Search Results (335)

Background/Objectives: Conventional ketogenic diets, although effective for weight loss, often contain high total and saturated fat intake, which leads to increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Thus, the Healthy Ketogenic Diet (HKD) was developed to address these concerns. It emphasizes calorie restriction, limiting net carbohydrate intake to 50 g per day, prioritizing unsaturated fats, and reducing saturated fat intake. However, adherence to the HKD remains a challenge in urban, time-constrained environments. Therefore, this pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of Healthy Ketogenic Diet Ready-To-Eat (HKD-RTE) meals (provided for the first month only) versus HKD alone on weight loss and metabolic parameters among overweight adults. Methods: Multi-ethnic Asian adults (n = 50) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5 kg/m² were randomized into the HKD-RTE group (n = 24) and the HKD group (n = 26). Both groups followed the HKD for six months, with the HKD-RTE group receiving HKD-RTE meals during the first month. Five in-person workshops and mobile health coaching through the Nutritionist Buddy Keto app helped to facilitate dietary adherence. The primary outcome was the change in body weight at 6 months. Linear regression was performed on the change from baseline for each continuous outcome, adjusting for demographics and relevant covariates. Logistic regression was performed on binary weight loss ≥ 5%, adjusting for demographics and relevant covariates. Results: In the HKD group, participants’ adherence to the 50 g net carbohydrate target was 15 days, while that in the HKD-RTE group was 19 days over a period of 30 days. Participants’ adherence to calorie targets was 21 days in the HKD group and 23 days in the HKD-RTE. The average compliance with the HKD-RTE meals provided in the HKD-RTE group was 55%. The HKD-RTE group experienced a greater percentage weight loss at 1 month (−4.8 ± 3.0% vs. −1.8 ± 6.2%), although this was not statistically significant. This trend continued up to 6 months, with the HKD-RTE group showing a greater percentage weight reduction (−8.6 ± 6.8% vs. −3.9 ± 8.6%; p = 0.092). At 6 months, the HKD-RTE group had a greater reduction in total cholesterol (−0.54 ± 0.76 mmol/L vs. −0.05 ± 0.56 mmol/L; p = 0.283) and LDL-C (−0.43 ± 0.67 mmol/L vs. −0.03 ± 0.52 mmol/L; p = 0.374) compared to the HKD group. Additionally, the HKD-RTE group exhibited greater reductions in systolic blood pressure (−8.3 ± 9.7 mmHg vs. −5.3 ± 11.0 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (−7.7 ± 8.8 mmHg vs. −2.0 ± 7.0 mmHg), and HbA1c (−0.3 ± 0.5% vs. −0.1 ± 0.4%) than the HKD group (not statistically significant for any). Conclusions: Both HKD-RTE and HKD led to weight loss and improved metabolic profiles. The HKD-RTE group tended to show more favorable outcomes. Short-term HKD-RTE meal provision may enhance initial weight loss, with sustained long-term effects. Full article

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBF) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD) on fatty liver syndrome (FLS) in laying hens. A total of 450 35-wk-old Lohmann laying hens were selected and randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates per treatment and 15 laying hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The FLS group was fed a high- energy–low-protein (HELP) diet, and the other three experimental groups were fed HELP diets supplemented with 60 mg/kg TBF, 69 μg/kg 25-OHD, and 60 mg/kg TBF plus 69 μg/kg 25-OHD, respectively. The experiment lasted 8 weeks. The results demonstrated that feeding laying hens with a HELP diet led to a significant accumulation of fat in their livers, liver enlargement and yellowing, as well as a decline in liver antioxidant capacity and an aggravation of inflammation. TBF alone, 25-OHD alone, and their combination had no effect on the laying performance of laying hens fed with a HELP diet. However, 25-OHD significantly enhanced the albumin content, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness of eggs (p < 0.05). Compared with the HELP group, TBF, 25-OHD, or their combination reduced serum LDL-C and TG (p < 0.05). The combined treatment further lowered serum NEFA and MDA, enhanced liver SOD activity (p < 0.05), and unlike TBF alone (which reduced hepatic TG) or 25-OHD alone (which decreased liver index), reduced both liver index and hepatic TG (p < 0.05). Liver gene expression analysis showed that combined TBF and 25-OHD significantly inhibited the expression of fat synthesis-related genes (ACC, FAS, GPAT1, ChREBP1, LXRα, SREBP-1C, SREBP-2, FABP) as well as inflammation-related genes (IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, TLR4) (p < 0.05). At the phylum level of the cecal microbiota, TBF increased the abundance of Bacteroidota (p < 0.05), and combined TBF and 25-OHD tended to increase the abundance of Firmicutes_D. At the genus level, TBF increased the abundance of Phocaeicola_A (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TBF, 25-OHD, or their combination reduced the abundance of Faecalibacterium (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that combined TBF and 25-OHD mitigates FLS in laying hens potentially through remodeling gut microbiota and maintaining lipid metabolic homeostasis. Full article

