Nutrients

Editorial

5 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition in Pregnancy: Optimising Maternal Diet and Fetal Adaptations to Altered Nutrient Supply

by Janna L. Morrison^1,*

and Timothy R. H. Regnault²

¹ Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia

² The Susan Vitali-Lovell Laboratories for Studies in Fetal Programming of Human Health Risks, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON N6A-5C1, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060342 - 4 Jun 2016

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 16467

Abstract

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy, and how this impacts placental and fetal growth and metabolism, is of considerable interest to women, their partners and their health care professionals.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Pregnancy)

Research

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12 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition with Glucose or Amino Acid Mixtures in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

by Yan Liu^1,2,*, Xiao Xiao¹, Dan-Ping Qin¹, Rong-Shao Tan², Xiao-Shi Zhong¹, Dao-Yuan Zhou^1,2, Yun Liu^1,2, Xuan Xiong¹ and Yuan-Yuan Zheng¹

¹ Department of Nephrology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Jinan University, No. 396 Tong Fu Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510220, China

² Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou 510220, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060220 - 2 Jun 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6677

Abstract

Many long-term maintenance hemodialysis patients have symptoms of protein-energy wasting caused by malnutrition. Each session of hemodialysis removes about 10 to 12 g of amino acids and 200 to 480 kcal of energy. Patients receiving hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease may be undernourished [...] Read more.

Many long-term maintenance hemodialysis patients have symptoms of protein-energy wasting caused by malnutrition. Each session of hemodialysis removes about 10 to 12 g of amino acids and 200 to 480 kcal of energy. Patients receiving hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease may be undernourished for energy, protein consumption, or both. Non-diabetic hemodialysis patients were randomized to three treatment groups: oral supplementation, oral supplementation plus high-concentration glucose solution (250 mL containing 50% glucose) and these two interventions plus 8.5% amino acids solution. The post-treatment energy status of the glucose group was significantly higher than its baseline level, whereas the control group’s status was significantly lower. The glucose group had significantly higher concentrations of asparagine, glutamine, glycine, alanine, and lysine after treatment. All treatment groups had significantly increased hemoglobin levels but significantly decreased transferrin levels after treatment compared to baseline. After treatment, the amino acid group had significantly higher albumin level compared to the glucose group (p = 0.001) and significantly higher prealbumin level compared to the control group (p = 0.017). In conclusion, long-term intervention with high-concentration glucose solution at each hemodialysis session is a simple and cheap method that replenished energy stores lost during hemodialysis of non-diabetic patients. Full article

17 pages, 1686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Distribution of Obesity Phenotypes in HIV-Infected African Population

by Kim Anh Nguyen^1,2, Nasheeta Peer^1,2, Anniza De Villiers¹, Barbara Mukasa³, Tandi E. Matsha⁴

, Edward J. Mills⁵ and Andre Pascal Kengne^1,2,*

¹ Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa

² Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa

³ United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mildmay Uganda PO Box 24985, Lweza, Uganda

⁴ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 7535, South Africa

⁵ Global Evaluation Science, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X4, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060299 - 2 Jun 2016

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5833

Abstract

The distribution of body size phenotypes in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has yet to be characterized. We assessed the distribution of body size phenotypes overall, and according to antiretroviral therapy (ART), diagnosed duration of the infection and CD4 count in [...] Read more.

The distribution of body size phenotypes in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has yet to be characterized. We assessed the distribution of body size phenotypes overall, and according to antiretroviral therapy (ART), diagnosed duration of the infection and CD4 count in a sample of HIV infected people recruited across primary care facilities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Adults aged ≥ 18 years were consecutively recruited using random sampling procedures, and their cardio-metabolic profile were assessed during March 2014 and February 2015. They were classified across body mass index (BMI) categories as normal-weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m²), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), and further classified according to their metabolic status as “metabolically healthy” vs. “metabolically abnormal” if they had less than two vs. two or more of the following abnormalities: high blood glucose, raised blood pressure, raised triglycerides, and low HDL-cholesterol. Their cross-classification gave the following six phenotypes: normal-weight metabolically healthy (NWMH), normal-weight metabolically abnormal (NWMA), overweight metabolically healthy (OvMH), overweight metabolically abnormal (OvMA), obese metabolically healthy (OMH), and obese metabolically abnormal (OMA). Among the 748 participants included (median age 38 years (25th–75th percentiles: 32–44)), 79% were women. The median diagnosed duration of HIV was five years; the median CD4 count was 392 cells/mm³ and most participants were on ART. The overall distribution of body size phenotypes was the following: 31.7% (NWMH), 11.7% (NWMA), 13.4% (OvMH), 9.5% (OvMA), 18.6% (OMH), and 15.1% (OMA). The distribution of metabolic phenotypes across BMI levels did not differ significantly in men vs. women (p = 0.062), in participants below vs. those at or above median diagnosed duration of HIV infection (p = 0.897), in participants below vs. those at or above median CD4 count (p = 0.447), and by ART regimens (p = 0.205). In this relatively young sample of HIV-infected individuals, metabolically abnormal phenotypes are frequent across BMI categories. This highlights the importance of general measures targeting an overall improvement in cardiometabolic risk profile across the spectrum of BMI distribution in all adults with HIV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

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17 pages, 3050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cuminaldehyde from Cinnamomum verum Induces Cell Death through Targeting Topoisomerase 1 and 2 in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma COLO 205 Cells

by Kuen-daw Tsai^1,2,3, Yi-Heng Liu¹, Ta-Wei Chen¹

, Shu-Mei Yang^1,2, Ho-Yiu Wong¹, Jonathan Cherng⁴, Kuo-Shen Chou⁵ and Jaw-Ming Cherng^6,7,*

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin 65152, Taiwan

² School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan

³ Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan

⁴ Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-059, Poland

⁵ Department of Family Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital Luodong, Yilan 26546, Taiwan

⁶ Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital Luodong, Yilan 26546, Taiwan

⁷ St. Mary’s Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yilan 26644, Taiwan

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060318 - 24 May 2016

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 8139

Abstract

Cinnamomum verum, also called true cinnamon tree, is employed to make the seasoning cinnamon. Furthermore, the plant has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medication. We explored the anticancer effect of cuminaldehyde, an ingredient of the cortex of the plant, as [...] Read more.

Cinnamomum verum, also called true cinnamon tree, is employed to make the seasoning cinnamon. Furthermore, the plant has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medication. We explored the anticancer effect of cuminaldehyde, an ingredient of the cortex of the plant, as well as the molecular biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis in human colorectal adenocarcinoma COLO 205 cells. The results show that cuminaldehyde suppressed growth and induced apoptosis, as proved by depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of both caspase-3 and -9, and morphological features of apoptosis. Moreover, cuminaldehyde also led to lysosomal vacuolation with an upregulated volume of acidic compartment and cytotoxicity, together with inhibitions of both topoisomerase I and II activities. Additional study shows that the anticancer activity of cuminaldehyde was observed in the model of nude mice. Our results suggest that the anticancer activity of cuminaldehyde in vitro involved the suppression of cell proliferative markers, topoisomerase I as well as II, together with increase of pro-apoptotic molecules, associated with upregulated lysosomal vacuolation. On the other hand, in vivo, cuminaldehyde diminished the tumor burden that would have a significant clinical impact. Furthermore, similar effects were observed in other tested cell lines. In short, our data suggest that cuminaldehyde could be a drug for chemopreventive or anticancer therapy. Full article

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

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11 pages, 2069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Dependent Changes in Resting Energy Expenditure (REE): Insights from Detailed Body Composition Analysis in Normal and Overweight Healthy Caucasians

by Corinna Geisler¹, Wiebke Braun¹, Maryam Pourhassan¹, Lisa Schweitzer¹, Claus-Christian Glüer², Anja Bosy-Westphal³ and Manfred J. Müller^1,*

¹ Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 17-19, D-24105 Kiel, Germany

² Clinic for Diagnostic Radiology, Section Biomedical Imaging, Molecular Imaging North Competence Center (MOIN CC), Am Botanischen Garten 14, D-24118 Kiel, Germany

³ Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Universität Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060322 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 9218

Abstract

Age-related changes in organ and tissue masses may add to changes in the relationship between resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat free mass (FFM) in normal and overweight healthy Caucasians. Secondary analysis using cross-sectional data of 714 healthy normal and overweight Caucasian subjects [...] Read more.

Age-related changes in organ and tissue masses may add to changes in the relationship between resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat free mass (FFM) in normal and overweight healthy Caucasians. Secondary analysis using cross-sectional data of 714 healthy normal and overweight Caucasian subjects (age 18–83 years) with comprehensive information on FFM, organ and tissue masses (as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), body density (as assessed by Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP)) and hydration (as assessed by deuterium dilution (D₂O)) and REE (as assessed by indirect calorimetry). High metabolic rate organs (HMR) summarized brain, heart, liver and kidney masses. Ratios of HMR organs and muscle mass (MM) in relation to FFM were considered. REE was calculated (REEc) using organ and tissue masses times their specific metabolic rates. REE, FFM, specific metabolic rates, the REE-FFM relationship, HOMA, CRP, and thyroid hormone levels change with age. The age-related decrease in FFM explained 59.7% of decreases in REE. Mean residuals of the REE-FFM association were positive in young adults but became negative in older subjects. When compared to young adults, proportions of MM to FFM decreased with age, whereas contributions of liver and heart did not differ between age groups. HOMA, TSH and inflammation (plasma CRP-levels) explained 4.2%, 2.0% and 1.4% of the variance in the REE-FFM residuals, but age and plasma T3-levels had no effects. HMR to FFM and MM to FFM ratios together added 11.8% on to the variance of REE-FFM residuals. Differences between REE and REEc increased with age, suggesting age-related changes in specific metabolic rates of organs and tissues. This bias was partly explained by plasmaT3-levels. Age-related changes in REE are explained by (i) decreases in fat free mass; (ii) a decrease in the contributions of organ and muscle masses to FFM; and (iii) decreases in specific organ and tissue metabolic rates. Age-dependent changes in the REE-FFMassociation are explained by composition of FFM, inflammation and thyroid hormones. Full article

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

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8 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elevation of Fasting Ghrelin in Healthy Human Subjects Consuming a High-Salt Diet: A Novel Mechanism of Obesity?

by Yong Zhang^1,2, Fenxia Li³, Fu-Qiang Liu^1,2,*

, Chao Chu², Yang Wang², Dan Wang², Tong-Shuai Guo², Jun-Kui Wang¹, Gong-Chang Guan^1,2, Ke-Yu Ren² and Jian-Jun Mu^2,*

¹ Cardiovascular Department, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an 710068, China

² Cardiovascular Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China

³ Cardiovascular Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710038, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060323 - 26 May 2016

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 10871

Abstract

Overweight/obesity is a chronic disease that carries an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and premature death. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between salt intake and obesity, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that ghrelin, which regulates appetite, [...] Read more.

Overweight/obesity is a chronic disease that carries an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and premature death. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between salt intake and obesity, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that ghrelin, which regulates appetite, food intake, and fat deposition, becomes elevated when one consumes a high-salt diet, contributing to the progression of obesity. We, therefore, investigated fasting ghrelin concentrations during a high-salt diet. Thirty-eight non-obese and normotensive subjects (aged 25 to 50 years) were selected from a rural community in Northern China. They were sequentially maintained on a normal diet for three days at baseline, a low-salt diet for seven days (3 g/day, NaCl), then a high-salt diet for seven days (18 g/day). The concentration of plasma ghrelin was measured using an immunoenzyme method (ELISA). High-salt intake significantly increased fasting ghrelin levels, which were higher during the high-salt diet (320.7 ± 30.6 pg/mL) than during the low-salt diet (172.9 ± 8.9 pg/mL). The comparison of ghrelin levels between the different salt diets was statistically-significantly different (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between 24-h urinary sodium excretion and fasting ghrelin levels was demonstrated. Our data indicate that a high-salt diet elevates fasting ghrelin in healthy human subjects, which may be a novel underlying mechanism of obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

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11 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Metabolite Profiles, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Status

by Bénédicte Allam-Ndoul^1,2, Frédéric Guénard^1,2

, Véronique Garneau^1,2, Hubert Cormier^1,2, Olivier Barbier³

, Louis Pérusse^1,4 and Marie-Claude Vohl^1,2,*

¹ Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V0A6, Canada

² School of Nutrition, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V0A6, Canada

³ Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, CHU-Quebec Research Center, and Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V4G2, Canada

⁴ Department of Kinesiology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V0A6, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060324 - 27 May 2016

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 7241

Abstract

Underlying mechanisms associated with the development of abnormal metabolic phenotypes among obese individuals are not yet clear. Our aim is to investigate differences in plasma metabolomics profiles between normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) individuals, with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). Mass spectrometry-based [...] Read more.

Underlying mechanisms associated with the development of abnormal metabolic phenotypes among obese individuals are not yet clear. Our aim is to investigate differences in plasma metabolomics profiles between normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) individuals, with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). Mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling was used to compare metabolite levels between each group. Three main principal components factors explaining a maximum of variance were retained. Factor 1’s (long chain glycerophospholipids) metabolite profile score was higher among Ov/Ob with MetS than among Ov/Ob and NW participants without MetS. This factor was positively correlated to plasma total cholesterol (total-C) and triglyceride levels in the three groups, to high density lipoprotein -cholesterol (HDL-C) among participants without MetS. Factor 2 (amino acids and short to long chain acylcarnitine) was positively correlated to HDL-C and negatively correlated with insulin levels among NW participants. Factor 3’s (medium chain acylcarnitines) metabolite profile scores were higher among NW participants than among Ov/Ob with or without MetS. Factor 3 was negatively associated with glucose levels among the Ov/Ob with MetS. Factor 1 seems to be associated with a deteriorated metabolic profile that corresponds to obesity, whereas Factors 2 and 3 seem to be rather associated with a healthy metabolic profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

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13 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Group Intakes as Determinants of Iodine Status among US Adult Population

by Kyung Won Lee¹

, Dayeon Shin¹, Mi Sook Cho² 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 Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Human Ecology Building, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Sodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060325 - 26 May 2016

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6129

Abstract

Adequate intake of iodine is essential for proper thyroid function. Although dietary reference intakes for iodine have been established, iodine intake cannot be estimated due to the lack of data on iodine contents in foods. We aimed to determine if food group intakes [...] Read more.

