Search Results (937)

As a source of non-protein nitrogen, ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is widely utilized in ruminant diets to reduce feed costs. However, the impact of its supplementation level on the flavor of sheep meat remains unclear, despite the known influence of fat on meat flavor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary NH₄Cl supplementation levels on the lipidome and flavor compounds of subcutaneous adipose tissue in Tibetan sheep, providing a scientific basis for dietary optimization in Tibetan sheep farming. Eighty 2-month-old early-weaned Tibetan lambs were selected and randomly allocated into four groups, fed diets supplemented with 0% (N0 group), 1.49% (N1 group), 2.24% (N2 group), and 3.01% (N3 group) NH₄Cl for an experimental period of 105 days. The study conducted histomorphological observations, lipidomics analysis, and determination of flavor compounds. The results showed that NH₄Cl supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the contents of various unsaturated fatty acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of Tibetan sheep. Specifically, the total saturated fatty acid (total SFA) content in the N3 group was significantly higher than that in the other groups, while the total monounsaturated fatty acid (total MUFA) content was significantly lower than that in the N1 and N2 groups (p < 0.05). The absolute contents of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and the sum of triglycerides (TGs) and diglycerides (DGs) in the N3 group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the other groups. Regarding flavor compounds, the contents of ketone aroma compounds, such as 2-propanone and 2-butanone monomer, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the N0 group than in the other groups. The ammonia content in the N1 and N3 groups was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the N0 and N2 groups, while the allyl sulfide content in the N2 group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the other groups. Correlation analysis revealed that the majority of TG and DG differential lipids were significantly positively correlated with allyl sulfide, and most differential lipids belonging to the PC, PE, and hexosylceramide (Hex1Cer) classes were significantly positively correlated with ammonia (|r| ≥ 0.80, p < 0.01). Conversely, PC (16:0_18:3) exhibited significant negative correlations with multiple beneficial aroma compounds (|r| ≥ 0.80, p < 0.01). The study indicates that dietary NH₄Cl supplementation levels exceeding 2.24% are associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and reduced synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and beneficial flavor compounds, such as 2-propanone and 2-butanone, in subcutaneous adipose tissue. This is also associated with the abnormal accumulation of phospholipids and ceramides, which correlate strongly with elevated ammonia concentrations in adipose tissue and the generation of oxidation products such as propanal, potentially compromising meat flavor quality. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial joint inflammation and different system involvement that results in considerable physical and psychological symptoms. This narrative review investigates the impacts of nutritional diet therapy on RA symptoms, highlighting recent scientific findings in terms of how different dietary components may modulate inflammation and disease activity. Treatment of RA includes conventional and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and symptomatic response modifiers, like corticosteroids and non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs (NSAIDS). However, nutritional interventions are becoming more and more popular due to their ability to alter inflammation. The review also focuses on macronutrients such as proteins and fats, stressing the usefulness of omega-3 fat acids/monounsaturated fat acids but warning against high intake of processed carbohydrates/sugars. Besides that, it explores the effects of micronutrients and bioactive compounds like polyphenols which may minimize RA symptoms and result in better disease control together with vitamin D or probiotics. This study highlights that incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can benefit the health and well-being of RA patients. Dietary modification may serve as a supportive approach alongside conventional treatments, helping patients improve both physical and mental aspects of their condition and achieve a better quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing problem of excess body weight and the resulting dyslipidemia among children and adolescents is a serious health challenge that may have long-term consequences. In this context, the search continues for an optimal diet that will support both body weight normalization and improvement in lipid parameters. In the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and lipid disorders, limiting highly processed foods and replacing them with natural, minimally processed options lower in fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), cholesterol, sugar, and salt is recommended. This study aimed to assess the quality and nutritional value of the low-glycemic index (LGI) diet and standard (ST) diet. Methods: Both diets were based on the principal recommendation of the Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet-2 (CHILD-2). The Diet Quality Index (DQI) was used to assess the diet quality. Moreover, the nutritional value of the diet was assessed before and after 8 weeks of intervention. The study included 40 patients aged 8–16 years with excess body weight and dyslipidemia who completed the entire nutritional intervention. Results: This study demonstrated that both LGI and ST diets were effective in improving diet quality. The nutritional intervention led to an almost 2-fold reduction in the mean DQI score in the LGI diet group and almost 1.5-fold reduction in the ST diet group (significant differences between groups). No participants were classified into a lower diet quality category than at baseline. The percentage of participants with minimum moderate diet quality reached 100% in the LGI diet group and 44% in the ST diet group. Changes in nutritional value were similar in the LGI and ST diet groups. Both interventions resulted in a significant increase in protein and fiber consumption, as well as a decrease in cholesterol, SFA, and sodium. A greater improvement in diet quality was significantly associated with lower fat and SFA, as well as higher vitamin C intake, in both groups; specifically, it was also associated with reduced cholesterol and sugar intake in the LGI diet group, and reduced sodium intake in the ST diet group. Conclusions: These results suggest that in the dietary therapy of children and adolescents with excess body weight and dyslipidemia, the quality of the diet is crucial, as it is associated with beneficial changes in nutritional value, which may have a positive impact on patient health. To achieve this, however, constant and consistent cooperation with a dietitian is necessary to help implement appropriate dietary recommendations in practice. Further long-term, larger-scale studies are needed. Full article

Background: Gustatory dysfunction represents an underrecognized complication that may influence dietary behaviors and metabolic control. Previous investigations have suggested alterations in taste in patients with diabetes, yet the relationship between disease duration and specific taste modalities remains incompletely characterized. Aim: This study aimed to (i) compare orosensory detection thresholds for lipid and sweet tastes between patients with recent type 2 diabetes mellitus (rT2DM) (duration ≤ 5 years) and chronic type 2 diabetes mellitus (cT2DM) (duration > 5 years), and (ii) determine whether diabetes duration is associated with alterations in chemosensory function in a North African population. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative pilot study was conducted at the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology in Tunis, Tunisia, from April to June 2021. Sixty-seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving oral antidiabetic medication were recruited through systematic sampling and divided into two groups: rT2DM (n = 30, duration ≤ 5 years) and cT2DM (n = 37, duration > 5 years). Orosensory detection thresholds for lipid taste were assessed using eight ascending concentrations of linoleic acid ranging from 0.018 to 12 mmol/L. In contrast, sweet taste thresholds were evaluated using a sucrose concentration series ranging from 0.01 to 5 mmol/L. The three-alternative forced-choice method with an ascending-concentration presentation was employed for both taste modalities. Detection thresholds were defined as the lowest concentration at which participants correctly identified the taste quality. Results: Patients with cT2DM exhibited significantly elevated orosensory detection thresholds compared to those with rT2DM for both taste modalities tested. The median linoleic acid detection threshold was 6.000 mmol/L in cT2DM versus 0.058 mmol/L in rT2DM (p < 0.001), representing a 107-fold increase in detection threshold. For sweet taste, the median sucrose detection threshold was 1.0 mmol/L in cT2DM compared with 0.5 mmol/L in rT2DM (p < 0.001), indicating a 2-fold increase in the threshold. In the overall patient cohort, the duration of diabetes was positively correlated with both fat taste perception thresholds (r = 0.657, p < 0.001) and sweet taste perception thresholds (r = 0.466, p < 0.001). However, when analyses were performed by diabetes duration-based subgroups, these correlations were observed only for fat taste perception in cT2DM, with no statistically significant correlations found in rT2DM. In multivariate linear regression analyses adjusted for age, body mass index, and sex/gender, the duration of diabetes remained independently associated with fat and sweet taste perception. Conclusions: Extended T2DM duration is associated with substantial elevations in orosensory detection thresholds for both lipid and sweet tastes in a North African population. These findings suggest that disease chronicity may contribute to chemosensory impairment, potentially influencing dietary preferences and metabolic control in patients with diabetes. Full article

