Current Nutrition Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: The massive processing of longan fruit consequently generates a significant quantity of by-products that are a nuisance to the environment. This review aims to tap these by-products for sustainable applications in treating hepatic diseases.

Recent findings: Ethnobotanical investigations show that longan fruit has been utilized in liver functioning for over two millennia and is supported by contemporary scientific findings. Recent studies highlighted that these by-products contain bioactive compounds that decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, key drivers of liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These bioactive compounds modulate lipid metabolism, detoxification pathways, and oxidative stress-regulating metabolic pathways of hepatoprotection. In addition, using longan by-products provides a relatively more affordable nutraceutical substitute for synthetic pharmaceuticals. This literature revealed that polyphenolic compounds such as corilagin gallic acid, ellagic acid, and various flavonoids in longan by-products exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that benefit liver health through different pathways including unexplored mechanisms. However, this review recommends exploring the potential functional application of these by-products in food. It emphasizes the need for clinical validation of longan by-product therapies for liver diseases.

Purpose of the review: This literature review provides examples of the influence of certain genetic variants on health outcomes after dietary polyphenol consumption or supplementation. Available evidence is organized according to the major classes of polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, lignans, and tannins) and their derived subgroups.

Recent findings: Nutrigenetic studies have identified mainly single nucleotide polymorphisms located within genes involved in the biotransformation of phenolic acids, stilbenes, lignans and several flavonoid molecules. These genetic variants may affect polyphenol metabolism rates and related predisposition to chronic non-communicable diseases. Moreover, differential cardiometabolic outcomes upon polyphenol supplementation as dietary sources or nutraceuticals have been modulated by specific genotypes. Although current evidence is still limited, growing gene-polyphenol interactions are contributing to systematically elucidate the biological functions of polyphenols; determine individual risk phenotypes to specific diseases or particular responses upon polyphenol exposure; and facilitate the prescription of personalized genotype-based doses of dietary polyphenols to optimize related health benefits. Additionally, the integration of genetics with other omics insights (epigenomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics) trough biological systems and high-dimensional data analyses and interpretation may provide a more comprehensive understanding of polyphenol metabolism for precision nutrition applications in health and disease.

Purpose of review: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has highlighted the potential role of nutrition in modifying disease susceptibility and severity. This review aims to systematically evaluate the current evidence on associations between dietary patterns, assessed using diet quality scores (DQS), and COVID-19 severity and outcomes.

Recent findings: A comprehensive literature search identified 15 studies across diverse populations. Prospective cohort studies generally found higher diet quality associated with lower COVID-19 infection rates. Case-control studies consistently showed reduced odds of COVID-19 infection and severe illness with adherence to anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet. Cross-sectional data revealed associations between higher DQS and reduced COVID-19 symptom burden and improved prognostic biomarkers. An ecological study demonstrated inverse relationships between national-level diet quality and COVID-19 caseloads. Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and plant-based diet scores were notably predictive of favourable outcomes, even after adjusting for confounders. Conversely, consumption of processed foods high in saturated fats, sugars, and additives was linked to increased COVID-19 complications. Despite these findings, research gaps remain, including the impacts of specific dietary components, effect modifiers across populations, and establishing causality through interventional trials. This review highlights the observational evidence supporting the potential integration of optimal nutrition into pandemic preparedness strategies. Further research is needed to strengthen these findings and inform evidence-based dietary recommendations for COVID-19 prevention and management.

Purpose of review: Caffeine has high bioavailability and a purine-like alkaloid structure. It exerts wide-ranging physiological effects by binding to adenosine receptors throughout the human body. Through the activation of those receptors, it can regulate many physiological events in the body. The impact of caffeine consumption on depression, anxiety, stress, and human health remains unclear, constituting an important knowledge gap. This review was conducted to examine the effects of caffeine consumption on depression, anxiety, and stress levels and to offer some recommendations for its future use.

Recent findings: We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases for original articles published in recent years on "caffeine metabolism", "caffeine mechanism", "anxiety", "depression", "stress". Caffeine, which has an antagonistic effect on adenosine, can reduce the risk and symptoms of depression and improve general mental health by modulating the central nervous system and neurotransmitter systems. However, increases in anxiety and stress levels, which are often seen together with depression, are observed due to high-dose caffeine consumption. Caffeine's effects on depression, anxiety, and stress may vary depending on different factors, but the level of consumption is particularly important and attention should be paid to upper limits and reference values while evaluating consumption amounts.

Purpose of review: The gut microbiota (GM) is directly related to health and disease. In this context, disturbances resulting from excessive stress, unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse, and antibiotic use, among other factors, can contribute to microbiota imbalance, with significant impacts on host health. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the literature on the influence of diet on dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability over the past five years.

