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Nutrients: 15th Anniversary

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2025 | Viewed by 10816

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. UOSD Nephrology and Dialysis, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
2. Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: nutrition in chronic kidney disease; hemodialysis; natural active compounds for prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases; body composition assessment; uremic sarcopenia; oxidative stress; microbiome in CKD; endothelial dysfunction in CKD
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Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Interests: eating disorders; body image; prevention; treatment; risk factors; psychopathology
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Guest Editor
The Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel 4076405, Israel
Interests: ergogenic aids; human performance; dietary intervention; supplement; sport
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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Heath, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Interests: maternal and child nutrition; childhood obesity; child growth and development; prevention of chronic disease; nutrition and cognition; nutrition and mental health

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Guest Editor
1. Cardiovascular and Genetic Epidemiology, Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, USA
2. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Interests: intermittent fasting; epidemiology; genetics, coronary heart disease; diabetes/metabolism
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In 2024, we are celebrating Nutrients (ISSN: 2072-6643)’s fifteenth anniversary, and we would love for you to join us in celebrating this wonderful occasion.

The first volume of Nutrients was launched in 2009. Since then, the journal has established an excellent reputation, as demonstrated by the rapid increase in its Impact Factor. Over the years, the journal achieved an important increase in the number of papers submitted and published, which was accompanied by a significant rise in citations.

The journal’s considerable success has been made possible by the excellent work carried out by staff, the valuable supervision of Editors, and high-quality papers. To confirm and strengthen the success of our journal, we have decided to dedicate a Special Issue to its fifteenth year of activity, titled “Nutrients: 15th Anniversary”.

This Special Issue will include original research articles, meta-analyses, and comprehensive reviews on the most current, innovative, and interesting topics in the field of nutrition.

Dr. Annalisa Noce
Prof. Dr. Ata Ghaderi
Prof. Dr. Jay R. Hoffman
Dr. Ines Gonzalez-Casanova
Dr. Benjamin D. Horne
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • macronutrients
  • micronutrients
  • natural bioactive compounds
  • polyphenols
  • functional foods
  • gut microbiota
  • human nutrition aspects
  • public health
  • lifestyle changes
  • low-protein diet
  • intermittent fasting
  • vegan diet
  • Mediterranean diet
  • Western diet
  • sport nutrition
  • bariatric surgery
  • clinical nutrition
  • nutrigenomics
  • chronic non-communicable diseases
  • metabolic syndrome
  • eating disorders

