Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

Dietary aflatoxins (AF) exposure in early childhood may contribute to growth restriction. The Mycotoxin Mitigation Trial (MMT) was a cluster-randomized trial designed to assess the effect of providing low-AF maize and groundnut flours (intervention) on infant growth compared to those consuming typically available flours (standard of care [SoC]). The SoC serves as a control, representing the normal frequency and concentration ranges of AF in this region. MMT initiated at infant age 6 months and ended at 18 months, with the intervention group receiving low-AF flours monthly throughout. This sub-study served as one check point in the MMT to assess if there was a difference in AF frequency and concentration in high-risk foods between the two arms. At the MMT midpoint (infant age 12 months), infant foods were collected during household visits within 20 pre-selected clusters (10/arm). Maize/groundnut blend and groundnut flours used in the preparation of foods consumed by infants were analyzed for total AFs by ELISA, with 10% confirmed by HPLC. In total 559 foods were sampled; sampling was on one occasion per household. Chi-square test was used to compare categories of AF contamination in infant foods, and an unpaired t-test was used to compare both contamination by arm, and to compare estimates of AF ingestion between arms. In the intervention arm, 23% of groundnut flour and 6% of blended flour samples had AF levels greater than 10 μg/kg, the legal limit in Tanzania, compared to 45% and 43%, respectively, in the SoC (control) arm (p < 0.05). Further, estimated ingestion of AF was lower for the low-AF supplied blended flours (p = 0.03) and groundnut (p = 0.04). Importantly, the extremely high levels of AF ingestion (> 1000 ng/kg bw/day) observed in the SoC arm were absent in the intervention arm. The provision of low-AF flours in the intervention households reduced the frequency and concentrations of AF contamination compared to the SoC, and thus reduced the estimated dietary exposure to infants, at the midpoint of the trial.

This study investigated the anti-aging effects of algal Omega3-DHA in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). Male and female SAMP8 mice (3 months old) were divided into a control group and four experimental groups (1× or 2× algal Omega3-DHA, with/without phospholipids). The mice were orally administered test samples dissolved in corn oil daily for 13 weeks. Aging scores were significantly lower in male mice across all experimental groups and in female mice in the phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine (PS) (p < 0.05) groups. Learning and memory improved significantly in all the experimental groups (p < 0.05). Brain biomarkers of aging, including 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl content, and β-amyloid (Aβ) protein, were significantly reduced, while liver antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were increased in the PC and PS groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, survival times were extended in both male and female mice compared to controls. No adverse effects were observed in terms of body weight or activity level. In summary, algal Omega3-DHA supplementation improved cognitive performance, enhanced antioxidant defenses, reduced aging markers, and delayed aging in SAM mice, highlighting its potential as a promising anti-aging strategy.

Walnut male flowers (WFs), an underutilized by-product of walnut (Juglans regia L.) processing, are rich in nutrients and contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study examined the effects of partially substituting wheat flour with WFs (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% w/w) in biscuit formulations on dough rheology, nutritional profile, texture, microstructure, glycemic response, and sensory characteristics. The addition of WFs significantly increased both the storage modulus (G′) and the loss modulus (G″) of the dough, indicating an improvement in its viscoelastic properties. Nutritional composition analysis revealed elevated protein, ash, and dietary fiber contents, accompanied by reduced total sugar and soluble carbohydrate levels. Texture profile analysis revealed decreased hardness and increased crispness, supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of a more porous microstructure. The predicted glycemic index (pGI) decreased by up to 16% with 10% WFs substitution, which may be due to dietary fiber–mediated starch encapsulation and phenolic inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. Sensory evaluation indicated that biscuits containing 5% WFs received the highest overall acceptability, achieving a balance of desirable color, texture, and flavor. The results indicate the potential of WFs as a functional ingredient for developing low–glycemic index baked goods and support the sustainable use of agricultural by-products.

