Journal of Nutrition最新文献

Background: Prenatal supplementation with the essential nutrient choline improves insulin sensitivity in Wistar rat offspring. Whether these benefits extend to choline's oxidized derivative, betaine, and how they relate to gut microbiota composition and function remains unclear.

Objective: We investigated the effects of prenatal choline or betaine supplementation on metabolic phenotypes and whether gut microbiota features predict functional outcomes in offspring.

Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 11/group) were fed an AIN-93G diet and randomly assigned to receive either 0.25% choline, 0.25% betaine or no supplementation (control) in their drinking water during pregnancy. One female and one male offspring from each dam (n = 11/group) were weaned to a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Metabolic measures were analyzed using analysis of variance models, gut microbiota with Analysis of Composition of Microbiomes with Bias Correction, and nested cross-validation was performed to test predictive capacity.

Results: Offspring of choline- and betaine-supplemented dams showed lower body weight (8% in females, p < 0.0001; 7% in males, p < 0.01) and food intake (7% in females, 10% in males; both p < 0.05) compared to control, with variations in fasting blood glucose and plasma glucagon and insulin. Colon GLP-1 concentrations were higher in both supplemented groups (50% in females, 40% in males; p < 0.0001), with betaine exerting 80% higher circulating GLP-1 in males (p < 0.001). Prenatal choline and betaine produced distinct, sex-specific gut microbiota signatures, with 40% higher fecal butyrate concentrations (p < 0.0001). Machine learning identified Akkermansia and Adlercreutzia overlapping with betaine exposure as predictors of fecal butyrate (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and colon GLP-1 (r = 0.34, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Prenatal supplementation of choline or betaine enhances features of the glucoregulatory system in offspring in concert with shifts in gut microbiota composition that were predictive of metabolic function.

Background: Previous evidence on the associations of dairy intake with risk of cardiometabolic diseases has been inconsistent with studies showing either inverse, null or positive associations.

Objective: We aimed to assess these associations in China, where dairy consumption level is low and cardiometabolic disease patterns differ from those in the West.

Methods: The China Kadoorie Biobank is a prospective cohort study with ∼512,000 adult participants recruited from ten diverse localities in China during 2004-08. At baseline and periodic resurveys, information on the consumption frequency of major food groups was collected using a validated interviewer-administered laptop-based questionnaire. During approximately 5.4 million person-years of follow-up, 18,306 diabetes, 33,946 ischemic heart diseases (IHD, including 3888 acute myocardial infarction [MI]), 33,670 ischemic stroke (IS), 7191 intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) cases, and 13,241 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. Cox regression was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) relating dairy intake to cardiometabolic diseases risk.

Results: At baseline, 10.7% of participants regularly consumed (i.e. ≥4 days/week) dairy products, while 70.0% reported never or rare consumption. After adjusting for potential confounders including BMI, dairy consumption was significantly and positively associated with IHD but inversely associated with risks of acute MI, ICH and cardiovascular death, with HRs for regular consumers vs non-consumers being 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06-1.12), 0.88 (0.80-0.98), 0.69 (0.62-0.76) and 0.82 (0.77-0.87), respectively, but not with diabetes and IS. These associations were largely independent of systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions: In Chinese adults, higher dairy consumption was associated with lower risks of acute MI, ICH and cardiovascular death. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate these relationships and their causality.

Background: B vitamins, particularly B9 and B12, are essential cofactors in metabolic reactions, including one-carbon (1C) metabolism, which supports growth and overall metabolic function. While gut bacteria synthesize some B vitamins, this is insufficient to meet host requirements, making dietary intake crucial. Despite their established biochemical roles, their effects on gut homeostasis remain poorly understood.

Objective: The study investigated the effects of dietary vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies on gut morphology, microbial composition, and their metabolites.

Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats (4-5 weeks old, equal sexes) were fed an AIN-93G control diet (n=16), a vitamin B9-deficient diet (LB9, n=16), or a vitamin B12-deficient diet (LB12, n=16) for six weeks. Blood, tissue, and fecal samples were analyzed for serum vitamins, targeted 1C metabolites, histology, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolomics. Data were analyzed using 1-way or 2-way ANOVA, with significance set at p≤ 0.05.

