Search Results (956)

Aim: To assess abnormalities in red blood cell parameters, iron metabolism, and vitamin B12 status in children with obesity, and to evaluate the influence of dietary intake and obesity-related complications on these variables. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 152 children with obesity. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hematological parameters were assessed. Dietary intake was evaluated in a subgroup of 33 participants using 3-day food records. Results: No cases of low hemoglobin levels were identified. However, elevated TIBC and occasional low ferritin levels suggested disturbances in iron metabolism. BMI Z-score was positively associated with red blood cell count and selected iron metabolism markers, whereas higher body fat percentage was negatively associated with hemoglobin and hematocrit. Dietary analysis indicated that protein and vitamin B12 intake were associated with erythrocyte parameters, while no associations were found for iron or folate intake. Elevated liver enzymes were associated with higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values. Conclusions: Pediatric obesity was not associated with low hemoglobin levels but may be linked to early, subclinical disturbances in iron metabolism. These findings should be confirmed using more comprehensive biomarkers. Dietary factors, particularly vitamin B12 intake, may contribute to variability in erythrocyte parameters; however, these associations should be interpreted with caution. The observed relationship between liver function and erythrocyte indices warrants further investigation. Full article

Background: Ketogenic diets can treat drug-resistant epilepsy, even in early childhood. However, due to the severely restricted food selection, there is an assumed increased risk of inadequate micronutrient intake. Currently, the available data is limited. Methodology: Optimized daily meal plans were created for infants and children aged 1–9 years (physical activity level; PAL 1.6) in three ketogenic ratios (3:1, 2:1, 1:1). Compliance with reference values for micronutrients (≥95%) was analyzed using the reference values of the German and Austrian Nutrition Societies (DGE/ÖGE) and PRODI^® nutrition software (Germany). Results: Vitamin D never reached more than 25% of the reference values in any age group or ratio, and pantothenic acid consistently remained at around 40–70%. At the 3:1 and 2:1 ratios, the mean values for vitamins B₁, B₂, and B₁₂, as well as for calcium, zinc, iron, and fiber, were all below 95% of the reference values. Although the 1:1 ketogenic ratio was more nutrient-dense, this only partially compensated for potential deficiencies. Conclusions: The results illustrate a limited micronutrient supply dependent on the ratio in ketogenic diets for infants and children. Careful food selection and nutritional therapy support are necessary to avoid potential nutrient gaps. Full article

Background: Sapropterin allows dietary liberalisation in responsive individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), increasing natural protein intake and reducing dependence on protein substitutes (PSs). As PSs provide essential micronutrients, dietary liberalisation may increase the risk of nutritional insufficiency. Evidence describing detailed micronutrient intake in sapropterin-treated children remains limited. Methods: This secondary analysis evaluated dietary protein and micronutrient intake after 24 months of sapropterin treatment in 21 responsive children from a prospective longitudinal study. Caregiver-completed three-day food records were analysed for protein, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B₁₂, with micronutrient intakes compared with UK dietary reference values (DRVs). Results: Mean total protein intake was 75 ± 14 g/day, comprising 30 ± 16 g/day natural protein and 45 ± 21 g/day protein equivalent from PSs; natural protein tolerance ranged from 8 to 66 g/day. PSs contributed most micronutrients: calcium 80%, iron 84%, zinc 87%, vitamin D 96%, and vitamin B₁₂ 78%. Median micronutrient intakes exceeded DRVs for most children; however, four had intakes below DRVs, almost exclusively when PSs were reduced or omitted. One child consuming > 40 g/day natural protein without PSs had low iron (51%), zinc (90%), and vitamin D (4%) intakes. A non-adherent adolescent had low intakes of calcium (46%), iron (64%), zinc (41%), and vitamin D (60%). Another child receiving 60 g/day protein equivalent from PSs had marginally low vitamin D intake (85%) due to lower fortification. Children maintaining regular PS use met micronutrient requirements. Conclusions: After two years of sapropterin treatment, dietary liberalisation increased natural protein intake but did not consistently ensure adequate micronutrient intake. Micronutrient shortfalls were associated with reduced PS use, emphasising the need for careful dietitian-guided adjustment as diets become more flexible. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many parasitic diseases remain without an effective treatment and cause many deaths worldwide. Leishmaniasis is a complex disease that belongs to the category of Neglected Tropical Diseases, as its treatment relies on outdated drugs that also lead to resistance and negative side-effects. To address this problem, two new chemical families have been tested in vitro against three of the most common parasites from the genus Leishmania. Methods: One family is formed by the polyamine tris(2-aminoethyl)amine functionalised either in one or its three primary amines with different aryl group, and the other is a group of azamacrocyclic cyclophanes containing either one or two aromatic spacers. Results: From the first family, only one compound showed activity against Leishmania donovani, and from the second family, three compounds were selective, two of them for Leishmania braziliensis and a different one against L. donovani, another parasite of the studied genus. Conclusions: The anti-Leishmania activity seems to be related to the compounds’ ability to inhibit the iron superoxide dismutase activity and to alter the parasite metabolism by inhibiting glucose intake in L. braziliensis or by accelerating it in L. donovani and by attacking the parasite defences against ROS, both effects triggering a mitochondrial membrane depolarization that enhances damage, leading to cell death. Full article

