Nutrition Research and Practice最新文献

Background/objectives: This study investigated food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among consumers of different age groups in Seoul. These findings provide foundational data for the development of age specific food safety education programs.

Subjects/methods: A total of 447 participants aged 20-60 yrs completed an online survey assessing demographics and food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) across categories such as food poisoning, handwashing, food purchase, storage, handling, and consumption. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0, with one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple comparisons for post-hoc analysis.

Results: In terms of knowledge, handwashing scored the highest (0.93), whereas egg storage scored the lowest (0.50). Adults in their 40-60s demonstrated greater knowledge of food freezing (P < 0.01), whereas those in their 20s had the lowest awareness of mold-related risks (P < 0.05). Attitude scores were the highest for food storage (4.14) and lowest for food poisoning (3.60). Adults in their 50s and 60s scored higher on food poisoning attitudes, while those in their 20s and 40s scored lower (P < 0.001). Among attitude items, checking for mold before consuming stored food received the highest score (4.15), whereas staying informed about food poisoning received the lowest score (3.38). Practice scores were highest for food purchases (4.13) and lowest for food poisoning (3.51). Older adults scored significantly higher on food poisoning prevention (P < 0.01), purchase (P < 0.05), handling (P < 0.01), and consumption (P < 0.01). Among practice items, adults in their 60s scored the highest for checking expiration dates (4.46), while those in their 20s scored the lowest (4.26).

Conclusion: This study highlights age-related differences in food safety KAP, emphasizing the need for targeted education. Developing age-specific programs can improve food safety behaviors and adherence to hygiene practices.

Background/objectives: Recent studies have actively explored various factors associated with prediabetes, including physiological conditions, lifestyle, environmental factors, and dietary habits. This study aimed to analyze the association between relative grip strength (RGS), the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), and the prevalence of prediabetes in middle-aged adults aged 40 to 64 yrs.

Subjects/methods: The study included 8,164 participants (3,240 men and 4,924 women) from the 2016-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had not been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were classified into a low RGS group and a high RGS group based on the median RGS value. We analyzed general characteristics, nutrient and food group intake, KHEI scores, and the prevalence of prediabetes according to RGS levels.

Results: The results showed that individuals with higher RGS exhibited significantly lower body mass index, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, regarding diet quality, individuals with elevated RGS had significantly higher vegetable intake scores compared to those with lower RGS. In the age-adjusted analysis of prediabetes prevalence in relation to RGS and diet quality, women with lower RGS and lower diet quality scores had a significantly increased prevalence of prediabetes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.66).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that middle-aged women with low relative handgrip strength may need to implement active strategies to enhance their diet quality in order to prevent the progression to diabetes.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing a 'Patient Engagement Framework (PEF)' on outpatients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). The framework utilizes electronic information methods to actively involve patients in nutrition management and symptom control.

Subjects/methods: Sixty-seven HNC patients receiving outpatient radiotherapy (RT) were divided into an intervention group (n = 35) using the PEF and a control group (n = 32) receiving standard care. The intervention involved patients using an electronic platform for daily self-assessments and collaborating with medical staff on personalized symptom management. Outcomes assessed included oral mucositis (OM), nutritional status, and other RT-related adverse effects at 4 and 7 weeks of treatment.

Results: The intervention group had significantly lower incidence of severe OM compared to controls (14.3% vs. 40.6%, P < 0.05). Onset of OM was also delayed in the intervention group. At weeks 4 and 7, the intervention group showed less weight loss and body mass index reduction (P < 0.05). By week 7, the intervention group had less decline in albumin and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). The intervention group also experienced lower rates of moderate to severe pain, nausea and vomiting, .

Conclusion: Implementing the PEF, which actively involves patients in nutrition and symptom management via electronic methods, effectively improved nutritional status and reduced adverse effects of RT in HNC outpatients. This approach shows promise for enhancing self-management and outcomes in this patient population.

Background/objectives: Sarcopenia can be prevented or mitigated through appropriate nutrition supplementation combined with exercise. We assessed the effects of 12-week supplementation with a mixture of low-molecular-weight whey protein hydrolysate (LMWPH) and ginseng berry extract (GBE), combined with resistance exercises, on muscle strength and physical performance in healthy Korean adults aged 60 yrs or older.

