Nutrients最新文献

Background/Objectives: Choline plays an important role in maintaining normal cellular function and overall physiology. Endogenous choline availability depends on the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine via the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway. Expression of PEMT is influenced by estrogen, as its promoter contains multiple estrogen-responsive elements that enhance enzyme activity. How a low estrogenic condition like menopause influences choline's effect on the brain is not yet fully understood. Methods: In this pilot study, 20 women participated in two study days, with 1650 mg of oral choline bitartrate or a matching placebo administered three hours before a functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI scans were collected on each study day while subjects performed an N-back working memory task. Results: In this pilot study, no differences in working memory performance were observed, but decreased activation was found for the choline compared to the placebo during the 2-back compared to 0-back conditions in regions of the right temporal lobe (p < 0.001 voxel-level threshold, and p-FDR < 0.05 cluster-size threshold). When we seeded the right planum temporale to examine its functional connectivity with the rest of the brain, we found that choline modulated a large portion of the working memory network during the difficult memory load condition. Conclusions: These results in this pilot study illustrate the effect of choline on working memory-related brain activation and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. We propose that choline may increase brain functional efficiency in low estrogenic conditions like menopause, but further studies are needed.

Background/Objectives: Emotional eating is a tendency to increase food consumption in order to modify a negative emotional state, but little is known about this phenomenon or about the way to assess it. The aim of the study was to assess the emotional eating in the population of Polish girls using various questionnaires, in order to compare the results obtained while using various tools. Methods: The emotional eating was assessed in a sample of n = 771 girls (age 15-18 years) from a nationwide PLACE-19 Study population, recruited based on a random quota sampling of Polish secondary schools. The results were gathered within the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) and compared for four tools: Emotional Eating Scale for Children and adolescents (EES-C), Emotional Eating Subscale (EE-3) of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ-5), and Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ). Results: The analysis of correlation revealed statistically significant association for comparison of all the questionnaires (p < 0.001). For a comparison of EE-3 and EOQ-5, the strongest correlation between the results, and the second highest share of the studied group presenting agreement in emotional eating category was stated, indicating the strongest agreement. For a comparison of EES-C and EOQ-5, as well as EES-C and EEQ, the weakest correlation between the results, and the lowest share of the studied group presenting agreement in emotional eating category was stated, indicating the weakest agreement. Conclusions: It may be suggested that in studies conducted in a group of girls the recommended approach would be to use at least two various questionnaires to assess emotional eating, to enable comparing results, as the knowledge gathered so far does not allow an indication of the most reliable tool. As there is only a fair agreement between compared tools, the arbitrary choice of one tool may significantly influence the formulated conclusions. Moreover, there is a need to conduct more studies assessing emotional eating while using various questionnaire methods, in order to compare the results obtained while using various tools and to indicate the most reliable questionnaires.

Objectives: To identify factors associated with postnatal growth failure (PGF) in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants and to develop a model for the early identification of neonates at risk. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included VLBW infants born between 2014 and 2024. PGF was defined using the 2013 Fenton growth chart. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PGF, and a weighted risk score was derived from their relative contributions. Model performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Among 481 VLBW infants, 334 (69.4%) had PGF. Independent predictors were birth weight < 750 g (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.01-21.83), birth weight 750-1000 g (aOR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.35-4.21), multiple births (aOR 2.82; 95% CI, 1.71-4.67), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (aOR 3.32; 95% CI, 2.02-5.46), oligohydramnios (aOR 4.08; 95% CI, 1.68-9.92), no antenatal corticosteroid exposure (aOR 2.97; 95% CI, 1.65-5.36), and formula or mixed feeding (aOR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.08-2.64). The model showed good discrimination for scores ≥2 (area under the ROC curve, 0.736; sensitivity, 71.6%; specificity, 64.5%). Conclusions: Birth weight < 1000 g, multiple births, PIH, oligohydramnios, no antenatal corticosteroid exposure, and formula or mixed feeding were significant predictors of PGF. The score may support early risk stratification and prompt closer nutritional surveillance.

Background/objectives: Sleep is fundamental to physical and mental health, yet many individuals experience impaired sleep quality. Although pharmacological interventions are available, they are associated with risks of dependency and adverse effects, underscoring the urgent need for safer, food-based alternatives. Blueberry leaves, rich in hyperoside, are suggested to influence sleep through serotonergic and melatonergic pathways; however, while their potential to help maintain sleep quality has been noted, the sleep-enhancing effects of fermented blueberry leaf tea have not yet been demonstrated. This present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the sleep-enhancing effects of fermented blueberry leaf tea on sleep quality.

