Nutrients

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11 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence to National Dietary Guidelines in Association with Oral Health Impact on Quality of Life

by Valentina A. Andreeva^1,*

, Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot¹

, Pilar Galan¹, Gilles Feron², Serge Hercberg^1,3, Martine Hennequin^4,5 and Claire Sulmont-Rossé²

¹ Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (EREN), Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Statistiques, Université Paris 13/INSERM U1153/INRA U1125/CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité F-93017 Bobigny, France

² Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté F-21000 Dijon, France

³ Département de Santé Publique, Hôpital Avicenne, F-93017 Bobigny, France

⁴ Université Clermont Auvergne, CROC EA 4847, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France

⁵ CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Service d’Odontologie, F-63100 Clermont Ferrand, France

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050527 - 24 Apr 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4514

Abstract

We aimed to assess the association between oral health, in terms of its impact on quality of life, and diet quality expressed as adherence to dietary guidelines. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the French NutriNet-Santé general population-based e-cohort (N = 18,263 adults; mean [...] Read more.

We aimed to assess the association between oral health, in terms of its impact on quality of life, and diet quality expressed as adherence to dietary guidelines. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the French NutriNet-Santé general population-based e-cohort (N = 18,263 adults; mean age = 56.5 ± 13.8 years). The main independent variable, oral health-related quality of life, was assessed in 2016 with the GOHAI instrument (maximum score = 60). The main dependent variable, diet’s nutritional quality, was assessed with the mPNNS-GS score (maximum score = 13.5) measuring adherence to French dietary guidelines and computed on the basis of repeated 24-h dietary records. Multivariable linear regression models were fit. Mean GOHAI score was 54.5 ± 4.3 and mean mPNNS-GS score was 7.7 ± 1.6. Among participants aged 18–64 years, those scoring ≤50 on GOHAI (poor oral health with a detrimental impact on quality of life) were less likely to adhere to dietary guidelines than participants scoring 57–60 points (good oral health) (beta = −0.18, 95% CI: −0.26, −0.09; p < 0.0001). Among participants aged 65+ years, those scoring 51–56 points on GOHAI (average oral health with some negative impact on quality of life) were less likely to adhere to dietary guidelines than were participants scoring in the range 57–60 (beta = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.33, −0.13; p < 0.0001). The findings suggested modest age-dependent associations between oral health-related quality of life and diet quality. Confirmation is needed longitudinally with representative samples and accounting for diet quality evolution. Full article

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8 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of a Moderately Low Carbohydrate Diet in a 36-Month Observational Study of Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

by Mariko Sanada¹, Chinatsu Kabe¹, Hisa Hata¹, Junichi Uchida¹, Gaku Inoue¹, Yoko Tsukamoto¹, Yoshifumi Yamada², Junichiro Irie³

, Shogo Tabata¹, Mitsuhisa Tabata¹ and Satoru Yamada^1,*

¹ Kitasato Institute Hospital, Diabetes Center, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0072, Japan

² Boei Ika Daigakko Boei Igagku Kenkyu Center, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-0042, Japan

³ School of Medicine, Keio University, Internal Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050528 - 24 Apr 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 12649

Abstract

We previously showed that a non-calorie-restricted, moderately low-carbohydrate diet (mLCD) is more effective than caloric restriction for glycemic and lipid profile control in patients with type 2 diabetes. To determine whether mLCD intervention is sustainable, effective, and safe over a long period, we [...] Read more.

We previously showed that a non-calorie-restricted, moderately low-carbohydrate diet (mLCD) is more effective than caloric restriction for glycemic and lipid profile control in patients with type 2 diabetes. To determine whether mLCD intervention is sustainable, effective, and safe over a long period, we performed a 36-month observational study. We sequentially enrolled 200 patients with type 2 diabetes and taught them how to follow the mLCD. We compared the following parameters pre- and post-dietary intervention in an outpatient setting: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), and renal function (urea nitrogen, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate). Data from 157 participants were analyzed (43 were lost to follow-up). The following parameters decreased over the period of study: HbA1c (from 8.0 ± 1.5% to 7.5 ± 1.3%, p < 0.0001) and alanine aminotransferase (from 29.9 ± 23.6 to 26.2 ± 18.4 IL/L, p = 0.009). Parameters that increased were high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 58.9 ± 15.9 to 61.2 ± 17.4 mg/dL, p = 0.001) and urea nitrogen (from 15.9 ± 5.2 to 17.0 ± 5.4 mg/dL, p = 0.003). Over 36 months, the mLCD intervention showed sustained effectiveness (without safety concerns) in improving HbA1c, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbohydrate Intake in Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Treatment)

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12 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal DHA Status during Pregnancy Has a Positive Impact on Infant Problem Solving: A Norwegian Prospective Observation Study

by Hanne Cecilie Braarud^1,2, Maria Wik Markhus³, Siv Skotheim^1,4, Kjell Morten Stormark^1,5,*, Livar Frøyland³, Ingvild Eide Graff^3,6 and Marian Kjellevold³

¹ Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health, Uni Research Health, Uni Research, P.O. Box 7810, 5020 Bergen, Norway

² The Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Region West, P.O. Box 2233, 3103 Tønsberg, Norway

³ Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway

⁴ The Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Region South, P.O. Box 2233, 3103 Tønsberg, Norway

⁵ Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway

⁶ Uni Research Health, Uni Research, P.O. Box 7810, 5020 Bergen, Norway

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050529 - 24 Apr 2018

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 13893

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, n-3) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid necessary for normal brain growth and cognitive development. Seafood and dietary supplements are the primary dietary sources of DHA. This study addresses the associations between DHA status in pregnant women and [...] Read more.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, n-3) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid necessary for normal brain growth and cognitive development. Seafood and dietary supplements are the primary dietary sources of DHA. This study addresses the associations between DHA status in pregnant women and healthy, term-born infant problem-solving skills assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The fatty acid status of maternal red blood cells (RBCs) was assessed in the 28th week of gestation and at three months postpartum. The infants’ fatty acid status (RBC) was assessed at three, six, and twelve months, and problem-solving skills were assessed at six and twelve months. Maternal DHA status in pregnancy was found to be positively associated with infants’ problem-solving skills at 12 months. This association remained significant even after controlling for the level of maternal education, a surrogate for socio-economic status. The infants’ DHA status at three months was associated with the infants’ problem solving at 12 months. The results accentuate the importance for pregnant and lactating women to have a satisfactory DHA status from dietary intake of seafood or other sources rich in DHA. Full article

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15 pages, 10495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ellagic Acid Alleviates Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Female Rats

by Simran Alexandria Polce^1,†, Cameron Burke^2,†, Lucas Martins França³

, Benjamin Kramer², Antonio Marcus de Andrade Paes³

and Maria Alicia Carrillo-Sepulveda^2,*

¹ Department of Life Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA

² Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA

³ Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Maranhao, Sao Luis, MA 65080-805, Brazil

^† Simran Alexandria Polce and Cameron Burke contributed equally for this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050531 - 25 Apr 2018

Cited by 90 | Viewed by 8353

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects more than 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and has become one of the most common metabolic liver diseases worldwide. To date, treatments specifically targeting NAFLD do not exist. Oxidative stress and insulin resistance [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects more than 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and has become one of the most common metabolic liver diseases worldwide. To date, treatments specifically targeting NAFLD do not exist. Oxidative stress and insulin resistance have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in diabetes. Accordingly, the goal of this present study was to determine whether Ellagic acid (EA), a natural antioxidant polyphenol found in berries and nuts, mitigates hepatic oxidative stress and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, and thus alleviates NAFLD. Using adult female Goto Kakizaki (GK) rats, a non-obese and spontaneous model of T2DM, we found that EA treatment significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and reduced insulin resistance, as shown by a 21.8% reduction in the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), while triglyceride and total cholesterol levels remained unchanged. Increased hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress present in diabetic GK rats was markedly reduced with EA treatment. This effect was associated with a downregulation of the NADPH oxidase subunit, p47-phox, and overexpression of NF-E2-related factor-2 (NRF2). Moreover, EA was able to decrease the hepatic expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-α), a transcription factor linked to hypoxia and hepatic steatosis. We further showed that EA treatment activated an insulin signaling pathway in the liver, as evidenced by increased levels of phosphorylated Akt (Ser 473). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EA diminishes blood glucose levels and potently suppress NAFLD in diabetic rats via mechanisms that involve reductions in p47-phox and HIF-α, upregulation of NRF2 and enhancement of the Akt signaling pathway in the liver. Together, these results reveal that EA improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism as a result of its antioxidant effects. This implies an anti-diabetic effect of EA with beneficial effects for the treatment of hepatic complications in T2DM. Full article

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13 pages, 4102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inulin Improves Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia by Modulating Gene Expression in the Small Intestine

by Sophie Hiel, Audrey M. Neyrinck

, Julie Rodriguez, Barbara D. Pachikian, Caroline Bouzin, Jean-Paul Thissen, Patrice D. Cani

, Laure B. Bindels and Nathalie M. Delzenne^*

Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050532 - 25 Apr 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 14042

Abstract

Postprandial hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the context of obesity. Inulin is a non-digestible carbohydrate, known for its beneficial properties in metabolic disorders. We investigated the impact of inulin on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and on lipid metabolism in a [...] Read more.

Postprandial hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the context of obesity. Inulin is a non-digestible carbohydrate, known for its beneficial properties in metabolic disorders. We investigated the impact of inulin on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and on lipid metabolism in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Mice received a control or a western diet for 4 weeks and were further supplemented or not with inulin for 2 weeks (0.2 g/day per mouse). We performed a lipid tolerance test, measured mRNA expression of genes involved in postprandial lipid metabolism, assessed post-heparin plasma and muscle lipoprotein lipase activity and measured lipid accumulation in the enterocytes and fecal lipid excretion. Inulin supplementation in western diet-fed mice decreases postprandial serum triglycerides concentration, decreases the mRNA expression levels of Cd36 (fatty acid receptor involved in lipid uptake and sensing) and apolipoprotein C3 (Apoc3, inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase) in the jejunum and increases fecal lipid excretion. In conclusion, inulin improves postprandial hypertriglyceridemia by targeting intestinal lipid metabolism. This work confirms the interest of using inulin supplementation in the management of dyslipidemia linked to obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism and Human Health)

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16 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grains Contribute Shortfall Nutrients and Nutrient Density to Older US Adults: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2014

by Yanni Papanikolaou^1,* and Victor L. Fulgoni III²

¹ Nutritional Strategies, 59 Marriott Place, Paris, ON N3L 0A3, Canada

² Nutrition Impact, 9725 D Drive North, Battle Creek, MI 49014, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050534 - 25 Apr 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8767

Abstract

Previous data demonstrate grain foods contribute shortfall nutrients to the diet of U.S. adults. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have identified several shortfall nutrients in the U.S. population, including fiber, folate, and iron (women only). Intake of some shortfall nutrients can be [...] Read more.

Previous data demonstrate grain foods contribute shortfall nutrients to the diet of U.S. adults. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have identified several shortfall nutrients in the U.S. population, including fiber, folate, and iron (women only). Intake of some shortfall nutrients can be even lower in older adults. The present analyses determined the contribution of grain foods for energy and nutrients in older U.S. adults and ranked to all other food sources in the American diet. Analyses of grain food sources were conducted using a 24-hour recall in adults (≥51 years old; n = 4522) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2014. All grains provided 278 kcal/day or 14% of all energy in the total diet, ranking as the 4th largest contributor of energy compared to 15 main food groups. All grain foods ranked 1st for thiamin (33%) and niacin (23%) intake relative to 15 main food groups. The grain foods category ranked 2nd highest of 15 main food groups for daily dietary fiber (23%), iron (38%), folate (40%), and magnesium (15%) and was the 3rd largest food group contributor for daily calcium intake (13%). When considering nutrients to limit as outlined by dietary guidance, main group of grains contributed 6% total fat, 5% saturated fat, 14% sodium and 9% added sugar. Breads, rolls and tortillas provided 150 kcal/day or 8% of all energy in the total diet, ranking as the 2nd largest contributor of energy compared to 46 food subcategories. Breads, rolls and tortillas ranked 1st of 46 foods for daily thiamin (16%) and niacin (10%) intake and 2nd for dietary fiber (12%), iron (12%), folate (13%), and magnesium (7%). Breads, rolls and tortillas ranked 3rd largest food group contributor for daily calcium (5%) intake. Ready-to-eat cereals provided 47 kcal/day or 2% of all energy in the total diet, ranking as the 20th largest contributor of energy compared to 46 food subcategories. All ready-to-eat cereals ranked 1st for daily iron (19%), 1st for folate (21%), 5th for dietary fiber (7%), 3rd for niacin (9%), 8th for magnesium (4%), and 13th for calcium (2%) intake. Given all grain foods and specific subcategories of grain foods provided a greater percentage of several underconsumed nutrients than calories (including dietary fiber, iron, and folate), grain foods provide nutrient density in the American diet of the older adult. Full article

16 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Food Insecurity as a Predictor of Stunted Children and Overweight/Obese Mothers (SCOWT) in Urban Indonesia

by Trias Mahmudiono^1,*

, Triska Susila Nindya¹, Dini Ririn Andrias¹, Hario Megatsari² and Richard R. Rosenkranz³

¹ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, East Java, Indonesia

² Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, East Java, Indonesia

³ Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050535 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 9404

Abstract

(1) Background: The double burden of malnutrition has been increasing in countries experiencing the nutrition transition. This study aimed to determine the relationship between household food insecurity and the double burden of malnutrition, defined as within-household stunted child and an overweight/obese mother [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The double burden of malnutrition has been increasing in countries experiencing the nutrition transition. This study aimed to determine the relationship between household food insecurity and the double burden of malnutrition, defined as within-household stunted child and an overweight/obese mother (SCOWT). (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the urban city of Surabaya, Indonesia in April and May 2015. (3) Results: The prevalence of child stunting in urban Surabaya was 36.4%, maternal overweight/obesity was 70.2%, and SCOWT was 24.7%. Although many households were food secure (42%), there were high proportions of mild (22.9%), moderate (15.3%) and severe (19.7%) food insecurity. In a multivariate logistic regression, the household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) category significantly correlated with child stunting and SCOWT. Compared to food secure households, mildly food insecure households had the greatest odds of SCOWT (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.789; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.540–5.083), followed by moderately food insecure (aOR = 2.530; 95% CI = 1.286–4.980) and severely food insecure households (aOR = 2.045; 95% CI = 1.087–3.848). (4) Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that the double burden of malnutrition is related to food insecurity, and the HFIAS category is a predictor of SCOWT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Vulnerable Groups)

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12 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Deficit Required for Rapid Weight Loss in Elite Collegiate Wrestlers

by Emi Kondo^1,*

, Hiroyuki Sagayama^1,2, Yosuke Yamada³

, Keisuke Shiose⁴

, Takuya Osawa⁵, Keiko Motonaga¹, Shiori Ouchi¹, Akiko Kamei¹, Kohei Nakajima¹, Yasuki Higaki⁴, Hiroaki Tanaka⁴, Hideyuki Takahashi¹ and Koji Okamura⁶

¹ Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, 3-15-1 Nishigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0056, Japan

² Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimahi Business Center Building, 5-3-1, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan

³ National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8636, Japan

⁴ Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan

⁵ Department of Sports Wellness Sciences, Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, 8-19-1, Kitakarasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8565, Japan

⁶ Graduate School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, 1-1, Asashirodai, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0496, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050536 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 10042

Abstract

To determine energy density for rapid weight loss (RWL) of weight-classified sports, eight male elite wrestlers were instructed to lose 6% of body mass (BM) within 53 h. Energy deficit during the RWL was calculated by subtracting total energy expenditure (TEE) determined using [...] Read more.

To determine energy density for rapid weight loss (RWL) of weight-classified sports, eight male elite wrestlers were instructed to lose 6% of body mass (BM) within 53 h. Energy deficit during the RWL was calculated by subtracting total energy expenditure (TEE) determined using the doubly labeled water method (DLW) from energy intake (EI) assessed with diet records. It was also estimated from body composition change estimated with the four-component model (4C) and other conventional methods. BM decreased significantly by 4.7 ± 0.5 kg (6.4 ± 0.5%). Total body water loss was the major component of the BM loss (71.0 ± 7.6%). TEE was 9446 ± 1422 kcal, and EI was 2366 ± 1184 kcal during the RWL of 53-h; therefore, the energy deficit was 7080 ± 1525 kcal. Thus, energy density was 1507 ± 279 kcal/kg ∆BM during the RWL, comparable with values obtained using the 4C, three-component model, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and stable isotope dilution. Energy density for RWL of wrestlers is lower than that commonly used (7400 or 7700 kcal/kg ΔBM). Although RWL is not recommended, we propose that commonly practiced extreme energy restriction such as 7400 or 7700 kcal/kg ΔBM during RWL appears to be meaningless. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition)

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9 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Depressive Symptoms on the Association between Gluten-Free Diet Adherence and Symptoms in Celiac Disease: Analysis of a Patient Powered Research Network

by Andrew M. Joelson¹

, Marilyn G. Geller², Haley M. Zylberberg³, Peter H. R. Green³ and Benjamin Lebwohl^3,4,*

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA

² Celiac Disease Foundation, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, USA

³ Celiac Disease Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, 180 Fort Washington Avenue, Suite 936, New York, NY 10032, USA

⁴ Deartment of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050538 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7289

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of depression in celiac disease (CD) is high, and patients are often burdened socially and financially by a gluten-free diet. However, the relationship between depression, somatic symptoms and dietary adherence in CD is complex and poorly understood. We used a [...] Read more.

Background: The prevalence of depression in celiac disease (CD) is high, and patients are often burdened socially and financially by a gluten-free diet. However, the relationship between depression, somatic symptoms and dietary adherence in CD is complex and poorly understood. We used a patient powered research network (iCureCeliac^®) to explore the effect that depression has on patients’ symptomatic response to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Methods: We identified patients with biopsy-diagnosed celiac disease who answered questions pertaining to symptoms (Celiac Symptom Index (CSI)), GFD adherence (Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT)), and a 5-point, scaled question regarding depressive symptoms relating to patients’ celiac disease. We then measured the correlation between symptoms and adherence (CSI vs. CDAT) in patients with depression versus those without depression. We also tested for interaction of depression with regard to the association with symptoms using a multiple linear regression model. Results: Among 519 patients, 86% were female and the mean age was 40.9 years. 46% of patients indicated that they felt “somewhat,” “quite a bit,” or “very much” depressed because of their disorder. There was a moderate correlation between worsened celiac symptoms and poorer GFD adherence (r = 0.6, p < 0.0001). In those with a positive depression screen, there was a moderate correlation between worsening symptoms and worsening dietary adherence (r = 0.5, p < 0.0001) whereas in those without depression, the correlation was stronger (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001). We performed a linear regression analysis, which suggests that the relationship between CSI and CDAT is modified by depression. Conclusions: In patients with depressive symptoms related to their disorder, correlation between adherence and symptoms was weaker than those without depressive symptoms. This finding was confirmed with a linear regression analysis, showing that depressive symptoms may modify the effect of a GFD on celiac symptoms. Depressive symptoms may therefore mask the relationship between inadvertent gluten exposure and symptoms. Additional longitudinal and prospective studies are needed to further explore this potentially important finding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gluten-Free Diet)

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13 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of a Lactobacillus casei Drink in the Intensive Care Unit for Prevention of Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea and Clostridium difficile

by Cathy Alberda^1,*, Sam Marcushamer², Tayne Hewer³, Nicole Journault¹ and Demetrios Kutsogiannis²

¹ Alberta Health Services, 670 CSC Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9, Canada

² Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9, Canada

³ Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9, Canada

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050539 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 10273

Abstract

Background: Over 70% of patients are prescribed antibiotics during their intensive care (ICU) admission. The gut microbiome is dramatically altered early in an ICU stay, increasing the risk for antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). Evidence suggests that some probiotics [...] Read more.

Background: Over 70% of patients are prescribed antibiotics during their intensive care (ICU) admission. The gut microbiome is dramatically altered early in an ICU stay, increasing the risk for antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). Evidence suggests that some probiotics are effective in the primary prevention of AAD and CDI. Aim: To demonstrate safety and feasibility of a probiotic drink in ICU patients. Methods: ICU patients initiated on antibiotics were recruited, and matched with contemporary controls. Study patients received two bottles daily of a drink containing 10 billion Lactobacillus casei which was bolused via feeding tube. Tolerance to probiotics and enteral nutrition, development of adverse events, and incidence of AAD was recorded. CDI rates were followed for 30 days post antibiotic treatment. Results: Thirty-two patients participated in the trial. There were no serious adverse events in the probiotic group, compared to three in the control group. AAD was documented in 12.5% of the probiotic group and 31.3% in the control group. One patient in the probiotic group developed CDI compared to three in the control group. Discussion: A probiotic containing drink can safely be delivered via feeding tube and should be considered as a preventative measure for AAD and CDI in ICU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enteral Nutrition)

17 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design, Development and Evaluation of the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index on Dietary Patterns among Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians

by Lap T. Le^1,*, Joan Sabaté²

, Pramil N. Singh³

and Karen Jaceldo-Siegl²

¹ School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA

² Center for Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Disease Prevention, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA

³ Center for Health Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050542 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11895

Abstract

Traditionally, healthful diets and lifestyles have been examined only in relation to single nutrients, foods, or food groups in terms of dietary exposure. An alternative approach is to conceptualize an index based on vegetarian food pyramid guidelines as a measure of overall diet [...] Read more.

Traditionally, healthful diets and lifestyles have been examined only in relation to single nutrients, foods, or food groups in terms of dietary exposure. An alternative approach is to conceptualize an index based on vegetarian food pyramid guidelines as a measure of overall diet and lifestyle quality. Our objectives were to: (1) develop the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index (VLI); and (2) evaluate adherence to the Vegetarian Food Guide Pyramid (VFGP) among a low-risk population of Adventists. The index was based on the operationalization of 14 dietary and lifestyle components. All components were equally weighted. Higher score reflected greater adherence to the VFGP. The analytic sample (n = 90,057) comprised 47.7% non-vegetarians, 5.6% semi-, 10.1% pesco-, and 29.0% lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 7.7% vegans, of which 1.1% were current smokers and 9.9% were alcohol consumers. Population mean VLI score was 7.43 (SD = 1.75) ranging from 1 to 12.5. Non-vegetarians (6.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.06–6.21) had a significantly lower mean compared to semi- (7.31; 95% CI, 7.22–7.40), pesco- (7.41; 95% CI, 7.32–7.49), and lacto-ovo-vegetarians (8.16; 95% CI, 8.08–8.24), as well as vegans (8.88; 95% CI, 8.78–8.96). Vegetarians scored on average 1.18 to 2.73 more points than their non-vegetarian counterparts. Results demonstrate that the index has strong discriminant ability across distinct dietary patterns. Additionally, the VLI provides a useful measure of diet and lifestyle adherence to further refine vegetarian food pyramid guidelines. Full article

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17 pages, 5089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering the Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Inhibitory Efficacy of Taiwanese Local Pomegranate Peels against Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

by Ching-Ping Chang¹

, Yu-Yi Chan², Chien-Feng Li^2,3

, Lan-Hsiang Chien¹, Song-Tay Lee² and Ting-Feng Wu^2,*

¹ Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 710, Taiwan

² Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan

³ Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 710, Taiwan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050543 - 27 Apr 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4528

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit has been demonstrated to have the inhibitory activities to various tumors. In this study, we try to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory capability of Taiwanese local pomegranate fruit to urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma. The results [...] Read more.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit has been demonstrated to have the inhibitory activities to various tumors. In this study, we try to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory capability of Taiwanese local pomegranate fruit to urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma. The results collected from the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated that the ethanol extract of pomegranate peel exhibited better inhibitory activity to human urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma T24 and J82 cells than that of pulp. Furthermore, the ethylacetate layer of peel ethanol extract was observed to have the best inhibitory activity against urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. One of the eight fractions (PEPE2 fraction) collected from the ethylacetate layer with Diaion HP-20 column chromatography demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity in urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. The results of the flow cytometry and apoptotic pathway studies suggested that the inhibitory activity of PEPE2 fraction were attributed to the UBUC cell apoptosis. To confirm the above results, our results of xenograft-induced bladder tumor in nude mice showed that the oral consumption of the ethylacetate layer (2, 5, 10 and 100 mg/kg) could decrease the volume and weight of T24 tumors and caused the apoptosis in the xenografted tumors, which was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling assay. This study provided the likelihood that the traditionally non-edible pomegranate peel waste is re-utilized to make an affordable and promising chemopreventive product to prevent UBUC incidence or recurrence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Cancer Prevention and Therapy)

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15 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Translation into Practice of Healthy Eating and Active Play Messages and the Impact on Childhood Obesity: A Mixed Methods Study

by Alyssa Huxtable^1,*

, Lynne Millar^2,3

, Penelope Love⁴

, Colin Bell⁵

and Jill Whelan^5,*

¹ School of Health and Social Development, Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia

² Australian Health Policy Collaboration, Victoria University, Melbourne 3000, Australia

³ Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans 3021, Australia

⁴ School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia

⁵ School of Medicine, Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050545 - 27 Apr 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6575

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a significant health issue worldwide. Modifiable risk factors in early childhood relate to child healthy eating and active play, and are influenced by parents. The aim of the study was two-fold. Firstly, to determine the weight status of children aged [...] Read more.

Childhood obesity is a significant health issue worldwide. Modifiable risk factors in early childhood relate to child healthy eating and active play, and are influenced by parents. The aim of the study was two-fold. Firstly, to determine the weight status of children aged between birth and 3.5 years in a rural and remote area of Australia. Secondly, to explore the relationship between child weight status and translation of advice on healthy eating and active play provided to parents by local, nurse-led, Maternal Child Health (MCH) services. Measured anthropometric data (n = 438) were provided by MCH services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two MCH nurses and 15 parents. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was calculated. Local childhood overweight/obesity prevalence was lower than the national average at age 3.5 years (11.38%; 20%). Parents identified the MCH service as a key source of healthy eating and active play advice and reported mostly following recommendations but struggling with screen time and fussy eating recommendations. We observed a relaxation in parent attitudes towards healthy child behaviours which coincided with a trend towards obesity from 12 months (p < 0.001). MCH services provide useful and effective advice to parents but ongoing support is required to prevent obesity later in childhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Life Nutrition: From Nutrients to Systems)

13 pages, 1166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Vitamin E-Enriched Antioxidant Diet Interferes with the Acute Adaptation of the Liver to Physical Exercise in Mice

by Miriam Hoene¹

, Martin Irmler², Johannes Beckers^2,3,4, Martin Hrabě de Angelis^2,3,4, Hans-Ulrich Häring^1,4,5 and Cora Weigert^1,4,5,*

¹ Division of Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

² Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany

³ Technische Universität München, Chair of Experimental Genetics, 85354 Freising, Germany

⁴ German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany

⁵ Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050547 - 28 Apr 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5416

Abstract

Physical exercise is beneficial for general health and is an effective treatment for metabolic disorders. Vitamin E is widely used as dietary supplement and is considered to improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing inflammation and dyslipidemia. However, increased vitamin E intake may [...] Read more.

Physical exercise is beneficial for general health and is an effective treatment for metabolic disorders. Vitamin E is widely used as dietary supplement and is considered to improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing inflammation and dyslipidemia. However, increased vitamin E intake may interfere with adaptation to exercise training. Here, we explored how vitamin E alters the acute exercise response of the liver, an organ that plays an essential metabolic role during physical activity. Mice fed a control or an α-tocopherol-enriched diet were subjected to a non-exhaustive treadmill run. We assessed the acute transcriptional response of the liver as well as glucocorticoid signalling and plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and performed indirect calorimetry. Vitamin E interfered with the exercise-induced increase in FFA and upregulation of hepatic metabolic regulators, and it shifted the transcriptional profile of exercised mice towards lipid and cholesterol synthesis while reducing inflammation. Energy utilization, as well as corticosterone levels and signalling were similar, arguing against acute differences in substrate oxidation or glucocorticoid action. Our results show that high-dose vitamin E alters the metabolic and inflammatory response of the liver to physical exercise. The interference with these processes may suggest a cautious use of vitamin E as dietary supplement. Full article

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16 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Food-Specific Serum IgG Reactivity in Major Depressive Disorder Patients, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients and Healthy Controls

by Hanna Karakula-Juchnowicz^1,2,*

, Mirosława Gałęcka³, Joanna Rog^1,*, Anna Bartnicka³, Zuzanna Łukaszewicz³, Pawel Krukow²

, Justyna Morylowska-Topolska², Karolina Skonieczna-Zydecka⁴

, Tomasz Krajka⁵, Kamil Jonak^1,6 and Dariusz Juchnowicz⁷

¹ 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland

² Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland

³ Institute of Microecology, Sielska Street 10, 60-129 Poznan, Poland

⁴ Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Broniewskiego Street 24, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland, karzyd@pum.edu.pl

⁵ Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mathematics, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka Street 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland

⁶ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka Street 38D, 20-618 Lublin, Poland

⁷ Department of Psychiatric Nursing Medical University of Lublin, Szkolna Street 18, 20-124 Lublin, Poland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050548 - 28 Apr 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 12168

Abstract

There is an increasing amount of evidence which links the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with food IgG hyperreactivity. Some authors have suggested that food IgG hyperreactivity could be also involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of [...] Read more.

There is an increasing amount of evidence which links the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with food IgG hyperreactivity. Some authors have suggested that food IgG hyperreactivity could be also involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to compare levels of serum IgG against 39 selected food antigens between three groups of participants: patients with MDD (MDD group), patients with IBS (IBS group) and healthy controls (HC group). The study included 65 participants (22 in the MDD group, 22 in the IBS group and 21 in the HC group). Serum IgG levels were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Medical records, clinical data and laboratory results were collected for the analysis. IgG food hyperreactivity (interpreted as an average of levels of IgG antibodies above 7.5 µg/mL) was detected in 28 (43%) participants, including 14 (64%) from the MDD group, ten (46%) from the IBS group and four (19%) from the HC group. We found differences between extreme IgG levels in MDD versus HC groups and in IBS versus HC groups. Patients with MDD had significantly higher serum levels of total IgG antibodies and IgG against celery, garlic and gluten compared with healthy controls. The MDD group also had higher serum IgG levels against gluten compared with the IBS group. Our results suggest dissimilarity in immune responses against food proteins between the examined groups, with the highest immunoreactivity in the MDD group. Further studies are needed to repeat and confirm these results in bigger cohorts and also examine clinical utility of IgG-based elimination diet in patients with MDD and IBS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and the Function of the Central Nervous System)

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9 pages, 1266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Daily Intake of Milk Powder and Risk of Celiac Disease in Early Childhood: A Nested Case-Control Study

by Elin M. Hård af Segerstad¹, Hye-Seung Lee², Carin Andrén Aronsson¹

, Jimin Yang², Ulla Uusitalo², Ingegerd Sjöholm³, Marilyn Rayner³

, Kalle Kurppa⁴, Suvi M. Virtanen⁵, Jill M. Norris⁶, Daniel Agardh^1,*

and On behalf of the TEDDY Study Group¹

¹ The Diabetes and Celiac Disease Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 202 05 Malmö, Sweden

² Health Informatics Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 33620 FL Tampa, USA

³ Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Chemical Center, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden

⁴ Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

⁵ Unit of Nutrition, National Institute for Health and Welfare, 00271 Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital and the Science Center of Pirkanmaa Hospital District Tampere, 33521 Tampere, Finland

⁶ Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 80045 CO Aurora, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050550 - 28 Apr 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6250

Abstract

Milk powder and gluten are common components in Swedish infants’ diets. Whereas large intakes of gluten early in life increases the risk of celiac disease in genetically at-risk Swedish children, no study has yet evaluated if intake of milk powder by 2 years [...] Read more.

