Search Results (5,200)

The Planetary Health Diet (PHD), recognized as a healthy and environmentally sustainable dietary pattern, has been promoted globally; however, its role in supporting weight change among children within structured weight management interventions remains unclear. A four-month randomized multicomponent family-based trial was conducted with 120 dyads of children with obesity (7–12 years) and their guardians. The intervention group (IG) received counseling on the PHD, portion size reduction, and strategies to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, while the control group (CG) received general guidance based on the Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population, emphasizing the avoidance of ultra-processed foods. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were taken by trained professionals at baseline and during each consultation. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate BMI change in children and guardians. Most guardians were mothers with low-to-middle income. Attrition was around 40% in both groups, but most participants were followed up for four visits. No significant difference in BMI variation was observed between allocation groups; however, both groups of children reduced BMI (IG = −0.2 and CG = −0.4; p = 0.002), with no change among guardians. PHD adherence scores changed minimally overall, but consumption of nuts and fruits increased in both groups. Although the intervention did not outperform the control in reducing BMI, the overall BMI reduction among children in both groups suggests that participation in a lifestyle-focused trial, regardless of specific content, may promote weight management in children with obesity. Full article

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), have become a growing global health concern in children and adolescents. Pediatric-onset IBD presents unique challenges compared with adult-onset forms, including more extensive disease, impaired growth, delayed puberty, and psychosocial difficulties. While biologic and targeted therapies have advanced disease control, nutritional interventions remain a central component of management. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recognized as the first-line therapy for inducing remission in pediatric CD, offering comparable efficacy to corticosteroids with additional benefits for mucosal healing, nutritional status, and growth. Modified dietary approaches, such as partial enteral nutrition and the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), show promise for improving adherence and maintaining remission. However, dietary restrictions may lead to deficiencies and psychosocial stress, underscoring the importance of individualized, dietitian-supervised care. The role of nutrition in UC is less defined, but balanced, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns appear beneficial. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on nutritional strategies in pediatric IBD, highlighting their therapeutic potential, limitations, and integration with pharmacologic treatment within a multidisciplinary framework aimed at optimizing outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide recognised for a pivotal role within the reproductive system, but potentially important endocrine metabolic effects are less well understood. We examined effects of twice-daily intraperitoneal administration of saline vehicle or kisspeptin-10 (25 nmol/kg), for 21 days, on glucose homeostasis, energy balance, circulating hormones as well as the morphology-function of enteroendocrine and islet cells in high-fat diet (HFD) fed female mice, with normal diet (ND) mice as an additional control group. Kisspeptin-10 decreased body weight, blood glucose and energy intake to ND levels. HFD increased circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which were further enhanced by kisspeptin-10 along with luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. Neither HFD nor kisspeptin-10 affected progesterone or corticosterone. In the ileum, kisspeptin-10 decreased crypt depth and restored villi length to ND control levels, as well as increasing the proportion of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) positive cells when compared to HFD mice and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) positive cells compared to ND mice. Peptide YY (PYY) immunoreactivity was unaltered by HFD or kisspeptin-10. Plasma GIP was unchanged but circulating GLP-1 and PYY were reduced to ND levels. Within the pancreas, total islet, beta- and alpha-cell areas were similar in all mice, but kisspeptin-10 intervention restored relative insulin area to ND levels. Glucagon radius, an indicator of peripherally located alpha-cells, was reduced in HFD mice but normalised by kisspeptin-10 alongside elevated glucagon-islet area. Notably, beta-cell proliferation was increased by kisspeptin-10 with no alteration in beta-cell apoptosis. Overall, we reveal a previously uncharacterised diverse metabolic role for kisspeptin in directly modulating the gut–pancreatic axis. 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

Background: China’s rapidly aging population has led to a growing burden of dementia, marked by cognitive decline and heavy social and economic costs. Dietary patterns have been identified as a critical means for prevention. Methods: This study drew on data from the China Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Three logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between the Chinese version of the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (cMIND) diet and dementia. To test the stability of the results, we conducted two sensitivity analyses. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to assess the potential for a nonlinear relationship. Subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity across covariates and main effects. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed as a secondary analysis to minimize the influence of confounding factors. Results: The study included 9142 participants, with a dementia prevalence of 10.7% among Chinese older adults. After adjusting for all covariates, each one-unit increase in the cMIND diet score was associated with an 11% lower prevalence of dementia (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84–0.93). After full adjustment, the RCS model confirmed a significant and linear dose–response association between adherence to the cMIND diet and dementia. Comparable associations were observed across most subgroups. Conclusions: Adherence to the cMIND diet was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of dementia in Chinese older adults, with evidence of a clear dose–response effect. These findings highlight the potential of the cMIND diet as a preventive strategy against dementia in this population. Full article

