative strategy for treating or preventing NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, these research findings suggest that Rg5 holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD management.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060841
Authors: Bo-Gyu Jun Su-Hyun Kim Seon-Hyeok Kim Seong-Min Hong Heaji Lee Yunsook Lim Sun-Yeou Kim Choong-Hwan Lee
Probiotic fermentation of plant-based materials can lead to the generation of various bioactive substances via bacterial metabolites and the biotransformation of phenolic compounds. We compared the metabolic differences between fermentation by Limosilactobacillus fermentum KCTC15072BP (LFG) and fermentation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KGMB00831 (LPG) in guava leaf extract (0%, 0.5%, and 2% (w/v))-supplemented medium via non-targeted metabolite profiling. By performing multivariate statistical analysis and comparing the different guava leaf extract groups, 21 guava-derived and 30 bacterial metabolites were identified. The contents of guava-derived glucogallin, gallic acid, and sugar alcohols were significantly higher in LFG than they were in LPG. Similarly, significantly higher contents of guava-derived pyrogallol, vanillic acid, naringenin, phloretin, and aromatic amino acid catabolites were obtained with LPG than with LFG. LFG led to significantly higher antioxidant activities than LPG, while LPG led to significantly higher antiglycation activity than LFG. Interestingly, the fermentation-induced increase in the guava-leaf-extract-supplemented group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Thus, the increased bioactivity induced by guava fermentation with the Lactobacillaceae strain may be influenced by the synergistic effects between microbial metabolites and plant-derived compounds. Overall, examining the metabolic changes in plant-based food fermentation by differentiating the origin of metabolites provides a better understanding of food fermentation.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060840
Authors: Rhaira Fernanda Ayoub Casalvara Bruna Mayara Roldão Ferreira José Eduardo Gonçalves Natália Ueda Yamaguchi Adelar Bracht Lívia Bracht Jurandir Fernando Comar Anacharis Babeto de Sá-Nakanishi Cristina Giatti Marques de Souza Rafael Castoldi Rúbia Carvalho Gomes Corrêa Rosane Marina Peralta
This study aimed to provide an updated critical review of the nutritional, therapeutic, biotechnological, and environmental aspects involved in the exploitation of Chenopodium quinoa Willd and its biowastes. Special attention was devoted to investigations of the therapeutic and nutritional properties of different parts and varieties of quinoa as well as of the use of the biowaste resulting from the processing of grain. Studies published from 2018 onward were prioritized. Extracts and fractions obtained from several Chenopodium quinoa matrices showed antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunoregulatory, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial effects in in vitro and in vivo models and some clinical studies. The activities were attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, saponins, peptides, polysaccharides, and dietary fibers. Quinoa wastes are abundant and low-cost sources of bioactive molecules for the development of new drugs, natural antioxidants, preservatives, dyes, emulsifiers, and carriers for food and cosmetics applications. Among the demands to be fulfilled in the coming years are the following: (1) isolation of new bioactive phytochemicals from quinoa varieties that are still underexploited; (2) optimization of green approaches to the sustainable recovery of compounds of industrial interest from quinoa by-products; and (3) well-conducted clinical trials to attest safety and efficacy of extracts and compounds.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060839
Authors: Sieglinde Zelzer Andreas Meinitzer Dietmar Enko Martin H. Keppel Markus Herrmann Verena Theiler-Schwetz Christian Trummer Lisa Schmitt Andreas Tomaschitz Patrick Sadoghi Jutta Dierkes Pawel Pludowski Armin Zittermann Winfried März Stefan Pilz
Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the generally accepted indicator of vitamin D status. Since hydroxylation of 25(OH)D to 24-25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) is the first step of its catabolism, it has been suggested that a low 24,25(OH)D level and a low vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR), i.e., 24,25(OH)2D divided by 25(OH)D, may indicate high vitamin D requirements and provide additional diagnostic information beyond serum 25(OH)D. We, therefore, evaluated whether the classification of “functional vitamin D deficiency”, i.e., 25(OH)D below 50 nmol/L, 24,25(OH)2D below 3 nmol/L and a VMR of less than 4%, identifies individuals who benefit from vitamin D supplementation. In participants of the Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension trial, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 200 hypertensive patients with serum 25(OH)D below 75 nmol/L, who received either 2.800 international units of vitamin D per day or placebo over 8 weeks, 51 participants had functional vitamin D deficiency. In these individuals, there was no treatment effect of vitamin D supplementation on various parameters of bone metabolism and cardiovascular risk except for a significant effect on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and expected changes in vitamin D metabolites. In conclusion, a low vitamin D metabolite profile did not identify individuals who significantly benefit from vitamin D supplementation with regard to bone markers and cardiovascular risk factors. The clinical significance of functional vitamin D deficiency requires further evaluation in large vitamin D RCTs.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060838
Authors: Michael Brandwein Roni Enten Vissoker Helen Jackson Tavierney Rogan Jana Pitcock Esther Krinkin Carina Venter
Pediatric food allergy remains commonplace, despite the advancement in our understanding of risk factors and prevention modalities for the condition. Early allergen introduction, a dietary intervention, has been endorsed by professional societies globally as an effective primary preventive measure, yet awareness among medical professionals and parents is lacking. Alongside food allergen introduction, overall nutrition, such as diet diversity, also plays an important role in allergy prevention. To address both food allergen introduction and overall nutrition, dietitians play a pivotal role in the dissemination and education of current guidelines to caregivers. This review addresses the particular role of the dietitian in food allergy prevention consultations, providing up-to-date information on food allergies, their development and prevalence, risk factors, dietary factors and an overview of the current guidelines in the United States. This has not been addressed in any of the current food allergy or nutrition guidelines.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060837
Authors: Ritu Rana Barkha Sirwani Saranya Mohandas Richard Kirubakaran Shuby Puthussery Natasha Lelijveld Marko Kerac
The care of infants at risk of poor growth and development is a global priority. To inform new WHO guidelines update on prevention and management of growth faltering among infants under six months, we examined the effectiveness of postnatal maternal or caregiver interventions on outcomes among infants between 0 and 6 months. We searched nine electronic databases from January 2000 to August 2021, included interventional studies, evaluated the quality of evidence for seven outcome domains (anthropometric recovery, child development, anthropometric outcomes, mortality, readmission, relapse, and non-response) and followed the GRADE approach for certainty of evidence. We identified thirteen studies with preterm and/or low birth weight infants assessing effects of breastfeeding counselling or education (n = 8), maternal nutrition supplementation (n = 2), mental health (n = 1), relaxation therapy (n = 1), and cash transfer (n = 1) interventions. The evidence from these studies had serious indirectness and high risk of bias. Evidence suggests breastfeeding counselling or education compared to standard care may increase infant weight at one month, weight at two months and length at one month; however, the evidence is very uncertain (very low quality). Maternal nutrition supplementation compared to standard care may not increase infant weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age and may not reduce infant mortality by 36 weeks post-menstrual age (low quality). Evidence on the effectiveness of postnatal maternal or caregiver interventions on outcomes among infants under six months with growth faltering is limited and of ‘low’ to ‘very low’ quality. This emphasizes the urgent need for future research. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022309001).
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060836
Authors: Macarena Lozano-Lorca Carlos Muñoz-Bravo Rocío Barrios-Rodríguez María Ángeles Castillo-Hermoso Malak Kouiti Carla González-Palacios Torres José-Juan Jiménez-Moleón Rocío Olmedo-Requena
Acrylamide is a probable carcinogen. Its main sources are the diet and tobacco. The association between acrylamide intake from the diet and tobacco and prostate cancer (PCa) has not been previously evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary acrylamide intake and exposure to acrylamide through cigarettes and PCa risk. A population-based case–control (CAPLIFE) study was conducted, including 428 incident PCa cases and 393 controls. Smoking and dietary information, with a validated food frequency questionnaire, was collected. We calculated the amount of acrylamide from both sources, and tertiles (Ts) were created. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to assess the association between exposure to acrylamide and PCa risk. The median was similar for acrylamide in both dietary and smoking acrylamide among PCa cases and controls. No association was observed between dietary acrylamide intake and overall PCa risk (adjusted ORT3vsT1 = 0.90 (95% CI 0.59, 1.37)). A risk trend was observed for acrylamide exposure from cigarette smoking (p-trend = 0.032), with the highest odds in those subjects with the high exposure to acrylamide through cigarettes (adjusted ORT3vsT1 = 1.67 (95% CI 0.92, 3.04)). The restricted cubic splines suggested a linear relationship. In conclusion, acrylamide from smoking could be positively associated with PCa risk, but no association was observed for dietary acrylamide.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060835
Authors: Youngmin Namgung Won Jang Oran Kwon Hyesook Kim
Short sleep duration has been linked to an increased obesity risk, and emerging evidence suggests that diet quality potentially influences this association. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association of obesity with sleep duration and diet quality in adults. The participants comprised 10,967 adults (4623 men and 6344 women) aged 19–64 years who participated in the 7th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). Sleep duration was categorized into adequate (≥7 h) and insufficient (<7 h). Diet quality was evaluated using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), with scores ranging from 0 to 100, based on 14 dietary components. Obesity was associated with higher rates of insufficient sleep in women but not in men. After adjusting for covariates, the obesity risk in women with insufficient sleep was approximately 1.3 times higher than that in women with adequate sleep (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.270 [1.058–1.525]), and this association was exclusively observed in the “KHEI ≤ median score” group (men, 59.95; women, 63.30). In conclusion, enhanced diet quality may act as an effect modifier in the association between insufficient sleep and a high obesity risk in women. These findings suggest that the association between sleep duration and obesity risk is potentially modified by dietary quality in adult women. Future studies with larger sample sizes and a prospective or interventional design are warranted to augment current knowledge regarding the association of diet quality/dietary patterns, and sleep duration with obesity.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060834
Authors: Andrius Bleizgys
Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K are important nutrients for humans. There are various factors that contribute to the development of their deficiency, which might result in or exacerbate various diseases. These nutrients can also interact with vitamin D metabolism and activity. This review discusses the main aspects of zinc, magnesium and vitamin K metabolism and action in the body, their clinical significance, and the “crosstalk” with vitamin D, as well as providing general suggestions for clinical practice when supplementation with these nutrients might be useful, in addition to vitamin D supplementation.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060833
Authors: Lanfranco D’Elia
Potassium is a monovalent cation widely present in nature, where it is not in metallic form, but always in combination with other substances, especially chloride [...]
