Nutrients最新文献

Background: Although there is substantial research into individual nutrients during pregnancy, such as folate, iron, and vitamin D, little is known about the impact of mixtures of essential nutrients. We investigated the associations between mixtures of maternal essential minerals and vitamin concentrations and child cognition and executive functions at age 7. Methods: Data from 348 mother-child pairs in the Growing up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort with both plasma nutrient and neurodevelopmental outcome data were used. Gestational fasting plasma samples between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation were analyzed for 10 essential minerals and 12 B and D vitamers. Child cognition and executive functions at 7 years were assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence 2nd Edition (WASI-II) [n = 331] and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2nd Edition (BRIEF-2) [n = 348], respectively. Generalized weighted quantile sum regression (gWQS) was used to investigate the associations between nutrient mixtures and child cognitive executive function scores. Single-nutrient analysis using covariate-adjusted multivariable regressions was performed as a sensitivity analysis. Results: A one-quartile increase in the positively weighted nutrient mixture index was associated with higher block design T-scores (β = 2.17, 95% CI: 0.03, 4.31). Additionally, the negatively weighted mixture was associated with lower block design (β = -2.25, 95% CI: -4.92, 0.41, p = 0.02) and perceptual reasoning (β = -1.94, 95% CI: -5.17, 1.29, p = 0.04) scores in boys only. We found no association between the nutrient mixture and BRIEF-2 subscale T-scores. Conclusions: In this study, we found that a positively weighted nutrient mixture index of maternal gestational minerals and vitamins was associated with a greater ability in children to analyze and understand abstract visual items.

Background/Objectives: Natural polysaccharides have many bio-pharmacological effects, which make them compounds with potential in healthcare. Limnospira platensis (Spirulina), a well-known blue-green cyanobacterium with relevance in the market of nutraceuticals, produces polysaccharides with recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Noteworthy, the growth of the cyanobacterium biomass may be obtained in a more sustainable manner under mixotrophic conditions. In the present study, we compared the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharide-enriched extracts from the cyanobacterium cultured under autotrophism (Auto-P extract) or mixotrophism (Mixo-P extract); this latter was realized using medium added with brewery wastewater (BWW). Methods and Results: Non-cellular investigation showed a better antioxidant profile for Mixo-P extract in the OH radical scavenging assay and a similar activity between the extracts in ABTS and ferrous chelation assays. The antioxidant protective activity of L. platensis extracts investigated on HaCat cells in the range of 0.3-10 μg/mL (not cytotoxic concentrations), against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 600 μM)-induced damage, revealed a similar activity by the two extracts. When tested against the inflammatory stimuli with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 μg/mL) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 10 ng/mL), both Auto-P and Mixo-P showed an ability to prevent the effects of the inflammatory agents on cell viability and on interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release, with a slightly greater potency by Mixo-P extract. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data suggest the possible use of L. platensis polysaccharide-enriched extracts in biological-made pharmaceuticals for skin disorders or in cosmeceuticals. In addition, this study demonstrates that mixotrophic cultivation of L. platensis may be an alternative and sustainable way for biotechnological applications of the cyanobacterium biomass.

Background/Objectives: The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and mental health disorders has gained increasing attention, yet evidence from large population-based studies remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between MetS and psychiatric morbidity in a nationwide Taiwanese adult cohort using a cross-sectional design. Methods: Between 2008 and 2019, a total of 121,575 adults aged 30-70 years were recruited from 29 community health screening stations across Taiwan. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, medical history, and physical measurements were collected. Participants were classified as having MetS or not according to standard criteria. Psychiatric morbidity was defined as depressive and/or anxiety burden identified by validated screening instruments (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 score ≥3 or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 score ≥3) or self-reported physician-diagnosed depression. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between MetS and psychiatric morbidity after adjustment for potential confounders. Results: Psychiatric morbidity was identified in 1366 of 27,349 participants with MetS (5.0%) and in 4047 of 94,226 participants without MetS (4.3%). The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was higher among participants with MetS than those without MetS (5.0% vs. 4.3%). After multivariable adjustment, MetS was significantly associated with increased odds of psychiatric morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.235; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.152-1.325). Among individual MetS components, hypertension, increased waist circumference, and hypertriglyceridemia were independently associated with higher odds of psychiatric morbidity. Conclusions: MetS was associated with a modest increase in psychiatric morbidity in this large Taiwanese community cohort. Because of the cross-sectional design, causal inference is limited. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the direction of association and underlying mechanisms linking metabolic and mental health conditions.