Results: Sex-specific differences were observed in body, liver, and brain weights, although no treatment-related effects were detected for these parameters. Serum vitamin B9 and B12 levels were significantly reduced, with a more pronounced decrease in males in LB9 (9.4 nmol/L) and LB12 (169.6 pmol/L) compared to controls (116.1 nmol/L and 590.0 pmol/L, respectively, p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected in serum 1C metabolites. Histological analysis revealed increased mucosal height in LB12 rats (p = 0.006) and a 68% reduction in acidic mucin content in both deficient groups (p = 0.02). Gut microbial composition and fecal metabolite profiles varied by sex, with notable alterations in bacterial genera including Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Blautia, Lachnochlostridium, Colidextribacter, and Dorea, as well as metabolites such as hydrocinnamic acid, tryptophan, and N-acetylneuraminic acid.

Conclusions: Dietary vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies induce sex-dependent alterations in gut morphology, microbiota, and metabolite profiles, emphasizing their essential roles in maintaining gastrointestinal and metabolic homeostasis.

Background: Recent research using a data-driven cluster approach has identified five discordant subclassifying body mass index (BMI) subgroups, characterized by cardiometabolic biomarkers deviated from those predicted by BMI.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations of these subgroups with risks of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver-related events (LREs).

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 423,091 participants. The same cluster analysis as reported by Coral and colleagues was performed to classify subpopulations. Incident MASLD and LREs were determined by electronic health records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Profiles derived from the study were similar to those identified in the work by Coral and colleagues. Individuals with discordantly high liver transaminase (HR [95% CI]: 1.72 [1.51, 1.96] for MASLD and 1.42 [1.23, 1.65] for LREs in males and 1.92 [1.61, 2.28] for MASLD and 1.68 [1.32, 2.14] for LREs in females) and hyperglycemia (HR [95% CI]: 1.36 [1.06, 1.74] for MASLD and 1.31 [1.01, 1.70] for LREs in males and 1.62 [1.27, 2.08] for MASLD and 1.80 [1.31, 2.47] for LREs in females) had higher risks of liver outcomes compared with the concordant profile. In contrast, we observed a lower risk of MASLD (0.71; 0.60, 0.84) in females with discordantly high blood pressure relative to their BMI. For discordant adverse lipid profile and discordant inflammatory profile, no significant associations were observed. In addition, the BMI subclassification profiles had better predictive ability among males.

Conclusions: Metabolically distinct BMI subgroups exhibit heterogeneous risks of MASLD and LREs.

Background: Fortification, the addition of essential micronutrients during food processing, reduces mortality and malnutrition.

Objective: To comprehensively synthesize global evidence on the cost-effectiveness (CE) and economic benefits of food fortification.

Methods: We employed systematic review methodology, searching six databases to January 2024. Eligible studies included economic analyses comparing staple food post-harvest micronutrient fortification to no fortification. Quality appraisal used Philips' modeling framework. We converted incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to 2022 US$; and synthesized the data overall and by micronutrient. For illustration, findings were also categorized by "hypothetical" CE thresholds based on common example percentages of gross domestic product per capita (GDP pc) per country.

Results: After screening 6,425 abstracts, 56 studies in 66 reports were included, reporting >200 analyses. Sixty-three countries were represented, including >40 low- and middle-income economies (LMICs). Most frequent interventions were: vitamin A, folic acid, iron, and iodine added to cereal grains/products (e.g., flours), oils, and condiments (e.g., sugar, salt). Models were heterogeneous and employed various perspectives. Most evaluations (58%; 135/232) had ICERs less than $150 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted (or healthy life year gained). We found 87% (201/232) overall were within a hypothetical CE threshold of "50% GDP pc". With an example "35% GDP pc" level among LMICs, 84% (190/227) were estimated to be cost-effective; and 71% (37/52) were less than "20% GDP pc" among low-income countries. Additionally, six out of eight cost-utility studies' ICERs were dominant. Moreover, 47 total unique benefit-cost ratios found benefits outweighed costs, median 8·7:1 (range 1·50:1 to 100·6:1).

