Current Nutrition Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: Glucagon-like peptide- 1 receptor agonists (GLP- 1 RA) are a rapidly expanding class of medications used to treat many chronic diseases. This review explores factors that may contribute to accelerated muscle loss among higher-risk patient populations and describes tailored interventions to reduce the risk of accelerated sarcopenia and frailty.

Recent findings: While GLP- 1 RA can result in total weight loss upwards of 25%, recent studies show that they can also lead to significant loss of lean body mass, reaching as high as 15-40% of total weight lost. This rapid and significant decline in muscle mass while taking GLP- 1 RA places certain patient populations already predisposed to sarcopenia at higher risk for muscle loss and adverse events. Currently, there is insufficient evidence delving into the impact of GLP- 1 RA on body composition among older adults, patients with chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, research suggests that a high protein diet and resistance training may help prevent loss of muscle mass during GLP- 1 RA usage. A targeted and individualized nutrition and physical activity regimen should be instituted for each patient with a focus on optimizing protein intake and performing frequent resistance training in order to minimize loss of muscle mass while promoting the loss of fat mass. Future research should evaluate the impact of GLP- 1 RA on sarcopenia in high-risk patient populations.

Purpose of the review: Age-related cognitive decline is an important global challenge. Substantial evidence suggests that diet may prevent or delay cognitive aging. This narrative review examines recent literature on how dietary factors influence cognitive function, with a focus on subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Recent findings: Higher intakes of flavonoids, carotenoids, and plant-based protein were associated with lower odds of SCD. Berries, citrus fruits and juices, carotenoid-rich and green leafy vegetables, and beans/legumes were among the foods with the strongest inverse associations with SCD. Healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean and MIND diet, may be beneficial for maintaining subjective cognitive function. Healthy choice of diet may play a role in lowering the risk of late-life SCD.

Purpose of review: This review was conducted to discuss the etiology of autism in the light of current information, to draw attention to the fact that defects in different biological mechanisms cause autism, and to examine the effectiveness of dietary interventions and supplements in relieving ASD symptoms.

Recent findings: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an extremely heterogeneous condition characterized by delays in reciprocal social interaction and communication skills, stereotyped behaviors, and a narrowed range of interests and limited activities. Comorbid conditions such as cognitive impairment, epilepsy, psychiatric diseases, and behavioral symptoms such as impaired social communication, repetitive behaviors, lack of interest in the environment, nutritional disorders, gastrointestinal diseases and abnormal (dysbiotic) states, sleep disorders, and dysmorphism are frequently encountered in individuals with ASD. Although nutrition is one of the environmental factors affecting ASD, it can also be effective in alleviating the behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms of ASD. Various dietary models (GFCF diet, low glycemic index diet, ketogenic diet, specific carbohydrate diet, Mediterranean diet, GAPS, Feingold, Candida body ecology, allergy elimination diets, etc.) and supplements (vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics and prebiotics, phytochemicals) can be used to alleviate symptoms in individuals with ASD. The effectiveness and reliability of dietary interventions in individuals with ASD are a matter of significant debate, and the evidence for these practices is limited. Furthermore, there is no consensus on establishing an ideal nutritional model for individuals with ASD.

Purpose of review: This review examines the relationship between diet-induced inflammation and inflammatory markers in obese individuals. Considering the chronic inflammatory state linked to obesity and its association with metabolic diseases, the review focuses on how dietary patterns, particularly pro- and anti-inflammatory patterns, impact inflammation.

Recent findings: Recent studies suggest that pro-inflammatory diets, rich in processed and energy-dense foods, are associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, in individuals with obesity. Using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), research has found correlations between high DII scores and increased levels of inflammation. However, results regarding other biomarkers like TNF-alpha, leptin, and adiponectin are mixed. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet - rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyphenols while low in processed foods and refined sugars -may reduce inflammation markers. However, the extent of these effects varies across studies, populations, and methods, highlighting the heterogeneity of the findings. Diet is a modifiable factor in managing obesity-related inflammation. While pro-inflammatory diets consistently elevate inflammatory biomarkers, anti-inflammatory diets show potential benefits but inconsistent results. The DII is a valuable tool, but further research is needed to clarify its role in managing inflammation and supporting long-term health, considering factors like physical activity and body composition.

Purpose of review: The purpose of the review is to share experiential recommendations to improve nutrition education for medical students. The review examines the history and the current state of nutrition education in order to identify opportunities to strengthen medical provider nutrition knowledge. Methods currently in use by medical school educators are highlighted to promote wellness and prevent development of chronic disease. Lastly, strategies and resources are described to integrate fundamental nutrition concepts into medical school education.

Recent findings: Several surveys reveal that most U.S. medical students and residents feel underprepared to address patient nutrition and lifestyle concerns. Innovative programs such as culinary medicine, hands-on cooking electives, and modules on motivational interviewing show promise in improving students' competence and confidence. There is a lack of guidance from nutrition experts on how to improve medical school education by incorporating nutrition. A growing number of experts agree that medical school curricula should include more comprehensive nutrition content to prepare future physicians for addressing chronic diseases. Structured learning modules, enrichment electives, real-world community involvement, and interdisciplinary approaches can enhance evidence-based dietary counseling skills in medical trainees.

