Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism最新文献

Background: Flavor, a complex sensation mediated by the chemical senses of taste, smell, and chemesthesis, is a primary driver of food acceptance. Because what we eat is an important influence on health in modern societies, we need to understand what shapes the acceptance of foods from an early age.

Summary: As infants transition from an all-milk diet to one that contains complementary foods of varying flavors and textures, biological factors interact with early experiences in shaping the acceptance or rejection of these complementary foods. Children are naturally drawn to foods that taste sweet or salty. However, repeated exposures to more complex flavors, transmitted from the mother's diet to amniotic fluid and to human milk, and inherent in infant formulas and complementary foods (with 8-10 exposures or more), familiarize and facilitate children's acceptance of the varying sensory properties of foods. Family members modeling eating these foods also encourage acceptance in children. Such functional plasticity, one of the main characteristics of the brain, highlights the ability to change behavior based on experience.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy. It is characterized by normal or possibly impaired glucose metabolism before pregnancy and abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy. We evaluate the predictive value of body composition indicators in early pregnancy for GDM.

Methods: Pregnant women who visited Huaibei Maternal and Child Health Hospital from November 2022 to April 2023 were selected as study participants. Body composition indicators were measured using bioelectrical impedance assessment at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Study subjects completed a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Relationships between body composition indicators and GDM were explored using multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, the predictive value of body composition indicators for GDM was assessed through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and restricted cubic spline (RCS).

Results: Five hundred eighty-eight participants were enrolled, 100 of whom had a diagnosis of GDM (17.9%). We found that percent body fat (PBF) and visceral fat index (VFI) were associated with a higher risk of GDM, with adjusting ORs of 1.82 (95% CI = 1.50-2.21) and 6.10 (95% CI = 3.91-9.51) after adjusting for confounders, respectively. The ROC showed that PBF and VFI were highly predictive values for GDM. The RCS displayed that there was a J-shaped connection between 3-point OGTT plasma glucose and PBF. There was a nonlinear relationship between 1-h plasma glucose and VFI.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that PBF and VFI have high predictive value for GDM.

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by muscle mass loss. Some investigations have demonstrated the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a protector against the presence of sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease. We aimed to explore the role of circulating BDNF in the development of sarcopenia among individuals with disease-related malnutrition (DRM).

Materials and methods: A total of 160 patients diagnosed with DRM according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were enrolled. Anthropometric data, muscle mass assessed via ultrasound at the rectus femoris quadriceps (RFQ) level, bioelectrical impedance analysis (skeletal muscle mass [SMM], appendicular skeletal muscle mass [aSMM], and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index [aSMMI]), handgrip strength, biochemical parameters, dietary intake, and circulating levels of BDNF were measured.

Results: A total of 55 patients (34.4%) were classified as sarcopenic, while 105 patients (65.6%) were classified as non-sarcopenic. Phase angle (-0.6 ± 0.2°; p = 0.01), reactance (-5.8 ± 2.1 Ohms; p = 0.03), SMM (-3.3 ± 0.2 kg; p = 0.04), aSMM (-2.1 ± 0.3 kg; p = 0.03), aSMMI (-0.8 ± 0.2 kg; p = 0.03), dominant muscle area (-0.7 ± 0.2 cm2; p = 0.04), and dominant Y-axis thickness (-0.4 ± 0.1 cm; p = 0.03) were worse in patients with sarcopenia. Muscle strength was higher in non-sarcopenic patients (8.5 ± 1.2 kg; p = 0.01). Circulating BDNF levels were significantly higher in non-sarcopenic patients compared to sarcopenic patients (94.7 ± 3.9 ng/mL; p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated a reduced risk of sarcopenia (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.11-0.43; p = 0.03) in patients with higher BDNF levels, after adjusting for body mass index, gender, energy intake, and age.

Conclusion: Our study identified an association between low serum BDNF levels and sarcopenia in patients with DRM.

Introduction: Hudda-Index is a prediction model for fat mass (FM) based on simple anthropometric measures. FM is a crucial factor in the development of comorbidities, i.e., type 2 diabetes. Hence, Hudda-Index is a promising tool to facilitate the identification of children at risk for metabolic comorbidities. It has been validated against deuterium dilution assessments; however, independent validation against the gold standard for body composition analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate FM calculated by Hudda-Index against FM measured by MRI. The secondary aim was to compare Hudda-Index to other anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI), BMI-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), waist/hip-ratio, waist circumference (WC), and skinfold thickness.

