Search Results (701)

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a complex disease that affects patients’ nutritional and psychological status. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients diagnosed with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers and evaluate its association with anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake, and psychological symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 patients with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers. Data were collected face-to-face by a questionnaire that included the Subjective Global Assessment-(SGA), Cachexia Assessment Criteria, 24 h Food Consumption Record, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised-(SCL-90-R). Some anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) in SGA-B (moderately malnourished) and SGA-C (severely malnourished) compared to those in SGA-A (well-nourished). The calf circumference was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in SGA-C compared to those in SGA-A and SGA-B. The mean SGA scores were found to be higher in cachexia-diagnosed participants (p < 0.001). The energy intake of SGA-C was significantly lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). In addition, the energy intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-C was lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Regarding the intake of vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B6 and carotene, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, SGA-B and SGA-C were significantly lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Additionally, only phobic anxiety was found to be significantly higher in SGA-B than in SGA-A (p: 0.024). Conclusions: As the level of malnutrition increased, a reduction in some nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements was observed. No significant difference was found in any psychological symptoms except phobic anxiety. With this in mind, it is important that every cancer patient, regardless of the stage of the disease, is referred to a dietitian from the time of diagnosis. Full article

Introduction: The sodium-to-potassium (Na:K) ratio in the diet is a critical biomarker for cardiovascular and metabolic health, yet global adherence to recommended levels remains poor. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify dietary determinants of the dietary Na:K ratio and its associations with micronutrient intake and diet quality. Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of manufacturing workers through a combined stratified proportional and two-stage probability sampling plan, with strata defined by company size and industrial sector from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h recalls via the Multiple Pass Method, with Na:K ratios calculated from quantified food composition data. Diet quality was assessed with the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze associations of Na:K ratio with the study variables. Results: The survey was conducted in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in 921 randomly selected manufacturing workers. The sample mean age was 38.2 ± 10.7 years, 55.9% males, mean BMI 27.2 ± 4.80 kg/m². The mean Na:K ratio was 1.97 ± 0.86, with only 0.54% of participants meeting the WHO recommended target (<0.57). Fast food (+3.29 mg/mg per serving, p < 0.001), rice, bread, and red meat significantly increased the ratio, while fruits (−0.16 mg/mg), dairy, white meat, and coffee were protective. Higher Na:K ratios were associated with lower intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins C, D, and E, as well as poorer diet quality (DQI-I score: −0.026 per 1 mg/mg increase, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of processed foods in elevating Na:K ratios and the potential for dietary modifications to improve both electrolyte balance and micronutrient adequacy in industrial workers. The study underscores the need for workplace interventions that simultaneously address sodium reduction, potassium enhancement, and overall diet quality improvement tailored to socioeconomic and cultural contexts, a triple approach not previously tested in intervention studies. Future studies should further investigate nutritional consequences of imbalanced Na:K intake. Full article

Westernization of traditional diets has been implicated in the rising burden of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially in developing countries. In recent times, diet therapy is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of diabetes care. This study assessed the effect of diet therapy on body composition, antioxidant nutrient intake, and glycemic status in individuals living with type 2 diabetes (ILWT2D). In this prospective observational cohort study, 45 ILWT2D who were receiving diet therapy (personalized dietary counseling) in addition to standard medical treatment (intervention group) were compared with 45 ILWT2D receiving only standard medical treatment (comparator group). Antioxidant micronutrient intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Body composition indices, including body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and visceral fat (VF), were assessed. Participants’ fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. All measurements were performed before and after a three-month period. There were significant improvements in BMI (27.8 ± 6.0 kg/m² vs. 26.9 ± 5.5 kg/m², p = 0.003), %BF (37.8 ± 11.9% vs. 35.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001), visceral fat (9.8 ± 3.4 vs. 9.1 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), systolic BP (136.9 ± 19.9 mmHg vs. 124.6 ± 13.0 mmHg, p < 0.001), FBG (8.8 ± 2.8 mmol/L vs. 6.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (7.3 ± 1.0% vs. 6.4 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) in the intervention group from baseline to endline, but not in the comparator group. In contrast, %BF increased within the comparator group (39.9 ± 7.8 vs. 40.7 ± 7.4; p = 0.029). Vitamin A intake increased significantly (227.5 ± 184.3 µg vs. 318.8 ± 274.7 µg, p = 0.038) within the intervention group but not in the comparator group (174.9 ± 154.3 µg, 193.7 ± 101.4 µg, p = 0.54). There were no significant changes in zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin C intakes (p > 0.05) in the intervention group from the baseline to endline, unlike those in the comparator group who showed a significant increase in the intake of these nutrients. There was a significant increase in vitamin A intake among the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling as an intervention compared to those who did not. Additionally, the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling had significant improvements in their body composition (BMI, body fat, and visceral fat) and systolic blood pressure, compared to those who did not. The ILWT2D who received the intervention had significantly better glycemic control (FBG and HbA1c) than their counterparts who did not. Thus, this study suggests the potential of diet therapy as a viable non-pharmacological treatment approach for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Full article

