Search Results (2,681)

Soybean meal causes health issues in piglets due to the presence of antigenic proteins. Although enzymatic treatment can break down antigenic proteins, subsequent high-temperature drying may impair amino acid (AA) digestibility via the Maillard reaction. This study evaluated whether the air-drying temperature affects the ileal AA digestibility of a novel reduced-sugar enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESM) in 25 kg pigs, using fishmeal as a high-digestibility reference. In two trials using pigs fitted with simple T-cannulas in the terminal ileum, ileal digestibility was assessed. In trial 1, a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three diets (fishmeal, ESM, and a nitrogen-free diet; two pigs per diet) and three periods were used per square. Fishmeal showed greater apparent (82.50% vs. 45.01%) and standardized (86.60% vs. 48.86%) digestibility of crude protein and all amino acids than ESM dried at 130 °C. In trial 2, eight pigs were allocated to two diets in a two-period crossover design to compare the AA digestibility of ESM dried at high (130 °C; HtESM) and low (80 °C; LtESM) temperatures. LtESM exhibited greater apparent (82.24% vs. 52.40%) and standardized (86.37% vs. 56.47%) digestibility of crude protein and more amino acids than HtESM. Collectively, the drying temperature critically determined the AA digestibility of ESM, irrespective of its reducing sugar content. Full article

Understanding the feeding mechanisms and interspecific coexistence of sharks is crucial for effective conservation. This study conducted stable isotope analysis on muscle and liver samples from 449 individuals of eight common bycatch shark species collected via bottom trawling in the northern South China Sea (NSCS). Results revealed significant differences in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values among species and tissue types. Scoliodon laticaudus exhibited the highest trophic position (TP_muscle = 4.60 ± 0.33; TP_liver = 4.53 ± 0.29), while Apristurus platyrhynchus had the lowest (TP_muscle = 2.97 ± 0.44; TP_liver = 2.75 ± 0.53). Muscle and liver isotopic signals were consistent, but δ¹³C differences indicated distinct carbon sources, with Carcharhinus sorrah linked to deep-sea organic matter and S. laticaudus to coastal inputs. Significant correlations between δ¹³C/δ¹⁵N and body length in A. platyrhynchus and Cephaloscyllium fasciatum suggest ontogenetic shifts in diet and habitat toward deeper waters. Trophic niche analysis using corrected standard ellipse area (SEAc) showed Halaelurus burgeri with the widest trophic niche (SEAc > 1.7‰²), reflecting a broad diet, while C. fasciatum had the narrowest (SEAc < 0.3‰²), indicating specialized feeding. Additionally, H. burgeri and C. sarawakensis exhibited significant niche differentiation, reducing interspecific competition, whereas C. fasciatum and Squalus megalops showed high niche overlap, suggesting intense resource competition. The narrower liver niche of C. sarawakensis may reflect recent habitat constriction due to bottom trawling. This study elucidates the feeding ecology and habitat resource utilization of NSCS sharks, providing a scientific basis for effective conservation strategies for shark populations in the region. Full article

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune condition traditionally recognized for its gastrointestinal symptoms. However, growing evidence indicates that CD can also affect social and emotional health, particularly among children. This narrative review explores how the autoimmunity of CD may contribute to social–emotional dysregulation through mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and disruption of the gut–brain axis. It summarizes the current literature on anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting how immune dysregulation may influence children’s social–emotional wellbeing. Delayed diagnosis, poor dietary adherence, and ongoing inflammation were recognized among children with social–emotional dysregulation. While digestive problems are commonly recognized and treated, social–emotional dysregulation among children with CD is frequently overlooked. However, a gluten-free diet without a confirmed diagnosis of CD is not sufficient to improve social–emotional outcomes. Children presenting with social–emotional dysregulation and clinical features suggestive of CD should be screened using standard serology and, when indicated, biopsy. Starting a gluten-free diet (GFD) without a confirmed diagnosis is not recommended. While mechanistic pathways are described, most evidence remains observational and clinically descriptive, underscoring the need for longitudinal and experimental studies to understand the intersectionality of CD with social–emotional dysregulation. Full article

