Nutrients

Editorial

3 pages, 160 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

A Courageous Report on the Management of Malnutrition

by Lucy B. Bollinger¹ and Indi Trehan^1,2,*

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, One Children’s Place, Campus Box 8116, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA

² Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100603 - 27 Sep 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4190

Abstract

Globally, childhood undernutrition continues to be a major public health concern, with an estimated 165 million children classiﬁed as stunted and 51.5 million suffering from acute malnutrition.[...] Full article

3 pages, 165 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Dietary Components and Metabolic Dysfunction: Translating Preclinical Studies into Clinical Practice

by Gaetano Santulli

Herbert and Florence Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100632 - 13 Oct 2016

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4299

Abstract

The importance of diet in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome is well acknowledged [1–3] and may be crucial in the determination of cardiovascular risk and the development of cardiovascular complications [4–7].[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Metabolic Dysfunction)

4 pages, 172 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System

by Francisco J. Pérez-Cano^1,2

and Margarida Castell^1,2,*

¹ Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

² Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA), C/Prat de la Riba 171, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, 08921 Barcelona, Spain

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100659 - 21 Oct 2016

Cited by 110 | Viewed by 18752

Abstract

Flavonoids, including around 6000 phenolic compounds, are products of the secondary metabolism of plants which can be a part of one’s diet via the consumption of many edible plants.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

14 pages, 763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Trypsin Inhibitor from Tamarind Reduces Food Intake and Improves Inflammatory Status in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome Regardless of Weight Loss

by Fabiana M. C. Carvalho¹

, Vanessa C. O. Lima², Izael S. Costa¹

, Amanda F. Medeiros²

, Alexandre C. Serquiz^2,3, Maíra C. J. S. Lima⁴, Raphael P. Serquiz^2,5, Bruna L. L. Maciel^1,6,7, Adriana F. Uchôa^2,7,8

, Elizeu A. Santos^2,7,9

and Ana H. A. Morais^1,6,*

¹ Postgraduate Nutrition Program, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal RN 59078-970, Brazil

² Postgraduate Biochemistry Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal RN 59078-970, Brazil

³ Course of Nutrition, Potiguar University, Natal RN 59056-000, Brazil

⁴ Course of Veterinary Medicine, Potiguar University, Natal RN 59056-000, Brazil

⁵ Technical School Health, Potiguar University, Natal RN 59056-000, Brazil

⁶ Department of Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal RN 59078-970, Brazil

⁷ Tropical Medicine Institute (TMI), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal RN 59078-970, Brazil

⁸ Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal RN 59078-970, Brazil

⁹ Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal RN 59078-970, Brazil

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100544 - 27 Sep 2016

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6801

Abstract

Trypsin inhibitors are studied in a variety of models for their anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory bioactive properties. Our group has previously demonstrated the satietogenic effect of tamarind seed trypsin inhibitors (TTI) in eutrophic mouse models and anti-inflammatory effects of other trypsin inhibitors. In this [...] Read more.

Trypsin inhibitors are studied in a variety of models for their anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory bioactive properties. Our group has previously demonstrated the satietogenic effect of tamarind seed trypsin inhibitors (TTI) in eutrophic mouse models and anti-inflammatory effects of other trypsin inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated TTI effect upon satiety, biochemical and inflammatory parameters in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Three groups of n = 5 male Wistar rats with obesity-based MetS received for 10 days one of the following: (1) Cafeteria diet; (2) Cafeteria diet + TTI (25 mg/kg); and (3) Standard diet. TTI reduced food intake in animals with MetS. Nevertheless, weight gain was not different between studied groups. Dyslipidemia parameters were not different with the use of TTI, only the group receiving standard diet showed lower very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides (TG) (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.05). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production did not differ between groups. Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was lower in animals receiving TTI. Our results corroborate the satietogenic effect of TTI in a MetS model. Furthermore, we showed that TTI added to a cafeteria diet may decrease inflammation regardless of weight loss. This puts TTI as a candidate for studies to test its effectiveness as an adjuvant in MetS treatment. Full article

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14 pages, 5886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

YAP Inhibition by Resveratrol via Activation of AMPK Enhances the Sensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine

by Zhengdong Jiang¹, Xin Chen¹, Ke Chen¹, Liankang Sun¹, Luping Gao¹, Cancan Zhou¹, Meng Lei¹, Wanxing Duan¹, Zheng Wang¹, Qingyong Ma^1,* and Jiguang Ma^2,*

¹ Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China

² Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100546 - 23 Sep 2016

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 8215

Abstract

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol present in most plants, inhibits the growth of numerous cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Aberrant expression of YAP has been reported to activate multiple growth-regulatory pathways and confer anti-apoptotic abilities to many cancer cells. However, the role [...] Read more.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol present in most plants, inhibits the growth of numerous cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Aberrant expression of YAP has been reported to activate multiple growth-regulatory pathways and confer anti-apoptotic abilities to many cancer cells. However, the role of resveratrol in YES-activated protein (YAP) expression and that of YAP in pancreatic cancer cells’ response to gemcitabine resistance remain elusive. In this study, we found that resveratrol suppressed the proliferation and cloning ability and induced the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. These multiple biological effects might result from the activation of AMP-activation protein kinase (AMPK) (Thr172) and, thus, the induction of YAP cytoplasmic retention, Ser127 phosphorylation, and the inhibition of YAP transcriptional activity by resveratrol. YAP silencing by siRNA or resveratrol enhanced the sensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that resveratrol could increase the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine by inhibiting YAP expression. More importantly, our work reveals that resveratrol is a potential anticancer agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and YAP may serve as a promising target for sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenols for Cancer Treatment or Prevention)

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14 pages, 1109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Two Bioelectrical Impedance Analyses in the Diagnosis of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: The FUPRECOL Study

by Robinson Ramírez-Vélez^1,*

, Jorge Enrique Correa-Bautista¹

, Javier Martínez-Torres¹, Katherine González-Ruíz², Emilio González-Jiménez³

, Jacqueline Schmidt-RioValle³

and Antonio Garcia-Hermoso^4,5

¹ Centro de Estudios para la Medición de la Actividad Física «CEMA», Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 111221, Colombia

² Grupo de Ejercicio Físico y Deportes, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá D.C. 110231, Colombia

³ Grupo CTS-436, Adscrito al Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento (CIMCYC), Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, España

⁴ Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago 7500618, Chile

⁵ Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8420524, Chile

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100575 (registering DOI) - 4 Oct 2016

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6926 | Correction

Abstract

This study aimed to determine thresholds for percentage of body fat (BF%) corresponding to the cut-off values for overweight/obesity as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), using two bioelectrical impedance analyzers (BIA), and described the likelihood of increased cardiometabolic risk in [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine thresholds for percentage of body fat (BF%) corresponding to the cut-off values for overweight/obesity as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), using two bioelectrical impedance analyzers (BIA), and described the likelihood of increased cardiometabolic risk in our cohort deﬁned by the IOTF and BF% status. Participants included 1165 children and adolescents (54.9% girls) from Bogotá (Colombia). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight. BF% of each youth was assessed ﬁrst using the Tanita BC-418® followed by a Tanita BF-689®. The sensitivity and speciﬁcity of both devices and their ability to correctly classify children as overweight/obesity (≥2 standard deviation), as deﬁned by IOTF, was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) by sex and age groups (9–11, 12–14, and 13–17 years old); Area under curve (AUC) values were also reported. For girls, the optimal BF% threshold for classifying into overweight/obesity was found to be between 25.2 and 28.5 (AUC = 0.91–0.97) and 23.9 to 26.6 (AUC = 0.90–0.99) for Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. For boys, the optimal threshold was between 16.5 and 21.1 (AUC = 0.93–0.96) and 15.8 to 20.6 (AUC = 0.92–0.94) by Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. All AUC values for ROC curves were statistically signiﬁcant and there were no differences between AUC values measured by both BIA devices. The BF% values associated with the IOTF-recommended BMI cut-off for overweight/obesity may require age- and sex-speciﬁc threshold values in Colombian children and adolescents aged 9–17 years and could be used as a surrogate method to identify individuals at risk of excess adiposity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropometry, Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Populations)

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13 pages, 1268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of 12-Week Vitamin D Supplementation on 25[OH]D Status and Performance in Athletes with a Spinal Cord Injury

by Joelle Leonie Flueck^1,*, Max Walter Schlaepfer² and Claudio Perret¹

¹ Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil 6207, Switzerland

² Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100586 - 22 Sep 2016

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7530

Abstract

(1) Background: studies with able-bodied athletes showed that performance might possibly be influenced by vitamin D status. Vitamin D seems to have a direct impact on neuromuscular function by docking on vitamin D receptors in the muscle tissue. Additionally, a high prevalence of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: studies with able-bodied athletes showed that performance might possibly be influenced by vitamin D status. Vitamin D seems to have a direct impact on neuromuscular function by docking on vitamin D receptors in the muscle tissue. Additionally, a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was shown not only in infants and in the elderly but also in healthy adults and spinal cord injured individuals. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether a vitamin D dose of 6000 IU daily over 12 weeks would be sufficient to increase vitamin D status in indoor wheelchair athletes to a normal or optimal vitamin D level and whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with an impairment in muscle performance in these individuals; (2) Methods: vitamin D status was assessed in indoor elite wheelchair athletes in order to have a baseline measurement. If vitamin D status was below 75 nmol/L, athletes were supplemented with 6000 IU of vitamin D daily over 12 weeks. A vitamin D status over 75 nmol/L was supplemented with a placebo supplement. Vitamin D status, as well as a Wingate test and an isokinetic dynamometer test, were performed at baseline and after six and 12 weeks; (3) Results: 20 indoor elite wheelchair athletes participated in this double-blind study. All of these athletes showed an insufficient vitamin D status at baseline and were, therefore, supplemented with vitamin D. All athletes increased vitamin D status significantly over 12 weeks and reached an optimal level. Wingate performance was not significantly increased. Isokinetic dynamometer strength was significantly increased but only in the non-dominant arm in isometric and concentric elbow flexion; (4) Conclusion: a dose of 6000 IU of vitamin D daily over a duration of 12 weeks seems to be sufficient to increase vitamin D status to an optimal level in indoor wheelchair athletes. It remains unclear, whether upper body performance or muscle strength and vitamin D status are associated with each other. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Health and Athletic Performance)

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9 pages, 219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Korean Adolescents According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III and International Diabetes Federation

by Seonho Kim¹ and Wi-Young So^2,*

¹ Department of Nursing, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Korea

² Sports and Health Care Major, College of Humanities and Arts, Korea National University of Transportation, 50 Daehak-ro, Chungju-si, Chungbuk 27469, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100588 - 1 Oct 2016

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5600

Abstract

In both adults and children, metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been attributed to risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This descriptive study aimed to compare the prevalence of MetS and diagnostic components [...] Read more.

In both adults and children, metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been attributed to risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This descriptive study aimed to compare the prevalence of MetS and diagnostic components according to the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2330 Korean adolescents (10–18 years), using data from the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-V. The NCEP-ATP III and IDF were used to diagnose MetS and yielded prevalence rates of 5.7% and 2.1%, respectively, with no sex-related differences. The most frequent MetS diagnostic components according to the NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria were high triglyceride levels (21.2%) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (13.6%), respectively; approximately 50.1% and 33.1% of adolescents had at least one MetS diagnostic component according to the respective criteria. Both overweight/obese male and female adolescents exhibited significantly increased prevalence rates of MetS and related diagnostic components, compared to normal-weight adolescents. In conclusion, the prevalence rates of MetS and diagnostic components differ according to the NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria. Henceforth, efforts are needed to establish diagnostic criteria for Korean adolescents. Full article

11 pages, 3454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Attenuates Renal Tubular Injury in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes

by Jing Zhang, Ying Fan, Chuchu Zeng, Li He and Niansong Wang^*

Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100589 - 22 Sep 2016

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5740

Abstract

Renal tubular injury is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in diabetic nephropathy. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is an effective inhibitor of ER stress. Here, we investigated the role of TUDCA in the progression [...] Read more.

Renal tubular injury is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in diabetic nephropathy. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is an effective inhibitor of ER stress. Here, we investigated the role of TUDCA in the progression of tubular injury in DN. For eight weeks, being treated with TUDCA at 250 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) twice a day, diabetic db/db mice had significantly reduced blood glucose, albuminuria and attenuated renal histopathology. These changes were associated with a significant decreased expression of ER stress markers. At the same time, diabetic db/db mice had more TUNEL-positive nuclei in the renal tubule, which were attenuated by TUDCA treatment, along with decreases in ER stress–associated apoptotic markers in the kidneys. In summary, the effect of TUDCA on tubular injury, in part, is associated with inhibition of ER stress in the kidneys of diabetic db/db mice. TUDCA shows potential as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of DN. Full article

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19 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Parenting Practices Explain the Differences in Beverage Intake According to Socio-Economic Status: The Toybox-Study

by An-Sofie Pinket^1,*

, Marieke De Craemer²

, Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij²

, Benedicte Deforche^1,3, Greet Cardon²

, Odysseas Androutsos⁴, Berthold Koletzko⁵

, Luis A. Moreno⁶

, Piotr Socha⁷, Violeta Iotova⁸

, Yannis Manios⁴ and Wendy Van Lippevelde¹

¹ Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium

² Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium

³ Department of Human Biometry and Biomechanics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1000, Belgium

⁴ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens 17671, Greece

⁵ Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, München 80337, Germany

⁶ GENUD Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain

⁷ The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw 04-730, Poland

⁸ Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Varna, Varna 9002, Bulgaria

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100591 - 23 Sep 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5548

Abstract

Previous research indicated that preschoolers of lower socioeconomic status (SES) consume less healthy beverages than high SES preschoolers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of parenting practices in the relationship between SES and plain water, soft drink and [...] Read more.

Previous research indicated that preschoolers of lower socioeconomic status (SES) consume less healthy beverages than high SES preschoolers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of parenting practices in the relationship between SES and plain water, soft drink and prepacked fruit juice (FJ) consumption in European preschoolers. Parents/caregivers of 3.5 to 5.5 years old (n = 6776) recruited through kindergartens in six European countries within the ToyBox-study completed questionnaires on socio-demographics, parenting practices and a food frequency questionnaire. Availability of sugared beverages and plain water, permissiveness towards sugared beverages and lack of self-efficacy showed a mediating effect on SES-differences in all three beverages. Rewarding with sugared beverages significantly mediated SES-differences for both plain water and prepacked FJ. Encouragement to drink plain water and awareness significantly mediated SES-differences for, respectively, plain water and prepacked FJ consumption. Avoiding negative modelling did not mediate any associations. Overall, lower SES preschoolers were more likely to be confronted with lower levels of favourable and higher levels of unfavourable parenting practices, which may lead to higher sugared beverage and lower plain water consumption. The current study highlights the importance of parenting practices in explaining the relation between SES and both healthy and unhealthy beverage consumption. Full article

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14 pages, 922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Epidemiology of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations among Healthy Adults Living in Rural and Urban Areas in Mongolia

by Sabri Bromage^1,*

, Janet W. Rich-Edwards², Daria Tselmen³, Ana Baylin⁴, Lisa A. Houghton⁵, Nachin Baasanjav³ and Davaasambuu Ganmaa⁶

¹ Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

² Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA

³ National Institute of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 16081, Mongolia

⁴ Departments of Epidemiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

⁵ Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

⁶ Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100592 - 23 Sep 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5602

Abstract

Many factors put Mongolians at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Despite low levels observed in Mongolian children and pregnant women, there are few data published on the vitamin D status of non-pregnant adults. Between summer 2011 and winter 2013, paired summer and winter [...] Read more.

Many factors put Mongolians at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Despite low levels observed in Mongolian children and pregnant women, there are few data published on the vitamin D status of non-pregnant adults. Between summer 2011 and winter 2013, paired summer and winter blood samples were collected from 320 healthy men and women (20–58 years) living in eight Mongolian provinces. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 22.5 ng/mL (95% CI: 14.5, 32.5) in summer and 7.7 ng/mL (95% CI: 4.6, 10.8) in winter, with a distribution (<10/10–20/20–30/≥30 ng/mL) of 3.1%/39.3%/39.6%/17.9% in summer and 80.1%/19.5%/0.3%/0.0% in winter. Residents of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, had lower levels in both seasons than any other region, whereas residents of the Gobi desert had the highest. In summer, indoor workers had significantly lower levels than outdoor workers (−2.3 ng/mL; 95% CI: −4.1, −5.7) while levels in males exceeded those in females (4.0 ng/mL; 95% CI: 2.3, 5.7). Effects of region, occupation, and sex were also significant in multivariable regression. In conclusion, Mongolian adults had extremely low serum 25(OH)D, particularly in winter, when 80.1% had concentrations below 10 ng/mL. These results indicate a need for effective vitamin D interventions for the Mongolian adult population, particularly among women and residents of Ulaanbaatar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D: Current Issues and New Perspectives)

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15 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Two Different Approaches to Assess Dietary Patterns: Hypothesis-Driven and Data-Driven Analysis

by Ágatha Nogueira Previdelli^*

, Samantha Caesar De Andrade, Regina Mara Fisberg

and Dirce Maria Marchioni

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

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100593 - 23 Sep 2016

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 7127

Abstract

The use of dietary patterns to assess dietary intake has become increasingly common in nutritional epidemiology studies due to the complexity and multidimensionality of the diet. Currently, two main approaches have been widely used to assess dietary patterns: data-driven and hypothesis-driven analysis. Since [...] Read more.

The use of dietary patterns to assess dietary intake has become increasingly common in nutritional epidemiology studies due to the complexity and multidimensionality of the diet. Currently, two main approaches have been widely used to assess dietary patterns: data-driven and hypothesis-driven analysis. Since the methods explore different angles of dietary intake, using both approaches simultaneously might yield complementary and useful information; thus, we aimed to use both approaches to gain knowledge of adolescents’ dietary patterns. Food intake from a cross-sectional survey with 295 adolescents was assessed by 24 h dietary recall (24HR). In hypothesis-driven analysis, based on the American National Cancer Institute method, the usual intake of Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised components were estimated. In the data-driven approach, the usual intake of foods/food groups was estimated by the Multiple Source Method. In the results, hypothesis-driven analysis showed low scores for Whole grains, Total vegetables, Total fruit and Whole fruits), while, in data-driven analysis, fruits and whole grains were not presented in any pattern. High intakes of sodium, fats and sugars were observed in hypothesis-driven analysis with low total scores for Sodium, Saturated fat and SoFAA (calories from solid fat, alcohol and added sugar) components in agreement, while the data-driven approach showed the intake of several foods/food groups rich in these nutrients, such as butter/margarine, cookies, chocolate powder, whole milk, cheese, processed meat/cold cuts and candies. In this study, using both approaches at the same time provided consistent and complementary information with regard to assessing the overall dietary habits that will be important in order to drive public health programs, and improve their efficiency to monitor and evaluate the dietary patterns of populations. Full article

13 pages, 2876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Excess Folic Acid Increases Lipid Storage, Weight Gain, and Adipose Tissue Inflammation in High Fat Diet-Fed Rats

by Karen B. Kelly¹, John P. Kennelly¹

, Marta Ordonez², Randal Nelson¹, Kelly Leonard¹, Sally Stabler³, Antonio Gomez-Muñoz², Catherine J. Field¹

and René L. Jacobs^1,4,*

¹ Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2P5, Canada

² Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao 48080, Spain

³ Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80206, USA

⁴ Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R7, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100594 - 23 Sep 2016

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 16174

Abstract

Folic acid intake has increased to high levels in many countries, raising concerns about possible adverse effects, including disturbances to energy and lipid metabolism. Our aim was to investigate the effects of excess folic acid (EFA) intake compared to adequate folic acid (AFA) [...] Read more.