Postprandial dysmetabolism, which refers to the impaired regulation of glucose and lipid levels after meals, is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Diets rich in polyphenols have demonstrated potential in improving postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. This study investigates the effects of olive leaf polyphenols on postprandial metabolic outcomes following a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal. A total of 36 healthy adults participated in a three-arm randomized crossover trial. They ingested either a biscuit made from olive leaf powder (OLB), olive leaf tea (OLT), or a placebo meal (CTRL) to assess the impact of olive leaf polyphenols on postprandial glycemia, lipid levels, platelet aggregation factor (PAF), and plasma antioxidant status (TAC). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in the primary biomarkers, including glucose and lipid profiles, a delayed insulin response was noted in the interventions involving olive leaf. These findings suggest that while acute olive leaf supplementation did not significantly alter postprandial glycemia or lipidemia, it may subtly influence insulin kinetics. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of olive leaf polyphenols on metabolic health, especially in populations at risk for CVDs. Full article

This study explored the potential of insect proteins as an alternative to traditional meat and bone meals in nutritionally balanced dry expanded dog food. Four formulations containing black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL), cricket flour (CF), poultry meal (PM), or fish meal (FM) at 30% inclusion were evaluated using powder rheology, extrusion trials, and analyses of kibble expansion and texture. BSFL and FM had lower specific basic flow energy (<13 mJ/kg) compared to PM and CF (>14 mJ/kg), leading to better flowability and improved extrusion stability and product consistency. High fat and chitin contents in CF and BSFL, respectively, resulted in higher bulk densities (328–382 g/L) than meat-and-bone-meal-based products (304–306 g/L). The insect-meal-based kibbles also had either a fragile (peak crushing force < 7 kg for BSFL) or very hard texture (force > 13 kg for CF). Results from a second experiment showed that including BSFL meal at lower levels (10%) alongside poultry meal mitigated the negative effects on kibble quality while improving process stability. Overall, the study suggests that defatting and partial, rather than complete, replacement of traditional proteins with insect meal could be more viable strategies for producing consistent, high-quality extruded pet food. Full article

