Nutrients最新文献

Background:Pometia pinnata (matoa) peel powder attenuates high-fat diet-induced adiposity and hepatic lipid accumulation in rats, but the responsible compounds remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds that may contribute to this phenotype, with an emphasis on pancreatic lipase inhibition as a candidate mechanism. Methods: Rats received high-fat diets containing matoa peel powder, or its water- or ethanol extraction residue. Visceral fat accumulation, hepatic lipid deposition, and serum lipid profiles were evaluated. An ethanol extract was fractionated by activity-guided column chromatography based on pancreatic lipase-inhibitory activity, and structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed to assess inhibition of fatty acid release by the extract or isolated compounds. Results: The visceral adiposity- and hepatic lipid-modulating effects observed with matoa peel powder were retained in the water extraction residue but not in the ethanol extraction residue, suggesting removal of bioactive constituents by ethanol extraction. The ethanol extract inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 740 µg/mL). Two active compounds-hederagenin saponin and protocatechuic acid-were isolated, and both inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 149 µmol/L and 404 µmol/L, respectively). Under simulated digestion in vitro, the ethanol extract and protocatechuic acid reduced free fatty acid release, whereas hederagenin saponin did not. Conclusions: Matoa peel powder contains ethanol-soluble constituents, including pancreatic lipase-inhibitory compounds that may contribute to the modulation of adiposity and hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat-diet-fed rats. The attenuation of individual-compound activity under simulated digestion is consistent with matrix- and intestinal milieu-dependent effects, and supports a multi-component mechanism involving saponins, phenolics (protocatechuic acid), and their intestinal biotransformation products.

Background/Objectives: This study examined relationships between diet quality, as determined using three a priori-defined dietary patterns (Healthy Eating Index of 2010 dietary guidelines [HEI-2010], Mediterranean Dietary Pattern [MDP], and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH]), intestinal permeability, and features of the gut microbiota in a diverse, obese sample. Methods: This was a post hoc, cross-sectional study including 103 healthy, obese individuals (43.8 ± 11.3 years, BMI: 37.5 ± 6.1 kg/m², 64.1% African American). Dietary intake was assessed using the Vioscreen food frequency questionnaire. Intestinal permeability was assessed via urinary sugar excretion and microbiota features were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Relationships between dietary pattern adherence, intestinal permeability, and gut microbiota were assessed using correlation coefficients and a general linear model. Results: Higher dietary pattern scores correlated with lower levels of intestinal permeability measures such as 24 h urinary sucralose (HEI-2010: r = -0.33, p = 0.002; MDP: r = -0.31, p = 0.004; DASH: r = -0.38, p < 0.0001) and 24 h sucralose-to-lactulose ratio (HEI-2010: r = -0.23, p = 0.03; MDP: r = -0.32, p = 0.003; DASH: r = -0.24, p = 0.03). Fruit intake consistently correlated with lower intestinal permeability measures (p < 0.05) across all three dietary patterns. Higher DASH scores correlated with lower Proteobacteria (r = -0.28, p = 0.004) and higher Verrucomicrobia (r = 0.30, p = 0.002) phylum abundance. Conclusions: The current results suggest a potential role for diet quality in promoting intestinal health.

Background/Objectives: Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at high risk of undernutrition. This study evaluated the adequacy of planned energy intake (PEI) by comparing prescribed diets with individual requirements measured using indirect calorimetry (IC) and by modelling how different levels of food consumption affect energy adequacy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 169 adults aged ≥ 65 years living in LTCFs underwent anthropometric assessment and IC-based measurement of resting energy expenditure. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was derived using activity-specific PAL factors. PEI was calculated from 7-day menu records (oral diets) or enteral feeding prescriptions. Scenario analyses assumed intake levels from 100% to 50% of PEI and applied BMI-specific adequacy thresholds. Results: Mean TEE was 1447 ± 359 kcal/day (25 ± 6 kcal/kg), whereas mean PEI was 1999 ± 400 kcal/day, yielding an average surplus of 552 ± 496 kcal/day and a TEE/PEI ratio of 0.76. PEI did not differ across sex, BMI, or activity groups despite significant differences in measured TEE. Individuals receiving enteral nutrition demonstrated close agreement between intake and expenditure. Fewer than half of residents consumed > 75% of their served portion, about one third consumed 51-75%, and approximately one fifth consumed ≤ 50%, based on caregiver reports. Scenario modelling showed that the proportion of adults meeting adequacy criteria remained relatively stable at intake levels of 100-70% of PEI but declined significantly below 70%. Conclusions: Planned dietary energy provision exceeded measured requirements, yet underweight remained frequent, indicating a gap between prescribed and consumed energy. Monitoring actual intake and adjusting provision to individual needs are essential in LTCFs.

