Current Nutrition Reports最新文献

Purpose of the review: Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is a multifactorial disorder affecting 12.5-31.4% of adults characterized by a cluster of conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and dyslipidemia. Lifestyle and dietary interventions are essential components of its management. With growing interest in natural sources, citrus species are one source that has been traditionally used to treat the symptoms of MetSyn. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical studies to assess the effects of citrus species and their derived phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, limonoids, and carotenoids, on key metabolic parameters. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of citrus species in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome based on preclinical studies using essential oils and extracts, clinical studies, and the activity of their bioactive phytoconstituents.

Recent findings: Citrus species such as Citrus limon, Citrus medica, Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus aurantium, Citrus grandis, Citrus maxima, Citrus sinensis, Citrus assamensis, Citrus sphaerocarpa, Citrus reticulata, Citrus japonica, and Citrus unshiu have been reported to treat metabolic syndrome. Preclinical studies demonstrate that citrus essential oils and extracts improve insulin sensitivity, reduce body weight and lipid levels, and aid in blood pressure regulation. Prominent bioactive phytoconstituents from citrus species include d-limonene, β-pinene, neral, citronellal, thymol, β-sitosterol, oleic acid, limonene, linalool, citral, α-pinene, coumarin, hexadecenoic acid, hesperidin, neohesperidin, eugenol, geraniol, and p-cymene, have also been reported to demonstrate anti-obesity, antidiabetics, antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, and cardiovascular protective properties. Clinical trials support these findings, showing significant improvements in metabolic markers in human subjects following citrus-based interventions. Citrus species, due to their rich phytochemical composition, show considerable promise as natural therapeutic agents for mitigating the risks associated with metabolic syndrome. Further well-designed clinical trials are warranted to establish standardized dosages, to concentrate on their mechanisms of action, routes of administration, safe dosage, and potential side effects to ensure their efficacy and safety in treating MetSyn.

Purpose of review: This narrative review aims to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of fruit seed extracts, emphasizing their bioactive components such as antioxidants, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. By examining studies published from 1993 to 2024, it evaluates how these natural compounds may contribute to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Recent findings: Recent literature indicates a strong correlation between the intake of fruit and vegetable-based compounds and reduced inflammatory markers. In contrast, diets high in sugars, saturated fats, and additives are linked with heightened inflammatory responses. Several fruit seed extracts demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, largely attributed to their high concentrations of polyphenols and other phytochemicals. Fruit seed extracts contain bioactive compounds that modulate key inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB and MAPK, and exhibit strong antioxidant properties. These mechanisms contribute to their potential use as natural therapeutic agents for managing chronic inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and metabolic disorders. Future research should focus on clinical validation, standardization of extract formulations, and understanding long-term safety and efficacy in human populations.

Purpose of the review: This systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence on replacing animal foods (eggs, red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products) with plant foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, soy, and non-soy legumes) regarding cancer risk, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality.

Recent findings: A systematic search was done using PubMed and Web of Science, adhering to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that substituted animal foods or animal protein with plant foods or plant protein were considered. The ROBINS-E tool was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 17 articles were included, thereof 14 cohort studies, one case-cohort study, and two pooled analyses of cohort studies. Replacing animal foods or animal protein with plant foods or plant protein was associated with a reduced cancer risk in six studies (two studies on colorectal cancer, one on rectal cancer, and three on breast cancer), whereas four studies found no associations (one each for liver, bladder, colon and total cancer). The substitution of animal foods or animal protein with plant foods or plant protein was associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality and total mortality in three and five studies, respectively. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to the high heterogeneity of the studies. Substituting animal foods with plant foods may contribute to reducing the risk of breast and colorectal cancer, cancer mortality, and total mortality. Future studies should assess the effect of this substitution on other cancer types.

Purpose of review: Supplements for exercise have gained significant attention among athletes and sports practitioners. Herbs with high bioactive content are commonly used to enhance exercise performance. Among these, Cordyceps spp., a traditional herb from China, is recognized for its pharmacological properties, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects observed in vitro. As an immunomodulatory agent, Cordyceps has been shown to successfully stimulate cytokine synthesis in human peripheral blood. Given that inflammation is a natural part of the aerobic exercise response, We aim in this review to summarize the effects of Cordyceps on aerobic performance and fitness in human studies.

