Nutrition Research Reviews最新文献

Entomophagy (eating edible insects) could potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B₁₂. This article aims to summarize available evidence about iron, zinc and vitamin B₁₂ content of raw and processed edible insects and these contents compared with nutritional needs of different human life stages. A systematic literature search using specific key words (edible insects, iron content, zinc content, vitamin B₁₂ content, and nutritional composition) in Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. Forty six studies were reviewed. To ensure standardized comparisons, articles with nutrient-enriched edible insects were excluded. The quality of records was assessed using standardized protocols. Results indicate that edible insects are generally either "sources of" or "rich in" iron, zinc and vitamin B₁₂ required for optimal nutrition and health of different human life stages. Moreover, iron, zinc and vitamin B₁₂ content of edible insect species were generally either comparable to or higher than that of lean (beef, pork), poultry and kidney beans. Most insect species were oven processed with little/no species specific data for other processing methods. Variations in micronutrient content existed between processing methods and among oven processed edible insects. Data inaccuracies, poor data quality control and lack of insect-specific official analytical methods contributed to fairly high variations and made comparisons difficult. Based on available data, edible insects can potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B₁₂, despite the observed variations, data gaps, lack of edible insect matrix-specific official methods in addition to limited human bioavailability and efficacy studies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with significant social, communicative, and behavioral challenges, and its prevalence is increasing globally at an alarming rate. Children with ASD often have nutritional imbalances, and multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Among these, zinc (Zn²⁺) deficiency is prominent and has gained extensive scientific interest over the past few years. Zn²⁺ supports numerous proteins, including enzymes and transcription factors, and controls neurogenesis and cell differentiation. It modulates synaptic transmission and plasticity by binding to receptors, ion channels, and transporters. These interactions are crucial as changes in these processes may contribute to cognitive and behavioral abnormalities in neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. Notably, mutations in genes linked to ASD result in Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis, altering pivotal biological processes. Additionally, Zn²⁺ promotes gut health by maintaining gut wall integrity, preventing inflammation and leaky gut, translocation of gut bacteria and their metabolites into systemic circulation, and supporting cognitive processes via the gut-brain axis. Zn²⁺ deficiency during pregnancy alters gut microbiota composition, induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production, may affect neuronal functioning, and is associated with ASD etiology in offspring and exacerbation of autistic traits in genetically predisposed children. This review focuses on Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis, discussing various Zn²⁺-dependent dysfunctions underlying distinct autistic phenotypes and describing recent progress in the neurobiology of ASD in human and animal models. Comprehensive research on the physiological processes altered by Zn²⁺ deficiency is crucial for designing preventive and innovative therapeutic measures for this disorder.

In Europe, organic food must comply with specific regulations which do not include nutritional criteria. The ability of organic food to meet the nutritional needs of children is not assessed. This narrative review discusses the nutritional composition (macronutrients, micronutrients) of organic food compared to conventional products and its clinical relevance with a pediatric focus, and the health impact of these differences and of contaminants which interfere with metabolism. Other potential differences, particularly regarding the direct/indirect exposure to other contaminants in conventional food, are not addressed in this review. The composition of some organic food may differ from conventional food. Protein content was lower in cereals and eggs. A lower n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) ratio was observed in milk, meat and eggs. Long-chain PUFA and vitamin E may be higher in milk, meat, and fish, as some minerals and antioxidants (phenolic compounds, vitamin C) in fruits, vegetables, and starchy food and carotenoids in fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological studies suggest an association between organic diets and lower prevalence of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, whereas the protective effect on allergy and cancer is controversial. Some organic food may have a better nutritional interest for children's diet than conventional food. Standardized studies comparing food composition and diet in children are needed. Considering the lower toxicologic risk and the sustainability of organic food, the Committee on Nutrition encourages the use of organic food, provided such food is affordable, alongside specific baby food which are subject to strict specific EU regulations.

