Nutrients

9 pages, 236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elevated Plasma Vitamin B12 Concentrations Are Independent Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Adult Patients at Nutritional Risk

by Silvia Cappello¹, Emanuele Cereda¹, Mariangela Rondanelli²

, Catherine Klersy³, Barbara Cameletti¹, Riccardo Albertini⁴, Daniela Magno¹, Marilisa Caraccia¹

, Annalisa Turri¹ and Riccardo Caccialanza^1,*

¹ Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia 27100, Italy

² Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Pavia, Section of Human Nutrition, Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona, Pavia 27100, Italy

³ Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia 27100, Italy

⁴ Laboratory Analysis Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia 27100, Italy

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010001 - 23 Dec 2016

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 10401

Abstract

Background: Elevated plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were identified as predictors of mortality in patients with oncologic, hepatic and renal diseases, and in elderly and critically ill medical patients. The association between vitamin B12 concentrations and in-hospital mortality in adult patients at nutritional risk [...] Read more.

Background: Elevated plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were identified as predictors of mortality in patients with oncologic, hepatic and renal diseases, and in elderly and critically ill medical patients. The association between vitamin B12 concentrations and in-hospital mortality in adult patients at nutritional risk has not been assessed. Methods: In this five-year prospective study, we investigated whether high vitamin B12 concentrations (>1000 pg/mL) are associated with in-hospital mortality in 1373 not-bed-ridden adult patients at nutritional risk (Nutrition Risk Index <97.5), admitted to medical and surgical departments. Results: Three hundred and ninety-six (28.8%) patients presented vitamin B12 > 1000 pg/mL. Two hundred and four patients died in the hospital (14.9%). The adjusted odds ratio of in-hospital mortality in patients with high vitamin B12 was 2.20 (95% CI, 1.56–3.08; p < 0.001); it was independent of age, gender, body mass index, six-month previous unintentional weight loss, admission ward, presence of malignancy, renal function, C-reactive protein and prealbumin. Patients with high vitamin B12 also had a longer length of stay (LOS) than those with normal concentrations (median 25 days, (IQR 15–41) versus 23 days (IQR 14–36); p = 0.014), and elevated vitamin B12 was an independent predictor of LOS (p = 0.027). Conclusions: An independent association between elevated vitamin B12 concentrations, mortality and LOS was found in our sample of hospitalized adult patients at nutritional risk. Although the underlying mechanisms are still unknown and any cause-effect relation cannot be inferred, clinicians should be aware of the potential negative impact of high vitamin B12 concentrations in hospitalized patients at nutritional risk and avoid inappropriate vitamin supplementation. Full article

17 pages, 1127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Maternal Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy with Offspring Adiposity from Birth Until 54 Months of Age

by Ling-Wei Chen¹, Izzuddin M. Aris², Jonathan Y. Bernard²

, Mya-Thway Tint³, Airu Chia³

, Marjorelee Colega², Peter D. Gluckman^2,4, Lynette Pei-Chi Shek¹, Seang-Mei Saw⁵, Yap-Seng Chong^2,3, Fabian Yap^6,7

, Keith M. Godfrey⁸

, Rob M. Van Dam^5,9,10, Mary Foong-Fong Chong^2,5,11,* and Yung Seng Lee^1,2,12,*

¹ Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore

² Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 117609, Singapore

³ Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore

⁴ Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

⁵ Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore

⁶ Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore

⁷ Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore 169857, Singapore

⁸ MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit & NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton & University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK

⁹ Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore

¹⁰ Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

¹¹ Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 117599, Singapore

¹² Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore

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Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010002 - 22 Dec 2016

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8409

Abstract

Most studies linking maternal diet with offspring adiposity have focused on single nutrients or foods, but a dietary pattern approach is more representative of the overall diet. We thus aimed to investigate the relations between maternal dietary patterns and offspring adiposity in a [...] Read more.

Most studies linking maternal diet with offspring adiposity have focused on single nutrients or foods, but a dietary pattern approach is more representative of the overall diet. We thus aimed to investigate the relations between maternal dietary patterns and offspring adiposity in a multi-ethnic Asian mother–offspring cohort in Singapore. We derived maternal dietary patterns using maternal dietary intake information at 26–28 weeks of gestation, of which associations with offspring body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), subscapular skinfold (SS), and triceps skinfold (TS) were assessed using longitudinal data analysis (linear mixed effects (LME)) and multiple linear regression at ages 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 months. Three dietary patterns were derived: (1) vegetables-fruit-and-white rice (VFR); (2) seafood-and-noodles (SfN); and (3) pasta-cheese-and-bread (PCB). In the LME model adjusting for potential confounders, each standard deviation (SD) increase in maternal VFR pattern score was associated with 0.09 mm lower offspring TS. Individual time-point analysis additionally revealed that higher VFR score was generally associated with lower postnatal offspring BMI z-score, TS, SS, and sum of skinfolds (SS + TS) at ages 18 months and older. Maternal adherence to a dietary pattern characterized by higher intakes of fruit and vegetables and lower intakes of fast food was associated with lower offspring adiposity. Full article

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14 pages, 4410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 Expression Patterns in Medulloblastomas: Relevance to STAT3 Activation and Resveratrol-Suppressed STAT3 Signaling

by Cong Li¹, Hong Li¹, Peng Zhang¹, Li-Jun Yu¹, Tian-Miao Huang¹, Xue Song¹, Qing-You Kong¹, Jian-Li Dong², Pei-Nan Li² and Jia Liu^1,*

¹ Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China

² Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010003 - 27 Dec 2016

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6435

Abstract

Background: Activated STAT3 signaling is critical for human medulloblastoma cells. SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 are known as the negative regulators of STAT3 signaling, while their relevance to frequent STAT3 activation in medulloblastomas remains unknown. Methods: Tissue microarrays were constructed with 17 tumor-surrounding noncancerous [...] Read more.

Background: Activated STAT3 signaling is critical for human medulloblastoma cells. SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 are known as the negative regulators of STAT3 signaling, while their relevance to frequent STAT3 activation in medulloblastomas remains unknown. Methods: Tissue microarrays were constructed with 17 tumor-surrounding noncancerous brain tissues and 61 cases of the classic medulloblastomas, 44 the large-cell medulloblastomas, and 15 nodular medulloblastomas, which were used for immunohistochemical profiling of STAT3, SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 expression patterns and the frequencies of STAT3 nuclear translocation. Three human medulloblastoma cell lines (Daoy, UW228-2 and UW228-3) were cultured with and without 100 μM resveratrol supplementation. The influences of resveratrol in SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 expression and SOCS3 knockdown in STAT3 activation were analyzed using multiple experimental approaches. Results: SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 levels are reduced in medulloblastomas in vivo and in vitro, of which PIAS3 downregulation is more reversely correlated with STAT3 activation. In resveratrol-suppressed medulloblastoma cells with STAT3 downregulation and decreased incidence of STAT3 nuclear translocation, PIAS3 is upregulated, the SHP2 level remains unchanged and SOCS3 is downregulated. SOCS3 proteins are accumulated in the distal ends of axon-like processes of resveratrol-differentiated medulloblastoma cells. Knockdown of SOCS3 expression by siRNA neither influences cell proliferation nor STAT3 activation or resveratrol sensitivity but inhibits resveratrol-induced axon-like process formation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that (1) the overall reduction of SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 in medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines; (2) the more inverse relevance of PIAS3 expression with STAT3 activation; (3) the favorable prognostic values of PIAS3 for medulloblastomas and (4) the involvement of SOCS3 in resveratrol-promoted axon regeneration of medulloblastoma cells. Full article

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

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12 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Hye Ah Lee^1,*

, Hyo Jeong Hwang², Se Young Oh³, Eun Ae Park⁴, Su Jin Cho⁴, Hae Soon Kim⁴ and Hyesook Park^1,*

¹ Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Korea

² Biomaterials Research Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea

³ Department of Food & Nutrition, Research Center for Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea

⁴ Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Korea

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010004 - 23 Dec 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5970

Abstract

This study was performed to examine how childhood dietary patterns change over the short term and which changes in diet-related behaviors influence later changes in individual dietary patterns. Using food frequency questionnaire data obtained from children at 7 and 9 years of age [...] Read more.

This study was performed to examine how childhood dietary patterns change over the short term and which changes in diet-related behaviors influence later changes in individual dietary patterns. Using food frequency questionnaire data obtained from children at 7 and 9 years of age from the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort, we examined dietary patterns by principal component analysis. We calculated the individual changes in dietary pattern scores. Changes in dietary habits such as eating a variety of food over two years were defined as “increased”, “stable”, or “decreased”. The dietary patterns, termed “healthy intake”, “animal food intake”, and “snack intake”, were similar at 7 and 9 years of age. These patterns explained 32.3% and 39.1% of total variation at the ages of 7 and 9 years, respectively. The tracking coefficient of snack intake had the highest coefficient (γ = 0.53) and that of animal food intake had the lowest (γ = 0.21). Intra-individual stability in dietary habits ranged from 0.23 to 0.47, based on the sex-adjusted weighted kappa values. Of the various behavioral factors, eating breakfast every day was most common in the “stable” group (83.1%), whereas consuming milk or dairy products every day was the least common (49.0%). Moreover, changes in behavior that improved the consumption of milk or dairy products or encouraged the consumption of vegetables with every meal had favorable effects on changes in healthy dietary pattern scores over two years. However, those with worsened habits, such as less food variety and more than two portions of fried or stir-fried food every week, had unfavorable effects on changes in healthy dietary pattern scores. Our results suggest that diet-related behaviors can change, even over a short period, and these changes can affect changes in dietary pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Behavior in Children)

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16 pages, 2367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Health Literacy Status on the Comparative Validity and Sensitivity of an Interactive Multimedia Beverage Intake Questionnaire

by Lucy P. Hooper, Emily A. Myers

, Jamie M. Zoellner, Brenda M. Davy and Valisa E. Hedrick^*

Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 295 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010005 - 23 Dec 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6819

Abstract

Self-reported dietary assessment methods can be challenging to validate, and reporting errors for those with lower health literacy (HL) may be augmented. Interactive multimedia (IMM) based questionnaires could help overcome these limitations. The objectives of this investigation are to assess the comparative validity [...] Read more.

Self-reported dietary assessment methods can be challenging to validate, and reporting errors for those with lower health literacy (HL) may be augmented. Interactive multimedia (IMM) based questionnaires could help overcome these limitations. The objectives of this investigation are to assess the comparative validity and sensitivity to change of an IMM beverage intake questionnaire (IMM-BEVQ) as compared to dietary recalls and determine the impact of HL. Adults completed three 24-h dietary recalls and the IMM-BEVQ at baseline and after a six-month intervention targeting either sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) or physical activity. Correlations and paired-samples t-tests are presented. For validity (n = 273), intake of SSB (mean difference = 10.6 fl oz) and total beverage consumption (mean difference = 16.0 fl oz) were significantly different (p ≤ 0.001) at baseline between the IMM-BEVQ and dietary recalls for all participants. However, the differences in intake were generally greater in low HL participants than in adequate HL participants. For sensitivity (n = 162), change in SSB intake (mean difference = 7.2 fl oz) was significantly different (p ≤ 0.01) between pre-/post-IMM-BEVQ and pre-/post-dietary recalls, but not total beverage intake (mean difference = 7.6 fl oz) for all participants. Changes in SSB and total beverage intake were not significantly different for those with adequate HL. The IMM-BEVQ is a valid dietary assessment tool that is as responsive to detecting changes in beverage intake as dietary recalls. However, adults with lower HL may need additional guidance when completing the IMM-BEVQ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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17 pages, 1301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adequacy Assessment of a Universal Salt Iodization Program Two Decades after Its Implementation: A National Cross-Sectional Study of Iodine Status among School-Age Children in Tunisia

by Radhouene Doggui^1,*

, Myriam El Ati-Hellal², Pierre Traissac³, Lilia Lahmar⁴ and Jalila El Ati¹

¹ INNTA (National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology), SURVEN (Nutrition Surveillance and Epidemiology in Tunisia) Research Laboratory, 11 Rue Jebel Lakhdar, babSaadoun, Tunis 1007, Tunisia

² Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques, Toxicology Research and Environment Research Laboratory, 10, Rue Abou El KacemChabbi, Montfleury, Tunis 1008, Tunisia

³ IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), NUTRIPASS Unit, IRD-UM-SupAgro, 911, Av Agropolis, 534394 Montpellier CEDEX, France

⁴ Hôpital d’Enfants, Pediatric Radiology Department, Bab Saadoun, Tunis 1007, Tunisia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010006 - 25 Dec 2016

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5945

Abstract

In the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency (ID) disorders, universal salt iodization was adopted in Tunisia two decades ago. The present study aims to evaluate this strategy, using both performance and impact indicators. A total of 1560 children, aged [...] Read more.

In the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency (ID) disorders, universal salt iodization was adopted in Tunisia two decades ago. The present study aims to evaluate this strategy, using both performance and impact indicators. A total of 1560 children, aged 6–12 years, were randomly sampled using a national, two-stage, stratified, cross-sectional cluster survey in 2012. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the subjects, and household salt iodine content, were analyzed. The national median UIC was 220 µg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): 199–241), indicating an acceptable iodine status at the population level. Only 11.4% (95% CI: 8.6–14.9) of the children had UIC <100 µg/L, but with large regional disparities (4.3% to 25.5%, p < 0.01); however, more than a quarter of the subjects were at risk of adverse health consequences due to iodine excess. Children from households of low socio-economic levels were more prone to inadequate UIC. The national median iodine concentration of household salt was 22 mg/kg (95% CI: 21–23). Only half of the households used adequately iodized salt (15–25 ppm), with large regional disparities. National ID rates are now well below the target criteria of WHO (World Health Organization) certification (<20% of children with UIC <50 µg/L and <50% with UIC <100 µg/L). The coverage of adequately iodized salt fell short in meeting the goals of USI (Universal Salt Iodization), i.e., >90% of households. Regular monitoring of iodized salt production lines must be strengthened with involvement by producers. Full article

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20 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use and Interpretation of Sodium Concentrations in Casual (Spot) Urine Collections for Population Surveillance and Partitioning of Dietary Iodine Intake Sources

by Joel Conkle^1,* and Frits Van der Haar²

¹ Nutrition and Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30340, USA

² Emory University and Iodine Global Network, Atlanta, GA 30340, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010007 - 23 Dec 2016

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6127

Abstract

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for joint surveillance of population salt and iodine intakes using urinary analysis. 24-h urine collection is considered the gold standard for salt intake assessment, but there is an emerging consensus that casual urine sampling can [...] Read more.

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for joint surveillance of population salt and iodine intakes using urinary analysis. 24-h urine collection is considered the gold standard for salt intake assessment, but there is an emerging consensus that casual urine sampling can provide comparable information for population-level surveillance. Our review covers the use of the urinary sodium concentration (UNaC) and the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) from casual urine samples to estimate salt intakes and to partition the sources of iodine intakes. We reviewed literature on 24-h urinary sodium excretion (UNaE) and UNaC and documented the use of UNaC for national salt intake monitoring. We combined information from our review of urinary sodium with evidence on urinary iodine to assess the appropriateness of partitioning methods currently being adapted for cross-sectional survey analyses. At least nine countries are using casual urine collection for surveillance of population salt intakes; all these countries used single samples. Time trend analyses indicate that single UNaC can be used for monitoring changes in mean salt intakes. However; single UNaC suffers the same limitation as single UNaE; i.e., an estimate of the proportion excess salt intake can be biased due to high individual variability. There is evidence, albeit limited, that repeat UNaC sampling has good agreement at the population level with repeat UNaE collections; thus permitting an unbiased estimate of the proportion of excess salt intake. High variability of UIC and UNaC in single urine samples may also bias the estimates of dietary iodine intake sources. Our review concludes that repeated collection, in a sub-sample of individuals, of casual UNaC data would provide an immediate practical approach for routine monitoring of salt intake, because it overcomes the bias in estimates of excess salt intake. Thus we recommend more survey research to expand the evidence-base on predicted-UNaE from repeat casual UNaC sampling. We also conclude that the methodology for partitioning the sources of iodine intake based on the combination of UIC and UNaC measurements in casual urine samples can be improved by repeat collections of casual data; which helps to reduce regression dilution bias. We recommend more survey research to determine the effect of regression dilution bias and circadian rhythms on the partitioning of dietary iodine intake sources. Full article

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12 pages, 402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Folate and Vitamin B₁₂-Related Biomarkers in Relation to Brain Volumes

by Nikita L. Van der Zwaluw¹, Elske M. Brouwer-Brolsma^1,*

, Ondine Van de Rest¹

, Janneke P. Van Wijngaarden¹, Paulette H. In ’t Veld¹, Daniella I. Kourie¹, Karin M. A. Swart², Anke W. Enneman³, Suzanne C. Van Dijk³, Nathalie Van der Velde^3,4, Roy P. C. Kessels^5,6,7

, Paul A. M. Smeets^1,8

, Frans J. Kok¹, Rosalie A. M. Dhonukshe-Rutten¹ and Lisette C. P. G. M. De Groot¹

¹ Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands

² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands

³ Division of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands

⁴ Department of Internal Medicine, Section Geriatric Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands

⁵ Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands

⁶ Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Radboud University Medical Centre, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands

⁷ Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands

⁸ Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010008 - 24 Dec 2016

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 9185

Abstract

Aim: We investigated cross-sectional associations between circulating homocysteine, folate, biomarkers of vitamin B₁₂ status and brain volumes. We furthermore compared brain volumes of participants who received daily folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ supplementation with participants who did not. Methods: Participants of [...] Read more.

