Search Results (788)

This study investigates the concentrations of essential and trace elements (Ni, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Al) in packaged ice cream samples collected from markets in Kırşehir province, located in Central Anatolia, Turkey, aiming to assess potential health risks associated with their consumption. Among the detected trace elements, Al (3.21–16.6 mg/kg) and Fe (2.03–24.0 mg/kg) had the highest concentrations, followed by Zn (0.56–3.00 mg/kg), Ni (0.84–4.84 mg/kg), Cu (1.15–3.46 mg/kg), and Mn (0.18–1.56 mg/kg). To explore the relationships between trace elements and identify possible contamination sources, chemometric approaches including principal component analysis, correlation matrices, and hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward’s method) were applied. Human health risk assessment was conducted by calculating Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR), with uncertainty evaluated through Monte Carlo Simulation (10,000 iterations). HI values above 1 in children and adults indicate that trace element exposure through ice cream consumption may pose a health risk. High Al-THQ and Ni-CR values in children may require stricter monitoring and regulatory measures in case of long-term and regular consumption. Full article

This study investigates the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 165 yogurt samples collected from farms across 11 Lebanese regions. As the first nationwide assessment of these contaminants in yogurt, it addresses a critical gap in Lebanon’s food safety monitoring. Levels of PCBs, ΣDDTs, ΣHCH, HCB, endosulfan, methoxychlor, and dieldrin were quantified, revealing widespread contamination. A total of 40.6% of samples recorded total PCB concentrations exceeding European maximum residue limits (MRLs), with a national mean of 39.26 ng/g fat. Keserwan, and North and South Lebanon showed the highest PCB contamination, likely linked to thermal power generation activities. For OCPs, mean concentrations of all tested compounds exceeded their respective MRLs across all regions. Levels of ΣDDTs surpassed the MRL in 100% of samples with the highest mean concentration at 376.79 ng/g fat, followed by endosulfan (70.32 ng/g fat) and β-HCH (65.32 ng/g fat). Elevated OCP levels were especially noted in Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and South and North Lebanon, likely reflecting intensive agricultural practices and the ongoing use of contaminants. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicated potential dietary exposure risks, particularly from PCBs, ΣDDTs, and ΣHCH. These findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory oversight and national food safety monitoring to ensure public health protection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Seaweeds have recently gained global attention as sustainable and health-promoting food sources. However, seaweeds contain iodine. While iodine is a beneficial micronutrient, its excessive intake can pose health risks. Therefore, ensuring iodine safety has emerged as a critical priority. The present study aims to determine the total iodine content in five major edible seaweeds, namely laver (Porphyra spp.), sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida), sea tangle (Saccharina japonica), green laver (Enteromorpha spp.), and hijiki (Hizikia fusiforme), collected from 12 coastal regions in South Korea during 2020–2024. Methods: A total of 348 samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry following microwave-assisted digestion. A risk assessment was performed based on the estimated daily intake and hazard index (HI) using both the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reference values. Results: The iodine content varied widely among the different species, with sea tangles exhibiting the highest levels (mean 2432 mg/kg dry weight). The HI values were all below 1.0, based on MFDS standards, indicating a low potential health risk. However, sea tangle exhibited values exceeding 1.0 based on the EFSA and JECFA standards. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for species-specific iodine intake guidelines and safety regulations to ensure consumer protection and facilitate global seaweed trade. The present study provides a scientific basis for balancing the nutritional benefits of seaweed with the potential risks of overconsumption, contributing to the development of national dietary guidelines and providing evidence-based data for navigating international regulatory landscapes. Full article