Milk powder and gluten are common components in Swedish infants’ diets. Whereas large intakes of gluten early in life increases the risk of celiac disease in genetically at-risk Swedish children, no study has yet evaluated if intake of milk powder by 2 years of age is associated with celiac disease. A 1-to-3 nested case-control study, comprised of 207 celiac disease children and 621 controls matched for sex, birth year, and HLA genotype, was performed on a birth cohort of HLA-DR3-DQ2 and/or DR4-DQ8-positive children. Subjects were screened annually for celiac disease using tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGA). Three-day food records estimated the mean intake of milk powder at ages 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. Conditional logistic regression calculated odds ratios (OR) at last intake prior to seroconversion of tTGA positivity, and for each time-point respectively and adjusted for having a first-degree relative with celiac disease and gluten intake. Intake of milk powder prior to seroconversion of tTGA positivity was not associated with celiac disease (OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.99, 1.03; p = 0.763). In conclusion, intake of milk powder in early childhood is not associated with celiac disease in genetically susceptible children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dairy Products)

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23 pages, 11939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of a Specific Amino Acid Composition with Micronutrients on Well-Being in Subjects with Chronic Psychological Stress and Exhaustion Conditions: A Pilot Study

by Deborah Armborst^1,*, Christine Metzner^2,3, Birgit Alteheld⁴, Norman Bitterlich⁵, Daniela Rösler² and Roswitha Siener¹

¹ Department of Urology, Medical Nutrition Science, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany

² Bonn Education Association for Dietetics r. A., Fuerst-Pueckler-Str. 44, D-50935 Cologne, Germany

³ Department of Internal Medicine III, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 44, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

⁴ Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, D-53115 Bonn, Germany

⁵ Department of Biostatistics, Medicine and Service Ltd., Boettcherstr. 10, D-09117 Chemnitz, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050551 - 29 Apr 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9593

Abstract

Chronic work-life stress leads to dysfunction of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the serotonergic system, with resultant impairment of overall well-being. Aim of the study was to improve perceived stress by a specific amino acid composition with micronutrients in the [...] Read more.

Chronic work-life stress leads to dysfunction of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the serotonergic system, with resultant impairment of overall well-being. Aim of the study was to improve perceived stress by a specific amino acid composition with micronutrients in the verum versus placebo group. A total of 59 participants (18–65 years) with self-reported perceived chronic stress and exhaustion conditions participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ₃₀), amino acid profile, anthropometric, clinical, blood, urine parameters, and dietary intake were assessed. After 12 weeks, the verum group achieved significantly greater improvements in the total PSQ₃₀ score compared with the placebo group. In the verum group, serum taurine concentration, folic acid concentration, urinary magnesium excretion, and the ratio of l-tryptophan to the sum of competing amino acids rose significantly. In the placebo group, serum concentrations of serotonin, protein, and magnesium decreased significantly, whereas the cardiometabolic risk parameters body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio increased significantly. Compared with placebo, the verum supplementation resulted in a higher improvement in perceived stress. Beneficial effects on the serotonergic system and preventive effects on magnesium homeostasis and some cardiometabolic risk factors were supposed. Additional effects might be caused by the optimized food intake. Full article

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15 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Myoprotective Potential of Creatine Is Greater than Whey Protein after Chemically-Induced Damage in Rat Skeletal Muscle

by Matthew B. Cooke^1,2,*, Emma Rybalka^2,3

, Christos G. Stathis² and Alan Hayes^2,3,4

¹ Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia

² Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

³ Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia

⁴ Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050553 - 30 Apr 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7830

Abstract

The myoprotective effects of creatine monohydrate (CR) and whey protein (WP) are equivocal, with the use of proxy measures of muscle damage making interpretation of their effectiveness limited. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of CR and WP supplementation [...] Read more.

The myoprotective effects of creatine monohydrate (CR) and whey protein (WP) are equivocal, with the use of proxy measures of muscle damage making interpretation of their effectiveness limited. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of CR and WP supplementation on muscle damage and recovery following controlled, chemically-induced muscle damage. Degeneration of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was induced by bupivacaine in rats supplemented with either CR, WP, or standard rat chow (CON). At day 7 and 14 post-myotoxic injury, injured EDL muscles were surgically removed and tested for isometric contractile properties, followed by the contralateral, non-injured EDL muscle. At the completion of testing, muscles were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored for later analysis. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. Creatine-supplemented muscles displayed a greater proportion of non-damaged (intact) fibers (p = 0.002) and larger cross-sectional areas of regenerating and non-damaged fibers (p = 0.024) compared to CON muscles at day 7 post-injury. At day 14 post-injury, CR-supplemented muscles generated higher absolute forces concomitant with greater contractile protein levels compared to CON (p = 0.001, p = 0.008) and WP-supplemented muscles (p = 0.003, p = 0.006). Creatine supplementation appears to offer an element of myoprotection which was not observed following whey protein supplementation. Full article

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12 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Testing of an Intensive Cooking Course for New Zealand Adolescents: The Create-Our-Own Kai Study

by Katherine Black¹, Carla Thomson¹, Themis Chryssidis², Rosie Finigan¹, Callum Hann², Rosalie Jackson¹, Caleb Robinson¹, Olivia Toldi¹ and Paula Skidmore^1,*

¹ Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

² Sprout Cooking School and Health Studio, 89 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton, South Australia 5033

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050556 - 30 Apr 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5658

Abstract

The role of cooking on health and wellbeing is a recent area of scientific interest. In order to investigate this role, a cooking program that is suitable for each target population is needed e.g., a program designed for American or Australian children might [...] Read more.

The role of cooking on health and wellbeing is a recent area of scientific interest. In order to investigate this role, a cooking program that is suitable for each target population is needed e.g., a program designed for American or Australian children might not be appropriate for teenagers in New Zealand. As there was no similar previously evaluated program already available, the study’s purpose was to test an intensive cooking intervention on cooking confidence and knowledge amongst a group of adolescents from Dunedin, New Zealand, and to assess its acceptability to participants. This five-day program comprised interactive cooking sessions and informal nutrition education and ran from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday during school holidays. Participants completed questionnaires on cooking skills and confidence at baseline and the end of intervention and took part in a group interview, which aimed to investigate the acceptability and outcome of the program. Twenty-one participants aged between 12 and 16 years old completed the program. At the end of the program, significant increases were seen in both skills and confidence levels, and feedback from the group interview indicated that the participants enjoyed the program and that it provided additional results other than those that were cooking related. Full article

16 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Providing High-Fat versus High-Carbohydrate Meals on Daily and Postprandial Physical Activity and Glucose Patterns: a Randomised Controlled Trial

by Evelyn B. Parr^1,*

, Brooke L. Devlin¹

, Marcus J. Callahan¹

, Bridget E. Radford¹, Jennifer M. Blankenship^2,3, David W. Dunstan^1,3 and John A. Hawley¹

¹ Exercise and Nutrition Research Program, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, 3000 VIC, Australia

² Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Center for Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA

³ Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050557 - 30 Apr 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10475

Abstract

We determined the effects of altering meal timing and diet composition on temporal glucose homeostasis and physical activity measures. Eight sedentary, overweight/obese men (mean ± SD, age: 36 ± 4 years; BMI: 29.8 ± 1.8 kg/m²) completed two × 12-day (12-d) [...] Read more.

We determined the effects of altering meal timing and diet composition on temporal glucose homeostasis and physical activity measures. Eight sedentary, overweight/obese men (mean ± SD, age: 36 ± 4 years; BMI: 29.8 ± 1.8 kg/m²) completed two × 12-day (12-d) measurement periods, including a 7-d habitual period, and then 5 d of each diet (high-fat diet [HFD]: 67:15:18% fat:carbohydrate:protein versus high-carbohydrate diet [HCD]: 67:15:18% carbohydrate:fat:protein) of three meals/d at ±30 min of 0800 h, 1230 h, and 1800 h, in a randomised order with an 8-d washout. Energy intake (EI), the timing of meal consumption, blood glucose regulation (continuous glucose monitor system (CGMS)), and activity patterns (accelerometer and inclinometer) were assessed across each 12-d period. Meal provision did not alter the patterns of reduced physical activity, and increased sedentary behaviour following dinner, compared with following breakfast and lunch. The HCD increased peak (+1.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001), mean (+0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.001), and total area under the curve (+670 mmol/L/min, p = 0.001), as well as 3-h postprandial meal glucose concentrations (all p < 0.001) compared with the HFD. In overweight/obese males, the provision of meals did not alter physical activity patterns, but did affect glycaemic control. Greater emphasis on meal timing and composition is required in diet and/or behaviour intervention studies to ensure relevance to real-world behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Balancing Physical Activity and Nutrition for Human Health)

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12 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Lactose-Free Diet on the Phalangeal Bone Mineral Status in Italian Adolescents Affected by Adult-Type Hypolactasia

by Alessandro Baldan^†,‡

, Sylvie Tagliati^*,†, Daniela Saccomandi, Andrea Brusaferro, Laura Busoli, Andrea Scala, Cristina Malaventura, Giuseppe Maggiore

and Caterina Borgna-Pignatti

¹ Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, University of Ferrara, Via A. Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy

^† These authors equally contributed.

^‡ Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050558 - 1 May 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5580

Abstract

Adult-type hypolactasia (ATH) is a clinical syndrome of primary lactase deficiency. A lactose-free diet is advisable to avoid the symptoms linked to the condition, but this potentially creates problems for optimal bone mineralization due to reduced calcium intake. To evaluate the effect of [...] Read more.

Adult-type hypolactasia (ATH) is a clinical syndrome of primary lactase deficiency. A lactose-free diet is advisable to avoid the symptoms linked to the condition, but this potentially creates problems for optimal bone mineralization due to reduced calcium intake. To evaluate the effect of the lactose-free diet on the bone mineral status (BMS), we compared the phalangeal BMS of adolescents with ATH to that of peers on a normal diet. Also, we analyzed the correlations between BMS and dietary behavior, physical exercise, and calcium and vitamin D intake. A total of 102 cases and 102 healthy controls filled out a diet record and underwent phalangeal Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS). No difference in BMS was observed. The time spent on lactose-free diet (4.8 ± 3.1 years) was inversely correlated to the BMS. More than 98% of cases consumed lactose-free milk, but calcium and vitamin D intake were significantly lower. Calcium intake was correlated to physical exercise but not to BMS. Our results suggest that a lactose-free diet does not affect the phalangeal BMS of adolescents with primary lactase deficiency when their diet includes lactose-free cow’s milk. However, there is still a significantly lower calcium intake than in the population reference. The inverse correlation observed between the BMS and the time spent on a lactose-free diet suggests that a long-term follow-up is advisable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Pediatric Gastroenterology: Selected Papers from SIGENP)

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12 pages, 3230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frondoside A Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of Oxaliplatin and 5-Fluorouracil on Colon Cancer Cells

by Samir Attoub^1,2,*, Kholoud Arafat¹, Tamam Khalaf¹, Shahrazad Sulaiman¹ and Rabah Iratni³

¹ Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 17666, UAE

² Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), 75571 Paris Cedex 12, France

³ Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, UAE

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050560 - 1 May 2018

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6914

Abstract

Over recent years, we have demonstrated that Frondoside A, a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from an Atlantic sea cucumber, has potent in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects against human pancreatic, breast, and lung cancer. We have also demonstrated that Frondoside A is able [...] Read more.

Over recent years, we have demonstrated that Frondoside A, a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from an Atlantic sea cucumber, has potent in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects against human pancreatic, breast, and lung cancer. We have also demonstrated that Frondoside A is able to potentiate and/or synergize the anti-cancer effects of major classical cytotoxic agents, namely, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and cisplatin, in the treatment of pancreatic, breast, and lung cancer, respectively. This study evaluates the impact of Frondoside A alone and in combination with the standard cytotoxic drugs oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of colon cancer using three human colon cancer cell lines, namely, HT-29, HCT-116, and HCT8/S11. We demonstrate that Frondoside A, oxaliplatin, and 5-FU cause a concentration- and time-dependent reduction in the number of HT-29 colon cancer cells. A concentration of 2.5 µM of Frondoside A led to almost 100% inhibition of cell numbers at 72 h. A similar effect was only observed with a much higher concentration (100 µM) of oxaliplatin or 5-FU. The reduction in cell numbers by Frondoside A, oxaliplatin, and 5-FU was also confirmed in two other colon cancer cell lines, namely, HCT8/S11 and HCT-116, treated for 48 h. The combinations of low concentrations of these drugs for 48 h in vitro clearly demonstrated that Frondoside A enhances the inhibition of cell numbers induced by oxaliplatin or 5-FU. Similarly, such a combination also efficiently inhibited colony growth in vitro. Interestingly, we found that the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation was significantly enhanced when Frondoside A was used in combination treatments. Moreover, we show that Frondoside A and 5-FU, when used alone, induce a concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis and that their pro-apoptotic effect is dramatically enhanced when used in combination. We further demonstrate that apoptosis induction upon the treatment of colon cancer cells was at least in part a result of the inhibition of phosphorylation of the survival kinase AKT, leading to caspase-3 activation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inactivation, and consequently DNA damage, as suggested by the increase in the level of γH2AX. In light of these findings, we strongly suggest that Frondoside A may have a role in colon cancer therapy when used in combination with the standard cytotoxic drugs oxaliplatin and 5-FU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Cancer Prevention and Therapy)

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14 pages, 1713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurocognitive Disorders and Dehydration in Older Patients: Clinical Experience Supports the Hydromolecular Hypothesis of Dementia

by Michele Lauriola, Antonio Mangiacotti, Grazia D’Onofrio^*, Leandro Cascavilla, Francesco Paris, Giulia Paroni, Davide Seripa^*, Antonio Greco and Daniele Sancarlo

Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 Foggia, Italy

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050562 - 3 May 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 9518

Abstract

Abnormalities of water homeostasis can be early expressions of neuronal dysfunction, brain atrophy, chronic cerebrovasculopathy and neurodegenerative disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum osmolality of subjects with cognitive impairment. One thousand and ninety-one consecutive patients attending the Alzheimer’s [...] Read more.

Abnormalities of water homeostasis can be early expressions of neuronal dysfunction, brain atrophy, chronic cerebrovasculopathy and neurodegenerative disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum osmolality of subjects with cognitive impairment. One thousand and ninety-one consecutive patients attending the Alzheimer’s Evaluation Unit were evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 21-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-21), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental-ADL (IADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Exton-Smith Scale (ESS), and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). For each patient, the equation for serum osmolality developed by Khajuria and Krahn was applied. Five hundred and seventy-one patients had cognitive decline and/or depression mood (CD-DM) and 520 did not have CD-DM (control group). Patients with CD-DM were less likely to be male (p < 0.001), and were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), have a significant clear cognitive impairment (MMSE: p < 0.001), show the presence of a depressive mood (HDRS-21: p < 0.001) and have major impairments in ADL (p < 0.001), IADL (p < 0.001), MNA (p < 0.001), and ESS (p < 0.001), compared to the control group. CD-DM patients had a higher electrolyte concentration (Na⁺: p < 0.001; K⁺: p < 0.001; Cl⁻: p < 0.001), risk of dehydration (osmolality p < 0.001), and kidney damage (eGFR: p = 0.021), than the control group. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients showed a major risk for current dehydration (p ≤ 0.001), and dehydration was associated with the risk of developing a type of dementia, like AD or vascular dementia (VaD) (OR = 2.016, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the presence of dehydration state was associated with ADL (p < 0.001) and IADL (p < 0.001), but independently associated with age (r² = 0.0046, p = 0.77), ESS (r² = 0.0052, p = 0.54) and MNA (r² = 0.0004, p = 0.48). Moreover, younger patients with dementia were significantly more dehydrated than patients without dementia (65–75 years, p = 0.001; 76–85 years, p = 0.001; ≥86 years, p = 0.293). The hydromolecular hypothesis intends to explain the relationship between dehydration and cognitive impairment in older patients as the result of protein misfolding and aggregation, in the presence of a low interstitial fluid volume, which is a defect of the microcirculation. Defective proteins were shown to impair the amount of information in brain biomolecular mechanisms, with consequent neuronal and synaptic damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Strategies in Cognitive Decline: Focus on Nutrition)

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14 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Whey Protein Supplementation Pre- or Post-Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Muscular Strength, and Functional Capacity in Pre-Conditioned Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Hellen C. G. Nabuco^1,2,*

, Crisieli M. Tomeleri^2,3

, Paulo Sugihara Junior², Rodrigo R. Fernandes²

, Edilaine F. Cavalcante²

, Melissa Antunes², Alex S. Ribeiro⁴, Denilson C. Teixeira^2,5

, Analiza M. Silva⁶

, Luís B. Sardinha⁶ and Edilson S. Cyrino^2,5

¹ Federal Institute of Science and Technology of Mato Grosso, Highway BR-364, Km 329, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso 78106-970, Brazil

² Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise Laboratory, Physical Education and Sport Center, Londrina State University, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil

³ Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, Érico Veríssimo avenue, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil

⁴ Center for Research in Health Sciences, University of Northern Paraná, Paris Avenue, Londrina, Paraná 86041-140, Brazil

⁵ Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil

⁶ Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo 1499-002, Portugal

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050563 - 3 May 2018

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 31355

Abstract

Aging is associated with sarcopenia and dynapenia, with both processes contributing to functional dependence and mortality in older adults. Resistance training (RT) and increased protein intake are strategies that may contribute to health improvements in older adults. Therefore, the aim was to investigate [...] Read more.

Aging is associated with sarcopenia and dynapenia, with both processes contributing to functional dependence and mortality in older adults. Resistance training (RT) and increased protein intake are strategies that may contribute to health improvements in older adults. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation consumed either immediately pre- or post-RT on skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscular strength, and functional capacity in pre-conditioned older women. Seventy older women participated in this investigation and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: whey protein pre-RT and placebo post-RT (WP-PLA, n = 24), placebo pre-RT and whey protein post-RT (PLA-WP, n = 23), and placebo pre- and post-RT (PLA-PLA, n = 23). Each group ingested 35 g of WP or PLA. The RT program was carried out over 12 weeks (three times per week; 3 × 8–12 repetition maximum). Body composition, muscular strength, functional capacity, and dietary intake were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for repeated measures, with baseline scores as covariates were used for data analysis. A time vs. group interaction (p < 0.05) was observed with WP-PLA and PLA-WP presenting greater increases compared with PLA-PLA for SMM (WP-PLA = 3.4%; PLA-WP = 4.2%; PLA-PLA = 2.0%), strength (WP-PLA = 8.1%; PLA-WP = 8.3%; PLA-PLA = 7.0%), and the 10-m walk test (WP-PLA = −10.8%; PLA-WP = −11.8%; PLA-PLA = −4.3%). Whey protein supplementation was effective in promoting increases in SMM, muscular strength, and functional capacity in pre-conditioned older women, regardless of supplementation timing. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03247192. Full article

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13 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selected Physiological Effects of a Garcinia Gummi-Gutta Extract in Rats Fed with Different Hypercaloric Diets

by Carolina Guillén-Enríquez¹, Veronica Lopez-Teros²

, Ubicelio Martín-Orozco¹, José A. López-Díaz¹

, Julio Del Hierro-Ochoa¹, Arnulfo Ramos-Jiménez¹

, Humberto Astiazarán-García³

, Nina Del Rocío Martínez-Ruiz^1,*

and Abraham Wall-Medrano^1,*

¹ Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente del PRONAF y Estocolmo s/n, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico

² División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico

³ Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, AC (Unidad Hermosillo), Coordinación de Nutrición, Carretera a la Victoria km. 0.6, AP 1735, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050565 - 4 May 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5442

Abstract

Garcinia gummi-gutta (GGG) rind extract is effective for reducing appetite, body weight and adiposity of obese rodents fed high-fat (HF), high-sugar (HS) or high fat/sugar (HFS)-based diets, but these effects have not been simultaneously evaluated. Thirty obese (~425 g) male Wistar rats were [...] Read more.

Garcinia gummi-gutta (GGG) rind extract is effective for reducing appetite, body weight and adiposity of obese rodents fed high-fat (HF), high-sugar (HS) or high fat/sugar (HFS)-based diets, but these effects have not been simultaneously evaluated. Thirty obese (~425 g) male Wistar rats were fed for eleven weeks with six hypercaloric diets (4.1 kcal/g; five rats/diet) non-supplemented (HF, HS, HFS), or supplemented (HF+, HS+, HFS+) with GGG extract (5.9%), while rats from the control group (375 g) were fed a normocaloric diet (3.5 kcal/g). Body weight, dietary intake, body fat distribution, and histological and biochemical parameters were recorded. Compared to control rats, non-supplemented and supplemented groups consumed significantly less food (14.3% and 24.6% (−4.3 g/day), respectively) (p < 0.05). Weight loss was greater in the HF+ group (35–52 g), which consumed 1.9 times less food than the HS+ or HFS+ fed groups. The HF and HFS groups showed 40% less plasma triacylglycerides and lower glucose levels compared to the HF+. GGG-supplemented diets were associated with lower ketonuria. The HF+ diet was associated with the best anti-adiposity effect (as measured with the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Soxhlet methods). The severity of hepatocyte lipidosis was HF > control > HF+, and no signs of toxicity in the testes were observed. The results indicate that GGG is more effective when co-administered with HF diets in obese rats. Full article

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16 pages, 3365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disparate Habitual Physical Activity and Dietary Intake Profiles of Elderly Men with Low and Elevated Systemic Inflammation

by Dimitrios Draganidis¹

, Athanasios Z. Jamurtas¹, Theodoros Stampoulis², Vasiliki C. Laschou¹

, Chariklia K. Deli¹

, Kalliopi Georgakouli¹

, Konstantinos Papanikolaou¹

, Athanasios Chatzinikolaou², Maria Michalopoulou², Constantinos Papadopoulos³, Panagiotis Tsimeas¹, Niki Chondrogianni⁴, Yiannis Koutedakis^1,5,6

, Leonidas G. Karagounis^7,8

and Ioannis G. Fatouros^1,*

¹ School of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece

² School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece

³ First Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University, 11528 Athens, Greece

⁴ Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 116 35 Athens, Greece

⁵ Institute of Human Performance and Rehabilitation, Centre for Research and Technology—Thessaly (CERETETH), Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece

⁶ Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall 14287, West Midlands, UK

⁷ Institute of Nutritional Science, Nestlé Research Centre, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

⁸ Experimental Myology and Integrative Physiology Cluster, Plymouth Marjon University, Plymouth PL6 8BH, UK

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050566 - 4 May 2018

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6321

Abstract

The development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation in the elderly (inflammaging) has been associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes, and functional impairments. The aim of this study was to examine differences in habitual physical activity (PA), dietary intake patterns, and [...] Read more.

The development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation in the elderly (inflammaging) has been associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes, and functional impairments. The aim of this study was to examine differences in habitual physical activity (PA), dietary intake patterns, and musculoskeletal performance among community-dwelling elderly men with low and elevated systemic inflammation. Nonsarcopenic older men free of chronic diseases were grouped as ‘low’ (LSI: n = 17; 68.2 ± 2.6 years; hs-CRP: <1 mg/L) or ‘elevated’ (ESI: n = 17; 68.7 ± 3.0 years; hs-CRP: >1 mg/L) systemic inflammation according to their serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP). All participants were assessed for body composition via Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength, daily PA using accelerometry, and daily macro- and micronutrient intake. ESI was characterized by a 2-fold greater hs-CRP value than LSI (p < 0.01). The two groups were comparable in terms of body composition, but LSI displayed higher physical performance (p < 0.05), daily PA (step count/day and time at moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were greater by 30% and 42%, respectively, p < 0.05), and daily intake of the antioxidant vitamins A (6590.7 vs. 4701.8 IU/day, p < 0.05), C (120.0 vs. 77.3 mg/day, p < 0.05), and E (10.0 vs. 7.5 mg/day, p < 0.05) compared to ESI. Moreover, daily intake of vitamin A was inversely correlated with levels of hs-CRP (r = −0.39, p = 0.035). These results provide evidence that elderly men characterized by low levels of systemic inflammation are more physically active, spend more time in MVPA, and receive higher amounts of antioxidant vitamins compared to those with increased systemic inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Role of Nutrition and Physical Activity for Lifelong Health)

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14 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Lipids in Human Milk and Infant Formulae

by Alessandra Mazzocchi^1,*, Veronica D’Oria², Valentina De Cosmi^1,3, Silvia Bettocchi⁴, Gregorio Paolo Milani⁵

, Marco Silano⁶

and Carlo Agostoni^1,7

¹ Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy

² Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care and Emergency, 20122 Milan, Italy

³ Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry, and Epidemiology “G. A. Maccacaro”, 20122 Milan, Italy

⁴ Institute of Microbiology Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 29100 Piacenza, Italy

⁵ Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy

⁶ Department of Food Safety, Unit of Human Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy

⁷ SIGENP (Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition), via Libero Temolo 4 (Torre U8), 20126 Milan, Italy.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050567 - 4 May 2018

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 8758

Abstract

The quantity and quality of dietary lipids in infant formulae have a significant impact on health outcomes, especially when fat storing and/or absorption are limited (e.g., preterm birth and short bowel disease) or when fat byproducts may help to prevent some pathologies (e.g., [...] Read more.

The quantity and quality of dietary lipids in infant formulae have a significant impact on health outcomes, especially when fat storing and/or absorption are limited (e.g., preterm birth and short bowel disease) or when fat byproducts may help to prevent some pathologies (e.g., atopy). The lipid composition of infant formulae varies according to the different fat sources used, and the potential biological effects are related to the variety of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. For example, since lipids are the main source of energy when the normal absorptive capacity of the digestive tract is compromised, medium-chain saturated fatty acids might cover this requirement. Instead, ruminant-derived trans fatty acids and metabolites of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with their anti-inflammatory properties can modulate immune function. Furthermore, dietary fats may influence the nutrient profile of formulae, improving the acceptance of these products and the compliance with dietary schedules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Pediatric Gastroenterology: Selected Papers from SIGENP)

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12 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Dietary Zinc Intake and Hyperuricemia among Adults in the United States

by Yiying Zhang^1,2

, Yan Liu² and Hongbin Qiu^1,2,*

¹ School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China

² School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050568 - 5 May 2018

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7385

Abstract

We aim to explore the associations between dietary zinc intake and hyperuricemia (HU) in United States (US) adults. 24,975 US adults aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2014 were stratified into quintiles [...] Read more.

We aim to explore the associations between dietary zinc intake and hyperuricemia (HU) in United States (US) adults. 24,975 US adults aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2014 were stratified into quintiles based on zinc intake. All dietary intake measured through 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between zinc intake and HU after adjustment for possible confounders. For males, compared with respondents consuming less than 7.33 mg zinc daily, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71, 0.97) among those consuming 10.26–13.54 mg zinc daily, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63–0.96) among those consuming 18.50 mg or greater, and p for the trend was 0.0134. For females, compared with respondents consuming less than 5.38 mg zinc daily, the OR was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63, 0.97) among those consuming 9.64–12.93 mg zinc daily, and p for the trend was 0.3024. Our findings indicated that dietary zinc intake is inversely associated with HU in US men and women, independent of some major confounding factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Dietary Zinc)

13 pages, 1819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Daily Ingestion of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cv. “Yabukita” and “Sunrouge” on Eyestrain and Blood Pressure in Healthy Adults

by Mari Maeda-Yamamoto^1,*, Mie Nishimura²

, Nobuyoshi Kitaichi³, Atsushi Nesumi⁴, Manami Monobe⁵, Sachiko Nomura⁵, Yukihiro Horie³, Hirofumi Tachibana⁶ and Jun Nishihira²

¹ Agri-Food Business Innovation Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8517, Japan

² Department of Medical Management and Informatics, Hokkaido Information University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8585, Japan

³ Department of Ophthalmology, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-gun, Hokkaido 002-8072, Japan

⁴ Institute of Fruit and Tea Science, NARO, Makurazaki, Kagoshima 898-0087, Japan

⁵ Institute of Fruit and Tea Science, NARO, Shimada, Shizuoka 428-8501, Japan

⁶ Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050569 - 6 May 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6981

Abstract

The green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar “Sunrouge” contains anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. To determine whether ingesting green tea containing anthocyanins improves visual function and blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 120 [...] Read more.

The green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar “Sunrouge” contains anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. To determine whether ingesting green tea containing anthocyanins improves visual function and blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 120 healthy subjects, aged between 20 and 60 years and with a systolic BP (SBP) value of ≤125 and <155 and a diastolic BP (DBP) value <95, or a DBP of ≤75 mmHg and <95 mmHg and a SBP <155 mmHg, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. For 12 weeks, the placebo group received barley extract without catechin; another group received “Sunrouge” extract containing 11.2 mg anthocyanin and 323.6 mg epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG); and a third group received “Yabukita” extract containing 322.2 mg EGCG. Home BP, accommodation ability, visual analog scale questionnaires for eyestrain, and metabolic-associated markers were analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the intake period. The ingestion of “Sunrouge” tea significantly improved accommodation ability and eyestrain in subjects younger than 45 years and in subjects who operated visual display terminals every day. It also elevated BP. “Yabukita” tea ingestion significantly increased serum adiponectin levels. No adverse effects were observed. We conclude that long-term intake of “Sunrouge” tea containing anthocyanins and flavonols might improve visual function. Full article

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15 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Zinc Intake and Its Association with Metabolic Syndrome Indicators among Chinese Adults: An Analysis of the China Nutritional Transition Cohort Survey 2015

by Yun Wang, Xiao-Fang Jia, Bing Zhang, Zhi-Hong Wang, Ji-Guo Zhang

, Fei-Fei Huang, Chang Su, Yi-Fei Ouyang, Jian Zhao

, Wen-Wen Du, Li Li, Hong-Ru Jiang

, Ji Zhang and Hui-Jun Wang^*

National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050572 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6964

Abstract

The dietary zinc consumed in Chinese households has decreased over the past decade. However, the national dietary zinc intake in the last five years has seldom been investigated. Using data from 12,028 participants 18 to 64 years old (52.9% male) in the China [...] Read more.

