Journal of the American Nutrition Association最新文献

Caffeine is commonly used as an ergogenic aid and has been shown to acutely improve athletic performance. However, research exploring the effects of chronic caffeine use on performance is limited, especially in Division I (DI) collegiate baseball players. The purpose of this observational study was to explore the patterns of caffeine use among collegiate baseball players during their fall season and analyze how chronic caffeine use affected specific measures of sporting performance. A caffeine-focused food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was completed at the end of the season and indicated caffeine use over the final four weeks of the fall season. Weekly performance data was obtained from baseball staff. Results of the caffeine FFQ indicated that there were 3 "low" and 3 "high" caffeine users among pitchers (n = 6). Pitchers who were "high" caffeine users throughout the season trended toward better performance on average than "low" caffeine users, although it was not significant (p = 0.100). These findings show there is potential for chronic caffeine use to positively impact pitching performance among collegiate baseball players. Further research should explore this relationship in controlled supplemental intervention studies to confirm the current findings and determine the true impact of chronic caffeine use among collegiate baseball players on sporting performance.

Objective: To investigate the regulatory role of serum hepcidin-25 on the iron metabolism, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and trace element concentrations in children aged 2-10 years with early iron deficiency (EID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and to evaluate its interface with iron profile, trace elements such as; zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) along with antioxidant markers (catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)).

Methods: This study involved 90 children. Based on hemoglobin levels and iron status, they were categorized into control (n = 30), EID (n = 30), and IDA (n = 30). Blood samples were obtained to assess hematological parameters, iron profile, serum hepcidin-25, trace elements, and antioxidant markers.

Results: Serum hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower in both IDA (3.73 [1.92-6.30] ng/mL) and EID (7.22 [4.32-9.08] ng/mL) groups compared to controls (10.62 [6.69-17.35] ng/mL) (p < 0.0001). Zn, CAT, and SOD levels were also significantly reduced in both EID (Zn: 55.86 ± 14.89 µg/dL; CAT: 10.55 ± 8.17 kU/L; SOD: 0.84[0.71-0.84] U/mL) and IDA (Zn: 55.33 ± 14.63 µg/dL; CAT: 7.68 ± 5.04 kU/L; SOD: 0.83[0.76-0.87]U/mL) groups compared to the control group (Zn: 92.46 ± 26.41 µg/dL; CAT: 15.78 ± 3.26 kU/L; SOD: 1.05[0 .83- 1.20] U/mL) (p < 0.05). Mg and GST levels were significantly decreased in the IDA group (p < 0.05). Serum hepcidin-25 showed significant positive correlations with serum iron (ρ = 0.45), transferrin saturation (ρ = 0.44), Zn (ρ = 0.32), Mg (ρ = 0.24), SOD (ρ = 0.37), and CAT (ρ = 0.28), p < 0.05.

Conclusion: These results support hepcidin-25 biomarker suppression as an indicator for iron deficits and systemic iron deficiency disturbances that affect trace elements and antioxidant activities.

Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is frequently utilized as a flavor enhancer, yet it remains controversial due to repeated claims linking it to adverse or allergic-like reactions. The purpose of this review was to determine whether MSG meaningfully contributes to actual food allergies, pseudoallergic phenomena, or systemic metabolic effects.

Methods: A systematic evaluation of articles published from 2019 onward, supplemented by foundational studies on MSG safety, was undertaken to assess both clinical and mechanistic evidence.

Results: Findings indicate that anecdotal reports concerning Chinese Restaurant Syndrome (CRS) primarily draw upon uncontrolled research or subjective accounts, whereas double-blind, placebo-controlled investigations rarely confirm consistent symptomatology when realistic dietary doses are administered. Although certain participants display transient intolerance manifestations under high-dose, empty-stomach challenges, immunoglobulin E-mediated processes appear exceedingly infrequent. Additionally, discussions regarding monogastric animal research suggest that extremely large exposures could disrupt metabolic pathways, but standard human consumption levels show minimal potential to induce long-term organ dysfunction.

Conclusion: Overall, the aggregated data highlight considerable methodological disparities in the existing literature and underscore the influence of psychological expectation on reported outcomes. Consequently, MSG does not commonly manifest as a significant allergen in humans, although sporadic intolerance episodes may arise in susceptible individuals. Continued research involving rigorous blinding, standardized protocols, and objective clinical endpoints is recommended to clarify any lingering uncertainties and to inform both regulatory frameworks and consumer guidance. Finally, transparent labeling could help consumers differentiate genuine allergic threats from largely anecdotal or overstated concerns, thereby promoting more balanced discourse around MSG's status in the global food industry.

Background: Polyphenols have been recognized for their protective role against chronic noncommunicable diseases. Despite growing international evidence, studies assessing polyphenol intake in Latin American populations remain scarce, particularly in Chile, where profound nutritional transitions have increased the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the burden of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Objective: This study aimed to quantify dietary polyphenol intake in the Chilean adult population using a validated self-reported food frequency questionnaire.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted in 521 adults aged ≥18 years, residing in different Chilean macrozones. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle data were collected, and polyphenol intake was estimated.