Background: GSK3β is an intracellular regulatory kinase that is dysregulated in multiple tissues in Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM-1). Tideglusib inhibits GSK3β activity in preclinical models of DM-1 and promotes cellular maturation, normalising aberrant molecular and behavioural phenotypes. It is currently in clinical development for the treatment of paediatric and adult patients affected by congenital and juvenile-onset DM-1. Here, we summarise the development of a population pharmacokinetic model and subsequent characterisation of influential demographic and clinical factors on the systemic exposure to tideglusib. The availability of a population PK model will allow further evaluation of age-and weight-related changes in drug disposition, supporting the dose rationale and implementation of a paediatric extrapolation plan. Methods: Given the sparse pharmacokinetic sampling scheme in patients receiving tideglusib, model development was implemented in two steps. First, data from Phase I studies in healthy elderly subjects (i.e., 1832 plasma samples, n = 54) were used to describe the population pharmacokinetics of tideglusib in adults. Then, pharmacokinetic model parameter estimates obtained from healthy subjects were used as priors for the evaluation of the disposition of tideglusib in adolescent and adult DM-1 patients (51 plasma samples, n = 16), taking into account demographic and clinical baseline characteristics, as well as food intake. Secondary pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, C_max and T_max) were derived and summarised by descriptive statistics. Results: Tideglusib pharmacokinetics was described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination and dose-dependent bioavailability. There were no significant differences in disposition parameters between healthy subjects and DM-1 patients. Body weight was a significant covariate on clearance and volume of distribution. Median AUC_(0–12) and C_max were 1218.1 vs. 3145.7 ng/mL∙h and 513.5 vs. 1170.9 ng/mL, following once daily doses of 400 and 1000 mg tideglusib, respectively. In addition, the time of food intake post-dose or the type of meal appeared to affect the overall exposure to tideglusib. No accumulation, metabolic inhibition, or induction was observed during the treatment period. Conclusions: Even though clearance was constant over the dose range between 400 and 1000 mg, a less than proportional increase in systemic exposure appears to be caused by the dose-dependent bioavailability, which reflects the solubility properties of tideglusib. Despite large interindividual variability in the tideglusib concentration vs. time profiles, body weight was the only explanatory covariate for the observed differences. This finding suggests that the use of weight-banded or weight-normalised doses should be considered to ensure comparable exposure across the paediatric population, regardless of age or body weight. Full article

Low fertility limits reproductive efficiency in cattle. This study was conducted with multiparous Brangus cows receiving dietary supplementation with or without L-citrulline [Cit; an immediate precursor of L-arginine (Arg)]. During the entire experimental period, cows grazed green pasture and had free access to drinking water and mineral blocks. One hundred and seven (107) cows were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) without Cit supplement (n = 36); DDGS top-dressed with rumen-protected Cit product (RPAA; n = 36); or unprotected Cit product (RUAA; n = 35). After 2 months of lactation, all cows were synchronized to estrus and were bred once via artificial insemination. From Day 1 to Day 60 of gestation, cows were individually fed once daily 0.84 kg of a supplement (DDGS; control), 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RUAA (containing 0.07 kg of unencapsulated Cit), or 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RPAA (containing 0.07 kg of rumen-protected Cit). The supplemental dose of Cit was equivalent to 0.5% of the estimated daily intake of 14 kg dry matter from pasture. On Days 40 and 60 of gestation, ultrasound was used to determine pregnancy rates. Each pregnant cow had a single conceptus. On Day 60 of gestation, blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein. All cows grazed normally and appeared healthy. Birth rates for live-born calves were 22% and 35% in cows receiving DDGS alone and Cit supplementation, respectively (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect of Cit was associated with increases in concentrations of Cit (+19%), Arg (+20%), ornithine (+19%), proline (+17%), and insulin (+82%) but decreases in concentrations of ammonia (–14%) in maternal plasma (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary supplementation with Cit is a simple, novel, and cost-effective nutritional method to increase the reproductive efficiency of lactating beef cows. Full article

Background/Objectives: Increasing evidence indicates that a vegetarian diet may provide renal protection and improve metabolic health in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, transitioning from an omnivorous to a vegetarian diet can be challenging. A more practical alternative could be to increase the consumption of plant protein. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association between increased plant protein intake and adherence to a low-protein diet (LPD) and the effect on biochemical parameters, body composition, and muscle strength in patients with non-dialysis CKD stages 3–5. Methods: The daily dietary intake of 377 patients, aged 68.5 ± 12.1 years, was evaluated using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Plant protein intake percentage was calculated as (daily plant protein intake/total protein intake) × 100%, and the potential renal acid load (PRAL) was estimated. A LPD was defined as a diet with a daily protein intake of <0.8 g/kg of body weight. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, and handgrip strength were assessed in a subgroup comprising 260 patients. The lean tissue index (LTI) and fat tissue index (FTI) were calculated by dividing lean mass and fat mass (kg) by the height in m², respectively. Results: Of the included 377 patients, 69.5% adhered to the LPD. Further, a 10% increase in plant protein intake was associated with a 20% increase in the likelihood of LPD adherence (OR, 1.20, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.37), lower PRAL (β = −1.10 per 10% increase, 95% CI, −1.63 to −0.57), and higher serum bicarbonate levels (β = 0.24, 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.45). Analysis of the 260-patient subgroup revealed that a 10% increase in plant protein intake was associated with lower body mass index (β = −0.82, 95% CI, −1.05 to −0.59), FTI (β = −0.71, 95% CI, −1.01 to −0.40), waist circumference (β = −2.11, 95% CI, −2.80 to −1.41), hip circumference (β = −1.25, 95% CI, −1.75 to −0.75), waist-to-hip ratio (β = −0.91, 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.38), and waist-to-height ratio (β = −1.25, 95% CI, −1.71 to −0.80). There was no significant association between increased plant protein intake and LTI and handgrip strength. Conclusions: Increased intake of plant protein can reduce dietary acid load, alleviate metabolic acidosis, and potentially improve adiposity parameters without compromising lean mass and handgrip strength. Full article