The dietary zinc consumed in Chinese households has decreased over the past decade. However, the national dietary zinc intake in the last five years has seldom been investigated. Using data from 12,028 participants 18 to 64 years old (52.9% male) in the China Nutritional Transition Cohort Survey (CNTCS) 2015, we describe the intake of dietary zinc and the contributions of major foods and we examine the relationship between the level of dietary zinc intake and metabolic syndrome indicators, including blood pressure, fasting glucose, and triglycerides (TG), in Chinese adults. We assessed dietary zinc intake using 24 h recalls on three consecutive days. The mean daily dietary zinc intake for all participants was 10.2 milligrams per day (males 11.2 mg/day, females 9.4 mg/day, p < 0.001). The mean daily dietary zinc density for all participants was 5.2 mg/day per 1000 kilocalories. Among all participants, 31.0% were at risk of zinc deficiency, with dietary zinc intakes of less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) (males 49.2%, females 14.8%, p < 0.050), and 49.9% had adequate dietary zinc intakes, equal to or greater than the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) (males 30.7%, females 67.0%, p < 0.050). We found substantial gender differences in dietary zinc intake and zinc deficiency, with nearly half of the men at risk of zinc deficiency. Males of younger age, with higher education and incomes, and who consumed higher levels of meat, had higher zinc intakes, higher zinc intake densities, and higher rates of meeting the EAR. Among all participants, grains, livestock meat, fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood were the top five food sources of zinc, and their contributions to total dietary zinc intake were 39.5%, 17.3%, 8.9%, 6.4%, and 4.8%, respectively. The groups with relatively better dietary zinc intakes consumed lower proportions of grains and higher proportions of livestock meat. For males with adequate dietary zinc intake (≥RNI), TG levels increased by 0.219 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) compared with males with deficient dietary zinc intake (<EAR). For females in the ≥RNI group, diastolic blood pressure decreased by 0.963 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and fasting glucose decreased by 0.187 mmol/L compared with females in the <EAR group; in addition, TG increased by 0.097 mmol/L in females in the ≥RNI group and by 0.120 mmol/L in females in the equal to or greater than the EAR and less than the RNI (EAR-RNI) group compared with females in the <EAR group. Adequate dietary zinc was associated with reduced diastolic blood pressure and fasting glucose levels in female Chinese adults, but with raised TG levels in all Chinese adults. We recommend strengthened nutrition interventions for Chinese males and lower socioeconomic subgroups. Full article

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15 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of a Gluten-Free Diet in the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: A Pilot Study

by Luis Rodrigo^1,*

, Nuria Álvarez¹, Enrique Fernández-Bustillo², Javier Salas-Puig³, Marcos Huerta⁴ and Carlos Hernández-Lahoz⁵

¹ Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Avda. de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain

² Technical Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Avda. de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain

³ Neurology Service, Hospital del Valle de Hebrón, Paseo del Valle de Hebrón 119, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

⁴ Psychiatry Service, Mental Health Center, Pedro Pablo 42, 33209 Gijón, Spain

⁵ Neurology Service, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Avda. de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050573 - 7 May 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 20156

Abstract

The Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) may be associated. We analyse the efficacy of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in 29 patients with GTS (23 children; six adults) in a prospective pilot study. All of them followed a [...] Read more.

The Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) may be associated. We analyse the efficacy of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in 29 patients with GTS (23 children; six adults) in a prospective pilot study. All of them followed a GFD for one year. The Yale Global Tics Severity Scale (YGTSS), the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale—Self Report (Y-BOCS) or the Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale—Self Report (CY-BOCS), and the Cavanna’s Quality of Life Questionnaire applied to GTS (GTS-QOL) were compared before and after the GFD; 74% of children and 50% of adults were males, not significant (NS). At the beginning of the study, 69% of children and 100% of adults had associated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (NS). At baseline, the YGTSS scores were 55.0 ± 17.5 (children) and 55.8 ± 19.8 (adults) (NS), the Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS scores were 15.3, (standard deviation (SD) = 12.3) (children) and 26.8 (9.2) (adults) (p = 0.043), and the GTS-QOL scores were 42.8 ± 18.5 (children) and 64 ± 7.9 (adults) (p = 0.000). NCGS was frequent in both groups, with headaches reported by 47.0% of children and 83.6% of adults (p = 0.001). After one year on a GFD there was a marked reduction in measures of tics (YGTSS) (p = 0.001), and the intensity and frequency of OCD (Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS) (p = 0.001), along with improved generic quality of life (p = 0.001) in children and adults. In conclusion, a GFD maintained for one year in GTS patients led to a marked reduction in tics and OCD both in children and adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraintestinal Manifestations of Coeliac Disease)

12 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship of a Special Acidified Milk Protein Drink with Cognitive Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Young Adults

by Yoshie Saito^1,*

, Natsuko Murata¹, Teruyuki Noma¹, Hiroyuki Itoh¹, Mitsunori Kayano², Kimihide Nakamura^3,4 and Tadasu Urashima⁵

¹ R & D Division, Meiji Co., Ltd., Tokyo 192-0919, Japan

² Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan

³ Health Care Administration Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan

⁴ Obihiro Dai-ichi Hospital, Hokkaido 080-0014, Japan

⁵ Graduate School of Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050574 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6776

Abstract

A previous in vivo study with rats suggested that a special milk protein drink manufactured using an acidification procedure to suppress the aggregation of milk proteins was absorbed quickly after feeding. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measure crossover study to investigate the [...] Read more.

A previous in vivo study with rats suggested that a special milk protein drink manufactured using an acidification procedure to suppress the aggregation of milk proteins was absorbed quickly after feeding. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measure crossover study to investigate the short-term effects on cognitive performance in 29 healthy young adult men after they consumed this drink in the morning. After an overnight fast, subjects were tested for performance in the Uchida–Kraepelin serial arithmetic test and the Stroop test as well as for subjective feeling, body temperature, and heart rate variability before and after consumption of either the acidified milk protein drink or an isoenergetic placebo drink. Subjects showed a significant improvement in performance in the Uchida–Kraepelin test, the primary outcome measured, when they consumed the acidified milk protein drink compared with the placebo control condition. In addition, consumption of the acidified milk protein drink, compared with the placebo control, was associated with increases in vagally-mediated heart rate variability indices which, from recent theoretical perspectives, may reflect a higher ability to modulate cognitive and behavioral processes. There was no significant difference in subjective feelings and body temperature between the test drink conditions. These data suggest that consumption of the acidified milk protein drink may improve cognitive performance, with possible involvement of physiological systems that regulate cognition and behavior. Full article

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11 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Sleep Duration and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration with Obesity in an Elderly Korean Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Miae Doo

Department of Food and Nutrition, Kunsan National University, Daehak-ro 558, Kunsan, Jeonbuk 54150, Korea

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050575 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4679

Abstract

Studies have recently reported an association between sleep duration and obesity in some individuals. Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly populations and is also associated with obesity. In this study, the combined interaction effect of vitamin D levels and sleep duration on [...] Read more.

Studies have recently reported an association between sleep duration and obesity in some individuals. Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly populations and is also associated with obesity. In this study, the combined interaction effect of vitamin D levels and sleep duration on obesity-related variables was analyzed in 3757 individuals from an elderly Korean population using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Significant differences were observed in the interaction effect of the vitamin D levels and sleep duration on obesity-related variables, including BMI (p = 0.004) and the risk of obesity (p < 0.001). Using vitamin D sufficient status and proper sleep duration as a reference, subjects with sufficient vitamin D did not differ in their risk of obesity regardless of their sleep duration. However, the risk of obesity tended to increase with short sleep duration rather than proper sleep duration among subjects who were vitamin D insufficient odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 1.293 (1.10–1.657) for proper sleep duration vs. 1.374 (1.066–1.770) for short sleep duration). Only the participants in the vitamin D deficient population who consumed less protein showed an increasing trend in the risk of obesity according to the sleep duration (OR (95% CI) = 1.645 (1.155–2.344) for proper sleep duration and 1.668 (1.156–2.406) for short sleep duration). Full article

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18 pages, 3359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbiome Responses to an Uncontrolled Short-Term Diet Intervention in the Frame of the Citizen Science Project

by Natalia S. Klimenko^1,*, Alexander V. Tyakht^1,2, Anna S. Popenko¹, Anatoly S. Vasiliev¹, Ilya A. Altukhov^1,3, Dmitry S. Ischenko^1,3, Tatiana I. Shashkova^1,3,4, Daria A. Efimova¹

, Dmitri A. Nikogosov⁵, Dmitrii A. Osipenko⁵, Sergey V. Musienko⁵, Kseniya S. Selezneva⁶, Ancha Baranova^3,5,7,8, Alexander M. Kurilshikov⁹, Stepan M. Toshchakov^10,11, Aleksei A. Korzhenkov¹⁰

, Nazar I. Samarov¹⁰, Margarita A. Shevchenko¹⁰, Alina V. Tepliuk¹⁰ and Dmitry G. Alexeev^1,2,4

¹ Knomics LLC, Skolkovo Innovation Center, Bolshoy Bulvar Str., Building 42, Premise 1, Rooms 1293-1296, Moscow 143026, Russia

² Computer Technology Department, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy pr., 49, St. Petersburg 197101, Russia

³ Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia

⁴ Department of Natural Science, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str., 1, Novosibirsk 630073, Russia

⁵ Atlas Biomed Group, 92 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TT, UK

⁶ Atlas Medical Center, Kutuzovsky prospekt 34 bld. 14, Moscow 121170, Russia

⁷ Research Centre of Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye Str., 1, Moscow 115478, Russia

⁸ School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

⁹ Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP, Groningen, The Netherlands

¹⁰ School of Life Sciences, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Universitetskaya Str. 2, Room 106, Kaliningrad 236040, Russia

¹¹ Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS, Leninsky prospect 33-2, Moscow 119071, Russia

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050576 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 22823

Abstract

Personalized nutrition is of increasing interest to individuals actively monitoring their health. The relations between the duration of diet intervention and the effects on gut microbiota have yet to be elucidated. Here we examined the associations of short-term dietary changes, long-term dietary habits [...] Read more.

Personalized nutrition is of increasing interest to individuals actively monitoring their health. The relations between the duration of diet intervention and the effects on gut microbiota have yet to be elucidated. Here we examined the associations of short-term dietary changes, long-term dietary habits and lifestyle with gut microbiota. Stool samples from 248 citizen-science volunteers were collected before and after a self-reported 2-week personalized diet intervention, then analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Considerable correlations between long-term dietary habits and gut community structure were detected. A higher intake of vegetables and fruits was associated with increased levels of butyrate-producing Clostridiales and higher community richness. A paired comparison of the metagenomes before and after the 2-week intervention showed that even a brief, uncontrolled intervention produced profound changes in community structure: resulting in decreased levels of Bacteroidaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Rikenellaceae families and decreased alpha-diversity coupled with an increase of Methanobrevibacter, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium and butyrate-producing Lachnospiraceae- as well as the prevalence of a permatype (a bootstrapping-based variation of enterotype) associated with a higher diversity of diet. The response of microbiota to the intervention was dependent on the initial microbiota state. These findings pave the way for the development of an individualized diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiome and Human Health)

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12 pages, 1017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Animal and Plant Protein Intake and Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in a Korean Elderly Population

by Ki-Byeong Park, Hyun Ah Park^*, Jae-Heon Kang, Kyoungwoo Kim, Young Gyu Cho

and Jinyoung Jang

Department of Family Medicine, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul 100032, Korea

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050577 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5990

Abstract

Controversy exists on whether animal and plant proteins influence obesity differently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between total, animal, and plant protein intake with the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and renal function in the Korean [...] Read more.

Controversy exists on whether animal and plant proteins influence obesity differently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between total, animal, and plant protein intake with the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and renal function in the Korean elderly. Study participants included Korean adults aged 60 years or older from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013–2014. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured and the body mass index was calculated. One-day 24-hour recall data were used to estimate daily total, animal, and plant protein intake. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated by using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. General linear modellings were used to assess the relationships between protein intake, BMI and WC. The mean age was 69.2 ± 0.2 years and 44.2% were male. The total daily protein intake was 1.1 ± 0.02 g/kg/day and 0.9 ± 0.02 g/kg/day for males and females, respectively. Only one third of protein intake was from animal sources. In males, BMI (regression coefficient (95% CI); −1.30 (−1.55, −1.06), p < 0.001; −0.29 (−0.52, −0.05), p = 0.016; −1.30 (−1.8, −1.02), p < 0.001, respectively) and WC (−3.87 (−4.58, −3.16), p < 0.001; −0.90 (−1.58, −0.22), p = 0.010; −3.88 (−4.68, −3.08), p < 0.001, respectively) decreased as daily intake of plant protein (g/kg/day), animal protein (g/kg/day) and total protein (g/kg/day) increased. Similar associations were shown in Korean females. GFR was not associated with protein intake regardless of protein source in both sexes. In Korean adults aged 60 years or older, the protein intake was associated with a favorable obesity index without decrease in renal function. The effect was similar in both males and females, with both animal and plant proteins. Full article

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12 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric and Dietary Factors as Predictors of DNA Damage in Obese Women

by Marta Włodarczyk^1,2,*

, Beata Jabłonowska-Lietz³, Wioletta Olejarz^1,2 and Grażyna Nowicka^1,2

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

² Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

³ Centre of Promotion of Heathy Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Food and Nutrition Institute, Powsinska 61/63, 02-903 Warsaw, Poland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050578 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5663

Abstract

Enhanced DNA damage and disturbances in DNA repair mechanisms are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like obesity, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether anthropometric factors and dietary habits [...] Read more.

Enhanced DNA damage and disturbances in DNA repair mechanisms are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like obesity, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether anthropometric factors and dietary habits are related to endogenous DNA damage. One hundred and fourteen premenopausal, apparently healthy women were included in the study: 88 obese individuals and 26 controls. The comet assay was used to measure basal DNA damage. Biochemical measurements included lipids, apolipoproteinAI, fasting insulin, glucose, and C-reactive protein high sensitivity (CRP-hs). Dietary intakes were assessed by 3-day food records. The mean level of DNA damage was almost two times higher in obese than in non-obese women (p < 0.001). Regression modeling showed that body mass index (BMI), daily intakes of energy, and vitamin C are key predictors of variance in basal DNA damage. Our data demonstrate the impact of obesity-associated inflammation on DNA damage and indicate that regardless of obesity, the level of DNA damage can be reduced by adequate intakes of vitamins C and E. It suggests that particular attention should be paid to the content of antioxidants in the diet of obese people and further studies are needed to modify dietary guidelines to prevent DNA damage in obese individuals. Full article

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14 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Dietary Macronutrient Intake during Early and Late Gestation on Offspring Body Composition at Birth, 1, 3, and 5 Years of Age

by Christina Brei¹, Lynne Stecher¹, Dorothy Marie Meyer¹

, Veronika Young¹, Daniela Much¹, Stefanie Brunner¹ and Hans Hauner^1,2,*

¹ From the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany

² ZIEL–Institute for Food and Health, Nutritional Medicine Unit, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050579 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5658

Abstract

Dietary intake during pregnancy as a possible modifiable risk factor for childhood obesity is poorly explored. In a prospective observational study, two multivariable regression models were therefore used to associate maternal diet at 15 and 32 weeks’ gestation with offsprings’ body composition and [...] Read more.

Dietary intake during pregnancy as a possible modifiable risk factor for childhood obesity is poorly explored. In a prospective observational study, two multivariable regression models were therefore used to associate maternal diet at 15 and 32 weeks’ gestation with offsprings’ body composition and fat distribution at birth, 1, 3, and 5 years. Mean energy intake was 2157 ± 375 kcal (n = 186) in early and 2208 ± 460 kcal (n = 167) in late gestation. The partition model showed mostly no significant associations between maternal diet in early pregnancy and offspring body composition. In late pregnancy, higher fat intake was negatively associated with clinical outcomes at birth, 1, and 5 years. Protein intake was negatively associated with BMI z score (zBMI) at 3 and 5 years. A 10 g increase in fiber was associated with an increase of 3.50 mm² abdominal subcutaneous fat at 1, 172.49 g fat mass at 3, and 0.23 zBMI at 5 years. Results were largely comparable in the substitution model. An incremental increase in fat and protein at the expense of carbohydrates in late but not early pregnancy may be associated with lower fat mass up to 5 years. Findings require confirmation by additional prospective studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Requirements and Dietary Intakes of Women during Pregnancy)

7 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes of Blood Pressure and Hemodynamic Parameters after Oral Magnesium Supplementation in Patients with Essential Hypertension—An Intervention Study

by Nikolina Banjanin^*

and Goran Belojevic

Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050581 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 36420

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the changes of blood pressure and hemodynamic parameters after oral magnesium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension. The single-arm non-blinded intervention study comprised 48 patients (19 men; 29 women) whose antihypertensive therapy was not changed [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to examine the changes of blood pressure and hemodynamic parameters after oral magnesium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension. The single-arm non-blinded intervention study comprised 48 patients (19 men; 29 women) whose antihypertensive therapy was not changed for at least one month. The participants were asked to consume (daily at home) 300 mg of oral magnesium-oxide supplementation product for one month and to have their blood pressure and hemodynamic parameters (thoracic fluid content, stroke volume, stroke index, cardiac output, cardiac index, acceleration index, left cardiac work index and systemic vascular resistance index, heart rate) measured in the hospital before and after the intervention. Measurements were performed with impedance cardiography. After magnesium supplementation, systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly decreased (mean ± standard deviation (SD)/mmHg/from 139.7 ± 15.0 to 130.8 ± 13.4 and from 88.0 ± 10.4 to 82.2 ± 9.0, respectively; both p < 0.001). The two significant hemodynamic changes were the decrease of systemic vascular resistance index (dyn s m²/cm⁵) and left cardiac work index (kg m/m²)/mean ± SD from 2319.3 ± 753.3 to 2083.0 ± 526.9 and from 4.8 ± 1.4 to 4.4 ± 0.9, respectively; both p < 0.05). The observed hemodynamic changes may explain lowering blood pressure after magnesium supplementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnesium Intake and Human Health)

16 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: Results from the GINIplus and LISA Birth Cohort Studies

by Judith Bühlmeier^1,†, Carla Harris^2,3,†

, Sibylle Koletzko², Irina Lehmann^4,5,6, Carl-Peter Bauer⁷, Tamara Schikowski⁸, Andrea Von Berg⁹, Dietrich Berdel⁹, Joachim Heinrich^3,10,11

, Johannes Hebebrand¹, Manuel Föcker¹, Marie Standl^3,† and Lars Libuda^1,9,*,†

¹ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany

² Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany

³ Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany

⁴ Department of Environmental Immunology/Core Facility Studies, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany

⁵ Charitè—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany

⁶ Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany

⁷ Department of Pediatrics, Technical University of Munich, 80804 Munich, Germany

⁸ IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany

⁹ Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Wesel, 46483 Wesel, Germany

¹⁰ Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), 80336 Munich, Germany

¹¹ Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia

^† These authors contributed equally.

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050582 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6708

Abstract

High dietary acid load may have detrimental effects on mental health during childhood and adolescence. We examined cross-sectional and prospective associations of dietary acid load and mental health problems in a population-based sample, using data from the German birth cohort studies GINIplus (German [...] Read more.

High dietary acid load may have detrimental effects on mental health during childhood and adolescence. We examined cross-sectional and prospective associations of dietary acid load and mental health problems in a population-based sample, using data from the German birth cohort studies GINIplus (German Infant Nutritional Intervention plus environmental and genetic influences on allergy development) and LISA (Influences of lifestyle-related factors on the immune system and the development of allergies in childhood). These studies included detailed assessments of dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), mental health outcomes measured through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and covariates. Using logistic regression, cross-sectional associations between dietary acid load measured as potential renal acid load (PRAL) and SDQ subscales were assessed at age 10 years (N = 2350) and 15 years (N = 2061). Prospective associations were assessed, considering PRAL at 10 years as exposure and SDQ subscales at 15 years as outcome (N = 1685). Results indicate that children with a diet higher in PRAL have more emotional problems (OR = 1.33 (95% CI = 1.15; 1.54); p < 0.001), and show hyperactivity more often (1.22 (1.04; 1.43); p = 0.014) at 10 years. No significant associations were present either cross-sectionally at age 15 years, nor prospectively. Results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. These findings reveal first evidence for potential relationships between PRAL and mental health in childhood, although we cannot exclude reverse causality, i.e., that dietary behavior and PRAL are influenced by mental status. Future studies should address confirmation and identify biological mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Prevention and Acid Base Status)

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10 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Daily Dietary Intake Patterns Improve after Visiting a Food Pantry among Food-Insecure Rural Midwestern Adults

by Breanne N. Wright¹

, Regan L. Bailey¹

, Bruce A. Craig², Richard D. Mattes¹, Lacey McCormack³, Suzanne Stluka⁴, Lisa Franzen-Castle⁵, Becky Henne⁶, Donna Mehrle⁷

, Dan Remley⁸ and Heather A. Eicher-Miller^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

² Department of Statistics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

³ Health and Nutritional Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA

⁴ Extension, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA

⁵ Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA

⁶ Extension, Michigan State University, Charlotte, MI 48813, USA

⁷ Extension, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA

⁸ Extension, Ohio State University, Piketon, OH 45661, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050583 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 7491

Abstract

Emergency food pantries provide food at no cost to low-resource populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate single-day dietary intake patterns before and after visiting a food pantry among food-secure and food-insecure pantry clients. This observational cohort study comprised a paired, [...] Read more.

Emergency food pantries provide food at no cost to low-resource populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate single-day dietary intake patterns before and after visiting a food pantry among food-secure and food-insecure pantry clients. This observational cohort study comprised a paired, before-and-after design with a pantry visit as the intervention. Participants (n = 455) completed a demographic and food security assessment, and two 24-h dietary recalls. Adult food security was measured using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Dietary intake patterns were assessed using Automated Self-Administered 24-h Recall data and classified by Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) scores, dietary variety, number of eating occasions, and energy intake. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared outcomes before and after a pantry visit. Mean dietary variety increased after the pantry visit among both food-secure (p = 0.02) and food-insecure (p < 0.0001) pantry clients. Mean energy intake (p = 0.0003), number of eating occasions (p = 0.004), and HEI-2010 component scores for total fruit (p < 0.001) and whole fruit (p < 0.0003) increased among food-insecure pantry clients only. A pantry visit may improve dietary intake patterns, especially among food-insecure pantry clients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Vulnerable Groups)

16 pages, 2742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemopreventive Activities of Sulforaphane and Its Metabolites in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells

by Peng Liu¹, Wei Wang¹, Zhigang Zhou¹, Andrew J. O. Smith², Richard P. Bowater²

, Ian Michael Wormstone², Yuqiong Chen³ and Yongping Bao^1,*

¹ Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK

² School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK

³ College of Horticulture and Forestry Science Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050585 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6048

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) exhibits chemopreventive effects through various mechanisms. However, few studies have focused on the bioactivities of its metabolites. Here, three metabolites derived from SFN were studied, known as sulforaphane glutathione, sulforaphane cysteine and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine. Their effects on cell viability, DNA [...] Read more.

Sulforaphane (SFN) exhibits chemopreventive effects through various mechanisms. However, few studies have focused on the bioactivities of its metabolites. Here, three metabolites derived from SFN were studied, known as sulforaphane glutathione, sulforaphane cysteine and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine. Their effects on cell viability, DNA damage, tumorigenicity, cell migration and adhesion were measured in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, and their anti-angiogenetic effects were determined in a 3D co-culture model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and pericytes. Results indicated that these metabolites at high doses decreased cancer cell viability, induced DNA damage and inhibited motility, and impaired endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Additionally, pre-treatment with low doses of SFN metabolites protected against H₂O₂ challenge. The activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and the induction of intracellular glutathione (GSH) played an important role in the cytoprotective effects of SFN metabolites. In conclusion, SFN metabolites exhibited similar cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects to SFN, which proves the necessity to study the mechanisms of action of not only SFN but also of its metabolites. Based on the different tissue distribution profiles of these metabolites, the most relevant chemical forms can be selected for targeted chemoprevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dietary Supplements)

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10 pages, 1224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mangosteen Extract Shows a Potent Insulin Sensitizing Effect in Obese Female Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

by Mikiko Watanabe^1,*

, Elena Gangitano¹, Davide Francomano¹, Eliana Addessi¹, Raffaella Toscano¹, Daniela Costantini¹, Dario Tuccinardi², Stefania Mariani¹, Sabrina Basciani¹, Giovanni Spera¹, Lucio Gnessi¹ and Carla Lubrano¹

¹ Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy

² Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050586 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 11129

Abstract

There is a widely acknowledged association between insulin resistance and obesity/type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and insulin sensitizing treatments have proved effective in preventing diabetes and inducing weight loss. Obesity and T2DM are also associated with increased inflammation. Mangosteen is a tropical tree, whose [...] Read more.

There is a widely acknowledged association between insulin resistance and obesity/type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and insulin sensitizing treatments have proved effective in preventing diabetes and inducing weight loss. Obesity and T2DM are also associated with increased inflammation. Mangosteen is a tropical tree, whose fruits—known for their antioxidant properties—have been recently suggested having a possible further role in the treatment of obesity and T2DM. The objective of this pilot study has been to evaluate safety and efficacy of treatment with mangosteen extract on insulin resistance, weight management, and inflammatory status in obese female patients with insulin resistance. Twenty-two patients were randomized 1:1 to behavioral therapy alone or behavioral therapy and mangosteen and 20 completed the 26-week study. The mangosteen group reported a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, HOMA-IR −53.22% vs. −15.23%, p = 0.004), and no side effect attributable to treatment was reported. Given the positive preliminary results we report and the excellent safety profile, we suggest a possible supplementary role of mangosteen extracts in the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Full article

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13 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases-Related Dietary Nutrient Profile in the UK (2008–2014)

by Fernanda Rauber^1,2,*

, Maria Laura Da Costa Louzada^1,3, Eurídice Martínez Steele^1,2

, Christopher Millett^1,4, Carlos Augusto Monteiro^1,2 and Renata Bertazzi Levy^1,5

¹ Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil

² Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil

³ Department of Public Policies and Public Health, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos 11015-020, Brazil

⁴ Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK

⁵ Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050587 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 427 | Viewed by 35877

Abstract

We described the contribution of ultra-processed foods in the U.K. diet and its association with the overall dietary content of nutrients known to affect the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cross-sectional data from the U.K. National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2014) were [...] Read more.

We described the contribution of ultra-processed foods in the U.K. diet and its association with the overall dietary content of nutrients known to affect the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cross-sectional data from the U.K. National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2014) were analysed. Food items collected using a four-day food diary were classified according to the NOVA system. The average energy intake was 1764 kcal/day, with 30.1% of calories coming from unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 4.2% from culinary ingredients, 8.8% from processed foods, and 56.8% from ultra-processed foods. As the ultra-processed food consumption increased, the dietary content of carbohydrates, free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and sodium increased significantly while the content of protein, fibre, and potassium decreased. Increased ultra-processed food consumption had a remarkable effect on average content of free sugars, which increased from 9.9% to 15.4% of total energy from the first to the last quintile. The prevalence of people exceeding the upper limits recommended for free sugars and sodium increased by 85% and 55%, respectively, from the lowest to the highest ultra-processed food quintile. Decreasing the dietary share of ultra-processed foods may substantially improve the nutritional quality of diets and contribute to the prevention of diet-related NCDs. Full article

24 pages, 3542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intestinal Absorption and Antioxidant Activity of Grape Pomace Polyphenols

by Veronica Sanda Chedea^*

, Laurentiu Mihai Palade

, Daniela Eliza Marin, Rodica Stefania Pelmus, Mihaela Habeanu, Mircea Catalin Rotar, Mihail Alexandru Gras, Gina Cecilia Pistol

and Ionelia Taranu

Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Research and Development Institute for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Baloteşti (INCDBNA-IBNA), Calea Bucuresti nr. 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050588 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 7781

Abstract

The absorption and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from grape pomace (GP) are important aspects of its valorization as a feed additive in the diet of weaned piglets. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of polyphenols from GP both in vitro in IPEC [...] Read more.

The absorption and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from grape pomace (GP) are important aspects of its valorization as a feed additive in the diet of weaned piglets. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of polyphenols from GP both in vitro in IPEC cells and in vivo in the duodenum and colon of piglets fed with diets containing or not 5% GP and also to compare and correlate the aspects of their in vitro and in vivo absorption. Total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant status (TAS, CAT, SOD and GPx enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation-TBARS level) were assessed in duodenum and colon of piglets fed or not a diet with 5% GP. The results of UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated that in cellular and extracellular medium the GP polyphenols were oxidized (between λmax = 276 nm and λmax = 627.0 nm) with the formation of o-quinones and dimers. LC-MS analysis indicated a procyanidin trimer possibly C2, and a procyanidin dimer as the major polyphenols identified in GP, 12.8% of the procyanidin trimer and 23% of the procyanidin dimer respectively being also found in the compound feed. Procyanidin trimer C2 is the compound accumulated in duodenum, 73% of it being found in the colon of control piglets, and 62.5% in the colon of GP piglets. Correlations exist between the in vitro and in vivo investigations regarding the qualitative evaluation of GP polyphenols in the cells (λmax at 287.1 nm) and in the gut (λmax at 287.5 nm), as oxidated metabolic products. Beside the presence of polyphenols metabolites this study shows also the presence of the unmetabolized procyanidin trimers in duodenum and colon tissue, an important point in evaluating the benefic actions of these molecules at intestinal level. Moreover the in vivo study shows that a 5% GP in piglet’s diet increased the total antioxidant status (TAS) and decreased lipid peroxidantion (TBARS) in both duodenum and colon, and increased SOD activity in duodenum and CAT and GPx activity in colon. These parameters are modulated by the different polyphenols absorbed, mainly by the procyanidin trimers and catechin on one side and the polyphenols metabolites on the other side. Full article

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17 pages, 22388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Investigation of the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Beneficial Effects of Ginkgo biloba L. on Alzheimer’s Disease

by Hongxiang Li^1,2

, Xiaoyuan Sun^1,2, Fan Yu^1,2, Lijia Xu^1,2,*, Jianhua Miu³ and Peigen Xiao^1,2

¹ Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa North Road, Beijing 100193, China

² Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, 151 Malianwa North Road, Beijing 100193, China

³ Guangxi Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Nanning, 189 Changgang Road, Nanning 520023, China

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050589 - 10 May 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8994

Abstract

Based on compelling experimental and clinical evidence, Ginkgo biloba L. exerts a beneficial effect in ameliorating mild to moderate dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurological disorders, although the pharmacological mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, compounds, their putative [...] Read more.