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

10 pages, 464 KiB  
Article
Effects of Caffeine Intake on Self-Administered Sleeping Quality and Wearable Monitoring of Sleep in a Cohort of Young Healthy Adults
by Jenny Schlichtiger, Stefan Brunner, Anna Strüven, John Michael Hoppe and Christopher Stremmel
Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091503 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background/Objective: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to adverse health effects and therefore represents a public health burden While caffeine is a widely used stimulant, the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep remains uncertain. Moreover, many studies might be subject to methodological bias, as [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to adverse health effects and therefore represents a public health burden While caffeine is a widely used stimulant, the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep remains uncertain. Moreover, many studies might be subject to methodological bias, as invasive sleep measurements may themselves serve as confounders. The aim of the SleepSmart study was to assess the impact of caffeine consumption through coffee and energy drinks, utilizing both smartwatch data and questionnaire responses. Methods: The SleepSmart study is an observational cohort study conducted at LMU Hospital Munich, Germany, from July 2024 to January 2025. The study investigated two intervention groups: (1) coffee and (2) energy drink consumption. Each intervention lasted 1 week, with days 1 to 3 serving as a reference period (water consumption to adjust for increased fluid intake) and days 4 to 6 serving as the intervention period (consumption of an equivalent of 240 mg of caffeine per day, 3 h before bedtime). Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and wearable devices. The primary endpoint was sleep duration. Objective measures of sleep (duration of light/deep sleep, duration of wake phases, heart rate) and self-assed quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) served as secondary endpoints. Results: For the primary endpoint, we did not find a significant difference in average sleep duration (baseline [hours] 6.7, coffee 6.9, energy drink 6.7, p-value 0.183). Similarly, secondary endpoints related to sleep measures showed no significant changes in the duration of light/deep sleep (coffee [min]: 242.2, reference coffee [refC] 255.7 I energy drink: 237.5, reference energy drink [refE] 261.3), time awake (coffee 22.7, refC 23.4 I energy drink 21.3, refE 18.9), time to fall asleep/wake up (coffee 4.2, refC 4.0 I energy drink 4.4, refE 2.7), or average heart rate (coffee [bpm] 62.2, refC 62.1 I energy drink 62.6, refE 62.3)—neither between the two intervention groups nor compared to the reference period. However, self-assessed sleep quality revealed a decrease in perceived sleep quality, with reports of poor sleep increasing by 8% after coffee consumption (rather bad/very bad sleeping quality: 29.7%) and 20% after energy drink consumption (46.6%), compared to baseline data (21.6%). Conclusions: The SleepSmart study introduces wearable sleep tracking as an innovative, low-interference method for objectively recording sleep data. While wearable data did not indicate significant sleep deterioration in the group of young, healthy adults, caffeine appeared to negatively impact the subjective perception of sleep in the study cohort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
19 pages, 2734 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Dietary Sugars and Saturated Fats on Body and Liver Fat in a Healthcare Worker Population
by Sophia Eugenia Martinez-Vazquez, Ashuin Kammar-García, Carlos Moctezuma-Velázquez, Javier Mancilla-Galindo, Ignacio García-Juárez and Luis Federico Uscanga-Domínguez
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081328 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent disease influenced by dietary factors. While high sugar and fat consumption are associated with weight gain, their specific impact on liver fat accumulation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent disease influenced by dietary factors. While high sugar and fat consumption are associated with weight gain, their specific impact on liver fat accumulation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sugar and saturated fat intake and liver and body fat composition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to February 2023 in workers from a tertiary care center in Mexico City. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold assessment), physical activity, and liver fat (vibration-controlled transient elastography) were measured. Dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h recall questionnaire and analyzed with specialized software. Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to study the relationship between nutrient intake and liver/body fat. Results: A total of 534 healthcare workers (median age: 41.5 years, 61.4% female) were included. Hepatic steatosis was present in 42.5% of participants. Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with increased liver fat (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.02–0.45), with each additional 15 g of carbohydrates increasing the odds of steatosis by 5% (OR = 1.053, 95% CI: 1.006–1.102). Fat and sugar intake were associated with higher body fat but not liver fat. Conclusions: Carbohydrate intake was linked to liver fat accumulation, whereas fat and sugar intake were primarily associated with body fat. Tailored dietary recommendations could be informed by these findings. Prospective dietary assessment methods and a nutritional geometry approach could be applied in future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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19 pages, 2354 KiB  
Article
Artificial Sweeteners in Food Products: Concentration Analysis, Label Practices, and Cumulative Intake Assessment in Croatia
by Zlatka Knezovic, Branka Jurcevic Zidar, Ajka Pribisalic, Sanja Luetic, Katarina Jurcic, Nina Knezovic and Davorka Sutlovic
Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071110 - 22 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 867
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are food additives used to impart sweetness to various food products. Common sweeteners used individually or in combination include acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, and neotame. While traditionally considered harmless, emerging research suggest potential health implications. This study aims [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are food additives used to impart sweetness to various food products. Common sweeteners used individually or in combination include acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, and neotame. While traditionally considered harmless, emerging research suggest potential health implications. This study aims to analyze commonly consumed food products in Croatia for ASs presence, quantify four ASs, and estimate daily intake of ASs. Additionally, product labeling was assessed for compliance with Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers. Methods: This study assessed the presence of acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, and saccharin dihydrate in 121 frequently consumed food products from the Croatian market using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Based on obtained concentrations, data from a parallel consumption study, and existing literature on acceptable daily intake (ADI), we assessed exposure to ASs. Results: ASs were found in a substantial proportion of analyzed products, with multiple sweeteners often present in a single product. Specifically, ASs were detected in 74% of carbonated drinks, 54% of fruit juices, 86% of energy drinks, 70% of high-protein milk products, and 66% of chewing gums. Hypothetical consumption scenarios demonstrated that children, due to their low body mass, are at the highest risk of exceeding ADI values. Conclusions: The widespread presence of ASs in food products raises concerns about excessive intake, particularly among children who frequently consume soft drinks, instant beverages, and protein drinks. These findings highlight the need for further research into cumulative ASs exposure and its potential health effects, as well as the importance of public health strategies to regulate ASs consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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18 pages, 646 KiB  