Methods: The study cohort consists of 115 individuals between the age of 9 and 15 years, recruited at Paracelsus Medical University Hospital in Salzburg (Austria) and Uppsala University Children's Hospital (Sweden). Anthropometry, blood samples, and oral glucose tolerance tests followed standard procedures. MRI examinations were performed to determine visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Results: BMI and WC showed slightly stronger associations with the reference standard VAT (r = 0.72 and 0.70, p < 0.01, respectively) than Hudda-Index (r = 0.67, p < 0.01). There is an almost perfect linear association between BMI and Hudda-Index. Accordingly, BMI and Hudda-Index both showed an acceptable association with cardiometabolic parameters. VAT was strongly associated with markers of liver status (LFF r = 0.59, p < 0.01) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR r = 0.71, p < 0.01) and predicted metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Conclusion: BMI, although an imperfect measure, remains the most reliable tool and estimates cardiometabolic risk more reliably than other anthropometry-based measures.

Introduction: First, we investigated the relationships between eating styles (cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating) and body mass index (BMI) in women. Second, we aimed to explore whether positive eating serves as a protective factor in the relationships between eating styles and BMI.

Methods: The sample comprised 404 women recruited via online surveys who completed: the Positive Eating Scale, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the sociodemographic survey. Data collection was independent.

Results: First, we found that in women cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating are all positively related to BMI. Second, as predicted, we demonstrated the effect of positive eating as a moderator in the relationship between emotional eating style and uncontrolled eating style and BMI. Specifically, in women with average and low levels of positive eating, positive relationships between emotional eating and BMI, as well as uncontrolled eating and BMI were more pronounced. The effect of positive eating on the relationship between cognitive restraint and BMI was opposite to the expected.

Conclusion: Our preliminary conclusions may suggest that food positivity should not be placed on the same continuum with unhealthy eating behaviours as its opposite end of the continuum. As a distinct construct, it may serve as a protective factor and strengthening a positive attitude towards food may possibly reduce the negative impact of unhealthy eating styles on individuals' BMI and, in turn, on health and well-being. It would be beneficial to verify these assumptions in future research.

Background: For the past 2 decades, there has been a growing appreciation of the role that the microbiota (the trillions of microorganisms within and on our bodies) plays as one of the key regulators of gut-brain function and has led to the appreciation of the importance of a distinct microbiota-gut-brain axis across the lifespan but especially during neurodevelopment.

Summary: The gut microbiota and its relevant metabolites interact with the immune and the central nervous systems during critical temporal windows of development. These critical developmental windows perinatally (during the first 1,000 days) are susceptible timepoints for insults that can endure long-lasting effects on the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Accumulating evidence shows that a variety of factors can impact the microbiota in early life, including mode of birth delivery, antibiotic exposure, mode of nutritional provision, infection, stress, as well as host genetics. Additionally, sex differences occur in response to microbial manipulations in early life although the underlying mechanisms underpinning such effects remain elusive. Animal models have been essential in delineating the role of the microbiome in neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from autism spectrum disorder to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This mechanistic perspective should be supplemented with more translational studies to evaluate the applicability of findings from animal models to human subjects.

Background: The global epidemiology of food allergies and anaphylaxis exhibits complex, heterogeneous patterns. While food allergy prevalence has stabilized in Western countries, anaphylaxis incidence continues to rise. In developing regions, data are limited, but urban centers show increasing food allergy prevalence, contrasting with lower rates in rural areas. These disparities likely stem from differences in environmental factors and urbanization levels across the globe. Furthermore, the dominant food allergens vary significantly by regions. Peanuts and tree nuts are the primary triggers in the USA and Europe, whereas eggs, milk, and shellfish are more common in Asia and Latin America.

Summary: In this upcoming review, we will delve into the recommendations for preventing food allergies across Eastern and Western regions. These regional differences in allergen profiles and dietary patterns underscore the need for tailored food allergy prevention strategies. Current prevention guidelines focus on the timing and route of allergen exposure in early life. In high-prevalence regions, early oral exposure is recommended to promote oral tolerance and reduce allergy risk. Conversely, in lower-prevalence areas, non-delayed introduction of allergenic solids is preferred. Moreover, early skin exposure may increase allergy risk, and the role of early, whole-body use of specialized emollients requires further study. Proactive treatment of atopic dermatitis may reduce the incidence of food allergies in infants. Adapting prevention approaches to local contexts and continuously updating guidelines based on emerging evidence is crucial to comprehensively addressing the global burden of food allergies.

Background: Early infant feeding is essential for children's development and future health, particularly in preventing obesity, which is the most common nutrition-related disorder in children worldwide.