Folic acid intake has increased to high levels in many countries, raising concerns about possible adverse effects, including disturbances to energy and lipid metabolism. Our aim was to investigate the effects of excess folic acid (EFA) intake compared to adequate folic acid (AFA) intake on metabolic health in a rodent model. We conducted these investigations in the setting of either a 15% energy low fat (LF) diet or 60% energy high fat (HF) diet. There was no difference in weight gain, fat mass, or glucose tolerance in EFA-fed rats compared to AFA-fed rats when they were fed a LF diet. However, rats fed EFA in combination with a HF diet had significantly greater weight gain and fat mass compared to rats fed AFA (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis showed increased mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and some of its target genes in adipose tissue of high fat-excess folic acid (HF-EFA) fed rats. Inflammation was increased in HF-EFA fed rats, associated with impaired glucose tolerance compared to high fat-adequate folic acid (HF-AFA) fed rats (p < 0.05). In addition, folic acid induced PPARγ expression and triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Our results suggest that excess folic acid may exacerbate weight gain, fat accumulation, and inflammation caused by consumption of a HF diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue B-Vitamins and One-Carbon Metabolism)

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16 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Triceps and Subscapular Skinfold Thickness Percentiles and Cut-Offs for Overweight and Obesity in a Population-Based Sample of Schoolchildren and Adolescents in Bogota, Colombia

by Robinson Ramírez-Vélez^1,*

, Mario Ferney López-Cifuentes¹, Jorge Enrique Correa-Bautista¹

, Katherine González-Ruíz², Emilio González-Jiménez^3,4

, Diana Paola Córdoba-Rodríguez⁵, Andrés Vivas²

, Hector Reynaldo Triana-Reina⁶

and Jacqueline Schmidt-RioValle^3,4

¹ Centro de Estudios para la Medición de la Actividad Física «CEMA», Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota DC 111221, Colombia

² Grupo de Ejercicio Físico y Deportes, Vicerrectoria de Investigaciones, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogota DC 110231, Colombia

³ Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Avda, De la Ilustración, s/n, (18016), Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain

⁴ Grupo CTS-436, Adscrito al Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento (CIMCYC), Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain

⁵ Grupo de Alimentos, Nutrición y Salud, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontifica Universidad Javeriana, Bogota DC 110231, Colombia

⁶ Grupo GICAEDS, Facultad de Cultura Física, Deporte y Recreación, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogota DC 110311, Colombia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100595 - 24 Sep 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8033

Abstract

The assessment of skinfold thickness is an objective measure of adiposity. The aims of this study were to establish Colombian smoothed centile charts and LMS L (Box–Cox transformation), M (median), and S (coefficient of variation) tables for triceps, subscapular, and triceps + subscapular [...] Read more.

The assessment of skinfold thickness is an objective measure of adiposity. The aims of this study were to establish Colombian smoothed centile charts and LMS L (Box–Cox transformation), M (median), and S (coefficient of variation) tables for triceps, subscapular, and triceps + subscapular skinfolds; appropriate cut-offs were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis based on a population-based sample of children and adolescents in Bogotá, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 9618 children and adolescents (55.7% girls; age range of 9–17.9 years). Triceps and subscapular skinfold measurements were obtained using standardized methods. We calculated the triceps + subscapular skinfold (T + SS) sum. Smoothed percentile curves for triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were derived using the LMS method. ROC curve analyses were used to evaluate the optimal cut-off point of skinfold thickness for overweight and obesity, based on the International Obesity Task Force definitions. Subscapular and triceps skinfolds and T + SS were significantly higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.001). The ROC analysis showed that subscapular and triceps skinfolds and T + SS have a high discriminatory power in the identification of overweight and obesity in the sample population in this study. Our results provide sex- and age-specific normative reference standards for skinfold thickness values from a population from Bogotá, Colombia. Full article

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10 pages, 230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Encouragement of Healthy Lifestyles for Their Children and Personally Caring about Healthy Lifestyles Is Positively Associated with Children Using Vitamin D Supplements

by Lalani L. Munasinghe¹, Yan Yuan², Erin L. Faught¹, Noreen D. Willows³ and Paul J. Veugelers^1,*

¹ School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Population Health Intervention Research Unit, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303 112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G2T4, Canada

² School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-299 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G1C9, Canada

³ Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-378 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G1C9, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100596 - 24 Sep 2016

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5076

Abstract

Supplement users have better vitamin D status, and parenting is key to promoting a child’s healthy behaviours. We examined the association of parental encouragement of and caring about healthy lifestyles with children’s use of vitamin D supplements and multivitamins. A provincially representative sample [...] Read more.

Supplement users have better vitamin D status, and parenting is key to promoting a child’s healthy behaviours. We examined the association of parental encouragement of and caring about healthy lifestyles with children’s use of vitamin D supplements and multivitamins. A provincially representative sample of grade 5 students (n = 2686; 10–11 years) and their parents across the province of Alberta, Canada, was surveyed in 2014. Students were asked about use of multivitamins and/or vitamin D supplements. Parents were asked whether they cared about and encouraged healthy lifestyles. Mixed effect multiple logistic regression identified the association of parental responses with children’s use of supplements; 29% and 54% of children took vitamin D supplements and multivitamins, respectively. They were more likely to take vitamin D supplements if their parents cared ‘very much’ vs. ‘not at all/a little bit’ about eating healthy foods (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.89), cared ‘quite a lot’ (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.17, 2.04) and ‘very much’ (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.26, 2.21) vs. ‘not at all/a little bit’ about physical activity, and encouraged ‘very much’ vs. ‘not at all/a little bit’ their children to eat healthy foods (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.05, 2.17). Children whose parents personally cared for eating healthy foods were more likely to take multivitamins (‘quite a lot’ and ‘very much’ compared to ‘not at all/a little bit’ (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.13, 2.28 and OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.06, respectively). Education and parental encouragement of healthy lifestyles should be part of the public health initiatives to promote supplementation of vitamin D among children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D: Current Issues and New Perspectives)

11 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Providing Flaxseed Oil but Not Menhaden Oil Protects against OVX Induced Bone Loss in the Mandible of Sprague-Dawley Rats

by Amanda B. Longo and Wendy E. Ward^*

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100597 - 24 Sep 2016

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5581

Abstract

Higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with benefits at several skeletal sites in postmenopausal women and in rodent models, but the effect of PUFA-containing oils on tooth-supporting alveolar bone of the mandible has not been studied. Moreover, direct comparison of [...] Read more.

Higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with benefits at several skeletal sites in postmenopausal women and in rodent models, but the effect of PUFA-containing oils on tooth-supporting alveolar bone of the mandible has not been studied. Moreover, direct comparison of the effect of flaxseed oil (a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)) and menhaden oil (a source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) is unknown. One-month old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were randomized to and fed a diet containing flaxseed oil or menhaden oil from one to six months of age. At three months of age, rats were randomized to receive SHAM or ovariectomy (OVX) surgery (n = 12/diet). The inter-radicular septum below the first molar of the mandible was imaged at 6 months of age (study endpoint) using micro-computed tomography (μCT) at a resolution of 9 μm. As expected, OVX significantly reduced percent bone volume (BV/TV), connectivity density (Conn. D.), trabecular number (Tb. N.), and increased trabecular separation (Tb. Sp.) compared to SHAM rats (p < 0.001). However, post hoc analysis revealed these differences were present in rats fed menhaden oil but not those fed flaxseed oil. These results suggest that providing flaxseed oil, possibly through its high ALA content, provides protection against the OVX-induced alveolar bone loss in rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Oral Health)

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11 pages, 412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of a Bioactive Food Compound in the Lipid Control of Individuals with HIV/AIDS

by Rosângela Dos Santos Ferreira^1,*, Rita De Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães², Elenir Rose Jardim Cury Pontes², Valter Aragão do Nascimento² and Priscila Aiko Hiane²

¹ Nutrition Service, University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79079-900, MS, Brazil

² Post Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79079-900, MS, Brazil

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100598 - 8 Oct 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5098

Abstract

Cardiovascular events due to decompensated lipid metabolism are commonly found in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients using anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the effect of a bioactive food compound (BFC) containing functional foods on [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular events due to decompensated lipid metabolism are commonly found in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients using anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the effect of a bioactive food compound (BFC) containing functional foods on individuals with HIV undergoing HAART. Particularly, this study aims to verify the clinical outcome in the change of the lipid profile due to the use of this compound. This study includes 115 individuals with HIV on HAART. All patients received dietary guidelines; however, sixty-one consumed BFC while fifty-one did not (NO BFC). Biochemical examinations and socio-demographic and clinical profiles were evaluated. As result, in patients using hypolipidemic and/or hypoglycemic drugs, there was 28.6% decrease in triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) in the NO BFC group, and 18.3% reduction in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.001) in the BFC group. In patients who did not use hypolipidemic and/or hypoglycemic drugs in the NO BFC group, there was 30.6% increase in triglycerides, 11.3% total cholesterol and 15.3% LDL-C levels (p < 0.001) while for the BFC group there was 4.5% reduction in total cholesterol (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study evidenced that the dietary intervention containing BFC positively affected in lipid control, since these HIV/AIDS patients using HAART are more vulnerable to lipid disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Soybean and other Grain Legumes)

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12 pages, 4188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Growth of SGC-7901 Tumor Xenografts Was Suppressed by Chinese Bayberry Anthocyanin Extract through Upregulating KLF6 Gene Expression

by Yue Wang¹, Xia-nan Zhang¹, Wen-hua Xie¹, Yi-xiong Zheng², Jin-ping Cao³, Pei-rang Cao⁴, Qing-jun Chen⁵, Xian Li¹ and Chong-de Sun^1,*

¹ Laboratory of Fruit Quality Biology/The State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China

² Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China

³ Taizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Linhai 317000, China

⁴ State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China

⁵ National Light Industry Food Quality Inspection Hangzhou Station, Hangzhou 310009, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100599 - 27 Sep 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6430

Abstract

To investigate the antitumor effect of anthocyanins extracted from Chinese bayberry fruit (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.), a nude mouse tumor xenograft model was established. Treatments with C3G (cyanidin-3-glucoside, an anthocyanin) significantly suppressed the growth of SGC-7901 tumor xenografts in a dose-dependent [...] Read more.

To investigate the antitumor effect of anthocyanins extracted from Chinese bayberry fruit (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.), a nude mouse tumor xenograft model was established. Treatments with C3G (cyanidin-3-glucoside, an anthocyanin) significantly suppressed the growth of SGC-7901 tumor xenografts in a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical staining showed a significant increase in p21 expression, indicating that the cell cycle of tumor xenografts was inhibited. qPCR screening showed that C3G treatment up-regulated the expression of the KLF6 gene, which is an important tumor suppressor gene inactivated in many human cancers. Western blot showed that C3G treatments markedly increased KLF6 and p21 protein levels, inhibited CDK4 and Cyclin D1 expression, but did not notably change the expression of p53. These results indicated that KLF6 up-regulates p21 in a p53-independent manner and significantly reduces tumor proliferation. This study provides important information for the possible mechanism of C3G-induced antitumor activity against gastric adenocarcinoma in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenols for Cancer Treatment or Prevention)

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19 pages, 5448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immune-Enhancing Effects of a High Molecular Weight Fraction of Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley in Macrophages and Immunosuppressed Mice

by Mi Jang^1,2,†

, Tae-Gyu Lim^1,†, Sungeun Ahn²

, Hee-Do Hong¹, Young Kyoung Rhee¹, Kyung-Tack Kim¹, Eunjung Lee¹, Jeong Hoon Lee³, Yun Ji Lee³, Chan Sik Jung³, Dae Young Lee⁴

and Chang-Won Cho^1,*

¹ Traditional Food Research Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam 13539, Gyeonggi, Korea

² Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Gyeonggi, Korea

³ Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, Chungbuk, Korea

⁴ Herbal Crop Utilization Research Team, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, Chungbuk, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100600 - 27 Sep 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6472

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of a high molecular weight fraction (HMF) of Cynanchum wilfordii in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. To identify the bioactive substances of HMF, a crude polysaccharide [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of a high molecular weight fraction (HMF) of Cynanchum wilfordii in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. To identify the bioactive substances of HMF, a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) was obtained and treated with sodium periodate (an oxidation agent) or digested with protease. In macrophages, HMF treatment enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β)), as well as phagocytic ability. In CYC-immunosuppressed mice, HMF improved relative spleen and thymus weights, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation. These increases in NO and cytokines were mediated by up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Periodate treatment, but not protease treatment, decreased the immune-enhancing activity of HMFO, suggesting that polysaccharides are the active ingredients in C. wilfordii extract. Full article

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13 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation Mode on Their Bioavailability in the Rat Prostate. Should Administration Be Joint or Separate?

by Adam Daragó^*

, Andrzej Sapota, Marzenna Nasiadek, Michał Klimczak and Anna Kilanowicz

Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100601 - 4 Oct 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5949

Abstract

It is thought that zinc and selenium deﬁciency may play a signiﬁcant role in the etiology of prostate cancer. Although joint zinc and selenium supplementation is frequently applied in the prevention of prostate diseases, the bioavailability of these elements in the prostate after [...] Read more.

It is thought that zinc and selenium deﬁciency may play a signiﬁcant role in the etiology of prostate cancer. Although joint zinc and selenium supplementation is frequently applied in the prevention of prostate diseases, the bioavailability of these elements in the prostate after co-administration is still unknown. The study examines the effect of subchronic supplementation of zinc gluconate and selenium compounds (sodium selenite or selenomethionine), administered together or separately, on their bioavailability in the prostate, as well as the induction of metallothionein-like proteins (MTs) bound to zinc in the prostate and liver. Zinc concentration in the dorso-lateral lobe of the prostate was signiﬁcantly elevated already after the ﬁrst month of supplementation of zinc alone. In the supplementation period, the MTs level increased together with zinc concentration. In contrast, the ventral lobe of the prostate did not demonstrate signiﬁcantly higher levels of zinc until after three months of supplementation, despite the MTs induction noted after one-month supplementation. Increased selenium levels in the dorsolateral lobe were observed throughout the administration and post-administration periods, regardless of the selenium compound used or whether zinc was co-administered. The results of our studies suggested for the ﬁrst time that these elements should not be administered jointly in supplementation. Full article

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16 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food and Nutrient Intake among 12-Month-Old Norwegian-Somali and Norwegian-Iraqi Infants

by Navnit Kaur Grewal^1,*, Lene Frost Andersen², Cathrine Solheim Kolve¹, Ingrid Kverndalen¹ and Liv Elin Torheim¹

¹ Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 4 St. Olavs Plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway

² Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100602 - 28 Sep 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5524

Abstract

The aim of the present paper was to describe food and nutrient intake among 12-month-old Norwegian-Somali and Norwegian-Iraqi infants, with a focus on iron and vitamin D intake. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2013 through September 2014. Eighty-nine mothers/infants of Somali [...] Read more.

The aim of the present paper was to describe food and nutrient intake among 12-month-old Norwegian-Somali and Norwegian-Iraqi infants, with a focus on iron and vitamin D intake. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2013 through September 2014. Eighty-nine mothers/infants of Somali origin and 77 mothers/infants of Iraqi origin residing in Eastern Norway participated in the study. Data were collected using two 24-h multiple-pass recalls. Forty percent of the Norwegian-Somali infants and 47% of the Norwegian-Iraqi infants were breastfed at 12 months of age (p = 0.414). Median energy percentages (E%) from protein, fat and carbohydrates were within the recommended intake ranges, except the level of saturated fats (12–13 E%). Median intakes of almost all micronutrients were above the recommended daily intakes. Most of the infants consumed iron-enriched products (81%) and received vitamin D supplements (84%). The median intakes of iron and vitamin D were significantly higher among infants receiving iron-enriched products and vitamin D supplements compared to infants not receiving such products (p < 0.001). The findings indicate that the food and nutrient intake of this group of infants in general seems to be in accordance with Norwegian dietary recommendations. Foods rich in iron and vitamin D supplements were important sources of the infants’ intake of iron and vitamin D and should continue to be promoted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients in Infancy)

15 pages, 968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intakes of Folate and Vitamin B12 and Biomarkers of Status in the Very Old: The Newcastle 85+ Study

by Nuno Mendonça^1,2,3,*, John C. Mathers^2,3,4

, Ashley J. Adamson^2,3,5, Carmen Martin-Ruiz², Chris J. Seal^1,3

, Carol Jagger^2,5 and Tom R. Hill^1,2,3

¹ School of Agriculture Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

² Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK

³ Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK

⁴ Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK

⁵ Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 5PL, UK

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100604 - 28 Sep 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6917

Abstract

Very old adults are at increased risk of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies due to reduced food intake and gastrointestinal absorption. The main aim was to determine the association between folate and vitamin B12 intake from total diets and food groups, and status. [...] Read more.

Very old adults are at increased risk of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies due to reduced food intake and gastrointestinal absorption. The main aim was to determine the association between folate and vitamin B12 intake from total diets and food groups, and status. Folate or vitamin B12 intakes (2 × 24 h multiple pass recalls) and red blood cell (RBC) folate or plasma vitamin B12 (chemiluminescence immunoassays) concentrations were available at baseline for 731 participants aged 85 from the Newcastle 85+ Study (North-East England). Generalized additive and binary logistic models estimated the associations between folate and vitamin B12 intakes from total diets and food groups, and RBC folate and plasma B12. Folate intake from total diets and cereal and cereal products was strongly associated with RBC folate (p < 0.001). Total vitamin B12 intake was weakly associated with plasma vitamin B12 (p = 0.054) but those with higher intakes from total diets or meat and meat products were less likely to have deficient status. Women homozygous for the FUT2 G allele had higher concentrations of plasma vitamin B12. Cereals and cereal products are a very important source of folate in the very old. Higher intakes of folate and vitamin B12 lower the risk of “inadequate” status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue B-Vitamins and One-Carbon Metabolism)

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10 pages, 703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Synbiotics in Patients with Slow Transit Constipation: A Prospective Randomized Trial

by Chao Ding^1,†, Xiaolong Ge^1,†, Xueying Zhang¹, Hongliang Tian¹, Hongkan Wang², Lili Gu¹, Jianfeng Gong^1,*, Weiming Zhu¹ and Ning Li^1,*

¹ Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China

² First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100605 - 28 Sep 2016

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 8537

Abstract

Synbiotic intake may efficiently restore the balance of gut microbiota and improve gastrointestinal functions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic in patients with slow transit constipation. A total of 100 patients with slow transit constipation were [...] Read more.

