Frontiers in Nutrition最新文献

Postbiotics, defined by the ISAPP as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits, represent a promising category of microbiome-derived solutions. This position paper highlights their clinical relevance, particularly in pediatrics, while addressing key aspects of definition, safety, quality, and strain-level specificity. Evidence supports the use of Lactobacillus LB -including L. fermentum CNCM I-2998 and L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CNCM I-4831- in reducing the duration and severity of acute diarrhea in children. Other strains, such as Bifidobacterium breve C50, Streptococcus thermophilus 065, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CBA L74, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LPL28, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius AP-32, show promise in preventing infections, supporting oral health, and modulating immune responses. Additional postbiotics, including Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648, expand their potential into metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. Collectively, postbiotics emerge as clinically valuable interventions, bridging science and medical practice.

Background: Early studies have demonstrated the significant potential of hyaluronic acid (HA) in alleviating osteoarthritis (OA); however, the relationship between different molecular weights (MWs) and efficacy remains unclear.

Methods: The rat model was used to evaluate the effects of different MWs of HA on OA and to identify the MW that was most effective in alleviating OA. Based on this, a clinical trial was conducted to verify the selected HA's clinical efficacy.

Results: The results showed that HA significantly reduced joint swelling in rats, dramatically increased HA content in the serum and joint synovial fluid, decreased serum and joint synovial fluid levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) when compared with the OA group, especially high-MW HA. Importantly, these protective roles may be attributed to the immune regulation of HA. Clinical trial results indicated that HA significantly decreased pain, stiffness, and physical function of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and had no significant impact on blood and urine indices.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that oral supplementation with HA can reduce the progression of arthritis, pain, and cartilage damage, and can be a new strategy to relieve joint discomfort.

This study aims to develop a rapid and non-destructive method for determining protein content in maize using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). To mitigate the effects of surface irregularities and uneven protein distribution in whole kernels on spectral measurements, maize powder was used as the test material to enhance the uniformity and stability of spectral signals. A total of 90 maize powder samples were collected from major production regions across China, and a custom NIRS acquisition system was constructed. To optimize the spectral data, eight preprocessing methods-including Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC), Standard Normal Variate (SNV), First Derivative (1D), Savitzky-Golay smoothing (S-G), and their combinations-were systematically evaluated. Subsequently, traditional machine learning models (Partial Least Squares Regression, PLSR; Support Vector Machine, SVM) and deep learning models (ResNet-18, Transformer) were developed to predict protein content, and their performances were compared. Results indicated that the combined preprocessing strategy of First Derivative and Multiplicative Scatter Correction (1D + MSC) was the most effective. Among the models, PLSR demonstrated the best predictive performance, and traditional chemometric methods showed greater practical utility compared to deep learning models. To further enhance model efficiency, four feature wavelength selection methods-Partial Least Squares Regression Coefficients (PLSRC), Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), and Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE)-were applied. It was found that the PLSR model combined with the Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA) yielded the optimal performance, achieving a validation set correlation coefficient (R _p) of 0.927, a root mean square error of prediction (RMSE_P) of 0.301, and a residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 2.502, along with the fastest computational speed. This study provides a reliable technical solution and theoretical foundation for the rapid and non-destructive detection of protein content in maize, while also validating the advantage of using powdered samples in improving the accuracy of NIRS detection.

Introduction: Enteral Nutrition through a feeding tube or orally can improve patient outcomes when tolerated to achieve nutritional requirements. While experts have provided feeding guidelines to enhance safety and efficacy, challenges in gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating and vomiting often complicate adherence. Problems such as malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality occur when gastrointestinal intolerance results in the provision of formulas stopping and starting, and therefore delays, in optimal intake. Formulas vary widely in their composition, including differences in the primary protein source, degree of protein hydrolysis, inclusion of common allergens, fiber content, use of artificial or nonnutritive sweeteners, and use of artificial colors. A distinctive yellow pea protein, plant-based enteral formula (PPPBF) that includes fiber, and is free from common allergens and artificial and nonnutritive sweeteners may improve tolerance and adherence.