Background: Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high prevalence of modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors. This study investigates the impact of a personalised diet and physical activity intervention versus usual care on the risk factors. Methods: A 6-month randomised controlled trial was conducted at three hospitals in New Zealand (NZ) from 2023 to 2024. Adults with IBD in remission, a body mass index > 25 kg/m², and a low fibre intake < 25 g/day were recruited. Participants were randomised to receive either generic healthy eating and physical activity education or personalised heart-healthy eating education based on the NZ Heart Foundation and a self-led physical activity program. The primary outcome was change in body fat, and secondary outcomes included disease activity, biomarkers, quality of life, physical activity, and dietary intake. Between-group differences were analysed using multivariable regression. Results: Sixty-four participants were randomised, and 51 (80%) completed the intervention. The median age was 47 years (LQ, UQ: 37, 55), 59% participants were female, 61% had Crohn's disease, and 85% had faecal calprotectin < 150 µg/g. Common cardiometabolic risks were high waist circumference (88%) and abnormal lipid profile (56%). There were no significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes except for dietary intakes: increased fruit (0.5 serves/day; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.0) and dietary fibre (3.1 g/1000 kcal/day; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.1); reduced discretionary food and drink (-1.7 serves/day; 95% CI: -3.0, -0.3), and sodium (-911 mg/day; 95% CI: -1783, -40). Conclusions: Personalised dietitian advice led to meaningful dietary changes without exacerbating disease activity. More intensive activity modalities can be recommended to support body composition improvements.

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis commonly exhibit deficiencies in water-soluble vitamins, primarily as a result of inadequate dietary intake and loss into the dialysate. Given the essential role of vitamin C in numerous metabolic pathways, routine supplementation has been proposed as a potentially beneficial intervention in this population. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on vitamin C supplementation in patients undergoing hemodialysis, with particular attention to clinical conditions associated with renal replacement therapy, including anemia, chronic inflammation, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE databases were searched. The initial search yielded 844 articles, of which 37 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results: Evidence indicates that hemodialysis patients exhibit vitamin C deficiency, both in dietary intake and in plasma or serum concentrations. Despite its intrinsic antioxidant properties and proposed anti-inflammatory effects, vitamin C supplementation has demonstrated inconsistent effects on inflammatory markers. Most clinical studies support a beneficial role of vitamin C supplementation in functional iron deficiency and in alleviating symptoms of RLS within this population. Conclusions: Evidence on vitamin C supplementation for functional iron deficiency and RLS suggests that it might be an effective therapeutic approach. However, despite low serum vitamin C level in hemodialysis patients, current data does not justify the routine use of vitamin C in the hemodialyzed population for other comorbidities, including chronic inflammation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Further high-quality studies are required to establish the broader clinical utility of targeted vitamin C supplementation.

Background/Objectives: The ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to exert beneficial effects on human immunity by enhancing cytotoxic T lymphocyte function through metabolic reprogramming. However, strict dietary restrictions limit adherence and complicate its use in clinical practice. Exogenous ketone supplements have therefore been promoted as a more feasible alternative to elevate ketone body levels without the need for dietary changes. The objective of this study was to assess whether ketone salt or ketone ester supplementation can reproduce KD-mediated immunometabolic effects on CD8⁺ T cells in healthy individuals. Methods: In a prospective interventional study, healthy volunteers received either ketone salts (KS) or ketone esters (KE) for three weeks. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were determined, and CD8⁺ T-cell cytokine secretion, functional responses, and mitochondrial energy metabolism were analyzed. In a subgroup, KS supplementation was combined with a carbohydrate-restricted, non-ketogenic diet. Results: While KS supplementation resulted in a short-lived increase in plasma BHB concentrations followed by increased BHB uptake in immune cells, KE supplementation led to more sustained plasma BHB levels, however, without detectable intracellular BHB accumulation. Neither intervention affected CD8⁺ T-cell cytokine production, functional capacity, or mitochondrial energy metabolism, and KS intake combined with a carbohydrate-restricted, non-ketogenic diet likewise did not alter CD8⁺ T-cell immunometabolic parameters. Conclusions: Transient elevation of circulating ketone body levels through supplementation seems insufficient to reproduce the immunometabolic effects of a KD, which likely require broader metabolic adaptations. Thus, the impact of exogenous ketones on adaptive immunity in healthy individuals appears limited.

Food insecurity is a persistent determinant of poor health and unequal educational outcomes, particularly among children and young people experiencing racial and economic inequities [...].

Background/objectives: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress increase with aging and are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We developed an anti-glycation blend using LC-MS-based screening and assessed its effects on oxidative and glycation-related biomarkers in humans.

