Search Results (181)

Corn is one of the most consumed cereals in the Mexican diet. In this country, there are multiple varieties that exhibit nutraceutical potential due to their content of different metabolites with biological activity, such as blue corn. Another variety that has received little study is the red pigmented corn variety Chilac from Puebla, Mexico, which is being studied for its nutraceutical potential. A differential extraction using the Soxhlet method was carried out to evaluate the phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and monomeric anthocyanins, and free radical scavenging test was performed using the DPPH reagent. A proximate analysis was also conducted to identify the main macronutrients. The results of the proximate analysis were comparable to those of other traditional corn varieties, with carbohydrates being the macronutrient present in the highest amount at 77.9%. Regarding phenolic content and the presence of anthocyanins, the best extractions were obtained using alcoholic solvents; for example, ethanol for phenols, yielding 1368.420 ± 104.094 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg plant. In contrast, the flavonoid content was higher in the aqueous extract, with 833.984 ± 65.218 mg QE/Kg. In the case of the DPPH assay, the best result was obtained with ethyl acetate (73.81 ± 5.31%). These findings provide a foundation for expanding the use of corn varieties with nutraceutical potential, opening the possibility of studies focused on deeper characterization. Full article

Background/Objectives: The consumption of refined carbohydrates has increased globally. It is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, both recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the effects of a refined carbohydrate-rich diet on the vascular reactivity of rat aorta. Methods: We acclimatized adult male Wistar rats for two weeks and then randomly assigned them to two experimental groups: a control (CT) group and a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) group. The CT group received standard laboratory chow for 15 days, while the HCD group received a diet composed of 45% sweetened condensed milk, 10% refined sugar, and 45% standard chow. After the dietary exposure period, we evaluated the vascular reactivity of aortic rings, gene expression related to inflammation, superoxide dismutase activity, and biochemical parameters, including cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and glucose and insulin tolerance. Results: The results demonstrate a reduction in vascular reactivity caused by endothelial alterations, including increased NO production, which was observed as higher vasoconstriction in the presence of L-NAME and aminoguanidine and upregulation of iNOS gene expression. In addition, increased production of free radicals, such as O₂^-, was observed, as well as immune markers like MCP-1 and CD86 in the HCD group. Additionally, the HCD group showed an increase in the TyG index, suggesting early metabolic impairment. GTT and ITT results revealed higher glycemic levels, indicating early signs of insulin resistance. Conclusions: These findings indicate that short-term consumption of a refined carbohydrate-rich diet may trigger oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Full article

This study investigates the effect of incorporating outer bract powder on the bioactive compound content of gluten-free (GF) rusks, in terms of undigestible carbohydrates and phenolic compound content. The production of the artichoke powder as a functional ingredient was optimized by evaluating two key processing variables: drying time and pre-treatment of artichoke bracts with food-grade citric acid. Two distinct composite GF flour blends were used to formulate the GF rusks, and the nutritional quality thereof was systematically assessed. Results demonstrated that pre-treating the artichoke outer bracts with citric acid, followed by drying at 40 °C for 20 h, allowed for the production of a powder characterized by a lighter and reddish appearance, low fat content, and high dietary fiber level. The formulated rusks were rich in dietary fiber, whose intake is generally a deficiency in the diet of coeliac subjects. Furthermore, the enrichment with artichoke powder contributed to the production of a low-fat snack, in contrast with the GF snacks available on the market. The artichoke powder also showed a high content of free phenolic compounds, suggesting an enhanced dietary intake of antioxidants for consumers. Full article