Adequate intake of iodine is essential for proper thyroid function. Although dietary reference intakes for iodine have been established, iodine intake cannot be estimated due to the lack of data on iodine contents in foods. We aimed to determine if food group intakes can predict iodine status assessed by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) from spot urine samples of 5967 US adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012. From an in-person 24-h dietary recall, all foods consumed were aggregated into 12 main food groups using the individual food code of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA); dairy products, meat/poultry, fish/seaweed, eggs, legumes/nuts/seeds, breads, other grain products, fruits, vegetables, fats/oils, sugars/sweets, and beverages. Chi-square test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the predictability of food group intakes in iodine status assessed by UIC. From the multiple linear regressions, the consumption of dairy products, eggs, and breads, and iodine-containing supplement use were positively associated with UIC, whereas beverage consumption was negatively associated with UIC. Among various food group intakes, dairy product intake was the most important determinant of iodine status in both US men and women. Subpopulation groups with a high risk of iodine deficiency may need nutritional education regarding the consumption of dairy products, eggs, and breads to maintain an adequate iodine status. Efforts toward a better understanding of iodine content in each food and a continued monitoring of iodine status within US adults are both warranted. Full article

10 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Vitamin D Status and Allergic Diseases in New Zealand Preschool Children

by Carolyn Cairncross¹, Cameron Grant^2,3, Welma Stonehouse⁴, Cath Conlon¹, Barry McDonald⁵, Lisa Houghton⁶, Darryl Eyles^7,8, Carlos A. Camargo, Jr.⁹

, Jane Coad¹

and Pamela Von Hurst^1,*

¹ School of Food and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

² Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland and General Paediatrics, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

³ Starship Children’s Hospital, Aucklan 1023, New Zealand

⁴ CSIRO Food and Nutrition, Adelaide 5000, Australia

⁵ Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

⁶ Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

⁷ Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia

⁸ Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane 4072, Australia

⁹ Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060326 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7435

Abstract

Recent research on vitamin D in young children has expanded from bone development to exploring immunomodulatory effects. Our aim was to investigate the relationship of vitamin D status and allergic diseases in preschool-aged children in New Zealand. Dried capillary blood spots were collected [...] Read more.

Recent research on vitamin D in young children has expanded from bone development to exploring immunomodulatory effects. Our aim was to investigate the relationship of vitamin D status and allergic diseases in preschool-aged children in New Zealand. Dried capillary blood spots were collected from 1329 children during late-winter to early-spring for 25(OH)D measurement by LC-MS/MS. Caregivers completed a questionnaire about their child’s recent medical history. Analysis was by multivariable logistic regression. Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 52(SD19) nmol/L, with 7% of children <25 nmol/L and 49% <50 nmol/L. Children with 25(OH)D concentrations ≥75 nmol/L (n = 29) had a two-fold increased risk for parent-report of doctor-diagnosed food allergy compared to children with 25(OH)D 50–74.9 nmol/L (OR = 2.21, 1.33–3.68, p = 0.002). No associations were present between 25(OH)D concentration and presence of parent-reported eczema, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or atopic asthma. Vitamin D deficiency was not associated with several allergic diseases in these New Zealand preschool children. In contrast, high 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with a two-fold increased risk of parental-report food allergy. This increase supports further research into the association between vitamin D status and allergic disease in preschool children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 2015 Joint Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and Nutrition Society of Australia)

14 pages, 3515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Australasian “Health Star Rating” Front of Pack Nutritional Label System Work?

by Robert Hamlin^* and Lisa McNeill

Department of Marketing, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060327 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 15186

Abstract

This article describes an experiment to measure the impact of the Australasian “Health Star Rating” front of pack nutritional label system on consumer choice behaviour. This system presents a one-half to five star rating of nutritional quality via the front facings of food [...] Read more.

This article describes an experiment to measure the impact of the Australasian “Health Star Rating” front of pack nutritional label system on consumer choice behaviour. This system presents a one-half to five star rating of nutritional quality via the front facings of food product packages. While this system has been recently rolled out across Australasia, no test of its impact on food choice has been conducted. A sample of 1200 consumers was recruited on exit from supermarkets in New Zealand. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used with two levels of cold cereal product nutritional status (high, five star/low, two star) and two levels of the Health Star Rating label (present/absent). The dependent variable was revealed choice behaviour. The results indicated that the presence of the label had a significant depressive effect on consumer preference, but that this impact was not moderated in any way by the nutritional status expressed by the label. The result represents a significant functional failure of the Health Star Rating label in this research environment. The nature of the failure is consistent with the consumers processing the label in much the same way as the nominal brand cues that dominate the retail food packaging. Full article

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16 pages, 547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complementary Effects of Genetic Variations in LEPR on Body Composition and Soluble Leptin Receptor Concentration after 3-Month Lifestyle Intervention in Prepubertal Obese Children

by Joanna Gajewska^1,*

, Alina Kuryłowicz², Ewa Mierzejewska³, Jadwiga Ambroszkiewicz¹, Magdalena Chełchowska¹

, Halina Weker⁴ and Monika Puzianowska-Kuźnicka^2,5

¹ Screening Department, Institute of Mother and Child, Kasprzaka 17a, Warsaw 01-211, Poland

² Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-106, Poland

³ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw 01-211, Poland

⁴ Department of Nutrition, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw 01-211, Poland

⁵ Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Medical Center of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw 01-826, Poland

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060328 - 27 May 2016

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5550

Abstract

In obese individuals, weight loss might be affected by variants of the adipokine-encoding genes. We verified whether selected functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in LEP, LEPR and ADIPOQ are associated with changes in serum levels of the respective adipokines and weight loss in [...] Read more.

In obese individuals, weight loss might be affected by variants of the adipokine-encoding genes. We verified whether selected functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in LEP, LEPR and ADIPOQ are associated with changes in serum levels of the respective adipokines and weight loss in 100 prepubertal obese (SDS-BMI > 2) Caucasian children undergoing lifestyle intervention. Frequencies of the -2548G > A LEP, Q223R LEPR, K656N LEPR, -11377C > G and -11426A > G ADIPOQ polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum adipokine and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. Among the analyzed polymorphisms, only LEPR polymorphisms were associated with changes of SDS-BMI or sOB-R concentrations in children after therapy. Carriers of the wild-type K665N and at least one minor Q223R allele had the greatest likelihood of losing weight (OR = 5.09, p = 0.006), an increase in sOB-R (p_trend = 0.022) and decrease in SDS-BMI correlated with the decrease of fat mass (p < 0.001). In contrast, carrying of the wild-type Q223R and at least one minor K665N allele were associated with a decrease in sOB-R concentrations and a decrease in SDS-BMI correlated with a decrease in fat-free mass (p = 0.002). We suggest that the combination of different LEPR variants, not a single variant, might determine predisposition to weight loss in the prepubertal period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

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4 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Iron, Anemia, and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Young Children in the United States

by Priya M. Gupta^*, Cria G. Perrine, Zuguo Mei and Kelley S. Scanlon

Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060330 - 30 May 2016

Cited by 116 | Viewed by 21814 | Correction

Abstract

Iron deficiency and anemia are associated with impaired neurocognitive development and immune function in young children. Total body iron, calculated from serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations, and hemoglobin allow for monitoring of the iron and anemia status of children in the [...] Read more.

Iron deficiency and anemia are associated with impaired neurocognitive development and immune function in young children. Total body iron, calculated from serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations, and hemoglobin allow for monitoring of the iron and anemia status of children in the United States. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID), anemia, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among children 1–5 years using data from the 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Prevalence of ID, anemia, and IDA among children 1–5 years was 7.1% (5.5, 8.7), 3.9% (2.0, 4.3), and 1.1% (0.6, 1.7), respectively. The prevalence of both ID and anemia were higher among children 1–2 years (p < 0.05). In addition, 50% of anemic children 1–2 years were iron deficient. This analysis provides an update on the prevalence of ID, anemia, and IDA for a representative sample of US children. Our results suggest little change in these indicators over the past decade. Monitoring of ID and anemia is critical and prevention of ID in early childhood should remain a public health priority. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fortification to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies)

16 pages, 1835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protein Supplementation Does Not Further Increase Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy after Eight Weeks of Resistance Training in Novice Subjects, but Partially Counteracts the Fast-to-Slow Muscle Fiber Transition

by Antonio Paoli^1,*

, Quirico F. Pacelli¹, Pasqua Cancellara¹, Luana Toniolo¹, Tatiana Moro¹, Marta Canato¹, Danilo Miotti², Marco Neri³, Aldo Morra⁴, Marco Quadrelli⁴ and Carlo Reggiani¹

¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy

² Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy

³ AIFeM (Italian Medicine and Fitness Federation), Ravenna 48121, Italy

⁴ Euganea Medica, Diagnostic Centre, Via Colombo 13, Albignasego (Padova) 35020, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060331 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 15827

Abstract

The response to resistance training and protein supplementation in the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) has never been investigated. We investigated the effects of resistance training (RT) and protein supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and fiber characteristics of the LDM. Eighteen healthy young subjects [...] Read more.

The response to resistance training and protein supplementation in the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) has never been investigated. We investigated the effects of resistance training (RT) and protein supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and fiber characteristics of the LDM. Eighteen healthy young subjects were randomly assigned to a progressive eight-week RT program with a normal protein diet (NP) or high protein diet (HP) (NP 0.85 vs. HP 1.8 g of protein·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹). One repetition maximum tests, magnetic resonance imaging for cross-sectional muscle area (CSA), body composition, and single muscle fibers mechanical and phenotype characteristics were measured. RT induced a significant gain in strength (+17%, p < 0.0001), whole muscle CSA (p = 0.024), and single muscle fibers CSA (p < 0.05) of LDM in all subjects. Fiber isometric force increased in proportion to CSA (+22%, p < 0.005) and thus no change in specific tension occurred. A significant transition from 2X to 2A myosin expression was induced by training. The protein supplementation showed no significant effects on all measured outcomes except for a smaller reduction of 2X myosin expression. Our results suggest that in LDM protein supplementation does not further enhance RT-induced muscle fiber hypertrophy nor influence mechanic muscle fiber characteristics but partially counteracts the fast-to-slow fiber shift. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Protein, Exercise and Muscle Health in an Ageing Population)

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18 pages, 1668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protein-Pacing and Multi-Component Exercise Training Improves Physical Performance Outcomes in Exercise-Trained Women: The PRISE 3 Study

by Paul J. Arciero^1,*, Stephen J. Ives¹, Chelsea Norton¹, Daniela Escudero¹, Olivia Minicucci¹, Gabe O’Brien¹, Maia Paul¹, Michael J. Ormsbee², Vincent Miller¹

, Caitlin Sheridan¹ and Feng He^1,3

¹ Human Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

² Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA

³ Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Chico, CA 95929, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060332 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 22157

Abstract

The beneficial cardiometabolic and body composition effects of combined protein-pacing (P; 5–6 meals/day at 2.0 g/kg BW/day) and multi-mode exercise (resistance, interval, stretching, endurance; RISE) training (PRISE) in obese adults has previously been established. The current study examines PRISE on physical performance (endurance, [...] Read more.

The beneficial cardiometabolic and body composition effects of combined protein-pacing (P; 5–6 meals/day at 2.0 g/kg BW/day) and multi-mode exercise (resistance, interval, stretching, endurance; RISE) training (PRISE) in obese adults has previously been established. The current study examines PRISE on physical performance (endurance, strength and power) outcomes in healthy, physically active women. Thirty exercise-trained women (>4 days exercise/week) were randomized to either PRISE (n = 15) or a control (CON, 5–6 meals/day at 1.0 g/kg BW/day; n = 15) for 12 weeks. Muscular strength (1-RM bench press, 1-RM BP) endurance (sit-ups, SUs; push-ups, PUs), power (bench throws, BTs), blood pressure (BP), augmentation index, (AIx), and abdominal fat mass were assessed at Weeks 0 (pre) and 13 (post). At baseline, no differences existed between groups. Following the 12-week intervention, PRISE had greater gains (p < 0.05) in SUs, PUs (6 ± 7 vs. 10 ± 7, 40%; 8 ± 13 vs. 14 ± 12, 43% ∆reps, respectively), BTs (11 ± 35 vs. 44 ± 34, 75% ∆watts), AIx (1 ± 9 vs. −5 ± 11, 120%), and DBP (−5 ± 9 vs. −11 ± 11, 55% ∆mmHg). These findings suggest that combined protein-pacing (P; 5–6 meals/day at 2.0 g/kg BW/day) diet and multi-component exercise (RISE) training (PRISE) enhances muscular endurance, strength, power, and cardiovascular health in exercise-trained, active women. Full article

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

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10 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salvianolic Acid B Inhibits Aβ Generation by Modulating BACE1 Activity in SH-SY5Y-APPsw Cells

by Ying Tang^1,†, Dan Huang^2,†, Mei-Hua Zhang³, Wen-Sheng Zhang⁴, Yu-Xin Tang⁵, Zheng-Xiang Shi⁶, Li Deng⁷, Dai-Han Zhou¹ and Xin-Yi Lu^8,*

¹ The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China

² Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China

³ Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong 226361, China

⁴ Rugao Changjiang Hospital, Nantong 226532, China

⁵ Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Zhoushan, Zhoushan 316000, China

⁶ Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan 316004, China

⁷ Guangzhou Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou 510130, China

⁸ Biological Resource Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060333 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6439

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease in humans. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Previous studies indicated that Salvianolic acid B (SalB) could ameliorate Aβ-induced memory impairment. However, whether SalB could influence the generation [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease in humans. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Previous studies indicated that Salvianolic acid B (SalB) could ameliorate Aβ-induced memory impairment. However, whether SalB could influence the generation of Aβ is unclear. Here, we show that SalB (25, 50, or 100 µM) reduces the generation of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in culture media by decreasing the protein expressions of BACE1 and sAPPβ in SH-SY5Y-APPsw cells. Meanwhile, SalB increases the levels of ADAM10 and sAPPα in the cells. However, SalB has no impact on the protein expressions of APP and PS1. Moreover, SalB attenuates oxidative stress and inhibits the activity of GSK3β, which might be related to the suppression of BACE1 expression and amyloidogenesis. Our study suggests that SalB is a promising therapeutic agent for AD by targeting Aβ generation. Full article

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14 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Immune-Enhancing Enteral Nutrition Enriched with or without Beta-Glucan on Immunomodulation in Critically Ill Patients

by Jae Gil Lee¹

, Young Sam Kim², Young Ju Lee^3,4, Hyeon Yeong Ahn⁵, Minjoo Kim⁵, Minkyung Kim^3,4, Min Jung Cho^3,4, Younsoo Cho⁶ and Jong Ho Lee^3,4,5,*

¹ Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea

² Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea

³ National Leading Research Laboratory of Clinical Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea

⁴ Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea

⁵ Research Center for Silver Science, Institute of Symbiotic Life-TECH, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea

⁶ Department of Nutrition, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060336 - 2 Jun 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7007

Abstract

We investigated whether high-protein enteral nutrition with immune-modulating nutrients (IMHP) enriched with β-glucan stimulates immune function in critically ill patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, 30 patients consumed one of three types of enteral nutrition: a control or IMHP with and without [...] Read more.