Background: School meals are crucial for children’s development and can contribute to the prevention, amongst others, of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the conformity of meal composition with the quality standard for meals in schools (QST) of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and reference values for nutrient intake of the nutrition societies of Germany and Austria (DGE/ÖGE) in Thuringian schools. Methods: Components of the school meals (portions in primary and secondary schools) were collected at two timepoints (T1 and T2). The contents of selected nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat, fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals) were analyzed and tested for alignment with the aforementioned adapted reference values. Results: More than half of the school meals examined were ovo-lacto-vegetarian meals (T1: 64%; T2: 63%). The energy content of macronutrients and the contents of vitamins B₁ and E, folate, calcium, iron and magnesium covered the requirements of the DGE/ÖGE reference values. Good n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios between 2.6 and 4.1 were found. In contrast, vitamin C was not detectable in 88.5% (T1) and 90.6% (T2) of the tested meal components, and sodium references were exceeded by a factor of five to eight. Additionally, the total sugar content of the meals tended to be high, with 85% of all meals exceeding the lower energy limit for free sugars (≥7 to <10 years) and >70% exceeding the upper limit (≥10 to <19 years) set forth by WHO and DGE/ÖGE. Conclusions: In the process of school meal preparation, attention should be paid to the preservation of vitamin C and the economical use of salt and sugar. Full article

Background: The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that 6–12-month-old infants receive 11 mg iron/day. The contribution of iron-rich foods in meeting guidelines is unclear. Objectives: The aims were to: (1) determine the contribution of iron-fortified cereal, infant formula and heme-iron sources to infants’ total dietary iron intake; (2) examine differences in iron adequacy by milk-feeding type; and (3) identify feeding patterns associated with meeting daily iron requirements through dietary sources. Methods: Mothers of infants were recruited from a pediatric clinic and 24 h feeding recalls were conducted to estimate infants’ iron intake. Infants’ milk-feeding types were: breastmilk only (BF), mixed (MF), or infant formula only (FF). Main outcomes were: meeting/not meeting daily iron requirement (11 mg) overall and by milk-feeding type; contribution of iron-fortified infant cereal, formula and meat to daily iron intake. Descriptive statistics, bivariate chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Most participants identified as African American or Hispanic (76%) and were enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (84%). Thirty-nine percent consumed < 11 mg iron/day from dietary sources. By milk-feeding type, inadequate iron intake was significantly higher among the BF (72%) and MF (74%) groups vs. the FF group (24%, p < 0.05). Iron-fortified cereals were consumed by 46% of infants and provided a median iron intake of 6.75 mg. Among the FF group, infant formula provided 63% of the daily iron requirement. Conclusions: Inadequate dietary iron intake is common. Iron-fortified cereal is an important dietary iron source. Future research is warranted to understand the relations among infants’ daily iron intake, iron sources (heme vs. non-heme), and iron status. Full article

Background/Objectives: Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and iodine, remains a significant public health issue among school-aged children in Morocco. Processed cheese, such as “The Laughing Cow” (TLC), has potential as a vehicle for fortification due to its widespread consumption and accessibility. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fortified TLC on micronutrient intake and adequacy relative to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), among Moroccan children aged 6–12 years, and to explore differences in effects by socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Data from the Moroccan Household Budget Survey (2013–2014) included 9266 children (39.4% TLC consumers). Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h recalls, and nutrient composition was analyzed using Ciqual 2020 tables and specialized software. Fortification scenarios were modelled to estimate potential impacts on micronutrient intake and compliance with RDAs. Results: Under the modelling scenarios, consumption of one portion/day of fortified TLC significantly improved RDAs compliance for iron, iodine, and zinc (p < 0.05). There was also an increase in RDA compliance for calcium and vitamin D, but differences were not significant. The impact of fortification on micronutrient intake and RDA compliance increased with socioeconomic status. Consumers of more than one portion/day showed the highest compliance with RDAs (p < 0.001). Fortification effects were consistent across age subgroups. Conclusions: Fortifying processed cheese represents a feasible strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies among Moroccan schoolchildren. This study highlights the potential of targeted fortification programmes to improve public health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations. Further research is needed to optimize fortification approaches and ensure sustainability. Full article