Background: Adequate hydration for preschool children (36–72 months) is critical for their healthy growth, cognitive development, and long-term well-being. However, there is still a lack of reliable baseline data in China to inform water intake guidelines for this age group. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2018–2019 Dietary Survey of Infants and Young Children in China, including 676 healthy preschool children. Water and energy intake were estimated using four-day food diaries. Their daily total water intake (TWI) and total energy intake (TEI) were evaluated, and the contributions of beverages and foods to TWI and TEI were analyzed, respectively. The TWI was compared with the adequate intake (AI) set by the Chinese Nutrition Society, and the correlations between water and energy intake were explored. Results: The results show that the median daily TWI was 1218 mL, with 667 mL (55.7%, r = 0.824) from beverages and 520 mL (44.3%, r = 0.691) from foods. Among beverages, plain water (74.4%, r = 0.903) and milk and milk derivatives (MMDs, 20.9%, r = 0.443) were the main contributors, while staple foods, dishes, and soup contributed the majority of the water from foods. Only 19.4% of children’s TWI met the AI level, and their water and energy intake was significantly higher than those who did not. The median daily TEI was 994 kcal, with 739 kcal (77.2%, r = 0.806) from foods and 198 kcal (22.8%, r = 0.644) from beverages. MMDs accounted for 83.1% of beverage energy (r = 0.880). Boys consumed more beverages than girls, especially in the 37–48 months group. Conclusions: As the first nationally representative study of TWI among Chinese preschool children, these findings reveal a substantial gap between actual intake and current recommendations, and highlight the need to revise reference values and improve hydration guidance in early childhood. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination in wheat, a staple food critical to human nutrition, poses significant public health concerns. This study investigated the natural occurrence of 17 mycotoxins in Tunisian durum wheat, assessed the influence of soil tillage practices on mycotoxin contamination, and performed an associated exposure risk assessment. A total of 167 wheat samples were randomly collected over two years (2021 and 2022) from fields managed under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems during both pre- and post-harvest periods. Mycotoxins were extracted using the QuEChERS method and quantified via UHPLC-MS/MS. The results demonstrated contamination by ZEN, DON, OTA, ENA1, ENB, and ENB1. Among regulated mycotoxins, OTA was the most prevalent, detected in 68 out of 167 samples with a mean concentration of 1.85 µg/kg. ZEN was the most abundant, detected in 65 samples with a mean concentration of 26.85 µg/kg, while DON was less frequently detected in 62 samples with a mean concentration of 0.68 µg/kg. Regarding emerging mycotoxins, ENB was the most prevalent and abundant, found in 51 samples with a mean concentration of 10.13 µg/kg; ENB1 and ENA1 were detected in 20 and 10 samples, with mean concentrations of 3.38 µg/kg and 1.69 µg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, mycotoxin concentrations varied according to agricultural practices. DON, ZEN, ENA1, ENB, and ENB1 showed higher frequencies and concentrations (ranging from 0.08 to 210.11 µg/kg) in samples collected during the 2021 pre-harvest period from NT fields. In contrast, OTA exhibited greater prevalence and higher concentrations (ranging from 2.33 to 9.78 µ/kg) in samples collected during the 2022 post-harvest period from CT fields. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of mycotoxins by Tunisian adults was calculated based on contamination levels in raw durum wheat from fields under NT and CT practices, resulting in the following values (ng/kg bw/day), with the first value corresponding to NT samples and the second to CT samples: OTA (17.3; 20.8), ZEN (466.3; 194.0), DON (8.0; 7.56), ENA1 (4.30; 18.85), ENB (105.17; 121.08), and ENB1 (49.91; 40.91). Both the Margin of Exposure (MOE) values for OTA and the Hazard Quotients (HQ) for ZEN and DON exceeded established safety thresholds, indicating potential health risks for Tunisian adults. These findings highlight the urgent need to implement stricter mycotoxin regulations in Tunisia and enhance surveillance systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which soil tillage practices influence mycotoxin contamination and to develop targeted mitigation strategies to ensure food safety. Full article

Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infant growth and development. However, when nursing mothers consume aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-contaminated food, the hydroxylated form aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is transferred to breast milk and urine. AFB₁ and its metabolite AFM₁ are potent carcinogens and can pose significant risks to food safety and public health worldwide. This study determined the prevalence of AFM₁ in the breast milk and urine of nursing mothers in Bangladesh and estimated infant exposure to this toxin. Breast milk and urine samples (72 each), collected from nursing mothers in three different regions of the country, were analyzed for AFM₁ occurrence via a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AFM₁ was present in 88.9% of urine samples, with a mean concentration of 109.9 ± 52.8 pg/mL, ranging from 40.0 to 223.8 pg/mL. AFM₁ was also detected in 50% of the breast milk samples, with a mean concentration of 4.6 ± 0.7 pg/mL, ranging from 4.0 to 6.1 pg/mL. A strong correlation (r = 0.72) was observed between milk and urinary AFM₁ levels, indicating these as suitable biomarkers of AFB₁ exposure. Yet, no significant correlations were identified between AFM₁ levels in either milk or urine and the food items typically consumed by nursing mothers. The average estimated daily intake (EDI) for AFM₁ with breast milk was 0.59 ng/kg bw/day, with no significant difference between infants (0.57 ng/kg bw/day) and toddlers (0.65 ng/kg bw/day). A comparison of computed EDI ranges for AFM₁ with a proposed tolerable daily intake value resulted in Hazard Indices below 1 for all exposure scenarios. This indicates that the AFM₁ concentrations in breast milk from three regions of Bangladesh raise no concern. Also, the measured levels were far lower than the maximal levels set in the EU regulations for AFM₁ in dairy milk and infant formula (50 ng/kg and 25 ng/kg, respectively). Full article

The ecological impact of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS; Acanthaster spp.) on coral reefs is intrinsically linked to their feeding behaviour. Management thresholds designed to mitigate coral loss driven by elevated densities of crown-of-thorns starfish rely on accurate estimates of individual feeding rates. In this study, structure-from-motion photogrammetry and intensive tracking of adult Pacific CoTS over an extended survey period were used to generate three-dimensional, high-resolution estimates of daily feeding rates. Our findings revealed substantial variation in the areal extent of coral consumed, both across consecutive days and among individuals. Notably, CoTS did not feed consistently; feeding occurred on 65% of observation days, with 2–3 days periods of inactivity common. Despite this variability, mean daily feeding rates aligned with previous studies (1.35 coral colonies d⁻¹; 198.4 cm² day⁻¹ planar area, and 998.83 cm² day⁻¹ three-dimensional surface area). Across all tracked individuals (n = 8), feeding was recorded on 17 coral genera; however, Acropora alone accounted for 51% of colonies consumed and contributed 82% of the total three-dimensional surface area ingested during the survey period. This highlights the disproportionately large feeding yield derived from Acropora-dominated diets and raises important questions about how future declines in Acropora cover may impact CoTS feeding success and energetic intake. Full article