Methods: Fifty adults (aged 20-69 years) reporting poor sleep were randomly assigned to consume either fermented blueberry leaf tea (n = 25) or placebo tea (n = 25) three times daily for two weeks. Objective sleep parameters-sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep latency, and total sleep time-were assessed using actigraphy, while subjective sleep quality was evaluated using the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi Sleep Inventory MA (OSA-MA) version questionnaire.

Results: In the per-protocol analysis (active: n = 22; placebo: n = 20), the active group exhibited significant improvements in sleep efficiency and WASO compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for sleep latency, total sleep time, or subjective assessments. Importantly, baseline sleep efficiency and WASO were negatively correlated with their respective improvements, suggesting that individuals with poorer initial sleep benefited most.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that fermented blueberry leaf tea may enhance sleep continuity within two weeks, particularly among individuals with fragmented sleep, and support the potential role of functional foods in sleep health strategies.

Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN), UMIN000055879; registered on 21 October 2024.

Breastfeeding is a complex biopsychosocial process influenced not only by biological mechanisms but also by a woman's previous psychological experiences and past traumas. The aim of this review was to analyze current research on the impact of early traumatic experiences, perinatal trauma, psychological difficulties, and previous interpersonal stressors on the initiation, continuation, and emotional course of breastfeeding. Women with a history of trauma are more likely to struggle with emotional regulation difficulties, increased stress, depressed mood, and problems bonding with their child. These factors translate into an increased risk of discontinuing lactation, discomfort during feeding, and reduced self-esteem regarding maternal competence. The literature also emphasizes the role of psychological and social support, which can help mothers cope with emotional tension and promote a positive breastfeeding experience. Consideration of the mother's previous psychological and traumatic experiences is crucial for a more complete understanding of lactation difficulties and the development of effective forms of support for women in the perinatal period.

Background/Objectives: Findings on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and coffee consumption are conflicting. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a large Taiwanese cohort and aimed to investigate associations between coffee consumption and the risk of MetS and individual components of MetS. Data of 27,119 participants (17,530 females and 9589 males; mean age 55.0 ± 10.3 years) were obtained from the Taiwan Biobank from July 2011 to November 2019. Associations among coffee consumption (type, intake and frequency) with MetS and its components were examined with multivariable logistic regression analysis, which included the significant variables in univariable analysis. Coffee consumption was assessed according to frequency, type and intake. Results: The results showed an association between coffee consumption and a lower risk of MetS (odds ratio [OR], 0.875; p < 0.001). Significant associations were found between the consumption of black coffee (OR, 0.848; p < 0.001) and coffee with milk (OR, 0.848; p = 0.001) with a low risk of MetS, while coffee with creamer was not. Daily consumption of one or two cups (237-474 mL) (OR, 0.805; p < 0.001 and 0.887; p = 0.001, respectively) was significantly associated with a low prevalence of MetS, whereas daily consumption of three or more cups was not. In addition, the participants who drank coffee every day (OR, 0.811; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a low prevalence of MetS, whereas those who only drank coffee weekly or monthly were not. Further, significant associations were found between coffee consumption with lower risks of hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 0.844; p < 0.001) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (OR, 0.836; p < 0.001) but not with abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia or high blood pressure. Conclusions: The regular consumption of black coffee or coffee with milk was linked to a low prevalence of MetS and certain components. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Objective: Mental health (MH) comorbidity is elevated in individuals who identify as gender-diverse (GD) and in individuals with an eating disorder (ED). GD individuals with an ED may have significantly higher MH comorbidity than individuals with just one of these conditions. Gender Minority Stress Theory suggests that experience of stressful events associated with gender minority status may increase risk of developing MH difficulties and may explain the elevated risk of ED diagnosis in GD populations. Method: This is a cross-sectional analysis of survey data. Using data from a sample of 334,957 American university and college students, we compared MH comorbidities of 1885 GD individuals with an ED to demographically matched samples of non-GD individuals with an ED and GD individuals with no ED diagnosis. Results: Even following stringent demographic matching, GD participants with an ED had significantly more comorbid MH diagnoses (M = 4.23, SD = 2.23) than non-GD individuals with an ED (M = 2.86, SD = 1.98). Similarly, GD participants with an ED had significantly higher MH comorbidity than demographically matched GD individuals without an ED (M = 1.96, SD = 1.84). In GD individuals, ED diagnosis was associated with increased odds of experiencing minority stress events (OR: 2.19 95% CI [1.91-2.51]) and associated distress (OR: 2.17 95% CI [1.89-2.50]). Conclusions: We find that GD individuals with an ED report significantly elevated MH comorbidity, including serious MH disorders. Prompt intervention and proactive screening have an important role to play in supporting young adults in this vulnerable population.

