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Innovative Strategies for Preventing Nutrition-Related Chronic Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition Methodology & Assessment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 11447

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
Interests: nutritional epidemiology; nutritional assessment; nutritional counselling; functional foods
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Co-Guest Editor
1. Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
2. Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
Interests: nutritional epidemiology; public health nutrition; health promotion; implementation science; health literacy; vulnerable populations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and some specific types of cancer, which until recently were common only in high-income countries, are now becoming a dominant cause of morbidity and mortality in several other parts of the world. Due to the increasing prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases, recent research has heavily focused on identifying the most important modifiable risk factors. In this context, prospective epidemiological studies, as well as randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of intervention in the prevention of chronic disease endpoints, such as blood pressure and lipids, revealed a number of dietary and other lifestyle determinants. These findings highlighted that a reduction in the identified dietary and lifestyle risk factors can prevent most cases of chronic disease in populations of high-income countries, although this still remains to be thoroughly examined in populations from low- and middle-income countriess. These findings are profoundly important, since they clearly indicate that chronic disease can be prevented through lifestyle modifications, without the need for pharmateutical, surgical or other expensive therapeutic approaches. This Special Issue offers a review of the available literature that reports the effectiveness and implementation components of innovative intervention strategies that promote dietary and lifestyle changes for preventing nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Prof. Dr. George Moschonis
Dr. Tina Cao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • chronic diseases
  • cardiovascular disease
  • coronary heart disease
  • cerebrovascular diseases
  • diabetes
  • blood pressure
  • blood lipids
  • diet
  • physical activity
  • lifestyle

