Journal Description
Nutrients
Nutrients
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of human nutrition published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Asia Pacific Nutrigenomics Nutrigenetics Organisation (APNNO), Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP), Nutrition Society of New Zealand (NSNZ), Ocular Wellness & Nutrition Society (OWNS) and others are affiliated with Nutrients and their members receive a discount on article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Nutrition & Dietetics) / CiteScore - Q1 (Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journal: Dietetics
Impact Factor:
5.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
6.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
Assessment of Vitamin Concentrations in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Their Relationships with Thyroid Function, Biochemical Status, and Anthropometric Parameters—A Preliminary Study
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111694 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, affecting mainly the female population. Many patients with HT have metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D, A, E, B2, and B6 concentrations, thyroid function, metabolic
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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, affecting mainly the female population. Many patients with HT have metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D, A, E, B2, and B6 concentrations, thyroid function, metabolic profile, and anthropometric parameters of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In 81 female patients with HT (study group), vitamin A and B2 concentrations were significantly lower than in 34 healthy women (control group). No differences were noted in vitamin D, E, and B6 concentrations between groups. Moreover, HT patients had similar anthropometric parameters, lipid profiles, and glucose and insulin concentrations compared to controls. This study showed some relationships between vitamin concentrations and anthropometric or biochemical profiles in HT patients. Among others, in the HT group, the concentration of vitamin D was positively correlated with the level of HDL and negatively correlated with BMI, total fat mass, and insulin level, which influence cardiovascular risk. The results indicate that patients with HT should be routinely tested for vitamin concentrations to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Further studies are also needed on the role of vitamins in the development and progression of HT and the presence of metabolic complications in this population.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Natural Compounds in Autoimmune Diseases)
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Open AccessArticle
Chemical Compositions before and after Lactic Acid Fermentation of Isoflavone-Enriched Soybean Leaves and their Anti-Obesity and Gut Microbiota Distribution Effects
by
Hee-Yul Lee, Du-Yong Cho, Jong-Bin Jeong, Ji-Ho Lee, Ga-Young Lee, Mu-Yeun Jang, Jin-Hwan Lee and Kye-Man Cho
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111693 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, we prepared fermented products of isoflavone-enriched soybean leaves (IESLs) and analyzed their nutrients, isoflavones, anti-obesity efficacy, and effects on gut microbiota. Fermented IESLs (FIESLs) were found to be rich in nutrients, especially lauric acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. In
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In this study, we prepared fermented products of isoflavone-enriched soybean leaves (IESLs) and analyzed their nutrients, isoflavones, anti-obesity efficacy, and effects on gut microbiota. Fermented IESLs (FIESLs) were found to be rich in nutrients, especially lauric acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. In addition, the concentrations of most essential free amino acids were increased compared to those of IESLs. The contents of bioactive compounds, such as total phenolic, total flavonoid, daidzein, and genistein, significantly increased as well. In addition, FIESLs administration in a high-fat diet (HFD) animal model improved the final body weight, epididymal fat, total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and leptin levels, as well as reverting microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that FIESLs have the potential to inhibit obesity caused by HFDs and serve as a modulator of gut microbiota, offering the prevention of diet-induced gut dysbiosis and metabolite diseases associated with obesity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemicals and Human Health)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Effects of Garlic on Glucose Parameters and Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Randomized Controlled Trials
by
Xinyu Zhao, Tao Cheng, Hui Xia, Yanhong Yang and Shaokang Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111692 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: The effect of garlic on glucose and lipid metabolism in humans remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of garlic on blood lipid levels and glucose levels in humans through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2)
