Search Results (1,292)

Flavor-related compounds and nutritional components of chicken meat vary among different breeds, but comprehensive comparisons of these characteristics between commercial and indigenous chickens remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, three chicken breeds (Arbor Acres, Chengkou, and Langshan) were slaughtered at their respective market ages, and the volatile flavor compounds, amino acids, fatty acids, and lipidomic profiles of thigh muscle were analyzed to investigate breed-associated differences in flavor-related and nutritional characteristics. Langshan chickens exhibited the highest total volatile compound content and also had the highest total amino acid levels, with significantly higher contents of umami and sweet amino acids. In addition, both indigenous breeds showed higher levels of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) than Arbor Acres broilers, while Chengkou chickens had the highest content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3). Lipidomic analysis identified 787 lipids, with glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids as the predominant classes. Differential lipid analysis revealed that Langshan chickens had 38 upregulated lipids compared with Arbor Acres chickens, while Chengkou chickens exhibited 258 differential lipids relative to Arbor Acres chickens. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these differential lipids were mainly associated with glycerolipid, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed significant associations between specific lipids and flavor-related compounds, amino acids, and fatty acids, suggesting their potential roles in breed-associated differences. Overall, this study demonstrates that indigenous chicken breeds possess distinct flavor-related and nutritional profiles compared with commercial Arbor Acres broilers and provides valuable insights into breed-associated differences in chicken meat characteristics. Full article

Off-odor development during retort sterilization limits the sensory quality of canned Antarctic krill, but measurements in whole krill cannot distinguish intrinsic fatty acid oxidation from matrix-dependent odor expression. To separate these effects, six major fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) were examined in a three-tier thermal oxidation model comprising fatty acid-only, lipid-depleted krill matrix, and complete krill meat systems heated at 115 °C for 36 min. Volatile profiles were characterized by gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS), together with peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), odor activity values (OAVs), sensory evaluation, and exploratory cross-tier correlation analysis. In the fatty acid-only model, EPA and DHA showed the highest POVs (5.26 ± 0.53 and 4.96 ± 0.57 meq/kg), whereas C16:1 and C18:1 produced broader volatile profiles. After matrix incorporation, these patterns changed: C18:1 supplementation was associated with a pronounced aldehydic profile, whereas DHA- and EPA-supplemented complete krill meat showed the highest TBARS values (3.37 ± 0.40 and 3.12 ± 0.37 mg MDA/kg) and high fishy odor scores (6.21 and 5.95). Total OAV was not significantly associated with fishy or oxidized odor, whereas (Z)-4-heptenal, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-ol, 1-penten-3-ol, and trimethylamine showed closer sensory associations. Thus, intrinsic oxidation potential did not directly predict off-odor intensity; sensory deterioration was more closely related to the matrix-dependent expression of selected potentially odor-active compounds than to fatty acid unsaturation or total OAV. Full article

Background: Aging is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, which are associated with synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is rich in anthocyanins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential fatty acid, plays a key role in neuronal membrane integrity during brain aging. However, it remains unclear whether elderberry and DHA exert overlapping or distinct effects on brain aging and how these relate to molecular signaling. This study aimed to characterize molecular signatures induced by dietary supplementation and to determine their relationships with behavioral outcomes. Methods: 44-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to control, elderberry, DHA, or combined diets for 12 weeks. Behavioral testing assessed anxiety-like behavior, spatial learning and memory. Brain tissues underwent proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling and fatty-acid analysis. Data were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to identify enriched pathways, upstream regulators, and functional associations. Results: Elderberry as well as DHA supplementation induced targeted remodeling of the proteome and phosphoproteome, with pathway enrichment involving synaptogenesis, glutamatergic signaling, and long-term potentiation. Upstream-regulator analysis predicted elderberry-associated CDK5 signaling, accompanied by reduced MAPT/Tau phosphorylation at selected sites, whereas DHA supplementation was associated with CAMK-related signaling. DHA supplementation altered fatty-acid composition, increasing the n-3/n-6 ratio. Elderberry reduced anxiety-like behavior and improved target-directed search during the Barnes maze probe test. Molecular signatures were examined in relation to the measured behavioral outcomes. Conclusions: Elderberry and DHA are associated with distinct molecular networks related to synaptic function and behavioral outcomes in the aging male mouse brain. These findings support further investigation of elderberry and DHA as dietary interventions targeting molecular and behavioral features of brain aging. Full article

