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Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases
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Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 39449

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Omar Ramos-Lopez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Medicine and Psychology School, Autonomous University of Baja California, Tijuana 22390, Mexico
Interests: nutrition; obesity; diet; chronic diseases; genetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rise of chronic diseases continues to be a health concern worldwide. Obesity, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, hypertension, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders have a negative impact on the quality of life of the human population. In addition, these conditions may complicate the outcomes of communicable diseases such as viral infections. Lifestyle factors such as the adoption of unhealthy dietary patterns with high contents of sugar and saturated fat and deficiencies in essential micronutrients significantly contribute to the incidence and burden of these diseases. Thus, diverse nutritional strategies have been implemented for their precise management, including the prescription of diets with different macronutrient distributions, as well as the administration of vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids, and bioactive food compounds with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This Special Issue of Healthcare is dedicated to offering an overview of these therapies, emphasizing the mechanisms involved, where original research articles and reviews on humans and experimental models are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Omar Ramos-Lopez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrients
  • bioactive compounds
  • dietary patterns
  • chronic diseases
  • communicable diseases

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

15 pages, 2004 KiB  
Article
YouTube as a Source of Information for Dietary Guidance and Advisory Content in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by Kagan Tur
Healthcare 2025, 13(4), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13040351 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 847
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Fatty liver disease (FLD), particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing global health concern that underscores the need for effective dietary management strategies. With over 25% of patients seeking dietary advice through platforms like YouTube, the quality and reliability [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Fatty liver disease (FLD), particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing global health concern that underscores the need for effective dietary management strategies. With over 25% of patients seeking dietary advice through platforms like YouTube, the quality and reliability of this information remain critical. However, the disparity in educational value and engagement metrics between professional and non-professional content remains underexplored. This study evaluates YouTube’s role in disseminating dietary advice for FLD management, focusing on content reliability, engagement metrics, and the educational value of videos. Methods: This cross-sectional study systematically analyzed 183 YouTube videos on FLD and dietary advice. Videos were selected based on relevance, English language, and non-promotional content. Scoring systems, including DISCERN, Global Quality Score (GQS), and the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), were employed to assess reliability, quality, and educational value. Engagement metrics such as views, likes, dislikes, and interaction rates were analyzed across uploader categories, including healthcare professionals, patients, and undefined sources. Results: Videos uploaded by healthcare professionals demonstrated significantly higher DISCERN scores (4.2 ± 0.8) and GQS ratings (4.1 ± 0.6) compared to patient-generated content (DISCERN: 2.8 ± 0.9; GQS: 3.0 ± 0.7). However, patient-generated videos achieved higher engagement rates, with median views reaching 340,000 (IQR: 15,000–1,000,000) compared to 450,050 (IQR: 23,000–1,800,000) for professional videos. Nutritional recommendations spanned diverse approaches, including low-carb diets, Mediterranean diets, and guidance to avoid processed foods and sugars. A significant proportion of videos lacked evidence-based content, particularly among non-professional uploads. Conclusions: YouTube represents a widely accessed but inconsistent source of dietary advice for FLD. While healthcare professional videos exhibit higher reliability and educational value, patient-generated content achieves broader engagement, revealing a critical gap in trusted, accessible dietary guidance. These findings highlight the need for clinicians and content creators to collaborate in curating and disseminating evidence-based content, ensuring patients receive accurate, actionable advice for managing FLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases)
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13 pages, 446 KiB  
Article
Low Emulsifier Diet in Healthy Female Adults: A Feasibility Study of Nutrition Education and Counseling Intervention
by Mai A. Khatib, Haneen H. Saleemani, Nersian B. Kurdi, Haya N. Alhibshi, Manar A. Jastaniah and Sarah M. Ajabnoor
Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2644; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192644 - 28 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1606
Abstract
Emulsifiers are food additives commonly found in processed foods to improve texture stabilization and food preservation. Dietary emulsifier intake can potentially damage the gut mucosal lining resulting in chronic inflammation such as Crohn’s disease. This study investigates the feasibility of a low-emulsifier diet [...] Read more.
