Search Results (30)

With the emergence of a new vitamin concept—vitamin A5—it is essential to first clarify the basic definition of vitamins, particularly vitamin A. This article summarizes the foundational concepts and definitions of vitamins with particular relevance to the discovery, establishment, and categorization of new vitamin concepts. Vitamin A5 was discovered 80 years after the last vitamin was identified. It serves as an umbrella term for the dietary precursors 9-cis-β,β-carotene and 9-cis-13,14-dihydroretinol for the endogenous activator of the nuclear hormone receptor RXR, 9-cis-13,14-dihydroretinoic acid. However, several questions arise: Which criteria are typically used to identify a substance as a vitamin? How does vitamin A5 fit into the sometimes misleading definition of vitamin A? This review summarizes key findings and provides a comprehensive assessment of the current understanding, concluding that (a) vitamin A5 is a newly identified micronutrient that plays an important role in the prevention of diet-related diseases and (b) vitamin A5 is an important micronutrient that provides a plausible, mechanistic explanation for why a Western lifestyle diet low in vegetables and especially leafy vegetables can lead to a high prevalence of Western-lifestyle diseases, particularly neurological diseases and poor mental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent research indicates a global transition from healthy and balanced diets to unhealthy Westernized dietary patterns (WDPs). This transition is linked to increased rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, often preceded by metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a diet quality index, termed Westernized Diet Index (WDI), to assess adherence to WDPs and its association with main cardiometabolic health issues, for which MetS and its components were chosen as representatives of NCDs. Methods: The development of the WDI was driven by a semi-systematic and comprehensive examination of the literature (n = 491 articles) that evaluated the influence of WDP components on health outcomes. The scoring algorithm involved multiple steps, assigning scores based on study design, sample size, and the direction of food effects on health outcomes. Results: The final developed index encompassed 30 food groups/items. It was revealed that soft drinks, processed foods, red meat, sodium, and hydrogenated fats had the most detrimental effects on health, significantly influencing the index’s coefficients. In contrast, dietary fiber, plant-based metabolites, vitamins, minerals, nuts/seeds, and fish had the most substantial beneficial impacts. Conclusions: The WDI aligns with the existing literature on the importance of specific food items and with other validated diet quality indices, e.g., the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Thus, the WDI can provide evidence for clinicians and researchers in formulating evidence-based dietary guidelines as well as strategies for the prevention and treatment of diet-related health issues. However, further validation is proposed to verify the WDI’s capability across different contexts. Full article

Background: A new vitamin concept, termed vitamin A5, an umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives being direct nutritional precursors for 9-cis-13,14-dihydroretinoic acid and further induction of RXR-signaling, was recently identified with global importance for mental health and healthy brain and nerve functions. Dietary recommendations in the range of 1.1 (0.5–1.8) mg vitamin A5 / day were suggested by an international expert consortium. The ensuing question arises as to the current daily dietary intake amounts in Western civilization. Methods: Addressing this answer included calculating the intake based on known amounts of vitamin A5 in frequently consumed food items of the human diet that are high in this vitamin, as well as the known daily dietary intake amounts of those selected food components in Westernized countries. Results: Regarding food items, amounts of vitamin A5 in the form of provitamin A5 (i.e., 9-cis-beta-carotene (9CBC)), the predominant form in the diet, were found to range from 0.1 to 39 µg 9CBC / g for individual fruits and vegetables, with the highest concentrations being in leafy vegetables. The average intake amounts of vitamin A5 in adults of the general population following a Western lifestyle in Europe averaged 0.9, with a range from 0.5 (for Austria) to 1.3 (for Italy) mg 9CBC/day. Furthermore, based on our calculations, large parts, i.e., approximately two-thirds, of the population are low, even too low (<1.1 mg/day), in daily vitamin A5 intake. Conclusion: In addition to the importance of nudging the population toward a regrettably non-well-accepted higher intake of fruits and vegetables, an additional fortification and supplementation of vitamin A5 could be considered, similar to other micronutrients that are low in a Westernized diet. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men. Although the prognosis in the early stages is good, the treatment of advanced PCa remains a formidable challenge. Even after an initial response to hormone therapy or chemotherapy, recurrences are frequent and resistance to any systemic treatment is common. β-Carotene (BC), a plant-derived tetraterpene, is known for its antioxidant capacity and can modulate multiple cellular signaling pathways, potentially affecting androgen synthesis. We investigated the influence of BC (dissolved in EtOH/THF with a cell culture medium or encapsulated in liposomes (LP-BCs)) on the viability, migration potential, and connective tissue cleavage capabilities of several PCa cell lines (Du145, LNCaP, PC-3, and 22Rv1) and a healthy prostate model (RWPE cells). BC significantly reduced the proliferative capacity of all investigated cell lines at various concentrations (1.5–30 µM) and decreased cell migration. However, it significantly increased the expression of epidermal–mesenchymal transition (EMT) master proteins in all cancer cell lines and RWPE (p < 0.05) These effects were not observed with LP-BCs. This study suggests that LP-BCs, with their higher antiproliferative capabilities and pronounced inhibition of the EMT, may be a more effective form of possible PCa prevention or treatment than the free form. LPs may also modulate lipid metabolism in PCa cells. Full article