Starch is one of the leading nutritional carbohydrates in the human diet; its characteristics, such as digestion rate, depend on molecular structure, and in particular, the molecular composition, type and length of amylopectin chains, which are known to present a parabolic behavior with respect to digestion rate. Amylopectin with a higher density of small branches (Chains A) and those abundant in long chains (B2/B3) often present a marked resistance to digestion and could be a challenge in bread production since both fermentation and digestion could be further modulated in the presence of hydrocolloids or gluten. The objective of this work was to analyze different mixtures of starches (rice, potato, and corn) with hydrocolloids (guar and xanthan gum) and vital gluten to understand the relationship between chain length and molecular characteristics with respect to speed of digestion and glycemic index, and their incorporation into a bread loaf at 50 and 100% wheat flour substitution. A Plackett–Burman design was used to design the mixtures. Mixtures were characterized in terms of amylose/amylopectin content, fast, slow, and resistant (SDS, RS) starch digestion fractions, in vitro glycemic index, molecular weight (Mw), radius of gyration (Rz) of amylopectin, chain length distribution, and textural analysis. In the bread, a tendency to increase the SDS was observed when the mixtures included rice or potato, which can be related to the relationship between Mw and size and the prevalence of B2 and B3 chains. The Rz and RS content were related to average chain size and amylose content. The use of vital gluten was a determinant in achieving volume and textural characteristics in the final products and significantly affected the proportions of SDS and RS. By combining the molecular characteristics of starch with hydrocolloids, we can obtain food ingredients for specific applications, such as gluten-free products. Full article

Background: Dietary intake plays a crucial role in health research, yet existing methods for its measurement can lead to participant burden, lengthy recording, and human errors, and do not account for age-specific variations. Libro is a real-time diet-tracking mobile-based app offering flexible features. An automated food recording program within Libro was customized for young people vulnerable to eating misbehaviour. This preliminary study assessed its relative validity using a self-administered 24 h recall method as the reference method. Methods: The relative validity of Libro was tested by adopting a cross-over design that recorded food intake over a period of 3 non-consecutive weekdays and 1 weekend day with both methods. The participants were recruited online through a mental health research charity, and this study was conducted fully online. The primary outcome was the concordance of total energy intake between the two methods, with secondary outcomes focusing on the intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, free sugars, fibre, and trans-fatty acids. Test–retest validity was assessed per method with the intraclass correlation coefficient; a Bland–Altman plot and t-test were performed to test agreement at the group level; correlation coefficient and cross-classification were performed to assess agreement at the individual level. Results: Forty-seven participants were included in the final analysis. The average intraclass correlation coefficient for energy intake measured by Libro over four days was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91). Compared to Intake24, the average energy intake recorded using Libro was significantly lower (mean difference: −554 Kcal, 95% CI: −804.1 to −305.6 Kcal, p < 0.001), potentially driven by the reduced reporting of foods rich in free sugars. The correlation coefficient for average energy intake measured by Libro vs. Intake24 was 0.32 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.55), with only 27.7% of subjects classified in the same quartile with both methods (κ = 0.31, 95% CI: −0.03, 0.55). Concordance varied across specific dietary component measures. Conclusions: While Libro had good test–retest reliability if adopting a multiple administration method, it underreported energy and other aspects of dietary intake, along with poor classification performance compared to Intake24 in a population vulnerable to eating misbehaviour. We suggest that future studies improve user experience to increase compliance and data accuracy. Full article

In order to protect endangered species, many zoos adopt diverse rearing models to achieve optimal conservation outcomes. This study employed metagenomic approaches to assess differences in the fecal microbiome of captive and semi-free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). The results show that captivity significantly altered the microbial community structure. The inter-individual variability in the microbial community within the captive-bred (CB) group was lower than that in the semi-free-ranging (FR) group, yet these individuals harbored a higher abundance of potential pathogens (Treponema_D). In contrast, microbial genera associated with fiber degradation and short-chain fatty acid production in the FR group were significantly elevated (Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Megamonas) as compared to the CB group. Environmental variations between the two rearing systems led to distinct profiles in microbial functions and carbohydrate-active enzyme gene composition. Notably, the FR group of lemurs exhibited an increased abundance of enzyme genes associated with the degradation of complex polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin), suggesting that their diet, rich in natural plant fibers, enhances the capacity of their gut microbiota to extract essential energy and nutrients. Conversely, the CB group displayed a more homogeneous microbial community with a higher prevalence of potential pathogens, implying that a captive lifestyle may negatively impact gastrointestinal health. These findings offer valuable insights into the influence of rearing conditions on gut microbial ecology and its potential implications for the health management of ring-tailed lemurs. Full article

