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Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 11022

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Prof. Dr. Iñaki Elío

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Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
Interests: nutrition and metabolism; clinical nutrition; dietetics; diet therapy
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Dear Colleagues,

Nutrition (food) is composed of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, broken down by enzymes in the digestive system. The body uses these to store them in the liver, muscle tissues, or body fat.

Metabolic disorders are caused by deficiencies or excesses of nutrients that alter our state of health, deficiencies of the enzymes necessary for a specific chemical reaction, abnormal chemical reactions that make metabolic processes difficult, and organ diseases in the liver, pancreas, or endocrine glands.

The most common metabolic diseases are the two types of diabetes. The cause of Type 1 is unknown, and Type 2 can be acquired or potentially triggered by genetic factors. Prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension are the principal pathologies that are related to overweight and obesity, especially with abdominal fat distribution.

Glucose–galactose malabsorption, which creates a defect in transporting glucose and galactose through the stomach lining, causes severe diarrhea, with it being necessary to remove lactose, sucrose, and glucose from the diet. Phenylketonuria (PKU), caused by the inability to produce the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, causes organ damage and mental retardation, and maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) disrupts the metabolism of certain amino acids, causing the degeneration of neurons.

Papers addressing these topics are invited to this Special Issue, especially those combining the relation of a person’s diet and nutrition in the prevention or the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Prof. Dr. Iñaki Elío
Guest Editor

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Keywords

obesity
overweight
metabolic syndrome
prediabetes
diabetes
bariatric surgery
dyslipidemia
eating behavior
non-alcoholic fatty liver
phenylketonuria
maple syrup urine disease
glucose-galactose malabsorption
homocystinuria
urea cycle disorder

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3183 KB

Open AccessArticle

Octenyl Succinic Anhydride Starch Alleviates Alcoholic Liver Disease by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolism

by Chang Liu, Tangqian Liu, Rongrong Ma, Xiaohua Pan and Yaoqi Tian

Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2779; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172779 - 27 Aug 2025

Viewed by 822

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is intricately linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disturbances along the gut–liver axis. Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch escapes digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the colon, modulating gut microbiota and metabolism. This study explored the protective effects of OSA starch against ALD and elucidated the underlying gut microbiota–metabolite interactions. Methods: A chronic ethanol-fed mouse model was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of OSA starch against ALD, and multi-omics analyses integrating 16S rRNA sequencing, PICRUSt2 functional predictions, and metabolomics were used to reveal potential mechanism. Results: OSA starch supplementation in ALD mice significantly reduced liver fat accumulation, lowered the liver index to 4.11%, and restored serum transaminase levels closer to normal. Multi-omics analyses revealed that OSA starch enriched beneficial gut bacteria such as Faecalibaculum rodentium and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. OSA starch also enhanced microbial metabolic functions, including pyruvate, butanoate, and propanoate metabolism. These shifts were accompanied by regulation of fecal and serum metabolites, including pyruvate, 2-hydroxybutanoic acid, and lactic acid. Structural equation modeling further confirmed that OSA starch ameliorates ALD via coordinated modulation of gut microbiota, microbial functions, metabolites, and serum markers. Conclusions: OSA starch protects against alcoholic liver injury by remodeling the gut–liver metabolic network, presenting a promising dietary strategy for ALD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

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24 pages, 2735 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake of a Milk Sphingolipid-Rich MFGM/EV Concentrate Ameliorates Age-Related Metabolic Dysfunction

by Richard R. Sprenger, Kat F. Kiilerich, Mikael Palner, Arsênio Rodrigues Oliveira, Mikaël Croyal, Marie S. Ostenfeld, Ann Bjørnshave, Gitte M. Knudsen and Christer S. Ejsing

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2529; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152529 - 31 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nutraceuticals containing milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are purported to abate age-related metabolic dysfunction due to their richness in milk sphingolipids. As such, nutraceuticals offer a compelling strategy to improve metabolic health through dietary means, especially for elderly persons who are unable to adhere to common therapeutic interventions. To address this, we examined the effects of supplementing aged sedentary rats with an MFGM/EV-rich concentrate. Methods/Results: In a 25-week study, 89-week-old male rats received either a milk sphingolipid-rich MFGM/EV concentrate or a control supplement. Analysis of metabolic health using a battery of tests, including MS^ALL lipidomics of plasma, liver, and other peripheral tissues, revealed that MFGM/EV supplementation promotes accretion of unique sphingolipid signatures, ameliorates ceramide biomarkers predictive of cardiovascular death, and has a general lipid-lowering effect. At the functional level, we find that these health-promoting effects are linked to increased lipoprotein particle turnover, showcased by reduced levels of triglyceride-rich particles, as well as a metabolically healthier liver, assessed using whole-body lipidomic flux analysis. Conclusions: Altogether, our work unveils that MFGM/EV-containing food holds a potential for ameliorating age-related metabolic dysfunction in elderly individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 1734 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lipid-Modulating Effects of Sargassum fulvellum Fermented by Lactococcus lactis KCCM12759P and Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM12756P in Ovariectomized Mice