Based on compelling experimental and clinical evidence, Ginkgo biloba L. exerts a beneficial effect in ameliorating mild to moderate dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurological disorders, although the pharmacological mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, compounds, their putative target proteins identified using an inverse docking approach, and clinically tested AD-related target proteins were systematically integrated together with applicable bioinformatics methods in silico. The results suggested that the beneficial effects of G. biloba on AD may be contributed by the regulation of hormone sensitivity, improvements in endocrine homeostasis, maintenance of endothelial microvascular integrity, and proteolysis of tau proteins, particularly prior to amyloid β-protein (Aβ) plaque formation. Moreover, we identified six putative protein targets that are significantly related to AD, but have not been researched or have had only preliminary studies conducted on the anti-AD effects of G. biloba. These mechanisms and protein targets are very significant for future scientific research. In addition, the existing mechanisms were also verified, such as the reduction of oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic effects, and protective effects against amyloidogenesis and Aβ aggregation. The discoveries summarized here may provide a macroscopic perspective that will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of medicinal plants or dietary supplements, as well as new clues for the future development of therapeutic strategies for AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dietary Supplements)

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13 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relative Validity of the Menzies Remote Short-Item Dietary Assessment Tool (MRSDAT) in Aboriginal Australian Children Aged 6–36 Months

by Emma Tonkin^1,*

, Dani Kennedy¹, Rebecca Golley²

, Rebecca Byrne³, Athira Rohit¹, Therese Kearns⁴

, Sarah Hanieh⁵, Beverley-Ann Biggs⁵

and Julie Brimblecombe^1,6

¹ Nutrition Program, Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Northern Territory, Australia

² Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia

³ Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Centre for Children’s Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4101, Australia

⁴ Child Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Northern Territory, Australia

⁵ Department of Medicine at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia

⁶ Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3168, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050590 - 10 May 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5802

Abstract

The Menzies Remote Short-item Dietary Assessment Tool (MRSDAT) can be used to derive a dietary index score, which measures the degree of compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. This study aimed to determine the relative validity of a dietary index score for children [...] Read more.

The Menzies Remote Short-item Dietary Assessment Tool (MRSDAT) can be used to derive a dietary index score, which measures the degree of compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. This study aimed to determine the relative validity of a dietary index score for children aged 6–24 months, living in a Remote Aboriginal Community (RAC), derived using MRSDAT. This validation study compared dietary index scores derived using MRSDAT with those derived from the average of three 24-h recalls. Participants were aged 6–36 months at the first dietary assessment and were living in a RAC. The level of agreement between the two methods was explored using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland-Altman plots, weighted Cohen’s kappa, and Fischer’s exact and paired t-tests. Forty participants were recruited. The CCC was poor between methods (R = 0.35, 95% CI 0.06, 0.58), with MRSDAT estimating higher dietary intake scores for all food groups except fruit, and higher dietary quality scores by an average of 4.78 points/100. Community-based Aboriginal researchers were central to this validation study. MRSDAT was within the performance range of other short-item dietary assessment tools developed for young children, and shows promise for use with very young children in RACs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Life Nutrition: From Nutrients to Systems)

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14 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of Dietary Reference Intake Standards in Preschool Menus in Poland

by Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak^*

and Anna Harton

Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050592 - 10 May 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4967

Abstract

Although the nutritional value of preschool menus largely determines the proper nutrition of attending children, their nutrient composition often does not meet the standards. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional value of menus served in preschools throughout Poland. We [...] Read more.

Although the nutritional value of preschool menus largely determines the proper nutrition of attending children, their nutrient composition often does not meet the standards. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional value of menus served in preschools throughout Poland. We analyzed a sample of 10 daily menus and inventory reports reflecting foods and beverages served in 270 full-board government-sponsored preschools. Nutrient content was calculated per child per day, and compared with 70% of dietary reference intake (DRI) for children aged 1–3 and 4–6. The content of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates generally exceeded 70% of DRI. The amount of vitamins was correct, with the exception of vitamin D (100% of daycare centers (DCCs) were below the recommendations); in ≤3% of preschools vitamin E, folate, and niacin were below DRI. Calcium was too low in 63% of preschools for children aged 1–3 years and in 99% for 4–6-year-olds. A shortage of iodine, iron, and potassium (especially for 4–6-year-olds) was observed in a small number of preschools. Our study highlights the need for uniform legal standards of nutrition in childcare centers, based on the current recommendations for the age group. Full article

14 pages, 2481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Highly Polymeric A-Type Proanthocyanidins from Seed Shells of Japanese Horse Chestnut (Aesculus turbinata BLUME) against Light-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Retina

by Tomoe Ishihara^1,2, Sachiko Kaidzu¹, Hideto Kimura², Yasurou Koyama¹, Yotaro Matsuoka¹ and Akihiro Ohira^1,*

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan

² Department of Research and Development, Kotobuki Seika Co., Ltd., 2028 Hatagasaki, Yonago, Tottori 683-0845, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050593 - 10 May 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4510

Abstract

Retinal tissue is exposed to oxidative stress caused by visible light. Light-damaged rat used in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) studies clarified that antioxidants decrease retinal light damage. Albino rats were exposed to 5000 Lux light for 12 h with oral administration of the [...] Read more.

Retinal tissue is exposed to oxidative stress caused by visible light. Light-damaged rat used in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) studies clarified that antioxidants decrease retinal light damage. Albino rats were exposed to 5000 Lux light for 12 h with oral administration of the polyphenolic compounds fraction (PF) from the seed shells of Japanese horse chestnut (30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg body weight: BW). To evaluate the protective effects against light damage, electroretinograms (ERGs), the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, the antioxidant activity of plasma, oxidized retinal lipids, and the detection of apoptosis were examined. To reveal their active compounds, PF were separated into an A-type proanthocyanidin (PAF) and a flavonol O-glycosides fraction. The protective effects of these fractions against light damage were compared by measuring the thickness of the ERGs and ONL. Compared with the negative control, the PF group (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg BW) significantly suppressed the decrease of the ERG amplitudes and ONL thickness. PF (300 mg/kg BW) induced the elevation of in vivo antioxidant activity, and the suppression of retinal lipid oxidation. PF administration also suppressed apoptotic cell death. The protective effects against light damage were attributable to the antioxidant activity of PAF. The light-induced damage of retinas was protected by oral administration of PF and PAF. Taken together, these compounds are potentially useful for the prevention of the disease caused by light exposure. Highlights: The protective effects of retinal damage by light exposure were evaluated using polyphenolic compounds from the seed shells of Japanese horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata BLUME) as an antioxidant. Decreases in the electroretinographic amplitude and outer nuclear layer thickness were suppressed by the polyphenolic compounds of the seed shells. Polyphenolic compounds from the seed shells of Japanese horse chestnut inhibited the oxidation of retinal lipids. Highly polymeric A-type proanthocyanidin from the seed shells protected the rat retina from light exposure damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptotic mechanisms. Full article

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12 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Acute Tryptophan Depletion (ATD) on NPY Serum Levels in Healthy Adult Humans Whilst Controlling for Methionine Supply—A Pilot Study

by Janice W. Y. Wong^1,2,3, Hugo A. E. Morandini¹, Vita L. S. Dingerkus^4,5,6, Tilman J. Gaber⁵, Kevin C. Runions^1,3,7, Pradeep Rao^1,6

, Simone Mahfouda^1,3,8, Katrin Helmbold⁵, Sarah Bubenzer-Busch⁵, Rebecca Koenemann⁵, Richard M. Stewart¹ and Florian D. Zepf^1,2,3,5,*

¹ Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia

² Specialised Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Department of Health, 6009 Perth, Australia

³ Telethon Kids Institute, 6009 Perth, Australia

⁴ Acute Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Department of Health, 6009 Perth, Australia

⁵ Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany

⁶ Department of Ophthalmology, Triemli Hospital Zürich, CH-8063 Zürich, Switzerland

⁷ Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Department of Health, 6009 Perth, Australia

⁸ School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050594 - 11 May 2018

Viewed by 4317

Abstract

Central nervous serotonin (5-HT) can influence behaviour and neuropsychiatric disorders. Evidence from animal models suggest that lowered levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) may have similar effects, although it is currently unknown whether decreased central nervous 5-HT impact NPY concentrations. Given that the production [...] Read more.

Central nervous serotonin (5-HT) can influence behaviour and neuropsychiatric disorders. Evidence from animal models suggest that lowered levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) may have similar effects, although it is currently unknown whether decreased central nervous 5-HT impact NPY concentrations. Given that the production of NPY is dependent on the essential amino acid methionine (MET), it is imperative to account for the presence of MET in such investigations. Hence, this study sought to examine the effects of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD; a dietary procedure that temporarily lowers central nervous 5-HT synthesis) on serum concentrations of NPY, whilst using the potential renal acid load indicator (PRAL) to control for levels of MET. In a double-blind repeated measures design, 24 adult humans randomly received an AA-load lacking in TRP (ATD) on one occasion, and a balanced control mixture with TRP (BAL) on a second occasion, both with a PRAL of nearly 47.3 mEq of MET. Blood samples were obtained at 90, 180, and 240 min after each of the AA challenges. ATD, and therefore, diminished substrate availability for brain 5-HT synthesis did not lead to significant changes in serum NPY concentrations over time, compared to BAL, under an acute acidotic stimulus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Prevention and Acid Base Status)

13 pages, 1116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kidney Response to the Spectrum of Diet-Induced Acid Stress

by Nimrit Goraya^1,2 and Donald E. Wesson^3,4,*

¹ Baylor Scott & White Health Department of Internal Medicine, Temple, TX 76508, USA

² A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76508, USA

³ Baylor Scott & White Health Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas, TX 75210, USA

⁴ A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Dallas, TX 75210, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050596 - 11 May 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4489

Abstract

Chronic ingestion of the acid (H⁺)-producing diets that are typical of developed societies appears to pose a long-term threat to kidney health. Mechanisms employed by kidneys to excrete this high dietary H⁺ load appear to cause long-term kidney injury when [...] Read more.

Chronic ingestion of the acid (H⁺)-producing diets that are typical of developed societies appears to pose a long-term threat to kidney health. Mechanisms employed by kidneys to excrete this high dietary H⁺ load appear to cause long-term kidney injury when deployed over many years. In addition, cumulative urine H⁺ excretion is less than the cumulative increment in dietary H⁺, consistent with H⁺ retention. This H⁺ retention associated with the described high dietary H⁺ worsens as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines which further exacerbates kidney injury. Modest H⁺ retention does not measurably change plasma acid–base parameters but, nevertheless, causes kidney injury and might contribute to progressive nephropathy. Current clinical methods do not detect H⁺ retention in its early stages but the condition manifests as metabolic acidosis as it worsens, with progressive decline of the glomerular filtration rate. We discuss this spectrum of H⁺ injury, which we characterize as “H⁺ stress”, and the emerging evidence that high dietary H⁺ constitutes a threat to long-term kidney health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Prevention and Acid Base Status)

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16 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Lean-Seafood and Non-Seafood Diets on Fasting and Postprandial Serum Metabolites and Lipid Species: Results from a Randomized Crossover Intervention Study in Healthy Adults

by Mette Schmedes¹

, Claudia Balderas^2,3

, Eli Kristin Aadland^4,5, Hélène Jacques⁶, Charles Lavigne⁴, Ingvild Eide Graff⁴, Øyvin Eng⁷

, Asle Holthe⁵, Gunnar Mellgren^7,8, Jette Feveile Young¹, Ulrik Kræmer Sundekilde¹

, Bjørn Liaset⁴ and Hanne Christine Bertram^1,*

¹ Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

² Department of Chemistry, Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden

³ Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), ES-28040 Madrid, Spain

⁴ Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway

⁵ Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway

⁶ School of Nutrition, Université Laval, Laval, G1V 0A6 QC, Canada

⁷ Hormone Laboratory, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway

⁸ Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050598 - 11 May 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6729

Abstract

The metabolic effects associated with intake of different dietary protein sources are not well characterized. We aimed to elucidate how two diets that varied in main protein sources affected the fasting and postprandial serum metabolites and lipid species. In a randomized controlled trial [...] Read more.

The metabolic effects associated with intake of different dietary protein sources are not well characterized. We aimed to elucidate how two diets that varied in main protein sources affected the fasting and postprandial serum metabolites and lipid species. In a randomized controlled trial with crossover design, healthy adults (n = 20) underwent a 4-week intervention with two balanced diets that varied mainly in protein source (lean-seafood versus non-seafood proteins). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were applied to examine the effects of the two diets on serum metabolites. In the fasting state, the lean-seafood diet period, as opposed to the non-seafood diet period, significantly decreased the serum levels of isoleucine and valine, and during the postprandial state, a decreased level of lactate and increased levels of citrate and trimethylamine N-oxide were observed. The non-seafood diet significantly increased the fasting level of 26 lipid species including ceramides 18:1/14:0 and 18:1/23:0 and lysophosphatidylcholines 20:4 and 22:5, as compared to the lean-seafood diet. Thus, the lean-seafood diet decreased circulating isoleucine and valine levels, whereas the non-seafood diet elevated the levels of certain ceramides, metabolites that are associated with insulin-resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fish and Meat Consumption: Risks and Benefits)

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16 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Fibre Intake in Australia. Paper I: Associations with Demographic, Socio-Economic, and Anthropometric Factors

by Flavia Fayet-Moore^1,*, Tim Cassettari¹, Kate Tuck¹, Andrew McConnell¹ and Peter Petocz²

¹ Nutrition Research Australia, Level 13 167 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia

² Department of Statistics, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050599 - 11 May 2018

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 11046

Abstract

Dietary fibre is important for regular laxation and reduces chronic disease risk. The National Health and Medical Research Council outlines daily fibre intake targets, yet the proportion of the population that meets these targets is unknown. Using the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical [...] Read more.

Dietary fibre is important for regular laxation and reduces chronic disease risk. The National Health and Medical Research Council outlines daily fibre intake targets, yet the proportion of the population that meets these targets is unknown. Using the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, we profiled fibre intake among Australian children and adults. Data from one-day dietary recalls were analysed (n = 12,153, ≥2 years) as well as demographic and anthropometric factors. The median fibre intake was 18.2 g (interquartile range [IQR] 13.2–25.0) in children and 20.7 g (IQR 14.3–28.7) in adults. We found that 42.3% (95% CI 40.5–44.1%) of children and 28.2% (95% CI 27.3–29.1%) of adults met the Adequate Intake (AI), and less than 20% of adults met the Suggested Dietary Target (SDT) to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Older children (aged 14–18 years), girls, young adults (19–30 years), males, and those of lower socio-economic status were less likely to meet the AI (p < 0.001). Those with a higher energy intake were more likely to meet the AI. Anthropometric measures were not associated with fibre intake or the likelihood of meeting the AI. Fibre is a nutrient of concern in Australian diets, with most children and adults falling short of recommendations. Adolescents, girls, young adults, men, and those of lower socio-economic status were less likely to meet the recommendations and may benefit most from public health interventions. Full article

15 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Habitually Low Intake of Dietary Calcium with Blood Pressure and Hypertension in a Population with Predominantly Plant-Based Diets

by Ziqi Liu¹, Aiping Fang^1,2, Jingjing He¹, Xin Shen¹, Rong Gao¹, Xintian Zhao¹ and Keji Li^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University; Beijing 100191, China

² Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050603 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5382

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the association of habitually low dietary calcium intake with blood pressure or hypertensive risk using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2009. We included 6298 participants (2890 men and 3408 women) aged 18 years [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the association of habitually low dietary calcium intake with blood pressure or hypertensive risk using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2009. We included 6298 participants (2890 men and 3408 women) aged 18 years or older in this analysis. Food intakes were measured by 3-day 24-h individual recalls combined with a weighing and measuring of household food inventory. The participants were divided into normotensive, pre-hypertensive and hypertensive groups according to their mean blood pressure of three repeated measurements. Six intake levels were decided by percentiles of gender-specific dietary calcium intakes (P0–10, P10–30, P30–50, P50–70, P70–90, and P90–100). Average dietary calcium intakes were 405 mg/day for men and 370 mg/day for women, 80% and 84% of which were derived from plant-based food in men and women, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that dietary calcium intakes were not related with blood pressure in both genders (all P > 0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed a lower risk of pre-hypertension with higher dietary calcium intakes in women (all P_{for trend} < 0.001), but not in men; no association between dietary calcium intake and hypertensive risk was found in both genders (all P_{for trend} > 0.05). This study suggests that there are no conclusive associations of habitually low dietary calcium intake with blood pressure or hypertensive risk in Chinese individuals consuming predominantly plant-based diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Calcium and Human Health)

12 pages, 973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Human Microbiota Response to Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized with Mushroom Extract

by Emanuel Vamanu^1,*

, Mihaela Ene², Bogdan Biță³, Cristina Ionescu², Liviu Crăciun² and Ionela Sârbu⁴

¹ Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bd. Mărăşti no. 59, district 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania

² Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului, 077125 Magurele, Romania

³ Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Blv., 077125 Magurele, Romania

⁴ ICUB-Research Institute of the University of Bucharest 36-46 Bd. M. Kogalniceanu, 5th District, 050107 Bucharest, Romania

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050607 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5055

Abstract

The ability to orally administer silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in enteric capsules implies a direct interaction with the colon microbiota. The in vitro effect provides a portrayal of the functional properties under in vivo conditions. The purpose of this study was to describe a [...] Read more.

The ability to orally administer silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in enteric capsules implies a direct interaction with the colon microbiota. The in vitro effect provides a portrayal of the functional properties under in vivo conditions. The purpose of this study was to describe a green AgNP synthesis process, using aqueous extract from Lactarius piperatus mushroom, and to characterize the nanomaterial. We determined its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects in vitro in the microbiota of healthy individuals via the GIS1 system—a colon transit simulator. Per the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results, the antimicrobial properties of the AgNPs affected the initial share of different enteric species by decreasing the Bacteroides, Enterobacteriaceae, and Lactobacillus populations and favoring the Bifidobacterium group. The association between AgNPs and wild mushroom L. piperatus extract had a synergistic antibacterial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms while the mushroom extract reduced biofilm formation. Administration of AgNP maintained its constant antioxidant status, and it was correlated with a reduction in ammonium compounds. The physicochemical characterization of these NPs complemented their biochemical characterization. The maximum ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) absorbance was observed at 440 nm, while the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum reached a peak at 3296 cm^–1, which was correlated with the high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC). The major phenolic compound was homogentisic acid. The size (49 ± 16 nm in diameter) and spherical shape of the NPs were correlated with their biological effects in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomedicine-Based Strategies for Improving Nutrient Bioavailability and Health Effects)

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19 pages, 1008 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formula Milk Supplementation on the Postnatal Ward: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

by Kirsty V. Biggs¹, Katherine Hurrell², Eleanor Matthews³, Ekaterina Khaleva^4,5

, Daniel Munblit^3,5,6,†

and Robert J. Boyle^3,5,*,†

¹ Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK

² Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, UK

³ Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK

⁴ Department of Paediatrics, Saint-Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, 194353 Saint-Petersburg, Russia

⁵ inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 6010 Park Ave, West New York, NJ 07093, USA

⁶ Faculty of Pediatrics, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

^† Authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050608 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9777

Abstract

Breastfeeding rates are low in the UK, where approximately one quarter of infants receive a breastmilk substitute (BMS) in the first week of life. We investigated the reasons for early BMS use in two large maternity units in the UK, in order to [...] Read more.

Breastfeeding rates are low in the UK, where approximately one quarter of infants receive a breastmilk substitute (BMS) in the first week of life. We investigated the reasons for early BMS use in two large maternity units in the UK, in order to understand the reasons for the high rate of early BMS use in this setting. Data were collected through infant feeding records, as well as maternal and midwife surveys in 2016. During 2016, 28% of infants received a BMS supplement prior to discharge from the hospital maternity units with only 10% supplementation being clinically indicated. There was wide variation in BMS initiation rates between different midwives, which was associated with ward environment and midwife educational level. Specific management factors associated with non-clinically indicated initiation of BMS were the absence of skin-to-skin contact within an hour of delivery (p = 0.01), and no attendance at an antenatal breastfeeding discussion (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that risk of initiating a BMS during postnatal hospital stay is largely modifiable. Concordance with UNICEF Baby Friendly 10 steps, attention to specific features of the postnatal ward working environment, and the targeting of midwives and mothers with poor educational status may all lead to improved exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding and Human Lactation)

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11 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Maternal Wellbeing at Four Months Post-Partum in Ireland

by Annemarie E. Bennett^1,*

and John M. Kearney²

¹ Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Dublin 8, Ireland

² School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, Ireland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050609 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5325

Abstract

This study aimed to examine factors associated with maternal wellbeing at four months post-partum in the Irish context. Socio-demographic, health behaviour and infant feeding data were collected in pregnancy, at birth and at 17 weeks post-partum. Maternal distress, body image and resilience were [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine factors associated with maternal wellbeing at four months post-partum in the Irish context. Socio-demographic, health behaviour and infant feeding data were collected in pregnancy, at birth and at 17 weeks post-partum. Maternal distress, body image and resilience were measured at 17 weeks post-partum. Binary logistic regression predicted maternal distress and statistical significance was taken at p < 0.05. One hundred and seventy-two women were followed-up in pregnancy, at birth and at 17 weeks post-partum. Three in five (61.6%, n106) initiated breastfeeding. At 17 weeks post-partum, 23.8% (n41) were exclusively or partially breastfeeding and over a third (36.0%, n62) of all mothers were at risk of distress. In multivariate analyses, independent predictors of distress included: low maternal resilience (p < 0.01, odds ratio (OR): 7.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49–20.95)); unsatisfactory partner support (p = 0.02, OR: 3.89 (95% CI: 1.20–12.65)); older age (p = 0.02, OR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.02–1.21)); and breastfeeding (p = 0.01, OR: 2.89 (95% CI: 1.29–6.47)). Routine assessment of emotional wellbeing and targeted interventions are needed to promote a more healthful transition to motherhood among women in Ireland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding and Human Lactation)

16 pages, 2348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Intake of Japanese Mushrooms on Visceral Fat Accumulation and Gut Microbiota in Mice

by Takamitsu Shimizu^1,*, Koichiro Mori¹, Kenji Ouchi¹, Mamoru Kushida² and Tsuyoshi Tsuduki²

¹ Mushroom Research Laboratory, Hokuto Corporation, Nagano 381-0008, Japan

² Laboratory of Food and Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-0845, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050610 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7628

Abstract

A lot of Japanese people are generally known for having a healthy diet, and consume a variety of mushrooms daily. Many studies have reported anti-obesity effects of mushrooms, but few have investigated the effects of consuming a variety of edible mushroom types together [...] Read more.

A lot of Japanese people are generally known for having a healthy diet, and consume a variety of mushrooms daily. Many studies have reported anti-obesity effects of mushrooms, but few have investigated the effects of consuming a variety of edible mushroom types together in realistic quantities. In this study, we investigated whether supplementation with a variety of mushroom types affects visceral fat accumulation and gut microbiota in mice. The most popular mushroom varieties in Japan were lyophilized and mixed according to their local production ratios. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat (HF) diet, HF with 0.5% mushroom mixture (equivalent to 100 g mushrooms/day in humans) or HF with 3% mushroom mixture (equivalent to 600 g mushrooms/day in humans) for 4 weeks. The mice were then sacrificed, and blood samples, tissue samples and feces were collected. Our results show that mushroom intake suppressed visceral fat accumulation and increased the relative abundance of some short chain fatty acid- and lactic acid-producing gut bacteria. These findings suggest that mushroom intake is an effective strategy for obesity prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Appetite, Metabolism and Obesity)

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10 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Genetic Variation in the Epithelial Sodium Channel Gene with Urinary Sodium Excretion and Blood Pressure

by Yoon Jung Yang^1,†

, Jihye Kim^2,† and Chang Keun Kwock^3,*

¹ Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Natural Sciences, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul 02748, Korea

² Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04764, Korea

³ Nutrition and Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050612 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3717

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate whether genetic variation in the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is associated with 24-h urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure. A total of 3345 participants of the KoGES_Ansan and Ansung study were eligible for this study. Genomic DNA [...] Read more.

This study was performed to investigate whether genetic variation in the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is associated with 24-h urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure. A total of 3345 participants of the KoGES_Ansan and Ansung study were eligible for this study. Genomic DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped on the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 5.0. Thirty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted for gene regions (SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G) as additive components by using Plink. Twenty-four-hour sodium excretions were estimated from spot urine samples using the Tanaka formula. The general linear model (GLM) was applied to assess the association between SNPs and urinary sodium excretion or blood pressure. In the SCNN1G gene, six SNPs (rs4073291, rs12934362, rs7404408, rs4494543, rs5735, and rs6497657) were significantly different in 24-h urinary sodium excretion according to gene variants. However, no difference was found in blood pressure among participants with gene variants of ENaC. Our finding indicated that 24-h urinary sodium excretions were different according to variants of the SCNN1G gene in large samples. Further studies to replicate these findings are warranted. Full article

12 pages, 878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet-Induced Weight Loss Has No Effect on Psychological Stress in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Alison O. Booth, Xiaodan Wang, Anne I. Turner

, Caryl A. Nowson

and Susan J. Torres^*

Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050613 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5551

Abstract

The effect of weight loss on psychological stress is unknown. The study aimed to investigate the effect of diet-induced weight loss in overweight and obese adults on psychological measures of stress through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Databases including Medline Complete, [...] Read more.

The effect of weight loss on psychological stress is unknown. The study aimed to investigate the effect of diet-induced weight loss in overweight and obese adults on psychological measures of stress through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Databases including Medline Complete, Embase and PsycINFO were searched up to February 2018 for diet-induced weight loss RCTs, which included self-reported assessment of psychological stress. The mean difference between the intervention and control group of changes in stress (intervention—baseline) was used. Ten RCTs were included with 615 participants (502 women, age range 20–80 years). Overall, there was no change in stress (mean difference −0.06, 95% CI: −0.17, 0.06, p = 0.33) and no change in the five studies with a significant reduction in weight in the intervention group compared to a control group that lost no weight (mean difference in weight −3.9 Kg, 95% CI: −5.51, −2.29, p < 0.0001; mean difference in stress 0.04, 95% CI: −0.17, 0.25, p = 0.71). For all analyses, there was low heterogeneity. The benefits of weight loss for those who are overweight and obese do not appear to either increase or reduce psychological stress at the end of the weight loss period. Full article

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16 pages, 2585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effectiveness of Product Reformulation in Response to the Health Star Rating Food Labelling System in Australia

by Ana Maria Mantilla Herrera^1,2,*

, Michelle Crino³

, Holly E. Erskine^1,2,4,5, Gary Sacks⁶

, Jaithri Ananthapavan^6,7

, Cliona Ni Mhurchu^3,8

and Yong Yi Lee^1,2

¹ School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4001, Australia

² Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR), Wacol 4076, Australia

³ The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2042, Australia

⁴ Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

⁵ Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4001, Australia

⁶ Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Geelong 3320, Australia

⁷ Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Geelong 3320, Australia

⁸ National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland 1072, New Zealand

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050614 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9769

Abstract

The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a voluntary front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) initiative endorsed by the Australian government in 2014. This study examines the impact of the HSR system on pre-packaged food reformulation measured by changes in energy density between products with and [...] Read more.

The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a voluntary front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) initiative endorsed by the Australian government in 2014. This study examines the impact of the HSR system on pre-packaged food reformulation measured by changes in energy density between products with and without HSR. The cost-effectiveness of the HSR system was modelled using a proportional multi-state life table Markov model for the 2010 Australian population. We evaluated scenarios in which the HSR system was implemented on a voluntary and mandatory basis (i.e., HSR uptake across 6.7% and 100% of applicable products, respectively). The main outcomes were health-adjusted life years (HALYs), net costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). These were calculated with accompanying 95% uncertainty intervals (95% UI). The model predicted that HSR-attributable reformulation leads to small changes in mean population energy intake (voluntary: −0.98 kJ/day; mandatory: −11.81 kJ/day). These are likely to result in changes in mean body weight (voluntary: −0.01 kg [95% UI: −0.012 to −0.006]; mandatory: −0.11 kg [95% UI: −0.14 to −0.07]), and HALYs gained (voluntary: 4207 HALYs gained [95% UI: 2438 to 6081]; mandatory: 49,949 HALYs gained [95% UI: 29,291 to 72,153]). The HSR system could be considered cost-effective relative to a willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50,000 per HALY (incremental cost effectiveness ratio for voluntary: A$1728 per HALY [95% UI: dominant to 10,445] and mandatory: A$4752 per HALY [95% UI: dominant to 16,236]). Full article

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17 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Caloric and Non-Caloric Sweeteners on Food Intake and Brain Responses to Food: A Randomized Crossover Controlled Trial in Healthy Humans

by Camille Crézé¹, Laura Candal¹, Jérémy Cros¹

, Jean-François Knebel^2,3, Kevin Seyssel¹, Nathalie Stefanoni¹, Philippe Schneiter¹, Micah M. Murray^2,3,4,5

, Luc Tappy^1,6

and Ulrike Toepel^2,3,*

¹ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

² The Laboratory for Investigative Neurophysiology (The LINE), Departments of Radiology and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland

³ Electroencephalography Brain Mapping Core, Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM) of Lausanne and Geneva, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

⁴ Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA

⁵ Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland

⁶ Metabolic Center, Hôpital Intercantonal de la Broye, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050615 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 12082

Abstract

Whether non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption impacts food intake behavior in humans is still unclear. Discrepant sensory and metabolic signals are proposed to mislead brain regulatory centers, in turn promoting maladaptive food choices favoring weight gain. We aimed to assess whether ingestion of sucrose- [...] Read more.

Whether non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption impacts food intake behavior in humans is still unclear. Discrepant sensory and metabolic signals are proposed to mislead brain regulatory centers, in turn promoting maladaptive food choices favoring weight gain. We aimed to assess whether ingestion of sucrose- and NNS-sweetened drinks would differently alter brain responses to food viewing and food intake. Eighteen normal-weight men were studied in a fasted condition and after consumption of a standardized meal accompanied by either a NNS-sweetened (NNS), or a sucrose-sweetened (SUC) drink, or water (WAT). Their brain responses to visual food cues were assessed by means of electroencephalography (EEG) before and 45 min after meal ingestion. Four hours after meal ingestion, spontaneous food intake was monitored during an ad libitum buffet. With WAT, meal intake led to increased neural activity in the dorsal prefrontal cortex and the insula, areas linked to cognitive control and interoception. With SUC, neural activity in the insula increased as well, but decreased in temporal regions linked to food categorization, and remained unchanged in dorsal prefrontal areas. The latter modulations were associated with a significantly lower total energy intake at buffet (mean kcal ± SEM; 791 ± 62) as compared to WAT (942 ± 71) and NNS (917 ± 70). In contrast to WAT and SUC, NNS consumption did not impact activity in the insula, but led to increased neural activity in ventrolateral prefrontal regions linked to the inhibition of reward. Total energy intake at the buffet was not significantly different between WAT and NNS. Our findings highlight the differential impact of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners on subsequent brain responses to visual food cues and energy intake. These variations may reflect an initial stage of adaptation to taste-calorie uncoupling, and could be indicative of longer-term consequences of repeated NNS consumption on food intake behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Beverages on Ingestive Behavior)

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7 pages, 1088 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Growth Hormone Secretion Patterns in German Landrace (DL) Fetuses and Piglets Compared to DL Piglets with Inherited 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Deficiency

by Manfred Mielenz^1,2,*

, Michael W. Pfaffl³

, Christina Schlumbohm^4,5, Johein Harmeyer⁴ and Nahid Parvizi¹

¹ Department of Functional Genomics and Bioregulation, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt a. Rbge., Germany

² Institute of Nutritional Physiology “Oskar Kellner”, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany

³ Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University Munich, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising, Germany

⁴ Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany

⁵ Neu Encepharm GmbH, Hans-Adolf-Krebs Weg 9, 37077 Göttingen, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050617 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3470

Abstract

The regulation of growth hormone (GH) release during prenatal development and during early postnatal life is not entirely clarified. In this study plasma GH concentrations in pigs with inherited pseudo vitamin D deficiency type I (PDDR-I), which regularly show growth retardation, were compared [...] Read more.

