Nutrients

17 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Maximizing the Estrogenic Potential of Soy Isoflavones through the Gut Microbiome: Implication for Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women

by Lindsay M. Leonard, Mun Sun Choi and Tzu-Wen L. Cross

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030553 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6981

Abstract

Soy isoflavones have been suggested as an alternative treatment for managing postmenopausal symptoms and promoting long-term health due to their structural similarity to mammalian estrogen and ability to bind to estrogen receptors. Among all soy isoflavones and their metabolites, (S)-equol is [...] Read more.

Soy isoflavones have been suggested as an alternative treatment for managing postmenopausal symptoms and promoting long-term health due to their structural similarity to mammalian estrogen and ability to bind to estrogen receptors. Among all soy isoflavones and their metabolites, (S)-equol is known for having the strongest estrogenic activity. Equol is a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein produced through intestinal bacterial metabolism. However, more than half of the human population is not able to produce equol due to the lack of equol-producing bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract. The interpersonal variations in the gut microbiome complicate the interpretation of data collected from humans. Furthermore, because rodents are efficient equol-producers, translatability between rodent models and humans is challenging. Herein, we first summarized the current knowledge of the microbial conversion of daidzein to equol, its relation to health, and proposed the need for developing model systems by which equol production can be manipulated while controlling other known confounding factors. Determining the necessity of equol-producing capacity within a gut microbial community when consuming soy as a functional ingredient, and identifying strategies to maximize equol production by modulating the gut microbiome, may provide future therapeutic approaches to improve the health of postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adipocyte Metabolism and Health in Postmenopausal Women)

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29 pages, 8516 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

The Effect of Nutrition on Aging—A Systematic Review Focusing on Aging-Related Biomarkers

by Catarina Leitão, Anna Mignano, Marta Estrela, Margarida Fardilha, Adolfo Figueiras, Fátima Roque and Maria Teresa Herdeiro

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030554 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 13996

Abstract

Despite the increasing life expectancy, an individual’s later years tends to be accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life. Though biological changes that occur through the natural process of aging cannot be controlled, the risk factors associated with lifestyle can. Thus, [...] Read more.

Despite the increasing life expectancy, an individual’s later years tends to be accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life. Though biological changes that occur through the natural process of aging cannot be controlled, the risk factors associated with lifestyle can. Thus, the main goal of this systematic review was to evaluate how nutrition can modulate aging. For this purpose, thirty-six studies were selected on (i) the efficiency of nutrition’s effect on aging, (ii) the evaluation of biomarkers that promote healthy aging, and (iii) how to increase longevity through nutrition, and their quality was assessed. The results showed that choosing low carbohydrate diets or diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, fish, and unsaturated fats, containing antioxidants, potassium, and omega-3 decreased cardiovascular diseases and obesity risk, protected the brain from aging, reduced the risk of telomere shortening, and promoted an overall healthier life. With this study, the conclusion is that since the biological processes of aging cannot be controlled, changing one’s nutritional patterns is crucial to prevent the emergence and development of diseases, boost longevity, and, mostly, to enhance one’s quality of life and promote healthy aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Nutrition)

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18 pages, 1404 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Taste of Fat and Obesity: Different Hypotheses and Our Point of View

by Laurent Brondel, Didier Quilliot, Thomas Mouillot, Naim Akhtar Khan, Philip Bastable, Vincent Boggio, Corinne Leloup and Luc Pénicaud

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030555 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7640

Abstract

Obesity results from a temporary or prolonged positive energy balance due to an alteration in the homeostatic feedback of energy balance. Food, with its discriminative and hedonic qualities, is a key element of reward-based energy intake. An alteration in the brain reward system [...] Read more.

Obesity results from a temporary or prolonged positive energy balance due to an alteration in the homeostatic feedback of energy balance. Food, with its discriminative and hedonic qualities, is a key element of reward-based energy intake. An alteration in the brain reward system for highly palatable energy-rich foods, comprised of fat and carbohydrates, could be one of the main factors involved in the development of obesity by increasing the attractiveness and consumption of fat-rich foods. This would induce, in turn, a decrease in the taste of fat. A better understanding of the altered reward system in obesity may open the door to a new era for the diagnosis, management and treatment of this disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Implications of Taste and Olfaction in Nutrition and Health)

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10 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reported Changes in Eating Habits Related to Less Healthy Foods and Beverages during the COVID-19 Pandemic among US Adults

by Sohyun Park, Seung Hee Lee, Amy L. Yaroch and Heidi M. Blanck

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030526 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 11407

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered stress, anxiety, and disruption to many individuals’ daily lives, which might impact eating habits. Objective: To examine changes in eating habits related to less healthy foods and beverages during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic among [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered stress, anxiety, and disruption to many individuals’ daily lives, which might impact eating habits. Objective: To examine changes in eating habits related to less healthy foods and beverages during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants/setting: Authors used SummerStyles data gathered in June 2020 among 3916 US adults (≥18 years). Main outcome measures: The outcome of interest was the reported frequency of consuming more (1) unhealthy snacks and desserts including chips, cookies, and ice cream and (2) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) like regular soda, fruit drinks, sports/energy drinks, sweetened coffee/teas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were categorized as Never/Rarely, Sometimes, or Often/Always. Explanatory variables were sociodemographics, weight status, and census regions. Statistical analyses performed: We used multinomial regressions to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for Sometimes or Often/Always consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts (vs. Never/Rarely); and Sometimes or Often/Always more SSBs (vs. Never/Rarely). Results: Overall, 36% of adults reported sometimes consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts; 16% did so often/always. Twenty-two percent of adults reported sometimes drinking more SSBs; 10% did so often/always. Factors significantly associated with higher odds of reporting often/always consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts were younger adults (AOR range = 1.51–2.86 vs. adults ≥65 years), females (AOR = 1.58 vs. males), non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 1.89 vs. non-Hispanic White), lower household income (AOR = 2.01 for <USD 35,000 vs. ≥USD 100,000), and obesity (AOR = 1.56 vs. underweight/healthy weight). Factors significantly associated with odds of Often/Always drinking more SSBs were being younger (AOR range = 2.26–4.39 vs. adults ≥65 years), non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 3.25 vs. non-Hispanic White), Hispanic (AOR = 1.75 vs. non-Hispanic White), non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity (AOR = 2.41 vs. non-Hispanic White), lower education (AOR = 2.03 for ≤high school; AOR = 1.80 for some college vs. college graduate), lower household income (AOR range = 1.64–3.15 vs. ≥USD 100,000), and obesity (AOR = 1.61 vs. underweight/healthy weight). Conclusions: Consuming more sugary foods and SSBs during the first phase of the pandemic was higher in younger adults, lower-income adults, people of racial/ethnic minority groups, and adults with obesity. Dietary shifts to less healthy foods and drinks may influence metabolic health if sustained long-term. Implementing strategies to support individual’s healthy eating habits during the ongoing pandemic and the pandemic recovery may benefit health and wellness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

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15 pages, 2090 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Effects of Nutritional Interventions on the Cognitive Development of Preschool-Age Children: A Systematic Review

by Marina Roberts, Terezie Tolar-Peterson, Abby Reynolds, Caitlin Wall, Nicole Reeder and Gina Rico Mendez

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030532 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 26176

Abstract

The developing human brain requires all essential nutrients to form and to maintain its structure. Infant and child cognitive development is dependent on adequate nutrition. Children who do not receive sufficient nutrition are at high risk of exhibiting impaired cognitive skills. This systematic [...] Read more.

The developing human brain requires all essential nutrients to form and to maintain its structure. Infant and child cognitive development is dependent on adequate nutrition. Children who do not receive sufficient nutrition are at high risk of exhibiting impaired cognitive skills. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive outcomes of preschool-age children. PubMed, PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to identify Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published after the year 2000. Studies assessing the effects of food-based, single, and multiple micronutrient interventions on the cognition of nourished and undernourished children aged 2–6 years were deemed eligible. A total of 12 trials were identified. Eight out of the twelve studies found significant positive effects on cognitive outcomes. Iron and multiple-micronutrients supplementation yield improvements in the cognitive abilities of undernourished preschool-age children. Increased fish consumption was found to have a beneficial effect in the cognitive outcomes of nourished children. On the other hand, B-vitamin, iodized salt, and guava powder interventions failed to display significant results. Findings of this review highlight the importance of adequate nutrition during preschool years, and the crucial role sufficient nutrition plays in cognitive development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Habits and Interventions in Childhood)

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30 pages, 20070 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Role of Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Flavonoid Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis

by Monika Martiniakova, Martina Babikova, Vladimira Mondockova, Jana Blahova, Veronika Kovacova and Radoslav Omelka

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030523 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 20439

Abstract

Osteoporosis is considered an age-related disorder of the skeletal system, characterized primarily by decreased bone mineral density (BMD), microstructural quality and an elevated risk of fragility fractures. This silent disease is increasingly becoming a global epidemic due to an aging population and longer [...] Read more.

Osteoporosis is considered an age-related disorder of the skeletal system, characterized primarily by decreased bone mineral density (BMD), microstructural quality and an elevated risk of fragility fractures. This silent disease is increasingly becoming a global epidemic due to an aging population and longer life expectancy. It is known that nutrition and physical activity play an important role in skeletal health, both in achieving the highest BMD and in maintaining bone health. In this review, the role of macronutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates), micronutrients (minerals—calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as vitamins—D, C, K) and flavonoid polyphenols (quercetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringin) which appear to be essential for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, are characterized. Moreover, the importance of various naturally available nutrients, whether in the diet or in food supplements, is emphasized. In addition to pharmacotherapy, the basis of osteoporosis prevention is a healthy diet rich mainly in fruits, vegetables, seafood and fish oil supplements, specific dairy products, containing a sufficient amount of all aforementioned nutritional substances along with regular physical activity. The effect of diet alone in this context may depend on an individual’s genotype, gene-diet interactions or the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Nutrition in Aging-Related Obesity, Sarcopenia, Osteoporosis and Chronic Disease)

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39 pages, 1120 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Modulatory Properties of Food and Nutraceutical Components Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

by Mattia Spano, Giacomo Di Matteo, Cinzia Ingallina, Donatella Ambroselli, Simone Carradori, Marialucia Gallorini, Anna Maria Giusti, Andrea Salvo, Michela Grosso and Luisa Mannina

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030490 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7712

Abstract

Inflammasomes are key intracellular multimeric proteins able to initiate the cellular inflammatory signaling pathway. NLRP3 inflammasome represents one of the main protein complexes involved in the development of inflammatory events, and its activity has been largely demonstrated to be connected with inflammatory or [...] Read more.