This study assessed species and sex effects on nutritional and processing traits of meat from cattle (Bos taurus), yak (Bos grunniens), camel (Camelus bactrianus), and horse (Equus caballus). Nutrient characteristics exhibited significant interspecific differences but minimal sex-related variation. Notably, yak meat exhibited superior nutritional quality—higher protein (20.05%), lower fat (3.13%), richer essential (8.73 mg/g) and flavor (9.23 mg/g) amino acids, as well as elevated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 0.24%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 0.48%), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, 52.10%) (p < 0.05)—but required tenderization due to high shear force. In contrast, horse meat exhibited greater tenderness and a higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (9.35%) (p < 0.05), though its low water-holding capacity (WHC) and dark color present processing challenges. Unlike species effect dominating the nutritional and processing traits, sex mainly influenced processing characteristics, as evidenced by the more tender, richer marbled, and brighter meat from females (p < 0.05). Overall, nutritional profiles were primarily determined by species, with cattle and horse being similar and distinct from yak and camel. For processing, sex significantly influenced processing traits in yak, camel, and horse, but not in cattle. These findings support the development of tailored processing strategies to better utilize different red meat resources.

Reliable dietary assessment methods underpin the confidence in reported dietary outcome measures including a priori dietary pattern indexes such as the dietary inflammatory index (DII) score. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is commonly used to gather dietary data from which the DII is calculated. The FFQ, however, requires recall of dietary intake over several months. This study aimed to (i) determine the comparability of DII scores calculated from multiple 24 h recalls versus a FFQ, and (ii) identify the number of 24 h recalls required for a comparable DII score. Dietary data were collected from n = 94 community-dwelling older adults in Australia (73.1 ± 4.8 years, 70.2% female) by an accredited practicing dietitian using four 24 h recalls over a two-week period and a FFQ. Convergent validity was assessed between each possible comparative product of calculated DII scores by Pearson correlation, paired t-test, absolute difference, and Bland Altman analysis. Most participants had a healthy body weight for their age (average BMI = 25.9 ± 4.0 kg/m²), were physically active (n = 91.5%), and were highly educated (Vocational education = 9.6%, Tertiary education = 64.9%). There were positive correlations between the FFQ and one (r = 0.219, p = 0.034), two (r = 0.205, p = 0.072), three (r = 0.334, p = 0.003), and four (r = 0.444, p ≤ 0.001) 24 h recalls. Bland–Altman plots demonstrated that four 24 h recalls exhibited the closest alignment with FFQ derived DII scores. As the number of recalls increased, the DII scores became more comparable to those from the FFQ. In community-dwelling older adults, utilizing a minimum of four 24 h recalls to calculate DII scores are comparable to scores calculated from a FFQ.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) have shown potential in the treatment of various diseases. This research sought to investigate the effects of Pinellia pedatisecta Schott-derived ELNs (PPS-ELNs) on colorectal cancer (CRC). PPS-ELNs extracted from Pinellia pedatisecta Schott were characterized. CRC cell lines HCT116 and HT-29 were exposed to 10 μg/mL of PPS-ELNs. Normal colon epithelial cells FHC were treated with different concentrations of PPS-ELNs. CRC mice were treated with 12.5 or 25 mg/kg of PPS-ELNs. Subsequent experiments, including cellular uptake assay, CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy, LysoTracker Red staining, immunofluorescence, ELISA, in vivo imaging, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemistry, HE staining, and biochemical analysis, were conducted to explore the anti-CRC effects and potential mechanisms of PPS-ELNs. Lysosome inhibitor chloroquine was employed to elucidate the underlying mechanism in vitro. The isolated PPS-ELNs were successfully characterized. Cellular uptake of PPS-ELNs was observed in CRC cell lines. Notably, PPS-ELNs did not affect FHC cell viability, while significantly inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis and mitophagy in CRC cell lines. Furthermore, PPS-ELNs induced oxidative stress and reduced lysosomal damage in HCT116 cells. The effects of PPS-ELNs on HCT116 cells were reversed by chloroquine. In CRC mice, PPS-ELNs were primarily accumulated in tumors. PPS-ELNs markedly reduced tumor growth, induced apoptosis, and decreased Ki67 expression. Additionally, PPS-ELNs decreased Gal3 expression, increased autophagosomes, and altered mitophagy-related protein levels in tumor tissues. Importantly, PPS-ELNs displayed an excellent safety profile in vivo. PPS-ELNs inhibit CRC progression through the lysosome-mediated mitophagy pathway.

