Search Results (438)

Background/Objectives: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently experience food-related symptoms and express a strong need for dietary guidance, yet evidence-based recommendations remain limited. This often leads to self-imposed dietary restrictions, potentially compromising nutritional intake and food-related quality of life (Fr-QoL). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate changes in Fr-QoL, following personalized feedback on an IBD-specific food frequency questionnaire and access to an online nutritional knowledge portal over a 6-month period. Secondary exploratory outcomes included changes in dietary intake and diet quality. Methods: In this nationwide pre–post study, 108 patients with IBD completed baseline and 6-month assessments. Dietary intake was measured using the validated GINQ-FFQ and Fr-QoL using a 29-item questionnaire. Nutrient intake was compared with EFSA reference values. Participants received automated personalized feedback and had access to educational tools and dietitian resources. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests. Results: A significant improvement in Fr-QoL was observed (mean difference 8.1 points, 95% CI 5.5–10.7; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.39). Baseline intake was characterized by high fat and low fiber consumption. After 6 months, total energy intake decreased (p < 0.001), along with reductions in protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and several micronutrients, including iron, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Diet quality did not improve, and adherence to EFSA guidelines remained suboptimal. The digital tools were positively evaluated. Conclusions: In this single-arm pre–post study, Fr-QoL scores were higher at follow-up than at baseline among participants who completed both assessments, whereas dietary intake and overall diet quality did not improve. The findings support the feasibility and acceptability of the developed digital tools for dietary assessment and nutrition education, although their effectiveness requires further evaluation in controlled studies. Additional strategies, including structured dietitian-led support combined with digital resources, may be required to optimize nutritional outcomes in patients with IBD. Full article

Although significant progress has been made in reducing salt consumption over the past decade, most Croatian adults still exceed the recommended intake. This study aimed to identify demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with high salt intake in the general adult population of Croatia. We included a random sample of 1067 adults with reliable 24-h urine samples. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data. Anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed. Laboratory analyses included the measurement of sodium, potassium, and creatinine in adequate 24-h urine samples, as well as relevant cardiometabolic and kidney-related biomarkers. Participants consuming > 10 g/day of salt were older and had higher systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, serum uric acid, and triglyceride levels, lower HDL cholesterol levels, and greater BMI. High salt intake was more common among men, ex-smokers, participants with diabetes, and those with lower socioeconomic status (SES). In multinomial logistic regression analysis, male sex, diabetes, higher systolic BP, more frequent processed meat consumption, lower fish consumption, residence outside the Adriatic region, and higher ePWV were associated with high salt intake. High salt intake was associated with lower socioeconomic status, residence in rural and continental areas, obesity, former smoking, and less favorable dietary patterns. Conversely, lower salt intake was associated with residence in the Adriatic region and dietary patterns characterized by more frequent consumption of fish and olive oil. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long COVID-19 (LC) has been associated with persistent inflammation and impaired vascular health. Dietary minerals are involved in oxidative stress, endothelial homeostasis, and arterial stiffness; however, their relationship with vascular health in LC remains poorly explored. This study aimed to examine the association between energy-adjusted dietary mineral intake and markers of vascular stiffness and vascular aging in adults with LC, while exploring potential sex-specific patterns. Methods: A total of 304 adults with LC from the BioICOPER study were included. Dietary mineral intake was assessed using a validated 7-day dietary record from the EVIDENT tool and expressed as mineral density per 1000 kcal for the regression analyses. Vascular assessment included carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and the vascular aging index (VAI). Hierarchical multivariable linear regression models, false discovery rate (FDR) correction, restricted cubic spline analyses, sensitivity analyses excluding supplement users, and formal sex × mineral interaction tests were performed. Results: In descriptive adequacy analyses, adequate iron intake was associated with lower baPWV. In energy-adjusted linear regression models, no mineral-outcome association remained statistically significant after FDR correction. In the fully adjusted sensitivity model, zinc density showed a nominal positive association with cfPWV, but this association did not survive FDR correction. Restricted cubic spline analyses suggested possible non-linear associations of magnesium