We investigated whether high-protein enteral nutrition with immune-modulating nutrients (IMHP) enriched with β-glucan stimulates immune function in critically ill patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, 30 patients consumed one of three types of enteral nutrition: a control or IMHP with and without β-glucan. The IMHP with β-glucan group showed increases in natural killer (NK) cell activities relative to the baseline, and greater increases were observed in NK cell activities relative to the control group after adjusting for age and gender. The IMHP groups with and without β-glucan had greater increases in serum prealbumin and decreases in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) than the control group. The control group had a greater decrease in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) interleukin (IL)-12 production than the IMHP with and without β-glucan groups. In all patients, the change (Δ) in hs-CRP was correlated with Δ prealbumin and Δ PBMC IL-12, which were correlated with ΔNK cell activity and Δ prealbumin. This study showed beneficial effects of a combination treatment of β-glucan and IMHP on NK cell activity. Additionally, strong correlations among changes in NK cell activity, PBMC IL-12, and hs-CRP suggested that β-glucan could be an attractive candidate for stimulating protective immunity without enhanced inflammation (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02569203). Full article

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14 pages, 1203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Folic Acid Supplementation in Autistic Children Participating in Structured Teaching: An Open-Label Trial

by Caihong Sun^1,†, Mingyang Zou^1,†

, Dong Zhao², Wei Xia^1,* and Lijie Wu^1,*

¹ Department of Children’s and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China

² Zhejiang Provincial Center For Disease Prevention and Control, Hangzhou 310009, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060337 - 7 Jun 2016

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 11508

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are recognized as a major public health issue. Here, we evaluated the effects of folic acid intervention on methylation cycles and oxidative stress in autistic children enrolled in structured teaching. Sixty-six autistic children enrolled in this open-label trial and [...] Read more.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are recognized as a major public health issue. Here, we evaluated the effects of folic acid intervention on methylation cycles and oxidative stress in autistic children enrolled in structured teaching. Sixty-six autistic children enrolled in this open-label trial and participated in three months of structured teaching. Forty-four children were treated with 400 μg folic acid (two times/daily) for a period of three months during their structured teaching (intervention group), while the remaining 22 children were not given any supplement for the duration of the study (control group). The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Psychoeducational Profile-third edition (PEP-3) were measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. Folic acid, homocysteine, and glutathione metabolism in plasma were measured before and after treatment in 29 autistic children randomly selected from the intervention group and were compared with 29 age-matched unaffected children (typical developmental group). The results illustrated folic acid intervention improved autism symptoms towards sociability, cognitive verbal/preverbal, receptive language, and affective expression and communication. Furthermore, this treatment also improved the concentrations of folic acid, homocysteine, and normalized glutathione redox metabolism. Folic acid supplementation may have a certain role in the treatment of children with autism. Full article

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13 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Whey, Caseinate, or Milk Protein Ingestion on Muscle Protein Synthesis after Exercise

by Atsushi Kanda^*, Kyosuke Nakayama, Chiaki Sanbongi, Masashi Nagata, Shuji Ikegami and Hiroyuki Itoh

Food Science Research Labs., Meiji Co., Ltd., 540 Naruda, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0862, Japan

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060339 - 3 Jun 2016

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 16522

Abstract

Whey protein (WP) is characterized as a “fast” protein and caseinate (CA) as a “slow” protein according to their digestion and absorption rates. We hypothesized that co-ingestion of milk proteins (WP and CA) may be effective for prolonging the muscle protein synthesis response [...] Read more.

Whey protein (WP) is characterized as a “fast” protein and caseinate (CA) as a “slow” protein according to their digestion and absorption rates. We hypothesized that co-ingestion of milk proteins (WP and CA) may be effective for prolonging the muscle protein synthesis response compared to either protein alone. We therefore compared the effect of ingesting milk protein (MP) to either WP or CA alone on muscle protein synthesis after exercise in rats. We also compared the effects of these milk-derived proteins to a control, soy protein (SP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats swam for two hours. Immediately after exercise, one of the following four solutions was administered: WP, CA, MP, or SP. Individual rats were euthanized at designated postprandial time points and triceps muscle samples collected for measurement of the protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR). FSR tended to increase in all groups post-ingestion, although the initial peaks of FSR occurred at different times (WP, peak time = 60 min, FSR = 7.76%/day; MP, peak time = 90 min, FSR = 8.34%/day; CA, peak time = 120 min, FSR = 7.85%/day). Milk-derived proteins caused significantly greater increases (p < 0.05) in FSR compared with SP at different times (WP, 60 min; MP, 90 and 120 min; CA, 120 min). Although statistical analysis could not be performed, the calculated the area under the curve (AUC) values for FSR following this trend were: MP, 534.61; CA, 498.22; WP, 473.46; and SP, 406.18. We conclude that ingestion of MP, CA or WP causes the initial peak time in muscle protein synthesis to occur at different times (WP, fast; MP, intermediate; CA, slow) and the dairy proteins have a superior effect on muscle protein synthesis after exercise compared with SP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Protein, Exercise and Muscle Health in an Ageing Population)

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12 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Importance of Processing Conditions for the Nutritional Characteristics of Homogenized Composite Meals Intended for Infants

by Elin Östman^*, Anna Forslund, Eden Tareke and Inger Björck

Food for Health Science Centre, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060340 - 3 Jun 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5117

Abstract

The nutritional quality of infant food is an important consideration in the effort to prevent a further increase in the rate of childhood obesity. We hypothesized that the canning of composite infant meals would lead to elevated contents of carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and favor [...] Read more.

The nutritional quality of infant food is an important consideration in the effort to prevent a further increase in the rate of childhood obesity. We hypothesized that the canning of composite infant meals would lead to elevated contents of carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and favor high glycemic and insulinemic responses compared with milder heat treatment conditions. We have compared composite infant pasta Bolognese meals that were either conventionally canned (CANPBol), or prepared by microwave cooking (MWPBol). A meal where the pasta and Bolognese sauce were separate during microwave cooking (MWP_CANBol) was also included. The infant meals were tested at breakfast in healthy adults using white wheat bread (WWB) as reference. A standardized lunch meal was served at 240 min and blood was collected from fasting to 360 min after breakfast. The 2-h glucose response (iAUC) was lower following the test meals than with WWB. The insulin response was lower after the MWP_CANBol (−47%, p = 0.0000) but markedly higher after CANPBol (+40%, p = 0.0019), compared with WWB. A combined measure of the glucose and insulin responses (ISI_composite) revealed that MWP_CANBol resulted in 94% better insulin sensitivity than CANPBol. Additionally, the separate processing of the meal components in MWP_CANBol resulted in 39% lower CML levels than the CANPBol. It was therefore concluded that intake of commercially canned composite infant meals leads to reduced postprandial insulin sensitivity and increased exposure to oxidative stress promoting agents. Full article

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

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10 pages, 500 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Marginal Ascorbate Status (Hypovitaminosis C) Results in an Attenuated Response to Vitamin C Supplementation

by Anitra C. Carr^*

, Juliet M. Pullar, Stephanie M. Bozonet and Margreet C. M. Vissers

Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060341 - 3 Jun 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7510

Abstract

Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin C results in hypovitaminosis C, defined as a plasma ascorbate concentration ≤23 μmol/L. Our objective was to carry out a retrospective analysis of two vitamin C supplementation studies to determine whether supplementation with 50 mg/day vitamin C is [...] Read more.

Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin C results in hypovitaminosis C, defined as a plasma ascorbate concentration ≤23 μmol/L. Our objective was to carry out a retrospective analysis of two vitamin C supplementation studies to determine whether supplementation with 50 mg/day vitamin C is sufficient to restore adequate ascorbate status (≥50 μmol/L) in individuals with hypovitaminosis C. Plasma ascorbate data from 70 young adult males, supplemented with 50 or 200 mg/day vitamin C for up to six weeks, was analyzed. Hypovitaminosis C status was identified based on plasma ascorbate being ≤23 μmol/L and the response of these individuals to vitamin C supplementation was examined. Of the participants consuming 50 mg/day vitamin C for up to six weeks, those with hypovitaminosis C at baseline achieved plasma concentrations of only ~30 μmol/L, whereas the remainder reached ~50 μmol/L. Participants who consumed 200 mg/day vitamin C typically reached saturating concentrations (>65 μmol/L) within one week, while those with hypovitaminosis C required two weeks to reach saturation. Regression modelling indicated that the participants’ initial ascorbate status and body weight explained ~30% of the variability in the final ascorbate concentration. Overall, our analysis revealed that supplementation with 50 mg/day vitamin C, which resulted in a total dietary vitamin C intake of 75 mg/day, was insufficient to achieve adequate plasma ascorbate concentrations in individuals with hypovitaminosis C. Furthermore, increased body weight had a negative impact on ascorbate status. Full article

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14 pages, 1587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of an Olive Fruit Polyphenol-Enriched Yogurt on Body Composition, Blood Redox Status, Physiological and Metabolic Parameters and Yogurt Microflora

by Kalliopi Georgakouli^1,2,3

, Anastasios Mpesios⁴, Demetrios Kouretas⁴, Konstantinos Petrotos⁵, Chrysanthi Mitsagga⁶, Ioannis Giavasis⁶ and Athanasios Z. Jamurtas^1,3,*

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

² Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa 43100, Greece

³ Department of Kinesiology, Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly, Trikala 42100, Greece

⁴ Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41221, Greece

⁵ Polyhealth S.A., 3rd klm Larisa-Tyrnavos, Larisa 41500, Greece

⁶ Department of Food Technology, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa 43100, Greece

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060344 - 3 Jun 2016

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 8790

Abstract

In the present study we investigated the effects of an olive polyphenol-enriched yogurt on yogurt microflora, as well as hematological, physiological and metabolic parameters, blood redox status and body composition. In a randomized double-blind, crossover design, 16 (6 men, 10 women) nonsmoking volunteers [...] Read more.

In the present study we investigated the effects of an olive polyphenol-enriched yogurt on yogurt microflora, as well as hematological, physiological and metabolic parameters, blood redox status and body composition. In a randomized double-blind, crossover design, 16 (6 men, 10 women) nonsmoking volunteers with non-declared pathology consumed either 400 g of olive fruit polyphenol-enriched yogurt with 50 mg of encapsulated olive polyphenols (experimental condition—EC) or 400 g of plain yogurt (control condition—CC) every day for two weeks. Physiological measurements and blood collection were performed before and after two weeks of each condition. The results showed that body weight, body mass index, hip circumference and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.05) following the two-week consumption of yogurt regardless of condition. A tendency towards significance for decreased levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p = 0.06) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p < 0.05) following two weeks of polyphenol-enriched yogurt consumption was observed. The population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and production of lactate in yogurt were significantly enhanced after addition of olive polyphenols, contrary to the population of yeasts and molds. The results indicate that consumption of the polyphenol-enriched yogurt may help individuals with non-declared pathology reduce body weight, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol levels and lipid peroxidation, and promote growth of beneficial LAB. Full article

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

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22 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Change of the Content of 10 Oligosaccharides in the Milk of Chinese Urban Mothers

by Sean Austin^1,*

, Carlos A. De Castro¹, Thierry Bénet¹, Yangfeng Hou², Henan Sun², Sagar K. Thakkar¹, Gerard Vinyes-Pares²

, Yumei Zhang³ and Peiyu Wang⁴

¹ Nestlé Research Centre, Vers-Chez-Les-Blanc, Lausanne 1000, Switzerland

² Nestlé Research Center Beijing, Beijing 100095, China

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

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

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060346 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 159 | Viewed by 10815

Abstract

Breastfed infants tend to be less prone to infections and may have improved cognitive benefits compared to formula-fed infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are the third most abundant component of human milk, but are absent from formulae. They may be partially responsible for [...] Read more.

Breastfed infants tend to be less prone to infections and may have improved cognitive benefits compared to formula-fed infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are the third most abundant component of human milk, but are absent from formulae. They may be partially responsible for the benefits of breastfeeding. In this cross-sectional observational study, the HMO composition of milk from Chinese mothers was studied to determine the impact of stage of lactation, mode of delivery and geographical location. The content of 10 HMO was measured by HPLC in 446 milk samples from mothers living in three different cities in China. Around 21% of the samples contained levels of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) below the limit of quantification, which is similar to the frequency of fucosyltransferase-2 non-secretors in other populations, but 2′-FL was detected in all samples. Levels of most of the HMO studied decreased during the course of lactation, but the level of 3-fucosyllactose increased. Levels of 2′-FL and 3-fucosyllactose seem to be strongly correlated, suggesting some sort of mechanism for co-regulation. Levels of 6′-sialyllactose were higher than those of 3′-sialyllactose at early stages of lactation, but beyond 2–4 months, 3′-sialyllactose was predominant. Neither mode of delivery nor geographical location had any impact on HMO composition. Full article

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12 pages, 1107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The High Prevalence of Anemia in Cambodian Children and Women Cannot Be Satisfactorily Explained by Nutritional Deficiencies or Hemoglobin Disorders

by Frank Tammo Wieringa^1,*, Miriam Dahl², Chhoun Chamnan², Etienne Poirot³, Khov Kuong², Prak Sophonneary⁴, Muth Sinuon⁵, Valerie Greuffeille¹

, Rathavuth Hong⁶

, Jacques Berger¹, Marjoleine Amma Dijkhuizen⁷ and Arnaud Laillou³

¹ Institute of Research for Development (IRD), UMR Nutripass UM-IRD-SupAgro, Montpellier 3400, France

² Department of Fisheries, Post-harvest Technologies and Quality control, Fisheries Administration, MAFF, 186 Preah Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia

³ UNICEF, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition section, no11 street 75, Phnom Penh 12202, Cambodia

⁴ National Nutrition Program, Maternal and Child Health Center, No 31A, Rue de France (St. 47), Phnom Penh 12202, Cambodia

⁵ National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM), Phnom Penh 12202, Cambodia

⁶ ICF International, 530 Gaither Road, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850, USA

⁷ Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), Copenhagen University, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen DK-1958, Denmark

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060348 - 7 Jun 2016

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 10079

Abstract

Background: Anemia is highly prevalent in Cambodian women and children, but data on causes of anemia are scarce. We performed a national micronutrient survey in children and women that was linked to the Cambodian Demographic Health Survey 2014 (CDHS-2014) to assess the prevalence [...] Read more.