The regulation of growth hormone (GH) release during prenatal development and during early postnatal life is not entirely clarified. In this study plasma GH concentrations in pigs with inherited pseudo vitamin D deficiency type I (PDDR-I), which regularly show growth retardation, were compared during ontogeny with unaffected pigs of the same breed (German Landrace, DL) as control. Plasma GH concentrations were measured in plasma of chronically catheterized fetuses (beginning on day 101 after mating or after artificial insemination) and in piglets (day 37 postpartum (p.p.)—day 42 p.p.) of both lines. A growth curve beginning at day 7 p.p. was recorded for both lines. The relative amount of GH receptor (GHR) mRNA in liver was quantified by competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in piglets at day 42 p.p. A trend for higher GH concentrations was observed in PDDR-I fetuses (p < 0.1). In PDDR-I piglets compared to DL piglets higher plasma GH values (p < 0.01), were observed despite lower body weight. The relative quantity of GHR mRNA in liver was not significantly different between the two lines. Piglets with an inherited defect of vitamin D synthesis showed higher GH concentrations. A hormonal imprinting by low 1,25(OH)₂D₃ could be one reason for our observations and should be analysed in detail in future. Full article

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12 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Incorporation of DHA in Circulatory and Neural Tissue When Provided as Triacylglycerol (TAG), Monoacylglycerol (MAG) or Phospholipids (PL) Provides New Insight into Fatty Acid Bioavailability

by Frédéric Destaillats¹, Manuel Oliveira², Viktoria Bastic Schmid², Isabelle Masserey-Elmelegy², Francesca Giuffrida², Sagar K. Thakkar², Lénaïck Dupuis², Maria Laura Gosoniu² and Cristina Cruz-Hernandez^2,*

¹ Nestlé Nutrition Product Technology Center, Rue Entre-Deux-Villes 10, CH-1814 La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland

² Nestlé Research Center, Vers-chez-les-Blanc, CH-1000 Lausanne, Switzerland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050620 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 6020

Abstract

Phospholipids (PL) or partial acylglycerols such as sn-1(3)-monoacylglycerol (MAG) are potent dietary carriers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and have been reported to provide superior bioavailability when compared to conventional triacylglycerol (TAG). The main objective of the present study was to [...] Read more.

Phospholipids (PL) or partial acylglycerols such as sn-1(3)-monoacylglycerol (MAG) are potent dietary carriers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and have been reported to provide superior bioavailability when compared to conventional triacylglycerol (TAG). The main objective of the present study was to compare the incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plasma, erythrocytes, retina and brain tissues in adult rats when provided as PL (PL-DHA) and MAG (MAG-DHA). Conventional dietary DHA oil containing TAG (TAG-DHA) as well as control chow diet were used to evaluate the potency of the two alternative DHA carriers over a 60-day feeding period. Fatty acid profiles were determined in erythrocytes and plasma lipids at time 0, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 49 days of the experimental period and in retina, cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus at 60 days. The assessment of the longitudinal evolution of DHA in erythrocyte and plasma lipids suggest that PL-DHA and MAG-DHA are efficient carriers of dietary DHA when compared to conventional DHA oil (TAG-DHA). Under these experimental conditions, both PL-DHA and MAG-DHA led to higher incorporations of DHA erythrocytes lipids compared to TAG-DHA group. After 60 days of supplementation, statistically significant increase in DHA level incorporated in neural tissues analyzed were observed in the DHA groups compared with the control. The mechanism explaining hypothetically the difference observed in circulatory lipids is discussed. Full article

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14 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential Cost-Effectiveness and Equity Impacts of Restricting Television Advertising of Unhealthy Food and Beverages to Australian Children

by Vicki Brown^1,2,*

, Jaithri Ananthapavan^1,2

, Lennert Veerman^3,4, Gary Sacks¹

, Anita Lal^1,2, Anna Peeters¹, Kathryn Backholer¹ and Marjory Moodie^1,2

¹ Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health and Social Development, Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia

² Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia

³ Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia

⁴ School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050622 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 13332

Abstract

Television (TV) advertising of food and beverages high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) influences food preferences and consumption. Children from lower socioeconomic position (SEP) have higher exposure to TV advertising due to more time spent watching TV. This paper sought to estimate [...] Read more.

Television (TV) advertising of food and beverages high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) influences food preferences and consumption. Children from lower socioeconomic position (SEP) have higher exposure to TV advertising due to more time spent watching TV. This paper sought to estimate the cost-effectiveness of legislation to restrict HFSS TV advertising until 9:30 pm, and to examine how health benefits and healthcare cost-savings differ by SEP. Cost-effectiveness modelling was undertaken (i) at the population level, and (ii) by area-level SEP. A multi-state multiple-cohort lifetable model was used to estimate obesity-related health outcomes and healthcare cost-savings over the lifetime of the 2010 Australian population. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were reported, with assumptions tested through sensitivity analyses. An intervention restricting HFSS TV advertising would cost AUD5.9M (95% UI AUD5.8M–AUD7M), resulting in modelled reductions in energy intake (mean 115 kJ/day) and body mass index (BMI) (mean 0.352 kg/m²). The intervention is likely to be cost-saving, with 1.4 times higher total cost-savings and 1.5 times higher health benefits in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic group (17,512 HALYs saved (95% UI 10,372–25,155); total cost-savings AUD126.3M (95% UI AUD58.7M–196.9M) over the lifetime) compared to the least disadvantaged socioeconomic group (11,321 HALYs saved (95% UI 6812–15,679); total cost-savings AUD90.9M (95% UI AUD44.3M–136.3M)). Legislation to restrict HFSS TV advertising is likely to be cost-effective, with greater health benefits and healthcare cost-savings for children with low SEP. Full article

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12 pages, 2768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Pattern and Plasma BCAA-Variations in Healthy Men and Women—Results from the KarMeN Study

by Benedikt Merz^1,*

, Lara Frommherz², Manuela J. Rist¹

, Sabine E. Kulling², Achim Bub¹

and Bernhard Watzl¹

¹ Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

² Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050623 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6988

Abstract

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in plasma are discussed as risk factors for the onset of several diseases. Information about the contribution of the overall diet to plasma BCAA concentrations is controversial. Our objective was to investigate which dietary pattern is associated with plasma [...] Read more.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in plasma are discussed as risk factors for the onset of several diseases. Information about the contribution of the overall diet to plasma BCAA concentrations is controversial. Our objective was to investigate which dietary pattern is associated with plasma BCAA concentrations and whether other additional nutrients besides BCAA further characterize this dietary pattern. Based on the cross-sectional KarMeN study, fasting plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations, as well as current and habitual dietary intake were assessed in 298 healthy individuals. Using reduced rank regression, we derived a habitual dietary pattern that explained 32.5% of plasma BCAA variation. This pattern was high in meat, sausages, sauces, eggs, and ice cream but low in nuts, cereals, mushrooms, and pulses. The age, sex, and energy intake adjusted dietary pattern score was associated with an increase in animal-based protein together with a decrease in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and an unfavorable fatty acid composition. Besides BCAA, alanine, lysine and the aromatic AA were positively associated with the dietary pattern score as well. All of these factors were reported to be associated with risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases before. Our data suggest that rather than the dietary intake of BCAA, the overall dietary pattern that contributes to high BCAA plasma concentrations may modulate chronic diseases risk. Full article

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11 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study Examining the Influence of Potassium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Nitrogen Balance and Whole-Body Ammonia and Urea Turnover Following Short-Term Energy Restriction in Older Men

by Lee M. Margolis¹, Lisa Ceglia^2,3, Donato A. Rivas¹, Bess Dawson-Hughes² and Roger A. Fielding^1,*

¹ Nutrition, Exercise, Physiology, and Sarcopenia Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA

² Bone Metabolism Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA

³ Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050624 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5224

Abstract

With aging there is a chronic low-grade metabolic-acidosis that may exacerbate negative protein balance during weight loss. The objective of this randomized pilot study was to assess the impact of 90 mmol∙day⁻¹ potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) versus a placebo (PLA) on [...] Read more.

With aging there is a chronic low-grade metabolic-acidosis that may exacerbate negative protein balance during weight loss. The objective of this randomized pilot study was to assess the impact of 90 mmol∙day⁻¹ potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) versus a placebo (PLA) on 24-h urinary net acid excretion (NAE), nitrogen balance (NBAL), and whole-body ammonia and urea turnover following short-term diet-induced weight loss. Sixteen (KHCO₃; n = 8, PLA; n = 8) older (64 ± 4 years) overweight (BMI: 28.5 ± 2.1 kg∙day⁻¹) men completed a 35-day controlled feeding study, with a 7-day weight-maintenance phase followed by a 28-day 30% energy-restriction phase. KHCO₃ or PLA supplementation began during energy restriction. NAE, NBAL, and whole-body ammonia and urea turnover (¹⁵N-glycine) were measured at the end of the weight-maintenance and energy-restriction phases. Following energy restriction, NAE was −9.8 ± 27.8 mmol∙day⁻¹ in KHCO₃ and 43.9 ± 27.8 mmol∙day⁻¹ in PLA (p < 0.05). No significant group or time differences were observed in NBAL or ammonia and urea turnover. Ammonia synthesis and breakdown tended (p = 0.09) to be higher in KHCO₃ vs. PLA following energy restriction, and NAE was inversely associated (r = −0.522; p < 0.05) with urea synthesis in all subjects. This pilot study suggests some benefit may exist with KHCO₃ supplementation following energy restriction as lower NAE indicated higher urea synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Prevention and Acid Base Status)

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9 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gain-Framed Messages Were Related to Higher Motivation Scores for Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Parenting Practices than Loss-Framed Messages

by Arwa Zahid and Marla Reicks^*

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050625 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3908

Abstract

Parents play an important role in promoting healthy beverage intake among children. Message-framing approaches, where outcomes are described as positive (gain) or negative (loss) results, can be used to encourage parenting practices that promote healthy beverage intakes. This study tested the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

Parents play an important role in promoting healthy beverage intake among children. Message-framing approaches, where outcomes are described as positive (gain) or negative (loss) results, can be used to encourage parenting practices that promote healthy beverage intakes. This study tested the effectiveness of message framing on motivation for parenting practices targeting reductions in child sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake (controlling availability, role modeling) and dispositional factors moderating effectiveness. Parents (n = 380) completed a survey to assess motivation after viewing gain- and loss-framed messages to engage in parenting practices, usual beverage intake, and home beverage availability. Paired t-tests were used to examine differences in motivation scores after viewing gain- vs. loss-framed messages for all parents and by subgroups according to low vs. high SSB intake and home availability, and weight status. Gain- versus loss-framed messages were related to higher motivation scores for both parenting practices for all parents (n = 380, p < 0.01) and most subgroups. No differences were observed by message frame for parents in low home SSB availability or normal and overweight BMI subgroups for controlling availability. Gain- versus loss-framed messages were related to higher motivation scores, therefore gain-framed messages are recommended for parent interventions intended to decrease child intake of SSBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Beverages on Ingestive Behavior)

17 pages, 847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Virgin Olive Oils Differing in Their Bioactive Compound Contents on Metabolic Syndrome and Endothelial Functional Risk Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

by Estefania Sanchez-Rodriguez¹, Elena Lima-Cabello², Sara Biel-Glesson³, Jose R. Fernandez-Navarro³, Miguel A. Calleja³, Maria Roca⁴

, Juan A. Espejo-Calvo⁵

, Blas Gil-Extremera⁶, Maria Soria-Florido⁷

, Rafael De la Torre⁸, Montserrat Fito^7,9, Maria-Isabel Covas^9,10, Juan De Dios Alche²

, Emilio Martinez de Victoria¹¹

, Angel Gil^1,9,*

and Maria D. Mesa¹

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain

² Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain

³ Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación Biosanitaria de Andalucía Oriental “Alejandro Otero” (FIBAO), Avenida de Madrid 15, 18012 Granada, Spain

⁴ Food Phytochemistry Department, Instituto de la Grasa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University Campus Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain

⁵ Instituto para la Calidad y Seguridad Alimentaria (ICSA), Avenida de la Hispanidad 17, 18320 Santa Fe, Granada, Spain

⁶ Department of Medicine, University of Granada, Avenida de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain

⁷ Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

⁸ Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Research Institute), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

⁹ Spanish Biomedical Research Networking Centre, Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain

¹⁰ NUPROAS Handelsbolag, Nackã, Sweden, NUPROAS HB, Apartado de Correos 93, 17242 Girona, Spain

¹¹ Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050626 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 6814

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of virgin olive oils (VOOs) enriched with phenolic compounds and triterpenes on metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers in healthy adults. The trial was a three-week randomized, crossover, controlled, double-blind, intervention study involving [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of virgin olive oils (VOOs) enriched with phenolic compounds and triterpenes on metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers in healthy adults. The trial was a three-week randomized, crossover, controlled, double-blind, intervention study involving 58 subjects supplemented with a daily dose (30 mL) of three oils: (1) a VOO (124 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes); (2) an optimized VOO (OVOO) (490 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes); and (3) a functional olive oil (FOO) high in phenolic compounds (487 ppm) and enriched with triterpenes (389 ppm). Metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers were determined in vivo and ex vivo. Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) increased after the OVOO intake. Plasma endothelin-1 levels decreased after the intake of the three olive oils, and in blood cell cultures challenged. Daily intake of VOO enriched in phenolic compounds improved plasma HDLc, although no differences were found at the end of the three interventions, while VOO with at least 124 ppm of phenolic compounds, regardless of the triterpenes content improved the systemic endothelin-1 levels in vivo and ex vivo. No effect of triterpenes was observed after three weeks of interventions. Results need to be confirmed in subjects with metabolic syndrome and impaired endothelial function (Clinical Trials number NCT02520739). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Chronic Conditions)

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16 pages, 1470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Energy Expenditure and Oxidation of Energy Substrates in Adult Males after Intake of Meals with Varying Fat and Carbohydrate Content

by Edyta Adamska-Patruno^1,*

, Lucyna Ostrowska²

, Anna Golonko², Barbara Pietraszewska², Joanna Goscik¹, Adam Kretowski^1,3 and Maria Gorska³

¹ Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok 15-276, Poland

² Department of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok 15-054, Poland

³ Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok 15-276, Poland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050627 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8514

Abstract

Obesity is a result of positive energy balance. The aim of this study was to measure (in crossover trials) the energy expenditure and oxidation of glucose and lipids, both at the fasting state and after an intake of meals with a varying macronutrient [...] Read more.

Obesity is a result of positive energy balance. The aim of this study was to measure (in crossover trials) the energy expenditure and oxidation of glucose and lipids, both at the fasting state and after an intake of meals with a varying macronutrient content, in normal-weight and overweight/obese people. In the study, 46 healthy adult males (23 with normal body weight and 23 overweight/obese), aged 21–58, were examined. During two consecutive visits, subjects received isocaloric standardized meals (450 kcal) with different content of basic nutrients. Resting metabolic rate and carbohydrate and fat utilization were evaluated during the fasting state and postprandially, using an indirect calorimetry method. Energy expenditure was higher in people with normal body weight and slightly higher after the high-carbohydrate meal. In overweight/obese people, increased expenditure was noted after normo-carbohydrate meal intake. The high-fat meal induced lower postprandial thermal response compared to a high-carbohydrate meal, both in people with normal body weight and in overweight/obese men. Glucose utilization was higher after the high-carbohydrate meal, and it was higher in the normal body weight group than in overweight/obese people. In addition, overweight/obese people showed a lower level of fatty acid oxidation under fasting conditions which, together with limited ability to oxidize energy substrates, depending on their availability, indicates that these people are characterized by lower metabolic flexibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Appetite, Metabolism and Obesity)

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12 pages, 415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association of Dietary Fiber Intake with Cardiometabolic Risk in Four Countries across the Epidemiologic Transition

by Louise Lie¹

, Laquita Brown¹, Terrence E. Forrester², Jacob Plange-Rhule³, Pascal Bovet^4,5, Estelle V. Lambert⁶, Brian T. Layden^7,8, Amy Luke¹ and Lara R. Dugas^1,*

¹ Public Health Sciences, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, USA

² Solutions for Developing Countries, University of West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica

³ Department of Physiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

⁴ Unit for the Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Health, Victoria, Mahè Island, Republic of Seychelles

⁵ Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1010, Switzerland

⁶ Division for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa

⁷ Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

⁸ Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050628 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 7750

Abstract

The greatest burden of cardiovascular disease is now carried by developing countries with cardiometabolic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity and inflammation believed to be the driving force behind this epidemic. Dietary fiber is known to have protective effects against obesity, type 2 [...] Read more.

The greatest burden of cardiovascular disease is now carried by developing countries with cardiometabolic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity and inflammation believed to be the driving force behind this epidemic. Dietary fiber is known to have protective effects against obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome. Considering the emerging prevalence of these cardiometabolic disease states across the epidemiologic transition, the objective of this study is to explore these associations of dietary fiber with cardiometabolic risk factors in four countries across the epidemiologic transition. We examined population-based samples of men and women, aged 25–45 of African origin from Ghana, Jamaica, the Seychelles and the USA. Ghanaians had the lowest prevalence of obesity (10%), while Jamaicans had the lowest prevalence of metabolic syndrome (5%) across all the sites. Participants from the US presented with the highest prevalence of obesity (52%), and metabolic syndrome (22%). Overall, the Ghanaians consumed the highest dietary fiber (24.9 ± 9.7 g), followed by Jamaica (16.0 ± 8.3 g), the Seychelles (13.6 ± 7.2 g) and the lowest in the USA (14.2 ± 7.1 g). Consequently, 43% of Ghanaians met the fiber dietary guidelines (14 g/1000 kcal/day), 9% of Jamaicans, 6% of Seychellois, and only 3% of US adults. Across all sites, cardiometabolic risk (metabolic syndrome, inflammation and obesity) was inversely associated with dietary fiber intake, such that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13% for those in the lowest quartile of fiber intake, compared to 9% those in the highest quartile of fiber intake. Notably, twice as many of participants (38%) in the lowest quartile were obese compared to those in the highest quartile of fiber intake (18%). These findings further support the need to incorporate strategies and policies to promote increased dietary fiber intake as one component for the prevention of cardiometabolic risk in all countries spanning the epidemiologic transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber in the Prevention and Management of Human Obesity and Related Chronic Diseases)

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9 pages, 522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case-Control Study of the Association between Vitamin D Levels and Gastric Incomplete Intestinal Metaplasia

by Kevin Singh^1,*

, Soren Gandhi² and Raffat Batool^2,3

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11206, USA

² Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University School of Medicine, Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11206, USA

³ Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, NY 10029, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050629 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5809

Abstract

Aim: Low circulating vitamin D levels are associated with gastric adenocarcinoma, but whether vitamin D levels are associated with premalignant gastric mucosal changes is unknown. Here, we determined associations between vitamin D levels and gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia, a known gastric adenocarcinoma [...] Read more.

Aim: Low circulating vitamin D levels are associated with gastric adenocarcinoma, but whether vitamin D levels are associated with premalignant gastric mucosal changes is unknown. Here, we determined associations between vitamin D levels and gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia, a known gastric adenocarcinoma risk factor. Methods: This was a retrospective, unmatched, case-control study comparing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among subjects with gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia (cases; n = 103) and those without gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia (controls; n = 216). The 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were categorized as normal (30–100 ng/dL), vitamin D insufficiency (VDi; 20–29 ng/dL), and vitamin D deficiency (VDd; <20 ng/dL). Using multivariable logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and adjusted to age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus, and timing of vitamin D collection to assess associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia. Results: A majority of case subjects were male, Hispanic, and did not have hypertension or diabetes mellitus. The average serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was significantly lower in the intestinal metaplasia group than the control group (19.7 ng/dL vs. 34.7 ng/dL; p < 0.001). Hypovitaminosis D was more common in subjects with incomplete intestinal metaplasia in a multivariable regression model (OR 54.1, 95% CI 21.8–134.3; p < 0.001). VDd (OR 129.0, 95% CI 43.7–381.2; p < 0.001) and VDi (OR 31.0, 95% CI 11.9–80.3; p < 0.001) were more common in patients with incomplete intestinal metaplasia than healthy subjects, with VDd slightly more prevalent than VDi (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7–9.6; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are more common in patients with gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia than healthy subjects and may play a role in the development of premalignant phenotypes related to gastric adenocarcinoma. Full article

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13 pages, 1216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Human Milk Immunoglobulin Survival during Gastric Digestion between Preterm and Term Infants

by Veronique Demers-Mathieu¹

, Mark A. Underwood², Robert L. Beverly¹, Søren D. Nielsen¹

and David C. Dallas^1,*

¹ Nutrition Program, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

² Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050631 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 7789

Abstract

Human milk provides immunoglobulins (Igs) that supplement the passive immune system of neonates; however, the extent of survival of these Igs during gastric digestion and whether this differs between preterm and term infants remains unknown. Human milk, and infant gastric samples at 2 [...] Read more.

Human milk provides immunoglobulins (Igs) that supplement the passive immune system of neonates; however, the extent of survival of these Igs during gastric digestion and whether this differs between preterm and term infants remains unknown. Human milk, and infant gastric samples at 2 h post-ingestion were collected from 15 preterm (23–32 week gestational age (GA)) mother-infant pairs and from 8 term (38–40 week of GA) mother-infant pairs within 7–98 days postnatal age. Samples were analyzed via ELISA for concentration of total IgA (secretory IgA (SIgA)/IgA), total secretory component (SC/SIgA/SIgM), total IgM (SIgM/IgM), and IgG as well as peptidomics. Total IgA concentration decreased by 60% from human milk to the preterm infant stomach and decreased by 48% in the term infant stomach. Total IgM and IgG concentrations decreased by 33% and 77%, respectively, from human milk to the term infant stomach but were stable in the preterm infant stomach. Release of peptides from all Ig isotypes in the term infant stomach was higher than in the preterm stomach. Overall, the stability of human milk Igs during gastric digestion is higher in preterm infant than in term infants, which could be beneficial for assisting the preterm infants’ immature immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding and Human Lactation)

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17 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Effects of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Subsequent Repletion on Blood Parameters and the Rate and Composition of Growth in Pigs

by Laura C. Knight

and Ryan N. Dilger^*

Piglet Nutrition & Cognition Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050632 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6583

Abstract

Iron deficiency is reported as the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. Due to rapid growth, infants are at particular risk for developing iron deficiency, which can easily progress to iron deficiency anemia (IDA), if not treated. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.

Iron deficiency is reported as the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. Due to rapid growth, infants are at particular risk for developing iron deficiency, which can easily progress to iron deficiency anemia (IDA), if not treated. The aim of this study was to determine the lasting effects of an early-life iron deficiency after a period of dietary iron repletion. Forty-two intact male pigs were fed, ad libitum, either control (CONT, 21.3 mg Fe/L) or iron-deficient (ID 2.72 mg Fe/L) milk replacer from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 32 (phase 1). From PND 33 to 61 (phase 2), all pigs were transitioned onto a series of industry-standard, iron-adequate diets. Blood was collected weekly from PND 7 to 28, and again on PND 35 and 56, and tissues were collected at either PND 32 or PND 61. At the end of phase 1, ID pigs exhibited reduced hematocrit (Hct; p < 0.0001) and hemoglobin (Hb; p < 0.0001) compared with CONT pigs, but neither Hct (p = 0.5968) nor Hb (p = 0.6291) differed between treatment groups after dietary iron repletion at the end of phase 2. Body weight gain was reduced (p < 0.0001) 58% at PND 32 in ID pigs compared with CONT pigs during phase 1, and this effect remained significant at the end of phase 2 (p = 0.0001), with ID pigs weighing 34% less than CONT pigs at PND 61. Analysis of peripheral protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) gene expression biomarkers yielded inconclusive results, as would be expected based on previous biomarker analyses across multiple species. These findings suggest that early-life iron status negatively influences blood parameters and growth performance, with dietary iron repletion allowing for full recovery of hematological outcomes, but not growth performance. Full article

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16 pages, 2166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Organoleptic Characterization of a Skimmed Goat Milk Fermented with the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum C4

by Miriam Moreno-Montoro, Miguel Navarro-Alarcón^*

, Triana Bergillos-Meca, Rafael Giménez-Martínez, Silvia Sánchez-Hernández

and Manuel Olalla-Herrera

Department of Nutrition and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050633 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6101

Abstract

The benefits of goat milk, fermented milks, and probiotics for the humans are well documented. In this study, a novel fermented goat milk was manufactured with the putative probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum C4 together with L. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Ultrafiltration was [...] Read more.

The benefits of goat milk, fermented milks, and probiotics for the humans are well documented. In this study, a novel fermented goat milk was manufactured with the putative probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum C4 together with L. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Ultrafiltration was chosen as the skimmed milk concentration method because it produced the best viscosity and syneresis and a high casein content. The viability rate of all bacterial strains was >10⁷ cfu/mL, even after 5 weeks of storage or after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, which is especially important for exertion of the probiotic strain functionalities. This fermented milk is also a good source of nutrients, having a low lactose and fat content, high protein proportion, and good mineral concentration. According to these data and the overall acceptability described by panelists, this fermented milk is a healthy dairy product comparable with commercially available fermented milks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Fermentation)

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12 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Increasing the Protein Content of Human Milk Fortifier to 1.8 g/100 mL on Growth in Preterm Infants: A Randomised Controlled Trial

by Jessica Reid¹, Maria Makrides^1,2

, Andrew J. McPhee^1,3, Michael J. Stark^3,4, Jacqueline Miller^1,5

and Carmel T. Collins^1,2,*

¹ Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia

² Adelaide Medical School, Discipline of Paediatrics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia

³ Neonatal Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia

⁴ The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia

⁵ Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050634 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6689

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of feeding high protein human milk fortifier (HMF) on growth in preterm infants. In this single-centre randomised trial, 60 infants born 28–32 weeks’ gestation were randomised to receive a higher protein HMF providing [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of feeding high protein human milk fortifier (HMF) on growth in preterm infants. In this single-centre randomised trial, 60 infants born 28–32 weeks’ gestation were randomised to receive a higher protein HMF providing 1.8 g protein (n = 31) or standard HMF providing 1 g protein per 100 mL expressed breast milk (EBM) (n = 29). The primary outcome was rate of weight gain. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. There was no difference between high and standard HMF groups for weight gain (mean difference (MD) −14 g/week; 95% CI −32, 4; p = 0.12), length gain (MD −0.01 cm/week; 95% CI −0.06, 0.03; p = 0.45) or head circumference gain (MD 0.007 cm/week; 95% CI −0.05, 0.06; p = 0.79), despite achieving a 0.7 g/kg/day increase in protein intake in the high protein group. Infants in the high protein group had a higher proportion of lean body mass at trial entry; however, there was no group by time effect on lean mass gains over the study. Increasing HMF protein content to 1.8 g per 100 mL EBM does not improve growth in preterm infants born 28–32 weeks’ gestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Life Nutrition: From Nutrients to Systems)

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12 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leucine Supplementation Does Not Attenuate Skeletal Muscle Loss during Leg Immobilization in Healthy, Young Men

by Evelien M.P. Backx^1,2

, Astrid M.H. Horstman¹, Gabriel N. Marzuca-Nassr¹, Janneau Van Kranenburg¹, Joey S. Smeets¹, Cas J. Fuchs¹

, Anniek A.W. Janssen³, Lisette C.P.G.M. De Groot²

, Tim Snijders¹, Lex B. Verdijk¹ and Luc J.C. Van Loon^1,*

¹ Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 61 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

² Department of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

³ Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P.O. Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050635 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8889

Abstract

Background: Short successive periods of physical inactivity occur throughout life and contribute considerably to the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. The maintenance of muscle mass during brief periods of disuse is required to prevent functional decline and maintain metabolic health. Objective: To [...] Read more.

Background: Short successive periods of physical inactivity occur throughout life and contribute considerably to the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. The maintenance of muscle mass during brief periods of disuse is required to prevent functional decline and maintain metabolic health. Objective: To assess whether daily leucine supplementation during a short period of disuse can attenuate subsequent muscle loss in vivo in humans. Methods: Thirty healthy (22 ± 1 y) young males were exposed to a 7-day unilateral knee immobilization intervention by means of a full leg cast with (LEU, n = 15) or without (CON, n = 15) daily leucine supplementation (2.5 g leucine, three times daily). Prior to and directly after immobilization, quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (computed tomography (CT) scan) and leg strength (one-repetition maximum (1-RM)) were assessed. Furthermore, muscle biopsies were taken in both groups before and after immobilization to assess changes in type I and type II muscle fiber CSA. Results: Quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) declined in the CON and LEU groups (p < 0.01), with no differences between the two groups (from 7712 ± 324 to 7287 ± 305 mm² and from 7643 ± 317 to 7164 ± 328 mm²; p = 0.61, respectively). Leg muscle strength decreased from 56 ± 4 to 53 ± 4 kg in the CON group and from 63 ± 3 to 55 ± 2 kg in the LEU group (main effect of time p < 0.01), with no differences between the groups (p = 0.052). Type I and II muscle fiber size did not change significantly over time, in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Free leucine supplementation with each of the three main meals (7.5 g/d) does not attenuate the decline of muscle mass and strength during a 7-day limb immobilization intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dietary Supplements)

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12 pages, 1252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Responses of Preterm Pigs Fed Formulas with Different Protein Levels and Supplemented with Leucine or β-Hydroxyl β-Methylbutyrate

by Randal K. Buddington^1,2,*, Scott C. Howard²

, Harold W. Lee¹ and Karyl K. Buddington³

¹ School of Health Studies, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

² College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA

³ Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050636 - 18 May 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4550

Abstract

Growth after preterm birth is an important determinant of long-term outcomes. Yet, many preterm infants suffer ex utero growth retardation. We evaluated effects of leucine and the metabolite, β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on growth of preterm pigs, a previously-validated translational model for preterm infants. [...] Read more.