Inflammasomes are key intracellular multimeric proteins able to initiate the cellular inflammatory signaling pathway. NLRP3 inflammasome represents one of the main protein complexes involved in the development of inflammatory events, and its activity has been largely demonstrated to be connected with inflammatory or autoinflammatory disorders, including diabetes, gouty arthritis, liver fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory syndromes, atherosclerosis, and cancer initiation. In recent years, it has been demonstrated how dietary intake and nutritional status represent important environmental elements that can modulate metabolic inflammation, since food matrices are an important source of several bioactive compounds. In this review, an updated status of knowledge regarding food bioactive compounds as NLRP3 inflammasome modulators is discussed. Several chemical classes, namely polyphenols, organosulfurs, terpenes, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, saponins, sterols, polysaccharides, carotenoids, vitamins, and probiotics, have been shown to possess NLRP3 inflammasome-modulating activity through in vitro and in vivo assays, mainly demonstrating an anti-NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Plant foods are particularly rich in important bioactive compounds, each of them can have different effects on the pathway of inflammatory response, confirming the importance of the nutritional pattern (food model) as a whole rather than any single nutrient or functional compound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Food-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Modulating Inflammasome)

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84 pages, 5722 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Biological Properties of Vitamins of the B-Complex, Part 1: Vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₅

by Marcel Hrubša, Tomáš Siatka, Iveta Nejmanová, Marie Vopršalová, Lenka Kujovská Krčmová, Kateřina Matoušová, Lenka Javorská, Kateřina Macáková, Laura Mercolini, Fernando Remião, Marek Máťuš, Přemysl Mladěnka and on behalf of the OEMONOM

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030484 - 22 Jan 2022

Cited by 126 | Viewed by 29801

Abstract

This review summarizes the current knowledge on essential vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₅. These B-complex vitamins must be taken from diet, with the exception of vitamin B₃, that can also be synthetized [...] Read more.

This review summarizes the current knowledge on essential vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₅. These B-complex vitamins must be taken from diet, with the exception of vitamin B₃, that can also be synthetized from amino acid tryptophan. All of these vitamins are water soluble, which determines their main properties, namely: they are partly lost when food is washed or boiled since they migrate to the water; the requirement of membrane transporters for their permeation into the cells; and their safety since any excess is rapidly eliminated via the kidney. The therapeutic use of B-complex vitamins is mostly limited to hypovitaminoses or similar conditions, but, as they are generally very safe, they have also been examined in other pathological conditions. Nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B₃, is the only exception because it is a known hypolipidemic agent in gram doses. The article also sums up: (i) the current methods for detection of the vitamins of the B-complex in biological fluids; (ii) the food and other sources of these vitamins including the effect of common processing and storage methods on their content; and (iii) their physiological function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins: Physiological, Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Aspects)

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39 pages, 1074 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Investigating the Postprandial Metabolome after Challenge Tests to Assess Metabolic Flexibility and Dysregulations Associated with Cardiometabolic Diseases

by Gaïa Lépine, Marie Tremblay-Franco, Sabrine Bouder, Laurianne Dimina, Hélène Fouillet, François Mariotti and Sergio Polakof

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030472 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4836

Abstract

This review focuses on the added value provided by a research strategy applying metabolomics analyses to assess phenotypic flexibility in response to different nutritional challenge tests in the framework of metabolic clinical studies. We discuss findings related to the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test [...] Read more.

This review focuses on the added value provided by a research strategy applying metabolomics analyses to assess phenotypic flexibility in response to different nutritional challenge tests in the framework of metabolic clinical studies. We discuss findings related to the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and to mixed meals with varying fat contents and food matrix complexities. Overall, the use of challenge tests combined with metabolomics revealed subtle metabolic dysregulations exacerbated during the postprandial period when comparing healthy and at cardiometabolic risk subjects. In healthy subjects, consistent postprandial metabolic shifts driven by insulin action were reported (e.g., a switch from lipid to glucose oxidation for energy fueling) with similarities between OGTT and mixed meals, especially during the first hours following meal ingestion while differences appeared in a wider timeframe. In populations with expected reduced phenotypic flexibility, often associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, a blunted response on most key postprandial pathways was reported. We also discuss the most suitable statistical tools to analyze the dynamic alterations of the postprandial metabolome while accounting for complexity in study designs and data structure. Overall, the in-depth characterization of the postprandial metabolism and associated phenotypic flexibility appears highly promising for a better understanding of the onset of cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Metabolites, and Human Health)

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23 pages, 1045 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Interventions on Microbiota: Where Do We Stand on a Gut–Brain Link in Autism? A Systematic Review

by Margherita Prosperi, Elisa Santocchi, Letizia Guiducci, Jacopo Frinzi, Maria Aurora Morales, Raffaella Tancredi, Filippo Muratori and Sara Calderoni

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030462 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5402

Abstract

The alteration of the microbiota–gut–brain axis has been recently recognized as a critical modulator of neuropsychiatric health and a possible factor in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This systematic review offers practitioners an overview of the potential therapeutic options to modify [...] Read more.

The alteration of the microbiota–gut–brain axis has been recently recognized as a critical modulator of neuropsychiatric health and a possible factor in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This systematic review offers practitioners an overview of the potential therapeutic options to modify dysbiosis, GI symptoms, and ASD severity by modulating the microbiota–gut–brain axis in ASD, taking into consideration limits and benefits from current findings. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science Core Collection, and EMBASE were performed from 2000 to 2021, crossing terms referred to ASD and treatments acting on the microbiota–gut–brain axis. A total of 1769 publications were identified, of which 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a preconstructed form. Despite the encouraging findings, considering the variability of the treatments, the samples size, the duration of treatment, and the tools used to evaluate the outcome of the examined trials, these results are still partial. They do not allow to establish a conclusive beneficial effect of probiotics and other interventions on the symptoms of ASD. In particular, the optimal species, subspecies, and dosages have yet to be identified. Considering the heterogeneity of ASD, double-blind, randomized, controlled trials and treatment tailored to ASD characteristics and host-microbiota are recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiome, Probiotics and Autism: Where Do We Stand?)

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10 pages, 678 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Deprescribing Leads to Improved Energy Intake among Hospitalized Older Sarcopenic Adults with Polypharmacy after Stroke

by Ayaka Matsumoto, Yoshihiro Yoshimura, Hidetaka Wakabayashi, Eiji Kose, Fumihiko Nagano, Takahiro Bise, Yoshifumi Kido, Sayuri Shimazu and Ai Shiraishi

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030443 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5314

Abstract

Evidence is scarce regarding the polypharmacy in patients with sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of deprescribing for polypharmacy on the improvement of nutritional intake and sarcopenia in older patients with sarcopenia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted [...] Read more.

Evidence is scarce regarding the polypharmacy in patients with sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of deprescribing for polypharmacy on the improvement of nutritional intake and sarcopenia in older patients with sarcopenia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with hospitalized older patients with sarcopenia undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. Study outcomes included energy intake, protein intake, handgrip strength (HG) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) at hospital discharge. To consider the effects of deprescribing for polypharmacy, we used multivariate analyses to examine whether the change in the number of medications during hospitalization was associated with outcomes. Of 361 patients after enrollment, 91 (mean age 81.0 years, 48.4% male) presented with sarcopenia and polypharmacy and were eligible for analysis. The change in the number of medications was independently associated with energy intake (β = −0.237, p = 0.009) and protein intake (β = −0.242, p = 0.047) at discharge, and was not statistically significantly associated with HG (β = −0.018, p = 0.768) and SMI (β = 0.083, p = 0.265) at discharge, respectively. Deprescribing was associated with improved nutritional intake in older sarcopenic patients with polypharmacy undergoing stroke rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia: Multidisciplinary Approaches in Clinical Practice)

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15 pages, 1774 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Time to Rest, a Time to Dine: Sleep, Time-Restricted Eating, and Cardiometabolic Health

by Charlotte C. Gupta, Grace E. Vincent, Alison M. Coates, Saman Khalesi, Christopher Irwin, Jillian Dorrian and Sally A. Ferguson

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030420 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9256

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a serious health and economic burden worldwide. Modifiable lifestyle factors are a focus of research into reducing the burden of CVD, with diet as one of the most investigated factors. Specifically, the timing and regularity of food intake is [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a serious health and economic burden worldwide. Modifiable lifestyle factors are a focus of research into reducing the burden of CVD, with diet as one of the most investigated factors. Specifically, the timing and regularity of food intake is an emerging research area, with approaches such as time-restricted eating (TRE) receiving much attention. TRE involves shortening the time available to eat across the day and is associated with improved CVD outcomes compared with longer eating windows. However, studies that have examined TRE have not considered the impact of sleep on CVD outcomes despite recent evidence showing that sleep duration can influence the timing and amount of food eaten. In this article, we argue that as TRE and sleep influence each other, and influence the same cardiometabolic parameters, experiencing inadequate sleep may attenuate any positive impact TRE has on CVD. We examine the relationship between TRE and CVD, with sleep as a potential mediator in this relationship, and propose a research agenda to investigate this relationship. This will provide necessary evidence to inform future interventions aimed at reducing the burden of CVD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Circadian Disruption and Cardiometabolic Health)

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21 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Are We What We Eat? Impact of Diet on the Gut–Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease

by Margherita Alfonsetti, Vanessa Castelli and Michele d’Angelo

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020380 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 14526

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, such as defects in the gut function, which may occur before the motor symptoms. To date, there are therapies that can improve these symptoms, but there is no cure to avoid the development or [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, such as defects in the gut function, which may occur before the motor symptoms. To date, there are therapies that can improve these symptoms, but there is no cure to avoid the development or exacerbation of this disorder. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota could have a crucial role in the gut–brain axis, which is a bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. Diet can affect the microbiota composition, impacting gut–brain axis functionality. Gut microbiome restoration through probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics or other dietary means could have the potential to slow PD progression. In this review, we will discuss the influence of diet on the bidirectional communication between gut and brain, thus supporting the hypothesis that this disorder could begin in the gut. We also focus on how food-based therapies might then have an influence on PD and could ameliorate non-motor as well as motor symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease)

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31 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update

by Astrid Nehlig

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020399 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 61990

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to review the state of the art on the consequences of drinking coffee at the different levels of the gastrointestinal tract. At some steps of the digestive process, the effects of coffee consumption seem rather clear. [...] Read more.