Summary: Obesity, characterized by excess body fat and numerous complications, arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility and an obesogenic environment, including lifestyle behaviors related to energy balance. Eating habits start to be shaped early in life, making the introduction of solid foods a critical period. Given the high prevalence of obesity, its long-term health consequences, and social implications, prevention is crucial. This narrative review aimed to identify factors related to the introduction of solid foods that influence obesity and suggest feeding strategies to prevent it. Tracking studies indicate that overweight and obesity during childhood often persist into adulthood, with associated complications such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Complementary feeding involves introducing solid foods besides breast milk or formula. The timing and content of complementary feeding are crucial in influencing obesity risk. Introduction of solid foods before 4 months is associated with higher BMI in childhood. The method of introducing complementary feeding, such as baby-led weaning, has been proposed to predict later obesity risk, though findings are currently inconclusive. Parental feeding practices and socioeconomic factors significantly influence complementary feeding and obesity risk. Early prevention programs, especially those involving parental education on responsive feeding and diet, are promising for reducing obesity risk. Future programs should incorporate parents' perceptions and motivations to improve intervention effectiveness.

Background: Complementary feeding (CF) is the process of introducing foods that starts when breast milk or formula alone can no longer meet infant's nutritional requirements. Nevertheless, the goal of introducing solid foods is to supplement, not replace, human milk or infant formula. The timing of introduction of CF is a pivotal issue in paediatrics.

Summary: According to the World Health organization (WHO), ideally CF begins at 6 months of age and continues until 23 months, although breastfeeding may extend beyond this period. In low-resource setting areas due to food and water hygiene issues and less availability of complementary foods (CFs) with good nutritional quality, early CF represents a harm. In the meantime, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend that CF should start between 17 and 26 weeks of age. This indication is provided because an early introduction of CFs before 4 months has harming results for both renal and gastrointestinal function and is inadequate with respect to neurodevelopmental skills. The concern about late introduction after 6 months mainly arises from inadequacy of breast milk in providing critical nutrients, particularly iron. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests a potential higher risk of food allergies (i.e., peanut) when delaying exposure to allergens, rather than preventing their occurrence.

Introduction: Nutritional therapy is an important component of intensive care. We investigated the associations of nutritional therapy in the acute phase of severe COVID-19 with the long-term outcomes of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and post-COVID-19 conditions.

Methods: A questionnaire on the health status after COVID-19 was sent to patients 1 year after infection and PICS was evaluated. Total energy and protein intakes during the first week after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) were calculated. The primary endpoint was a decrease in quality of life (QOL) defined by EuroQol5-dimensions 5-level (EQ5D5L) <0.8. A multivariable regression analysis was used to examine.

Results: A total of 220 ICU patients were included in this study. Median total energy and protein intakes were 65.1 kcal/kg/week and 3.3 g/kg/week, respectively. Total energy and protein intakes were associated with EQ5D5L scores (energy: unit odds ratio 0.98 [0.97-0.99], p value <0.01; protein: unit odds ratio 0.72 [0.59-0.87], p value <0.01). Insufficient total energy and protein intakes were associated with malaise, arthralgia, myalgia, palpitations, sleep disturbance, and muscle weakness.

Conclusions: Poor nutrition during the first week after ICU admission was associated with a decreased QOL 1 year after. These nutrition shortages were also associated with an increased risk of developing PICS, post-COVID-19 conditions, which may contribute to decreased QOL.

Introduction: Nutritional therapy is an important component of intensive care. We investigated the associations of nutritional therapy in the acute phase of severe COVID-19 with the long-term outcomes of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and post-COVID-19 conditions.

Methods: A questionnaire on the health status after COVID-19 was sent to patients 1 year after infection and PICS was evaluated. Total energy and protein intakes during the first week after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) were calculated. The primary endpoint was a decrease in quality of life (QOL) defined by EuroQol5-dimensions 5-level (EQ5D5L) <0.8. A multivariable regression analysis was used to examine.

Results: A total of 220 ICU patients were included in this study. Median total energy and protein intakes were 65.1 kcal/kg/week and 3.3 g/kg/week, respectively. Total energy and protein intakes were associated with EQ5D5L scores (energy: unit odds ratio 0.98 [0.97-0.99], p value <0.01; protein: unit odds ratio 0.72 [0.59-0.87], p value <0.01). Insufficient total energy and protein intakes were associated with malaise, arthralgia, myalgia, palpitations, sleep disturbance, and muscle weakness.

Conclusions: Poor nutrition during the first week after ICU admission was associated with a decreased QOL 1 year after. These nutrition shortages were also associat