Aim: We investigated cross-sectional associations between circulating homocysteine, folate, biomarkers of vitamin B₁₂ status and brain volumes. We furthermore compared brain volumes of participants who received daily folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ supplementation with participants who did not. Methods: Participants of the B-PROOF study (n = 2919) were assigned to 400 µg folic acid and 500 µg vitamin B₁₂, or a placebo. After two years of intervention, T₁-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were made in a random subsample (n = 218) to obtain grey and white matter volume, and total brain volume (TBV). Plasma homocysteine, serum folate, vitamin B₁₂, holotranscobalamin, and methylmalonic acid concentrations were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses showed inverse associations between plasma homocysteine with TBV (β = −0.91, 95% CI −1.85–0.03; p = 0.06) and between serum folate and TBV (β = −0.20, 95% CI −0.38, −0.02; p = 0.03). No significant associations were observed for serum vitamin B₁₂ and holotranscobalamin. Fully adjusted ANCOVA models showed that the group that received B-vitamins had a lower TBV (adjusted mean 1064, 95% CI 1058–1069 mL) than the non-supplemented group (1072, 95% CI 1067–1078 mL, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Results were contradictory, with higher Hcy levels associated with lower TBV, but also with higher folate levels associated with lower TBV. In addition, the lack of a baseline measurement withholds us from giving recommendations on whether folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ supplementation will be beneficial above and beyond normal dietary intake for brain health. Full article

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

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14 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Patterns Associated with Fasting Glucose and Glycated Haemoglobin Levels in a Black South African Population

by Tinashe Chikowore^1,*

, Pedro T. Pisa²

, Tertia Van Zyl¹, Edith J. M. Feskens³, Edelweiss Wentzel-Viljoen^1,4 and Karin R. Conradie¹

¹ Centre for Excellence in Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, North West Province, South Africa

² Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa

³ Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

⁴ Medical Research Council Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010009 - 19 Jan 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7962

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden is increasing globally. However, evidence regarding nutrient patterns associated with the biomarkers of T2D is limited. This study set out to determine the nutrient patterns associated with fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin the biomarkers of T2D. Factor analysis [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden is increasing globally. However, evidence regarding nutrient patterns associated with the biomarkers of T2D is limited. This study set out to determine the nutrient patterns associated with fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin the biomarkers of T2D. Factor analysis was used to derive nutrient patterns of 2010 participants stratified by urban/rural status and gender. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to 25 nutrients, computed from the quantified food frequency questionnaires (QFFQ). Three nutrient patterns per stratum, which accounted for 73% of the variation of the selected nutrients, were identified. Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, physical activity, education attained, alcohol intake, seasonality and total energy intake were computed. Starch, dietary fibre and B vitamins driven nutrient pattern was significantly associated with fasting glucose (β = −0.236 (−0.458; −0.014); p = 0.037) and glycated haemoglobin levels (β = −0.175 (−0.303; −0.047); p = 0.007) in rural women. Thiamine, zinc and plant protein driven nutrient pattern was associated with significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin and fasting glucose ((β = −0.288 (−0.543; −0.033); p = 0.027) and (β = −0.382 (−0.752; −0.012); p = 0.043), respectively) in rural men. Our results indicate that plant driven nutrient patterns are associated with low fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet Factors in Type 2 Diabetes)

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19 pages, 1437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methionine and Choline Supply during the Periparturient Period Alter Plasma Amino Acid and One-Carbon Metabolism Profiles to Various Extents: Potential Role in Hepatic Metabolism and Antioxidant Status

by Zheng Zhou¹, Mario Vailati-Riboni¹

, Daniel N. Luchini² and Juan J. Loor^1,*

¹ Mammalian NutriPhysioGenomics, Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

² Adisseo North America, Alpharetta, GA 30022, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010010 - 29 Dec 2016

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8042

Abstract

The objective of this study was to profile plasma amino acids (AA) and derivatives of their metabolism during the periparturient period in response to supplemental rumen-protected methionine (MET) or rumen-protected choline (CHOL). Forty cows were fed from −21 through 30 days around parturition [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to profile plasma amino acids (AA) and derivatives of their metabolism during the periparturient period in response to supplemental rumen-protected methionine (MET) or rumen-protected choline (CHOL). Forty cows were fed from −21 through 30 days around parturition in a 2 × 2 factorial design a diet containing MET or CHOL. MET supply led to greater circulating methionine and proportion of methionine in the essential AA pool, total AA, and total sulfur-containing compounds. Lysine in total AA also was greater in these cows, indicating a better overall AA profile. Sulfur-containing compounds (cystathionine, cystine, homocystine, and taurine) were greater in MET-fed cows, indicating an enriched sulfur-containing compound pool due to enhanced transsulfuration activity. Circulating essential AA and total AA concentrations were greater in cows supplied MET due to greater lysine, arginine, tryptophan, threonine, proline, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline. In contrast, CHOL supply had no effect on essential AA or total AA, and only tryptophan and cystine were greater. Plasma 3-methylhistidine concentration was lower in response to CHOL supply, suggesting less tissue protein mobilization in these cows. Overall, the data revealed that enhanced periparturient supply of MET has positive effects on plasma AA profiles and overall antioxidant status. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Dietary Fructose Intake on Cardiovascular Disease Related Parameters in Growing Rats

by SooYeon Yoo¹, Hyejin Ahn¹ and Yoo Kyoung Park^1,2,*

¹ Department of Medical Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin 17104, Korea

² Research Institute of Medical Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010011 - 26 Dec 2016

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8025

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a high-fructose diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related parameters in growing rats. Three-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups; a regular diet group (RD: fed regular diet based [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a high-fructose diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related parameters in growing rats. Three-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups; a regular diet group (RD: fed regular diet based on AIN-93G, n = 8), a high-fructose diet group (30Frc: fed regular diet with 30% fructose, n = 8), a high-fat diet group (45Fat: fed regular diet with 45 kcal% fat, n = 8) or a high fructose with high-fat diet group (30Frc + 45Fat, fed diet 30% fructose with 45 kcal% fat, n = 8). After an eight-week treatment period, the body weight, total-fat weight, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profiles and pro-inflammatory cytokines, abdominal aortic wall thickness, and expressions of eNOS and ET-1 mRNA were analyzed. The result showed that total-fat weight was higher in the 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups compared to the RD group (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG) levels were highest in the 30Frc group than the other groups (p < 0.05). The abdominal aorta of 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups had higher wall thickness than the RD group (p < 0.05). Abdominal aortic eNOS mRNA level was decreased in 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups compared to the RD group (p < 0.05), and also 45Fat and 30Frc + 45Fat groups had decreased mRNA expression of eNOS compared to the 30Frc group (p < 0.05). ET-1 mRNA level was higher in 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups than the RD group (p < 0.05). Both high fructose consumption and high fat consumption in growing rats had similar negative effects on CVD-related parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fructose and Glucose: The Multifacetted Aspects of their Metabolism and Implication for Human Health)

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11 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Serum 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D and Aggressive Prostate Cancer in African American Men

by Shakira M. Nelson^1,2,*

, Ken Batai³

, Chiledum Ahaghotu⁴, Tanya Agurs-Collins⁵ and Rick A. Kittles³

¹ Cancer Prevention Fellow, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 6E402, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

² Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 6E402, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

³ Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA

⁴ Chief Medical Officer, Carney Hospital-Steward Health Systems, Dorchester, MA 02124, USA

⁵ Health Behavior Research Branch, Division of Cancer Control and Population Studies, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010012 - 28 Dec 2016

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6744

Abstract

African American men have higher incidence rates of aggressive prostate cancer, where high levels of calcium and serum vitamin D deficient levels play a role in the racial differences in incidence. In this study, we examined associations of serum vitamin D with aggressive [...] Read more.

African American men have higher incidence rates of aggressive prostate cancer, where high levels of calcium and serum vitamin D deficient levels play a role in the racial differences in incidence. In this study, we examined associations of serum vitamin D with aggressive prostate cancer to improve our understanding of higher susceptibility of aggressive disease in this racial cohort. From Howard University Hospital, 155 African American men with clinically-identified prostate cancer were identified; 46 aggressive cases, and 58 non-aggressive cases. Serum vitamin D was assessed from fasting blood samples, and total calcium intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms from three different loci were genotyped; rs731236, rs1544410, and rs11568820. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing aggressive to non-aggressive prostate cancer. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) significantly increased risk of aggressive disease (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.03–9.57, p-value = 0.04). Stratification by total calcium showed high calcium levels (≥800 mg/day) modified this association (OR: 7.3, 95% CI: 2.15–47.68, p-interaction = 0.03). Genetic variant rs11568820 appeared to increase the magnitude of association between deficient serum vitamin D and aggressive prostate cancer (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.12–11.75, p-value = 0.05). These findings suggest that high incidence of aggressive prostate cancer risk in African American men may be due in-part to deficient levels of serum vitamin D. Other factors, including genetics, should be considered for future studies. Full article

21 pages, 1375 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hepatic Retinyl Ester Hydrolases and the Mobilization of Retinyl Ester Stores

by Lukas Grumet, Ulrike Taschler

and Achim Lass^*

Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31, 8010 Graz, Austria

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010013 - 27 Dec 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9424

Abstract

For mammals, vitamin A (retinol and metabolites) is an essential micronutrient that is required for the maintenance of life. Mammals cannot synthesize vitamin A but have to obtain it from their diet. Resorbed dietary vitamin A is stored in large quantities in the [...] Read more.

For mammals, vitamin A (retinol and metabolites) is an essential micronutrient that is required for the maintenance of life. Mammals cannot synthesize vitamin A but have to obtain it from their diet. Resorbed dietary vitamin A is stored in large quantities in the form of retinyl esters (REs) in cytosolic lipid droplets of cells to ensure a constant supply of the body. The largest quantities of REs are stored in the liver, comprising around 80% of the body’s total vitamin A content. These hepatic vitamin A stores are known to be mobilized under times of insufficient dietary vitamin A intake but also under pathological conditions such as chronic alcohol consumption and different forms of liver diseases. The mobilization of REs requires the activity of RE hydrolases. It is astounding that despite their physiological significance little is known about their identities as well as about factors or stimuli which lead to their activation and consequently to the mobilization of hepatic RE stores. In this review, we focus on the recent advances for the understanding of hepatic RE hydrolases and discuss pathological conditions which lead to the mobilization of hepatic RE stores. Full article

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

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18 pages, 578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retinol and α-Tocopherol in the Breast Milk of Women after a High-Risk Pregnancy

by Reyna Sámano¹

, Hugo Martínez-Rojano^2,3,*, Rosa M. Hernández¹, Cristina Ramírez¹, María E. Flores Quijano¹, José M. Espíndola-Polis⁴ and Daniela Veruete⁵

¹ Departamento de Nutrición y Bioprogramación, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Secretaría de Salud Montes Urales 800, Miguel Hidalgo, Lomas Virreyes, Ciudad de México CP. 11000, Mexico

² Departamento de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomas, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México CP. 11340, Mexico

³ Coordinación de Medicina Laboral, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos (InDRE) “Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez”, Secretaría de Salud Francisco de P. Miranda 177, Lomas de Plateros, Ciudad de México CP. 01480, Mexico

⁴ Departamento de Nutrición Humana, Universidad del Altiplano, Mirasol 1, Tlacomulco, Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl CP. 90102, Mexico

⁵ Universidad del Valle de México, campus Chapultepec Av. Constituyentes No. 151, Miguel Hidalgo, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, Ciudad de México CP. 11850, Mexico

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010014 - 1 Jan 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7788

Abstract

Background: There is scant information about whether, after a high-risk pregnancy, breast milk provides enough vitamins for assuring satisfactory bodily reserves in newborns. Objective: To comparatively evaluate, in women with high-risk and normal pregnancy, the concentration of retinol and α-tocopherol in breast milk. [...] Read more.

Background: There is scant information about whether, after a high-risk pregnancy, breast milk provides enough vitamins for assuring satisfactory bodily reserves in newborns. Objective: To comparatively evaluate, in women with high-risk and normal pregnancy, the concentration of retinol and α-tocopherol in breast milk. Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was evaluated with reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Informed consent was signed by 95 mothers with a high-risk pregnancy and 32 mothers with a normal pregnancy. From the mothers with a high-risk pregnancy were obtained: 23 samples of colostrum, 24 of transitional milk, and 48 of mature milk. From the normal pregnancy group, 32 mature milk samples were collected. Pregestational Body Mass Index (BMI) and the gestational weight gain were noted. Models of logistic regression were constructed to identify the variables related to a low concentration of either retinol or α-tocopherol in breast milk. Results: The concentration of retinol and α-tocopherol in mature milk was 60 (interquartile range (IQR), 41–90) and 276 (103–450) μg/dL, respectively, for the high-risk pregnancy group, and 76 (65–91) and 673 (454–866) µg/dL, respectively, for the normal pregnancy group (p = 0.001). The concentration of retinol and α-tocopherol was similar in the subgroups of mothers with different disorders during gestation. A clear correlation was found between a greater pregestational weight and a lower concentration of retinol (Rho = –0.280, p = 0.006), and between α-tocopherol and retinol in all cases (Rho = 0.463, p = 0.001). Among women having a high-risk pregnancy, those delivering prematurely rather than carrying their pregnancy to term had a reduced concentration of retinol (54 (37–78) vs. 70 (49–106) µg/dL; p = 0.002) and a tendency to a lower concentration of α-tocopherol in breast milk (185 (75–410) vs. 339 (160–500) µg/dL; p = 0.053). Compared to mothers with a normal pregnancy, those with a high-risk pregnancy (whether carried to term or ending in preterm delivery) exhibited a reduced concentration of retinol in mature milk (p = 0.003), as well as a tendency to a lower concentration of α-tocopherol (p = 0.054). Conclusion: Even though the women in the high-risk pregnancy group showed a deficiency of vitamins A and E in their breast milk, the unique biological benefits of this milk justify the promotion of breast feeding as the optimal method of nourishing neonates and infants. In these cases, it should be recommended that the woman increase her consumption of certain nutrients during pregnancy. Additionally, after childbirth mothers should consider the use of supplements to produce milk of adequate quality and thus meet the needs of the baby and prevent any deficiency in micronutrients. Full article

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

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21 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Human Milk Appetite Hormones, Macronutrients, and Infant Characteristics on Gastric Emptying and Breastfeeding Patterns of Term Fully Breastfed Infants

by Zoya Gridneva^1,*

, Sambavi Kugananthan^1,2, Anna R. Hepworth¹, Wan J. Tie¹, Ching T. Lai¹

, Leigh C. Ward³

, Peter E. Hartmann¹ and Donna T. Geddes¹

¹ School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia

² School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia

³ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010015 - 28 Dec 2016

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 8091

Abstract

Human milk (HM) components influence infant feeding patterns and nutrient intake, yet it is unclear how they influence gastric emptying (GE), a key component of appetite regulation. This study analyzed GE of a single breastfeed, HM appetite hormones/macronutrients and demographics/anthropometrics/body composition of term [...] Read more.

Human milk (HM) components influence infant feeding patterns and nutrient intake, yet it is unclear how they influence gastric emptying (GE), a key component of appetite regulation. This study analyzed GE of a single breastfeed, HM appetite hormones/macronutrients and demographics/anthropometrics/body composition of term fully breastfed infants (n = 41, 2 and/or 5 mo). Stomach volumes (SV) were calculated from pre-/post-feed ultrasound scans, then repeatedly until the next feed. Feed volume (FV) was measured by the test-weigh method. HM samples were analyzed for adiponectin, leptin, fat, lactose, total carbohydrate, lysozyme, and total/whey/casein protein. Linear regression/mixed effect models were used to determine associations between GE/feed variables and HM components/infant anthropometrics/adiposity. Higher FVs were associated with faster (−0.07 [−0.10, −0.03], p < 0.001) GE rate, higher post-feed SVs (0.82 [0.53, 1.12], p < 0.001), and longer GE times (0.24 [0.03, 0.46], p = 0.033). Higher whey protein concentration was associated with higher post-feed SVs (4.99 [0.84, 9.13], p = 0.023). Longer GE time was associated with higher adiponectin concentration (2.29 [0.92, 3.66], p = 0.002) and dose (0.02 [0.01, 0.03], p = 0.005), and lower casein:whey ratio (−65.89 [−107.13, −2.66], p = 0.003). FV and HM composition influence GE and breastfeeding patterns in term breastfed infants. Full article

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

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15 pages, 1915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of an In Vivo Hepatic Triacylglycerol Production Method in the Setting of a High-Fat Diet in Mice

by Kikumi D. Ono-Moore¹, Matthew Ferguson¹, Michael L. Blackburn^1,2

, Hassan Issafras³ and Sean H. Adams^1,2,*

¹ Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA

² Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA

³ XOMA Corporation, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010016 - 28 Dec 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6053

Abstract

High-fat (HF) diets typically promote diet-induced obesity (DIO) and metabolic dysfunction (i.e., insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis). Dysfunction of triacylglycerol (TAG) metabolism may contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis, via increased de novo lipogenesis or repackaging of circulating nonesterified fatty acids [...] Read more.

High-fat (HF) diets typically promote diet-induced obesity (DIO) and metabolic dysfunction (i.e., insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis). Dysfunction of triacylglycerol (TAG) metabolism may contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis, via increased de novo lipogenesis or repackaging of circulating nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Hepatic TAG production (HTP) rate can be assessed through injecting mice with nonionic detergents that inhibit tissue lipoprotein lipase. Potential confounding effects of detergent-based HTP tests (HTPTs) used in longitudinal studies—including the impact on food intake, energy balance, and weight gain—have not been reported. To examine this, male C57BL/6J mice were fed a 10% or 60% kcal diet. After 4 weeks, the mice underwent an HTPT via poloxamer 407 intraperitoneal injections (1000 mg/kg). Weight gain, energy intake, and postabsorptive TAG levels normalized 7–10 days post-HTPT. The post-HTPT recovery of body weight and energy intake suggest that, in metabolic phenotyping studies, any additional sample collection should occur at least 7–10 days after the HTPT to reduce confounding effects. Diet-specific effects on HTP were also observed: HF-fed mice had reduced HTP, plasma TAG, and NEFA levels compared to controls. In conclusion, the current study highlights the procedural and physiological complexities associated with studying lipid metabolism using a HTPT in the DIO mouse model. Full article

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18 pages, 1995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Supplementation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids to Reduced-Protein Diet on Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Degradation in the Fed and Fasted States in a Piglet Model

by Liufeng Zheng¹, Hongkui Wei^1,2, Pingli He³, Shengjun Zhao⁴, Quanhang Xiang¹, Jiaman Pang¹ and Jian Peng^1,2,*

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

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

³ State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China

⁴ Department of Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010017 - 28 Dec 2016

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8001

Abstract

Supplementation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) has been demonstrated to promote skeletal muscle mass gain, but the mechanisms underlying this observation are still unknown. Since the regulation of muscle mass depends on a dynamic equilibrium (fasted losses–fed gains) in protein turnover, the aim [...] Read more.

Supplementation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) has been demonstrated to promote skeletal muscle mass gain, but the mechanisms underlying this observation are still unknown. Since the regulation of muscle mass depends on a dynamic equilibrium (fasted losses–fed gains) in protein turnover, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BCAA supplementation on muscle protein synthesis and degradation in fed/fasted states and the related mechanisms. Fourteen 26- (Experiment 1) and 28-day-old (Experiment 2) piglets were fed reduced-protein diets without or with supplemental BCAA. After a four-week acclimation period, skeletal muscle mass and components of anabolic and catabolic signaling in muscle samples after overnight fasting were determined in Experiment 1. Pigs in Experiment 2 were implanted with carotid arterial, jugular venous, femoral arterial and venous catheters, and fed once hourly along with the intravenous infusion of NaH¹³CO₃ for 2 h, followed by a 6-h infusion of [1-¹³C]leucine. Muscle leucine kinetics were measured using arteriovenous difference technique. The mass of most muscles was increased by BCAA supplementation. During feeding, BCAA supplementation increased leucine uptake, protein synthesis, protein degradation and net transamination. The greater increase in protein synthesis than in protein degradation resulted in elevated protein deposition. Protein synthesis was strongly and positively correlated with the intramuscular net production of α-ketoisocaproate (KIC) and protein degradation. Moreover, BCAA supplementation enhanced the fasted-state phosphorylation of protein translation initiation factors and inhibited the protein-degradation signaling of ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome systems. In conclusion, supplementation of BCAA to reduced-protein diet increases fed-state protein synthesis and inhibits fasted-state protein degradation, both of which could contribute to the elevation of skeletal muscle mass in piglets. The effect of BCAA supplementation on muscle protein synthesis is associated with the increase in protein degradation and KIC production in the fed state. Full article

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16 pages, 2640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

by Chunbin Wang, Bo Xiong and Jing Huang^*

Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010018 - 30 Dec 2016

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8520

Abstract

Many new clinical trials about the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in heart failure (HF) patients have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to determine the benefits of omega-3 PUFAs in HF patients. Articles [...] Read more.

Many new clinical trials about the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in heart failure (HF) patients have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to determine the benefits of omega-3 PUFAs in HF patients. Articles were obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. RCTs comparing omega-3 PUFAs with placebo for HF were included. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from the selected publications. The I² statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. The pooled mean difference and associated 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a fixed or random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. A total of nine RCTs involving 800 patients were eligible for inclusion. Compared with patients taking placebo, HF patients who received omega-3 PUFAs experienced decreased brain natriuretic peptide levels and serum norepinephrine levels. Although the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and clinical outcomes (Tei index, peak oxygen consumption) did not improve, subgroup analysis showed that the LVEF increased in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Overall, omega-3 PUFA supplements might be beneficial in HF patients, especially in DCM patients, but further studies are needed to confirm these benefits. Full article

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12 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Circulating Lipid Profile during Early Pregnancy: Racial/Ethnic Differences and Association with Spontaneous Preterm Delivery

by Xinhua Chen^1,*

, Theresa O. Scholl¹, Thomas P. Stein², Robert A. Steer³ and Keith P. Williams¹

¹ Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA

² Department of Surgery, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA

³ Department of Psychiatry, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010019 - 1 Jan 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5141

Abstract

Prior reports on the association between altered maternal serum lipid levels with preterm delivery are inconsistent. Ethnic differences in serum lipids during pregnancy and their relation to preterm delivery have not been studied. We examined the relationships of six maternal lipids during early [...] Read more.