Millets, often known as “nutri-cereals”, have garnered renewed global interest due to their numerous health benefits, rich nutritional composition, resilience to extreme climatic conditions, and minimal environmental footprint. The advent of rice and wheat as staple foods in the 1960s led to drastic decline in millet cultivation worldwide. Recognizing the importance of millet, the United Nations (UN) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets in an effort to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2), i.e., zero hunger, by increasing millet production and fostering research and development to improve the integration of these grains into mainstream food systems. In recent years, global production of millets has surged, with India leading as the top producer. Millets are nutritionally advantageous, consisting of carbohydrates, antioxidants, and biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, minerals, and vitamins. Incorporating millets into a balanced diet can help control and prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, and malnutrition due to their enriched vital nutrients, low glycemic index, and gluten-free nature. This indicates a transition of millets from an “orphan crop” to being used as ingredients for products (with or without fermentation) that are nutrient-rich, climate-resilient, sustainable, and health-promoting. Full article

To develop cotton straw as a feed resource through biological fermentation, it was fermented using compound probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Lactobacillus plantarum) and subsequently fed to sheep after the nutrients and hygienic indices of the fermented cotton straw (FCS) were analyzed. Sixty sheep were randomly assigned to five groups: a control group (CON); a low-proportion fermented cotton straw group (LFC, with FCS comprising 14.5% of the diet); a high-proportion fermented cotton straw group (HFC, with FCS comprising 29.0% of the diet); a compound microbial group (MIC, containing Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast); and a microbial-enzymatic preparation group (MEY, containing compound probiotics and enzymes such as cellulase, xylanase, β-glucanase, amylase, and protease). The trial lasted seven weeks and was divided into two stages: stage 1 (weeks 1–4, days 1–28) and stage 2 (weeks 5–7, days 29–49). Body weight and daily feed intake were registered, and blood and rumen fluid samples were obtained at day 28 and day 49 of the feeding trial. Fermentation significantly increased the crude protein content of cotton straw while reducing neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05). Additionally, fermentation reduced the residues of aflatoxin B1, vomitoxin, zearalenone, and free gossypol in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). LFC possessed the lowest value of feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) among all groups. Serum indices related to antioxidant capacity and utilization of fat and protein increased in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Rumen microbiota were separated between different groups (p < 0.05). LFC and HFC enhanced the abundance of Prevotella. These findings could provide conclusions that fermented cotton straw has the tendency to enhance the growth performance of sheep by increasing the abundance of bacteria related to utilization of protein, carbohydrate, and other nutrients such as Prevotella, in which the LFC group has the best fast-fattening (about 50 d) effect. Full article

Background: Glycolipid metabolism is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. As a new postbiotic, pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (P-AKK) is important for the regulation of immunity and metabolism. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of P-AKK on glycolipid metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans fed a high glucose diet. Results: We discovered that feeding nematodes P-AKK improved their healthy lifespan when fed a high-glucose diet. Furthermore, P-AKK contributes to reducing the accumulation of glucose, advanced glycation end products, and lipids and maintains a better physiological state. In addition, P-AKK improved the composition of free fatty acids and decreased the total free fatty acid content of C. elegans. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that P-AKK induced significant enrichment of carbohydrate, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid metabolism pathways. These significantly enriched biological processes were closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism. Among them, P-AKK activated the β-oxidation of fatty acids while inhibiting the de novo synthesis of fatty acids to regulate fatty acid metabolism. Conclusions: The administration of P-AKK positively affected the body phenotypes of C. elegans under high glucose conditions. P-AKK mitigated the fat accumulation induced by a high-glucose diet by regulating key metabolic enzymes, including acyl-CoA synthetase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase. Full article

