Search Results (416)

Background/Objectives: Conventional ketogenic diets, although effective for weight loss, often contain high total and saturated fat intake, which leads to increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Thus, the Healthy Ketogenic Diet (HKD) was developed to address these concerns. It emphasizes calorie restriction, limiting net carbohydrate intake to 50 g per day, prioritizing unsaturated fats, and reducing saturated fat intake. However, adherence to the HKD remains a challenge in urban, time-constrained environments. Therefore, this pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of Healthy Ketogenic Diet Ready-To-Eat (HKD-RTE) meals (provided for the first month only) versus HKD alone on weight loss and metabolic parameters among overweight adults. Methods: Multi-ethnic Asian adults (n = 50) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5 kg/m² were randomized into the HKD-RTE group (n = 24) and the HKD group (n = 26). Both groups followed the HKD for six months, with the HKD-RTE group receiving HKD-RTE meals during the first month. Five in-person workshops and mobile health coaching through the Nutritionist Buddy Keto app helped to facilitate dietary adherence. The primary outcome was the change in body weight at 6 months. Linear regression was performed on the change from baseline for each continuous outcome, adjusting for demographics and relevant covariates. Logistic regression was performed on binary weight loss ≥5%, adjusting for demographics and relevant covariates. Results: In the HKD group, participants’ adherence to the 50 g net carbohydrate target was 15 days, while that in the HKD-RTE group was 19 days over a period of 30 days. Participants’ adherence to calorie targets was 21 days in the HKD group and 23 days in the HKD-RTE. The average compliance with the HKD-RTE meals provided in the HKD-RTE group was 55%. The HKD-RTE group experienced a greater percentage weight loss at 1 month (−4.8 ± 3.0% vs. −1.8 ± 6.2%), although this was not statistically significant. This trend continued up to 6 months, with the HKD-RTE group showing a greater percentage weight reduction (−8.6 ± 6.8% vs. −3.9 ± 8.6%; p = 0.092). At 6 months, the HKD-RTE group had a greater reduction in total cholesterol (−0.54 ± 0.76 mmol/L vs. −0.05 ± 0.56 mmol/L; p = 0.283) and LDL-C (−0.43 ± 0.67 mmol/L vs. −0.03 ± 0.52 mmol/L; p = 0.374) compared to the HKD group. Additionally, the HKD-RTE group exhibited greater reductions in systolic blood pressure (−8.3 ± 9.7 mmHg vs. −5.3 ± 11.0 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (−7.7 ± 8.8 mmHg vs. −2.0 ± 7.0 mmHg), and HbA1c (−0.3 ± 0.5% vs. −0.1 ± 0.4%) than the HKD group (not statistically significant for any). Conclusions: Both HKD-RTE and HKD led to weight loss and improved metabolic profiles. The HKD-RTE group tended to show more favorable outcomes. Short-term HKD-RTE meal provision may enhance initial weight loss, with sustained long-term effects. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable pet-food solutions has driven interest in alternative protein sources, as researchers seek to avoid allergenic foods while maintaining optimal pet nutrition. This review explores recent scientific publications, patent trends, and market trends relating to various alternative protein sources, including plant-based, aquatic, insect-derived, and cell-based sources. Their nutritional composition, functional properties, and potential benefits for pet health were assessed. Plant-based proteins, such as soy, pea, and lentils, provide essential amino acids and functional properties suitable for meat analogues. Microalgae and seaweed offer rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Insect-based proteins such as black-soldier-fly larvae and mealworms are highly digestible and rich in essential nutrients, with additional benefits for gut health. Emerging cell-based proteins present a novel, lab-grown alternative with promising sustainability and nutritional advantages. While these protein sources offer significant benefits, challenges related to digestibility, palatability, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance must be addressed. The emphasis of the present research is on current developments for industry uses and future potential. The analysis sheds light on the contributions of alternative protein sources to the promotion of sustainable and nutrient meals for pets. Full article