Nowadays, the incidence and mortality rates of diseases remain major challenges throughout the world. To stop these health-threatening concerns, a safe diet plays a pivotal role. Polysaccharides, as natural biopolymers, possess remarkable potential in the development of safe and healthy foods to prevent the incidence of diseases and guarantee health. These abundant biopolymers have a high rate of practicality in the food industry and biomedical sciences. Polysaccharides can be found in various living organisms (including plants, seaweeds, animals, and microorganisms) and extracted by a number of advanced techniques. The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, anticoagulant, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides have considerable features in the food and health sciences. The applications of polysaccharides in food sciences are mainly owing to ameliorating fatigue, preserving the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, and providing health for the gut in living organisms. Moreover, polysaccharides have practical applications in pharmaceutical (drug delivery systems) and biomedical (regenerative medicine) sciences, which pave the way for the treatment of diseases. This comprehensive review highlights the potential applications of polysaccharides in food and health sciences.

Edible seeds have gained substantial scientific attention for their exceptional nutrient density and potential health-promoting properties. They are rich in dietary fiber, high-quality proteins, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (E, C, and K), and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron. Bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and peptides contribute to their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation linked to chronic diseases. This review focuses on pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds, valuable sources of essential micronutrients and bioactives with demonstrated nutraceutical potential. Pumpkin seeds enhance immune strength because of their mineral profile, whereas chia seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids associated with neuroprotection and anti-Alzheimer's effects. The omega-3 content of flax and chia seeds offers cardioprotective benefits, whereas sesame lignans (sesamin) exhibit lipid-lowering and anti-aging properties. Flaxseed's secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) contributes to cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects, and melon seed squalene supports immune health and exerts anti-cancer activity. Mechanistic studies highlight these seeds' ability to regulate molecular pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Their bioactive constituents act through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic-regulating mechanisms, validating their classification as functional foods. Evidence from clinical and biochemical studies largely supports these benefits, although some claims stem from preliminary or in vitro findings. Overall, pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds demonstrate significant potential as natural sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds that promote cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune health. Their integration into daily diets and functional food formulations could play a vital role in preventing lifestyle-related chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.

Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG) is a plant endemic to Huazhou City, Guangdong Province, China. It is utilized both as a health food and in traditional medicine. Recently, Exocarpium Citri Grandis-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles (ECG-EVLP) have been isolated from ECG. Given the significant advantages of plant-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles (P-EVLP), these particles from various sources have been investigated for their potential in wound healing applications, reducing wound area in vitro or in vivo models. Although the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ECG-EVLP have been established in previous studies, their role in skin wound healing remains unexplored. Our findings indicate that ECG-EVLP can effectively promote wound healing. In vivo, wound healing was significantly improved in the ECG-EVLP group compared with the PBS group on Days 3, 7, 11, and 14. In vitro, ECG-EVLP significantly enhanced L929 cell proliferation at all concentrations (150, 300, and 450 μg/mL) after both 24 and 48 h. For HaCat cells, proliferation increased at the two high concentrations (300 and 450 μg/mL) after 24 h and extended to all concentrations, including all concentrations (150, 300, and 450 μg/mL), after 48 h. The activation of the VEGF/AKT signaling pathway, together with the inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, is likely the underlying mechanism. This interplay promotes cell proliferation, migration, and collagen production, thereby accelerating wound healing following ECG-EVLP stimulation. Additionally, sphingosine and naringin might be the effective components of ECG-EVLP in promoting wound healing.

This work characterizes proteins extracted from sheepskin using bromelain and examines angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity of the peptides generated by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID). Gel electrophoresis revealed three major protein bands corresponding to keratin and collagen. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion facilitated protein breakdown into peptides, yielding below 3 kDa of molecular weight peptides. Arginine, tyrosine, lysine, and leucine were identified as the major residues of amino acids in the bromelain-soluble protein hydrolysate (BSPH). The action of inhibiting ACE of 1 mg/mL of BSPH was 48.99%, whereas the activity of the < 3 kDa ultra-filtrated fractions obtained before and after in vitro GID were 0% and 19.94%, respectively. To acquire the peptide profile and fractionate the ultra-filtrated peptide fractions, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was utilized. Among all the RP-HPLC fractions, 2, 3, 12, and 15 had the most active ACE inhibition. Subsequently, the peptide sequences from four active fractions were recognized using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and followed by in silico analysis to examine their bioactivity. Two potent ACE-inhibitory peptide candidates from sheepskin collagen, GPAGPAGPR, and QGPPGPAGPR, were identified by in silico analysis.