Nutrients最新文献

Background and aim: Telomere length (TL) is a key biomarker of cellular aging, with shorter telomeres associated with age-related diseases. Lifestyle interventions mitigating telomere shortening are essential for preventing such conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of two weight loss dietary strategies, based on a moderately high-protein (MHP) diet and a low-fat (LF) diet on TL in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Methods and results: A total of 164 participants, aged 18-65 years from the OBEKIT trial received the MHP (n = 83) or the LF diet (n = 81) for 4 months and had TL data for analyses. TL was measured at baseline and after 4 months of the intervention using monochrome multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MMqPCR). Both groups experienced significant improvements in anthropometric and biochemical parameters after the dietary intervention (p < 0.001). The MHP group showed an increase in TL (+0.16 ± 0.13) compared to the LF group (-0.05 ± 0.13) in multiple-adjusted models (p = 0.016). An interaction was observed between the sex and dietary group, where women in the MHP group had increased TL (+0.23 ± 0.16) after 4 months compared to women in the LF group (-0.13 ± 0.15; p = 0.001); no differences between dietary groups were found in men. This increase in TL for women was associated with an increase in protein intake (p = 0.006), measured through dietary questionnaires.

Conclusion: This study shows that a MHP diet may have a protective effect on TL during weight loss, particularly in women, potentially contributing to healthier aging. These results highlight the importance of considering macronutrient composition in dietary interventions aimed at preserving TL.

Background/objectives: Egg consumption in adults has been linked with a modestly increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. However, evidence on adults aged 65 y+ is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between egg intake and mortality in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 8756 adults aged 70+ years, participants in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) Longitudinal Study of Older Persons, self-reported the frequency of their total egg intake: never/infrequently (rarely/never, 1-2 times/month), weekly (1-6 times/week), and daily (daily/several times per day). All-cause and cause-specific (cardiovascular disease [CVD] and cancer) mortality was established from at least two sources: medical records, death notices, next of kin, or death registry linkage. The association between egg intake and mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, adjusted for socio-demographic, health-related, and clinical factors and overall dietary quality.

Results: Over the median 5.9-year follow-up period, a total of 1034 all-cause deaths (11.8%) were documented. A 29% lower risk of CVD mortality (HR (95% CI): 0.71 [0.54-0.92]) and a 17% (HR (95% CI): 0.83 [0.71-0.96]) lower risk of all-cause mortality were observed among those who consumed eggs weekly, compared to those who consumed eggs never/infrequently; no statistically significant association was observed for weekly consumption and cancer mortality. In contrast, compared to those that never or infrequently consumed eggs, daily consumption had slightly higher odds of mortality, though these results did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: The consumption of eggs 1-6 times per week was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality in community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and over. These findings may be important to inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for egg consumption.

Today, accumulating evidence highlights the impact of oxidative stress (OS) on semen quality. It is considered to be a key factor contributing to the decline in male fertility. OS is detected in 30-80% of men with infertility, highlighting its strong association with impaired reproductive function and with clinical outcomes following the use of assisted reproductive technologies. Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and limited antioxidant defense abilities. OS arises from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the capacity to neutralize or repair their adverse effects. Evidence indicates that OS leads to lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genomic instability. Micronutrient-antioxidant therapies can play a key role in infertility improvement by neutralizing free radicals and preventing cellular damage. Many different micronutrients, including L-carnitine, L-glutathione, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and zinc, as well as vitamins complexes, are proposed to improve sperm parameters and male fertility potential. This study aims to review the impact of antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters, including sperm volume, motility, concentration, morphology, genome integrity (maturity and fragmentation), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Antioxidant intake and a balanced lifestyle reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, enhancing the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes, improving sperm quality, and protecting DNA integrity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation, administered as a food supplement, in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a real-world setting in Italy.

Methods: This open-label study was conducted in Italy on patients diagnosed with IBS and treated for 4 weeks with 240 mg/day of Palmarosa essential oil, absorbed on 960 mg of ginger root powder to obtain a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation. Baseline characteristics, including demographic and symptoms were recorded using the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS). After 28 ± 7 days, the patients were asked to complete the IBS-SSS questionnaire again. The primary objective was to confirm the effects of a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation on self-reported symptoms of IBS and the quality of life of affected individuals. The secondary objective was to confirm the effect of the treatment on the different IBS subtypes.

Results: A total of 1585 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 44.8 years and 56.4% women. Following the 4-week supplementation period, significant decreases were observed in the patients' IBS-SSS (-67.9%) and all the primary IBS symptoms, such as abdominal distention (-82.3%), unsatisfaction with bowel habits (-46.2%), and interference with quality of life (QoL) (-64.9%) (all p < 0.01). The patients' stool type improved significantly. Treatment was effective in all IBS subtypes.

