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Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 15427

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Prof. Dr. Laura Di Renzo

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Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: nutritional genomic (nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, metagenomics); human body; composition; human holobiont; personalized nutritional assessment; expsome
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Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, the concept of food security has undergone a profound transformation. No longer limited to ensuring sufficient caloric intake, food security now encompasses the quality and nutritional adequacy of the food consumed. Today, billions of individuals rely heavily on energy-dense yet nutrient-poor foods (commonly referred to as “pseudo-foods”), which are rich in refined sugars, saturated fats, and industrially processed flours, but deficient in fiber, vitamins, and essential micronutrients.

This dietary shift has contributed significantly to the global rise of chronic degenerative diseases (CDDs). CDDs, represented by non-infectious diseases with a long duration and slow progression, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer, are the most frequent causes of prolonged disability and death worldwide.

CDDs are now the leading causes of long-term disability and mortality worldwide, affecting over 30% of the global population and accounting for approximately 70% of healthcare expenditures.

Considering the sanitary expenditures of each continent, it is necessary to formulate a multidisciplinary strategy to fight the depletion of individual health status, predisposition to viral infection, and other exogenous risk factors. A nutritional strategy is thus urgently needed to prevent and control CDDs.

Authors are invited to submit original research and review articles that address the progress and current understanding of the role of personalized healthy and sustainable diet in CDD.

Contributions from a multidisciplinary perspective, including nutrition science, epidemiology, clinical practice, food technology, and health policy, are strongly encouraged.

Potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following:

The role of healthy diet in chronic noncommunicable disease;
Dietary patterns associated with prevention or progression of CDDs;
Exposome and chronic noncommunicable disease;
Food sustainability;
Nutritional interventions in clinical management of CDDs;
Life-course nutrition and long-term risk of chronic diseases;
Personalized nutrition and supplements;
Immunonutrition;
Diet, prebiotics and probiotics on gut microbiota in chronic noncommunicable disease;
Functional foods and bioactive compounds in the prevention and management of chronic diseases;
Nutritional education, food literacy, and behavior change strategies.

Prof. Dr. Laura Di Renzo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

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Keywords

COVID-19
chronic degenerative diseases
immunonutrition
vitamin and minerals
probiotic and prebiotic
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds
nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics
obesity
nutraceuticals

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Characteristics of Vitamin D Deficiency Detected in Long COVID Patients During the Omicron Phase

by Yui Matsuda, Yasue Sakurada, Yasuhiro Nakano, Yuki Otsuka, Kazuki Tokumasu, Hiroyuki Honda, Yoshiaki Soejima, Yuya Yokota, Ryosuke Takase, Daisuke Omura and Fumio Otsuka

Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101692 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 80

Abstract

Background: To characterize the clinical significance of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) detected in long COVID, a retrospective observational study was performed for outpatients who visited our clinic during the period from May 2024 to November 2024. Methods: Clinical trends in long COVID patients diagnosed with VDD who showed serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) lower than 20 ng/mL were compared with those in long COVID patients in a non-deficient vitamin D (NDD) group. Results: Of 126 patients with long COVID, 97 patients (female: 50) who had been infected during the Omicron phase were included. Sixty-six patients (68%) were classified in the VDD group. The median serum concentrations of 25-OHD were 14.8 ng/mL in the VDD group and 22.9 ng/mL in the NDD group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, severity of COVID-19, period after infection and vaccination history. Although the levels of serum calcium and phosphate were not significantly different between the two groups, the percentages of patients in the VDD group who complained of dizziness, memory impairment, palpitation and appetite loss were larger than those in the NDD group. Of note, the patients who complained of palpitation showed significantly lower concentrations of serum 25-OHD than those in the patients without palpitation (median: 11.9 vs. 17.3 ng/mL). Moreover, patients in the VDD group had significantly higher scores for physical and mental fatigue as well as higher scores for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Collectively, VDD is involved in clinical manifestations of long COVID, particularly symptoms of palpitation, fatigue and depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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13 pages, 681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rising Rates of Obesity Amongst Children on the Autism Spectrum During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Wing Yan Yuen, Tammy S. H. Lim, S. V. Karthik, Yijuan Yvonne Lim, Elizabeth M. Teo, Yiong Huak Chan, Liang Shen and Kalyani Mulay

Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101683 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 88