Article
Consumer Perceptions of Artificial Sweeteners in Food Products, Consumption Frequency, and Body Mass Index: A Multivariate Analysis
by Branka Jurcevic Zidar, Zlatka Knezovic, Ajka Pribisalic, Sanja Luetic, Katarina Jurcic, Nina Knezovic and Davorka Sutlovic
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050814 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1340
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Artificial sweeteners are commonly used food additives that provide sweetness without calories. Once considered harmless due to their lack of metabolism, recent studies suggest that they may have unintended effects, potentially stimulating appetite and increasing food intake, leading to weight gain. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Artificial sweeteners are commonly used food additives that provide sweetness without calories. Once considered harmless due to their lack of metabolism, recent studies suggest that they may have unintended effects, potentially stimulating appetite and increasing food intake, leading to weight gain. This study aimed to assess consumer perceptions of artificial sweeteners in food, examine consumption frequencies of products containing them, and explore their potential influence on body mass index. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using two voluntary and anonymous surveys administered via Google Forms. Results: The study included 649 participants: 324 parents of preschool and school-aged children and 325 university and secondary school students. A substantial proportion of parents (59.3%) recognized artificial sweeteners as common sugar substitutes in beverages like juices, soft drinks, and protein drinks. Awareness was notably higher among students (88.9%). While most participants held a negative attitude toward artificial sweeteners, their awareness and engagement with food label reading were low. Multivariate linear regression identified significant associations: Male gender (β = 1.17, p < 0.001) and older age (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) were associated with higher BMI. Additionally, participants who rarely or never consumed carbonated soft drinks had a lower BMI (β = −1.48, p = 0.039), while those who occasionally consumed snacks had a higher BMI (β = 0.51, p = 0.039). Conclusions: This research underscores the urgent need for public health initiatives addressing misconceptions, raising food label reading practices, while encouraging healthier consumption habits through educational campaigns. Additionally, the study’s insights will help assess the potential cumulative health impacts of artificial sweetener intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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13 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Each Indicator of Socioeconomic Status (Education, Occupation, Income, and Household Size) Is Differently Associated with Children’s Diets: Results from a Cross-Sectional CroCOSI Study
by Jasmina Hasanović, Helena Križan, Zvonimir Šatalić and Sanja Musić Milanović
Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040657 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 792
Abstract
Background: There has yet to be an agreement on which specific socioeconomic status (SES) indicator most effectively reflects disparities in children’s diets. However, children from lower SES backgrounds are particularly vulnerable, as research in other countries indicates that their diets contain fewer [...] Read more.
Background: There has yet to be an agreement on which specific socioeconomic status (SES) indicator most effectively reflects disparities in children’s diets. However, children from lower SES backgrounds are particularly vulnerable, as research in other countries indicates that their diets contain fewer fruits and vegetables and more sweetened beverages. This paper aims to evaluate the associations between dietary habits and various SES indicators (education, occupation, income, and household size) among a representative sample of children in Croatia aged 7–10. Methods: Parents of children were asked to complete a questionnaire that contained indicators of their children’s dietary habits and socioeconomic status (n = 5608). Associations between SES and children’s dietary habits were assessed using logistic regression models. Results: The mother and father’s educational attainment were strongly positively associated with breakfast consumption. Children of parents with a lower educational level consumed sweetened beverages, sweet snacks, and fast food slightly more often than children in families with a higher educational background. The mother’s education was inversely associated with vegetable and cereal consumption, while the father’s education was inversely associated with fruit and bakery product consumption. Meanwhile, household income per unit had a significant influence on the consumption of soft drinks and bakery products. Household size had a significant influence solely on sweet snack consumption. Conclusions: Each SES indicator showed an independent association with at least one particular dietary habit, except for the parent’s employment status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
13 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition on Physical Development and Bone Mineralization in Children with Chronic Intestinal Failure
by Hanna Romanowska, Mikołaj Danko, Katarzyna Popińska, Joanna Żydak, Marta Sibilska, Joanna Wielopolska, Klaudia Bartoszewicz, Anna Borkowska, Mieczysław Walczak and Janusz Książyk
Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040611 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 675
Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess growth, body weight, and bone mineralization and to identify predictors of metabolic bone disease (MBD) in children with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) on long-term parenteral nutrition (LPN). Methods: Twenty-six children with CIF were evaluated on total [...] Read more.
Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess growth, body weight, and bone mineralization and to identify predictors of metabolic bone disease (MBD) in children with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) on long-term parenteral nutrition (LPN). Methods: Twenty-six children with CIF were evaluated on total parenteral nutrition (PN) for at least three years, and 60 healthy controls were assessed. Measurements included body weight, height, BMI, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and aluminum (Al), as well as urinary excretion of these elements. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the mid-arm muscle area (MAMA) and mid-arm fat area (MAFA) of the CIF group were estimated. Results: CIF children had significantly lower height, weight, and BMI Z-scores than controls (p < 0.001). While the median bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score was >−2, 34.7% had L1–L4 Z-scores ≤ −2. Urinary Ca and Al excretion were higher in LPN patients, positively correlating with serum 25-OHD3 levels (r = 0.48). Lower serum Ca, P, and Mg were observed in LPN patients (p < 0.001), and BMC L1–L4 correlated positively with MAMA, MAFA, and BMI. Conclusions: The physical development of children who require long-term parenteral nutrition due to intestinal failure is poorer than that of healthy children. Although there are risk factors for bone mineralization disorders in children with intestinal failure, no clinical issues, such as pathological fractures, have been observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