Grazing yaks often face protein deficiency due to low-quality pasture, which limits milk production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying protein levels in concentrate supplementation on lactational performance, immune function, and rumen microbial and metabolites in grazing lactating yaks. Thirty-six lactating Qinghai Plateau yaks (172.78 ± 11.70 kg) were assigned to four treatments for 70 d (10 d adaptation + 60 d trial): grazing only (CON) or grazing plus 1.50 kg/d concentrate containing 15.09% (CP15), 17.00% (CP17), or 18.98% CP (CP19). Concentrate supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG; 0.22 vs. 0.72–0.90 kg/d; p < 0.001) and milk yield (622.18 vs. 1094.25–1385.73 g/d; p < 0.001), and milk yield showed a linear increase with higher dietary protein levels (p < 0.001). Milk protein yield (29.99 vs. 56.00–68.60 g/d; p < 0.001) and milk lactose yield (40.71 vs. 79.85–93.53 g/d; p < 0.001) were also increased. Milk composition, including fat, protein, and lactose, also improved across supplementation groups, with the greatest enhancement observed at the CP17 group (p < 0.05). Rumen pH and volatile fatty acids did not differ between treatments, while microbial protein increased with supplementation (10.88 vs. 12.72–15.00 mg/dL; p = 0.041) and showed a linear response to dietary CP level (p = 0.033). Concentrate supplementation significantly altered the rumen microbial structure (ANOSIM, p = 0.036), enriching Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002, Fibrobacter, Ruminobacter, and Succinimonas and reducing Saccharofermentans in CP17 yaks (p < 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics further indicated a marked shift in the ruminal metabolite profile. Compared with CON, CP17 yaks exhibited higher levels of calcium propionate, 2-nitrofuran, curvulalide, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, but lower levels of 4-pyridoxic acid, L-carnitine, bitocholic acid, and taurodehydrocholic acid. Pathway enrichment analysis identified vitamin B6 metabolism as significantly enriched. Collectively, these findings suggest that moderate protein concentrate supplementation (CP17) may enhance lactation performance by modulating rumen microbiota and metabolism in lactating yaks. Full article

To explore a safe and effective approach for producing strontium-enriched fish, in this study, we modified the feed for juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × Acipenser schrenckii ♂) and set three different levels of strontium chloride content in their diet (0 mg/kg (Sr0, control), 80 mg/kg (Sr80), and 160 mg/kg (Sr160)) for a period of 8 weeks, analyzing their growth performance, strontium enrichment, muscle nutrition, and hepatic physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic characteristics. The results show that dietary strontium had no significant impact on sturgeon growth or survival rate (p > 0.05). The strontium content in tissues increased with dietary strontium levels, with the highest enrichment in bone plates (p < 0.05). However, muscle crude fat in the strontium-supplemented groups decreased significantly; the Sr160 group had higher glutamic acid, valine, docosahexaenoic acid methyl ester, lower myristic acid, palmitic acid, etc. (p < 0.05). In addition, strontium treatment alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation and mitochondrial swelling. Biochemical analyses revealed reduced plasma levels of Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), as well as decreased hepatic Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while hepatic Glutathione (GSH) levels increased (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic data further showed that strontium downregulated the expression of fasn and tfrc and upregulated the expression of cpt1a, apoa1, cyp7a1, and slc3a2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 80–160 mg/kg strontium enables safe strontium enrichment in hybrid sturgeon, improves muscle nutritional quality, and protects liver function by regulating the genes related to lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense, providing a scientific basis for the development of strontium-enriched fish products. Full article