Synbiotic intake may efficiently restore the balance of gut microbiota and improve gastrointestinal functions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic in patients with slow transit constipation. A total of 100 patients with slow transit constipation were randomized to receive either a synbiotic or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoints were the clinical remission and improvement rates at weeks 4 and 12. Stool frequency and consistency, colonic transit time (CTT), evacuation and abdominal symptoms, patient assessment of constipation symptoms, gastrointestinal quality-of-life index scores, satisfaction scores, and adverse events were also monitored. The clinical remission rates reached 37.5% at week 4 and 45.8% at week 12 in the treatment group, compared to 13.3% at week 4 and 16.7% at week 12 in the placebo group (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). Over 12 weeks, 64.6% of the patients who received the synbiotic experienced clinical improvement, compared to 29.2% of the patients in the placebo group (p < 0.01). During the intervention period, patients who were treated with the synbiotic exhibited increased stool frequency, improved stool consistency, decreased CTT, and improved constipation-related symptoms. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial suggested that dietary supplementation with a synbiotic improved evacuation-parameters-associated symptoms and colonic motility in patients with slow transit constipation (STC). Full article

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

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10 pages, 765 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Amino Acid Composition of Breast Milk from Urban Chinese Mothers

by Clara L. Garcia-Rodenas^1,*

, Michael Affolter¹, Gerard Vinyes-Pares², Carlos A. De Castro¹, Leonidas G. Karagounis¹

, Yumei Zhang³, Peiyu Wang⁴ and Sagar K. Thakkar¹

¹ Nestlé Research Center, Nestec Ltd., Lausanne 1000, Switzerland

² Nestlé Health Sciences, Nestec Ltd., Epalinges 1066, Switzerland

³ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

⁴ Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100606 - 28 Sep 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7076

Abstract

Human breast milk (BM) amino acid (AA) composition may be impacted by lactation stage or factors related to geographical location. The present cross-sectional study is aimed at assessing the temporal changes of BMAA over lactation stages in a large cohort of urban mothers [...] Read more.

Human breast milk (BM) amino acid (AA) composition may be impacted by lactation stage or factors related to geographical location. The present cross-sectional study is aimed at assessing the temporal changes of BMAA over lactation stages in a large cohort of urban mothers in China. Four hundred fifty BM samples, collected in three Chinese cities covering eight months of lactation were analyzed for free (FAA) and total (TAA) AA by o-phthalaldehyde/ fluorenylmethylchloroformate (OPA/FMOC) derivatization. Concentrations and changes over lactation were aligned with previous reports. Both the sum and the individual TAA values significantly decreased during the first periods of lactation and then generally leveled off. Leucine and methionine were respectively the most and the least abundant indispensable amino acids across all the lactation stages, whereas glutamic acid + glutamine (Glx) was the most and cystine the least abundant dispensable AA. The contribution of FAA to TAA levels was less than 2%, except for free Glx, which was the most abundant FAA. In conclusion, the AA composition of the milk from our cohort of urban Chinese mothers was comparable to previous studies conducted in other parts of the world, suggesting that this is an evolutionary conserved trait largely independent of geographical, ethnic, or dietary factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients in Infancy)

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15 pages, 5324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hepatoprotective Effect of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha Fruits against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Damage

by Herson Antonio González-Ponce^1,5

, María Consolación Martínez-Saldaña², Ana Rosa Rincón-Sánchez³

, María Teresa Sumaya-Martínez⁴, Manon Buist-Homan^5,6, Klaas Nico Faber^5,6, Han Moshage^5,6

and Fernando Jaramillo-Juárez^1,*

¹ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Science Center, Universidad Autónomade Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico

² Department of Morphology, Basic Science Center, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico

³ Department of Physiology, University Center of Health Sciences, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico

⁴ Food Technology Unit, Secretary of Research and Graduate Studies, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic 63160, Mexico

⁵ Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands

⁶ Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100607 - 4 Oct 2016

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 8377

Abstract

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious health problem in developed countries. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the current therapy for APAP-induced ALF, is not always effective, and liver transplantation is often needed. Opuntia spp. fruits are an important source of nutrients and contain [...] Read more.

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious health problem in developed countries. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the current therapy for APAP-induced ALF, is not always effective, and liver transplantation is often needed. Opuntia spp. fruits are an important source of nutrients and contain high levels of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha extracts against APAP-induced ALF. In addition, we analyzed the antioxidant activities of these extracts. Fruit extracts (800mg/kg/day, orally) were given prophylactically to male Wistar rats before intoxication with APAP (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Rat hepatocyte cultures were exposed to 20mmol/LAPAP, and necrosis was assessed by LDH leakage. Opuntia robusta had signiﬁcantly higher levels of antioxidants than Opuntia streptacantha. Both extracts signiﬁcantly attenuated APAP-induced injury markers AST, ALT and ALP and improved liver histology. The Opuntia extracts reversed APAP-induced depletion of liver GSH and glycogen stores. In cultured hepatocytes, Opuntia extracts signiﬁcantly reduced leakage of LDH and cell necrosis, both prophylactically and therapeutically. Both extracts appeared to be superior to NAC when used therapeutically. We conclude that Opuntia extracts are hepatoprotective and can be used as a nutraceutical to prevent ALF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Promoting Components of Fruits and Vegetables in Human Health)

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16 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The VITAH Trial—Vitamin D Supplementation and Cardiac Autonomic Tone in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis: A Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

by Michelle C. Mann^1,2, Derek V. Exner^1,2, Brenda R. Hemmelgarn^1,2,3, David A. Hanley^1,4

, Tanvir C. Turin¹, Jennifer M. MacRae^1,2, David C. Wheeler⁵

, Darlene Y. Sola¹, Sharanya Ramesh^1,2 and Sofia B. Ahmed^1,2,*

¹ Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada

² Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada

³ Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada

⁴ Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Centre, Calgary, AB T2T 5C7, Canada

⁵ Department of Medicine, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100608 - 28 Sep 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5550

Abstract

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are at increased cardiovascular risk. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with depressed heart rate variability (HRV), a risk factor depicting poor cardiac autonomic tone and risk of cardiovascular death. Vitamin D deficiency and depressed HRV are highly prevalent [...] Read more.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are at increased cardiovascular risk. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with depressed heart rate variability (HRV), a risk factor depicting poor cardiac autonomic tone and risk of cardiovascular death. Vitamin D deficiency and depressed HRV are highly prevalent in the ESKD population. We aimed to determine the effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on HRV ((low frequency (LF) to high frequency (HF) spectral ratio (LF:HF)) in ESKD patients on hemodialysis. Fifty-six subjects with ESKD requiring hemodialysis were recruited from January 2013–March 2015 and randomized 1:1 to either conventional (0.25 mcg alfacalcidol plus placebo 3×/week) or intensive (0.25 mcg alfacalcidol 3×/week plus 50,000 international units (IU) ergocalciferol 1×/week) vitamin D for six weeks. The primary outcome was the change in LF:HF. There was no difference in LF:HF from baseline to six weeks for either vitamin D treatment (conventional: p = 0.9 vs. baseline; intensive: p = 0.07 vs. baseline). However, participants who remained vitamin D-deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL) after treatment demonstrated an increase in LF:HF (conventional: n = 13, ∆LF:HF: 0.20 ± 0.06, p < 0.001 vs. insufficient and sufficient vitamin D groups; intensive: n = 8: ∆LF:HF: 0.15 ± 0.06, p < 0.001 vs. sufficient vitamin D group). Overall, six weeks of conventional or intensive vitamin D only augmented LF:HF in ESKD subjects who remained vitamin D-deficient after treatment. Our findings potentially suggest that while activated vitamin D, with or without additional nutritional vitamin D, does not appear to improve cardiac autonomic tone in hemodialysis patients with insufficient or sufficient baseline vitamin D levels, supplementation in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency may improve cardiac autonomic tone in this higher risk sub-population of ESKD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01774812. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D: Current Issues and New Perspectives)

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15 pages, 5374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of n-3 PUFAs on Intestinal Mucosa Innate Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota in Mice after Hemorrhagic Shock Resuscitation

by Feng Tian^1,†, Xuejin Gao^1,†, Li Zhang¹, Xinying Wang^1,*, Xiao Wan¹, Tingting Jiang¹, Chao Wu¹, Jingcheng Bi¹ and Qiucheng Lei^1,2

¹ Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China

² Department of General Surgery, South Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100609 - 29 Sep 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6277

Abstract

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve the function of the intestinal barrier after damage from ischemia-reperfusion or hemorrhagic shock resuscitation (HSR). However, the effects of n-3 PUFAs on intestinal microbiota and the innate immunity of the intestinal mucosa after HSR [...] Read more.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve the function of the intestinal barrier after damage from ischemia-reperfusion or hemorrhagic shock resuscitation (HSR). However, the effects of n-3 PUFAs on intestinal microbiota and the innate immunity of the intestinal mucosa after HSR remain unclear. In the present study, 40 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, sham, HSR, HSR + n-3 PUFAs and HSR + n-6 PUFAs. Mice were sacrificed 12 h after HSR. Liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and terminal ileal tissues were collected. Intestinal mucosae were scraped aseptically. Compared with the HSR group, the number of goblet cells increased, expression of mucin 2 was restored and disturbed intestinal microbiota were partly stabilized in the PUFA-administered groups, indicating that both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs reduced overproliferation of Gammaproteobacteria while promoting the growth of Bacteroidetes. Notably, n-3 PUFAs had an advantage over n-6 PUFAs in improving ileal tissue levels of lysozyme after HSR. Thus, PUFAs, especially n-3 PUFAs, partly improved the innate immunity of intestinal mucosa in mice after HSR. These findings suggest a clinical rationale for providing n-3 PUFAs to patients recovering from ischemia-reperfusion. Full article

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13 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D Intake and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Korean Adults: Analysis of the 2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-3) Using a Newly Established Vitamin D Database

by Kyoungok Yoo, Jinah Cho and Sunyung Ly^*

Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100610 - 29 Sep 2016

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6627

Abstract

Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone health and may prevent various diseases (i.e., cardiovascular disease and cancer). The aim of this study was to estimate vitamin D intakes of Korean adults using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2009) [...] Read more.

Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone health and may prevent various diseases (i.e., cardiovascular disease and cancer). The aim of this study was to estimate vitamin D intakes of Korean adults using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2009) data and a newly established vitamin D database. KNHANES (2009) participants (n = 4541; 2021 men; 2520 women) aged ≥20 years were included. Dietary vitamin D intake, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and the relationship between vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D were evaluated. In men and women, vitamin D intakes were 4.00 ± 0.17 µg/day and 2.6 ± 0.1 µg/day respectively, and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 19.78 ± 0.33 ng/mL and 17.10 ± 0.26 ng/mL respectively. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations of men aged <50 years and women aged >20 years were under 20 ng/mL. After adjusting for confounding factors, the positive relationship between vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D was observed in total subjects (p < 0.05), excluding participants ≥50 years old. The main food sources for vitamin D among Korean adults were fish/shellfish (71.34%) and egg (14.89%). Korean adults should increase their serum 25(OH)D concentrations by increasing vitamin D intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D: Current Issues and New Perspectives)

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17 pages, 2652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiproliferative and Antiangiogenic Effects of Punica granatum Juice (PGJ) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

by Daniele Tibullo^1,2

, Nunzia Caporarello³, Cesarina Giallongo^1,3, Carmelina Daniela Anfuso³, Claudia Genovese^2,4

, Carmen Arlotta^2,4, Fabrizio Puglisi¹, Nunziatina L. Parrinello¹, Vincenzo Bramanti³

, Alessandra Romano¹, Gabriella Lupo³, Valeria Toscano⁴, Roberto Avola³, Maria Violetta Brundo^2,*

, Francesco Di Raimondo^1,† and Salvatore Antonio Raccuia^2,4,†

¹ Section of Hematology, Department of Surgery and Medical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy

² Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy

³ Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy

⁴ Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, National Research Council, Catania 95125, Italy

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100611 - 1 Oct 2016

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8291

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of clonal plasma cells (PC) in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction and BM failure. Despite recent advances in pharmacological therapy, MM remains a largely incurable pathology. Therefore, novel [...] Read more.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of clonal plasma cells (PC) in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction and BM failure. Despite recent advances in pharmacological therapy, MM remains a largely incurable pathology. Therefore, novel effective and less toxic agents are urgently necessary. In the last few years, pomegranate has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties including treatment and prevention of cancer. Pomegranate juice (PGJ) contains a number of potential active compounds including organic acids, vitamins, sugars, and phenolic components that are all responsible of the pro-apoptotic effects observed in tumor cell line. The aim of present investigation is to assess the antiproliferative and antiangiogenic potential of the PGJ in human multiple myeloma cell lines. Our data demonstrate the anti-proliferative potential of PGJ in MM cells; its ability to induce G0/G1 cell cycle block and its anti-angiogenic effects. Interestingly, sequential combination of bortezomib/PGJ improved the cytotoxic effect of the proteosome inhibitor. We investigated the effect of PGJ on angiogenesis and cell migration/invasion. Interestingly, we observed an inhibitory effect on the tube formation, microvessel outgrowth aorting ring and decreased cell migration and invasion as showed by wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. Analysis of angiogenic genes expression in endothelial cells confirmed the anti-angiogenic properties of pomegranate. Therefore, PGJ administration could represent a good tool in order to identify novel therapeutic strategies for MM treatment, exploiting its anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects. Finally, the present research supports the evidence that PGJ could play a key role of a future therapeutic approach for treatment of MM in order to optimize the pharmacological effect of bortezomib, especially as adjuvant after treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenols for Cancer Treatment or Prevention)

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12 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chinese Men and Women

by Xiao-Wei Dai^1,2,†, Cheng Wang^1,†, Ying Xu¹, Ke Guan¹, Yi-Xiang Su^1,3,* and Yu-Ming Chen^1,4,*

¹ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China

² Nanshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518067, China

³ Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China

⁴ Department of Medical Statistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100612 - 1 Oct 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5022

Abstract

Limited studies have examined the association between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) levels and the risk of atherosclerosis. This study examined whether higher Na and Na/K levels and low K levels were independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. This community-based cross-sectional study included 3290 [...] Read more.

Limited studies have examined the association between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) levels and the risk of atherosclerosis. This study examined whether higher Na and Na/K levels and low K levels were independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. This community-based cross-sectional study included 3290 subjects (1067 men and 2223 women) 40 to 75 years of age in Guangzhou, China, between 2011 and 2013. Urinary excretion of Na and K were measured from the first morning void, and creatinine-adjusted values were used. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid common artery and the carotid bifurcation was measured with high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Dietary K and Na intake and other covariates were obtained by face-to-face interviews. A significant positive association was seen between urinary Na excretion and carotid atherosclerosis after adjustment for age, sex, and other lifestyle covariates. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of urinary Na were 1.32 (1.04–1.66) for carotid plaques, 1.48 (1.18–1.87) for increased common carotid artery IMT, and 1.55 (1.23–1.96) for increased carotid bifurcation IMT (all p-trend < 0.01). A similar positive association was observed between urinary Na/K levels and carotid plaque and increased IMT, and between dietary Na intake and increased bifurcation IMT. Regarding potassium data, we only found a significantly lower presence of carotid plaque (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57–0.91) for quartile 2 (vs. 1) of urinary K. Our findings suggest that higher levels of urinary excretion Na and Na/K are significantly associated with greater presence of carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese adults. Full article

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

13 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lycopene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin May Reduce Faecal Blood, Mucus and Pus but not Abdominal Pain in Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis

by Dominika Głąbska^1,*

, Dominika Guzek²

, Paulina Zakrzewska¹, Dariusz Włodarek¹

and Gustaw Lech³

¹ Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 159c Nowoursynowska Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland

² Department of Organization and Consumption Economics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 159c Nowoursynowska Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland

³ Department of General, Gastroenterological and Oncological Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 1a Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100613 - 30 Sep 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7436

Abstract

Background: The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is diarrhoea, which is often accompanied by painful tenesmus and faecal blood and mucus. It sometimes co-occurs with abdominal pain, fever, feeling of fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Some dietary factors have been indicated [...] Read more.

Background: The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is diarrhoea, which is often accompanied by painful tenesmus and faecal blood and mucus. It sometimes co-occurs with abdominal pain, fever, feeling of fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Some dietary factors have been indicated as important in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The aim of the study was to analyse the association between retinoid intake (total vitamin A, retinol, β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin) and ulcerative colitis symptoms (abdominal pain, faecal blood, faecal mucus, faecal pus) in individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission. Methods: Assessment of diet was based on self-reported data from each patient’s dietary records taken over a period of three typical, random days (2 weekdays and 1 day of the weekend). Results: A total of 56 individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission (19 males and 37 females) were recruited for the study. One in every four individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission was characterised as having inadequate vitamin A intake. Higher lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin intakes in individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission were associated with lower faecal blood, mucus and pus but not with lower incidence of abdominal pain. Higher carotene intake in individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission may contribute to higher incidence of faecal mucus. Conclusions: Optimising intake of specific retinoids may enhance disease control in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Prospective studies, including patient reported and objective outcomes, are required to confirm this. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet in IBD)

17 pages, 982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Retinol in the Age-Stratified (35–74 Years) General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries

by Wolfgang Stuetz^1,2

, Daniela Weber^2,3,*, Martijn E. T. Dollé⁴, Eugène Jansen⁴, Beatrix Grubeck-Loebenstein⁵, Simone Fiegl⁶, Olivier Toussaint⁷, Juergen Bernhardt⁸, Efstathios S. Gonos⁹, Claudio Franceschi¹⁰, Ewa Sikora¹¹, María Moreno-Villanueva¹², Nicolle Breusing^1,13, Tilman Grune^3,14,15,16

and Alexander Bürkle¹²

¹ Institute of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70599, Germany

² Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena 07743, Germany

³ Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal 14558, Germany

⁴ National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), BA Bilthoven 3721, The Netherlands

⁵ Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, Leipold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck 6020, Austria

⁶ Institute for Nutritional Sciences and Physiology, University for Health Sciences, Hall in Tirol 6060, Austria

⁷ Unit of Cellular Biochemistry and Biology, University of Namur, Namur 5000, Belgium

⁸ BioTeSys GmbH, Esslingen 73728, Germany

⁹ Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), Athens 11635, Greece

¹⁰ Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy

¹¹ Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-093, Poland

¹² Molecular Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78457, Germany

¹³ Department of Applied Nutritional Science/Dietetics, Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70599, Germany

¹⁴ German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg 85764, Germany

¹⁵ German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin 13357, Germany

¹⁶ NutriAct-Competence Cluster Nutrition Research Berlin-Potsdam, Nuthetal 14458, Germany

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Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100614 - 30 Sep 2016

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 10441

Abstract

Blood micronutrient status may change with age. We analyzed plasma carotenoids, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol and their associations with age, demographic characteristics, and dietary habits (assessed by a short food frequency questionnaire) in a cross-sectional study of 2118 women and men (age-stratified from 35 [...] Read more.