Methods: We examined the patient or caregiver reports of gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance and adherence in both pediatric and adult participants using two electronic surveys. The initial survey compared pre and during utilization of the PPPBF and the second survey, sent 12 months later, evaluated the same reported outcomes, specifically on the use of a PPPBF.

Results: There were 392 respondents to the initial survey [n = 160 Pediatric (< /=19 years); and n = 232 Adults (>/=20 years)]. A positive trend toward GI tolerance and adherence was observed.

Conclusion: A PPPBF with fiber may promote enteral tolerance and support nutritional intake. If used as a first-choice formulation option, it may reduce formula switching that often results from GI intolerance.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is notably prevalent in various regions. In China, it has become the second most prevalent metabolic disorder. Since the adverse effects of conventional uric acid-lowering drugs, there is an urgent need to develop natural and safe therapeutic alternatives. Previous studies have shown that Konjac glucomannan (KGM) can effectively reduce serum uric acid levels in HUA rats and modulate gut microbiota composition, particularly by increasing the abundance of Lachnoclostridium. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, this study investigated the fermentation characteristics of KGM by Lachnoclostridium and its inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. The results revealed that KGM fermentation with Lachnoclostridium reduced the pH and significantly lowered the apparent viscosity. Reducing sugar content decreased while short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increased significantly. Furthermore, prolonged fermentation enhanced the XOD inhibitory activity of KGM. These findings suggested that KGM may exert its uric acid-lowering effects by promoting Lachnoclostridium-mediated fermentation of SCFAs, which may serve as foundation for the development of dietary strategies.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1672798.].

Introduction: It has been established by various researchers that the type of coagulants affects the quality of Tofu. Still, no work has been published on how the chemical composition and textural attributes influence the sensory acceptability of Tofu. This study aims to assess the relationship between the chemical composition, textural attributes, and sensory acceptability of Tofu.

Methods: Soymilk was produced from soybeans, with soymilk protein denatured by heat, and curdled using different coagulants like vinegar, lime juice, alum solution, and steeped ogi water to get different samples of Tofu. The Tofu samples were evaluated for chemical composition, textural attributes, and sensory acceptability using standard methods.

Results and discussion: The results showed that the vinegar-coagulated Tofu significantly possesses the highest fat, ash, crude fiber, total carbohydrate, and total energy contents, and the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu had the highest protein content. The calcium, magnesium, and zinc contents were higher in the vinegar-coagulated Tofu, while the sodium content was higher in the alum solution-coagulated Tofu. Total phenolics and total flavonoids were higher in the vinegar-coagulated Tofu, while the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu had the highest DPPH value. The lime-coagulated Tofu had the lowest of all the chemical compositions. The adhesiveness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess were higher in the vinegar-coagulated Tofu, while the fracturability and hardness were higher in the lime juice-coagulated Tofu. Steeped Ogi water was shown to be the most effective coagulant in improving the sensory aspects of Tofu, followed by vinegar, providing a tasty and aesthetically beautiful product, while lime was the least popular choice. The calcium and zinc contents, total flavonoid and phenolic contents, and DPPH may have also contributed to the fracturability of the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu, and the protein content may have contributed to the springiness and subsequent overall acceptability of the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu.

Conclusion: Therefore, steeped Ogi water could be used to produce quality Tofu that will balance the chemical composition, textural attributes and sensory acceptability.

Introduction: Lipedema is a chronic female disease, characterized by an excessive accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the limbs and is commonly mistaken for obesity, although the two conditions often coexist. Obesity is associated with increased hedonic hunger and dysfunctional eating behavior. However, these aspects have not been investigated in females with lipedema and obesity.