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are mainly considered disorders marked by severe immunometabolic imbalance, characterized by ongoing neuroinflammation and glial activation. While mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are well-known features, the upstream metabolic factors linking these pathological processes remain poorly understood. Methods: In this review, we examined recent preclinical and clinical studies exploring the connections between lipid metabolism, glial immunometabolism, and regulated cell death pathways. Our focus was on how long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) facilitate communication among mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ferroptosis in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Results: New evidence shifts LCFAs from merely being passive indicators of cellular damage to active, upstream regulators of the neuroimmune response. Existing research shows that excess LCFA intake can overload astrocytic mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, leading to abnormal lipid droplet buildup and reactive astrogliosis. This lipid-driven reactivity promotes microglial polarization toward a persistent pro-inflammatory state. Notably, high levels of specific LCFAs, especially arachidonic acid, increase ROS production and lipid peroxidation. This lipotoxic environment ultimately triggers ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death shared across multiple NDs. Conclusions: The harmful interaction among mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis is driven by an imbalance in LCFA levels. Addressing current challenges, such as the complex effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation, requires advanced techniques like single-cell multi-omics and artificial intelligence. Understanding this intricate lipidomic-transcriptomic crosstalk is crucial for moving toward personalized neuroimmunometabolism and developing new treatments to prevent ferroptosis. Full article

Background: Children and adults with Trisomy 21 are more likely to develop nutrition-related conditions and diseases. The nutrition-related health of Canadians with Trisomy 21 is unknown. We aimed to determine the nutrient intake and physical activity of school-aged children with Trisomy 21 in Manitoba, Canada. Methods: Mothers of 14 school-aged children (n = 7 female, average age 9 years old) with Trisomy 21 completed a 24 h dietary recall and a survey that included questions about their children’s nutrition and physical activity. Nutrient intake analysis was conducted to compare food and beverage consumption with dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Most children with T21 included in this study consumed an adequate average intake of daily protein, carbohydrate, and iron; an inadequate average intake of daily dietary fibre and calcium; and an excessive average daily intake of added sugars and saturated fat. Notably, all children consumed inadequate vitamin D and excessive sodium. Most children consumed a dietary supplement (10/14), engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity (10/14), and were active for more than 60 min per day (12/14). Conclusions: Most children with Trisomy 21 included in this study met daily physical activity recommendations. However, despite a variety of foods reportedly consumed across all food groups, nutrient intake among school-aged children with Trisomy 21 included in this study was mixed, as both deficiencies and excessive amounts of some nutrients were observed. There is a need to improve the nutrient intake of children with Trisomy 21 to reduce their risk of developing nutrition-related conditions and diseases. Full article

Background: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a key marker of vascular aging and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Although diet has been proposed as an important modifiable factor influencing vascular health, the independent associations between specific macronutrients and minerals and the progression of arterial stiffness remain insufficiently characterized. Objective: The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the independent associations of baseline dietary macronutrient and mineral intake with the 5-year progression of arterial stiffness (assessed via carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in adults without prior cardiovascular disease. Methods: This longitudinal study included 466 participants from the EVA study who were evaluated at baseline and after a five-year follow-up (mean age 55.96 ± 14.15 years; 51.1% women). Arterial stiffness was assessed using cfPWV and CAVI. Dietary intake of macronutrients and minerals was estimated using the EVIDENT smartphone application. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between nutrient intake and arterial stiffness progression. Model 1 was adjusted for age and sex, and Model 2 was additionally adjusted for lifestyle variables and cardiovascular risk factors. Dietary intake was exclusively documented at baseline using a 3-day dietary record, while arterial stiffness parameters (cfPWV and CAVI) were assessed both at baseline and at the five-year follow-up. Results: Higher dietary fiber intake was independently associated with a lower increment in cfPWV after full adjustment (β = −0.025; 95% CI (confidence interval): −0.046 to −0.005). Alcohol intake showed a positive association with CAVI increment in the fully adjusted model (β = 0.020; 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.034). Iron intake was also independently associated with increased CAVI (β = 0.022; 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.041). Carbohydrate intake showed a small positive association with CAVI, whereas no consistent independent associations were observed for other macronutrients or minerals. Conclusions: In this adult population without previous cardiovascular disease, higher dietary fiber intake was associated with lower progression of central arterial stiffness, whereas alcohol and iron intake showed positive associations with peripheral arterial stiffness. Overall, most nutrients were not independently related to arterial stiffness after comprehensive adjustment. These findings suggest that selected dietary components may contribute modestly to vascular aging. 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

