Search Results (857)

Objective: This study aims to investigate the dietary assessment and trends of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years in Korea from 2012 to 2021 and to provide basic data for early childhood dietary education and policy development. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2021 were analyzed for 2510 children in the 3–5 age group. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h recall. Intakes of food groups, dishes, and nutrients were calculated, and trends across years were tested using generalized linear models adjusted for gender, age, household income, energy intake, mother’s age, and mother’s education. Results: Over the tenyear period, intakes of carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C, as well as the carbohydrate energy ratio, showed significant declines. Meanwhile, protein, fat, retinol, and riboflavin increased, as did the protein and fat energy ratios. Fruit intake decreased by approximately 42 g among food group intakes. Analysis of foods contributing to total food intake revealed that milk, white rice, apples, and eggs consistently accounted for a high proportion of total intake in all survey years. Average calcium intake was approximately 100 mg below the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that preschoolers exhibit insufficient intake of certain nutrients, such as calcium, and a decrease in fruit intake. Interventions are needed to establish regular meal patterns, promote plant food intake such as fruit, and improve calcium intake. These results provide valuable evidence for designing dietary education programs and dietary guidelines tailored to early childhood. 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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) affects hundreds of millions worldwide, with recent estimates indicating approximately 589 million adults living with diabetes, most with type 2 disease. Beyond classical insulin signaling pathways, increasing evidence implicates altered protein glycosylation in metabolic dysfunction. The solute carrier 35 (SLC35) family of nucleotide sugar transporters mediates the import of activated sugars into the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi lumen, thereby influencing global glycosylation patterns. Dysregulation of these transporters can perturb glucose homeostasis, insulin responsiveness, and nutrient-sensing pathways through changes in glycosylation flux. In this review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms by which these transporters modulate glucose homeostasis, insulin signaling pathways, protein O-GlcN acylation, and broader glycosylation processes. We integrate findings from human genetic studies, rodent models, and in vitro functional analyses to characterize how altered SLC35 activity is associated with T2D and metabolic syndrome. Four members demonstrate particularly compelling evidence: SLC35B4 modulates hepatic glucose metabolism, SLC35D3 mutations impair dopaminergic signaling and energy balance, and SLC35F3 variants interact with high-carbohydrate intake to increase metabolic-syndrome risk. SLC35A3, though less studied, may influence glycosylation-dependent insulin signaling through its role in N-glycan biosynthesis. Beyond these characterized transporters, this review identifies potential metabolic roles for understudied family members, suggesting broader implications across the entire SLC35 family. We also discuss how such alterations can lead to disrupted hexosamine flux, impaired glycoprotein processing, aberrant cellular signaling, and micronutrient imbalances. Finally, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting SLC35 transporters, outlining both opportunities and challenges in translating these insights into novel T2D treatments. Full article

Background: Vietnam is undergoing a rapid nutrition transition, yet evidence on nutrient intake and inadequacy among adolescents and young adults remains limited. This study aimed to assess nutrient intakes and patterns of inadequacy among Vietnamese youth aged 16–25 years across population groups and regions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1005 participants from five provinces in northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Dietary intake was assessed using a two-stage 24 h recall, and nutrient inadequacy was evaluated using Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR), and Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) reference standards. Results: Energy and macronutrient intakes differed across groups. University students had the lowest energy intake, while young workers consumed the highest proportion of carbohydrates. Calcium inadequacy exceeded 95% in all subgroups. Regional disparities were observed, with lower intakes of several micronutrients in the South. Compared with high school students, university students showed higher risks of inadequate protein and vitamin A intake, whereas young workers exhibited lower risks of inadequate carbohydrate and folate intake but a higher risk of vitamin A inadequacy. Conclusions: Vietnamese youth exhibited substantial micronutrient inadequacies with marked variation across groups and regions. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutrition interventions tailored to specific youth contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Fourth Italian National Food Consumption Survey (IV SCAI 2017–2020) provides updated and comprehensive data on the dietary habits of the Italian population. The study aimed to assess nutrient intakes and their main food sources among individuals aged 3 months to 74 years and to evaluate the adequacy of intakes against the Italian dietary reference values (DRVs). Methods: A nationally representative sample of 1969 participants were surveyed using two non-consecutive food diaries (ages 3 months–9 years) and 24 h recalls (ages 10–74 years) in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority’s EU Menu guideline. The multiple source method was used to estimate the usual intakes accounted for intra-individual variability. Nutrient adequacy was assessed against age- and sex-specific DRVs, and the main food sources of macro- and micronutrients were identified. Results: Energy intake was below DRVs for adults, particularly women, while protein intake exceeded recommendations across all ages, mainly from animal sources (67% of total). Total fat (38%En) and saturated fat (12%En) exceeded the recommendations, whereas carbohydrates (45%En) and dietary fibre were suboptimal. Vitamin D and calcium intake were markedly below DRVs for all age groups; iron inadequacy was prevalent among females. The main energy sources were cereals (39%), milk and dairy (15%), oils and fats (13%), and meat (10%). Vegetables and fruits were leading contributors to vitamins A and C, while meat, fish, and dairy provided vitamin B12 and D. Conclusions: The Italian diet remains cereal-based but shows nutritional imbalances: notably, excessive protein and fat intake and widespread deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, iron, and fibre. These findings underline the need for targeted nutrition policies to realign dietary patterns with the national recommendations. Full article