The objective of the present research was to review the state of the art on the consequences of drinking coffee at the different levels of the gastrointestinal tract. At some steps of the digestive process, the effects of coffee consumption seem rather clear. This is the case for the stimulation of gastric acid secretion, the stimulation of biliary and pancreatic secretion, the reduction of gallstone risk, the stimulation of colic motility, and changes in the composition of gut microbiota. Other aspects are still controversial, such as the possibility for coffee to affect gastro-esophageal reflux, peptic ulcers, and intestinal inflammatory diseases. This review also includes a brief summary on the lack of association between coffee consumption and cancer of the different digestive organs, and points to the powerful protective effect of coffee against the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. This review reports the available evidence on different topics and identifies the areas that would most benefit from additional studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support in Digestive Diseases, and Nutritional Implications of Dietary Interventions)

9 pages, 1977 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene Polymorphisms Modify the Response to Vitamin D Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ricardo Usategui-Martín, Daniel-Antonio De Luis-Román, José María Fernández-Gómez, Marta Ruiz-Mambrilla and José-Luis Pérez-Castrillón

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020360 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 8144

Abstract

The vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcriptional regulators, is crucial to calcitriol signalling. VDR is regulated by genetic and environmental factors and it is hypothesised that the response to vitamin D supplementation could be modulated by [...] Read more.

The vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcriptional regulators, is crucial to calcitriol signalling. VDR is regulated by genetic and environmental factors and it is hypothesised that the response to vitamin D supplementation could be modulated by genetic variants in the VDR gene. The best studied polymorphisms in the VDR gene are Apal (rs7975232), BsmI (rs1544410), Taql (rs731236) and Fokl (rs10735810). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the response to vitamin D supplementation according to the BsmI, TaqI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms. We included studies that analysed the relationship between the response to vitamin D supplementation and the genotypic distribution of these polymorphisms. We included eight studies that enrolled 1038 subjects. The results showed no significant association with the BsmI and ApaI polymorphisms (p = 0.081 and p = 0.63) and that the variant allele (Tt+tt) of the TaqI polymorphism and the FF genotype of the FokI variant were associated with a better response to vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001). In conclusion, the TaqI and FokI polymorphisms could play a role in the modulation of the response to vitamin D supplementation, as they are associated with a better response to supplementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gene Polymorphism and Nutrition: Relationships with Chronic Disease)

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22 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Prenatal Folate and Choline Levels and Brain and Cognitive Development in Children: A Critical Narrative Review

by Nathalie Irvine, Gillian England-Mason, Catherine J. Field, Deborah Dewey and Fariba Aghajafari

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020364 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 22858

Abstract

Women’s nutritional status during pregnancy can have long-term effects on children’s brains and cognitive development. Folate and choline are methyl-donor nutrients and are important for closure of the neural tube during fetal development. They have also been associated with brain and cognitive development [...] Read more.

Women’s nutritional status during pregnancy can have long-term effects on children’s brains and cognitive development. Folate and choline are methyl-donor nutrients and are important for closure of the neural tube during fetal development. They have also been associated with brain and cognitive development in children. Animal studies have observed that prenatal folate and choline supplementation is associated with better cognitive outcomes in offspring and that these nutrients may have interactive effects on brain development. Although some human studies have reported associations between maternal folate and choline levels and child cognitive outcomes, results are not consistent, and no human studies have investigated the potential interactive effects of folate and choline. This lack of consistency could be due to differences in the methods used to assess folate and choline levels, the gestational trimester at which they were measured, and lack of consideration of potential confounding variables. This narrative review discusses and critically reviews current research examining the associations between maternal levels of folate and choline during pregnancy and brain and cognitive development in children. Directions for future research that will increase our understanding of the effects of these nutrients on children’s neurodevelopment are discussed. Full article

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

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19 pages, 2227 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Receptor Mediated Effects of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) on Innate and Adaptative Immunity: Relevance for Food Allergy

by Daniela Briceno Noriega, Hannah E. Zenker, Cresci-Anne Croes, Arifa Ewaz, Janneke Ruinemans-Koerts, Huub F. J. Savelkoul, R. J. Joost van Neerven and Malgorzata Teodorowicz

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020371 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5701

Abstract

As of late, evidence has been emerging that the Maillard reaction (MR, also referred to as glycation) affects the structure and function of food proteins. MR induces the conformational and chemical modification of food proteins, not only on the level of IgG/IgE recognition, [...] Read more.

As of late, evidence has been emerging that the Maillard reaction (MR, also referred to as glycation) affects the structure and function of food proteins. MR induces the conformational and chemical modification of food proteins, not only on the level of IgG/IgE recognition, but also by increasing the interaction and recognition of these modified proteins by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This affects their biological properties, including digestibility, bioavailability, immunogenicity, and ultimately their allergenicity. APCs possess various receptors that recognize glycation structures, which include receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), scavenger receptors (SRs), galectin-3 and CD36. Through these receptors, glycation structures may influence the recognition, uptake and antigen-processing of food allergens by dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes. This may lead to enhanced cytokine production and maturation of DCs, and may also induce adaptive immune responses to the antigens/allergens as a result of antigen uptake, processing and presentation to T cells. Here, we aim to review the current literature on the immunogenicity of AGEs originating from food (exogenous or dietary AGEs) in relation to AGEs that are formed within the body (endogenous AGEs), their interactions with receptors present on immune cells, and their effects on the activation of the innate as well as the adaptive immune system. Finally, we review the clinical relevance of AGEs in food allergies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunomodulation by Food: A Tool for Mitigating Allergic Disease)

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12 pages, 713 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

The Impact of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics during Pregnancy or Lactation on the Intestinal Microbiota of Children Born by Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review

by Sandra Martín-Peláez, Naomi Cano-Ibáñez, Miguel Pinto-Gallardo and Carmen Amezcua-Prieto

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020341 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9494

Abstract

The gut microbiota is a key factor in the correct development of the gastrointestinal immune system. Studies have found differences between the gut microbiota of newborns delivered by cesarean section compared to those vaginally delivered. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of [...] Read more.

The gut microbiota is a key factor in the correct development of the gastrointestinal immune system. Studies have found differences between the gut microbiota of newborns delivered by cesarean section compared to those vaginally delivered. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of ingestion of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics during pregnancy and/or lactation on the development of the gut microbiota of the C-section newborns. We selected experimental studies in online databases from their inception to October 2021. Of the 83 records screened, 12 met the inclusion criteria. The probiotics used belonged to the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Propionibacterium, and Streptococcus, or a combination of those, with dosages varying between 2 × 10⁶ and 9 × 10¹¹ CFU per day, and were consumed during pregnancy and/or lactation. Probiotic strains were combined with galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, or bovine milk-derived oligosaccharides in the synbiotic formulas. Probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic interventions led to beneficial gut microbiota in cesarean-delivered newborns, closer to that in vaginally delivered newborns, especially regarding Bifidobacterium colonization. This effect was more evident in breastfed infants. The studies indicate that this beneficial effect is achieved when the interventions begin soon after birth, especially the restoration of bifidobacterial population. Changes in the infant microbial ecosystem due to the interventions seem to continue after the end of the intervention in most of the studies. More interventional studies are needed to elucidate the optimal synbiotic combinations and the most effective strains and doses for achieving the optimal gut microbiota colonization of C-section newborns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Probiotics, Prebiotics and Postbiotics in Human Health)

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36 pages, 1440 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Role of Diet in Prognosis among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dietary Patterns and Diet Interventions

by Carlota Castro-Espin and Antonio Agudo

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020348 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 114 | Viewed by 20528

Abstract

Cancer survival continues to improve in high-income countries, partly explained by advances in screening and treatment. Previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between individual dietary components and cancer prognosis in tumours with good therapeutic response (breast, colon and prostate cancers). The aim [...] Read more.

Cancer survival continues to improve in high-income countries, partly explained by advances in screening and treatment. Previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between individual dietary components and cancer prognosis in tumours with good therapeutic response (breast, colon and prostate cancers). The aim of this review is to assess qualitatively (and quantitatively where appropriate) the associations of dietary patterns and cancer prognosis from published prospective cohort studies, as well as the effect of diet interventions by means of randomised controlled trials (RCT). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, and a total of 35 prospective cohort studies and 14 RCT published between 2011 and 2021 were selected. Better overall diet quality was associated with improved survival among breast and colorectal cancer survivors; adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated to lower risk of mortality in colorectal and prostate cancer survivors. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model showed that higher versus lower diet quality was associated with a 23% reduction in overall mortality in breast cancer survivors. There was evidence that dietary interventions, generally combined with physical activity, improved overall quality of life, though most studies were in breast cancer survivors. Further cohort and intervention studies in other cancers are needed to make more specific recommendations. Full article

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

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29 pages, 849 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Gut Microbiome and Organ Fibrosis

by Carolina F. F. A. Costa, Benedita Sampaio-Maia, Ricardo Araujo, Diana S. Nascimento, Joana Ferreira-Gomes, Manuel Pestana, Maria J. Azevedo and Ines S. Alencastre

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020352 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6680

Abstract

Fibrosis is a pathological process associated with most chronic inflammatory diseases. It is defined by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and can affect nearly every tissue and organ system in the body. Fibroproliferative diseases, such as intestinal fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, progressive [...] Read more.