Prior reports on the association between altered maternal serum lipid levels with preterm delivery are inconsistent. Ethnic differences in serum lipids during pregnancy and their relation to preterm delivery have not been studied. We examined the relationships of six maternal lipids during early pregnancy with the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD). The design represents a case-control study nested within a large prospective, multiethnic cohort of young, generally healthy pregnant women. SPTD cases (n = 183) and controls who delivered at term (n = 376) were included. SPTD is defined as delivery at <37 completed weeks of gestation without indicated conditions. We found that African-American women had significantly increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), and lower triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels compared to Hispanic and non-Hispanic Caucasians combined. Elevated HDL-C and apoA1 concentrations were significantly associated with an increased odds of SPTD after controlling for potential confounding factors. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 1.91 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15, 3.20) for the highest quartile of HDL-C relative to the lowest quartile, and for apoA1 the AOR was 1.94 (95% CI 1.16, 3.24). When controlling for ethnicity, the results remained comparable. These data suggest that pregnant African-American women had a more favorable lipid profile suggestive of a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Despite this, increased HDL-C and apoA1 were both found to be associated with SPTD. Full article

14 pages, 1535 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Probiotic Administration on Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentrations: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

by Mohsen Mazidi^1,2, Peyman Rezaie³, Gordon A. Ferns⁴ and Hassan Vatanparast^5,*

¹ Key State Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

² Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, International College, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China

³ Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Centre, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 42536, Iran

⁴ Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Rm 342, Mayfield House, University of Brighton, Brighton BN1 9PH, UK

⁵ College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010020 - 3 Jan 2017

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 11147

Abstract

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of probiotic administration on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. We searched PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, the Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases (until May 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating [...] Read more.

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of probiotic administration on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. We searched PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, the Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases (until May 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating the impact of probiotic administration on CRP. We used a random effects models and generic inverse variance methods to synthesize quantitative data, followed by a leave-one-out method for sensitivity analysis. The systematic review registration number was: CRD42016039457. From a total of 425 entries identified via searches, 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in serum CRP following probiotic administration with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of −1.35 mg/L, (95% confidence interval (CI) −2.15 to −0.55, I² 65.1%). The WMDs for interleukin 10 (IL10) was −1.65 pg/dL, (95% CI −3.45 to 0.14, I² 3.1%), and −0.45 pg/mL, (95% CI −1.38 to 0.48, I² 10.2%) for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. This meta-analysis suggests that probiotic administration may significantly reduce serum CRP while having no significant effect on serum IL10 and TNF-α. Full article

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12 pages, 648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Gluten Content in Cereal-Based Gluten-Free Products: An Overview from 1998 to 2016

by María Ángeles Bustamante, María Pilar Fernández-Gil, Itziar Churruca, Jonatan Miranda, Arrate Lasa, Virginia Navarro and Edurne Simón^*

Gluten Analysis Laboratory of the University of the Basque Country, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria 01006, Spain

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010021 - 3 Jan 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9369

Abstract

The treatment of Celiac disease consists in a strict lifelong gluten-free (GF) diet. As the ingestion of small amounts can have damaging complications, there has been an ongoing discussion regarding the safe threshold for dietary residual gluten. The aim was to analyze the [...] Read more.

The treatment of Celiac disease consists in a strict lifelong gluten-free (GF) diet. As the ingestion of small amounts can have damaging complications, there has been an ongoing discussion regarding the safe threshold for dietary residual gluten. The aim was to analyze the evolution of gluten content in cereal-based GF foodstuffs (n = 3141) from 1998 to 2016 measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Eight categories were defined: flours, breakfast cereals/bars, bakery, pasta, breads, dough, snacks, and yeasts, and these were divided into GF labeled-foods (GF-L) or reportedly GF foodstuffs, but not certified (GF-NC). Gluten-detection was decreased over time in line with the evolving European regulations about food information and gluten content claims. This decline started sooner in GF-L products than in GF-NC. As a whole, gluten was detected in 371 samples, with breakfast cereals/bars being the most contaminated group. Snacks and yeasts changed from being high gluten-detected samples to being totally GF over the years. The downside is that, of contaminated samples, those in the low levels of gluten detection range have decreased while flour samples containing over 100 mg/kg gluten have risen in the 2013–2016 period. Obtained data confirm that GF cereal-based foods are becoming safer but gluten control must be maintained. Full article

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

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7 pages, 1588 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Dietary Selenium and Human Health

by Lutz Schomburg

Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité Medical University Berlin, Suedring 10, CVK, D-13353 Berlin, Germany

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010022 - 30 Dec 2016

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 10818

Abstract

Next year (2017), the micronutrient Selenium (Se) is celebrating its birthday—i.e., 200 years after first being identified by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius. Despite its impressive age, research into the functions of this essential trace element is very alive and reaching out [...] Read more.

Next year (2017), the micronutrient Selenium (Se) is celebrating its birthday—i.e., 200 years after first being identified by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius. Despite its impressive age, research into the functions of this essential trace element is very alive and reaching out for new horizons. This special issue presents some recent fascinating, exciting, and promising developments in Se research in the form of eight original contributions and seven review articles. Collectively, aspects of Se supply, biochemical, physiological, and chemotherapeutic effects, and geobiological interactions are covered by leading scientists in the areas of nutritional, basic, and clinical research. It is obvious from the contributions that the bicentennial anniversary will celebrate a micronutrient still in its infancy with respect to being understood in terms of its biomedical importance. Full article

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

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13 pages, 1942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inadequacy of Body Weight-Based Recommendations for Individual Protein Intake—Lessons from Body Composition Analysis

by Corinna Geisler^1,*, Carla M. Prado² and Manfred J. Müller¹

¹ Institut für Humanernährung und Lebensmittelkunde, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 17, D-24105 Kiel, Germany

² Alberta Institute for Human Nutrition, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-002 Li Ka Shing Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010023 - 31 Dec 2016

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9675

Abstract

Current body weight-based protein recommendations are ignoring the large variability in body composition, particularly lean mass (LM), which drives protein requirements. We explored and highlighted the inter-individual variability of weight versus body composition-adjusted protein intakes by secondary analysis in three cohorts of (1) [...] Read more.

Current body weight-based protein recommendations are ignoring the large variability in body composition, particularly lean mass (LM), which drives protein requirements. We explored and highlighted the inter-individual variability of weight versus body composition-adjusted protein intakes by secondary analysis in three cohorts of (1) 574 healthy adults (mean ± SD age: 41.4 ± 15.2 years); (2) 403 cirrhotic patients (age: 44.7 ± 12.3 years) and (3) 547 patients with lung cancer (age: 61.3 ± 8.2 years). LM was assessed using different devices (magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computer tomography, total body potassium and bioelectrical impedance), body weight-based protein intake, its ratio (per kg LM) and mean protein requirement were calculated. Variability in protein intake in all cohorts ranged from 0.83 to 1.77 g protein per kg LM per day using (theoretical protein intake of 60 g protein per day). Calculated mean protein requirement was 1.63 g protein per kg LM per day; consequently, 95.3% of healthy subjects, 100% of cirrhotic and 97.4% of cancer patients would present with a low protein intake per kg LM. Weight-adjusted recommendations are inadequate to address the LM specific differences in protein needs of healthy subjects or clinical populations. Absolute protein intake seems to be more relevant compared to the relative proportion of protein, which in turn changes with different energy needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenteral Nutrition 2016)

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13 pages, 2953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Effects of Aged Garlic Extract on Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Induced by β-Amyloid in Rats

by Nutchareeporn Nillert^1,2, Wanassanun Pannangrong^1,2, Jariya Umka Welbat^1,2,3, Wunnee Chaijaroonkhanarak¹, Kittisak Sripanidkulchai^1,2 and Bungorn Sripanidkulchai^2,*

¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

² Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

³ Neuroscience Research and Development Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010024 - 3 Jan 2017

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 12361

Abstract

Neuroinflammation is pathological evidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that likely starts as a host defense response to the damaging effects of the β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits in the brain. The activation of microglia may promote the neurodegenerative process through the release of proinflammatory cytokines, [...] Read more.

Neuroinflammation is pathological evidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that likely starts as a host defense response to the damaging effects of the β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits in the brain. The activation of microglia may promote the neurodegenerative process through the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), which may lead to neuronal damage and eventual death. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been reported to have multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of AGE on Aβ (1-42)-induced cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Adult male Wistar rats were given AGE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW, body weight), orally administered, daily for 56 days. They were then injected with 1 μL of aggregated Aβ (1-42) into the lateral ventricles; bilaterally. Seven days later, their recognition memory was evaluated using a novel object recognition (NOR) test. Then the rats were sacrificed to investigate the alteration of microglia cells, IL-1β and TNFα in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The results indicated that AGE at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg BW significantly improved short-term recognition memory in cognitively impaired rats. In addition, AGE significantly minimized the inflammatory response by reducing the activation of microglia and IL-1β to the levels found in the control, which is similar to the results found in Celebrex-treated rats. In conclusion, AGE may be useful for improving the short-term recognition memory and relieve the neuroinflammation in Aβ-induced rats. Full article

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13 pages, 8446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Butyrate Inhibits Cancerous HCT116 Colon Cell Proliferation but to a Lesser Extent in Noncancerous NCM460 Colon Cells

by Huawei Zeng^1,*, David P. Taussig¹, Wen-Hsing Cheng², LuAnn K. Johnson¹ and Reza Hakkak^3,4

¹ United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA

² Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA

³ Departments of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA

⁴ Arkansas Children Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010025 - 1 Jan 2017

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 9228

Abstract

Butyrate, an intestinal microbiota metabolite of dietary fiber, exhibits chemoprevention effects on colon cancer development. However, the mechanistic action of butyrate remains to be determined. We hypothesize that butyrate inhibits cancerous cell proliferation but to a lesser extent in noncancerous cells through regulating [...] Read more.

Butyrate, an intestinal microbiota metabolite of dietary fiber, exhibits chemoprevention effects on colon cancer development. However, the mechanistic action of butyrate remains to be determined. We hypothesize that butyrate inhibits cancerous cell proliferation but to a lesser extent in noncancerous cells through regulating apoptosis and cellular-signaling pathways. We tested this hypothesis by exposing cancerous HCT116 or non-cancerous NCM460 colon cells to physiologically relevant doses of butyrate. Cellular responses to butyrate were characterized by Western analysis, fluorescent microscopy, acetylation, and DNA fragmentation analyses. Butyrate inhibited cell proliferation, and led to an induction of apoptosis, genomic DNA fragmentation in HCT116 cells, but to a lesser extent in NCM460 cells. Although butyrate increased H3 histone deacetylation and p21 tumor suppressor expression in both cell types, p21 protein level was greater with intense expression around the nuclei in HCT116 cells when compared with that in NCM460 cells. Furthermore, butyrate treatment increased the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), a survival signal, in NCM460 cells while it decreased p-ERK1/2 in HCT116 cells. Taken together, the activation of survival signaling in NCM460 cells and apoptotic potential in HCT116 cells may confer the increased sensitivity of cancerous colon cells to butyrate in comparison with noncancerous colon cells. Full article

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

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11 pages, 894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Glycosidic Bond Configuration on Short Chain Fatty Acid Production from Model Fermentable Carbohydrates by the Human Gut Microbiota

by Hannah C. Harris^1,2, Christine A. Edwards¹

and Douglas J. Morrison^2,*

¹ School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK

² Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G75 0QF, UK

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010026 - 1 Jan 2017

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 8174

Abstract

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the major products of carbohydrate fermentation by gut bacteria. Different carbohydrates are associated with characteristic SCFA profiles although the mechanisms are unclear. The individual SCFA profile may determine any resultant health benefits. Understanding determinants of individual SCFA [...] Read more.

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the major products of carbohydrate fermentation by gut bacteria. Different carbohydrates are associated with characteristic SCFA profiles although the mechanisms are unclear. The individual SCFA profile may determine any resultant health benefits. Understanding determinants of individual SCFA production would enable substrate choice to be tailored for colonic SCFA manipulation. To test the hypothesis that the orientation and position of the glycosidic bond is a determinant of SCFA production profile, a miniaturized in vitro human colonic batch fermentation model was used to study a range of isomeric glucose disaccharides. Diglucose α(1-1) fermentation led to significantly higher butyrate production (p < 0.01) and a lower proportion of acetate (p < 0.01) compared with other α bonded diglucoses. Diglucose β(1-4) also led to significantly higher butyrate production (p < 0.05) and significantly increased the proportions of propionate and butyrate compared with diglucose α(1-4) (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect of glycosidic bond configuration on absolute propionate production. Despite some differences in the SCFA production of different glucose disaccharides, there was no clear relationship between SCFA production and bond configuration, suggesting that other factors may be responsible for promoting selective SCFA production by the gut microbiota from different carbohydrates. Full article

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12 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Resveratrol on Cognitive Performance, Mood and Cerebrovascular Function in Post-Menopausal Women; A 14-Week Randomised Placebo-Controlled Intervention Trial

by Hamish M. Evans, Peter R. C. Howe

and Rachel H. X. Wong^*

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, New South Wales, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010027 - 3 Jan 2017

Cited by 135 | Viewed by 18066

Abstract

We tested whether chronic supplementation with resveratrol (a phytoestrogen) could improve cerebrovascular function, cognition and mood in post-menopausal women. Eighty post-menopausal women aged 45–85 years were randomised to take trans-resveratrol or placebo for 14 weeks and the effects on cognitive performance, cerebral [...] Read more.

We tested whether chronic supplementation with resveratrol (a phytoestrogen) could improve cerebrovascular function, cognition and mood in post-menopausal women. Eighty post-menopausal women aged 45–85 years were randomised to take trans-resveratrol or placebo for 14 weeks and the effects on cognitive performance, cerebral blood flow velocity and pulsatility index (a measure of arterial stiffness) in the middle cerebral artery (using transcranial Doppler ultrasound), and cerebrovascular responsiveness (CVR) to both cognitive testing and hypercapnia were assessed. Mood questionnaires were also administered. Compared to placebo, resveratrol elicited 17% increases in CVR to both hypercapnic (p = 0.010) and cognitive stimuli (p = 0.002). Significant improvements were observed in the performance of cognitive tasks in the domain of verbal memory (p = 0.041) and in overall cognitive performance (p = 0.020), which correlated with the increase in CVR (r = 0.327; p = 0.048). Mood tended to improve in multiple measures, although not significantly. These results indicate that regular consumption of a modest dose of resveratrol can enhance both cerebrovascular function and cognition in post-menopausal women, potentially reducing their heightened risk of accelerated cognitive decline and offering a promising therapeutic treatment for menopause-related cognitive decline. Full article

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17 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Chronic Vitamin D₃ Hormone Administration on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Adult Female Rats after Long-Term Ovariectomy

by Julia Fedotova^1,2,3,*, Svetlana Pivina¹ and Anastasia Sushko^1,4

¹ Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 6 Emb. Makarova, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia

² Laboratory of Comparative Somnology and Neuroendocrinology, I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Tores pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia

³ International Research Centre, Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosova str., Saint Petersburg 191002, Russia

⁴ Department of Chemistry and Molecular biology, ITMO University, 49 Kronverksky pr., Saint Petersburg 197101, Russia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010028 - 3 Jan 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5887

Abstract

The present preclinical study was created to determine the therapeutic effects of vitamin D hormone treatment as an adjunctive therapy alone or in a combination with low dose of 17β-estradiol (17β-E₂) on anxiety-like behavior in female rats with long-term absence of [...] Read more.

The present preclinical study was created to determine the therapeutic effects of vitamin D hormone treatment as an adjunctive therapy alone or in a combination with low dose of 17β-estradiol (17β-E₂) on anxiety-like behavior in female rats with long-term absence of estrogen. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to examine the effects of chronic cholecalciferol administration (1.0, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg subcutaneously, SC, once daily, for 14 days) on the anxiety-like state after long-term ovariectomy in female rats. Twelve weeks postovariectomy, cholecalciferol was administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats and OVX rats treated with 17β-E₂ (0.5 µg/rat SC, once daily, for 14 days). Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the light/dark test (LDT), and locomotor and grooming activities were tested in the open field test (OFT). Cholecalciferol at two doses of 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg alone or in combination with 17β-E₂ produced anxiolytic-like effects in OVX rats as evidenced in the EPM and the LDT, as well as increased grooming activity in the OFT. Our results indicate that cholecalciferol, at two doses of 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, has a profound anxiolytic-like effects in the experimental rat model of long-term estrogen deficiency. Full article

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9 pages, 416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coenzyme Q10 and Oxidative Stress: Inflammation Status in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Surgery

by Hsiao-Tien Liu^1,2, Shao-Bin Cheng^1,2,3, Yi-Chia Huang²

, Yin-Tzu Huang² and Ping-Ting Lin^2,4,*

¹ Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan

² Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan

³ School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan

⁴ Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010029 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6697

Abstract

(1) Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and surgical resection is the main treatment for HCC. To date, no published study has examined the status of coenzyme Q10 in patients with HCC after surgery. Thus, the [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and surgical resection is the main treatment for HCC. To date, no published study has examined the status of coenzyme Q10 in patients with HCC after surgery. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between the level of coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress, and inflammation in patients with HCC after surgery; (2) Methods: 71 primary HCC patients were recruited. Levels of coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxidase dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein; tumor necrosis factor-α; and interleukin-6) were measured; (3) Results: Patients with HCC had a significantly lower levels of coenzyme Q10 (p = 0.01) and oxidative stress (p < 0.01), and significantly higher levels of antioxidant enzymes activities and inflammation after surgery (p < 0.05). The level of coenzyme Q10 was significantly positively correlated with antioxidant capacity (vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase activity) and negatively correlated with inflammation markers after surgery; (4) Conclusion: Hepatocarcinogenesis is associated with oxidative stress, and coenzyme Q10 may be considered an antioxidant therapy for patients with HCC, particularly those with higher inflammation after surgery. Full article

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

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15 pages, 1869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Two Different Multimicronutrient Supplements on Vitamin D Status in Women of Childbearing Age: A Randomized Trial

by Stefan Pilz^1,*, Andreas Hahn²

, Christiane Schön³, Manfred Wilhelm⁴ and Rima Obeid⁵

¹ Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria

² Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Leibniz University of Hannover, Am Kleinen Felde 30, 30167 Hannover, Germany

³ BioTeSys GmbH, Schelztorstrasse 54-56, 73728 Esslingen, Germany

⁴ Department of Mathematics, Natural and Economic Sciences, University of Applied Science Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 55, 89081 Ulm, Germany

⁵ Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Aarhus, Hoegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, Building 1632, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010030 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 15684

Abstract

The German Nutrition Society raised in 2012 the recommended daily vitamin D intake from 200 to 800 international units (IU) to achieve 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of at least 50 nmol/L, even when endogenous vitamin D synthesis is minimal such as in winter. [...] Read more.