Blood micronutrient status may change with age. We analyzed plasma carotenoids, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol and their associations with age, demographic characteristics, and dietary habits (assessed by a short food frequency questionnaire) in a cross-sectional study of 2118 women and men (age-stratified from 35 to 74 years) of the general population from six European countries. Higher age was associated with lower lycopene and α-/β-carotene and higher β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol levels. Significant correlations with age were observed for lycopene (r = −0.248), α-tocopherol (r = 0.208), α-carotene (r = −0.112), and β-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.125; all p < 0.001). Age was inversely associated with lycopene (−6.5% per five-year age increase) and this association remained in the multiple regression model with the significant predictors (covariables) being country, season, cholesterol, gender, smoking status, body mass index (BMI (kg/m²)), and dietary habits. The positive association of α-tocopherol with age remained when all covariates including cholesterol and use of vitamin supplements were included (1.7% vs. 2.4% per five-year age increase). The association of higher β-cryptoxanthin with higher age was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for fruit consumption, whereas the inverse association of α-carotene with age remained in the fully adjusted multivariable model (−4.8% vs. −3.8% per five-year age increase). We conclude from our study that age is an independent predictor of plasma lycopene, α-tocopherol, and α-carotene. Full article

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15 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soluble Fiber with High Water-Binding Capacity, Swelling Capacity, and Fermentability Reduces Food Intake by Promoting Satiety Rather Than Satiation in Rats

by Chengquan Tan¹, Hongkui Wei¹, Xichen Zhao¹, Chuanhui Xu¹, Yuanfei Zhou^1,* and Jian Peng^1,2,*

¹ Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China

² The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100615 - 2 Oct 2016

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8398

Abstract

To understand whether soluble fiber (SF) with high water-binding capacity (WBC), swelling capacity (SC) and fermentability reduces food intake and whether it does so by promoting satiety or satiation or both, we investigated the effects of different SFs with these properties on the [...] Read more.

To understand whether soluble fiber (SF) with high water-binding capacity (WBC), swelling capacity (SC) and fermentability reduces food intake and whether it does so by promoting satiety or satiation or both, we investigated the effects of different SFs with these properties on the food intake in rats. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four equal groups and fed the control diet or diet containing 2% konjac flour (KF), pregelatinized waxy maize starch (PWMS) plus guar gum (PG), and PWMS starch plus xanthan gum (PX) for three weeks, with the measured values of SF, WBC, and SC in the four diets following the order of PG > KF > PX > control. Food intake, body weight, meal pattern, behavioral satiety sequence, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecal content were evaluated. KF and PG groups reduced the food intake, mainly due to the decreased feeding behavior and increased satiety, as indicated by decreased meal numbers and increased inter-meal intervals. Additionally, KF and PG groups increased concentrations of acetate acid, propionate acid, and SCFAs in the cecal contents. Our results indicate that SF with high WBC, SC, and fermentability reduces food intake—probably by promoting a feeling of satiety in rats to decrease their feeding behavior. Full article

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

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16 pages, 4409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Phytoestrogen Extracts Isolated from Elder Flower on Hormone Production and Receptor Expression of Trophoblast Tumor Cells JEG-3 and BeWo, as well as MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells

by Lennard Schröder¹

, Dagmar Ulrike Richter², Birgit Piechulla³, Mareike Chrobak³, Christina Kuhn¹, Sandra Schulze¹, Sybille Abarzua³, Udo Jeschke^1,*

and Tobias Weissenbacher¹

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich 80337, Germany

² Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Rostock, Rostock 18059, Germany

³ Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock 18059, Germany

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100616 - 8 Oct 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6541

Abstract

Hereinwe investigated the effect of elderflower extracts (EFE) and of enterolactone/enterodiol on hormone production and proliferation of trophoblast tumor cell lines JEG-3 and BeWo, as well as MCF7 breast cancer cells. The EFE was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Cells were incubated with various [...] Read more.

Hereinwe investigated the effect of elderflower extracts (EFE) and of enterolactone/enterodiol on hormone production and proliferation of trophoblast tumor cell lines JEG-3 and BeWo, as well as MCF7 breast cancer cells. The EFE was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Cells were incubated with various concentrations of EFE. Untreated cells served as controls. Supernatants were tested for estradiol production with an ELISA method. Furthermore, the effect of the EFE on ERα/ERβ/PR expression was assessed by immunocytochemistry. EFE contains a substantial amount of lignans. Estradiol production was inhibited in all cells in a concentration-dependent manner. EFE upregulated ERα in JEG-3 cell lines. In MCF7 cells, a significant ERα downregulation and PR upregulation were observed. The control substances enterolactone and enterodiol in contrast inhibited the expression of both ER and of PR in MCF7 cells. In addition, the production of estradiol was upregulated in BeWo and MCF7 cells in a concentration dependent manner. The downregulating effect of EFE on ERα expression and the upregulation of the PR expression in MFC-7 cells are promising results. Therefore, additional unknown substances might be responsible for ERα downregulation and PR upregulation. These findings suggest potential use of EFE in breast cancer prevention and/or treatment and warrant further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenols for Cancer Treatment or Prevention)

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15 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Total Water Intake from Beverages and Foods Is Associated with Energy Intake and Eating Behaviors in Korean Adults

by Kyung Won Lee¹

, Dayeon Shin²

and Won O. Song^1,*

¹ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, 469 Wilson Road, Trout FSHN Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

² Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, University of North Dakota, 221 Centennial Dr, Stop 8237, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8237, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100617 - 4 Oct 2016

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7514

Abstract

Water is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Even though a recommendation exists for adequate water intake for Koreans, studies identifying actual water intake from all beverages and foods consumed daily in the Korean population are limited. Thus, we estimated total [...] Read more.

Water is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Even though a recommendation exists for adequate water intake for Koreans, studies identifying actual water intake from all beverages and foods consumed daily in the Korean population are limited. Thus, we estimated total water intake from both beverages and foods and its association with energy intake and eating behaviors in Korean adults. We used a nationally representative sample of 25,122 Korean adults aged ≥19 years, from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2012. We performed multiple regression analyses, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related variables to investigate the contribution of overall energy and dietary intakes and eating behaviors to total water intake. The mean total water intake excluding plain water was 1071 g (398 g from beverages and 673 g from foods) and the estimated plain water intake was 1.3 L. Among Korean adults, 82% consumed beverages (excluding plain water) and these beverages contributed to 10% of daily energy intake and 32% of total water intake from beverages and foods. For every 100 kcal/day in energy intake, water intake consumed through beverages and foods increased by 18 g and 31 g, respectively. Water intake from beverages and foods was positively associated with energy from fat and dietary calcium, but inversely associated with energy density and energy from carbohydrates. When there was a 5% increase in energy intake from snacks and eating outside the home, there was an increase in water intake from beverages of 13 g and 2 g, respectively. Increased daily energy intake, the number of eating episodes, and energy intake from snacks and eating outside the home predicted higher water intake from beverages and foods. Our results provide evidence suggesting that various factors, including sociodemographic status, dietary intakes, and eating behaviors, could be important contributors to the water intake of Korean adults. Findings from this cross-sectional analysis may provide insight into strategies for promoting adequate water intake among Koreans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beverage Consumption Habits around the World: Association with Total Water and Energy Intakes)

12 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composition and Nutrient Information of Non-Alcoholic Beverages in the Spanish Market: An Update

by María Serrano Iglesias, María De Lourdes Samaniego Vaesken

and Gregorio Varela Moreiras^*

Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEU San Pablo University of Madrid, Madrid 28668, Spain

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100618 - 8 Oct 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5764

Abstract

The aim of this study was to draw an updated map of the nutrition facts in the different categories of non-alcoholic beverages in the Spanish market based on the information declared on the labels of these products; we expect this first step to [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to draw an updated map of the nutrition facts in the different categories of non-alcoholic beverages in the Spanish market based on the information declared on the labels of these products; we expect this first step to justify the need for the coordination and harmonization of food composition tables in Spain so that there will be an updated database available to produce realistic scientific nutrient intake estimates in accordance with the actual market scenario. Materials and Methods: The nutrition facts declared on the labels of non-alcoholic beverages by manufacturers in Spain were compiled and studied. Results: The database included 211 beverages classified in 7 groups with energy/carbohydrate content per 100 mL ranging from 0–55 kcal/0–13 g for soft drinks; 2–60 kcal/0–14.5 g for energy drinks; 24–31 kcal/5.8–7.5 g for sports drinks; 1–32 kcal/0–7.3 g for drinks containing mineral salts in their composition; 14–69 kcal/2.6–17 g for fruit juice, nectar, and grape musts; 43–78 kcal/6.1–14.4 g for vegetable drinks; and 33–88 kcal/3.6–14 g for dairy drinks. Conclusion: The current non-alcoholic beverage market is a dynamic, growing, and highly innovative one, allowing consumers to choose according to their preferences, needs, or level of physical activity at any moment of the day. Full article

18 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Almond- and Olive Oil-Based Docosahexaenoic- and Vitamin E-Enriched Beverage Dietary Supplementation on Inflammation Associated to Exercise and Age

by Xavier Capó^1,2, Miquel Martorell^1,3

, Antoni Sureda^1,2

, Joan Riera⁴, Franchek Drobnic⁴, Josep Antoni Tur^1,2

and Antoni Pons^1,2,*

¹ Research Groupon Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, Science Laboratory of Physical Activity, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, University of Balearic Islands, Crtra, Valldemossa, Palma de Mallorca 07122, Illes Balears, Spain

² CIBER: CB12/03/30038 Fisiopatología de la Obesidad la Nutrición, CIBEROBN, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca 07122, Illes Balears, Spain

³ Departamento de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile

⁴ Sports Physiology Department CAR, Barcelona, 08174 Sant Cugat del Vallés, Spain

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100619 - 9 Oct 2016

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6748

Abstract

n-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols are potential key factors for the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammation associated to ageing and non-communicable diseases. The aim was to analyse effects of an almond and olive oil beverage enriched with α-tocopherol and docosahexaenoic, exercise [...] Read more.

n-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols are potential key factors for the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammation associated to ageing and non-communicable diseases. The aim was to analyse effects of an almond and olive oil beverage enriched with α-tocopherol and docosahexaenoic, exercise and age on inflammatory plasma markers, and immune gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Five young and five senior athletes who were supplemented for five weeks with a functional beverage performed a stress test under controlled conditions before and after beverage supplementation. Blood samples were taken immediately before and 1 h after each test. Plasma, erythrocytes and PBMCs were isolated. Beverage supplementation increased plasmatic Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) levels depending on age and exercise. Exercise increased plasma non esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), soluble Intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (sICAM3) and soluble L-selectin (sL-Selectin), and this increase was attenuated by the supplementation. Exercise increased PGE2 plasma levels in supplemented young and in senior placebo athletes. Exercise increased NFkβ-activated levels in PBMCs, which are primed to a pro-inflammatory response increasing pro-inflammatory genes expression after the exercise mainly in the young group after the supplementation. The functional beverage supplementation to young athletes enhances a pro-inflammatory circulating environment in response to the exercise that was less evident in the senior group. Full article

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27 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caffeine Use among Active Duty Navy and Marine Corps Personnel

by Joseph J. Knapik^1,2,3,*, Daniel W. Trone⁴, Susan McGraw¹, Ryan A. Steelman², Krista G. Austin^1,3 and Harris R. Lieberman¹

¹ Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA

² US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA

³ Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Belcamp, MD 21017, USA

⁴ Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92152, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100620 - 9 Oct 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6986

Abstract

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate 89% of Americans regularly consume caffeine, but these data do not include military personnel. This cross-sectional study examined caffeine use in Navy and Marine Corps personnel, including prevalence, amount of daily consumption, [...] Read more.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate 89% of Americans regularly consume caffeine, but these data do not include military personnel. This cross-sectional study examined caffeine use in Navy and Marine Corps personnel, including prevalence, amount of daily consumption, and factors associated with use. A random sample of Navy and Marine Corps personnel was contacted and asked to complete a detailed questionnaire describing their use of caffeine-containing substances, in addition to their demographic, military, and lifestyle characteristics. A total of 1708 service members (SMs) completed the questionnaire. Overall, 87% reported using caffeinated beverages ≥1 time/week, with caffeine users consuming a mean ± standard error of 226 ± 5 mg/day (242 ± 7 mg/day for men, 183 ± 8 mg/day for women). The most commonly consumed caffeinated beverages (% users) were coffee (65%), colas (54%), teas (40%), and energy drinks (28%). Multivariable logistic regression modeling indicated that characteristics independently associated with caffeine use (≥1 time/week) included older age, white race/ethnicity, higher alcohol consumption, and participating in less resistance training. Prevalence of caffeine use in these SMs was similar to that reported in civilian investigations, but daily consumption (mg/day) was higher. Full article

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12 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Maternal Folate Status and the BHMT c.716G>A Polymorphism Affect the Betaine Dimethylglycine Pathway during Pregnancy

by Jose M. Colomina^1,2, Pere Cavallé-Busquets^2,3, Sílvia Fernàndez-Roig^1,2, Pol Solé-Navais^1,2, Joan D. Fernandez-Ballart^1,2

, Mónica Ballesteros⁴, Per M. Ueland⁵, Klaus Meyer⁶ and Michelle M. Murphy^1,2,*

¹ Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, C/Sant Llorenç 21, Reus 43201, Spain

² Ciberobn Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain

³ Area of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Reus and Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus 43204, Spain

⁴ Area of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII, Tarragona and Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona 43005, Spain

⁵ Section for Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway

⁶ Bevital A/S, Laboratory building, 9th floor, Bergen N-5021, Norway

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100621 - 9 Oct 2016

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6368

Abstract

The effect of the betaine: homocysteine methyltransferase BHMT c.716G>A (G: guanosine; A: adenosine) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the BHMT pathway is unknown during pregnancy. We hypothesised that it impairs betaine to dimethylglycine conversion and that folate status modifies its effect. We studied [...] Read more.

The effect of the betaine: homocysteine methyltransferase BHMT c.716G>A (G: guanosine; A: adenosine) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the BHMT pathway is unknown during pregnancy. We hypothesised that it impairs betaine to dimethylglycine conversion and that folate status modifies its effect. We studied 612 women from the Reus Tarragona Birth Cohort from ≤12 gestational weeks (GW) throughout pregnancy. The frequency of the variant BHMT c.716A allele was 30.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28.3, 33.5). In participants with normal-high plasma folate status (>13.4 nmol/L), least square geometric mean [95% CI] plasma dimethylglycine (pDMG, µmol/L) was lower in the GA (2.35 [2.23, 2.47]) versus GG (2.58 [2.46, 2.70]) genotype at ≤12 GW (p < 0.05) and in the GA (2.08 [1.97, 2.19]) and AA (1.94 [1.75, 2.16]) versus GG (2.29 [2.18, 2.40]) genotypes at 15 GW (p < 0.05). No differences in pDMG between genotypes were observed in participants with possible folate deficiency (≤13.4 nmol/L) (p for interactions at ≤12 GW: 0.023 and 15 GW: 0.038). PDMG was lower in participants with the AA versus GG genotype at 34 GW (2.01 [1.79, 2.25] versus 2.44 [2.16, 2.76] and at labour, 2.51 [2.39, 2.64] versus 3.00 [2.84, 3.18], (p < 0.01)). Possible deficiency compared to normal-high folate status was associated with higher pDMG in multiple linear regression analysis (β coefficients [SEM] ranging from 0.07 [0.04], p < 0.05 to 0.20 [0.04], p < 0.001 in models from early and mid-late pregnancy) and the AA compared to GG genotype was associated with lower pDMG (β coefficients [SEM] ranging from −0.11 [0.06], p = 0.055 to −0.23 [0.06], p < 0.001). Conclusion: During pregnancy, the BHMT pathway is affected by folate status and by the variant BHMT c.716A allele. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue B-Vitamins and One-Carbon Metabolism)

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9 pages, 558 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Increased Calcium Supplementation Postpartum Is Associated with Breastfeeding among Chinese Mothers: Finding from Two Prospective Cohort Studies

by Jian Zhao, Yun Zhao^*, Colin W. Binns

and Andy H. Lee

School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100622 - 9 Oct 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7758

Abstract

The calcium supplementation status during the postpartum period among Chinese lactating women is still unclear. The objective of this study is to utilize data from two population-based prospective cohort studies to examine the calcium supplementation status and to identify whether breastfeeding is associated [...] Read more.

The calcium supplementation status during the postpartum period among Chinese lactating women is still unclear. The objective of this study is to utilize data from two population-based prospective cohort studies to examine the calcium supplementation status and to identify whether breastfeeding is associated with increased calcium supplementation among Chinese mothers after child birth. Information from 1540 mothers on breastfeeding and calcium supplementation measured at discharge, 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum were extracted to evaluate the association between breastfeeding and calcium supplementation postpartum. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to each study initially to account for the inherent correlation among repeated measurements, adjusting for socio-demographic, obstetric factors and calcium supplementation during pregnancy. In addition, breastfeeding status measured at different follow-up time points was treated as a time dependent variable in the longitudinal analysis. Furthermore, the effect sizes of the two cohort studies were pooled using fixed effect model. Based on the two cohort studies, the pooled likelihood of taking calcium supplementation postpartum among breastfeeding mothers was 4.02 times (95% confidence interval (2.30, 7.03)) higher than that of their non-breastfeeding counterparts. Dietary supplementation intervention programs targeting different subgroups should be promoted in Chinese women, given currently a wide shortage of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation postpartum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients in Infancy)

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11 pages, 3295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Food Components That Activate TRPA1 Receptors on Mucosal Ion Transport in the Mouse Intestine

by Linda J. Fothergill^1,*

, Brid Callaghan¹, Leni R. Rivera^1,2, TinaMarie Lieu³, Daniel P. Poole^1,3, Hyun-Jung Cho⁴, David M. Bravo⁵ and John B. Furness^1,6,*

¹ Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia

² Metabolic Research Unit, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3216, Australia

³ Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia

⁴ Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia

⁵ In Vivo Animal Nutrition & Health, Talhouët, Saint-Nolff 56250, France

⁶ Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100623 - 10 Oct 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6231

Abstract

TRPA1 is a ligand-activated cation channel found in the intestine and other tissues. Components of food that stimulate TRPA1 receptors (phytonutrients) include allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde and linalool, but these may also act at other receptors. Cells lining the intestinal mucosa are immunoreactive for [...] Read more.

TRPA1 is a ligand-activated cation channel found in the intestine and other tissues. Components of food that stimulate TRPA1 receptors (phytonutrients) include allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde and linalool, but these may also act at other receptors. Cells lining the intestinal mucosa are immunoreactive for TRPA1 and Trpa1 mRNA occurs in mucosal extracts, suggesting that the TRPA1 receptor is the target for these agonists. However, in situ hybridisation reveals Trpa1 expression in 5-HT containing enteroendocrine cells, not enterocytes. TRPA1 agonists evoke mucosal secretion, which may be indirect (through release of 5-HT) or direct by activation of enterocytes. We investigated effects of the phytonutrients on transmucosal ion currents in mouse duodenum and colon, and the specificity of the phytonutrients in cells transfected with Trpa1, and in Trpa1-deficient mice. The phytonutrients increased currents in the duodenum with the relative potencies: allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) > cinnamaldehyde > linalool (0.1 to 300 μM). The rank order was similar in the colon, but linalool was ineffective. Responses to AITC were reduced by the TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 (100 μM), and were greatly diminished in Trpa1−/− duodenum and colon. Responses were not reduced by tetrodotoxin, 5-HT receptor antagonists, or atropine, but inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis reduced responses. Thus, functional TRPA1 channels are expressed by enterocytes of the duodenum and colon. Activation of enterocyte TRPA1 by food components has the potential to facilitate nutrient absorption. Full article

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13 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Dietary Vitamin A and Carotenes and the Risk of Primary Liver Cancer: A Case–Control Study

by Qiu-Ye Lan¹, Yao-Jun Zhang², Gong-Cheng Liao¹, Rui-Fen Zhou¹, Zhong-Guo Zhou², Yu-Ming Chen¹

and Hui-Lian Zhu^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China

² Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100624 - 11 Oct 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6870

Abstract

Dietary intake of vitamin A (VA) and carotenes has shown beneficial effects for decreasing the risk of some types of cancer, but findings on the risk of primary liver cancer (PLC) are inconsistent. This case–control study explored the associations between the dietary intake [...] Read more.