Aims: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents an increasing global challenge. Mediterranean diet interventions have proven benefits, but their implementation is limited by the absence of nutritionists in many public health systems. This study aimed to evaluate whether a video intervention guided by a nutritionist could increase compliance to Mediterranean diet and reduce the incidence of GDM and adverse maternal–neonatal outcomes. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 1750 consecutive pregnant women were allocated (1:1) to standard care (verbal, printed advice) or to a video designed by a nutritionist promoting a Mediterranean and physical activity. The primary outcome was the incidence of GDM; secondary outcomes included other pregnancy-related complications. Dietary adherence was assessed using the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Results: The experimental group increased their MEDAS score from baseline to GDM screening (mean difference (95% CI) 0.41 (0.23; 0.60); p < 0.001), mainly through greater extra virgin olive oil and nut intake and lower consumption of juices and confectionery. GDM incidence declined from 25.1% to 20.7% (p = 0.025), with significant reductions in gestational hypertension, episiotomy and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Conclusions: Nutritionist-guided video intervention improves adherence to Mediterranean diet and reduces GDM incidence and adverse outcomes. This low-cost, scalable approach may help overcome structural limitations in public health systems. Full article

Adapting low-viscosity liquids for individuals with dysphagia presents persistent challenges in both texture modification and patient compliance. This exploratory study assessed the flow characteristics and nutritional contributions of 30 beverages (22 plant-based and 8 dairy-based) across different thickener concentrations and syringe models, following the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) flow test. Flow measurements were obtained using four available 10 mL syringes that differed from the IDDSI-specified model, intending to evaluate their potential impact on results and inform strategies for situations where standard syringes are unavailable. Findings show that flow performance and IDDSI classification are strongly influenced by syringe design, thickener type, and beverage composition. The use of alternative syringes introduced variability in consistency measurements, highlighting the importance of equipment standardization. Interpretation of flow levels was further complicated by transitional IDDSI thresholds and subjective assessments. Nutritionally, the study reinforces the role of hydration in dysphagia management and explores the potential of plant-based beverages to enhance both fluid intake and fiber contribution. Several samples provided meaningful contributions to daily fiber and micronutrient requirements. Importantly, the study found that half the manufacturer’s recommended thickener dose was often sufficient to achieve IDDSI compliance. These findings support the practical use of non-standard syringes in IDDSI testing, inform more efficient thickening strategies, and highlight plant-based beverages as promising alternatives to dairy in dysphagia diets. Together, they offer actionable insights for improving consistency control and nutritional quality in dysphagia care. Full article

