British Journal of Nutrition最新文献

Chronic stress can lead to serious health problems, including elevated blood glucose, intestinal dysbiosis, villous shortening, decreased enzyme activity and hepatic steatosis. Here, we investigate the protective effects of the magnesium-L-theanine (Mg-T) combination on chronic variable stress (CVS)-induced liver and intestinal damage. Fifty-six rats were divided into two groups: normal and stressed, and supplemented with different doses of Mg-T (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). The results showed that CVS-treated rats had reduced body weight, serum insulin levels, magnesium levels, intestinal barrier proteins and nutrient transporters. However, Mg-T supplementation improved these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Mg-T treatment reduced CVS-induced glucose, corticosterone and triglyceride levels while alleviating liver and intestinal damage. Histological analysis revealed that Mg-T alleviated CVS-induced intestinal damage, characterised by villus shortening, reduced crypt depth and inflammation. CVS-induced increases in hepatic triglycerides and lipogenic markers (SREBF1, FASN) were attenuated by Mg-T supplementation, while metabolic regulators such as PPARγ and SIRT-1 were upregulated. Moreover, Mg-T restored the expression of intestinal barrier proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1) and mucosal protein (MUC-2). CVS treatment reduced the expression of nutrient transporters (SGLT1, GLUT2) and amino acid carriers; however, Mg-T supplementation increased the protein levels of these markers. Our data demonstrate that Mg-T has significant protective effects against CVS-induced metabolic, hepatic and intestinal disturbances, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for managing chronic stress-related health problems.

This study examined factors associated with stunting in children aged < 2 years in eastern Indonesia. Data were derived from three national cross-sectional surveys of Indonesia. The outcome variable was stunting (low length-for-age) in children aged < 2 years. Nineteen potential predictors from community- to individual-level characteristics were identified. Multilevel analyses were performed, adjusting for cluster sampling with random effects for cluster and strata. We used data from the 2010, 2013 and 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research. Information from 6076 children aged < 2 years from Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua regions were used. We found that the proportion of stunted children aged < 2 years in eastern Indonesia decreased between 2010 and 2018. Significant predictors of stunting included living in West Nusa Tenggara (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1·09; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·16) and East Nusa Tenggara region (aOR = 1·36; 95 % CI 1·28, 1·45), belonging to a household with three or more children aged under 5 years (aOR = 1·32; 95 % CI 1·11, 1·56), being from a poor household (aOR = 1·17; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·30) and born to less educated mother (aOR = 1·26; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·56). Furthermore, stunting were more likely among males (aOR = 1·29, 95 % CI 1·19, 1·40), those aged 12-23 months (aOR = 2·01; 95 % CI 1·65, 2·45), with low birth weight (aOR = 1·91; 95 % CI 1·40, 2·60) and with gestational age < 37 weeks at birth (aOR = 1·14; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·24). Multiple factors contribute to stunting in eastern Indonesia, highlighting the need for comprehensive and targeted initiatives. Poverty reduction, healthcare system improvement, family planning and continued health promotion strategies are necessary to reduce stunting prevalence.

A significant association between tomato consumption and a lower risk of developing hypertension has been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between tomato intake and prehypertension risk among Korean adults. Hypertension was defined according to the criteria established by the Korean Society of Hypertension. The study participants were selected from the Health Examinees cohort study. Tomato consumption was measured using an FFQ and categorised into quintiles based on the amount consumed. Higher tomato consumption was associated with a lower risk of prehypertension in men (hazard ratio (HR) 0·86, 95 % CI 0·80, 0·92, P_{for trend} 0·0005). Women in the highest quintile also showed a similar trend (HR 0·94, 95 % CI 0·90, 0·99, P_{for trend} 0·0091). Stratified analyses revealed a reduced risk of prehypertension across all subgroups, except underweight individuals and those with a history of alcohol consumption (all P_{for interaction} < 0·05). These findings indicate that higher tomato intake may offer potential advantages for managing blood pressure levels.

Increased consumption of pulses can support healthy and sustainable diets, however consumption of pulses in Western populations is low. Adolescents are an often overlooked yet important target group as they develop attitudes and behaviours which influence food choices into adulthood. To understand patterns of consumption, this study aimed to analyse characteristics and consumption patterns of Australian adolescents who consume pulses. Secondary analysis of the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) data from 2011-12 was carried out to identify adolescent (12-17 years, n=1007, nationally representative of N=101,130) pulse consumers, compare their nutritional and demographic characteristics with non-consumers, and describe frequency, types and amounts of pulses consumed. Consumption of pulses among adolescents is low, with only 6% of adolescents (48% males) reporting consumption pulses. Pulse consumption was associated with healthier weight and diet characteristics. After adjusting for age, sex and socioeconomic index, overweight or obese adolescents were less likely to consume pulses than adolescents of a healthy weight or underweight (OR=0.82, 95%CI 0.69-0.99, P=0.043). Adolescent pulse consumers reported consuming more vegetables, dietary fibre and iron, and less discretionary foods, saturated fat and added sugars than non-consumers. Baked beans were the most commonly consumed type of pulses, followed by pulses as an ingredient in a vegetarian meal such as dahl. Future strategies are recommended to promote consumption of pulses amongst adolescents due to the low consumption level, with consideration of familiar and appealing dishes to support adolescents in achieving more healthy and sustainable diets.