Objectives: The objective of this secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial was to compare changes in hedonic hunger and eating behavior following two different low-energy diets, low-carbohydrate (CHO) or low-fat, in females with lipedema and obesity.

Methods: Females with lipedema and obesity (body mass index (BMI) 30-45 kg/m²) were randomized to two different low-energy diets (1,200 kcal), low-CHO diet (LCD) (75 g CHO) or low-fat diet (180 g CHO) for 8 weeks. Hedonic hunger was assessed using the power of food scale (PFS) and eating behavior was assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) pre- and post-intervention.

Results: A total of 70 females were included with a mean age of 47 years, and a BMI of 37 kg/m². The LCD group reported a reduction in Food Present (p < 0.001) and in Aggregated Score (p = 0.035) from the PFS, while no changes were seen in the low-fat diet group, with changes in Food Present over time being significantly different between groups (p = 0.050). The low-fat diet group reported increases in Restrained Eating from the DEBQ (p = 0.036) while only the LCD group reported decreases in Diffuse Emotions (p = 0.040), however, no differences between groups were found.

Conclusion: A LCD may induce more favorable changes in hedonic hunger and eating behavior than an isocaloric low-fat diet in females with lipedema, which may be related to altered metabolic signaling pathways related to satiety and reward.

Background: High body mass index (HBMI) and high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG), two key metabolic risk factors, are strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, systematic quantification of their impact on the global CRC burden-and trends in related health inequalities-remains limited. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, this study assessed the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths attributable to HBMI and HFPG in CRC from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: Decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes. The concentration index and Lorenz curve assessed health inequality trends, and the Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) measured burden change rates. Burden trends were projected for 2022-2035 using the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model. All indicators were stratified by country, Socio-demographic Index (SDI) tier, gender, and age for comparative analysis.

Results: From 1990 to 2021, the burden of CRC attributable to HBMI and HFPG increased, primarily driven by population growth and aging. In high SDI countries, epidemiological changes reduced the burden, while in low- and medium-SDI countries they contributed positively. Although the disease burden remains concentrated in high SDI countries, inequality has declined. Central and Eastern Europe face high DALYs and mortality rates whereas parts of Africa exhibit a lower but rising burden. The burden is primarily concentrated in men over 60. The BAPC model predicts that HBMI- and HFPG-associated DALYs will increase by 47.90 and 41.94%, respectively, while age-standardized DALYs and mortality rates remain relatively stable.

Conclusion: Targeted strategies focusing on metabolic risk management and early CRC screening-especially in low- and middle-SDI countries-are essential to mitigate the projected burden.

Introduction: Sociocultural practices, including traditional dietary patterns, influence mental health and depression. The Mediterranean diet (MD), which is common in many Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, is regarded as one of the healthiest dietary patterns available. Although the link between MD and mental health is gaining recognition, there is still a lack of substantial evidence to support this relationship.

Objectives: This study sought to examine the relationship between depression and adherence to MD (AMD).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 525 participants through an online questionnaire that assessed the severity of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), AMD using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire, and relevant sociodemographic variables. Descriptive, linear regression, and bivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to answer the research questions.

Results: 24% of participants self-reported depressive symptoms, as indicated by a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher, with the majority being female. The scores on the MEDAS and the PHQ-9 were significantly different between the groups classified as having depression and those without depression (7.4 ± 2.4 vs. 7.9 ± 2.5; p = 0.033) and (14.2 ± 4 vs. 5 ± 2.6; p < 0.001), respectively. The MEDAS score was inversely correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r = -0.126, p = 0.003), indicating a relationship between depression and AMD. The adjusted model indicated that consuming two or more servings of vegetables per day is associated with a decrease in the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms (b = -0.66, p = 0.021). Several social factors, including employment status, education level, income, and marital status, have been identified as predictors of depression.

Conclusion: Sufficient vegetable consumption may help reduce the risk of depression. These findings could have important implications for mental health prevention and treatment.