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060832
Authors: Cheryl Anne Mackay Chandra Rath Shripada Rao Sanjay Patole
Inflammation, oxidative injury, and gut dysbiosis play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Plant-derived substances have historically been used as therapeutic agents due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. We aimed to review pre-clinical evidence for plant-derived substances in the prevention and treatment of NEC. A systematic review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library (PROSPERO CRD42022365477). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that evaluated a plant-derived substance as an intervention for NEC in an animal model of the illness and compared pre-stated outcomes (e.g., clinical severity, severity of intestinal injury, mortality, laboratory markers of inflammation and oxidative injury) were included. Sixteen studies (n = 610) were included in the systematic review. Ten of the sixteen included RCTs (Preterm rat pups: 15, Mice: 1) reported mortality and all reported NEC-related histology. Meta-analysis showed decreased mortality [12/134 vs. 27/135; RR: 0.48 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.87); p = 0.02, 10 RCTs] and decreased NEC in the experimental group [24/126 vs. 55/79; RR: 0.34 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.52); p < 0.001, 6 RCTs]. Markers of inflammation (n = 11) and oxidative stress (n = 13) improved in all the studies that have reported this outcome. There was no significant publication bias for the outcome of mortality. Plant-derived substances have the potential to reduce the incidence and severity of histologically diagnosed NEC and mortality in rodent models. These findings are helpful in guiding further pre-clinical studies towards developing a food supplement for the prevention of NEC in preterm infants.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060831
Authors: Mariana-Gabriela Bumbu Mihaela Niculae Irina Ielciu Daniela Hanganu Ilioara Oniga Daniela Benedec Mihaela-Ancuța Nechita Vlad-Ionuț Nechita Ioan Marcus
Nutraceuticals represent an emerging and dynamic scientific field due to their important potential in integrated healthcare through nutritional and medicinal approaches that interact and complement each other mutually. In an attempt to find new sources for such preparations, the present research focuses on the species Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers. (Cantharellaceae), also known as the black trumpet. This wild mushroom species is renowned for its culinary excellence and unique taste and is used especially in a dehydrated state. However, beyond its gastronomic value, recent scientific investigations have revealed its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance. Our study aimed, therefore, to review the current data regarding the morphology, chemical profile, and medicinal potential of the black trumpet mushroom, highlighting its unique attributes. By conducting a comprehensive literature analysis, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of this remarkable fungal species as a potential functional food and its promising applications in the field of therapeutics.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060829
Authors: Emanuela S. Gritti Ludovica Cionti Federica Cortesi Alessandro Torelli Andrea Gambarini Claudia Hunot-Alexander Anna L. Ogliari
(1) Background: Appetitive traits in adults can be measured through the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ), a questionnaire adapted from the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). The AEBQ has been validated in several countries. The aim of the present study was to explore and validate the factor structure of the Italian version of the AEBQ. Furthermore, convergent validity and correlations between factors and BMI were explored to assess its criterion validity. (2) Methods: Participants (N = 624, mean age of 32.08 ± 14.94 years) completed the AEBQ, the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). They also self-reported demographic and anthropometric data. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to test three different alternative models that emerged in previous validations. (3) Results: The CFA revealed a good model fit (RMSEA = 0.0634, TLI = 0.894, CFI = 0.907) for the 7-factor structure, without the Hunger items, showing a valid and reliable (Cronbach’s α > 0.7) structure. Convergent and divergent validity of the AEBQ yielded favorable results, and relationships between the AEBQ and BMI factors revealed that the Food Approach traits were positively associated with BMI. (4) Conclusions: Finally, this study provides initial support for the use of the AEBQ as a valid and reliable tool to measure a wide range of appetitive traits in the adult Italian population.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060830
Authors: Shameena Gill Alia Maisara Adenan Emillia Elza Thomas Arifah Haleelur Rahman Noor Baitee A. Rahim Noor Akmal Shareela Ismail
Despite Malaysia’s year-round sunny climate, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common among Malaysians. However, we hypothesise that vitamin D levels among coastal populations are above average. Thus, we aim to investigate vitamin D levels and correlate them with the potential contributing factors from three selected coastal villages in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit 120 Malay male and female participants, and dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained to measure 25 (OH) vitamin D3 levels via immunoassay. Participants also completed two questionnaires: the Sun Exposure and Protection Index (SEPI) and a validated food frequency questionnaire for Malaysians. The participant pool comprised 35.20% males and 64.80% females who completed all questionnaires and underwent DBS sampling. Our analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) based on skin tones, impacting various facets of the SEPI, including sunscreen usage, protective clothing utilisation, and the adoption of protective headwear. Furthermore, gender emerged as another pivotal factor, demonstrating significant distinctions in these SEPI components. Nevertheless, there is a weak correlation between SEPI scores and vitamin D levels. Subsequent regression analysis did produce statistically significant results (p = 0.018), yet the associated low R2 value indicated a weak correlation between dietary vitamin D intake that impacts vitamin D levels. In conclusion, our preliminary findings indicate that sun exposure and dietary factors are not the sole determinants of 25-OH vitamin D3 levels. However, we require more samples from various coastal locations for a definitive justification.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060828
Authors: Jeannette M. Schenk Alanna Boynton Pavel Kulik Alexei Zyuzin Marian L. Neuhouser Alan R. Kristal
Technology-assisted dietary assessment has the potential to improve the accuracy of self-reported dietary intake. This study evaluates MealScan3D (MS3D), a mobile device-based food recording system, which uses three-dimensional images to obtain food volumes and an application to capture algorithm-driven food intake data. Participants (n = 179) were randomly assigned and trained to record three meals using either MS3D or a written food record (WFR). Generous amounts of standardized meals were provided, and participants self-selected portions for each food. The weights of provided and uneaten/leftover foods were used to determine true intake. For total energy intake (three meals combined), validity (Pearson correlation) was significantly higher for MS3D vs. the WFR (p < 0.001); when interpreted as the percentage of variance in energy intake explained, MS3D explained 84.6% of true variance, a 25.3% absolute and 42.6% relative increase over the 59.3% explained by the WFR. For 9 of 15 individual foods, the Pearson correlations between true and reported portion size estimates were significantly larger for MS3D than the WFR. Bias was smaller (intercepts were closer to the means) for 9 of 15 foods and the regression coefficients for 10 of 15 foods were significantly closer to 1.0 in the MS3D arm. MS3D is feasible for dietary assessment and may provide improvements in accuracy compared to WFRs.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060827
Authors: Katarzyna Czech-Załubska Anna Didkowska Daniel Klich Agnieszka Jackowska-Tracz Joanna Zarzyńska Krzysztof Anusz
Although meat and meat products are important sources of protein in the human diet, consumption appears to be a predisposing factor in the onset of several civilisation diseases, particularly red meat and its products. One way to reduce diet-related diseases is to guide consumers towards consciously purchasing healthier foods by including a nutrition declaration on product labels, such as by using a “front-of-pack” (FOP) labelling system. This study aimed to determine the Nutri-Score classes for processed meat products, distinguish products that are potentially better for consumers, and determine whether the refined algorithm significantly contributed to a change in product classification. An analysis of the labels of 1700 products available on the Polish market indicated that most processed meat products qualified as class D and E. Comparing the refined Nutri-Score calculation algorithm with the original algorithm resulted in a slight change in product allocation. Poultry products were ranked more favourably than red meat products. The most significant change in product allocation (by 35.2%) was achieved by reducing salt content by 30% and fat content by 10%. Among the processed meat products, some are more highly ranked and are hence considered better from a nutritional perspective than others in that group.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060826
Authors: Callum James Joshua Queen S. Andy Sparks David C. Marchant Lars R. McNaughton
Oxidative stress is a key contributing factor in neurodegeneration, cognitive ageing, cognitive decline, and diminished cognitive longevity. Issues stemming from oxidative stress both in relation to cognition and other areas, such as inflammation, skin health, eye health, and general recovery, have been shown to benefit greatly from antioxidant use. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, which has been outlined to be beneficial for cognitive function both in vitro and in vivo. Given the aforementioned promising effects, research into astaxanthin with a focus on cognitive function has recently been extended to human tissue and human populations. The present critical review explores the effects of astaxanthin on cognitive function and neurodegeneration within human populations and samples with the aim of deciphering the merit and credibility of the research findings and subsequently their potential as a basis for therapeutic use. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research development are also discussed. Key findings include the positive impacts of astaxanthin in relation to improving cognitive function, facilitating neuroprotection, and slowing neurodegeneration within given contexts.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060825
Authors: Robert Krikorian Jeffrey Welge
In his Comment [...]