The German Nutrition Society raised in 2012 the recommended daily vitamin D intake from 200 to 800 international units (IU) to achieve 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of at least 50 nmol/L, even when endogenous vitamin D synthesis is minimal such as in winter. We aimed to evaluate this recommendation in women of childbearing age. This is a single-center, randomized, open trial conducted from 8 January to 9 May 2016 in Esslingen, Germany. We randomized 201 apparently healthy women to receive for 8 weeks a daily multimicronutrient supplement containing either 200 IU (n = 100) or 800 IU vitamin D3 (n = 101). Primary outcome measure was serum 25(OH)D. 196 participants completed the trial. Increases in 25(OH)D (median with interquartile range) from baseline to study end were 13.2 (5.9 to 20.7) nmol/L in the 200 IU group, and 35.8 (18.2 to 52.8) nmol/L in the 800 IU group (p < 0.001 for the between group difference). At study end, levels of ≥50 nmol/L were present in 70.4% of the 200 IU group and in 99% of the 800 IU group. Participants on hormonal contraceptives had higher baseline levels and a stronger increase in 25(OH)D. In conclusion, daily supplementation of 800 IU vitamin D3 during wintertime in Germany is sufficient to achieve a 25(OH)D level of at least 50 nmol/L in almost all women of childbearing age, whereas 200 IU are insufficient. Full article

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

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15 pages, 2692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Casein Glycomacropeptide Hydrolysates Exert Cytoprotective Effect against Cellular Oxidative Stress by Up-Regulating HO-1 Expression in HepG2 Cells

by Tiange Li^1,2, Bin Chen³, Min Du⁴, Jiajia Song^1,2, Xue Cheng², Xu Wang² and Xueying Mao^1,2,*

¹ Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

² College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

³ Key Laboratory of Space Nutrition and Food Engineering, China Astronaut Training Center, Beijing 100094, China

⁴ Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010031 - 15 Jan 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8171

Abstract

Oxidative stress is considered as an important mediator in the progression of metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of bovine casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysates (GHP) on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress is considered as an important mediator in the progression of metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of bovine casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysates (GHP) on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Results showed that GHP significantly blocked H₂O₂-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cell viability reduction in a dose-dependent manner. Further, GHP concentration-dependently induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and increased nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation. Moreover, pretreatment of GHP increased the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), which were shown to contribute to Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression. Taken together, GHP protected HepG2 cells from oxidative stress by activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 via p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Our findings indicate that bovine casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysates might be a potential ingredient in the treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders and further studies are needed to investigate the protective effects in vivo. Full article

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13 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses to Common Breakfast Beverages Consumed with a Standard Meal in Adults Who Are Overweight and Obese

by Jia Li, Elsa Janle and Wayne W. Campbell^*

Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010032 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7136

Abstract

Breakfast beverages with different nutrient compositions may affect postprandial glycemic control differently. We assessed the effects of consuming (1) common breakfast beverages (water, sugar-sweetened coffee, reduced-energy orange juice (OJ), and low-fat milk (LFM)); and (2) fat-free, low-fat, and whole milk with breakfast on [...] Read more.

Breakfast beverages with different nutrient compositions may affect postprandial glycemic control differently. We assessed the effects of consuming (1) common breakfast beverages (water, sugar-sweetened coffee, reduced-energy orange juice (OJ), and low-fat milk (LFM)); and (2) fat-free, low-fat, and whole milk with breakfast on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin responses in adults who were overweight/obese. Forty-six subjects (33F/13M, body mass index: 32.5 ± 0.7 kg/m², age: 50 ± 1 years, mean ± SEMs) consumed a standard sandwich with one of the six beverages on separate mornings in randomized order. The test beverages (except water) each contained 12 g digestible carbohydrate. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured from blood obtained pre- and post-meal at 30-min intervals for 4 h and incremental areas under the curve (AUC) were computed. We found (1) among different beverage types, glucose AUC was higher for coffee versus water, OJ, and LFM. Insulin AUC was higher for coffee and LFM versus OJ and water; (2) Glucose AUCs were not different among water and milks while insulin AUC was higher for milks versus water. In conclusion, consumption of water, reduced-energy OJ, or milk (irrespective of fat content) with a meal may be preferable to consuming sugar-sweetened coffee for glucose control in middle-aged adults who are overweight and obese. Full article

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13 pages, 3949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Root Extract of Pueraria lobata and Its Main Compound, Puerarin, Prevent Obesity by Increasing the Energy Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle

by Hyo Won Jung^1,2, An Na Kang^1,2, Seok Yong Kang^1,2, Yong-Ki Park^1,2 and Mi Young Song^2,3,*

¹ Department of Herbology, College of Korean medicine, Dongguk University, Dongdaero 123, Gyeongju-si 38066, Korea

² Korean Medicine R&D Center, College of Korean medicine, Dongguk University, Dongdaero 123, Gyeongju-si 38066, Korea

³ Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Dongdaero 123, Gyeongju-si 38066, Korea

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010033 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 76 | Viewed by 9591

Abstract

Radix Pueraria lobata (RP) has been reported to prevent obesity and improve glucose metabolism; however, the mechanism responsible for these effects has not been elucidated. The mechanism underlying anti-obesity effect of RP was investigated in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice and skeletal [...] Read more.

Radix Pueraria lobata (RP) has been reported to prevent obesity and improve glucose metabolism; however, the mechanism responsible for these effects has not been elucidated. The mechanism underlying anti-obesity effect of RP was investigated in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice and skeletal muscle cells (C2C12). Five-week-old C5BL/6 mice were fed a HFD containing or not containing RP (100 or 300 mg/kg) or metformin (250 mg/kg) for 16 weeks. RP reduced body weight gain, lipid accumulation in liver, and adipocyte and blood lipid levels. In addition, RP dose-dependently improved hyperglycemia, insulinemia, and glucose tolerance, and prevented the skeletal muscle atrophy induced by HFD. Furthermore, RP increased the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) expression and phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle tissues. RP and its main component, puerarin, increased mitochondrial biogenesis and myotube hypertrophy in C2C12 cells. The present study demonstrates that RP can prevent diet-induced obesity, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle atrophy in mouse models of obesity. The mechanism responsible for the effect of RP appears to be related to the upregulation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle, which at the molecular level may be associated with PGC-1α and AMPK activation. Full article

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11 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introduction of Complementary Foods in a Cohort of Infants in Northeast Italy: Do Parents Comply with WHO Recommendations?

by Claudia Carletti, Paola Pani, Lorenzo Monasta

, Alessandra Knowles^* and Adriano Cattaneo

Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, Trieste 34137, Italy

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010034 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 7648

Abstract

Timing and type of complementary food in infancy affect nutritional status and health later in life. The objective of this paper was to assess complementary feeding practices, looking at timing, type, and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Data were obtained from [...] Read more.

Timing and type of complementary food in infancy affect nutritional status and health later in life. The objective of this paper was to assess complementary feeding practices, looking at timing, type, and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Data were obtained from a birth cohort of 400 infants, enrolled in Trieste (Italy) between July 2007 and July 2008 and followed up for three years, using a “food introduction timing table”. Five WHO recommendations standards were used to assess parental compliance and associated factors. Thirty seven percent of mothers returned the completed “timing table” up until the child was three years of age. Eighty six percent of infants were already receiving complementary foods at six months. The first food type to be introduced was fresh fruit (170 days from birth, median). Overall, infants shared a very similar diet, which was different from the family diet and characterized by delayed introduction of certain food types. Five percent of parents complied with either all five or only one of the WHO recommendations, 34% with three, and 35% with four. The parents’ partial compliance with WHO recommendations is probably due to conflicting information received from different sources. This advocates for national evidence-based guidelines, supported and promoted by health professionals. Full article

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

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9 pages, 657 KiB

Open AccessReview

What Do We Know Now about IgE-Mediated Wheat Allergy in Children?

by Grażyna Czaja-Bulsa^1,2,* and Michał Bulsa³

¹ Paediatrics and Paediatric Nursery Unit, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, Szczecin 71-210, Poland

² Division of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology and Rheumatology of the “Zdroje” Hospital, Szczecin 70-780, Poland

³ Chair and Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Unii Lubelskiej 1, Szczecin 71-252, Poland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010035 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 10375

Abstract

IgE-mediated wheat allergy is a gluten-related disorder. Wheat is one of the five most common food allergens in children. However, the natural history of IgE-mediated wheat allergy has seldom been described in the research literature. This study presents the current state of knowledge [...] Read more.

IgE-mediated wheat allergy is a gluten-related disorder. Wheat is one of the five most common food allergens in children. However, the natural history of IgE-mediated wheat allergy has seldom been described in the research literature. This study presents the current state of knowledge about the IgE-mediated wheat allergy in children. Full article

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

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17 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Content Validation and Semantic Evaluation of a Check-List Elaborated for the Prevention of Gluten Cross-Contamination in Food Services

by Priscila Farage^1,*, Renata Puppin Zandonadi¹

, Verônica Cortez Ginani¹, Lenora Gandolfi², Riccardo Pratesi² and Yanna Karla De Medeiros Nóbrega²

¹ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasilia DF 70910-900, Brazil

² Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasilia DF 70910-900, Brazil

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010036 - 6 Jan 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8102

Abstract

Conditions associated to the consumption of gluten have emerged as a major health care concern and the treatment consists on a lifelong gluten-free diet. Providing safe food for these individuals includes adapting to safety procedures within the food chain and preventing gluten cross-contamination [...] Read more.

Conditions associated to the consumption of gluten have emerged as a major health care concern and the treatment consists on a lifelong gluten-free diet. Providing safe food for these individuals includes adapting to safety procedures within the food chain and preventing gluten cross-contamination in gluten-free food. However, a gluten cross-contamination prevention protocol or check-list has not yet been validated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform the content validation and semantic evaluation of a check-list elaborated for the prevention of gluten cross-contamination in food services. The preliminary version of the check-list was elaborated based on the Brazilian resolution for food safety Collegiate Board Resolution 216 (RDC 216) and Collegiate Board Resolution 275 (RDC 275), the standard 22000 from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 22000) and the Canadian Celiac Association Gluten-Free Certification Program documents. Seven experts with experience in the area participated in the check-list validation and semantic evaluation. The criteria used for the approval of the items, as to their importance for the prevention of gluten cross-contamination and clarity of the wording, was the achievement of a minimal of 80% of agreement between the experts (W-values ≥ 0.8). Moreover, items should have a mean ≥4 in the evaluation of importance (Likert scale from 1 to 5) and clarity (Likert scale from 0 to 5) in order to be maintained in the instrument. The final version of the check-list was composed of 84 items, divided into 12 sections. After being redesigned and re-evaluated, the items were considered important and comprehensive by the experts (both with W-values ≥ 0.89). The check-list developed was validated with respect to content and approved in the semantic evaluation. Full article

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

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13 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Online Survey on Consumer Knowledge and Understanding of Added Sugars

by Mary Tierney¹, Alison M. Gallagher¹, Efstathios S. Giotis² and Kristina Pentieva^1,*

¹ School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK

² Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010037 - 5 Jan 2017

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 10426

Abstract

Evidence of an association between added sugars (AS) and the risk of obesity has triggered public health bodies to develop strategies enabling consumers to manage their AS intake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has strongly recommended a reduction of free sugars to 10% [...] Read more.

Evidence of an association between added sugars (AS) and the risk of obesity has triggered public health bodies to develop strategies enabling consumers to manage their AS intake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has strongly recommended a reduction of free sugars to 10% of total dietary energy (TE) and conditionally recommended a reduction to 5% TE to achieve health benefits. Despite food labelling being a policy tool of choice in many countries, there is no consensus on the mandatory addition of AS to the nutrition panel of food labels. An online survey was conducted to explore consumer ability to identify AS on food labels and to investigate consumer awareness of the WHO guidelines in relation to sugar intakes. The questionnaire was tested for participant comprehension using face-to-face interviews prior to conducting the online study. The online survey was conducted in Northern Ireland during May 2015 and was completed by a convenient sample of 445 subjects. Results showed that just 4% of respondents correctly classified 10 or more ingredients from a presented list of 13 items, while 65% of participants were unaware of the WHO guidelines for sugar intake. It may be timely to reopen dialogue on inclusion of AS on food product nutrition panels. Full article

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18 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Patterns and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

by Pei-Ying Lu¹

, Long Shu², Shan-Shan Shen¹, Xu-Jiao Chen^1,*

and Xiao-Yan Zhang²

¹ Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310013, China

² Department of Nutrition, Zhejiang Hospital, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310013, China

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010038 - 5 Jan 2017

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 10077

Abstract

A number of studies have examined the associations between dietary patterns and pancreatic cancer risk, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of pancreatic cancer. MEDLINE (provided by the [...] Read more.

A number of studies have examined the associations between dietary patterns and pancreatic cancer risk, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of pancreatic cancer. MEDLINE (provided by the National Library of Medicine) and EBSCO (Elton B. Stephens Company) databases were searched for relevant articles published up to May 2016 that identified common dietary patterns. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this meta-analysis. A reduced risk of pancreatic cancer was shown for the highest compared with the lowest categories of healthy patterns (odds ratio, OR = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.77–0.95; p = 0.004) and light–moderate drinking patterns (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83–0.98; p = 0.02). There was evidence of an increased risk for pancreatic cancer in the highest compared with the lowest categories of western-type pattern (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06–1.45; p = 0.008) and heavy drinking pattern (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.10–1.48; p = 0.002). The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that healthy and light–moderate drinking patterns may decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas western-type and heavy drinking patterns may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

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

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12 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecologically Valid Carbohydrate Intake during Soccer-Specific Exercise Does Not Affect Running Performance in a Fed State

by Mark P. Funnell¹

, Nick R. Dykes¹, Elliot J. Owen¹, Stephen A. Mears¹

, Ian Rollo² and Lewis J. James^1,*

¹ School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK

² The Gatorade Sports Science Institute, PepsiCo Global Nutrition, Leicester LE3 9QH, UK

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010039 - 5 Jan 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7108

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of carbohydrate intake on self-selected soccer-specific running performance. Sixteen male soccer players (age 23 ± 4 years; body mass 76.9 ± 7.2 kg; predicted VO_2max = 54.2 ± 2.9 mL∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹; soccer experience 13 [...] Read more.

This study assessed the effect of carbohydrate intake on self-selected soccer-specific running performance. Sixteen male soccer players (age 23 ± 4 years; body mass 76.9 ± 7.2 kg; predicted VO_2max = 54.2 ± 2.9 mL∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹; soccer experience 13 ± 4 years) completed a progressive multistage fitness test, familiarisation trial and two experimental trials, involving a modified version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) to simulate a soccer match in a fed state. Subjects completed six 15 min blocks (two halves of 45 min) of intermittent shuttle running, with a 15-min half-time. Blocks 3 and 6, allowed self-selection of running speeds and sprint times, were assessed throughout. Subjects consumed 250 mL of either a 12% carbohydrate solution (CHO) or a non-caloric taste matched placebo (PLA) before and at half-time of the LIST. Sprint times were not different between trials (CHO 2.71 ± 0.15 s, PLA 2.70 ± 0.14 s; p = 0.202). Total distance covered in self-selected blocks (block 3: CHO 2.07 ± 0.06 km; PLA 2.09 ± 0.08 km; block 6: CHO 2.04 ± 0.09 km; PLA 2.06 ± 0.08 km; p = 0.122) was not different between trials. There was no difference between trials for distance covered (p ≥ 0.297) or mean speed (p ≥ 0.172) for jogging or cruising. Blood glucose concentration was greater (p < 0.001) at the end of half-time during the CHO trial. In conclusion, consumption of 250 mL of 12% CHO solution before and at half-time of a simulated soccer match does not affect self-selected running or sprint performance in a fed state. Full article

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13 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL—Adults Study

by Robinson Ramírez-Vélez^1,*

, Jorge Enrique Correa-Bautista¹

, Katherine González-Ruíz², Andrés Vivas², Héctor Reynaldo Triana-Reina³

, Javier Martínez-Torres³, Daniel Humberto Prieto-Benavides¹, Hugo Alejandro Carrillo⁴, Jeison Alexander Ramos-Sepúlveda⁵, Emilio Villa-González^6,7 and Antonio García-Hermoso⁸

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

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

³ Grupo GICAEDS, Facultad de Cultura Física, Deporte y Recreación, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 110311, Colombia

⁴ Grupo GRINDER, Programa de Educación Física y Deportes, Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali 76001, Colombia

⁵ Facultad de Educación a Distancia y Virtual, Institución Universitaria Antonio José Camacho, Santiago de Cali 760045, Colombia

⁶ Department of Education Sciences, University of Almería, Almería 04120, Spain

⁷ PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, School of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18010, Spain

⁸ Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago 7500618, Chile

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010040 - 17 Jan 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7448

Abstract

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))⁻¹⁸) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young [...] Read more.

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))⁻¹⁸) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland–Altman’s agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the coefficient of determination (R²) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R² = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t-test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = −6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was poor (ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = −0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels. Full article

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13 pages, 6249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hederagenin Supplementation Alleviates the Pro-Inflammatory and Apoptotic Response to Alcohol in Rats

by Gyeong-Ji Kim¹, Da Hye Song¹, Han Seok Yoo², Kang-Hyun Chung², Kwon Jai Lee³ and Jeung Hee An^1,*

¹ Division of Food Bioscience, Konkuk University, Chunju 27478, Korea

² Department of Food Science and Technology, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Seoul 01811, Korea

³ Department of Advanced Materials Engineering, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010041 - 6 Jan 2017

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 6701

Abstract

In this study, we determined the effects of hederagenin isolated from Akebia quinata fruit on alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Specifically, we investigated the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of hederagenin, as well as the role of AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling [...] Read more.

In this study, we determined the effects of hederagenin isolated from Akebia quinata fruit on alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Specifically, we investigated the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of hederagenin, as well as the role of AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in ethanol-induced liver injury. Experimental animals were randomly divided into three groups: normal (sham), 25% ethanol, and 25% ethanol + hederagenin (50 mg/kg/day). Each group was orally administered the respective treatments once per day for 21 days. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 mRNA expression was higher and alcohol dehydrogenase mRNA expression was lower in the ethanol + hederagenin group than those in the ethanol group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase-2, significantly increased in the ethanol group, but these increases were attenuated by hederagenin. Moreover, Western blot analysis showed increased expression of the apoptosis-associated protein, Bcl-2, and decreased expression of Bax and p53 after treatment with hederagenin. Hederagenin treatment attenuated ethanol-induced increases in activated p38 MAPK and increased the levels of phosphorylated AKT and ERK. Hederagenin alleviated ethanol-induced liver damage through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. These results suggest that hederagenin is a potential candidate for preventing alcoholic liver injury. Full article

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21 pages, 2457 KiB

Open AccessReview

Marine Oil Supplements for Arthritis Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

by Ninna K. Senftleber^1,2,†, Sabrina M. Nielsen^1,2,†

, Jens R. Andersen²

, Henning Bliddal¹, Simon Tarp¹, Lotte Lauritzen², Daniel E. Furst³, Maria E. Suarez-Almazor⁴, Anne Lyddiatt⁵ and Robin Christensen^1,*

¹ Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2000 Copenhagen F, Denmark

² Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 FC Copenhagen, Denmark

³ Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

⁴ The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA

⁵ Musculoskeletal Group, Cochrane Collaboration, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010042 - 6 Jan 2017

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 31020

Abstract

Arthritis patients often take fish oil supplements to alleviate symptoms, but limited evidence exists regarding their efficacy. The objective was to evaluate whether marine oil supplements reduce pain and/or improve other clinical outcomes in patients with arthritis. Six databases were searched systematically (24 [...] Read more.

Arthritis patients often take fish oil supplements to alleviate symptoms, but limited evidence exists regarding their efficacy. The objective was to evaluate whether marine oil supplements reduce pain and/or improve other clinical outcomes in patients with arthritis. Six databases were searched systematically (24 February 2015). We included randomized trials of oral supplements of all marine oils compared with a control in arthritis patients. The internal validity was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and heterogeneity was explored using restricted maximum of likelihood (REML)-based meta-regression analysis. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to rate the overall quality of the evidence. Forty-two trials were included; 30 trials reported complete data on pain. The standardized mean difference (SMD) suggested a favorable effect (−0.24; 95% confidence interval, CI, −0.42 to −0.07; heterogeneity, I² = 63%. A significant effect was found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (22 trials; −0.21; 95% CI, −0.42 to −0.004) and other or mixed diagnoses (3 trials; −0.63; 95% CI, −1.20 to −0.06), but not in osteoarthritis patients (5 trials; −0.17; 95% CI, −0.57–0.24). The evidence for using marine oil to alleviate pain in arthritis patients was overall of low quality, but of moderate quality in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Full article

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18 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review

by Raúl Domínguez¹, Eduardo Cuenca², José Luis Maté-Muñoz¹

, Pablo García-Fernández¹, Noemí Serra-Paya², María Carmen Lozano Estevan¹

, Pablo Veiga Herreros¹ and Manuel Vicente Garnacho-Castaño^2,*

¹ College of Health Sciences, University Alfonso X El Sabio University, Madrid 29651, Spain

² Tecnocampus, College of Health Sciences, University of Pompeu Fabra, Mataró-Maresme, Barcelona 08302 Spain

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010043 - 6 Jan 2017

Cited by 161 | Viewed by 74187

Abstract

Athletes use nutritional supplementation to enhance the effects of training and achieve improvements in their athletic performance. Beetroot juice increases levels of nitric oxide (NO), which serves multiple functions related to increased blood flow, gas exchange, mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, and strengthening of [...] Read more.