Background: This study aimed to assess the effects of a combined vitamin D₃ (VD₃) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intervention on cognitive function and blood pyroptotic biomarkers in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: In total, 360 participants with MCI were recruited, and randomly assigned into four groups: VD₃ (800 IU/day), DHA (1 g/day), VD₃+DHA (VD₃ 800 IU/day+DHA 1 g/day), and placebo. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised in China (WAIS-RC), and blood biomarkers were measured by ELISA and Western blot at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) were employed to analyze longitudinal interaction effects on cognitive function and blood biomarkers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to evaluate the parallel mediation effects of blood biomarkers on cognitive improvements. Results: A total of 355 participants completed the trial. Over the 12-month intervention, all intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function and reductions in five blood biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), cleaved caspase-1) compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Compared to each single intervention, the combined VD₃ and DHA intervention yielded superior cognitive improvements in scores for full-scale IQ (FIQ), performance IQ (PIQ), verbal IQ (VIQ) and several subtests (information, comprehension, digit span, vocabulary, picture completion, block design, and picture arrangement), and significantly reduced five blood pyroptotic biomarkers (all p < 0.05). Path analysis revealed that longitudinal GSDMD reduction mediated the improvements in FIQ. Conclusions: A 12-month intervention with VD₃, DHA, or their combination significantly improves cognitive function and mitigates pyroptosis, and the combined intervention showed superior benefits, potentially mediated by downregulating the protein GSDMD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential component of breast milk for infant neurocognitive and visual development. Because DHA depends largely on dietary intake, women with low seafood consumption are at increased risk of inadequate DHA contents in breast milk. This study aims to quantify the DHA content in breast milk and assess how recommended dietary supplementation during lactation affects these contents among lactating women in three Balkan countries. Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study included 128 lactating women (18–35 years). Dietary intake of DHA was assessed using a modified Food Frequency Questionnaire. DHA in breast milk was measured by gas chromatography following standard protocols. Both the FFQ and breast milk samples were collected at two time points: 20–40 (visit 1—V1) and 80–100 days (visit2—V2) postpartum. Results: In lactating women, seafood intake was low (Visit 1: 37.5 (0.0–93.8) g/week), meeting about 28% of the recommended amount, with some variation between countries. Consequently, the mean dietary n-3 PUFA and DHA intake for the total sample was less than 50% and 5% of the recommended daily allowance, respectively. Correlation analysis indicates that DHA content in breast milk is related to dietary DHA intake (Visit 1: r = 0.258, p = 0.001; Visit 2: r = 0.238, p = 0.012). DHA contents failed to reach the 0.3% clinical threshold for optimal neurodevelopment, with average levels ranging from 0.149 to 0.165%. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between supplemented and unsupplemented women at either time point, highlighting a persistent regional deficit regardless of supplementation status. Conclusions: Lactating women in the Balkan region have a low dietary intake of n-3 PUFA and DHA, which is reflected in the breast milk lipid profile, regardless of standard supplementation. These findings highlight the need for a targeted nutritional strategy both via nutrition and supplementation to improve DHA intake in lactating women, but more importantly in infants. Full article

The growing demand for eggs from alternative housing systems is driven by perceived nutritional and welfare benefits. However, the trade-off between enhanced bioactive composition and exposure to environmental contaminants remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the physical traits, bioactive compounds, and heavy metal content of 480 commercially available table eggs from four housing systems: organic, free-range, barn, and enriched cages. Organic eggs exhibited the highest albumen quality, expressed by Haugh units (92.03 vs. 70.86 in cages) and lysozyme activity (144,877 U/mL vs. 119,830 U/mL in cages), alongside the highest concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin A at 1600 μg/100 g and vitamin E at 3267 μg/100 g) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA: 0.673% vs. 0.360% in cages). Conversely, organic eggs presented the weakest eggshells (breaking strength of 34.19 N vs. 47.05 N in cages) and a less favourable lipid profile regarding atherogenicity (AI: 0.411) and thrombogenicity (TI: 3.455) indices. Crucially, organic eggs contained significantly higher levels of lead (0.361 mg/kg) compared to indoor systems (0.041 mg/kg in barn and 0.102 mg/kg in cages), highlighting their susceptibility to environmental pollution. Cage and barn eggs were associated with higher chemical safety and shell strength but demonstrated a lower overall bioactive value. Ultimately, the choice of table eggs may involve a trade-off between the health-promoting benefits of extensive systems and the potential risks of heavy metal contamination, emphasising the need for integrated food safety management. Full article

Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with several health benefits, but their high susceptibility to lipid oxidation and low water dispersibility limit their incorporation into food products. In this study, an oil-in-water emulsion was developed from a commercial fish-oil concentrate containing 92% w/w total n-3 PUFA and 73% w/w docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), using octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch as the sole emulsifying carrier. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of oil content, ultrasound emulsification time and ultrasound amplitude on the volume-weighted mean droplet diameter, D[4,3]. The selected formulation, prepared with an oil content of 20% w/w relative to the total solids, an emulsification time of 180 s, and an ultrasound amplitude of 100%, exhibited a D[4,3] of 121 ± 1 nm. During storage at ambient temperature in darkness, the emulsion maintained low peroxide values, ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 meq O₂/kg oil, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values between 1.3 and 2.1 mmol/kg oil during the first 5 days, indicating that the formulation delayed lipid oxidation of the n-3 PUFA concentrate. The addition of α-tocopherol did not improve oxidative stability compared with the control emulsion. In contrast, ascorbic acid maintained low peroxide values and reduced TBARS accumulation during storage, with values lower than those of the control emulsion and close to the initial TBARS value of the n-3 PUFA concentrate. These results indicate that, under the conditions evaluated, ascorbic acid was more effective than α-tocopherol in delaying the formation of secondary lipid oxidation products. Full article

Krill oil (KO) is a marine-derived nutritional ingredient distinguished by its unique structural composition and increasing relevance in human nutrition, particularly in the context of healthy aging and preservation of intrinsic capacity. Approximately 30–65% of its fatty acids are esterified to phospholipids, a molecular configuration associated with enhanced bioavailability and efficient tissue incorporation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, even at relatively low doses. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) originates from minimally impacted marine ecosystems, contributing to a favorable safety profile characterized by inherently low levels of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Beyond its structural and safety attributes, KO provides a complex nutrient matrix comprising approximately 25% total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including ~14% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and ~6.5% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), together with choline and astaxanthin. This compositional synergy may modulate inflammatory pathways, redox balance, membrane dynamics, and cellular signaling, thereby influencing physiological systems implicated in aging biology. This narrative review critically examines how these distinctive characteristics translate into clinically relevant outcomes supporting the multifunctional applications of KO in human nutrition. The analysis is structured within the framework of intrinsic capacity, encompassing locomotion, vitality, sensory, cognition and psychological dimensions, as a conceptual model for healthy aging. Considerations on bioavailability, tolerability, and sustainability are also discussed in the context of nutritional strategies promoting healthy longevity. Full article

Within the emerging field of nutritional neuroscience, omega-3 fatty acids are among the most extensively investigated dietary bioactive compounds with potential relevance to cognitive aging. As populations continue to age worldwide, identifying modifiable nutritional factors that support cognitive health has become an important public health priority. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained primarily from marine sources, are integral components of neuronal membranes and serve as precursors of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. This narrative review integrates concepts from nutritional neuroscience and geroscience to examine how dietary omega-3 fatty acids may influence biological pathways involved in age-related cognitive decline. Current evidence suggests that DHA and EPA affect multiple processes linked to brain aging, including neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, cerebrovascular integrity, cellular senescence, and gut–brain axis signaling. These mechanisms overlap with several hallmarks of aging and may contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function during later life. Observational studies generally associate higher dietary intake or circulating omega-3 status with better cognitive performance and a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Findings from randomized controlled trials are less consistent, although benefits appear more likely in individuals with low baseline omega-3 status, mild cognitive impairment, or increased biological vulnerability. Beyond their established anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3 fatty acids may influence multiple aging-related pathways, particularly inflammaging, vascular aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although heterogeneity in study design, dosage, intervention timing, and participant characteristics precludes firm conclusions, viewing omega-3 fatty acids through a geroscience lens offers a useful framework for interpreting existing evidence and informing future research. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids represent a promising nutritional strategy for supporting cognitive health across the lifespan, warranting further investigation in well-characterized populations and precision nutrition approaches. Full article