In this study, leaves and roots from three beetroot cultivars (cv. Albina Vereduna (white roots), cv. Burpee’s Golden (golden roots), and cv. Pablo F1 (red roots)), as well as Swiss chard leaves (also known as “rhubarb chard”, or Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens) were evaluated in terms of their chemical profile and bioactive properties. Roots were characterized by high carbohydrate content, which also contributed to greater energy values. In contrast, fibers were the predominant macronutrient in leaves, followed by carbohydrates. In both leaves and roots, the most abundant organic acids were quinic and oxalic, while the major free sugar was sucrose. The profile of fatty acid varied between the studied plant parts, with saturated fatty acids prevailing in root samples, while leaves exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Regarding phenolic composition, a total of 19 compounds were tentatively identified in leaves (including derivatives of vitexin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and ferulic, sinapic, and p-coumaric acids), while the roots exhibited a less diverse composition, with a total of eight compounds identified (e.g., derivatives of ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids). A total of eight betalains were also identified, out of which seven were classified as betacyanins and one as betaxanthin. The leaves of Swiss chard presented compounds from both classes, while the roots and leaves of cv. Pablo F1 were characterized only by the presence of betacyanins, and those of cv. Burpee’s Golden only by betaxanthin. All samples exhibited relevant activity against Y. enterocolitica, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus, although leaf samples demonstrated better antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, beetroot leaves outperformed their corresponding roots in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, suggesting their high potential as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients in a diverse and well-balanced diet. Full article

Background/Objectives: Numerous studies have highlighted the nutritional imbalances that are commonly observed in children and adolescents diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) who follow a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, the development and timeline of these nutritional deficiencies remain unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the short-term (≥6 months to <12 months) and long-term (≥12 months) association between adherence to a GFD and nutrient intake as well as micronutrient blood status in children and adolescents aged from 0 to 18 years with CD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for observational studies published up to June 2024. Results: A total of 15 studies (case–control, cross-sectional, and prospective studies) with 2004 children and adolescents were included. Their quality was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool. Despite the lack of high-quality data and the heterogeneity of the methods used in the included studies, the results of the cross-sectional/case–control studies show that, in the short term, children and adolescents with CD consumed excessive amounts of protein and carbohydrates compared to controls. After long-term adherence to a GFD, significant changes in the diets of children and adolescents with CD persisted. Fat intake was higher, while protein intake remained excessive compared to controls. Based on prospective studies, vitamin C and iodine intake improved both in the short and long term after adherence to a GFD. However, most other nutrients either remain inadequate or continue to decline, indicating that it is difficult to meet nutrient requirements despite dietary adjustments. Conclusions: Gaps in adherence to dietary recommendations appear to be widespread in children and adolescents with CD, emphasizing the need for improved diet quality and regular monitoring. Full article