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with rising obesity rates. Autistic children have a higher risk of obesity than neurotypical children. Our study aims to describe the changes in overweight/obesity rates in autistic children during the pandemic, and to identify contributing factors. Methods: This is a retrospective case record review of patients with a clinical diagnosis of autism, who were seen at a developmental-behavioral pediatrics clinic in a tertiary academic hospital, between 1 January 2019 and 24 October 2021. We compared the average monthly rates of overweight/obese status pre- and during the pandemic. We collected data on the patients’ and parents’ demographics, duration of screen time per day, degree of difficulties related to autism symptoms and cognition. We analyzed factors associated with being overweight/obese during the pandemic. Results: 1330 patient visits were included. The mean age was 45.4 months; 78% were male; 52% were Chinese. The average monthly rate of overweight/obese status increased by 1.8% during the pandemic (17.9% pre-pandemic; 19.7% during pandemic). Factors associated with being overweight/obese during the pandemic included: Malay ethnicity (OR 2.321, p < 0.01), developmental delay (OR 2.80, p < 0.01), and lower parental education level (father OR 1.73, p = 0.01; mother OR 1.63, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, only Malay ethnicity (OR 2.95, p = 0.01) was significant. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a rising overweight/obesity rate amongst children with autism spectrum disorder during the pandemic. It also identified higher-risk patient profiles (Malay race, developmental delay, lower parental education). We hope this will facilitate the implementation of preventative health measures specifically supporting the high-risk children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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12 pages, 859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: Focus on Vitamin D and Magnesium

by Patrycja Grosman-Dziewiszek, Izabela Jęśkowiak-Kossakowska, Adam Szeląg and Benita Wiatrak

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3225; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193225 - 24 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1532

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant attention to the role of dietary supplements, particularly Vitamin D, in enhancing immunity and possibly mitigating the severity of the disease. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of nutritional health in preventing severe outcomes from infections. Objective: This study aimed to assess consumption patterns of dietary supplements, with a focus on Vitamin D, among the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the demographic factors influencing these patterns. Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted in March 2021 among 926 pharmacy patients in Poland. The study analyzed the use of dietary supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, and others in relation to variables like age, gender, and education level. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson chi-square test. Results: The study revealed that 77.1% of the respondents reported using dietary supplements, with Vitamin D being the most frequently mentioned, used by 64.6% of participants. Magnesium was also widely used, with a higher overall prevalence of 67.3%, making it the most commonly consumed supplement. The use of supplements was significantly higher among women and individuals with higher education. Younger age groups, particularly those aged 18–30, were more likely to use supplements. Conclusions: The use of supplements was significantly higher among women, individuals with higher education, and those aged 18–30. However, the findings also indicate a growing awareness and increased use across the general population. This trend reflects increased public awareness of the potential health benefits of these supplements in boosting immunity. However, the study also highlights the need for public education on the risks of over-supplementation and the importance of appropriate dosages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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13 pages, 695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Breast Milk Antibody Titers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: An Observational Study

by Christoph Hochmayr, Ira Winkler, Marlene Hammerl, Alexander Höller, Eva Huber, Martina Urbanek, Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, Elke Griesmaier and Anna Posod

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142320 - 18 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1817

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of breastfeeding in providing passive immunity to infants via specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk. We aimed to quantify these antibodies across different lactation stages and identify influencing factors. This prospective study involved mother–child dyads from Innsbruck University Hospital, Austria, with a positive maternal SARS-CoV-2 test during pregnancy or peripartum between 2020 and 2023. We collected breast milk samples at various lactation stages and analyzed anti-Spike S1 receptor-binding domain (S1RBD) immunoglobulins (Ig). Maternal and neonatal data were obtained from interviews and medical records. This study included 140 mothers and 144 neonates. Anti-S1RBD-IgA (72.0%), -IgG (86.0%), and -IgM (41.7%) were highly present in colostrum and decreased as milk matured. Mothers with natural infection and vaccination exhibited higher anti-S1RBD-IgA and -IgG titers in all milk stages. Mothers with moderate to severe infections had higher concentrations of anti-S1RBD-IgA and -IgG in transitional milk and higher anti-S1RBD-IgA and -IgM in mature milk compared to those with mild or asymptomatic infections. Variations in antibody responses were also observed with preterm birth and across different virus waves. This study demonstrates the dynamic nature of breast milk Ig and underscores the importance of breastfeeding during a pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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10 pages, 705 KiB

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The Association between Sarcopenic Obesity and DXA-Derived Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) in Adults

by Antonino De Lorenzo, Leila Itani, Marwan El Ghoch, Giulia Frank, Gemma Lou De Santis, Paola Gualtieri and Laura Di Renzo

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111645 - 27 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