Background/Objectives: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) recently updated its inflammation criterion through a Delphi consensus to standardize its assessment. This study aimed to assess the impact of these new recommendations on the concurrent and predictive validity of the GLIM criteria in hospitalized medical patients. Methods: This post hoc analysis re-evaluated a previously published cohort of 119 hospitalized patients with acute medical conditions, originally assessed using the GLIM criteria and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) as the reference standard. Inflammation was redefined according to the 2024 GLIM Delphi consensus, and the concurrent and predictive validity of the modified GLIM criteria (GLIM-I) were examined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the discriminative ability of SGA, original GLIM, and GLIM-I to predict prolonged hospital stay. Results: With the updated inflammation definition, all patients met the etiologic criterion, increasing malnutrition prevalence from 41.7% to 52.2%. GLIM-I showed a sensitivity of 78.0% and specificity of 67.7% versus SGA, not reaching the predefined ≥80% threshold for concurrent validity. Predictive validity was maintained (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.31-8.83). SGA achieved the highest discriminative ability (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.783; 95% CI: 0.693-0.874), significantly outperforming the original GLIM (AUC = 0.723; 95% CI: 0.616-0.830; p = 0.049). GLIM-I showed similar performance (AUC = 0.731; 95% CI: 0.620-0.843; p = 0.727). Conclusions: SGA should continue to be considered the method of choice for nutritional diagnosis in hospitalized medical patients. Further research is needed to determine how the new inflammation criteria influence the validity of the GLIM framework in other clinical contexts before their widespread implementation.

Background/Objectives: The increasing problem of excess body weight and the resulting dyslipidemia among children and adolescents is a serious health challenge that may have long-term consequences. In this context, the search continues for an optimal diet that will support both body weight normalization and improvement in lipid parameters. In the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and lipid disorders, limiting highly processed foods and replacing them with natural, minimally processed options lower in fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), cholesterol, sugar, and salt is recommended. This study aimed to assess the quality and nutritional value of the low-glycemic index (LGI) diet and standard (ST) diet. Methods: Both diets were based on the principal recommendation of the Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet-2 (CHILD-2). The Diet Quality Index (DQI) was used to assess the diet quality. Moreover, the nutritional value of the diet was assessed before and after 8 weeks of intervention. The study included 40 patients aged 8-16 years with excess body weight and dyslipidemia who completed the entire nutritional intervention. Results: This study demonstrated that both LGI and ST diets were effective in improving diet quality. The nutritional intervention led to an almost 2-fold reduction in the mean DQI score in the LGI diet group and almost 1.5-fold reduction in the ST diet group (significant differences between groups). No participants were classified into a lower diet quality category than at baseline. The percentage of participants with minimum moderate diet quality reached 100% in the LGI diet group and 44% in the ST diet group. Changes in nutritional value were similar in the LGI and ST diet groups. Both interventions resulted in a significant increase in protein and fiber consumption, as well as a decrease in cholesterol, SFA, and sodium. A greater improvement in diet quality was significantly associated with lower fat and SFA, as well as higher vitamin C intake, in both groups; specifically, it was also associated with reduced cholesterol and sugar intake in the LGI diet group, and reduced sodium intake in the ST diet group. Conclusions: These results suggest that in the dietary therapy of children and adolescents with excess body weight and dyslipidemia, the quality of the diet is crucial, as it is associated with beneficial changes in nutritional value, which may have a positive impact on patient health. To achieve this, however, constant and consistent cooperation with a dietitian is necessary to help implement appropriate dietary recommendations in practice. Further long-term, larger-scale studies are needed.

Bernardino Ramazzini, considered the father of occupational medicine, was a pioneer in formulating principles aimed at protecting workers' health [...].