Journal of Nutritional Science最新文献

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.

Legume lectins represent a broad class of environmental toxicants that bind to cell surface glycoproteins. Raw red kidney beans (RRKB), a widely consumed common source of dietary protein, are rich in the lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Consumption of improperly cooked (which may require overnight presoaking and boiling at least at 100°C for 45 min) red kidney beans causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Since the relationship between lectin toxicity and the cellular chaperone machinery remains unknown, the study aimed to determine the effects of heat-denatured PHA on epithelial barrier function and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression and its function as a molecular chaperone in PHA-treated Caco-2 cells and animals. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to an ad libitum diet of either standard rat chow or chow containing 26% crude red kidney beans. We measured HSP70 and heat shock factor 1 gene expressions in the small intestine and HSP70 protein expression in Caco-2 cells. In Caco-2 cells, luciferase activity was measured to investigate protein folding. Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled lectin was used to study its intracellular uptake by Caco-2 cells. PHA lectin reduced transepithelial electrical resistance in Caco-2 cells. FITC-labelled PHA entered Caco-2 cells within 3 h of treatment. PHA treatment significantly reduced HSP70 levels and luciferase activity in Caco-2 cells, which was prevented by HSP70 overexpression. In rats fed RRKB chow consisting of legume lectins, we found reduced levels of HSP70 and heat shock factor 1. These observations suggest that lectins counter the protective function of HSP70 on intestinal barrier function.

Interest in probiotics and prebiotics in sports nutrition is growing, but research on Jordanian athletes remains limited. While gut microbiota influences athletic performance, little is known about athletes' understanding and use of probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods in this region. This exploratory study investigates the knowledge, dietary habits, and correlations with gastrointestinal (GI) problems among Jordanian athletes to inform future research and interventions. The study provides insights into how awareness and consumption of gut-supportive foods can impact GI health, offering broader nutritional implications for global dietary strategies for athletes. A standardised questionnaire was administered to 324 athletes (ages 18-22) to assess knowledge, dietary practices, and GI symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, and chi-square tests examined associations among knowledge, diet, and GI symptoms (p < 0.05). Knowledge and diet were scored based on correct responses and reported intake of gut-supporting foods. Results showed that 55.9% of athletes were familiar with probiotics and 32.1% with prebiotics. The majority reported low consumption of probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods, with 72.2% scoring low on diet intake. Although 60.5% seldom consumed fast food, overall intake of gut-supportive foods was limited. No statistically significant associations were found, but a weak positive trend between dietary habits and GI symptoms was observed, suggesting diet may have a modest influence on GI health. Living arrangements influenced both dietary choices and GI symptoms. This study highlights the need for targeted nutrition education to improve awareness and intake of probiotics and prebiotics, potentially supporting GI health and enhancing athletic performance.

Vegetable consumption in many countries is less than recommended and even lower in low-income households. This study explored the determinants of current vegetable food choice in households with limited food budgets to inform the implementation of a national vegetable promotion programme. Five focus groups and one individual interview were conducted with twenty-nine parents who self-identified as 'shopping on a budget' in an area of multiple deprivation in the southeast of England. Transcripts of audio recordings were coded in NVivo and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four main themes which shaped the range of vegetables brought into the home were identified: (1) attributes of vegetables, (2) attributes of parents including their vegetable norms, knowledge and skills (veg-literacy), and interest and opportunity to invest time and effort in vegetables, (3) family food dynamics, and (4) influence of retailers. Overarching this was parents' capacity to absorb the risk of wasting food, money, time, and effort on vegetables and damaging trust in the parent-child food relationship. The data suggest there is a common set of 'core vegetables', which are routinely bought. When money is tight, parents only buy vegetables they know their children will eat and are generally not persuaded to buy 'off-list' in response to price discounts or promotions. Cost is not always the main barrier to increased vegetable purchase. To avoid unintentionally widening dietary inequalities, supply-side interventions to promote vegetable consumption need to be designed alongside targeted actions that enhance the capacity of low-income households to respond.