Athletes use nutritional supplementation to enhance the effects of training and achieve improvements in their athletic performance. Beetroot juice increases levels of nitric oxide (NO), which serves multiple functions related to increased blood flow, gas exchange, mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, and strengthening of muscle contraction. These biomarker improvements indicate that supplementation with beetroot juice could have ergogenic effects on cardiorespiratory endurance that would benefit athletic performance. The aim of this literature review was to determine the effects of beetroot juice supplementation and the combination of beetroot juice with other supplements on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. A keyword search of DialNet, MedLine, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases covered publications from 2010 to 2016. After excluding reviews/meta-analyses, animal studies, inaccessible full-text, and studies that did not supplement with beetroot juice and adequately assess cardiorespiratory endurance, 23 articles were selected for analysis. The available results suggest that supplementation with beetroot juice can improve cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes by increasing efficiency, which improves performance at various distances, increases time to exhaustion at submaximal intensities, and may improve the cardiorespiratory performance at anaerobic threshold intensities and maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max). Although the literature shows contradictory data, the findings of other studies lead us to hypothesize that supplementing with beetroot juice could mitigate the ergolytic effects of hypoxia on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. It cannot be stated that the combination of beetroot juice with other supplements has a positive or negative effect on cardiorespiratory endurance, but it is possible that the effects of supplementation with beetroot juice can be undermined by interaction with other supplements such as caffeine. Full article

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17 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Wasting and Underweight among Children Under-Five Years in Nigeria

by Blessing J. Akombi^1,*

, Kingsley E. Agho¹

, Dafna Merom¹, John J. Hall² and Andre M. Renzaho³

¹ School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2571, Australia

² School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia

³ School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010044 - 8 Jan 2017

Cited by 94 | Viewed by 12030

Abstract

Wasting and underweight reflect poor nutrition, which in children leads to retarded growth. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with wasting and underweight among children aged 0–59 months in Nigeria. A sample of 24,529 children aged 0–59 months [...] Read more.

Wasting and underweight reflect poor nutrition, which in children leads to retarded growth. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with wasting and underweight among children aged 0–59 months in Nigeria. A sample of 24,529 children aged 0–59 months from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) was used. Multilevel logistic regression analysis that adjusted for cluster and survey weights was used to identify significant factors associated with wasting/severe wasting and underweight/severe underweight. The prevalence of wasting was 18% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 17.1, 19.7) and severe wasting 9% (95% CI: 7.9, 9.8). The prevalence of underweight was 29% (95% CI: 27.1, 30.5) and severe underweight 12% (95% CI: 10.6, 12.9). Multivariable analysis revealed that the most consistent factors associated with wasting/severe wasting and underweight/severe underweight are: geopolitical zone (North East, North West and North Central), perceived birth size (small and average), sex of child (male), place/mode of delivery (home delivery and non-caesarean) and a contraction of fever in the two weeks prior to the survey. In order to meet the WHO’s global nutrition target for 2025, interventions aimed at improving maternal health and access to health care services for children especially in the northern geopolitical zones of Nigeria are urgently needed. Full article

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12 pages, 1737 KiB

Open AccessReview

Resveratrol, Potential Therapeutic Interest in Joint Disorders: A Critical Narrative Review

by Christelle Nguyen^1,2,3,*

, Jean-François Savouret^1,2, Magdalena Widerak^1,2, Marie-Thérèse Corvol^1,2 and François Rannou^1,2,3

¹ Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris 75006, France

² INSERM UMR 1124, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Toxicologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UFR Biomédicale des Saints Pères, Paris 75006, France

³ Service de Rééducation et de Réadaptation de l’Appareil Locomoteur et des Pathologies du Rachis, Hôpitaux Universitaires-Paris Centre, Groupe Hospitalier Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75014, France

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010045 - 6 Jan 2017

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 9770

Abstract

Trans-resveratrol (t-Res) is a natural compound of a family of hydroxystilbenes found in a variety of spermatophyte plants. Because of its effects on lipids and arachidonic acid metabolisms, and its antioxidant activity, t-Res is considered as the major cardioprotective component of red wine, [...] Read more.

Trans-resveratrol (t-Res) is a natural compound of a family of hydroxystilbenes found in a variety of spermatophyte plants. Because of its effects on lipids and arachidonic acid metabolisms, and its antioxidant activity, t-Res is considered as the major cardioprotective component of red wine, leading to the “French Paradox” health concept. In the past decade, research on the effects of resveratrol on human health has developed considerably in diverse fields such as cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. In the field of rheumatic disorders, in vitro evidence suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties of t-Res in various articular cell types, including chondrocytes and synoviocytes, along with immunomodulation properties on T and B lymphocytes. In preclinical models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, resveratrol has shown joint protective effects, mainly mediated by decreased production of pro-inflammatory and pro-degradative soluble factors, and modulation of cellular and humoral responses. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed evidence supporting a potential therapeutic interest of t-Res in treating symptoms related to rheumatic disorders. Full article

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14 pages, 637 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomarkers to Monitor Gluten-Free Diet Compliance in Celiac Patients

by María De Lourdes Moreno¹, Alfonso Rodríguez-Herrera², Carolina Sousa¹ and Isabel Comino^1,*

¹ Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, c/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain

² Unidad de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Instituto Hispalense de Pediatría, 41013 Sevilla, Spain

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010046 - 6 Jan 2017

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 16091

Abstract

Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD). There is a general consensus that strict GFD adherence in CD patients leads to full clinical and histological remission accompanied by improvement in quality of life and reduced long-term complications. Despite the [...] Read more.

Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD). There is a general consensus that strict GFD adherence in CD patients leads to full clinical and histological remission accompanied by improvement in quality of life and reduced long-term complications. Despite the importance of monitoring the GFD, there are no clear guidelines for assessing the outcome or for exploring its adherence. Available methods are insufficiently accurate to identify occasional gluten exposure that may cause intestinal mucosal damage. Serological tests are highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis, but do not predict recovery and are not useful for follow-up. The use of serial endoscopies, it is invasive and impractical for frequent monitoring, and dietary interview can be subjective. Therefore, the detection of gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) in feces and urine have been proposed as new non-invasive biomarkers to detect gluten intake and verify GFD compliance in CD patients. These simple immunoassays in human samples could overcome some key unresolved scientific and clinical problems in CD management. It is a significant advance that opens up new possibilities for the clinicians to evaluate the CD treatment, GFD compliance, and improvement in the quality of life of CD patients. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The CSIRO Healthy Diet Score: An Online Survey to Estimate Compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines

by Gilly A. Hendrie^1,*, Danielle Baird¹

, Rebecca K. Golley² and Manny Noakes¹

¹ CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, P.O. Box 10041, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

² School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010047 - 9 Jan 2017

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 20205

Abstract

There are few dietary assessment tools that are scientifically developed and freely available online. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Healthy Diet Score survey asks questions about the quantity, quality, and variety of foods consumed. On completion, individuals receive a personalised [...] Read more.

There are few dietary assessment tools that are scientifically developed and freely available online. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Healthy Diet Score survey asks questions about the quantity, quality, and variety of foods consumed. On completion, individuals receive a personalised Diet Score—reflecting their overall compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Over 145,000 Australians have completed the survey since it was launched in May 2015. The average Diet Score was 58.8 out of a possible 100 (SD = 12.9). Women scored higher than men; older adults higher than younger adults; and normal weight adults higher than obese adults. It was most common to receive feedback about discretionary foods (73.8% of the sample), followed by dairy foods (55.5%) and healthy fats (47.0%). Results suggest that Australians’ diets are not consistent with the recommendations in the guidelines. The combination of using technology and providing the tool free of charge has attracted a lot of traffic to the website, providing valuable insights into what Australians’ report to be eating. The use of technology has also enhanced the user experience, with individuals receiving immediate and personalised feedback. This survey tool will be useful to monitor population diet quality and understand the degree to Australians’ diets comply with dietary guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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13 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet Quality during Infancy and Early Childhood in Children with and without Risk of Type 1 Diabetes: A DEDIPAC Study

by Stefanie Schoen¹

, Sibille Jergens^2,3,4

, Janett Barbaresko⁵, Ute Nöthlings⁵, Mathilde Kersting¹, Thomas Remer⁶, Marta Stelmach-Mardas^7,8

, Anette-G. Ziegler^2,3,4 and Sandra Hummel^2,3,4,*

¹ Research Institute of Child Nutrition, University Clinic Bochum, Bochum 44791, Germany

² Institute of Diabetes Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, and Forschergruppe Diabetes, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Neuherberg 85764, Germany

³ Forschergruppe Diabetes e.V., Neuherberg 85764, Germany

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

⁵ Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany

⁶ DONALD Study Dortmund, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, University Branch Dortmund, Dortmund 44225, Germany

⁷ Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal 14558, Germany

⁸ Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60-572, Poland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010048 - 9 Jan 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7555

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that mothers of children at increased risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may modify their child’s diet following risk notification. Our aim was to investigate the diet quality after notified of T1D risk in at-risk children compared to not-at-risk [...] Read more.

Previous studies have indicated that mothers of children at increased risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may modify their child’s diet following risk notification. Our aim was to investigate the diet quality after notified of T1D risk in at-risk children compared to not-at-risk children. The quality of nutrient intake (PANDiet score) and food intake (analyzed by a newly developed score and the HuSKY score) were assessed using three-day dietary records collected for at-risk children (BABYDIET study, n = 109) and a matched sample of not-at-risk children (DONALD study, n = 205) at nine and 24 months of age. Nutrient and food intake quality were lower at nine months of age and food intake quality was lower at 24 months of age in at-risk than in not-at-risk children (p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The amount of added sugar was higher in at-risk children at both ages (p < 0.0001). In at-risk children, dietary quality was similar between children who were first exposed to gluten at six or 12 months of age. Despite being notified about their child’s risk of T1D, the child’s mother did not switch to healthier diets compared with not-at-risk mothers. Full article

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18 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a Dish-Based Semiquantitative Food Questionnaire in Rural Bangladesh

by Pi-I. D. Lin^1,2

, Sabri Bromage³

, Md. Golam Mostofa⁴, Joseph Allen¹, Emily Oken⁵

, Molly L. Kile¹ and David C. Christiani^1,*

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

² Research Center of Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan

³ Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

⁴ Department of Environmental Research, Dhaka Community Hospital, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh

⁵ Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010049 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6678

Abstract

A locally validated tool was needed to evaluate long-term dietary intake in rural Bangladesh. We assessed the validity of a 42-item dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using two 3-day food diaries (FDs). We selected a random subset of 47 families (190 participants) [...] Read more.

A locally validated tool was needed to evaluate long-term dietary intake in rural Bangladesh. We assessed the validity of a 42-item dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using two 3-day food diaries (FDs). We selected a random subset of 47 families (190 participants) from a longitudinal arsenic biomonitoring study in Bangladesh to administer the FFQ. Two 3-day FDs were completed by the female head of the households and we used an adult male equivalent method to estimate the FD for the other participants. Food and nutrient intakes measured by FFQ and FD were compared using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation, paired t-test, percent difference, cross-classification, weighted Kappa, and Bland–Altman analysis. Results showed good validity for total energy intake (paired t-test, p < 0.05; percent difference <10%), with no presence of proportional bias (Bland–Altman correlation, p > 0.05). After energy-adjustment and de-attenuation for within-person variation, macronutrient intakes had excellent correlations ranging from 0.55 to 0.70. Validity for micronutrients was mixed. High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were found for most nutrients between the two seasons, except vitamin A. This dish-based FFQ provided adequate validity to assess and rank long-term dietary intake in rural Bangladesh for most food groups and nutrients, and should be useful for studying dietary-disease relationships. Full article

17 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Splenic Immune Response Is Down-Regulated in C57BL/6J Mice Fed Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Enriched High Fat Diet

by Nikul K. Soni^1,*

, Alastair B. Ross¹, Nathalie Scheers¹, Otto I. Savolainen¹, Intawat Nookaew^2,3, Britt G. Gabrielsson¹ and Ann-Sofie Sandberg¹

¹ Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden

² Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden

³ Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010050 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6895

Abstract

Dietary n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with reduction of inflammation, although the mechanisms are poorly understood, especially how the spleen, as a secondary lymphoid organ, is involved. To investigate the effects of EPA and DHA [...] Read more.

Dietary n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with reduction of inflammation, although the mechanisms are poorly understood, especially how the spleen, as a secondary lymphoid organ, is involved. To investigate the effects of EPA and DHA on spleen gene expression, male C57BL/6J mice were fed high fat diets (HFD) differing in fatty acid composition, either based on corn oil (HFD-CO), or CO enriched with 2 g/100 g EPA and DHA (HFD-ED), for eight weeks. Spleen tissue was analyzed using transcriptomics and for fatty acids profiling. Biological processes (BPs) related to the immune response, including T-cell receptor signaling pathway, T-cell differentiation and co-stimulation, myeloid dendritic cell differentiation, antigen presentation and processing, and the toll like receptor pathway were downregulated by HFD-ED compared with control and HFD-CO. These findings were supported by the down-regulation of NF-κB in HFD-ED compared with HFD-CO fed mice. Lower phospholipid arachidonic acid levels in HFD-ED compared with HFD-CO, and control mice suggest attenuation of pathways via prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The HFD-ED also upregulated BPs related to erythropoiesis and hematopoiesis compared with control and HFD-CO fed mice. Our findings suggest that EPA and DHA down-regulate the splenic immune response induced by HFD-CO, supporting earlier work that the spleen is a target organ for the anti-inflammatory effects of these n-3 fatty acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrigenetics)

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15 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effect of Carotenoid Supplemented Formula on Carotenoid Bioaccumulation in Tissues of Infant Rhesus Macaques: A Pilot Study Focused on Lutein

by Sookyoung Jeon¹, Martha Neuringer², Emily E. Johnson², Matthew J. Kuchan³, Suzette L. Pereira³, Elizabeth J. Johnson⁴ and John W. Erdman^1,5,*

¹ Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

² Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97239, USA

³ Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

⁴ Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA

⁵ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010051 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6812

Abstract

Lutein is the predominant carotenoid in the developing primate brain and retina, and may have important functional roles. However, its bioaccumulation pattern during early development is not understood. In this pilot study, we investigated whether carotenoid supplementation of infant formula enhanced lutein tissue [...] Read more.

Lutein is the predominant carotenoid in the developing primate brain and retina, and may have important functional roles. However, its bioaccumulation pattern during early development is not understood. In this pilot study, we investigated whether carotenoid supplementation of infant formula enhanced lutein tissue deposition in infant rhesus macaques. Monkeys were initially breastfed; from 1 to 3 months of age they were fed either a formula supplemented with lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and lycopene, or a control formula with low levels of these carotenoids, for 4 months (n = 2/group). All samples were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Final serum lutein in the supplemented group was 5 times higher than in the unsupplemented group. All brain regions examined showed a selective increase in lutein deposition in the supplemented infants. Lutein differentially accumulated across brain regions, with highest amounts in occipital cortex in both groups. β-carotene accumulated, but zeaxanthin and lycopene were undetectable in any brain region. Supplemented infants had higher lutein concentrations in peripheral retina but not in macular retina. Among adipose sites, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue exhibited the highest lutein level and was 3-fold higher in the supplemented infants. The supplemented formula enhanced carotenoid deposition in several other tissues. In rhesus infants, increased intake of carotenoids from formula enhanced their deposition in serum and numerous tissues and selectively increased lutein in multiple brain regions. Full article

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11 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Concentration Is Not Affected by Severe or Non-Severe Pneumonia, or Inflammation, in Young Children

by Johanne Haugen^1,2,*, Ram K. Chandyo³, Manjeswori Ulak⁴, Maria Mathisen⁵, Sudha Basnet⁴, Karl A. Brokstad⁶

, Palle Valentiner-Branth⁷, Prakash S. Shrestha⁴ and Tor A. Strand^1,2

¹ Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Anders Sandvigs gt. 17, 2609 Lillehammer, Norway

² Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstav. 21, 5009 Bergen, Norway

³ Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, P.O. Box 21266, Sinamangal, 44600 Kathmandu, Nepal

⁴ Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, P.O. Box 1524, 44600 Kathmandu, Nepal

⁵ University Hospital of Northern Norway, Sykehusv. 38, 9019 Tromsø, Norway

⁶ Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Dept. of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies v. 87, 5021 Bergen, Norway

⁷ Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Artilleriv 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010052 - 17 Jan 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7100

Abstract

Poor vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk and severity of respiratory tract infections. Whether or not inflammation and infection affects 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is controversial and is important in the interpretation of observational studies using plasma-25(OH)D as a [...] Read more.

Poor vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk and severity of respiratory tract infections. Whether or not inflammation and infection affects 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is controversial and is important in the interpretation of observational studies using plasma-25(OH)D as a biomarker for status. Our objectives were to measure whether 25(OH)D concentration was altered by an episode of acute lower respiratory tract infection and whether markers of inflammation predicted the 25(OH)D concentration. Children aged 2–35 months with severe (n = 43) and non-severe (n = 387) community-acquired, WHO-defined pneumonia were included. 25(OH)D concentration and inflammatory markers (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) were measured in plasma during the acute phase and 14, 45, and 90 days later. Predictors for 25(OH)D concentrations were identified in multiple linear regression models. Mean 25(OH)D concentration during the acute phase and after recovery (14, 45, and 90 days) was 84.4 nmol/L ± 33.6, and 80.6 ± 35.4, respectively. None of the inflammatory markers predicted 25(OH)D concentration in the multiple regression models. Age was the most important predictor for 25(OH)D concentration, and there were no differences in 25(OH)D concentrations during illness and after 14, 45, and 90 days when adjusting for age. Infection and inflammation did not alter the 25(OH)D concentration in young children with acute lower respiratory tract infections. Full article

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

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14 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

B-Vitamin Intake and Biomarker Status in Relation to Cognitive Decline in Healthy Older Adults in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study

by Catherine F. Hughes^1,*, Mary Ward¹

, Fergal Tracey², Leane Hoey¹, Anne M. Molloy³

, Kristina Pentieva¹

and Helene McNulty¹

¹ Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK

² Causeway Hospital, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Coleraine BT52 1HS, Northern Ireland, UK

³ School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010053 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 23974

Abstract

Advancing age can be associated with an increase in cognitive dysfunction, a spectrum of disability that ranges in severity from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Folate and the other B-vitamins involved in one-carbon metabolism are associated with cognition in ageing but the evidence [...] Read more.