The pet food industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing trend of companion animal humanization and increasing concerns over the environmental sustainability of conventional protein and lipid sources. Consumers now seek diets that not only meet basic nutritional requirements but also offer preventive health benefits. Microalgae, including Arthrospira (Spirulina, a kind of cyanobacterium), Chlorella, Schizochytrium, and Euglena gracilis, have emerged as versatile biological platforms capable of addressing both functional and sustainability challenges. These microorganisms produce high-quality proteins, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (particularly docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), natural pigments, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides. This review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies on the application of microalgae in pet nutrition, covering dogs, cats, and aquatic companion animals. We examine how algal ingredients influence gut microbiota, for instance, by enriching beneficial genera such as Turicibacter and Peptococcus, enhance vaccine responses and mucosal immunity, support cognitive function in aging pets, and contribute to weight management. Particular attention is given to Euglena gracilis and its paramylon (β-1,3-glucan), a pathogen-associated molecular pattern that engages the Dectin-1 pathway to train innate immunity and has demonstrated antiviral activity through host defense mechanisms. The review also surveys the patent landscape, highlighting trends in palatability enhancement, hypoallergenic formulations, and novel delivery formats. Key challenges remain, including ingredient standardization, safety validation, palatability optimization, and consumer acceptance. We outline a translational roadmap that prioritizes well-designed clinical trials in target species and processing methods that preserve bioactivity. Collectively, the evidence positions microalgae, and Euglena gracilis in particular, as promising candidates for next-generation functional pet foods that deliver health benefits alongside ecological sustainability. Full article

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical modulators of cardiovascular physiology, acting through anti-inflammatory signaling, membrane remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. Despite strong biological plausibility, clinical evidence remains heterogeneous. This narrative review evaluates the complexities of ω-3 supplementation, moving beyond standardized dosing to discuss the emerging role of biomarker-based assessments. While traditional low-dose mixed formulations often failed to show significant benefits, high-dose purified EPA (icosapent ethyl, 4 g/day) has demonstrated a substantial reduction in residual cardiovascular risk in specific populations. However, this clinical success is accompanied by a modest but consistent increase in atrial fibrillation risk at pharmacological doses, suggesting a need for better risk stratification. We highlight that therapeutic efficacy is closely tied to bioavailability—driven by chemical form and dietary context. In this setting, objective metrics such as the ω-3 Index or EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio are discussed as validated biomarkers of ω-3 status that, although not yet incorporated into clinical guidelines as routine treatment targets, may help account for inter-individual variability. Furthermore, we address the environmental burden of marine-derived oils, considering microalgae-based alternatives as sustainable solutions. Ultimately, this review advocates for a more nuanced approach that integrates clinical evidence, the potential of biomarker monitoring, and global environmental responsibility. Full article

Triploid fish have attracted considerable attention in aquaculture because of their sterility and rapid growth. In this study, a novel allotriploid fish (WA, 3n = 150) was obtained through distant hybridization of a female diploid hybrid fish (WR-II, 2n = 100) with a male allotetraploid fish (4nAT, 4n = 200). The measurable traits of WA exhibit significant differences from WR-II and its original parents (white crucian carp (WCC) and red crucian carp (RCC)). WA muscles exhibited higher protein, fat, and essential amino acid levels but lower moisture. Furthermore, WA enhanced growth performance and muscle hypertrophy compared to WCC and RCC. The transcriptomes and metabolomics of the muscle tissues of WA, WCC, and RCC were analyzed. In total, 3889 and 1863 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in WA vs. WCC and WA vs. RCC, respectively. These DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to amino acid biosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation. In total, 421 and 304 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified in WA vs. WCC and WA vs. RCC, respectively. These DMs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to glycerophospholipid and fatty acid metabolism. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that the expression patterns of acta1, myh, myog, and aldoa were associated with changes in the abundance of oleoyl ethanolamide, betaine, inosine, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and PC (38:6), suggesting their potential involvement in the enhanced growth performance of WA. This study provides a potential genetic resource for aquaculture and identifies molecular features associated with enhanced growth performance in this allotriploid fish. Full article