Fibrosis is a pathological process associated with most chronic inflammatory diseases. It is defined by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and can affect nearly every tissue and organ system in the body. Fibroproliferative diseases, such as intestinal fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, often lead to severe organ damage and are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, for which there are currently no effective therapies available. In the past decade, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the gut microbiome as a major player in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune system, with severe implications in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated disorders. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with the development and progression of fibrotic processes in various organs and is predicted to be a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis management. In this review we summarize the state of the art concerning the crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and organ fibrosis, address the relevance of diet in different fibrotic diseases and discuss gut microbiome-targeted therapeutic approaches that are current being explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier of Diet and Chronic Disease: New Progress on Fibrotic Diseases Inflammation and Pain)

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19 pages, 1878 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Efficacy of Probiotics in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Pauline Sanchez, Jean-Guillaume Letarouilly, Yann Nguyen, Johanna Sigaux, Thomas Barnetche, Sébastien Czernichow, René-Marc Flipo, Jérémie Sellam and Claire Daïen

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020354 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 9795

Abstract

Background: We aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of probiotics supplementation on symptoms and disease activity in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthritis (SpA), or psoriatic arthritis). Methods: A systematic [...] Read more.

Background: We aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of probiotics supplementation on symptoms and disease activity in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthritis (SpA), or psoriatic arthritis). Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis from RA and SpA randomized controlled trials were conducted searching for articles in MEDLINE/PubMed and abstracts from recent international rheumatology meetings. The control group was a placebo or another dietary intervention. The risk of bias of the selected studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Jadad scale. Results: The initial search yielded 173 articles. Of these, 13 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, 8 concerning a total of 344 RA patients and 2 concerning a total of 197 SpA patients. Three meta-analyses were also analyzed. Probiotic strains and quantities used were different among trials (5 studies using Lactobacillus sp., 1 trial Bacillus coagulans and the others a mix of different probiotic strains). Time to assess response ranged from 8 weeks to one year. Two studies associated probiotic supplementation with a dietary intervention. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration (mean difference (MD)) −3.04 (95% CI −4.47, −1.62) mg/L, p < 0.001; I² = 20%, n patients = 209) with probiotics in RA. However, after excluding high-risk-of-bias trials of meta-analysis, there was no difference between probiotics and placebo on DAS28 (standard MD −0.54; 95% CI −1.94 to 0.85, p = 0.45, I² 93%, n patients = 143). The two studies on SpA patients showed no efficacy of probiotics. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation might decrease RA activity with a moderate decrease effect on CRP, but lack of evidence and studies’ heterogeneity do not allow us to propose them to patients with inflammatory arthritis to control their disease. Further RCTs are required in the future to determinate the efficacy of probiotics and the optimal administration design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases and Nutrition)

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16 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid: A Blood Pressure-Reducing Flavonoid Metabolite

by Patrícia Dias, Jana Pourová, Marie Vopršalová, Iveta Nejmanová and Přemysl Mladěnka

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020328 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4623

Abstract

Regular intake of polyphenol-rich food has been associated with a wide variety of beneficial health effects, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the parent flavonoids have mostly low bioavailability and, hence, their metabolites have been hypothesized to be bioactive. One of these [...] Read more.

Regular intake of polyphenol-rich food has been associated with a wide variety of beneficial health effects, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the parent flavonoids have mostly low bioavailability and, hence, their metabolites have been hypothesized to be bioactive. One of these metabolites, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3-HPAA), formed by the gut microbiota, was previously reported to exert vasorelaxant effects ex vivo. The aim of this study was to shed more light on this effect in vivo, and to elucidate the mechanism of action. 3-HPAA gave rise to a dose-dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure when administered i.v. both as a bolus and infusion to spontaneously hypertensive rats. In contrast, no significant changes in heart rate were observed. In ex vivo experiments, where porcine hearts from a slaughterhouse were used to decrease the need for laboratory animals, 3-HPAA relaxed precontracted porcine coronary artery segments via a mechanism partially dependent on endothelium integrity. This relaxation was significantly impaired after endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition. In contrast, the blockade of SKCa or IKCa channels, or muscarinic receptors, did not affect 3-HPAA relaxation. Similarly, no effects of 3-HPAA on cyclooxygenase nor L-type calcium channels were observed. Thus, 3-HPAA decreases blood pressure in vivo via vessel relaxation, and this mechanism might be based on the release of nitric oxide by the endothelial layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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15 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Development of a Web-App for the Ecological Momentary Assessment of Dietary Habits among College Students: The HEALTHY-UNICT Project

by Martina Barchitta, Andrea Maugeri, Giuliana Favara, Roberta Magnano San Lio, Paolo Marco Riela, Luca Guarnera, Sebastiano Battiato and Antonella Agodi

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020330 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4283

Abstract

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical period for the development of healthy behaviors. Yet, it is often characterized by unhealthy food choices. Considering the current pandemic scenario, it is also essential to assess the effects of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) on [...] Read more.

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical period for the development of healthy behaviors. Yet, it is often characterized by unhealthy food choices. Considering the current pandemic scenario, it is also essential to assess the effects of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) on lifestyles and diet, especially among young people. However, the assessment of dietary habits and their determinants is a complex issue that requires innovative approaches and tools, such as those based on the ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Here, we describe the first phases of the “HEALTHY-UNICT” project, which aimed to develop and validate a web-app for the EMA of dietary data among students from the University of Catania, Italy. The pilot study included 138 students (mean age 24 years, SD = 4.2; 75.4% women), who used the web-app for a week before filling out a food frequency questionnaire with validation purposes. Dietary data obtained through the two tools showed moderate correlations, with the lowest value for butter and margarine and the highest for pizza (Spearman’s correlation coefficients of 0.202 and 0.699, respectively). According to the cross-classification analysis, the percentage of students classified into the same quartile ranged from 36.9% for vegetable oil to 58.1% for pizza. In line with these findings, the weighted-kappa values ranged from 0.15 for vegetable oil to 0.67 for pizza, and most food categories showed values above 0.4. This web-app showed good usability among students, assessed through a 19-item usability scale. Moreover, the web-app also had the potential to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ behaviors and emotions, showing a moderate impact on sedentary activities, level of stress, and depression. These findings, although interesting, might be confirmed by the next phases of the HEALTHY-UNICT project, which aims to characterize lifestyles, dietary habits, and their relationship with anthropometric measures and emotions in a larger sample of students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies, Methods and Tools for Dietary Assessment in Public Health)

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21 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Metabolic Syndrome, Cognitive Impairment and the Role of Diet: A Narrative Review

by Matina Kouvari, Nathan M. D’Cunha, Nikolaj Travica, Domenico Sergi, Manja Zec, Wolfgang Marx and Nenad Naumovski

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020333 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9933

Abstract

Background: This narrative review presents the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS), along with its components, and cognition-related disorders, as well as the potential reversal role of diet against cognitive impairment by modulating MetS. Methods: An electronic research in Medline (Pubmed) and Scopus was [...] Read more.

Background: This narrative review presents the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS), along with its components, and cognition-related disorders, as well as the potential reversal role of diet against cognitive impairment by modulating MetS. Methods: An electronic research in Medline (Pubmed) and Scopus was conducted. Results: MetS and cognitive decline share common cardiometabolic pathways as MetS components can trigger cognitive impairment. On the other side, the risk factors for both MetS and cognitive impairment can be reduced by optimizing the nutritional intake. Clinical manifestations such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and increased central body adiposity are nutrition-related risk factors present during the prodromal period before cognitive impairment. The Mediterranean dietary pattern stands among the most discussed predominantly plant-based diets in relation to cardiometabolic disorders that may prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognition-related disorders. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that the consumption of specific dietary food groups as a part of the overall diet can improve cognitive outcomes, maybe due to their involvement in cardiometabolic paths. Conclusions: Early MetS detection may be helpful to prevent or delay cognitive decline. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of healthy nutritional habits to reverse such conditions and the urgency of early lifestyle interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

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14 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Critical Appraisal of Large Vitamin D Randomized Controlled Trials

by Stefan Pilz, Christian Trummer, Verena Theiler-Schwetz, Martin R. Grübler, Nicolas D. Verheyen, Balazs Odler, Spyridon N. Karras, Armin Zittermann and Winfried März

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020303 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 9359

Abstract

As a consequence of epidemiological studies showing significant associations of vitamin D deficiency with a variety of adverse extra-skeletal clinical outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality, large vitamin D randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been designed and conducted over the last few [...] Read more.

As a consequence of epidemiological studies showing significant associations of vitamin D deficiency with a variety of adverse extra-skeletal clinical outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality, large vitamin D randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been designed and conducted over the last few years. The vast majority of these trials did not restrict their study populations to individuals with vitamin D deficiency, and some even allowed moderate vitamin D supplementation in the placebo groups. In these RCTs, there were no significant effects on the primary outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular events, and mortality, but explorative outcome analyses and meta-analyses revealed indications for potential benefits such as reductions in cancer mortality or acute respiratory infections. Importantly, data from RCTs with relatively high doses of vitamin D supplementation did, by the vast majority, not show significant safety issues, except for trials in critically or severely ill patients or in those using very high intermittent vitamin D doses. The recent large vitamin D RCTs did not challenge the beneficial effects of vitamin D regarding rickets and osteomalacia, that therefore continue to provide the scientific basis for nutritional vitamin D guidelines and recommendations. There remains a great need to evaluate the effects of vitamin D treatment in populations with vitamin D deficiency or certain characteristics suggesting a high sensitivity to treatment. Outcomes and limitations of recently published large vitamin D RCTs must inform the design of future vitamin D or nutrition trials that should use more personalized approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Other Pleiotropic Actions of Vitamin D: Proceedings from the 5th International Conference “Vitamin D—minimum, maximum, optimum”)

13 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Lower Depressive Symptoms among U.S. Adults

by Vanessa M. Oddo, Lauren Welke, Andrew McLeod, Lacey Pezley, Yinglin Xia, Pauline Maki, Mary Dawn Koenig, Michelle A. Kominiarek, Scott Langenecker and Lisa Tussing-Humphreys

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020278 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6891

Abstract

Depression is a leading cause of disability, yet current prevention and treatment approaches have only had modest effects. It is important to better understand the role of dietary patterns on depressive symptoms, which may help prevent depression or complement current treatments. This study [...] Read more.