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(1) Background: The effect of garlic on glucose and lipid metabolism in humans remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of garlic on blood lipid levels and glucose levels in humans through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2) Methods: We extensively searched four databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, up to February 2024. To assess the collective impact of garlic and its supplements on fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), an analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed when I2 < 50%. (3) Result: We found that the garlic intervention was effective in controlling FBG (mean difference = −7.01; 95% CI: −8.53, −5.49, p < 0.001), HbA1c (mean deviation = −0.66; 95% CI: −0.76, −0.55, p < 0.001, I2 = 62.9%), TC (mean difference = −14.17; 95% CI: −19.31, −9.03, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (mean difference = −8.20; 95% CI: −15.58, −0.81, p = 0.03); moreover, it also increased the level of HDL-C in humans (mean difference = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.54, 2.59; p < 0.001). Nonetheless, the intervention involving garlic did not yield a substantial impact on triglyceride (TG) levels. (4) Conclusion: The intervention of garlic is beneficial to control blood glucose and blood lipids in humans.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)
Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup on Glucose Metabolism, Gut Microbiota, and Their Metabolites in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
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Chao Zhang, Bing Fang, Nana Zhang, Qi Zhang, Tianjiao Niu, Liang Zhao, Erna Sun, Jian Wang, Ran Xiao, Jingjing He, Shusen Li, Juan Chen, Jie Guo, Wei Xiong and Ran Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1691; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111691 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Probiotics have garnered increasing attention as a potential therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have confirmed that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup (MN-Gup) could stimulate the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in NCI-H716 cells, but whether MN-Gup has a
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Probiotics have garnered increasing attention as a potential therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have confirmed that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup (MN-Gup) could stimulate the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in NCI-H716 cells, but whether MN-Gup has a hypoglycemic effect on T2DM in vivo remains unclear. In this study, a T2DM mouse model was constructed, with a high-fat diet and streptozotocin in mice, to investigate the effect of MN-Gup on diabetes. Then, different doses of MN-Gup (2 × 109 CFU/kg, 1 × 1010 CFU/kg) were gavaged for 6 weeks to investigate the effect of MN-Gup on glucose metabolism and its potential mechanisms. The results showed that a high-dose of MN-Gup significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of T2DM mice compared to the other groups. In addition, there were significant increases in the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially acetate, and GLP-1 levels in the MN-Gup group. MN-Gup increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and decreased the number of Escherichia-Shigella and Staphylococcus. Moreover, the correlation analysis revealed that Bifidobacterium demonstrated a significant positive correlation with GLP-1 and a negative correlation with the incremental AUC. In summary, this study demonstrates that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup has significant hypoglycemic effects in T2DM mice and can modulate the gut microbiota, promoting the secretion of SCFAs and GLP-1.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting the Gut Microbiota in Metabolic Disease)
Open AccessArticle
What Is the Tech Missing? Nutrition Reporting in Type 1 Diabetes
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Nicole Lubasinski, Hood Thabit, Paul W. Nutter and Simon Harper
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111690 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) presents self-management challenges, requiring an additional 180 daily decisions to regulate blood glucose (BG) levels. Despite the potential, T1D-focused applications have a 43% attrition rate. This work delves into the willingness of people living with T1D (PwT1D) to
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Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) presents self-management challenges, requiring an additional 180 daily decisions to regulate blood glucose (BG) levels. Despite the potential, T1D-focused applications have a 43% attrition rate. This work delves into the willingness of people living with T1D (PwT1D) to use technology. Method: An online questionnaire investigated the current practices for carbohydrate estimation, nutritional tracking, and attitudes towards technology engagement, along with hypothetical scenarios and preferences regarding technology use. Results: Thirty-nine responses were collected from PwT1D (n = 33) and caregivers (n = 6). Nutrition reporting preferences varied, with 50% favoring ‘type and scroll’ while 