Maintaining the balance between the host and commensal microorganisms is essential for skin health. The disruption of this equilibrium (dysbiosis) can contribute to inflammatory and infectious diseases and accelerate skin aging. Dysbiosis also accompanies skin cancers and may influence their progression. Causes of dysbiosis include exogenous factors such as cosmetics, UV radiation, pollution, and diet, as well as endogenous factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, and aging. Standard antibacterial treatments often eliminate beneficial microbes and may exacerbate conditions. Consequently, there is growing interest in alternative strategies—notably natural plant- and animal-derived products—that can modulate the skin microbiome more selectively and gently. This review presents current knowledge on skin microbiome physiology and dysbiosis and discusses natural compounds and microbiome-based therapies (probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics) that modulate the skin microbiota. Unlike prior reviews, we provide a comparative perspective on emerging compound classes (e.g., peptides, lipids) and integrate the skin–gut axis concept into the framework, highlighting mechanistic insights at molecular and clinical levels. Our synthesis emphasizes distinct modes of action and evidence levels—from in vitro mechanisms to clinical outcomes—and offers guidance for formulation of microbiome-compatible products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are experiencing a growing incidence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The lack of a culturally relevant food exchange list (FEL) for commonly consumed foods in Qatar and the GCC limits the application of cultural preferences in medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for managing diet-related NCDs, thereby reducing patient adherence and metabolic outcomes. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to develop a culturally tailored FEL for 50 main course dishes widely consumed in the region. Methods: A four-phase approach was followed in this developmental study. First, common Qatari and GCC dishes were identified based on cultural practices and market availability. Second, nutrient composition was compiled from regional food composition tables and validated using dietary analysis software. Pearson correlation was conducted to compare macronutrient values, with significance set at p < 0.05. Third, standard serving sizes were determined using Wheeler et al.’s methodology and converted into household measures using a kitchen scale. Finally, we developed a macronutrient exchange list for the dishes based on the established Wheeler rounding-off criteria. Results: A culturally tailored FEL for 50 frequently consumed Qatari and GCC dishes was successfully developed. Significant correlations were observed between laboratory-derived and software-derived values for carbohydrates (r = 0.7) and protein (r = 0.9), with a weaker correlation for fat (r = 0.5). Macronutrient exchange analysis revealed substantial variation across dishes, with several carbohydrate-based dishes also contributing meaningful protein and fat exchanges. Findings indicated that visual assumptions about nutrient composition may not accurately reflect exchange values, highlighting the need for systematic analysis in diet planning. Conclusions: This study developed a novel culturally relevant FEL for commonly consumed composite dishes in Qatar and the GCC. The exchange list provides a practical tool for dietitians and healthcare professionals to support culturally tailored MNT and public health interventions in the region. It also serves as a valuable resource for researchers in nutritional epidemiology, enabling the analysis of dietary data by converting raw food intake information. Full article

Background/Objectives: To better understand the mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis, different models have been developed, but these fail when studying the progression of this disease. The purpose of this study was to standardize a new model of atherosclerosis progression in rats using Paigen-type modified atherogenic diet. Methods: The design included a control group (n = 16) and 64 rats with atherogenic Paigen-type diet subdivided into four subgroups with different doses (Athero 1, Athero 2, Athero 3, and Athero 4). The atherogenic diet was supplemented orally in sequential stages: 1) Hypervitaminic (1.5 mL/kg/day for 12 days) and 2) Hyperlipidic (48 days ad libitum). Blood pressure, heart rate, aortic histopathology, inflammatory biomarkers, and biochemical lipid and liver profiles were measured in all groups on days 30 and 60. Results: All Athero 1 rats were sacrificed due to a poisoning for vitamin D2 excess. Athero 2 rats were sacrificed at day 30 showing severe atherosclerotic lesions (grades V–VIII). Athero 3 rats showed mild lesions (I–IV) at day 30 and severe lesions (V–VIII) at day 60. Athero 4 rats showed mild lesions (I–IV) at days 30 and 60. Diet-dependent changes in blood pressure and heart rate were observed. Furthermore, glycemia, dyslipidemia, and liver profile were associated with the degree of atherosclerotic lesion. Conclusions: “Athero 3” atherogenic diet generates a stable model to study the progress of atherosclerosis in rats. Full article