The Military Macaw is a Neotropical psittacid that is endangered in Mexico. It faces significant threats due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. However, little is known about the nutritional characteristics of the plant resources available to this species throughout its annual cycle. This study aimed to characterize the nutritional profile of the fruits consumed by macaws in the Alto Balsas Basin, Mexico, and to infer potential seasonal patterns in the availability of the fruits they feed on in relation to the Macaws’ reproductive phenology. We identified 13 plant species that have been consistently reported as components of the diet of the macaws within the Alto Balsas Basin using a literature review, field observations, and local interviews. We conducted bromatological analyses to assess the content of moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and fiber for the pulp and seeds of all 13 identified plant species. Although we did not measure quantitative food intake, we integrated these data with reproductive phenology and resource availability to infer potential patterns of nutritional use. The results revealed significant differences in nutritional content among the different species, as well as seasonal variation in the nutritional profiles of available resources that coincide with the physiological demands of the macaw life cycle. During the non-breeding season, the availability of species whose fruits have high lipid and carbohydrate contents, such as Bursera spp., hackberry and madras thorn, may provide essential energy. Conversely, during the breeding season, resources with higher lipid and protein content (such as Mexican kapok tree and red mombin) could support the increased energetic investment associated with courtship, egg production, and chick provisioning. Although our study did not directly quantify the amount of each food item consumed, the integration of nutritional and ecological data provides a preliminary view of how resource quality may influence seasonal foraging patterns, offering valuable insights for the conservation and management of this species. Full article

Background: Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets undergo biannual Field Training Exercises (FTX) that impose substantial physiological demands, necessitating adequate nutritional intake to support performance and recovery. Methods: Energy Expenditure (EE) measured by actigraphy and self-reported nutritional intake (NI) of ROTC Cadets during a Fall FTX were obtained and compared to Military Dietary Reference Intake (MDRI) guidelines. Energy balance and nutrient adequacy were assessed using paired sample t-tests. Results: Cadets demonstrated significant caloric deficits, consuming fewer kilocalories than both their active metabolic rate (t = −12.07, df = 42, p < 0.001) and Low Energy Availability thresholds (t = 6.47, df = 57.54, p < 0.001). Macronutrient analysis revealed widespread deficiencies. Neither male nor female cadets met minimum carbohydrate gram recommendations. Protein intake in grams was significantly below MDRI guidelines for 94% of males (t = −10.03, p < 0.001) and 90% of females (t = −4.62, p = 0.001). Fat intake was generally adequate for all cadets, with 94% of males (t = 6.50, p < 0.001) and 90% of females (t = 4.19, p = 0.002) meeting or exceeding recommended fat intake. Conclusions: These findings underscore the prevalence of under-fueling during FTX and highlight the need for improved nutritional strategies to mitigate energy deficits and support cadet performance and health. Full article