Background: South Asian Americans (SAA) are one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the U.S. and face significant health disparities, particularly regarding chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Dietary patterns play a crucial role in these disparities, with acculturation to Western diets linked to poorer health outcomes. Despite this, the impact of food insecurity on dietary habits among SAAs remains underexplored. This study aims to examine the availability, cost, and quality of ethnic food items and how food insecurity influences dietary practices in Southern California’s SAA population. Methods: The study was conducted in San Bernardino County, California, with field data collection focused on five South Asian ethnicity-specific grocery stores and three Western grocery stores. We assessed the availability and cost of key ingredients for commonly prepared SAA dishes. Additionally, focus group interviews were held with South Asian immigrants to understand food insecurity challenges and dietary adaptations. Results: The study found significant disparities in food availability and cost between SAA-ethnic grocery stores and Western stores. SAA stores were less accessible and more widely dispersed, with an average distance of 10 miles between them. While ingredients like ginger paste and cumin powder were available in both types of stores, items such as ghee, fenugreek seeds, and black gram were harder to find in Western stores. Focus group participants noted that ethnic foods, especially vegetarian ingredients, were more expensive than Western alternatives, leading many to substitute traditional meals with cheaper, less nutritious options. Participants also raised concerns about the poor quality of items in ethnic stores, such as expired produce, which further limited their food choices. Conclusions: Food insecurity, driven by limited availability, high cost, and poor quality of ethnic foods, poses significant challenges to the SAA community’s diet and health. Addressing these barriers could improve food security and health outcomes among SAA immigrants. Full article

Background: Vietnam is experiencing a significant “double burden” of malnutrition, characterized by the persistent challenge of undernutrition, particularly stunting in ethnic minority and mountainous regions, alongside a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. Understanding dual nutritional status and its related factors in adolescents from these vulnerable areas is crucial for effective intervention. Objective: The current study explored the nutritional status of ethnic minority secondary school students in some mountainous provinces in the northwest of Vietnam and identified some related factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study over six months (June–December 2023), involving 1847 ethnic minority high school students from Son La and Dien Bien provinces, recruited through convenience sampling in primary healthcare settings. Nutritional status was determined using WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards, specifically height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores (BAZ). A 4-point scale assessed nutritional practices, including food consumption frequency and eating habits. Results: This study identified a stunting (HAZ < −2 SD) prevalence of 16.7% and wasting (BAZ < −2 SD) of 5.6%; overweight/obesity (BAZ > +1 SD) prevalence was 8.2%. Key factors related to stunting were being male, having more siblings, poor/near-poor household economic status, low maternal education level, and frequent occurrences of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. A higher risk of overweight/obesity was associated with consuming more than three meals daily, nocturnal snacking, frequent intake of fried foods, insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits, and inadequate daily physical activity. Conclusions: Our study shows a comprehensive picture of malnutrition among children in ethnic minority areas. Essential nutritional intervention programs, projects, and models are a top priority to reduce the disease burden for children’s bright future and to enhance socio-economic development in the mountainous regions of Vietnam. Full article

Three-dimensional food printing (3DFP), a specialized application of additive manufacturing (AM), employs a layer-by-layer deposition process guided by digital image files to fabricate edible structures. Utilizing heavily modified 3D printers and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software technology allows for the precise creation of customized food items tailored to individual aesthetic preferences and nutritional requirements. Three-dimensional food printing holds significant potential in revolutionizing the food industry by enabling the production of personalized meals, enhancing the sensory dining experience, and addressing specific dietary constraints. Despite these promising applications, 3DFP remains one of the most intricate and technically demanding areas within AM, particularly in the context of modern gastronomy. Challenges such as the rheological behaviour of food materials, print stability, and the integration of cooking functions must be addressed to fully realize its capabilities. This article explores the possibilities of applying classical modified 3D printers in the food industry. The behaviour of certain recipes is also tested. Two test case scenarios are covered. The first scenario is the work and formation of a homogenized meat mass. The second scenario involves finding a chocolate recipe that is suitable for printing relatively detailed chocolate decorative elements. The current advancements, technical challenges, and future opportunities of 3DFP in the field of engineering, culinary innovation and nutritional science are also explored. Full article

