Search Results (6,543)

This study investigated the effects of feeding High-Moisture Corn (HMC) on meat production performance, mutton quality, muscle metabolism, and gut microbiota in Kazakh rams. Thirty-two 6-month-old Kazakh rams were divided into a control group (CT) and an experimental group (GS). Both groups received a basal diet consisting of 30% whole-plant corn silage, 30% cotton residue, and a concentrate mixture. In the CT group, the concentrate contained 24% ordinary crushed corn (on a dry matter basis). In the GS group, half of the ordinary crushed corn was replaced with HMC, resulting in a concentrate containing 12% ordinary crushed corn and 12% HMC. After a 120-day feeding period, backfat thickness was significantly higher in the GS group (p < 0.05); For meat quality, muscle shear force was significantly lower (p < 0.01) and intramuscular fat content was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the GS group; Amino acid analysis showed that aspartic acid content was significantly lower (p < 0.01), arginine and glutamine contents were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and glycine content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the GS group; Fatty acid analysis revealed that the contents of methyl undecanoate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl heptadecanoate, methyl alpha-linolenate, and all-cis-4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid were significantly higher in the GS group (p < 0.01), while the contents of ten other fatty acids, including methyl caprate, methyl laurate, and methyl tridecanoate, were significantly higher (p < 0.05); A total of 668 metabolites were detected by muscle metabolomics, and 20 of them were identified as significantly differential metabolites, with the GS group showing 15 upregulated and 5 downregulated, mainly enriched in four pathways: valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis; taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle); Gut microbiota analysis showed no significant difference in alpha diversity, but beta diversity was significantly separated between the two groups (p < 0.01); Correlation analysis revealed that Firmicutes_A was significantly negatively correlated with most fatty acids, while Proteobacteria was significantly positively correlated with multiple fatty acids (p < 0.05). In conclusion, The GS group had significantly increased backfat thickness, reduced muscle shear force, increased intramuscular fat content, and significantly enriched beneficial fatty acids in Kazakh rams, thereby improving meat quality. Full article

Obesity is currently recognized as a chronic and multifactorial disease. According to epidemiological data released by the World Health Organization in 2022, more than 2.5 billion adults were overweight and more than 890 million were affected by obesity. The aim of this narrative review is to clarify what leads to overweight and obesity, to explain the concept of energy balance, to address the limited effectiveness of dietary products marketed for weight reduction, to examine commonly promoted nutritional strategies for weight loss and to challenge claims of their superiority. The most recent, robust, and high-quality evidence available on the topic was selected, with particular emphasis on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Overweight and obesity are characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat mass. At the basis of excessive adipose tissue accumulation lies a persistent positive energy balance. Energy balance is generally considered a central physiological determinant of body weight regulation. Approaches that do not explicitly incorporate this principle may be associated with variable or unsustained outcomes. Available evidence suggests that, when an equivalent caloric deficit is achieved, differences in the timing of energy intake or in dietary patterns—such as intermittent fasting or low-carbohydrate diets—are not consistently associated with greater weight loss compared with other guideline-based dietary strategies. Some supplements supporting weight loss, in selected cases, may offer marginal support; however, based on the current state of scientific knowledge, no product represents an effective shortcut for weight loss. Full article

Microplastic (MP) contamination is increasingly recognized as a global environmental problem affecting aquatic ecosystems, food quality, and animal and human health. Farmed fish represent an important and increasing component of the human diet. Therefore, understanding potential human exposure to MPs is essential for ensuring food safety. In the current paper, we present the results of a preliminary study conducted in Bulgaria on MP contamination in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)] reared in freshwater aquaculture systems. Edible tissues were analyzed using Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging spectroscopy, a highly sensitive method enabling rapid detection and accurate identification of polymer types present in samples. MPs were detected in all examined specimens, demonstrating that these particles are bioavailable and capable of accumulating in fish muscle tissues commonly consumed by humans. Moreover, the presence of multiple polymer types suggests diverse contamination sources within aquaculture environments. Although the present findings do not allow direct conclusions about human health risks, they indicate potential risks of trophic transfer and highlight the need for improved monitoring strategies and management practices in farmed fish production. Overall, this study provides novel data on MP exposure in aquaculture species and emphasizes the preventive importance of assessing plastic pollution in fish intended for human consumption. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural production is a significant public health issue in Mexico, as it directly impacts food safety and population exposure through dietary intake. Available scientific evidence indicates that vegetables and other plant-derived foods can serve as significant exposure pathways for toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury. The consumption of contaminated foods may contribute to cumulative adverse health effects, including neurological, renal, and reproductive alterations, as well as an increased risk of chronic diseases. In Mexico, risk assessment is further constrained by methodological heterogeneity across studies and by difficulties in translating scientific evidence into concrete regulatory actions. Critically, the national regulatory framework lacks specific standards establishing maximum permissible limits for heavy metals in fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, despite their central role in the population’s diet. Regulations focus primarily on drinking water quality and selected processed foods, creating a regulatory gap in the direct control of contaminants in crops. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen public policies by establishing crop-specific regulatory standards, implementing systematic monitoring programs, and integrating food safety considerations more effectively into environmental, agricultural, and public health policies in Mexico. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which dietary quality and physical activity (PA) may influence insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function. This observational cohort study investigated how adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and participation in structured physical activity (PA) relate to metabolic changes over six months in Spanish male adolescents. Methods: A total of 78 participants (median age 11 years; IQR 10–12) were followed in a school-based study (2020–2021) and categorized by MedDiet adherence using the KIDMED index into medium (M) and high (H) groups. Metabolic health was assessed at baseline (T1) and after six months (T2) using lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, and several indirect indices of insulin resistance and β-cell function, including HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and SPINA indices. Statistical analyses included correlations and adjusted linear models, with false discovery rate correction applied. Results: At baseline, higher MedDiet adherence was associated with lower fasting insulin and improved insulin resistance markers (p ≤ 0.002). Over six months, adolescents with high adherence showed more favorable changes in insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI) and β-cell function (SPINA indices), with results remaining significant after correction (all pFDR < 0.05). LDL cholesterol levels also improved more markedly in participants combining high MedDiet adherence with structured PA (pFDR < 0.001). In contrast, triglycerides and TG-related indices increased across all groups, without differences between them (pFDR < 0.001). Conclusions: High MedDiet adherence combined with structured PA was associated with more favorable trajectories in insulin sensitivity, attenuated β-cell secretory demand, and a more favorable LDL-c profile. These findings support integrated lifestyle approaches for early cardiometabolic prevention in male adolescence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Protein intake is a key determinant of skeletal muscle health across the lifespan, yet optimal strategies must also account for cardiometabolic health and environmental sustainability. Differences in digestibility and amino acid composition between plant and animal-based proteins may influence their capacity to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS), particularly in aging. Methods: This narrative review integrates evidence from acute tracer studies, randomized controlled trials, and long-term observational research comparing plant versus animal-based proteins for preserving muscle while supporting environmental goals and cardiometabolic health across populations. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 11 December 2025 (plant-based protein OR animal-based protein AND sarcopenia OR muscle protein synthesis), with citation tracking. In total, 80 relevant findings were identified. Results: Acute tracer studies show that, gram-for-gram, animal-based proteins (particularly whey/dairy) stimulate greater myofibrillar protein synthesis due to higher leucine density, digestibility, and more rapid aminoacidemia—an effect that is more pronounced in older adults with anabolic resistance. In younger individuals, these differences are largely attenuated when total protein intake is sufficient. Importantly, the anabolic potential of plant-based proteins can be enhanced through higher dosing, amino acid or leucine fortification, and complementary protein blending (e.g., cereals with legumes or use of high-DIAAS isolates). Consistent with this, longer-term resistance training studies demonstrate comparable gains in muscle mass and strength between plant- and animal-based diets when protein intake (≥1.0–1.2 g/kg/day; ≥1.2–1.5 g/kg/day in illness), per-meal distribution (~0.4 g/kg with ~3–4 g leucine in older adults), and energy intake are optimized. Beyond muscle outcomes, higher plant-based protein intake is associated with favorable cardiometabolic profiles and lower environmental impact. Conclusions: An age-specific, mixed protein approach is recommended, emphasizing plant-based proteins in younger adults and higher-quality, leucine-rich proteins in older individuals. Defining optimal plant-to-animal-based protein ratios remains a key research priority. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a limited body of research on evidence-based food literacy education for adolescents. The inquiry-based curriculum, Teens CAN: Comprehensive Food Literacy in Cooking, Agriculture, and Nutrition, was designed to improve food literacy among adolescents ages 14–18 years. This study aimed to assess the Teens CAN curriculum by examining changes in food literacy outcomes among high school–aged adolescents and explore the effectiveness of undergraduate facilitators in implementing the curriculum with fidelity. Methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted among high school students comprising intervention (n =14) and comparison groups (n = 16). All Teens CAN lessons were delivered by trained undergraduate facilitators, and lesson fidelity was measured by a trained observer. Baseline and follow-up survey measures assessed various components of food literacy, including adolescent nutrition knowledge, diet quality, and intrinsic motivation to prepare healthy food (cooking self-efficacy). Between-group differences were examined using t-tests, and ANCOVA regression models assessed associations between changes in baseline to follow-up nutrition knowledge, diet quality, and cooking self-efficacy, adjusting for baseline values. Results: The adolescents in the intervention group had a significant increase in nutrition knowledge scores compared to the comparison group (4.6 ± 2.3 vs. 1.1 ± 3.7, respectively; p = 0.01). High fidelity (≥80%) was achieved across lessons and lesson components. In ANCOVA regression analyses, participation in the intervention was positively associated with nutrition knowledge (β = 3.3, 95% CI [0.87–5.80]; p = 0.01), providing evidence for future investigation. Conclusions: The findings from this pilot study suggest that Teens CAN has the potential to positively influence food literacy and related behaviors among adolescents, therefore warranting further investigation in a larger population. Full article

Postbiotics are an emerging ingredient class which have promising potential to support canine gut function by delivering beneficial microbial compounds directly to the gut. We tested a canine immune health postbiotic (CIHP) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of twenty colony-housed dogs (ten per group) selected for having consistently loose stools but with no diagnosed gastrointestinal disease. After a 5-day wash-in and 5-day baseline, dogs received 12 mg/kg body weight per day of CIHP or a placebo for 28 days mixed with their normal dry diet. The primary outcome was stool consistency (Waltham fecal score), measured on Days 0, 14, and 28; secondary outcomes included fecal gut-health biomarkers and fecal microbiome composition from 16S rRNA sequencing, measured on Days 0 and 28. CIHP improved stool quality (p-value = 0.03), while placebo did not (p-value = 0.5), and CIHP showed a trend toward increasing the odds of individual dogs showing improved fecal scores by Day 28 compared to placebo (p-value = 0.07). Microbiome profiling revealed broader community remodeling with CIHP than the placebo (16 taxa significantly shifted with CIHP vs. 1 with the placebo), consistent with stool quality being impacted by both gastrointestinal and gut microbiome functions. Fecal biomarkers that reflect gut health (pH, dry matter, short-chain fatty acids, dysbiosis index, calprotectin) were within reference ranges at baseline and remained stable in both groups, indicating benefits occurred within a normal physiological window. Together, these findings show that CIHP can improve stool consistency while reshaping the gut microbiome in otherwise healthy dogs prone to loose stools. Future studies in home-environment dogs across breeds, ages, and living conditions are needed to generalize these findings to the broader canine population. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bromoform (CHBr₃) dose on in vitro rumen fermentation and on CHBr₃ and dibromomethane (CH₂Br₂) concentrations in solution and the gas cap. In vitro treatments consisted of CHBr₃ (DOSE: 0, 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 µg of CHBr₃), with five replicates per DOSE at each time-point (TIME: 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). The 10,000 µg CHBr₃ DOSE inhibited fermentation completely and was removed from the dataset. The acetate:propionate ratio, nitrogen, and methane (CH₄) produced per gram of DMD decreased as DOSE increased (p = 0.01). As the DOSE increased, CH₄ decreased, and H₂ increased in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The CHBr₃ concentration dropped below the detection limit within 3 h of incubation. Dibromomethane concentrations for DOSE 1000 and 100 µg of CHBr₃ increased in solution and gas cap beginning at 0.25 h and 1 h post incubation and plateaued by hour 3 and 5, respectively (p < 0.01). The addition of CHBr₃ alters the molar proportion of volatile fatty acids, decreases CH₄, and increases H₂ production, and it is dehalogenated to CH₂Br₂ within 3 h of incubation in an in vitro system. Full article