Aims: To evaluate whether Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) IOB820 and its postbiotics can combat high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, improve metabolic parameters, and modulate gut microbiota and systemic inflammation in a mouse model. Methods: Seventy 4-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a normal diet group, an HFD control group, two postbiotic dose groups, two live bacteria dose groups, and an orlistat control group. After 10 weeks of intervention with live L. rhamnosus IOB820 or its postbiotics, body weight, metabolic parameters (blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic steatosis), pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10), gut microbiota composition (α, β diversity and taxonomic shifts), and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were assessed. Results: Both live L. rhamnosus IOB820 and its postbiotics significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain and improved metabolic outcomes. The treatments also reduced systemic inflammation, as indicated by decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and elevated IL-10. These effects were accompanied by restoration of gut microbial diversity, enrichment of beneficial taxa, and increased fecal SCFA concentrations. Conclusions: L. rhamnosus IOB820 and its postbiotics effectively mitigate obesity and related metabolic disturbances in HFD-fed mice. Their beneficial effects are likely mediated through modulation of gut microbiota composition and enhancement of SCFA-driven anti-inflammatory responses. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gut microbiome has an important role in immune regulation, and dietary interventions that support a balanced microbiota may help to prevent the development of allergic asthma. Dietary fibers can beneficially affect the intestinal microbiome, but due to the diversity of fiber types, the effects differ. In this study, we investigate the preventive effects of two mixes of short-chain and long-chain (1:1 and 9:1 ratio) fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic asthma. Methods: BALB/c mice received FOS-supplemented (1% w/w) diets before and during intranasal exposures to HDM. Endpoint airway hyperreactivity measurements were performed, followed by the collection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung, serum and cecum content. Fecal microbiome composition was determined by DNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were determined in the cecum, serum and lung. Results: Fecal microbiome analyses revealed an increased abundance of Prevotellaceae after FOS1:1 supplementation in HDM-allergic mice. Additionally, FOS1:1 protected against an HDM-induced increase in basal airway resistance. Both FOS1:1 and FOS9:1 restored the systemic acetate levels in HDM-allergic mice. The two FOS supplementations did not affect HDM-induced inflammatory cell influx in the BALF. However, FOS1:1 increased the frequency of Th1-cells and prevented an HDM-induced increase in the Th2/Th1 balance. Upon ex vivo restimulation with HDM, lung cell suspensions of FOS1:1-fed mice produced less type 2-related cytokines compared to control-supplemented mice, and FOS9:1 followed a similar pattern. Conclusions: Specific short-chain and long-chain FOS ratios differentially affect the microbiome and immune system in a mouse model with HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Dietary supplementation with FOS1:1 shifts the immune response away from type 2, suggesting that dietary fibers like FOS1:1 may contribute as a part of a broader strategy to modulate HDM-induced allergic asthma. Full article