Dietary intake of vitamin A (VA) and carotenes has shown beneficial effects for decreasing the risk of some types of cancer, but findings on the risk of primary liver cancer (PLC) are inconsistent. This case–control study explored the associations between the dietary intake of VA and carotenes and the risk of PLC. We recruited 644 incident PLC patients (diagnosed within one month of each other) and 644 age- and gender-matched controls in Guangzhou, China. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess habitual dietary intake. Logistic regression analyses found that higher intakes of VA and carotenes were independently associated with decreased PLC risk (all P_-trend < 0.001). The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of PLC for the highest (vs. lowest) quartile were 0.34 (0.24–0.48) for vitamin A and 0.35 (0.25–0.49) for carotenes. The associations were not significantly modified by smoking, alcohol, or tea drinking (P_{-interactions}: 0.062–0.912). Dose–response analysis showed a U-shaped VA–PLC relationship, with sharply decreased risks at the intakes of about 1000 μg retinol equivalent (RE)/day, and then slowly went down toward the flat-bottomed risks with the lowest risk at 2300 μg RE/day. Our findings suggest that greater intake of retinol, carotenes, and total VA may decrease PLC risk among the Chinese population at an intake of 1000 μg RE/day or greater from food sources. Full article

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10 pages, 843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake of Trans Fatty Acids in Children Aged 4–5 in Spain: The INMA Cohort Study

by Alexander Scholz¹, Daniel Gimenez-Monzo¹, Eva Maria Navarrete-Muñoz^1,2

, Manuela Garcia-de-la-Hera^1,2, Ana Fernandez-Somoano^2,3, Adonina Tardon^2,3

, Loreto Santa Marina^2,4,5, Amaia Irazabal⁴, Dora Romaguera^6,7, Mònica Guxens^2,8,9,10, Jordi Julvez^2,8, Sabrina Llop^2,11, Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa^2,11

and Jesus Vioque^1,2,*

¹ Unit of Nutritional Epidemiology, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Alicante 03550, Spain

² CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid 28029, Spain

³ Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33006, Spain

⁴ BIODONOSTIA, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, San Sebastián 20014, Spain

⁵ Subdirección Salud Publica Gipuzkoa, San Sebastián 20013, Spain

⁶ Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Palma (IdISPa), Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca 07120, Spain

⁷ CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid 28029, Spain

⁸ ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08036, Spain

⁹ Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona 08003, Spain

¹⁰ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam 3000CD, The Netherlands

¹¹ Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO–Universitat Jaume I–Universitat de València, Valencia 46020, Spain

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Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100625 - 10 Oct 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6395

Abstract

Trans fatty acid (TFA) intake has been identified as a health hazard in adults, but data on preschool children are scarce. We analyzed the data from the Spanish INMA Project to determine the intake of total, industrial and natural TFA, their main sources [...] Read more.

Trans fatty acid (TFA) intake has been identified as a health hazard in adults, but data on preschool children are scarce. We analyzed the data from the Spanish INMA Project to determine the intake of total, industrial and natural TFA, their main sources and the associated socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in children aged 4–5 (n = 1793). TFA intake was estimated using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, and multiple linear regression was used to explore associated factors. The mean daily intakes of total, industrial and natural TFA were 1.36, 0.60, and 0.71 g/day, respectively. Ten percent of the children obtained >1% of their energy intake from TFA. The main sources of industrial TFA were fast food, white bread and processed baked goods. Milk, red and processed meat and processed baked goods were the main sources of natural TFA. Having parents from countries other than Spain was significantly associated with higher natural TFA (in mg/day) intake (β 45.5) and television viewing was significantly associated with higher industrial TFA intake (β 18.3). Higher fruits and vegetables intake was significantly associated with lower intakes of all TFAs, whereas higher sweetened beverages intake was significantly associated with lower total and natural TFA intake. Thus, total and industrial TFA intake was associated with less healthy food patterns and lifestyles in Spanish preschool children. Full article

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16 pages, 1303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Western Dietary Pattern Increases Prostate Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Roberto Fabiani^1,*

, Liliana Minelli²

, Gaia Bertarelli³ and Silvia Bacci³

¹ Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy

² Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy

³ Department of Economics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100626 - 12 Oct 2016

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 9698

Abstract

Dietary patterns were recently applied to examine the relationship between eating habits and prostate cancer (PC) risk. While the associations between PC risk with the glycemic index and Mediterranean score have been reviewed, no meta-analysis is currently available on dietary patterns defined by [...] Read more.

Dietary patterns were recently applied to examine the relationship between eating habits and prostate cancer (PC) risk. While the associations between PC risk with the glycemic index and Mediterranean score have been reviewed, no meta-analysis is currently available on dietary patterns defined by “a posteriori” methods. A literature search was carried out (PubMed, Web of Science) to identify studies reporting the relationship between dietary patterns and PC risk. Relevant dietary patterns were selected and the risks estimated were calculated by a random-effect model. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs), for a first-percentile increase in dietary pattern score, were combined by a dose-response meta-analysis. Twelve observational studies were included in the meta-analysis which identified a “Healthy pattern” and a “Western pattern”. The Healthy pattern was not related to PC risk (OR = 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88–1.04) while the Western pattern significantly increased it (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.08–1.65). In addition, the “Carbohydrate pattern”, which was analyzed in four articles, was positively associated with a higher PC risk (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.35–2.00). A significant linear trend between the Western (p = 0.011) pattern, the Carbohydrate (p = 0.005) pattern, and the increment of PC risk was observed. The small number of studies included in the meta-analysis suggests that further investigation is necessary to support these findings. Full article

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15 pages, 1227 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Characteristics of Beverage Consumption Habits among a Large Sample of French Adults: Associations with Total Water and Energy Intakes

by Fabien Szabo de Edelenyi¹, Nathalie Druesne-Pecollo¹, Nathalie Arnault¹, Rebeca González¹, Camille Buscail^1,2 and Pilar Galan^1,*

¹ Sorbonne Paris Cité Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center (CRESS), Inserm U1153, Inra U1125, Cnam, Paris 13 University, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Bobigny F93017, France

² Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny F93017, France

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100627 - 11 Oct 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7838

Abstract

Background: Adequate hydration is a key factor for correct functioning of both cognitive and physical processes. In France, public health recommendations about adequate total water intake (TWI) only state that fluid intake should be sufficient, with particular attention paid to hydration for seniors, [...] Read more.

Background: Adequate hydration is a key factor for correct functioning of both cognitive and physical processes. In France, public health recommendations about adequate total water intake (TWI) only state that fluid intake should be sufficient, with particular attention paid to hydration for seniors, especially during heatwave periods. The objective of this study was to calculate the total amount of water coming from food and beverages and to analyse characteristics of consumption in participants from a large French national cohort. Methods: TWI, as well as contribution of food and beverages to TWI was assessed among 94,939 adult participants in the Nutrinet-Santé cohort (78% women, mean age 42.9 (SE 0.04)) using three 24-h dietary records at baseline. Statistical differences in water intakes across age groups, seasons and day of the week were assessed. Results: The mean TWI was 2.3 L (Standard Error SE 4.7) for men and 2.1 L (SE 2.4) for women. A majority of the sample did comply with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adequate intake recommendation, especially women. Mean total energy intake (EI) was 1884 kcal/day (SE 1.5) (2250 kcal/day (SE 3.6) for men and 1783 kcal/day (SE 1.5) for women). The contribution to the total EI from beverages was 8.3%. Water was the most consumed beverage, followed by hot beverages. The variety score, defined as the number of different categories of beverages consumed during the three 24-h records out of a maximum of 8, was positively correlated with TWI (r = 0.4); and with EI (r = 0.2), suggesting that beverage variety is an indicator of higher consumption of food and drinks. We found differences in beverage consumptions and water intakes according to age and seasonality. Conclusions: The present study gives an overview of the water intake characteristics in a large population of French adults. TWI was found to be globally in line with public health recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beverage Consumption Habits around the World: Association with Total Water and Energy Intakes)

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11 pages, 1623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Water from Food and Fluids to Total Water Intake: Analysis of a French and UK Population Surveys

by Isabelle Guelinckx¹

, Gabriel Tavoularis², Jürgen König³

, Clémentine Morin¹, Hakam Gharbi¹ and Joan Gandy^4,5,*

¹ Hydration and Health Department, Danone Research, Palaiseau 91767, France

² CREDOC (Centre de Recherche pour l’Etude et l’Observation des Conditions de Vie), Paris 75013, France

³ Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria

⁴ British Dietetic Association, Birmingham B3 3HT, UK

⁵ School of Life and Medical Services, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100630 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 11222

Abstract

Little has been published on the contribution of food moisture (FM) to total water intake (TWI); therefore, the European Food Safety Authority assumed FM to contribute 20%–30% to TWI. The aim of the present analysis was to estimate and compare TWI, the percentage [...] Read more.

Little has been published on the contribution of food moisture (FM) to total water intake (TWI); therefore, the European Food Safety Authority assumed FM to contribute 20%–30% to TWI. The aim of the present analysis was to estimate and compare TWI, the percentage of water from FM and from fluids in population samples of France and UK. Data from 2 national nutrition surveys (Enquête Comportements et Consommations Alimentaires en France (CCAF) 2013 and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) 2008/2009–2011/2012) were analyzed for TWI and the contribution of water from FM and fluids. Children and adults TWI were significantly lower in France than in the UK. The contribution of water from foods was lower in the UK than in France (27% vs. 36%). As TWI increased, the proportion of water from fluids increased, suggesting that low drinkers did not compensate by increasing intake of water-rich foods. In addition, 80%–90% of the variance in TWI was explained by differences in water intake from fluids. More data on the contribution of FM to TWI is needed to develop more robust dietary recommendations on TWI and guidance on fluid intake for the general public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beverage Consumption Habits around the World: Association with Total Water and Energy Intakes)

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9 pages, 1241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Is Related to Protein Signaling Involved in Glucose Homeostasis in a Tissue-Specific Manner

by Lewan Parker¹

, Itamar Levinger¹, Aya Mousa²

, Kirsten Howlett³ and Barbora De Courten^2,4,*

¹ Clinical Exercise Science Research Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia

² Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, MHRP, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia

³ Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds VIC 3217, Australia

⁴ Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Locked Bag 29, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100631 - 13 Oct 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4600

Abstract

Vitamin D has been suggested to play a role in glucose metabolism. However, previous findings are contradictory and mechanistic pathways remain unclear. We examined the relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), insulin sensitivity, and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Seventeen [...] Read more.

Vitamin D has been suggested to play a role in glucose metabolism. However, previous findings are contradictory and mechanistic pathways remain unclear. We examined the relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), insulin sensitivity, and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Seventeen healthy adults (Body mass index: 26 ± 4; Age: 30 ± 12 years) underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and resting skeletal muscle and adipose tissue biopsies. In this cohort, the plasma 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with insulin sensitivity (r = 0.19, p = 0.56). However, higher plasma 25(OH)D concentrations correlated with lower phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) α^Ser21 and β^Ser9 in skeletal muscle (r = −0.66, p = 0.015 and r = −0.53, p = 0.06, respectively) and higher GSK-3 α^Ser21 and β^Ser9 phosphorylation in adipose tissue (r = 0.82, p < 0.01 and r = 0.62, p = 0.042, respectively). Furthermore, higher plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with greater phosphorylation of both protein kinase-B (Akt^Ser473) (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1^Ser312) (r = 0.71, p = 0.01) in adipose tissue. No associations were found between plasma 25(OH)D concentration and IRS-1^Tyr612 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The divergent findings between muscle and adipose tissue with regard to the association between 25(OH)D and insulin signaling proteins may suggest a tissue-specific interaction with varying effects on glucose homeostasis. Further research is required to elucidate the physiological relevance of 25(OH)D in each tissue. Full article

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14 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Milk Consumption and Vitamin B₂ and Β₁₂ Derived from Milk with Fitness, Anthropometric and Biochemical Indices in Children. The Healthy Growth Study

by George Moschonis^1,2, Ellen G. H. M. Van den Heuvel³, Christina Mavrogianni¹

, Cécile M. Singh-Povel³, Michalis Leotsinidis⁴ and Yannis Manios^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 El Venizelou Avenue, Kallithea, 17671 Athens, Greece

² EnviNHealth S.A., Platonos 34, Moschato, 18345 Athens, Greece

³ FrieslandCampina, Stationsplein 4, Post Box 1551, 3800 BN Amersfoort, The Netherlands

⁴ Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100634 - 13 Oct 2016

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5211

Abstract

The benefits of dairy consumption seem to extend beyond its significant contribution to ensuring nutrient intake adequacy as indicated by the favourable associations with several health outcomes reported by different studies. The aims of the present study were to examine the associations of [...] Read more.

The benefits of dairy consumption seem to extend beyond its significant contribution to ensuring nutrient intake adequacy as indicated by the favourable associations with several health outcomes reported by different studies. The aims of the present study were to examine the associations of milk consumption with fitness, anthropometric and biochemical indices in children and further explore whether the observed associations are attributed to vitamins B₂ and B₁₂ derived from milk. A representative subsample of 600 children aged 9–13 years participating in the Healthy Growth Study was examined. Data were collected on children’s dietary intake, using 24 h recalls, as well as on fitness, anthropometric and biochemical indices. Regression analyses were performed for investigating the research hypothesis, adjusting for potential confounders and for B-vitamin status indices (i.e., plasma riboflavin, methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine concentrations), dietary calcium intake and plasma zinc concentrations that could possibly act as effect modifiers. Milk consumption was positively associated with the number of stages performed in the endurance run test (ERT) (β = 0.10; p = 0.017) and negatively with body mass index (BMI) (β = −0.10; p = 0.014), after adjusting for several potential confounders and effect modifiers. Dietary intakes of vitamin B₂ and B₁₂ derived from milk were also positively associated with the number of ERT stages (β = 0.10; p = 0.015 and β = 0.10; p = 0.014 respectively). In conclusion, higher intake of milk as well as vitamin B₂ and B₁₂ derived from milk were independently associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness in Greek preadolescents. The key roles of these B-vitamins in substrate oxidation, energy production, haemoglobin synthesis and erythropoiesis could provide a basis for interpreting these associations. However, further research is needed to confirm this potential interpretation. Full article

12 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei Culture Filtrates and Artichoke Polyphenols on Cytokine Production by Dendritic Cells

by Angelo Sisto^1,*, Diomira Luongo², Lucia Treppiccione², Palmira De Bellis¹

, Donato Di Venere¹, Paola Lavermicocca¹ and Mauro Rossi²

¹ Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, Bari 70126, Italy

² Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Via Roma 52, Avellino 83100, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100635 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6051

Abstract

The most recent trend in research on probiotic bacteria aims at the exploitation of bioactive bacterial compounds that are responsible for health-promoting effects and suitable for medical applications. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to ascertain if the immunomodulatory effects of [...] Read more.

The most recent trend in research on probiotic bacteria aims at the exploitation of bioactive bacterial compounds that are responsible for health-promoting effects and suitable for medical applications. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to ascertain if the immunomodulatory effects of L. paracasei strains on dendritic cells (DCs) were caused by bacterial metabolites released in the culture medium. For that reason, bacterial strains were grown in two media generally used for the culture of DCs, and the effects of culture filtrates on the maturation of DCs and cytokine production were evaluated. Moreover, to reveal potential synergistic effects on the immunomodulation of DCs, an artichoke phenolic extract (APE) was added to the media before bacterial growth. The experiments pointed out an interesting anti-inflammatory activity of a culture filtrate obtained after growing a probiotic L. paracasei strain in one of the media supplemented with APE. Therefore, this culture filtrate—which combines the anti-inflammatory activity and the other well-known health-promoting properties of artichoke phenolic compounds—could represent the basis for future particular exploitations. Full article

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8 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Identification of Biochanin A as a Potent and Selective β-Site App-Cleaving Enzyme 1 (Bace1) Inhibitor

by Kumju Youn^1,†, Ji-Hyun Park^1,†, Jinhyuk Lee^2,3, Woo-Sik Jeong^4,*, Chi-Tang Ho⁵ and Mira Jun^1,6,*

¹ Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Korea

² Korean Bioinformation Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea

³ Department of Bioinformatics, University of Sciences and Technology, Daejeon 305-350, Korea

⁴ Department of Food & Life Science, College of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae 621-749, Korea

⁵ Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA

⁶ Institute of Convergence Bio-Health (ICBH), Dong-A University, 32, Daeshingongwon-Ro, Seo-Gu, Busan 602-715, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100637 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6259

Abstract

Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the enzyme involved in the abnormal production of the amyloidogenic peptide Aβ, one of the major causes of histological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, BACE1 represents a key target protein in the development [...] Read more.

Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the enzyme involved in the abnormal production of the amyloidogenic peptide Aβ, one of the major causes of histological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, BACE1 represents a key target protein in the development of new potential target for the prevention and treatment of AD. In this study, in vitro anti-AD activity of biochanin A, a dietary isoflavone found in legumes and most notably red clover, were evaluated via human recombinant BACE1 inhibition assay, as well as enzyme kinetic and molecular docking predictions. Enzyme-based assays revealed that biochanin A exhibited a non-competitive inhibitory effect on BACE1 with an IC₅₀ value of 28 μM and a Ki of 43 μM. In addition, docking simulation results demonstrated that ASN37, SER35, SER36, TRP76, and ARG128 residues of BACE1 interacted with biochanin A. Moreover, the binding energy of biochanin A was negative (−8.4 kcal/mol), indicating that it might potentiate a strong binding between the compound and the allosteric site of BACE1, resulting in further effective BACE1 inhibition. The present novel findings raise the possibility that biochanin A may be used as a preventative, developed into a therapeutic agent for AD, or both. Full article

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14 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake of Athletes Seeking Nutrition Advice at a Major International Competition

by Sarah J. Burkhart^*

and Fiona E. Pelly

School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs 4556, Queensland, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100638 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 13659

Abstract

International travel and short-term residence overseas is now a common feature of an elite athlete’s competition schedule, however, food choice away from home may be challenging and potentially impact on performance. Guidelines for dietary intake specific to competition exist for athletes, however, there [...] Read more.