Growth after preterm birth is an important determinant of long-term outcomes. Yet, many preterm infants suffer ex utero growth retardation. We evaluated effects of leucine and the metabolite, β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on growth of preterm pigs, a previously-validated translational model for preterm infants. After 48 h of parenteral nutrition preterm pigs were fed for 6 to 7 days isocaloric formulas with different levels of protein (50 or 100 g/L) with leucine (10 g/L, 76 mM) or HMB (at 1.1 g/L, 4 mM) added to stimulate protein synthesis or with alanine (6.8 g/L; 76 mM) as the control. Rates of growth of pigs fed the low protein formula with alanine (3.4 ± 0.2% gain per day) or leucine (3.7 ± 0.2) exceeded that of pigs fed the high protein formula (2.8 ± 0.2, p = 0.02 for comparison with both low protein formulas; p = 0.01 compared with low protein + leucine). Supplementing the high protein formula with leucine or HMB did not increase growth relative to alanine (2.72 ± 0.20, 2.74 ± 0.27, and 2.52 ± 0.20, respectively). Small pigs (<700 g birth weight) grew slower during parenteral nutrition and had a more pronounced response to leucine. Females fed the high protein formulas grew faster than males, and particularly for small pigs (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen values were lower for pigs fed the low versus the high protein formulas (p < 0.05). Leucine and HMB improved growth of preterm pigs fed low, but not high protein formulas, even after controlling for birth weight and sex, which independently correlated with growth rates. They offer an option to improve growth without increasing the amino acid load, with its attendant metabolic disadvantages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Life Nutrition: From Nutrients to Systems)

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9 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Phosphatidylserine Source of Docosahexanoic Acid Improves Neurodevelopment and Survival of Preterm Pigs

by Randal K. Buddington^1,*, Victor V. Chizhikov², Igor Y. Iskusnykh², Helen J. Sable³, Jeffrey J. Sable⁴

, Zade R. Holloway³, Tamar Blumenfeld Katzir⁵, Marie Van der Merwe¹, Taisiya Yakimkova¹, Karyl K. Buddington⁶, Yael Lifshitz⁷, Shoshi Tessler⁷ and Ariel Gilbert⁷

¹ School of Health Studies, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

² Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA

³ Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

⁴ Department of Behavioral Sciences, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN 38104, USA

⁵ Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel

⁶ Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

⁷ Enzymotec, Sagi 2000 Industrial Park, Migdal HaEmeq 23106, Israel

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050637 - 18 May 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5582

Abstract

The amount, composition, and sources of nutrition support provided to preterm infants is critical for normal growth and development, and particularly for structural and functional neurodevelopment. Although omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), and particularly docosahexanoic acid (DHA), are considered of particular [...] Read more.

The amount, composition, and sources of nutrition support provided to preterm infants is critical for normal growth and development, and particularly for structural and functional neurodevelopment. Although omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), and particularly docosahexanoic acid (DHA), are considered of particular importance, results from clinical trials with preterm infants have been inconclusive because of ethical limitations and confounding variables. A translational large animal model is needed to understand the structural and functional responses to DHA. Neurodevelopment of preterm pigs was evaluated in response to feeding formulas to term-equivalent age supplemented with DHA attached to phosphatidylserine (PS-DHA) or sunflower oil as the placebo. Newborn term pigs were used as a control for normal in utero neurodevelopment. Supplementing formula with PS-DHA increased weight of the brain, and particularly the cerebellum, at term-equivalent age compared with placebo preterm pigs (P’s < 0.10 and 0.05 respectively), with a higher degree of myelination in all regions of the brain examined (all p < 0.06). Brains of pigs provided PS-DHA were similar in weight to newborn term pigs. Event-related brain potentials and performance in a novel object recognition test indicated the PS-DHA supplement accelerated development of sensory pathways and recognition memory compared with placebo preterm pigs. The PS-DHA did not increase weight gain, but was associated with higher survival. The benefits of PS-DHA include improving neurodevelopment and possibly improvement of survival, and justify further studies to define dose-response relations, compare benefits associated with other sources of DHA, and understand the mechanisms underlying the benefits and influences on the development of other tissues and organ systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Life Nutrition: From Nutrients to Systems)

11 pages, 397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cobalamin and Folate Status among Breastfed Infants in Bhaktapur, Nepal

by Ram K. Chandyo^1,2,*, Manjeswori Ulak³, Ingrid Kvestad⁴, Mari Hysing⁴, Merina Shrestha³, Suman Ranjitkar³, Arve Ulvik⁵, Per Magne Ueland⁵, Laxman Shrestha³ and Tor A. Strand^1,6,7

¹ Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway

² Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, P.O. Box 21266, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal

³ Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, P.O. Box 1524, Kathmandu, Nepal

⁴ Regional Center for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, West, Uni Research Health, P.O. Box 7810, 5020 Bergen, Norway

⁵ Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway

⁶ Innlandet Hospital Trust, P.O. Box 990, 2629 Lillehammer, Norway

⁷ Lillehammer University College, P.O. Box 952, 2604 Lillehammer, Norway

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050639 - 18 May 2018

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6211

Abstract

Cobalamin and folate are crucial micronutrients during infancy and they are required for growth and cognitive development. Due to the monotonous and predominantly vegetarian-based complementary feeding and poor maternal micronutrient status, infants from low- and middle-income countries are susceptible to cobalamin deficiency. However, [...] Read more.

Cobalamin and folate are crucial micronutrients during infancy and they are required for growth and cognitive development. Due to the monotonous and predominantly vegetarian-based complementary feeding and poor maternal micronutrient status, infants from low- and middle-income countries are susceptible to cobalamin deficiency. However, data on plasma cobalamin and folate and the functional markers methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine from breastfed infants in Nepal are still needed. We collected plasma samples from 316 6–11-month-old breastfed infants with a length-for-age of less than minus one z-score and analyzed blood for plasma folate, cobalamin, methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine concentrations. Cobalamin deficiency (plasma cobalamin <148 pmol/L) was found among 11%, whereas 24% of the infants had plasma cobalamin concentrations between 148–221 pmol/L. Elevated total homocysteine (>10 µmol/L) and methylmalonic acid (>0.28 µmol/L) indicating functional cobalamin deficiency were found among 53% and 75% of the infants, respectively. Based on a combined indicator of cobalamin status, 58% were found to have low cobalamin status. However, folate deficiency (<10 nmol/L) was not found as the lowest value of plasma folate was 20.7 nmol/L. It is important to examine the extent to which poor cobalamin status during infancy has immediate or long-term consequences. Full article

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10 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prognosis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis Patients with and without Villous Atrophy at Diagnosis

by Eriika Mansikka^1,2, Kaisa Hervonen^1,2, Katri Kaukinen^2,3, Pekka Collin⁴, Heini Huhtala⁵

, Timo Reunala^1,2 and Teea Salmi^1,2,*

¹ Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

² Celiac Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland

³ Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

⁴ Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

⁵ Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050641 - 19 May 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5586

Abstract

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease. At diagnosis, the majority of patients have villous atrophy in the small bowel mucosa. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the presence or absence of villous atrophy at diagnosis affects [...] Read more.

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease. At diagnosis, the majority of patients have villous atrophy in the small bowel mucosa. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the presence or absence of villous atrophy at diagnosis affects the long-term prognosis of DH. Data were gathered from the patient records of 352 DH and 248 coeliac disease patients, and follow-up data via questionnaires from 181 DH and 128 coeliac disease patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD). Of the DH patients, 72% had villous atrophy when DH was diagnosed, and these patients were significantly younger at diagnosis compared to those with normal small bowel mucosa (37 vs. 54 years, p < 0.001). Clinical recovery on a GFD did not differ significantly between the DH groups, nor did current adherence to a GFD, the presence of long-term illnesses, coeliac disease-related complications or gastrointestinal symptoms, or quality of life. By contrast, the coeliac disease controls had more often osteopenia/osteoporosis, thyroid diseases, malignancies and current gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the DH patients. In conclusion, villous atrophy at the time of DH diagnosis does not have an impact on the clinical recovery or long-term general health of DH patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraintestinal Manifestations of Coeliac Disease)

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15 pages, 2819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacillus plantarum Strain Ln4 Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Changes in Hepatic mRNA Levels Associated with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

by Eunjung Lee^1,*,†, So-Ra Jung¹, So-Young Lee², Na-Kyoung Lee³, Hyun-Dong Paik³ and Seong-Il Lim^4,*,†

¹ Research group of Traditional Food, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea

² Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea

³ Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea

⁴ Research Group of Healthcare, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea

^† These authors have contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050643 - 19 May 2018

Cited by 138 | Viewed by 11907

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is rapidly becoming a severe global health problem. Recent reports have suggested that the alteration of the gut ecosystem through the consumption of probiotics and fermented foods, such as yogurt [...] Read more.

The prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is rapidly becoming a severe global health problem. Recent reports have suggested that the alteration of the gut ecosystem through the consumption of probiotics and fermented foods, such as yogurt and Kimchi, can significantly impact obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related biomarkers. In this study, we screened over 400 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that were isolated from fermented foods to identify potent anti-obesogenic and diabetic probiotics in vitro. Of the strains tested, Lactobacillus plantarum Ln4 (Ln4), which was obtained from napa cabbage kimchi, significantly reduced lipid accumulation and stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration of Ln4 reduced weight gain and epididymal fat mass in mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD). Total plasma triglyceride level was significantly lower in mice that were treated Ln4 as compared with mice fed HFD. The protein levels of adipokines such as C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin-like growth factor binding proteins-3 (IGFBP-3), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) decreased in white adipose tissues of Ln4-treated mice. Furthermore, these mice exhibited a significant reduction of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the improvement of glucose tolerance (OGTT) and insulin response (ITT) following Ln4 administration. This was associated with changes in several hepatic gene expressions (increased mRNA levels of IRS2, Akt2, AMPK, LPL, and reduced CD36) that regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Taken together, these results indicate that in vitro and in vivo Ln4 treatment attenuates diet-induced obesity and T2D biomarkers, highlighting the potential of Ln4 as a therapeutic probiotic agent for metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Bioactives and Insulin Resistance)

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10 pages, 1370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Impact of Malnutrition on Health Outcomes Among Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Adults Admitted to Hospital in Regional Australia—A Prospective Cohort Study

by Natasha Morris^1,2,*, Simon Stewart³, Malcolm Riley⁴

and Graeme Maguire^5,*

¹ Monash University, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute; Melbourne 3004, Australia

² The University of Melbourne, Department of Nursing, Melbourne 3052, Australia

³ The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Cardiology Unit, Adelaide 5112, Australia

⁴ CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide 5000, Australia

⁵ Western Health, General Internal Medicine, Melbourne 3001, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050644 - 19 May 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6279

Abstract

The burden of malnutrition in Indigenous people is a major health priority and this study’s aims are to understand health outcomes among Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients. This cohort study includes 608 medical inpatients in three regional hospitals. Participants were screened for malnutrition using [...] Read more.

The burden of malnutrition in Indigenous people is a major health priority and this study’s aims are to understand health outcomes among Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients. This cohort study includes 608 medical inpatients in three regional hospitals. Participants were screened for malnutrition using the Subjective Global Assessment tool. Hospital length of stay, discharge destination, 30-day and six-month hospital readmission and survival were measured. Although no significant difference was observed between Indigenous participants who were malnourished or nourished (p = 0.120), malnourished Indigenous participants were more likely to be readmitted back into hospital within 30 days (Relative Risk (RR) 1.53, 95% CI 1.19–1.97, p = 0.002) and six months (RR 1.40, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.05–1.88, p = 0.018), and less likely to be alive at six months (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.20–2.21, p = 0.015) than non-Indigenous participants. Malnutrition was associated with higher mortality (Hazards Ratio (HR) 3.32, 95% CI 1.87–5.89, p < 0.001) for all participants, and independent predictors for six-month mortality included being malnourished (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.16–3.79, p = 0.014), advanced age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, p = 0.001), increased acute disease severity (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score, HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.002) and higher chronic disease index (Charlson Comorbidity Index, HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.16–3.79, p = 0.014). Malnutrition in regional Australia is associated with increased healthcare utilization and decreased survival. New approaches to malnutrition-risk screening, increased dietetic resourcing and nutrition programs to proactively identify and address malnutrition in this context are urgently required. Full article

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10 pages, 429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Athletes’ Pre-Exercise Fluid Intake: A Theoretical Integration Approach

by Chunxiao Li^1,*,†

, Feng-Hua Sun^1,†

, Liancheng Zhang² and Derwin King Chung Chan³

¹ Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

² Key Laboratory of Competitive Sport Psychological and Physiological Regulation, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China

³ School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

^† Co-first authors.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050646 - 21 May 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5125

Abstract

Pre-exercise fluid intake is an important healthy behavior for maintaining athletes’ sports performances and health. However, athletes’ behavioral adherence to fluid intake and its underlying psychological mechanisms have not been investigated. This prospective study aimed to use a health psychology model that integrates [...] Read more.

Pre-exercise fluid intake is an important healthy behavior for maintaining athletes’ sports performances and health. However, athletes’ behavioral adherence to fluid intake and its underlying psychological mechanisms have not been investigated. This prospective study aimed to use a health psychology model that integrates the self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior for understanding pre-exercise fluid intake among athletes. Participants (n = 179) were athletes from college sport teams who completed surveys at two time points. Baseline (Time 1) assessment comprised psychological variables of the integrated model (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention) and fluid intake (i.e., behavior) was measured prospectively at one month (Time 2). Path analysis showed that the positive association between autonomous motivation and intention was mediated by subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. Controlled motivation positively predicted the subjective norm. Intentions positively predicted pre-exercise fluid intake behavior. Overall, the pattern of results was generally consistent with the integrated model, and it was suggested that athletes’ pre-exercise fluid intake behaviors were associated with the motivational and social cognitive factors of the model. The research findings could be informative for coaches and sport scientists to promote athletes’ pre-exercise fluid intake behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Beverages on Ingestive Behavior)

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12 pages, 1649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Water Extract on RAW 264.7 Induced with Lipopolysaccharide

by Young-Jin Kim, Ji Young Lee, Hyun-Ju Kim, Do-Hoon Kim, Tae Hee Lee, Mi Suk Kang and Wansu Park^*

College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seong-nam 13120, Korea

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050647 - 21 May 2018

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6825

Abstract

The dry root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, also known as “female ginseng”, is a popular herbal drug amongst women, used to treat a variety of health issues and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism [...] Read more.

The dry root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, also known as “female ginseng”, is a popular herbal drug amongst women, used to treat a variety of health issues and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism for anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica sinensis root water extract (ASW). The anti-inflammatory effect of ASW on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT), Griess reagent assay, multiplex cytokine assay, real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Fluo-4 calcium assay. ASW restored cell viability in RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 200 µg/mL. ASW showed notable anti-inflammatory effects. ASW exhibited IC₅₀ = 954.3, 387.3, 191.7, 317.8, 1267.0, 347.0, 110.1, 573.6, 1171.0, 732.6, 980.8, 125.0, and 257.0 µg/mL for interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, IL-10, and intracellular calcium, respectively. Additionally, ASW inhibited the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and the LPS-induced mRNA expression of CHOP (GADD153), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), first apoptosis signal receptor (FAS), and c-Fos, NOS2, and PTGS2 (COX2) in RAW 264.7 significantly (p < 0.05). Data suggest that ASW exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 via NO-bursting/calcium-mediated JAK-STAT pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation- An Ancient Battle. What are the Roles of Nutrients?)

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11 pages, 514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Metabolic Syndrome in the General Korean Population

by Hye-Young Kim^1,2

, Jeonghee Lee¹

and Jeongseon Kim^1,*

¹ Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si 10408, Korea

² Department of Foods and Nutrition, Yongin University, Yongin 17092, Korea

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050648 - 21 May 2018

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 7048

Abstract

Inflammation is thought to be partly responsible for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recently, dietary inflammatory index (DII) was developed to calculate the overall inflammatory potential of a diet. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between DII and MetS, as well [...] Read more.

Inflammation is thought to be partly responsible for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recently, dietary inflammatory index (DII) was developed to calculate the overall inflammatory potential of a diet. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between DII and MetS, as well as MetS components, using nationally representative survey data. The study sample consisted of 9291 Korean adults (aged 19–65 years, 3682 men and 5609 women) who participated in the sixth (2013–2015) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. DII values were calculated using 24-h dietary recall data. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between DII and MetS by sex. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the top DII quartile (Q4), was positively associated with MetS prevalence in men (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.06–1.85; p for linear trend = 0.008) and in postmenopausal women (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.15–2.44; p for linear trend = 0.008). The top DII quartile was also positively associated with the prevalence of hyperglycemia in men and the prevalence of central obesity in postmenopausal women. Further studies using prospective cohorts are needed to identify the causal relationship between DII and MetS. Full article

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10 pages, 2154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Phospholipid Patterns in NAFLD Patients Associated with a Combination of Metabolic Risk Factors

by Shilpa Tiwari-Heckler, Hongying Gan-Schreier, Wolfgang Stremmel, Walee Chamulitrat and Anita Pathil^*

Department of Internal Medicine IV, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050649 - 21 May 2018

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 7536

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with inefficient macro- and micronutrient metabolism, and alteration of circulating phospholipid compositions defines the signature of NAFLD. This current study aimed to assess the pattern of serum phospholipids in the spectrum of NAFLD, and its [...] Read more.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with inefficient macro- and micronutrient metabolism, and alteration of circulating phospholipid compositions defines the signature of NAFLD. This current study aimed to assess the pattern of serum phospholipids in the spectrum of NAFLD, and its related comorbidities and genetic modifications. Methods: 97 patients with diagnosed NAFLD were recruited at a single center during 2013–2016. Based on histological and transient elastography assessment, 69 patients were divided into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) subgroups. 28 patients served as healthy controls. Serum phospholipids were determined by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The total content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin in the serum was significantly increased in NAFL and NASH patients, compared to healthy controls. In addition, serum lysophospatidylethanolamine levels were significantly decreased in NAFL and NASH individuals. Circulating PC species, containing linoleic and α-linolenic acids, were markedly increased in NAFLD patients with hypertension, compared to NAFLD patients without hypertension. The pattern of phospholipids did not differ between NAFLD patients with diabetes and those without diabetes. However, NAFLD patients with hyperglycemia (blood glucose level (BGL) >100 mg/dL) exhibited significantly a higher amount of monounsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine than those with low blood glucose levels. In addition, NAFLD patients with proven GG-genotype of PNPLA3, who were at higher risk for the development of progressive disease with fibrosis, showed lower levels of circulating plasmalogens, especially 16:0, compared to those with CC- and CG-allele. Conclusions: Our extended lipidomic study presents a unique metabolic profile of circulating phospholipids associated with the presence of metabolic risk factors or the genetic background of NAFLD patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intake and the Risk for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD))

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17 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Iron Bioavailability: Agreement between Estimation Methods and Association with Serum Ferritin Concentrations in Women of Childbearing Age

by Eduardo De Carli¹

, Gisele Cristina Dias¹, Juliana Massami Morimoto², Dirce Maria Lobo Marchioni³ and Célia Colli^1,*

¹ Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil

² Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo 01302-907, Brazil

³ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-904, Brazil

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050650 - 21 May 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6682

Abstract

Predictive iron bioavailability (FeBio) methods aimed at evaluating the association between diet and body iron have been proposed, but few studies explored their validity and practical usefulness in epidemiological studies. In this cross-sectional study involving 127 women (18–42 years) with presumably steady-state body [...] Read more.

Predictive iron bioavailability (FeBio) methods aimed at evaluating the association between diet and body iron have been proposed, but few studies explored their validity and practical usefulness in epidemiological studies. In this cross-sectional study involving 127 women (18–42 years) with presumably steady-state body iron balance, correlations were checked among various FeBio estimates (probabilistic approach and meal-based and diet-based algorithms) and serum ferritin (SF) concentrations. Iron deficiency was defined as SF < 15 µg/L. Pearson correlation, Friedman test, and linear regression were employed. Iron intake and prevalence of iron deficiency were 10.9 mg/day and 12.6%. Algorithm estimates were strongly correlated (0.69≤ r ≥0.85; p < 0.001), although diet-based models (8.5–8.9%) diverged from meal-based models (11.6–12.8%; p < 0.001). Still, all algorithms underestimated the probabilistic approach (17.2%). No significant association was found between SF and FeBio from Monsen (1978), Reddy (2000), and Armah (2013) algorithms. Nevertheless, there was a 30–37% difference in SF concentrations between women stratified at extreme tertiles of FeBio from Hallberg and Hulthén (2000) and Collings’ (2013) models. The results demonstrate discordance of FeBio from probabilistic approach and algorithm methods while suggesting two models with best performances to rank individuals according to their bioavailable iron intakes. Full article

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12 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Jennifer L. P. Protudjer^1,2,*, Ola Olén^3,4,5

, Mirja Vetander^2,4, Inger Kull^2,4,5, Erik Melén^2,4, Marianne Van Hage⁶, Magnus Wickman^2,7 and Anna Bergström^1,2

¹ Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden

² Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 11 Stockholm, Sweden

³ Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden

⁴ Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital, The South General Hospital, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden

⁵ Department of Clinical Science and Education, Sodersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden

⁶ Department of Medicine Solna, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden

⁷ Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, 751 85 Eskiltuna, Sweden

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050651 - 21 May 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5219

Abstract

Cow’s milk often causes symptoms in infants. Whereas, some continue to experience symptoms through childhood, others become tolerant. Yet, the ages at which persistence and tolerance occur are less clear. Thus, we examined the age of onset and persistence of milk-related symptoms from [...] Read more.

Cow’s milk often causes symptoms in infants. Whereas, some continue to experience symptoms through childhood, others become tolerant. Yet, the ages at which persistence and tolerance occur are less clear. Thus, we examined the age of onset and persistence of milk-related symptoms from early life to adolescence, and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) milk reactivity, focusing on gender differences in a large, population-based birth cohort. Overall, 20.0% (537/2985) of children, with a comparable gender distribution, had early life milk-related symptoms. At 16y, approximately 2% (62/2985) children had persistent symptoms and high milk IgE levels (e.g., median at 4 years: 1.5 kU_A/L) that were beginning in early life. In contrast, 94% had transient symptoms and low median IgE levels (early life: 0.63 kU_A/L, 8y: 0.72 kU_A/L; 16 years: 1.1 kU_A/L). Also, at 16 years, approximately 6% of females and 3% of males without any previously reported symptoms reported adolescent-onset of symptoms (p < 0.001). Such symptoms were almost exclusively gastrointestinal symptoms and were not associated with detectable IgE. In conclusion, early life milk-related symptoms are common, although most cases are transient by 16 years. Twice as many females vs. males report adolescent-onset symptoms, and particularly gastrointestinal symptoms. Children with persistent symptoms have both a higher prevalence and higher milk IgE levels, as compared to other phenotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Diet and Gastrointestinal Digestion to Food Allergy)

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15 pages, 3290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Choline Supplementation Prevents a Hallmark Disturbance of Kwashiorkor in Weanling Mice Fed a Maize Vegetable Diet: Hepatic Steatosis of Undernutrition

by Thaddaeus May^1,*,†, Kevin C. Klatt^2,*,†, Jacob Smith³, Eumenia Castro¹, Mark Manary⁴, Marie A. Caudill², Farook Jahoor¹ and Marta L. Fiorotto¹

¹ Childrens’ Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA

² Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

³ University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, 1210 West Schunior Street, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA

⁴ Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050653 - 22 May 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6532

Abstract

Hepatic steatosis is a hallmark feature of kwashiorkor malnutrition. However, the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor is uncertain. Our objective was to develop a mouse model of childhood undernutrition in order to test the hypothesis that feeding a maize vegetable diet (MVD), [...] Read more.

Hepatic steatosis is a hallmark feature of kwashiorkor malnutrition. However, the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor is uncertain. Our objective was to develop a mouse model of childhood undernutrition in order to test the hypothesis that feeding a maize vegetable diet (MVD), like that consumed by children at risk for kwashiorkor, will cause hepatic steatosis which is prevented by supplementation with choline. A MVD was developed with locally sourced organic ingredients, and fed to weanling mice (n = 9) for 6 or 13 days. An additional group of mice (n = 4) were fed a choline supplemented MVD. Weight, body composition, and liver changes were compared to control mice (n = 10) at the beginning and end of the study. The MVD resulted in reduced weight gain and hepatic steatosis. Choline supplementation prevented hepatic steatosis and was associated with increased hepatic concentrations of the methyl donor betaine. Our findings show that (1) feeding a MVD to weanling mice rapidly induces hepatic steatosis, which is a hallmark disturbance of kwashiorkor; and that (2) hepatic steatosis associated with feeding a MVD is prevented by choline supplementation. These findings support the concept that insufficient choline intake may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Aspects of Dietary Choline)

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18 pages, 1215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Metabolites Associated with Alcohol Intake in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Cohort

by Eline H. Van Roekel¹, Laura Trijsburg², Nada Assi², Marion Carayol^3,4

, David Achaintre⁵, Neil Murphy⁶, Sabina Rinaldi⁵, Julie A. Schmidt⁷

, Magdalena Stepien⁶, Rudolf Kaaks⁸, Tilman Kühn⁸, Heiner Boeing⁹, Khalid Iqbal⁹

, Domenico Palli¹⁰, Vittorio Krogh¹¹

, Rosario Tumino¹², Fulvio Ricceri^13,14

, Salvatore Panico¹⁵, Petra H. Peeters¹⁶, Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita^17,18,19,20, Eva Ardanaz^21,22,23, Leila Lujan-Barroso²⁴

, J. Ramón Quirós²⁵, José M. Huerta^23,26

, Elena Molina-Portillo^23,27, Miren Dorronsoro²⁸, Konstantinos K. Tsilidis^29,30

, Elio Riboli²⁹, Agnetha Linn Rostgaard-Hansen³¹

, Anne Tjønneland³¹

, Kim Overvad^32,33, Elisabete Weiderpass^34,35,36,37

, Marie-Christine Boutron-Ruault^38,39, Gianluca Severi^38,39,40, Antonia Trichopoulou^41,42, Anna Karakatsani^41,43, Anastasia Kotanidou^41,44

, Anders Håkansson⁴⁵

, Johan Malm⁴⁶, Matty P. Weijenberg¹

, Marc J. Gunter⁶, Mazda Jenab⁶, Mattias Johansson⁴⁷, Ruth C. Travis⁷, Augustin Scalbert⁵

and Pietro Ferrari^2,* Show full author list Hide full author list

¹ Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229 HA Maastricht, The Netherlands

² Nutritional Methodology and Biostatistics Group, Nutrition and Metabolism Section, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), 69372 Lyon, France

³ Epidaure, Prevention Department of the Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), 34298 Montpellier, France

⁴ Laboratoire Epsylon, Paul Valery University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France

⁵ Biomarkers Group, Nutrition and Metabolism Section, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), 69372 Lyon, France

⁶ Nutritional Epidemiology Group, Nutrition and Metabolism Section, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), 69372 Lyon, France

⁷ Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK

⁸ Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

⁹ Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany

¹⁰ Cancer Risk Factors and Life-Style Epidemiology Unit, Cancer Research and Prevention Institute—ISPO, 50141 Florence, Italy

¹¹ Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy

¹² Cancer Registry and Histopathology Department, Civic—M.P.Arezzo Hospital, ASP, 97100 Ragusa, Italy

¹³ Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy

¹⁴ Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASL TO3, 10095 Turin, Italy

¹⁵ Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy

¹⁶ Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands

¹⁷ Former Senior Scientist, Dept. for Determinants of Chronic Diseases (DCD), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands

¹⁸ Former Associate Professor, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands

¹⁹ Visiting Professor, Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK

²⁰ Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

²¹ Navarra Public Health Institute, 31003 Pamplona, Spain

²² IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain

²³ CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain

²⁴ Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Research Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology-IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain

²⁵ Public Health Directorate, 33005 Oviedo, Spain

²⁶ Department of Epidemiology, Murcia Regional Health Council, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30008 Murcia, Spain

²⁷ Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain

²⁸ Basque Regional Health Department, Public Health Direction and Biodonostia Research Institute CIBERESP, 20014 Donostia, Spain

²⁹ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK

³⁰ Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, 45110 Ioannina, Greece

³¹ Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

³² Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

³³ Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark

³⁴ Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway

³⁵ Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Institute of Population-Based Cancer Research, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway

³⁶ Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden

³⁷ Genetic Epidemiology Group, Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland

³⁸ CESP “Health across Generations”, INSERM, Univ Paris-Sud, UVSQ, Univ Paris-Saclay, 94800 Villejuif, France

³⁹ Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France

⁴⁰ Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Cancer Council Victoria and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia

⁴¹ Hellenic Health Foundation, 115 27 Athens, Greece

⁴² WHO Collaborating Center for Nutrition and Health, Unit of Nutritional Epidemiology and Nutrition in Public Health, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece

⁴³ 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “ATTIKON” University Hospital, 124 62 Haidari, Greece

⁴⁴ 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, University of Athens Medical School, Evangelismos Hospital, 10675 Athens, Greece

⁴⁵ Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden

⁴⁶ Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Chemistry, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden

⁴⁷ Genetic Epidemiology Group, Section of Genetics, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), 69372 Lyon, France

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050654 - 22 May 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8138

Abstract

Identifying the metabolites associated with alcohol consumption may provide insights into the metabolic pathways through which alcohol may affect human health. We studied associations of alcohol consumption with circulating concentrations of 123 metabolites among 2974 healthy participants from the European Prospective Investigation into [...] Read more.

Identifying the metabolites associated with alcohol consumption may provide insights into the metabolic pathways through which alcohol may affect human health. We studied associations of alcohol consumption with circulating concentrations of 123 metabolites among 2974 healthy participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Alcohol consumption at recruitment was self-reported through dietary questionnaires. Metabolite concentrations were measured by tandem mass spectrometry (BIOCRATES AbsoluteIDQTM p180 kit). Data were randomly divided into discovery (2/3) and replication (1/3) sets. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate confounder-adjusted associations of alcohol consumption with metabolite concentrations. Metabolites significantly related to alcohol intake in the discovery set (FDR q-value < 0.05) were further tested in the replication set (Bonferroni-corrected p-value < 0.05). Of the 72 metabolites significantly related to alcohol intake in the discovery set, 34 were also significant in the replication analysis, including three acylcarnitines, the amino acid citrulline, four lysophosphatidylcholines, 13 diacylphosphatidylcholines, seven acyl-alkylphosphatidylcholines, and six sphingomyelins. Our results confirmed earlier findings that alcohol consumption was associated with several lipid metabolites, and possibly also with specific acylcarnitines and amino acids. This provides further leads for future research studies aiming at elucidating the mechanisms underlying the effects of alcohol in relation to morbid conditions. Full article

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15 pages, 7888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Nutrition and Health Claims on Consumer Perceptions and Portion Size Selection: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey

by Tony Benson¹, Fiona Lavelle¹, Tamara Bucher^2,3

, Amanda McCloat⁴, Elaine Mooney⁴, Bernadette Egan⁵, Clare E. Collins^2,3

and Moira Dean^1,*

¹ Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK

² School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

³ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

⁴ Department of Home Economics, St. Angela’s College, F91 C634 Sligo, Ireland

⁵ Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050656 - 22 May 2018

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 11662

Abstract

Nutrition and health claims on foods can help consumers make healthier food choices. However, claims may have a ‘halo’ effect, influencing consumer perceptions of foods and increasing consumption. Evidence for these effects are typically demonstrated in experiments with small samples, limiting generalisability. The [...] Read more.

Nutrition and health claims on foods can help consumers make healthier food choices. However, claims may have a ‘halo’ effect, influencing consumer perceptions of foods and increasing consumption. Evidence for these effects are typically demonstrated in experiments with small samples, limiting generalisability. The current study aimed to overcome this limitation through the use of a nationally representative survey. In a cross-sectional survey of 1039 adults across the island of Ireland, respondents were presented with three different claims (nutrition claim = “Low in fat”; health claim = “With plant sterols. Proven to lower cholesterol”; satiety claim = “Fuller for longer”) on four different foods (cereal, soup, lasagne, and yoghurt). Participants answered questions on perceived healthiness, tastiness, and fillingness of the products with different claims and also selected a portion size they would consume. Claims influenced fillingness perceptions of some of the foods. However, there was little influence of claims on tastiness or healthiness perceptions or the portion size selected. Psychological factors such as consumers’ familiarity with foods carrying claims and belief in the claims were the most consistent predictors of perceptions and portion size selection. Future research should identify additional consumer factors that may moderate the relationships between claims, perceptions, and consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Portion Size in Relation to Diet and Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cerebral Blood Flow Measurements in Adults: A Review on the Effects of Dietary Factors and Exercise

by Peter J. Joris^1,*

, Ronald P. Mensink¹, Tanja C. Adam¹ and Thomas T. Liu²

¹ Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

² Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0677, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050530 - 25 Apr 2018

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 14651

Abstract

Improving cerebrovascular function may be a key mechanism whereby a healthy lifestyle, of which a healthy diet combined with increased physical activity levels is a cornerstone, protects against cognitive impairments. In this respect, effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF)—a sensitive physiological marker of [...] Read more.

