Journal of Nutritional Science最新文献

Infants born at high altitudes, such as in the Puno region, typically exhibit higher birthweights than those born at low altitudes; however, the influence of ethnicity on childhood anthropometric patterns in high-altitude settings remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterise the nutritional status, body composition and indices, and somatotype of Quechua and Aymara children aged 6-10 years. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative design was employed, with a simple random sampling of children from six provinces representative of the Puno region, including 1,289 children of both sexes. Twenty-nine anthropometric measurements were taken, and fat, muscle, and bone components were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Standardised equations were applied to determine body indices. Among the findings, most children presented normal nutritional status according to BMI-for-age and height-for-age Z-scores. However, high rates of overweight and obesity were observed in Aymara (39%) and Quechua (28.4%) children, with differences in fat content between ethnic groups at the 5th, 10th, 50th, and 75th percentiles. Both groups were characterised by brachytypy and brachybrachial proportions; Quechua children were mesoskelic and Aymara brachyskelic, with macrocormic proportions, rectangular trunks, and broad backs. The predominant somatotype was mesomorphic, with a stronger endomorphic tendency among Aymara. It is concluded that both groups exhibit normal nutritional status; however, Aymara children show a greater tendency towards fat accumulation and notable morphological differences. Differences were also observed in limb proportions, particularly a relatively shorter lower limb.

We aimed to compare the mean sodium content of New Zealand (NZ) packaged breads in 2013 and 2023 and assess compliance with the NZ Heart Foundation (HF) and World Health Organization (WHO) sodium reduction benchmarks. Sodium data were obtained from a supermarket food composition database. Mean differences between years were assessed using independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests. There was a significant reduction in the sodium content of all bread from 2013 (n=345) to 2023 (n=309) of 46 mg/100g (p<0.001). In 2013, 20% (n=70/345) of breads met the HF benchmarks, and 10% (33/345) met the WHO benchmarks; corresponding values for 2023 were 45% (n=138/309) and 18% (n=57/309) (p<0.001 for both). If continued, the modest reduction in sodium content and increase in the percentage of NZ breads meeting relevant sodium reduction benchmarks could positively affect public health, particularly if extended across the packaged food supply.

Femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD) is a high risk factor for femoral head fractures, and coffee intake affects bone mineral density, but the effect on FNBMD remains to be explored. First, we conducted an observational study in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and collected data on coffee intake, FNBMD, and sixteen covariates. Weight linear regression was used to explore the association of coffee intake with FNBMD. Then, Mendelian randomisation (MR) was used to explore the causal relationship between coffee intake and FNBMD, the exposure factor was coffee intake, and the outcome factor was FNBMD. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used for the analysis, while heterogeneity tests, sensitivity, and pleiotropy analysis were performed. A total of 5 915 people were included in the cross-sectional study, including 3 178 men and 2 737 women. In the completely adjusted model, no coffee was used as a reference. The ORs for the overall population at '< 1', '1-<2', '2-<4', and '4+' (95% CI) were 0.02 (-0.01, 0.04), 0.00 (-0.01, 0.02), -0.01 (-0.02, 0.00), and 0.00 (-0.01, 0.02), respectively. The male and female population showed no statistically significant differences in both univariate and multivariate linear regressions. In the MR study, the IVW results showed an OR (95% CI) of 1.06 (0.88-1.27), a P-value of 0.55, and an overall F-value of 80.31. The heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses, and pleiotropy had no statistical significance. Our study used cross-sectional studies and MR to demonstrate that there is no correlation or causal relationship between coffee intake and FNBMD.

Overconsumption of unhealthy, discretionary, foods and beverages are associated with an increased risk of weight gain and non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This cross-sectional study explored preferences for setting goals to reduce discretionary food and beverage consumption. The online survey included items about discretionary food and beverage intake, goal setting preferences to reduce intake, habit strength, personality traits, and demographic characteristics. A total of 2664 Australian adults completed the survey. The sample was mostly female (65.9%), half (52.8%) were aged between 30-49 years, and the median intake of discretionary food and beverages was 4.9 (IQR: 3.6 to 7.2) serves per day. Multinomial logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression models were used to explore demographic and psychological predictors of the helpfulness of long-term and short-term goals, elimination and gradual goals, specific food goals, specific eating occasion and food goals, self-set goals, collaboratively set goals, and assigned goals. The results showed participants with higher habit strength had greater odds of finding short-term (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06-1.86), gradual (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29), specific (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.84-1.76), assigned (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.14-1.66) and collaborative goals (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.53) helpful. The results also indicated that age and gender were important predictors of goal setting preferences, particularly for long-term goals, elimination goals, broad goals, and collaborative goals. Interventions to reduce discretionary food and beverage intake are needed and consideration of goal setting preferences could be a novel way to developing more tailored and effective dietary interventions.

Amateur and professional athletes often consume protein supplements to accelerate muscle gain; however, it has been suggested that these products not only are associated with risks when consumed excessively. Several recent reports have indicated that certain products are contaminated with heavy metals. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate protein powders in Hungary for heavy metal contamination. A total of 22 commercially available protein powders (including whey, vegan, and beef based) were purchased on the internet for testing. We analysed the samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to assess heavy metal contamination. The products were analysed for the presence of 16 elements (Be, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Rb, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, and Pb). The LIBS spectral analysis revealed the characteristics of the protein elements (C, C₂, H, N, and O) and alkaline metals (Ca, Na, K, and Mg), which were consistent with the previous results. Neither LIBS nor ICP-MS measurements detected significant heavy metal content in the investigated samples above the limit specified in the regulations. Heavy metal contamination of protein supplements can be a serious health threat. Based on the varied results of the previous studies, it is prudent to include testing for heavy metals as part of the routine and mandatory quality control of these products.