Advancing age can be associated with an increase in cognitive dysfunction, a spectrum of disability that ranges in severity from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Folate and the other B-vitamins involved in one-carbon metabolism are associated with cognition in ageing but the evidence is not entirely clear. The hypothesis addressed in this study was that lower dietary intake or biomarker status of folate and/or the metabolically related B-vitamins would be associated with a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline over a 4-year follow-up period in healthy older adults. Participants (aged 60–88 years; n = 155) who had been previously screened for cognitive function were reassessed four years after initial investigation using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). At the 4-year follow-up assessment when participants were aged 73.4 ± 7.1 years, mean cognitive MMSE scores had declined from 29.1 ± 1.3 at baseline to 27.5 ± 2.4 (p < 0.001), but some 27% of participants showed a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline (i.e., decrease in MMSE > 0.56 points per year). Lower vitamin B6 status, as measured using pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP; <43 nmol/L) was associated with a 3.5 times higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline, after adjustment for age and baseline MMSE score (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.58 to 7.63; p < 0.05). Correspondingly, lower dietary intake (0.9–1.4 mg/day) of vitamin B6 was also associated with a greater rate of cognitive decline (OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.28–13.90; p < 0.05). No significant relationships of dietary intake or biomarker status with cognitive decline were observed for the other B-vitamins. In conclusion, lower dietary and biomarker status of vitamin B6 at baseline predicted a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline over a 4-year period in healthy older adults. Vitamin B6 may be an important protective factor in helping maintain cognitive health in ageing. Full article

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

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11 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Improved the Cognitive Function in the Chinese Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

by Yacong Bo^1,†, Xueyuan Zhang^1,†, Youli Wang², Jie You¹, Han Cui¹, Yiwei Zhu¹, Wei Pang³, Wei Liu³, Yugang Jiang^3,* and Quanjun Lu^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China

² The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of China Pingmei Shenma Group, Pingdingshan 467000, China

³ Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environment Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010054 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 99 | Viewed by 13369

Abstract

Objective: Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may protect against mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is still a lack of the n-3 PUFAs intervention in the elderly with MCI in China. The aim of the present [...] Read more.

Objective: Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may protect against mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is still a lack of the n-3 PUFAs intervention in the elderly with MCI in China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive function in the Chinese elderly with MCI. Methods: Eighty six MCI individuals aged 60 years or older were randomly assigned to receive either n-3 PUFAs (480 mg DHA and 720 mg EPA per day, n = 44) or placebo (olive oil, n = 42) capsules. The changes of cognitive functions were assessed using Basic Cognitive Aptitude Tests (BCAT). Results: The mean age of participants was 71 years old, and 59% of the participants were men. n-3 PUFA supplementation was associated with improved total BCAT scores, perceptual speed, space imagery efficiency, and working memory (p < 0.01), but not with mental arithmetic efficiency or recognition memory (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis by sex showed that n-3 PUFAs significantly improved perceptual speed (p = 0.001), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.013), working memory (p = 0.018), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.000) in males. However, in females, the significant beneficial effects can only be observed in perceptual speed (p = 0.027), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.006), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.015)—not working memory (p = 0.113). Conclusion: n-3 PUFAs can improve cognitive function in people with MCI. Further studies with different fish oil dosages, longer intervention periods, and larger sample sizes should be investigated before definite recommendations can be made. Full article

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14 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A High Rate of Non-Compliance Confounds the Study of Whole Grains and Weight Maintenance in a Randomised Intervention Trial—The Case for Greater Use of Dietary Biomarkers in Nutrition Intervention Studies

by Mette Kristensen¹, Xavier Pelletier², Alastair B. Ross^3,4,* and Frank Thielecke^5,6

¹ Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK2200, Denmark

² Optimed Clinical Research, Gieres 38610, France

³ Nestlé Research Center, Vers chez les Blanc, Lausanne 1800, Switzerland

⁴ Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden

⁵ Cereal Partners Worldwide, Orbe 1350, Switzerland

⁶ T2 Goodness Ltd., Allschwil 4123, Switzerland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010055 - 11 Jan 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6646

Abstract

Observational studies consistently find an inverse relationship between whole-grain intake and weight gain. We aimed to confirm this in an open-label researcher-blinded parallel design randomised trial. A total of 179 overweight/obese women with a habitually low whole-grain intake (<16 g/day) were randomised to [...] Read more.

Observational studies consistently find an inverse relationship between whole-grain intake and weight gain. We aimed to confirm this in an open-label researcher-blinded parallel design randomised trial. A total of 179 overweight/obese women with a habitually low whole-grain intake (<16 g/day) were randomised to a weight maintenance diet with refined-grain (RG) or whole-grain (WG) foods (80 g/day) for 12 weeks after an initial weight loss program over 8 weeks. Body weight and composition was assessed at baseline, after the initial weight loss, and after the 12-week dietary intervention. During the 12-week dietary intervention phase, there were no group differences in changes in body weight and total fat mass %, whereas abdominal fat mass tended to increase more during the dietary intervention phase in the WG compared to the RG group (0.7 (SD 3.6) vs. −0.3 (SD 3.8) %; p = 0.052). Plasma alkylresorcinol concentrations, biomarkers of wholegrain wheat and rye intake, indicated poor compliance, particularly in the WG group, where >60% of participants had alkylresorcinol concentrations below 70 nmol/L, a concentration indicating low or no intake of whole-grain wheat. Further, weight regain was lower than expected in both intervention groups, further supporting a lack of compliance to the post-weight-loss diet. The rate of compliance was too low to conclude any effect of whole grain on weight maintenance, and reinforces the need to use objective measures of compliance in nutrition intervention studies. Full article

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9 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coffee Intake Is Associated with a Lower Liver Stiffness in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B

by Alexander Hodge^1,2,*, Sarah Lim³, Evan Goh³

, Ophelia Wong³

, Philip Marsh³, Virginia Knight¹, William Sievert^1,2 and Barbora De Courten⁴

¹ Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne 3168, Australia

² Centre for Inflammatory Disease, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia

³ School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia

⁴ Monash Centre for Health, Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010056 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 10381

Abstract

There is emerging evidence for the positive effects or benefits of coffee in patients with liver disease. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to determine [...] Read more.

There is emerging evidence for the positive effects or benefits of coffee in patients with liver disease. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to determine the effects of coffee intake on a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis: liver stiffness assessed by transient elastography (TE). We assessed coffee and tea intake and measured TE in 1018 patients with NAFLD, HCV, and HBV (155 with NAFLD, 378 with HCV and 485 with HBV). Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed taking into account potential confounders. Liver stiffness was higher in males compared to females (p < 0.05). Patients with HBV had lower liver stiffness than those with HCV and NAFLD. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, M or XL probe, and disease state (NAFLD, HCV, and HBV status), those who drank 2 or more cups of coffee per day had a lower liver stiffness (p = 0.044). Tea consumption had no effect (p = 0.9). Coffee consumption decreases liver stiffness, which may indicate less fibrosis and inflammation, independent of disease state. This study adds further evidence to the notion of coffee maybe beneficial in patients with liver disease. Full article

11 pages, 1121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soluble Fibre Meal Challenge Reduces Airway Inflammation and Expression of GPR43 and GPR41 in Asthma

by Isabel Halnes¹, Katherine J. Baines¹, Bronwyn S. Berthon¹

, Lesley K. MacDonald-Wicks², Peter G. Gibson¹ and Lisa G. Wood^1,*

¹ Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

² School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2305, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010057 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 142 | Viewed by 10785

Abstract

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced following the fermentation of soluble fibre by gut bacteria. In animal models, both dietary fibre and SCFAs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via the activation of free fatty acid receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptor 41 and [...] Read more.

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced following the fermentation of soluble fibre by gut bacteria. In animal models, both dietary fibre and SCFAs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via the activation of free fatty acid receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptor 41 and 43 (GPR41 and GPR43). This pilot study examined the acute effect of a single dose of soluble fibre on airway inflammation—including changes in gene expression of free fatty acid receptors—in asthma. Adults with stable asthma consumed a soluble fibre meal (n = 17) containing 3.5 g inulin and probiotics, or a control meal (n = 12) of simple carbohydrates. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) was measured and induced sputum was collected at 0 and 4 h for differential cell counts, measurement of interleukin-8 (IL-8) protein concentration, and GPR41 and GPR43 gene expression. At 4 h after meal consumption, airway inflammation biomarkers, including sputum total cell count, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, sputum IL-8, and eNO significantly decreased compared to baseline in the soluble fibre group only. This corresponded with upregulated GPR41 and GPR43 sputum gene expression and improved lung function in the soluble fibre group alone. Soluble fibre has acute anti-inflammatory effects in asthmatic airways. Long-term effects of soluble fibre as an anti-inflammatory therapy in asthma warrants further investigation. Full article

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

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2 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Jessri, M.; et al. Assessing the Nutritional Quality of Diets of Canadian Adults Using the 2014 Health Canada Surveillance Tool Tier System. Nutrients 2015, 7, 5543

by Mahsa Jessri¹

, Stephanie K. Nishi^2,3 and Mary R. L’Abbé^3,*

¹ Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 150 College St., Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada

² Clinical Nutrition & Risk Factor Modification Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada

³ Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 150 College St., Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010058 - 12 Jan 2017

Viewed by 3784

Abstract

Due to a mistake in the publication process, “NS” symbols are missing from Figure 3 from this article [1].[...] Full article

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11 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethical Challenges in Infant Feeding Research

by Colin Binns^1,*

, Mi Kyung Lee²

and Masaharu Kagawa³

¹ John Curtin Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia

² Department, School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia

³ Institute of Nutrition Sciences, Kagawa Nutrition University, Saitama 350-0214, Japan

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010059 - 11 Jan 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8427

Abstract

Infants have a complex set of nutrient requirements to meet the demands of their high metabolic rate, growth, and immunological and cognitive development. Infant nutrition lays the foundation for health throughout life. While infant feeding research is essential, it must be conducted to [...] Read more.

Infants have a complex set of nutrient requirements to meet the demands of their high metabolic rate, growth, and immunological and cognitive development. Infant nutrition lays the foundation for health throughout life. While infant feeding research is essential, it must be conducted to the highest ethical standards. The objective of this paper is to discuss the implications of developments in infant nutrition for the ethics of infant feeding research and the implications for obtaining informed consent. A search was undertaken of the papers in the medical literature using the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Proquest, and CINAHL databases. From a total of 9303 papers identified, the full text of 87 articles that contained discussion of issues in consent in infant feeding trials were obtained and read and after further screening 42 papers were included in the results and discussion. Recent developments in infant nutrition of significance to ethics assessment include the improved survival of low birth weight infants, increasing evidence of the value of breastfeeding and evidence of the lifelong importance of infant feeding and development in the first 1000 days of life in chronic disease epidemiology. Informed consent is a difficult issue, but should always include information on the value of preserving breastfeeding options. Project monitoring should be cognisant of the long term implications of growth rates and early life nutrition. Full article

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

18 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Nutrients in 2016

by Nutrients Editorial Office

MDPI AG, St. Alban-Anlage 66, 4052 Basel, Switzerland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010060 - 12 Jan 2017

Viewed by 5660

Abstract

The editors of Nutrients would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...] Full article

15 pages, 479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Sustainability of the Mediterranean Diet Combined with Organic Food Consumption: An Individual Behaviour Approach

by Louise Seconda^1,*, Julia Baudry¹, Benjamin Allès¹

, Oualid Hamza², Christine Boizot-Szantai², Louis-Georges Soler², Pilar Galan¹, Serge Hercberg^1,3

, Denis Lairon⁴ and Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot¹

¹ Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (EREN), Université Paris 13, Inserm (U1153), Inra (U1125), Centre d’Epidémiologie et Statistiques Paris Cité, Cnam, COMUE Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, 93017 Bobigny, France

² INRA Aliss UR 1303, 94200 Ivry sur Seine, France

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

⁴ Nutrition, Obésité et Risque Thrombotique (NORT), Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, UMR S 1062, INRA 1260, 13005 Marseille, France

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010061 - 12 Jan 2017

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 9989

Abstract

Mediterranean diets are promising sustainable food models and the organic food system may provide health and environmental benefits. Combining the two models could therefore be a favourable approach for food sustainability. The aim of this study was to draw up a comparative description [...] Read more.

Mediterranean diets are promising sustainable food models and the organic food system may provide health and environmental benefits. Combining the two models could therefore be a favourable approach for food sustainability. The aim of this study was to draw up a comparative description of four diets differing in the level of organic foods consumption and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, using multidisciplinary indicators to assess the sustainability of these diets. Four groups of participants were defined and compared, combining the proportion of organic food in their diet (Org versus Conv) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Med versus NoMed). Conv–NoMed: Conventional consumers and non-Mediterranean diet followers; Conv–Med: Conventional consumers and Mediterranean diet followers; Org–NoMed: Organic consumers and non-Mediterranean diet followers; Org–Med: Organic consumers and Mediterranean diet followers. The adherence to nutritional recommendations was higher among the Org–Med and Conv–Med groups compared to the Conv–NoMed group (using the mPNNS-GS (modified-Programme National nutrition santé guidelines score/13.5 points): 9.29 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 9.23–9.36) and 9.30 (95% CI = 9.24–9.35) versus 8.19 (95% CI = 8.17–8.22)) respectively. The mean plant/animal protein intake ratio was 1.38 (95% CI = 1.01–1.74) for the Org–Med group versus 0.44 (95% CI = 0.28–0.60) for the Conv–NoMed group. The average cost of the diet of Org–Med participants was the highest: 11.43 €/day (95% CI = 11.34–11.52). This study highlighted the importance of promoting the Mediterranean diet combined with organic food consumption for individual health and environmental aspects but challenges with regard to the cost remain. Full article

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11 pages, 795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Malaysian Young Adults Report Dietary Intake Using a Food Diary Mobile Application? A Pilot Study on Acceptability and Compliance

by Yoke San Chen¹, Jyh Eiin Wong^1,*

, Ainaa Fatehah Ayob¹, Nor Effendy Othman² and Bee Koon Poh¹

¹ Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

² Research Center for Software Technology and Management, Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010062 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9364

Abstract

Mobile applications may improve dietary reporting among young adults due to their high accessibility and embedded camera function. This pilot study aimed to (i) evaluate users’ acceptability and compliance in reporting dietary intake using a newly developed food diary mobile application (food app); [...] Read more.

Mobile applications may improve dietary reporting among young adults due to their high accessibility and embedded camera function. This pilot study aimed to (i) evaluate users’ acceptability and compliance in reporting dietary intake using a newly developed food diary mobile application (food app); and (ii) identify issues and recommendations for improving dietary assessment using this food app via quantitative and qualitative protocols. Twenty-eight university students each used a food app for seven consecutive days and attended one of five focus group interviews. A 42% decrement in reporting compliance was observed throughout the seven-day recording period. An average of 5.9 recording days were reported and 4.8 occasions of meal data were uploaded each day. Based on questionnaires, high levels of agreement were reported in terms of perceived usefulness (69.3%), perceived ease of use (77.1%), attitude (73.6%), perceived enjoyment (62.6%), and smartphone experience (91.1%), but such agreement was not reported for intention to use (38.1%) and social influence (33.4%). Four major themes emerged from the focus group interviews, namely, (i) features; (ii) potential use; (iii) utility issues of the food app; and (iv) suggestions for improvements. While the food app was well-accepted by most of the young adults, the current prototype would benefit from incorporation of a barcode scanning function, customizable reminders, in-app tutorial, an entertainment component, and enhancement in overall appearance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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12 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cheese Consumption and Risk of All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

by Xing Tong¹, Guo-Chong Chen¹, Zheng Zhang¹, Yu-Lu Wei¹, Jia-Ying Xu^2,* and Li-Qiang Qin^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China

² Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010063 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 29908

Abstract

The association between cheese consumption and risk for major health endpoints has been investigated in many epidemiologic studies, but findings are inconsistent. As all-cause mortality can be viewed as the final net health effect of dietary intakes, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine [...] Read more.

The association between cheese consumption and risk for major health endpoints has been investigated in many epidemiologic studies, but findings are inconsistent. As all-cause mortality can be viewed as the final net health effect of dietary intakes, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the long-term association of cheese consumption with all-cause mortality. Relevant studies were identified by a search of the PubMed database through May 2016. Reference lists from retrieved articles were also reviewed. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Pre-specified stratified and dose-response analyses were also performed. The final analysis included nine prospective cohort studies involving 21,365 deaths. The summary RR of all-cause mortality for the highest compared with the lowest cheese consumption was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.06), and little evidence of heterogeneity was observed. The association between cheese consumption and risk of all-cause mortality did not significantly differ by study location, sex, age, number of events, study quality score or baseline diseases excluded. There was no dose-response relationship between cheese consumption and risk of all-cause mortality (RR per 43 g/day = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99–1.07). No significant publication bias was observed. Our findings suggest that long-term cheese consumption was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Full article

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9 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preventive Effects of Drinking Hydrogen-Rich Water on Gingival Oxidative Stress and Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

by Toshiki Yoneda¹, Takaaki Tomofuji^1,2, Muneyoshi Kunitomo¹, Daisuke Ekuni^1,*

, Koichiro Irie¹, Tetsuji Azuma¹, Tatsuya Machida¹, Hisataka Miyai¹, Kouhei Fujimori¹ and Manabu Morita¹

¹ Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan

² Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010064 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8889

Abstract

Obesity induces gingival oxidative stress, which is involved in the progression of alveolar bone resorption. The antioxidant effect of hydrogen-rich water may attenuate gingival oxidative stress and prevent alveolar bone resorption in cases of obesity. We examined whether hydrogen-rich water could suppress gingival [...] Read more.

Obesity induces gingival oxidative stress, which is involved in the progression of alveolar bone resorption. The antioxidant effect of hydrogen-rich water may attenuate gingival oxidative stress and prevent alveolar bone resorption in cases of obesity. We examined whether hydrogen-rich water could suppress gingival oxidative stress and alveolar bone resorption in obese rats fed a high-fat diet. Male Fischer 344 rats (n = 18) were divided into three groups of six rats each: a control group (fed a regular diet and drinking distilled water) and two experimental groups (fed a high-fat diet and drinking distilled water or hydrogen-rich water). The level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine was determined to evaluate oxidative stress. The bone mineral density of the alveolar bone was analyzed by micro-computerized tomography. Obese rats, induced by a high-fat diet, showed a higher gingival level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and a lower level of alveolar bone density compared to the control group. Drinking hydrogen-rich water suppressed body weight gain, lowered gingival level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and reduced alveolar bone resorption in rats on a high-fat diet. The results indicate that hydrogen-rich water could suppress gingival oxidative stress and alveolar bone resorption by limiting obesity. Full article

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

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10 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensory Acceptability of Infant Cereals with Whole Grain in Infants and Young Children

by Juan Francisco Haro-Vicente¹, Maria Jose Bernal-Cava^1,*, Amparo Lopez-Fernandez², Gaspar Ros-Berruezo²

, Stefan Bodenstab³ and Luis Manuel Sanchez-Siles³

¹ Department of Research and Development, Hero Group, Alcantarilla, Murcia 30820, Spain

² Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Espinardo, Murcia 30071, Spain

³ Department of Research and Development, Hero Group, Lenzburg 5600, Switzerland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010065 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8945

Abstract

In many countries, infant cereals are one of the first foods introduced during the complementary feeding stage. These cereals are usually made with refined cereal flours, even though several health benefits have been linked to the intake of whole grain cereals. Prior evidence [...] Read more.

In many countries, infant cereals are one of the first foods introduced during the complementary feeding stage. These cereals are usually made with refined cereal flours, even though several health benefits have been linked to the intake of whole grain cereals. Prior evidence suggests that food preferences are developed at early stages of life, and may persist in later childhood and adulthood. Our aim was to test whether an infant cereal with 30% of whole grain was similarly accepted both by parents and infants in comparison to a similar cereal made from refined flour. A total of 81 infants between 4 and 24 months old were included in the study. Parent-infant pairs participated in an 8-day experimental study. Acceptance was rated on hedonic scales (4-points for infants and 7-points for parents). Other attributes like color, smell, and taste were evaluated by the parents. Acceptability for infant cereals with whole grain and refined cereals was very similar both for infants (2.30 ± 0.12 and 2.32 ± 0.11, p = 0.606) and parents (6.1 ± 0.8 and 6.0 ± 0.9, p = 0.494). Therefore, our findings show that there is an opportunity to introduce whole grain cereals to infants, including those who are already used to consuming refined infant cereals, thereby accelerating the exposure of whole grain in early life. Full article

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

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9 pages, 390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of an Online Food Frequency Questionnaire against Doubly Labelled Water and 24 h Dietary Recalls in Pre-School Children

by Christine Delisle Nyström^1,*

, Hanna Henriksson², Christina Alexandrou¹, Anna Bergström³, Stephanie Bonn⁴, Katarina Bälter⁴ and Marie Löf¹

¹ Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden

² PROFITH “Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain

³ Department of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden

⁴ Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010066 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8801

Abstract

The development of easy-to-use and accurate methods to assess the intake of energy, foods and nutrients in pre-school children is needed. KidMeal-Q is an online food frequency questionnaire developed for the LifeGene prospective cohort study in Sweden. The aims of this study were [...] Read more.