Background: Anemia is highly prevalent in Cambodian women and children, but data on causes of anemia are scarce. We performed a national micronutrient survey in children and women that was linked to the Cambodian Demographic Health Survey 2014 (CDHS-2014) to assess the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency, hemoglobin disorders and intestinal parasite infection. Methods: One-sixth of households from the CDHS-2014 were selected for a follow-up visit for the micronutrient survey. Households were visited from two weeks to two months after the CDHS-2014 visit. Data on micronutrient status were available for 1512 subjects (792 children and 720 women). Results: Anemia was found in 43% of the women and 53% of the children. Hemoglobin disorders affected >50% of the population, with Hemoglobin-E the most prevalent disorder. Deficiencies of iron (ferritin < 15 g/L), vitamin A (retinol-binding-protein (RBP) < 0.70 mol/L) or vitamin B12 (<150 pmol/L) were not prevalent in the women (<5% for all), whereas 17.8% of the women had low concentrations of folic acid (<10 nmol/L). In the children, the prevalence of iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency was <10%. Zinc deficiency, hookworm infection and hemoglobinopathy were significantly associated with anemia in children, whereas in the women none of the factors was significantly associated with anemia. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was more prevalent in children <2 years, but in older children and women, the prevalence of IDA was <5%. The most prevalent, preventable causes of anemia were hookworm infection and zinc and folic acid deficiency. Over 40% of the anemia was not caused by nutritional factors. Conclusion: The very high prevalence of anemia in Cambodian women and children cannot be explained solely by micronutrient deficiencies and hemoglobin disorders. Micronutrient interventions to improve anemia prevalence are likely to have limited impact in the Cambodian setting. The focus of current interventions to reduce the high prevalence of anemia in children and women should be broadened to include zinc and folic acid as well as effective anti-hookworm measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and National Strategies to Impact Health)

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15 pages, 2436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavonoids, Flavonoid Subclasses, and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies

by Lingling Cui

, Xinxin Liu, Yalan Tian, Chen Xie, Qianwen Li, Han Cui and Changqing Sun^*

College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060350 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 7488

Abstract

Flavonoids have been suggested to play a chemopreventive role in carcinogenesis. However, the epidemiologic studies assessing dietary intake of flavonoids and esophageal cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. This study was designed to examine the association between flavonoids, each flavonoid subclass, and the [...] Read more.

Flavonoids have been suggested to play a chemopreventive role in carcinogenesis. However, the epidemiologic studies assessing dietary intake of flavonoids and esophageal cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. This study was designed to examine the association between flavonoids, each flavonoid subclass, and the risk of esophageal cancer with a meta-analysis approach. We searched for all relevant studies with a prospective cohort or case-control study design published from January 1990 to April 2016, using PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed or random-effect models. In total, seven articles including 2629 cases and 481,193 non-cases were selected for the meta-analysis. Comparing the highest-intake patients with the lowest-intake patients for total flavonoids and for each flavonoid subclass, we found that anthocyanidins (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49–0.74), flavanones (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–0.86), and flavones (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95) were inversely associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. However, total flavonoids showed marginal association with esophageal cancer risk (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59–1.04). In conclusion, our study suggested that dietary intake of total flavonoids, anthocyanidins, flavanones, and flavones might reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. Full article

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14 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary, Nutrient Patterns and Blood Essential Elements in Chinese Children with ADHD

by Fankun Zhou^1,2, Fengyun Wu², Shipu Zou³, Ying Chen², Chang Feng² and Guangqin Fan^1,2,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China

² Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China

³ Department of Child Healthcare, Children’s Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060352 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 10108

Abstract

Dietary or nutrient patterns represent the combined effects of foods or nutrients, and elucidate efficaciously the impact of diet on diseases. Because the pharmacotherapy on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was reported be associated with certain side effects, and the etiology of ADHD [...] Read more.

Dietary or nutrient patterns represent the combined effects of foods or nutrients, and elucidate efficaciously the impact of diet on diseases. Because the pharmacotherapy on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was reported be associated with certain side effects, and the etiology of ADHD is multifactorial, this study investigated the association of dietary and nutrient patterns with the risk of ADHD. We conducted a case-control study with 592 Chinese children including ADHD (n = 296) and non-ADHD (n = 296) aged 6–14 years old, matched by age and sex. Dietary and nutrient patterns were identified using factor analysis and a food frequency questionnaire. Blood essential elements levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. A fish-white meat dietary pattern rich in shellfish, deep water fish, white meat, freshwater fish, organ meat and fungi and algae was inversely associated with ADHD (p = 0.006). Further analysis found that a mineral-protein nutrient pattern rich in zinc, protein, phosphorus, selenium, calcium and riboflavin was inversely associated with ADHD (p = 0.014). Additionally, the blood zinc was also negatively related to ADHD (p = 0.003). In conclusion, the fish-white meat dietary pattern and mineral-protein nutrient pattern may have beneficial effects on ADHD in Chinese children, and blood zinc may be helpful in distinguishing ADHD in Chinese children. Full article

15 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of a Dairy-Based Recovery Beverage on Post-Exercise Appetite and Energy Intake in Active Females

by Meghan A. Brown^1,†, Benjamin P. Green^1,*,†, Lewis J. James², Emma J. Stevenson³ and Penny L. S. Rumbold¹

¹ Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK

² School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughbororugh LE11 3TU, UK

³ Institute of Cellular Medicine, Human Nutrition Research Centre, William Leech Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060355 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6919

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the effect of a dairy-based recovery beverage on post-exercise appetite and energy intake in active females. Thirteen active females completed three trials in a crossover design. Participants completed 60 min of cycling at 65% V̇O_2peak [...] Read more.

This study was designed to assess the effect of a dairy-based recovery beverage on post-exercise appetite and energy intake in active females. Thirteen active females completed three trials in a crossover design. Participants completed 60 min of cycling at 65% V̇O_2peak, before a 120 min recovery period. On completion of cycling, participants consumed a commercially available dairy-based beverage (DBB), a commercially available carbohydrate beverage (CHO), or a water control (H₂O). Non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, and appetite-related peptides alongside measures of subjective appetite were sampled at baseline and at 30 min intervals during recovery. At 120 min, energy intake was assessed in the laboratory by ad libitum assessment, and in the free-living environment by weighed food record for the remainder of the study day. Energy intake at the ad libitum lunch was lower after DBB compared to H₂O (4.43 ± 0.20, 5.58 ± 0.41 MJ, respectively; p = 0.046; (95% CI: −2.28, −0.20 MJ)), but was not different to CHO (5.21 ± 0.46 MJ), with no difference between trials thereafter. Insulin and GLP-1_7-36 were higher following DBB compared to H₂O (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively) but not to CHO (p = 1.00 and p = 0.146, respectively). In addition, glucagon was higher following DBB compared to CHO (p = 0.008) but not to H₂O (p = 0.074). The results demonstrate that where DBB consumption may manifest in accelerated recovery, this may be possible without significantly affecting total energy intake and subsequent appetite-related responses relative to a CHO beverage. Full article

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

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13 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Vitamin D-Containing Supplement Use in the Australian Population and Associations between Dose and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations

by Lucinda J. Black^1,*, Peter Jacoby², Caryl A. Nowson³

, Robin M. Daly³

and Robyn M. Lucas⁴

¹ School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia

² Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco 6008, Australia

³ Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3125, Australia

⁴ National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060356 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6233

Abstract

Despite concerns about vitamin D deficiency in the Australian population, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use. We described the use of vitamin D-containing supplements, and investigated associations between supplemental vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [...] Read more.

Despite concerns about vitamin D deficiency in the Australian population, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use. We described the use of vitamin D-containing supplements, and investigated associations between supplemental vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, using a single 24-h dietary recall from the 2011–2013 Australian Health Survey (n = 12,153; ages ≥ 2 years). Multiple regression models were used to investigate predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in adults, and associations between dose and serum 25(OH)D concentrations/vitamin D sufficiency (≥50 nmol/L), adjusting for potential confounders. The prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was 10%, 6% and 19% in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. Predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in adults included being female, advancing age, higher educational attainment, higher socio-economic status, not smoking, and greater physical activity. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 40 IU (1 µg) increase in vitamin D intake from supplements was associated with an increase of 0.41 nmol/L in serum 25(OH)D concentrations (95% CI 0.35, 0.47; p < 0.001). However, the prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was generally low in the Australian population, particularly for single vitamin D supplements, with most supplement users obtaining only low levels of vitamin D from other supplement types. Full article

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8 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Based Lipid Emulsions for Treatment of Patients after Hepatectomy: A Prospective Clinical Trial

by Yuanfeng Gong^1,†, Zhaohui Liu^2,†, Yadi Liao¹, Cong Mai¹, Tiejun Chen¹, Hui Tang¹ and Yunqiang Tang^1,*

¹ Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China

² Department of Anesthesiology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Cangzhou 061000, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060357 - 17 Jun 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5763

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parenteral nutritional support with ω-3 PUFAs–based lipid emulsions in patients after liver resection. Methods: A total of 119 patients were randomly assigned to the immunonutrition (IM) group (n = 59) and control [...] Read more.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parenteral nutritional support with ω-3 PUFAs–based lipid emulsions in patients after liver resection. Methods: A total of 119 patients were randomly assigned to the immunonutrition (IM) group (n = 59) and control group (n = 60). The IM group was continuously given Omegaven^® 10% 100 mL/day rather than regular nutrition for five days postoperatively. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects before surgery and D1, D3 and D7 after surgery. Results: No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics of the two groups. On D1 after surgery, no statistically significant differences were observed in the blood sample tests between the two groups. On D3 after surgery, the levels of white blood cell count (WBC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBil) were dramatically decreased in the IM group (t = 3.065, p = 0.003; t = 2.149, p = 0.034; t = 5.313, p= 0.001; and t = 2.419, p = 0.017, respectively). Furthermore, on D7 after surgery, not only could a significant decrease be observed in the IM group concerning the levels of WBC, ALT and TBil (t = 3.025, p = 0.003; t = 2.094, p = 0.038; and t = 2.046, p = 0.043, respectively), but it was also seen in the level of Δprothrombintime (PT) (t = 2.450, p = 0.016). An increase in the level of prealbumin (Pre-Alb) in the IM group was observed on D7 after surgery (t = 2.237, p = 0.027). The frequency of total complications in the IM group were significantly lower than in the control group (χ² = 4.225, p = 0.040 and χ² = 3.174, p = 0.075). The trend favored the IM group in reducing the total infective complications rate (χ² = 3.174, p = 0.075). A significant decrease in the duration of the hospital stay after surgery was also observed in the IM group (t = 2.012, p = 0.047).Conclusion: ω-3 PUFAs–based lipid emulsions for treatment of patients after hepatectomy are safe and effective in controlling inflammation, protecting liver function, and consequently reducing the rate of total complications and the duration of the hospital stay. Full article

0 pages, 6084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RETRACTED: Antiproliferative Activity of Triterpene Glycoside Nutrient from Monk Fruit in Colorectal Cancer and Throat Cancer

by Can Liu^1,2,3, Longhai Dai², Yueping Liu^1,3,*, Long Rong⁴, Dequan Dou^1,*, Yuanxia Sun² and Lanqing Ma^1,3,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China

² National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China

³ Beijing Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environmental Improvement with Forestry and Fruit Trees, Beijing 102206, China

⁴ School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060360 - 13 Jun 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 14290 | Retraction

Abstract

Colorectal cancer and throat cancer are the world’s most prevalent neoplastic diseases, and a serious threat to human health. Plant triterpene glycosides have demonstrated antitumor activity. In this study, we investigated potential anticancer effects of mogroside IVe, a triterpenoid glycoside from monk fruit, [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer and throat cancer are the world’s most prevalent neoplastic diseases, and a serious threat to human health. Plant triterpene glycosides have demonstrated antitumor activity. In this study, we investigated potential anticancer effects of mogroside IVe, a triterpenoid glycoside from monk fruit, using in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal and laryngeal cancer. The effects of mogroside IVe on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT29 cells and throat cancer Hep-2 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the expression levels of p53, phosphorylated ERK1/2, and MMP-9 were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that mogroside IVe inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the proliferation of HT29 and Hep-2 cells in culture and in xenografted mice, which was accompanied by the upregulation of tumor suppressor p53, and downregulation of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2. This study revealed the suppressive activity of mogroside IVe towards colorectal and throat cancers and identified the underlying mechanisms, suggesting that mogroside IVe may be potentially used as a biologically-active phytochemical supplement for treating colorectal and throat cancers. Full article

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

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10 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel in Vivo Model for Assessing the Impact of Geophagic Earth on Iron Status

by Gretchen L. Seim¹, Elad Tako², Cedric Ahn³, Raymond P. Glahn² and Sera L. Young^4,5,*

¹ Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

² USDA-ARS, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

³ Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

⁴ Department of Population Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

⁵ Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060362 - 13 Jun 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5934

Abstract

The causes and consequences of geophagy, the craving and consumption of earth, remain enigmatic, despite its recognition as a behavior with public health implications. Iron deficiency has been proposed as both a cause and consequence of geophagy, but methodological limitations have precluded a [...] Read more.

The causes and consequences of geophagy, the craving and consumption of earth, remain enigmatic, despite its recognition as a behavior with public health implications. Iron deficiency has been proposed as both a cause and consequence of geophagy, but methodological limitations have precluded a decisive investigation into this relationship. Here we present a novel in vivo model for assessing the impact of geophagic earth on iron status: Gallus gallus (broiler chicken). For four weeks, animals were gavaged daily with varying dosages of geophagic material or pure clay mineral. Differences in haemoglobin (Hb) across treatment groups were assessed weekly and differences in liver ferritin, liver iron, and gene expression of the iron transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), duodenal cytochrome B (DcytB) and ferroportin were assessed at the end of the study. Minimal impact on iron status indicators was observed in all non-control groups, suggesting dosing of geophagic materials may need refining in future studies. However, this model shows clear advantages over prior methods used both in vitro and in humans, and represents an important step in explaining the public health impact of geophagy on iron status. Full article

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14 pages, 447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Pattern Trajectories from 6 to 12 Months of Age in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Cohort

by Geraldine Huini Lim^1,†, Jia Ying Toh^1,†

, Izzuddin M. Aris¹, Ai-Ru Chia²

, Wee Meng Han³, Seang Mei Saw⁴, Keith M. Godfrey⁵

, Peter D. Gluckman^1,6, Yap-Seng Chong^1,2, Fabian Yap^7,8,9, Yung Seng Lee^1,10,11

, Michael S. Kramer^2,12 and Mary Foong-Fong Chong^1,4,13,*

¹ Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117609, Singapore

² Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228

³ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore

⁴ Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore

⁵ Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit and National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK

⁶ Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

⁷ Department of Paediatrics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore

⁸ Department of Paediatrics, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore

⁹ Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore

¹⁰ Departments of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore

¹¹ Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore

¹² Departments of Pediatrics and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada

¹³ Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 117609, Singapore

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060365 - 15 Jun 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8130

Abstract

Little is known about the dietary patterns of Asian infants in the first year of life, nor of their associations with maternal socio-demographic factors. Based on the Growing Up in Singapore towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother-offspring cohort, cross-sectional dietary patterns were derived by [...] Read more.