Adequate hydration is essential for health, yet the contribution of water from food (WFF) to total water intake (TWI) and its determinants remain unclear in China. This study quantified WFF and explored factors influencing its variation among young Chinese adults. A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted in May–June 2023 among 947 healthy adults aged 18–25 years from seven regions of China. WFF was measured using three-day duplicate food portions, and drinking fluid intake was recorded with a validated 24 h diary. Sociodemographic, dietary, behavioral, and psychological data were collected using standardized instruments. Multivariable linear regression, stratified by sex and age, examined associations with WFF and its proportion of TWI. On average, WFF accounted for 38.0% of TWI, with regional variation from 33.5% in southern China to 44.3% in eastern China. Higher daily intake of energy, salt, and carbohydrate intakes were each positively associated with greater WFF, while carbohydrate intake seemed to betas the strongest predictor of a higher proportion of WFF. Younger age and elevated anxiety showed modest independent associations. These findings indicate that WFF contributes substantially to hydration in Chinese young adults, primarily driven by dietary composition. Recognizing WFF in hydration guidelines could improve population assessments and inform evidence-based nutrition strategies in China and other high-moisture diet regions. Full article

Background: Socioeconomic disparities may drive cancer inequities in Hispanic/Latino populations. We examined associations of perceived access to healthy foods (AHF) and food insecurity (FI) with diet and body mass index (BMI) changes in Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors. Methods: Latina BC survivors in a 12-month intervention trial aiming to increase fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity were analyzed. AHF was from a modified, validated neighborhood environment scale and dichotomized (low–medium vs. high). FI was defined as eating less and/or going hungry due to a lack of money. AHF and FI surveys were self-reported. Outcomes included dietary intake, diet quality, and BMI. Fruit/vegetable intake was log-transformed. Relationships between AHF and FI and changes in diet and BMI were evaluated using generalized estimating equations. Results: Of women with AHF data (n = 86), 58% reported low–medium access and 42% reported high access. Fruit/vegetable (FV) intake declined overall from baseline to 12 months, with greater reductions among low–medium AHF women (−32%, 95% CI: −51%, −7%) compared with high AHF women (−17%, 95% CI: −40%, +13%). Statistically significant 12-month decreases in total calories, carbohydrates, sugars, and fat occurred in low–medium AHF women but not high AHF women, and changes in total energy density, carbohydrates, sugars, and BMI at 12 months were statistically significantly different between women with low–medium AHF and women with high AHF, p ≤ 0.05. Among 157 women, 23% reported FI. Reductions in fruit/vegetable intake were larger in women with FI (−39%, 95% CI: −57%, −14%) than in women without FI (−10% reductions, 95% CI: −25%, +8%) and between-group differences were significant at both 6 and 12 months, p ≤ 0.05. Most diet measures decreased for both FI and non-FI women, with greater decreases among those with FI. Conclusions: Latina BC survivors with FI or perceived limited AHF experienced greater declines in indicators of healthy diets including FV intake. Future interventions should integrate strategies to measure AHF and FI to address disparate access to healthy food options. Full article

Background: This study examined nutritional intake, body composition, menstrual health, and performance in elite female trail runners. Methods: A cross-sectional multivariate analysis was conducted on 35 athletes (14 eumenorrheic, 21 amenorrheic/oligomenorrheic). Nutritional intake was assessed through 7-day and 24 h food records; anthropometry followed ISAK standards; performance was evaluated via ITRA and UTMB rankings. Statistical analyses included t-tests, MANCOVA, regression models, and Random Forest, adjusting for body composition and covariates. Results: Although energy availability (EA) did not differ significantly between groups, 94.3% of athletes had clinically low EA (<30 kcal/kg FFM/day). Amenorrheic athletes consumed more simple carbohydrates (21.8 ± 5.7% vs. 17.2 ± 3.1%), protein (2.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.7 ± 0.2 g/kg/day), fiber, and lipids, while eumenorrheic athletes consumed more complex carbohydrates (129.7 ± 27.0 vs. 82.5 ± 33.3 g/day) and most vitamins. Both groups had inadequate calcium and iron intake. Low EA was moderately associated with an ectomorphic somatotype (r = 0.418). Performance negatively correlated with simple carbohydrates (r = −0.624) and positively with complex carbohydrates, total energy, protein, polyunsaturated fats, and zinc (r = 0.300–0.580). No significant performance differences were found between menstrual status groups. Conclusions: Menstrual irregularities did not affect performance, but nutritional patterns strongly influenced both performance and energy availability. Personalized nutrition strategies are essential for optimizing performance and safeguarding health in elite female trail runners. Full article