Background: Metal elements have been reported to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The available epidemiological evidence for these associations is often inconsistent and prone to confounding and reverse causation. We aimed to explore the causal effects of varying metal element levels on AD and investigate potential underlying mechanisms. Methods: To investigate the causal link between multiple metals and AD risk, we employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach and used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables. And the participants were extracted from large GWAS databases in the European Cohort. Our analysis primarily utilized methods including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger, and used sensitivity analyses to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity. To verify the mechanism, we further used the metal element-related genes and disease-related genes to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Results: The IVW method results from Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis showed that blood zinc was negatively associated with AD risk (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93–0.99, p = 0.016) in the forward MR analysis, whereas AD was negatively associated with serum transferrin levels (OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.81–0.98, p = 0.015) in the reverse MR analysis in Europeans, which was adjusted for BMI, smoking, education, and coffee intake. However, no causal links were found between blood Cu, Mg, Se, and other iron states in serum and AD risk in Europeans. The PPI network suggested that SLC39A1 played a key role in the zinc–AD relationship, and transferrin might interact with ALB, LTF, HFE, TFRC, TF, and SLC40A1 in the context of AD. Conclusions: Our TSMR study suggested that in European populations, higher blood zinc levels might exert a protective effect against AD, whereas pathology of might lead to decreased serum transferrin levels. These findings provided evidence for metal dysregulation in AD, though further validation through randomized controlled trials is required. Full article

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary habits and anthropometric characteristics of high school adolescents. Participants and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved randomly selecting 104 students (34 boys and 70 girls) who were 17–19 years old. To evaluate dietary habits, a validated and standardized EPIC-Norfolk frequency food questionnaire was used, and anthropometric characteristics of the participants were assessed. Results: The most often consumed foods during the week were meats and fruits, while the least frequently consumed were fish and vegetables. For all participants, intake below the recommended levels was for alpha-carotene, total carbohydrate sugars, vitamin D, milk, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Intake of proteins and iron was below the recommended levels in girls. Boys had a lower intake of proteins and fruits compared to girls. No differences were observed in the consumption of macronutrients. The median of all anthropometric values was within the reference values. Boys were slightly older and had significantly higher values of body weight and height, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR) compared to girls. In addition, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in males than in females. Participants with increased arterial blood pressure (ABP) showed significantly higher energy intake from fat, sodium intake, and total fat intake compared to those with normal ABP. Participants with increased WHR had significantly higher energy intake, intake of sodium, and total carbohydrates compared to those with normal WHR. Conclusions: This study shows that adolescents’ eating habits (particularly intake of fat and sodium) were associated with anthropometric values, ABP, and WHR, which present risks for cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Full article

The dose–response relationship for fluoride (F⁻) exposure remains largely unexplored. Hence, the current study assessed the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of subacute exposure (28 days) to increasing F⁻ concentrations in Wistar rats via the benchmark dose (BMD5) method. Thirty male rats were assigned to six groups (n = 5): a control group (tap water) along with five groups that received F⁻ via drinking water at increasing concentrations (10, 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L). F⁻ toxicity was determined via water intake, weight gain, histological analyses, redox status, and essential element levels. PROASTweb 70.1 software was utilized to investigate the external and internal F⁻ dose–response relationships. Specified major cytoarchitecture damage and superoxide anion (O₂·⁻), total oxidative status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total thiol groups (SH), and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) level alterations were detected in both sets of tissues. Moreover, F⁻ caused an imbalance in copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). The most sensitive parameters were O₂·⁻ (0.06 mg F⁻/kg) in the liver and AOPP (6.5 × 10⁻⁶ mg F⁻/L) in the kidneys. These findings contribute to the limited risk assessment of fluorides and highlight the dose-dependent relationship between redox status parameters and bioelements in the liver and kidneys. Full article

Background/Objectives: While adequate mineral intake is essential for brain health and cognitive function across the lifespan, the potential impact of excessive consumption remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary intake of selected minerals, with particular focus on iron and zinc, and cognitive performance in Spanish adults with obesity, particularly in executive-related domains such as reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 230 Spanish adults (18–65 years) from the Tech4Diet-Person project. Sociodemographic, dietary, and cognitive data were collected between 2021 and 2024. Cognitive function was assessed using the validated computerized CogniFit battery, and mineral intake was estimated through a food frequency questionnaire (93 items). Individuals with neurological, metabolic, or psychiatric disorders, as well as pregnant or lactating women, were excluded. Results: Participants had a mean age of 45.91 (±9.92) years. Nominal differences in mineral intake were observed across specific executive cognitive domains. Higher dietary iron intake was associated with lower performance in reasoning and cognitive flexibility, while higher zinc intake was associated with lower working memory performance. In adjusted logistic regression models, higher iron intake was independently associated with increased odds of low reasoning performance (OR = 1.25; p = 0.006), and higher zinc intake was associated with increased odds of low working memory performance (OR = 1.36; p = 0.024), after controlling for age, educational level, BMI, and total energy intake. Conclusions: Higher self-reported intake of iron and zinc showed nominal associations with lower performance in specific executive domains. These findings should be considered exploratory and require confirmation in longitudinal and biomarker-based studies. Full article