Background: Carotenoid intake and plasma concentrations have been associated with several health benefits, including a reduced risk for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. However, their absorption is low, and the main fraction is passed on to the colon. Very little is known about the potential interactions of carotenoids and the gut microbiota, though carotenoids and their potential metabolites, such as apocarotenoids, may be potent and have beneficial effects on the gut and at the systemic level. Methods: In this review, we strive to highlight the state-of-the-art knowledge on carotenoids and gut microbiota interactions, based on research on the literature (PubMmed, Scopus). Results and discussion: Several studies, ranging from in vitro to in vivo including humans, have suggested health beneficial effects related to altered gut microbiota diversity and abundance of different phyla. The potential mechanisms are yet somewhat elusive, but include apo-carotenoid formation and such compounds, which may have a higher electrophilicity compared to their native compounds, acting as better targets for transcription factors such as NF-ĸB and Nrf2 and nuclear receptors, i.e., PPARγ, and RAR/RXRs. A number of bactericidal effects have also been reported, and altered gut redox potential may also play a role. Furthermore, pre-biotic effects causing bacterial shifts to those related to health beneficial properties have likewise been mentioned. Finally, stimulation of IgA and immune-related responses could also play a role, related to contributing to mucosal health and gut barrier integrity. An interesting novel strategy to fostering gut health may the supplementation of probiotic strains such as Bacillus indicus, producing carotenoids in the colon. In summary, though our understanding of the interactions of carotenoids with the gut microbiota is rather limited, these colorful pigments may constitute a promising route to improving gut health and functionality and contributing to systemic health benefits. Full article

The human gut epithelium presents a crucial interface between ingested food items and the host. Understanding how different food items influence oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut is of great importance. This study assessed the impact of various digested food items on oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA/RNA damage in human gut epithelial cells. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed to food items and their combinations (n = 22) selected from a previous study, including sausage, white chocolate, soda, coffee, orange juice, and curcumin. Following stimulation with TNF-α/IFN-1β/LPS and H₂O₂ for 4 h, the cells were exposed to digested food items or appropriate controls (empty digesta and medium) for a further 16 h. Cell viability, antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP), IL-6, IL-8, F2-isoprostanes, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and DNA/RNA oxidative damage were assessed (3 independent triplicates). The ABTS assay revealed that cells treated with “white chocolate” and “sausage + coffee” exhibited significantly reduced antioxidant capacity compared to stimulated control cells (ABTS = 52.3%, 54.8%, respectively, p < 0.05). Similar results were observed for FRAP (sausage = 34.9%; white chocolate + sausage = 35.1%). IL-6 levels increased in cells treated with “white chocolate + sausage” digesta (by 101%, p < 0.05). Moreover, MDA levels were significantly elevated in cells treated with digested “sausage” or sausage in combination with other food items. DNA/RNA oxidative damage was found to be higher in digesta containing sausage or white chocolate (up to 550%, p < 0.05) compared to stimulated control cells. This investigation provides insights into how different food items may affect gut health and underscores the complex interplay between food components and the epithelium at this critical interface of absorption. Full article