At present, the treatment of Alzheimer's disease involves only symptomatic medications which have continually demonstrated little efficacy, primarily due to the presence of biological barriers. Despite efforts, researchers have yet to discover a therapeutic treatment that delays neurodegenerative progression or restores associated Alzheimer neuropathological processes. For centuries, Hericium erinaceus (HE) has been used predominantly in Asian countries for its culinary and medicinal purposes, however, the use of this mushroom has not yet been utilised in western pharmacology. This review systematically investigates evidence pertaining to the use of HE as a potential future therapeutic treatment for the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease, by highlighting any fundamental neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. In total, 3 human clinical trials and 13 animal-model studies were included for review. The use of HE demonstrated positive significant differences in results obtained from behavioural, histological, and biochemical assessments from both human clinical trials and animal model studies accentuating its utility for the improvement of cognitive function. In addition, erinacine A enriched HE appears to demonstrate the highest bioactive potency of all HE extracted compounds providing the greatest effects, while also evidencing transportability ease across biological barriers. In conclusion, evidence suggests that an intake of HE may be an appropriate and relevant future therapeutic treatment for the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease, however, continued research is necessary to provide increased significant evidence of this relationship, most likely through the increased quantity of human clinical trials.

The iron regulation mechanisms are not exactly the same between adulthood and the early postnatal period. Also, neonatal iron status is different in full-term versus preterm infants because the prenatal/gestational period, when hepatic iron accumulates, is shortened. Newborns, especially premature infants, are at high risk of iron deficiency due to inadequate iron stores, which constitute the primary source of iron to satisfy the neonate's increasing iron requirements. In addition, frequent blood transfusions and congenital hemochromatosis may induce iron overload in the affected neonate. To understand the cause of neonatal iron deficiency/overload and to promote the development of effective therapeutic interventions in humans, different animal models have been generated by genetic engineering, low/high-iron diets, phlebotomy/transfusion, and surgical manipulation. These models use various laboratory and domestic animals to study iron imbalance. They serve as surrogate models for experiments that are ethically or practically unfeasible to conduct on human neonates. Although an animal model for studying neonatal iron disorders may not fully replicate the complexities of human diseases, it is designed to model specific aspects of these conditions. Combined data from multiple models can help offset the limitations inherent in each individual model. In this review, we outline approaches to induce neonatal iron disorders, current animal models of full-term and preterm neonates, and recommendations for diagnosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, with dietary protein intake being a key factor in disease management. This review synthesises evidence on the impact of different protein intake strategies, including low-protein diet (LPD), very-low-protein diet (VLPD), high-protein diet (HPD) and plant-based diet (PBD), on CKD progression and patient outcomes. The review explores personalised nutrition strategies and identifies gaps in the literature. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted, covering studies published from 1982 to 2024, including randomised controlled trials (RCT), observational studies and meta-analyses involving adult patients with CKD. The findings suggest that LPD and VLPD may slow CKD progression, particularly when supplemented with ketoanalogues, but adherence and long-term benefits remain uncertain. PBD are associated with reduced renal burden and improved metabolic health, although achieving adequate protein intake from plant sources requires careful planning. HPD, particularly those rich in animal protein, may exacerbate CKD progression, although recent research indicates that higher protein intake may benefit specific populations, such as older adults with mild-to-moderate CKD. In conclusion, managing protein intake in CKD is complex and necessitates a personalised approach. While LPD and PBD offer potential benefits, their long-term success is contingent upon patient adherence, individualised dietary management and further research into their sustained effects. Future research should focus on long-term RCT and the development of personalised nutrition strategies incorporating emerging technologies and multidisciplinary care to optimise CKD management.

Intake of high quantities of dietary proteins sourced from dairy, meat or plants can affect body weight and metabolic health in humans. To improve our understanding of how this may be achieved, we reviewed the data related to the availability of nutrients and metabolites in the faeces, circulation and urine. All protein sources (≥20% by energy) increased faecal levels of branched-chain fatty acids and ammonia and decreased the levels of butyrate. Some metabolites responded to dairy and meat proteins (branched-chain amino acids) as well as dairy and plant proteins (p-cresol), which were increased in faecal matter. Specific to dairy protein intake, the faecal levels of acetate, indole and phenol were increased, whereas plant protein intake specifically increased the levels of kynurenine and tyramine. Meat protein intake increased the faecal levels of methionine, cysteine and alanine and decreased the levels of propionate and acetate. The metabolite profile in the faecal matter following dairy protein intake mirrored availability in circulation or urine. These findings provide an understanding of the contrasting gut versus systemic effects of different dietary proteins, which we know to show different physiological effects. In this regard, we provide directions to determining the mechanisms for the effects of different dietary proteins.

