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Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 5087

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jiaqiang Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: selenium; selenoprotein; health; Se-rich products; antioxidant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue of Nutrients entitled “Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health”. Micronutrients (e.g., selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins) and bioactive molecules (e.g., polysaccharides and polyphenols) play pivotal roles in maintaining human health and preventing diseases. While deficiencies in essential minerals like selenium remain a global nutritional challenge, leading to conditions such as cardiovascular disorders and cognitive decline, the broader spectrum of micronutrients and bioactive compounds warrants deeper exploration. These substances are primarily obtained through diet, where their forms, interactions, and bioavailability critically influence their physiological functions. This Special Issue aims to highlight innovative research on (1) the development and regulation of micronutrient-enriched and bioactive molecule-based products (e.g., Se-rich foods, polyphenol extracts, and polysaccharide formulations); (2) mechanistic insights into their roles in redox regulation, anti-inflammatory pathways, immune modulation, and metabolic health. Nutrient interactions, including synergistic or antagonistic effects between minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds (e.g., Se with vitamin E or polyphenols with gut microbiota); (3) clinical and translational studies evaluating their efficacy in preventing or managing chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer); and (4) technological innovations in relation to enhancing the bioavailability, stability, and sustainable production of these nutrients.

We welcome original research, reviews, and meta-analyses encompassing in vitro, animal, and human studies. Submissions addressing genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic aspects of nutrient utilization, as well as public health strategies for nutrient fortification, are strongly encouraged. Our goal is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and advance the understanding of how micronutrients and bioactive molecules collectively contribute to health optimization.

Dr. Jiaqiang Huang
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.

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

  • micronutrients
  • bioactive molecules
  • selenium-rich products
  • polysaccharides
  • polyphenols
  • nutrient interactions
  • health promotion
  • disease prevention