Results: The mean age of participants was 33.3 ± 10.1 years, with a predominance of women. The average daily intake of polyphenols was 1634.9 ± 1168.6 mg/d, with higher, though non-significant, consumption observed among women, rural residents, and individuals from the northern macrozone. Age-stratified analysis showed that men ≥30 years consumed significantly more polyphenols than younger men.

Conclusion: Fruits represented the main dietary source, followed by coffee and tea, while wine and cider contributed minimally.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between the lymphocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LHR) and bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018, including 7,265 participants aged ≥20 years. Weighted multivariable linear regression models were employed to evaluate the associations between LHR and BMD at three skeletal sites: lumbar spine, trunk, and total body. Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were performed to explore non-linear relationships. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. To assess the robustness of the findings, sensitivity analyses were performed by excluding postmenopausal and hormone-treated women.

Results: In fully adjusted models, LHR was negatively associated with lumbar BMD (β = -0.007, 95% CI: -0.011 to -0.003), trunk BMD (β = -0.003, 95% CI: -0.006 to -0.001), and total BMD (β = -0.004, 95% CI: -0.007 to -0.002). All BMD indices exhibited significant nonlinear relationships (p for nonlinearity < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the inverse association between LHR and BMD was more pronounced among physically active participants (ap for interaction < 0.05), whereas no significant interactions were observed for other variables. Sensitivity analyses produced consistent results, supporting the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion: LHR was inversely and nonlinearly associated with BMD, suggesting its potential value as a novel biomarker for bone health assessment. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate its predictive utility and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Objective: To compare iron bioaccessibility (availability for absorption) and antinutrient levels in Roselle leaves and calyces and Avocado leaves and seeds in fresh and dry forms.

Methods: The iron content and nutrients linked to its metabolism such as protein, vitamin C, and betacarotene and iron absorption inhibitors such as calcium and antinutrients (total phenolic compounds, phytates, oxalates, tannins, and flavonoids) were analyzed in triplicate using standard methods. Iron and calcium inhibition was predicted using molar ratios. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists and means compiled. Analysis of variance and differences among means was compared by Duncan's Post Hoc test at p < 0.05.

Results: The iron content in 100 grams was 15.71 ± 0.04 and 8.16 ± 0.01 mg in fresh and dry Roselle leaves respectively, 13.47 ± 0.01 mg in fresh Avocado leaves and seeds, 10.16 ± 0.01 mg in fresh Roselle calyces, 4.47 ± 0.01 mg in dry Avocado leaves and Roselle calyces and 2.47 ± 0.01 mg in dry Avocado seeds. The highest protein content of 13.82 ± 0.13% was found in fresh Avocado leaves while fresh Roselle leaves had the highest betacarotene content of 9.30 ± 0.00 mg/100 g. Vitamin C was significantly high in fresh Avocado and Roselle leaves (>30 mg/100 g). Calcium contents in all samples were low (<80 mg/100 g) and not inhibited by phytates and oxalates. In all samples, iron was not inhibited by oxalates and only in fresh Avocado seeds was iron inhibited by phytates. Tannins, phytates and oxalate concentrations were all below the maximum tolerable levels. Though fresh Roselle leaves had the highest iron content, its total phenolic compounds were above the maximum tolerable levels, depicting toxicity.

Conclusion: Only Avocado leaves, Roselle calyces and dry Roselle leaves have good amounts of bioaccessible iron with safe antinutrient levels.

Objective: This study extends prior work on soy hydrolysate by developing a sprinkle food formula and evaluating its iron bioavailability and effectiveness in improving iron status among adolescent girls over an eight-week intervention.

Method: The soybean hydrolysate was produced through sequential steam blasting and enzymatic hydrolysis. It was characterized by its molecular weight distribution-predominantly <15 kDa-and amino acid composition, with high levels of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine, known for their iron-binding properties. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted involving 106 female adolescents, comparing serum ferritin levels before and after an eight-week intervention with either the hydrolysate-fortified or control sprinkle product.

Result: A significant increase in serum ferritin levels was observed among participants with low baseline ferritin (<11 ng/mL) who consumed the soy-hydrolysate-fortified formula, indicating enhanced iron absorption. No significant improvement was detected in participants with normal ferritin but low hemoglobin levels, suggesting that the benefit of soy hydrolysate is more pronounced in individuals with depleted iron stores. Baseline dietary intake and serum profiles were similar between groups, indicating that the benefits observed were likely due to the bioactive properties of soy hydrolysate, especially its amino acid composition and molecular weight that support iron absorption.

Conclusion: Fortification with hydrolyzed soybean peptides represents a promising strategy to improve iron status and reduce the risk of anemia, while the applied processing method offers an effective, value-added use of agricultural resources.