Little is known about the dietary patterns of Asian infants in the first year of life, nor of their associations with maternal socio-demographic factors. Based on the Growing Up in Singapore towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother-offspring cohort, cross-sectional dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis using 24-h recalls and food diaries of infants at 6-, 9- and 12-months of age. Dietary pattern trajectories were modeled by mapping similar dietary patterns across each age using multilevel mixed models. Associations with maternal socio-demographic variables, collected through questionnaires during pregnancy, were assessed using general linear models. In n = 486 infants, four dietary pattern trajectories were established from 6- to 12-months. Predominantly breastmilk: mainly breastmilk and less formula milk, Guidelines: rice porridge, vegetables, fruits and low-fat fish and meat, Easy-to-prepare foods: infant cereals, juices, cakes and biscuits and Noodles (in soup) and seafood: noodle and common accompaniments. In adjusted models, higher maternal education attainment was correlated with higher start scores on Predominantly breastmilk, but lowest education attainment increased its adherence over time. Older mothers had higher start scores on Easy-to-prepare foods, but younger mothers had increased adherence over time. Chinese mothers had higher start scores on Predominantly breastmilk but greater adherence to Guidelines over time, while Indian mothers had higher start scores on Easy-to-prepare foods but greater adherence to Predominantly breastmilk with time (p < 0.05 for all). Changes in trajectories over time were small. Hence, dietary patterns established during weaning are strongly influenced by maternal socio-demographic factors and remain stable over the first year of life. Full article

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

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9 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D Status and Quality of Life in Healthy Male High-Tech Employees

by Sigal Tepper^1,*, Yael Dabush², Danit R. Shahar¹, Ronit Endevelt³

, Diklah Geva¹ and Sofia Ish-Shalom⁴

¹ The S. Daniel Abraham International Center for Health and Disease, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel

² Department of Clinical Nutrition, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 31093, Israel

³ School of Public Health, Haifa University, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel

⁴ Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Elisha Medical Center, Haifa 3463626, Israel

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060366 - 15 Jun 2016

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6013

Abstract

While low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with decreased quality of life in unhealthy populations and women, only limited data are available regarding healthy adult men. Our aim was to evaluate the associations between health-related quality of life (QoL) [...] Read more.

While low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with decreased quality of life in unhealthy populations and women, only limited data are available regarding healthy adult men. Our aim was to evaluate the associations between health-related quality of life (QoL) and vitamin D status in adult men. High-tech employees aged 25–65 year were recruited from an occupational periodic examination clinic at Rambam Health Campus. QoL was assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQOL-4). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured; further information was collected about physical activity, education, sun exposure, sick-days, and musculoskeletal pain severity (visual analog scale). Three hundred and fifty-eight men were enrolled in the study; mean serum 25(OH)D level was 22.1 ± 7.9 ng/mL (range 4.6–54.5 ng/mL). In a multivariate logistic regression model, 25(OH)D was a significant independent determinant of self-rated health; Odds Ratio (OR) for self-rated health was 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–0.97, p = 0.004), adjusted for age, BMI, pain severity, physical activity, and sun exposure. Every 1 ng/mL increase of 25(OH)D was associated with 9% reduction in the odds of reporting self-rated health as fair or poor. Poisson regression model demonstrated an association between physically unhealthy days and 25(OH)D levels (rate ratio 0.95, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum levels of 25(OH)D were associated with self-rated health and with physically unhealthy days of HRQOL in healthy high-tech male workers. Future intervention studies are required to test the impact of vitamin D supplementation on QoL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D and Psychological Health—The Sunshine Vitamin and Wellbeing)

12 pages, 2639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Piceatannol and Other Wine Stilbenes: A Pool of Inhibitors against α-Synuclein Aggregation and Cytotoxicity

by Hamza Temsamani^1,2, Stéphanie Krisa^1,2, Marion Decossas-Mendoza³, Olivier Lambert³, Jean-Michel Mérillon^1,2 and Tristan Richard^1,2,*

¹ Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, EA 4577 Oenologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, MIB (GESVAB), Villenave d’Ornon 33882, France

² INRA, ISVV, USC 1366 Oenologie, Villenave d’Ornon 33882, France

³ CBMN-UMR 5248 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, IPB, Allée Geoffroy St. Hilaire, Pessac 33600, France

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060367 - 15 Jun 2016

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7383

Abstract

The aggregation of α-synuclein is one on the key pathogenic events in Parkinson’s disease. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory capacities of stilbenes against α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electronic microscopy, and SDS-PAGE analysis were performed to investigate [...] Read more.

The aggregation of α-synuclein is one on the key pathogenic events in Parkinson’s disease. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory capacities of stilbenes against α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electronic microscopy, and SDS-PAGE analysis were performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of three stilbenes against α-synuclein aggregation: piceatannol, ampelopsin A, and isohopeaphenol. Lipid vesicle permeabilization assays were performed to screen stilbenes for protection against membrane damage induced by aggregated α-synuclein. The viability of PC12 cells was examined using an MTT assay to assess the preventive effects of stilbenes against α-synuclein-induced toxicity. Piceatannol inhibited the formation of α synuclein fibrils and was able to destabilize preformed filaments. It seems to induce the formation of small soluble complexes protecting membranes against α-synuclein-induced damage. Finally, piceatannol protected cells against α-synuclein-induced toxicity. The oligomers tested (ampelopsin A and hopeaphenol) were less active. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Resveratrol Regional Meeting 2015)

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13 pages, 418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Weight Gain on Maternal and Foetal Lipid Profile

by Giulia Cinelli¹

, Marta Fabrizi¹, Lucilla Ravà², Marta Ciofi degli Atti², Pamela Vernocchi³, Cristina Vallone⁴, Emanuela Pietrantoni⁴, Rosalba Lanciotti^5,6, Fabrizio Signore⁴ and Melania Manco^1,*

¹ Research Unit for Multifactorial Disease, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), viale di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy

² Clinical Epidemiology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), P.zza S. Onofrio 4, Rome 00165, Italy

³ Unit of Human Microbiome, Genetic and Rare Diseases Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), viale di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy

⁴ Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, San Camillo Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

⁵ Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca Industriale Agroalimentare, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, Cesena 47521, Italy

⁶ Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, Cesena 47521, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060368 - 15 Jun 2016

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6759

Abstract

Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental for a foetus’s growth, serving as an energy source, structural constituents of cellular membranes and precursors of bioactive molecules, as well as being essential for cell signalling. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) are pivotal in brain and visual development. [...] Read more.

Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental for a foetus’s growth, serving as an energy source, structural constituents of cellular membranes and precursors of bioactive molecules, as well as being essential for cell signalling. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) are pivotal in brain and visual development. It is of interest to investigate whether and how specific pregnancy conditions, which alter fatty acid metabolism (excessive pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) or gestational weight gain (GWG)), affect lipid supply to the foetus. For this purpose, we evaluated the erythrocyte FAs of mothers and offspring (cord-blood) at birth, in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG. A total of 435 mothers and their offspring (237 males, 51%) were included in the study. Distribution of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), and their metabolites, arachidonic acid, dihomogamma linoleic (DGLA) and ecosapentanoic acid, was significantly different in maternal and foetal erythrocytes. Pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with maternal percentage of MUFAs (Coeff: −0.112; p = 0.021), LA (Coeff: −0.033; p = 0.044) and DHA (Coeff. = 0.055; p = 0.0016); inadequate GWG with DPA (Coeff: 0.637; p = 0.001); excessive GWG with docosaexahenoic acid (DHA) (Coeff. = −0.714; p = 0.004). Moreover, pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with foetus percentage of PUFAs (Coeff: −0.172; p = 0.009), omega 6 (Coeff: −0.098; p = 0.015) and DHA (Coeff: −0.0285; p = 0.036), even after adjusting for maternal lipids. Our findings show that maternal GWG affects maternal but not foetal lipid profile, differently from pre-pregnancy BMI, which influences both. Full article

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15 pages, 7059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Red Ginseng Potentiates Improvement of Metabolic Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Rat Models

by Min Chul Kho^1,2, Yun Jung Lee^1,2, Ji Hun Park², Hye Yoom Kim^1,2, Jung Joo Yoon^1,2, You Mee Ahn^1,2, Rui Tan^1,2, Min Cheol Park³, Jeong Dan Cha⁴, Kyung Min Choi⁵, Dae Gill Kang^1,2,* and Ho Sub Lee^1,2,*

¹ College of Oriental Medicine and Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, 460 Iksandae-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Korea

² Hanbang Body-Fluid Research Center, Wonkwang University, 460 Iksandae-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Korea

³ Department of Oriental Medical Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology & Dermatology, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, 460 Iksandae-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Korea

⁴ Department of Oral Microbiology and Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Korea

⁵ Department of Research Development, Institute of Jinan Red Ginseng, Jinan, Jeonbuk 55442, Korea

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060369 - 16 Jun 2016

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8023

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome including obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension is a cluster of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Fermentation of medicinal herbs improves their pharmacological efficacy. Red ginseng (RG), a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Aim in the [...] Read more.

Metabolic syndrome including obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension is a cluster of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Fermentation of medicinal herbs improves their pharmacological efficacy. Red ginseng (RG), a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Aim in the present study was to investigate that the effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) on a high-fructose (HF) diet induced metabolic disorders, and those effects were compared to RG and losartan. Animals were divided into four groups: a control group fed a regular diet and tap water, and fructose groups that were fed a 60% high-fructose (HF) diet with/without RG 250 mg/kg/day or FRG 250 mg/kg/day for eight weeks, respectively. Treatment with FRG significantly suppressed the increments of body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight and adipocyte size. Moreover, FRG significantly prevented the development of metabolic disturbances such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Staining with Oil-red-o demonstrated a marked increase of hepatic accumulation of triglycerides, and this increase was prevented by FRG. FRG ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by downregulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and adhesion molecules in the aorta. In addition, FRG induced markedly upregulation of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) in the muscle. These results indicate that FRG ameliorates obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and fatty liver in HF diet rats. More favorable pharmacological effects on HF diet induced metabolic disorders were observed with FRG, compared to an equal dose of RG. These results showed that the pharmacological activity of RG was enhanced by fermentation. Taken together, fermentated red ginseng might be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome. Full article

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

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8 pages, 540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Tanita SC-240 to Assess Body Composition in Pre-School Children: An Evaluation against the Three Component Model

by Christine Delisle Nyström^1,*

, Pontus Henriksson^2,3

, Christina Alexandrou¹ and Marie Löf^1,3

¹ Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden

² PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity Research Group (PROFITH), 18071 Granada, Spain

³ Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060371 - 16 Jun 2016

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7601

Abstract

Quick, easy-to-use, and valid body composition measurement options for young children are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of the bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, Tanita SC-240, to measure fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and body fatness (BF%) in 40 healthy, Swedish [...] Read more.

Quick, easy-to-use, and valid body composition measurement options for young children are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of the bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, Tanita SC-240, to measure fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and body fatness (BF%) in 40 healthy, Swedish 5.5 years old children against the three component model (3C model). Average BF%, FM, and FFM for BIA were: 19.4% ± 3.9%, 4.1 ± 1.9 kg, and 16.4 ± 2.4 kg and were all significantly different (p < 0.001) from corresponding values for the 3C model (25.1% ± 5.5%, 5.3 ± 2.5 kg, and 15.2 ± 2.0 kg). Bland and Altman plots had wide limits of agreement for all body composition variables. Significant correlations ranging from 0.81 to 0.96 (p < 0.001) were found for BF%, FM, and FFM between BIA and the 3C model. When dividing the children into tertiles for BF%, 60% of children were classified correctly by means of BIA. In conclusion, the Tanita SC-240 underestimated BF% in comparison to the 3C model and had wide limits of agreement. Further work is needed in order to find accurate and easy-to-use methods for assessing body composition in pre-school children. Full article

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

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10 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Total Protein and Vegetable Protein Intake and Low Muscle Mass among the Community-Dwelling Elderly Population in Northern Taiwan

by Ru-Yi Huang^1,2

, Kuen-Cheh Yang^2,3,4

, Hao-Hsiang Chang², Long-Teng Lee², Chia-Wen Lu²

and Kuo-Chin Huang^2,4,5,*

¹ Department of Medical Education, E-Da Hospital and I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan

² Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan

³ Department of Community and Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu City 30059, Taiwan

⁴ Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan

⁵ Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060373 - 17 Jun 2016

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 23205

Abstract

Sarcopenia, highly linked with fall, frailty, and disease burden, is an emerging problem in aging society. Higher protein intake has been suggested to maintain nitrogen balance. Our objective was to investigate whether pre-sarcopenia status was associated with lower protein intake. A total of [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia, highly linked with fall, frailty, and disease burden, is an emerging problem in aging society. Higher protein intake has been suggested to maintain nitrogen balance. Our objective was to investigate whether pre-sarcopenia status was associated with lower protein intake. A total of 327 community-dwelling elderly people were recruited for a cross-sectional study. We adopted the multivariate nutrient density model to identify associations between low muscle mass and dietary protein intake. The general linear regression models were applied to estimate skeletal muscle mass index across the quartiles of total protein and vegetable protein density. Participants with diets in the lowest quartile of total protein density (<13.2%) were at a higher risk for low muscle mass (odds ratio (OR) 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–6.72) than those with diets in the highest quartile (≥17.2%). Similarly, participants with diets in the lowest quartile of vegetable protein density (<5.8%) were at a higher risk for low muscle mass (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.14–4.83) than those with diets in the highest quartile (≥9.4%). Furthermore, the estimated skeletal muscle mass index increased significantly across the quartiles of total protein density (p = 0.023) and vegetable protein density (p = 0.025). Increasing daily intakes of total protein and vegetable protein densities appears to confer protection against pre-sarcopenia status. 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, 232 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

25(OH)D Status of Elite Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury Relative to Lifestyle Factors

by Kelly Pritchett^1,*, Robert Pritchett¹, Dana Ogan¹, Phil Bishop², Elizabeth Broad³ and Melissa LaCroix⁴

¹ Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Central Washington University, 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA

² Department of Kinesiology, the University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870312, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA

³ US Olympic Committee, 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915, USA

⁴ Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, 6111 River Rd, Richmond, BC V7C 0A2, Canada

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060374 - 17 Jun 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6750

Abstract

Background: Due to the potential negative impact of low Vitamin D status on performance-related factors and the higher risk of low Vitamin D status in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) population, research is warranted to determine whether elite athletes with SCI have sufficient 25(OH)D [...] Read more.