Subjects/methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 100 participants aged 60 yrs or older, who were assigned to either the LMWPH-GBE group (5,000 mg/d, including LMWPH-GBE 4,500 mg) or placebo group. Participants performed lower-extremity strengthening exercises for 30-60 min at least 3 days per week. Handgrip strength, knee extensor muscle strength, muscle power and physical performance using short physical performance battery (SPPB), body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, body mass index, fat mass and percentage, were assessed using dual energy absorptiometry.

Results: The LMWPH-GBE group showed significant improvements in right-handgrip strength (0.53 ± 2.82 kg, P = 0.027) and total SPPB scores (0.18 ± 0.45 points, P = 0.049) compared with the placebo (-0.83 ± 2.86 kg and -0.05±0.61 points, respectively). Additionally, the LMWPH-GBE group demonstrated improvements in the SPPB subscale compared with the placebo, with the 4-m gait speed changed by 0.26 ± 0.37 m/s (placebo: -0.02 ± 0.31 m/s, P < 0.001) and repeated chair stand time changed by -2.30 ± 1.78 s (placebo: -0.06 ± 1.60 s, P < 0.001). Knee extensor strength, muscle power, and muscle mass did not significantly differ between groups, likely because both groups performed lower-extremity strengthening exercises over 12 weeks.

Conclusion: Twelve weeks of LMWPH-GBE supplementation improved physical performance and muscle strength, particularly right-handgrip strength, in older adults. Low-dose protein (LMWPH) and botanical extract (GBE) supplementation shows potential as a practical dietary intervention for older individuals who may not tolerate higher protein doses.

Background/objectives: Osteoporosis (OS) is a systemic bone disease that increases bone fragility and fracture susceptibility, which is characterized by reduced bone mass, poor bone quality, and decreased bone strength. This study examined the risk factors for OS in the elderly.

Subjects/methods: Two hundred elderly patients who underwent examinations in the authors' hospital from July 2021 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The subject's clinical data were analyzed retrospectively to understand the characteristics or changes of the study subjects during the period. The subjects who met the inclusion criteria were divided into an OS group (S group, 73 cases with T value ≤ -2.5 SD) and a non-OS group (NS group, 127 cases with T value > -2.5 SD) based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The receiver operating characteristics were applied to analyze the predictive value.

Results: Age (> 65 yrs), sex (female), visceral fat areas (VFA) (> 86 cm²), calcium intake (low), bone mineral density (BMD) (≤ 81 mg/cm²), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (> 67 pg/mL) were risk factors for the development of OS. The model showed an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 86.50% (173/200), 93.15% (68/73), and 82.68% (105/127), respectively. The areas under the curve for age, body mass index (BMI), VFA, and combined detection were 0.733, 0.757, 0.811, and 0.902, respectively. The combined detection had a higher predictive value for OS.

Conclusion: Age, sex, BMI, VFA, calcium intake, BMD, and PTH were relevant factors affecting the development of OS. The combined detection by age, BMI, and VFA could predict the development of OS.

Background/objectives: Malnutrition is associated with postoperative complications and delayed recovery in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study investigated the effect of fiber-containing low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (low-FODMAP) formula on the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complications with tube feeding after HNC surgery.

Subjects/methods: This retrospective study included 152 tube-fed patients who received nutritional support team care after undergoing surgery for HNC. The differences in nutritional status, nutrition supply, and length of hospital stay were compared according to tube feeding-associated GI complications. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated between Prognostic Nutritional Index, Nutritional Risk Index, a Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) as the reference standard. The correlation between changes in the fiber-containing low-FODMAP formula and diarrhea incidence during tube feeding was evaluated.

Results: Of 152 patients, 49.3% (n = 75) experienced GI complications during tube feeding. Patients with GI complications were hospitalized for approximately 10 days longer than those without complications. The prevalence rate of GLIM-defined malnutrition was 37.5% at admission. The percentage of patients at risk of developing malnutrition with NRS-2002 score ≥ 3 was 28.3% at admission. The area under the ROC curve of the NRS-2002 score for the GLIM diagnostic criteria for malnutrition was 0.908. The fiber-containing low-FODMAP formula change reduced the stool frequency in patients with diarrhea.