Canning is an excellent solution to provide convenient, affordable, nutritious, and safe seafood with a long shelf life. However, many canned products use tuna, sardines, and Atlantic chub mackerel, species that raise sustainability concerns and whose overuse can put additional pressure on them. Hence, this study aimed to i) develop and assess a nutritious and sustainable canned meal prototype using the Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) (whose EU allowable-catch amounts have increased, particularly, in Iberian waters) and vegetables in light brine in terms of stability, sterility, and physicochemical and sensory properties over a 4-month period at room temperature and ii) evaluate its nutritional contribution for different population groups. After preparation, the meal was stored for one month at ≈20 °C and ≈40 °C (to simulate the 4 months). Although the pH was not stable, the meal was considered commercially sterile according to the challenge accelerated tests. Moreover, aging did not significantly affect the meal’s physicochemical and sensory properties. This innovative meal prototype can be claimed to be “low-fat”, “reduced in NaCl/Na”, a “source of protein, phosphorus, iron, selenium and vitamin D”, and “high in vitamin B12”. It proved to be both nutritious and appealing for consumption, with potential to be scaled up. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary protein and carbohydrate affect postprandial glycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This paper aimed to determine the relationship between the types of dietary protein (Study 1) and carbohydrate (glycemic index; GI, Study 2) and postprandial glycemia. Methods: Two acute randomized crossover trials were conducted in adults with T1D comparing postprandial glycemia for test meals varying by protein type (n = 16 adults; 5 meals: egg, beef, chicken, salmon or whey (all 30 g protein), each served with fried rice (45 g carbohydrate) or GI (n = 8 adults, high or low GI bread, GI 52% vs. 76%) with peanut butter (19 g protein, 30 g fat). Insulin was dosed based on usual individualized insulin: carbohydrate ratio and capillary blood glucose levels (BGL) measured from 30 min pre- to 5 h postprandially in 15–30 min intervals. Results: Study 1: Postprandial glycemia varied over an almost 2-fold range, however responses were highly variable and there were no significant differences between sources (iAUCglucose Chicken: 203 ± 66 mmol·min/L, Egg: 263 ± 100 mmol·min/L, Beef: 309 ± 89 mmol·min/L, Salmon: 338 ± 83 mmol·min/L and Whey: 397 ± 115 mmol·min/L respectively, p > 0.05). Hypoglycemia (≤3.5 mmol/L) occurred at least once per protein type (chicken: 6/16 participants, egg 2/16, beef 3/16, salmon 1/16, whey 2/16). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of hypoglycemia between protein sources (p > 0.05). Study 2: Postprandial glucose response curves were virtually identical for high GI and low GI, and the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose was not statistically significant after 1 h (p = 0.185), 3 h (p = 0.538) or 5 h (p = 0.694) following the meal. Conclusions: Clinical practice guidelines and insulin dosing algorithms likely do not need to consider differences in protein sources or in GI in the context of a high fat, high protein meals, for individuals with T1D. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop that can be processed to obtain different products with multiple applications. Its seeds are a well-documented ancient source of proteins, fibers and fats, all of which possess high nutritional value. Additionally, metabolites such as flavones and phenols are present in the seeds, contributing to their antioxidant properties. Due to hemp seeds’ distinctive nutritional profile, the interest in exploring the potential use in food and nutraceuticals is growing, and they can be considered an interesting and promising alternative resource for human and animal feeding. Omics studies on hemp seeds and their by-products are also being developed, and they contribute to improving our knowledge about the genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome/lipidome, and ionome of these sustainable food resources. This review illustrates the main nutrients and bioactive compounds of hemp seeds and explores the most relevant omics techniques and investigations related to them. It also addresses the various products derived from processing the whole seed, such as oil, dehulled seeds, hulls, flour, cakes, meals, and proteins. Moreover, this work discusses research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying their protein, lipid, fiber, and metabolic profile. The advantages of using omics and multi-omics approaches to highlight the nutritional values of hemp seed by-products are also discussed. In our opinion, this work represents an excellent starting point for researchers interested in studying hemp seeds as source of nutrients and bioactive compounds from a multi-level molecular perspective. Full article

This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of whole corn germ (WCG) in the diet of chickens. Amino acid digestibility, fatty acid digestibility, and metabolizable energy were evaluated. A metabolism assay was conducted using the precise feeding method on roosters. A completely randomized design was used, with two treatments and ten replications per rooster in each experimental unit. The treatments were as follows: WCG1, precise feeding with WCG; and WCG2, fasting birds to determine metabolic and endogenous losses in energy and fat. The variables analyzed were coefficients for amino acids in corn germ meal and fatty acid digestibility. The results showed that the standardized digestibility coefficients for amino acids in corn germ meal were (in g/kg) as follows: Lys, 920; Thr, 780; Met + Cys, 800; Arg, 910; His, 890; Ile, 950; Leu, 970; Phe + Tyr, 870; Val, 980; Gly + Ser, 740; Ala, 960; Asp, 870; and Glu, 930. The average fatty acid digestibility and AMEn were 850 g/kg and 4934 kcal/kg, respectively. Corn germ meal, which showed high digestibility of nutrients and energy, is considered an interesting ingredient for diets requiring high energy concentration. Full article