Diets rich in carbohydrate and saturated fat contents, when combined with a sedentary lifestyle, contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), which subsequently increase palmitic acid (PA) levels. At high concentrations, PA induces lipotoxicity through several mechanisms involving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and cell death. Nevertheless, there are endogenous strategies to mitigate PA-induced lipotoxicity through its unsaturation and elongation and its channeling and storage in lipid droplets (LDs), which plays a crucial role in sequestering oxidized lipids, thereby reducing oxidative damage to lipid membranes. While extended exposure to PA promotes mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell damage, acute exposure of ß-cells to PA increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), through the activation of free fatty acid receptors (FFARs). Subsequently, the activation of FFARs by exogenous agonists has been suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent PA-induced lipotoxicity in ß cells. Moreover, some saturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, can counteract the negative impact of PA on cellular health, suggesting a complex interaction between different dietary fats and cellular outcomes. Therefore, the challenge is to prevent the lipid peroxidation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids through the utilization of natural antioxidants. This complexity indicates the necessity for further research into the function of palmitic acid in diverse pathological conditions and to find the main therapeutic target against its lipotoxicity. The aim of this review is, therefore, to examine recent data regarding the mechanism underlying PA-induced lipotoxicity in order to identify strategies that can promote protection mechanisms against lipotoxicity, dysfunction and apoptosis in MetS and obesity. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding bamboo fiber on the basic physical properties of gluten-free and low-carbohydrate bread. The control bread was made from buckwheat, flax, and walnut flour. Bamboo fiber was introduced to the bread recipe in proportions ranging from 0 to 10% (every 2%). The results showed that adding from 4 to 6% bamboo fiber to the control bread resulted in a slight rise of around 3% in volume, but a larger addition resulted in a drop in volume. The pH changes were also not significant; after more than 6% addition, the pH increased by about 2%. After adding more than 4% fiber, the color of the crumb changed noticeably (∆E >3), owing mostly to a significant increase in the lightness (L*) coefficient. The incorporation of the fiber had the greatest impact on the textural parameters when the storage time was increased to 48 h. The addition of 6% fiber resulted in unfavorable alterations in the hardness. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that bamboo fiber can serve as a beneficial component for enriching gluten-free and low-carbohydrate bread, but its proportion should not exceed 4%. This developed bread with 4% addition of bamboo fiber can be classified as a functional bread for special diets; in addition to its very low carbohydrate content (15.3%), it was also characterized by a high fiber content (12.2%) and a low caloric value (176.7 kcal/100 g FM). Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a refined categorization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), highlighting the intricate relationship between hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction. Abdominal obesity (AO), a key diagnostic criterion for metabolic dysfunction, predominantly results from inappropriate diet and unhealthy dietary habits. To comprehensively investigate which dietary factors contribute to MASLD through AO and to understand the underlying biological mechanisms, we initially conducted a systematic review of meta-analysis articles in the PubMed database from the past decade, summarizing dietary factors that affect AO. Subsequently, we conducted targeted searches in the PubMed database for these dietary factors and provided a narrative review of the mechanisms of how these dietary factors lead to AO and how AO exacerbates MASLD. A diet characterized by excessive intake of energy, carbohydrates, fructose, or ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is considered inappropriate. Inappropriate diet leads to the formation of MASLD and AO by enhancing pathways such as de novo lipid synthesis (DNL) in the liver, insulin resistance (IR), gut–liver dysfunction, and inflammation. Dietary interventions for inappropriate diets can effectively intervene in and improve MASLD and AO. The mechanism of inappropriate diet on abdominal fat deposition is through excessive energy or the activation of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD-1) to increase endocortisol secretion. Then, the excessive accumulation of visceral fat facilitates a rapid and augmented flux of free fatty acids (FFAs) to the liver and initiates a series of deleterious effects, including oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), activation of protein kinase C (PKC) pathways, and inflammation. Additionally, FFAs may mediate excessive lipid deposition and hepatocellular damage through the action of hormones. These pathways to liver damage exacerbate MASLD and progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and fibrosis. Furthermore, investigating other potential mechanisms by which AO may influence MASLD could offer new recommendations for the treatment guidelines of MASLD. Full article

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high-fat content, virtually no carbohydrates, and adequate protein intake, induces a metabolic state resembling fasting, as the absence of carbohydrates forces the body to rely on the energetic supply from hepatically produced ketone bodies using free fatty acids as substrate. While the KD is clinically used in pharmacologically refractory epilepsy and specific genetic conditions such as GLUT1 deficiency, recent research suggests that, due to its “fasting mimicking” properties, the KD may also beneficially affect obesity and obesity-associated metabolic diseases. Results: Here, we present a narrative review discussing completed and ongoing nutritional studies in human volunteers specifically addressing the potential of the ketogenic diet as an anti-obesity approach and, from a larger perspective, as an intervention to ameliorate the metabolic state in conditions such as type 1 and 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Published studies as well as ongoing clinical trials will be discussed. Efficacy and safety considerations will be discussed, as well as the potential physiological mechanisms mediating the effects of the KD in humans in the context of the (i) energy balance model (EBM) and (ii) carbohydrate–insulin model (CIM) of body weight control. Conclusion: Ketogenic diets may be beneficial to attenuate obesity and improve obesity-related metabolic disease, and here, we try, based on current evidence, to define the boundaries of the KD’s nutritional and clinical usefulness. Full article