Background: Field hockey is a high-intensity intermittent sport, where nutrition and sleep play an important role in the performance and health of all players, especially in women, who often exhibit a dietary pattern characterized by low energy and carbohydrate intake, along with poor nighttime habits. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the profile of female field hockey players by analyzing their energy and macronutrient intake, prevalence of LEA risk, use of SS, and sleep characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study was carried out with 75 female players. Validated questionnaires were used to determine general sports nutrition knowledge (NUKYA) and specific knowledge of carbohydrates in sports (CEAC-Q), sleep quality (ASSQ), low energy availability risk (LEAF-Q), and use of sport supplements. In addition, a 7-day dietary record was analyzed. Results: Players showed a high general nutrition knowledge (NUKYA mean: 66.0 ± 8.5 points; 68.0% scored high), but a pronounced deficiency in specific carbohydrate knowledge (CEAC-Q mean: 24.3 ± 14.9 points; 84.0% scored low). Dietary intake analysis revealed significant deficiencies: mean energy intake was 31.9 ± 10.8 kcal/kg/day, resulting in insufficient intake for 78.7% of players. Carbohydrate intake was particularly low (3.6 ± 1.5 g/kg/day), with 86.7% failing to meet recommendations. Furthermore, 33.3% of players were at risk of Low Energy Availability (LEA). LEA risk (LEAF-Q score) was negatively correlated with both protein (r = −0.363; p = 0.001) and carbohydrate intake (r = −0.347; p = 0.003). Regarding sleep, the mean disturbance score (SDS) was 6.5 ± 2.9 (mild disturbance), with 33.3% showing moderate–severe disturbance, and 92.0% sleeping ≤8 h. Finally, 78.7% of players used supplements, with usage correlated with CEAC-Q scores (r = 0.233; p = 0.044), and 86.4% were guided by non-professional sources. Conclusions: Female hockey players do not meet dietary recommendations for energy and carbohydrates and exhibit a high prevalence of low energy availability and sleep disturbances, despite having acceptable general sports nutrition knowledge. It is recommended to implement specific educational and nutritional strategies to enhance the knowledge, performance, and health of female hockey players. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major global public health challenge. Diet plays a central role in CKD management, with guidelines emphasizing individualized intake of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients in combination with medical treatment. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward diet quality and the degree of food processing, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have been linked to adverse metabolic and renal outcomes. However, limited data are available on the real-life dietary patterns of individuals with CKD who have not yet received structured nutritional counseling. This study aims to describe the dietary habits of adults with CKD compared to healthy controls, in order to better understand nutritional challenges and identify potential targets for dietary intervention in CKD management. Methods: 73 subjects (46.6% M) were enrolled; they attended the Outpatients Clinic of the I.P. “Diet Therapy in transplantation, renal failure and chronic pathology”, University of Naples Federico II. Subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence/absence of CKD, established on the basis of a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Each participant was evaluated for biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and dietary assessment. Results: CKD group showed a lower caloric intake compared to Control Group. In particular, lipid intake was significantly higher in Control Group whereas carbohydrates intake was higher in CKD Group. No difference was found between the two groups regarding daily protein intake. Dietary sodium and salt intake was found to be lower in CKD Group compared to Control Group and the latter showed a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Interestingly, the consumption of UPF was higher in Control Group compared to CKD Group. Conclusions: This study offers a snapshot of the dietary habits of a cohort from Southern Italy CKD stage 3–5 patients, showing that even in the absence of specific nutritional guidance, individuals were able to implement small lifestyle changes such as UPF and salt intake reduction. However, critical nutritional imbalances in CKD patients show the limits of self-managed diets, highlighting the need for structured nutritional support. Full article

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a metabolic intervention characterized by high fat and very low carbohydrate intake, showing significant metabolic, neuroprotective, and therapeutic effects. However, its efficacy varies widely due to individual genetic and epigenetic factors. This review synthesizes current knowledge of genes most strongly associated with KD response, including polymorphisms in FTO, APOA2, PPAR, SCN1A, KCNQ2, STXBP1, CDKL5, the MODY gene group, and SLC2A1, which shape outcomes across lipid metabolism, energy expenditure, inflammation, and neurotransmission. Epigenomic modifications induced by a KD, such as changes in DNA methylation and histone acetylation involving BDNF, SLC12A5, KLF14, and others, modulate functional metabolic and neurological effects. Sex and age further modulate KD effects through distinct patterns of gene activation and hormonal interactions. These variables together impact metabolic and neurological outcomes and are critical for developing personalized nutrition and disease management strategies. Based on the reviewed evidence, genetic and epigenetic profiling can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from a KD (e.g., GLUT1DS, PDH deficiency) and those in whom a KD may be ineffective or harmful (e.g., SCOT or SLC2A1-independent defects). The review concludes that genetic and epigenetic profiling is recommended for personalized dietary interventions. Full article

