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Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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30 pages, 548 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Polyphenols and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability

by Chiara Di Lorenzo, Francesca Colombo, Simone Biella, Creina Stockley and Patrizia Restani

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010273 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 641 | Viewed by 28791

Abstract

Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals with potential health-promoting effects. They are classified as flavonoid (flavonols, flavanols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, and anthocyanins) and non-flavonoid molecules (phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, lignans, stilbenes, and tannins). Although an increasing number of trials have shown a correlation among polyphenol consumption and a reduction in risk factors for chronic diseases, discrepancies in explaining their positive effects have been found in terms of the bioavailability. In fact, polyphenols show a low bioavailability due to several factors: interaction with the food matrix, the metabolic processes mediated by the liver (phase I and II metabolism), intestine and microbiota. On the other hand, the biological activities of phenol compounds may be mediated by their metabolites, which are produced in vivo, and recent studies have confirmed that these molecules may have antioxidant and anti-phlogistic properties. This review discusses the studies performed in vivo, which consider the polyphenol bioavailability and their different food sources. Factors influencing the biological effects of the main classes of polyphenols are also considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

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31 pages, 3582 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review

by Monika Michalak, Monika Pierzak, Beata Kręcisz and Edyta Suliga

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010203 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 203 | Viewed by 47292

Abstract

Human skin is continually changing. The condition of the skin largely depends on the individual’s overall state of health. A balanced diet plays an important role in the proper functioning of the human body, including the skin. The present study draws attention to bioactive substances, i.e., vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, polyphenols, and carotenoids, with a particular focus on their effects on the condition of the skin. The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of bioactive substances on skin parameters such as elasticity, firmness, wrinkles, senile dryness, hydration and color, and to define their role in the process of skin ageing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Synthetic Bioactives for Skin Health, Disease and Management)

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23 pages, 3486 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Curcumin, Quercetin, Catechins and Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Gut Microbiota

by Umair Shabbir, Momna Rubab, Eric Banan-Mwine Daliri, Ramachandran Chelliah, Ahsan Javed and Deog-Hwan Oh

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010206 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 243 | Viewed by 23124

Abstract

Polyphenols (PPs) are the naturally occurring bioactive components in fruits and vegetables, and they are the most abundant antioxidant in the human diet. Studies are suggesting that ingestion of PPs might be helpful to ameliorate metabolic syndromes that may contribute in the prevention of several chronic disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and colon cancer. PPs have structural diversity which impacts their bioavailability as they accumulate in the large intestine and are extensively metabolized through gut microbiota (GM). Intestinal microbiota transforms PPs into their metabolites to make them bioactive. Interestingly, not only GM act on PPs to metabolize them but PPs also modulate the composition of GM. Thus, change in GM from pathogenic to beneficial ones may be helpful to ameliorate gut health and associated diseases. However, to overcome the low bioavailability of PPs, various approaches have been developed to improve their solubility and transportation through the gut. In this review, we present evidence supporting the structural changes that occur after metabolic reactions in PPs (curcumin, quercetin, and catechins) and their effect on GM composition that leads to improving overall gut health and helping to ameliorate metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)

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18 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Narrative Review on Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Associated Factors

by Anna Izzo, Elena Massimino, Gabriele Riccardi and Giuseppe Della Pepa

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010183 - 9 Jan 2021

Cited by 264 | Viewed by 20353

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major health burden for the elderly population, affecting approximately 25% of people over the age of 65 years. This percentage is expected to increase dramatically in the next decades in relation to the increased longevity of the population observed in recent years. Beyond microvascular and macrovascular complications, sarcopenia has been described as a new diabetes complication in the elderly population. Increasing attention has been paid by researchers and clinicians to this age-related condition—characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass together with the loss of muscle power and function—in individuals with T2DM; this is due to the heavy impact that sarcopenia may have on physical and psychosocial health of diabetic patients, thus affecting their quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on: (1) the risk of sarcopenia in individuals with T2DM, and (2) its association with relevant features of patients with T2DM such as age, gender, body mass index, disease duration, glycemic control, presence of microvascular or macrovascular complications, nutritional status, and glucose-lowering drugs. From a clinical point of view, it is necessary to improve the ability of physicians and dietitians to recognize early sarcopenia and its risk factors in patients with T2DM in order to make appropriate therapeutic approaches able to prevent and treat this condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Epidemiology)

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33 pages, 2067 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Regulation of Postabsorptive and Postprandial Glucose Metabolism by Insulin-Dependent and Insulin-Independent Mechanisms: An Integrative Approach

by George D. Dimitriadis, Eirini Maratou, Aikaterini Kountouri, Mary Board and Vaia Lambadiari

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010159 - 6 Jan 2021

Cited by 122 | Viewed by 27081

Abstract

Glucose levels in blood must be constantly maintained within a tight physiological range to sustain anabolism. Insulin regulates glucose homeostasis via its effects on glucose production from the liver and kidneys and glucose disposal in peripheral tissues (mainly skeletal muscle). Blood levels of glucose are regulated simultaneously by insulin-mediated rates of glucose production from the liver (and kidneys) and removal from muscle; adipose tissue is a key partner in this scenario, providing nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) as an alternative fuel for skeletal muscle and liver when blood glucose levels are depleted. During sleep at night, the gradual development of insulin resistance, due to growth hormone and cortisol surges, ensures that blood glucose levels will be maintained within normal levels by: (a) switching from glucose to NEFA oxidation in muscle; (b) modulating glucose production from the liver/kidneys. After meals, several mechanisms (sequence/composition of meals, gastric emptying/intestinal glucose absorption, gastrointestinal hormones, hyperglycemia mass action effects, insulin/glucagon secretion/action, de novo lipogenesis and glucose disposal) operate in concert for optimal regulation of postprandial glucose fluctuations. The contribution of the liver in postprandial glucose homeostasis is critical. The liver is preferentially used to dispose over 50% of the ingested glucose and restrict the acute increases of glucose and insulin in the bloodstream after meals, thus protecting the circulation and tissues from the adverse effects of marked hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load: Clinical Significance and Limitations in the Prevention, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Disease)

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13 pages, 457 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Dietary Factors Modulating Colorectal Carcinogenesis

by Filippo Vernia, Salvatore Longo, Gianpiero Stefanelli, Angelo Viscido and Giovanni Latella

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010143 - 3 Jan 2021

Cited by 128 | Viewed by 13291

Abstract

The development of colorectal cancer, responsible for 9% of cancer-related deaths, is favored by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The modification of diet and lifestyle may modify the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and prevent neoplasia in up to 50% of cases. The Western diet, characterized by a high intake of fat, red meat and processed meat has emerged as an important contributor. Conversely, a high intake of dietary fiber partially counteracts the unfavorable effects of meat through multiple mechanisms, including reduced intestinal transit time and dilution of carcinogenic compounds. Providing antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E) and leading to increased intraluminal production of protective fermentation products, like butyrate, represent other beneficial and useful effects of a fiber-rich diet. Protective effects on the risk of developing colorectal cancer have been also advocated for some specific micronutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and calcium. Diet-induced modifications of the gut microbiota modulate colonic epithelial cell homeostasis and carcinogenesis. This can have, under different conditions, opposite effects on the risk of CRC, through the production of mutagenic and carcinogenic agents or, conversely, of protective compounds. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence on the role of diet as a potential risk factor for the development of colorectal malignancies, as well as providing possible prevention dietary strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Role of Diet and Nutrients in Immunity, Autoimmunity and Cancer)

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