Current Nutrition Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: Nutition has long been of importance in the care of Huntington's disease (HD). The purpose of this review is to summarize recent research relevant to HD nutrition, and to describe some emerging theoretical approaches to research in this area.

Recent findings: Clinical studies have identified swallowing problems and fear of choking as major impediments to maintaining nutritional status with HD. Tube feeding is associated with co-morbidities, and provides limited benefits. Non-human models of HD have been utilized to study diets and supplements. Application of findings from these models to humans has not been shown to be of comparable benefit. While studies of nutritional factors in non-human models of HD have shown some promising results, trials in humans have found little efficacy for diets or supplements. The complexity of human metabolic pathways may require a more sophisticated omics approach to identify and study more beneficial interventions.

Purpose of review: This review evaluates current research on grape-based interventions and their impact on cognitive and mental health. It also explores the putative mechanisms by which the grape-derived compounds might modulate cognitive function. The growing prevalence of cognitive decline and mental health disorders necessitates exploring novel dietary approaches. Grapes, rich in polyphenols, have demonstrated potential benefits in preclinical studies. However, translating these findings to humans remains an ongoing endeavor.

Recent findings: Recent clinical trials complement existing observational data, suggesting a positive influence of grape consumption on cognition, particularly in areas of memory, learning, and overall cognitive function and emotional well-being. The potential mechanisms involve the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grapes, which may mitigate neuroinflammation and protect brain cells from free radical damage. Evidence from existing research suggests that grape based interventions may improve cognitive performance through several neuroprotective mechanisms; however, further investigation is needed to understand the protective effects of grape-based interventions on brain function and mental health. Large-scale trials to assess the long-term effects and safety profile of grape interventions are required. Additionally, extensive epidemiological research is needed to confirm the effect of grape interventions on cognitive health and to determine the best beneficial dosage and duration of supplementations to maximise cognitive benefits.

Purpose of review: This review explores the mechanistic pathways and clinical implications of phytochemicals in obesity management, addressing the global health crisis of obesity and the pressing need for effective, natural strategies to combat this epidemic.

Recent findings: Phytochemicals demonstrate significant potential in obesity control through various molecular mechanisms. These include the modulation of adipogenesis, regulation of lipid metabolism, enhancement of energy expenditure, and suppression of appetite. Recent studies have provided compelling clinical evidence supporting the use of specific phytochemicals in obesity treatment. Notable among these are green tea extract, rich in catechins; garcinia cambogia, containing hydroxycitric acid; resveratrol, found in grapes and berries; and berberine, derived from various plants. These compounds have shown promising results in clinical trials, Recent studies show that phytochemicals contribute to weight loss, BMI reduction, and lipid profile improvement, highlighting their potential in managing obesity and associated comorbidities. However, research in this field also faces challenges, including inconsistent bioavailability and the need for standardized dosing protocols. Phytochemicals offer a promising avenue for obesity management, acting through multiple pathways to influence weight control. While clinical evidence supports the efficacy of certain phytochemicals, further research and rigorous clinical validation are necessary to fully understand their potential and overcome existing challenges. This review underscores the importance of continued investigation into phytochemicals as a complementary approach to addressing the global obesity epidemic, potentially leading to more effective and natural interventions for weight management.

Purpose of review: This review aims to determine whether muscle mass and function can be effectively maintained without relying on animal-based protein sources. We evaluate the quality, digestibility, and essential amino acid profiles of plant-based proteins to understand their potential in preventing and managing sarcopenia.

Recent finding: Recent studies indicate that while animal-based proteins have traditionally been considered the gold standard for supporting muscle protein synthesis, certain plant-based protein blends, fortified with leucine or other essential amino acids, can produce comparable anabolic responses. Advances in processing techniques have improved the bioavailability and overall quality of plant proteins, and emerging research suggests that strategic meal planning and supplementation can overcome prior limitations. Although animal-based proteins remain highly effective in preserving muscle mass, plant-based proteins can serve as a viable alternative in many scenarios. Future research should focus on well-designed, large-scale studies across diverse populations to refine guidelines for optimizing plant-based protein intake in sarcopenia prevention and management.

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to summarize and put into context the current evidence on anthropometric measurements and laboratory methods used in the evaluation of body composition in pregnancy, in the light of current studies.

Recent findings: Protecting women's health during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is important for maternal health. Pregnancy is a critical period during which the female body undergoes significant changes to support fetal growth and development. Maternal changes in body composition are associated with fatal development and maternal health during pregnancy. Anthropometry is a simple, reliable, and low-cost method that can be applied globally in primary care for evaluating maternal nutritional status. Maternal anthropometry is important in predicting various complications that may occur during pregnancy, such as intrauterine growth retardation and the risk of low birth weight. In this context, anthropometric measurements such as body weight, skinfold thickness, and middle upper arm circumference, and laboratory methods such as body water, body density, bioelectrical impedance analysis, ultrasound, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently used in estimating the body composition of pregnant women. In addition to body weight gain monitoring, it is possible to determine the body composition of a pregnant woman by using different anthropometric measurements and the proposed equations. Accurate evaluation of anthropometric measurements and body composition in pregnant women is important in protecting the health of the mother and baby and in the early diagnosis of complications that may occur during pregnancy.