30% preferred meal photographing. Concerning the timing of reporting, 33% reported before meals, 55% after, and 12% at a later time. Improved Time in Range (TIR) was a strong motivator for app use, with 78% expressing readiness to adjust insulin doses based on app suggestions for optimizing TIR. Meal descriptions varied; a single word was used in 42% of cases, 23% used a simple description (i.e., “Sunday dinner”), 30% included portion sizes, and 8% provided full recipes. Conclusion: PwT1D shows interest in using technology to reduce the diabetes burden when it leads to an improved TIR. For such technology to be ecologically valid, it needs to strike a balance between requiring minimal user input and providing significant data, such as meal tags, to ensure accurate blood glucose management without overwhelming users with reporting tasks.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Holder Pasteurization, Mode of Delivery, and Infant’s Gender on Fatty Acid Composition of Donor Breast Milk
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Réka Anna Vass, Miaomiao Zhang, Livia Simon Sarkadi, Márta Üveges, Judit Tormási, Eszter L. Benes, Tibor Ertl and Sandor G. Vari
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111689 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Breast milk (BM) plays a crucial role in providing essential fatty acids (FA) and energy for the growing infant. When the mother’s own BM is not available, nutritional recommendations suggest donor milk (DM) in clinical and home practices. BM was collected from a
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Breast milk (BM) plays a crucial role in providing essential fatty acids (FA) and energy for the growing infant. When the mother’s own BM is not available, nutritional recommendations suggest donor milk (DM) in clinical and home practices. BM was collected from a variety of donor mothers in different lactation stages. Holder pasteurization (HoP) eliminates potential contaminants to ensure safety. FA content of BM samples from the Breast Milk Collection Center of Pécs, Hungary, were analyzed before and after HoP. HoP decreases the level of C6:0, C8:0, C14:1n-5c, C18:1n-9c, C18:3n-6c, C18:3n-3c, and C20:4n-6c in BM, while C14:0, C16:0, C18:1n-9t, C22:0, C22:1n-9c, C24:0, C24:1n-9c, and C22:6n-3c were found in elevated concentration after HoP. We did not detect time-dependent concentration changes in FAs in the first year of lactation. BM produced for girl infants contains higher C20:2n-6c levels. In the BM of mothers who delivered via cesarean section, C12:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1n-9t, C22:1n-9c levels were higher, while C18:2n-6c, C22:0, C24:0, and C22:6n-3c concentrations were lower compared to mothers who gave birth spontaneously. FAs in BM are constant during the first year of lactation. Although HoP modifies the concentration of different FAs, pasteurized DM provides essential FAs to the developing infant. Current data providing information about the FA profile of BM gives origination to supplementation guidelines.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding: Benefits to Infant and Mother)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Resistance Exercise and Essential Amino Acid Intake on Muscle Quality, Myokine, and Inflammation Factors in Young Adult Males
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Deokhwa Jeong, Kyumin Park, Jinseok Lee, Jiye Choi, Haifeng Du, Hyeongmo Jeong, Liangliang Li, Kenji Sakai and Sunghwun Kang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111688 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Recently, many studies have been devoted to discovering nutrients for exercise-like effects. Resistance exercise and the intake of essential amino acids (EAAs) are known to be factors that can affect muscle mass and strength improvement. The purpose of this study was to
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Background: Recently, many studies have been devoted to discovering nutrients for exercise-like effects. Resistance exercise and the intake of essential amino acids (EAAs) are known to be factors that can affect muscle mass and strength improvement. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in muscle quality, myokines, and inflammation in response to resistance exercise and EAA supplementation. Methods: Thirty-four males volunteered to participate in this study. They were assigned to four groups: (1) placebo (CO), (2) resistance exercise (RE), (3) EAA supplementation, and (4) RE + EAA supplementation. Body composition, muscle quality, myokines, and inflammation were measured at baseline and four weeks after treatment. Results: Lean body fat had decreased in both RE and RE + EAA groups. Lean body mass had increased in only the RE + EAA group. In all groups except for CO, irisin, myostatin A, and TNF-α levels had decreased. The grip strength of the right hand and trunk flexion peak torque increased in the RE group. The grip strength of the left hand, trunk flexion peak torque, and knee flexion peak torque of the left leg were increased in RE + EAA. Conclusions: RE, EAA, and RE + EAA could effectively improve the muscle quality, myokine, and inflammation factors of young adult males. This finding highlights the importance of resistance exercise and amino acid intake.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Interventions, and Skeletal Muscle Health)
