Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading causes of preventable liver-related morbidity and mortality globally. Bioactive polysaccharides exhibit substantial potential as functional foods and therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver injury (ALI). Morchella, an edible and medicinal fungus, contains polysaccharides with diverse biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Morchella mycelium polysaccharides (MP) against alcohol-induced liver injury and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The MP was isolated from the Morchella mycelium using water extraction–ethanol precipitation. Its primary component was glucose (96.555%), with a weight-average molecular weight of 5.7 kDa and an α-glycosidic configuration. These characteristics indicated a highly homogeneous polysaccharide structure. Research findings demonstrated that the MP significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, improved lipid metabolism (evidenced by decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels), and restored the histopathological structure of the mouse liver. Mechanistically, the MP alleviated oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and inhibiting lipid peroxidation (indicated by reduced malondialdehyde levels). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed the anti-inflammatory mechanism of MP. It downregulated the expression of Ifi16, Pycard, and Nlrp3 by suppressing the Nlrp3 inflammasome in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. This suppression subsequently inhibited pro-Casp1 activation and the pyroptosis of hepatocytes. Additionally, the MP upregulated the antimicrobial peptide Camp, highlighting its dual functions in anti-inflammation and intestinal barrier protection. Collectively, these results suggest that Morchella mycelia polysaccharide, as a potent natural compound, holds significant promise for combating alcohol-induced liver injury.

Diet quality and social support play essential roles in maintaining the health of older adults. However, the relationship between these factors remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association between social support and dietary quality among community-dwelling older adults in China. This study analyzed 515 community-dwelling older adults from three districts in Shanghai that were selected based on their geographic location and level of economic development between March and November 2022. Dietary quality was assessed using the China Elderly Dietary Guideline Index (CDGI), China Healthy Eating Index (CHEI), and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Social support was measured using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Associations between dietary quality and social support were examined using linear regression models. Participants had a mean age of 71.3 ± 4.7 years, and 39.4% were male. The mean CDGI, CHEI, and DII scores were 76.35 ± 11.38, 63.87 ± 9.75, and 0.57 ± 1.65, respectively. The mean SSRS score was 35.05 ± 7.54, ranging from 30.86 to 105.61. Correlation analysis showed that CDGI positively correlated with SSRS and CHEI but negatively correlated with DII. Participants in the highest CDGI tertile reported lower total fat intake and higher consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients compared to those in the lowest tertile. After adjusting for confounding factors, a higher CDGI score was significantly associated with higher SSRS scores (β = 0.094, 95% CI: 0.056–1.679, p = 0.036). Conversely, a lower DII score was significantly associated with higher SSRS scores (β = −0.088, 95% CI: −1.587 to −0.030, p = 0.042). These results showed that dietary quality and social support are positively correlated among older Chinese adults, highlighting the importance of strengthening social networks to promote healthier diets. These findings underscore the potential for community-based interventions targeting social and nutritional factors to be correlated with improved health outcomes in aging populations.

The treatment of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition includes ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs). Novel RUTF recipes aim for inclusion of locally sourced nutrient-dense food ingredients for sustainability in product availability. This study investigated the incorporation of rice bran into RUTF formulations to enhance the bioactive nutrient profile. Experimental RUTFs were developed containing 0%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% rice bran, without a vitamin/mineral premix for targeted nutrient and non-targeted metabolite analysis. Additionally, an investigation was conducted analyzing the nutrient density and food safety of small-scale mill-sourced rice bran varieties collected from Guatemala and Cambodia for comparison to a US-commercial rice bran. Targeted nutrient composition analysis of the RUTFs revealed dietary fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin B1 generally increased with higher rice bran content, though it was not dose dependent. The non-targeted metabolite analysis identified 883 biochemicals across the four experimental RUTFs. Significant metabolite fold changes were identified for a variety of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and xenobiotics in 5%, 7.5%, and 10% rice bran-RUTFs compared to the 0%. Analysis of small-scale mill-sourced rice brans from Guatemala and Cambodia showed variation in vitamin composition, with vitamin B3 averaging 37.1 mg/100 g and vitamin E ranging from 3.2 to 6.0 mg/100 g. These varieties also demonstrated variable microbial levels and trace metal contents, warranting continuous monitoring and evaluation in global supply chains. These findings support the feasibility of incorporating rice bran into RUTFs for malnutrition treatment and the benefit of screening locally sourced rice bran to address regional nutrient-dense food product development and specifically for malnutrition treatment.

Hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia are growing global health concerns and early warning signs for serious chronic diseases such as gout, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. To explore whether long-term consumption of clams influences these conditions, we conducted a 60-day feeding study in rats. Fresh clams were boiled, dried, powdered, and administered orally to four groups (n = 7) at dosages 0 (control), 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg body weight. Results show the high-dose group exhibited a significant reduction in liver weight compared to controls (p = 0.007). Biochemically, all clam-fed groups displayed significant globulin levels and albumin/globulin ratios (p = 0.036). Total bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the low and medium dose groups relative to controls (p = 0.031 and p = 0.047, respectively). AST levels significantly differed between medium and high dose groups (p = 0.048). Additionally, TBA increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing a marked rise (p = 0.0001). Renal function parameters remained largely unchanged except for uric acid, which increased in a clear dose-dependent pattern: control 128.2 ± 52.7 μmol/L; low 145.1 ± 71.6; medium 161.6 ± 132.8; high 339.5 ± 169.7. These elevations were significant between controls and high-dose (p = 0.018) and between low- and high-dose groups (p = 0.037). Blood glucose also rose dose-dependently, reaching 17.6 ± 4.9 mmol/L in the high-dose group, significantly higher than all lower-dose groups (p ≤ 0.015). The study underscores that shellfish's high purine content, such as in clams, may provoke hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia, especially at higher consumption levels.

A 2023 study identified two phenolic acid derivatives (HBP2–3) in the extract from the edible macroalga (Bangia fuscopurpurea), and we previously demonstrated the in vitro neuroprotective effects of HBP2–3. However, the appropriate starting experimental concentration range for HBP2–3 in animals remained unclear, and it was uncertain which compound might carry a lower toxicity risk. This study assessed the in vivo lethal dose of HBP2–3 and analyzed their in silico toxicological profiles to support a structure–toxicity relationship (STR) analysis. We predicted their LD₅₀ using the tools GUSAR and DL-AOT, and determined their lethal concentrations (LC) using the in vivo zebrafish eleutheroembryo model. We predicted their toxicological properties using the tools (ADMETlab 3.0, TISBE, and embryoTox). An in vitro model was further selected to assess their toxicity. In in silico models, HBP2–3 showed potential to treat 12 parkinsonian syndromes, and HBP2 exhibited a higher rat oral LD₅₀ than HBP3. In the in vivo zebrafish eleutheroembryo model, HBP2 (0.1–200 μM) and HBP3 (0.1–10 μM) did not induce mortality, and median LC (LC₅₀) of HBP3 was estimated to be 115.48 μM. Compared with HBP3, HBP2 exhibited the following in silico advantages: (a) lower probabilities of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity; and (b) a reduced risk of developmental toxicity. In in vitro human neuronal IMR-32 cells, HBP3 exhibited greater cytotoxicity, potentially associated with the downregulation of Bcl-2 and the activation of caspase-3. These advantages of HBP2 may be associated with an increased degree of hydroxylation.

In this study, we developed starch-based bionanocomposite films by incorporating Peganum harmala extract (PE) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles into a sago-starch matrix. We evaluated their physicochemical properties and their ability to retard lipid oxidation and preserve sensory quality in chicken fillets during 12 days of refrigerated storage (4°C). The optimal film formulation containing 3% TiO₂ and 10% PE exhibited a significantly reduced moisture content (6.16% ± 0.37% vs. 10.53% ± 0.39% in the control), lower water solubility (18.74% ± 0.49% vs. 23.94% ± 0.82%), and enhanced water absorption capacity (1.60 ± 0.04 vs. 2.19 ± 0.07 g/g). Mechanical testing showed that its tensile strength increased by 54%, from 14.32 ± 0.59 MPa (control) to 22.01 ± 0.75 MPa, while elongation at break remained acceptable (20.60% ± 0.27%). When applied to chicken fillets, this active film reduced peroxide values by approximately 48% (from 9.2 to 4.8 meq O₂/kg) and thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances by 42% (from 1.65 to 0.96 mg MDA/kg) after 12 days, compared to unwrapped samples. Sensory evaluation by a trained panel revealed that the odor, color, and overall acceptability scores of the coated fillets remained above 7.5 (on a 9-point scale), whereas the control samples scored below 5. The improved oxidative stability is attributed to the synergistic effect of TiO₂, a UV-shielding agent, and PE, a radical scavenger. At the same time, the mechanical reinforcement is due to strong hydrogen bonding between the starch matrix and nanoparticles. These findings demonstrate that sago-starch/TiO₂/PE bionanocomposite films can effectively enhance oxidative stability and maintain sensory quality in refrigerated poultry, offering a promising biodegradable packaging solution.

Food-grade co-delivery systems have garnered significant attention for their ability to deliver two or more bioactive components simultaneously. Co-delivery systems possessing programmed sequential release properties allow sequential delivery of bioactive components to different sites in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to enhance their bioavailability. This study constructed solid-in-oil-in-water multilayer emulsions (S/O/W-E) using carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan-coated gliadin nanoparticles as the solid phase, coconut oil as the oil phase, and carboxymethyl starch/propylene glycol alginate complexes as the aqueous phase, which realized the co-encapsulation of curcumin (Cur) and fucoxanthin (FUC) and their programmed sequential release in the GIT. The programmed sequential release behavior of S/O/W-E was further evaluated by in vitro digestion models. It was demonstrated that both Cur and FUC released less than 16.5% in simulated gastric fluid, following a Fickian diffusion. The Cur located in the oil phase was released in large quantities (67.3%) in simulated intestinal fluid, predominantly through erosion. Owing to the action of β-mannanase, 60.3% of FUC located in the solid phase was released into simulated colonic fluid and dominated by the erosive mechanism. In addition, in vivo bioavailability evaluation and fluorescence imaging experiments confirmed that S/O/W-E enhanced Cur bioavailability by 6.4-fold through delivering it to the small intestine and inhibited FUC release in the upper GIT by delivering substantial amounts of FUC to the colon. This study is beneficial for effectively expanding the application of S/O/W-E in co-delivery systems.

Obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent major global health and economic concerns. Traditional dietary recommendations frequently overlook individual heterogeneity in metabolic health. Personalized nutrition will provide a more focused approach to preventing chronic diseases by tailoring dietary recommendations according to lifestyle, metabolic, and genetic factors. This review examines the role of personalized nutrition in preventing metabolic diseases, with a focus on key components of nutrient-gene interactions, including nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, the gut microbiome, and biomarker-based therapies. The main aim of this article is to investigate how variation within the microbiome and among genes impacts nutrient metabolism and make a case for successful evidence of individualized dietary intervention for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Future advancements in artificial intelligence, and genetic testing may make personalized nutrition more accessible, but there are questions about the price, feasibility, and ethics of its widespread use. The scope for personalized nutrition is wide and has strong potential to impact preventative health. An independent assessment calls for sustained scientific research, equitable accessibility, and ethical considerations that can make public health policies clinically relevant.

This study aimed to quantitatively characterize hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness of foods commonly consumed by elderly Chinese individuals across International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) Levels 0–7, to examine within-level heterogeneity among food categories, and to provide practical guidance for texture modification and food substitution in dysphagia diets. Twenty-six representative ingredients frequently consumed by older adults were selected and prepared to IDDSI Levels 0–7 using standardized cooking, blending, and dilution procedures. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was applied to measure hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness, in conjunction with IDDSI syringe flow and fork pressure tests for level classification. As texture data were non-normally distributed, differences across IDDSI levels and food categories were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc correction (α = 0.05). Effect sizes were quantified using Cliff's δ, and within-level interchangeability was evaluated on the basis of Euclidean centroid distance. All three texture parameters differed significantly across IDDSI levels (hardness H = 412.43; adhesiveness H = 238.89; cohesiveness H = 312.76; all p < 0.05). Hardness increased progressively from Level 0 to Level 7, cohesiveness declined accordingly, and adhesiveness exhibited a non-linear pattern with a pronounced peak at intermediate levels (Levels 3–5). Within-level analyses revealed significant category-dependent heterogeneity (p < 0.05). Fiber-rich vegetables and legumes showed higher adhesiveness and lower cohesiveness compared with protein-based foods such as meats and eggs, suggesting a greater potential for oral residue. Interchangeability assessment indicated that foods at Levels 0–2 were largely functionally similar, whereas substantial divergence was observed at Levels 3–6, with centroid distances exceeding 0.60. Instrumental texture analysis demonstrated clear quantitative gradients across IDDSI levels and structured heterogeneity within the same level, confirming that foods sharing an IDDSI classification are not necessarily functionally equivalent. The proposed texture-based substitution framework (centroid distance ≤ 0.60) offers an objective tool for optimizing dysphagia diet design in both clinical and home settings. These findings bridge the IDDSI system with naturally prepared Chinese foods and provide evidence to support culturally adaptable, texture-based dietary management for elderly individuals with swallowing difficulties.

RETRACTION: S. Iman, M ur Rasheed, H. A. Zahran, H. Rashid, M. Fatima, Z. Saleem, Y. Bano, S. Gull, R. Akbar, A. Khan, I. A. M. Ahmed, E. Zongo, M. A. Rahim, and R. Castro-Muñoz, " Comprehensive Analysis of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Seed: Phytochemical Profile, Bioactivity, and Nutraceutical Potential", Food Science & Nutrition 13, no. 6 (2025): e70390. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70390.

The above article, published online on 16 June 2025 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Y. Martin Lo; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. A third party reported that overlapping panels were detected between several images in Figure 7 which are meant to report on different tissue samples: 7A and 7B, 7C and 7D, 7G and 7H, and 7I and 7J. Additionally, Figure 3 included several trace and text distortions; distortions and duplicated peaks were detected in Figure 5; and the graphical text had been distorted in all images in Figure 6. Lastly, a modified version of Figure 5 has been published in another article by some of the same authors [Rasheed et al. 2025 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06997-7)]. Both articles were under review by their respective journals at the same time.

The author responded to an inquiry by the publisher and confirmed that the distortions in the figures were due to using software to upscale Figures 5 and 6. Regarding the images duplicated across publications, the authors stated that that the topics of the publications were related and as such the same data were published in both articles. The authors denied that multiple tissue samples in Figure 7 were overlapping and stated that the similarities might be due to the uniform histological architecture of the tissues.

This retraction has been agreed to because of the number of errors in the figures, the instances of data shared across two publications, and the overlapping tissue sections in Figure 7, concerns which fundamentally compromise the editor's confidence in the results presented. The authors did not respond to our notice regarding the retraction.