Conclusions: Treatment with very-low-adsorbable geraniol food supplement was associated with improvements in symptoms and bowel habits in all IBS subtypes in a real-world setting in Italy. These findings support the use of geraniol as an effective option for patients with IBS regardless of the disease subtype.

Background/Objectives: Obesity remains a global health challenge. Many commercial online weight loss programs are available, and they have advantages in terms of scalability and access. Few of these programs have been evaluated for effectiveness in a real-world context. This study reports on the weight loss achieved, platform engagement, and characteristics of successful weight loss predictions in subscribers to the Interval Weight Loss (IWL) program. The Interval Weight Loss program promotes intermittent restricted eating in addition to lifestyle changes in diet composition, exercise, and sleep. Methods: Data for 1705 adults subscribing to the program for >30 days between 2019 and 2024 were included in the analysis. A linear mixed model with polynomial terms was used to model weight loss over time with interaction terms for gender and age. Survival analysis was used to model the proportions and time frame of those meeting 2%, 5%, and 10% weight loss targets and the proportion meeting their goal weight. The focus of the analysis was on the effect at 365 days. Descriptive data from a subset of participants (n = 205) who completed a questionnaire about change in lifestyle habits and mood are also presented. Results: Of those who stayed in the program for at least 365 days, 25.4% achieved their goal weight, 17.6% achieved a 10% weight loss, and 62% achieved a 5% weight loss. By 49 days, 50% had lost 2% of their weight. Significant interactions indicated that males and females in their 60s and 70s were the most responsive to the program. Conclusions: The online commercial Interval Weight Loss platform based on intermittent restricted eating resulted in significant weight loss in a cohort of subscribers in a real-world setting.

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome of significant public health concern that causes vulnerability to physiologic stressors and an increased risk of mortality and hospitalizations. Dietary intake and quality are contributing factors to the development of frailty. The Mediterranean diet is known to be one of the healthiest eating patterns with promising health impacts for prevention. We evaluated the association between Mediterranean diet patterns and frailty status.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2007 to 2017. We included 7300 participants aged > 60 years who completed the first day of a 24 h diet recall and had full covariate data. We constructed an alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) score based on the quantity of specific food-group intake and categorized participants to low-, moderate-, and high-adherence groups (aMED adherence scores of 0-2, 3-4, and 5-9, respectively). Using a modified Fried Frailty phenotype (weakness, low physical activity, exhaustion, slow walking speed, and weight loss), participants were categorized as robust (met no criteria), pre-frail (met one or two criteria), and frail (met three or more criteria). Logistic regression evaluated the association of frailty (prefrail/robust as referent) and aMED adherence.

Results: Included participants were mainly female (54.5%) and non-Hispanic White (80.0%). The mean (SD) aMED score was 3.6 (1.6) with 45% of participants falling into moderate aMED adherence (26% low adherence, 30% high adherence). Frailty prevalence among participants was 7.1%, with most participants classified as robust (51.0%) or pre-frail (41.9%). Fully adjusted models showed significantly reduced odds of frailty with moderate-adherence and high-adherence groups (odds ratio (95%CI) of 0.71 (0.55, 0.92) and 0.52 (0.36, 0.75), respectively).

Conclusions: Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with decreased odds of frailty in older adults. These findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may play a critical role in mitigating frailty and its associated conditions. Future research should include longitudinal and interventional studies that can definitively determine the effect of a Mediterranean diet on frailty and what food components provide the greatest benefit.

Background/objectives: Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term that encompasses a range of symptoms, such as memory loss and cognitive impairments, which are severe enough to disrupt daily life. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has highlighted diet as a potential modifiable risk factor for AD. Decades of research have explored the role of dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and its components, in neuroprotection and cognitive health. Systematic review examines studies investigating the impact of the Mediterranean Diet, Mediterranean-like diets, the Nordic Diet (ND), dietary intake patterns, and specific components such as extra virgin olive oil and rapeseed oil on cognitive function, disease onset, and progression in AD and dementia.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and the Social Science Research Network was conducted independently by two reviewers using predefined search terms. The search period included studies from 2006 to 2024. Eligible studies meeting the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, yielding 88 studies: 85 focused on the MD and its relationship to AD and dementia, while only 3 investigated the ND.

Results: The findings suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean and Nordic diets is generally associated with improved cognitive function and delayed cognitive decline and that adherence to both these diets can improve cognitive function. Some studies identified that higher legume consumption decreased dementia incidence, while fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, and eggs lowered dementia prevalence. Most studies demonstrated that high MD or ND adherence was associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of poor cognition in comparison to individuals with lower MD or ND adherence. However, some studies reported no significant benefits of the MD on cognitive outcomes, while two studies indicated that higher red meat consumption was linked to better cognitive function.