Open AccessArticle
Low Protein Diet Reduces Proteinuria and Decline in Glomerular Filtration Rate in Advanced, Heavy Proteinuric Diabetic Kidney Disease
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Liliana Garneata, Carmen-Antonia Mocanu, Tudor Petrisor Simionescu, Andreea Elena Mocanu, Diana Ramona Dragomir and Gabriel Mircescu
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111687 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Low protein diet (LPD) seems beneficial in ameliorating the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in reducing proteinuria and the decline in kidney function, thus postponing the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). However, this type of intervention was less investigated in diabetic
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Low protein diet (LPD) seems beneficial in ameliorating the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in reducing proteinuria and the decline in kidney function, thus postponing the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). However, this type of intervention was less investigated in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This is a single-center, prospective, interventional study that aims to assess the efficacy of reducing proteinuria and the rate of decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients with advanced DKD (stable proteinuria > 3 g/g and eGFR < 30 mL/min) with a good nutritional status and accepting a LPD were evaluated for inclusion. Ninety-two of the 452 screened patients (66% males, median age 61 years, proteinuria 4.8 g/g creatininuria, eGFR 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2) completed the study. Intervention consisted of LPD supplemented with ketoanalogues of essential amino acids (KA) along with conventional nephroprotective therapy. Efficacy parameters were the variation in proteinuria and in eGFR from baseline to the end of the study. Proteinuria decreased 3-fold, and the rate of decline in eGFR decreased 5-fold in the intervention phase. No patient initiated KRT or died. LPD supplemented with KA seems effective in safely postponing KRT by reducing proteinuria and the decline in kidney function in advanced DKD.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diabetes: Diet and Health Conditions)
Open AccessArticle
Iodine Status of Infants and Toddlers under 2 Years of Age and Its Association with Feeding Behaviors and Maternal Iodine Status in Shanghai: A Quantile Regression Analysis
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Wei Zhou, Jingyi Si, Xue Han, Weiwei Zheng, Xiangting Li, Changfeng Zhu and Jiajie Zang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111686 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
It is crucial to provide adequate iodine nutrition to infants and toddlers for proper thyroid function and subsequent brain development. Infants are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency during the transition from a milk-based diet (breast milk and/or infant formula) to solid food. This
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It is crucial to provide adequate iodine nutrition to infants and toddlers for proper thyroid function and subsequent brain development. Infants are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency during the transition from a milk-based diet (breast milk and/or infant formula) to solid food. This study examines the current iodine levels of children during their first two years of life and investigates the association between these levels and feeding behaviors and the iodine status of their mothers in Shanghai, a city located in eastern China. A hospital-based cohort study was conducted to enroll mother–child pairs, where the child is aged 6–23 months, who visited community health service centers in the 16 districts of Shanghai, China. Data on socio-demographic factors and feeding behavior data were collected from the participants. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in both the young children and their mothers were analyzed. A total of 2282 mother–child pairs were included in this analysis. The median (p25–p75) UIC for lactating women, weaning women, and children were 121.3 μg/L (68.1–206.4 μg/L), 123.4 μg/L (58.4–227.2 μg/L), and 152.1 μg/L (75.8–268.3 μg/L), respectively. The UIC in children was found to be higher than that in their mothers (p < 0.001). Children who consumed less than 500 mL per day of formula milk in the last week had lower UICs compared with those who consumed 500 mL per day or more (p = 0.026). Furthermore, the children’s UIC was positively correlated with the maternal UIC (rs = 0.285, p < 0.001). Multiple quantile regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between maternal UIC and children’s UIC between the 0.1 and 0.9 quantiles (all p < 0.001). We found that the iodine status of infants and toddlers, as well as of mothers, was sufficient. However, a large minority of children and mothers may be at risk of iodine deficiency. Furthermore, no associations between children’s UIC and feeding behaviors were observed. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the UIC of young children and their mothers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Dana Hasan Alkhatib, Jack Feehan, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Vasso Apostolopoulos and Lily Stojanovska