To develop interventions and policies to promote healthy and sustainable diets during times of crisis, it is important to understand how populations respond to such situations based on real-life examples. Using the recent COVID-19 pandemic as a case study to identify risk and protective factors for such situations, we implemented the first longitudinal mixed-methods approach of this topic to date. Data were collected from a sample of UK parents (stratified for gender and socioeconomic status) through two surveys and a set of focus groups during the pandemic. The focus groups identified multifaceted drivers of change linked to capability (e.g., shielding), opportunity (e.g., time, food access and availability), and motivation (e.g., reflective motivation, stress and mental health challenges) barriers. High levels of COVID-19 stress were linked with less healthy and sustainable diets in the survey results, while higher social cohesion, reflective motivation to consume healthy foods, and positive coping scores were protective, and linked to healthier and more sustainable diets. A range of coping strategies were identified, including home cooking and meal planning, which could provide a basis for future intervention development to reduce stress, maintain wellbeing, and improve dietary outcomes in future crisis situations. Full article

Background: Food insecurity and social isolation among older adults are pressing public health concerns that significantly impact physical and mental health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges while forcing innovative adaptations to traditional congregate meal programs. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of Kūpuna U, an alternative flexible congregate meal program comprising three models (virtual, hybrid, and traditional), in addressing food insecurity, loneliness, and self-rated health among older adults in Hawaiʻi. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with non-equivalent groups analyzed secondary program evaluation data. Participants (N = 270, follow-up N = 116) self-selected into virtual (grab-and-go meals + online activities), hybrid (grab-and-go meals + virtual and in-person activities), or traditional (in-person congregate meals + in-person activities) models. Food insecurity (6-item scale), loneliness (UCLA 3-item scale), and self-rated health (5-point scale) were measured at the baseline and 6-month follow-up. Results: The Virtual group showed significant improvements in food insecurity (baseline: 1.73 to follow-up: 0.04, p < 0.001) and self-rated health (baseline: 2.92 to follow-up: 3.72, p = 0.005). The Hybrid group demonstrated a significant increase in loneliness (baseline: 4.25 to follow-up: 5.00, p = 0.024). The Traditional group showed no significant changes in any outcome measures. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant between-group differences for food insecurity (F = 9.047, p < 0.001) and self-rated health (F = 5.814, p = 0.004) change scores. Conclusions: The Virtual model demonstrated a superior effectiveness in improving food security and self-rated health outcomes. However, self-selection bias limits causal inferences. These findings suggest that flexible, technology-enhanced nutrition programs may effectively serve older adults with mobility or transportation barriers while maintaining program benefits. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection has prompted the exploration of innovative methods to valorize byproducts from rapeseed oil production. This review focuses on the application of microorganisms as a promising approach to transforming rapeseed de-oiling residues, such as cake and meal, into valuable products. This review discusses traditional and modern methods of rapeseed oil extraction, the composition and challenges posed by rapeseed byproducts, and the presence of antinutritional components such as glucosinolates, erucic acid, and phytic acid. Microbial applications, including the production of industrial enzymes, enhanced digestibility, and the neutralization of antinutritional factors, are examined as key solutions for waste valorization. Additionally, the role of microbial consortia and genetic modification in optimizing transformation processes is discussed. This review underscores the potential of microorganisms in creating eco-friendly, scalable technologies that contribute to resource efficiency and environmental sustainability in the agricultural and biotechnology sectors. Full article

Background: Food insecurity and poor diet quality disproportionately affect U.S. children from low-income households, with summer school closures exacerbating risks. Federally funded programs like the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) aim to address these challenges, yet evidence of their post-pandemic dietary impact remains limited. Objectives: This study examines the relationship between policy innovations, summer meal participation, food insecurity, and diet quality among children from low-income households in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Methods: A cross-sectional design analyzed data from 158 households in Prince George’s County Public Schools across two waves (early fall 2022 and 2023). Validated tools (USDA’s Six-Item Short Form and Dietary Screener Questionnaire) assessed food security and diet quality. Sociodemographic factors, program participation, and dietary deviations from the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression identified determinants of poor diet quality (≥2 guideline deviations), adjusting for ethnicity, age, and housing stability. Results: Only 32.28% of eligible households participated in summer meal programs, with non-participation driven by lack of awareness (53.68%) and transportation barriers (11.58%). Significant dietary gaps included inadequate whole grain intake (0.8 vs. 3.0 servings/day) and excessive added sugars (14% of daily calories). Summer meal participation was associated with reduced odds of poor diet quality (OR = 0.23, p = 0.030), while older age (OR = 52.97, p < 0.001) and very low food security (OR = 8.42, p = 0.036) increased risk. Hispanic ethnicity had lower odds (OR = 0.17, p = 0.019) despite higher baseline food insecurity. Conclusions: Summer meal participation was associated with improved dietary outcomes but faced systemic participation barriers. Findings support policy reforms, such as multilingual outreach and mobile meal distribution, to address identified gaps. Full article