Background: Due to the potential negative impact of low Vitamin D status on performance-related factors and the higher risk of low Vitamin D status in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) population, research is warranted to determine whether elite athletes with SCI have sufficient 25(OH)D levels. The purposes of this study were to examine: (1) the seasonal proportion of vitamin D insufficiency among elite athletes with SCI; and (2) to determine whether lifestyle factors, SCI lesion level, and muscle performance/function are related to vitamin D status in athletes with SCI. Methods: Thirty-nine members of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, and the US Olympic Committee Paralympic program from outdoor and indoor sports were recruited for this study. Dietary and lifestyle factors, and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed during the autumn (October) and winter (February/March). An independent t-test was used to assess differences in 25(OH)D status among seasons, and indoor and outdoor sports in the autumn and winter, respectively. Results: Mean ± SD serum 25(OH)D concentration was 69.6 ± 19.7 nmol/L (range from 30 to 107.3 nmol/L) and 67.4 ± 25.5 nmol/L (range from 20 to 117.3 nmol/L)in the autumn and winter, respectively. In the autumn, 15.4% of participants were considered vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) whereas 51.3% had 25(OH)D concentrations that would be considered insufficient (<80 nmol/L). In the winter, 15.4% were deficient while 41% of all participants were considered vitamin D insufficient. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of elite athletes with SCI have insufficient (41%–51%) and deficient (15.4%) 25(OH)D status in the autumn and winter. Furthermore, a seasonal decline in vitamin D status was not observed in the current study. Full article

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

14 pages, 800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Intake and Status of Cobalamin and Folate among Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age in Bhaktapur, Nepal

by Ram K. Chandyo^1,2,*, Manjeswori Ulak³, Halvor Sommerfelt², Jørn Schneede⁴, Per M. Ueland⁵ and Tor A. Strand^2,6

¹ Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, P.O. Box 21266, Sinamangal, 44621 Kathmandu, Nepal

² Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway

³ Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, P.O. Box 1524, 44600 Kathmandu, Nepal

⁴ Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Umeå, 90187 Umeå, Sweden

⁵ Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway

⁶ Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, P.O. Box 990, 2629 Lillehammer, Norway, Lillehammer University College, 2604 Lillehammer, Norway

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060375 - 22 Jun 2016

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6194

Abstract

Cobalamin and folate are especially important for women of childbearing age due to their ubiquitous role in fetal growth and development. Population-based data on cobalamin and folate status are lacking from Nepal, where diets are mostly vegetarian. The objectives of the study were [...] Read more.

Cobalamin and folate are especially important for women of childbearing age due to their ubiquitous role in fetal growth and development. Population-based data on cobalamin and folate status are lacking from Nepal, where diets are mostly vegetarian. The objectives of the study were to investigate cobalamin and folate intake and status, and to explore associations with socio-demographics, anthropometrics, anemia, and dietary habits. Following a random selection of geographical clusters, we collected blood samples from 500 non-pregnant women and 24-h dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires from a subsample of 379 women. Twenty percent of the women did not consume any food containing cobalamin during the days recalled, and in 72% nutritional cobalamin intake was <1 μg/day. Eighty-four percent of the women had cobalamin intake lower than the estimated average requirement (EAR) (<2 μg/day). In contrast, only 12% of the women had a folate intake less than 100 μg per day, whereas 62% had intake between 100 and 320 μg. Low plasma cobalamin (<150 pmol/L) was found in 42% of the women, most of whom (88%) also had elevated levels of methylmalonic acid. Our results indicated a high prevalence of nutritional cobalamin deficiency, while folate deficiency was uncommon. Full article

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13 pages, 2110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Palm Oil as a Suitable Vegetable Oil for Vitamin A Fortification Programs

by Marc Pignitter^1,*

, Natalie Hernler¹, Mathias Zaunschirm¹, Julia Kienesberger¹, Mark Manuel Somoza², Klaus Kraemer^3,4 and Veronika Somoza¹

¹ Department of Nutritional and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria

² Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria

³ Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA

⁴ Sight and Life, Kaiseraugst 4303, Switzerland

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060378 - 21 Jun 2016

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9254

Abstract

Fortification programs are considered to be an effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency in populations at risk. Fortified vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids were shown to be prone to oxidation, leading to limited vitamin A stability. Thus, it was hypothesized [...] Read more.

Fortification programs are considered to be an effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency in populations at risk. Fortified vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids were shown to be prone to oxidation, leading to limited vitamin A stability. Thus, it was hypothesized that fortified oils consisting of mainly saturated fatty acids might enhance the stability of vitamin A. Mildly (peroxide value: 1.0 meq O₂/kg) and highly (peroxide value: 7.5 meq O₂/kg) oxidized palm oil was stored, after fortification with 60 International Units/g retinyl palmitate, in 0.5 L transparent polyethylene terephthalate bottles under cold fluorescent lighting (12 h/day) at 32 °C for 57 days. An increase of the peroxide value by 15 meq O₂/kg, which was also reflected by a decrease of α-tocopherol congener by 15%–18%, was determined independent of the initial rancidity. The oxidative deterioration of the highly oxidized palm oil during storage was correlated with a significant 46% decline of the vitamin A content. However, household storage of mildly oxidized palm oil for two months did not induce any losses of vitamin A. Thus, mildly oxidized palm oil may be recommended for vitamin A fortification programs, when other sources of essential fatty acids are available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin A Update 2016)

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15 pages, 3842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amino Acid and Biogenic Amine Profile Deviations in an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A Comparison between Healthy and Hyperlipidaemia Individuals Based on Targeted Metabolomics

by Qi Li, Wenbo Gu, Xuan Ma, Yuxin Liu, Lidan Jiang, Rennan Feng^* and Liyan Liu^*

Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, National Key Discipline, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060379 - 21 Jun 2016

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6687

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is characterized by a disturbance in lipid metabolism and is a primary risk factor for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the changes [...] Read more.

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is characterized by a disturbance in lipid metabolism and is a primary risk factor for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the changes in postprandial amino acid and biogenic amine profiles provoked by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in HLP patients using targeted metabolomics. We used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to analyze the serum amino acid and biogenic amine profiles of 35 control and 35 HLP subjects during an OGTT. The amino acid and biogenic amine profiles from 30 HLP subjects were detected as independent samples to validate the changes in the metabolites. There were differences in the amino acid and biogenic amine profiles between the HLP individuals and the healthy controls at baseline and after the OGTT. The per cent changes of 13 metabolites from fasting to the 2 h samples during the OGTT in the HLP patients were significantly different from those of the healthy controls. The lipid parameters were associated with the changes in valine, isoleucine, creatine, creatinine, dimethylglycine, asparagine, serine, and tyrosine (all p < 0.05) during the OGTT in the HLP group. The postprandial changes in isoleucine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during the OGTT were positively associated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; all p < 0.05) in the HLP group. Elevated oxidative stress and disordered energy metabolism during OGTTs are important characteristics of metabolic perturbations in HLP. Our findings offer new insights into the complex physiological regulation of metabolism during the OGTT in HLP. Full article

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12 pages, 1974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spirulina platensis Extract via the Modulation of Histone Deacetylases

by Tho X. Pham, Young-Ki Park and Ji-Young Lee^*

Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060381 - 21 Jun 2016

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7937

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that the organic extract of Spirulina platensis (SPE), an edible blue-green alga, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated if the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of SPE in macrophages. Treatment [...] Read more.

We previously demonstrated that the organic extract of Spirulina platensis (SPE), an edible blue-green alga, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated if the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of SPE in macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with SPE rapidly and dose-dependently reduced HDAC2, 3, and 4 proteins which preceded decreases in their mRNA levels. Degradation of HDAC4 protein was attenuated in the presence of inhibitors of calpain proteases, lysosomal acidification, and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, respectively, but not a proteasome inhibitor. Acetylated histone H3 was increased in SPE-treated macrophages to a similar level as macrophages treated with a pan-HDAC inhibitor, with concomitant inhibition of inflammatory gene expression upon LPS stimulation. Knockdown of HDAC3 increased basal and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression, while HDAC4 knockdown increased basal expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), but attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that SPE decreased p65 binding and H3K9/K14 acetylation at the Il-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfα) promoters. Our results suggest that SPE increased global histone H3 acetylation by facilitating HDAC protein degradation, but decreases histone H3K9/K14 acetylation and p65 binding at the promoters of Il-1β and Tnfα to exert its anti-inflammatory effect. Full article

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12 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Improving Dietary Quality on Arterial Stiffness in Subjects with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A 12 Months Randomised Controlled Trial

by Kristina S. Petersen

, Peter M. Clifton

, Natalie Lister and Jennifer B. Keogh^*

School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences & Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060382 - 21 Jun 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5292

Abstract

People with diabetes have accelerated arterial stiffening. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing fruit, vegetable and dairy intake for 12 months on carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx), and central blood pressure (cBP), compared [...] Read more.

People with diabetes have accelerated arterial stiffening. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing fruit, vegetable and dairy intake for 12 months on carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx), and central blood pressure (cBP), compared to a usual diet control, in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In a 12 months randomised controlled trial, cfPWV, AIx and cBP were measured every 3 months. The intervention group received dietary counselling to increase consumption of fruit (+1 serving/day; 150 g/day), vegetables (+2 servings/day; 150 g/day) and dairy (+1 serving/day; 200–250 g/day) at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. The control group continued on their usual diet. One hundred and nine participants were randomised and 92 (intervention n = 45; control n = 47) completed. At 3 months, fruit (184 g/day; p = 0.001) and dairy (83 g/day; p = 0.037) intake increased in the intervention group compared with the control group but this increase was not maintained at 12 months. After adjustment for baseline measurements there was no time by treatment effect for central systolic or diastolic BP, AIx or cfPWV. A time effect existed for AIx which modestly increased over time. Peripheral diastolic BP and central pulse pressure were improved in the intervention group compared with the control group at 12 months. In the cohort with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, improving dietary quality by increasing consumption of fruit, vegetables and dairy did not improve cBP, AIx or cfPWV, compared with a control group continuing on their usual diet, after 12 months. Full article

10 pages, 1806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mother and Infant Body Mass Index, Breast Milk Leptin and Their Serum Leptin Values

by Francesco Savino^1,*,†

, Allegra Sardo^1,†

, Lorenza Rossi^1,†, Stefania Benetti^1,†, Andrea Savino^1,† and Leandra Silvestro²

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’ Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, Torino I-10126, Italy

² Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin I-10126, Italy

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060383 - 21 Jun 2016

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 7722

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates correlations between mother and infant Body Mass Index (BMI), their serum leptin values and breast milk leptin concentration in early infancy. Subjects and Methods: We determined serum leptin values in 58 healthy infants and leptin values in their mothers’ [...] Read more.

Purpose: This study investigates correlations between mother and infant Body Mass Index (BMI), their serum leptin values and breast milk leptin concentration in early infancy. Subjects and Methods: We determined serum leptin values in 58 healthy infants and leptin values in their mothers’ breast milk, using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Infant and maternal anthropometrics were measured. Results: Median leptin concentration was 3.9 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 2.75) in infant serum, 4.27 ng/mL (IQR: 5.62) in maternal serum and 0.89 ng/mL (IQR: 1.32) in breast milk. Median maternal BMI and weight were 24 kg/m² (IQR: 4.41) and 64 kg (IQR: 15). Median infant BMI was 15.80 kg/cm² (IQR: 4.02), while average weight was 5.130 kg (IQR: 1.627). Infants serum leptin values positively correlated with infants’ BMI (p = 0.001; r = 0.213) and breast milk leptin (p = 0.03; r = 0.285). Maternal serum leptin values positively correlated with maternal BMI (p = 0.000, r = 0.449) and breast milk leptin ones (p = 0.026; r = 0.322). Conclusion: Breast milk leptin and maternal BMI could influence infant serum leptin values. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the role of genetics and environment on infant leptin production and risk of obesity later in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

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10 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Body Mass Index and All-Cause Mortality in Hypertensive Adults: Results from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT)

by Wei Yang¹, Jian-Ping Li¹, Yan Zhang¹, Fang-Fang Fan¹, Xi-Ping Xu², Bin-Yan Wang², Xin Xu², Xian-Hui Qin², Hou-Xun Xing³, Gen-Fu Tang³, Zi-Yi Zhou³, Dong-Feng Gu⁴, Dong Zhao⁵ and Yong Huo^1,*

¹ Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China

² National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Renal Division, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China

³ Institute for Biomedicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China

⁴ State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China

⁵ Department of Epidemiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060384 - 22 Jun 2016

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7786

Abstract

The association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and risk of death has been reported in many studies. However, the association between BMI and all-cause mortality for hypertensive Chinese adults remains unclear. We conducted a post-hoc analysis using data from the China Stroke [...] Read more.

The association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and risk of death has been reported in many studies. However, the association between BMI and all-cause mortality for hypertensive Chinese adults remains unclear. We conducted a post-hoc analysis using data from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the significance of the association of BMI with all-cause mortality. During a mean follow-up duration of 4.5 years, 622 deaths (3.0%) occurred among the 20,694 participants aged 45–75 years. A reversed J-shaped relationship was observed between BMI and all-cause mortality. The hazard ratios (HRs) for underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), overweight (24.0–27.9 kg/m²), and obesity (≥28.0 kg/m²) were calculated relative to normal weight (18.5–23.9 kg/m²). The summary HRs were 1.56 (95% CI, 1.11–2.18) for underweight, 0.78 (95% CI 0.64–0.95) for overweight and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.48–0.85) for obesity. In sex-age-specific analyses, participants over 60 years of age had optimal BMI in the obesity classification and the results were consistent in both males and females. Relative to normal weight, underweight was associated with significantly higher mortality. Excessive weight was not associated with increased risk of mortality. Chinese hypertensive adults had the lowest mortality in grade 1 obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

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16 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessReview

Crucial Role of Vitamin D in the Musculoskeletal System

by Elke Wintermeyer, Christoph Ihle, Sabrina Ehnert

, Ulrich Stöckle, Gunnar Ochs, Peter De Zwart, Ingo Flesch, Christian Bahrs and Andreas K. Nussler^*

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, BG Trauma Center, Siegfried Weller Institut, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, Tübingen D-72076, Germany

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060319 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 173 | Viewed by 23351

Abstract

Vitamin D is well known to exert multiple functions in bone biology, autoimmune diseases, cell growth, inflammation or neuromuscular and other immune functions. It is a fat-soluble vitamin present in many foods. It can be endogenously produced by ultraviolet rays from sunlight when [...] Read more.

Vitamin D is well known to exert multiple functions in bone biology, autoimmune diseases, cell growth, inflammation or neuromuscular and other immune functions. It is a fat-soluble vitamin present in many foods. It can be endogenously produced by ultraviolet rays from sunlight when the skin is exposed to initiate vitamin D synthesis. However, since vitamin D is biologically inert when obtained from sun exposure or diet, it must first be activated in human beings before functioning. The kidney and the liver play here a crucial role by hydroxylation of vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the liver and to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the kidney. In the past decades, it has been proven that vitamin D deficiency is involved in many diseases. Due to vitamin D’s central role in the musculoskeletal system and consequently the strong negative impact on bone health in cases of vitamin D deficiency, our aim was to underline its importance in bone physiology by summarizing recent findings on the correlation of vitamin D status and rickets, osteomalacia, osteopenia, primary and secondary osteoporosis as well as sarcopenia and musculoskeletal pain. While these diseases all positively correlate with a vitamin D deficiency, there is a great controversy regarding the appropriate vitamin D supplementation as both positive and negative effects on bone mineral density, musculoskeletal pain and incidence of falls are reported. Full article

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

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10 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessReview

Does Metabolically Healthy Obesity Exist?

by Araceli Muñoz-Garach^1,2,*

, Isabel Cornejo-Pareja¹ and Francisco J. Tinahones^1,2

¹ Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Victoria Hospital, Málaga University, Málaga 29010, Spain

² CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060320 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 122 | Viewed by 12130

Abstract

The relationship between obesity and other metabolic diseases have been deeply studied. However, there are clinical inconsistencies, exceptions to the paradigm of “more fat means more metabolic disease”, and the subjects in this condition are referred to as metabolically healthy obese (MHO).They have [...] Read more.

