Search Results (277)

Obesity is a major health concern within the United States. Previous studies have shown that a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) may help combat metabolic disease by improving cardiometabolic and inflammatory status. Pecans have high MUFA content and the highest antioxidant capacity of any nut. The aim of this preliminary study is to determine if a diet supplemented with 1.5 ounces of pecans daily for eight weeks could improve blood glucose, lipid panel, inflammatory markers, and body composition in individuals with overweight and obesity as compared to a control group who maintained their normal diet. Post-intervention measurements showed no significant difference from baseline values for either the experimental or the control group. Data acquired using the Vioscreen Food Frequency Questionnaire found negative correlations were present between LDL cholesterol and dietary intake of iron, selenium, zinc, MUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and dietary cholesterol. Furthermore, there were negative correlations determined between fasting blood glucose and dietary intake of magnesium, MUFA, and SFA. Regarding inflammatory markers, no detectable levels of IL-10 nor TNF-α were found in the majority of samples. IL-6 was detectable in all samples, but showed no statistical difference between any of the groups in the study. Thus, an intervention of 1.5 oz of pecans for eight weeks did not significantly change measured metabolic parameters nor levels of serum IL-6. However, due to the sample size limitations of this hypothesis-generating preliminary study, further research is needed. Further studies should include a longer intervention period, a larger cohort, and potentially a larger dosage of pecans to increase the amount of MUFA in the diet to determine if such interventions may influence cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters. Full article

Thermal variability associated with climate change is an increasing constraint for finfish aquaculture because water temperature directly affects feed intake, nutrient utilization, endocrine stress responses, oxidative balance, immunity, intestinal integrity and survival. The literature search was conducted without a lower publication-year restriction through 5 July 2026. Database and citation-linked searches identified 386 candidate records, of which 274 remained after duplicate removal; 71 full-text articles were assessed; and 28 peer-reviewed primary feeding studies with publicly available final versions of record were retained for qualitative evidence mapping. The eligible studies were published between 2012 and 2026, with 2012 representing the earliest eligible publication rather than a prespecified starting year. Functional aquafeeds have therefore emerged as promising nutritional tools for supporting physiological resilience under heat, cold and sub-optimal temperature conditions. This review developed a PRISMA-guided systematic evidence map of dietary functional-aquafeed strategies evaluated for thermal-stress tolerance, immune regulation, antioxidant defense and metabolic homeostasis in cultured finfish. The main synthesis emphasizes studies with direct dietary thermal-stress interventions and extractable mechanistic outcomes, including sodium butyrate, organic selenium, selenium nanoparticles with riboflavin, astaxanthin, Bacillus spp., propolis, bay laurel essential oil, Spirulina-based strategies and essential oils. Overall, the available evidence suggests that selected functional aquafeeds may support thermal-stress resilience through coordinated improvements in antioxidant capacity, reduced oxidative damage, modulation of cortisol/glucose and heat-shock responses, enhancement of innate and mucosal immunity, improved intestinal or tissue condition and stabilization of metabolic indicators. The most biologically coherent translational patterns were observed when dietary interventions improved multiple response domains simultaneously rather than a single biomarker. However, such cross-domain improvement was interpreted as mechanistic and translational support rather than as an independent indicator of evidence confidence, which depended primarily on independent replication, consistency of response direction and methodological quality. Nevertheless, the current evidence remains uneven across species, stress models, life stages and outcome domains, with limited data for marine carnivores, repeated temperature fluctuation, post-stress recovery, disease challenge and multiomics integration. Therefore, the findings should be interpreted as a structured evidence map rather than universal formulation guidance. Future studies should use standardized thermal-challenge protocols, dose–response designs, clear tank-level experimental-unit reporting and integrated biomarker panels to support practical development of climate-resilient functional aquafeeds. Full article