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060824
Authors: Sang Yeoup Lee
I read with interest the paper by Krikorian et al [...]
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060823
Authors: Alice Rickerby Rosemary Green
Adopting a plant-based diet (PBD) has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases and is linked to environmental benefits. This review synthesises the evidence on the barriers adults aged 18 to 65 living in high-income countries (HIC) may experience when adopting a PBD. A systematic literature review was conducted using four search databases: Medline, Embase, Global Health, and Web of Science. Barriers were mapped to behaviour change strategies using the COM-B model. Ten studies were included in the final review, including 1740 participants. Five were qualitative, four were cross-sectional, and one was a pre- and-post-intervention study. In total, 40 barriers were identified and synthesised into 11 themes: financial, lack of knowledge, emotional, health, convenience, social, enjoyment of meat, environmental, accessibility, personal ability, and media. Of the 40 barriers, nutritional intake/requirements (categorised into the “health” theme) had the most evidence. This barrier encompassed concerns around being able to meet nutritional needs if an individual were to adopt a PBD. Habits (in the “personal ability” theme), which included established eating habits and habitual behaviours relating to animal-source foods, had the second most evidence alongside the barrier of not knowing what to eat as part of a PBD (in the “lack of knowledge” theme). Education interventions and communication/marketing policies were the behaviour change mechanisms mapped onto these barriers. Future interventions should focus on informing individuals about what to consume as part of a nutritionally balanced PBD and facilitating habitual dietary change.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060822
Authors: Joshua R. Sparks Leanne M. Redman Kimberly L. Drews Clark R. Sims Rebecca A. Krukowski Aline Andres
Through longitudinal analysis from the GLOWING cohort study, we examined the independent and joint relationships between couples’ eating behaviors and gestational weight gain (GWG). Pregnant persons (n = 218) and their non-pregnant partners (n = 157) completed an Eating Inventory. GWG was calculated as gestation weight at 36 weeks minus that at 10 weeks. General linear models were used to examine the relationships between GWG and the pregnant persons, non-pregnant partners, and couples (n = 137; mean of pregnant persons and non-pregnant partners) cognitive restraint (range 0–21), dietary disinhibition (range 0–18), and perceived hunger (range 0–14), with higher scores reflecting poorer eating behaviors. The adjusted models included race/ethnicity, education, income, marital status, and age. The pregnant persons and their non-pregnant partners’ cognitive restraint, dietary disinhibition, and perceived hunger scores were 9.8 ± 4.7, 4.8 ± 3.2, and 4.4 ± 2.5 and 6.6 ± 4.6, 5.4 ± 3.4, and 4.7 ± 3.2, respectively. Higher cognitive restraint scores among the pregnant persons and couples were positively associated with GWG (p ≤ 0.04 for both). Stratified analyses revealed this was significant for the pregnant persons with overweight (p ≤ 0.04). The non-pregnant partners’ eating behaviors alone were not significantly associated with GWG (p ≥ 0.31 for all). The other explored relationships between GWG and the couples’ eating behaviors were insignificant (p ≥ 0.12 for all). Among the pregnant persons and couples, reduced GWG may be achieved with higher levels of restrained eating. Involving non-pregnant partners in programs to optimize GWG may be beneficial.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060821
Authors: Melania Melis Mariano Mastinu Giorgia Sollai
The sense of smell plays an important role in influencing the eating habits of individuals and consequently, their body weight, and its impairment has been associated with modified eating behaviors and malnutrition problems. The inter-individual variability of olfactory function depends on several factors, including genetic and physiological ones. In this study, we evaluated the role of the Kv1.3 channel genotype and age, as well as their mutual relationships, on the olfactory function and BMI of individuals divided into young, adult and elderly groups. We assessed olfactory performance in 112 healthy individuals (young n = 39, adult n = 36, elderly n = 37) based on their TDI olfactory score obtained through the Sniffin’ Sticks test and their BMI. Participants were genotyped for the rs2821557 polymorphism of the human gene encoding Kv1.3 channels, the minor C allele of which was associated with a decreased sense of smell and higher BMIs compared to the major T allele. The results show that TT homozygous subjects obtained higher TDI olfactory scores and showed lower BMIs than CC homozygous subjects, in all age groups considered. Furthermore, the positive effect of the T allele on olfactory function and BMI decreased with increasing age. The contribution of the genetic factor is less evident with advancing age, while the importance of the age factor is compensated for by genetics. These results show that genetic and physiological factors such as age act to balance each other.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060820
Authors: Ngai Wah Cheung David Simmons Simone Marschner Aravinda Thiagalingam Dharmintra Pasupathy Ben J. Smith Victoria Flood Mark McLean Sarah J. Melov Roslyn Hogan Suja Padmanabhan Anna Duke Cellina Ching Haeri Min Justin McNab Clara K. Chow
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with a long-term risk of diabetes. We aimed to determine whether a text-messaging-based lifestyle support program would improve diabetes risk factors following GDM. Women with GDM were randomised following delivery to receive four text messages per week supporting a healthy lifestyle and parenting for 6 months, with feedback from an activity monitor (intervention), or to receive the activity monitor only (control). The primary outcome was a composite of weight, physical activity and dietary goals. There were 177 women randomised, with 88 intervention and 89 control participants. All the participants experienced COVID-19 lockdowns during the study. Six-month primary outcome data were obtained for 57 intervention participants and 56 controls. There were 7/57 (12%) intervention and 6/56 (11%) control participants who met the primary outcome (relative risk, 1.08; 95%CI, 0.63–1.85; p = 0.79). Two intervention participants met the dietary goals compared to none of the control participants (p = NS). The intervention participants were more likely to record >1000 steps/day (on 102 ± 59 vs. 81 ± 59 days, p = 0.03). When analysed monthly, this was not initially different but became significant 3–6 months post-partum. Interviews and surveys indicated that with the Intervention, healthier choices were made, but these were negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Participants found the messages motivational (74%) and the activity monitor useful (71%). In conclusion, no improvement in the diabetes risk factors occurred among the women receiving the text messaging intervention when affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060819
Authors: Datta Mazumdar Saikat Afari-Sefa Victor Selvaraj Aravazhi Durgalla Priyanka Seetha Anitha Nedumaran Tamilselvi Gaddam Divya Nancy Mane Harshvardhan Bhattacharjee Suchiradipta Swamikannu Nedumaran Raman Anitha Banerjee Roopa Padmanabhan Jyosthnaa Bose Disha
A community-level nutritional intervention was implemented among tribal children (3 to 6 years of age) in Telangana, India. The one-year intervention involved six nutrient-rich formulations of millet–pulse–groundnut-based products suited to local taste preferences. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) along with haemoglobin (Hb) levels were monitored at baseline and endline. The treatment group showed considerable gains in height (3.2 cm), weight (1.68 kg), and MUAC (0.33 cm) over the control group. The paired t-test indicated significant differences (p < 0.01) between the pre- and post-intervention anthropometric measurements. Positive shifts were observed in terms of wasting (WHZ; −1.2 ± 1.3 to −0.9 ± 1), stunting (HAZ; −1.8 ± 1.6 to −0.3 ± 1.3), and underweight (WAZ; −1.9 ± 1.2 to −0.7 ± 1) in the treatment group. The Hb levels in the treatment group also improved significantly from 9.70 ± 0.14 g/dL (moderately anaemic) to 11.08 ± 0.13 g/dL (non-anaemic). Post-intervention focus group discussions (FGDs) involving mothers and teachers confirmed these positive impacts. Thus, a nutritional intervention formulated using climate-resilient millets, pulses, and groundnuts promotes dietary diversity and improves the nutrition and health statuses of children.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060818
Authors: Marta Gonçalves Anna Aiello María Rodríguez-Pérez Giulia Accardi Emma Burgos-Ramos Paula Silva
In this review, we explored the therapeutic potential of oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) in the treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). NB is an extracranial tumour that predominantly affects children aged between 17 and 18 months. Recurrence and drug resistance have emerged as the biggest challenges when treating NB, leading to a crucial need for new therapeutic approaches. Food of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) presents several health benefits, including that of cancer treatment. In this review, we emphasised olive oil since it is one of the main liquid ingredients of the MD. OLE is the principal phenolic compound that constitutes olive oil and is hydrolysed to produce HT. Considering that tumour cells produce increased amounts of reactive oxygen species, this review highlights the antioxidant properties of OLE and HT and how they could result in increased cellular antioxidant defences and reduced oxidative damage in NB cells. Moreover, we highlight that these phenolic compounds lead to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, reduce the side effects caused by conventional treatments, and activate tumours that become dormant as a resistance mechanism. Future research should explore the effects of these compounds and other antioxidants on the treatment of NB in vivo.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060817
Authors: Sara Rurgo Maria Rosaria Marchili Giulia Spina Marco Roversi Flavia Cirillo Umberto Raucci Giovanni Sarnelli Massimiliano Raponi Alberto Villani