Fueled by the rapid growth of the global companion animal industry, the development of nutritional additives for improving canine intestinal health has emerged as a prominent research area in pet nutrition. Excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation triggers severe oxidative stress, inducing intestinal inflammation, abnormal epithelial senescence, and tight junction destruction to damage intestinal mucosal integrity. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have proven antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potency, yet divergent functions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on canine ileal epithelial cells (cIECs) remain unclear. Here, an H₂O₂-stimulated oxidative injury model was built to compare their protective capacity. Under all equivalent gradient concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 μM in this experiment, Equal-dose DHA failed to alleviate cell damage, while EPA effectively rescued impaired cIEC viability. Biochemical tests showed EPA lowered malondialdehyde and boosted key antioxidant enzyme activities. Transcriptomics confirmed EPA suppressed overactivated TNF-α/IFN-γ inflammatory and senescence pathways. Western blot verified EPA downregulated p-Chk1, p53, p57, and p73 and restored telomere-protective and tight junction proteins. In summary, EPA protects cIECs via antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-senescence, supporting its development as a promising functional feed additive for canine intestinal care. Full article

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with important health benefits. However, DHA enrichment in ruminant milk is limited by inefficient post-absorptive transport. This study evaluated whether combined supplementation of rumen-protected algae powder (RPA) and rumen-protected choline (RPC) enhances DHA enrichment in goat milk. Nine lactating dairy goats were assigned to three groups (n = 3/group) for 28 days: RPA alone, RPA + low-dose RPC (5 g/d), and RPA + high-dose RPC (10 g/d). Milk DHA content, bioconversion efficiency, serum biochemical parameters, and lipid profiles were analyzed. Compared with RPA alone, low- and high-dose RPC increased milk DHA content to 27.98 and 33.50 mg/100 mL, respectively, representing increases of 23.0% and 47.3%, and enhanced DHA bioconversion efficiency to 20.66% and 24.29% compared with 16.86% in the RPA group. RPC supplementation increased serum VLDL and triglyceride concentrations, and lipidomics revealed increased DHA-containing triglycerides (TG-DHA). These findings suggest that RPC may enhance DHA enrichment in goat milk by promoting VLDL-mediated DHA transport. Further studies with larger animal populations are required to confirm these effects. These findings contribute to a better understanding of nutritional regulation of DHA transfer and provide insights into strategies for developing DHA-enriched dairy products. Full article

Iron supplementation in patients with tuberculosis remains a controversial issue due to the complex role of iron in the host immune response and in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Although supplementation may be beneficial for some patients with persistent iron deficiency, the available evidence does not support its routine use. The efficacy and safety of such an intervention appear to depend, among other factors, on the activity of the inflammatory process, the severity of iron metabolism disturbances, and the timing of supplementation initiation. Current evidence highlights the need for an individualized assessment of iron status and for further research to establish clear clinical recommendations. At the same time, growing interest has been directed toward the role of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as potential modulators of immune and inflammatory responses in tuberculosis. EPA and DHA may influence immune cell function, cytokine production, and the formation of lipid mediators involved in the resolution of inflammation. Experimental evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the severity of inflammation and infection-associated anemia; however, their effectiveness may depend on baseline fatty acid status, the stage of disease, and interactions with other nutrients, including iron. Human clinical evidence remains very limited and is currently based mainly on one small intervention study, therefore, clinical claims regarding omega-3 fatty acids supplementation should be interpreted cautiously and should not be understood as a recommendation for routine use. The aim of this review is to discuss the significance of iron metabolism and omega-3 fatty acids in tuberculosis, with particular emphasis on their roles in the regulation of inflammation, immune responses, anemia, and potential nutritional support. Current evidence underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions and further clinical research to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal timing of iron and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in patients with tuberculosis. Full article