Depression is a leading cause of disability, yet current prevention and treatment approaches have only had modest effects. It is important to better understand the role of dietary patterns on depressive symptoms, which may help prevent depression or complement current treatments. This study examined whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet (Med Diet), determined by the Alternate Med Diet score (aMED), was associated with depressive symptoms in a representative sample of U.S. adults. The aMED score (range 0–9) was calculated from a 24-h diet recall with gender-specific quartiles (Q) estimated. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to define depressive symptoms, which was dichotomized as no to mild (0–9) versus moderate to severe symptoms (10–27). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between quartiles of aMED and depressive symptoms when controlling for sociodemographics, total calories, and the time of year of diet recall; 7.9% of the sample had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Compared to individuals with the lowest aMED (Q1), individuals in Q3 and Q4 had 40% and 45% lower odds of moderate to severe depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50, 0.74; OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.84, respectively). This study provides modest support of Med Diet’s role in supporting positive mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Epidemiology)

10 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Emerging Roles of Vitamin D-Induced Antimicrobial Peptides in Antiviral Innate Immunity

by John H. White

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020284 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 10455

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency, characterized by low circulating levels of calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25D) has been linked to increased risk of infections of bacterial and viral origin. Innate immune cells produce hormonal calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 1,25D) locally from circulating calcifediol in response to pathogen [...] Read more.

Vitamin D deficiency, characterized by low circulating levels of calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25D) has been linked to increased risk of infections of bacterial and viral origin. Innate immune cells produce hormonal calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 1,25D) locally from circulating calcifediol in response to pathogen threat and an immune-specific cytokine network. Calcitriol regulates gene expression through its binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-regulated transcription factor. The hormone-bound VDR induces the transcription of genes integral to innate immunity including pattern recognition receptors, cytokines, and most importantly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Transcription of the human AMP genes β-defensin 2/defensin-β4 (HBD2/DEFB4) and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) is stimulated by the VDR bound to promoter-proximal vitamin D response elements. HDB2/DEFB4 and the active form of CAMP, the peptide LL-37, which form amphipathic secondary structures, were initially characterized for their antibacterial actively. Notably, calcitriol signaling induces secretion of antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo, and low circulating levels of calcifediol are associated with diverse indications characterized by impaired antibacterial immunity such as dental caries and urinary tract infections. However, recent work has also provided evidence that the same AMPs are components of 1,25D-induced antiviral responses, including those against the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus. This review surveys the evidence for 1,25D-induced antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo in humans and presents our current understanding of the potential mechanisms by which CAMP and HBD2/DEFB4 contribute to antiviral immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D Endocrine System: Calcifediol for Treatment and Prevention of Infection and Disease)

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17 pages, 1062 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Vitamin D in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications

by Filippo Vernia, Marco Valvano, Salvatore Longo, Nicola Cesaro, Angelo Viscido and Giovanni Latella

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020269 - 9 Jan 2022

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 11524

Abstract

(1) Background: Vitamin D is an immunoregulatory factor influencing intestinal homeostasis. Recent evidence supports a central role of this micronutrient in the course of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). This narrative review aims to provide a general overview of the possible biological mechanisms of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Vitamin D is an immunoregulatory factor influencing intestinal homeostasis. Recent evidence supports a central role of this micronutrient in the course of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). This narrative review aims to provide a general overview of the possible biological mechanisms of action of vitamin D and its therapeutic implications in IBD. (2) Methods: A systematic electronic search of the English literature up to October 2021 was performed using Medline and the Cochrane Library. Only papers written in English that analyzed the role of vitamin D in IBD were included. (3) Results: In vitro and animal studies reported that vitamin D signaling improves epithelial barrier integrity regulating the expression of several junctional proteins, defensins, and mucins, modulates the inflammatory response, and affects gut microbiome composition. Recent studies also suggest that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among IBD patients and that low serum levels correlate with disease activity and, less clearly, with disease course. (4) Conclusions: An increasing body of evidence suggests some role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology of IBD, nonetheless the underlying mechanisms have been so far only partially elucidated. A strong correlation with disease activity has been reported but its implication in the treatment is still undefined. Thus, studies focused on this issue, the definition of vitamin D levels responsible for clinical effects, and the potential role of vitamin D as a therapeutic agent are strongly encouraged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Different Nutrition Strategies on Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD))

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15 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Intestinal Taxa Abundance and Diversity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: An Analysis including Covariates and Confounders

by Adelaide Teofani, Irene Marafini, Federica Laudisi, Daniele Pietrucci, Silvia Salvatori, Valeria Unida, Silvia Biocca, Giovanni Monteleone and Alessandro Desideri

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020260 - 8 Jan 2022

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3480

Abstract

Intestinal dysbiosis has been widely documented in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and is thought to influence the onset and perpetuation of gut inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether such bacterial changes rely in part on the modification of an IBD-associated lifestyle (e.g., smoking [...] Read more.

Intestinal dysbiosis has been widely documented in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and is thought to influence the onset and perpetuation of gut inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether such bacterial changes rely in part on the modification of an IBD-associated lifestyle (e.g., smoking and physical activity) and diet (e.g., rich in dairy products, cereals, meat and vegetables). In this study, we investigated the impact of these habits, which we defined as confounders and covariates, on the modulation of intestinal taxa abundance and diversity in IBD patients. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was performed using genomic DNA extracted from the faecal samples of 52 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 58 with ulcerative colitis (UC), which are the two main types of IBD, as well as 42 healthy controls (HC). A reduced microbial diversity was documented in the IBD patients compared with the HC. Moreover, we identified specific confounders and covariates that influenced the association between some bacterial taxa and disease extent (in UC patients) or behaviour (in CD patients) compared with the HC. In particular, a PERMANOVA stepwise regression identified the variables “age”, “eat yogurt at least four days per week” and “eat dairy products at least 4 days per week” as covariates when comparing the HC and patients affected by ulcerative proctitis (E1), left-sided UC (distal UC) (E2) and extensive UC (pancolitis) (E3). Instead, the variables “age”, “gender”, “eat meat at least four days per week” and “eat bread at least 4 days per week” were considered as covariates when comparing the HC with the CD patients affected by non-stricturing, non-penetrating (B1), stricturing (B2) and penetrating (B3) diseases. Considering such variables, our analysis indicated that the UC extent differentially modulated the abundance of the Bifidobacteriaceae, Rikenellaceae, Christensenellaceae, Marinifilaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Streptococcaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae families, while the CD behaviour influenced the abundance of Christensenellaceae, Marinifilaceae, Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Barnesiellaceae and Coriobacteriaceae families. In conclusion, our study indicated that some covariates and confounders related to an IBD-associated lifestyle and dietary habits influenced the intestinal taxa diversity and relative abundance in the CD and UC patients compared with the HC. Indeed, such variables should be identified and excluded from the analysis to characterize the bacterial families whose abundance is directly modulated by IBD status, as well as disease extent or behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)

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15 pages, 1907 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Post-Ischemic Brain Neurodegeneration in the Form of Alzheimer’s Disease Proteinopathy: Possible Therapeutic Role of Curcumin

by Ryszard Pluta, Wanda Furmaga-Jabłońska, Sławomir Januszewski and Stanisław J. Czuczwar

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020248 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5203

Abstract

For thousands of years, mankind has been using plant extracts or plants themselves as medicinal herbs. Currently, there is a great deal of public interest in naturally occurring medicinal substances that are virtually non-toxic, readily available, and have an impact on well-being and [...] Read more.

For thousands of years, mankind has been using plant extracts or plants themselves as medicinal herbs. Currently, there is a great deal of public interest in naturally occurring medicinal substances that are virtually non-toxic, readily available, and have an impact on well-being and health. It has been noted that dietary curcumin is one of the regulators that may positively influence changes in the brain after ischemia. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound with pleiotropic biological properties. The observed death of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and its atrophy are considered to be typical changes for post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration and for Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, it has been shown that one of the potential mechanisms of severe neuronal death is the accumulation of neurotoxic amyloid and dysfunctional tau protein after cerebral ischemia. Post-ischemic studies of human and animal brains have shown the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The significant therapeutic feature of curcumin is that it can affect the aging-related cellular proteins, i.e., amyloid and tau protein, preventing their aggregation and insolubility after ischemia. Curcumin also decreases the neurotoxicity of amyloid and tau protein by affecting their structure. Studies in animal models of cerebral ischemia have shown that curcumin reduces infarct volume, brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, glutamate neurotoxicity, inhibits autophagy and oxidative stress, and improves neurological and behavioral deficits. The available data suggest that curcumin may be a new therapeutic substance in both regenerative medicine and the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as post-ischemic neurodegeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds for Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Applications in Neurodegeneration)

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12 pages, 5439 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Intermittent Fasting Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Cardiomyopathy via Alleviating Lipid Deposition and Apoptosis and Decreasing m6A Methylation in the Heart

by Zujie Xu, Ying Qin, Binbin Lv, Zhenjun Tian and Bing Zhang

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020251 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 7904

Abstract

Intermittent fasting (IF) plays an essential role in improving lipid metabolism disorders caused by metabolic cardiomyopathy. Growing evidence revealed that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is related to obesity and lipid metabolic. Our study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of IF on lipid [...] Read more.