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder primarily affecting children and adolescents. Disorders of the gut–brain interaction (DGBIs) have gained recognition as significant symptoms in individuals with AN. However, limited studies have explored GI symptoms in pediatric populations with AN using age-specific diagnostic tools. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of DGBIs, their associated psychopathological aspects and their potential correlations with ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among pediatric AN patients. The study included AN patients who were under the care of a specialized multidisciplinary team. We assessed DGBI-related symptoms using the Rome IV Pediatric Diagnostic Questionnaire on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (R4PDQ) and conducted psychological evaluations. Dietary intake and UPF consumption were evaluated. Among 56 AN patients, we observed a lower prevalence of DGBIs (functional constipation: 61%; functional dyspepsia: 54%; irritable bowel syndrome: 25%) compared to the existing literature. The psychological assessments revealed high rates of depression (72%) and anxiety (70%). UPF consumption was inversely related to depression levels (p = 0.01) but positively correlated with functional constipation (p = 0.046). This study highlights the importance of using age-specific diagnostic tools and emphasizes the crucial role of a specialized multidisciplinary team in the treatment of AN.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060815
Authors: Soichiro Sato Satoshi Arai Kumiko Kato Keisuke Yoshida Noriyuki Iwabuchi Toru Sagami Miyuki Tanaka
Visceral fat accumulation is considered to be associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases. We investigated the effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (B. longum) BB536 and Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) MCC1274 on body composition, including visceral fat, in a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. Participants were between 29 and 64 years of age and had a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 23 and less than 30. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to the probiotics group or placebo group. Participants were administered probiotic capsules containing 1 × 1010 colony-forming units (CFUs) of B. longum BB536 and 5 × 109 CFU of B. breve MCC1274 or placebo capsules without bifidobacteria for 16 weeks. In the probiotics group, abdominal visceral fat area, total abdominal fat area, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly decreased compared to those in the placebo group. Additionally, the increase in BMI observed in the placebo group was significantly suppressed in the probiotics group. This study showed that B. longum BB536 and B. breve MCC1274 reduced abdominal visceral fat and total fat levels in healthy normal and overweight adults, suggesting their beneficial effects on body composition.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060816
Authors: Roland Kocijan Amadea Medibach Lisa Lechner Judith Haschka Annemarie Kocijan Daniel Arian Kraus Jochen Zwerina Martina Behanova
(1) Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has seen a notable increase in popularity. However, there is an absence of data regarding the prevalence of CAM use in patients with rare bone diseases (RBDs). (2) Methods: This monocentric, cross-sectional study was carried out in a reference hospital for RBDs. RBD patients included individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphatasia and X-linked hypophosphatemia, and their data were compared with those of patients with osteoporosis (OPO) and of healthy controls (CON). This study utilized the German version (I-CAM-G) of the I-CAM questionnaire. (3) Results: This study comprised 50 RBD patients [mean age (SD) of 48.8 (±15.9), 26% male], 51 OPO patients [66.6 (±10.0), 9.8% male] and 52 controls [50.8 (±16.3), 26.9% male]. Treatments by naturopaths/healers were more prevalent in the RBD group (11.4%) compared with OPO (0%) and CON (5.8%) (p = 0.06). More than half of the OPO (60.8%) and CON (63.5%) patients and 46% of the RBD patients reported vitamin/mineral intake within the past 12 months (p = 0.16). Individuals with tertiary education had a significantly higher odds ratio of 2.64 (95% CI: 1.04–6.70, p = 0.04) for visiting any CAM provider. Further, OPO patients were significantly less likely to use self-help techniques compared with the CON group (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.95; p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: Herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, and self-help techniques were the most common forms of CAM reported by patients with RBDs. However, the use of CAM was generally low.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060814
Authors: Małgorzata Godala Ewelina Gaszyńska Konrad Walczak Ewa Małecka-Wojciesko
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition risk in patients with IBD using different scales to evaluate their usefulness as first-step screening tools for the diagnosis of malnutrition using the GLIM criteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study included 82 patients with IBD. The Mini Nutritional Assessment, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Saskatchewan IBD-Nutrition Risk and Malnutrition Screening Tool were used to assess malnutrition risk in the study group. In order to diagnose malnutrition, the GLIM criteria were used. According to the GLIM recommendations, malnutrition was diagnosed in 60 patients with IBD (73.17%). Depending on the applied screening tools, the prevalence of moderate and/or high-risk malnutrition in patients with IBD ranged from 20.25% to 43.59%. The highest level of accuracy (ACC) was noted for the MST and MUST questionnaires (92.50% and 90%, respectively), followed by the SASKIBD-NR test (89.97%) and the MNA questionnaire (83.33%). The results of our study indicate a high prevalence of malnutrition in patients with IBD. Thus, there is a need to conduct routine assessments of malnutrition risk using validated scales. The MUST scale seems promising in the assessment of malnutrition risk in patients with IBD as a first step in the assessment of malnutrition using the GLIM criteria.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060813
Authors: Hee-Sook Lim Tae-Hee Kim Hyun-Joo Kang Hae-Hyeog Lee
This study targeted elderly women over 60 years old (109 persons), divided them into an exercise group and a control group, and implemented a 12-week physical activity program for the exercise group. Body composition, muscle, blood tests, depression, quality of life (QoL), nutritional status, and physical strength were compared and analyzed. The physical activity program was organized through a consultative body of experts, was performed for about 60 min each time in the type and order of exercise appropriate for elderly women, and consisted of a combination of exercise using a band, gymnastics, and stretching. Changes in the muscle index and muscle mass before and after the program were selected as the primary efficacy evaluations. In the exercise group, waist circumference significantly decreased, and the muscle index significantly increased compared to the control group. The number of subjects who showed sarcopenia with a muscle index of 5.4 or less in the exercise group significantly decreased from 22 (38.6%) before program implementation to 13 (22.8%). According to the results of secondary effectiveness evaluation, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein (Apo) A were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group, and Apo B, triglyceride, and c-reactive protein showed a significant decrease. Regular physical activity is very important for improving the health and QoL of elderly women, and as a result of applying a customized program, effects such as increased muscle index, improvement of sarcopenia, and improvement of blood lipid status were confirmed. Therefore, it is believed that the physical activity program developed through this study can be applied as a community program for elderly women.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060812
Authors: Dorota Wesół-Kucharska Milena Greczan Magdalena Kaczor Ewa Ehmke vel Emczyńska-Seliga Małgorzata Hajdacka Edyta Czekuć-Kryśkiewicz Dorota Piekutowska-Abramczuk Paulina Halat-Wolska Elżbieta Ciara Maciej Jaworski Aleksandra Jezela-Stanek Dariusz Rokicki
Mitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from abnormal mitochondrial function. Currently, there is no causal treatment for MDs. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with MD and to analyse selected biochemical and clinical parameters evaluating the effectiveness of KD treatment in patients with MDs. A total of 42 paediatric patients were assigned to four groups: group 1—patients with MD in whom KD treatment was started (n = 11); group 2—patients with MD remaining on an ordinary diet (n = 10); group 3—patients without MD in whom KD treatment was initiated (n = 10), group 4—patients without MD on a regular diet (n = 11). Clinical improvement was observed in 9/11 patients with MD treated with KD. Among patients with MD without KD, the clinical condition deteriorated in 7/10 patients, improved in 2/10 patients, and remained unchanged in one patient. Adverse events of KD occurred with a comparable frequency in groups 1 and 3. There was no significant difference in changes in biomarker concentrations over the course of the study among patients treated and untreated with KD.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060811
Authors: Hanna Liberska Klaudia Boniecka
In recent years, excessive body weight has become one of the most serious psychological, biological and social problems. According to forecasts by the World Health Organization, obesity and overweight will continue to increase among both adults and children in the coming years. Poland ranks sixth in Europe in this respect. In 2021, almost 58% of Poles had above-average body weight (overweight or obesity). In Poland, 29% of women are overweight, and 21% of women are obese. Body dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety disorder are indicated as consequences of high BMI in women. Reducing excess body weight improves psychosocial functioning and changes body assessment. The most lasting effects of weight reduction are achieved by a properly selected diet combined with increased physical activity. This results in a change in lifestyle, changes in the levels of metabolic indicators, and changes in one’s body image and mental health. Objective: Our objective was to assess changes in body image and mental health among Polish women and their dependence on the weight reduction method used (type of diet and physical activity). Comparative studies involving 122 women were conducted. These women were selected from 1000 volunteers based on BMI criteria. The effects of diet therapy were compared with the effects of diet therapy combined with physical activity. Research tools: The GHQ-12 scale was used to measure mental health, and the Body Esteem Scale was used to measure body image. The study lasted four years. The results showed changes in body image, general mental health index, and BMI in women who dieted and in those who dieted and exercised. In women using a diet combined with physical activity, greater positive changes in mental condition and stronger positive changes in body image, namely in the assessment of satisfaction with sexual attractiveness, physical condition, and body weight control, were observed compared to women using diet therapy alone.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060810