The early years of life are crucial for developing cognitive abilities, such as intelligence. This period is marked by rapid brain development, in which nutrition is essential. This study aimed to characterise dietary patterns at age 2 and investigate their association with cognitive performance at ages 6-7. The study used data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil (n=4,275). Dietary intake was assessed using a habitual consumption questionnaire, and patterns were extracted using principal component analysis. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (4th edition), providing intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Associations were tested using linear regression models. The unhealthy dietary pattern (characterised by packaged snacks, instant noodles, sweet biscuits, sweets and candies, soft drinks, sausages, and processed meats) was negatively associated with IQ (p <0.001). Exploratory analyses suggest that early-life deficits (low weight, height, or head circumference for age) may amplify the negative effects of unhealthy dietary pattern on IQ (interaction p=0.020). Children with high adherence to this pattern and early-life deficits showed a 4.78-point IQ reduction (95% CI: -7.06; -2.49), while those without deficits had a 2.24-point reduction (95% CI: -3.35; -1.13), compared to those with low adherence, even after adjustments. No significant associations were found between the healthy dietary pattern (characterised by beans, baby foods, fruits, vegetables, and natural fruit juices) and IQ scores. These findings suggest that an unhealthy diet in early childhood may impair cognitive performance, particularly in children with early-life deficits.

Glutathione is a key intracellular antioxidant involved in redox balance, detoxification, and immune support. However, oral glutathione supplementation is limited by poor bioavailability due to gastrointestinal degradation and low membrane permeability. Liposomal formulations offer a promising strategy to enhance delivery and therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to compare the biological activity and systemic availability of a novel liposomal glutathione formulation (LipoDuo™ Glutathione) with plain glutathione using both in vitro cellular models and in vivo human pharmacokinetic evaluation. Human embryonic kidney (HEK-293T) cells were treated with LipoDuo™ or plain glutathione to assess intracellular uptake, optimal dosing, cell proliferation, and wound healing. In a parallel-arm, open-label human study, 12 healthy subjects (n = 6 per group) received a single oral dose of either LipoDuo™ or plain glutathione (1 g), and plasma glutathione levels were monitored over 24 h using LC-MS/MS. Uptake: LipoDuo™ demonstrated ∼1.9-fold higher cellular uptake than plain glutathione, peaking at 6 h (45% vs 23%). Proliferation: LipoDuo™ increased cell proliferation by upto 3-fold over control, superior to plain glutathione. Wound healing: LipoDuo™ achieved 100% closure at 24 h, vs. 59.8% for plain glutathione. Pharmacokinetics: LipoDuo™ achieved a C_max of ∼1800 ng/mL (6× higher than plain), showed a bimodal absorption pattern, and maintained plasma levels >500 ng/mL at 24 h. LipoDuo™ Glutathione significantly improves cellular delivery, biological activity, and systemic bioavailability compared to conventional glutathione. Its bimodal distribution and prolonged plasma retention position it as a next-generation antioxidant supplement with clinical potential in oxidative stress management, skin health, and metabolic recovery.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of blended oils with a balanced n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of 6:1 and unsaturated fatty acid/SFA (UFA/SFA) ratio of 2·5:1 on growth performance and intestinal health in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. One hundred and twenty piglets were selected and randomly assigned to two treatments (2 % soybean oil or 2 % blended oils). On day 28, the experiment was conducted as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, including dietary treatment (2 % soybean oil v. 2 % blended oil) and LPS challenge (saline v. LPS). The results showed that the blended oils supplementation increased average daily gain and average daily feed intake during 1–14 d (P < 0·05), and reduced feed to gain ratio in the whole experimental period (P < 0·05). In addition, the blended oils supplementation improved intestinal morphology, increased maltase and sucrase activities and alleviated inflammation response in the intestine. Moreover, the blended oils supplementation increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA expression in jejunum and Ki67 mRNA expression in ileum (P < 0·05) in both saline-treated piglets and LPS-challenged piglets. The blended oils reduced C-myc and caspase-3 mRNA expressions and increased Axin2 and Cyclin d1 mRNA expressions after LPS challenge (P < 0·05). In conclusion, the blended oils can improve growth performance and promote intestinal health in piglets.