At weaning, piglets deal with numerous changes and stressors, which can lead to reduced feed intake, digestive disturbances, and gut inflammation. In this context, there is a compelling need to develop new and innovative nutritional strategies aimed at restoring intestinal balance in piglets after weaning and controlling the weaning-associated intestinal inflammation. This study investigated the effect of a diet, including a synbiotic additive (a mix of grape seed and camelina meals as the prebiotic and a lactobacilli mixture as the probiotic) on intestinal inflammation in piglets after weaning. An acute inflammation was induced by the intraperitoneally challenge with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The experimental groups were as follows: Control group (piglets fed a conventional corn-soybean meal-based diet), LPS group (piglets fed the Control diet and challenged with 80 µg/b.w. of LPS), SYN group (piglets fed a basal diet, including 5% prebiotic mix and 0.1% probiotic mix, SYN diet), and SYN+LPS group (piglets fed the SYN diet and challenged with 80 µg/b.w. of LPS). Using genomic and proteomic techniques, genes and proteins related to intestinal inflammation were measured in both the jejunum and colon. The results showed that the LPS challenge induced an exacerbated inflammatory response in the jejunum and colon of piglets, inducing an overexpression of a large palette of inflammation-related mediators, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL)—IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha—TNF-α), and chemokines (e.g., monokine induced by interferon-gamma—MIG, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted—RANTES). All these effects are prevented by the SYN diet, which controls the amplitude of intestinal inflammation induced by the LPS challenge in piglets. Overall, these results suggested that piglets, after weaning, fed the synbiotic diet are less susceptible to the LPS challenge. This diet might be used as a nutritional strategy to alleviate intestinal inflammation in piglets after weaning. Full article

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae meal is a notable alternative protein source that is widely used in the aquaculture industry. Recently, it has also gained recognition for enhancing the immune performance of various aquaculture species. However, studies identifying the specific bioactive substances responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of mealworm larvae meal remain limited. In this study, we isolated and purified a bioactive substance from mealworm and incorporated it into zebrafish (Danio rerio) diets at concentrations of 0, 10, and 100 µg/g; the zebrafish were fed this diet for 14 days. To assess the transcriptional changes induced by the bioactive substance, we performed RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis on intestinal and liver tissues. Subsequently, zebrafish were challenged with Edwardsiella tarda via immersion in order to evaluate the protective effects of the bioactive substance. The results demonstrated that a dietary inclusion of 100 µg/g of the bioactive substance optimized the immune performance of zebrafish. Additionally, challenge tests revealed that the dietary inclusion of the bioactive substance from mealworms positively influenced pathogen resistance, although these effects were not consistently significant. Full article

In Tanzania, dengue outbreaks have occurred almost annually over the past decade, with each new outbreak becoming more severe. This study investigated the prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in the wild Aedes aegypti and their blood sources to determine human exposure risk in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A two-year longitudinal survey was conducted in the Ilala, Kinondoni, and Temeke districts of Dar es Salaam to sample Ae. aegypti mosquitoes using Biogents Sentinel trap (BGS), Prokopack aspiration, and Gravid Aedes trap (GAT). Collected mosquitoes were pooled in groups of 10 and tested for DENV1–4 serotypes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Blood meal sources were identified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of 854 tested pools, only DENV-2 was detected and was found in all three districts: Temeke (3/371 pools), Ilala (1/206 pools), and Kinondoni (1/277 pools). Blood meal analysis showed a strong preference for humans (81%) as well as for mixed blood meals that contained human blood and other hosts (17%). Out of 354 collected hosts seeking Ae. aegypti, 78.5% were captured outdoors and 21.5% indoors. This study confirms the circulation of DENV-2 in Ae. aegypti populations, indicating a potential dengue outbreak risk in Tanzania. This study also demonstrates that xenomonitoring may be feasible in this setting. The mosquitoes’ strong preference for human hosts and predominance in outdoor settings pose challenges for dengue control efforts. Full article