Objectives: Obesity and related metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, represent major global health challenges. Growing interest in complementary strategies has brought propolis, a resinous bee-derived product rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, into focus. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence regarding the metabolic effects of whole propolis preparations and propolis-derived bioactive compounds in obesity-related contexts.

Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR framework and included experimental and human studies evaluating adipogenesis, lipid and glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related outcomes, and gut microbiota modulation.

Results: Across preclinical models, propolis preparations have been associated with modulation of antioxidant defenses, attenuation of inflammatory signaling, regulation of adipogenic transcriptional programs, and alterations in gut microbiota composition and barrier integrity. Clinical evidence suggests modest improvements in selected metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers; however, effects on body weight and adiposity remain inconsistent. Interpretation is limited by heterogeneity in propolis type, extraction method, chemical standardization, dosing strategies, and study design.

Conclusions: Overall, current evidence indicates that propolis may influence obesity-related metabolic pathways, primarily at the level of biomarker modulation. Nevertheless, mechanistic causality and long-term clinical efficacy require confirmation through well-designed, adequately powered, and chemically standardized trials.

Objective: Individuals with reactive hypoglycemia (RH) may be more likely to develop obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the ability to identify RH has been hampered by the lack of clear criteria. This study used calculus-based curve parameters from a mixed macronutrient liquid meal test (MMTT) to define RH in men and women with obesity. Methods: A total of 69 non-diabetic adults aged 35 ± 8.3 years with obesity (BMI 32.3 ± 4.2 kg/m²) underwent a 4 h MMTT to define RH, and an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) to characterize RH (via insulin sensitivity, the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin clearance, and the disposition index). Perceived hunger and fullness were assessed by visual analog scale. Results: RH was defined using curve properties of the MMTT. A total of 19 of the 69 participants had a reactive hypoglycemic response to the MMTT. Glucose AUC and nadir were lower, timing of glucose nadir was earlier, and insulin sensitivity was higher in RH compared to non-RH. Sex (female) and race (AA) were significant predictors of RH presence. Conclusions: Among individuals with obesity, RH is characterized by greater sensitivity to insulin and greater disposition index. We introduce a novel and reproducible method to define RH using curve-based criteria from a mixed meal test integrated with gold-standard IVGTT-derived outcomes.

Background: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), the superfood of the present era, is widely recognized for its high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, dietary products and by-products derived from different parts of the fruit differ markedly in their biochemical composition, which may influence their nutritional and biological effects. Drosophila melanogaster represents a well-established in vivo model for studying the impact of dietary components on nutritional status, development, and viability under defined nutritional conditions. Methods: Four sea buckthorn-derived matrices-seed flour, seed oil, pulp, and fruit pomace powder-were analyzed for fatty acid, amino acid, polyphenol, and antioxidant contents. Their effects were evaluated in D. melanogaster under zero-nutrient, normal-nutrient, and high-sugar diets, assessing viability and developmental dynamics across various product types and concentrations. Results: Substantial compositional differences were observed between the samples. Seed flour and fruit pomace powder were rich in proteins, essential amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, whereas seed oil predominantly contained fatty acids with limited antioxidant capacity. Consistent with these compositional profiles, diet- and product-specific biological effects were observed. Under zero-nutrient conditions, high concentrations of fruit pomace powder (100 g/L) supported larval and adult viability and resulted in developmental patterns comparable to those observed under a normal-nutrient diet. Under normal-nutrient and high-sugar diets, the matrices modulated development and viability without apparent toxicity, with fruit pomace powder consistently showing the most favorable effects. Conclusions: The biological responses of D. melanogaster are closely linked to the biochemical composition of the matrices and the dietary context. Fruit pomace powder emerged as the most effective product, highlighting its potential as a functional dietary ingredient and a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW) is a highly prevalent neuromuscular complication affecting around 40% of critically ill patients, rising to over 80% in high-risk cohorts. It is independently associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, elevated mortality (in-hospital, 1-year, and 5-year), higher healthcare costs, and long-term functional impairment. ICUAW is clinically defined by symmetric flaccid tetraparesis, frequently involving respiratory muscles, and exhibits significant pathobiological heterogeneity. Further subclassification is based on neurotopographic patterns: Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP), Myopathy (CIM), and Polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM). Diagnosis typically relies on the Medical Research Council (MRC) Sum Score, with a threshold of <48 indicating clinically relevant weakness. While adjunct modalities such as electromyography/nerve conduction studies support assessment, their utility may be limited by patient cooperation and availability. Preventive strategies center on modifiable metabolic factors. Caloric and protein deficits exacerbate catabolism, while overfeeding-linked to anabolic resistance and stress hyperglycemia-also impairs recovery. To date, pharmacologic interventions remain inconclusive. However, early mobilization and neuromuscular electrical stimulation are promising non-pharmacologic strategies. The multifactorial and heterogeneous pathophysiology of ICUAW highlights the need for a biologically refined definition that can guide future targeted therapeutic interventions. Comprehensive multimodal strategies, together with structured long-term follow-up in Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) clinics, are essential for improving outcomes in this prevalent complication of critical care.