Objective: Malnutrition is a preventable issue that complicates patient recovery and increases healthcare costs. This study evaluated inpatients' satisfaction with food services and its impact on malnutrition.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 310 patients (52.6% female, median age 42 years) hospitalized for at least seven days. The NRS-2002 screening test was administered within two days of admission and repeated on day seven, along with the Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ACHFPSQ).

Results: The risk of malnutrition increased from 21.9% initially to 38.7% on the 7-day follow-up evaluation (p < 0.001). Higher ACHFPSQ scores were associated with a decreased malnutrition risk, with significant correlations found between food quality, meal service quality, staff/service issues, and lower malnutrition risk (p < 0.05). Very weak positive but statistically significant relationships were detected between the total scale score, body weight, and BMI (p < 0.05). The risk of malnutrition decreased as food quality (OR = 0.891; p < 0.001), meal service quality (OR = 0.915; p = 0.001), and staff/service issues scores (OR = 0.925; p = 0.010) increased.

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of hospital food service quality in preventing malnutrition among inpatients.

Asparagus racemosus, more famous as Shatavari, is a popular medicinal plant with a broad species distribution across the Indian subcontinent as well as across the globe. The multidimensional therapeutic potential of this herb has earned it the title of "Queen of Herbs." Shatavari is rich in bioactive constituents including alkaloids, carboxylic acids, polycyclic hydrocarbons, isoflavones, flavonoids, dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, furan derivatives, essential oils, sterols, and steroidal saponin (specifically Shatavarin-I to VI), distributed throughout the rhizome as well as in other parts of the plant. These compounds are frequently used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including dysentery, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, anxiety disorders, inflammation, tumors, mental disorders, hyperacidity, viral diseases, spasms, chronic fever, and rheumatism. In addition, Shatavari possesses antibacterial, adaptogenic, and antioxidant properties. Shatavarin IV, a sarsapogenin enriched in the roots of Shatavari, is especially beneficial for women's reproductive health and also acts as an effective stressbuster. It is used as a remedy for female infertility by boosting libido, managing sexual organ inflammation, facilitating folliculogenesis and ovulation, preparing the uterus for conception, preventing miscarriages, functioning as a postpartum tonic by enhancing lactation and restoring uterine and hormonal homeostasis. In this regard, a novel Asparagus root formulation, Shevari4T^®, has been developed, with Shatavarin IV content exceeding 7.4%, which promises to deliver the goodness of Shatavari, especially for women. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the holistic health benefits of Shatavari, with particular emphasis on Shatavarin IV.Key teaching pointsAsparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is a perennial climber medicinal plant containing multiple bioactive constituents including selected steroidal saponins, namely, Shatavarin I - VI.Shatavarin I and Shatavarin IV are the most potent glycosides found in abundance in the roots of the plant.Shatavarin IV is comprising of two molecules of rhamnose and one glucose molecule, and basically it is a glycoside of sarsasapogenin.Shatavarin IV, a steroidal saponin from Asparagus racemosus, exhibits potent pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties.It also augments female fertility and reproduction by facilitating folliculogenesis and ovulation, preparing the uterus for conception, preventing miscarriages, functioning as a postpartum tonic by enhancing lactation and restoring uterine and hormonal homeostasis.

Objectives: To conduct a double-blind, remote, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial to determine the feasibility of repeated and prolonged beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)-containing supplement ingestion in free-living adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Individuals living with T2D (N = 40) were randomized to 90 days of thrice daily BHB-containing supplement ingestion (ketone; 5 g of R-β-hydroxybutyric acid with 5 g of R-1,3-butanediol; i.e., 3 × 10g of daily ketone servings) or a taste-matched calorie-free placebo. Feasibility was defined based on a priori specified criteria using recruitment rate, drop-out rate, compliance, gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology, and data availability. Exploratory efficacy analyses were conducted for clinical outcome measures.

Results: Most feasibility criteria were met, except there was a relatively high drop-out rate in the ketone (8 participants, 40%) compared to the placebo (2 participants, 10%) group, mostly related to GI symptoms and unpleasant supplement taste. Including completers and data from drop-outs up to the point of withdrawal, compliance was similar in both groups, with 17 ± 4 and 18 ± 4 drinks/week (out of a possible 21) consumed in the ketone and placebo groups, respectively. Drink acceptability appeared similar between groups; however, participants in the ketone group required greater effort to consume the drinks over time. Drink acceptability was negatively correlated to GI symptoms (r= -0.656; p = 0.001), suggesting greater potential for supplement use in individuals experiencing fewer GI symptoms. Despite higher drop-out, ketone supplementation appeared to have both acute and chronic glucose-lowering effects based on continuous glucose monitoring metrics.

Conclusion: This remote pilot trial demonstrated mixed feasibility results. Recruitment, trial procedures, and data availability were strong but there was relatively high drop-out in the ketone group due to GI issues and taste. However, individuals who tolerated the supplement had good compliance over 90 days and there appeared to be evidence for glucose-lowering efficacy.