by Hyun-Sol Jo, Young-Eun Cho and Sun-Mee Hong

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152527 - 31 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Estrogen deficiency contributes to dyslipidemia and visceral adiposity, increasing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. Sargassum fulvellum (Sf), a brown seaweed rich in bioactive compounds, possesses lipid-regulating properties that may be enhanced by lactic acid bacteria fermentation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented S. fulvellum (SfLlLm), prepared using Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, on lipid metabolism and adipose tissue remodeling in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of estrogen deficiency. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice underwent ovariectomy and were fed an AIN-76A diet supplemented with either unfermented Sf or SfLlLm for eight weeks. Sham-operated and 17β-estradiol-treated OVX groups served as controls. Serum lipid levels—total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C—were assessed, and histological analysis of visceral adipose tissue was conducted to evaluate adipocyte morphology. Results: OVX-induced estrogen deficiency led to increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, along with hypertrophic changes in visceral adipocytes. Supplementation with fermented Sargassum fulvellum (SfLlLm) markedly improved these parameters, reducing total cholesterol by 6.7%, triglycerides by 9.3%, and LDL-C by 52.9%, while increasing HDL-C by 17.5% compared to the OVX controls. SfLlLm also normalized visceral adipocyte size and distribution. These effects were comparable to or exceeded those of 17β-estradiol treatment. Conclusions: Fermented SfLlLm ameliorated dyslipidemia and visceral adiposity under estrogen-deficient conditions. These findings support its potential as a functional dietary intervention for managing postmenopausal lipid disorders and associated metabolic complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

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11 pages, 254 KB

Open AccessArticle

Glycemic Control and Quality of Life Among People with Type 1 Diabetes: Relationships with Insulin Therapy and Carbohydrate Counting

by Rui Jorge Dias, João Sérgio Neves and Rui Poínhos

Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17121951 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 936

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus has physical, psychological and behavioral implications related to glycemic control and quality of life. Our aims were to evaluate glycemic control and disease-related quality of life among adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus and to study their relationships with sociodemographic, clinical and anthropometric characteristics. Methods: Eighty-five participants (49.4% females, mean age 36 years, mean BMI 25.3 kg/m²) attending endocrinology and/or nutrition consultations at ULS São João (Porto, Portugal) were assessed regarding quality of life (Diabetes Health Profile) and social desirability (Marlowe–Crowne’s scale). Anthropometric (weight and height), biochemical (A1c) and metabolic control data (time at glycemic target) were collected, as well as information on type and duration of insulin therapy, carbohydrate counting, use of mobile applications for carbohydrate counting and perceived health status. Results: Older patients had higher BMI (r = 0.227, p = 0.037) and worse quality of life in the ‘barriers to activity’ domain (r = 0.290, p = 0.007). In the multivariate analysis, sociodemographic, clinical and quality of life characteristics significantly explained A1c (p = 0.046, η²_p = 0.271) and perceived health status (p = 0.012, η²_p = 0.313). Higher eating self-efficacy significantly explained better perceived health status (p = 0.006, η²_p = 0.105), but no variable independently had a significant effect on glycemic control. Conclusions: Glycemic control results from the interaction between various clinical features that must be considered in personalized approaches. Eating self-efficacy significantly explained perceived health status, and may represent a potential target for intervention among people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

21 pages, 1937 KB

Open AccessArticle

UK Patient Access to Low-Protein Prescription Foods in Phenylketonuria (PKU): An Uneasy Path