Background: Vitamin D contributes to intestinal barrier integrity and innate immune regulation, but its role in susceptibility to Salmonella infection and systemic inflammation in hospitalized pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 70 pediatric patients hospitalized with AGE, examining the associations of admission 25(OH)D levels with culture-confirmed Salmonella infection and C-reactive protein (CRP). Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were adjusted for age and sex. Vitamin D status was classified as sufficient (≥30 ng/mL), suboptimal (<30 ng/mL), or deficient (<20 ng/mL). Results: The median age of the 70 included patients was 3.0 years (IQR: 1.5-6.0, range: 1.0-17 years), and 55.7% were male. Suboptimal vitamin D status was present in 64.3% of patients and was associated with higher median CRP levels (3.84 vs. 1.42 mg/dL, p = 0.025) and a greater prevalence of Salmonella infection (48.9% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.047). In multivariable analysis, suboptimal 25(OH)D levels independently marginally predicted an increased odds of Salmonella infection (adjusted odds ratio 3.11, 95% CI 1.00-9.67; p = 0.051). Serum 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with natural log-transformed CRP (p = 0.026), with each 1 ng/mL increase corresponding to an estimated 5% reduction in CRP. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in CRP compared to levels ≥ 20 ng/mL (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Suboptimal vitamin D status (<30 ng/mL) may be associated with increased susceptibility to Salmonella gastroenteritis, while deficiency (<20 ng/mL) correlates with exacerbated inflammatory burden in hospitalized pediatric patients. These findings suggest a threshold-dependent effect of vitamin D on both mucosal defense and systemic inflammation. Prospective trials are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in this population.

Background/Objectives: Nutritional medicine remains underrepresented in medical education despite its relevance across specialties. Online learning offers a resource-efficient option to address this gap, yet evidence on the effectiveness and acceptability of online learning modules (OLMs) is limited. Methods: In this exploratory randomized controlled single post-test trial, medical students were assigned to either an OLM or an in-person lecture (IPL) on nutritional medicine (n = 91, no a priori sample size calculation performed). After course completion, students took a knowledge test and completed a questionnaire on their learning experience. Group differences were analyzed using permutation Welch t-tests, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, or Fisher's exact tests, depending on variable characteristics, with α = 0.05. Results: OLM students achieved significantly higher test scores than IPL students (mean difference: 2.4 points on a 0-40 scale), resulting in differences in grade classification (p < 0.05). OLM was further rated more favorably regarding content delivery, overall course evaluation, and exam preparation (all p < 0.05), while self-reported attention, concentration, and involvement did not differ between groups. Flexibility, time savings, and convenience were the most frequently reported advantages of OLM over IPL. Conclusions: This study suggests that OLM in nutritional medicine may be associated with higher test performance and more favorable student evaluations compared to IPL. These findings highlight the potential of online learning as a scalable, resource-efficient approach that may help address persistent gaps in nutritional medicine education. Building on this evidence, future work should examine how such modules can be optimally integrated into medical curricula to complement existing teaching structures.

Background/Objectives: Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and body image are important components of women's psychological well-being, particularly in the context of physical activities involving body exposure, such as pole dance. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare body image and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance between women practicing pole dance and women not engaged in this activity, and to examine the associations between these variables. Methods: The study included 207 women practicing pole dance (PDG) in clubs and schools across Poland and 180 women not practicing this discipline, who served as the control group (CG). Data were collected using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method with a proprietary questionnaire and standardized tools: the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire 3 (SATAQ 3) and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). Results: Women practicing pole dance had lower mean BMI and were less frequently overweight but more frequently underweight compared to the control group. They obtained significantly higher scores on the Internalization-Pressure and Internalization-Athlete scales of the SATAQ 3. Significant between-group differences in body image were observed only for the Physical Condition subscale of the BES, with higher scores in the pole dance group. Significant negative correlations were identified between sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and body image in both groups, with stronger associations observed among women practicing pole dance. Conclusions: Participation in pole dance was associated with higher self-evaluation of physical condition as well as stronger internalization of sociocultural appearance norms. Due to the cross-sectional design, the findings indicate associations rather than causal relationships. The results underline the importance of preventive and educational strategies promoting a functional rather than exclusively esthetic approach to the body.