The development of easy-to-use and accurate methods to assess the intake of energy, foods and nutrients in pre-school children is needed. KidMeal-Q is an online food frequency questionnaire developed for the LifeGene prospective cohort study in Sweden. The aims of this study were to compare: (i) energy intake (EI) obtained using KidMeal-Q to total energy expenditure (TEE) measured via doubly labelled water and (ii) the intake of certain foods measured using KidMeal-Q to intakes acquired by means of 24 h dietary recalls in 38 children aged 5.5 years. The mean EI calculated using KidMeal-Q was statistically different (p < 0.001) from TEE (4670 ± 1430 kJ/24 h and 6070 ± 690 kJ/24 h, respectively). Significant correlations were observed for vegetables, fruit juice and candy between KidMeal-Q and 24 h dietary recalls. Only sweetened beverage consumption was significantly different in mean intake (p < 0.001), as measured by KidMeal-Q and 24 h dietary recalls. In conclusion, KidMeal-Q had a relatively short answering time and comparative validity to other food frequency questionnaires. However, its accuracy needs to be improved before it can be used in studies in pre-school children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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10 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adding Salt to Meals as a Risk Factor of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case–Control Study

by Lina Radzeviciene^* and Rytas Ostrauskas

Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 2, 50009 Kaunas, Lithuania

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010067 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 7391

Abstract

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is thought to arise from the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. It is important to identify modifiable risk factors that may help to reduce the risk of diabetes. Data on salt intake and the risk [...] Read more.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is thought to arise from the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. It is important to identify modifiable risk factors that may help to reduce the risk of diabetes. Data on salt intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between adding salt to prepared meals and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a case–control study, we included 234 cases, all of whom were patients aged 35–86 years with a newly confirmed diagnosis of T2DM, and 468 controls that were free of the disease. Cases and controls (ratio 1:2) were matched by gender and age (±5 years). A questionnaire was used to collect information on possible risk factors for diabetes. Adding salt to prepared meals was assessed according to: Never, when there was not enough, or almost every time without tasting. The odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for type 2 diabetes was calculated using a conditional logistic regression. Results: The cases had a higher body mass index and a significantly lower education level compared to the controls. Variables such as waist circumference, body mass index, eating speed, smoking, family history of diabetes, arterial hypertension, plasma triglycerides, educational level, occupational status, morning exercise, marital status, daily urine sodium excretion, and daily energy intake were retained in the models as confounders. After adjusting for possible confounders, an approximately two-fold increased risk of type 2 diabetes was determined in subjects who add salt to prepared meals when “it is not enough” or “almost every time without tasting” (1.82; 95% CI 1.19–2.78; p = 0.006) compared with never adding salt. Conclusion: Presented data suggest the possible relationship between additional adding of salt to prepared meals and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Full article

15 pages, 2040 KiB

Open AccessReview

Retinoic Acid and Its Role in Modulating Intestinal Innate Immunity

by Paulo Czarnewski, Srustidhar Das, Sara M. Parigi and Eduardo J. Villablanca^*

Immunology and Allergy Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm 171-76, Sweden

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010068 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 76 | Viewed by 14511

Abstract

Vitamin A (VA) is amongst the most well characterized food-derived nutrients with diverse immune modulatory roles. Deficiency in dietary VA has not only been associated with immune dysfunctions in the gut, but also with several systemic immune disorders. In particular, VA metabolite all-trans [...] Read more.

Vitamin A (VA) is amongst the most well characterized food-derived nutrients with diverse immune modulatory roles. Deficiency in dietary VA has not only been associated with immune dysfunctions in the gut, but also with several systemic immune disorders. In particular, VA metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) has been shown to be crucial in inducing gut tropism in lymphocytes and modulating T helper differentiation. In addition to the widely recognized role in adaptive immunity, increasing evidence identifies atRA as an important modulator of innate immune cells, such as tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Here, we focus on the role of retinoic acid in differentiation, trafficking and the functions of innate immune cells in health and inflammation associated disorders. Lastly, we discuss the potential involvement of atRA during the plausible crosstalk between DCs and ILCs. Full article

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

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14 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Very Low-Protein Diet (VLPD) Reduces Metabolic Acidosis in Subjects with Chronic Kidney Disease: The “Nutritional Light Signal” of the Renal Acid Load

by Biagio Raffaele Di Iorio^1,*

, Lucia Di Micco¹, Stefania Marzocco²

, Emanuele De Simone³, Antonietta De Blasio¹, Maria Luisa Sirico¹, Luca Nardone¹ and On behalf of UBI Study Group^†

¹ UOC di Nefrologia, A. Landolfi Hospital, Via Melito SNC, I-83029 Solofra, Avellino, Italy

² Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, I-84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy

³ UOC di Nefrologia, AORN San Giuseppe Moscati, I-83100 Avellino, Italy

^† Aucella Filippo Piemontese Matteo, Grifa Rachele, SC di Nefrologia e Dialisi, IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy; Guastaferro Pasquale, Nefrologia, Ospedale di Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi (Avellino), Italy; Vitale Fabio, Romano Giuseppina, Cozza Vincenzo, Nefrologia, Ospedale di Ariano Irpino (Avellino), Italy; Santoro Domenico, Annamaria Bruzzese, Francesca Montuori, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010069 - 17 Jan 2017

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 12887

Abstract

Background: Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of chronic kidney disease; current guidelines recommend treatment with alkali if bicarbonate levels are lower than 22 mMol/L. In fact, recent studies have shown that an early administration of alkali reduces progression of CKD. The aim [...] Read more.

Background: Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of chronic kidney disease; current guidelines recommend treatment with alkali if bicarbonate levels are lower than 22 mMol/L. In fact, recent studies have shown that an early administration of alkali reduces progression of CKD. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of fruit and vegetables to reduce the acid load in CKD. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in 146 patients who received sodium bicarbonate. Of these, 54 patients assumed very low-protein diet (VLPD) and 92 were controls (ratio 1:2). We calculated every three months the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and the net endogenous acid production (NEAP), inversely correlated with serum bicarbonate levels and representing the non-volatile acid load derived from nutrition. Un-paired T-test and Chi-square test were used to assess differences between study groups at baseline and study completion. Two-tailed probability values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: At baseline, there were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), protein and phosphate intake, urinary sodium, potassium, phosphate and urea nitrogen, NEAP, and PRAL. VLPD patients showed at 6 and 12 months a significant reduction of SBP (p < 0.0001), DBP (p < 0.001), plasma urea (p < 0.0001) protein intake (p < 0.0001), calcemia (p < 0.0001), phosphatemia (p < 0.0001), phosphate intake (p < 0.0001), urinary sodium (p < 0.0001), urinary potassium (p < 0.002), and urinary phosphate (p < 0.0001). NEAP and PRAL were significantly reduced in VLPD during follow-up. Conclusion: VLPD reduces intake of acids; nutritional therapy of CKD, that has always taken into consideration a lower protein, salt, and phosphate intake, should be adopted to correct metabolic acidosis, an important target in the treatment of CKD patients. We provide useful indications regarding acid load of food and drinks—the “acid load dietary traffic light”. Full article

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

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18 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytomedicine in Joint Disorders

by Dorin Dragos^1,2, Marilena Gilca³, Laura Gaman³, Adelina Vlad⁴, Liviu Iosif⁵, Irina Stoian^3,5,* and Olivera Lupescu^6,7

¹ Medical Semiology Department, Faculty of General Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, B-dul “Eroilor Sanitari” nr. 8, Sector 6, 76241 Bucharest, Romania

² Nephrology Clinic, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania

³ Biochemistry Department, Faculty of General Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, B-dul “Eroilor Sanitari” nr. 8, Sector 6, 76241 Bucharest, Romania

⁴ Physiology Department, Faculty of General Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, B-dul “Eroilor Sanitari” nr. 8, Sector 6, 76241 Bucharest, Romania

⁵ R&D IRIST LABMED SRL, Str. Miraslau, nr. 24, Sector 3, 031235 Bucharest, Romania

⁶ Orthopaedic and Trauma Clinic 2, Faculty of General Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020022 Bucharest, Romania

⁷ Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010070 - 16 Jan 2017

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 26921

Abstract

Chronic joint inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have in common an upsurge of inflammation, and oxidative stress, resulting in progressive histological alterations and disabling symptoms. Currently used conventional medication (ranging from pain-killers to biological agents) is potent, but frequently associated [...] Read more.

Chronic joint inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have in common an upsurge of inflammation, and oxidative stress, resulting in progressive histological alterations and disabling symptoms. Currently used conventional medication (ranging from pain-killers to biological agents) is potent, but frequently associated with serious, even life-threatening side effects. Used for millennia in traditional herbalism, medicinal plants are a promising alternative, with lower rate of adverse events and efficiency frequently comparable with that of conventional drugs. Nevertheless, their mechanism of action is in many cases elusive and/or uncertain. Even though many of them have been proven effective in studies done in vitro or on animal models, there is a scarcity of human clinical evidence. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available scientific information on the following joint-friendly medicinal plants, which have been tested in human studies: Arnica montana, Boswellia spp., Curcuma spp., Equisetum arvense, Harpagophytum procumbens, Salix spp., Sesamum indicum, Symphytum officinalis, Zingiber officinalis, Panax notoginseng, and Whitania somnifera. Full article

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

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17 pages, 5362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analyses of the Effects of Dietary Platycodon grandiflorum on Liver and Serum of Obese Mice under a High-Fat Diet

by Hye Min Park^1,†, Kab-Tae Park^2,†, Edmond Changkyun Park^3,4, Seung II Kim^3,4, Myung Sook Choi⁵, Kwang-Hyeon Liu^2,* and Choong Hwan Lee^1,*

¹ Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea

² BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Based Creative Drug Research Team, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea

³ Division of Life Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Korea

⁴ Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea

⁵ Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010071 - 17 Jan 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7782

Abstract

We aimed to identify metabolites involved in the anti-obesity effects of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice using mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomic techniques. C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: normal diet (ND)-fed mice, HFD-fed mice, HFD with 1% PG extract-fed [...] Read more.

We aimed to identify metabolites involved in the anti-obesity effects of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice using mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomic techniques. C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: normal diet (ND)-fed mice, HFD-fed mice, HFD with 1% PG extract-fed mice (HPGL), and HFD with 5% PG extract-fed mice (HPGH). After 8 weeks, the HFD group gained more weight than the ND group, while dietary 5% PG extract attenuated this change. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots showed a clear distinction between experimental groups in serum and liver markers. We also identified 10 and 32 metabolites in the serum and liver, respectively, as potential biomarkers that could explain the effect of high-dose PG added to HFD-fed mice, which were strongly involved in amino acid metabolism (glycine, serine, threonine, methionine, glutamate, phenylalanine, ornithine, lysine, and tyrosine), TCA cycle (fumarate and succinate), lipid metabolism (linoleic and oleic acid methyl esters, oleamide, and cholesterol), purine/pyrimidine metabolism (uracil and hypoxanthine), carbohydrate metabolism (maltose), and glycerophospholipid metabolism (phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, lysophosphatidylcholines, and lysophosphatidylethanolamines). We suggest that further studies on these metabolites could help us gain a better understanding of both HFD-induced obesity and the effects of PG. Full article

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9 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and No Folate Deficiency in Young Children in Nepal

by Bernadette N. Ng’eno^1,2, Cria G. Perrine², Ralph D. Whitehead², Giri Raj Subedi³, Saba Mebrahtu⁴, Pradiumna Dahal⁴ and Maria Elena D. Jefferds^2,*

¹ Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA

² Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity & Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770, Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA 30341, USA

³ Child Health Division, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

⁴ Nutrition Section, UNICEF, UN House, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, P.O. Box 1187, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010072 - 17 Jan 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7262

Abstract

Many children in low- and middle-income countries may have inadequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate; data confirming these inadequacies are limited. We used biochemical, demographic, behavioral and anthropometric data to describe the folate and vitamin B12 concentrations among six- to 23-month-old Nepalese [...] Read more.

Many children in low- and middle-income countries may have inadequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate; data confirming these inadequacies are limited. We used biochemical, demographic, behavioral and anthropometric data to describe the folate and vitamin B12 concentrations among six- to 23-month-old Nepalese children. Vitamin B12 (serum B12 < 150 pmol/L) and folate deficiencies (red blood cell (RBC) folate < 226.5 nmol/L) were assessed. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of vitamin B12 deficiency. The vitamin B12 geometric mean was 186 pmol/L; 30.2% of children were deficient. The mean RBC folate concentration was 13,612 nmol/L; there was no deficiency. Factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency included: (a) age six to 11 months (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 1.92) or 12–17 months (aOR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.72) compared to 18–23 months; (b) being stunted (aOR 1.24; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.50) compared to not being stunted; (c) and not eating animal-source foods (aOR 1.85; 95% CI: 1.42, 2.41) compared to eating animal-source foods the previous day. There was a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, but no folate deficiency. Improving early feeding practices, including the consumption of rich sources of vitamin B12, such as animal-source foods and fortified foods, may help decrease deficiency. Full article

17 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Validation of a Smartphone Image-Based Dietary Assessment Method for Pregnant Women

by Amy M. Ashman^1,2,3

, Clare E. Collins^1,2

, Leanne J. Brown⁴

, Kym M. Rae^3,4,5 and Megan E. Rollo^1,2,*

¹ School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan 2308, New South Wales, Australia

² Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan 2308, New South Wales, Australia

³ Gomeroi gaaynggal Centre, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, 2/1 Hinkler Street, Tamworth 2340, New South Wales, Australia

⁴ Department of Rural Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, 114-148 Johnston Street, Tamworth 2340, New South Wales, Australia

⁵ Priority Research Centre in Reproduction, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan 2308, New South Wales, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010073 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 10850

Abstract

Image-based dietary records could lower participant burden associated with traditional prospective methods of dietary assessment. They have been used in children, adolescents and adults, but have not been evaluated in pregnant women. The current study evaluated relative validity of the DietBytes image-based dietary [...] Read more.

Image-based dietary records could lower participant burden associated with traditional prospective methods of dietary assessment. They have been used in children, adolescents and adults, but have not been evaluated in pregnant women. The current study evaluated relative validity of the DietBytes image-based dietary assessment method for assessing energy and nutrient intakes. Pregnant women collected image-based dietary records (via a smartphone application) of all food, drinks and supplements consumed over three non-consecutive days. Intakes from the image-based method were compared to intakes collected from three 24-h recalls, taken on random days; once per week, in the weeks following the image-based record. Data were analyzed using nutrient analysis software. Agreement between methods was ascertained using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Twenty-five women (27 recruited, one withdrew, one incomplete), median age 29 years, 15 primiparas, eight Aboriginal Australians, completed image-based records for analysis. Significant correlations between the two methods were observed for energy, macronutrients and fiber (r = 0.58–0.84, all p < 0.05), and for micronutrients both including (r = 0.47–0.94, all p < 0.05) and excluding (r = 0.40–0.85, all p < 0.05) supplements in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots confirmed acceptable agreement with no systematic bias. The DietBytes method demonstrated acceptable relative validity for assessment of nutrient intakes of pregnant women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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12 pages, 6664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Muscular Maturation Responses Following Prenatal Exposure to Methylation-Related Micronutrients in Pigs

by Michael Oster¹

, Nares Trakooljul¹, Henry Reyer¹

, Annette Zeyner², Eduard Muráni¹

, Siriluck Ponsuksili¹

and Klaus Wimmers^1,*

¹ Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany

² Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Animal Nutrition, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010074 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7882

Abstract

Supplementation of micronutrients involved in DNA methylation, particularly during pregnancy, is recommended because of its impacts on human health, but further evidence is needed regarding the effects of over-supplementation and differences between sexes. Here, a porcine model was used to assess effects of [...] Read more.

Supplementation of micronutrients involved in DNA methylation, particularly during pregnancy, is recommended because of its impacts on human health, but further evidence is needed regarding the effects of over-supplementation and differences between sexes. Here, a porcine model was used to assess effects of maternal supplementation with one-carbon-cycle compounds during prenatal and postnatal stages on offspring muscle development. Sows received either a standard diet (CON) or a standard diet supplemented with folate, B6, B12, methionine, choline, and zinc (MET) throughout gestation. Myogenesis-, growth-, and nutrient utilization-related transcript expression was assessed using quantitative PCR. Organismal phenotype and gene expression effects differed significantly between males and females. Male MET-offspring showed increased fetal weight during late pregnancy but decreased live weight postnatally, with compensatory transcriptional responses comprising myogenic key drivers (Pax7, MyoD1, myogenin). In contrast, female weights were unaffected by diet, and mRNA abundances corresponded to a phenotype of cellular reorganization via FABP3, FABP4, SPP1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor-signaling. These findings in an animal model suggest that supplementation during pregnancy with methylation-related micronutrients can promote sex-specific myogenic maturation processes related to organismal growth and muscle metabolism. The usage of maternal dietary supplements should be more carefully considered regarding its ability to promote fetal and postnatal health. Full article

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

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16 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Patterns in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Risk Markers in a Middle-Aged British Male Population: Data from the Caerphilly Prospective Study

by Elly Mertens^1,2, Oonagh Markey^2,3,*, Johanna M. Geleijnse¹

, David Ian Givens⁴ and Julie A. Lovegrove^2,4

¹ Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, 6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

² Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AP, UK

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

⁴ Centre for Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AP, UK

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010075 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9395

Abstract

Dietary behaviour is an important modifiable factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and explore their association with CVD incidence and risk markers. A follow-up of 1838 middle-aged men, aged 47–67 years recruited into the Caerphilly [...] Read more.

Dietary behaviour is an important modifiable factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and explore their association with CVD incidence and risk markers. A follow-up of 1838 middle-aged men, aged 47–67 years recruited into the Caerphilly Prospective Cohort Study at phase 2 (1984–1988) was undertaken. Principal component analysis identified three DPs at baseline, which explained 24.8% of the total variance of food intake. DP1, characterised by higher intakes of white bread, butter, lard, chips and sugar-sweetened beverages and lower intake of wholegrain bread, was associated with higher CVD (HR 1.35: 95% CI: 1.10, 1.67) and stroke (HR 1.77; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.63) incidence. DP3, characterised by higher intakes of sweet puddings and biscuits, wholegrain breakfast cereals and dairy (excluding cheese and butter) and lower alcohol intake, was associated with lower CVD (HR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.93), coronary heart disease (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.90) and stroke (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.99) incidence and a beneficial CVD profile at baseline, while DP1 with an unfavourable profile, showed no clear associations after 12 years follow-up. Dietary pattern 2 (DP2), characterised by higher intake of pulses, fish, poultry, processed/red meat, rice, pasta and vegetables, was not associated with the aforementioned outcomes. These data may provide insight for development of public health initiatives focussing on feasible changes in dietary habits. Full article

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12 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Evaluation of e-CA, an Electronic Mobile-Based Food Record

by Sophie Bucher Della Torre^1,*

, Isabelle Carrard¹, Eddy Farina¹, Brigitta Danuser² and Maaike Kruseman¹

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences-Geneva (HEdS-GE), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Rue des Caroubiers 25, 1227 Carouge, Switzerland

² Institute for Work and Health, University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 2, 1066 Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010076 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7793

Abstract

Measures that capture diet as validly and reliably as possible are cornerstones of nutritional research, and mobile-based devices offer new opportunities to improve and simplify data collection. The balance between precision and acceptability of these data collection tools remains debated, and rigorous validations [...] Read more.

