Frontiers in Nutrition最新文献

Polyphenols, plant-derived bioactive compounds, are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, benefiting plant-based foods. Fermentation, driven by microbial enzymes like glycosidases, esterases, and decarboxylases, alters the chemical structure of polyphenols, enhancing their bioavailability and bioactivity. This review explores the transformation of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, during fermentation, resulting in bioactive metabolites with increased solubility, stability, and antioxidant activity, improving gastrointestinal absorption. Additionally, fermented polyphenol metabolites modulate gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while inhibiting pathogens. These changes support gut health, reduce inflammation, and provide systemic benefits, including enhanced metabolic, immune, and neurocognitive functions. Despite progress, knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding microbial pathways and the health outcomes linked to these metabolites. Future research should focus on mapping microbial biotransformation pathways of polyphenols and their impact on health outcomes. Additionally, well-controlled human intervention studies using multi-omics approaches are necessary to validate the systemic benefits of fermented polyphenol metabolites.

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of melatonin supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, mood, sexual function, serum insulin levels, and body mass index in menopausal women.

Evidence review: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science (2015-2024), following PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool.

Findings: Analysis of 7 groups (497 participants) indicated that melatonin may increase bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in the femoral neck, based on two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, high heterogeneity prevented pooled statistical analysis. No significant improvements were observed in sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, anxiety, depression, sexual function, BMI, or insulin levels. Side effects were similar across groups.

Conclusion: Available evidence suggests that melatonin-containing supplements may be associated with improved BMD in menopausal women, but the independent effect of melatonin and an optimal dose remain unclear due to heterogeneity in interventions and the prevalent use of combination therapies. For other outcomes (sleep, menopausal symptoms, mood, sexual function, BMI, and insulin), the evidence is currently inconclusive. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Objective: This case-control study aimed to compare micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) profiles between children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) controls. It further sought to explore the associations of these profiles with core symptom severity and neurodevelopmental outcomes in ASD.

Methods: We enrolled 50 children with ASD and 50 matched TD controls. Core ASD symptoms were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), while neurodevelopmental status was evaluated with the Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS). Serum vitamin and mineral levels were measured in all participants. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Preschooler's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (PEBQ).

Results: Key findings included: (1) significantly more severe eating behavior disturbances in ASD children, characterized by increased food selectivity, reduced self-feeding ability, and maladaptive eating patterns; (2) markedly higher serum iron levels in the ASD group (p = 0.028); (3) elevated serum lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels were positively correlated with social communication impairments. Notably, a combined heavy metal exposure index (reflecting Pb-Cd co-exposure) remained significantly associated with these impairments after controlling for screen time; (4) higher serum levels of vitamins D and B12 were associated with better gross motor development, whereas increased copper (Cu) levels were inversely associated with motor function. Elevated calcium (Ca) levels were positively associated with adaptive behavior development.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that both nutritional imbalances and co-exposure to heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are significantly associated with behavioral symptoms and neurodevelopmental outcomes in ASD. The findings underscore the importance of integrating routine nutritional surveillance and assessment of environmental heavy metal exposure to guide personalized interventions in this population. These cross-sectional associations warrant further investigation in larger, longitudinal studies that incorporate detailed dietary and environmental assessments to explore potential causal mechanisms.

Jujube, a valued resource in traditional practices for both medicine and diet, has been historically recognized for its blood-nourishing properties. Nevertheless, the potential of its active constituent, Jujube Pectic Oligosaccharides (JOL), to ameliorate myelosuppressive anemia remains poorly understood. This research was therefore designed to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanism of JOL using a murine model of cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Our findings demonstrate that JOL administration effectively restored multi-lineage peripheral blood cell counts, improved the structural integrity of the spleen and bone marrow, and modulated key hematopoietic factors. These critical factors comprised erythropoietin (EPO), Flt3 ligand (Flt3-L), thrombopoietin (TPO), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Collectively, the results indicate that Jujube oligosaccharides could mitigate myelosuppressive anemia via synergistic multi-target effects, possibly by rehabilitating the damaged hematopoietic microenvironment and normalizing the cytokine network equilibrium. This investigation offers foundational experimental support for the development of JOL as a promising therapeutic candidate for myelosuppression.

Background: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) use the Nutrition Care Process and its Terminology (NCP/T) to generate outcomes and demonstrate the impact of medical nutrition therapy. Despite integration into education in 2009, many RDNs continue to face challenges in its application.