Adult neurogenesis is well established in canonical niches—the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, where aerobic exercise reliably enhances progenitor proliferation, survival, and synaptic integration via increased cerebral blood flow, neurotrophins (e.g., BDNF, IGF-1), neurotransmitter regulation, and reduced neuroinflammation. Nutraceuticals (e.g., polyphenols, omega-3, creatine, vitamins) further support neuroplasticity and neuronal survival through convergent trophic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic pathways. By contrast, the hypothalamus, a metabolically pivotal, non-canonical niche, remains comparatively understudied. Here, we synthesize anatomical and functional features of hypothalamic neural stem cells, primarily tanycytes (α1, α2, β1, β2), which line the third ventricle and differentially contribute to neuronal activity regulation, metabolic signaling, and cerebrospinal fluid–portal vasculature coupling, thereby linking neurogenesis to endocrine control. Notably, tanycytes can form neurospheres in vitro, enabling mechanistic interrogation. Although evidence for adult hypothalamic neurogenesis in humans is debated due to methodological constraints, animal data suggest potential relevance to disorders characterized by neuronal loss, metabolic dysregulation, and impaired neuroendocrine function. We propose that an integrative framework is timely: exercise and diet likely interact in the hypothalamic niche through shared mediators (BDNF, IGF-1, CNTF, GPR40) and exercise-derived signals (e.g., lactate, IL-6) that may be complemented by defined nutraceuticals. Yet critical uncertainties persist, including the extent of bona fide hypothalamic neurogenesis, nucleus-specific responses (arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus), and the mechanistic integration of lifestyle signals in this region. To address these gaps, we outline actionable priorities: (i) single-cell and lineage-tracing studies of tanycyte subtypes under distinct training modalities (aerobic, high-intensity interval training, resistance); (ii) combinatorial interventions pairing structured exercise with nutraceuticals to test synergy on progenitor dynamics and inflammation; and (iii) multi-omics and translational studies to identify biomarkers and establish clinical relevance. Clarifying these interactions will determine whether lifestyle and supplementation strategies can synergistically modulate hypothalamic neurogenesis and inform therapies for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disease with significant physical, psychological, and economic impacts on individuals and society. Workers are particularly vulnerable, as obesity is associated with reduced productivity, absenteeism, and premature mortality. Lifestyle interventions combining dietary, physical activity, and behavioural strategies have been investigated as therapeutic approaches in this population. Objective: We aimed to conduct an integrative review assessing the effectiveness of workplace-based obesity treatment models involving dietary interventions, physical activity, and behavioural change. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed for studies published between 2006 and 2024, with no language restrictions. Eligible studies included experimental or quasi-experimental longitudinal designs involving adult workers. After screening 95 articles, 18 were evaluated in full, and 8 met all inclusion criteria. Data extraction covered study design, intervention type, comparators, outcomes, and methodological quality, assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Half of the included studies reported no significant reduction in body mass index after 6 or 12 months, while the others showed only modest decreases. Nevertheless, all interventions demonstrated improvements in dietary habits (reduced sugar-sweetened beverage intake, increased fruit, vegetable, and fibre consumption), physical activity (increased walking, reduced sedentary behaviour), and behavioural domains (adherence to healthy routines, self-monitoring, and family or employer support). Conclusions: Lifestyle-based workplace interventions for obesity show limited long-term effectiveness in weight reduction but promote healthier lifestyle habits, cardiometabolic health, and more supportive work environments. Future research should include diverse socioeconomic settings, particularly in developing countries, and apply robust designs, longer follow-ups, and innovative strategies to enhance adherence and outcomes. 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: Anxiety can influence dietary choices and habits, but dietary choices and habits can also contribute to the intensification of anxiety symptoms. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that a higher level of anxiety predicts poorer diet quality among adults in Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1841 individuals aged 18 years and older across Poland. A self-developed survey drew upon the KomPAN questionnaire, the Healthy Eating Plate with its accompanying infographic and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between anxiety level and gender, age, nutritional status, and other sociodemographic factors. The same approach was applied to evaluate the relationship between diet quality and the aforementioned variables. In addition, hierarchical clustering of variables was performed using Ward’s method. Results: Nearly half of the respondents presented a high level of anxiety (48.29%), while most reported a low-quality diet (64.58%). Participants aged 18–22 years were significantly more likely to exhibit both high anxiety levels (aOR = 1.614; 95% CI: 1.327–1.964; p < 0.001) and low diet quality (aOR = 1.810; 95% CI: 1.482–2.211; p < 0.001) compared to older groups. The findings support the hypothesis that higher anxiety levels are linked to poorer diet quality, particularly among young adults. Conclusions: Higher levels of anxiety were shown to be significantly associated with poorer diet quality, with the strongest effects observed in the youngest age group. These results highlight the need for integrated psychological and nutritional interventions targeting this group. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the directionality of the observed associations. Full article

Hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are significant global health burdens, with microalbuminuria (MA) serving as a key early marker of renal damage and cardiovascular risk. While nutritional interventions are pivotal for management, the evidence for specific nutrients is often complex and inconsistent, creating challenges for clinical guidance. This review critically evaluates current evidence on the interaction among macronutrients, micronutrients, and established dietary approaches and their influence on the development and course of HTN and MA. Strong consensus is present regarding sodium restriction, increased intakes of potassium, and the implementation of dietary patterns like Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean diet to improve blood pressure and renal outcomes. Evidence favors protein moderation (approximately 0.8 g/kg/day), especially from plant sources, and emphasizes carbohydrate quality (e.g., high fiber, low glycemic index) over absolute quantity. The role of micronutrients is more nuanced; maintaining vitamin D sufficiency is protective, but intervention trials for many supplements, including B vitamins and antioxidant vitamins (C and E), have yielded inconsistent results. Several minerals, such as iron and selenium, exhibit a U-shaped risk curve where both deficiency and excess are detrimental, highlighting the risks of unselective supplementation. Ideal nutrition care prioritizes holistic dietary patterns over a focus on single nutrients. Clinical guidance should be founded on sodium reduction and potassium-rich foods, with personalized recommendations for protein and micronutrient supplementation based on an individual’s specific cardiovascular and renal profile. Future research must target nutrients with conflicting evidence to establish clear, evidence-based intake guidelines. Full article