17 pages, 818 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Food Supplement, Based on Co-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)–Rutin and Hydroxytyrosol, in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: Preliminary Results
by Kevin Cornali, Manuela Di Lauro, Giulia Marrone, Claudia Masci, Giulia Montalto, Alfredo Giovannelli, Carlo Schievano, Manfredi Tesauro, Massimo Pieri, Sergio Bernardini and Annalisa Noce
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030413 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1204
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients have impaired hypothalamic regulatory functions involved in food intake and energy expenditure and suffer from a state of meta-inflammation. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) acts both on the adipose tissue and the central nervous system, while [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients have impaired hypothalamic regulatory functions involved in food intake and energy expenditure and suffer from a state of meta-inflammation. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) acts both on the adipose tissue and the central nervous system, while hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) counteracts several types of dysmetabolism. Objectives: The aim of our randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was to evaluate the potential effects of a food supplement (FS) containing a co-micronized formulation of PEA and rutin along with HTyr, combined with a tailored calorie-controlled Mediterranean diet, in patients with MetS. Methods: Nineteen patients were enrolled and block-randomized to an eight-week MD together with the FS or placebo. After a two-week washout period, the treatments were reversed. Data on laboratory parameters and those detected by capillary sampling, anthropometry, body composition analysis, ultrasound examination, blood pressure monitoring, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, handgrip strength test, and physical performance tests were collected at each time point (protocol code R.S. 262.22, registered on 20 December 2022). Results: At the end of the study, patients supplemented with the FS showed a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, fat mass, and inflammation biomarkers (CRP and ESR), compared to placebo-supplemented patients. In contrast, the fat-free mass, phase angle, and body cell mass were increased in FS compared to placebo patients. Conclusions: Although preliminary, the results of our clinical study suggest that co-micronized PEA–rutin and HTyr may be of help against adiposopathy in patients with MetS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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12 pages, 1585 KiB  
Article
Progress and Challenges in Integrating Nutritional Care into Oncology Practice: Results from a National Survey on Behalf of the NutriOnc Research Group
by Francesca De Felice, Silvia Malerba, Valerio Nardone, Viola Salvestrini, Natale Calomino, Mario Testini, Virginia Boccardi, Isacco Desideri, Carolina Gentili, Raffaele De Luca and Luigi Marano
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010188 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1930
Abstract
Introduction: Nutritional care is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by addressing malnutrition and enhancing recovery. Despite growing awareness, the integration of evidence-based nutritional strategies into oncology remains inconsistent. Following a 2020 survey that highlighted critical [...] Read more.
Introduction: Nutritional care is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by addressing malnutrition and enhancing recovery. Despite growing awareness, the integration of evidence-based nutritional strategies into oncology remains inconsistent. Following a 2020 survey that highlighted critical gaps, the NutriOnc Research Group launched targeted initiatives to raise awareness and improve practices. This study reassesses progress in integrating nutritional care and identifies persistent challenges. Methods: A 29-question survey was conducted in 2024 among 73 early-career oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nutrition specialists across Italy. Respondents provided insights into clinical nutrition program availability, multidisciplinary team composition, screening practices, and educational needs. Results: Encouraging advancements were noted, with 80.8% of respondents reporting the presence of clinical nutrition programs, compared to fewer structured efforts in 2020. However, only 26.0% included nutrition specialists in multidisciplinary teams, and barriers such as financial constraints, limited product availability, and the absence of trained professionals persisted. While 82.2% performed nutritional screening, variability in tools and practices highlighted the need for standardization. Strikingly, 98.6% expressed a strong demand for advanced education on clinical nutrition, emphasizing the need for innovative and accessible training programs. Conclusions: This study reveals a landscape of progress tempered by persistent inequities. To close the gap, oncology must embrace standardized protocols, expand access to trained nutrition specialists, and invest in educational initiatives. The findings offer actionable insights for transforming cancer care through nutrition, underscoring its potential to improve survival, quality of life, and overall treatment success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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11 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
The Long-Term Treatment of Drug-Resistant Migraine with the Modified Atkins Ketogenic Diet: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
by Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Silvia Favaretto, Matteo D’Angelo, Martina Cacciapuoti and Lorenzo A Calò
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244324 - 15 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1573
Abstract
Despite advances in pharmacological therapies, migraine patients are often drug resistant. Further therapeutic options in this field are, therefore, desirable. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of ketogenic diet (KD) on improving migraine, but data on their long-term efficacy and safety are lacking. [...] Read more.
Despite advances in pharmacological therapies, migraine patients are often drug resistant. Further therapeutic options in this field are, therefore, desirable. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of ketogenic diet (KD) on improving migraine, but data on their long-term efficacy and safety are lacking. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the long-term effectiveness of the modified Atkins ketogenic diet (MAD) in episodic or chronic drug-resistant migraine patients. 52 patients diagnosed with episodic or chronic drug-resistant migraine under modified Atkins ketogenic diet (MAD) were evaluated. In total, 41 patients followed the diet for 6 months and 33 for 12 months. After both 6 and 12 months, frequency, length, and intensity of migraine episodes, as well as the number of medications significantly decreased with respect to the start of the diet. Body mass index, high sensitivity PCR, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA index were also significantly reduced both after 6 and 12 months. No major metabolic changes were observed during MAD treatment. In conclusion, KD has been shown to be effective and safe in the long-term treatment of drug-resistant migraine. A high dropout rate still remains an important factor, which often limits its use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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Review