Authors: Małgorzata Godala Ewelina Gaszyńska Konrad Walczak Ewa Małecka-Wojciesko
The prevalence of sarcopenia in inflammatory bowel disease patients has received increasing attention. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of determining levels of myostatin (MSTN) and activin A (Act A) as potential markers of disease activity and occurrence of sarcopenia in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. The case-control study included 82 patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers. The serum levels of myostatin and activin A were determined by the quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the EWGSOP2 criteria. The study found lower levels of myostatin and activin A in the IBD patients. There were significantly lower levels of myostatin (80.6 pg/mL vs. 186.2 pg/mL; p = 0.0364) as well as activin A (32.1 pg/mL vs. 35.2 pg/mL; p = 0.0132) in the IBD patients with sarcopenia compared to those without sarcopenia. Positive correlations were found between MSTN levels and Muscle Mass Index (rho = 0.31; p < 0.005) and hand grip strength (rho = 0.34, p < 0.05) in the IBD patients. The determination of serum levels of MSTN and Act A may be useful in the early diagnosis of sarcopenia in IBD patients.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060809
Authors: Seung-Hyeon Lee Jiwon Choi Jae Young Park Ha-Rim Kim Myeongkuk Shim Kyunghyun Im Hyeonjeong Choe Jae-Chul Choi Young-Chul Park Tae-Gyu Lim Hyangyim Seo Hansu Jang Boung-Jun Oh Seon-Young Kim Mi Hee Park
The purpose of this work was to examine the effects of potassium poly-γ-glutamate (PGA-K) on mice fed a high-fat diet consisting of 60% of total calories for 12 weeks. PGA-K administration reduced the increase in body weight, epididymal fat, and liver weight caused by a high-fat diet compared to the obese group. The triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which are blood lipid indicators, were significantly increased in the obese group but were significantly decreased in the PGA-K-treated group. The administration of PGA-K resulted in a significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Moreover, the levels of leptin and insulin, which are insulin resistance indicators, significantly increased in the obese group but were significantly decreased in the PGA-K-treated group. These results suggest that PGA-K exhibits a protective effect against obesity induced by a high-fat diet, underscoring its potential as a candidate for obesity treatment.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060808
Authors: Sihao Han Jiemin Yao Hajime Yamazaki Samantha A. Streicher Jianyu Rao Roch A. Nianogo Zuofeng Zhang Brian Z. Huang
Previous research has found that milk is associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is unclear whether the milk digestion by the enzyme lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) plays a role in CRC susceptibility. Our study aims to investigate the direct causal relationship of CRC risk with LPH levels by applying a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) strategy. Genetic instruments for LPH were derived from the Fenland Study, and CRC-associated summary statistics for these instruments were extracted from the FinnGen Study, PLCO Atlas Project, and Pan-UK Biobank. Primary MR analyses focused on a cis-variant (rs4988235) for LPH levels, with results integrated via meta-analysis. MR analyses using all variants were also undertaken. This analytical approach was further extended to assess CRC subtypes (colon and rectal). Meta-analysis across the three datasets illustrated an inverse association between genetically predicted LPH levels and CRC risk (OR: 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89–0.95]). Subtype analyses revealed associations of elevated LPH levels with reduced risks for both colon (OR: 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89–0.96]) and rectal cancer (OR: 0.92 [95% CI, 0.87, 0.98]). Consistency was observed across varied analytical methods and datasets. Further exploration is warranted to unveil the underlying mechanisms and validate LPH’s potential role in CRC prevention.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060806
Authors: Sha Sha Li-Ju Chen Hermann Brenner Ben Schöttker
Longitudinal studies assessing the association of vitamin D deficiency, defined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels < 30 nmol/L, and vitamin D supplement (VDS) use with low back pain (LBP) are sparse. This investigation assessed the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of vitamin D status and VDS use with LBP among 135,934 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. Approximately 21.6% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency, while only 4% regularly took VDS. In the month before study enrollment, 3.8% of the population reported experiencing LBP. An additional 3.3% of the population were diagnosed with LBP by their general practitioners for the first time during a median follow-up of 8.5 years. Vitamin D deficiency and VDS use were cross-sectionally associated with LBP in age- and sex-adjusted models, but these associations were not evident in comprehensively adjusted models. In longitudinal analyses, both vitamin D deficiency and VDS use were not associated with LBP in any model after correction for multiple testing. In conclusion, not unexpectedly due to the fact that LBP is multifactorial, our findings provide no evidence for the role of the vitamin D status in the etiology of LBP.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060807
Authors: Somayeh Vafaei Samar Alkhrait Qiwei Yang Mohamed Ali Ayman Al-Hendy
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common prevalent benign tumor among women of reproductive age, disproportionately affecting women of color. This paper introduces an innovative management strategy for UFs, emphasizing the curbing of disease prevention and progression. Traditionally, medical intervention is deferred until advanced stages, necessitating invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, leading to high recurrence rates and increased healthcare costs. The strategy, outlined in this review, emphasizes UF disease management and is named LIFE UP awareness—standing for Lifestyle Interventions, Food Modifications, and Environmental Practices for UF Prevention. These cost-effective, safe, and accessible measures hold the potential to prevent UFs, improve overall reproductive health, reduce the need for invasive procedures, and generate substantial cost savings for both individuals and healthcare systems. This review underscores the importance of a proactive UF management method, paving the way for future research and policy initiatives in this domain.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060805
Authors: Jenny Jia Maria F. Gombi-Vaca Christina Bliss Barsness Hikaru Peterson Rebekah Pratt Julian Wolfson Caitlin E. Caspi
Nutrition promotion programs may have varying effects and influence health disparities. SuperShelf promotes healthy choices in food pantries through inventory changes and nudge implementation (e.g., choice architecture). This secondary analysis of the SuperShelf cluster-randomized trial assessed whether the effect of SuperShelf on client diet quality differed by equity characteristics. English-, Spanish-, or Somali-speaking adult clients from 11 food pantries in Minnesota were included (N = 193). We measured change in diet quality by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015; maximum score 100) using up to two 24 h dietary recalls from pre-intervention and post-intervention periods. We used linear mixed-effects models to determine whether the effect of SuperShelf on diet quality varied by self-reported gender, race/ethnicity, education, and employment status. In separate adjusted models, the interactions of SuperShelf and gender, education, or employment status were not significant. The interaction of SuperShelf and race/ethnicity was significant (p-interaction = 0.008), but pairwise comparisons in diet quality were non-significant in all racial/ethnic subgroups. SuperShelf did not have differential effects on diet quality by gender, race/ethnicity, education, or employment status, suggesting it does not worsen dietary disparities among food pantry clients, though more subgroup analyses are needed to explore potential racial/ethnic disparities in this context.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060804
Authors: Alejandra Vázquez-Aguilar Ascensión Rueda-Robles Lorenzo Rivas-García Héctor Vázquez-Lorente Carmen María Duque-Soto Karla Lizbet Jiménez-López Isabel Cristina Marín-Arriola Martha Alicia Sánchez-Jiménez Patricia Josefina López-Uriarte
Dietary patterns (DPs) are an essential tool to analyze the relationship between diet and health as they have presented an association with the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was the identification and characterization of DPs and their association with cardiovascular risk factors. For this purpose, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 165 Mexican adults, including dietary intakes derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire, clinical history, anthropometry, and biochemical biomarkers using standardized procedures for glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and HDL-c. DPs were identified through principal component analysis and ordinal logistic regression was used to examine associations between DPs and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Three DPs were identified: Mexican Fast-Food, Variety-Food, and Healthy-Economic, with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (78%). Having a high adherence to a Mexican Fast-Food pattern (OR 1.71 CI 1.4–2.8), being sedentary (OR 4.85 2.32–10.15) and smoking (0R 6.4 CI 2.40–16.9) increased the risk of having a high scale of risk factors (four or more risk factors simultaneously). In conclusion, the Mexican Fast-Food pattern showed an increase in the risk of having multiple risk factors, while a sedentary lifestyle and overeating were largely responsible for the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this group of Mexican adults.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060803
Authors: Eva Drevet Mulard Sylvie Guibert Anne Mey Camille Lefevre Marie-Agnès Chauvin Claudie Pinteur Marie-Ambre Monet Murielle Godet Anne-Marie Madec Béatrice Morio Jennifer Rieusset Gilles J. P. Rautureau Baptiste Panthu
Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In line with the need for precision medicine, the search for biomarkers reporting the progression of obesity- and diet-associated disorders is urgent. We used NMR to determine the metabolomics profile of key organs (lung, liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, and brain) and serum from male C57Bl/6J mice (5 weeks old) fed for 6, 10, and 14 weeks on a high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHSD) vs. a standard diet (STD). We determined metabolite concentrations in the organs at each time point, which allowed us to discriminate age- and diet-related effects as well as the interactions between both, highlighting the need to evaluate the influence of age as a confounding factor on metabolic signatures. Notably, the analysis revealed the influence of time on metabolite concentrations in the STD condition, probably reflecting the juvenile-to-adult transition. Variations impacted the liver and lung metabolites, revealing the strong influence of the HFHS diet on normal metabolism maturation during youth.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060802
Authors: Patrick L. McAlpine Javier Fernández Claudio J. Villar Felipe Lombó
This work represents an overview of the current investigations involving organosulfur compounds and colorectal cancer. The molecules discussed in this review have been investigated regarding their impact on colorectal cancer directly, at the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical stages. Organosulfur compounds may have indirect effects on colorectal cancer, such as due to their modulating effects on the intestinal microbiota or their positive effects on intestinal mucosal health. Here, we focus on their direct effects via the repression of multidrug resistance proteins, triggering of apoptosis (via the inhibition of histone deacetylases, increases in reactive oxygen species, p53 activation, β-catenin inhibition, damage in the mitochondrial membrane, etc.), activation of TGF-β, binding to tubulin, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis mechanisms, and inhibition of cancer stem cells, among others. In general, the interesting positive effects of these nutraceuticals in in vitro tests must be further analyzed with more in vivo models before conducting clinical trials.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060800
Authors: Pasquale Marino Mariangela Mininni Giovanni Deiana Graziella Marino Rosa Divella Ilaria Bochicchio Alda Giuliano Stefania Lapadula Alessandro Rocco Lettini Francesca Sanseverino
Cancer has become a serious problem worldwide, as it represents the main cause of death, and its incidence has increased over the years. A potential strategy to counter the growing spread of various forms of cancer is the adoption of prevention strategies, in particular, the use of healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet; being physically active; avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure; and vitamin D supplementation. These modifiable risk factors are associated with this disease, contributing to its development, progression, and severity. This review evaluates the relationship between potentially modifiable risk factors and overall cancer development, specifically breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer, and highlights updated recommendations on cancer prevention. The results of numerous clinical and epidemiological studies clearly show the influence of lifestyles on the development and prevention of cancer. An incorrect diet, composed mainly of saturated fats and processed products, resulting in increased body weight, combined with physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and smoking, has induced an increase in the incidence of all three types of cancer under study. Given the importance of adopting correct and healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer, global institutions should develop strategies and environments that encourage individuals to adopt healthy and regular behaviors.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060801
Authors: Swati Iyer Timothy J. Walker Alexandra L. MacMillan Uribe Chad D. Rethorst Rebecca A. Seguin-Fowler Jacob Szeszulski
Higher rates of obesity in rural compared to urban districts suggest environmental differences that affect student health. This study examined urban–rural differences in districts’ local wellness policies (LWPs) and LWP implementation environments. Cross-sectional data from two assessments in Texas were analyzed. In assessment one, each district’s LWP was reviewed to see if 16 goals were included. In assessment two, an audit was conducted to identify the presence of a wellness plan (a document with recommendations for implementing LWPs), triennial LWP assessment, and school health advisory councils (SHACs) on the district website. Rural districts’ LWPs had a smaller number of total goals (B = −2.281, p = 0.014), nutrition education goals (B = −0.654, p = 0.005), and other school-based activity goals (B = −0.675, p = 0.001) in their LWPs, compared to urban districts. Rural districts also had lower odds of having a wellness plan (OR = 0.520, 95% CI = 0.288–0.939), p = 0.030) and a SHAC (OR = 0.201, 95% CI = 0.113–0.357, p < 0.001) to support LWP implementation, compared to urban districts. More resources may be needed to create effective SHACs that can help develop and implement LWPs in rural areas. Important urban–rural differences exist in Texas LWPs and LWP implementation environments.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060799
Authors: Naoko Enatsu Jun Seino Taishi Tsuji Mitsugi Ogata
To resolve problems in the dietary life of university athletes, education is essential to enable athletes to change their own dietary behavior. The purpose of this research was to verify the effectiveness of sports nutrition education based on self-determination theory (SDT). The participants were 36 male university rowers. A stratified randomized comparison test was conducted by student year (SDT group and control group). Sports nutrition education was held three times, via an Internet conferencing system. Furthermore, group work over social media was used for the SDT group. Four evaluations were carried out based on anthropometric measurements, a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), sports nutrition knowledge test (SNK), and treatment self-regulation questionnaire (TSRQ). The results showed no differences between the two groups. However, for the intragroup factor, “Protein”, a significant difference was evident in the self-determination theory group (50.0 ± 28.5, 78.6 ± 28.1, 81.0 ± 21.5, p < 0.000, units: %) and improved knowledge (p = 0.002, p = 0.002). And for the BDHQ, the self-determination theory group also showed significant differences and increased their intake of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and dairy products (159.1 ± 74.2–126.7 ± 70.6, p = 0.009, 306.0 ± 196.2–195.2 ± 146.1, p = 0.020, 257.0 ± 147.0–183.3 ± 167.9, p = 0.040, units: g). In conclusion, sports nutrition education based on SDT improved dietary knowledge and increased food requirements for athletes.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060798
Authors: Nicolás Pidrafita-Páez Joana Silveira Elisabete Pinto Luis Franco Mª Ángeles Romero-Rodríguez Mª Lourdes Vázquez-Odériz NUTRIAGE Study Group NUTRIAGE Study Group
According to the latest data, Spain (19.4%) and Portugal (21.8%) are the two European countries with the highest percentage of older adults. Concerns about diet quality are increasing, especially among institutionalized older people, who are at the greatest risk of malnutrition. To assess the adequacy of dietary intake of 186 older adults (>65 y) institutionalized in public nursing homes (NH) in Galicia (Northwest Spain) and the Porto district (Northern Portugal), a cross-sectional study has been carried out. The double-weighing method and a country-specific food composition database were employed for nutritional assessment. Nutritional adequacy was assessed based on the recommendations of the EFSA and WHO. Caloric intake in Spanish NHs was higher than in Portuguese facilities; 20.3% and 35.8% of Spanish and Portuguese residents, respectively, had a protein intake below the EFSA recommendation, and 46.2% and 44.9% of residents in Portugal and Spain, respectively, had lipid intakes below the reference intake range. Further, 45.5% of the residents in Portugal and 66.9% in Spain had a carbohydrate intake within the recommended range. Salt intake was higher than the recommendation for 67.0% and 32.3% of the residents in Spain and Portugal, respectively. This study supports the notion that institutionalized older adults are prone to significant nutritional inadequacies.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060795
Authors: Luma Shahin Thomas Bastholm Olesen Michael Hecht Olsen Ditte Hjorth Laursen Jeanette Reffstrup Christensen Carl J. Brandt
In a randomized controlled trial including 340 people living with obesity, with and without type 2 diabetes, digital coaching has induced significant long-term weight loss compared to the usual methods of care. We investigated whether education level influenced this weight loss and which lifestyle changes supported the digital lifestyle coaching program. The intervention consisted of a 1 h face-to-face motivational interview followed by digital coaching using behavioral change techniques. At 6 months, the weight loss in the intervention group was significantly larger in participants with short education (6.0 vs. 2.2 kg, p < 0.01) (p = 0.006). Participants with long education experienced initially a modest weight loss, but the effect was maintained, leading to the largest weight loss at 24 months (5.06 [−11.98–1.86] kg), even though there were fewer coaching sessions in the maintenance period. In multiple regression analyses, the greater weight loss in the intervention group was associated with short education (β = 1.81, p = 0.02), improvements in everyday physical activity (β = 2.60, p = 0.014) and improvements in dietary habits (β = 3.84, p = 0.013). In conclusion, at 6 months, the effect of the intervention was more pronounced in people with short education through improvements in everyday physical activity and dietary habits. However, participants with long education sustained their weight loss at 24 months.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060797
Authors: Wenli Liu Yuqin Wang Lijie Xia Jinyao Li
As one of the malignant diseases globally, cancer seriously endangers human physical and mental health because of its high morbidity and mortality. Conventional cancer treatment strategies, such as surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy, are effective at the early stage of cancer but have limited efficacy for advanced cancer. Along with cancer progress and treatment, resistance develops gradually within the population of tumor cells. As a consequence, drug resistance become the major cause that leads to disease progression and poor clinical prognosis in some patients. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance are quite complex and involve various molecular and cellular mechanisms. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms and finding specific targets are becoming imperative to overcome drug resistance. In recent years, plant-derived natural products have been evaluated as potential therapeutic candidates against cancer with drug resistance due to low side effects and high anticancer efficacy. A growing number of studies have shown that natural products can achieve superior antitumor effects through multiple signaling pathways. The mechanisms include regulation of multiple drug resistance (MDR)-related genes, inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, induction of autophagy, and blockade of the cell cycle. This paper reviews the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer drug resistance, as well as the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of plant-derived natural products against cancer drug resistance. It provides references for developing therapeutic medication for drug-resistant cancer treatment with high efficacy and low side effects.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060796