The relationship between obesity and other metabolic diseases have been deeply studied. However, there are clinical inconsistencies, exceptions to the paradigm of “more fat means more metabolic disease”, and the subjects in this condition are referred to as metabolically healthy obese (MHO).They have long-standing obesity and morbid obesity but can be considered healthy despite their high degree of obesity. We describe the variable definitions of MHO, the underlying mechanisms that can explain the existence of this phenotype caused by greater adipose tissue inflammation or the different capacity for adipose tissue expansion and functionality apart from other unknown mechanisms. We analyze whether these subjects improve after an intervention (traditional lifestyle recommendations or bariatric surgery) or if they stay healthy as the years pass. MHO is common among the obese population and constitutes a unique subset of characteristics that reduce metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors despite the presence of excessive fat mass. The protective factors that grant a healthier profile to individuals with MHO are being elucidated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)

26 pages, 657 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Cocoa Consumption on Inflammation Processes—A Critical Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Sabine Ellinger^1,*

and Peter Stehle²

¹ Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Sciences Hochschule Niederrhein, University of Applied Sciences, Rheydter Str. 277, Mönchengladbach 41065, Germany

² Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 11-13, Bonn 53115, Germany

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060321 - 26 May 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 12163

Abstract

Background: Cocoa flavanols have strong anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. If these also occur in vivo, cocoa consumption may contribute to the prevention or treatment of diseases mediated by chronic inflammation. This critical review judged the evidence for such effects occurring after [...] Read more.

Background: Cocoa flavanols have strong anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. If these also occur in vivo, cocoa consumption may contribute to the prevention or treatment of diseases mediated by chronic inflammation. This critical review judged the evidence for such effects occurring after cocoa consumption. Methods: A literature search in Medline was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of cocoa consumption on inflammatory biomarkers. Results: Thirty-three RCTs were included, along with 9 bolus and 24 regular consumption studies. Acute cocoa consumption decreased adhesion molecules and 4-series leukotrienes in serum, nuclear factor κB activation in leukocytes, and the expression of CD62P and CD11b on monocytes and neutrophils. In healthy subjects and in patients with cardiovascular diseases, most regular consumption trials did not find any changes except for a decreased number of endothelial microparticles, but several cellular and humoral inflammation markers decreased in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. Conclusions: Little evidence exists that consumption of cocoa-rich food may reduce inflammation, probably by lowering the activation of monocytes and neutrophils. The efficacy seems to depend on the extent of the basal inflammatory burden. Further well-designed RCTs with inflammation as the primary outcome are needed, focusing on specific markers of leukocyte activation and considering endothelial microparticles as marker of vascular inflammation. Full article

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

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24 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insulin-Sensitizing Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Lost in Translation?

by Antigoni Z. Lalia and Ian R. Lanza^*

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060329 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 12807

Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) of marine origin, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been long studied for their therapeutic potential in the context of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and glucose homeostasis. Glaring discordance between observations in [...] Read more.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) of marine origin, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been long studied for their therapeutic potential in the context of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and glucose homeostasis. Glaring discordance between observations in animal and human studies precludes, to date, any practical application of n-3 PUFA as nutritional therapeutics against insulin resistance in humans. Our objective in this review is to summarize current knowledge and provide an up-to-date commentary on the therapeutic value of EPA and DHA supplementation for improving insulin sensitivity in humans. We also sought to discuss potential mechanisms of n-3 PUFA action in target tissues, in specific skeletal muscle, based on our recent work, as well as in liver and adipose tissue. We conducted a literature search to include all preclinical and clinical studies performed within the last two years and to comment on representative studies published earlier. Recent studies support a growing consensus that there are beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on insulin sensitivity in rodents. Observational studies in humans are encouraging, however, the vast majority of human intervention studies fail to demonstrate the benefit of n-3 PUFA in type 2 diabetes or insulin-resistant non-diabetic people. Nevertheless, there are still several unanswered questions regarding the potential impact of n-3 PUFA on metabolic function in humans. Full article

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

27 pages, 786 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutrition in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Etiology to Treatment. A Systematic Review

by Francesca Penagini^1,*, Dario Dilillo¹, Barbara Borsani¹, Lucia Cococcioni¹, Erica Galli¹, Giorgio Bedogni²

, Giovanna Zuin¹ and Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti¹

¹ Pediatric Department, “V. Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Via Castelvetro 32, 20154 Milan, Italy

² Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Liver Research Center, Basovizza, 34012 Trieste, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060334 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 10098

Abstract

Nutrition is involved in several aspects of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ranging from disease etiology to induction and maintenance of disease. With regards to etiology, there are pediatric data, mainly from case-control studies, which suggest that some dietary habits (for example consumption [...] Read more.

Nutrition is involved in several aspects of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ranging from disease etiology to induction and maintenance of disease. With regards to etiology, there are pediatric data, mainly from case-control studies, which suggest that some dietary habits (for example consumption of animal protein, fatty foods, high sugar intake) may predispose patients to IBD onset. As for disease treatment, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an extensively studied, well established, and valid approach to the remission of pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Apart from EEN, several new nutritional approaches are emerging and have proved to be successful (specific carbohydrate diet and CD exclusion diet) but the available evidence is not strong enough to recommend this kind of intervention in clinical practice and new large experimental controlled studies are needed, especially in the pediatric population. Moreover, efforts are being made to identify foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as curcumin and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3, which can possibly be effective in maintenance of disease. The present systematic review aims at reviewing the scientific literature on all aspects of nutrition in pediatric IBD, including the most recent advances on nutritional therapy. Full article

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

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12 pages, 226 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomarkers of Aging: From Function to Molecular Biology

by Karl-Heinz Wagner^1,2,*, David Cameron-Smith³

, Barbara Wessner^1,4

and Bernhard Franzke¹

¹ Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria

² Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria

³ Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

⁴ Department of Sport and Exercise Physiology, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Auf der Schmelz 6, Vienna 1150, Austria

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060338 - 2 Jun 2016

Cited by 241 | Viewed by 25006

Abstract

Aging is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases and functional impairments. Within a homogeneous age sample there is a considerable variation in the extent of disease and functional impairment risk, revealing a need for valid biomarkers to aid in characterizing the [...] Read more.

Aging is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases and functional impairments. Within a homogeneous age sample there is a considerable variation in the extent of disease and functional impairment risk, revealing a need for valid biomarkers to aid in characterizing the complex aging processes. The identification of biomarkers is further complicated by the diversity of biological living situations, lifestyle activities and medical treatments. Thus, there has been no identification of a single biomarker or gold standard tool that can monitor successful or healthy aging. Within this short review the current knowledge of putative biomarkers is presented, focusing on their application to the major physiological mechanisms affected by the aging process including physical capability, nutritional status, body composition, endocrine and immune function. This review emphasizes molecular and DNA-based biomarkers, as well as recent advances in other biomarkers such as microRNAs, bilirubin or advanced glycation end products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 2015 Joint Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and Nutrition Society of Australia)

14 pages, 384 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D in Fibromyalgia: A Causative or Confounding Biological Interplay?

by Spyridon Karras^*

, Eleni Rapti, Stauros Matsoukas and Kalliopi Kotsa

First Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060343 - 4 Jun 2016

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 10809

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome with an increasing prevalence, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in combination with a variety of cognitive symptoms and fatigue. A plethora of scientific evidence that has accumulated during the last decades, resulted in a significant improvement of [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome with an increasing prevalence, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in combination with a variety of cognitive symptoms and fatigue. A plethora of scientific evidence that has accumulated during the last decades, resulted in a significant improvement of the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. However, current therapeutic approaches in patients with FM remains a multidimensional approach including patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, pain management, and relief of chronic symptoms, rather than the use drug therapies, based on the mechanisms of disease development. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin derived mainly from skin synthesis through ultraviolet radiation, has been recognized to manifest a plethora of extraskeletal actions, apart from its fundamental role in skeletal and calcium homeostasis, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular actions, and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Recent findings indicate that hypovitaminosis D to be highly prevalent in patients with FM. Supplementation studies are limited so far, indicating potential beneficial effects on pain and severity of the disease, however specific recommendations are lacking. This review aims to summarize and critically appraise data regarding the pathophysiological interplay between vitamin D and FM, available results from observational and supplementation studies so far, with a clinical discourse on current knowledge gaps and future research agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D and Psychological Health—The Sunshine Vitamin and Wellbeing)

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18 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Osteoporosis: A Review

by Sok Kuan Wong¹

, Kok-Yong Chin¹

, Farihah Hj Suhaimi², Fairus Ahmad² and Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana^1,*

¹ Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

² Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060347 - 7 Jun 2016

Cited by 154 | Viewed by 14232

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporosis are two major healthcare problems worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of medical conditions consisting of central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, in which each acts on bone tissue in different ways. The growing prevalence of MetS and [...] Read more.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporosis are two major healthcare problems worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of medical conditions consisting of central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, in which each acts on bone tissue in different ways. The growing prevalence of MetS and osteoporosis in the population along with the controversial findings on the relationship between both conditions suggest the importance for further investigation and discussion on this topic. This review aims to assess the available evidence on the effects of each component of MetS on bone metabolism from the conventional to the contemporary. Previous studies suggested that the two conditions shared some common underlying pathways, which include regulation of calcium homeostasis, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of the NF-κB (RANK)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways. In conclusion, we suggest that MetS may have a potential role in developing osteoporosis and more studies are necessary to further prove this hypothesis. Full article

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15 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessReview

Retinoic Acid as a Modulator of T Cell Immunity

by Maria Rosa Bono¹, Gabriela Tejon¹, Felipe Flores-Santibañez¹

, Dominique Fernandez¹

, Mario Rosemblatt^1,2,3 and Daniela Sauma^1,*

¹ Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile

² Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile

³ Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060349 - 13 Jun 2016

Cited by 108 | Viewed by 14667

Abstract

Vitamin A, a generic designation for an array of organic molecules that includes retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, is an essential nutrient needed in a wide array of aspects including the proper functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function and differentiation, [...] Read more.

Vitamin A, a generic designation for an array of organic molecules that includes retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, is an essential nutrient needed in a wide array of aspects including the proper functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function and differentiation, epithelial surface integrity, erythrocyte production, reproduction, and normal immune function. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and is associated with defects in adaptive immunity. Reports from epidemiological studies, clinical trials and experimental studies have clearly demonstrated that vitamin A plays a central role in immunity and that its deficiency is the cause of broad immune alterations including decreased humoral and cellular responses, inadequate immune regulation, weak response to vaccines and poor lymphoid organ development. In this review, we will examine the role of vitamin A in immunity and focus on several aspects of T cell biology such as T helper cell differentiation, function and homing, as well as lymphoid organ development. Further, we will provide an overview of the effects of vitamin A deficiency in the adaptive immune responses and how retinoic acid, through its effect on T cells can fine-tune the balance between tolerance and immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin A Update 2016)

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26 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessReview

Maternal Dietary Patterns and Pregnancy Outcome

by Xuyang Chen^1,2,†, Diqi Zhao^1,2,†, Xun Mao^1,2,†, Yinyin Xia^2,3, Philip N. Baker^2,4 and Hua Zhang^1,2,*

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China

² Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China

³ School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China

⁴ College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, P.O. Box 138, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060351 - 7 Jun 2016

Cited by 132 | Viewed by 13658

Abstract

Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy will affect the outcomes for the mother and the baby. Many analyses of the relationship between diet and outcome are often based on a single or a few food items or nutrients. However, foods are not consumed in [...] Read more.

Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy will affect the outcomes for the mother and the baby. Many analyses of the relationship between diet and outcome are often based on a single or a few food items or nutrients. However, foods are not consumed in isolation and dietary patterns can be used to assess the whole diet consumed. The use of dietary pattern analysis to understand nutritional intake and pregnancy outcome is becoming more and more popular. Many published studies have showed the association between maternal dietary patterns and pregnancy outcome. This review examined articles about the relationship between maternal dietary patterns and pregnancy outcome. As a modifiable factor, dietary patterns may be more applicable to clinical and pregnant health interventions. Full article

29 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Challenges in Analyzing the Biological Effects of Resveratrol

by Cihan Suleyman Erdogan

and Ole Vang^*

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060353 - 9 Jun 2016

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9513

Abstract

The suggested health effects (e.g., disease prevention) of dietary bioactive compounds such as resveratrol are challenging to prove in comparison to man-made drugs developed for therapeutic purposes. Dietary bioactive compounds have multiple cellular targets and therefore have a variety of biological effects. Extrapolating [...] Read more.

The suggested health effects (e.g., disease prevention) of dietary bioactive compounds such as resveratrol are challenging to prove in comparison to man-made drugs developed for therapeutic purposes. Dietary bioactive compounds have multiple cellular targets and therefore have a variety of biological effects. Extrapolating the biological effects of dietary compounds from in vitro and in vivo animal experiments to humans may lead to over- or under-estimation of the effect and role of these compounds. The present paper will discuss a few of these challenges and suggest directions for future research. Questions we address include: (1) Is the combinatorial effect of resveratrol and other compounds real? (2) What are the real and relevant doses of resveratrol after administration? and (3) Is it possible to estimate the preventive effect of resveratrol by clinical trials using standard experimental designs? The examples concerning resveratrol taken from the scientific literature are mainly from 2010 and later. The challenges pointed out in this review are similar to most naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Resveratrol Regional Meeting 2015)

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12 pages, 946 KiB

Open AccessReview

Weight-Loss Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intermittent Energy Restriction Trials Lasting a Minimum of 6 Months

by Michelle Headland, Peter M. Clifton^*

, Sharayah Carter

and Jennifer B. Keogh

School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060354 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 103 | Viewed by 34083

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the effects of intermittent energy restriction on weight and biological markers in long term intervention studies of >6 months duration. An electronic search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane [...] Read more.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the effects of intermittent energy restriction on weight and biological markers in long term intervention studies of >6 months duration. An electronic search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases for intervention trials lasting 6 months or longer investigating the effects of intermittent energy restriction. A total of nine studies were identified as meeting the pre-specified criteria. All studies included an intermittent energy restriction arm, with six being directly compared to continuous energy restriction. A total of 981 subjects were enrolled and randomised, with weight loss observed in all intermittent energy restriction arms regardless of study duration or follow up length. Eight interventions in six trials were used for the meta-analyses, with results indicating neither intermittent or continuous energy restriction being superior with respect to weight loss, 0.084 ± 0.114 (overall mean difference between groups ± standard error; p = 0.458). The effects of intermittent energy restriction in the long term remain unclear. The number of long term studies conducted is very limited, and participant numbers typically small (less than 50 completers), indicating the need for larger, long term trials of 12 months or more, to be conducted in order to understand the impact of intermittent energy restriction on weight loss and long term weight management. Blood lipid concentrations, glucose, and insulin were not altered by intermittent energy expenditure in values greater than those seen with continuous energy restriction. Full article

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9 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Protein Consumption and the Elderly: What Is the Optimal Level of Intake?

by Jamie I. Baum^1,*, Il-Young Kim² and Robert R. Wolfe²

¹ Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, 2650 N. Young Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA

² Department of Geriatrics, the Center for Translational Research on Aging and Longevity, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, College of Medicine, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060359 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 233 | Viewed by 42580

Abstract

Maintaining independence, quality of life, and health is crucial for elderly adults. One of the major threats to living independently is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that progressively occurs with aging, known as sarcopenia. Several studies have identified protein (especially [...] Read more.

