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The Interplay Between Nutrition, Fasting, and Metabolic Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 November 2026 | Viewed by 10193

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
Interests: fasting; gut microbiota; environmental health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "The Interplay Between Nutrition, Fasting, and Metabolic Health," focuses on the synergistic effects of different fasting patterns and nutritional factors, thoroughly exploring their mechanisms and impacts on metabolic regulation. We will systematically investigate various fasting strategies—including intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating and alternate-day fasting), periodic fasting (5:2 diet and fasting-mimicking diet), and prolonged fasting—with particular emphasis on how these dietary patterns influence body health through nutritional pathways such as nutrient metabolism, energy balance, and gut microbiota.

Key nutritional topics of interest include the following:

  • Metabolic adaptation mechanisms of macronutrients under different fasting regimens;
  • Interactive effects of dietary patterns and fasting cycles on metabolic flexibility;
  • Synergistic role of specific nutrients (e.g., polyphenols and dietary fiber) in metabolic regulation during fasting periods;
  • Combined effects of fasting and nutritional interventions on metabolic syndrome-related parameters (body composition, glucose homeostasis, and lipid profile).

We welcome human studies across different life stages, physical activity levels, and metabolic backgrounds, including observational studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and mechanistic investigations. By integrating the intersecting fields of nutritional science and fasting research, this issue aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for precision nutrition interventions.

Dr. Robin Mesnage
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • prolonged fasting
  • intermittent fasting
  • metabolic health
  • nutrient metabolism
  • time-restricted eating
  • dietary patterns
  • gut microbiota
  • muscle preservation
  • lipid metabolism
  • insulin sensitivity
  • low-caloric intake
  • inflammatory markers
  • mitochondrial function
  • clinical outcomes
  • energy metabolism
  • weight loss

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 903 KB  
Article
Fasting-Induced Changes in Serum Kynurenines Do Not Always Reflect Their Urinary Excretion
by Zuzanna Margas, Andżelika Borkowska, Konrad Kowalski, Ulana Juhas, Joanna Reczkowicz, Jakub Kortas, Anna Pilis, Inga Cytrych, Ewa Ziemann and Jędrzej Antosiewicz
Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040689 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1526
Abstract
Background: The effects of fasting on serum kynurenines (KYNs) have been reported; however, no data are available on whether fasting also modifies their urinary excretion. Kidney organic anion transporters are involved in KYNs excretion, suggesting that changes in serum levels may result from [...] Read more.
Background: The effects of fasting on serum kynurenines (KYNs) have been reported; however, no data are available on whether fasting also modifies their urinary excretion. Kidney organic anion transporters are involved in KYNs excretion, suggesting that changes in serum levels may result from altered urinary elimination. Considering the important role of KYNs in regulating various physiological processes, it is crucial to understand the factors that determine their blood concentrations. The present study aimed to determine the effect of an 8-day fasting period on the concentrations of KYNs in both serum and urine. Methods: Thirteen participants underwent an 8-day fast. The exercise test was performed at baseline after an overnight fast and after 8 days of fasting. Results: Fasting increased the serum concentrations of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), anthranilic acid (AA), picolinic acid (PA), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and xanthurenic acid (XANA). Conversely, serum kynurenine (KYN) and quinolinic acid (QA) decreased, while 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) remained unchanged. In urine, KYN, 3-HK, XANA and QA increased after fasting, whereas AA and PA did not change. Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings indicate that fasting generally increases serum kynurenines (KYNs), which are associated with enhanced urinary excretion, suggesting that fasting may stimulate their synthesis. In the case of anthranilic acid (AA) and picolinic acid (PA), their increase in serum does not influence their urinary excretion. Conversely, a decrease in serum KYN and quinolinic acid (QA) may result from enhanced urinary excretion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Interplay Between Nutrition, Fasting, and Metabolic Health)
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Review

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25 pages, 1573 KB  
Review
Endocrine Adaptations to Prolonged Fasting: From Physiology, Clinical Uncertainties, Translational Challenges to Healthspan Implications
by Rok Herman, Jure Trsan, Luka Lipar, Mojca Jensterle and Andrej Janez
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3949; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243949 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 8156
Abstract
Objectives: Intermittent fasting regimens that include periods of prolonged fasting may mimic certain well-documented benefits of calorie restriction. In this narrative review, we synthesize preclinical and human data on endocrine adaptations during prolonged fasting protocols. Methods: We conducted a structured search of relevant [...] Read more.
Objectives: Intermittent fasting regimens that include periods of prolonged fasting may mimic certain well-documented benefits of calorie restriction. In this narrative review, we synthesize preclinical and human data on endocrine adaptations during prolonged fasting protocols. Methods: We conducted a structured search of relevant databases, followed by data extraction and synthesis, with a focus on endocrine adaptations during prolonged fasting and their potential implications for healthspan. Results: Across various endocrine axes, prolonged fasting appears to induce a reproducible pattern marked by diminished anabolic signaling and transient activation of potential stress resilience pathways. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up durations, methodological heterogeneity, and dependence on surrogate endpoints. Endocrine outcomes are frequently secondary and reported inconsistently. Potential risks include transient hypogonadism, relative hypothyroidism, hypercortisolemia, orthostatic intolerance, electrolyte imbalances, catabolic loss of lean mass, and refeeding challenges. Conclusions: Overall, prolonged fasting activates conserved endocrine mechanisms that may confer plausible cardiometabolic benefits; however, their translation to clinical practice remains speculative. We highlight key knowledge gaps and propose directions for future research in this emerging field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Interplay Between Nutrition, Fasting, and Metabolic Health)
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