The valorization of cull sheep and the incorporation of agro-industrial by-products into animal feeding represent effective approaches to enhancing the sustainability of small ruminant production systems. This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of 17% partially destoned olive cake (OC) in the concentrate fed to Valle del Belice ewes on carcass characteristics, as well as on meat and salami quality. A 14-week feeding trial was conducted on 124 animals allocated to a control (CTR) and an experimental (EXP) group, balanced for parity, days in milk, and daily milk yield. At the end of the trial, five animals per group were slaughtered and their meat was processed into three types of salami: 100% sheep meat (SM), 90% sheep meat with 10% beef heifer brisket (HB), and 90% sheep meat with 10% pork backfat (PB). Meat and salami were evaluated for chemical composition, fatty acid profile, polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation, microbiological status, textural properties, and sensory characteristics. Dietary OC supplementation resulted in increased carcass weight, separable fat, intramuscular fat content, and monounsaturated fatty acids—particularly oleic acid—along with higher polyphenol levels and antioxidant activity. Salami produced from OC-fed ewes exhibited reduced weight loss during ripening, lower lipid oxidation, an improved MUFA/SFA ratio, and satisfactory sensory attributes. Microbiological analyses indicated a dominance of lactic acid bacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci, with no pathogenic microorganisms detected. Overall, the inclusion of olive cake in the diet enhanced meat and processed product quality, supporting the valorization of olive oil by-products within circular economy frameworks. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasingly valued as a climate-resilient crop due to its nutritional quality and adaptability; however, there is limited information on the nutritional composition of heat-tolerant genotypes grown in tropical environments or the potential of quinoa leaves as an additional nutrient source. This study assessed the nutritional composition of leaves and grains from three heat-tolerant quinoa genotypes (Ames 13746 (Pison), Ames 13748 (Copacabana), and Ames 13745 (Kaslae)) to support their use as multipurpose crops in warm regions. Crude protein, amino acid, dietary fiber fraction, total fat, total starch, and mineral (Ca, Mg, P, K, Fe, and Zn) concentrations were quantified using AOAC, AACCI, and AOCS standardized methods. The grains exhibited a balanced essential amino acid profile, with lysine concentrations exceeding those of most staple cereals. The protein contents in the leaves and grains did not differ among genotypes (p > 0.05), although combustion analysis yielded consistently higher values than the Kjeldahl method. The leaves differed significantly in insoluble and total dietary fiber (p < 0.05), with Kaslae presenting the highest levels. In grains, the dietary fiber, total fat, total starch, and mineral contents did not vary among genotypes. The leaf mineral composition differed in terms of Ca and P, while Mg, Fe, K, and Zn levels remained similar across genotypes. These findings underscore quinoa’s potential as a nutrient-dense, multipurpose crop for food production in tropical environments. Full article

Donkey meat is valued for its high protein, unsaturated fats, and low cholesterol. Fatty acid (FA) composition critically influences meat quality and is modulated by dietary energy levels. Twenty-four meat donkeys (male) were randomly divided into three groups: a low-energy group (LEG), a medium-energy group (MEG), and a high-energy group (HEG). The trial lasted for 135 days, with dietary digestible energy levels adjusted during the pre-fattening, mid-fattening, and late-fattening phases according to the experimental design. The results showed that MEG and HEG interventions significantly upregulated tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA content while reducing n-6/n-3 ratios, concomitant with enhanced activity and gene expression of most lipid-metabolizing enzymes. Notably, MEG further elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and anti-inflammatory mediators while suppressing pro-inflammatory factors. MEG and HEG significantly upregulated serum cholestane-3,7,12,25-tetrol-3-glucuronide and cortisol, along with hepatic choline, lysoPC(20:2(11Z,14Z)), glycocholic acid, and cholestane-3,7,12,25-tetrol-3-glucuronide. These modified metabolites were predominantly enriched in key metabolic pathways: pentose and glucuronate interconversions, primary bile acid biosynthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Additionally, compared to HEG, MEG improved the antioxidant activities and immune signaling molecule levels with elevated pyroglutamic acid, glutathione, choline, inosine, adenine, and uric acid. Thus, moderately elevated dietary energy levels may enhance FA profiles in muscular and adipose tissues through coordinated regulation of lipid-metabolizing enzymes and associated gene expression, with serum and hepatic metabolites actively participating in these regulatory pathways. However, excessive energy intake could induce oxidative stress in donkeys. Full article