Maintaining independence, quality of life, and health is crucial for elderly adults. One of the major threats to living independently is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that progressively occurs with aging, known as sarcopenia. Several studies have identified protein (especially the essential amino acids) as a key nutrient for muscle health in elderly adults. Elderly adults are less responsive to the anabolic stimulus of low doses of amino acid intake compared to younger individuals. However, this lack of responsiveness in elderly adults can be overcome with higher levels of protein (or essential amino acid) consumption. The requirement for a larger dose of protein to generate responses in elderly adults similar to the responses in younger adults provides the support for a beneficial effect of increased protein in older populations. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence related to dietary protein intake and muscle health in elderly adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Protein, Exercise and Muscle Health in an Ageing Population)

16 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessReview

Isoflavones: Anti-Inflammatory Benefit and Possible Caveats

by Jie Yu, Xiaojuan Bi, Bing Yu and Daiwen Chen^*

Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060361 - 10 Jun 2016

Cited by 256 | Viewed by 20523

Abstract

Inflammation, a biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, is also known to be involved in a host of diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.

Inflammation, a biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, is also known to be involved in a host of diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing evidence has highlighted the potential for isoflavones to prevent the chronic diseases in which inflammation plays a key role, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, some studies have raised concerns about isoflavones induced negative effects like carcinogenesis, thymic involution, and immunosuppression. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones, unravel the underlying mechanisms, and present the potential health risks. Full article

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

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27 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease: Finding the Perfect Recipe for Cardiovascular Health

by Alice Ravera, Valentina Carubelli, Edoardo Sciatti

, Ivano Bonadei, Elio Gorga, Dario Cani

, Enrico Vizzardi

, Marco Metra and Carlo Lombardi^*

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060363 - 14 Jun 2016

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 29609

Abstract

The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite the progress in management entails the need of more effective preventive and curative strategies. As dietary-associated risk is the most important behavioral factor influencing global health, it appears the best target in the challenge against [...] Read more.

The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite the progress in management entails the need of more effective preventive and curative strategies. As dietary-associated risk is the most important behavioral factor influencing global health, it appears the best target in the challenge against CVD. Although for many years, since the formulation of the cholesterol hypothesis, a nutrient-based approach was attempted for CVD prevention and treatment, in recent years a dietary-based approach resulted more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk worldwide. After the publication of randomized trials on the remarkable effects of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on CVD, new efforts were put on research about the effects of complex dietary interventions on CVD. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence on dietary interventions in the prevention and disease modification of CVD, focusing on coronary artery disease and heart failure, the main disease responsible for the enormous toll taken by CVD worldwide. Full article

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

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18 pages, 1215 KiB

Open AccessReview

Caloric Restriction as a Strategy to Improve Vascular Dysfunction in Metabolic Disorders

by Concha F. García-Prieto¹ and María S. Fernández-Alfonso^2,*

¹ The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden

² Instituto Pluridisciplinar and Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060370 - 15 Jun 2016

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7673

Abstract

Caloric restriction (CR) has proved to be the most effective and reproducible dietary intervention to increase healthy lifespan and aging. A reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in obese subjects can be already achieved by a moderate and sustainable weight loss. Since pharmacological [...] Read more.

Caloric restriction (CR) has proved to be the most effective and reproducible dietary intervention to increase healthy lifespan and aging. A reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in obese subjects can be already achieved by a moderate and sustainable weight loss. Since pharmacological approaches for body weight reduction have, at present, a poor long-term efficacy, CR is of great interest in the prevention and/or reduction of CVD associated with obesity. Other dietary strategies changing specific macronutrients, such as altering carbohydrates, protein content or diet glycemic index have been also shown to decrease the progression of CVD in obese patients. In this review, we will focus on the positive effects and possible mechanisms of action of these strategies on vascular dysfunction. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1336 KiB

Open AccessReview

Osteoporosis: Modern Paradigms for Last Century’s Bones

by Marlena C. Kruger^*

and Frances M. Wolber

School of Food and Nutrition, Massey Institute of Food Science and Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060376 - 17 Jun 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 11037

Abstract

The skeleton is a metabolically active organ undergoing continuously remodelling. With ageing and menopause the balance shifts to increased resorption, leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Bone mass accretion and bone metabolism are influenced by systemic [...] Read more.

The skeleton is a metabolically active organ undergoing continuously remodelling. With ageing and menopause the balance shifts to increased resorption, leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Bone mass accretion and bone metabolism are influenced by systemic hormones as well as genetic and lifestyle factors. The classic paradigm has described osteoporosis as being a “brittle bone” disease that occurs in post-menopausal, thin, Caucasian women with low calcium intakes and/or vitamin D insufficiency. However, a study of black women in Africa demonstrated that higher proportions of body fat did not protect bone health. Isoflavone interventions in Asian postmenopausal women have produced inconsistent bone health benefits, due in part to population heterogeneity in enteric bacterial metabolism of daidzein. A comparison of women and men in several Asian countries identified significant differences between countries in the rate of bone health decline, and a high incidence rate of osteoporosis in both sexes. These studies have revealed significant differences in genetic phenotypes, debunking long-held beliefs and leading to new paradigms in study design. Current studies are now being specifically designed to assess genotype differences between Caucasian, Asian, African, and other phenotypes, and exploring alternative methodology to measure bone architecture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 2015 Joint Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and Nutrition Society of Australia)

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16 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Recommendations for Cyclists during Altitude Training

by Małgorzata Michalczyk¹, Miłosz Czuba^2,*, Grzegorz Zydek¹, Adam Zając²

and Józef Langfort¹

¹ Department of Nutrition & Supplementation, the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Faculty of Physical Education, Mikołowska 72A, Katowice 40-065, Poland

² Department of Sports Training, the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Faculty of Physical Education, Mikołowska 72A, Katowice 40-065, Poland

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060377 - 18 Jun 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 17183

Abstract

The concept of altitude or hypoxic training is a common practice in cycling. However, several strategies for training regimens have been proposed, like “live high, train high” (LH-TH), “live high, train low” (LH-TL) or “intermittent hypoxic training” (IHT). Each of them combines the [...] Read more.

The concept of altitude or hypoxic training is a common practice in cycling. However, several strategies for training regimens have been proposed, like “live high, train high” (LH-TH), “live high, train low” (LH-TL) or “intermittent hypoxic training” (IHT). Each of them combines the effect of acclimatization and different training protocols that require specific nutrition. An appropriate nutrition strategy and adequate hydration can help athletes achieve their fitness and performance goals in this unfriendly environment. In this review, the physiological stress of altitude exposure and training will be discussed, with specific nutrition recommendations for athletes training under such conditions. However, there is little research about the nutrition demands of athletes who train at moderate altitude. Our review considers energetic demands and body mass or body composition changes due to altitude training, including respiratory and urinary water loss under these conditions. Carbohydrate intake recommendations and hydration status are discussed in detail, while iron storage and metabolism is also considered. Last, but not least the risk of increased oxidative stress under hypoxic conditions and antioxidant supplementation suggestions are presented. Full article

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

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2 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Malignant Mesothelioma and Delivery of Polyphenols

by Karen S. Bishop^1,*

, Andrea J. Braakhuis²

and Lynnette R. Ferguson²

¹ Auckland Cancer Society Research Center, FM & HS, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

² Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, FM & HS, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060335 - 2 Jun 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4030

Abstract

Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body’s internal organs and structures.[...] Full article

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

8 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Effects of Beer, Non-Alcoholic Beer and Water Consumption before Exercise on Fluid and Electrolyte Homeostasis in Athletes

by Mauricio Castro-Sepulveda^1,*, Neil Johannsen^2,3, Sebastián Astudillo⁴, Carlos Jorquera⁵, Cristian Álvarez⁶

, Hermann Zbinden-Foncea¹ and Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo⁷

¹ Exercise Science Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Av. Pedro de Valdivia 1509, Providencia, Santiago 7500000, Chile

² Department of Preventive Medicine, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

³ School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA

⁴ Family Health Center, El Peral s/n Sector La Pirca, Panquehue 2210000, Chile

⁵ Nutrition and Exercise Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8320000, Chile

⁶ Family Health Center, Los Lagos 5170000, Chile

⁷ Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno 5290000, Chile

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060345 - 7 Jun 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 19169

Abstract

Fluid and electrolyte status have a significant impact on physical performance and health. Pre-exercise recommendations cite the possibility of consuming beverages with high amounts of sodium. In this sense, non-alcoholic beer can be considered an effective pre-exercise hydration beverage. This double-blind, randomized study [...] Read more.

Fluid and electrolyte status have a significant impact on physical performance and health. Pre-exercise recommendations cite the possibility of consuming beverages with high amounts of sodium. In this sense, non-alcoholic beer can be considered an effective pre-exercise hydration beverage. This double-blind, randomized study aimed to compare the effect of beer, non-alcoholic beer and water consumption before exercise on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Seven male soccer players performed 45 min of treadmill running at 65% of the maximal heart rate, 45 min after ingesting 0.7 L of water (W), beer (AB) or non-alcoholic beer (NAB). Body mass, plasma Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations and urine specific gravity (USG) were assessed before fluid consumption and after exercise. After exercise, body mass decreased (p < 0.05) in W (−1.1%), AB (−1.0%) and NAB (−1.0%). In the last minutes of exercise, plasma Na⁺ was reduced (p < 0.05) in W (−3.9%) and AB (−3.7%), plasma K⁺ was increased (p < 0.05) in AB (8.5%), and USG was reduced in W (−0.9%) and NAB (−1.0%). Collectively, these results suggest that non-alcoholic beer before exercise could help maintain electrolyte homeostasis during exercise. Alcoholic beer intake reduced plasma Na⁺ and increased plasma K⁺ during exercise, which may negatively affect health and physical performance, and finally, the consumption of water before exercise could induce decreases of Na⁺ in plasma during exercise. Full article

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

13 pages, 1989 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

Comparison of INTAKE24 (an Online 24-h Dietary Recall Tool) with Interviewer-Led 24-h Recall in 11–24 Year-Old

by Jennifer Bradley^1,2, Emma Simpson^1,2

, Ivan Poliakov³, John N. S. Matthews⁴, Patrick Olivier³

, Ashley J. Adamson^1,2 and Emma Foster^1,2,*

¹ Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK

² Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK

³ Open Lab, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8HW, UK

⁴ School of Mathematics and Statistics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060358 - 9 Jun 2016

Cited by 88 | Viewed by 12646

Abstract

Online dietary assessment tools offer a convenient, low cost alternative to traditional dietary assessment methods such as weighed records and face-to-face interviewer-led 24-h recalls. INTAKE24 is an online multiple pass 24-h recall tool developed for use with 11–24 year-old. The aim of the [...] Read more.

Online dietary assessment tools offer a convenient, low cost alternative to traditional dietary assessment methods such as weighed records and face-to-face interviewer-led 24-h recalls. INTAKE24 is an online multiple pass 24-h recall tool developed for use with 11–24 year-old. The aim of the study was to undertake a comparison of INTAKE24 (the test method) with interviewer-led multiple pass 24-h recalls (the comparison method) in 180 people aged 11–24 years. Each participant completed both an INTAKE24 24-h recall and an interviewer-led 24-h recall on the same day on four occasions over a one-month period. The daily energy and nutrient intakes reported in INTAKE24 were compared to those reported in the interviewer-led recall. Mean intakes reported using INTAKE24 were similar to the intakes reported in the interviewer-led recall for energy and macronutrients. INTAKE24 was found to underestimate energy intake by 1% on average compared to the interviewer-led recall with the limits of agreement ranging from minus 49% to plus 93%. Mean intakes of all macronutrients and micronutrients (except non-milk extrinsic sugars) were within 4% of the interviewer-led recall. Dietary assessment that utilises technology may offer a viable alternative and be more engaging than paper based methods, particularly for children and young adults. Full article

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3 pages, 476 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperCommentary

Effects of Dietary l-Arginine on Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Obese Normotensive and Obese Hypertensive Subjects

by Beverly Giam^1,2

, Sanjaya Kuruppu³, Geoffrey A. Head¹, David M. Kaye¹ and Niwanthi W. Rajapakse^1,4,*

¹ Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia

² Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia

³ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia

⁴ Department of Physiology, Monash University, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060364 - 14 Jun 2016

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6364

Abstract

Obesity related hypertension is a major risk factor for resistant hypertension. We do not completely understand the mechanism(s) underlying the development of obesity related hypertension which hinders the development of novel treatment strategies for this condition. Data from experimental studies and small clinical [...] Read more.

Obesity related hypertension is a major risk factor for resistant hypertension. We do not completely understand the mechanism(s) underlying the development of obesity related hypertension which hinders the development of novel treatment strategies for this condition. Data from experimental studies and small clinical trials indicate that transport of l-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide (NO), and subsequent NO production are reduced in obesity induced hypertension. Reduced NO bioavailability can induce hypertension via multiple mechanisms. Mirmiran et al. recently analyzed data from a large population study and found that the association between dietary l-arginine and serum nitrate and nitrite was weakened in obese hypertensive subjects compared to obese normotensives. These data suggest that l-arginine dependent NO production is impaired in the former group compared to the latter which may represent a novel mechanism contributing to hypertension in the setting of obesity. Full article

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2 pages, 419 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Age and Alzheimer’s Disease

by Bernard Meunier^1,2

¹ Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse Cedex, France

² School of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Higher Education Mega Center, No. 100 Waihuan Xi Road, 510006 Guangzhou, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060372 - 16 Jun 2016

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5196

Abstract

A recent review article published in Nutrients by Brewer [1] attracted the attention of the readers on the role of copper toxicity as major factor in Alzheimer’s disease.[...] Full article

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