Purpose of review: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) can mimic or interfere with hormones in the body, leading to non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Susceptibility to EDs increases during prenatal and postnatal life, a critical time window. This review aims to summarize the latest evidence on the relation of early life exposure to some EDs with obesity and the other metabolic disorders.  RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing evidence that early life exposure to EDs may impair adipogenesis by increasing the number and size of adipocytes, thereby increasing susceptibility to obesity in childhood. It is stated that exposure to EDs during the prenatal and postnatal period may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood by disrupting glucose, lipid, and insulin homeostasis in the offspring. They can also accelerate the development of type 1 diabetes through various mechanisms, like immunomodulation, gut microbiota, and vitamin D pathways. There is a growing understanding that ED exposure during critical stages of life could play an important role in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. We suggest setting national goals, global standards, and policies to reduce environmental exposure to pregnant and lactating women, and babies, considered sensitive populations.

Purpose of review: High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension (HTN) remains key risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Circulating fatty acids (FAs) in the blood can affect directly cardiovascular hemodynamics and serves as building blocks for endocrine mediators modifying inflammatory processes and vascular function. This review aims to describe optimal circulating FA profiles for BP to adjust dietary recommendations for HTN prevention.

Recent findings: Recent research highlights the critical role of FAs in regulating inflammation and vascular function. Different FAs have varying effects on oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction, all contributing to HTN. These findings emphasize the importance of FAs in managing BP and preventing CVD. Up-to-now, findings suggest that eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3), arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0) and lignoceric acid (24:0) were promising candidates in reducing BP and thus, dietary intake could be recommended. Conversely, dietary intake of myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), and industrial trans FAs (iTFAs) should be restricted due to their association with elevated BP. Further research is warranted for pentadecanoic acid (15:0), heptadecanoic acid (17:0), stearic acid (18:0), alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n3), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n3), linoleic acid (18:2n6), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3n6), arachidonic acid (20:4n6), palmitoleic acid (16:1n7), and ruminant TFAs since their associations with BP present inconsistencies in the literature. Lifestyle factors such as dietary intake, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking should be considered when examining the relationship between FAs and BP. Overall, the FAs profile may contribute to BP level management; therefore, dietary recommendations are important.

Purpose of the review: Mounting evidence indicates that individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face a heightened risk of severe outcomes upon contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Current medications for COVID-19 often carry side effects, necessitating alternative therapies with improved tolerance. This review explores the biological mechanisms rendering COPD patients more susceptible to severe COVID-19 and investigates the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 in COPD patients.

Recent findings: Current evidence indicates that COPD patients are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to factors including compromised pulmonary function, dysregulated inflammation, weakened immune response, increased oxidative stress, elevated expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors in the lungs, and genetic predispositions. Remarkably, n-3 PUFAs exhibit the potential in ameliorating the clinical outcomes of COPD patients with COVID-19 by modulating inflammation, reinforcing the body's antioxidant defenses, reducing viral entry and replication, and enhancing immunity. N-3 PUFAs hold potential for improving COVID-19 outcomes in patients with COPD. However, there has been limited investigation into the therapeutic effects of n-3 PUFAs in enhancing clinical outcomes for COPD patients. Rigorous clinical studies are essential to evaluate the impact of n-3 PUFAs on COPD patients with concurrent COVID-19 infection.

Purpose of review: This review delves comprehensively into the nutritional profiles and diverse biological activities of different berries. So far 19 different types of berries have been identified for human consumption and studied for their nutritional and biological activities. Among them, acai berry, blueberry, blackberry, black currant, boysenberry, and bilberry have been summarized in this review (Part I). These berries are reported to possess various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-neurodegenerative, and antimicrobial properties. The key to these health-promoting effects lies in the rich array of bioactive compounds present in these berries, including flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, stilbenes, and phenolic acids which makes these berries promising candidates as sources for functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals.

Recent findings: These berries are dense in various polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These bioactive compounds have proven to exhibit various in-vitro and in-vivo biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, etc. The consumption of the above-mentioned berries particularly acai berry, blueberry, and boysenberry primarily reduces free radicals and inflammatory compounds thereby promoting a healthier life.

Purpose of review: The diverse polyphenolic components present in these berries are responsible for their functional properties in human health. Hence, there is an increasing demand for research in berry bioactive components to understand the mechanism of action in alleviating and preventing diseases. Therefore, in this last part-III of the review series, mulberry, raspberry, salmonberry, Saskatoonberry, and strawberry are discussed in terms of their bioactive components and corresponding substantial health benefits.

Recent findings: The aforementioned berries provide essential and nonessential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and various phenolic compounds. Similar to the other reported berries, these berries possess good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. The bioactive components present in the berries are crucial for the overall well-being of humans and hence consumption of berries mentioned in part-III as well as part-I and part-II possesses substantial health benefits, particularly cognitive and cardio health.