This study investigated the percentage of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iron deficiency (ID) among 71 elite female athletes at a Japanese university and assessed their dietary habits. IDA was identified in 9.9% (n = 7) of participants, and only 22.5% (n = 16) self-reported dietary practices aimed at preventing or managing ID/IDA. Notably, 52.1% (n = 37) of the athletes exhibited IDA or ID but lacked an appropriate dietary approach. Moreover, even among those who reported an intentional dietary approach to the prevention or management of ID/IDA, the intake of iron- and vitamin C-rich foods was insufficient, limiting the effectiveness of their efforts. These findings highlight a gap between awareness and effective practice, indicating that many female athletes in Japan, despite being at elevated risk, do not follow evidence-based dietary strategies for preventing or treating ID/IDA. Targeted nutritional education and routine screening of iron status are strongly recommended for this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: More children and adolescents are adopting vegetarian diets. A balanced diet is particularly important for growth and bone development in children. It is important to clarify whether a vegetarian diet affects these processes. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies investigating differences in anthropometric data, nutrient intake, and biomarkers between vegetarian and omnivorous children. Methods: PUBMED, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collections were searched between the end of 2014 and 2023. We included peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, intervention, or observational studies that were published in English or German and investigated the differences between healthy children and adolescents from high-income countries who consumed either a vegetarian or an omnivorous diet. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. If at least five values with the same unit were available from different studies, a cumulative analysis of selected parameters was conducted. Due to the participants’ varying ages across the studies, limited cumulative analyses were conducted additionally by age category. Results: A total of 1681 studies were screened, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were found in fiber and energy intake from carbohydrates and proteins. The results were strengthened by the restricted cumulative analysis of the 2–10 age category, which also revealed significant differences when comparing VG and OM. Conclusions: A higher intake of fiber, more energy from carbohydrates, and sufficient energy from proteins and less from fat can be regarded as the benefits of a vegetarian diet, according to this review. There are also the first indications of enhanced vitamin C and E, iron, folate, and magnesium intake. These characteristics can be regarded as potential benefits of a vegetarian diet. A lower vitamin B12 and vitamin D intake has been identified as a potential risk factor. Further longitudinal, prospective, observational studies are needed. Prospero registration date and number: 6 March 2023, CRD42023402301. Full article

Background/Objectives: The EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a healthy and sustainable ‘planetary health diet’ (PHD) based on the nutritional needs of adults, but recommended for all population groups over the age of two years. This study investigated the extent to which UK adolescent diets meet these recommendations, and the association between meeting recommendations and nutritional intake. Methods: Dietary intake data collected from students aged 11–15 years between 2019 and 2022 as part of the Food provision, cUlture and Environment in secondary schooLs (FUEL) study was used. Specifically, 24 h intakes of food groups and key nutrients were summarised for each participant, and micronutrient intake was expressed as a percentage of the reference nutrient intake (RNI). The proportion of participants meeting each PHD recommendation was calculated. A PHD index score was developed to measure the overall adherence to recommendations. Multilevel linear regression models were fitted to explore the association between the PHD score and intake of each nutrient. Results: No participants fully met the recommendations. The mean PHD score was 14.2 (3.3) out of 39. Adherence was low for the emphasised foods, and lowest for nuts (1.3%) and unsaturated oils (0.2%). Higher PHD index scores were associated with lower intakes of all micronutrients, with the largest association for vitamin B12 [regression coefficient: −12.9% (95% CI: −16.3, −9.4) of RNI] and the smallest for vitamin D [regression coefficient: −0.4 (95% CI: −0.7, −0.2) of RNI]. Conclusions: Substantial dietary changes are needed for this population group to meet the PHD guidelines. Further research should focus on why these recommendations may lead to the inadequate intake of some nutrients in this age group. We propose that the PHD guidance needs to be reviewed and potentially adapted for this specific population, with consideration of the typical dietary behaviours of this age group. Full article