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12 pages, 943 KiB  
Review
Elemental Formulas: Indications of Use in Pediatric Clinical Practice
by Sofia Zouganeli, Konstantinos Katsas and Smaragdi Fessatou
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061003 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 592
Abstract
Background: Elemental or amino-acid-based formulas play a crucial role in pediatric nutrition, offering a therapeutic alternative when human milk is poorly tolerated or in specific disease states. Mostly used in various cases of allergy, maldigestion, or malnutrition, elemental formulas serve as a [...] Read more.
Background: Elemental or amino-acid-based formulas play a crucial role in pediatric nutrition, offering a therapeutic alternative when human milk is poorly tolerated or in specific disease states. Mostly used in various cases of allergy, maldigestion, or malnutrition, elemental formulas serve as a special therapeutic regimen in clinical practice to promote growth and development. Methods: This narrative review briefly surveys the literature of the past decade available on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, encompassing original research, review articles, and position papers. Results: The indications for using elemental formulas in pediatric clinical practice extend beyond cow’s milk allergy to conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, intestinal failure, Crohn’s disease, hepatic failure, chronic pancreatitis, and various neurological and other malnutrition-related disorders. Conclusions: Elemental formulas are associated with potential health benefits for pediatric patients in certain conditions, either as a first-line feeding option or under conditional use. Despite their drawbacks, they are regarded as a therapeutic tool with numerous indications, requiring careful implementation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare experts. Future expert guidelines, including dosage, timing, and long-term effects of elemental diets, are needed for pediatric clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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17 pages, 404 KiB  
Review
Consumption of the Food Groups with the Revised Benefits in the New WIC Food Package: A Scoping Review
by Qi Zhang, Priyanka T. Patel, Bidusha Neupane, Caitlin M. Lowery, Futun Alkhalifah, Faezeh Mahdavi and Esther May Sarino
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050856 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 665
Abstract
Background: On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, [...] Read more.
Background: On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, and infant fruits and vegetables) and offered substitutes (cash-value vouchers (CVVs) or cash-value benefits (CVBs) to redeem for fruits and vegetables, cheese, soymilk, or other dairy products). Methods: To assess the impact of the changes on the consumption and redemption of these food groups, a systematic search was conducted, identifying 23 peer-reviewed publications between 2010 and 2024. Results: They revealed significant shifts in consumption after the 2009 food package changes; e.g., a decline in 100% juice intake following reductions in juice allowances. Additionally, the review highlighted that the 2009 WIC food package revision was associated with more fruit and vegetable consumption after the increase in CVV allowance. While including milk alternatives like soy-based beverages or lactose-free milk or cheese may improve redemption rates and WIC program satisfaction, the long-term impacts of these proposed changes remain unknown. No research was identified on the consumption of canned fish. Conclusions: This review contributes to understanding the changes in redemption and consumption after the last WIC food package changes, identifies the knowledge gap about prospective impacts, and recommends that the WIC agencies implement appropriate evaluations to promote health and nutrition among vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients: 15th Anniversary)
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