Intermittent fasting (IF) plays an essential role in improving lipid metabolism disorders caused by metabolic cardiomyopathy. Growing evidence revealed that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is related to obesity and lipid metabolic. Our study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of IF on lipid deposition, apoptosis, and m6A methylation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity cardiomyopathy. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or HFD ad libitum for 13 weeks, after which time a subgroup of HFD mice were subjected to IF for 24 h and fed HFD in the other day for 8 weeks. We found that IF intervention significantly improved cardiac functional and structural impairment and serum lipid metabolic disorder induced by HFD. Furthermore, IF intervention decreased the mRNA levels of the fatty acid uptake genes of FABP1, FATP1, and CD36 and the fatty acid synthesis genes of SREBF1, FAS, and ACCα and increased the mRNA levels of the fatty acid catabolism genes of ATGL, HSL, LAL, and LPL in cardiac tissueof HFD-induced obese mice. TUNEL-positive cells, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and Cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression in HFD-induced obese mice hearts was down-regulated by IF intervention. In addition, IF intervention decreased the m6A methylation levels and METTL3 expression and increased FTO expression in HFD-induced obesity cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that IF attenuated cardiac lipid deposition and apoptosis, as well as improved cardiac functional and structural impairment in HFD-induced obesity cardiomyopathy, by a mechanism associated with decreased m6A RNA methylation levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implication of Intermittent Fasting on Health and Diseases)

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17 pages, 6538 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Circulating Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Vitamin K₁ on COVID-19 Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study

by Maria K. Sobczyk and Tom R. Gaunt

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020233 - 6 Jan 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6449

Abstract

Background & Aims: Previous results from observational, interventional studies and in vitro experiments suggest that certain micronutrients possess anti-viral and immunomodulatory activities. In particular, it has been hypothesized that zinc, selenium, copper and vitamin K₁ have strong potential for prophylaxis and [...] Read more.

Background & Aims: Previous results from observational, interventional studies and in vitro experiments suggest that certain micronutrients possess anti-viral and immunomodulatory activities. In particular, it has been hypothesized that zinc, selenium, copper and vitamin K₁ have strong potential for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. We aimed to test whether genetically predicted Zn, Se, Cu or vitamin K₁ levels have a causal effect on COVID-19 related outcomes, including risk of infection, hospitalization and critical illness. Methods: We employed a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. Our genetic variants derived from European-ancestry GWAS reflected circulating levels of Zn, Cu, Se in red blood cells as well as Se and vitamin K₁ in serum/plasma. For the COVID-19 outcome GWAS, we used infection, hospitalization or critical illness. Our inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR analysis was complemented by sensitivity analyses including a more liberal selection of variants at a genome-wide sub-significant threshold, MR-Egger and weighted median/mode tests. Results: Circulating micronutrient levels show limited evidence of association with COVID-19 infection, with the odds ratio [OR] ranging from 0.97 (95% CI: 0.87–1.08, p-value = 0.55) for zinc to 1.07 (95% CI: 1.00–1.14, p-value = 0.06)—i.e., no beneficial effect for copper was observed per 1 SD increase in exposure. Similarly minimal evidence was obtained for the hospitalization and critical illness outcomes with OR from 0.98 (95% CI: 0.87–1.09, p-value = 0.66) for vitamin K₁ to 1.07 (95% CI: 0.88–1.29, p-value = 0.49) for copper, and from 0.93 (95% CI: 0.72–1.19, p-value = 0.55) for vitamin K₁ to 1.21 (95% CI: 0.79–1.86, p-value = 0.39) for zinc, respectively. Conclusions: This study does not provide evidence that supplementation with zinc, selenium, copper or vitamin K₁ can prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, critical illness or hospitalization for COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mendelian Randomization Studies on Nutritional Factors and Health Outcomes)

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13 pages, 2627 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Flower Water Extract Disrupts the Cecal Microbiome, Brush Border Membrane Functionality, and Morphology In Vivo (Gallus gallus)

by Nikita Agarwal, Nikolai Kolba, YeonJin Jung, Jacquelyn Cheng and Elad Tako

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010220 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4819

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is known as the most expensive spice. C. sativus dried red stigmas, called threads, are used for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. The rest of the flower is often discarded, but is now being used in teas, as [...] Read more.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is known as the most expensive spice. C. sativus dried red stigmas, called threads, are used for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. The rest of the flower is often discarded, but is now being used in teas, as coloring agents, and fodder. Previous studies have attributed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-depressant, and anticancer properties to C. sativus floral bio-residues. The aim of this study is to assess C. sativus flower water extract (CFWE) for its effects on hemoglobin, brush boarder membrane (BBM) functionality, morphology, intestinal gene expression, and cecal microbiome in vivo (Gallus gallus), a clinically validated model. For this, Gallus gallus eggs were divided into six treatment groups (non-injected, 18 Ω H₂O, 1% CFWE, 2% CFWE, 5% CFWE, and 10% CFWE) with n~10 for each group. On day 17 of incubation, 1 mL of the extracts/control were administered in the amnion of the eggs. The amniotic fluid along with the administered extracts are orally consumed by the developing embryo over the course of the next few days. On day 21, the hatchlings were euthanized, the blood, duodenum, and cecum were harvested for assessment. The results showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in hemoglobin concentration, villus surface area, goblet cell number, and diameter. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in Paneth cell number and Mucin 2 (MUC2) gene expression proportional to the increase in CFWE concentration. Additionally, the cecum microbiome analysis revealed C. sativus flower water extract altered the bacterial populations. There was a significant dose-dependent reduction in Lactobacillus and Clostridium sp., suggesting an antibacterial effect of the extract on the gut in the given model. These results suggest that the dietary consumption of C. sativus flower may have negative effects on BBM functionality, morphology, mineral absorption, microbial populations, and iron status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Flavonoids, Mineral Bioavailability, Gut Functionality, Morphology and Microbiome)

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35 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Iron Status, Anemia, and Iron Interventions and Their Associations with Cognitive and Academic Performance in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

by Kaitlyn L. I. Samson, Jordie A. J. Fischer and Marion L. Roche

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010224 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 15400

Abstract

In adolescents, iron-deficiency anemia is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years lost. The World Health Organization recommends delivering iron supplementation through school-based platforms, requiring partnerships with the education sector. This anemia-reduction intervention is valued for the perceived benefits of improved learning and [...] Read more.

In adolescents, iron-deficiency anemia is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years lost. The World Health Organization recommends delivering iron supplementation through school-based platforms, requiring partnerships with the education sector. This anemia-reduction intervention is valued for the perceived benefits of improved learning and school performance. This article aims to systematically review the available evidence on the relationship between iron status and anemia and impacts of iron interventions on cognitive and academic performance in adolescents. Fifty studies were included: n = 26 cross-sectional and n = 24 iron-containing interventions. Our review suggests that iron status and anemia may be associated with academic performance in some contexts and that iron supplementation during adolescence may improve school performance, attention, and concentration. However, nearly all supplementation trials were judged to have moderate or high risk of bias. We did not find evidence suggesting that iron status and anemia influenced or were associated with attention, intelligence, nor memory in adolescents. Further, iron supplementation did not improve memory and recall or intelligence. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to guide programmers and policy makers to understand the relationships between anemia and educational performance and the potential impacts of iron interventions, which effectively reduce anemia, on adolescents’ learning and school performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation)

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13 pages, 1245 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the Immune Response of Elderly Subjects to COVID-19 Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Anxo Fernández-Ferreiro, Francisco J. Formigo-Couceiro, Roi Veiga-Gutierrez, Jose A. Maldonado-Lobón, Ana M. Hermida-Cao, Carlos Rodriguez, Oscar Bañuelos, Mónica Olivares and Ruth Blanco-Rojo

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010228 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5970

Abstract

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, with a high risk of developing severe disease and a reduced immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the effect of the consumption of the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT [...] Read more.

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, with a high risk of developing severe disease and a reduced immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the effect of the consumption of the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the immune response generated by the COVID-19 vaccine in an elderly population was performed. Two hundred nursing home residents >60 yrs that had not COVID-19 were randomized to receive L. coryniformis K8 or a placebo daily for 3 months. All volunteers received a complete vaccination schedule of a mRNA vaccine, starting the intervention ten days after the first dose. Specific IgG and IgA antibody levels were analyzed 56 days after the end of the immunization process. No differences between the groups were observed in the antibody levels. During the intervention, 19 subjects had COVID-19 (11 receiving K8 vs. 8 receiving placebo, p = 0.457). Subgroup analysis in these patients showed that levels of IgG were significantly higher in those receiving K8 compared to placebo (p = 0.038). Among subjects >85 yrs that did not get COVID-19, administration of K8 tended to increase the IgA levels (p = 0.082). The administration of K8 may enhance the specific immune response against COVID-19 and may improve the COVID-19 vaccine-specific responses in elderly populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Lactobacillus and Probiotics in Human Health and Diseases)

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30 pages, 1488 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Gut Microbiota and Complications of Type-2 Diabetes

by Camelia Oana Iatcu, Aimee Steen and Mihai Covasa

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010166 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 223 | Viewed by 29427

Abstract

The gut microbiota has been linked to the emergence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and the onset of type 2 diabetes through decreased glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health consequences such as impaired kidney function, blindness, stroke, myocardial [...] Read more.

The gut microbiota has been linked to the emergence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and the onset of type 2 diabetes through decreased glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health consequences such as impaired kidney function, blindness, stroke, myocardial infarction and lower limb amputation. Despite a variety of treatments currently available, cases of diabetes and resulting complications are on the rise. One promising new approach to diabetes focuses on modulating the gut microbiota with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and fecal microbial transplantation. Differences in gut microbiota composition have been observed in preclinical animal models as well as patients with type 2 diabetes and complications such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease and peripheral artery disease compared to healthy controls. Severity of gut microbiota dysbiosis was associated with disease severity and restoration with probiotic administration in animal models and human patients has been associated with improvement of symptoms and disease progression. Characterizing the gut microbiota dysbiosis in different diseases and determining a causal relationship between the gut microbiota and disease can be beneficial in formulating therapeutic interventions for type 2 diabetes and associated complications. In this review, we present the most important findings regarding the role of the gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes and chronic complications as well as their underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Diseases)

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27 pages, 1450 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Polyphenols—Gut Microbiota Interrelationship: A Transition to a New Generation of Prebiotics

by Diana Plamada and Dan Cristian Vodnar

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010137 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 217 | Viewed by 18856

Abstract

The present review summarizes the studies carried out on this topic in the last five years. According to the new definitions, among all the compounds included in the group of prebiotics, polyphenols are probably the most important secondary metabolites produced by the plant [...] Read more.