Introduction: Restrictive diets are increasingly encountered in pediatric practice and may be adopted voluntarily or prescribed for medical conditions. Although they can support normal growth when appropriately planned, exclusion of nutritionally important foods may increase the risk of nutrient inadequacy. This narrative review examined nutritional deficiencies and laboratory monitoring in children following plant-based, food-allergy elimination, gluten-free, ketogenic, and protein-restricted diets for inherited metabolic disorders. Methods: Targeted searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted through 30 June 2026 using pediatric, diet-specific, nutritional-status, and biomarker terms. Because this was a narrative review, the literature was selected and synthesized qualitatively rather than through a formal systematic-screening process; no fixed study count, duplicate independent screening, or formal risk-of-bias assessment was performed. Professional guidelines and position papers were prioritized when discussing monitoring considerations, while pediatric studies were used to describe dietary intake, biochemical findings, clinically manifest deficiency, and growth outcomes. Results: Nutritional risks differed according to the foods or nutrients restricted. Vitamin B12 and iron were major concerns in plant-based diets, whereas cow’s milk and multiple-food elimination increased the risk of inadequate calcium, vitamin D, iodine, protein, and energy intake. Gluten-free diets were commonly associated with low fiber, iron, folate, and B-vitamin intake, particularly when refined, non-fortified products predominated. Ketogenic dietary therapy required attention to selenium, vitamin D, bone-related minerals, carnitine in selected patients, and linear growth. In phenylketonuria and related disorders, nutritional adequacy depended strongly on protein-substitute adherence and appropriate provision of essential amino acids and micronutrients. Across all dietary patterns, laboratory results required interpretation in relation to dietary intake, growth, supplementation, inflammation, medication, and the underlying condition. Across dietary patterns, inadequate intake, biochemical abnormalities, clinically manifest deficiency, and impaired growth were considered related but distinct outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional monitoring should be individualized and based on the actual dietary restriction and clinical risk. The principal contribution of this review is a practical, risk-based framework that links the specific dietary restriction and adequacy of replacement foods with growth, symptoms, supplementation, and targeted laboratory biomarkers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Circulating insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutively secreted product of mature Leydig cells and is considered a stable biomarker of Leydig cell functional capacity, a key determinant of androgenic status across the male lifespan. Since the adult Leydig cell population is established during late childhood and puberty, nutritional and metabolic exposures during these periods may contribute to later variation in young adult INSL3. To investigate whether childhood and adolescent nutritional/metabolic markers, particularly vitamin D, fatty acids, amino acids, and dietary trace-element intake, are associated with circulating INSL3 concentrations in young adulthood. Methods: Data were analysed from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population-based UK birth cohort. Nutritional and metabolic markers measured during childhood and adolescence included vitamin D, fatty acid-related traits, glutamine, leucine, dietary zinc intake, and dietary selenium intake. Associations with circulating INSL3 at 17 and 24 years were first explored using bivariate correlation analysis. Variables showing signals of interest were then examined in multiple linear regression models using log-transformed data and relevant covariates, including BMI at 8 years and log-transformed exact age at the age-24 clinic visit. Results: Among the variables examined, vitamin D at 9 years showed a small positive association with INSL3 at 24 years (r = 0.098, n = 735, p = 0.008), remaining below the corrected threshold after both Benjamini–Hochberg and Bonferroni correction (q = 0.032 and Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.032). This relationship remained evident after adjustment for BMI at 8 years and after further adjustment for log-transformed exact age at the age-24 clinic visit. In these multivariable models, BMI at 8 years showed little evidence of association with INSL3 at 24 years, whereas log-transformed exact age at the age-24 clinic visit showed a negative association with INSL3. In contrast, no meaningful associations were observed for fatty-acid-related measures. Among amino acids and dietary trace-element measures, glutamine at 17 years showed a weak nominal positive association with INSL3 at 24 years, but this did not remain below the threshold after multiple-testing correction. Conclusions: Childhood vitamin D status, particularly at 9 years of age, may represent an early-life factor associated with variation in adult Leydig cell functional capacity. Fatty acid-related measures showed no clear associations, while glutamine yielded only a weak exploratory signal. These findings support the concept that the childhood metabolic environment may influence the developmental establishment of adult Leydig cell capacity. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to describe dietary intake among adults 55 years and older living in the Central Division of Fiji and identify food sources of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Methods: A retrospective dietary dataset consisting of 171 adults aged 55 and over was collected using the 24 h multiple-pass recall (24 h MPR) and assessed using the Intake24 Fiji smartphone application. Analyses were restricted to 147 participants with complete dietary record data. Energy, macronutrient, and selected micronutrient intakes were assessed against recommended amounts, and nutrient sources were reported for 15 food groups. Results: Mean daily energy intakes (6.6 MJ/day) were lower than recommended, especially for Those > 70 years (5.3 MJ). The participants had acceptable contributions of energy from fat (28%) and carbohydrates (56%) but lower contributions for protein (13%) than the recommended range (15–25%). The mean protein intake for men and women was 0.68 g/kg/day. More than half of these older adults consumed less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of retinol, thiamin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc, while vitamin B₆ requirements were met by approximately half of the participants. The primary sources of energy and nutrients were from bread and bakery products, mixed dishes, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusions: The dietary intakes of older adults in Fiji’s Central Division met carbohydrate and fat intake guidelines but were low in protein as well as retinol, thiamin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc; however, approximately half of the participants met the vitamin B6 requirements. These findings highlight the need to improve overall diet quality for older Fijians by increasing the accessibility of nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods and addressing low energy and micronutrient intakes. Full article