International travel and short-term residence overseas is now a common feature of an elite athlete’s competition schedule, however, food choice away from home may be challenging and potentially impact on performance. Guidelines for dietary intake specific to competition exist for athletes, however, there is little evidence available to ascertain if athletes meet these recommendations during competition periods, particularly when food is provided in-house. During the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, dietitians based in the dining hall recorded 24 h dietary recalls with all athletes who visited the nutrition kiosk. Analysis of dietary intake was conducted with FoodWorks (Xyris Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia). Overall, athletes reported consuming a median total daily energy intake of 8674 kJ (range 2384–18,009 kJ), with carbohydrate within the range of 1.0–9.0 g per kg of bodyweight (g/kg) (median = 3.8) and contributing to 50% total energy (TE) (range 14%–79%). Protein and fat intake ranged from 0.3–4.0 g/kg (median = 1.7) to 10–138 g (median = 67 g), and contributed to 21% TE (range 8%–48%) and 24% TE (range 8%–44%), respectively. Athletes reported consuming between 4 and 29 different food items (median = 15) in the previous 24 h period, with predominately discretionary, grains/cereals, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and meat alternative items. This suggests that dairy, fruit, and vegetable intake may be suboptimal and intake of the micronutrients iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A and C may be of concern for a number of athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Health and Athletic Performance)

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11 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time of Day and Training Status Both Impact the Efficacy of Caffeine for Short Duration Cycling Performance

by James C. Boyett¹, Gabrielle E. W. Giersch¹, Christopher J. Womack¹, Michael J. Saunders¹, Christine A. Hughey², Hannah M. Daley² and Nicholas D. Luden^1,*

¹ Human Performance Lab, Department of Kinesiology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA

² Department of Chemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100639 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 9607

Abstract

This project was designed to assess the effects of time of day and training status on the benefits of caffeine supplementation for cycling performance. Twenty male subjects (Age, 25 years; Peak oxygen consumption, 57 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) were divided into tertiles [...] Read more.

This project was designed to assess the effects of time of day and training status on the benefits of caffeine supplementation for cycling performance. Twenty male subjects (Age, 25 years; Peak oxygen consumption, 57 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) were divided into tertiles based on training levels, with top and bottom tertiles designated as ‘trained’ (n = 7) and ‘untrained’ (n = 7). Subjects completed two familiarization trials and four experimental trials consisting of a computer-simulated 3-km cycling time trial (TT). The trials were performed in randomized order for each combination of time of day (morning and evening) and treatment (6mg/kg of caffeine or placebo). Magnitude-based inferences were used to evaluate all treatment effects. For all subjects, caffeine enhanced TT performance in the morning (2.3% ± 1.7%, ‘very likely’) and evening (1.4% ± 1.1%, ‘likely’). Both untrained and trained subjects improved performance with caffeine supplementation in the morning (5.5% ± 4.3%, ‘likely’; 1.0% ± 1.7%, ‘likely’, respectively), but only untrained subjects rode faster in the evening (2.9% ± 2.6%, ‘likely’). Altogether, our observations indicate that trained athletes are more likely to derive ergogenic effects from caffeine in the morning than the evening. Further, untrained individuals appear to receive larger gains from caffeine in the evening than their trained counterparts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Health and Athletic Performance)

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16 pages, 4388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Green Tea Extract on Systemic Metabolic Homeostasis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Determined via RNA-Seq Transcriptome Profiles

by Ji-Young Choi^1,2, Ye Jin Kim^1,2, Ri Ryu^1,2

, Su-Jung Cho^1,2, Eun-Young Kwon^1,2 and Myung-Sook Choi^1,2,*

¹ Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, 1370 Sankyuk Dong Puk-Ku, Daegu 702-701, Korea

² Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, 1370 Sankyuk Dong Puk-Ku, Daegu 702-701, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100640 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9940

Abstract

Green tea (GT) has various health effects, including anti-obesity properties. However, the multiple molecular mechanisms of the effects have not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of GT via the analysis of its metabolic and [...] Read more.

Green tea (GT) has various health effects, including anti-obesity properties. However, the multiple molecular mechanisms of the effects have not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of GT via the analysis of its metabolic and transcriptional responses based on RNA-seq profiles. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal, high-fat (60% energy as fat), or high-fat + 0.25% (w/w) GT diet for 12 weeks. The GT extract ameliorated obesity, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. GT supplementation resulted in body weight gain reduction than mice fed high-fat through enhanced energy expenditure, and reduced adiposity. The transcriptome profiles of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) suggested that GT augments transcriptional responses to the degradation of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), as well as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, which suggests enhanced energy homeostasis. Our findings provide some significant insights into the effects of GT for the prevention of obesity and its comorbidities. We demonstrated that the GT extract contributed to the regulation of systemic metabolic homeostasis via transcriptional responses to not only lipid and glucose metabolism, but also amino acid metabolism via BCAA degradation in the adipose tissue of DIO mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Promoting Components of Fruits and Vegetables in Human Health)

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11 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probiotic Streptococcus thermophilus FP4 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 Supplementation Attenuates Performance and Range-of-Motion Decrements Following Muscle Damaging Exercise

by Ralf Jäger¹

, Martin Purpura¹, Jason D. Stone², Stephanie M. Turner², Anthony J. Anzalone², Micah J. Eimerbrink², Marco Pane³, Angela Amoruso³, David S. Rowlands⁴ and Jonathan M. Oliver^2,*

¹ Increnovo LLC, 2138 E Lafayette Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

² Exercise & Sport Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, P.O. Box 297730, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA

³ R & D Bioloab, Via E. Mattei 3, Novara 28100, Italy

⁴ School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, 63 Wallace St., Wellington 6021, New Zealand

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100642 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 19300

Abstract

Probiotics have immunomodulatory effects. However, little is known about the potential benefit of probiotics on the inflammation subsequent to strenuous exercise. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover design separated by a 21-day washout, 15 healthy resistance-trained men ingested an encapsulated probiotic Streptococcus [...] Read more.

Probiotics have immunomodulatory effects. However, little is known about the potential benefit of probiotics on the inflammation subsequent to strenuous exercise. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover design separated by a 21-day washout, 15 healthy resistance-trained men ingested an encapsulated probiotic Streptococcus (S.) thermophilus FP4 and Bifidobacterium (B.) breve BR03 at 5 bn live cells (AFU) concentration each, or a placebo, daily for 3 weeks prior to muscle-damaging exercise (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02520583). Isometric strength, muscle soreness, range of motion and girth, and blood interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were measured from pre- to 72 h post-exercise. Statistical analysis was via mixed models and magnitude-based inference to the standardized difference. Probiotic supplementation resulted in an overall decrease in circulating IL-6, which was sustained to 48 h post-exercise. In addition, probiotic supplementation likely enhanced isometric average peak torque production at 24 to 72 h into the recovery period following exercise (probiotic–placebo point effect ±90% CI: 24 h, 11% ± 7%; 48 h, 12% ± 18%; 72 h, 8% ± 8%). Probiotics also likely moderately increased resting arm angle at 24 h (2.4% ± 2.0%) and 48 h (1.9% ± 1.9%) following exercise, but effects on soreness and flexed arm angle and CK were unclear. These data suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotic strains S. thermophilus FP4 and B. breve BR03 attenuates performance decrements and muscle tension in the days following muscle-damaging exercise. Full article

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11 pages, 1466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Vegan Protein-Based Diets on Metabolic Parameters, Expressions of Adiponectin and Its Receptors in Wistar Rats

by Jie-Hua Chen^1,†, Jia Song^1,†

, Yan Chen², Qiang Ding², Anfang Peng² and Limei Mao^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China

² Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100643 - 18 Oct 2016

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7746

Abstract

Vegan protein-based diet has attracted increasing interest in the prevention of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Meanwhile, adiponectin has become a highly potential molecular target in the prevention of MetS. Our study will identify a potential vegan protein diet for the prevention of MetS using [...] Read more.

Vegan protein-based diet has attracted increasing interest in the prevention of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Meanwhile, adiponectin has become a highly potential molecular target in the prevention of MetS. Our study will identify a potential vegan protein diet for the prevention of MetS using rat models. Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups and given diets containing one of the following proteins for 12 weeks: casein (CAS, control diet), soy protein (SOY), and gluten-soy mixed protein (GSM). Changes in metabolic parameters as well as the expressions of adiponectin and its receptors were identified. Compared to CAS diet, both SOY and GSM diets led to decreases in blood total cholesterol and triglycerides, but only GSM diet led to an increase in HDL-cholesterol; no marked difference was observed in blood glucose in all three groups; HOMA-IR was found lower only in SOY group. Among groups, the order of serum adiponectin level was found as GSM > SOY > CAS. Similar order pattern was also observed in expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue and AdipoR1 mRNA in skeletal muscle. Our results suggested for the first time that, besides SOY diet, GSM diet could also be a possible substitute of animal protein to prevent MetS. Full article

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12 pages, 947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Its Association with Target Organ Damage in Chinese Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

by Zengchun Ye^1,†, Qunzi Zhang^1,†, Yan Li², Cheng Wang¹, Jun Zhang¹, Xinxin Ma¹, Hui Peng¹ and Tanqi Lou^1,*

¹ Division of Nephrology, Department of medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China

² Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100645 - 20 Oct 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6640

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the prevalence of HHcy and its role in association with target organ damage in patients with chronickidney disease (CKD) are not well understood. This cross-sectional study included 1042 CKD patients who [...] Read more.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the prevalence of HHcy and its role in association with target organ damage in patients with chronickidney disease (CKD) are not well understood. This cross-sectional study included 1042 CKD patients who were admitted to our hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: hyperhomocysteinemia and normohomocysteinemia. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between plasma homocysteine and renal/cardiovascular parameters. The prevalence of HHcy in patients with CKD was 52.78%, and the prevalence in CKD stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, stage 4 and stage 5 patients was 10.73%, 29.22%, 58.71%, 75.23% and 83.75%, respectively. Patients with HHcy had higher incidences of renal damage, left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and abnormal carotid intima-media thickness compared with patients with normohomocysteinemia (p < 0.05), while multivariable linear regression analyses showed plasma homocysteine was only associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). eGFR, uric acid, albumin, gender, hemoglobin and calcium×phosphate were associated with levels of plasma homocysteine in these CKD patients. The prevalence of HHcy in Chinese patients with CKD was high, and serum homocysteine levels were associated with impaired renal function in these patients. Full article

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

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13 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Betaine Supplementation throughout Gestation and Lactation Modifies Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolic Genes in Weaning Piglets via AMPK/LXR-Mediated Pathway and Histone Modification

by Demin Cai^1,†, Mengjie Yuan^1,†, Haoyu Liu^2,†, Shifeng Pan¹, Wenqiang Ma¹

, Jian Hong¹ and Ruqian Zhao^1,3,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China

² Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-75123, Sweden

³ Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing 210095, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this study.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100646 - 18 Oct 2016

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6897

Abstract

Betaine serves as an animal and human nutrient which has been heavily investigated in glucose and lipid metabolic regulation, yet the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, feeding sows with betaine-supplemented diets during pregnancy and lactation increased cholesterol content and low-density [...] Read more.

Betaine serves as an animal and human nutrient which has been heavily investigated in glucose and lipid metabolic regulation, yet the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, feeding sows with betaine-supplemented diets during pregnancy and lactation increased cholesterol content and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) gene expression, but decreasing bile acids content and cholesterol-7a-hydroxylase (CYP7a1) expression in the liver of weaning piglets. This was associated with the significantly elevated serum betaine and methionine levels and hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) content. Concurrently, the hepatic nuclear transcription factor liver X receptor LXR was downregulated along with activated signal protein AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed lower LXR binding on CYP7a1 gene promoter and more enriched activation histone marker H3K4me3 on LDLR and SR-BI promoters. These results suggest that gestational and lactational betaine supplementation modulates hepatic gene expression involved in cholesterol metabolism via an AMPK/LXR pathway and histone modification in the weaning offspring. Full article

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12 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Hypovitaminosis D Associated with Stress Perception in the Elderly? A Nationwide Representative Study in Korea

by Mieun Gwon^1,2, Young Jin Tak^1,2,*, Yun Jin Kim^1,2, Sang Yeoup Lee^3,4

, Jeong Gyu Lee^1,2, Dong Wook Jeong⁴, Yu Hyeon Yi^1,2, Seung Hoon Lee^1,2, Hye Rim Hwang^1,2 and Youngin Lee^1,2

¹ Department of Family Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan 602-739, Korea

² Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 602-739, Korea

³ Medical Education Unit and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Korea

⁴ Family Medicine Clinic and Research Institute of Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 626-789, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100647 - 19 Oct 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6128

Abstract

Hypovitaminosis D and stress are common problems among the elderly. The aim of this cross-sectional nationally representative study was to evaluate the association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception using large-scale nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [...] Read more.

Hypovitaminosis D and stress are common problems among the elderly. The aim of this cross-sectional nationally representative study was to evaluate the association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception using large-scale nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012–2013). In our study, a total of 1393 elders (≥65 years old) were included to evaluate the association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were determined using radioimmunoassay, and perceived stress status was assessed by a self-reporting questionnaire. The association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception according to sex was examined using logistic regression analysis. After multivariate adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and comorbidities, hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with perceived stress (odds ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–6.77; p = 0.029) among women; however, this association was not significant among men. Hypovitaminosis D was a risk factor for higher stress perception in older Korean women. Even though the role of vitamin D in stress perception is still unclear, we suggest screening for hypovitaminosis D among the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Mental Health)

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15 pages, 2730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Capsaicin Supplementation Reduces Physical Fatigue and Improves Exercise Performance in Mice

by Yi-Ju Hsu^1,†, Wen-Ching Huang^1,†, Chien-Chao Chiu¹, Yan-Lin Liu¹, Wan-Chun Chiu², Chun-Hui Chiu³, Yen-Shuo Chiu^1,2,4,* and Chi-Chang Huang^1,*

¹ Graduate Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan 33301, Taiwan

² School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan

³ Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan

⁴ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100648 - 20 Oct 2016

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 11924

Abstract

Chili pepper is used as a food, seasoning and has been revered for its medicinal and health claims. It is very popular and is the most common spice worldwide. Capsaicin (CAP) is a major pungent and bioactive phytochemical in chili peppers. CAP has [...] Read more.

Chili pepper is used as a food, seasoning and has been revered for its medicinal and health claims. It is very popular and is the most common spice worldwide. Capsaicin (CAP) is a major pungent and bioactive phytochemical in chili peppers. CAP has been shown to improve mitochondrial biogenesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. However, there is limited evidence around the effects of CAP on physical fatigue and exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of CAP on anti-fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice from four groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered CAP for 4 weeks at 0, 205, 410, and 1025 mg/kg/day, which were respectively designated the vehicle, CAP-1X, CAP-2X, and CAP-5X groups. The anti-fatigue activity and exercise performance was evaluated using forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min swimming exercise. The grip strength and exhaustive swimming time of the CAP-5X group were significantly higher than other groups. CAP supplementation dose-dependently reduced serum lactate, ammonia, BUN and CK levels, and increased glucose concentration after the 15-min swimming test. In addition, CAP also increased hepatic glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise. The possible mechanism was relevant to energy homeostasis and the physiological modulations by CAP supplementation. Therefore, our results suggest that CAP supplementation may have a wide spectrum of bioactivities for promoting health, performance improvement and fatigue amelioration. Full article

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17 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Protein Diets in Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients: Are They Feasible and Worth the Effort?

by Giorgina B. Piccoli^1,2,*

, Federica Ventrella³

, Irene Capizzi³, Federica N. Vigotti³, Elena Mongilardi^3,*, Giorgio Grassi⁴, Valentina Loi⁵

, Gianfranca Cabiddu⁵

, Paolo Avagnina⁶ and Elisabetta Versino⁷

¹ Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10100, Italy

² Nephrologie, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans 72100, France

³ SS Nephrology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10100, Italy

⁴ SCDU Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Metabolismo, Città della Salute e della Scienza Torino, Torino 10100, Italy

⁵ SC Nefrologia, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari 09134, Italy

⁶ SSD Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10100, Italy

⁷ SSD Epidemiology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10100, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100649 - 21 Oct 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8407

Abstract

Low-protein diets (LPDs) are often considered as contraindicated in diabetic patients, and are seldom studied. The aim of this observational study was to provide new data on this issue. It involved 149 diabetic and 300 non-diabetic patients who followed a LPD, with a [...] Read more.

Low-protein diets (LPDs) are often considered as contraindicated in diabetic patients, and are seldom studied. The aim of this observational study was to provide new data on this issue. It involved 149 diabetic and 300 non-diabetic patients who followed a LPD, with a personalized approach aimed at moderate protein restriction (0.6 g/day). Survival analysis was performed according to Kaplan–Meier, and multivariate analysis with Cox model. Diabetic versus non-diabetic patients were of similar age (median 70 years) and creatinine levels at the start of the diet (2.78 mg/dL vs. 2.80 mg/dL). There was higher prevalence of nephrotic proteinuria in diabetic patients (27.52% vs. 13.67%, p = 0.002) as well as comorbidity (median Charlson index 8 vs. 6 p = 0.002). Patient survival was lower in diabetic patients, but differences levelled off considering only cases with Charlson index > 7, the only relevant covariate in Cox analysis. Dialysis-free survival was superimposable in the setting of good compliance (Mitch formula: 0.47 g/kg/day in both groups): about 50% of the cases remained dialysis-free 2 years after the first finding of e-GFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) < 15 mL/min, and 1 year after reaching e-GFR < 10 mL/min. In patients with type 2 diabetes, higher proteinuria was associated with mortality and initiation of dialysis. In conclusion, moderately restricted LPDs allow similar results in diabetic and non non-diabetic patients with similar comorbidity. Full article

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

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17 pages, 705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Intake Is Insufficient among Senegalese Urban School Children and Adolescents: Results from Two 24 h Recalls in State Primary Schools in Dakar

by Marion Fiorentino^1,*, Edwige Landais¹, Guillaume Bastard², Alicia Carriquiry³, Frank T. Wieringa¹ and Jacques Berger¹

¹ UMR 204 Nutripass IRD-UM-SupAgro, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 911 Avenue d’Agropolis, Montpellier 34394, France

² GRET, S/C IRD Hann Maristes, BP 1386, Dakar 18524, Senegal

³ Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100650 - 20 Oct 2016

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 7645

Abstract

Due to rapid urbanization and high food prices and in the absence of nutrition programs, school children from urban areas in West Africa often have insufficient and inadequate diet leading to nutrient deficiencies that affect their health and schooling performance. Acute malnutrition and [...] Read more.

Due to rapid urbanization and high food prices and in the absence of nutrition programs, school children from urban areas in West Africa often have insufficient and inadequate diet leading to nutrient deficiencies that affect their health and schooling performance. Acute malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in children from primary state schools of Dakar (Senegal). The objectives of the present study were to assess the overall diet of these children, to report insufficient/excessive energy and nutrient intakes and to investigate association between insufficient nutrient intake and micronutrient deficiencies. Children attending urban state primary schools in the Dakar area were selected through a two-stage random cluster sampling (30 schools × 20 children). Dietary intake data were obtained from two 24 h recalls and blood samples were collected from 545 children (aged 5–17 years, 45% < 10 years, 53% girls) and adjusted for intra-individual variability to estimate nutrient usual intakes. Energy intake was insufficient and unbalanced with insufficient contribution of protein and excessive contribution of fat to global energy intake in one third of the children. Proportions of children with insufficient intake were: 100% for calcium, 100% for folic acid, 79% for vitamin A, 69% for zinc, 53% for vitamin C and 46% for iron. Insufficient iron and protein intake were risk factors for iron deficiency (odds ratio, OR 1.5, 2.2). Insufficient zinc intake and energy intake from protein were risk factors for zinc deficiency (OR 1.8, 3.0, 1.7, 2.9). Insufficient iron and vitamin C intake, and insufficient energy intake from protein were risk factors for marginal vitamin A status (OR 1.8, 1.8, 3.3). To address nutritional deficiencies associated with a diet deficient in energy, protein and micronutrients, nutrition education or school feeding programs are needed in urban primary schools of Senegal. Full article

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14 pages, 1309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defining Conditions for Optimal Inhibition of Food Intake in Rats by a Grape-Seed Derived Proanthocyanidin Extract

by Joan Serrano^†, Àngela Casanova-Martí^†, Mayte Blay, Ximena Terra

, Anna Ardévol^*

and Montserrat Pinent

¹ MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100652 - 20 Oct 2016

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6150

Abstract

Food intake depends on homeostatic and non-homeostatic factors. In order to use grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPE) as food intake limiting agents, it is important to define the key characteristics of their bioactivity within this complex function. We treated rats with acute and chronic [...] Read more.