Conclusion: Our study findings provide essential data for establishing guidelines for selecting suitable formulas for tube-fed patients who have previously experienced diarrhea after HNC surgery.

Background/objectives: The traditional medicinal use of Curcumae Radix (CR) and Syzygii Flos (SF) supports the possible application in prostate-related diseases. In this study, we studied the therapeutic effects of CR and SF on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) focusing on the proliferation of prostate cells.

Materials/methods: We established BPH mimicking in vitro and in vivo models to confirm the BPH-improving effects of CR and SF. The human prostate epithelial cell RWPE-1 and myofibroblast stromal cell WPMY-1 were treated 0.5 µM of testosterone propionate (TP) to induce cell proliferation. Also, BPH was induced by a 2-week-pretreatment with daily subcutaneous injections of TP (5 mg/kg/day) in the inguinal region of rats. Then, the TP-injected rats were divided into 5 groups as following: a BPH group (TP with corn oil), a CR group (TP with CR, 50 mg/kg/day), an SF group (TP with SF, 50 mg/kg/day), a CR+SF group (TP with the combination of CR and SF (CR+SF), 50 mg/kg/day), and a finasteride (Fi) group (TP with Fi, 1mg/kg/day). All treatments were carried out for 4 weeks following the pre-2-week period.

Results: TP treatments induced several pathological symptoms of BPH, such as enlarged prostate tissue, increased dihydrotestosterone serum level, and thickened epithelial thickness in TP-induced BPH rats. CR and SF treatment significantly alleviated these signs. In addition, CR and SF reduced the protein expression of BPH-related factors and cell proliferation. Similar patterns of changes were also seen in vitro models. Interestingly, the number of sperms decreased in Fi group, while in the CR+SF group, there was no reduction in sperm counts.

Conclusion: These results showed that CR and SF alleviated BPH by inhibiting cell proliferation. Also, unlike Fi, sperm loss did not occur by CR and SF co-treatment. Based on these results, we suggested that CR and SF are new substitutes for BPH treatment.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining skeletal health, yet deficiencies in these nutrients are particularly widespread in regions such as Asia and Africa. Inadequate intake of these nutrients in these areas has been associated with diminished bone integrity and a rising incidence of osteoporosis. This review examines the underlying mechanisms of bone loss driven by calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, emphasizing their crucial roles in bone metabolism. It also presents strategies to improve nutrient intake, such as fortification of staple foods and supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications including increased physical activity, sun exposure, and dietary education, to prevent bone loss effectively. Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with limited sun exposure, and those with dietary restrictions, who are at higher risk of deficiency. The review further evaluates public health strategies, including government-initiated fortification and educational programs, as essential measures for tackling widespread nutrient deficiencies. Lastly, it explores future avenues for addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, including the potential role of digital health tools, personalized nutrition, and innovative public health policies to alleviate the global burden of bone-related diseases.

Background/objectives: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice.

Subjects/methods: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption.

Results: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.

Backgroud/objectives: Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, leading to beneficial effects against cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether resveratrol induces protective effects against aging-induced cardiac remodeling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the heart.

Materials/methods: Thirty-two male Fischer 344 rats were divided into 4 groups: 2 groups that were orally treated with resveratrol (50 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks (young and old resveratrol groups), and 2 control groups (young and old control groups). Mitochondrial function and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway were analyzed in cardiac muscle fibers from the left ventricle.

Results: Resveratrol significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in aging hearts. In addition, resveratrol significantly ameliorated aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., decreased oxygen respiration and increased hydrogen peroxide emission) and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling (the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening sensitivity, and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels). Resveratrol also significantly attenuated aging-induced apoptosis (determined via cleaved caspase-3 staining and TUNEL-positive myonuclei) in cardiac muscles.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that resveratrol treatment has a beneficial effect on aging-induced cardiac remodeling by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the heart.