This study investigated pesticide residues in 580 vegetable samples collected from markets in Serbia, encompassing potatoes, carrots, celery, radishes, horseradish, ginger, onions, and leeks. In total, 33 distinct pesticides were detected using validated HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analytical methods. Multiple residues were identified in 19 samples, while 29 samples exceeded established maximum residue levels (MRLs). Acute and chronic dietary risks were assessed for both adults and children. Although individual hazard quotients (HQs) for adults and children remained below the threshold of concern (HQ < 1), the cumulative acute risk reached up to 63.1% of the Acute Reference Dose (ARfD) for children and 51.1% ARfD for adults, with ginger and celery posing the highest risks. Similarly, cumulative chronic risks remained below the safety threshold, with the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) percentages reaching a maximum of 5.9% ADI for adults and increased vulnerability of 11.0% ADI among children. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to account for variability and uncertainty in chronic exposure estimates. The hazard index (HI) results showed that adverse health effects for both population groups remained within acceptable safety limits (HI < 1), although higher susceptibility was observed in children. Sensitivity analysis identified body weight and vegetable consumption rates as the most influential factors affecting chronic risk variability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acrylamide is a probably carcinogenic to humans that naturally forms during the thermal processing of foods. An individual’s lifestyle—especially dietary habits and physical activity—may influence the severity of acrylamide’s adverse health effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ dietary and exercise behaviors and their dietary acrylamide exposure and associated health risks. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 370 high school students in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and a retrospective 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Acrylamide exposure was calculated based on food intake to estimate carcinogenic (CR) and non-corcinogenic (target hazard quotient: THQ) health risks and analyzed in relation to NEBS scores. Results: Findings indicated that while adolescents are beginning to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits, these behaviors are not yet consistent. Emotional eating and unhealthy food choices still occur. Higher acrylamide exposure and risk values were observed in boys and underweight individuals. This can be explained mainly by the fact that boys consume more of certain foods—especially bread, which contains relatively higher levels of acrylamide—than girls do, and that underweight individuals have lower body weights despite consuming similar amounts of food as other groups. Bread products emerged as the primary source of daily acrylamide intake. Positive correlations were found between NEBS total and subscale scores and acrylamide exposure and health risk values. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant association between adolescents’ health behaviors and acrylamide exposure. These results underscore potential public health concerns regarding acrylamide intake during adolescence and emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions to reduce risk and promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traditional dietary screeners face significant limitations: they rely on subjective self-reporting, average intake estimates, and are influenced by a participant’s awareness of being observed—each of which can distort results. These factors reduce both accuracy and reproducibility. The Guide Against Age-Related Disease (GARD) addresses these issues by applying Assembly Theory to objectively quantify food and food behavior (FFB) complexity. This study aims to validate the GARD as a structured, bias-resistant tool for dietary assessment in clinical and research settings. Methods: The GARD survey was administered in an internal medicine clinic within a suburban hospital system in the southeastern U.S. The tool assessed six daily eating windows, scoring high-complexity FFBs (e.g., fresh plants, social eating, fasting) as +1 and low-complexity FFBs (e.g., ultra-processed foods, refined ingredients, distracted eating) as –1. To minimize bias, patients were unaware of scoring criteria and reported only what they ate the previous day, avoiding broad averages. A computer algorithm then scored responses based on complexity, independent of dietary guidelines. Internal (face, convergent, and discriminant) validity was assessed using Spearman rho correlations. Results: Face validation showed high inter-rater agreement using predefined Assembly Index (A_i) and Copy Number (N_i) thresholds. Positive correlations were found between high-complexity diets and behaviors (rho = 0.533–0.565, p < 0.001), while opposing constructs showed moderate negative correlations (rho = –0.363 to −0.425, p < 0.05). GARD scores aligned with established diet patterns: Mediterranean diets averaged +22; Standard American Diet averaged −10. Full article

Domoic acid (DA) is a potent neurotoxin that poses public health concerns, especially for children and adolescents during critical neurodevelopmental periods. In the present study, urinary DA concentrations in 216 children and adolescents at the age of 6 to 18 in southern China were determined using a novel dansyl-chloride (DNS-Cl) derivatization high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method with ultrahigh sensitivity (LOQ: 0.087 ng/mL). The median urinary DA concentration was 2.17 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 0.87–4.08 ng/mL). When analyzed by age group, the medians were 1.40 ng/mL (6–9 years; IQR: 0.55–3.49 ng/mL), 2.16 ng/mL (10–13 years; IQR: 0.94–4.07 ng/mL), and 2.93 ng/mL (14–18 years; IQR: 1.06–5.06 ng/mL). Our findings revealed that urinary DA concentrations increased with age and varied significantly across different body mass index groups (p < 0.05), while no significant gender differences were observed. The estimated daily intake (1.73–374 ng/kg/day) remained below established safety thresholds. This study represents the first systematic biomonitoring of urinary DA exposure in children and adolescents from southern China’s coastal communities, addressing critical knowledge gaps and establishing baseline data amid rising harmful algal bloom frequency. Full article

In this study, the aim was to determine the levels of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (OTA) in baby food consumed in Hatay using fluorescence-detector HPLC (HPLC-FLD) and to reveal the health risks that may occur in babies through consumption of these foods. To determine the dietary intake and to reveal the health risk assessment, the estimated daily intake (EDI) for all mycotoxins, the margin of exposure (MOE) for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) and OTA, the hazard index (HI) and the consumption-related hepatocellular cancer risk for AFM₁ were calculated. It was reported that 11.5% and 8.2% of the analyzed samples exceeded the legal limit set for AFB₁ and OTA, respectively. However, it was found that AFM₁ concentrations in all samples did not exceed the legal limit. Based on the estimated consumption amounts of the baby foods, the HI values calculated for AFM₁ were below 1, and the MOE values calculated for AFB₁ and AFM₁ were above 10.000, indicating that the consumption of baby foods does not pose a risk regarding AFB₁ and AFM₁ for babies. However, it was determined in all other products, except for toddler formula, that the MOE values calculated for OTA were below 10.000, indicating that their consumption may pose serious health problems in babies. Full article