Background: Depressive symptoms (DepS) are prevalent among breast cancer patients and are associated with poor treatment outcomes and prognosis. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, and dietary antioxidants may be associated with oxidative balance. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and DepS, and to explore the statistical relationships between CDAI, oxidative stress biomarkers, and DepS. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 302 breast cancer patients were enrolled, of whom 113 provided blood samples for the assessment of plasma oxidative stress biomarkers. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day 24 h dietary recalls. The CDAI was calculated based on the intake of six dietary antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and manganese. DepS were defined as a score of ≥8 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—Depression subscale (HADS–D). Results: A total of 102 patients (33.77%) exhibited DepS, and these patients had significantly lower CDAI scores and reduced plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), compared with those without DepS (all p < 0.05). CDAI and dietary zinc intake were non-linearly associated with DepS (p for non-linearity <0.05). Vitamin C intake was inversely associated with DepS (OR = 0.989; 95% CI: 0.984, 0.993; p < 0.001). CDAI scores were positively associated with SOD and GSH levels (both p < 0.001), while SOD and GSH were inversely associated with DepS (SOD: β = −0.610; GSH: β = −0.900; both p < 0.001). In exploratory mediation analysis, GSH and SOD statistically accounted for part of the association between CDAI and DepS (ACME = −0.192 and −0.228, respectively; all p < 0.01). Conclusions: Higher dietary antioxidant intake, as reflected by CDAI, is associated with lower DepS in breast cancer patients, and oxidative stress biomarkers may be statistically involved in this association. Full article

Background: Shifting toward more plant-based diets is promoted for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. However, the nutritional consequences of reducing animal-based foods, particularly across age groups with specific dietary needs, remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this simulation study, we used dietary intake data from 3570 participants in the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2019–2021) to evaluate how replacing animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives affects the intake of protein, essential amino acids (EAAs), vitamins, and minerals across different age groups. Two substitution scenarios were modeled: a nutritionally conscious and a less conscious plant-based dietary pattern. Results: Total protein intake decreased in both scenarios, with the strongest reductions observed in elderly individuals (71–79 years). Vitamin intake, particularly B vitamins and vitamin A, declined in most age groups, and vitamin D remained chronically low. Mineral intake also decreased, notably for calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, and zinc, especially among women and adolescents. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of dietary planning and targeted fortification when promoting plant-based eating patterns. Future research should refine bioavailability estimates and evaluate the long-term health effects of such dietary transitions across life stages. Full article

High-yielding dairy cows are highly susceptible to lactational oxidative stress, which compromises mammary barrier integrity and elevates mastitis risk. This study investigated the potential biological mechanisms by which dietary hydroxy-selenomethionine (HMSeBA) alleviates oxidative stress and improves health in dairy cows. Forty Holstein cows were assigned to a basal control group (0.32 mg Se/kg DM) or an HMSeBA-supplemented group (0.64 mg Se/kg DM) for 105 days. HMSeBA significantly enhanced selenium bioavailability in both milk and blood, comprehensively strengthening antioxidant defenses (increased glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased malondialdehyde) and elevated serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), accompanied by a reduction in milk somatic cell count, without significantly affecting milk yield, feed intake, or milk production efficiency. Multi-omics analysis revealed that HMSeBA supplementation altered the rumen microenvironment by enriching fiber-degrading genera (Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, Xylanibacter, Segatella) and shifting metabolites, including feed flavonoids, peptides, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate, and 3-OH-C6-HSL. The positive correlation of ruminal 3-OH-C6-HSL with both blood selenium and these enriched taxa suggests a potential link between microbial activity and host selenium status. These findings indicate that HMSeBA supplementation improves the antioxidant and immune status of dairy cows, accompanied by exploratory, hypothesis-generating shifts in the ruminal microbiome and metabolome. Collectively, these findings highlight HMSeBA as a promising nutritional strategy to produce selenium-enriched milk while safeguarding udder health. Full article