Improving cerebrovascular function may be a key mechanism whereby a healthy lifestyle, of which a healthy diet combined with increased physical activity levels is a cornerstone, protects against cognitive impairments. In this respect, effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF)—a sensitive physiological marker of cerebrovascular function—are of major interest. This review summarizes the impact of specific dietary determinants and physical exercise on CBF in adults and discusses the relation between these effects with potential changes in cognitive function. A limited number of randomized controlled trials have already demonstrated the beneficial effects of an acute intake of nitrate and polyphenols on CBF, but evidence for a relationship between these effects as well as improvements in cognitive functioning is limited. Moreover, long-term trans-resveratrol supplementation has been shown to increase CBF in populations at increased risk of accelerated cognitive decline. Long-term supplementation of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may also increase CBF, but related effects on cognitive performance have not yet been found. Significant decreases in cerebral perfusion were observed by commonly consumed amounts of caffeine, while alcohol intake was shown to increase CBF in a dose-dependent way. However, the long-term effects are not clear. Finally, long-term exercise training may be a promising approach to improve CBF, as increases in perfusion may contribute to the beneficial effects on cognitive functioning observed following increased physical activity levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients for Cardiometabolic Health and Brain Function)

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12 pages, 980 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Vitamin D Requirements for the Future—Lessons Learned and Charting a Path Forward

by Kevin D. Cashman

Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, T12 Y337 Cork, Ireland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050533 - 25 Apr 2018

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 8861

Abstract

Estimates of dietary requirements for vitamin D or Dietary Reference Values (DRV) are crucial from a public health perspective in providing a framework for prevention of vitamin D deficiency and optimizing vitamin D status of individuals. While these important public health policy instruments [...] Read more.

Estimates of dietary requirements for vitamin D or Dietary Reference Values (DRV) are crucial from a public health perspective in providing a framework for prevention of vitamin D deficiency and optimizing vitamin D status of individuals. While these important public health policy instruments were developed with the evidence-base and data available at the time, there are some issues that need to be clarified or considered in future iterations of DRV for vitamin D. This is important as it will allow for more fine-tuned and truer estimates of the dietary requirements for vitamin D and thus provide for more population protection. The present review will overview some of the confusion that has arisen in relation to the application and/or interpretation of the definitions of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). It will also highlight some of the clarifications needed and, in particular, how utilization of a new approach in terms of using individual participant-level data (IPD), over and beyond aggregated data, from randomised controlled trials with vitamin D may have a key role in generating these more fine-tuned and truer estimates, which is of importance as we move towards the next iteration of vitamin D DRVs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Times for Vitamin D and Health)

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9 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Enteral Nutrition in the Management of Pediatric and Adult Crohn’s Disease

by Tawnya Hansen and Donald R. Duerksen^*

Max Rady College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050537 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 11173

Abstract

Genetic and environmental factors are thought to profoundly influence the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease (CD). Changes in dietary and hygiene patterns affect the interactions between the immune system and environment. The gut microbiome is responsible for mediating host immune response with significant dysbiosis [...] Read more.

Genetic and environmental factors are thought to profoundly influence the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease (CD). Changes in dietary and hygiene patterns affect the interactions between the immune system and environment. The gut microbiome is responsible for mediating host immune response with significant dysbiosis observed in individuals with CD. Diet therapy using exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has been studied as primary therapy for the management of CD. EEN may cultivate the presence of beneficial microbiota, improve bile acid metabolism, and decrease the number of dietary microparticles possibly influencing disease and immune activity. In this review, we will address the current evidence on EEN in the management of adult and pediatric CD. In adults, EEN appears to be moderately beneficial for the induction of remission of CD; however, its use is understudied and underutilized. Stronger evidence is in place to support the use of EEN in pediatric CD with the added benefit of nutrition support and steroid-sparing therapy during the growth phase. Overall, EEN is an established therapy in inducing CD remission in the pediatric population while its role as primary therapy of adult Crohn’s disease remains to be defined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enteral Nutrition)

11 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Low-Protein Diet for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Its Effect and Molecular Mechanism, an Approach from Animal Studies

by Munehiro Kitada^1,2,*, Yoshio Ogura¹, Itaru Monno¹ and Daisuke Koya^1,2

¹ Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan

² Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050544 - 27 Apr 2018

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 11422

Abstract

A low-protein diet (LPD) can be expected to retard renal function decline in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and is recommended in a clinical setting. Regarding the molecular mechanisms of an LPD against DKD, previous animal [...] Read more.

A low-protein diet (LPD) can be expected to retard renal function decline in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and is recommended in a clinical setting. Regarding the molecular mechanisms of an LPD against DKD, previous animal studies have shown that an LPD exerts reno-protection through mainly the improvement of glomerular hyperfiltration/hypertension due to the reduction of intraglomerular pressure. On the other hand, we have demonstrated that an LPD, particularly a very-LPD (VLPD), improved tubulo-interstitial damage, inflammation and fibrosis, through the restoration of autophagy via the reduction of a mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity in type 2 diabetes and obesity animal models. Thus, based on animal studies, a VLPD may show a more beneficial effect against advanced DKD. Previous clinical reports have also shown that a VLPD, not a moderate LPD, slows the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with chronic glomerular nephritis. However, there is insufficient clinical data regarding the beneficial effects of a VLPD against DKD. Additionally, the patients with CKD, including DKD, are a high-risk group for malnutrition, such as protein–energy wasting (PEW), sarcopenia, and frailty. Therefore, an LPD, including a VLPD, should be prescribed to patients when the benefits of an LPD outweigh the risks, upon consideration of adherence, age, and nutritional status. As the future predicts, the development of a VLPD replacement therapy without malnutrition may be expected for reno-protection against the advanced stages of DKD, through the regulation of mTORC1 activity and adequate autophagy induction. However, further studies to elucidate detailed mechanisms by which a VLPD exerts reno-protection are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Renal Function)

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15 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessReview

Egg and Soy-Derived Peptides and Hydrolysates: A Review of Their Physiological Actions against Diabetes and Obesity

by Stepheny C. de Campos Zani¹

, Jianping Wu^2,* and Catherine B. Chan^1,2,*

¹ Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada

² Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050549 - 28 Apr 2018

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 6602

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are two chronic conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome and their prevalences are increasing worldwide. The investigation of food protein-derived bioactive peptides that can improve the pathophysiology of diabetes or obesity while causing minimal side effects is desired. [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are two chronic conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome and their prevalences are increasing worldwide. The investigation of food protein-derived bioactive peptides that can improve the pathophysiology of diabetes or obesity while causing minimal side effects is desired. Egg and soy proteins generate bioactive peptides with multiple biological effects, exerting nutritional and physiological benefits. This review focuses on the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of egg- and soy-derived peptides and hydrolysates in vivo and in vitro relevant to these conditions. Studies using the intact protein were considered only when comparing the results with the hydrolysate or peptides. In vivo evidence suggests that bioactive peptides from egg and soy can potentially be used to manage elements of glucose homeostasis in metabolic syndrome; however, the mechanisms of action on glucose and insulin metabolism, and the interaction between peptides and their molecular targets remain unclear. Optimizing the production of egg- and soy-derived peptides and standardizing the physiological models to study their effects on diabetes and obesity could help to clarify the effects of these bioactive peptides in metabolic syndrome-related conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Bioactive Peptides on Human Health)

13 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessReview

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaneoic Acid (DHA) in Muscle Damage and Function

by Eisuke Ochi^1,*

and Yosuke Tsuchiya²

¹ Faculty of Bioscience and Applied Chemistry, Hosei University 3-7-2, Kajino, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8584, Japan

² Faculty of Modern life, Teikyo Heisei University 4-22-2, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8530, Japan

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050552 - 29 Apr 2018

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 22033

Abstract

Nutritional supplementation not only helps in improving and maintaining performance in sports and exercise, but also contributes in reducing exercise fatigue and in recovery from exhaustion. Fish oil contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid [...] Read more.

Nutritional supplementation not only helps in improving and maintaining performance in sports and exercise, but also contributes in reducing exercise fatigue and in recovery from exhaustion. Fish oil contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3). It is widely known that omega-3 fatty acids are effective for improving cardiac function, depression, cognitive function, and blood as well as lowering blood pressure. In the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and exercise performance, previous studies have been predicted improved endurance performance, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, and effectivity against delayed-onset muscle soreness. However, the optimal dose, duration, and timing remain unclear. This review focuses on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid on muscle damage and function as evaluated by human and animal studies and summarizes its effects on muscle and nerve damage, and muscle mass and strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition)

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13 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Vitamin D–Folate Hypothesis as an Evolutionary Model for Skin Pigmentation: An Update and Integration of Current Ideas

by Patrice Jones¹

, Mark Lucock^1,*, Martin Veysey² and Emma Beckett^1,3

¹ School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia

² Hull-York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK

³ School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050554 - 30 Apr 2018

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 19986

Abstract

Vitamin D is unique in being generated in our skin following ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Ongoing research into vitamin D must therefore always consider the influence of UVR on vitamin D processes. The close relationship between vitamin D and UVR forms the basis [...] Read more.

Vitamin D is unique in being generated in our skin following ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Ongoing research into vitamin D must therefore always consider the influence of UVR on vitamin D processes. The close relationship between vitamin D and UVR forms the basis of the “vitamin D–folate hypothesis”, a popular theory for why human skin colour has evolved as an apparent adaption to UVR environments. Vitamin D and folate have disparate sensitivities to UVR; whilst vitamin D may be synthesised following UVR exposure, folate may be degraded. The vitamin D–folate hypothesis proposes that skin pigmentation has evolved as a balancing mechanism, maintaining levels of these vitamins. There are several alternative theories that counter the vitamin D–folate hypothesis. However, there is significant overlap between these theories and the now known actions of vitamin D and folate in the skin. The focus of this review is to present an update on the vitamin D–folate hypothesis by integrating these current theories and discussing new evidence that supports associations between vitamin D and folate genetics, UVR, and skin pigmentation. In light of recent human migrations and seasonality in disease, the need for ongoing research into potential UVR-responsive processes within the body is also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Times for Vitamin D and Health)

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26 pages, 415 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Status and Nutritional Treatment Are Related to Outcomes and Mortality in Older Adults with Hip Fracture

by Vincenzo Malafarina^1,2,*

, Jean-Yves Reginster^3,4,5, Sonia Cabrerizo⁶, Olivier Bruyère^3,4, John A. Kanis^7,8, J. Alfredo Martinez^1,9,10,11,12

and M. Angeles Zulet^1,9,10,11

¹ Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain

² Geriatric Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain

³ Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, CHUB23, 4000, Liège, Belgium

⁴ WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, Liège, Belgium

⁵ King Saud University, 11692 Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

⁶ Dietician Researcher; 08025 Barcelona, Spain, sonia.abril51@gmail.com

⁷ Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK

⁸ Institute for Health and Aging, Catholic University of Australia, Fitzroy VIC 3065 Melbourne, Australia

⁹ Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain

¹⁰ CIBERobn, Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain

¹¹ Centre for Nutrition Research, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain

¹² IMDEA Food, Research Institute on Food & Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain.

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050555 - 30 Apr 2018

Cited by 255 | Viewed by 18624

Abstract

Malnutrition is very prevalent in geriatric patients with hip fracture. Nevertheless, its importance is not fully recognized. The objective of this paper is to review the impact of malnutrition and of nutritional treatment upon outcomes and mortality in older people with hip fracture. [...] Read more.

Malnutrition is very prevalent in geriatric patients with hip fracture. Nevertheless, its importance is not fully recognized. The objective of this paper is to review the impact of malnutrition and of nutritional treatment upon outcomes and mortality in older people with hip fracture. We searched the PubMed database for studies evaluating nutritional aspects in people aged 70 years and over with hip fracture. The total number of studies included in the review was 44, which analyzed 26,281 subjects (73.5% women, 83.6 ± 7.2 years old). Older people with hip fracture presented an inadequate nutrient intake for their requirements, which caused deterioration in their already compromised nutritional status. The prevalence of malnutrition was approximately 18.7% using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) (large or short form) as a diagnostic tool, but the prevalence was greater (45.7%) if different criteria were used (such as Body Mass Index (BMI), weight loss, or albumin concentration). Low scores in anthropometric indices were associated with a higher prevalence of complications during hospitalization and with a worse functional recovery. Despite improvements in the treatment of geriatric patients with hip fracture, mortality was still unacceptably high (30% within 1 year and up to 40% within 3 years). Malnutrition was associated with an increase in mortality. Nutritional intervention was cost effective and was associated with an improvement in nutritional status and a greater functional recovery. To conclude, in older people, the prevention of malnutrition and an early nutritional intervention can improve recovery following a hip fracture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Ageing)

12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Breakfast in Human Nutrition: The International Breakfast Research Initiative

by Michael J. Gibney^1,*

, Susan I. Barr²

, France Bellisle³, Adam Drewnowski⁴, Sisse Fagt⁵, Barbara Livingstone⁶

, Gabriel Masset⁷

, Gregorio Varela Moreiras⁸, Luis A. Moreno⁹

, Jessica Smith¹⁰, Florent Vieux¹¹, Frank Thielecke¹² and Sinead Hopkins⁷

¹ Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland

² Department of Food, Nutrition & Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada

³ Nutri Psy Consult, 91 rue de la Sante, 75013 Paris, France

⁴ Center for Public Health Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3410, USA

⁵ Division for Risk Assessment and Nutrition, The National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

⁶ Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK

⁷ Cereal Partners Worldwide, CH-1350 Orbe, Switzerland

⁸ Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEU San Pablo University, 28668 Madrid, Spain

⁹ GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain

¹⁰ Bell Institute of Health, Nutrition and Food Safety, General Mills, Minneapolis, MN 55427-3870, USA

¹¹ MS-Nutrition, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France

¹² Thielecke Consultancy, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050559 - 1 May 2018

Cited by 144 | Viewed by 49035

Abstract

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day and in recent years has been implicated in weight control, cardio-metabolic risk factors and cognitive performance although, at present, the literature remains inconclusive as to the precise health benefits of [...] Read more.

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day and in recent years has been implicated in weight control, cardio-metabolic risk factors and cognitive performance although, at present, the literature remains inconclusive as to the precise health benefits of breakfast. There are extensive reports of breakfast’s contributions to daily food and nutrient intakes, as well as many studies that have compared daily food and nutrient intakes by breakfast consumers and skippers. However, significant variation exists in the definitions of breakfast and breakfast skippers, and in methods used to relate breakfast nutrient intakes to overall diet quality. The present review describes a novel and harmonised approach to the study of the nutritional impact of breakfast through The International Breakfast research Initiative involving national dietary survey data from Canada, Denmark, France, Spain, the UK and the USA. It is anticipated that the analysis of such data along harmonised lines, will allow the project to achieve its primary goal of exploring approaches to defining optimal breakfast food and nutrient intakes. Such data will be of value to public health nutrition policy-makers and food manufacturers and will also allow consistent messaging to help consumers to optimize food choices at breakfast. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Breakfast Research Consortium)

11 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Evidence of Thresholds for Beneficial Effects from Vitamin D Supplementation

by Robert Scragg

School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050561 - 3 May 2018

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 8085

Abstract

Publications from clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation have increased substantially over the last 15 years. Yet, despite the growing number of randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses of these studies have drawn inconsistent conclusions. Many meta-analyses assume that vitamin D is a pharmacological agent, [...] Read more.

Publications from clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation have increased substantially over the last 15 years. Yet, despite the growing number of randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses of these studies have drawn inconsistent conclusions. Many meta-analyses assume that vitamin D is a pharmacological agent, and give scant consideration of it being a nutrient. This limits their potential to detect beneficial effects in participants with vitamin D deficiency. An increasing body of evidence from both observational studies and clinical trials supports the presence of thresholds in vitamin D status below which disease risk increases and vitamin supplementation has beneficial effects. Future supplementation trials which seek to replicate these findings should recruit sufficient numbers of participants with low vitamin D levels, and not give low-dose vitamin D to the placebo group. If the presence of vitamin D thresholds for beneficial effects is confirmed, this would strengthen the need for vitamin D fortification of foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Times for Vitamin D and Health)

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13 pages, 2763 KiB

Open AccessReview

Blood Ammonia as a Possible Etiological Agent for Alzheimer’s Disease

by Yan Yan Jin^†, Parul Singh^†, Hea-Jong Chung and Seong-Tschool Hong^*

¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Chonbuk 54907, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050564 - 4 May 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9913

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by cognitive decline and devastating neurodegeneration, is the most common age-related dementia. Since AD is a typical example of a complex disease that is affected by various genetic and environmental factors, various factors could be involved in preventing and/or [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by cognitive decline and devastating neurodegeneration, is the most common age-related dementia. Since AD is a typical example of a complex disease that is affected by various genetic and environmental factors, various factors could be involved in preventing and/or treating AD. Extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and intracellular accumulation of tau undeniably play essential roles in the etiology of AD. However, interestingly enough, medications targeting Aβ or tau all failed and the only clinically efficient medications for AD are drugs targeting the cholinergic pathway. Also, a very intriguing discovery in AD is that the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), containing an unusually large quantity of Lactobacilli, is very effective in preventing AD. Based on recently emerging findings, it is our opinion that the reduction of blood ammonia levels by Lactobacilli in MeDi is the therapeutic agent of MeDi for AD. The recent evidence of Lactobacilli lowering blood ammonia level not only provides a link between AD and MeDi but also provides a foundation of pharmabiotics for hyperammonemia as well as various neurological diseases. Full article

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22 pages, 1978 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Biological Activities of Oleocanthal from a Molecular Perspective

by Kok-Lun Pang¹ and Kok-Yong Chin^2,*

¹ Biomedical Science Programme, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia

² Department of Pharmacology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras 56000, Malaysia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050570 - 6 May 2018

Cited by 88 | Viewed by 10179

Abstract

Oleocanthal is a minor constituent of olive oil with strong anti-inflammatory activities. Since the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases involves inflammatory and oxidative components, oleocanthal is a promising agent to prevent these conditions. This review aimed to summarise the current beneficial health effects [...] Read more.

Oleocanthal is a minor constituent of olive oil with strong anti-inflammatory activities. Since the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases involves inflammatory and oxidative components, oleocanthal is a promising agent to prevent these conditions. This review aimed to summarise the current beneficial health effects of oleocanthal and the molecular basis of its biological actions. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective activities of oleocanthal have been examined by previous studies. Of these, studies on the anticancer effects have been the most extensive. Oleocanthal was reported to suppress melanoma, breast, liver, and colon cancer cells. Neurological studies focused on the effects of oleocanthal against Alzheimer’s disease. Oleocanthal improved clearance of the amyloid beta protein from neurons and reduced the inflammation of astrocytes. Despite the positive results, validation of the biological effects of oleocanthal in animal disease models is limited and should be emphasized in the future. As a conclusion, oleocanthal may act together with other bioactive compounds in olive oil to achieve its therapeutic potential. The use of oleocanthal alone as a single therapeutic measure awaits validation from future studies. Full article

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15 pages, 3418 KiB

Open AccessReview

Protective Effect of Glucosinolates Hydrolytic Products in Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDDs)

by Mohammed Sani Jaafaru^1,2

, Nurul Ashikin Abd Karim², Mohamad Eliaser Enas², Patrick Rollin³, Emanuela Mazzon⁴

and Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis^5,6,7,*

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Kaduna State University, Main Campus, PMB 2339 Kaduna, Nigeria

² UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

³ Université d’Orléans et CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, BP 6759, F-45067 Orléans, France

⁴ IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy

⁵ Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

⁶ Laboratory of Food Safety and Food Integrity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

⁷ Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050580 - 8 May 2018

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 7403

Abstract

Crucifer vegetables, Brassicaceae and other species of the order Brassicales, e.g., Moringaceae that are commonly consumed as spice and food, have been reported to have potential benefits for the treatment and prevention of several health disorders. Though epidemiologically inconclusive, investigations have shown that [...] Read more.

Crucifer vegetables, Brassicaceae and other species of the order Brassicales, e.g., Moringaceae that are commonly consumed as spice and food, have been reported to have potential benefits for the treatment and prevention of several health disorders. Though epidemiologically inconclusive, investigations have shown that consumption of those vegetables may result in reducing and preventing the risks associated with neurodegenerative disease development and may also exert other biological protections in humans. The neuroprotective effects of these vegetables have been ascribed to their secondary metabolites, glucosinolates (GLs), and their related hydrolytic products, isothiocyanates (ITCs) that are largely investigated for their various medicinal effects. Extensive pre-clinical studies have revealed more than a few molecular mechanisms of action elucidating multiple biological effects of GLs hydrolytic products. This review summarizes the most significant and up-to-date in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective actions of sulforaphane (SFN), moringin (MG), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) and erucin (ER) in neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Food, Nutrition and Human Health)

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19 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessReview

Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium and Depression: A Review of the Evidence, Potential Mechanisms and Implications

by Jessica Wang^1,†, Phoebe Um^1,†, Barbra A. Dickerman² and Jianghong Liu^1,*

¹ University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

² Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

^† Co-first authors.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050584 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 249 | Viewed by 36388

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiency and depression are major global health problems. Here, we first review recent empirical evidence of the association between several micronutrients—zinc, magnesium, selenium—and depression. We then present potential mechanisms of action and discuss the clinical implications for each micronutrient. Collectively, empirical evidence [...] Read more.

Micronutrient deficiency and depression are major global health problems. Here, we first review recent empirical evidence of the association between several micronutrients—zinc, magnesium, selenium—and depression. We then present potential mechanisms of action and discuss the clinical implications for each micronutrient. Collectively, empirical evidence most strongly supports a positive association between zinc deficiency and the risk of depression and an inverse association between zinc supplementation and depressive symptoms. Less evidence is available regarding the relationship between magnesium and selenium deficiency and depression, and studies have been inconclusive. Potential mechanisms of action involve the HPA axis, glutamate homeostasis and inflammatory pathways. Findings support the importance of adequate consumption of micronutrients in the promotion of mental health, and the most common dietary sources for zinc and other micronutrients are provided. Future research is needed to prospectively investigate the association between micronutrient levels and depression as well as the safety and efficacy of micronutrient supplementation as an adjunct treatment for depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Zn and Human Health)

15 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Neurotransmitters: A Narrative Review on Current Knowledge

by Matteo Briguglio^1,*

, Bernardo Dell’Osso^2,3, Giancarlo Panzica⁴

, Antonio Malgaroli⁵, Giuseppe Banfi⁶, Carlotta Zanaboni Dina¹, Roberta Galentino¹ and Mauro Porta¹

¹ Tourette’s Syndrome and Movement Disorders Centre, I.R.C.C.S. Galeazzi Hospital, 20161 Milan, Italy

² Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, I.R.C.C.S. Ca’ Granda Foundation, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy

³ Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

⁴ Department of Neuroscience, Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy

⁵ Neurobiology of Learning Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy

⁶ Scientific Direction, I.R.C.C.S. Galeazzi Hospital, 20161 Milan, Italy

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050591 - 13 May 2018

Cited by 167 | Viewed by 39062

Abstract

Foods are natural sources of substances that may exert crucial effects on the nervous system in humans. Some of these substances are the neurotransmitters (NTs) acetylcholine (ACh), the modified amino acids glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and the biogenic amines dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), [...] Read more.

Foods are natural sources of substances that may exert crucial effects on the nervous system in humans. Some of these substances are the neurotransmitters (NTs) acetylcholine (ACh), the modified amino acids glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and the biogenic amines dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), and histamine. In neuropsychiatry, progressive integration of dietary approaches in clinical routine made it necessary to discern the more about some of these dietary NTs. Relevant books and literature from PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for data on food sources of Ach, glutamate, GABA, dopamine, 5-HT, and histamine. Different animal foods, fruits, edible plants, roots, and botanicals were reported to contain NTs. These substances can either be naturally present, as part of essential metabolic processes and ecological interactions, or derive from controlled/uncontrolled food technology processes. Ripening time, methods of preservation and cooking, and microbial activity further contributes to NTs. Moreover, gut microbiota are considerable sources of NTs. However, the significance of dietary NTs intake needs to be further investigated as there are no significant data on their bioavailability, neuronal/non neuronal effects, or clinical implications. Evidence-based interventions studies should be encouraged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactives and Human Health)

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24 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Specific Vegetable Types: A Narrative Review

by Lauren C. Blekkenhorst^1,2,*

, Marc Sim¹

, Catherine P. Bondonno^1,3, Nicola P. Bondonno³

, Natalie C. Ward^2,4

, Richard L. Prince^5,6, Amanda Devine¹

, Joshua R. Lewis^1,2,7,8 and Jonathan M. Hodgson^1,2

¹ School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia

² Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Unit, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6000, Australia

³ School of Biomedical Sciences, Royal Perth Hospital Unit, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6000, Australia

⁴ School of Public Health & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia

⁵ Medical School, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre Unit, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia

⁶ Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia

⁷ Centre for Kidney Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia

⁸ School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050595 - 11 May 2018

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 22725

Abstract

Adequate vegetable consumption is one of the cornerstones of a healthy diet. The recommendation to increase vegetable intake is part of most dietary guidelines. Despite widespread and long-running public health messages to increase vegetable intake, similar to other countries worldwide, less than 1 [...] Read more.

Adequate vegetable consumption is one of the cornerstones of a healthy diet. The recommendation to increase vegetable intake is part of most dietary guidelines. Despite widespread and long-running public health messages to increase vegetable intake, similar to other countries worldwide, less than 1 in 10 adult Australians manage to meet target advice. Dietary guidelines are predominantly based on studies linking diets high in vegetables with lower risk of chronic diseases. Identifying vegetables with the strongest health benefits and incorporating these into dietary recommendations may enhance public health initiatives around vegetable intake. These enhanced public health initiatives would be targeted at reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Specific vegetable types contain high levels of particular nutrients and phytochemicals linked with cardiovascular health benefits. However, it is not clear if increasing intake of these specific vegetable types will result in larger benefits on risk of chronic diseases. This review presents an overview of the evidence for the relationships of specific types of vegetables, including leafy green, cruciferous, allium, yellow-orange-red and legumes, with subclinical and clinical CVD outcomes in observational epidemiological studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Atherosclerosis)

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24 pages, 2715 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Evidence about Nutrition Support in Cardiac Surgery Patients—What Do We Know?

by Aileen Hill^1,2,*,†

, Ekaterina Nesterova^3,†, Vladimir Lomivorotov⁴, Sergey Efremov⁴

, Andreas Goetzenich^2,5, Carina Benstoem^1,2, Mikhail Zamyatin³

, Michael Chourdakis⁶

, Daren Heyland⁷

and Christian Stoppe^1,2,*

¹ Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

² 3CARE—Cardiovascular Critical Care & Anesthesia Evaluation and Research, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

³ Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, National Pirogov Medical Center, 105203 Moscow, Russia

⁴ Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, 630055 Novosibirsk, Russia

⁵ Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital RWTH, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

⁶ Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

⁷ Clinical Evaluation Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050597 - 11 May 2018

Cited by 91 | Viewed by 15521

Abstract

Nutrition support is increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant aspect of the intensive care treatment of cardiac surgery patients. However, evidence from adequate large-scale studies evaluating its clinical significance for patients’ mid- to long-term outcome remains sparse. Considering nutrition support as a key [...] Read more.

Nutrition support is increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant aspect of the intensive care treatment of cardiac surgery patients. However, evidence from adequate large-scale studies evaluating its clinical significance for patients’ mid- to long-term outcome remains sparse. Considering nutrition support as a key component in the perioperative treatment of these critically ill patients led us to review and discuss our understanding of the metabolic response to the inflammatory burst induced by cardiac surgery. In addition, we discuss how to identify patients who may benefit from nutrition therapy, when to start nutritional interventions, present evidence about the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition and the potential role of pharmaconutrition in cardiac surgery patients. Although the clinical setting of cardiac surgery provides advantages due to its scheduled insult and predictable inflammatory response, researchers and clinicians face lack of evidence and several limitations in the clinical routine, which are critically considered and discussed in this paper. Full article

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10 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessReview

Supporting Mothers of Very Preterm Infants and Breast Milk Production: A Review of the Role of Galactogogues

by Elizabeth V. Asztalos

Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, M4N 3M5 Toronto, ON, Canada

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050600 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7715

Abstract

Human milk, either mother’s own milk or donor human milk, is recommended as the primary source of nutrition for very preterm infants. Initiatives should be in place in neonatal units to provide support to the mother as she strives to initiate and maintain [...] Read more.

Human milk, either mother’s own milk or donor human milk, is recommended as the primary source of nutrition for very preterm infants. Initiatives should be in place in neonatal units to provide support to the mother as she strives to initiate and maintain a supply of breast milk for her infant. The use of galactogogues are considered when these initiatives alone may not be successful in supporting mothers in this endeavor. Although there are non-pharmacologic compounds, this review will focus on the pharmacologic galactogogues currently available and the literature related to their use in mothers of very preterm infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding and Human Lactation)

17 pages, 7809 KiB

Open AccessReview

Maternal Anemia and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ana C. M. G. Figueiredo^1,*

, Isaac S. Gomes-Filho²

, Roberta B. Silva¹, Priscilla P. S. Pereira¹

, Fabiana A. F. Da Mata³, Amanda O. Lyrio⁴, Elivan S. Souza⁴, Simone S. Cruz⁴

and Mauricio G. Pereira¹

¹ Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil

² Department of Health, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana 44036-900, Bahia, Brazil

³ Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia; Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil

⁴ Department of Epidemiology, Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia, Santo Antônio de Jesus 44.570-000, Bahia, Brazil

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050601 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 165 | Viewed by 15207

Abstract

Objective: To systematically analyze the relationship between maternal anemia and low birth weight. Methods: A search of studies was conducted in the main databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Lilacs), the gray literature, and the reference lists of selected articles. [...] Read more.