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111685 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)
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Open AccessReview
Food Insecurity Screening in High-Income Countries, Tool Validity, and Implementation: A Scoping Review
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Sabine Baker, Danielle Gallegos, Megan A. Rebuli, Amanda J. Taylor and Ray Mahoney
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111684 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Household food insecurity has significant negative implications across the lifespan. While routine screening is recommended, particularly in healthcare, guidelines are lacking on selection of screening tools and best-practice implementation across different contexts in non-stigmatizing ways. The objective of this scoping review was to
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Household food insecurity has significant negative implications across the lifespan. While routine screening is recommended, particularly in healthcare, guidelines are lacking on selection of screening tools and best-practice implementation across different contexts in non-stigmatizing ways. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize evidence on household food insecurity screening tools, including psychometrics, implementation in a range of settings, and experiences of carrying out screening or being screened. Four electronic databases were searched for studies in English published from 1990 until June 2023. A total of 58 papers were included, 21 of which focused on tool development and validation, and 37 papers described implementation and perceptions of screening. Most papers were from the USA and described screening in healthcare settings. There was a lack of evidence regarding screening in settings utilized by Indigenous people. The two-item Hunger Vital Sign emerged as the most used and most valid tool across settings. While there is minimal discomfort associated with screening, screening rates in practice are still low. Barriers and facilitators of screening were identified at the setting, system, provider, and recipient level and were mapped onto the COM-B model of behavior change. This review identifies practical strategies to optimize screening and disclosure.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Alleviates Symptoms in Zymosan-Induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mouse Model through TRPV1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 Channel Modulation
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Na-Ri Choi, Woo-Gyun Choi, Jong-Hwan Lee, Joon Park, Yun-Tai Kim, Raju Das, Joo-Han Woo and Byung-Joo Kim
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111683 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is known as one of the traditional medicines that shows a good efficacy in the GI tract. (2) Methods: We investigated the effect of
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(1) Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is known as one of the traditional medicines that shows a good efficacy in the GI tract. (2) Methods: We investigated the effect of AMK in a network pharmacology and zymosan-induced IBS animal model. In addition, we performed electrophysiological experiments to confirm the regulatory mechanisms related to IBS. (3) Results: Various characteristics of AMK were investigated using TCMSP data and various analysis systems. AMK restored the macroscopic changes and weight to normal. Colonic mucosa and inflammatory factors were reduced. These effects were similar to those of amitriptyline and sulfasalazine. In addition, transient receptor potential (TRP) V1, voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) 1.5, and NaV1.7 channels were inhibited. (4) Conclusion: These results suggest that AMK may be a promising therapeutic candidate for IBS management through the regulation of ion channels.
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(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemicals and Human Health)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Nutritional Prehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Cystectomy: A Systematic Review
by
Susy Dal Bello, Stefano Mancin, Sara Morales Palomares, Diego Lopane, Luca Di Gianfrancesco, Chiara Soligo, Tommaso Tarantino, Paolo Perdonò, Rodolfo Hurle, Bruno Bernardini, Federico Piccioni, Manuela Pastore, Alvarez Pellegrinelli, Angelo Porreca and Beatrice Mazzoleni
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111682 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Background/Aim: Nutrition is a key element of the prehabilitation process prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical pathways of nutritional prehabilitation before cystectomy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus
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Background/Aim: Nutrition is a key element of the prehabilitation process prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical pathways of nutritional prehabilitation before cystectomy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus and the Web of Science databases. Quality and risk of bias assessment was conducted adhering to the JBI framework and evidence was evaluated according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine levels of evidence. Results: Out of 586 records identified, six studies were included. Among them, only two were randomized controlled trials. Immunonutrition has been shown to improve postoperative bowel function (3.12 vs. 3.74 days; RR 0.82; CI, 0.73–0.93; p = 0.0029) and decrease postoperative complications (−36.7%; p = 0.008) and readmission rates (−15.38%; p = 0.03). Furthermore, oral nutritional supplements combined with nutritional counseling demonstrated an accelerated recovery of bowel function (−1 day; p < 0.01), a reduction in the length of hospital stay (−1.75 days; p = 0.01), an improvement in handgrip strength (+6.8%, p < 0.001), an increase in bone mass (+0.3 kg, p = 0.04), and a better BMI value (+2.3%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Nutritional prehabilitation demonstrates potential in enhancing postoperative outcomes following radical cystectomy. Oral supplements, immunonutrition, and counseling exhibit efficacy in improving postoperative results.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Assessment for the Identification and Monitoring of Malnutrition in Patients with Chronic Diseases)
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Open AccessArticle
A Lombard Variety of Sweet Pepper Regulating Senescence and Proliferation: The Voghera Pepper
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Fabrizio De Luca, Federica Gola, Alberto Azzalin, Claudio Casali, Ludovica Gaiaschi, Gloria Milanesi, Riccardo Vicini, Paola Rossi and Maria Grazia Bottone
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111681 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Aging and its related disorders are important issues nowadays and the first cause of this physio-pathological condition is the overproduction of ROS. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant mediator and its anti-aging proprieties are well known. Our previous data demonstrated that Voghera sweet pepper
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Aging and its related disorders are important issues nowadays and the first cause of this physio-pathological condition is the overproduction of ROS. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant mediator and its anti-aging proprieties are well known. Our previous data demonstrated that Voghera sweet pepper (VP), a distinctive type of pepper cultivated in Italy, is particularly rich in ascorbic acid. Based on these data, the anti-aging effect mediated by extracts of the edible part of VP was evaluated on an in vitro model of both young and old Normal Human Diploid Fibroblasts (NHDF). Using phase contrast microscopy, we observed that VP may help cells in the maintenance of physiological morphology during aging. Cytofluorimetric analyses revealed that VP extracts led to an increase in DNA synthesis and percentage of living cells, linked to a consequent increase in mitotic events. This hypothesis is supported by the enhancement of PCNA expression levels observed in old, treated fibroblasts, corroborating the idea that this extract could recover a young phenotype in adult fibroblasts, confirmed by the study of p16 and p53 expression levels and TEM analyses. Based on these results, we may suppose that VP can lead to the partial recovery of “young-like” phenotypes in old fibroblasts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Molecular and Cellular Aspects of the Beneficial Effects of Natural Products on Chronic Diseases)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate Alcohol Consumption on Cognitive Performance—A Multidisciplinary Intervention in Young Healthy Adults
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Cristina Molina-Hidalgo, Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete, Jamie C. Peven, Kirk I. Erickson, Andres Catena and Manuel J. Castillo
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111680 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Background. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in the context of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Methods. We conducted a 10-week HIIT program along with four
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Background. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in the context of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Methods. We conducted a 10-week HIIT program along with four types of beverages with/without alcohol content. A total of 75 healthy adults (18–40 years old; 46% female) were allocated to either a control Non-Training group or an HIIT program group (2 days/week). Using block randomization, participants in the HIIT group were further allocated to an HIIT-Alcohol group (alcohol beer or sparkling water with vodka added, 5.4%) or an HIIT-NonAlcohol group (sparkling water or non-alcohol beer, 0.0%). The control group was instructed to maintain an active lifestyle but did not undergo any regular training. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was used to evaluate cognitive performance (i.e., memory, working memory, processing speed, inhibitory control, and verbal fluency). Changes from baseline to week 10 were included in the main analyses. Results. All groups improved in all neuropsychological measures (all p ≤ 0.001), independent of sex and alcohol consumption, with no statistical differences between groups (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, larger increases in maximal oxygen uptake were associated with greater improvements in processing speed, inhibitory control, and verbal fluency (all p < 0.050). Conclusions. Although the improvements found in cognitive performance cannot be attributed to the HIIT intervention, no significant impairments in cognitive functions were noted due to moderate alcohol intake. Furthermore, our results confirmed that exercise-induced physical fitness improvements were associated with cognitive performance enhancements in young healthy adults.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Intensity Interval Training with Dietary Interventions in Health and Disease)
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Open AccessArticle
Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding during Admission to a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain
by
Cristina Verea-Nuñez, Nuria Novoa-Maciñeiras, Ana Suarez-Casal and Juan Manuel Vazquez-Lago
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111679 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is the optimal nourishment for infants and it is recommended that children commence breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the initial 6 months of life. Our objective was to determine which factors related to mothers
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Background: Breastfeeding is the optimal nourishment for infants and it is recommended that children commence breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the initial 6 months of life. Our objective was to determine which factors related to mothers could influence the degree of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization, as well as to assess breastfeeding mothers’ attitudes towards breastfeeding. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was undertaken in the healthcare area of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The necessary variables were collected using a specially designed ad hoc questionnaire. The researcher responsible for recruitment conducted the interviews with the participants. The reduced Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS-s) was employed to gauge maternal attitudes toward feeding their baby. Results: In total, 64 women were studied. The overall score of IIFAS-s (mean ± standard deviation) was 36.95 ± 5.17. A positive attitude towards breastfeeding was therefore observed in our sample. No use of a pacifier by the newborn was associated with a positive attitude for breastfeeding. Having previous children (Ora = 6.40; IC95% 1.26–32.51) and previous experience with breastfeeding (Ora = 6.70; IC95% 1.31–34.27) increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding during admission. Conclusions: In our study, exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization is associated with having previous children and prior breastfeeding experience.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding: Benefits to Infant and Mother)
Open AccessArticle
Simplification of Dietary Treatment in Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy: Impact of C8 and C10 Fatty Acids on Sirtuins of Neuronal Cells In Vitro
by
Miriam Rebekka Rühling, Hans Hartmann and Anibh Martin Das
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111678 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy is the therapeutic mainstay in epilepsy; however, in about 30% of patients, epileptic seizures are drug-resistant. A ketogenic diet (KD) is an alternative therapeutic option. The mechanisms underlying the anti-seizure effect of a KD are not fully understood. Epileptic seizures lead to
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Pharmacotherapy is the therapeutic mainstay in epilepsy; however, in about 30% of patients, epileptic seizures are drug-resistant. A ketogenic diet (KD) is an alternative therapeutic option. The mechanisms underlying the anti-seizure effect of a KD are not fully understood. Epileptic seizures lead to an increased energy demand of neurons. An improvement in energy provisions may have a protective effect. C8 and C10 fatty acids have been previously shown to activate mitochondrial function in vitro. This could involve sirtuins (SIRTs) as regulatory elements of energy metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB), C8 fatty acids, C10 fatty acids, or a combination of C8 and C10 (250/250 µM) fatty acids, which all increase under a KD, could up-regulate SIRT1, -3, -4, and -5 in HT22 hippocampal murine neurons in vitro. Cells were incubated for 1 week in the presence of these metabolites. The sirtuins were measured at the enzyme (fluorometrically), protein (Western blot), and gene expression (PCR) levels. In hippocampal cells, the C8, C10, and C8 and C10 incubations led to increases in the sirtuin levels, which were not inferior to a ßHB incubation as the ‘gold standard’. This may indicate that both C8 and C10 fatty acids are important for the antiepileptic effect of a KD. A KD may be replaced by nutritional supplements of C8 and C10 fatty acids, which could facilitate the diet.