Background: Endocrine therapies are accompanied by side effects that significantly impact the quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer. Adequate diet is important for fulfilling nutritional requirements, preserving health, and supporting therapy in this vulnerable population. Methods: This preliminary study evaluated the QoL of life and dietary intake in 185 women with breast cancer on two therapies, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and tamoxifen, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Breast Cancer Specific Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) and a 24 h dietary recall. A total of 185 women were included in the study and fulfilled the FACT-ES, of whom 73 fulfilled other two questionnaires and a 24 h recall. Results: No significant differences were found in the overall QoL between groups. Joint pain (95.3%) and reduced libido (84.7%) were most common with AIs, while tamoxifen users more frequently reported weight gain and irritability (93.0%, each), and vasomotor and gynecological symptoms. Macronutrient intake was similar, though AIs users consumed more energy-dense (p ≤ 0.001) and sugary foods (p = 0.034), while tamoxifen users had higher omega-6 PUFA intake. Both groups exhibited suboptimal intake of vitamin D, calcium, and selenium, and a higher phosphorus consumption relative to recommended daily values. Conclusions: Preliminary findings showed that QoL and dietary intake were comparable between patients with BC on AIs and tamoxifen treatment. Endocrine-related symptoms were more prevalent among tamoxifen users, whereas joint pain was most common in AIs users. Nutritional interventions may be warranted in both groups to ensure adequate intake of essential micronutrients in accordance with recommended dietary guidelines. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to cerebral damage in transient cerebral ischemia, making their elimination a key therapeutic target. Osteogenic disorder Shionogi (ODS) rats, which lack endogenous L-ascorbic acid (AA) synthesis, serve as a useful model for investigating AA’s protective effects against ischemic brain injury. ODS rats were given an AA-free diet (0% AA), 0.1% AA, or 1% AA in drinking water for two weeks before undergoing middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/Re). The 0% AA group exhibited pronounced damage following MCAO/Re, characterized by the induction of lipid peroxidation, O₂⁻ production, inflammation-related gene expression, and extensive infarct formation. In contrast, the 1% AA group showed reductions in these markers, along with fewer TUNEL-positive cells and a smaller infarct volume. Notably, sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) expression increased in both two AA-supplemented groups, although the 0.1% AA group did not exhibit sufficient improvement in post-ischemic damage. A two-week intake of AA significantly alleviated MCAO/Re-mediated injuries associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in ODS rats. Sufficient AA intake is thus supposed to mitigate ischemic damage, possibly through SVCT2 upregulation and enhanced AA availability, leading to the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

Objectives: This study comparatively evaluated changes in the food habits and dietary patterns of adults aged ≥65 years before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using a retrospective study. Methods: Data covering the 2018–2021 period were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: Comparing the 2943 individuals in the “Before-COVID-19” individuals with the 2916 people in the “During COVID-19” group, the frequency of drinking four or more times a week decreased among the older adults during the pan-demic, as did the frequency of eating three meals a day and eating-out at least once a week. On the other hand, food security improved during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the intake of cereals and grains decreased, while that of potatoes and starches, legumes, vegetables, eggs, milk and dairy products, and oils and fats increased. Although energy and carbohydrate intake decreased, protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, and fat intake increased. However, the intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium remained lower than the estimated adequate requirement of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Additionally, the rate of nutritional insufficiency “During COVID-19” (20.76%) was 1.31–1.42 times higher than that “Before COVID-19” (16.45%). Even in models that adjusted for other factors, the rate of nutritional insufficiency was higher during the pandemic than before. Conclusions: Based on these findings, measures such as dietary education programs and guidelines for proper nutrient intake should be formulated to prevent imbalances in nutrient intake among older Koreans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactating mothers have increased nutritional requirements, but nutritional adequacy is difficult to achieve. Additionally, human milk (HM) composition depends on maternal diet. However, the nutritional intake and status of mothers with hospitalized very preterm infants (MHVPIs) (<32 weeks of gestational age) have rarely been assessed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the intake of macronutrients, micronutrients, and lipids, as well as the nutritional status of MHVPIs. The results were compared with a group of HM donors (HMDs), and associations with HM composition were evaluated using multiple linear regression. Methods: For dietary assessment, a 5-day dietary record including supplement intake was completed by 15 MHVPIs and 110 HMDs. Vitamins and fatty acids (FA) were determined in plasma and erythrocytes; minerals and methylmalonic acid were determined in urine; and macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and the lipid profile were determined in HM. Results: Considering dietary reference intakes, the dietary evaluation of MHVPIs revealed a high percentage of inadequate nutrient intake in relation to total energy, as well as for iodine and vitamins B8, B9, C, D, and E. A high protein intake was observed. The percentage of energy from carbohydrates was low, whereas the percentage of energy from fat was high. However, the diet of MHVPIs did not differ substantially from the diet of HMDs. Associations were observed between the study groups (MHVPI vs. HMD) and the HM concentration of protein, several micronutrients, and fatty acids independent from intake and status. Conclusions: Deficient nutrient intakes did not appear to be exclusively related to MHVPI but rather seemed to be widespread in both study groups. However, for preterm infants, an insufficient supply of nutrients is critical and should be addressed in order to improve preterm infant’s outcomes. Furthermore, we provided additional insights into the exploration of HM by relating its composition to prematurity. Full article