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 873 KB  
Article
Vitamin D Status and Response to Supplementation as Predictive Factors for Early Remission in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Retrospective Longitudinal Investigation
by Elvis Hysa, Serena Balito, Giulia Davoli, Elisa Caratto, Giulia Bernardi, Emanuele Gotelli, Rosanna Campitiello, Carmen Pizzorni, Sabrina Paolino, Alberto Sulli, Vanessa Smith and Maurizio Cutolo
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2839; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172839 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 773
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly. The role of vitamin D remains unclear in this condition. The endpoints of this study were to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum concentrations in PMR patients with active disease [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly. The role of vitamin D remains unclear in this condition. The endpoints of this study were to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum concentrations in PMR patients with active disease compared to elderly controls and to determine if baseline levels or changes following supplementation [delta 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Δ25(OH)D] were associated with improved clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective, case–control study, 29 PMR patients (55% males, 75.24 ± 9.6 years old, disease duration of 3.8 ± 3 months) were included, meeting the 2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria, with 29 age- and sex-matched controls without systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. We assessed demographic, clinical and laboratory features for PMR patients, including baseline 25(OH)D serum concentrations, disease activity (polymyalgia rheumatica activity score), and serum inflammatory biomarkers. A subgroup of them (n = 25) was followed longitudinally, for an average period of 21.1 ± 17.7 months, to evaluate the association between Δ25(OH)D and clinical outcomes at follow-up using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Although lower than the normal reference values, baseline 25(OH)D concentrations did not differ significantly between PMR patients and controls (21.6 ± 9.2 vs. 22.7 ± 11.3 ng/mL, p = 0.66) and did not predict long-term clinical outcomes. However, after only 3 months of supplementation, the increase in 25(OH)D concentrations was significantly associated with a remission status, and patients in remission showed a significant increase in 25(OH)D compared to those with persistent disease activity (+22.02 vs. +1.33 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.044). Notably, in the multivariate model, this Δ25(OH)D was the strongest independent predictor of remission (OR = 2.89; 95% CI [1.60–4.11]), an effect independent of prednisone dosage prescribed at first visit (p = 0.32) and glucocorticoid exposure at third month (p = 0.12). Conclusions: Individual’s response of PMR patients to supplementation of vitamin D seems to be a robust independent predictor of early clinical remission achievement. Interestingly, optimizing vitamin D supplementation based on individual responsiveness may represent a valuable adjunctive strategy in PMR management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health)
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20 pages, 7746 KB  
Article
Silybin Mitigates Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure in Mice via Modulation of HIF-1α-Driven Glycolysis and Energy Metabolism
by Mengyuan Wang, Jinhong Chen, Zhongzheng Zhang, Tianyu Wang, Jiaqi Zhao, Xiao Wang, Junyan Wang and Haowen Zhuang
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2800; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172800 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
Background: Post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF) is characterized by myocardial energy metabolism disorder, with excessive glycolysis playing a key role in its progression. Silybin (SIL), a flavonoid derived from Silybum marianum, has demonstrated hepatoprotective and metabolic regulatory effects. However, the role of [...] Read more.
Background: Post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF) is characterized by myocardial energy metabolism disorder, with excessive glycolysis playing a key role in its progression. Silybin (SIL), a flavonoid derived from Silybum marianum, has demonstrated hepatoprotective and metabolic regulatory effects. However, the role of this flavonoid in ameliorating post-myocardial infarction heart failure (post-MI HF) by modulating energy metabolism remains unclear. Methods: This study employed an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) model to induce myocardial cell injury in vitro, with YC-1 treatment used to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) for mechanistic validation. A myocardial infarction-induced HF mouse model was used for in vivo experiments. Results: In vitro, SIL enhanced cell viability, increased ATP levels, and decreased lactate production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in OGD-treated myocardial cells. SIL downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) while inhibiting HIF-1α nuclear translocation. Furthermore, SIL suppressed glycolytic proteins (PFKFB3, GLUT1, and LDHA) in a manner comparable to the HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1. This confirms that SIL’s inhibition of glycolysis is HIF-1α-dependent. In vivo, SIL treatment improved cardiac function parameters (LVEF and LVFS) and attenuated left ventricular remodeling (LVID;d and LVID;s) in post-MI HF mice. Additionally, myocardial fibrosis markers were significantly reduced, accompanied by a decrease in the myocardial mRNA and protein expression of glycolytic proteins, including HIF-1α, PFKFB3, GLUT1, and LDHA. Conclusions: Silybin effectively ameliorates post-myocardial infarction heart failure through the HIF-1α-mediated regulation of glycolysis, leading to improved myocardial energy metabolism and enhanced cardiac function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health)
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Review