Purpose of review: Sprouts are valued for their rich nutritional profile, fresh taste, and ease of production. As consumer demand for healthier foods increases, innovative methods are needed to enhance sprout quality. Cold Plasma (CP) and Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) have emerged as promising, sustainable technologies in agriculture, particularly for improving seed germination and plant growth.

Recent findings: CP and PAW influence plant hormonal activity, improve water uptake, and modify seed coats, leading to enhanced sprout quality. These technologies impact bioactive compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, polyphenols, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, and antioxidants, which promote seed growth and alter the nutritional and functional properties of sprouts. PAW, with its unique chemical properties, acidifies the environment, modifies redox potential, and produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which are essential for metabolic pathways in seed germination. Researchers are addressing challenges like discoloration, surface etching, and bioactive material degradation to optimize PAW applications in sprout production. CP and PAW offer cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for improving sprout quality by stimulating seed germination and growth. Their effects on bioactive compounds and metabolic pathways make them valuable tools in modern agriculture. However, optimizing their application is crucial to maximizing benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks. Further research is needed to refine these technologies for commercial sprout production.

Purpose of review: Food insecurity has recently emerged as a growing problem among students attending post-secondary institutions in high income countries, where it is associated with poorer health outcomes and poorer academic performance. The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis is to synthesize evidence from published studies describing the prevalence of food insecurity among students in post-secondary educational institutions. A broad search was employed to identify any studies related to food security among post-secondary students in high income countries (PROSPERO identifier: CRD42023468944). Four electronic databases were systematically searched: Medline, CINAHL, Global Health, and Embase, in November 2023. Key thematic areas searched were food insecurity and education; no temporal limitations were placed on the search. Only English language peer-reviewed articles were considered. Four authors independently reviewed all articles to identify relevant studies.

Recent findings: 156 studies are included in this review. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 122,269 participants (total participants 743,075; 409,047 women) with a median of 4764. Most studies were based in the USA (n = 139, 88%), and most were cross-sectional (n = 131, 84%). All articles were published after 2009, with more than three-quarters (n = 121, 77.5%) published after 2020. One hundred (64%) studies reported the mean age of participants; across these studies the average age was 22.4 years (range 18 to 78 years). Almost all studies employed one form of the USDA household food security survey module. Food insecurity across the whole sample ranged from 11.8 to 98%, the pooled estimate for food insecurity was 42.2%, (95% CI = 38.8-45.8%). Our findings show that a high proportion of students attending post-secondary institutions experience food insecurity, potentially leading to both poorer academic and health outcomes.

Purpose of review: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by numerous cysts in kidneys and other organs which enlarge and cause organ dysfunction, with kidney involvement being the most common. Recently, increased body mass index, and adiposity have been associated with disease progression. In this review, we summarized the available literature on anthropometrics (body mass index, waist circumference, weight to hip ratio and visceral adipose tissue and their relationship with ADPKD progression.

Recent findings: Although the mechanisms are not clear, various pathological processes and signaling pathways are aberrantly activated with increased adiposity in patients with ADPKD. These alterations may result in glomerular hyperfiltration, chronic inflammation, aberrant signaling, and metabolic alterations which cause disease progression in ADPKD. Although increased adiposity may be associated with ADPKD progression, the best anthropometric parameter related to disease progression is not known. Losing weight in overweight and obese individuals with ADPKD is probably beneficial but the type of diet (daily caloric restriction, intermittent fasting etc.) that is most effective needs to be clarified. Moreover, caution is warranted during weight loss, as caloric restriction may cause malnutrition.

Purpose of review: This narrative review investigates how urolithins produced by the gut microbiota can regulate transcription factors (such as NRF2, NF-kB, and PPAR-γ) associated with senescence, inflammation, and imbalanced redox status. It also discusses the potential benefits of urolithins for patients with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.

Recent findings: Studies have shown that urolithins have many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. They are also linked to improved mitochondrial function and imbalanced redox associated with activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway. Urolithins are metabolites produced by gut microbiota from ellagic acid and ellagitannins, polyphenols primarily found in nuts and fruits, including pomegranates and berries like raspberries, cloudberries, and blackberries.

Purpose of the review: The escalating incidence of obesity and metabolic syndromes has catalyzed a critical evaluation of dietary sugars, leading to an increased interest in non-nutritive and natural sweeteners as viable alternatives. This manuscript reviews the historical developments, safety profiles, and health-related consequences of these sweeteners, tracing the evolution from early discoveries such as saccharin and cyclamate to contemporary compounds like aspartame, sucralose, and plant-derived sweeteners.

Recent findings: We explore the physiological mechanisms underpinning sweet taste perception, including the roles of T1R and T2R receptors, and the neurochemical pathways involving dopamine in mediating the rewarding effects of sugar consumption. The review underscores the adverse health impacts associated with excessive intake of added sugars, which correlate positively with conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Attention is given to the contrasting profiles of non-nutritive sweeteners and natural sweetener alternatives, with an emphasis on emerging concerns regarding the safety and long-term ramifications of synthetic sweeteners. The regulatory context surrounding the approval and utilization of sweeteners varies significantly across different jurisdictions, warranting careful consideration. As consumer inclination shifts towards healthier dietary choices, a nuanced understanding of the implications of sweetener selection on public health is imperative.