Polyphenols and carbohydrates may modulate exercise-induced oxidative stress through distinct mechanisms: polyphenols via antioxidative properties, and carbohydrates via improved rapidly available energy supply. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared the acute effects of polyphenol-rich foods (pomegranate juice, blueberries), carbohydrate-rich foods (whole-grain bread, bread roll) and water control on HIIT-induced changes in ROS and FRAP in thirty healthy females. We conducted an RCT with two parallel intervention cohorts (study arm one: blueberries, whole-grain bread, bread roll, water (control); study arm two: pomegranate juice, water (control)), in which participants completed single-dose intervention days following 12 h fasting. On each intervention day, ROS and FRAP were assessed at baseline, pre-HIIT, post-HIIT and after 15 min recovery. Carbohydrate intake significantly reduced FRAP elevations (−2.16% (p < 0.05)) vs. polyphenols (−2.49% vs. water (p < 0.01) from pre-HIIT to post-HIIT). Furthermore, carbohydrate intake showed a tendency toward attenuating the exercise-induced increase in ROS (−7.75%, p = 0.095, vs. polyphenols from pre-HIIT to post-HIIT), although this did not reach statistical significance. Polyphenol-rich foods accelerated ROS reduction during the 15 min recovery phase (−8.22% (p < 0.01) vs. carbohydrates). No significant differences compared to water were observed from pre-HIIT to post-HIIT (polyphenols: p > 0.05; carbohydrates: p > 0.05) or from post-HIIT to 15 min post-HIIT (polyphenols: p > 0.05; carbohydrates: p > 0.05), which could be expected under fasted HIIT conditions. Overall, carbohydrates mitigated oxidative stress during exercise, whereas polyphenol-rich foods supported short-term post-exercise recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition is essential for both physiological and physical health. The study aimed to explore dietary habits, nutritional intake and supplementation in association with the indirect omega-3 index (ω-3I) magnitude in a cohort of professional athletes. Methods: A 3-day food record was used as an approach to document all the dishes and beverages consumed by athletes over three consecutive days. Additionally, in aiming to assess the dietary habits and supplementation as well as the estimated ω-3I, both a food frequency questionnaire and a valid equation proposed by Swiss scientists were applied. The body composition of athletes was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Given that carbohydrate-containing foods were relatively frequently consumed by athletes, the average daily carbohydrate content (5.5 g/kg of body weight/day) did not reach the minimum recommended limit. A Western pattern diet applied to professional athletes ensured a sufficient level of protein intake (1.7 g/kg of body weight/day) and resulted in the overconsumption of dietary fat (40.3% of energy intake (EI)), especially saturated fatty acids (FAs) (13.8% of EI). The frequency of the consumption of fish products was considered to fulfill the lowest rank, which in turn, led to the lowest average intakes for polyunsaturated (6.2% of EI), ω-6 (5.7% of EI), and ω-3 (0.3% of EI) FA. Also, the dietary ω-3 FA deficiency generated an unhealthy ω-6/ω-3 FA ratio of 18.4:1 which was not directly related to the intermediate-desirable level (5.5–9.8%) of the estimated ω-3I in a sample of professional athletes. Conclusions: Taking into account the predicted regression model which was adjusted for sports and sex, the estimated ω-3I was significantly and positively associated with the higher consumption of polyunsaturated FA supplementation (β 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3; 1.6, p < 0.001), fish products (β 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0; 1.2, p < 0.001), and the energy percentage obtained from the dietary ω-3 FA (β 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1; 1.6, p = 0.049) in a cohort of professional athletes. Therefore, whilst acknowledging that the increased fish consumption may serve as an equally strong potential predictor for the indirect ω-3I magnitude, the supplementation with polyunsaturated FA also becomes an important strategy for maintaining the optimum ω-3I levels among professional athletes. Full article