Methods: Twelve candidate compounds were screened in a BSA-glucose model using LC-MS peptide mapping to quantify lysine glycation and rank inhibitory activity. The top candidates were combined into a three-compound blend (quercetin, rutin, genistein). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-month trial, older healthy adults (n = 30) and individuals with AD (n = 30) received anti-AGE blend (n = 15 in older group and n = 15 in AD group) or placebo (n = 15 in older group and n = 15 in AD group). Serum malondialdehyde and urinary Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine were measured pre-post intervention. Pre/post and between-arm comparisons within each population were performed using REML ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests. Serum MDA (malondialdehyde) and urinary CML (Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine) were prespecified biomarker outcomes and are reported here as co-primary biomarker endpoints. No formal a priori sample size calculation was performed; the study size was feasibility-based.

Results: LC-MS screening identified genistein, quercetin, and rutin as the most consistent inhibitors of glucose-driven BSA glycation. In older healthy adults, serum MDA decreased after anti-AGE supplementation (p < 0.001) and differed from the placebo (p < 0.01), while no change was observed within the placebo group (ns). In the AD cohort, MDA did not change significantly from baseline within either arm (ns), but post-intervention MDA was lower in anti-AGE than in the placebo (p < 0.05). Urinary CML was unchanged in older healthy adults (ns in both arms), whereas in AD, it decreased after anti-AGE supplementation (p < 0.01) and differed from the placebo (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: A screening-guided anti-glycation blend supplementation was associated with changes in selected biomarkers in humans: MDA decreased across cohorts, while CML decreased selectively in AD. Larger trials with extended biomarker panels and LC-MS/MS confirmation are warranted.

Background/Objectives: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social and cognitive impairments, with growing evidence implicating neuroinflammation, disrupted autophagy, apoptosis, GABAergic dysfunction, and gut permeability in its pathophysiology. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the independent and combined effects of intermittent fasting (IF) and the next-generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila on behavioral outcomes and molecular markers in prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism model. Methods: Male rat offspring were allocated into five groups (n = 8 per group): control, VPA, IF, probiotic, and IF + probiotic. The groups other than the control group were exposed to 500 mg/kg VPA prenatally to establish an autism model. Intermittent fasting (16:8 time-restricted feeding) and Akkermansia muciniphila (1 × 10⁹ cfu/day) were applied for 30 days. Behavioral tests (stereotypy, social interaction, memory, and anhedonia) were performed during the last eight days of the treatment period, and the rats were sacrificed the following day for collection of brain tissue and serum samples. Proinflammatory, apoptotic, autophagic, and GABAergic markers were measured in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, while zonulin levels were measured in the serum. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: Prenatal VPA exposure worsened all behavioral and molecular parameters. All treatments improved stereotypy, social interaction, and memory, whereas anhedonia improved only in the combined treatment group. The treatments also decreased neuroinflammation and apoptosis-related imbalance while enhancing autophagy and GABAergic markers. In terms of apoptosis- and autophagy-related markers, the IF-only and probiotic-only treatments were effective in the prefrontal cortex, while the IF + probiotic treatment showed its effect in both brain regions. Lastly, all treatments were successful in alleviating elevated serum zonulin levels. Conclusions: Intermittent fasting and Akkermansia muciniphila alleviate VPA-induced behavioral and neurobiological impairments. The combined treatment, in particular, offers stronger and multi-targeted therapeutic potential.

Background/Objectives: It is often reported in the literature that the prevalence of obesity is high in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS). This study aims to assess how lifestyle factors-diet quality, nutrient intake or physical activity-contribute to weight gain. Methods: 230 males/females with DS, aged 12-45 years, were recruited across three geographically independent sites. A total of 185 participants were considered for this analysis and classified into normal-weight, overweight, and obese categories. Diet quality and nutrient intake were calculated using country-specific FFQs. Physical activity was assessed with the Minnesota Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire. Body composition measures were obtained with a bioimpedance scale. Results: The study corroborates a higher prevalence (%) of overweight/obesity in our DS cohort compared to the general population. Higher BMIs were significantly correlated with older age (p < 0.001), lower physical activity (p < 0.05), higher parental BMIs (p < 0.001, mother's BMI; p < 0.05, father's BMI), and increased adiposity indicators. Excess body weight showed an inverse association only with protein intake (p < 0.001). No significant differences emerged in total caloric or other macronutrients intake across BMI categories. However, notable differences in dietary patterns were observed among the three countries, reflecting cultural influences. A smaller exploratory sub-study suggested a potential relationship between higher IQ scores and better diet quality (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings provide new insights into contributors to overweight/obesity in DS people, indicating an influence of age, physical activity, familial factors, and body composition. Higher protein intake and culturally adapted lifestyle interventions may contribute to improving weight-related outcomes.