The present review summarizes the studies carried out on this topic in the last five years. According to the new definitions, among all the compounds included in the group of prebiotics, polyphenols are probably the most important secondary metabolites produced by the plant kingdom. Many of these types of polyphenols have low bioavailability, therefore reaching the colon in unaltered form. Once in the colon, these compounds interact with the intestinal microbes bidirectionally by modulating them and, consequently, releasing metabolites. Despite much research on various metabolites, little is known about the chemistry of the metabolic routes used by different bacteria species. In this context, this review aims to investigate the prebiotic effect of polyphenols in preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting that the consumption of polyphenols leads to an increase in beneficial bacteria, as well as an increase in the production of valuable metabolites. In conclusion, there is much evidence in preclinical studies supporting the prebiotic effect of polyphenols, but further clinical studies are needed to investigate this effect in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemicals and Human Health)

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38 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Role of Diet Quality in Mediating the Association between Ultra-Processed Food Intake, Obesity and Health-Related Outcomes: A Review of Prospective Cohort Studies

by Samuel J. Dicken and Rachel L. Batterham

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010023 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 146 | Viewed by 25372

Abstract

Prospective cohort studies show that higher intakes of ultra-processed food (UPF) increase the risk of obesity and obesity-related outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Whether ultra-processing itself is detrimental, or whether UPFs just have a lower nutritional quality, is debated. [...] Read more.

Prospective cohort studies show that higher intakes of ultra-processed food (UPF) increase the risk of obesity and obesity-related outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Whether ultra-processing itself is detrimental, or whether UPFs just have a lower nutritional quality, is debated. Higher UPF intakes are inversely associated with fruit, vegetables, legumes and seafood consumption. Therefore, the association between UPFs and poor health could simply be from excess nutrient intake or from a less healthful dietary pattern. If so, adjustment for dietary quality or pattern should explain or greatly reduce the size of the significant associations between UPFs and health-related outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of the literature and by using a novel approach, review the relative impact of adjusting for diet quality/patterns on the reported associations between UPF intake and health-related outcomes in prospective cohort studies. We find that the majority of the associations between UPFs, obesity and health-related outcomes remain significant and unchanged in magnitude after adjustment for diet quality or pattern. Our findings suggest that the adverse consequences of UPFs are independent of dietary quality or pattern, questioning the utility of reformulation to mitigate against the obesity pandemic and wider negative health outcomes of UPFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Articles on Nutrition and Obesity Management)

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15 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR), the One-Carbon Cycle, and Cardiovascular Risks

by Shanel Raghubeer and Tandi E. Matsha

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4562; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124562 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 118 | Viewed by 14677

Abstract

The 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one-carbon cycle, which include methionine and folate metabolism and protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. The enzyme is responsible for maintaining methionine and homocysteine (Hcy) balance to [...] Read more.

The 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one-carbon cycle, which include methionine and folate metabolism and protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. The enzyme is responsible for maintaining methionine and homocysteine (Hcy) balance to prevent cellular dysfunction. Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene, especially C677T, have been associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, and vascular disorders. The C677T MTHFR polymorphism is thought to be the most common cause of elevated Hcy levels, which is considered an independent risk factor for CVD. This polymorphism results in an amino acid change from alanine to valine, which prevents optimal functioning of the enzyme at temperatures above 37 °C. Many studies have been conducted to determine whether there is an association between the C677T polymorphism and increased risk for CVD. There is much evidence in favour of this association, while several studies have concluded that the polymorphism cannot be used to predict CVD development or progression. This review discusses current research regarding the C677T polymorphism and its relationship with CVD, inflammation, diabetes, and epigenetic regulation and compares the evidence provided for and against the association with CVD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of One Carbon and Homocysteine Metabolism in Nutrition and Health)

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15 pages, 704 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Social Jetlag and Related Risks for Human Health: A Timely Review

by Rocco Caliandro, Astrid A. Streng, Linda W. M. van Kerkhof, Gijsbertus T. J. van der Horst and Inês Chaves

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4543; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124543 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 109 | Viewed by 16944

Abstract

The term social jetlag is used to describe the discrepancy between biological time, determined by our internal body clock, and social times, mainly dictated by social obligations such as school or work. In industrialized countries, two-thirds of the studying/working population experiences social jetlag, [...] Read more.

The term social jetlag is used to describe the discrepancy between biological time, determined by our internal body clock, and social times, mainly dictated by social obligations such as school or work. In industrialized countries, two-thirds of the studying/working population experiences social jetlag, often for several years. Described for the first time in 2006, a considerable effort has been put into understanding the effects of social jetlag on human physiopathology, yet our understanding of this phenomenon is still very limited. Due to its high prevalence, social jetlag is becoming a primary concern for public health. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding social jetlag, social jetlag associated behavior (e.g., unhealthy eating patterns) and related risks for human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Circadian Disruption and Cardiometabolic Health)

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20 pages, 953 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: From Childhood to Adulthood

by Dorota Drozdz, Julio Alvarez-Pitti, Małgorzata Wójcik, Claudio Borghi, Rosita Gabbianelli, Artur Mazur, Vesna Herceg-Čavrak, Beatriz Gonzalez Lopez-Valcarcel, Michał Brzeziński, Empar Lurbe and Elke Wühl

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114176 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 233 | Viewed by 26851

Abstract

Obesity has become a major epidemic in the 21st century. It increases the risk of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, which are known cardiometabolic risk factors and components of the metabolic syndrome. Although overt cardiovascular (CV) diseases such as stroke or myocardial [...] Read more.

Obesity has become a major epidemic in the 21st century. It increases the risk of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, which are known cardiometabolic risk factors and components of the metabolic syndrome. Although overt cardiovascular (CV) diseases such as stroke or myocardial infarction are the domain of adulthood, it is evident that the CV continuum begins very early in life. Recognition of risk factors and early stages of CV damage, at a time when these processes are still reversible, and the development of prevention strategies are major pillars in reducing CV morbidity and mortality in the general population. In this review, we will discuss the role of well-known but also novel risk factors linking obesity and increased CV risk from prenatal age to adulthood, including the role of perinatal factors, diet, nutrigenomics, and nutri-epigenetics, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The importance of ‘tracking’ of these risk factors on adult CV health is highlighted and the economic impact of childhood obesity as well as preventive strategies are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Obesity: Through the Life Course)

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60 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other Lifestyle Factors in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

by Ligia J. Dominguez, Nicola Veronese, Laura Vernuccio, Giuseppina Catanese, Flora Inzerillo, Giuseppe Salemi and Mario Barbagallo

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4080; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114080 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 212 | Viewed by 35730

Abstract

Multiple factors combined are currently recognized as contributors to cognitive decline. The main independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia is advanced age followed by other determinants such as genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, including nutrition and physical activity. In the next [...] Read more.

Multiple factors combined are currently recognized as contributors to cognitive decline. The main independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia is advanced age followed by other determinants such as genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, including nutrition and physical activity. In the next decades, a rise in dementia cases is expected due largely to the aging of the world population. There are no hitherto effective pharmaceutical therapies to treat age-associated cognitive impairment and dementia, which underscores the crucial role of prevention. A relationship among diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors with cognitive function has been intensively studied with mounting evidence supporting the role of these determinants in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, which is a chief cause of disability globally. Several dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients have been investigated in this regard, with some encouraging and other disappointing results. This review presents the current evidence for the effects of dietary patterns, dietary components, some supplements, physical activity, sleep patterns, and social engagement on the prevention or delay of the onset of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

33 pages, 1143 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Evidence Update on the Relationship between Diet and the Most Common Cancers from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study: A Systematic Review

by Esther Ubago-Guisado, Miguel Rodríguez-Barranco, Ana Ching-López, Dafina Petrova, Esther Molina-Montes, Pilar Amiano, Aurelio Barricarte-Gurrea, María-Dolores Chirlaque, Antonio Agudo and María-José Sánchez

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3582; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103582 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 17795

Abstract

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) is a multicentre prospective study conducted in 23 centres in 10 European countries. Here we review the findings from EPIC on the relationship between diet-related exposures and incidence or mortality from the four most [...] Read more.

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) is a multicentre prospective study conducted in 23 centres in 10 European countries. Here we review the findings from EPIC on the relationship between diet-related exposures and incidence or mortality from the four most frequent cancers in the European population: colorectal, breast, lung, and prostate cancer. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and identified 110 high-quality studies based on the EPIC cohort. Fruit and vegetable consumption had a protective effect against colorectal, breast, and lung cancer, whereas only fruit had a protective effect against prostate cancer. A higher consumption of fish and lower consumption of red and processed meat were related with a lower risk of colorectal cancer; and higher consumption of fatty fish with lower risk of breast cancer. Calcium and yogurt intake were found to protect against colorectal and prostate cancer. Alcohol consumption increased the risk for colorectal and breast cancer. Finally, adherence to the Mediterranean diet emerged as a protective factor for colorectal and breast cancer. The EPIC study results are in agreement with the latest evidence from leading authorities on cancer prevention and help to inform public prevention policies and strategies. Full article

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

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18 pages, 945 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Maternal Nutrition and Neurodevelopment: A Scoping Review

by María Camila Cortés-Albornoz, Danna Paola García-Guáqueta, Alberto Velez-van-Meerbeke and Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3530; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103530 - 8 Oct 2021

Cited by 129 | Viewed by 21490

Abstract

In this scoping review, we examined the association between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and neurodevelopment in offspring. We searched the Pubmed and ScienceDirect databases for articles published from 2000 to 2020 on inadequate intake of vitamins (B12, folate, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin [...] Read more.