Thymol gastro-resistant self-emulsifying pellets were used to achieve thymol targeted release on the side of the intestine with the most intensive absorption to enhance its oral bioavailability. Forty-eight rabbits (35 d of age) were divided into two groups fed with a standard diet containing gastro-resistant enteric pellets (control, CG; without thymol, initial live weight 1350.0 ± 18.0, and experimental, EG; with thymol 250 mg/kg, initial live weight 1352.0 ± 19.9 g). The experiment lasted 28 days: thymol was administered for 21 days and then withdrawn for 7 days. Thymol was significantly higher in duodenal wall (DW) than in plasma during both periods (p = 0.0053, p < 0.0001). Significant correlation was established between thymol concentration in plasma and DW during its application (r_s = 0.9333, p < 0.001). Thymol was below the limit of quantitation in plasma, spleen and muscle only after its withdrawal, and its significantly higher concentration in kidney and fat than in plasma (p = 0.0182, p = 0.0003) and muscle (p = 0.0236, p = 0.0004) indicates its efficient accumulation. Thymol in gastro-resistant form prevented its degradation due to adverse conditions in the stomach and ensured its release at the site of greatest absorption in the small intestine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research on restaurants has traditionally emphasized business operations. Considering restaurants’ growing role in shaping dietary patterns and public health outcomes, this study aimed to map the scope, trends, and gaps in scholarly research addressing food-related aspects of restaurants, excluding business-oriented topics. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Search terms encompassed multiple restaurant categories, including fast food, fast casual, casual dining, and fine dining. After screening, 956 peer-reviewed English-language journal articles were included. Descriptive performance metrics were calculated, and keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted. Results: Findings revealed that nutrition-related studies dominate the literature, particularly research linking fast food consumption to obesity and the impact of menu labeling policies on consumer behavior. Food science research was comparatively limited and concentrated primarily on food safety and uses for degraded frying oil. The analysis also highlighted a strong research focus on fast food, while fast casual and fine dining restaurants were notably underrepresented. Conclusions: Future studies should move beyond short-term, cross-sectional designs and incorporate longitudinal approaches to better capture how policy interventions, such as menu labeling and reformulation incentives affect consumer food choices and restaurant offerings over time. Understanding how to reduce restaurants’ contribution to the incidence of diet-related noncommunicable disease risk factors such as obesity and hypertension will require research trials that jointly manipulate key factors such as economic (prices and incentives), structural (recipes, assortment, and operations), and behavioral (choice architecture). Research could also investigate strategies to reduce allergen risks by evaluating standardized training programs and integrated menu/POS disclosure systems. In addition, examination of consumer acceptance of sustainable ingredient substitutions and packaging methods is needed. Full article

Background: Migraine is a common, disabling neurological disorder with substantial genetic and environmental contributions. Dietary exposures are widely discussed by patients and clinicians as potential triggers or modifiers of attack frequency and severity. We synthesized contemporary evidence on dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and elimination strategies relevant to migraine prevention and management. Methods: We performed a narrative review of PubMed and Google Scholar (inception–August 2025) using combinations of “migraine”, “diet”, “nutrition”, “ketogenic”, “Mediterranean”, “omega-3”, and “gluten”. We prioritized randomized/controlled studies, recent systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and representative observational studies; evidence quality and applicability were appraised descriptively. Results: Higher adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with lower migraine frequency and disability in observational cohorts. Very low-calorie ketogenic diets significantly reduced monthly migraine attack frequency compared with isocaloric non-ketogenic comparators in an adult randomized controlled trial of participants with overweight or obesity (≥50% responder rate: 74% vs. 6%). Additional supportive evidence from uncontrolled studies, including those involving medium-chain triglyceride supplementation, further corroborates these findings. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) show prophylactic benefit in randomized trials and network meta-analyses, with favorable tolerability. Gluten-free diets may improve headaches in celiac disease and may help selected non-celiac patients. Alcohol (especially red wine) and high, irregular caffeine intake are frequently reported triggers, while evidence for specific foods/additives remains inconsistent. Weight loss and regular physical activity may further reduce burden in people with obesity. Conclusions: Current evidence supports recommending Mediterranean-style eating, consideration of omega-3 supplementation, and selective trials of ketogenic or elimination approaches in appropriate patients, alongside weight management and lifestyle optimization. High-quality, longer-duration RCTs using standardized dietary protocols and adherence biomarkers are needed to define dose–response relationships and enable personalized nutrition in migraine. Full article

This study focused on investigating the effects of dietary counseling on antioxidant intakes and how diet can influence reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and consequently oxidative stress (OS) during pregnancy. At the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (12–13 week of pregnancy), 80 women were randomized into a control group and to an intervention group to receive individual dietary counseling. In the intervention group (n = 60), the dietary counseling about the Mediterranean diet (MD) was carried out during six online meetings every 15 days and focused on antioxidant nutrients and their intake. They were encouraged to follow the antioxidant-rich diet for 12 weeks, including increased consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as ≥5 servings/day of vegetables, ≥2 servings/day of fruit, ≥8.5 servings/day of wholegrains and 3–4 servings/week of lean meat. In the control group (n = 20) dietary counseling included generic, standard of care guidance about nutrition in pregnancy and was only discussed during a single session. OS biomarkers, particularly (ROS) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels, were analyzed before and after the study duration in women’s serum. The results of the study showed lower ROS and higher TAC levels after intervention compared to the levels before intervention, as well as compared to the levels of the control group. In conclusion, dietary counseling improved the intake of antioxidant nutrients from food during pregnancy, as depicted by oxidative stress biomarkers’ levels, and may influence the observed impacts of these dietary patterns on pregnancy outcomes. Full article