Conclusion: Despite promising trends, the evidence remains varying across studies, underscoring the need for further research to establish definitive associations between diet and cognitive function. These findings highlight the essential role of dietary interventions in the prevention and management of dementia and AD, therefore offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms by which the diet may impact brain health.

Background/objectives: Time-restricted eating (TRE) has been associated with beneficial effects for inflammation and oxidative stress; however, the effects of TRE on inflammation and oxidative stress in the aging population have not been explored.

Methods: This secondary analysis tested the effects of TRE on pro-inflammatory (hs-CRP [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein], IL-1β [interleukin 1 beta], IL-6 [interleukin 6], TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor alpha]) and oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) biomarkers in ten overweight older adults (mean age = 77.1 ± 6.1 years; six women and four men), who followed a TRE protocol of 16 h of fasting per day and consumed food ad libitum during an 8 h window for 4 weeks.

Results: TNF-α levels decreased from 43.2 (11.2) pg/mL to 39.7 (10.0) pg/mL with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.33, and IL-1β levels decreased from 1.4 (0.8) pg/mL to 1.3 (0.6) pg/mL with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.23, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. IL-6 and hs-CRP levels showed no substantial changes (Cohen's d ≤ 0.03). The oxidative stress marker 8-isoprostane levels decreased slightly with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.07.

Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study provide initial insights into the potential effects of TRE on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in older adults. Given the small sample size and short-term intervention, well-powered studies of longer duration are needed to better understand the effects of TRE on inflammation and oxidative stress in aging populations.

Background: Physical Activity (PA) provides numerous biological and psychological benefits, especially for cancer patients. PA mitigates treatment side effects, influences hormones, inflammation, adiposity, and immune function, and reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. This study evaluates the impact of PA on these positive outcomes. Materials and Methods: An observational retrospective study enrolled 81 patients: 31 with CKD stages II-V and 50 with CKD and urological malignancies. Baseline and 6-month follow-up visits included clinical (Iohexol, Creatinine, Cystatin C) and anthropometric parameters (Bioimpedance Analysis, body circumferences). Physical activity levels were assessed using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) test. Patients followed a Mediterranean-like diet with controlled protein intake (MCPD) and received PA improvement advice. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression and Pearson's Chi-Squared test with R programming. Results: Significant reductions in total adiposity and abdominal fat and improved body fluid distribution were observed. Post intervention, there was a 25.4% reduction in inactive individuals and an 88% increase in active lifestyles. Patients aged 75+ were more likely to be sedentary, indicating a need for increased professional attention. No correlation was found between increased PA and creatinine, cystatin, and eGFR values, but a positive correlation with GFR measured by iohexol clearance remained significant in multivariate analysis. Post intervention, regular PA engagement increased from 12.3% to 48% (p < 0.002). Conclusions: Incorporating PA and nutritional assessments into standard clinical care, supported by a collaborative nephrologist-nutritionist approach, can enhance the quality of life of CKD patients.

Background: Rapid socio-economic developments confront China with a rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and ultra-processed drinks (UPDs). This study aims to evaluate their potential impact on diet transformation towards sustainability including nutrition, environmental sustainability, and diet-related cost.

Methods: Dietary intake was assessed by 24 h recalls in 27,311 participants (age: 40.5 ± 19.7; female, 51.1%) in the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997-2011. The nutrient quality, environmental sustainability (greenhouse gas emission (GHGE), total water use (TWU), land use (LU), and diet cost were assessed as diet-related sustainability indicators. Foods and drinks were classified according to the degree of processing based on NOVA. Two-level mixed effects models were applied to explore the secular trends of the sustainability indicators being nested within random effect (individual level).

Results: UPFs and UPDs are less nutrient-dense, containing more energy, sodium, and added sugar compared to unprocessed or minimally processed foods and drinks (MPFs and MPDs). UPFs and UPDs were higher for GHGE and TWU but lower for LU. Costs of UPDs tripled those of MPDs. In the period of 1997-2011, the percentage of UPFs and UPDs per 2000 kcal increased for both sexes. The increase in UPFs and UPDs was associated with a lower nutrient quality but a higher environmental impact and diet cost.

Conclusions: From 1997 to 2011, there was a significant increase in the consumption of UPFs and UPDs in China. This trend had negative impacts on both the nutrient quality and environmental impact; meanwhile, it led to increased diet costs. Policies to reduce the production and consumption of UPFs and UPDs should be reinforced by making alternatives for ultra-processed breakfast cereals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages available and acceptable. Additionally, instead of only focusing on high-UPFD consumers, attention is needed on the currently low-UPFD consumers as their consumption has been growing rapidly in the last decades.