Background: Data on the nutritional adequacy of unsupplemented vegetarians in Northeast China are limited. Methods: We compared dietary intake, body composition, and serum biomarkers among vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and omnivores. This cross-sectional study included 356 adults (all diet ≥ 2 years, no supplements). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ, body composition by BIA, and serum biomarkers. Kruskal–Wallis tests with Bonferroni correction were used. Results: Vegans had lower BMI (22.0 vs. 24.6 kg/m²), body fat (24.5% vs. 28.0%), and visceral fat (0.65 vs. 1.05 L) than omnivores (all p < 0.002). Vegans consumed more fiber (38.5 vs. 18.0 g/d) and vitamin C (180 vs. 85 mg/d), but less vitamin B₁₂ (0.3 vs. 4.2 μg/d), vitamin D (0.5 vs. 3.2 μg/d), calcium (520 vs. 720 mg/d), iodine (65 vs. 130 μg/d), and selenium (45 vs. 85 μg/d). Serum vitamin B₁₂, 25-(OH)D, ferritin, and selenium were significantly lower in vegans, while homocysteine was higher. The proportion of vegans with dietary intake below the recommendation reached 100% for vitamin B₁₂ and 97% for vitamin D, whereas omnivores showed excessive sodium (75%) and SFA (70%) intake. Conclusions: In this Northeast China cohort, unsupplemented vegetarian diets offered favorable macronutrient profiles and body composition but were associated with a high prevalence of dietary intakes below recommendations for vitamin B₁₂, vitamin D, iodine, selenium, zinc, and calcium. These findings underscore the need for targeted supplementation and food fortification strategies for individuals adhering to plant-based diets without supplement use in this region. 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

Selenium (Se) is essential for human health, but its dietary intake remains insufficient in many regions, increasing interest in biofortification strategies. Indoor hydroponic systems offer a controlled and resource-efficient approach for producing Se-enriched leafy greens. Sulfur (S), an essential macronutrient for plants, affects Se uptake and metabolism due to their chemical similarity. In this study, we investigated the effects of Se supplementation (2 µM Na₂SeO₄) under two S levels (0.65 and 1.3 mM, supplied as MgSO₄) on Se accumulation, yield, and nutritional quality in lettuce, rocket, and basil grown in an indoor nutrient film technique (NFT) system. High S supply increased biomass in lettuce and basil by 16% and 25%, respectively, while rocket remained unaffected. The effect of Se on biomass depended on S status and species. Under low S conditions, Se increased lettuce biomass but reduced basil biomass, whereas no significant effects were observed under high S. Sulfur strongly reduced Se accumulation in all species, leading to lower contributions to the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Under low S conditions, Se-biofortified lettuce, rocket, and basil provided 111%, 179%, and 37% of the RDA per serving, respectively, whereas these values decreased to 56%, 64%, and 20% under high S. Sulfur and Se treatments also influenced macro- and micro-nutrient composition in a species-dependent manner. Se supplementation consistently reduced total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) across all species. Total ascorbic acid was affected only in rocket, with the highest levels observed under high S without Se. These findings highlight a clear antagonistic interaction between S and Se in hydroponic systems and demonstrate the need to optimize S supply to balance yield and Se biofortification without compromising nutritional quality in leafy greens grown in indoor systems. Full article

Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition among women. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), a measure of dietary antioxidant capacity, has been associated with various inflammatory diseases, but evidence concerning its association with PID remains limited. Methods: The final analytic sample included 4539 women. CDAI was calculated from six dietary antioxidant components: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, zinc, and selenium. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between CDAI and self-reported history of treated PID, incorporating the sampling weights, strata, and primary sampling units of NHANES. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to assess both linear and non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses and a machine learning model based on random forest, combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value ranking, were conducted to evaluate the relative importance of individual components of CDAI. Results: In the fully adjusted spline model including smoking status, CDAI was inversely associated with the odds of self-reported history of treated PID, with no statistical evidence of nonlinearity. Compared with the lowest quartile (Q1), the odds ratios (ORs) for self-reported history of treated PID across higher quartiles of CDAI were as follows: Q2 (OR = 0.682, 95% CI: 0.485–0.959, p = 0.036), Q3 (OR = 0.524, 95% CI: 0.334–0.819, p = 0.009), and Q4 (OR = 0.666, 95% CI: 0.380–1.167, p = 0.167). Among the components of CDAI, vitamin E intake showed an independent inverse association with the odds of self-reported history of treated PID. The SHAP value interpretation indicated that vitamin A, vitamin C, and carotenoids were the three components in CDAI with the highest predictive contribution. Furthermore, subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant interaction effect of age on the association between CDAI and PID. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study suggests an inverse association between CDAI and self-reported history of treated PID, particularly in spline analyses; however, the quartile-based fully adjusted results were non-monotonic and attenuated after adjustment for smoking status. These findings provide hypothesis-generating evidence for future longitudinal and mechanistic studies on antioxidant-related dietary patterns and PID-related reproductive health. Full article