To explore molecular targets for regulating glucose metabolism in carnivorous fish, the glucose tolerance test was carried out on the Paralichthys olivaceus. The concentration of glucose and insulin in serum was measured at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 24 and 48 h after intraperitoneal (IP) injection. The concentration of insulin was the lowest after 3 h of glucose injection, and that of glucose reached the highest after 5 h. Therefore, 0 h (IP0) was chosen as control group, and 3 h (IP3) and 5 h (IP5) were selected as experimental groups, for which the liver samples at three time points were used for high-throughput sequencing. Although there were no significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology functional enrichment, the differential genes, including mitogen-activated protein kinase binding protein 1, glycosyltransferase, suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, were closely related to glucose metabolism. The open reading frame of SOCS3 encoded 225 amino acids, including conserved domains SH2 and SOCS3-box. The SOCS3 was knocked down by specific siRNA in the primary hepatocyte of P. olivaceus. Results showed that the gene expression of insulin receptor substrate 1, protease B1, GLUT2, pyruvate kinase and glucokinase increased significantly after knocking down SOCS3. Meanwhile, the phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase decreased significantly. The results of this study indicated that siSOSC3 enhanced the sensitivity of the insulin signalling pathway to promote glucose transport, thereby affecting gluconeogenesis and glycolysis to maintain glucose homeostasis.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different intermittent fasting regimens on metabolic parameters in healthy rats and compare them with caloric restriction. A total of fifty adult male Wistar rats (±90 days old) were randomised into 5 groups: control group (CON), caloric restriction group (CR), time-restricted feeding group (TRF), alternate-day fasting (ADF) group and alternate-day modified fasting group (ADMF). ADF and ADMF stood out for improving the metabolic parameters in healthy rats by presenting improvements in glucose parameters, greatest weight loss (ADF v. CON: −16·50 (sd 6·16) g; effect size = −5·34; 95 % CI: −7·05, −3·04; P < 0·001; ADMF v. CON: –21·88 (sd 6·66) g; effect size = −5·83; 95 % CI: −7·66, −3·36; P < 0·001) and higher HDL (ADF v. CON: 141·50 (sd 10·17) mg/dl; effect size = 3·03; 95 % CI: 1·01, 4·45; P < 0·001; ADMF v. CON: 133·10 (sd 5·94) mg/dl; effect size = 3·37; 95 % CI: 1·22, 4·86; P = 0·004). Additionally, ADMF presented a smaller adipocyte area among the fasting regimens (13·92 (sd 2·06) area/µm²; effect size = −4·20; 95 % CI: −5·45, −2·66; P < 0·001 v. CON), in addition to presenting muscle fibre hypertrophy (71·20 (sd 5·16) area/µm²; effect size = 2·93; 95 % CI: 1·57, 4·05; P < 0·001 v. CON), followed by ADF (adipocyte area: 19·25 (sd 0·87) area/µm²; effect size = −2·19; 95 % CI: −3·12, −1·12; P = 0·003 v. CON; muscle fibre: 53·80 (sd 6·61) area/µm²; effect size = 2·93; 95 % CI: 1·57, 4·05; P = 0·566 v. ADMF). The ADF and ADMF groups were more effective among the intermittent fasting regimens analysed in promoting improvements in metabolic parameters in healthy rats.

Metabolic dysregulation increases the risk of cognitive and motor deficits, exacerbated by diets high in refined carbohydrates and fats. Polyphenol-rich berries, such as red raspberries (RRB; Rubus idaeus), may offer protective benefits. This randomised, single-blinded, controlled crossover study evaluated the acute metabolic and cognitive effects of RRB intake in older adults (55-70 years) with overweight/obesity. Thirty-six adults (61 (sd 5) years, BMI: 30·0 (sd 2·8) kg/m²; 19 females: 17 males) consumed a high-carbohydrate, moderate-fat meal (56 % carbohydrate, 33 % fat) containing 0 g (control) or 25 g of freeze-dried RRB powder. Plasma was collected at baseline and postprandially over 7·5 h to assess glucose, insulin, triacylglyceride (TAG) and IL-6. In vitro, fasting and postprandial serum samples were applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells to assess neuroinflammatory responses (nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression). Cognitive and vascular function were assessed at baseline and postprandially. The RRB meal significantly reduced peak glucose (by 8 %), insulin concentrations at 0·5 h and overall insulin response compared with control (P < 0·05). Serum from RRB consumers attenuated LPS-induced NO, iNOS and COX-2 expression in microglial cells (P < 0·001). Cognitive performance improved following the RRB meal, with fewer attempts in the CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery) Paired Associates Learning task (P < 0·05) and fewer errors with better strategy use in the Spatial Working Memory task (P < 0·05). No significant differences were observed in vascular function. These findings suggest that acute RRB supplementation attenuated postprandial metabolic stress, reduced markers of neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance, supporting RRB's potential role in a dietary strategy for ageing populations.