The NutriLight system presents a novel dietary approach designed to enhance health communication, promote sustainable eating habits, and address limitations in existing dietary patterns. Using a traffic light scoring system, it simplifies dietary recommendations, making them more accessible and adaptable across diverse populations. Unlike rigid diets, NutriLight categorises foods into green, yellow, and red groups, encouraging balance rather than restriction. This flexibility allows for cultural adaptations, ensuring relevance in different dietary contexts while supporting planetary health. Additionally, NutriLight mitigates the risk of nutrient deficiencies by emphasising whole, minimally processed foods and reducing overconsumption of unhealthy options. While promising, its effectiveness depends on proper implementation, localised adaptation, and long-term evaluation to confirm its health benefits. By bridging the gap between nutritional science and practical application, NutriLight has the potential to serve as an effective tool in public health nutrition, fostering healthier and more sustainable dietary choices worldwide.

Nutrition intervention is an effective way to improve flesh qualities of fish. The effect of feed supplementation with glutamate (Glu) on flesh quality of gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) was investigated. In trial 1, the fish (initial weight: 37.49 ± 0.08 g) were fed two practical diets with 0 and 2% Glu supplementation. In trial 2, the fish (37.26 ± 0.04 g) were fed two purified diets with 0 and 3% Glu supplementation. The results after feeding trials showed that dietary Glu supplementation increased the hardness and springiness of muscle, whether using practical or purified diets. Glu-supplemented diets increased the thickness and density of myofibres and collagen content between myofibres. Furthermore, Glu promoted muscle protein deposition by regulating the IGF-1-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway, and enhanced the myofibre hypertrophy by upregulating genes related to myofibre growth and development (mef2a, mef2d, myod, myf5, mlc, tpi and pax7α). The protein deposition and myofibre hypertrophy in turn improved the flesh texture. In addition, IMP content in flesh increased when supplementing Glu whether to practical or to purified diet. Metabolomics confirmed that Glu promoted the deposition of muscle-flavoured substances and purine metabolic pathway most functioned, echoed by the upregulation of key genes (ampd, ppat and adsl) in purine metabolism. The sensory test also clarified that dietary Glu improved the flesh quality by enhancing the muscle texture and flavour. Conclusively, dietary Glu supplementation can improve the flesh quality in this fish, which can further support evidence from other studies more generally that improve flesh quality of cultured fish.

In individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eliminating dietary triggers can alleviate symptoms but may lead to nutrient deficiencies and overall health decline. Although various nutritional supplements show promising results in relieving IBS symptoms due to their potential to alter the microbiome, conclusive scientific evidence remains lacking. This exploratory study aims to assess the bifidogenic properties of four nutritional supplement interventions and their impact on IBS-symptoms, faecal microbiota composition, faecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, stool pattern, and quality of life (QoL), compared to a placebo control. Seventy subjects with IBS, meeting the ROME IV criteria, participated in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel intervention study. Subjects were assigned to one of the four treatment groups, receiving either resistant starch, pea fibre, chondroitin sulfate, protein hydrolysate, or placebo daily for four weeks. Daily reports on stool pattern and gastrointestinal complaints were collected. Stool samples and questionnaires on dietary intake, symptom severity, QoL, and anxiety and depression were collected at baseline and after the 4-week intervention. The results show no significant increase in Bifidobacterium abundance or faecal SCFA levels after the 4-week intervention with any of the four nutritional supplement interventions. While some improvements in symptom severity and QoL were observed within-groups, these were not significantly different from changes observed with placebo. In conclusion, the tested nutritional supplements did not increase Bifidobacterium abundance in subjects with IBS within four weeks. Furthermore, we conclude that future studies should consider a run-in period and a larger sample size to study improvements in IBS symptoms.

Epidemiological studies have reported an association between the planetary health diet (PHD), diet-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), and mortality. However, data from individuals from non-Western countries was limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine this association among Japanese individuals using a cross-sectional ecological study of all 47 prefectures in Japan. Prefecture-level data were obtained from government surveys. The dietary amount was estimated based on the weight of food purchased (211 items) from the 2021-2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey. Adherence to PHD was scored using the EAT-Lancet index (range, 0 [worst] to 42 [best]) and categorised into four groups: ≤ 24 (n = 14, low), 25 (n = 17, medium-low), 26 (n = 10, medium-high), and 27 points (n = 6, high). Diet-related GHGEs were estimated using previously developed GHGE tables for each food item. Mortality data were obtained using the 2022 Vital Statistics. Mortality rate ratio (RR) was calculated using a multivariate Poisson regression model. After adjusting for confounders, compared to the prefecture in the medium-low group of adherence score, those in the low and high groups were associated with a higher mortality RR for all-cause (low group: RR = 1.03 [95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.01-1.05]; high group: RR = 1.03 [95% CI = 1.00-1.07]) and pneumonia. Moreover, although a higher adherence score was inversely associated with GHGE, it was linked to an increased mortality risk from heart disease and stroke. Our findings indicate a reverse J-shaped association between adherence to PHD and mortality.