In this scoping review, we examined the association between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and neurodevelopment in offspring. We searched the Pubmed and ScienceDirect databases for articles published from 2000 to 2020 on inadequate intake of vitamins (B12, folate, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K), micronutrients (cooper, iron, creatine, choline, zinc, iodine), macronutrients (fatty acids, proteins), high fat diets, ketogenic diets, hypercaloric diets, and maternal undernutrition. Some older relevant articles were included. The search produced a total of 3590 articles, and 84 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Data were extracted and analyzed using charts and the frequency of terms used. We concluded that inadequate nutrient intake during pregnancy was associated with brain defects (diminished cerebral volume, spina bifida, alteration of hypothalamic and hippocampal pathways), an increased risk of abnormal behavior, neuropsychiatric disorders (ASD, ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression), altered cognition, visual impairment, and motor deficits. Future studies should establish and quantify the benefits of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on neurodevelopment and recommend adequate supplementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)

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12 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Metabolic Syndrome and Sarcopenia

by Hiroki Nishikawa, Akira Asai, Shinya Fukunishi, Shuhei Nishiguchi and Kazuhide Higuchi

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3519; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103519 - 7 Oct 2021

Cited by 166 | Viewed by 15429

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is a major organ of insulin-induced glucose metabolism. In addition, loss of muscle mass is closely linked to insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (Met-S). Skeletal muscle loss and accumulation of intramuscular fat are associated with a variety of pathologies through [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle is a major organ of insulin-induced glucose metabolism. In addition, loss of muscle mass is closely linked to insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (Met-S). Skeletal muscle loss and accumulation of intramuscular fat are associated with a variety of pathologies through a combination of factors, including oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial dysfunction, IR, and inactivity. Sarcopenia, defined by a loss of muscle mass and a decline in muscle quality and muscle function, is common in the elderly and is also often seen in patients with acute or chronic muscle-wasting diseases. The relationship between Met-S and sarcopenia has been attracting a great deal of attention these days. Persistent inflammation, fat deposition, and IR are thought to play a complex role in the association between Met-S and sarcopenia. Met-S and sarcopenia adversely affect QOL and contribute to increased frailty, weakness, dependence, and morbidity and mortality. Patients with Met-S and sarcopenia at the same time have a higher risk of several adverse health events than those with either Met-S or sarcopenia. Met-S can also be associated with sarcopenic obesity. In this review, the relationship between Met-S and sarcopenia will be outlined from the viewpoints of molecular mechanism and clinical impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarker of Stress, Metabolic Syndrome and Human Health)

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16 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Ultra-Processed Foods and Nutritional Dietary Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples

by Daniela Martini, Justyna Godos, Marialaura Bonaccio, Paola Vitaglione and Giuseppe Grosso

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3390; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103390 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 229 | Viewed by 22338

Abstract

Excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as described by the NOVA classification system, represents a potential threat to human health. The nutritional composition of UPFs may explain their observed adverse effects. The present study aimed to provide a quantitative meta-analysis of nationally representative [...] Read more.

Excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as described by the NOVA classification system, represents a potential threat to human health. The nutritional composition of UPFs may explain their observed adverse effects. The present study aimed to provide a quantitative meta-analysis of nationally representative surveys on the consumption of UPFs and the dietary/nutrient composition of respondents’ diets. A systematic search for relevant studies published prior to July 2021 was conducted via electronic databases. The studies that provided the dietary/nutrient composition of foods categorized according to the NOVA classification system were selected. The association between UPFs and other dietary variables was modelled using ordinary least squares linear regression based on aggregated data extracted from the selected articles. Consumption of UPFs represented up to 80% of total caloric intake in the US and Canada, with confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages being the most consumed items. When considered in relation to other food groups, an inverse linear relation between UPFs and less-processed foods was evident. Increased UPF intake correlated with an increase in free sugars, total fats, and saturated fats, as well as a decrease in fiber, protein, potassium, zinc, and magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, and niacin. In conclusion, the data indicate that increased UPF consumption negatively affects the nutritional quality of diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Pattern and Nutrients Intake on Chronic Diseases)

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28 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Systematic Review of Worldwide Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Findings and Criticisms

by Mirko Marino, Federica Puppo, Cristian Del Bo’, Valentina Vinelli, Patrizia Riso, Marisa Porrini and Daniela Martini

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2778; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082778 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 161 | Viewed by 23501

Abstract

A debate is ongoing on the significance and appropriateness of the NOVA classification as a tool for categorizing foods based on their degree of processing. As such, the role of ultra-processed food (UPF) on human health is still not completely understood. With this [...] Read more.

A debate is ongoing on the significance and appropriateness of the NOVA classification as a tool for categorizing foods based on their degree of processing. As such, the role of ultra-processed food (UPF) on human health is still not completely understood. With this review, we aimed to investigate the actual level of consumption of UPF across countries and target populations to determine the impact in real contexts. Suitable articles published up to March 2021 were sourced through the PubMed and SCOPUS databases. Overall, 99 studies providing data on the level of UPF consumption expressed as the percentage of total energy intake were identified, for a total of 1,378,454 participants. Most of them were published in Brazil (n = 38) and the United States (n = 15), and the 24 h recall was the most-used tool (n = 63). Analysis of the results revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom were the countries with the highest percent energy intake from UPF (generally >50%), whereas Italy had the lowest levels (about 10%); the latter was inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. High variability was also observed based on sex, age, and body mass index, with men, young people, and overweight/obese subjects generally having higher levels of consumption compared to older subjects. Overall, our findings underline the large differences in UPF intake. Since most of the observations derived from studies conducted with food questionnaires are not specifically validated for UPF, further efforts are essential to confirm the results previously obtained and to investigate further the association between UPF consumption and health status, also considering the actual contribution within different dietary patterns, which has been less investigated to date. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Harm)

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20 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Malnutrition in Older Adults—Recent Advances and Remaining Challenges

by Kristina Norman, Ulrike Haß and Matthias Pirlich

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082764 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 391 | Viewed by 49194

Abstract

Malnutrition in older adults has been recognised as a challenging health concern associated with not only increased mortality and morbidity, but also with physical decline, which has wide ranging acute implications for activities of daily living and quality of life in general. Malnutrition [...] Read more.

Malnutrition in older adults has been recognised as a challenging health concern associated with not only increased mortality and morbidity, but also with physical decline, which has wide ranging acute implications for activities of daily living and quality of life in general. Malnutrition is common and may also contribute to the development of the geriatric syndromes in older adults. Malnutrition in the old is reflected by either involuntary weight loss or low body mass index, but hidden deficiencies such as micronutrient deficiencies are more difficult to assess and therefore frequently overlooked in the community-dwelling old. In developed countries, the most cited cause of malnutrition is disease, as both acute and chronic disorders have the potential to result in or aggravate malnutrition. Therefore, as higher age is one risk factor for developing disease, older adults have the highest risk of being at nutritional risk or becoming malnourished. However, the aetiology of malnutrition is complex and multifactorial, and the development of malnutrition in the old is most likely also facilitated by ageing processes. This comprehensive narrative review summarizes current evidence on the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition in old adults spanning from age-related changes to disease-associated risk factors, and outlines remaining challenges in the understanding, identification as well as treatment of malnutrition, which in some cases may include targeted supplementation of macro- and/or micronutrients, when diet alone is not sufficient to meet age-specific requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Nutrition: Recent Advances and Remaining Challenges)

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12 pages, 946 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Eating Habits of Children and Adolescents in Italy: A Pilot Survey Study

by Roberta Pujia, Yvelise Ferro, Samantha Maurotti, Janin Khoory, Carmine Gazzaruso, Arturo Pujia, Tiziana Montalcini and Elisa Mazza

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082641 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 10692

Abstract

Nutrition during childhood and adolescence is very important for growth and can have long-term health implications. The COVID-19 lockdown caused significant changes in everyday life, including in children and adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of the first COVID-19 lockdown on eating habits [...] Read more.

Nutrition during childhood and adolescence is very important for growth and can have long-term health implications. The COVID-19 lockdown caused significant changes in everyday life, including in children and adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of the first COVID-19 lockdown on eating habits and body weight in children and adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was carried out among the parents of children (5–9 years) and adolescents (10–14 years) living in Italy. The online self-administered questionnaire included demographic and anthropometric data (reported weight and height) weight and dietary habit changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March to June 2020). A total of 439 participants were included. We found a change in eating habits with an increase in consumption of sweet packaged snacks (34%) and processed meat (25%), as well as bread, pizza and bakery products (47%). We also found an increase in vegetable, fresh fruit and legume intake (19%), and a reduction in sweet beverage and candy intake. A total of 59.7% of the participants reported body weight gain, with adolescents gaining more than children (67% vs. 55%, p = 0.010, respectively). In children, body weight gain was associated with a change in body height and increased consumption of dairy products and sweet packaged snacks, while in adolescents it was associated with an increased intake of comfort foods and processed meat. Our data highlighted the need to carefully monitor eating behaviors to avoid the establishment of unhealthy eating habits and prevent obesity in children and adolescents during periods of self-isolation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of COVID-19 on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children with Obesity)

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21 pages, 3682 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Anticancer Activity of Propolis and Its Compounds

by Ewa Forma and Magdalena Bryś

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082594 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 108 | Viewed by 13169

Abstract

Propolis is a natural material that honey bees (Apis mellifera) produce from various botanical sources. The therapeutic activity of propolis, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, have been known since antiquity. Cancer is one of the major burdens of disease [...] Read more.

Propolis is a natural material that honey bees (Apis mellifera) produce from various botanical sources. The therapeutic activity of propolis, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, have been known since antiquity. Cancer is one of the major burdens of disease worldwide, therefore, numerous studies are being conducted to develop new chemotherapeutic agents and treatments for cancer. Propolis is a rich source of biologically active compounds, which affect numerous signaling pathways regulating crucial cellular processes. The results of the latest research show that propolis can inhibit proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer cells and stimulate apoptosis. Moreover, it may influence the tumor microenvironment and multidrug resistance of cancers. This review briefly summarizes the molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity of propolis and its compounds and highlights the potential benefits of propolis to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemicals and Human Health)

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