and potassium density with cfPWV and VAI. Formal interaction analyses did not provide robust evidence of sex-related effect modification. Conclusions: After energy adjustment and correction for multiple testing, the evidence for independent linear associations between dietary mineral density and vascular outcomes in adults with LC was limited. These exploratory findings suggest that mineral intake, dietary sources, and non-linear patterns deserve further evaluation in prospective studies and nutritional intervention trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Foods and beverages consumed during school lunch periods contribute substantially to children’s dietary intake; however, Canadian evidence of their nutritional contribution and quality remains limited. This study assessed nutrient content, nutrient density, and contributions to dietary recommendations among Saskatchewan elementary students. Methods: A descriptive quantitative study was conducted among 379 students aged 5–13. Dietary intake during school lunch periods was assessed using a photography-assisted plate waste method. Nutrient content was estimated using standard nutrient databases, nutrient density was evaluated using the Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) 9.3 Index, and contributions to dietary recommendations were examined. Results: Median lunch energy was 411.4 kcal (IQR: 296.7), and the mean NRF 9.3 score was 292.6 (SD: 130.7). Compared with home-packed and mixed lunches, school-provided lunches contained less energy, carbohydrate, fat, and sugar, while protein was similar across lunch types. Overall, lunches contributed <25% of daily requirements for key nutrients, including fibre, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Older students had lower proportional nutrient contributions relative to their higher nutritional requirements. Nutrient density differed by lunch provenance, but not by age or reported gender, with school-provided lunches achieving the highest NRF 9.3 scores. Conclusions: Lunches contributed modestly to daily nutrient requirements, particularly among older students. In this sample, school-provided lunches were associated with higher nutrient density than home-packed lunches, although their absolute contributions to several nutrients remained limited. These findings provide baseline evidence on lunches consumed during school lunch periods among Saskatchewan elementary students and may inform future evaluations of school food systems and policies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. This study evaluated the effects of two beetroot cultivars (Boldor and Wodan) on blood serum parameters, body composition, and organ weights in male WKY rats fed a low-protein diet (LPD, 8.8% protein). Methods: Five-week-old male rats were maintained on an LPD for 8 weeks and subsequently continued on the LPD diet supplemented with 4% dried beetroot for 45 days. The experimental diets included beetroot from the Boldor and Wodan cultivars, either treated or untreated with a plant growth stimulator during cultivation. Results: Foliar application of the selenium-based plant growth stimulator did not significantly increase selenium or other element concentrations in beet roots. Elemental analysis showed higher levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Sb in the Wodan group, while Boldor increased Cr, Pb, and As; Ni and Se remained unchanged. Beetroot supplementation significantly affected 14 of the 30 measured biochemical parameters, including biomarkers of liver function (ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein), renal function (uric acid), pancreatic activity (amylase and lipase), electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, and chloride), mineral metabolism (calcium), inflammatory status (CRP), and nutritional metabolism (iron). Conversely, no significant effects were observed on lipid profile parameters or biomarkers of cardiac and skeletal muscle injury. Among the beetroot cultivars evaluated, Wodan exerted distinct effects relative to Boldor, resulting in higher circulating total bilirubin and potassium concentrations, alongside reduced uric acid and lipase levels in treated rats. Boldor supplementation significantly increased body weight gain and fat mass, with a trend toward higher lean mass, and increased kidney weight. Wodan did not significantly affect body weight but increased kidney and spleen mass. Feed intake was similar across groups. No changes in cardiovascular function were observed ex vivo. Conclusions: Beetroot supplementation modulated multiple metabolic and physiological biomarkers in rats fed a low-protein diet, with distinct cultivar-specific effects, underscoring the importance of cultivar selection for optimizing functional dietary interventions. Full article

Hypertension remains the primary modifiable driver of global cardiovascular morbidity, yet the long-standing paradigm of universal sodium restriction is increasingly challenged by the intricate biological heterogeneity of salt sensitivity. This review elucidates the evolving pathophysiological landscape of sodium-induced hypertension, transcending the classical Guytonian pressure-natriuresis model to incorporate emerging evidence of endothelial glycocalyx degradation, non-osmotic interstitial sodium sequestration, and gut–immune axis dysregulation. Furthermore, we critically interrogate the epidemiological “salt controversy,” examining how methodological artifacts—specifically the systematic biases inherent in spot urine sampling—may contribute to the observed J-shaped associations between sodium intake and clinical outcomes. By integrating the modulatory role of the dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio and the genetic/epigenetic determinants of individual salt-sensitive phenotypes, we propose a paradigmatic shift toward a precision nutrition approach. Full article