Emulsifiers are food additives commonly found in processed foods to improve texture stabilization and food preservation. Dietary emulsifier intake can potentially damage the gut mucosal lining resulting in chronic inflammation such as Crohn’s disease. This study investigates the feasibility of a low-emulsifier diet among healthy female adults, as no previous reports have studied the feasibility of such a diet on healthy participants. A quasi-experimental study for a nutrition education and counseling intervention was conducted over 14 days among healthy Saudi participants aged 18 years and over. Assessment of dietary intake using 3-day food records was conducted at the baseline and 2-week follow-up. Participants attended an online educational session using the Zoom application illustrating instructions for a low-emulsifier diet. Daily exposure to emulsifiers was evaluated and nutrient intake was measured. A total of 30 participants completed the study. At baseline, 38 emulsifiers were identified, with a mean ± SD exposure of 12.23 ± 10.07 emulsifiers consumed per day. A significant reduction in the mean frequency of dietary emulsifier intake was observed at the end of the intervention (12.23 ± 10.07 vs. 6.30 ± 7.59, p < 0.01). However, intake of macronutrients and micronutrients was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Good adherence to the diet was achieved by 40% of the participants, and 16.66% attained a 50% reduction of emulsifier intake. The study demonstrates that a low-emulsifier diet provided via dietary advice is feasible to follow and tolerable by healthy participants. However, the diet still needs further investigation and assessment of it is nutritional intake and quality before implementing it in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are at high risk of poor nutritional intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases)
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14 pages, 998 KiB  
Article
A Balanced Dietary Ratio of n-6:n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Exerts an Effect on Total Fatty Acid Profile in RBCs and Inflammatory Markers in Subjects with Obesity
by Karina Gonzalez-Becerra, Elisa Barron-Cabrera, Jose F. Muñoz-Valle, Nathaly Torres-Castillo, Juan J. Rivera-Valdes, Roberto Rodriguez-Echevarria and Erika Martinez-Lopez
Healthcare 2023, 11(16), 2333; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11162333 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3953
Abstract
The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can reduce inflammatory markers and may therefore be useful in obesity management. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with n-3 PUFAs on total fatty acid profile in red blood cells (RBCs), [...] Read more.
The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can reduce inflammatory markers and may therefore be useful in obesity management. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with n-3 PUFAs on total fatty acid profile in red blood cells (RBCs), as well as biochemical and inflammatory markers, in subjects with obesity. The study consisted in a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial involving 41 subjects with obesity during a 4-month follow-up. Individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: n-3 PUFA supplementation (1.5 g fish oil) and placebo (1.5 g sunflower oil). Anthropometric, biochemical, dietetic, cytokine and total fatty acid profiles in RBCs were measured. Both groups increased their PUFA intake and DHA incorporation in RBCs. However, the placebo group showed a reduction in serum IL-8 and MCP-1 at the end of the study. A multiple linear regression model adjusted by body fat mass and sex showed that an increase in DHA in RBCs decreased the serum IL-8 levels in both study groups at the end of the study. Our results highlight the role of dietary DHA and n-3 supplementation usefulness in exerting beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases)
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Review

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18 pages, 696 KiB  
Review
Investigating the Health Implications of Whey Protein Consumption: A Narrative Review of Risks, Adverse Effects, and Associated Health Issues
by Edda Cava, Elvira Padua, Diego Campaci, Marco Bernardi, Fares M. S. Muthanna, Massimiliano Caprio and Mauro Lombardo
Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020246 - 18 Jan 2024
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 24962
Abstract
This narrative review critically examines the current research on the health implications of whey protein (WP) supplementation, with a focus on potential risks and adverse effects. WP, commonly consumed for muscle building and weight loss, has been associated with various health concerns. Our [...] Read more.
This narrative review critically examines the current research on the health implications of whey protein (WP) supplementation, with a focus on potential risks and adverse effects. WP, commonly consumed for muscle building and weight loss, has been associated with various health concerns. Our comprehensive analysis involved a thorough search of multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 21 preclinical and human studies that collectively offer a detailed overview of WP’s health impacts. The review reveals significant findings, such as WP’s potential link to liver and kidney damage, alterations in gut microbiota, increased acne incidence, impacts on bone mass, and emotional and behavioural changes. These findings underscore the complexity of WP’s effects on human health, indicating both beneficial and detrimental outcomes in relation to different posologies in a variety of settings. Our study suggests caution for the protein intake in situations of hepatic and renal compromised functions, as well as in acne susceptibility, while possible beneficial effects can be achieved for the intestinal microbiota, humoral and behavioural level, and finally bone and muscle mass in elderly. We emphasizes the importance of balanced WP consumption and call for more in-depth research to understand its long-term health effects. Health professionals and individuals considering WP supplementation should be aware of these potential risks and approach its use with informed caution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases)
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Other