Many people with overweight and obesity are affected by sarcopenia, which is represented by a phenotype known as sarcopenic obesity (SO), characterized by excessive body fat (BF), combined with reduced muscle mass and strength. In this population, it is vital to identify the factors associated with SO. With this aim in mind, we investigated the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass and SO in patients with overweight or obesity in a nutritional setting. A total of 256 participants (23.8% female) with overweight or obesity were involved and completed a body composition assessment, including VAT mass, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The sample was initially categorized according to whether the individual had the SO phenotype; they were then classified according to their VAT mass into three tertiles (lowest, medium, and highest). Among the 256 participants, who had a median body mass index (BMI) of 29.3 (interquartile range (IQR): 27.0–32.4) kg/m² and a median age of 51.0 (IQR: 47.0–54.0) years, 32.4% were identified as having SO, and they displayed a higher median VAT mass (517.0 (IQR: 384.5–677.0) vs. 790.0 (IQR: 654.0–1007.0) g; p < 0.05). The logistic regression model that accounted for age, sex and BMI revealed that a higher VAT mass increases the risk of SO (odds ratio (OR) = 1.003; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.001–1.004; p < 0.05). In conclusion, VAT mass appears to be an independent factor associated with SO in people with overweight or obesity. However, due to the cross-sectional design, no information regarding any causality between higher VAT mass and SO can be provided. Additional longitudinal research in this direction should therefore be conducted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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22 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Attenuating the Side Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

by Paola Gualtieri, Domenico Trombetta, Antonella Smeriglio, Giulia Frank, Angela Alibrandi, Giulia Leggeri, Marco Marchetti, Ilaria Zingale, Silvia Fanelli, Arianna Stocchi and Laura Di Renzo

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081807 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4212

Abstract

Supplementation is known to enhance the immune response and reduce infection. Therefore, the association between immune nutrients and vaccine side effects needs to be investigated. Our aim was to analyze the relationship between vaccination side effects and supplement intake among the Italian population. The study included a questionnaire asking for personal data, anthropometric information, COVID-19 infection and immunity response, and COVID-19 vaccination and supplementation. The survey was conducted from 8 February to 15 June 2022. In the study, 776 respondents were included, aged between 18 and 86 (71.3% females). We observed a statistically significant correlation between supplement consumption and side effects at the end of the vaccination cycle (p = 0.000), which was also confirmed by logistic regression (p = 0.02). Significant associations were observed between supplement intake and side effects of diarrhea and nausea at the end of the vaccination cycle (p = 0.001; p = 0.04, respectively). Significant associations were observed between side effects and omega-3 and mineral supplementation at the start of the vaccination cycle (p = 0.02; p = 0.001, respectively), and between side effects and vitamin supplementation at the end of the vaccination cycle (p = 0.005). In conclusion, our study shows a positive impact of supplementation on vaccination response, increasing host immune defenses, and reducing side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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19 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Nutrition: Exploring the Role of Diet and Gut Health

by Paola Gualtieri, Rossella Cianci, Giulia Frank, Erica Pizzocaro, Gemma Lou De Santis, Silvia Giannattasio, Giuseppe Merra, Giovanni Butturini, Antonino De Lorenzo and Laura Di Renzo

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4465; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204465 - 21 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3266

Abstract

The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing worldwide. The most common form is represented by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) which has been shown to be linked to chronic inflammation. Notably, the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical player in regulating immune responses and inflammation. Indeed, intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition, can contribute to the initiation of chronic inflammation. Sterile chronic inflammation can occur, probably activated by the translocation of bacterial components, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of Gram-negative microbiota, with the consequent induction of innate mucosal immunity, through the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Furthermore, the interaction between LPS and TLRs could enhance cancer progression. Recent research has shed light on the pivotal role of nutrition, as a modifiable risk factor, in PDAC immunological processes, particularly focusing on the immuno-modulatory effects of the gut microbiota. Different dietary regimens, fiber intake, immunonutrients, and antioxidants have the potential to either exacerbate or mitigate chronic inflammation, thereby influencing the pathogenesis and natural history of PDAC. These dietary components may affect the gut microbiota composition and, consequently, the level of inflammation, either promoting or protecting against PDAC. In this review of reviews, we discuss the modulatory role of nutrition and the gut microbiota in PDAC’s immunological processes to explore a translational therapeutic approach that could improve the survival and quality of life of these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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15 pages, 1325 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Network between Adipocytokines and Inflammatory Response in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Scoping Review

by Ersilia Nigro, Vito D’Agnano, Gianluca Quarcio, Domenica Francesca Mariniello, Andrea Bianco, Aurora Daniele and Fabio Perrotta

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173806 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

Adipose tissue is actually regarded as an endocrine organ, rather than as an organ that merely stores energy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity has undoubtedly emerged as one of the most important risk factors for disease severity and poor outcomes related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aberrant production of cytokine-like hormones, called adipokines, may contribute to alterations in metabolism, dysfunction in vascular endothelium and the creation of a state of general chronic inflammation. Moreover, chronic, low-grade inflammation linked to obesity predisposes the host to immunosuppression and excessive cytokine activation. In this respect, understanding the mechanisms that link obesity with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection could represent a real game changer in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Our review therefore examines the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2, the implications with visceral adipose tissue and the influences of the adipose tissue and its adipokines on the clinical behavior of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Degenerative Diseases)

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