Phase Angle (PhA) has emerged as an important parameter to monitor body composition, fluid status, muscle integrity, and physical performance among athletes. However, limited information exists regarding the associations between PhA and dietary intake, especially in athletes. This study aimed to identify the dietary intake components associated with PhA in athletes. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 153 athletes across 17 sports. Body composition was assessed by tetrapolar multifrequency BIA, and dietary intake by 24-hour dietary recalls administered on non-consecutive days. Reported foods and supplements were categorised into different groups (i.e. cereals, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, meat and eggs, dairy products, oils, and sugars), with portions established based on the food's total energy content. Fat-free mass and fat-free mass index were higher in male compared to female athletes, potentially influencing PhA (6.6º vs 5.5º; P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that protein intake was a significant predictor of PhA in athletes. This association remained significant even after adjustments for sex, age, and fat-free mass (R² = 0.48, β = 0.27, P = 0.02). The positive correlation observed between dietary protein and PhA reinforces the need for adequate daily protein intake to enhance PhA in athletes. Further studies investigating the effect of diet-induced changes in PhA within the athletic population are necessary.

The aim of the study is to assess the dietary knowledge and practices of Lebanese patients with diabetes not receiving dietary counselling in a low-income setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 Lebanese adult patients, not receiving dietary counselling in North Lebanon. Patients completed a questionnaire evaluating their sociodemographic, health and clinical characteristics as well as their dietary knowledge (DK) and practices. The mean total DK score as well as the mean scores for each category were calculated for the whole sample, transformed into percentages of maximal score and classified into poor (< 50%), good (50-75%) and adequate (> 75%). Patients had a good, but not optimal total DK (51.66%). Similarly, they also had a good knowledge related to carbohydrates (52.16%) and fat (52.5%), and to food type (60.83%). On the other hand, they had a poor knowledge about food choices (35.66%) and protein (44%). Linear regression analysis revealed that a higher educational level (β = 1.96, p < 0.001), choosing whole grains (β = 1.19, p = 0.002), living with a partner (β = 1.01, p = 0.007), being recently diagnosed with diabetes (β = -1.23, p = 0.012) were positively associated with a better DK. Furthermore, patients who suffered from type I diabetes had a better DK compared to those suffering from type 2 diabetes (β = -1.31, p = 0.016). The nutritional knowledge of the patients with diabetes not receiving dietary counselling is good but not optimal. Dietitians and doctors should collaborate to provide patient-centred and individualised dietary education to patients with diabetes.

This repeated cross-sectional study assessed the validity and reproducibility of the myfood24^® dietary assessment tool against dietary intake biomarkers in healthy Danish adults. The study included 71 healthy adults (14/57 m/f), aged 53.2 ± 9.1 years with an average BMI of 26.1 ± 0.3 kg/m². Participants were instructed to complete seven-day weighed food records using myfood24^® at baseline and 4 ± 1 weeks thereafter. Estimated mean dietary intake was compared with objective measures of energy metabolism and selected dietary intake biomarkers in fasting blood (folate) and in 24-hour urine (urea, potassium). Resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry. Application of the Goldberg cut-off classified 87% (n = 62) of participants as acceptable reporters. A strong Spearman's rank correlation was observed between total folate intake and serum folate (ρ = 0.62). Acceptable correlations were noted for serum folate (ρ = 0.49) and urinary potassium excretion (ρ = 0.44) with estimated and measured protein intake (ρ = 0.45); energy intake and total energy expenditure (ρ = 0.38); potassium intake and potassium excretion (ρ = 0.42); and estimated fruit and vegetable intake. Reproducibility analysis revealed strong correlations (ρ ≥ 0.50) across most nutrients and food groups, except for fish and vitamin D (ρ = 0.30 and ρ = 0.26, respectively). Notably, reproducibility for folate and total vegetable intake exhibited the highest correlations (ρ = 0.84 and ρ = 0.78, respectively). In conclusion, while some limitations exist, myfood24^® remains a useful tool for ranking individuals by intake, particularly in studies focusing on relative comparisons.