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10 pages, 848 KiB  
Brief Report
Low Dietary Betaine Intake Is Associated with Increased Blood Cholesterol in Mexican Subjects
by Omar Ramos-Lopez and Alma Santuario-Loera
Healthcare 2024, 12(8), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12080819 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3086
Abstract
Background: Betaine, an osmolyte derivative of the metabolite choline and the amino acid glycine, acts as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine and is involved in the maintenance of adequate lipid metabolism. There is growing evidence for the role [...] Read more.
Background: Betaine, an osmolyte derivative of the metabolite choline and the amino acid glycine, acts as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine and is involved in the maintenance of adequate lipid metabolism. There is growing evidence for the role of betaine in the development of various lipid-related diseases, including dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to analyze associations between betaine intake and blood lipid profiles in Mexican subjects. Methods: A total of 212 adults were randomly recruited in the city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Betaine intake was estimated using Nutritionist Pro software. Body composition and metabolic measurements were obtained by conventional methods. In the total sample, the average intake of betaine was 14.32 mg/d. Individuals were categorized into three groups according to tertiles of betaine consumption: tertile/group 1 (<4.16 mg/d), tertile/group 2 (4.16–12.02 mg/d), and tertile/group 3 (>12.02 mg/d). Results: Compared to group 3, subjects within group 1 had higher serum levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.001), LDL-c (p = 0.026), and non-HDL-c (p = 0.021). In addition, significant negative Pearson correlations were found between betaine intake and the serum levels of total cholesterol (r = −0.432, 95% CI, −0.684, −0.185, p = 0.001), LDL-c (r = −0.370, 95% CI, −0.606, −0.134, p = 0.002), and non-HDL-c (r = −0.351, 95%CI, −0.604, −0.098, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Our results show that a low intake of betaine is associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels in Mexican subjects. On this basis, betaine consumption could be used as an additional dietary measure for cardiovascular care. However, additional studies are required to confirm our results in other Mexican regions as well as in other populations worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases)
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28 pages, 1690 KiB  
Systematic Review
Physical Activity Protocols in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials and Animal Models
by Elisa Barrón-Cabrera, Raúl Soria-Rodríguez, Fernando Amador-Lara and Erika Martínez-López
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11141992 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3987
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with other metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise reduces hepatic fat content and could be the first-line treatment in the management of NAFLD. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of the beneficial [...] Read more.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with other metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise reduces hepatic fat content and could be the first-line treatment in the management of NAFLD. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of the beneficial effects of exercise training and identify the molecular pathways involved in the response to exercise to define their role in the resolution of NAFLD both in animal and human studies. According to the inclusion criteria, 43 animal studies and 14 RCTs were included in this systematic review. Several exercise modalities were demonstrated to have a positive effect on liver function. Physical activity showed a strong association with improvement in inflammation, and reduction in steatohepatitis and fibrosis in experimental models. Furthermore, both aerobic and resistance exercise in human studies were demonstrated to reduce liver fat, and to improve insulin resistance and blood lipids, regardless of weight loss, although aerobic exercises may be more effective. Resistance exercise is more feasible for patients with NAFLD with poor cardiorespiratory fitness. More effort and awareness should be dedicated to encouraging NAFLD patients to adopt an active lifestyle and benefit from it its effects in order to reduce this growing public health problem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on the Nutritional Management for Chronic and Communicable Diseases)
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