Objective: To systematically analyze the relationship between maternal anemia and low birth weight. Methods: A search of studies was conducted in the main databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Lilacs), the gray literature, and the reference lists of selected articles. Cohort and case-control studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. There was no limitation on the language or date of publication. Article selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses with random effects, subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Publication bias was measured using Egger regression and visual funnel plot inspection. Results: A total of 7243 articles were found, of which 71 comprised the systematic review and 68 were included in the meta-analyses. Maternal anemia was associated with low birth weight with an adjusted OR: 1.23 (95% CI: 1.06–1.43) and I²: 58%. The meta-regressions confirmed that the sample size and the methodological quality may partially explain the statistical heterogeneity. Conclusions: Maternal anemia was considered a risk factor for low birth weight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Requirements and Dietary Intakes of Women during Pregnancy)

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9 pages, 713 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dermatitis Herpetiformis: A Common Extraintestinal Manifestation of Coeliac Disease

by Timo Reunala^1,2,*, Teea T. Salmi^1,2, Kaisa Hervonen^1,2, Katri Kaukinen^1,3 and Pekka Collin⁴

¹ Celiac Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland

² Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

³ Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

⁴ Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050602 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 35161

Abstract

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a common extraintestinal manifestation of coeliac disease presenting with itchy papules and vesicles on the elbows, knees, and buttocks. Overt gastrointestinal symptoms are rare. Diagnosis of DH is easily confirmed by immunofluorescence biopsy showing pathognomonic granular immunoglobulin A (IgA) [...] Read more.

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a common extraintestinal manifestation of coeliac disease presenting with itchy papules and vesicles on the elbows, knees, and buttocks. Overt gastrointestinal symptoms are rare. Diagnosis of DH is easily confirmed by immunofluorescence biopsy showing pathognomonic granular immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits in the papillary dermis. A valid hypothesis for the immunopathogenesis of DH is that it starts from latent or manifest coeliac disease in the gut and evolves into an immune complex deposition of high avidity IgA epidermal transglutaminase (TG3) antibodies, together with the TG3 enzyme, in the papillary dermis. The mean age at DH diagnosis has increased significantly in recent decades and presently is 40–50 years. The DH to coeliac disease prevalence ratio is 1:8 in Finland and the United Kingdom (U.K.). The annual DH incidence rate, currently 2.7 per 100,000 in Finland and 0.8 per 100,000 in the U.K., is decreasing, whereas the reverse is true for coeliac disease. The long-term prognosis of DH patients on a gluten-free diet is excellent, with the mortality rate being even lower than for the general population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraintestinal Manifestations of Coeliac Disease)

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38 pages, 2417 KiB

Open AccessReview

Inflammation, not Cholesterol, Is a Cause of Chronic Disease

by Alexandros Tsoupras

, Ronan Lordan

and Ioannis Zabetakis^*

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050604 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 258 | Viewed by 51115

Abstract

Since the Seven Countries Study, dietary cholesterol and the levels of serum cholesterol in relation to the development of chronic diseases have been somewhat demonised. However, the principles of the Mediterranean diet and relevant data linked to the examples of people living in [...] Read more.

Since the Seven Countries Study, dietary cholesterol and the levels of serum cholesterol in relation to the development of chronic diseases have been somewhat demonised. However, the principles of the Mediterranean diet and relevant data linked to the examples of people living in the five blue zones demonstrate that the key to longevity and the prevention of chronic disease development is not the reduction of dietary or serum cholesterol but the control of systemic inflammation. In this review, we present all the relevant data that supports the view that it is inflammation induced by several factors, such as platelet-activating factor (PAF), that leads to the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) rather than serum cholesterol. The key to reducing the incidence of CVD is to control the activities of PAF and other inflammatory mediators via diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. The relevant studies and data supporting these views are discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Cholesterol:Is It Related to Chronic Disease)

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21 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exercise and Nutrition Strategies to Counteract Sarcopenic Obesity

by Inez Trouwborst¹

, Amely Verreijen¹, Robert Memelink¹, Pablo Massanet², Yves Boirie^2,3

, Peter Weijs^1,4

and Michael Tieland^1,*

¹ Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1097 SM Amsterdam, The Netherlands

² Medical Intensive Care Unit, Nimes University Hospital, place du Pr Debré, 30029 Nimes, France

³ Unité de Nutrition Humaine, Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, CRNH Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service Nutrition Clinique, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France

⁴ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Internal Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelenlaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050605 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 125 | Viewed by 20658

Abstract

As the population is aging rapidly, there is a strong increase in the number of individuals with chronic disease and physical limitations. The decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) and the increase in fat mass (obesity) are important contributors to the [...] Read more.

As the population is aging rapidly, there is a strong increase in the number of individuals with chronic disease and physical limitations. The decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) and the increase in fat mass (obesity) are important contributors to the development of physical limitations, which aggravates the chronic diseases prognosis. The combination of the two conditions, which is referred to as sarcopenic obesity, amplifies the risk for these negative health outcomes, which demonstrates the importance of preventing or counteracting sarcopenic obesity. One of the main challenges is the preservation of the skeletal muscle mass and function, while simultaneously reducing the fat mass in this population. Exercise and nutrition are two key components in the development, as well as the prevention and treatment of sarcopenic obesity. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the different, both separate and combined, exercise and nutrition strategies so as to prevent and/or counteract sarcopenic obesity. This review therefore provides a current update of the various exercise and nutritional strategies to improve the contrasting body composition changes and physical functioning in sarcopenic obese individuals. Full article

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20 pages, 1888 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Dietary Sugar Intake on Biomarkers of Subclinical Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies

by Karen W. Della Corte¹, Ines Perrar², Katharina J. Penczynski¹, Lukas Schwingshackl³, Christian Herder^4,5 and Anette E. Buyken^1,*

¹ Public Health Nutrition, University of Paderborn, 33098 Paderborn, Germany

² Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, DONALD Study, 44225 Dortmund, Germany

³ Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany

⁴ Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany

⁵ German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 München-Neuherberg, Germany

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050606 - 12 May 2018

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 30440

Abstract

It has been postulated that dietary sugar consumption contributes to increased inflammatory processes in humans, and that this may be specific to fructose (alone, in sucrose or in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic literature review to evaluate [...] Read more.

It has been postulated that dietary sugar consumption contributes to increased inflammatory processes in humans, and that this may be specific to fructose (alone, in sucrose or in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic literature review to evaluate the relevance of fructose, sucrose, HFCS, and glucose consumption for systemic levels of biomarkers of subclinical inflammation. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries were searched for controlled intervention studies that report the effects of dietary sugar intake on (hs)CRP, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1RA, TNF-α, MCP-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, or adiponectin. Included studies were conducted on adults or adolescents with ≥20 participants and ≥2 weeks duration. Thirteen studies investigating 1141 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Sufficient studies (≥3) to pool were only available for (hs)CRP. Using a random effects model, pooled effects of the interventions (investigated as mean difference (MD)) revealed no differences in (hs)CRP between fructose intervention and glucose control groups (MD: −0.03 mg/L (95% CI: −0.52, 0.46), I² = 44%). Similarly, no differences were observed between HFCS and sucrose interventions (MD: 0.21 mg/L (−0.11, 0.53), I² = 0%). The quality of evidence was evaluated using Nutrigrade, and was rated low for these two comparisons. The limited evidence available to date does not support the hypothesis that dietary fructose, as found alone or in HFCS, contributes more to subclinical inflammation than other dietary sugars. Full article

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13 pages, 553 KiB

Open AccessReview

Caffeine-Related Deaths: Manner of Deaths and Categories at Risk

by Simone Cappelletti¹, Daria Piacentino², Vittorio Fineschi^1,*

, Paola Frati¹

, Luigi Cipolloni¹ and Mariarosaria Aromatario¹

¹ Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy

² NESMOS (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050611 - 14 May 2018

Cited by 84 | Viewed by 26618

Abstract

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive compound worldwide. It is mostly found in coffee, tea, energizing drinks and in some drugs. However, it has become really easy to obtain pure caffeine (powder or tablets) on the Internet markets. Mechanisms of action are [...] Read more.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive compound worldwide. It is mostly found in coffee, tea, energizing drinks and in some drugs. However, it has become really easy to obtain pure caffeine (powder or tablets) on the Internet markets. Mechanisms of action are dose-dependent. Serious toxicities such as seizure and cardiac arrhythmias, seen with caffeine plasma concentrations of 15 mg/L or higher, have caused poisoning or, rarely, death; otherwise concentrations of 3–6 mg/kg are considered safe. Caffeine concentrations of 80–100 mg/L are considered lethal. The aim of this systematic review, performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for the identification and selection of studies, is to review fatal cases in which caffeine has been recognized as the only cause of death in order to identify potential categories at risk. A total of 92 cases have been identified. These events happened more frequently in infants, psychiatric patients, and athletes. Although caffeine intoxication is relatively uncommon, raising awareness about its lethal consequences could be useful for both clinicians and pathologists to identify possible unrecognized cases and prevent related severe health conditions and deaths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Caffeine and Coffee on Human Health)

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17 pages, 529 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Homeostasis Can Be Influenced by Metabolic Acid Load

by Lucio Della Guardia^1,*, Michael Alex Thomas² and Hellas Cena¹

¹ Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy

² Department of Biology, Center for Obesity Reversal, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050618 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8479

Abstract

Recent epidemiological findings suggest that high levels of dietary acid load can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Consumption of high protein diets results in the over-production of metabolic acids which has been associated with the development of chronic metabolic disturbances. Mild metabolic [...] Read more.

Recent epidemiological findings suggest that high levels of dietary acid load can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Consumption of high protein diets results in the over-production of metabolic acids which has been associated with the development of chronic metabolic disturbances. Mild metabolic acidosis has been shown to impair peripheral insulin action and several epidemiological findings suggest that metabolic acid load markers are associated with insulin resistance and impaired glycemic control through an interference intracellular insulin signaling pathways and translocation. In addition, higher incidence of diabetes, insulin resistance, or impaired glucose control have been found in subjects with elevated metabolic acid load markers. Hence, lowering dietary acid load may be relevant for improving glucose homeostasis and prevention of type 2 diabetes development on a long-term basis. However, limitations related to patient acid load estimation, nutritional determinants, and metabolic status considerably flaws available findings, and the lack of solid data on the background physiopathology contributes to the questionability of results. Furthermore, evidence from interventional studies is very limited and the trials carried out report no beneficial results following alkali supplementation. Available literature suggests that poor acid load control may contribute to impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, but it is not sufficiently supportive to fully elucidate the issue and additional well-designed studies are clearly needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Prevention and Acid Base Status)

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29 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessReview

Buckwheat and CVD Risk Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Liangkui Li, Georg Lietz and Chris Seal^*

Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050619 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 10785

Abstract

The effects of buckwheat intake on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have not been systematically investigated. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively summarize studies in humans and animals, evaluating the impact of buckwheat consumption on CVD risk markers and to conduct a [...] Read more.

The effects of buckwheat intake on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have not been systematically investigated. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively summarize studies in humans and animals, evaluating the impact of buckwheat consumption on CVD risk markers and to conduct a meta-analysis of relevant data. Thirteen randomized, controlled human studies, two cross-sectional human studies and twenty-one animal studies were identified. Using random-effects models, the weighted mean difference of post-intervention concentrations of blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly decreased following buckwheat intervention compared with controls [differences in blood glucose: −0.85 mmol/L (95% CI: −1.31, −0.39), total cholesterol: 0.50 mmol/L (95% CI: −0.80, −0.20) and triglycerides: 0.25 mmol/L (95% CI: −0.49, −0.02)]. Responses of a similar magnitude were seen in two cross-sectional studies. For animal studies, nineteen of twenty-one studies showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol of between 12% and 54%, and fourteen of twenty studies showed a significant reduction in triglycerides of between 2% and 74%. All exhibited high unexplained heterogeneity. There was inconsistency in HDL cholesterol outcomes in both human and animal studies. It remains unclear whether increased buckwheat intake significantly benefits other markers of CVD risk, such as weight, blood pressure, insulin, and LDL-cholesterol, and underlying mechanisms responsible for any effects are unclear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Grains and Human Health)

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15 pages, 3148 KiB

Open AccessReview

Iron Status and Gestational Diabetes—A Meta-Analysis

by Yachana Kataria^1,2,*

, Yanxin Wu¹

, Peter De Hemmer Horskjær³

, Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen³

and Christina Ellervik^1,2,4

¹ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA

² Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA

³ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Alle 41, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

⁴ Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Alle 41, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050621 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 9162

Abstract

A meta-analysis of the association of iron overload with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may inform the health debate. We performed a meta-analysis investigating the association of iron biomarkers and dietary iron exposure with GDM. We identified 33 eligible studies (N = 44,110) [...] Read more.

A meta-analysis of the association of iron overload with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may inform the health debate. We performed a meta-analysis investigating the association of iron biomarkers and dietary iron exposure with GDM. We identified 33 eligible studies (N = 44,110) published in 2001–2017. The standardized mean differences (SMD) in women who had GDM compared to pregnant women without were 0.25 µg/dL (95% CI: 0.001–0.50) for iron, 1.54 ng/mL (0.56–2.53) for ferritin, 1.05% (0.02 to 2.08) for transferrin saturation, and 0.81 g/dL (0.40–1.22) for hemoglobin. Adjusted odds ratio for GDM were 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20–2.08) for ferritin, 1.30 (1.01–1.67) for hemoglobin, and 1.48 (1.29–1.69) for dietary heme intake. We did not find any differences in TIBC or transferrin concentration in women with and without GDM. We also did not find any association of increased transferrin receptor or increased intake of total dietary iron, non-heme iron or supplemental iron, with increased odds ratios for GDM. Considerable heterogeneity was present among the studies (0–99%), but no evidence of publication bias. Accumulating evidence suggests that circulating and dietary iron biomarkers among pregnant women are associated with GDM, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity of analyses. Randomized trials investigating the benefits of iron reduction in women at high risk for GDM are warranted. Full article

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21 pages, 1065 KiB

Open AccessReview

Capsaicin in Metabolic Syndrome

by Sunil K. Panchal¹

, Edward Bliss^1,2 and Lindsay Brown^1,2,*

¹ Functional Foods Research Group, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba QLD 4350, Australia

² School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba QLD 4350, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050630 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 134 | Viewed by 26820

Abstract

Capsaicin, the major active constituent of chilli, is an agonist on transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is present on many metabolically active tissues, making it a potentially relevant target for metabolic interventions. Insulin resistance and obesity, being the major components [...] Read more.

Capsaicin, the major active constituent of chilli, is an agonist on transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is present on many metabolically active tissues, making it a potentially relevant target for metabolic interventions. Insulin resistance and obesity, being the major components of metabolic syndrome, increase the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In vitro and pre-clinical studies have established the effectiveness of low-dose dietary capsaicin in attenuating metabolic disorders. These responses of capsaicin are mediated through activation of TRPV1, which can then modulate processes such as browning of adipocytes, and activation of metabolic modulators including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Modulation of these pathways by capsaicin can increase fat oxidation, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease body fat, and improve heart and liver function. Identifying suitable ways of administering capsaicin at an effective dose would warrant its clinical use through the activation of TRPV1. This review highlights the mechanistic options to improve metabolic syndrome with capsaicin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Bioactives and Insulin Resistance)

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22 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Associations of Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency with Pregnancy and Neonatal Complications in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

by Paige Van der Pligt^1,*, Jane Willcox^2,3

, Ewa A. Szymlek-Gay¹

, Emily Murray², Anthony Worsley¹

and Robin M. Daly¹

¹ Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia

² School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Australia

³ School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3083, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050640 - 18 May 2018

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 16732

Abstract

Pregnant women in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are at risk of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and prevalence throughout these regions are among the highest, globally. Maternal VDD has been associated with increased risk of a number of adverse maternal [...] Read more.

Pregnant women in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are at risk of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and prevalence throughout these regions are among the highest, globally. Maternal VDD has been associated with increased risk of a number of adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes, yet research from developing countries is limited. We assessed the associations of maternal VDD during pregnancy with adverse health outcomes by synthesizing the literature from observational studies conducted in developing countries. Six electronic databases were searched for English-language studies published between 2000 and 2017. Thirteen studies from seven countries were included in the review. Prevalence of VDD ranged from 51.3% to 100%. Six studies assessed both maternal and neonatal outcomes, four studies assessed only maternal outcomes and three studies assessed only neonatal outcomes. Ten studies showed at least one significant association between VDD and adverse maternal and/or neonatal health outcomes including pre-eclampsia (n = 3), gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 1), postpartum depression (n = 1), emergency cesarean section delivery (n = 1), low birth weight babies (n = 4), small for gestational age (n = 2), stunting (n = 1). However most of these studies (n = 6) also showed no association with multiple health outcomes. Vitamin D assessment methods, criteria applied to define VDD, season and trimester in which studies were conducted varied considerably across studies. In conclusion, this study highlights the need to improve maternal vitamin D status in developing countries in an effort to support best maternal and child health outcomes across these regions. Future research should focus on more unified approaches to vitamin D assessment and preventative approaches that may be embedded into already existing antenatal care settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Times for Vitamin D and Health)

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34 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyphenols in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies

by Małgorzata Kujawska^*

and Jadwiga Jodynis-Liebert

Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Str., 60-631 Poznań, Poland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050642 - 19 May 2018

Cited by 149 | Viewed by 11965

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. However, therapeutic options treating only its symptoms are very disappointing. Therefore there is an ongoing search for compounds capable of tackling the multi-dimensional features of PD. Recently natural polyphenols have gained great interest [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. However, therapeutic options treating only its symptoms are very disappointing. Therefore there is an ongoing search for compounds capable of tackling the multi-dimensional features of PD. Recently natural polyphenols have gained great interest as potential therapeutic agents. Herein, we have attempted to summarize results obtained in different animal models demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. The in vivo findings presented below are supported by human subject data and reports regarding the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood-brain barrier. The beneficial effects of polyphenols are demonstrated by the results of behavioral examinations, mainly related to motor and cognitive capabilities, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination concerning the protection of dopaminergic neurons, analyses of dopamine and the concentration of its metabolites, as well as mechanistic studies regarding the modulation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cellular iron management, proteinopathy, and additionally the regulation of signaling pathways. Importantly, data about brain distribution of the metabolic derivatives of the reviewed polyphenols are crucial for the justification of their nutritional intake in neuroprotective intervention, as well as for the identification of potential targets for a novel therapeutic approach to Parkinson’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Aging and Gut-Brain Axis)

12 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Pro-Apoptotic and Anti-Cancer Properties of Diosgenin: A Comprehensive and Critical Review

by Gautam Sethi^1,2,3,*,†, Muthu K. Shanmugam^3,†, Sudha Warrier⁴, Myriam Merarchi³, Frank Arfuso⁵, Alan Prem Kumar³ and Anupam Bishayee^6,*

¹ Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

² Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

³ Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore

⁴ Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal University, Bangalore 560065, India

⁵ Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

⁶ Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33169, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050645 - 19 May 2018

Cited by 207 | Viewed by 16657

Abstract

Novel and alternative options are being adopted to combat the initiation and progression of human cancers. One of the approaches is the use of molecules isolated from traditional medicinal herbs, edible dietary plants and seeds that play a pivotal role in the prevention/treatment [...] Read more.

Novel and alternative options are being adopted to combat the initiation and progression of human cancers. One of the approaches is the use of molecules isolated from traditional medicinal herbs, edible dietary plants and seeds that play a pivotal role in the prevention/treatment of cancer, either alone or in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents. Compounds that modulate these oncogenic processes are potential candidates for cancer therapy and may eventually make it to clinical applications. Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal sapogenin and is one of the major bioactive compounds found in dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds. In addition to being a lactation aid, diosgenin has been shown to be hypocholesterolemic, gastro- and hepato-protective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. Diosgenin has a unique structural similarity to estrogen. Several preclinical studies have reported on the pro-apoptotic and anti-cancer properties of diosgenin against a variety of cancers, both in in vitro and in vivo. Diosgenin has also been reported to reverse multi-drug resistance in cancer cells and sensitize cancer cells to standard chemotherapy. Remarkably, diosgenin has also been reported to be used by pharmaceutical companies to synthesize steroidal drugs. Several novel diosgenin analogs and nano-formulations have been synthesized with improved anti-cancer efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile. In this review we discuss in detail the multifaceted anti-cancer properties of diosgenin that have found application in pharmaceutical, functional food, and cosmetic industries; and the various intracellular molecular targets modulated by diosgenin that abrogate the oncogenic process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Cancer Prevention and Therapy)

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17 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D in Vascular Calcification: A Double-Edged Sword?

by Jeffrey Wang¹, Jimmy J. Zhou^1,2, Graham R. Robertson³ and Vincent W. Lee^1,*

¹ Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia

² Centre for Kidney Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia

³ Cellmid Limited, 2/55 Clarence St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050652 - 22 May 2018

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 11428

Abstract

Vascular calcification (VC) as a manifestation of perturbed mineral balance, is associated with aging, diabetes and kidney dysfunction, as well as poorer patient outcomes. Due to the current limited understanding of the pathophysiology of vascular calcification, the development of effective preventative and therapeutic [...] Read more.

Vascular calcification (VC) as a manifestation of perturbed mineral balance, is associated with aging, diabetes and kidney dysfunction, as well as poorer patient outcomes. Due to the current limited understanding of the pathophysiology of vascular calcification, the development of effective preventative and therapeutic strategies remains a significant clinical challenge. Recent evidence suggests that traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as left ventricular hypertrophy and dyslipidaemia, fail to account for clinical observations of vascular calcification. Therefore, more complex underlying processes involving physiochemical changes to mineral balance, vascular remodelling and perturbed hormonal responses such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) are likely to contribute to VC. In particular, VC resulting from modifications to calcium, phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis has been recently elucidated. Notably, deregulation of vitamin D metabolism, dietary calcium intake and renal mineral handling are associated with imbalances in systemic calcium and phosphate levels and endothelial cell dysfunction, which can modulate both bone and soft tissue calcification. This review addresses the current understanding of VC pathophysiology, with a focus on the pathogenic role of vitamin D that has provided new insights into the mechanisms of VC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Calcium and Human Health)

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18 pages, 558 KiB

Open AccessReview

Association of Tea Consumption with Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Anti-Beta-Amyloid Effects of Tea

by Curt Anthony Polito¹, Zhuo-Yu Cai¹, Yun-Long Shi¹

, Xu-Min Li¹, Rui Yang¹, Meng Shi¹, Qing-Sheng Li¹, Shi-Cheng Ma², Li-Ping Xiang³, Kai-Rong Wang⁴, Jian-Hui Ye¹, Jian-Liang Lu¹, Xin-Qiang Zheng¹

and Yue-Rong Liang^1,*

¹ Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China

² Liupao Tea Academy, Wuzhou 543003, Guangxi, China

³ National Tea and Tea product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center (Guizhou), Zunyi 563100, China

⁴ Ningbo Extension Station of Forestry & Specialty Technology, Ningbo 315012, China

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050655 - 22 May 2018

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 11486

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is attracting growing concern because of an increasing patient population among the elderly. Tea consumption is considered a natural complementary therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, epidemiological studies on the association between tea consumption and the reduced [...] Read more.

Neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is attracting growing concern because of an increasing patient population among the elderly. Tea consumption is considered a natural complementary therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, epidemiological studies on the association between tea consumption and the reduced risk of AD are reviewed and the anti-amyloid effects of related bioactivities in tea are summarized. Future challenges regarding the role of tea in preventing AD are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tea in Health and Disease)

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1 pages, 176 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: DeClercq, V.; et al. Association between Diet Quality and Adiposity in the Atlantic PATH Cohort. Nutrients 2017, 9, 1155

by Vanessa DeClercq^1,*

, Yunsong Cui¹, Cynthia Forbes¹

, Scott A. Grandy², Melanie Keats²

, Louise Parker¹, Ellen Sweeney¹, Zhijie Michael Yu¹ and Trevor J. B. Dummer³

¹ Population Cancer Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada

² School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1T8, Canada

³ Centre of Excellence in Cancer Prevention, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050540 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3315

Abstract

The authors request the following corrections to their paper [1]. [...] Full article

1 pages, 146 KiB

Open AccessErratum

Erratum: l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise; Nutrients 2018, 10, 349

by Nutrients Editorial Office

MDPI, St. Alban-Anlage 66, 4052 Basel, Switzerland

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050541 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4330

Abstract

The Nutrients Editorial Office would like to report errors in the published paper [1]. The details are as follows: [...] Full article

22 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AME) and Italian Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Position Statement: Clinical Management of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults

by Roberto Cesareo^1,*, Roberto Attanasio²

, Marco Caputo³, Roberto Castello⁴, Iacopo Chiodini^5,6

, Alberto Falchetti⁷

, Rinaldo Guglielmi⁸, Enrico Papini⁸, Assunta Santonati⁹, Alfredo Scillitani¹⁰, Vincenzo Toscano¹¹, Vincenzo Triggiani¹²

, Fabio Vescini¹³, Michele Zini¹⁴ and On behalf of AME and Italian AACE Chapter^†

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, “S. M. Goretti” Hospital, 04100 Latina, Italy

² Endocrinology Service, Galeazzi Institute IRCCS, 20161 Milan, Italy

³ Ospedale Classificato Villa Salus, 30174 Venezia Mestre, Italy

⁴ General Medicine and Endocrinology, University Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy

⁵ Unit for Bone Metabolism Diseases and Diabetes & Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy

⁶ Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20149 Milan, Italy

⁷ Centro Hercolani and Villa Alba (GVM), 40123 Bologna and EndOsMet, Villa Donatello Private Hospital, 50132 Florence, Italy

⁸ Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale, 00041 Rome, Italy

⁹ Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, 00184 Rome, Italy

¹⁰ Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Science, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy

¹¹ Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant‘Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Roma, Italy

¹² Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy

¹³ Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 33010 Udine, Italy

¹⁴ Endocrinology Unit, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy

^† Associazione Medici Endocrinologi. In international contexts, it is translated as Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

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Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050546 - 27 Apr 2018

Cited by 120 | Viewed by 33003

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is very common and prescriptions of both assay and supplementation are increasing more and more. Health expenditure is exponentially increasing, thus it is timely and appropriate to establish rules. The Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists appointed a task force to [...] Read more.

Vitamin D deficiency is very common and prescriptions of both assay and supplementation are increasing more and more. Health expenditure is exponentially increasing, thus it is timely and appropriate to establish rules. The Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists appointed a task force to review literature about vitamin D deficiency in adults. Four topics were identified as worthy for the practicing clinicians. For each topic recommendations based on scientific evidence and clinical practice were issued according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) System. (1) What cut-off defines vitamin D deficiency: even though 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) can be considered appropriate in the general population, we recommend to maintain levels above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) in categories at risk. (2) Whom, when, and how to perform screening for vitamin D deficiency: categories at risk (patients with bone, liver, kidney diseases, obesity, malabsorption, during pregnancy and lactation, some elderly) but not healthy people should be screened by the 25-hydroxy-vitamin D assay. (3) Whom and how to treat vitamin D deficiency: beyond healthy lifestyle (mostly sun exposure), we recommend oral vitamin D (vitamin D2 or vitamin D3) supplementation in patients treated with bone active drugs and in those with demonstrated deficiency. Dosages, molecules and modalities of administration can be profitably individually tailored. (4) How to monitor the efficacy of treatment with vitamin D: no routine monitoring is suggested during vitamin D treatment due to its large therapeutic index. In particular conditions, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D can be assayed after at least a 6-month treatment. We are confident that this document will help practicing clinicians in their daily clinical practice. Full article

8 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperCommentary

Extending Methods in Dietary Patterns Research

by Jill Reedy^1,*, Amy F. Subar¹, Stephanie M. George² and Susan M. Krebs-Smith¹

¹ Rick Factor Assessment Branch, Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

² Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, 6100 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852, USA

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050571 - 7 May 2018

Cited by 81 | Viewed by 7956

Abstract

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Disease Prevention held a workshop titled, “Extending Methods in Dietary Patterns Research”, in May of 2016. The workshop’s goal was to articulate, refine, and prioritize methodological questions to advance [...] Read more.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Disease Prevention held a workshop titled, “Extending Methods in Dietary Patterns Research”, in May of 2016. The workshop’s goal was to articulate, refine, and prioritize methodological questions to advance the science of dietary patterns in epidemiological research. Although the focus was on how to improve methods for assessing the relationship between dietary patterns and cancer risk, many, if not all, of the discussions and conclusions are relevant for other health outcomes as well. Recognizing that dietary intake is both multidimensional (i.e., it is a complex, multi-layered exposure and behavior) and dynamic (i.e., it varies over time and the life course), workshop presenters and participants discussed methodological advances required to include these concepts in dietary patterns research. This commentary highlights key needs that were identified to extend methods in dietary patterns research by integrating multidimensionality and dynamism into how dietary patterns are measured and defined, and how relationships with dietary patterns and health outcomes are modeled. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Diet Quality and Human Health)

6 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Weaning Time in Preterm Infants: An Audit of Italian Primary Care Paediatricians

by Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre^1,2,*

, Antonio Di Mauro¹

, Annarita Pedico¹, Valentina Rizzo¹, Manuela Capozza¹

, Fabio Meneghin³, Gianluca Lista³, Nicola Laforgia¹

and On behalf of Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Federation of Paediatricians (FIMP)^†

¹ Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy

² Member of SIGENP (Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition), via Libero Temolo 4 (Torre UB), 20126 Milan, Italy

³ Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini “V.Buzzi”, ASST FBF SACCO, 20154 Milano, Italy

^† Membership of SIP (Italian Society of Pediatrics) and SIN (Italian Society of Neonatology) task force on Complementary Feeding on preterm newborns and membership of Italian Federation of Paediatricians (FIMP) are provided in the Acknoledgments.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050616 - 15 May 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4629

Abstract

Introduction: According to the 2016 Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) data in Italy, about 6.7% of all newborns are born prematurely. Due to the lack of data on current complementary feeding in preterm infants in Italy, the aim of the survey was [...] Read more.

Introduction: According to the 2016 Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) data in Italy, about 6.7% of all newborns are born prematurely. Due to the lack of data on current complementary feeding in preterm infants in Italy, the aim of the survey was to evaluate individual attitudes of primary care paediatricians, concerning the introduction of complementary foods in preterm infants. Methods: An internet-based survey was conducted among primary care paediatricians, working in Italy, regarding (1) timing of the introduction of complementary foods to preterm newborns; (2) type of complementary foods introduced; (3) vitamin D and iron supplementations. Results: A total of 347 primary care Italian paediatricians answered the questionnaire; 44% of responders based the timing of the introduction of solid food exclusively on an infant’s age, 18% on an infant’s neurodevelopmental status and 4% on the body weight; the remaining 34% based the timing on two or more of these aspects. The type of complementary foods did not comply with an evidence-based sequence; 98% of participants promoted vitamin D supplementation and 89% promoted iron supplementation with great diversity in timing and doses. Conclusions: Due to limited evidence, there is a great heterogeneity in the attitudes of primary care paediatricians concerning the introduction of complementary foods to preterm newborns. Further research is needed to provide evidence-based guidelines regarding weaning preterm newborns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Pediatric Gastroenterology: Selected Papers from SIGENP)

3 pages, 193 KiB

Open AccessErratum

Erratum: Estimating Free and Added Sugar Intakes in New Zealand; Nutrients 2017, 9, 1292

by Rachael Kibblewhite^†, Alice Nettleton^†, Rachael McLean

, Jillian Haszard

, Elizabeth Fleming, Devonia Kruimer and Lisa Te Morenga^*

¹ Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050638 - 18 May 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3584

Abstract

The authors have requested that the following changes be made to their paper [...] Full article

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