This scoping review aimed to explore international evidence on the impact of Food Policy Groups (FPGs) on local food systems, in urban and rural regions of high-income countries. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched to identify thirty-one documents published between 2002 and 2022 providing evidence on the impact of FPGs. Activities spanned domains including increasing food equity (e.g. strengthening school meals programmes); increasing knowledge and/or demand for healthy food (e.g. food literacy programmes with children and adults); increasing food access (e.g. enhancing local food procurement); environmental sustainability (e.g. promoting low-waste food items on café menus); economic development (e.g. ensuring local businesses are not outperformed by large food distributors); and increasing food system resiliency (e.g. establishment of local produce schemes). Most FPGs reported conducting activities that positively influenced multiple food system domains and reported activities in urban areas, and to a lesser extent in rural areas. Our study highlighted a range of qualitative and quantitative evaluation strategies used to measure FPGs' impact on local food systems. Our recommendations focus on regular and systematic evaluation and research surrounding the impact of FPG activities, to build the evidence base of their impact. Ideally, evaluation would utilise comprehensive and established tools. We recommend exploring the establishment of FPGs across more regions of high-income countries, particularly rural areas, and forming partnerships between FPGs, local government and universities to maximise implementation and evaluation of activities.

This narrative review revises the scientific evidence of recent years on healthy eating in children and adolescents, making sense of promising avenues of action, from a food system perspective. A conceptual framework is provided to better understand how eating habits of children and adolescents are shaped to identify key multisectoral approaches that should be implemented to promote healthier diets. The following influencing factors are discussed: individual factors (physiological and psychological factors, food preferences and food literacy competencies), factors within the personal and socio-cultural food environments, external food environments, and the supply chain. In each section, the main barriers to healthy eating are briefly discussed focussing on how to overcome them. Finally, a discussion with recommendations of actions is provided, anchored in scientific knowledge, and transferable to the general public, industry, and policymakers. We highlight that multidisciplinary approaches are not enough, a systems approach, with a truly holistic view, is needed. Apart from introducing systemic changes, a variety of interventions can be implemented at different levels to foster healthier diets in children through fostering healthier and more sustainable food environments, facilitating pleasurable sensory experiences, increasing their food literacy, and enhancing their agency by empowering them to make better food related decisions. Acknowledging children as unique individuals is required, through interpersonal interactions, as well as their role in their environments. Actions should aim to enable children and adolescents as active participants within sustainable food systems, to support healthier dietary behaviours that can be sustained throughout life, impacting health at a societal level.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous and complex group of life-long neurodevelopmental disorders. How this clinical condition impacts an individual's intellectual, social and emotional capacities, contributing to alterations in the proprioceptive and sensory systems and increasing their selective attitude towards food, is well described in the literature. This complex condition or status exposes individuals with ASD to an increased risk of developing overweight, obesity and non-communicable diseases compared with the neurotypical population. Moreover, individuals with ASD are characterised by higher levels of inflammation, oxidative stress markers and intestinal dysbiosis. All these clinical features may also appear in zinc deficiency (ZD) condition. In fact, zinc is an essential micronutrient for human health, serving as a structural, catalytic and regulatory component in numerous physiological processes. The aim of this narrative review is to explore role of ZD in ASD. Factors affecting zinc absorption, excretion and dietary intake in this vulnerable population are taken into consideration. Starting from this manuscript, the authors encourage future research to investigate the role of ZD in ASD. The perspective is to potentially find another missing piece in the 'ASD clinical puzzle picture' to improve the health status of these individuals.