Food intake depends on homeostatic and non-homeostatic factors. In order to use grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPE) as food intake limiting agents, it is important to define the key characteristics of their bioactivity within this complex function. We treated rats with acute and chronic treatments of GSPE at different doses to identify the importance of eating patterns and GSPE dose and the mechanistic aspects of GSPE. GSPE-induced food intake inhibition must be reproduced under non-stressful conditions and with a stable and synchronized feeding pattern. A minimum dose of around 350 mg GSPE/kg body weight (BW) is needed. GSPE components act by activating the Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor because their effect is blocked by Exendin 9-39. GSPE in turn acts on the hypothalamic center of food intake control probably because of increased GLP-1 production in the intestine. To conclude, GSPE inhibits food intake through GLP-1 signaling, but it needs to be dosed under optimal conditions to exert this effect. Full article

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12 pages, 1643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration and Intake of a Combination of Yogurt and Galactooligosaccharides on Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Rats

by Satoshi Takasugi^*, Miho Shioyama, Masami Kitade, Masashi Nagata and Taketo Yamaji

Food Science Research Laboratories, Division of Research and Development, Meiji Co., Ltd., Odawara 250-0862, Japan

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100653 - 21 Oct 2016

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5762

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), the most potent acid-suppressing drug, administration and intake of a combination of yogurt and galactooligosaccharides (YG) on bone and mineral metabolism in adult rats. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), the most potent acid-suppressing drug, administration and intake of a combination of yogurt and galactooligosaccharides (YG) on bone and mineral metabolism in adult rats. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group fed the control diet with vehicle administration, a PPI group fed the control diet with PPI administration and a YG + PPI group fed the YG diet with PPI administration. All of the groups received their respective experimental diets and daily subcutaneous injection of the vehicle or PPI for 12 weeks. The PPI group showed significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur and the lumbar vertebrae and serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and significantly higher phosphorus absorption and serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) than the control group, although PPI did not affect calcium absorption. The PPI + YG group showed significantly higher BMD and serum FGF23 and significantly lower phosphorus absorption and serum 1,25(OH)2D than the PPI group. Furthermore, the PPI + YG group showed higher calcium absorption than the control group. These results suggest that although PPI administration did not affect calcium absorption, it adversely affected BMD and influenced phosphorus metabolism in adult rats. Furthermore, the YG diet beneficially affected BMD and attenuated the effects of PPI administration on phosphorus metabolism. Full article

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14 pages, 2403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hand-to-Hand Model for Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Estimate Fat Free Mass in a Healthy Population

by Hsueh-Kuan Lu^1,†

, Li-Ming Chiang^2,†, Yu-Yawn Chen³, Chih-Lin Chuang⁴, Kuen-Tsann Chen⁵, Gregory B. Dwyer⁶, Ying-Lin Hsu⁵, Chun-Hao Chen⁷

and Kuen-Chang Hsieh^8,9,*

¹ Sport Science Research Center, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 40404, Taiwan

² Department of Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Management, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA

³ Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 40404, Taiwan

⁴ Department of Radiology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 41265, Taiwan

⁵ Department of Applied Mathematics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan

⁶ Department of Exercise Science, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA

⁷ Office of Physical Education, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan

⁸ Office of Physical Education and Sport, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan

⁹ Research Center, Charder Electronic Co., Ltd., Taichung 41262, Taiwan

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100654 - 21 Oct 2016

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8804

Abstract

This study aimed to establish a hand-to-hand (HH) model for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) fat free mass (FFM) estimation by comparing with a standing position hand-to-foot (HF) BIA model and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); we also verified the reliability of the newly [...] Read more.

This study aimed to establish a hand-to-hand (HH) model for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) fat free mass (FFM) estimation by comparing with a standing position hand-to-foot (HF) BIA model and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); we also verified the reliability of the newly developed model. A total of 704 healthy Chinese individuals (403 men and 301 women) participated. FFM (FFM_DXA) reference variables were measured using DXA and segmental BIA. Further, regression analysis, Bland–Altman plots, and cross-validation (2/3 participants as the modeling group, 1/3 as the validation group; three turns were repeated for validation grouping) were conducted to compare tests of agreement with FFM_DXA reference variables. In male participants, the hand-to-hand BIA model estimation equation was calculated as follows: FFM^m_HH = 0.537 h²/Z_HH − 0.126 year + 0.217 weight + 18.235 (r² = 0.919, standard estimate of error (SEE) = 2.164 kg, n = 269). The mean validated correlation coefficients and limits of agreement (LOAs) of the Bland–Altman analysis of the calculated values for FFM^m_HH and FFM_DXA were 0.958 and −4.369–4.343 kg, respectively, for hand-to-foot BIA model measurements for men; the FFM (FFM^m_HF) and FFM_DXA were 0.958 and −4.356–4.375 kg, respectively. The hand-to-hand BIA model estimating equation for female participants was FFM^F_HH = 0.615 h²/Z_HH − 0.144 year + 0.132 weight + 16.507 (r² = 0.870, SEE = 1.884 kg, n = 201); the three mean validated correlation coefficient and LOA for the hand-to-foot BIA model measurements for female participants (FFM^F_HH and FFM_DXA) were 0.929 and −3.880–3.886 kg, respectively. The FFM_HF and FFM_DXA were 0.942 and −3.511–3.489 kg, respectively. The results of both hand-to-hand and hand-to-foot BIA models demonstrated similar reliability, and the hand-to-hand BIA models are practical for assessing FFM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropometry, Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Populations)

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11 pages, 430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy in a Multi-Ethnic Population-Representative Swedish Cohort

by Linnea Bärebring^1,*, Inez Schoenmakers^2,3, Anna Glantz⁴, Lena Hulthén¹, Åse Jagner⁴, Joy Ellis⁵, Mattias Bärebring⁶, Maria Bullarbo^7,8 and Hanna Augustin¹

¹ Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden

² Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research, CB19NL Cambridge, UK

³ Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of East Anglia, NR47TJ Norwich, UK

⁴ Antenatal Care, Närhälsan Primary Care, 41118 Gothenburg, Sweden

⁵ Antenatal Care, Närhälsan Primary Care, Södra Bohuslän, 41119 Gothenburg, Sweden

⁶ Gothenburg Technical Institute, 41125 Gothenburg, Sweden

⁷ Södra Älvsborgs Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 50182 Boras, Sweden

⁸ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41684 Gothenburg, Sweden

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100655 - 22 Oct 2016

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 6597

Abstract

There is currently little information on changes in vitamin D status during pregnancy and its predictors. The aim was to study the determinants of change in vitamin D status during pregnancy and of vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) in early pregnancy. Blood was [...] Read more.

There is currently little information on changes in vitamin D status during pregnancy and its predictors. The aim was to study the determinants of change in vitamin D status during pregnancy and of vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) in early pregnancy. Blood was drawn in the first (T1) and third trimester (T3). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (N = 1985) was analysed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Season-corrected 25(OH)D was calculated by fitting cosine functions to the data. Mean (standard deviation) 25(OH)D was 64.5(24.5) nmol/L at T1 and 74.6(34.4) at T3. Mean age was 31.3(4.9) years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.5(4.2) kg/m² and 74% of the women were born in Sweden. Vitamin D deficiency was common among women born in Africa (51%) and Asia (46%) and prevalent in 10% of the whole cohort. Determinants of vitamin D deficiency at T1 were of non-North European origin, and had less sun exposure, lower vitamin D intake and lower age. Season-corrected 25(OH)D increased by 11(23) nmol/L from T1 to T3. The determinants of season-corrected change in 25(OH)D were origin, sun-seeking behaviour, clothing style, dietary vitamin D intake, vitamin D supplementation and recent travel <35° N. In conclusion, season-corrected 25(OH)D concentration increased during pregnancy and depended partly on lifestyle factors. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was low but common among women born in Africa and Asia. Among them, the determinants of both vitamin D deficiency and change in season-corrected vitamin D status were fewer, indicating a smaller effect of sun exposure. Full article

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16 pages, 4141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proanthocyanidins Attenuation of Chronic Lead-Induced Liver Oxidative Damage in Kunming Mice via the Nrf2/ARE Pathway

by Miao Long^1,2,†

, Yi Liu^3,†, Yu Cao^1,2, Nan Wang^1,2, Meng Dang^1,2 and Jianbin He^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China

² College of Life Engineering, Shenyang Institute of Technology, Fushun 113122, China

³ School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this study.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100656 - 21 Oct 2016

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 7688

Abstract

Lead is harmful for human health and animals. Proanthocyanidins (PCs), a natural antioxidant, possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against lead-induced liver damage have not been clarified. This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect [...] Read more.

Lead is harmful for human health and animals. Proanthocyanidins (PCs), a natural antioxidant, possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against lead-induced liver damage have not been clarified. This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of PCs on the hepatotoxicity of male Kunming mice induced by chronic lead exposure. A total of 70 healthy male Kunming mice were averagely divided into four groups: control group, i.e., the group exposed to lead, the group treated with PCs, and the group co-treated with lead and PCs. The mice exposed to lead were given water containing 0.2% lead acetate. Mice treated in the PCs and PCs lead co-treated groups were given PC (100 mg/kg) in 0.9% saline by oral gavage. Lead exposure caused a significant elevation in the liver function parameters, lead level, lipid peroxidation, and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities. The induction of oxidative stress and histological alterations in the liver were minimized by co-treatment with PCs. Meanwhile, the number of Transferase-Mediated Deoxyuridine Triphosphate-Biotin Nick End Labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells was significantly reduced in the PCs/lead co-treated group compared to the lead group. In addition, the lead group showed an increase in the expression level of Bax, while the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. Furthermore, the lead group showed an increase in the expression level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes and protein (GRP78 and CHOP). Co-treated with PCs significantly reversed these expressions in the liver. PCs were, therefore, demonstrated to have protective, antioxidant, and anti-ER stress and anti-apoptotic activities in liver damage caused by chronic lead exposure in the Kunming mouse. This may be due to the ability of PCs to enhance the ability of liver tissue to protect against oxidative stress via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, resulting in decreasing ER stress and apoptosis of liver tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 2917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Spray-Dried Plasma Is Mediated by a Reduction in Mucosal Lymphocyte Activation and Infiltration in a Mouse Model of Intestinal Inflammation

by Anna Pérez-Bosque^1,*,†

, Lluïsa Miró^1,†

, Concepció Amat¹, Javier Polo² and Miquel Moretó¹

¹ Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació and Institut de Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain

² APC-Europe S.A., 08403 Granollers, Spain

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100657 - 22 Oct 2016

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5975

Abstract

Spray-dried preparations from porcine and bovine plasma can alleviate mucosal inflammation in experimental models and improve symptoms in patients with enteropathy. In rodents, dietary supplementation with porcine spray-dried plasma (SDP) attenuates intestinal inflammation and improves the epithelial barrier function during intestinal inflammation induced [...] Read more.

Spray-dried preparations from porcine and bovine plasma can alleviate mucosal inflammation in experimental models and improve symptoms in patients with enteropathy. In rodents, dietary supplementation with porcine spray-dried plasma (SDP) attenuates intestinal inflammation and improves the epithelial barrier function during intestinal inflammation induced by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The aim of this study was to discern the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of SDP. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with 8% SDP or control diet (based on milk proteins) for two weeks, from weaning until day 33. On day 32, the mice were given a SEB dose (i.p., 25 µg/mouse) or vehicle. SEB administration increased cell recruitment to mesenteric lymph nodes and the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes and SDP prevented these effects). SDP supplementation increased the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) or transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) compared to the SEB group. The SEB challenge increased six-fold the expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and these effects were attenuated by SDP supplementation. SEB also augmented NF-κB phosphorylation, an effect that was prevented by dietary SDP. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of SDP involve the regulation of transcription factors and adhesion molecules that reduce intestinal cell infiltration and the degree of the inflammatory response. Full article

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10 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Germinated Pigmented Rice (Oryza Sativa L. cv. Superhongmi) Improves Glucose and Bone Metabolisms in Ovariectomized Rats

by Soo Im Chung¹

, Su Noh Ryu² and Mi Young Kang^1,*

¹ Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 Plus, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea

² Department of Agricultural Science, Korea National Open University, Seoul 03087, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100658 - 21 Oct 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5462

Abstract

The effect of germinated Superhongmi, a reddish brown pigmented rice cultivar, on the glucose profile and bone turnover in the postmenopausal-like model of ovariectomized rats was determined. The ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three dietary groups (n = 10): normal [...] Read more.

The effect of germinated Superhongmi, a reddish brown pigmented rice cultivar, on the glucose profile and bone turnover in the postmenopausal-like model of ovariectomized rats was determined. The ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three dietary groups (n = 10): normal control diet (NC) and normal diet supplemented with non-germinated Superhongmi (SH) or germinated Superhongmi (GSH) rice powder. After eight weeks, the SH and GSH groups showed significantly lower body weight, glucose and insulin concentrations, levels of bone resorption markers and higher glycogen and 17-β-estradiol contents than the NC group. The glucose metabolism improved through modulation of adipokine production and glucose-regulating enzyme activities. The GSH rats exhibited a greater hypoglycemic effect and lower bone resorption than SH rats. These results demonstrate that germinated Superhongmi rice may potentially be useful in the prevention and management of postmenopausal hyperglycemia and bone turnover imbalance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactives and Bone Health)

16 pages, 5313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Bifidobacterium breve on the Intestinal Microbiota of Coeliac Children on a Gluten Free Diet: A Pilot Study

by Andrea Quagliariello^1,†, Irene Aloisio^2,†, Nicole Bozzi Cionci², Donata Luiselli¹, Giuseppe D’Auria³

, Llúcia Martinez-Priego³, David Pérez-Villarroya³, Tomaž Langerholc⁴, Maša Primec⁴, Dušanka Mičetić-Turk⁵ and Diana Di Gioia^2,*

¹ Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology, Centre for Genome Biology Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, Bologna 40126, Italy

² Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, viale Fanin 42, Bologna 40127, Italy

³ Sequencing and Bioinformatics Service, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO-Salud Pública), Valencia 46020, Spain

⁴ Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, Pivola 10, Hoče 2311, Slovenia

⁵ Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, Maribor 2000, Slovenia

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100660 - 22 Oct 2016

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 12199

Abstract

Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with alterations of the intestinal microbiota. Although several Bifidobacterium strains showed anti-inflammatory activity and prevention of toxic gliadin peptides generation in vitro, few data are available on their efficacy when administered to CD subjects. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with alterations of the intestinal microbiota. Although several Bifidobacterium strains showed anti-inflammatory activity and prevention of toxic gliadin peptides generation in vitro, few data are available on their efficacy when administered to CD subjects. This study evaluated the effect of administration for three months of a food supplement based on two Bifidobacterium breve strains (B632 and BR03) to restore the gut microbial balance in coeliac children on a gluten free diet (GFD). Microbial DNA was extracted from faeces of 40 coeliac children before and after probiotic or placebo administration and 16 healthy children (Control group). Sequencing of the amplified V3-V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA gene as well as qPCR of Bidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides fragilis group Clostridium sensu stricto and enterobacteria were performed. The comparison between CD subjects and Control group revealed an alteration in the intestinal microbial composition of coeliacs mainly characterized by a reduction of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, of Actinobacteria and Euryarchaeota. Regarding the effects of the probiotic, an increase of Actinobacteria was found as well as a re-establishment of the physiological Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Therefore, a three-month administration of B. breve strains helps in restoring the healthy percentage of main microbial components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Ptolemaus to Copernicus: The Evolving System of Gluten-Related Disorders)

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20 pages, 466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organ-Specific Gene Expression Changes in the Fetal Liver and Placenta in Response to Maternal Folate Depletion

by Jill A. McKay¹, Long Xie², Michiel Adriaens³

, Chris T. Evelo⁴

, Dianne Ford⁵ and John C. Mathers^2,*

¹ Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute for Health & Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK

² Human Nutrition Research Centre; Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK

³ Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology, MaCSBio, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands

⁴ Department of Bioinformatics, BiGCaT, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands

⁵ Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100661 - 22 Oct 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6301

Abstract

Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that the in utero environment can have profound implications for fetal development and later life offspring health. Current theory suggests conditions experienced in utero prepare, or “programme”, the fetus for its anticipated post-natal environment. The mechanisms responsible for [...] Read more.

Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that the in utero environment can have profound implications for fetal development and later life offspring health. Current theory suggests conditions experienced in utero prepare, or “programme”, the fetus for its anticipated post-natal environment. The mechanisms responsible for these programming events are poorly understood but are likely to involve gene expression changes. Folate is essential for normal fetal development and inadequate maternal folate supply during pregnancy has long term adverse effects for offspring. We tested the hypothesis that folate depletion during pregnancy alters offspring programming through altered gene expression. Female C57BL/6J mice were fed diets containing 2 mg or 0.4 mg folic acid/kg for 4 weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy. At 17.5 day gestation, genome-wide gene expression was measured in male fetal livers and placentas. In the fetal liver, 989 genes were expressed differentially (555 up-regulated, 434 down-regulated) in response to maternal folate depletion, with 460 genes expressed differentially (250 up-regulated, 255 down-regulated) in the placenta. Only 25 differentially expressed genes were common between organs. Maternal folate intake during pregnancy influences fetal gene expression in a highly organ specific manner which may reflect organ-specific functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue B-Vitamins and One-Carbon Metabolism)

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13 pages, 2140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Low Dietary Protein Intake and Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

by Aki Kiuchi¹, Yasushi Ohashi^2,*

, Reibin Tai¹, Toshiyuki Aoki¹, Sonoo Mizuiri³, Toyoko Ogura⁴, Atsushi Aikawa¹

and Ken Sakai¹

¹ Department of Nephrology, Omori Medical Center, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo 143-8541, Japan

² Department of Nephrology, Sakura Medical Center, School of Medicine, Toho University, 564-1, Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba 285-8741, Japan

³ Division of Nephrology, Ichiyokai Harada Hospital, Hiroshima 731-5134, Japan

⁴ Department of Nutrition, Omori Medical Center, Toho University, Tokyo 143-8541, Japan

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100662 - 23 Oct 2016

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8213

Abstract

Reduced dietary protein intake in malnourished patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes, which may mask any efficacy of a low-protein diet. The study included 126 patients with CKD who attended a dedicated dietary counseling clinic in [...] Read more.