This study was aimed at providing athletes a solution to replenish the muscle glycogen re-synthesis at an optimal rate with hemp seeds as a natural protein source and Bengal gram dal and its use for the preparation of gel. The gel contains the richest source of energy, and it is an effective way to provide energy and nutrients to athletes. The gel was prepared in three variations with different hemp seed concentrations. We then analyzed the gel for pH and macronutrient composition. The sensory characteristics were analyzed for seven parameters, including appearance, taste, color, texture, aroma, consistency, and acceptability, using a hedonic scale on 25 panelists. A sensory analysis showed that sample A received an overall acceptability score of 7.16 ± 0.99 from the sensory panel. The shelf life was observed at the recommended temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, which was 12 days. The best formulation was sample B with 38 g of hemp seeds, which showed better taste, color, aroma, and acceptability and a lower average pH value (6.68 ± 1.44, 6.56 ± 1.29, 7.6 ± 1.16, 7 ± 1.26, and 5.822 ± 0.0183, respectively). Sample B contained 30.8 g of protein, 16.09 g of carbohydrates, 8.4 g of fat, and 263.16 kcal of energy per 100 g. The resulting ratio of carbohydrates to protein is optimal for use as a high-protein post-workout meal. Hence, it can be considered a post-workout supplement. Full article

This study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with high-protein cottonseed meal (CSM) and de-phenolized cottonseed meal (DPCSM) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, slaughter traits, and meat quality in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 5760 one-day-old male Liangfeng Hua broilers were randomly divided into five groups with eight replicates per group. The control group was fed a corn-SBM diet (SBM group), while the CSM₅₀, CSM₁₀₀, DPCSM₅₀, and DPCSM₁₀₀ groups replaced 50% and 100% of the equivalent protein from SBM with CSM and DPCSM, respectively. Compared to the control group, the CSM₅₀ and DPCSM₅₀ groups showed no significant negative effect on growth performance; however, dietary calcium digestibility was significantly reduced on day 21. Furthermore, CSM₁₀₀ and DPCSM₁₀₀ adversely impacted growth performance, significantly reducing crude fat digestibility and increasing serum urea nitrogen levels on day 42. The broilers in these groups also had reduced pre- and post-slaughter body weights, while those in the CSM₅₀ and DPCSM₁₀₀ groups exhibited decreased half-clearance rates. In addition, the CSM₁₀₀ group had significantly increased pectoral muscle drip loss and a* (24 h) values. pH values measured at 45 min and 24 h were significantly elevated in the DPCSM₅₀ and DPCSM₁₀₀ groups. In conclusion, the replacement of SBM with CSM and DPCSM in yellow-feathered broiler diets should be limited to 50%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep is essential for athletes. However, the impact of dietary habits on sleep quality in female endurance athletes at risk for low energy availability (LEA) is underexplored. This was a pilot study to examine the correlation between dietary patterns and sleep quality in healthy female endurance athletes. Methods: Twenty-four female endurance athletes recorded their dietary intake and sleeping habits for 6 days. Dietary intake data were collected via meal logs and photos. Sleep parameters were tracked using the Fitbit Charge 3 device. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the associations between macronutrient intake and sleep. Results: The athletes’ mean consumption was 2049.3 ± 396.9 kcal/day (52.9% carbohydrates, 28.2% fat, and 17.2% protein). One-third of the athletes had poor sleep quality, and thirty-eight percent experienced high daytime sleepiness. A higher protein intake was correlated with a lower awake time (R = −0.491; p = 0.015), and fat intake was related to a lower duration of deep sleep (R = −0.477; p = 0.019). Deep sleep was negatively correlated with fat intake during dinner (R = −0.417; p = 0.042) and was positively correlated with carbohydrate intake (R = 0.417; p = 0.042). Conclusions: In healthy female endurance athletes without LEA, dietary fat intake, especially at dinner, negatively affects deep sleep. Meanwhile, carbohydrates promote deep sleep. Therefore, optimizing macronutrient balance during evening meals may enhance sleep quality and, consequently, athletic performance. Full article