Authors: Boštjan Jakše Uroš Godnov Zlatko Fras Nataša Fidler Mis
A plant-based diet rich in whole foods and fiber is beneficial for cardiovascular (CV) health. This impact is often linked to specific food groups and their preparation methods, reflecting the overall dietary pattern. However, research on the long-term effects of a carefully designed plant-based diet on adults transitioning from a typical Western lifestyle is limited. Notably, studies on people managing CV risk factors effectively are scarce. As part of a cross-sectional study, we examined 151 individuals committed to a long-term, well-designed plant-based diet and active lifestyle. We investigated how specific food groups and macronutrient intake are related to various CV health markers. In this secondary analysis, our comprehensive approach encompassed several methods: 3-day weighted dietary records, fasting blood lipid and blood pressure measurements, body composition assessments, and evaluations of lifestyle status. We adjusted our analysis for multiple variables, such as age, sex, current body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, and time (years) following the plant-based diet. Our findings revealed several associations between macronutrient intake (per 50 g) and CV risk markers, although these associations were generally weak. Individuals who consumed more whole grains and fruits had lower levels of total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol. We also found associations between the intake of legumes and nuts/seeds and reduced HDL-C levels. These findings suggested that these food groups might influence the lipid profile, contributing to CV health in a plant-based diet. A greater intake of spices/herbs was associated with lower uric acid levels, while diets rich in plant-based fast food and pasta (made from white flour) were associated with higher uric acid levels. A greater intake of various macronutrients, such as fiber, carbohydrates (from whole-food sources), proteins, and different types of fats (saturated fatty acids [SFAs], monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFAs], and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]), was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (only for carbohydrates), and HDL-C. We found a unique negative correlation between PUFA intake and LDL-C, suggesting that PUFAs might significantly affect LDL-C levels. In contrast, increased fiber, protein and SFA consumption were associated with increased uric acid levels. These findings support the impact of dietary patterns on CV risk factors, highlighting that even small amounts of unhealthy food groups can significantly influence specific CV risk markers, regardless of the overall diet.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060794
Authors: Ji Ann Cho Soyeon Kim Haein Shin Hyunkyu Kim Eun-Cheol Park
Background: As excessive caffeine intake may be associated with anxiety disorders, one of the most prevalent mental illnesses among adolescents globally, this study investigated the association between high caffeine consumption and anxiety in a nationally representative sample of South Korean adolescents. Methods: 46,873 participants from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) 2022 were included. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to evaluate anxiety symptoms. Survey questions determined the number of times each participant consumed high-caffeine drinks per week. The chi-square test was used to investigate and compare the general characteristics of the study population, and a modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the relationship. Results: Both male and female participants reporting excessive high-caffeine drink consumption exhibited higher anxiety levels (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.31 in males; aPR: 1.14, CI: 1.05–1.23 in females). This association remained statistically significant in subgroup analyses, particularly among high school students and those with a shorter sleep duration. The relationship between high-caffeine drink consumption and anxiety strengthened with increasing anxiety levels. Additionally, there was a dose-dependent relationship between the prevalence of anxiety and high-caffeine drinks. Conclusion: High caffeine consumption increases anxiety in South Korean adolescents. This association proved consistent regardless of sex or other socioeconomic factors.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060793
Authors: Silvia Vázquez-Cuesta Nuria Lozano García Sara Rodríguez-Fernández Ana I. Fernández-Avila Javier Bermejo Francisco Fernández-Avilés Patricia Muñoz Emilio Bouza Elena Reigadas
A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota in a clearly defined group of healthy individuals is essential when making meaningful comparisons with various diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD), renowned for its potential health benefits, and the influence of adherence thereto on gut microbiota have become a focus of research. Our aim was to elucidate the impact of adherence to the MD on gut microbiota composition in a well-defined cohort. In this prospective study, healthy volunteers completed a questionnaire to provide demographic data, medical history, and dietary intake. Adherence was evaluated using the Med-DQI. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Analysis of sequencing data and statistical analysis were performed using MOTHUR software and R. The study included 60 patients (51.7% females). Adherence correlated with alpha diversity, and higher values were recorded in good adherers. Good adherers had a higher abundance of Paraprevotella and Bacteroides (p < 0.001). Alpha diversity correlated inversely with fat intake and positively with non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Evenness correlated inversely with red meat intake and positively with NSPs. Predicted functional analysis highlighted metabolic pathway differences based on adherence to the MD. In conclusion, our study adds useful information on the relationship between the MD and the gut microbiome.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060792
Authors: Luolan Peng Tingting Liu Chao Han Lili Shi Chen Chen Jinpeng Zhao Jing Feng Mengyao Wang Qin Zhuo Junsheng Huo Yan Li Zhaolong Gong
Background: Both genetics and vitamin D deficiency are associated with childhood obesity. However, the role of vitamin D status between polygenic and childhood obesity has been unknown. The current study aimed to determine the relation between genetic factors, vitamin D status, and BMI-for-age z score (zBMI) in Chinese preschool children. Methods: A total of 1046 participants aged 3.7 to 6.6 years old from the Long-term Health Effects Assessment Project of Infants and Toddlers Nutritional Pack (LHEAPITNP) were included in this study. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was established based on 55 BMI-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS) for BMI. Serum 25(OH)D was used as an index of vitamin D status and measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) assay. The Wilcoxon test or Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the differences of variables between different groups and Spearman correlation analysis was used for analyzing the correlations between the PRS, 25(OH)D levels, and zBMI. Results: The PRS showed a positive relation to zBMI (rs = 0.0953, p = 0.0022) and 25(OH)D showed a negative relation to zBMI (rs = −0.1082, p = 0.0005) in the full-adjustment model. In addition, the differences in zBMI at different vitamin D statuses in the low-risk PRS group and the intermediate-risk PRS group were both statistically significant (plow = 0.0308, pintermediate = 0.0121), the median zBMI was both higher at vitamin D insufficiency status. And the difference in zBMI between different genetic risk groups was also statistically significant at vitamin D sufficiency status (p = 0.0077). Furthermore, genetic risk showed a positive relation to zBMI at vitamin D sufficiency status, and the p for trend was 0.0028. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that vitamin D was related to zBMI negatively in Chinese preschoolers and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may only contribute to lower the zBMI in preschoolers with low and intermediate genetic susceptibility.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060791
Authors: Carlos Pascual-Morena Iván Cavero-Redondo Irene Martínez-García Eva Rodríguez-Gutiérrez Maribel Lucerón-Lucas-Torres Nerea Moreno-Herráiz Valentina Díaz-Goñi Alicia Saz-Lara
Previous evidence associates insulin resistance with arterial stiffness in various pathologies, yet limited reports exist in healthy adults. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the association between insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. The cross-sectional EVasCu study enrolled 390 participants (42.05 ± 13.15 years). ANCOVAs, unadjusted (model 1) and adjusted (model 2), explored the association between arterial stiffness markers (aortic Pulse Wave Velocity [aPWV], Augmentation Index [AIx@75] and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index [CAVI]), and insulin resistance markers (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICKI] and Triglycerides-Glucose [TyG]). In model 1, all insulin resistance markers were associated with aPWV, HOMA-IR and QUICKI were associated with AIx@75, and the TyG index was associated with CAVI. In model 2, HOMA-IR and QUICKI increased aPWV by 0.179 and 0.156 m/s (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011), and AIx@75 by 4.17 and 5.39% (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003). The EVasCu study offers valuable insights into the relationship between insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adults, providing a deeper understanding of metabolic and cardiovascular health. By examining this influence, we embark on an intriguing exploration of how these factors interplay in the human body.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060790
Authors: Changhon Lee Seung Won Kim Ravi Verma Jaegyun Noh John Chulhoon Park Sunhee Park Haena Lee Hye Eun Park Chan Johng Kim Seohyun Byun Haeun Ko Seungyeon Choi Inhae Kim Soomin Jeon Junglyoul Lee Sin-Hyeog Im