The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional contribution of essential elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Zn) and assess health risks associated with potentially toxic elements (Cd, Pb, As, Al, and Sr) in three types of cheese from retail chains and produced by two different producers. One hundred forty-four cheese samples were collected in 12 months. All samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The average concentrations of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Zn, Al and Sr in cheese samples were 4183.87–6227.98 mg/kg, 1.00–1.63 mg/kg, 695.90–884.39 mg/kg, 175.00–255.70 mg/kg, 21.49–27.56 mg/kg, 2.65–5.73 mg/kg and 1.91–5.82, respectively, depending on cheese type and producers. Concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in all analyzed samples were below the limit of detection (LOD). From a nutritional perspective, the analyzed cheeses represented important dietary sources of calcium and zinc, with substantial contributions to recommended daily intakes, particularly under the higher consumption scenario (100 g/day). Magnesium also contributed meaningfully to dietary intake, especially in children, whereas the contributions of iron and potassium remained relatively low in all evaluated consumption scenarios. Health risk assessment was expressed as the percentage of the tolerable daily intake (%TDI) or provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI). Under the higher consumption scenario (100 g/day), children represented the most highly exposed population group, with %PTWI values for aluminum ranging from 0.25 to 9.10% and %TDI values for strontium ranging from 6.92 to 20.00%, depending on cheese type and producer. Overall, the analyzed cheeses showed high nutritional value and low toxicological risk; however, continuous monitoring of potentially toxic elements remains important to ensure food safety. Full article

The objective of these three studies was to determine if dietary potassium supplementation affects urine production or calcium oxalate (CaOx) relative supersaturation (RSS) in adult cats. In the first study, control cats were fed dry food containing 1.08% potassium (as fed), and treatment cats were fed control food supplemented with KCl (1.95% potassium) for 21 days. In study two, cats were fed one of three treatment foods for two weeks in a three-period crossover study design (control food containing 0.84% potassium, and treatment foods containing control food supplemented with KCl at 1.35% or 1.81% potassium). In study three, control and treatment cats were fed similarly to study one, with each experimental period lasting two weeks in a crossover study design. In study one, urine production (p = 0.037), urine potassium excretion (p = 0.049), and urine chloride excretion (p = 0.007) were greater for cats fed test food. In study two, increasing dietary potassium concentration significantly increased water intake and urine production, and decreased USG in a dose–response manner. Urine concentrations of sodium and phosphorus were significantly decreased by urine dilution. In study three, cats consuming test food had a 25% increase in urine production and reduced urine specific gravity compared with cats consuming the control food. In addition, CaOx RSS was reduced (p = 0.007). No adverse effects were observed in healthy cats consuming increased dietary potassium. Full article

Bottled drinking water is widely consumed in Saudi Arabia; however, the chemical composition of these products and the accuracy of the information presented on their labels remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated the composition of 41 still bottled waters purchased from major supermarkets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with emphasis on fluoride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, hardness, and pH, and examined their potential contributions to dietary mineral intake and caries-preventive fluoride exposure. Products were categorized according to label descriptions, and elemental analyses were performed using a fluoride ion-selective electrode for fluoride and ICP-MS for calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. The pH was measured using a calibrated multiparameter analyzer, and hardness was calculated from calcium and magnesium concentrations. Mineral and purified waters accounted for 75.6% of the sampled products. Fluoride concentrations were generally modest (mean 0.76 ppm; median 0.74 ppm), indicating that the potential contribution of bottled water to caries prevention may vary substantially by brand, and only one product would provide the adult adequate intake for fluoride at a hypothetical intake of 2 L/day. Mean concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium were 15.10, 7.19, 12.08, and 3.55 mg/L, respectively, indicating limited nutritional significance for most products. Most waters were soft to moderately hard, and pH values were close to neutral. Agreement between label declarations and measured values was inconsistent for fluoride, calcium, and pH. These findings show that bottled waters sold in Riyadh differ considerably in composition and that product labels do not always provide a reliable estimate of fluoride content, mineral content, or pH. From a water quality and public health perspective, bottled water can contribute to daily intake of selected constituents, but in most cases, this contribution is modest and highly brand dependent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthy longevity depends on not only lifespan but also the maintenance of physiological, metabolic, physical, and cognitive functions throughout aging. Identifying early determinants of health is crucial for preventing age-related decline. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on how diet and specific nutrients relate to these early risk factors and indicators of healthy longevity. Methods: A review was performed to identify the links between dietary factors, energy balance, and gut microbiota composition and normal body weight; blood cholesterol, pressure, and glucose; healthy sleep; an active lifestyle; and normal physical function and cognitive performance. Particular attention was given to Mediterranean and other plant-based dietary models as sources of key nutrients. Evidence from observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was considered. Results: Across all markers, dietary quality and nutrient adequacy emerged as consistent determinants of health outcomes. Key nutrients were associated with favorable cardiometabolic, cognitive, and musculoskeletal functions, such as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins D and B, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and polyphenols. Common nutrition gaps included insufficient intake of fiber, unsaturated fats, and micronutrients, which was often linked to a shift toward less plant-based diets. Gut microbiota diversity may mediate several of these associations, influencing metabolism, inflammation, sleep quality, and cognitive performance, although inter-individual variability and causal pathways remain incompletely understood. Conclusions: An integrated dietary approach emphasizing the consumption of whole and plant-rich foods, with moderate amounts of animal foods, supports multiple early markers, risk factors, and indicators of healthy longevity. The modulation of the gut microbiota through plant-based diets and fermented foods represents a promising strategy for maintaining health across aging trajectories. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrient profiling models are widely used to support healthier food choices, but their applicability may be limited in dietary cultures with multi-dish meals and high consumption of minimally processed foods. This study extended the Ajinomoto Group Nutrient Profiling System (ANPS), originally developed for dish- and meal-level assessment, to evaluate overall quality of daily intake (ANPS-Day) based on four components (protein, vegetables, saturated fatty acids [SFAs], and sodium), and examined its criterion-related validity using 24 h urinary biomarkers. Methods: A total of 324 healthy Japanese adults aged 20–69 years completed four-day semi-weighed dietary records and two non-consecutive 24 h urine collections. Urinary sodium, potassium and urea nitrogen were measured. Associations were examined using age- and sex-adjusted Spearman correlation coefficients and trend analyses. Results: The crude ANPS-Day score showed weak and inconsistent correlations with urinary biomarkers. In contrast, the energy-adjusted ANPS-Day score was positively correlated with estimated potassium intake (r = 0.25) and inversely correlated with the urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio (r = −0.24). In quartile analyses, higher energy-adjusted ANPS-Day scores were associated with higher protein and potassium intakes and with a lower Na/K ratio (all p for trend ≤ 0.001). In component analysis, vegetable points were positively associated with potassium intake, whereas sodium points were inversely associated with estimated sodium intake and the Na/K ratio. SFA points were not associated with urinary biomarkers. Conclusions: The energy-adjusted ANPS-Day score showed modest but biologically plausible associations with urinary biomarkers, providing partial evidence of criterion-related validity in assessing diet quality in multi-dish dietary settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dairy yogurts are a source of protein and micronutrients in the Canadian diet. However, Canada’s Food Guide emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, which is facilitated by a greater availability of dairy alternatives on the market. The nutritional composition of these products varies and can differ from dairy foods such as yogurt, which contain high-quality protein and micronutrients. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dairy yogurt consumption as part of a diet on any given day on nutrient intakes in Canadians across ages. Methods: The 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)—Nutrition first day 24 h recalls of males and females > 1 years of age (n = 17,308) and of yogurt consumers (n = 3788) were examined to estimate nutrient intakes arising from yogurt consumption. Respondents were allocated into four groups defined by their daily yogurt intake in grams (i.e., Group I/non-yogurt consumers: <1 g; Group II: 1–90 g; Group III: 90–115 g; Group IV: >115 g). Results/Conclusions: The results of this study provide timely data on Canadian yogurt consumption across the ages and show that those consuming yogurt have higher intakes of essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and dietary fibre. The data from this study emphasize the importance of yogurt in the context of a healthy eating pattern and emphasize the need to encourage consumption of yogurt within Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy. Full article