Background and objectives: Increasing evidence suggests that complex measures of exposure accounting for the relative presence of healthy and unhealthy food outlets are more strongly associated with dietary pattern that absolute measures of the food environment, although evidence is limited by the cross-sectional design of existing studies. This study examined the long-term associations between absolute and relative measures of neighbourhood food environment and diet quality in Luxembourg. Methods: We used data of 566 adults participating in both waves of the population-based ORISCAV-LUX study (Wave 1: 2007–2009, Wave 2: 2016–2017). Diet quality was estimated in both waves using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), assessed with a 174-item food frequency questionnaire. Exposure to healthy and less healthy food outlets was computed within a 1000 m street network buffer around the participants’ home address using both absolute (density, spatial access) and relative (proportion) GIS-based measurements. We used linear mixed models adjusted on individual-level covariates and neighbourhood socioeconomic status to estimate associations between cumulative exposure and change in local retail food environment and DQI-I, and tested modification by neighbourhood socioeconomic status. Results: There was a significant decrease in DQI over 10 years from 62.4 to 60.9 (p < 0.0001). Less healthy food outlets increased by +56% over the 10-year. The results showed a 56% increase in less-healthy food outlets over the period. In an adjusted mixed-effects linear regression, high (vs. low) cumulative exposure to less-healthy food outlets is associated with lower DQI-I, when examining spatial access (β = −1.25, 95% CI: −2.29, −0.22) and proportions (β = −1.24, 95% CI: −2.15, −0.33). Stratification shows these associations to be significant only among urban residents. There was no association between change in exposure to less-healthy food outlets and DQI-I. Among rural residents, increased exposure to healthy food outlets over time was associated with worsened DQI-I when examining absolute measurements (density and spatial access). This unexpected result brings into question the ability of absolute measurements to fully capture the healthiness of food environments. Neighborhood socioeconomic status did not moderate the above associations. Discussion: Our results suggest that the relative contribution of unhealthy food outlets in the neighbourhood may play a role in the deterioration of the quality of the population’s diet over time, and should be given special attention by public authorities. Full article

Several risk factors, including nutritional/lifestyle ones, play a role in gastric cancer etiology. Further interactions with mental health have also been emphasized. We hypothesized that individuals with mental disorders would exhibit compromised nutrient intake, increasing their risk of gastric cancer. The state of mental health was evaluated in 82 patients with gastric cancer and 95 healthy controls using the 21-item Depression–Anxiety–Stress Scale. The participants’ dietary intakes were evaluated by a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Based on fully adjusted logistic regressions, there was a significant association between depression (OR = 1.938, CI 95%: 1.009–3.723) and stress (OR = 2.630, CI 95%: 1.014–6.819) with increased odds of gastric cancer. According to fully adjusted multinomial regressions, vitamins A and B6, beta-carotene, and black tea decreased the odds of depression, based on comparing the control group with cases of depression, while sugar and salt increased its odds. The highest significant association was found for salt intake and anxiety in cases with present anxiety (OR = 4.899, 95% CI: 2.218–10.819), and the highest significant protective effect was found for vitamin B6 and depression in cases with present depression (OR = 0.132, 95% CI: 0.055–0.320). However, considering causal relationships and clarifying the underlying mechanisms is imperative and requires further investigation. Advising healthy dietary patterns, e.g., a Mediterranean diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as vitamin A, B6, beta-carotene, and fiber, is expected to reduce the odds of gastric cancer, possibly related to lower levels of anxiety and depression. Full article