Measures that capture diet as validly and reliably as possible are cornerstones of nutritional research, and mobile-based devices offer new opportunities to improve and simplify data collection. The balance between precision and acceptability of these data collection tools remains debated, and rigorous validations are warranted. Our objective was to develop and evaluate an electronic mobile-based food record for a research setting. We developed e-CA, which includes almost 900 foods and beverages classified in 14 categories and 60 subcategories. e-CA was evaluated using three different methods: (1) usability and acceptability through a logbook and qualitative interviews; (2) dietary intake accuracy through comparison with 2 unannounced 24-h phone recalls on overlapping days; and (3) reliability and process comparison with a paper-based food record in a laboratory setting with a randomized design. e-CA proved to be intuitive and practical and was perceived as modern, trendy, and fun. Comparisons of e-CA with 24-h telephone recalls or paper-based food records in a laboratory setting with two small convenient samples showed good agreement but highlighted the well-known difficulty of estimating portion sizes and a necessary learning time to use the app. e-CA is a functional tool that has the potential to facilitate food intake measurement for research by increasing the pleasure of using the food record tool and reducing the perceived burden for the participants. It also decreases the workload, costs and the risk of transcription errors for researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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9 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Trans-Fatty Acid Intake to Coronary Heart Disease Burden in Australia: A Modelling Study

by Jason H. Y. Wu^1,*

, Miaobing Zheng¹, Elise Catterall¹, Shauna Downs², Beth Thomas³, Lennert Veerman⁴

and Jan J. Barendregt^4,5

¹ The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2042, Australia

² Earth Institute and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA

³ National Heart Foundation of Australia, Heart Health & Research, Brisbane 4006, Australia

⁴ School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia

⁵ Epigear International, Sunrise Beach 4567, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010077 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8293

Abstract

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) intake has been consistently associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. We provided an updated assessment of TFA intake in Australian adults in 2010 and conducted modeling to estimate CHD mortality attributable to TFA intake. Data [...] Read more.

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) intake has been consistently associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. We provided an updated assessment of TFA intake in Australian adults in 2010 and conducted modeling to estimate CHD mortality attributable to TFA intake. Data of the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey was used to assess TFA intake. The CHD burden attributable to TFA was calculated by comparing the current level of TFA intake to a counterfactual setting where consumption was lowered to a theoretical minimum distribution of 0.5% energy. The average TFA intake among adults was 0.59% energy, and overall 10% of adults exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 1% energy. Education and income were moderately and inversely associated with TFA intake (p-value ≤ 0.001), with one in seven adults in the lowest income and education quintile having >1% energy from TFA. Australia had 487 CHD deaths (95% uncertainty interval, 367–615) due to TFA exposure, equivalent to 1.52% (95% uncertainty limits: 1.15%–1.92%) of all CHD mortality. The relative impact of TFA exposure on CHD mortality in Australia is limited, but, in absolute terms, still substantial. Policies aimed at reducing industrial TFA exposure can reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health and may therefore be desirable. Full article

13 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Food Providers’ Perceptions of the Causes of Obesity and Effectiveness of Weight Control Strategies in Five Countries in the Asia Pacific Region: A Cross-Sectional Survey

by Anthony Worsley^1,*, Wei Wang¹, Rani Sarmugam^1,2, Quynh Pham¹, Judhiastuty Februhartanty³ and Stacey Ridley¹

¹ School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Australia

² Health Promotion Board, 168937 Singapore, Singapore

³ SEAMEO REFCON (Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition) Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10038, Indonesia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010078 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7154

Abstract

The rise of the middle classes in developing countries and the associated epidemiological transition raises the importance of assessing this population group’s awareness of the causes of obesity and effective weight control strategies in order to develop effective health promotion strategies. The study [...] Read more.

The rise of the middle classes in developing countries and the associated epidemiological transition raises the importance of assessing this population group’s awareness of the causes of obesity and effective weight control strategies in order to develop effective health promotion strategies. The study aimed to examine the perceptions of the causes of obesity and weight control strategies held by middle class household food providers in Melbourne, Singapore, Shanghai, Indonesia and Vietnam. An online survey was conducted in late 2013, early 2014 among 3945 respondents. Information about body weight concerns, perceived causes of obesity, effectiveness of weight control methods, demographics, self-reported height and weight, and personal values was elicited. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) derived nine reliable factors which were used in structural equation modelling (SEM). Two thirds of respondents were trying to change their body weight, of them, 71% were trying to lose weight. The CFA and SEM showed that demographics, region of residence, personal values and perceptions of the causes of obesity (Unhealthy food behaviours, influences Beyond personal control and Environmental influences) had direct and indirect associations with three weight control methods factors, named: Healthy habits, Eat less, sit less, and Dieting. Middle class food providers in the study regions share public health views of obesity causation and personal weight control. These findings could inform public health and food policies, and the design of public health interventions and communications. Further research is required among lower socio economic status (SES) populations. Full article

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11 pages, 917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Correlates of Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Children: The China Health and Nutrition Survey

by Peige Song^1,2, Jinyue Yu³, Xinlei Chang¹, Manli Wang¹ and Lin An^1,*

¹ Department of Child, Adolescent and Women’s Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

² Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK

³ Division of Medicine, School of Life and Medical Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010079 - 18 Jan 2017

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 7716

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is generally defined as a cluster of metabolically related cardiovascular risk factors which are often associated with the condition of insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and abdominal obesity. During the past decades, MetS has become a major public health issue [...] Read more.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is generally defined as a cluster of metabolically related cardiovascular risk factors which are often associated with the condition of insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and abdominal obesity. During the past decades, MetS has become a major public health issue worldwide in both adults and children. In this study, data from the China Health and Nutrition Surveys (CHNS) was used to assess the prevalence of MetS based on both the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) guidelines and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, and to evaluate its possible correlates. A total of 831 children aged 7–18 years were included in this study, and 28 children were classified as having MetS as defined by the modified NCEP-ATPIII definition, which yielded an overall prevalence of 3.37%. Elevated blood pressure was the most frequent MetS component. The results of logistic regression models revealed that increased body mass index (BMI), hyperuricemia, and insulin resistance (IR) were all associated with the presence of MetS. To conclude, our study revealed the prevalence of MetS in Chinese children at the national level. Further large-scale studies are still needed to identify better MetS criteria in the general paediatric population in China. Full article

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14 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Social Dysfunction and Diet Outcomes in People with Psychosis

by Doreen Mucheru¹, Mary-Claire Hanlon^1,2,3,4,5, Linda E. Campbell^2,6,7, Mark McEvoy^1,8 and Lesley MacDonald-Wicks^1,2,9,*

¹ Faculty Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

² Brain and Mental Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia

³ Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health, Mater Hospital, Waratah 2298, Australia

⁴ Department of Radiation Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah 2298, Australia

⁵ Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

⁶ Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

⁷ Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

⁸ Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton 2305, Australia

⁹ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010080 - 19 Jan 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8297

Abstract

This analysis aimed to examine the association of social dysfunction with food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption in people with psychosis from the Hunter New England (HNE) catchment site of the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). [...] Read more.

This analysis aimed to examine the association of social dysfunction with food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption in people with psychosis from the Hunter New England (HNE) catchment site of the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). Social dysfunction and dietary information were collected using standardised tools. Independent binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between social dysfunction and food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption. Although social dysfunction did not have a statistically significant association with most diet variables, participants with obvious to severe social dysfunction were 0.872 (95% CI (0.778, 0.976)) less likely to eat breakfast than those with no social dysfunction p < 0.05. Participants with social dysfunction were therefore, 13% less likely to have breakfast. This paper highlights high rates of social dysfunction, significant food insecurity, and intakes of fruits and vegetables below recommendations in people with psychosis. In light of this, a greater focus needs to be given to dietary behaviours and social dysfunction in lifestyle interventions delivered to people with psychosis. Well-designed observational research is also needed to further examine the relationship between social dysfunction and dietary behaviour in people with psychosis. Full article

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

11 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Self-Reported Gluten Sensitivity and Adherence to a Gluten-Free Diet in Argentinian Adult Population

by Francisco Cabrera-Chávez^1,†

, Gimena V. A. Dezar^2,†, Anna P. Islas-Zamorano¹, Jesús G. Espinoza-Alderete¹, Marcela J. Vergara-Jiménez¹, Dalia Magaña-Ordorica¹ and Noé Ontiveros^1,3,*

¹ Nutrition Sciences Academic Unit, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa 80019, Mexico

² Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina

³ Regional Program for PhD in Biotechnology, FCQB, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa 80019, Mexico

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010081 - 21 Jan 2017

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 8746

Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggest that the prevalence of wheat/gluten sensitivity and adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) are high in Latin population despite a poor diagnosis of celiac disease. However, these prevalence rates still remain unknown in most Latin American countries. Methods: A [...] Read more.

Background: Previous studies suggest that the prevalence of wheat/gluten sensitivity and adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) are high in Latin population despite a poor diagnosis of celiac disease. However, these prevalence rates still remain unknown in most Latin American countries. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Santa Fe, Argentina. Results: The estimated self-reported prevalence rates were (95% Confidence Interval [CI]): self-reported gluten sensitivity (SR-GS) 7.61% (6.2–9.2), SR-GS currently following a GFD 1.82% (1.2–2.7), celiac disease 0.58% (0.3–1.2), wheat allergy 0.33% (0.12–0.84), self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity (SR-NCGS) 6.28% (5.1–7.8), SR-NCGS currently following a GFD 0.91% (0.5–1.6), and adherence to a GFD 6.37% (5.1–7.9). SR-GS was more common in women (6.0%; p < 0.001) and associated with irritable bowel syndrome (p < 0.001). Among the GFD followers, 71.4% were doing it for reasons other than health-related benefits and 50.6% without medical/dietitian advice. In the non-SR-GS group, the main motivations for following a GFD were weight control and the perception that a GFD is healthier. Conclusion: In Argentina, gluten sensitivity is commonly reported and it seems that physicians/gastroenterologists are aware of celiac disease diagnosis. Trustable information about the benefits and potential consequences of following a GFD should be given to the general population. Full article

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

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17 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lipidomic and Antioxidant Response to Grape Seed, Corn and Coconut Oils in Healthy Wistar Rats

by Abraham Wall-Medrano^1,*

, Laura A. De la Rosa^1,*, Alma A. Vázquez-Flores¹, Gilberto Mercado-Mercado¹, Rogelio González-Arellanes¹

, José A. López-Díaz¹

, Aarón F. González-Córdova², Gustavo A. González-Aguilar³

, Belinda Vallejo-Cordoba² and Francisco J. Molina-Corral⁴

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

² Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, AC (Unidad Hermosillo), Coordinación de Tecnología de Alimentos de Origen Animal (DTAOA), Carretera a la Victoria km. 0.6, AP 1735, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico

³ Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, AC (Unidad Hermosillo), Tecnología de Alimentos de Origen Vegetal (DTAOV), Carretera a la Victoria km. 0.6, AP 1735, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico

⁴ Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, AC. (Unidad Cuauhtémoc), Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos de Origen Vegetal y Toxicología, Ave. Río Conchos s/n, Parque Industrial, AP 781, Cuauhtémoc 31570, Chihuahua, Mexico

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010082 - 20 Jan 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8120

Abstract

Specialty oils differ in fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant content, impacting their benefits for cardiovascular health. The lipid (fatty acid, phytosterol) and antioxidant (total phenolics, radical scavenging capacity) profiles of grapeseed (GSO), corn (CO) and coconut (CNO) oils and their physiological (triacylglycerides, total [...] Read more.

Specialty oils differ in fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant content, impacting their benefits for cardiovascular health. The lipid (fatty acid, phytosterol) and antioxidant (total phenolics, radical scavenging capacity) profiles of grapeseed (GSO), corn (CO) and coconut (CNO) oils and their physiological (triacylglycerides, total and HDL-cholesterol and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in serum and fatty acid and phytosterol hepatic deposition) and genomic (HL, LCAT, ApoA-1 and SR-BP1 mRNA hepatic levels) responses after their sub-chronic intake (10% diet for 28 days) was examined in healthy albino rats. Fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant profiles differed between oils (p ≤ 0.01). Serum and hepatic triacylglycerides and total cholesterol increased (p ≤ 0.01); serum HDL-Cholesterol decreased (p < 0.05); but serum FRAP did not differ (p > 0.05) in CNO-fed rats as compared to CO or GSO groups. Hepatic phytosterol deposition was higher (+2.2 mg/g; p ≤ 0.001) in CO- than GSO-fed rats, but their fatty acid deposition was similar. All but ApoA-1 mRNA level increased in GSO-fed rats as compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.01). Hepatic fatty acid handling, but not antioxidant response, nor hepatic phytosterol deposition, could be related to a more efficient reverse-cholesterol transport in GSO-fed rats as compared to CO or CNO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrigenetics)

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14 pages, 3717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wheat Bran Does Not Affect Postprandial Plasma Short-Chain Fatty Acids from ¹³C-inulin Fermentation in Healthy Subjects

by Lise Deroover¹, Joran Verspreet^2,3

, Anja Luypaerts¹, Greet Vandermeulen¹, Christophe M. Courtin^2,3

and Kristin Verbeke^1,3,*

¹ Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium

² Centre for Food and Microbial Technology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium

³ Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010083 - 20 Jan 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8862

Abstract

Wheat bran (WB) is a constituent of whole grain products with beneficial effects for human health. Within the human colon, such insoluble particles may be colonized by specific microbial teams which can stimulate cross-feeding, leading to a more efficient carbohydrate fermentation and an [...] Read more.

Wheat bran (WB) is a constituent of whole grain products with beneficial effects for human health. Within the human colon, such insoluble particles may be colonized by specific microbial teams which can stimulate cross-feeding, leading to a more efficient carbohydrate fermentation and an increased butyrate production. We investigated the extent to which WB fractions with different properties affect the fermentation of other carbohydrates in the colon. Ten healthy subjects performed four test days, during which they consumed a standard breakfast supplemented with 10 g ¹³C-inulin. A total of 20 g of a WB fraction (unmodified WB, wheat bran with a reduced particle size (WB RPS), or de-starched pericarp-enriched wheat bran (PE WB)) was also added to the breakfast, except for one test day, which served as a control. Blood samples were collected at regular time points for 14 h, in order to measure ¹³C-labeled short-chain fatty acid (SCFA; acetate, propionate and butyrate) concentrations. Fermentation of ¹³C-inulin resulted in increased plasma SCFA for about 8 h, suggesting that a sustained increase in plasma SCFA can be achieved by administering a moderate dose of carbohydrates, three times per day. However, the addition of a single dose of a WB fraction did not further increase the ¹³C-SCFA concentrations in plasma, nor did it stimulate cross-feeding (Wilcoxon signed ranks test). Full article

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

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11 pages, 1251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endurance Exercise Increases Intestinal Uptake of the Peanut Allergen Ara h 6 after Peanut Consumption in Humans

by Lonneke M. JanssenDuijghuijsen^1,2,3

, Klaske Van Norren^2,4

, Sander Grefte³, Stef J. Koppelman⁵, Kaatje Lenaerts⁶, Jaap Keijer³

, Renger F. Witkamp²

and Harry J. Wichers^1,*

¹ Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

² Nutrition and Pharmacology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

³ Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

⁴ Nutricia Research, P.O. Box 80141, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

⁵ Food Allergy Research and Resource Program, Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rm 279 Food Innovation Center, P.O. Box 886207, Lincoln, NE 68588-6207, USA

⁶ Maastricht University Medical Centre, Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010084 - 21 Jan 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7313

Abstract

Controlled studies on the effect of exercise on intestinal uptake of protein are scarce and underlying mechanisms largely unclear. We studied the uptake of the major allergen Ara h 6 following peanut consumption in an exercise model and compared this with changes in [...] Read more.

Controlled studies on the effect of exercise on intestinal uptake of protein are scarce and underlying mechanisms largely unclear. We studied the uptake of the major allergen Ara h 6 following peanut consumption in an exercise model and compared this with changes in markers of intestinal permeability and integrity. Ten overnight-fasted healthy non-allergic men (n = 4) and women (n = 6) (23 ± 4 years) ingested 100 g of peanuts together with a lactulose/rhamnose (L/R) solution, followed by rest or by 60 min cycling at 70% of their maximal workload. Significantly higher, though variable, levels of Ara h 6 in serum were found during exercise compared to rest (Peak p = 0.03; area under the curve p = 0.006), with individual fold changes ranging from no increase to an increase of over 150-fold in the uptake of Ara h 6. Similarly, uptake of lactulose (2–18 fold change, p = 0.0009) and L/R ratios (0.4–7.9 fold change, p = 0.04) were significantly increased which indicates an increase in intestinal permeability. Intestinal permeability and uptake of Ara h 6 were strongly correlated (r = 0.77, p < 0.0001 for lactulose and Ara h 6). Endurance exercise after consumption may lead to increased paracellular intestinal uptake of food proteins. Full article

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13 pages, 795 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Bases Underlying the Hepatoprotective Effects of Coffee

by Federico Salomone^1,*

, Fabio Galvano²

and Giovanni Li Volti²

¹ Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedale di Acireale, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy

² Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010085 - 23 Jan 2017

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 14912

Abstract

Coffee is the most consumed beverage worldwide. Epidemiological studies with prospective cohorts showed that coffee intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality independently of caffeine content. Cohort and case-control studies reported an inverse association between coffee consumption and the degree of [...] Read more.

Coffee is the most consumed beverage worldwide. Epidemiological studies with prospective cohorts showed that coffee intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality independently of caffeine content. Cohort and case-control studies reported an inverse association between coffee consumption and the degree of liver fibrosis as well as the development of liver cancer. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of coffee have been recently confirmed by large meta-analyses. In the last two decades, various in vitro and in vivo studies evaluated the molecular determinants for the hepatoprotective effects of coffee. In the present article, we aimed to critically review experimental evidence regarding the active components and the molecular bases underlying the beneficial role of coffee against chronic liver diseases. Almost all studies highlighted the beneficial effects of this beverage against liver fibrosis with the most solid results indicating a pivot role for both caffeine and chlorogenic acids. In particular, in experimental models of fibrosis, caffeine was shown to inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation by blocking adenosine receptors, and emerging evidence indicated that caffeine may also favorably impact angiogenesis and hepatic hemodynamics. On the other side, chlorogenic acids, potent phenolic antioxidants, suppress liver fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis by reducing oxidative stress and counteract steatogenesis through the modulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis in the liver. Overall, these molecular insights may have translational significance and suggest that coffee components need clinical evaluation. Full article

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16 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Often and How Much? Differences in Dietary Intake by Frequency and Energy Contribution Vary among U.S. Adults in NHANES 2007–2012

by Heather A. Eicher-Miller^1,*

and Carol J. Boushey^1,2

¹ Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, 700 West State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

² Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St., Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010086 - 23 Jan 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6365

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the top frequently reported foods or beverages and the top foods or beverages grouped by broad and specific What We Eat In America (WWEIA) categories for adult age groups of 19 to 35 years, 36 [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to determine the top frequently reported foods or beverages and the top foods or beverages grouped by broad and specific What We Eat In America (WWEIA) categories for adult age groups of 19 to 35 years, 36 to 55 years, and ≥65 years (n = 16,399) using data drawn from the cross-sectional, WWEIA, National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012 and to compare intake of broad WWEIA categories ranked by frequency and by energy contribution among these adult age groups. Ranking, unadjusted and weighted frequencies, and the proportion of reported foods or energy out of all reported foods or energy were determined and stratified by age. The Rao–Scott modified chi-square was used to test for significant differences among age groups. Results support dietary quality differences by age; intake of broad WWEIA categories was significantly different among age groups by frequency for alcohol, water, and condiment/sauces. Energy contributions significantly differed among age groups for protein foods, snacks/sweets, and beverages. Frequently reported foods and beverages may be used to inform the creation of search tools used for automatic and user-verified identification of foods and beverages in mobile- or technology-based dietary assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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Nutrients, Volume 9, Issue 1 (January 2017) – 87 articles

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