The composition and diversity of gut microbiota significantly influence the immune system and are linked to various diseases, including inflammatory and allergy disorders. While considerable research has focused on exploring single bacterial species or consortia, the optimal strategies for microbiota-based therapeutics remain underexplored. Specifically, the comparative effectiveness of bacterial consortia versus individual species warrants further investigation. In our study, we assessed the impact of the bacterial consortium MPRO, comprising Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7712, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HY8002, and Lacticaseibacillus casei HY2782, in comparison to its individual components. The administration of MPRO demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy in experimental models of atopic dermatitis and inflammatory colitis when compared to single strains. MPRO exhibited the ability to dampen inflammatory responses and alter the gut microbial landscape significantly. Notably, MPRO administration led to an increase in intestinal CD103+CD11b+ dendritic cells, promoting the induction of regulatory T cells and the robust suppression of inflammation in experimental disease settings. Our findings advocate the preference for bacterial consortia over single strains in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, carrying potential clinical relevance.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060789
Authors: Mónika Fekete Andrea Lehoczki Dávid Major Vince Fazekas-Pongor Tamás Csípő Stefano Tarantini Zoltán Csizmadia János Tamás Varga
Recent research exploring the relationship between the gut and the brain suggests that the condition of the gut microbiota can influence cognitive health. A well-balanced gut microbiota may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to neurodegenerative conditions. Prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics are nutritional supplements and functional food components associated with gastrointestinal well-being. The bidirectional communication of the gut–brain axis is essential for maintaining homeostasis, with pre-, pro-, and symbiotics potentially affecting various cognitive functions such as attention, perception, and memory. Numerous studies have consistently shown that incorporating pre-, pro-, and symbiotics into a healthy diet can lead to improvements in cognitive functions and mood. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota can support optimal cognitive function, which is crucial for disease prevention in our fast-paced, Westernized society. Our results indicate cognitive benefits in healthy older individuals with probiotic supplementation but not in healthy older individuals who have good and adequate levels of physical activity. Additionally, it appears that there are cognitive benefits in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, while mixed results seem to arise in younger and healthier individuals. However, it is important to acknowledge that individual responses may vary, and the use of these dietary supplements should be tailored to each individual’s unique health circumstances and needs.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060788
Authors: Karissa Palmer Robert Strong Chanda Elbert
COVID-19, the most recent multi-dimensional global food crisis, challenged leadership and impacted individuals’ personal networks. Two cross-sectional surveys were disseminated to women involved in their state’s women’s leadership committee to understand food waste behaviors. An egocentric network analysis was chosen as the methodology to better understand personal advice network characteristics and examine the impacts of Farm Bureau women’s leadership committee members’ advice networks on their food waste behavior. A multilevel model was conducted to identify factors related to respondents leading their network members toward positive food waste decisions. Independent variables included in the variables at the individual (e.g., each respondent’s race, generation), dyadic (e.g., length respondent has known each member of her network), and network levels (e.g., proportion of the respondent’s network that was female) were included in the model. Women were more likely to report connections with people they led to positive food waste behaviors and food security when: they had higher food waste sum scores, they were part of Generation X, the network member they led to more positive food waste behaviors was a friend, and if there were fewer women in their advice networks.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060787
Authors: Giulia Chiopris Caterina Chiopris Manuela Valenti Susanna Esposito
Severe acute undernutrition (SAU) is still a crucial global health issue in the 0–59 months population, increasing the risk of mortality as well as of long-term consequences. In Sudan, 3.3 million children suffered from acute malnutrition between 2018 and 2019. This study was planned to evaluate, in the area of Port Sudan, the prevalence of acute undernutrition after the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the most important factors favoring the development of acute undernutrition. The available clinical records of all the under-five children (n = 1012) admitted to the Port Sudan Emergency Pediatric Hospital from 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 were analyzed. The presence of wasting and kwashiorkor was assessed and children were categorized according to age, gender, place of residence, main reason for hospitalization, and underlying comorbidities. Acute undernutrition was evidenced in 493 (48.7%) children. Of them, only 16 (3.2%) were diagnosed with kwashiorkor. Children with SAU had a higher prevalence of acute gastroenteritis (p < 0.05) and parasitosis (p < 0.05). Infants aged 0–6 months were those with the lowest risk of undernutrition, whereas those aged 7–12 months were those with the greater risk. In these patients, multivariate analysis revealed that SAU and MAU were 2.5 times (OR 2.51; 95% CI, 1.79–3.55) and 5.5 times (OR 5.56; 95% CI, 2.59–18.7) higher. This study shows that the area of Port Sudan is still suffering from an alarming prevalence of severe wasting and the risk of developing acute undernutrition seems strictly related to the introduction of complementary feeding and tends to reduce with increasing age. Measures already in place to prevent acute malnutrition should be reinforced with improvement of mother education on child feeding.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060786
Authors: Jane Shearer Shrushti Shah Martin J. MacInnis Grace Shen-Tu Chunlong Mu
Oral iron supplementation is the first-line treatment for addressing iron deficiency, a concern particularly relevant to women who are susceptible to sub-optimal iron levels. Nevertheless, the impact of iron supplementation on the gut microbiota of middle-aged women remains unclear. To investigate the association between iron supplementation and the gut microbiota, healthy females aged 40–65 years (n = 56, BMI = 23 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were retrospectively analyzed from the Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. Fecal samples along with various lifestyle, diet, and health questionnaires were obtained. The gut microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Individuals were matched by age and BMI and classified as either taking no iron supplement, a low-dose iron supplement (6–10 mg iron/day), or high-dose iron (>100 mg/day). Compositional and functional analyses of microbiome data in relation to iron supplementation were investigated using various bioinformatics tools. Results revealed that iron supplementation had a dose-dependent effect on microbial communities. Elevated iron intake (>100 mg) was associated with an augmentation of Proteobacteria and a reduction in various taxa, including Akkermansia, Butyricicoccus, Verrucomicrobia, Ruminococcus, Alistipes, and Faecalibacterium. Metagenomic prediction further suggested the upregulation of iron acquisition and siderophore biosynthesis following high iron intake. In conclusion, adequate iron levels are essential for the overall health and wellbeing of women through their various life stages. Our findings offer insights into the complex relationships between iron supplementation and the gut microbiota in middle-aged women and underscore the significance of iron dosage in maintaining optimal gut health.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060785
Authors: Gigliola Alberti Mariana Faune José L. Santos Florencia De Barbieri Cristián García Ana Pereira Fernando Becerra Juan Cristóbal Gana
NAFLD has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children, as a direct consequence of the high prevalence of childhood obesity. This study aimed to characterize body composition trajectories from childhood to adolescence and their association with the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) during adolescence. The participants were part of the ‘Chilean Growth and Obesity Cohort Study’, comprising 784 children who were followed prospectively from age 3 years. Annual assessments of nutritional status and body composition were conducted, with ultrasound screening for NAFLD during adolescence revealing a 9.8% prevalence. Higher waist circumference measures were associated with NAFLD from age 3 years (p = 0.03), all skin folds from age 4 years (p < 0.01), and DXA body fat measurements from age 12 years (p = 0.01). The fat-free mass index was higher in females (p = 0.006) but not in males (p = 0.211). The second and third tertiles of the fat mass index (FMI) had odds ratios for NAFLD during adolescence of 2.19 (1.48–3.25, 95% CI) and 6.94 (4.79–10.04, 95% CI), respectively. Elevated waist circumference, skin folds, and total body fat were identified as risk factors for future NAFLD development. A higher FMI during childhood was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD during adolescence.
]]>Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu16060782
Authors: Xiangrui Li Wenqing Chen Jiayue Xia Da Pan Guiju Sun
This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles published up to December 2023. In total, 3145 publications were reviewed and 16 of them were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were applied for statistical analyses. The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = −0.24; 95% CI: −0.45, −0.04; peffect = 0.02) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = −0.59; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.14; peffect = 0.01) with cranberry consumption. However, it did not influence total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. In subgroup analysis, cranberry consumption in dried form (capsules, powder, and tablets) was found to significantly decrease the fasting insulin level (three studies, one hundred sixty-five participants, MD = −2.16; 95% CI: −4.24, −0.07; peffect = 0.04), while intervention duration, health conditions, and dosage of polyphenols and anthocyanins had no impact on blood lipid and glycemic parameters. In summary, cranberry might have potential benefits in regulating lipid and glucose profiles.
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