The digestive tract can be considered a bioreactor. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during digestion may predispose for local and/or systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases. Food items rich in antioxidants may prevent such aggravation. This investigation analyzed pro-and antioxidant patterns of food matrices/items following in vitro digestion. Gastrointestinal digestion reflecting typically consumed quantities was performed on nine food items (orange and tomato juice, soda, coffee, white chocolate, sausage, vitamin C and E, and curcumin) and their combinations (n = 24), using the INFOGEST model. Antioxidant potential was measured by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS, and pro-oxidant aspects by MDA (malondialdehyde) and peroxide formation. An anti-pro-oxidant score was developed, combining the five assays. Liquid food items showed moderately high antioxidant values, except for coffee and orange juice, which exhibited a high antioxidant potential. Solid matrices, e.g., white chocolate and sausage, showed both high pro-oxidant (up to 22 mg/L MDA) and high antioxidant potential (up to 336 mg/L vitamin C equivalents) at the same time. Individual vitamins (C and E) at physiological levels (achievable from food items) showed a moderate antioxidant potential (<220 mg/L vitamin C equivalents). Overall, both antioxidant and pro-oxidant assays correlated well, with correlation coefficients of up to 0.894. The effects of food combinations were generally additive, i.e., non-synergistic, except for combinations with sausage, where strong quenching effects for MDA were observed, e.g., with orange juice. In conclusion, as especially highlighted by complex matrices demonstrating both pro- and antioxidant potential, only measuring one aspect would result in physiological misinterpretations. Therefore, it is imperative to employ a combination of assays to evaluate both pro- and antioxidant properties of food digesta to ensure physiological relevance. Full article

Though selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) constitute essential nutrients for human health, their deficiencies affect up to 15% and 17% of the global population, respectively. Agronomic biofortification of staple crops with Se/Zn may alleviate these challenges. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a nutritious legume crop that has great potential for Se/Zn biofortification. Herein, two varieties of pea (Ambassador, Premium) were biofortified via foliar application of sodium selenate (0/50/100 g of Se/ha) or zinc oxide (0/375/750 g of Zn/ha) during the flowering stage under field conditions. While no significant differences were found in Se accumulation between seed varieties upon Se treatments, selenate enhanced the accumulation of Se in the two seed varieties in a dose dependent manner. Selenium concentration was most elevated in seeds of Ambassador exposed to 100 g of Se/ha (3.93 mg/kg DW compared to the control (0.08 mg/kg DW), p < 0.001). 375 g of Zn/ha (35.7 mg/kg DW) and 750 g of Zn/ha (35.5 mg/kg DW) significantly and similarly enhanced Zn concentrations compared to the control (31.3 mg/kg DW) in Premium seeds, p < 0.001. Zinc oxide also improved accumulations of Fe, Cu, Mn, and Mg in Premium seeds. Se/Zn treatments did not significantly affect growth parameters and accumulations of soluble solids and protein in seeds. Positive and significant (p < 0.01) correlations were observed between Zn and Fe, Cu, Mn and Mg levels in Premium seeds, among others. Consuming 33 g/day of pea biofortified with Se at 50 g/ha and 266 g/day of pea biofortified with 375 g of Zn/ha could provide 100% of the RDA (55 μg) for Se and RDA (9.5 mg) for Zn in adults, respectively. These results are relevant for enhancing Se/Zn status in peas by foliar biofortification. Full article

It is widely accepted that the gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating inflammatory and immune responses of their host. In recent years, the host-microbiota interface has gained relevance in understanding the development of many non-communicable chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Importantly, dietary fibre (DF) and associated compounds digested by the microbiota and their resulting metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), were significantly associated with health beneficial effects, such as via proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, SCFA metabolic pathways are not fully understood. Major steps include production of SCFA by microbiota, uptake in the colonic epithelium, first-pass effects at the liver, followed by biodistribution and metabolism at the host’s cellular level. As dietary patterns do not affect all individuals equally, the host genetic makeup may play a role in the metabolic fate of these metabolites, in addition to other factors that might influence the microbiota, such as age, birth through caesarean, medication intake, alcohol and tobacco consumption, pathogen exposure and physical activity. In this article, we review the metabolic pathways of DF, from intake to the intracellular metabolism of fibre-derived products, and identify possible sources of inter-individual variability related to genetic variation. Such variability may be indicative of the phenotypic flexibility in response to diet, and may be predictive of long-term adaptations to dietary factors, including maladaptation and tissue damage, which may develop into disease in individuals with specific predispositions, thus allowing for a better prediction of potential health effects following personalized intervention with DF. Full article