Allergic diseases share a type 2 immune reaction and elevated oxidative stress, contributing to disease pathogenesis and exacerbations. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a fundamental exogenous antioxidant, has been hypothesized to attenuate these pathological mechanisms. This narrative review critically examined the most recent evidence concerning the role of vitamin C in preventing and managing allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. This narrative review consisted of three steps: conducting the search, reviewing abstracts and full texts, and discussing results. For this reason, we consulted the PubMed database to detect the pertinence of studies according to the review’s conduct. The final search ended in March 2025 and included English-language-based international articles, online reports, and electronic books. The keywords “vitamin C and allergic disease” and “vitamin C and immune system” were used. After the complete search, we read the abstracts to ensure that they concerned the topic of interest. Recent evidence suggests a protective role for vitamin C in asthma, with several studies reporting reduced oxidative stress markers, improved lung function, and decreased airway inflammation following regular intake or supplementation. Higher dietary vitamin C intake correlates with lower asthma prevalence and severity, particularly in pediatric populations. Conversely, the findings regarding allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are heterogeneous. While topical ascorbic acid derivatives show promise in atopic dermatitis models, oral vitamin C intake does not appear to affect allergic rhinitis or dermatitis risk significantly. Vitamin C demonstrates potential as an add-on therapy in asthma management by attenuating oxidative stress and type 2 respiratory inflammation. However, its role in allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis remains less clear. Further multicentric, well-designed clinical trials are necessary to establish definitive guidelines for vitamin C supplementation in allergic disease management. Full article

Background: Survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) during childhood face significant late effects. This study aimed to map the dietary micronutrient intake of long-term survivors of pediatric HSCT and explore its associations with transplant outcomes, body composition, and physical capacity. Methods: We included 85 long-term survivors of HSCT (median age 30 years) The median time since HSCT was 19.9 years, reflecting a long-term survivor population. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record. Body composition was measured by DXA, and physical capacity was evaluated through cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance tests. Results: We observed an inadequate intake of several vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and potassium, with a median intake below recommendations. While dietary intake of vitamin D was reduced in patients with chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD), the occurrence of cGvHD was not associated with overall micronutrient intake. Twelve percent of the participants had reduced skeletal muscle mass and 16% displayed a low bone mass density during DXA scans. These conditions were not related to the micronutrient intake. Likewise, reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance were unrelated to micronutrient intake. Total energy intake was found to significantly influence micronutrient intake (p = 0.001), explaining 66% of the variation. Conclusions: Long-term survivors of pediatric HSCT demonstrated inadequate intake of multiple micronutrients. These findings suggest that inclusion of comprehensive micronutrient assessment and nutritional guidance should be considered for inclusion in follow-up care protocols. Full article

In a global context marked by food insecurity and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, this study proposes a healthy food basket (HFB) model tailored to the demographic, cultural, and economic specificities of the Republic of Moldova which is aligned with international standards. The research employed a comprehensive methodology, including estimations of daily energy requirements using revised Harris–Benedict equations, food selection based on nutritional value, economic availability, and cultural relevance, and nutritional validation through the mean adequacy ratio (MAR), which was derived from nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) and dietary reference values (DRVs) established by the EFSA. Nutrient intake calculations were based on food composition data and not population-level dietary surveys. Fat-soluble vitamins were excluded due to insufficient available data. The results indicate adequate intake levels of vitamins (B₁, B₂, B₃, and C) and minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium) while highlighting deficiencies in calcium and sodium that require dietary adjustments. The inclusion of traditional foods, such as kefir and salted or raw pork fat, underscores the model’s cultural acceptability and economic relevance, strengthening the integration of global nutritional principles with regional dietary habits. This study’s limitations, including the use of secondary data and the lack of empirical validation, highlight the need for longitudinal studies. The HFB model offers a replicable solution for other regions facing similar challenges, contributing to global efforts to reduce malnutrition and promote sustainable diets. Full article

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that humans cannot synthesize, making its intake crucial for health. Discovered nearly a century ago, vitamin C is widely recognized for its ability to prevent scurvy and has become one of the most commonly used supplements. Beyond its antioxidant activity, vitamin C is pivotal in regulating lipid metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, enhancing collagen synthesis, modulating remodeling, and stabilizing the extracellular matrix. While preclinical studies have shown promising results, clinical trials have yielded inconsistent findings, due to suboptimal study design, results misinterpretation, and misleading conclusions. This review provides a holistic overview of existing evidence on the pleiotropic role of vitamin C in cardiovascular diseases, identifying both the strengths and limitations of current research and highlighting gaps in understandings in vitamin C’s underlying mechanisms. By integrating molecular insights with clinical data and evaluating the pleiotropic role of vitamin C in cardiovascular disease management and prevention, this review aims to guide future research toward personalized, evidence-based therapeutic strategies in clinical practice. Full article