Canning is an excellent solution to provide convenient, affordable, nutritious, and safe seafood with a long shelf life. However, many canned products use tuna, sardines, and Atlantic chub mackerel, species that raise sustainability concerns and whose overuse can put additional pressure on them. Hence, this study aimed to i) develop and assess a nutritious and sustainable canned meal prototype using the Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) (whose EU allowable-catch amounts have increased, particularly, in Iberian waters) and vegetables in light brine in terms of stability, sterility, and physicochemical and sensory properties over a 4-month period at room temperature and ii) evaluate its nutritional contribution for different population groups. After preparation, the meal was stored for one month at ≈20 °C and ≈40 °C (to simulate the 4 months). Although the pH was not stable, the meal was considered commercially sterile according to the challenge accelerated tests. Moreover, aging did not significantly affect the meal’s physicochemical and sensory properties. This innovative meal prototype can be claimed to be “low-fat”, “reduced in NaCl/Na”, a “source of protein, phosphorus, iron, selenium and vitamin D”, and “high in vitamin B12”. It proved to be both nutritious and appealing for consumption, with potential to be scaled up. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to fill gaps in the existing literature through a qualitative evaluation of stakeholders involved in Food Is Medicine (FIM) programs. The primary objective was to examine the structural components, implementation process, and perceived impact of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Venice Family Clinic (VFC) Emergency Prepared Meal Program (UCLA-VFC Food Program), developed as a collaboration between a university and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) during a period of community crisis. A secondary objective was to compare this program with three other FIM initiatives, identifying convergences and divergences in design and effectiveness. Methods: The methodology involved semi-structured interviews conducted with stakeholders across all four programs. Participants were recruited based on their direct involvement with program ideation, design, or implementation. Interviews were conducted online between July and September 2022, with 11 stakeholders. A thematic analysis was applied to the transcribed responses using an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Key findings highlighted four recurrent themes: (1) the critical role of leadership and a collaborative culture; (2) the importance of community partnerships and health education; (3) challenges related to logistics, funding, and sustainability; and (4) the need for assessment and evaluation. These findings provide valuable insight into the design of future FIM interventions, particularly those embedded in healthcare settings. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study offers preliminary evidence supporting the unique potential of university–community partnerships to address food insecurity. Unlike previous research that emphasized clinical outcomes, our findings provide a contextualized understanding of programmatic implementation. While further quantitative evaluation is necessary, this work lays the groundwork for a collaborative model between various entities including universities, healthcare systems, clinics, and community health/food services aimed at addressing social determinants of health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal in poultry nutrition is gaining attention as a sustainable protein source with a high nutritional value, an efficient bioconversion of organic waste, and potential functional benefits for intestinal health. This study evaluated the dietary effects of including 5% BSF larvae meal on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and energy utilization as well as on the intestinal integrity, gene expression, lipid profile, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production of broilers under an intestinal challenge. Methods: Eight hundred one-day-old male broilers were assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates (25 birds/pen) and reared until day 40. Birds were fed either a Basal corn–soy diet or a BSF diet (5% BSF larvae meal replacing energy- and protein-yielding ingredients). Diets were provided to a non-challenged group and a challenged group, which was orally gavaged with Eimeria spp. on day 1 and Clostridium perfringens on days 11 and 14. The growth performance was evaluated up to day 40, while the nutrient digestibility, meat lipid profile, intestinal histomorphology, and gene expression were assessed at 21 days. The SCFAs were determined at both 21 and 40 days. Results: It was observed that the intestinal challenge induced dysbiosis and negatively affected growth performance, whereas the BSF meal inclusion partially mitigated these adverse effects. Broilers fed the BSF larvae meal showed increased cecal SCFA concentrations and a lower interleukin-6 gene expression, along with higher lauric and myristic acid levels in breast muscle (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The inclusion of 5% BSF larvae meal improved performance without impairing nutrient digestibility or intestinal histomorphology, while increasing cecal concentrations of butyric and acetic acids and promoting a beneficial lipid deposition. Full article