Background/Objectives: University students frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary habits, and even those enrolled in nutrition-related programmes may fail to meet recommended intakes of several key nutrients. This study aimed to assess changes in dietary intake and body composition over a single academic semester among university nutrition students. Methods: A prospective pre–post study was conducted with 102 students at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record and evaluated for energy, macronutrients, and specific micronutrients. Body composition was measured by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Changes between baseline and follow-up were analysed using paired statistical tests with the false discovery rate correction. Predictors of follow-up body fat percentage were examined using an analysis of covariance. Results: At baseline, mean daily energy intake was 2114 ± 632 kcal. A particularly low intake was observed for dietary fibre (15.45 ± 8.46 g/day), potassium (2013 ± 954 mg/day), iodine (63.5 ± 69.8 µg/day), and vitamin D (2.31 ± 3.01 µg/day), whereas protein intake was relatively high. During follow-up, significant increases were observed in the intake of carbohydrates (+54.2 g/day), dietary fibre (+9.3 g/day), potassium (+766 mg/day), vitamin C (+69.2 mg/day), and magnesium (+86.2 mg/day), together with lower sodium and saturated fat intake (all adjusted p < 0.001). No significant short-term changes were found in body weight, body fat percentage, or skeletal muscle mass. Follow-up body fat percentage was primarily associated with baseline adiposity. Conclusions: One semester of nutrition-related education was associated with improved dietary intake, particularly for fibre and selected micronutrients, but not with measurable short-term changes in body composition. These findings suggest that nutrition education may support healthier dietary behaviour and may contribute to preventive healthcare strategies in young adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease frequently associated with dysphagia, nutritional imbalances, and alterations in body composition. This study aims to describe the anthropometric profile and body composition in people with MS, estimate the risk and type of dysphagia, analyse dietary intake and habits, and evaluate the evolution of these parameters over six months. Methods: This descriptive analytical longitudinal study included 30 patients with MS (20 women, 10 men), with a median age of 53.3 years at baseline and 54.0 years at final assessment. The prevalence of dysphagia risk was determined, dietary patterns and body composition were characterised, and their interactions were explored through two assessments conducted six months apart. Results: Overall, 90% of the sample had relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). At both the initial and final assessments, the median BMI was above 25 kg/m² and a high prevalence of dysphagia risk (63.3% and 76.7%), particularly for liquids. Frequent inadequacies were observed in the intake of certain macronutrients and micronutrients, including energy, fibre, potassium and magnesium. Likewise, the analysis by food groups revealed low adherence to recommendations, particularly for fruits, cereals, legumes, fish and lean meats. No significant differences were detected between the two time points. Conclusions: Dysphagia, dietary intake, habits, and body composition are interconnected dimensions in MS; systematically integrating nutritional assessment and dysphagia screening into clinical practice would contribute to a more comprehensive management and to improvements in swallowing disorders and nutritional status in people with MS. Full article

Background: Indigenous African fruits, like the African horned cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus), are abundant in nutrients and serve as a source of food and raw materials for manufacturing value-added products in both rural and urban areas. This review presents a comparative analysis of selected fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family, specifically in terms of the phytochemical, biochemical and mineral constituents, as well as nutritional contribution, and aims to explore how the African horned cucumber measures up to its counterparts by comparing their nutritional content against the recommended daily intake (RDI). Material and Methods: A literature search—using the keywords ‘African horned cucumber’, ‘Cucurbitaceae fruits’, ‘biochemical constituents’, ‘indigenous fruits’ and ‘recommended daily intake’—was used to gather credible data suitable for this review paper. Findings and Conclusions: The published peer-reviewed literature reveals that the African horned cucumber—with its nutrient-rich profile boasting high levels of calcium (19%), potassium (28%), magnesium (78.1%), sodium (10.7%), zinc (12.7%), beta carotene (15.5%), vitamin C (4.1%), vitamin E (15.2%), total flavonoids (0.28%), and total phenols (0.7%)—holds the promise of contributing significantly to the human diet while aligning with the RDI and dietary guidelines, as documented in studies, further underscoring its potential to meet nutritional needs and enhance health, thus supporting its consideration for commercialisation. Full article