Objective: This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to NCP/T use to better understand how adoption can be improved, and to assess whether qualitative feedback from practicing RDNs aligns with quantitative findings from the 2017 International Nutrition Care Process and Terminology Implementation Survey (INIS).

Design: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data was from United States based RDNs who participated in the 2017 INIS. The focus group discussion questions were informed by the INIS study and grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (13). Zoom technology (14) was used and all the discussions were audio recorded. Only participants and the interviewer were present on the call. Qualitative data from the focus group discussions included RDNs in clinical, community, and academic settings. Semantic thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes related to barriers and enablers to using NCP/T.

Participants/setting: INIS study recruitment utilized email lists, e-newsletters, and social media groups; responses from 4,426 active RDNs were analyzed. Focus group inclusion criterion was active RDNs based in the US; 38 RDNs participated in the focus groups.

Statistical analyses performed: Cross-tabulation identified correlations between barriers/enablers and characteristics such as years of practice and practice setting (p < 0.05).

Results: INIS data showed an association between practice area, years of experience, and NCP/T use (p < 0.001). Enablers included peer support (59% of clinical RDNs, 60.3% of RDNs with 0-5 practice years) and job requirements (52.9% of clinical RDNs, 55.2% of those with 0-5 years). Barriers included limited time (28.9% of clinical RDNs, 29.4% with >16 years) and insufficient education (25% of clinical RDNs, 29.8% with >16 years). Focus groups identified additional enablers, such as integrating NCP/T into Electronic Health Records, and barriers, including eNCPT subscription access.

Conclusion: The INIS study and focus groups revealed consistent barriers and enablers, underscoring the need for authoritative state-of-the-art training to address these factors and enhance NCP/T utilization.

Poria cocos, a traditional medicinal and food homologous herb, has various therapeutic effects, including promoting urination, dispersing dampness, strengthening the spleen, and calming the mind. Its core active ingredients mainly consist of polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Recent studies have shown that Poria cocos and its active components play a crucial regulatory role in various physiological and pathological processes. It demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological activities, including renal protection, improving digestive system function, enhancing sleep quality, immune regulation, antioxidant effects, anticancer properties, and the modulation of glucose-lipid metabolism. These mechanisms involve multifaceted regulation of gut microbiota and glycolipid metabolism. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Poria cocos over the past 3 years (2023-2025), aiming to provide a scientific basis for its further development and clinical application.

Background: With advancing age, multiple systems, including the muscular and respiratory systems, undergo degenerative changes. While the relationship between sarcopenia and lung function is well-established in patients with respiratory diseases, evidence remains limited in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia indicators and lung function in a community-dwelling population.

Methods: Basic information, laboratory biochemical parameters, handgrip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), five times sit-to-stand test (5STS) time, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and lung function parameters, were collected from a community-dwelling population in Beijing, China. Linear regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia indicators and lung function parameters, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine their association with lung function statuses.

Results: A total of 2,526 community volunteers were enrolled and divided into three groups based on lung function: normal spirometry (n = 2,032), preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) (n = 231), and obstructive spirometry (n = 273). After adjusting for covariates, linear regression analysis revealed that HGS, GS, and SMI were positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), while 5STS was negatively correlated with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower HGS and longer 5STS time were associated with a higher risk of PRISm, while slower GS, longer 5STS time were associated with an increased risk of obstructive spirometry. Sarcopenia was associated with both PRISm risk and obstructive spirometry risk.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that sarcopenia indicators are closely associated with lung function in community-dwelling individuals. As a condition that significantly impacts healthy aging and is linked to both quality of life and longevity, enhancing the early identification and management of sarcopenia within community settings may yield multi-organ benefits.

Lipedema is a multifactorial disorder with a negative evolutionary trend, influenced by genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and vascular factors that are not fully understood. Inflammation is a typical feature of lipedema and can be managed by limiting glycemic spikes. Herein, we report the case of a patient diagnosed with lipedema who followed a ketogenic diet (KD) for 6 months, resulting in a weight loss of 12 kg. Afterward, she transitioned to a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet for an additional 6 months, maintaining the good results achieved in terms of quality of life (QoL) improvement, weight control, and pain management. The patient regularly engaged in resistance training, which preserved and improved muscle mass. The primary and new outcome was due to the introduction of the second phase of the nutritional plan, specifically the low-carbohydrate diet, which could be an innovative approach. Often, diets that contain standard amounts of carbohydrates do not yield appreciable results.