Tryptophan has been shown to affect fish feed intake and growth performance. Moreover, it is the precursor of several bioactive molecules such as serotonin, which can be converted into melatonin. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that directly neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Diets rich in tryptophan may contribute to reduced oxidative stress, potentially through its role as a precursor of serotonin and melatonin. In this study, three diets containing different contents of tryptophan: 0.5 (Trip1), 0.6 (Trip2) and 0.8% (Trip3), were tested in triplicate in 112-day-old meagre with an initial weight of 32.6 ± 3.4 g and 14.4 ± 0.5 cm length for 56 days. Although the results showed no significant differences for growth and FCR between treatments, there was a tendency toward increased growth and a decrease in FCR in meagre fed higher levels of tryptophan. The main protein degradation systems in the liver and white muscle were evaluated. The activity of the tested proteases in the muscle was unaffected by dietary tryptophan levels. A decrease in oxidative stress was also observed as the level of tryptophan in the diets increased, although not statistically significant. A trend of decreasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase levels in tryptophan-rich diets was also observed. Full article

Dietary antioxidants and phytochemicals are believed to support cognitive health, but evidence on composite dietary indices remains limited. This cross-sectional study of 1845 community-dwelling older adults in China investigated the associations of the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and dietary phytochemical index (DPI) with cognitive function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; Beijing version). MCI was diagnosed through a two-stage procedure: MoCA-based preliminary screening (with education-stratified cutoffs: 13/14 for illiterate, 19/20 for 1–6 years, 24/25 for ≥7 years) followed by neurologist confirmation. CDAI was calculated as the sum of the standardized intakes of six antioxidants (selenium, zinc, carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E); DPI was defined as the percentage of the total energy intake from phytochemical-rich foods (fruits, vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes including soy products, nuts, seeds, and whole grains). Multivariable linear regression, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII; platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes) were tested as potential statistical mediators. Each one-unit increase in CDAI was associated with a 0.068-point higher MoCA score (95% CI: 0.012–0.123), and each one-unit increase in DPI was associated with a 0.029-point higher MoCA score (95% CI: 0.008–0.050). BMR and SII partially mediated the association between CDAI and MoCA score, but temporal ordering remains unclear due to the cross-sectional design. When both CDAI and DPI were in the highest quartile, participants had a 46.3% lower risk of MCI compared with those with both indices in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.537, 95% CI: 0.308–0.935). A predictive model incorporating CDAI, inflammatory markers, and red blood cell parameters showed moderate discriminatory ability in this study sample (apparent AUC = 0.731, bootstrap-corrected AUC = 0.728). These findings suggest that a higher combined dietary antioxidant and phytochemical intake may be jointly associated with better cognitive function, although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. Full article

Introduction: Pediatric asthma is the inflammatory condition with the highest burden of chronic disease in children. Awareness of the undesirable effects of modern lifestyles, including sedentary behavior and eating habits associated with Western diets, has led to novel approaches in clinical practice. Current concerns focus on the possibility of non-pharmacological intervention to achieve better disease control and normal lung function in these children. Method: In this narrative review, we analyzed current information on the influence of dietary patterns on lung function. The aim was to clarify the extent to which current knowledge provides arguments for applying certain dietary measures to asthma patients in order to optimize lung function. We conducted research in the literature to evaluate the impact of Western diet, Mediterranean diet, and micronutrients status on lung function. We also focused on how maternal diet during pregnancy can influence lung function in offspring. Results: We found a positive impact on lung function in children who adhere to the Mediterranean diet, in contrast to the Western diet which is related to low asthma control. Deficits of micronutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D are linked to impaired lung function. Maternal intake of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium during pregnancy is correlated with better FEV1 and FVC. However, current information on this topic is controversial, and there is no clear data on intervention measures in clinical practice. Conclusions: Evaluation and clear recommendations of diet could contribute to a better management of children with asthma. Full article