Background: Precision nutrition increasingly integrates mobile health (mHealth) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. However, personalized hydration remains underdeveloped, particularly in accounting for both food- and beverage-derived water intake. Objective: This scoping review maps the existing literature on mHealth applications that incorporate machine learning (ML) or AI for personalized hydration. The focus is on systems that combine dietary (food-based) and fluid (beverage-based) water sources to generate individualized hydration assessments and recommendations. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a structured literature search across three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) through March 2025. Studies were included if they addressed AI or ML within mHealth platforms for personalized hydration or nutrition, with an emphasis on systems using both beverage and food intake data. Results: Of the 43 included studies, most examined dietary recommender systems or hydration-focused apps. Few studies used hydration assessments focusing on both food and beverages or employed AI for integrated guidance. Emerging trends include wearable sensors, AR tools, and behavioral modeling. Conclusions: While numerous digital health tools address hydration or nutrition separately, there is a lack of comprehensive systems leveraging AI to guide hydration from both food and beverage sources. Bridging this gap is essential for effective, equitable, and precise hydration interventions. In this direction, we propose a hydration diet recommender system that integrates demographic, anthropometric, psychological, and socioeconomic data to create a truly personalized diet and hydration plan with a holistic approach. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lifestyle and dietary behaviors are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing symptom management and quality of life (QoL) in patients with rheumatic diseases. However, evidence remains limited regarding how specific lifestyle patterns interact with sociodemographic and clinical variables to shape patient-reported outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between diet, lifestyle behaviors, and self-perceived QoL in a cohort of patients with rheumatic conditions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 350 adults with rheumatic diseases completed a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, rheumatologic diagnosis and treatment, dietary behaviors, lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleep, smoking, alcohol), and QoL assessments (scales 1–10). Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, Chi-square tests, correlation analyses, logistic regression, and linear regression models to identify predictors of QoL. Results: The majority of participants were female (86.9%) and aged between 26 and 55 years. Urban patients were more likely to attribute a positive influence of diet on QoL, while rural participants reported stronger disease burden. Logistic regression showed that adherence to a special diet significantly increased the odds of reporting good QoL. Linear regression identified sleep quality (β = 0.42), perceived dietary influence (β = 0.29), and physical activity (β = 0.18) as independent predictors of QoL (adjusted R² = 0.47, all p < 0.001). Correlation analyses further revealed that disease burden negatively impacted emotional well-being and sleep, while dietary influence correlated positively with QoL. Conclusions: This study highlights the multidimensional role of diet and lifestyle in shaping QoL in patients with rheumatic diseases. Alongside pharmacological treatment, targeted lifestyle interventions focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and sleep hygiene may substantially improve patient outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations and explore causal mechanisms. Full article

An unhealthy prepubertal diet can have long-lasting effects throughout life. This study investigated hair concentrations of adrenal and sex steroids, in an in vivo mouse model of juvenile obesity subjected to control (CTRL), obesogenic (HFHC) diet, or nutraceutical supplementation (silymarin or coconut oil) diets. 87 3-week-old C57BL/6 mice (42 females, 45 males) were fed CTRL or HFHC diets for 8 weeks. Afterward, the CTRL group continued on CTRL diet while the HFHC diet group was divided into five groups: HFHC, HFHC→CTRL, HFHC→CTRL + silymarin (SIL), HFHC→HFHC + SIL and HFHC→HFHC + Coconut oil. At 4 weeks, the HFHC group showed increased cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ratio compared to CTRL group. At 20 weeks, the HFHC→HFHC group showed higher levels of progesterone (P4) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and lower levels of estradiol (E2) compared to the CTRL→CTRL group. The switch from HFHC→CTRL was the optimal therapy because the body weight and almost all the hormones were close to those observed for the CTRL diet group. Supplement with SIL or Coconut oil reduced DHEA-S and increased in E2 compared with the endocrine setting seen with the HFHC diet. These interventions should be considered as supportive measures rather than substitutes for dietary correction. Full article