Reduced dietary protein intake in malnourished patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes, which may mask any efficacy of a low-protein diet. The study included 126 patients with CKD who attended a dedicated dietary counseling clinic in 2005–2009 and were systematically followed until January 2015. Of these patients, 20 (15.9%) had moderate or severe nutrition-related risk of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) < 92; these patients were more likely to be older, have a greater proteinuria, and have lower body mass index and serum albumin concentration. Dietary protein intake was significantly lower in older patients (r = −0.33, p < 0.001) and those with lower glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). The non-protein to nitrogen calorie ratio was independently associated with GNRI. Reduced GNRI was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.61–15.42, p = 0.012) and cardiovascular events (HR = 9.37; 95% CI = 2.49–37.34, p = 0.006), but not with adverse renal outcomes. Restricting protein intake may be harmful to patients with any nutrition-related risk, suggesting that improvement of nutritional status should be a high priority. Full article

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

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15 pages, 2682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between the Lipids Levels in Blood and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

by Yafeng Wang^1,2,3,†, Mingxu Wang^3,†, Xiaoqing Zhang⁴, Qianyu Zhang³, Jing Nie⁵, Ming Zhang^6,*, Xiaohong Liu^1,* and Le Ma^2,3,7,*

¹ The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi’an 710061, China

² Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China

³ School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710049, China

⁴ Department of Public Health, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710021, China

⁵ School of Humanities, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China

⁶ Xi’an Honghui Hospital, Xi’an 710054, China

⁷ Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi’an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi’an 710049, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100663 - 22 Oct 2016

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 7128

Abstract

Lipid metabolism may be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, conflicting results have been reported in the associations of AMD with blood lipids. We performed a meta-analysis including a total of 19 studies to evaluate associations between blood [...] Read more.

Lipid metabolism may be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, conflicting results have been reported in the associations of AMD with blood lipids. We performed a meta-analysis including a total of 19 studies to evaluate associations between blood lipids and this disease. The result reported that the high level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) obtained with an increment of 1 mmol/L could result in a significantly increase in the AMD risk of approximately 18% (relative risk (RR), 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.35; I² = 53.8%; p = 0.007). High levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of AMD (RRs ranging from 0.92 to 0.95; all p < 0.05). The stratified analysis based on AMD subtypes showed that these blood lipids were only significantly associated with the risk of early AMD (all p < 0.05). The association between the blood lipids and AMD risk did not differ substantially based on the other characteristics of the participants. A high HDL-C level was associated with an increased AMD risk, whereas participants with high TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations may show a decreased risk for this disease. Further well-designed large studies are warranted to confirm the conclusions. Full article

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10 pages, 703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Human Milk Modulate Body Composition in Late Preterm Infants at Term-Corrected Age?

by Maria Lorella Giannì^1,*

, Dario Consonni²

, Nadia Liotto¹, Paola Roggero¹

, Laura Morlacchi¹, Pasqua Piemontese¹, Camilla Menis¹ and Fabio Mosca¹

¹ Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Commenda 12, 20122 Milano, Italy

² Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Epidemiology Unit, Via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100664 - 23 Oct 2016

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6129

Abstract

(1) Background: Late preterm infants account for the majority of preterm births and are at risk of altered body composition. Because body composition modulates later health outcomes and human milk is recommended as the normal method for infant feeding, we sought to investigate [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Late preterm infants account for the majority of preterm births and are at risk of altered body composition. Because body composition modulates later health outcomes and human milk is recommended as the normal method for infant feeding, we sought to investigate whether human milk feeding in early life can modulate body composition development in late preterm infants; (2) Methods: Neonatal, anthropometric and feeding data of 284 late preterm infants were collected. Body composition was evaluated at term-corrected age by air displacement plethysmography. The effect of human milk feeding on fat-free mass and fat mass content was evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis; (3) Results: Human milk was fed to 68% of the infants. According to multiple regression analysis, being fed any human milk at discharge and at term-corrected and being fed exclusively human milk at term-corrected age were positively associated with fat-free mass content(β = −47.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −95.7; −0.18; p = 0.049; β = −89.6, 95% CI = −131.5; −47.7; p < 0.0001; β = −104.1, 95% CI = −151.4; −56.7, p < 0.0001); (4) Conclusion: Human milk feeding appears to be associated with fat-free mass deposition in late preterm infants. Healthcare professionals should direct efforts toward promoting and supporting breastfeeding in these vulnerable infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients in Infancy)

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14 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of MTHFR, SLC19A1 Genetic Polymorphism, Serum Folate, Vitamin B₁₂ and Hcy Status with Cognitive Functions in Chinese Adults

by Can Cai^1,†, Rong Xiao^1,†, Nicholas Van Halm-Lutterodt², Jie Zhen¹, Xiaochen Huang¹, Yao Xu¹, Shuying Chen¹ and Linhong Yuan^1,*

¹ School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China

² Department of Neurosurgery, Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China

^† These two authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100665 - 24 Oct 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7416

Abstract

Background/Aim: Studies have indicated a relationship between either gene polymorphism or in vivo B vitamins’ nutritional status with cognition in the elderly. However, the combined effects of MTHFR and SLC19A1gene polymorphism with serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ levels on cognition in Chinese [...] Read more.

Background/Aim: Studies have indicated a relationship between either gene polymorphism or in vivo B vitamins’ nutritional status with cognition in the elderly. However, the combined effects of MTHFR and SLC19A1gene polymorphism with serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ levels on cognition in Chinese adult population remain unclear. Methods: Demographic information of 426 Chinese adults aged from 55 to 90 were collected by a well designed self-administered questionnaire. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment test was utilized to evaluate the cognition status of the participants. MTHFR and SLC19A1 genotyping was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR- LDR) method. Serum folate, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were detected by commercial assay kits. Pearson’s correlation was used for data analyses and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Serum Hcylevels demonstrated a negative correlation with serum folate (r = −0.301) and vitamin B₁₂ (r = −0.292) levels. The negative correlation found between serum Hcy levels and attention ability was observed in all 426 studied subjects (r = −0.122). Subjects with MTHFR 677 T/T and 1298 A/A genotypes demonstrated a higher serum Hcy levels (p < 0.05). Carriers of MTHFR (1298 A/C + C/C and 1793 G/A) and SLC19A1 80 G/G genotypes showed lower abstraction and delayed memory ability, respectively (p < 0.05). Subjects with MTHFR 1793 G/A genotype along with low serum folate concentration demonstrated the lowest name and orientation abilities. The effects of MTHFR 1793 G/A genotype on cognitive performance were dependent on the status of serum vitamin B₁₂. Conclusion: Cognition of adults was associated with MTHFR, SLC19A1 gene polymorphism and serum Hcy levels. This study clearly establishes a combined effect of MTHFR gene polymorphism and serum B vitamins levels on cognition in Chinese adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Mental Health)

13 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D and Calcium Intakes, Physical Activity, and Calcaneus BMC among School-Going 13-Year Old Malaysian Adolescents

by A. A. Suriawati¹

, Hazreen Abdul Majid^1,2

, Nabilla Al-Sadat¹, Mohd Nahar Azmi Mohamed³ and Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin^4,*

¹ Centre for Population Health (CePH), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

² Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

³ Sports Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

⁴ Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100666 - 24 Oct 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7820

Abstract

Background: Dietary calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone development. Apart from diet, physical activity may potentially improve and sustain bone health. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, and bone mineral content [...] Read more.

Background: Dietary calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone development. Apart from diet, physical activity may potentially improve and sustain bone health. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, and bone mineral content (BMC) in 13-year-old Malaysian adolescents. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Selected public secondary schools from the central and northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Participants: The subjects were from the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team Cohort study (MyHeARTs). Methods: The data included seven-day diet histories, anthropometric measurements, and the BMC of calcaneal bone using a portable broadband ultrasound bone densitometer. Nutritionist Pro software was used to calculate the dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes from the diet histories, based on the Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Food Database guidance for the dietary calcium intake and the Singapore Energy and Nutrient Composition of Food Database for vitamin D intake. Results: A total of 289 adolescents (65.7% females) were recruited. The average dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D were 377 ± 12 mg/day and 2.51 ± 0.12 µg/day, respectively, with the majority of subjects failing to meet the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of Malaysia for dietary calcium and vitamin D. All the subjects had a normal Z-score for the BMC (−2.00 or higher) with a mean of 0.55 ± 0.01. From the statistical analysis of the factors contributing to BMC, it was found that for those subjects with a higher intake of vitamin D, a higher combination of the intake of vitamin D and calcium resulted in significantly higher BMC quartiles. The regression analysis showed that the BMC might have been influenced by the vitamin D intake. Conclusions: A combination of the intake of vitamin D and calcium is positively associated with the BMC. Full article

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19 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Bioactive Dietary Components in Modulating miRNA Expression in Colorectal Cancer

by Laura I. Gavrilas¹

, Corina Ionescu², Oana Tudoran³

, Cosmin Lisencu^4,5, Ovidiu Balacescu^3,*

and Doina Miere¹

¹ Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Marinescu Street 23, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania

² Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Louis Pasteur Street 6, Cluj-Napoca 400349, Romania

³ Department of Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Republicii Street 34-36, Cluj-Napoca 400015, Romania

⁴ Department of Surgical and Gynecological Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Republicii Street 34-36, Cluj-Napoca 400015, Romania

⁵ Department of Surgery, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Republicii Street 34-36, Cluj-Napoca 400015, Romania

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100590 - 26 Sep 2016

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 9925

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and considered to be one of the most diet-related types of cancer. Extensive research has been conducted but still the link between diet and colorectal cancer is complex. Recent studies have highlight [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and considered to be one of the most diet-related types of cancer. Extensive research has been conducted but still the link between diet and colorectal cancer is complex. Recent studies have highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as key players in cancer-related pathways in the context of dietary modulation. MicroRNAs are involved in most biological processes related to tumor development and progression; therefore, it is of great interest to understand the underlying mechanisms by which dietary patterns and components influence the expression of these powerful molecules in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss relevant dietary patterns in terms of miRNAs modulation in colorectal cancer, as well as bioactive dietary components able to modify gene expression through changes in miRNA expression. Furthermore, we emphasize on protective components such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, α-mangostin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and dietary fiber, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms in the context of prevention and even treatment. In addition, several bioactive dietary components that have the ability to re-sensitize treatment resistant cells are described. Full article

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17 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessReview

Maternal Diet and Nutrient Requirements in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. An Italian Consensus Document

by Franca Marangoni^1,*

, Irene Cetin²

, Elvira Verduci³

, Giuseppe Canzone⁴, Marcello Giovannini⁵, Paolo Scollo⁶, Giovanni Corsello⁷ and Andrea Poli¹

¹ NFI—Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Milano 20124, Italy

² Department of Mother and Child Hospital Luigi Sacco, Center for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences University of Milan—Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine (SIMP), Milano 20157, Italy

³ Department of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan—Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), Milano 20142, Italy

⁴ Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, S. Cimino Hospital—Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SIGO), Termini Imerese, Palermo 90018, Italy

⁵ Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Milan—Italian Society of Pediatric Nutrition (SINUPE), Milano 20142, Italy

⁶ Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Department, Cannizzaro Hospital—Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SIGO), Catania 95126, Italy

⁷ Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo—Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), Palermo 90127, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100629 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 202 | Viewed by 27874

Abstract

The importance of lifestyle and dietary habits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for health of mothers and their offspring, is widely supported by the most recent scientific literature. The consumption of a varied and balanced diet from the preconceptional period is essential to ensure [...] Read more.

The importance of lifestyle and dietary habits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for health of mothers and their offspring, is widely supported by the most recent scientific literature. The consumption of a varied and balanced diet from the preconceptional period is essential to ensure both maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes. However, the risk of inadequate intakes of specific micronutrients in pregnancy and lactation is high even in the most industrialized countries. This particularly applies to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), iron, iodine, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D, also in the Italian population. Moreover, the risk of not reaching the adequate nutrient supply is increased for selected groups of women of childbearing age: those following exclusion diets, underweight or overweight/obese, smokers, adolescents, mothers who have had multiple or close pregnancies, and those with previous unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Full article

16 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessReview

Paradoxical Effects of Fruit on Obesity

by Satya P. Sharma¹

, Hea J. Chung², Hyeon J. Kim³

and Seong T. Hong^1,*

¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea

² Department of Microbiology, Seonam University Medical School, Namwon 55724, Korea

³ JINIS BDRD Institute, JINIS Biopharmaceuticals Co., 948-9 Dunsan, Bongdong, Wanju 55321, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100633 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 35810

Abstract

Obesity is exponentially increasing regardless of its preventable characteristics. The current measures for preventing obesity have failed to address the severity and prevalence of obesity, so alternative approaches based on nutritional and diet changes are attracting attention for the treatment of obesity. Fruit [...] Read more.

Obesity is exponentially increasing regardless of its preventable characteristics. The current measures for preventing obesity have failed to address the severity and prevalence of obesity, so alternative approaches based on nutritional and diet changes are attracting attention for the treatment of obesity. Fruit contains large amounts of simple sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, etc.), which are well known to induce obesity. Thus, considering the amount of simple sugars found in fruit, it is reasonable to expect that their consumption should contribute to obesity rather than weight reduction. However, epidemiological research has consistently shown that most types of fruit have anti-obesity effects. Thus, due to their anti-obesity effects as well as their vitamin and mineral contents, health organizations are suggesting the consumption of fruit for weight reduction purposes. These contradictory characteristics of fruit with respect to human body weight management motivated us to study previous research to understand the contribution of different types of fruit to weight management. In this review article, we analyze and discuss the relationships between fruit and their anti-obesity effects based on numerous possible underlying mechanisms, and we conclude that each type of fruit has different effects on body weight. Full article

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28 pages, 695 KiB

Open AccessReview

Association between Maternal Zinc Status, Dietary Zinc Intake and Pregnancy Complications: A Systematic Review

by Rebecca L. Wilson^1,2, Jessica A. Grieger^1,2, Tina Bianco-Miotto^1,3

and Claire T. Roberts^1,2,*

¹ Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia

² Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia

³ Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100641 - 15 Oct 2016

Cited by 86 | Viewed by 11510

Abstract

Adequate zinc stores in the body are extremely important during periods of accelerated growth. However, zinc deficiency is common in developing countries and low maternal circulating zinc concentrations have previously been associated with pregnancy complications. We reviewed current literature assessing circulating zinc and [...] Read more.

Adequate zinc stores in the body are extremely important during periods of accelerated growth. However, zinc deficiency is common in developing countries and low maternal circulating zinc concentrations have previously been associated with pregnancy complications. We reviewed current literature assessing circulating zinc and dietary zinc intake during pregnancy and the associations with preeclampsia (PE); spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB); low birthweight (LBW); and gestational diabetes (GDM). Searches of MEDLINE; CINAHL and Scopus databases identified 639 articles and 64 studies were reviewed. In 10 out of 16 studies a difference was reported with respect to circulating zinc between women who gave birth to a LBW infant (≤2500 g) and those who gave birth to an infant of adequate weight (>2500 g), particularly in populations where inadequate zinc intake is prevalent. In 16 of our 33 studies an association was found between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and circulating zinc; particularly in women with severe PE (blood pressure ≥160/110 mmHg). No association between maternal zinc status and sPTB or GDM was seen; however; direct comparisons between the studies was difficult. Furthermore; only a small number of studies were based on women from populations where there is a high risk of zinc deficiency. Therefore; the link between maternal zinc status and pregnancy success in these populations cannot be established. Future studies should focus on those vulnerable to zinc deficiency and include dietary zinc intake as a measure of zinc status. Full article

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27 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessReview

Properties of Gluten Intolerance: Gluten Structure, Evolution, Pathogenicity and Detoxification Capabilities

by Anastasia V. Balakireva¹ and Andrey A. Zamyatnin^1,2,*

¹ Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia

² Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100644 - 18 Oct 2016

Cited by 199 | Viewed by 42994

Abstract

Theterm gluten intolerance may refer to three types of human disorders: autoimmune celiac disease (CD), allergy to wheat and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Gluten is a mixture of prolamin proteins present mostly in wheat, but also in barley, rye and oat. Gluten can [...] Read more.

Theterm gluten intolerance may refer to three types of human disorders: autoimmune celiac disease (CD), allergy to wheat and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Gluten is a mixture of prolamin proteins present mostly in wheat, but also in barley, rye and oat. Gluten can be subdivided into three major groups: S-rich, S-poor and high molecular weight proteins. Prolamins within the groups possess similar structures and properties. All gluten proteins are evolutionarily connected and share the same ancestral origin. Gluten proteins are highly resistant to hydrolysis mediated by proteases of the human gastrointestinal tract. It results in emergence of pathogenic peptides, which cause CD and allergy in genetically predisposed people. There is a hierarchy of peptide toxicity and peptide recognition by T cells. Nowadays, there are several ways to detoxify gluten peptides: the most common is gluten-free diet (GFD), which has proved its effectiveness; prevention programs, enzymatic therapy, correction of gluten pathogenicity pathways and genetically modified grains with reduced immunotoxicity. A deep understanding of gluten intolerance underlying mechanisms and detailed knowledge of gluten properties may lead to the emergence of novel effective approaches for treatment of gluten-related disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Ptolemaus to Copernicus: The Evolving System of Gluten-Related Disorders)

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Other

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5 pages, 177 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Greffeuille, V.; et al. Persistent Inequalities in Child Undernutrition in Cambodia from 2000 Until Today. Nutrients 2016, 8, 297

by Valérie Greffeuille^1,*

, Prak Sophonneary², Arnaud Laillou³, Ludovic Gauthier¹, Rathmony Hong³, Rathavuth Hong⁴, Etienne Poirot³, Marjoleine Dijkhuizen⁵, Frank Wieringa¹ and Jacques Berger¹

¹ JRU NUTRIPASS IRD-SupAgro-UM, 911 av Agropolis, Montpellier 34000, France

² National Nutrition Program, Maternal and Child Health Center, No. 31A, Rue de France (St. 47), Phnom Penh 12202, Cambodia

³ United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition Section, No. 11 street 75, Phnom Penh 12202, Cambodia

⁴ ICF International, 530 Gaither Road, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850, USA

⁵ Department of Human Nutrition, Copenhagen University, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg 1958, Denmark

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100459 - 30 Sep 2016

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3574

Abstract

We would like to submit the following as a correction to our recently published paper [1] because of the use of the wrong cut-off for overweight.[...] Full article

7 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Diet Quality—The Greeks Had It Right!

by John J. B. Anderson¹ and David C. Nieman^2,*

¹ Department of Nutrition, Schools of Public Health and Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA

² Human Performance Laboratory, Appalachian State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100636 - 14 Oct 2016

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9077

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet is upheld in the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines as an example of an eating pattern that promotes good health, a healthy body weight, and disease prevention throughout the lifespan. The Mediterranean eating pattern is based on a variety of unprocessed plant [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean diet is upheld in the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines as an example of an eating pattern that promotes good health, a healthy body weight, and disease prevention throughout the lifespan. The Mediterranean eating pattern is based on a variety of unprocessed plant foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds that are high in polyphenols. The majority of polyphenols arrive in the colon where bacteria degrade them into smaller phenolics that can be translocated via the portal vein to the liver. In the liver, the phenolics undergo additional biotransformation prior to release into the circulation and transport to specific tissues where bioactive effects take place before removal in the urine. Recent epidemiologic studies using improved assessment techniques support that high versus low dietary polyphenol intake predicts reduced risk for neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and early death from all causes. Emerging science reveals that many of these health-related benefits can be traced to the biotransformed, gut-derived phenolics. In conclusion, the high consumption of unprocessed plant foods by inhabitants of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea has been linked to multiple health and disease prevention benefits that are in large part due to a varied intake of polyphenols. Full article

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