Obesity is a health risk characterized by chronic inflammation, and food choices are strongly associated with its etiology. Our objective was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and the healthy eating index (HEI) with the odds of overweight/obesity and related inflammatory markers. Within a population-based case-control study, we collected data and samples from 793 normal-weight and 812 overweight/obese Iranian people (based on either body mass index (BMI) or body surface area (BSA)). Dietary intake and HEI scores were obtained via a validated 124-item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric and socioeconomic parameters, as well as blood inflammatory markers, were measured. Participants with higher HEI scores had higher serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and significantly lower energy intake. Water consumption in the overweight/obese group was significantly lower than in the control group. In the final models using partial correlation and controlling for multiple confounders, there was a significant inverse correlation between HEI and interleukin-4 (IL-4, R = −0.063), IL-1β (R = −0.054), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP, R = −0.069). Based on multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for multiple confounders, there was a significant association between HEI as a continuous variable (OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.988–0.999) and categorical variable (OR = 0.801, 95% CI: 0.658–0.977) and odds of overweight/obesity across BMI groups. The dietary patterns in the case and control groups however were similar, and we failed to find a significant association between HEI and odds of overweight/obesity based on BSA. Adherence to healthy eating recommendations may be a prudent recommendation to prevent overweight/obesity and keeping inflammatory indicators low. Full article

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are important cofactors for antioxidant enzymes. Foliar Se/Zn application is a highly efficient strategy of plant biofortification. However, its effects on the accumulation of macrominerals, macronutrients and bioactive compounds in the pea plant (Pisum sativum L.) have been poorly investigated. A two-year pot experiment was performed to study responses of two pea varieties (Ambassador, Premium) to foliar-applied sodium selenate (0/50/100 g Se/ha) and zinc oxide (0/375/750 g Zn/ha) at the flowering stage. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Na, soluble solids (SSC), protein, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids and total condensed tannins (TCT) were determined in seeds. Mg concentration in Ambassador and chlorophyll a concentration in Premium were positively affected, in part, by selenate and zinc oxide, respectively. Selenate and zinc oxide increased, in part, protein concentration in Premium. Highest protein concentration was found in Premium treated with 375 g Zn/ha (27.6% DW) vs. the control (26.6% DW). Significant (all p < 0.001) positive correlations were found, among others, between concentrations of Zn and Mg (r² = 0.735) and between Zn and protein (r² = 0.437) for Ambassador, and between Mg and protein (r² = 0.682), between Zn and Mg (r² = 0.807), as well as between Zn and protein (r² = 0.884) for Premium. TCT significantly (all p < 0.05) and positively correlated with SSC (r² = 0.131), chlorophyll b (r² = 0.128) and total chlorophyll (r² = 0.109) for Ambassador. This study provides new nutritional data on Se/Zn biofortified peas, important for improving agronomic biofortification of pea plants. Full article

Constipation, a disorder of bowel movements, is among the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in Western countries. Dietary constituents such as inadequate fiber intake have been related to constipation, but discrepancies exist in the findings regarding dietary factors. This study investigated the association between dietary patterns and bowel movements in adults living in Luxembourg. Data from 1431 participants from ORISCAV-LUX 2 (a cross-sectional survey) who completed a 174-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were analyzed. A questionnaire-based constipation score was assessed by a validated scoring system. Confounders such as physical activity and serum/urine indicators were assessed. Women had higher constipation scores than men (p < 0.001). In food group-based regression models, a negative association was found between higher constipation score and intake of grains (Beta = −0.62, 95%CI: −1.18, −0.05) and lipid-rich foods (Beta = −0.84, 95%CI: −1.55, −0.13), while a positive association was found for sugary products (Beta = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.97) (p < 0.05). In a nutrient-based regression model, a positive association was found between constipation score and total energy (Beta = 5.24, 95%CI: 0.37, 10.11) as well as sodium intake (Beta = 2.04, 95%CI: 0.21, 3.87), and a negative one was found for total fats (Beta = −4.17, 95%CI: −7.46, −0.89) and starch (Beta = −2.91, 95%CI: −4.47, −1.36) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, neither fruits and vegetables or dietary fiber were significantly associated with constipation. Thus, grains, lipid-rich foods, total fats and starch were associated with a lower constipation score, while sugary products, sodium, and higher energy intake were correlated with higher constipation. Full article