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Nutrients
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Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors
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Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 September 2025 | Viewed by 8636

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Lishi Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: food safety; health food; nutritional toxicology; food toxicology; phytochemicals
Dr. Xiaomeng Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: food contaminants; food safety; human health risk assessment; nutritional toxicology; lycopene

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past several decades, as society and economy developed in leaps and bounds, food sources have become diversified. The health effects of diet-sourced hazardous factors, including the excessive nutrient intake, food contaminants, etc., have been put in the spotlight. This SI aims to provide researchers, health professionals, and policymakers with a platform to share and discuss the latest research, including evidence-based findings, on the health effects of diet-sourced hazardous factors, serving as basis for public health protection.

The Special Issue covers a broad range of topics, including but not limited to the following:

(1) Adverse health outcomes and toxicological studies of nutrients or food contaminants; 
(2) Dose–response relationship assessment of adverse health outcomes of excessive nutrient intake and the development of a tolerable upper intake level;
(3) Interactions between xenobiotics and nutrition/nutrients;
(4) Risk and risk–benefit assessments of nutrients or food components.

Prof. Dr. Lishi Zhang
Guest Editor

Dr. Xiaomeng Li
Guest Editor Assistant

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

  • nutritional toxicology
  • food toxicology
  • food safety
  • risk assessment
  • risk–benefit assessment
  • new food raw materials/novel food
  • tolerable upper intake level
  • health food

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 218 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Study of Iodine Nutritional Status Among School-Age Children in Chongqing, China
by Peng Pang, Jun Xie, Mengping Yang, Shuang Zhou and Yong Zhang
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050817 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 543
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the iodine nutritional statuses of children aged 8 to 10 years in Chongqing Municipality in 2023. Methods: In this study, we employed multi-stage stratified cluster sampling of non-boarding children aged 8 [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the iodine nutritional statuses of children aged 8 to 10 years in Chongqing Municipality in 2023. Methods: In this study, we employed multi-stage stratified cluster sampling of non-boarding children aged 8 to 10 years in all 39 counties (districts). The levels of iodine in household salt and those in random urine samples collected from the subjects were tested. In addition, thyroid gland volume was examined using the ultrasound method in subjects from 13 of the counties (districts). Results: Of the total 7751 children aged 8 to 10 years selected for inclusion in this study, the median salt iodine concentration (SIC) was 26.7 mg/kg, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 24.2–29.4 mg/kg. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 226.4 μg/L, with an IQR of 149.5–309.6 μg/L. The median UIC differed significantly between genders and across various regions (p < 0.001). The prevalence of total goiter in the children was 2.24% (58/2591), and significant differences were observed in the prevalence of goiter in different body mass index (BMI) groups (p < 0.001). The greatest prevalence of goiter was observed in obese children. Conclusions: In 2023, children in Chongqing Municipality aged 8 to 10 years as a whole had adequate iodine nutrition and met the national standard for the eradication of iodine deficiency disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors)
18 pages, 973 KiB  
Article
Disease Burden Estimation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Attributable to Dietary Aflatoxin Exposure in Sichuan Province, China
by Mei Qin, Li Lin, Liang Wang, Yu Zhang, Lishi Zhang, Yang Song and Jinyao Chen
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244381 - 19 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 889
Abstract
Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 are Group 1 human carcinogens, with AFB1 notably increasing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Sichuan Province, China, with its subtropical monsoon climate, is susceptible to AF contamination [...] Read more.
Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 are Group 1 human carcinogens, with AFB1 notably increasing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Sichuan Province, China, with its subtropical monsoon climate, is susceptible to AF contamination in various food items. However, the HCC disease burden attributable to lifetime chronic dietary AF intake in Sichuan has not been investigated. Methods: The contamination data of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and AFM1 across 20 food categories were analyzed from 2012 to 2023 in Sichuan. Along with the consumption data gathered from the 2011 China National Nutrition and Health Survey, the FDA-iRISK simulated the lifetime chronic dietary exposure patterns of ∑5AF and estimated the associated HCC burden using disability-adjusted life year (DALY) as the metric. Results: As for the mean AF contamination level in food from Sichuan, the estimated lifetime average daily dose (LADD) of ∑5AF intake was 9.77 ng/kg bw/day at minimum and 26.0 ng/kg bw/day at maximum, resulting in the lifetime HCC risks per person of 0.106% and 0.283%. The corresponding HCC burdens were 16.87 DALY/100,000 people/year and 44.95 DALY/100,000 people/year, respectively. In the same scenario, the LADD and the risk of HCC in males were higher than in females, but the PAF was higher in females. However, the high (P95) AF contamination level in food caused 2–3 times higher LADD and HCC burden than the mean level of AF occurrence. Among the studied food categories, grains and their products were the primary dietary sources of dietary AF exposure. Conclusions: Sichuan population’s lifetime exposure to ∑5AF results in an HCC burden higher than the global level. It is recommended to continuously monitor and control AF contamination in Sichuan, particularly those highly vulnerable food categories, and the HCC disease burden should remain a concern in future research efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors)
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15 pages, 1990 KiB  
Article
The Adverse Impact of Bisphenol A Exposure on Optimal Cardiovascular Health as Measured by Life’s Essential 8 in U.S. Adults: Evidence from NHANES 2005 to 2016
by Yemei Chen, Chao Xu, Ying Huang, Zhaoyan Liu, Jiupeng Zou and Huilian Zhu
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193253 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2138
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of global morbidity and mortality, with cardiovascular health (CVH) remaining well below the ideal level and showing minimal improvement in the U.S. population over recent years. Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive environmental contaminant, has emerged as [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of global morbidity and mortality, with cardiovascular health (CVH) remaining well below the ideal level and showing minimal improvement in the U.S. population over recent years. Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive environmental contaminant, has emerged as a potential contributor to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This cross-sectional study delves into the impact of BPA exposure on achieving optimal CVH, as assessed by the Life’s Essential 8 metric, among U.S. adults. Methods: Analyzing data from 6635 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2005 and 2016, BPA exposure was quantified through urinary BPA levels, while optimal CVH was defined using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 criteria, scoring between 80 and 100. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching were employed to evaluate the association between BPA exposure and CVH. Results: This study reveals that individuals in the highest tertile of urinary BPA levels were 27% less likely to attain optimal CVH compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59–0.92). This negative association persisted across diverse demographics, including age, sex, and race, mirrored in the link between urinary BPA levels and health factor scores. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential benefits of reducing BPA exposure in enhancing the prevalence of optimal CVH and mitigating the burden of cardiovascular disease. Given the widespread use of BPA, ongoing monitoring of BPA’s impact on CVH is essential. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term and causative connections between BPA and CVH. These insights contribute to understanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and CVH outcomes, informing targeted interventions to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk within the population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors)
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Review