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17 pages, 1058 KB  
Review
The Role of Vitamin K Deficiency in Chronic Kidney Disease—A Scoping Review
by Valdemar Tybjerg Wegge, Mette Kjær Torbensen, Allan Linneberg and Julie Aaberg Lauridsen
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2559; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152559 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 905
Abstract
Background/objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 15% of the global population and is driven by vascular and interstitial damage, and is most prevalent in persons with hypertension and diabetes. Vitamin K, a necessary cofactor for activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins [...] Read more.
Background/objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 15% of the global population and is driven by vascular and interstitial damage, and is most prevalent in persons with hypertension and diabetes. Vitamin K, a necessary cofactor for activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins may modulate these processes. It is well established that vitamin K deficiency is associated with CKD, but the therapeutic effects of supplementation on kidney function are still uncertain. We aimed to review the current evidence on the effect of vitamin K deficiency and supplementation on any marker of renal function and kidney disease, across general adult populations and CKD patient populations. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, targeting terms related to vitamin K status and CKD. Studies were included if they reported data on vitamin K status or supplementation in relation to kidney function outcomes. Results: A total of 16 studies were included. Nine interventional studies were included and confirmed that vitamin K supplementation improves biomarkers of vitamin K status but showed no consistent beneficial effects on renal function. Seven observational studies across populations found significant associations between vitamin K status and decline in kidney function; however, associations were often attenuated after adjustments. Conclusions: No clear effect of supplementation was observed on the reported kidney markers in patient populations. A clear association between low vitamin K status and impaired kidney function was confirmed. Studying heterogeneity makes the comparability and generalizability of the results difficult. Our review highlights the need for more cohort studies and clinical trials in general or patient populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health)
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24 pages, 2509 KB  
Review
Potential Applications and Risks of Supranutritional Selenium Supplementation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Critical Review
by Chuanming Liu, Ke Chen, Zijian Xu, Lianshun Wang, Yinhua Zhu, Zhengquan Yu, Tong Li and Jiaqiang Huang
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2484; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152484 - 30 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1227
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world, lacking specific pharmacological interventions or well-established treatments. MASLD involves intricate pathological mechanisms characterized by oxidative stress and robust inflammatory responses. Selenium, an essential trace element, plays [...] Read more.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world, lacking specific pharmacological interventions or well-established treatments. MASLD involves intricate pathological mechanisms characterized by oxidative stress and robust inflammatory responses. Selenium, an essential trace element, plays a critical role in antioxidation, regulation of inflammation, anticancer activity, and so on. Recent studies have reported that supplementation with selenium could alleviate MASLD and associated hepatic disorders, while excessive consumption may result in insulin resistance or even selenosis. Therefore, supranutritional selenium supplementation can be more suitable for the therapy and prevention of MASLD. This paper comprehensively reviews research about selenium and MASLD to highlight the potential applications and risks of supranutritional selenium supplementation in MASLD, following three steps: conducting a search, reviewing research articles and reviews, and discussing results. The keywords for the search include but are not limited to selenium, MASLD, supranutritional, hepatic diseases, selenoproteions, and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). We have reached the following conclusions: supranutritional selenium supplementation exhibits promising potential as a strategy to treat MASLD, but there are still some risks, depending on the dose and form of selenium; evaluating MASLD severity and selenium nutritional status accurately, as well as supplementing with superior forms of selenium (e.g., organic selenium and SeNPs), can further ensure the safety and efficacy of selenium supplementation. However, relationships between selenium homeostasis disorders and the occurrence and development of MASLD have not been fully elucidated. Methods for comprehensively assessing selenium status and mechanisms of selenosis require further investigation and research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health)
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18 pages, 3463 KB  
Review
Advances in Isorhamnetin Treatment of Malignant Tumors: Mechanisms and Applications
by Chen Mei, Ying Liu, Xueze Lyu, Zhaoling Jiang, Zhenyi Liu, Yan Zhi, Xiaolong Xu and Hongjun Wang
Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111853 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 976
Abstract
Isorhamnetin (ISO) is a natural flavonoid compound that has become a main research topic in recent years due to its multitargeted antitumor properties. In this paper, we systematically review the molecular basis of the inhibition of malignant tumors by ISO, including through the [...] Read more.
Isorhamnetin (ISO) is a natural flavonoid compound that has become a main research topic in recent years due to its multitargeted antitumor properties. In this paper, we systematically review the molecular basis of the inhibition of malignant tumors by ISO, including through the regulation of the cell cycle, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, MAPK pathway, apoptosis/autophagy-related pathways, and the tumor microenvironment. We also explore its synergistic effects with chemotherapy/targeted therapies and its potential for clinical translation. Experimental studies have shown that ISO can not only directly inhibit tumor proliferation by inducing tumor cell cycle arrest, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, but also enhance antitumor immune responses by regulating the immune microenvironment. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that novel delivery systems, such as nano-formulations, significantly enhance the bioavailability of ISO. Notably, ISO has demonstrated unique advantages in attenuating the nephrotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, protecting normal cells, and reversing tumor resistance. However, the optimal dosing regimen, dose–effect relationship, and cross-species applicability need to be further validated by large-scale preclinical animal experiments and clinical trials. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of ISO for the treatment of malignant tumors and highlights its potential value in animal models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Bioactive Molecules: Their Development, Interaction, and Impact on Human Health)
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