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery results in weight reduction and decreased energy intake and can ameliorate type 2 diabetes. These beneficial effects are usually attributed to changes in hunger and satiety and relatively rapid improvements in glycemic control, but these effects may depend on dietary adherence. The aim of this study is to investigate the relatively early effects of RYGB surgery on weight reduction (by focusing on eating patterns) and glycemic control in rats subjected to a healthy maintenance diet or an unhealthy Western-style diet. Methods: Rats were fed a high-fat diet with added sucrose (HF/S) or a low-fat (LF) diet. Body weight, high-resolution tracking of meal-related parameters, and glucose regulation after overnight fasting and during a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT; 2 mL sweet/condensed milk) were measured before and after RYGB (RYGB+) or sham surgery (RYGB−). Results: HF/S feeding led to an increased body weight just before RYGB surgery, but it also caused enhanced weight loss following RYGB, which led to similar body weights in the HF/S and LF diet groups twenty-four days post-operatively. RYGB surgery and diet dependently and independently influenced meal-related parameter outcomes, where both RYGB+ and HF/S feeding resulted in shorter meal duration (p < 0.01), higher ingestion rates (p < 0.001), and increased satiety ratio (p < 0.05), especially in the HF/S diet group subjected to RYGB. While RYGB surgery generally improved baseline glycemic parameters including HOMA-IR (p < 0.01), it often interacted with diet to affect MMTT-induced hyperglycemia (p < 0.05), beta-cell sensitivity (p < 0.01), and the insulinogenic index (p < 0.01), with the LF rats overall maintaining better glycemic control than the HF/S-fed rats. Conclusions: This study shows the importance of controlling diet after RYGB surgery, as diet type significantly influences ingestive behavior, post-prandial glucose regulation, beta-cell sensitivity, and glucose tolerance after RYGB. Full article

The main disadvantages of using soybean oil extraction waste as a raw feed material are its high contents of fiber, fat, and anti-nutritional factors. Therefore, several processing methods such as extrusion and hydrolysis are used to overcome these disadvantages and increase the availability of high-quality proteins to animals from this by-product. This study is concerned with the hydrolysis of extruded soybean meal in the presence of bacterial alkaline proteases. The effects of various process parameters were investigated to determine the optimal process parameters for hydrolysis in terms of the total free amino acid and amine nitrogen contents. The experiment included two sets of parameters that were selected for comparison: the temperature and pH in ranges of t 45–50 °C, pH 8–11, compared to the temperature and pH ranges of t = 40–45 °C and pH 7–9, using three enzyme/substrate ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). The protein hydrolysate was stored for three months after it was treated with two different preservatives (sorbic acid and thymol). Based on the results, it was found that the total free amino acid content was higher when the temperature range was 45–50 °C, the pH range was 8–11, and sorbic acid was used as a preservative. Full article

The production of soybean meal (SBM) can be linked to various issues related to the environment (e.g., deforestation, water waste, and transportation costs), and reducing its inclusion in pig diets by using alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, is an important challenge for nutritionists. This study aimed to compare the productive performance, dietary digestible energy (DE), nutrient digestibility, and some blood indices of growing Danube White pigs fed graded levels of Black Soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal (BSFLM) at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg of diets, in replacement of SBM for 38 days, from 119 to 157 d old. Each diet was fed to eight pigs in individual boxes following randomization. Pigs grew according to breeders’ recommendations and did not have any clinical health problems. Replacing SBM did not change (p > 0.05) the pigs’ growth performance and DE, as only dietary fat digestibility increased in a linear fashion (p < 0.001), possibly due to the high BSFLM, i.e., the high-fat inclusion rate. There was a simultaneous rise in some oxidative damage indicators and an increase in antioxidant status, thus suggesting that further research involving longer feeding periods is needed to identify a potential time sequence of events. Overall, BSFLM is a promising ingredient in pig nutrition. Full article

Brewer’s yeast has high nutritional value and contains bioactive compounds that may promote health. Functionalized canola meal (FCM) is a high-fiber ingredient that has been proposed as a carrier for brewer’s yeast. The objective of this experiment was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of diets containing yeast-enriched FCM and test their effects on the fecal characteristics and microbiota, skin measures, and serum oxidative stress markers of adult dogs. Twelve dogs were fed four extruded kibble diets (control (no FCM or yeast), FCM + low yeast dose, FCM + medium yeast dose, and FCM + high yeast dose) in a replicated 4x4 LSD. Dogs fed yeast-enriched FCM had greater wet fecal output (~15% greater than control). The ATTD of DM, OM, and fat was lower in the diets containing FCM, although the values remained >80% for all macronutrients. The yeast-enriched FCM altered the relative abundance of a few bacterial genera (Eubacterium brachy, Peptoclostridium, Ruminococcus gnavus) and fecal phenol and indole concentrations. Other fecal characteristics, metabolites, bacterial diversity indices, skin measures, or oxidative stress markers were not affected. These findings suggest that yeast-enriched FCM can be incorporated into canine diets without compromising stool quality or nutrient digestibility and may affect microbial metabolism. Full article