Obesity is associated with enteric dysfunctions, including gut dysmotility and neurodegeneration, which may involve Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. To investigate this relationship, we examined the impact of TLR4 deficiency on the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the small intestine in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Male TLR4^−/− and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard diet (SD; 18% kcal fat) or an HFD (60% kcal fat) for 8 weeks. ENS alterations were evaluated using real-time qPCR and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy on longitudinal muscle–myenteric plexus (LMMP) whole-mount preparations. Alterations in gut motility were evaluated by assessing stool frequency, transit of a fluorescent-labeled marker, and isometric motor responses of ileal preparations to receptor- and non-receptor-mediated stimuli. In WT mice, HFD induced delayed gastrointestinal transit, impaired cholinergic and nitrergic responses, and altered 5-HT-mediated concentration–response curves. These functional deficits were accompanied by neuroglial network disruption, myenteric neurodegeneration, loss of ChAT⁺ and nNOS⁺ neurons, and increased 5-HT ileal tissue levels. In contrast, TLR4 deficiency mitigated body weight gain and largely prevented HFD-induced structural and functional alterations. Overall, our findings highlight a key role for TLR4 signaling in modulating small intestine inflammation and ENS remodeling associated with obesity. Full article

This case describes an outbreak of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Agona in a Rottweiler breeding kennel, associated with raw meat-based diet (RMBD) of unlicensed origin. The report presents the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological characteristics of the outbreak, as well as the control and preventive measures undertaken. Methods: Samples of faeces, vomit, raw food, and environmental surfaces were collected and examined. The isolated pathogen was identified using bacteriological culture, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and serotyping according to the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method in accordance with standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and dehydration without fever, with disease exacerbation observed in post-partum animals. Extensive carriage and faecal shedding of S. Agona were detected in affected dogs, along with widespread contamination of food and the kennel environment. The isolate was susceptible to some antimicrobial agents but resistant to cephalexin, aminoglycosides, lincosamides, macrolides, and fusidic acid, and showed intermediate susceptibility to polymyxin B. Following discontinuation of raw meat feeding, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and environmental disinfection, all dogs recovered, and subsequent tests for Salmonella spp., were negative. All human contacts also tested negative. Conclusions: This represents the first documented outbreak of S. Agona infection in dogs in Bulgaria linked to a RMBD. The findings emphasise the importance of feed safety, biosecurity, and traceability of feed sources in kennels, as well as the potential zoonotic risk associated with raw feeding practices. The diagnostic and therapeutic measures implemented in this case provide an effective model for managing similar epidemiological events within the One Health framework. Full article

Background/Objectives: This scoping review aims to identify and map out the current state of research on the relationship between ultra-processed foods (UPF) intake and disease activity and symptoms in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: A search strategy was developed using key terms, and the search was conducted through the PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations databases to identify relevant studies. Data were comprehensively extracted, analyzed, and synthesized. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in the review: 7 on UPF and 11 on food additives. Most prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies suggested a positive association between UPF intake and IBD activity, measured using disease activity indexes and fecal calprotectin (FC) as an inflammatory marker. Trials excluding food additives from the diet provided inconclusive evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing IBD symptoms or disease activity. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests potential links between UPF and food additive intake and IBD outcomes. Yet, heterogeneity in UPF definitions, variability in additive formulations, and the lack of standardized dietary assessment methods limit definitive conclusions. Future studies should integrate standardized exposure assessment methods with validated outcome measures to better clarify the role of UPF and food additives on IBD trajectory. Full article