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(This article belongs to the Section Lipids)
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Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Based on Activity Type and Dietary Habits in Extremely Low-Income Individuals
by
Kunxia Su, Yonghwan Kim and Yoonjung Park
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111677 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease among low-income individuals has often been reported. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between basic livelihood security (BLS) and MS. This study investigated the prevalence of MS according
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A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease among low-income individuals has often been reported. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between basic livelihood security (BLS) and MS. This study investigated the prevalence of MS according to activity type, dietary habits, and the nutrient intake characteristics of individuals receiving BLS. Data from 14,803 men and 20,299 women were analyzed to assess the association between receiving BLS and MS. The associations between MS and various factors were analyzed separately in men and women by logistic regression analysis. In this cohort, 5.9% of men and 6.8% of women received BLS; of these, 46.9% and 47.7% had MS, respectively. High caloric intake, low-frequency breakfast consumption, and no nutritional education were associated with MS in both men and women. Among those with a low-frequency walking habit and strength training activity type, MS increased by 1.58 and 1.57 times in men and by 1.47 and 2.16 times in women, respectively. Men who were sedentary for 8 h or more had an increased risk of MS, but there was no association between these in women. BLS nutritional intake characteristics were high in carbohydrates and fat and low in dietary fiber and vitamin C (p < 0.05). In conclusion, establishing a healthy eating pattern through nutritional education and increasing walking and strength training may reduce the risk of MS.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition Methodology & Assessment)
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Science and Faith to Understand Milk Bioactivity for Infants
by
Per T. Sangild
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111676 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Milk bioactivity refers to the specific health effects of milk components beyond nutrition. The science of milk bioactivity involves the systematic study of these components and their health effects, as verified by empirical data, controlled experiments, and logical arguments. Conversely, ’faith in milk
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Milk bioactivity refers to the specific health effects of milk components beyond nutrition. The science of milk bioactivity involves the systematic study of these components and their health effects, as verified by empirical data, controlled experiments, and logical arguments. Conversely, ’faith in milk bioactivity’ can be defined as personal opinion, meaning, value, trust, and hope for health effects that are beyond investigation by natural, social, or human sciences. Faith can be strictly secular, but also influenced by spirituality or religion. The aim of this paper is to show that scientific knowledge is frequently supplemented with faith convictions to establish personal and public understanding of milk bioactivity. Mammalian milk is an immensely complex fluid containing myriad proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and micronutrients with multiple functions across species, genetics, ages, environments, and cultures. Human health includes not only physical health, but also social, mental, and spiritual health, requiring widely different fields of science to prove the relevance, safety, and efficacy of milk interventions. These complex relationships between milk feeding and health outcomes prevent firm conclusions based on science and logic alone. Current beliefs in and understanding of the value of breast milk, colostrum, infant formula, or isolated milk proteins (e.g., immunoglobulins, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and growth factors) show that both science and faith contribute to understand, stimulate, or restrict the use of milk bioactivity. The benefits of breastfeeding for infants are beyond doubt, but the strong beliefs in its health effects rely not only on science, and mechanisms are unclear. Likewise, fear of, or trust in, infant formula may rely on both science and faith. Knowledge from science safeguards individuals and society against ‘milk bioactivity superstition’. Conversely, wisdom from faith-based convictions may protect science from unrealistic ‘milk bioactivity scientism’. Honesty and transparency about the potentials and limitations of both scientific knowledge and faith convictions are important when informing individuals and society about the nutritious and bioactive qualities of milk.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Milk Proteins and Human Health)
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The Effect of Microbiome-Modulating Agents (MMAs) on Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by
Ying Zhang, Aiying Huang, Jun Li, William Munthali, Saiying Cao, Ulfah Mahardika Pramono Putri and Lina Yang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111675 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Gut microbiome-modulating agents (MMAs), including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, are shown to ameliorate type 1 diabetes (T1D) by restoring the microbiome from dysbiosis. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of MMAs on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
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Gut microbiome-modulating agents (MMAs), including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, are shown to ameliorate type 1 diabetes (T1D) by restoring the microbiome from dysbiosis. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of MMAs on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and biomarkers associated with (T1D). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, National Knowledge Infrastructure, WeiPu, and WanFang Data up to 30 November 2023. Ten randomized controlled trials (n = 630) were included, with study quality evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Random-effect models with standardized mean differences (SMDs) were utilized. MMA supplementation was associated with improvements in HbA1c (SMD = −0.52, 95% CI [−0.83, −0.20]), daily insulin usage (SMD = −0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.76, −0.07]), and fasting C-peptide (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI [0.17, 1.81]) but had no effects on FBG, CRP, TNF-α, IL-10, LDL, HDL, and the Shannon index. Subgroup analysis of HbA1c indicated that a long-term intervention (>3 months) might exert a more substantial effect. These findings suggest an association between MMAs and glycemic control in T1D. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings with investigations on inflammation and gut microbiota composition while adjusting confounding factors such as diet, physical activity, and the dose and form of MMA intervention.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Dietary Natural Products on Diabetes and Its Complications)
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