Recent findings: Diet can be considered one of the main modulating factors of GM, impacting its composition and functionality. Excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and processed foods appears to be directly linked to dysbiosis, which can lead to intestinal hyperpermeability and leaky gut syndrome. On the other hand, diets primarily composed of food groups such as nuts, vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry in moderate quantities, along with limited consumption of red and processed meats, are associated with a more diverse, healthier, and beneficial GM for the host. It is worth noticing that the use of prebiotics and probiotics, omega-3 supplementation, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E can positively modulate the intestinal microbiota by altering its metabolic activity, microbial composition, and improve intestinal barrier function. This review points to a new perspective regarding individualized dietary intervention and the need to integrate it into several aspects of cellular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology to prescribe more effective diets and thus contribute to patients' comprehensive health.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A Ketogenic diet (KD; a diet comprised of 75% fat, 20% protein and 5% carbohydrates) has gained much popularity in recent years, especially regarding neurogliomas (or "gliomas"). This review critically assesses literature on the application of KD throughout the cancer continuum from a Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) perspective. RECENT FINDINGS: 2021 revised classification standards for Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors are available. Despite research on KD and CNS tumors increasing, the role and benefits of MNT to augment side effects of traditional treatment and KD throughout the cancer continuum remain unclear. Glioma cancer survivors may benefit from a KD. It is a challenging, yet feasible non-pharmacological adjuvant approach. More research is needed regarding KD for prevention and post-treatment of glioma. Standard guidelines regarding macronutrient composition of KD for glioma are warranted. The need and benefits of nutritional guidance provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDNs) during adherence to KD are understated.

Purpose of the review: Clinical trials suggest that dietary anthocyanins may enhance cognitive function. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the effect of anthocyanin on cognition and mood in adults.

Recent findings: Using a random-effects model, Hedge's g scores were calculated to estimate the effect size. Across 30 randomized controlled trials, fourteen (n = 733 participants) met the criteria for meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines (Registration number: CRD42021279470). Qualitative synthesis showed improvements in multiple domains after anthocyanin intake: short-term memory, verbal learning and working memory, executive function, visual-spatial function, psychomotor skills, attention and semantic memory. Four of 15 studies reported significant mood improvements, including anti-fatigue and reduced anxiety and depression scores. However, there were no significant effects for working memory (Hedges's g = -0.183, 95% CI = -0.407 to 0.041, P = 0.110), verbal learning (Hedges's g = 0.054, 95% CI = -0.215 to 0.324, P = 0.69), immediate memory (Hedges's g = 0.196, 95% CI = -0.242 to 0.633, P = 0.38) and delayed memory (Hedges's g = -0.188, 95% CI = -0.629 to -0.252, P = 0.402) according to the meta-analysis. This review suggests potential benefits of anthocyanin intake on cognition and mood. However, in meta-analysis of 14 eligible studies, effects on working, immediate, delayed memory and verbal learning were not significant, likely due to study heterogeneity. Recommendations for future study designs are discussed.

Purpose of review: This review aims to consolidate recent findings on the development and functional validation of berry-based foods while proposing guidelines for future advancements.

Recent findings: Current investigations on berry-based functional foods (dairy and bakery products, snacks, etc.) emphasize their potential health benefits, including antioxidant effects, glycemic control, enzyme modulation, among others. Although there is valuable information on the capacity of berry-derived food products to confer health benefits, only 10% of the reviewed publications reached the final validation stage of the formulated product through in vivo assays. The analyzed publications were classified according to the approach used to study the functional potential of the developed berry-based products, considering simple spectrophotometric analysis, in vitro biological studies, and in vivo studies. Guidelines for a successful development of berry-based health enhancing foods were presented. Future research should include functional validation of final food products and confirm their bioactivity through in vivo studies.

Purpose of review: Malnutrition is a significant comorbidity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), contributing to disease progression and reduced quality of life. This narrative review examines the role of nutritional therapy in the prevention and management of malnutrition in COPD, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and their clinical implications.

Recent findings: COPD patients face increased metabolic demands, systemic inflammation, and reduced dietary intake, resulting in muscle wasting, sarcopenia, and cachexia. Recent evidence highlights the efficacy of targeted nutritional strategies, including essential amino acid supplementation, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants, in improving respiratory function, muscle strength, and patient well-being. Comprehensive nutritional assessments and personalized interventions are increasingly recognized as critical components of COPD care. However, long-term efficacy data remain limited. Nutritional therapy plays a pivotal role in managing malnutrition and improving clinical outcomes in COPD. This review synthesizes the latest evidence, identifies gaps in current research, and proposes strategies for integrating personalized nutrition into COPD care. Future studies are needed to establish the long-term benefits of these interventions and to develop tailored nutritional guidelines for COPD patients.

Purpose of review: The term metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) refers to a group of progressive steatotic liver conditions that include metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which has varying degrees of liver fibrosis and may advance to cirrhosis, and independent hepatic steatosis. MASLD has a complex underlying mechanism, with patients exhibiting diverse causes and phases of the disease. India has a pool prevalence of MASLD of 38.6% in adults. In 2023, the term NAFLD has been redefined and changed to MASLD. Currently, there are no drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of MASLD. This study investigates the potential of bioactive phytoconstituents present in spices as a therapeutic approach for MASLD. Moreover, it offers comprehensive data on several pre-clinical studies of bioactive phytoconstituents derived from spices that primarily focus on treating obesity-associated MASLD.

Recent findings: Spices include a high amount of bioactive chemicals and several research have indicated their diverse pharmacological activities. Bioactive phytoconstituents from common Indian spices like cinnamic acid, eugenol, curcumin, allicin, 6-gingerols, capsaicin, piperine, eucalyptol, trigonelline, and linalool have been reported to exhibit anti-MASLD effects both in-vivo and in-vitro. Bioactive phytoconstituents from different culinary species of India have shown promising potential against MASLD in pre-clinical status. Further clinical studies on a large scale would be beneficial for paving the path to the development of a new drug which is the need of time.