Intensive broiler chicken farming is one of the most important livestock sectors globally. However, intensive production systems raise concerns about farm sustainability, as well as ensuring animal welfare and product quality. For this reason, identifying novel, high-value-added feed ingredients is crucial. Winery by-products (WBPs) are a valuable source of bioactive compounds and can be utilized as functional feed ingredients. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with grape seed meal and grape pomace meal in diets for broilers up to 42 days of age. Three dietary treatments were formulated—grape seed meal (3% and 6%), grape pomace meal (3% and 6%), and a combination (3% seed meal + 3% pomace meal)—along with a standard diet (control). The proximal composition (moisture, protein, fatty acid profile, fats, ash), antioxidant parameters (ROS, GSH, NO, POV), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS^•+), and total phenolic content of the meat and physical characteristics (color) were assessed. While proximal composition of meat was not significantly influenced by the dietary treatment, some parameters, such as total phenolic content, PUFA levels, and antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, were improved. These results demonstrate enhanced favorable traits improving chicken meat quality and confirm the potential of WBPs as functional feed ingredients, promoting a more sustainable production model aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have emerged as a critical component of diet quality, yet data on the associations between UPF and nutrient intakes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient consumption in relation to UPF intake and adherence to international dietary guidelines for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. Methods: Data from 469 individuals aged 2–18 years enrolled in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were analyzed. Intakes were assessed using two 24 h recalls, and foods were classified according to the NOVA system. Participants were categorized by UPF energy intake tertiles. Nutrient adequacy was assessed using Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, European Society of Cardiology guidelines for macronutrients, and the Institute of Medicine’s Estimated Average Requirements and Adequate Intake values for micronutrients. Results: Children in the highest UPF tertile had significantly higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and cholesterol, but lower intakes of protein compared to those in the lowest tertile. Fiber intake remained inadequate across all tertiles, with no significant differences. Regarding adherence to NCD prevention guidelines, children in the 3rd UPF tertile had a 2.3 times higher prevalence ratio for exceeding added sugar recommendations, while their protein intake prevalence ratio was 0.8 times lower. For micronutrients, the highest UPF tertile showed significantly elevated intakes of vitamins E, B₁, folate, calcium, iron, copper, and sodium, but lower potassium intake compared to the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Our results underscore the need for effective public health strategies to improve diet quality in children and adolescents and prevent diet-related NCDs. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of varying dietary salt and boric acid addition doses on the milk quality of Savak Akkaraman sheep. A total of 120 animals were as-signed to six treatment groups (n = 20): control (C), rock salt (S; 10 g/day), boric acid 20 mg/day (B20), boric acid 40 mg/day (B40), BS20 (20 mg boric acid + 10 g/day rock salt), and BS40 (40 mg boric acid + 10 g/day rock salt). All analyses were performed in duplicate on six samples, taken on days 30 and 35 following the administration of the additives. Physicochemical analyses only showed significant variation in milk pH (p = 0.006), while acidity, dry matter, and ash remained unaffected. Strong positive correlations were found among protein, lactose, salt, and density (r > 0.95; p < 0.001). Coagulation times differed widely, with the longest being observed in BS20 (995.03 s) and the shortest in BS40 (141.73 s). Among mineral parameters, only selenium levels differed significantly between the treatment groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for fat, solids-not-fat, lactose, freezing point, or electrical conductivity. Importantly, boron addition had a significant influence on total casein content (p < 0.001). Overall, dietary rock salt and boric acid did not markedly alter the basic milk composition but produced notable physicochemical changes, particularly in coagulation behavior and casein levels, which may influence the technological properties of sheep milk. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a formative period for lifelong dietary patterns, yet Korean adolescents show low fruit and vegetable intake, high sugar and sodium consumption, and rising obesity, highlighting the importance of multidimensional assessment that integrates behavioral, cultural, environmental, and competency-related factors. Methods: A total of 1010 adolescents aged 12–18 years completed an online cross-sectional survey assessing food intake, dietary and physical activity behaviors, dietary culture, and Food Literacy (FL) competencies. Standardized scores were used for hierarchical and K-means clustering to identify dietary practice patterns, and between-cluster differences were examined using ANOVA. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between Dietary Guideline Adherence (DGA) and FL. Results: Four clusters were identified—selective intake–low support (20.4%), regular habits–unbalanced intake (33.3%), high adherence (23.2%), and low adherence (23.1%)—with significant differences in DGA total and domain scores (p < 0.001). The high-adherence cluster showed balanced intake, regular routines, and strong household support, whereas the low-adherence cluster showed poor diet quality, irregular behaviors, and lower socioeconomic status. FL differed across clusters (p < 0.001) and correlated with DGA (r = 0.496, p < 0.01). Total FL predicted DGA (β = 0.496, p < 0.001), explaining 25% of its variance (R² = 0.246). Conclusions: Adolescent diet quality appears to be associated with behavioral, cultural, and competency-related factors. These findings suggest that cluster-specific strategies—such as fat–sugar–sodium reduction, promotion of low-sodium and diverse diets, and maintenance of balanced-dietary patterns—may support tailored school- and community-based nutrition programs and inform further longitudinal and intervention research. Full article

Background: Cardiometabolic risk (CMR), including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired glucose regulation, disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latinx adults in the United States (U.S.). Although plant-forward dietary patterns are established as cardioprotective, less is known about how dietary patterns within Hispanic/Latinx subgroups relate to CMR. Methods: A narrative review was conducted of observational studies among U.S. Hispanic/Latinx adults (≥18 years) examining defined dietary patterns (a priori, a posteriori, or hybrid) in relation to CMR outcomes (e.g., BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, lipids). Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including Seventh-day Adventist Latinx, Puerto Rican adults, Mexican American adults, Hispanic women, and a national Hispanic cohort. Plant-forward dietary patterns were associated with lower BMI and waist circumference, lower triglycerides and fasting glucose, and higher HDL-C. In contrast, energy-dense patterns characterized by refined grains, added sugars, processed meats, fried foods, solid fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with greater adiposity, poorer lipid profiles, and higher blood pressure. Traditional rice-and-beans–based patterns observed in Puerto Rican and Mexican American groups were associated with central adiposity and higher metabolic syndrome prevalence, despite modestly higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Study quality ranged from good (n = 4) to very good (n = 6). Conclusions: Across Hispanic/Latinx subgroups, plant-forward dietary patterns were associated with favorable cardiometabolic profiles, whereas refined and animal-based patterns aligned with higher CMR. Given the predominance of cross-sectional evidence, these findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal. Culturally grounded dietary counseling, along with additional longitudinal and intervention studies, is needed to support cardiometabolic health in these populations. Full article

Aims: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) are associated with metabolic benefits, but their long-term effects remain uncertain, particularly in Asian populations with traditionally high carbohydrate intake. This study examined LCD patterns and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults using nationally representative data from the 2022–2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Among 9617 adults aged ≥20 years with complete dietary and health data, LCD score was calculated from the percentage of energy derived from carbohydrates (reverse-scored), fats, and proteins, and participants were categorized into high-carbohydrate, moderate-carbohydrate, and low-carbohydrate groups. MetS was defined using an Adult Treatment Panel III and Korean criteria. Survey-weighted logistic regression was applied to assess associations between LCD score and MetS across sequentially adjusted models. Results: MetS prevalence differed significantly across LCD decile groups (LCD1: 9.6%, LCD2: 5.8%, LCD3: 9.7%; p < 0.001). In a minimally adjusted model, LCD decile 3 was associated with higher odds of MetS (OR, 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.27). However, this association was attenuated and became non-significant after further adjustment for key metabolic risk factors. Obesity, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all strongly associated with MetS (all p < 0.001), and income-related disparities were evident, with lower-income groups showing higher carbohydrate and lower fat and protein intakes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LCD patterns are not independently associated with MetS once underlying metabolic factors are considered. Public health strategies in Korea would be emphasized by improving nutrient quality, promoting balanced macronutrient intake, and reducing socioeconomic inequalities in diet to mitigate metabolic risk among adults. Full article