Conclusions: Food fortification programs are likely cost-effective in the majority of contexts. While cost-effectiveness evaluations are specific to local factors and methodology, this research can assist with evidence-informed decision-making for global health policy and priority setting, particularly in resource-constrained economies.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023493795.

Background: Vitamin D is required for growth and development. However, little is known about dietary intake and status during early childhood.

Objective: To determine vitamin D intake and status in a group of Canadian toddlers.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from toddlers enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled trial of fatty acid supplementation, between ages 1-2 years in Vancouver (latitude 49°N), Canada. Dietary information was collected using a three-day food record, and supplement use by questionnaire. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25OHD) concentrations were quantified by LC-tandem MS. Blood sampling was dichotomized by season as winter (September-February) and summer (March-August).

Results: At age 1 year (n=110) and 2 years (n=86), the top food sources of vitamin D were dairy (73-81%), fish (6.8-14%), and eggs (4.1-5.5%). Vitamin D-containing supplements were consumed by 43% of the toddlers at age 1year and 48% at 2years. Daily median (IQR) total vitamin D intakes were 7.9 (4.9-13) μg at age 1year and 7.2 (4.8-14) μg at age 2years. There was a higher prevalence of inadequate intake (<10 μg/d) in toddlers not using vitamin D supplements at age 1year (92% vs 19%) and 2years (96% vs 34%). Overall, mean (SD) 25OHD concentrations were 59.9 (17.6) nmol/L at age 1year (n=124) and 60.9 (13.6) nmol/L at 2years (n=104). The prevalence of low vitamin D status (<50 nmol/L) was 27% at age 1year and 22% at 2years. At age 1year, the prevalence of low vitamin D status was higher in winter (adjusted prevalence 43% vs 13%; P<0.001). Total vitamin D intake correlated with 25(OH)D at both ages (r∼0.2, P<0.05).

Conclusions: These findings suggest a high prevalence of inadequate vitamin D intakes in toddlers who do not consume a vitamin D supplement. A national level surveillance is needed for this important life stage.

Background: Compartmental modeling can provide unique descriptive and quantitative information about the whole-body metabolism of nutrients. Successful application of modeling requires extensive experience with software such as Simulation, Analysis and Modeling (SAAM), which has limited its use in nutrition.

Objectives: Using vitamin A (VA) as an example, we tested the hypothesis that one could successfully model a new set of data using a "master deck" (model input file) developed for another dataset by an experienced modeler.

Methods: We generated retinol kinetic parameters and state variables for 20 theoretical adults with a wide range of VA total body stores (TBS) and simulated plasma retinol tracer response following an oral isotope dose. Using SAAM, we created a master deck to model group mean tracer response and obtained estimates of model parameters, including TBS. Then we replaced the mean data with that for four of the theoretical individuals or for a group of previously studied Ghanaian women, adjusted key parameters, if needed, and determined model parameters for comparison to assigned values (theoretical subjects) or published results (Ghanaian women).

Results: Ratios of model-predicted / reference values for TBS ranged from 1.00-1.02 for the four theoretical subjects and were 1.00 for the Ghanaian women; fitting required only minor adjustments, if any, in the model parameter related to retinol transfer from plasma to liver stores. Using the theoretical data, we also confirmed that, for adults with a wide range of TBS, the best time to apply retinol isotope dilution was at 21-28 d postdosing.

Conclusions: Results indicate that, using a previously published compartmental model and the associated modeling deck, researchers may be able to analyze a new VA kinetics dataset, making minor adjustments in key parameters as needed to allow nonlinear regression analysis. This approach may make compartmental analysis more accessible for VA researchers.

Background: Consuming protein with additional energy as essential amino acid (EAA), and not carbohydrate, has recently been shown to result in greater post-exercise muscle protein synthesis (MPS) during energy deficit. However, the molecular underpinnings governing these changes in MPS are unclear.