Recent findings: Most studies involved active, young participants. Long-term supplementation with Cordyceps, ranging from 2 to 16 weeks, has demonstrated improvements in aerobic performance in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by an increase in time to exhaustion. However, the effects on aerobic fitness remain inconsistent. Furthermore, the ergogenic potential of Cordyceps in aging and sedentary populations requires further investigation due to the limited number of studies available. It also appears that Cordyceps supplementation may have a greater impact on aerobic performance and fitness when combined with other herbs and exercise training. Cordyceps supplementation shows potential as an ergogenic aid for exercise. Further research is needed to explore its effects at the cellular level in human studies.

Purpose of review: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of trans fatty acids (TFAs) and their impact on human health, examining the molecular mechanisms underlying TFA-induced pathogenesis of chronic diseases. We combine current evidence on TFA metabolism, cellular effects, and associated health outcomes to inform public health strategies.

Recent findings: TFAs are mainly derived from two sources: industrial processes and natural biohydrogenation. Following dietary intake, TFAs are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enter systemic circulation. Recent epidemiological and experimental evidence has shown that TFAs disrupt lipid metabolism, elevate oxidative stress, and activate inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB. Additionally, TFAs induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and impair autophagy, contributing to insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and adipose tissue dysfunction. These processes impair systemic metabolic dysfunction. TFAs exert multiple adverse effects on metabolic and cellular processes, supporting their role in the progression of chronic diseases. Understanding the mechanistic basis of TFA-induced dysfunction underscores the importance of reducing dietary intake through regulatory policies and public health interventions.

Purpose of review: Depression is highly prevalent in the United States. Literature has investigated common demographic risk factors and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The effects of vitamins and their interactions on depression prevalence and symptoms has gained interest, especially in the context of a large representative sample. The review aims to evaluate the literature concerning individual vitamins and their association with depression.

Recent findings: Several observational studies have been conducted to determine the effects of individual vitamins on depression. These studies have conflicting results regarding the impact and magnitude of vitamin effects, and previous studies evaluating the effect of vitamin interactions on depression have limited generalizability. Despite pharmacologic and biological rationale supporting the potential role of vitamins in combating depression, results of studies evaluating vitamin intake and depression in humans are inconsistent and limited. Further research is needed to assess the link between nutrition and depression in robust populations, particularly in groups at risk for or suffering from depression.

Context: While several studies have assessed the potential effect of intermittent fasting on reducing cardiovascular risks, the findings are inconclusive.

Objective: To compare the relative effectiveness of intermittent fasting methods in reducing key cardiovascular risks.

Methods: Studies were searched from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library Central and Global Health to identify studies that enrolled adults (≥ 18 years) to intermittent fasting methods and reported effects on one of the six specified cardiovascular risk factors. We performed a random-effects network meta-analysis using a frequentist framework. Outcomes were reported as mean differences (MD) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Fifty-six studies were included in the analysis. With high certainty of evidence, modified alternate-day fasting was found to be the most effective intervention compared to a usual diet in reducing body weight (MD= -5.18 kg; 95% CI: -7.04, -3.32), waist circumference (-3.55 cm; -5.66, -1.45), systolic blood pressure (-7.24 mmHg; -11.90, -2.58), diastolic blood pressure (-4.70 mmHg; -8.46, -0.95). With high certainty, time-restricted eating was the most effective intervention compared to usual diet in reducing fat-free mass (-0.82 kg; -1.46, -0.17), waist circumference (-3.00 cm; -4.50, -1.51), diastolic blood pressure (-3.24 mmHg; -4.69, -1.79) and fasting plasma glucose (-3.74 mg/dL; -6.01, -1.46).

Conclusions: Modified alternate-day fasting, and time-restricted eating appear to be promising approaches for reducing most cardiovascular risk factors. These intermittent fasting methods may be considered as potential components of lifestyle interventions aimed at managing cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, further long-term randomised controlled trials comparing intermittent fasting methods are needed to confirm their efficacy and assess their safety over time.