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2334 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Probiotic Supplements on Metabolic Parameters of People with Type 2 Diabetes in Greece—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
by Eva Zikou, Nikolas Dovrolis, Charilaos Dimosthenopoulos, Maria Gazouli and Konstantinos Makrilakis
Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214663 - 3 Nov 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4834
Abstract
The role of probiotic supplementation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment is controversial. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement (LactoLevureR (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces boulardii)) over [...] Read more.
The role of probiotic supplementation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment is controversial. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement (LactoLevureR (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces boulardii)) over 6 months, primarily on glycemic control as well as on lipid levels and alterations in the gut microbiome, among individuals with T2D residing in Greece. A total of 91 adults with T2D (mean age [±SD] 65.12 ± 10.92 years, 62.6% males) were randomized to receive the probiotic supplement or a matching placebo capsule, once daily, for 6 months. Blood chemistries and anthropometric parameters were conducted every 3 months, and stool samples were collected at baseline and at 6 months. Significant reductions in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and total cholesterol were observed in participants treated with the probiotic supplement (n = 46) compared to the controls (n = 45), even after adjustment for a greater decrease in adiposity (waist circumference). Although there were no statistically significant differences in the diversity of the gut microbiome (α and β diversity), the administration of probiotics did influence several genera, metabolites, and key enzymes associated with diabetes. Overall, the administration of the multi-strain probiotic LactoLevureR over a 6-month period in individuals with T2D was well-tolerated and had a positive impact on metabolic parameters, alongside improvements in indices of adiposity. Full article
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13 pages, 3970 KiB  
Article
How the Gus Schumacher Produce Prescription Program Works: An Adaptation of a Nutrition Incentive Theory of Change
by Sarah A. Stotz, Nadine Budd Nugent, Melissa Akers, Kirsten Leng, Carmen Byker Shanks, Amy L. Yaroch, James Krieger, Morgan Szczepaniak and Hilary Seligman
Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153352 - 28 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1979
Abstract
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) supports nutrition incentive (NI) and produce prescription programs (PPRs). PPRs allow healthcare providers to “prescribe” fruits and vegetables (FVs) to patients experiencing low income and/or chronic disease(s) and who screen positive [...] Read more.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) supports nutrition incentive (NI) and produce prescription programs (PPRs). PPRs allow healthcare providers to “prescribe” fruits and vegetables (FVs) to patients experiencing low income and/or chronic disease(s) and who screen positive for food insecurity. We developed a Theory of Change (TOC) that summarizes how and why PPRs work, identifies what the programs hope to achieve, and elucidates the causal pathways necessary to achieve their goals. We created the PPR TOC through an iterative, participatory process that adapted our previously developed GusNIP NI TOC. The participatory process involved food and nutrition security experts, healthcare providers, PPR implementors, and PPR evaluators reviewing the existing NI TOC and suggesting modifications to accurately reflect PPRs. The resulting TOC describes the mechanisms, assumptions, rationale, and underpinnings that lead to successful and equitable outcomes. Modifications of the NI TOC centered around equity and focused on inclusion of healthcare as an additional partner and the importance of health and healthcare utilization as outcomes. The TOC describes how the GusNIP PPR program reaches its goals. This understanding will be useful for PPR developers, implementers, funders, and evaluators for describing the pathways, assumptions, and foundations of successful PPRs. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 1462 KiB  
Review
Duality of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Chronic Cardiovascular Disease: Potential Biomarkers versus Active Pathophysiological Promoters
by Daniela Maria Tanase, Emilia Valasciuc, Claudia Florida Costea, Dragos Viorel Scripcariu, Anca Ouatu, Loredana Liliana Hurjui, Claudia Cristina Tarniceriu, Diana Elena Floria, Manuela Ciocoiu, Livia Genoveva Baroi and Mariana Floria
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1972; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121972 - 20 Jun 2024
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Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), comprising leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), and valine (Val), are essential nutrients vital for protein synthesis and metabolic regulation via specialized signaling networks. Their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has become a focal point of scientific debate, with emerging evidence [...] Read more.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), comprising leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), and valine (Val), are essential nutrients vital for protein synthesis and metabolic regulation via specialized signaling networks. Their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has become a focal point of scientific debate, with emerging evidence suggesting both beneficial and detrimental roles. This review aims to dissect the multifaceted relationship between BCAAs and cardiovascular health, exploring the molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Elevated BCAA levels have also been linked to insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), inflammation, and dyslipidemia, which are well-established risk factors for CVD. Central to these processes are key pathways such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activate B cells (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation, and oxidative stress. Additionally, the interplay between BCAA metabolism and gut microbiota, particularly the production of metabolites like trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), adds another layer of complexity. Contrarily, some studies propose that BCAAs may have cardioprotective effects under certain conditions, contributing to muscle maintenance and metabolic health. This review critically evaluates the evidence, addressing the biological basis and signal transduction mechanism, and also discusses the potential for BCAAs to act as biomarkers versus active mediators of cardiovascular pathology. By presenting a balanced analysis, this review seeks to clarify the contentious roles of BCAAs in CVD, providing a foundation for future research and therapeutic strategies required because of the rising prevalence, incidence, and total burden of CVDs. Full article
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Other

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12 pages, 1766 KiB  
Study Protocol
The Effectiveness of a Lactobacilli-Based Probiotic Food Supplement on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism in Australian Early Postmenopausal Women: Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Stephanie M. Resciniti, Jessica R. Biesiekierski, Ali Ghasem-Zadeh and George Moschonis
Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081150 - 12 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1757
Abstract
Osteoporosis affects one in three women over the age of 50 and results in fragility fractures. Oestrogen deficiency during and after menopause exacerbates bone loss, accounting for higher prevalence of fragility fractures in women. The gut microbiota (GM) has been proposed as a [...] Read more.
Osteoporosis affects one in three women over the age of 50 and results in fragility fractures. Oestrogen deficiency during and after menopause exacerbates bone loss, accounting for higher prevalence of fragility fractures in women. The gut microbiota (GM) has been proposed as a key regulator of bone health, as it performs vital functions such as immune regulation and biosynthesis of vitamins. Therefore, GM modulation via probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a target for potential therapeutic intervention to reduce bone loss. While promising results have been observed in mouse model studies, translation into human trials is limited. Here, we present the study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial that aims to examine the effectiveness of three lactobacilli strains on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), trabecular, and cortical microstructure, as measured using High Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT). The trial will randomize 124 healthy early postmenopausal women (up to 8 years from menopause) to receive either probiotic or placebo administered once daily for 12 months. Secondary outcomes will investigate the probiotics’ effects on areal BMD and specific mechanistic biomarkers, including bone metabolism and inflammatory markers. The trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000810819). Full article
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