Objective: This study examined the effects of consuming EAA-enriched whey with added EAA (+EAA) or carbohydrate (+CHO) on skeletal muscle microRNA (miRNA) after exercise in energy balance (BAL) and energy deficit (DEF).

Methods: Seventeen adults completed a randomized, double-blind two-way mixed model study, consuming 5-days of BAL and DEF (-30±3% energy requirements) diets separated by ≥7-days. On day 6 of each condition, volunteers consumed either a +EAA (304kcal, 56g protein, 48g EAA, 17g carbohydrate, 2g fat, n=8) or +CHO (311kcal, 34g protein, 24g EAA, 40g carbohydrate, 2g fat, n=9) drink after 60-min of load carriage (59±4% O_2peak) and step ups (9 sets x 16 repetitions). miRNA (microarray RT-qPCR) expression was determined at rest (PRE) and 4-hours into recovery (REC). Change in MPS (²H₅-phenylalanine; previously reported) was determined during REC.

Results: Three miRNA (miR-194-5p, miR-324-3p, let-7i-5p) increased (P < 0.05, FDR < 0.1) from BAL to DEF, regardless of time and treatment. During DEF REC, miR-194-5p was inversely associated with ΔMPS (r = -0.59, P = 0.03). In vitro overexpression of miR-194-5p in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells elicited lower p-mTOR^Ser2448, p-p70S6K^Thr424/421, and p-rpS6^Ser235/236 than control.

Conclusions: These data provide a molecular basis for post-exercise anabolic resistance during energy deficit. The increase in miR-194-5p from energy balance to energy deficit likely attenuates post-exercise MPS by downregulating anabolic signaling, an effect not mediated by consuming additional EAA or carbohydrate.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier no. NCT04621175.

Background: Comprehensive estimates of usual nutrient intake, supplement use, and nutrition-related biomarkers are lacking among children and adolescents.

Objective: The purpose of this secondary analysis of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was to evaluate usual nutrient intake and nutrition-related biomarkers among individuals 1-18y.

Methods: Individuals 1-18y with ≥1 reliable dietary recall who participated in NHANES 2001-March 2020 were included for analysis. Pregnant females were excluded. Dietary intake was collected using 24-hr dietary recalls administered via the Automated Multiple Pass Method and supplement use was assessed from the 30d supplement use questionnaire. Nutrition-related biomarkers were assessed from available cycles. Usual macro- and micronutrient intake was assessed using the NCI method. Trends in usual intake across age groups were assessed using linear models. Differences between groups were assessed using independent samples t-tests. All analyses were adjusted to account for the survey design and sampling weights.

Results: This representative sample of 32,118 individuals 1-18y reported inadequate intake of key nutrients including dietary fiber, EPA, DHA, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Inadequate calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin A intake became increasingly common with age, particularly among adolescent girls, with mean [SE] 78.2[1.3]% of girls 9-18y reporting inadequate calcium intake. Younger children reported adequate iron and folate intake; however, 29.9[1.3]% of adolescent girls had serum ferritin levels indicating iron deficiency, and 19.7[1.2]% had red blood cell folate levels below recommended thresholds. Vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25-OHD <50 nmol/L) also increased with age, affecting nearly one in five adolescent girls 9-18y. Urinary iodine concentration 20-100ug/L was prevalent among all ages and gender groups.

Conclusions: Micronutrient intake remained relatively stable across age groups despite increases in needs which was reflected by large proportions of those 9-18y who reported inadequate intakes for vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Plant-derived glycoproteins and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are increasingly recognized for their multifunctional bioactivity and relevance to food, health, and biotechnology. Present across botanically diverse species and environmental contexts, AGPs exhibit a wide range of physiological effects, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antiproliferative, and antiallergenic activities. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic and nutritional potential of AGPs, emphasizing their structural diversity and emerging role as bioactive components in functional foods. Special focus is placed on their mechanisms of action and potential applications in nutraceuticals and biotechnological innovations. By summarizing current findings, the review highlights future research directions for exploiting AGPs as valuable yet underexplored, plant-derived ingredients in health-oriented food development.