Traditional edible plants such as quelites are an important component of the Mexican diet due to their nutritional and functional value; however, the effects of postharvest and culinary processing on their phytochemical composition remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of oven-drying and freeze-drying, as well as thermal preparation (raw vs. boiled), on the proximal chemical composition, phenolic profile, and antioxidant capacity of leaves and inflorescences of Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae (huauzontle), using an integrated metabolomic approach. Proximal analysis showed that major macronutrients (protein, dietary fiber, lipids, and carbohydrates) were largely preserved across drying methods, whereas moisture and ash contents differed significantly among tissues and treatments (p < 0.05). Raw freeze-dried inflorescences exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. UPLC-DAD-ESI-QToF/MS enabled the identification and quantification of 26 phenolic compounds, predominantly glycosylated flavonols derived from quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, while naringin was identified as the main flavanone glycoside present. Quercetin glucuronide was the most abundant compound, particularly in inflorescences. Multivariate analyses (principal component analysis [PCA], permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA], and partial least squares discriminant analysis [PLS-DA]) suggested that the drying method was a major source of variability, followed by thermal treatment and tissue type, although these patterns should be interpreted as indicative rather than conclusive. Overall, freeze-drying appeared to be the most effective method for preserving the phytochemical quality of huauzontle under the conditions evaluated, highlighting its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds within the genus Chenopodium. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns, weight loss, and handgrip strength (HGS) among adults with a history of bariatric surgery. Methods: We analyzed data of 1888 adults (62.3% women; mean age 38.8 years) who attended the Qatar Biobank study. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis of data from a food frequency questionnaire. HGS was measured using dynamometry, and relative HGS (RHGS) was calculated as HGS/BMI. Results: The mean weight loss after bariatric surgery was 27.6 kg (23.4%), and the mean HGS was 30.1 (SD 11.2) kg. The mean duration after bariatric surgery was 3.6 years. Greater weight loss was associated with lower HGS (Q4 vs. Q1: −1.29 (95%CI −2.26 to −0.33)) but higher RHGS (Q4 vs. Q1: 0.10 (0.06 to 0.13)). Higher adherence to a “prudent diet” with high intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with stronger HGS (Q4 vs Q1: 1.07 (0.18 to 1.96)). In contrast, a “traditional diet” (high intake of mixed dishes, e.g., biryani, croissants, zaatar fatayer, lasagna, white rice, and Arabic bread) was inversely associated with HGS (Q4 vs. Q1: −1.27 (−2.19 to −0.35)). Conclusions: In conclusion, greater weight loss was associated with improved relative muscle strength, while adherence to a traditional diet was linked to weaker HGS. These findings highlight the importance of diet quality in maintaining muscle function after bariatric surgery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is a major public health concern worldwide, which may lead to detrimental maternal and neonatal outcomes. Maternal nutritional status, gestational weight gain (GWG), and lifestyle factors are potentially modifiable determinants of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined the association between PTB and maternal GWG and assessed whether maternal dietary habits and lifestyle factors were related to GWG in women delivering preterm versus at term. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was conducted at a tertiary center in Hungary (MANOR Study, 2019). The case group included n = 100 women with PTB, while n = 200 matched term deliveries served as controls (1:2 ratio). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and medical records. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was categorized using standard definitions, while GWG was classified as inadequate, recommended, or excessive according to the US 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. A 7-item dietary index score was calculated based on gestational dietary habits. Results: Pre-pregnancy BMI distribution did not considerably differ between groups (p > 0.05); over one-third of women in both groups were overweight or had obesity (38.7% vs. 36.7%). Previous PTB (p < 0.001) and gestational hypertension (GHT) (p = 0.003) were more common among current PTB cases, while smoking, alcohol consumption, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) showed negligible differences (p > 0.05)—28.0% of cases, and 34.5% of controls were classified as having healthy dietary habits, based on the dietary index score calculated. Inadequate GWG was more prevalent among PTB cases (49.0% vs. 26.8%), whereas excessive GWG was less frequent among cases (21.9% vs. 38.4%). Being within the recommended GWG range and the manifestation of gestational hypertension were associated with lower (aOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18–0.87; p = 0.020) and higher (aOR: 3.43; 95% CI: 1.44–8.19; p = 0.005) odds of PTB, respectively. Conclusions: Inadequate GWG was more common in PTB, while excessive GWG was more frequent in term pregnancies. Fast-food consumption was associated with excessive GWG among term births. Optimizing GWG and improving maternal diet quality should be included as key, cross-cutting interventions targeting the improvement of antenatal care. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, ruminal fermentation, in vivo digestibility, carcass yield, and physicochemical variables of meat when bovine rumen content (BRC) was included in the diet of lambs. Thirty-six Pelibuey-Dorper crossbred lambs of both sexes, with an average weight of 19.5 ± 1.5 kg, were used in a generalized randomized block design with the sex of the lambs as a blocking factor with four treatments: BRC₀, BRC₁₅, BRC₃₀, and BRC₄₅, corresponding to 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% BRC inclusion in the diet, respectively. The results indicate that the dietary effect was not significant for any of the evaluated variables, whereas sex showed significant differences in final body weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and hot and cold carcass yield. Although specific treatment-sex combinations significantly influenced productive performance variables such as average daily gain, dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation parameters, such as propionic acid, there is no consistent evidence that the inclusion of bovine rumen content promotes superior productive performance or carcass quality in fattening lambs. Full article

Essential oil-based feed additives have been proposed as a practical strategy to mitigate enteric methane emissions in ruminants, but their effects are not always consistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with an essential oil blend on in vitro methane production, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in Lithuanian Blackface lambs. We hypothesized that supplementation would induce measurable changes in in vitro methane production and selected rumen fermentation variables, while growth performance and technological meat quality would remain comparable between treatments. Sixty Lithuanian Blackface lambs were allocated to control (C) and treatment (T) groups (30 lambs per group). The C group received a basal diet, and the T group received the same diet supplemented with an essential oil blend, Agolin Ruminant, at a dose rate of 0.1 g/animal/day, consisting of linalool, eugenol, geranyl acetate, and geraniol. An in vitro rumen fermentation assay was performed using rumen fluid pooled within both dietary groups from multiple lambs and incubated as a single batch with four replicate fermentation flasks per treatment (n = 4 fermenters per group) to quantify methane production and in vitro nutrient digestibility. In vivo apparent nutrient digestibility was evaluated in a dedicated sub-trial (n = 6 animals per group). Growth performance in the main trial was analyzed using the pen as the experimental unit (n = 3 pens per group), and slaughter-based measurements—including slaughter and carcass traits, rumen volatile fatty acids and protozoal counts, and Longissimus dorsi meat quality and intramuscular fatty acids—were determined in 10 lambs per treatment (n = 10 animals per group). In vitro methane production did not differ between groups (p = 0.366); in vitro crude fiber digestibility showed a tendency to increase with supplementation (p = 0.066). Fermentation end-products were largely unchanged, although propionate tended to be higher (p = 0.063), and the acetate:propionate ratio was lower (p = 0.043) in the supplemented group; protozoal counts were not different between groups. In vivo apparent nutrient digestibility was comparable between treatments. Growth performance was lower in the supplemented group, resulting in an overall mean ADG 19.0% lower. Slaughter and carcass traits were comparable between treatments. Meat proximate composition, cholesterol concentration, pH, color, water losses, and instrumental texture/shear parameters were not affected by supplementation. Intramuscular lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0), and pentadecanoic (C15:0) fatty acids were lower (p < 0.05), while C14:1 n-7 tended to decrease (p = 0.050); however, total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids and nutritional ratios were unchanged. Overall, under the study conditions and dose used, the essential oil blend did not significantly reduce in vitro methane production and elicited only limited rumen fermentation responses; ADG was 19.0% lower in the supplemented group, whereas carcass traits and technological meat quality were unaffected, and only specific intramuscular fatty acids were altered. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, irreversible condition that imposes a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality. While inadequate glycemic and blood pressure control remain its central drivers, dietary patterns are increasingly recognized as modifiable determinants of disease trajectory. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), now pervasive in contemporary diets, have attracted particular attention due to their distinct physicochemical properties and biological effects. These products are industrial formulations that undergo multiple processing steps and are typically characterized by low nutritional quality, high energy density, and extensive use of additives. Epidemiological data suggest an association between higher UPF intake and adverse renal outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently defined. We posit inflammaging, a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state linked to biological aging, as a conceptual framework through which UPF-related renal injury may be interpreted. Within this context, gut dysbiosis and excess dietary phosphate emerge as potential mediators. Although no causal relationship has been established until now, there is mounting evidence interconnecting UPF’s consumption, hidden dietary phosphorus, chronic low-grade inflammation, accelerated aging and gut dysbiosis with CKD progression. We highlight critical research gaps and emphasize the need for policy and population-level strategies to reduce UPF consumption and slow CKD progression. Full article