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23 pages, 1057 KiB  
Review
The Potential Role of Advanced Glycation End Products in the Development of Kidney Disease
by Yibin Ma, Xinyu Wang, Shan Lin, Lei King and Liegang Liu
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050758 - 21 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1175
Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) represent a class of toxic and irreversible compounds formed through non-enzymatic reactions between proteins or lipids and carbonyl compounds. AGEs can arise endogenously under normal metabolic conditions and in pathological states such as diabetes, kidney disease, and inflammatory [...] Read more.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) represent a class of toxic and irreversible compounds formed through non-enzymatic reactions between proteins or lipids and carbonyl compounds. AGEs can arise endogenously under normal metabolic conditions and in pathological states such as diabetes, kidney disease, and inflammatory disorders. Additionally, they can be obtained exogenously through dietary intake, particularly from foods high in fat or sugar, as well as grilled and processed items. AGEs accumulate in various organs and have been increasingly recognized as significant contributors to the progression of numerous diseases, particularly kidney disease. As the kidney plays a crucial role in AGE metabolism and excretion, it is highly susceptible to AGE-induced damage. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the role of AGEs in the onset and progression of various kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and acute kidney injury. We explore the potential biological mechanisms involved, such as AGE accumulation, the AGEs-RAGE axis, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and AGE-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, we discuss recent findings on the metabolic characteristics of AGEs in vivo and their pathogenic impact on renal function. Additionally, we examine the clinical significance of AGEs in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of kidney diseases, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. By integrating recent advancements in AGE research, this review aims to provide new insights and strategies for mitigating AGE-related renal damage and improving kidney disease management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors)
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79 pages, 1451 KiB  
Review
Cannabidiol in Foods and Food Supplements: Evaluation of Health Risks and Health Claims
by Barbara E. Engeli, Dirk W. Lachenmeier, Patrick Diel, Sabine Guth, Maria A. Villar Fernandez, Angelika Roth, Alfonso Lampen, Alexander T. Cartus, Wim Wätjen, Jan G. Hengstler and Angela Mally
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030489 - 29 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2585
Abstract
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid present in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Non-medicinal CBD oils with typically 5–40% CBD are advertised for various alleged positive health effects. While such foodstuffs containing cannabinoids are covered by the Novel Food Regulation in [...] Read more.
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid present in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Non-medicinal CBD oils with typically 5–40% CBD are advertised for various alleged positive health effects. While such foodstuffs containing cannabinoids are covered by the Novel Food Regulation in the European Union (EU), none of these products have yet been authorized. Nevertheless, they continue to be available on the European market. Methods: The Permanent Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) reviewed the currently available data on adverse and potential beneficial effects of CBD in the dose range relevant for foods. Results: Increased liver enzyme activities were observed in healthy volunteers following administration of 4.3 mg CBD/kg bw/day and higher for 3–4 weeks. As lower doses were not tested, a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) could not be derived, and the dose of 4.3 mg/kg bw/day was identified as the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL). Based on the CBD content and dose recommendations of CBD products on the market, the SKLM considered several exposure scenarios and concluded that the LOAEL for liver toxicity may be easily reached, e.g., via consumption of 30 drops of an oil containing 20% CBD, or even exceeded. A critical evaluation of the available data on potential beneficial health effects of CBD in the dose range at or below the LOAEL of 4.3 mg/kg bw/day revealed no scientific evidence that would substantiate health claims, e.g., in relation to physical performance, the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous system, anxiety, relaxation, stress, sleep, pain, or menstrual health. Conclusions: The SKLM concluded that consumption of CBD-containing foods/food supplements may not provide substantiated health benefits and may even pose a health risk to consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Diet-Sourced Hazardous Factors)
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