by Sharon Evans, Cameron Arbuckle, Catherine Ashmore, Sarah Bailey, Giana Blaauw, Wahid Chaudhry, Clare Dale, Anne Daly, Breanna Downey, Jane Dundas, Charlotte Ellerton, Suzanne Ford, Lisa Gaff, Joanna Gribben, Anne Grimsley, Melanie Hill, Laura Murphy, Camille Newby, Natalia Oxley, Rachel Pereira, Alex Pinto, Rachel Skeath, Alexa Sparks, Simon Tapley, Allyson Terry, Georgina Wood, Alison Woodall, Katie Yeung and Anita MacDonald Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030392 - 22 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background: Special low-protein foods are essential in the dietary treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). In the UK, these are available on prescription through the General Practitioners (GPs) and distributed via nutritional home delivery companies or pharmacies. Methods: A 58-item online non-validated semi-structured questionnaire was emailed to British Inherited Metabolic Disease Group (BIMDG) dietitians and dietetic support workers (DSW)/administrators working in PKU to ascertain the main system issues and errors with the supply of low-protein prescription foods (LPPF). Results: 73% (n = 53/73) of dietitians and 72% (n = 18/25) of DSW/administrators responded. A total of 80 questionnaires (representing 44 paediatric and 36 adult PKU centres) were completed. A total of 50% (n = 40/80) of respondents reported patient/caregiver problems accessing LPPF at least weekly. The most common problems were unavailable products (82%), missing LPPF in deliveries (79%), and delayed deliveries (66%). For 64% of respondents, >25% of their patients had recurring problems accessing LPPF, and 69% of respondents spent ≥1 h/week and 11% >5 h/week correcting LPPF patient supply issues. The most common foods patients experienced supply issues with were bread (96%), pasta/rice (41%) and milk replacements (35%). This was associated with GP prescription errors (65%), LPPF prescriptions sent to incorrect dispensers/suppliers (60%), and manufacturer supply issues (54%). Problems with patients/caregivers included not ordering LPPF in a timely way (81%), not responding to messages from home delivery companies (73%) and poor understanding of the ordering process (70%). The majority (93%) of respondents reported that prescription issues impacted their patients’ blood Phe control. Suggestions for improving access to LPPF included centralisation of the system to one supplier (76%) and apps for ordering LPPF (69%). Conclusions: The supply of LPPF for PKU in the UK is problematic; it may adversely affect the ability of patients to adhere to dietary management, and a review investigating patient access to LPPF is urgently required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 2821 KB

Open AccessReview

Beyond Green: The Therapeutic Potential of Chlorophyll and Its Derivatives in Diabetes Control

by Giovanni Sartore, Giuseppe Zagotto and Eugenio Ragazzi

Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162653 - 15 Aug 2025

Viewed by 3453

Abstract

Chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis, abundantly found in green vegetables and algae, has attracted growing scientific interest for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in diabetes management. Recent research highlighted that chlorophyll and its derivatives may beneficially influence glucose metabolism and oxidative stress, key factors in diabetes. This review examines current knowledge on how chlorophyll compounds could aid diabetes control. Chlorophyll and its derivatives appear to support glucose regulation primarily through actions in the gastrointestinal tract. They modulate gut microbiota, improve glucose tolerance, reduce inflammation, and alleviate obesity-related markers. While chlorophyll itself does not directly inhibit digestive enzymes like α-glucosidase, its derivatives such as pheophorbide a, pheophytin a, and pyropheophytin a may slow carbohydrate digestion, acting as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Additionally, chlorophyll enhances resistant starch content, further controlling glucose absorption. Beyond digestion, chlorophyll derivatives show promise in inhibiting glycation processes, improving insulin sensitivity through nuclear receptor modulation, and lowering oxidative stress. However, some compounds pose risks due to photosensitizing effects and toxicity, warranting careful consideration. Chlorophyllin, a stable semi-synthetic derivative, also shows potential in improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Notably, pheophorbide a demonstrates insulin-mimetic activity by stimulating glucose uptake via glucose transporters, offering a novel therapeutic avenue. Overall, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-mimicking properties of chlorophyll derivatives suggest a multifaceted approach to diabetes management. While promising, these findings require further clinical validation to establish effective therapeutic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

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21 pages, 2139 KB

Open AccessReview

Orchestrating Nutrient Homeostasis: RNA-Binding Proteins as Molecular Conductors in Metabolic Disease Pathogenesis

by Siyuan Sun, Xinchun Li, Jianan Zhai, Chenxu Lu, Weiru Yu, Wenhao Wu and Juan Chen

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142367 - 19 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1016

Abstract

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical regulators of post-transcriptional processes, playing essential roles in nutrient metabolism and metabolic homeostasis. This literature review explores how RBPs influence the metabolism of glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism by controlling processes like mRNA stability and translation regulation. The dysregulation of RBPs, including HuR, PTB, and YTHDF1, is linked to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advances in techniques like TREX technology and transcriptome analysis have deepened our understanding of RBP functions. Additionally, RBPs show promise as potential biomarkers and targets for new therapies. Future research directions in RBPs could focus on tissue-specific regulation and nutrient–RBP interactions. This could pave the way for more personalized treatments and improved metabolic health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (2nd Edition))

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