Search Results (2,314)

Scarab beetles depend on gut microbes for digestive enzymes. Some species’ microbiomes show taxonomic conservation regardless of diet, while others have conserved functional profiles. We compared the hindgut microbiomes of two Cetoniinae beetle larvae: the obligately saproxylophagous Mecynorrhinella poggei and the omnivorous/predatory Goliathus goliatus, which requires protein supplementation when reared artificially. Two diets with and without supplementation were used. If diet drives the microbiome, then gut microbes in protein-supplemented hosts should produce fewer lignocellulolytic enzymes and more proteinases regardless of species. If microbiome composition is conserved within a species, then Mecynorrhinella is expected to have more lignocellulolytic microbes while Goliathus should have more proteinolytic microbes regardless of diet. In this study, low-protein diets reduced G. goliatus growth, but gut microbiome composition and predicted function remained largely stable, dominated by Bacteroidales including Dysgonomonas, Proteiniphilum, and Alistipes. Mecynorrhinella’s gut microbiome showed some reduced Proteiniphilum and increased Dysgonomonas relative abundance, but otherwise the microbiome composition was statistically stable with no effect of diet on growth or predicted microbiome function. These results highlight that microbiomes of closely related insects can markedly differ even if diet does not and that microbiome functional conservation tied to host physiology may occur even if greater plasticity could theoretically reduce malnutrition. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the combined associations of food insecurity and Mediterranean diet adherence with glycemic control and to determine whether gut-derived metabolites differ according to food insecurity and macrovascular complication status in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, food insecurity was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated with the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence (MDA) Scale. Serum trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and L-carnitine concentrations were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Multinomial logistic regression was used as the primary analysis of data-derived HbA1c tertiles, and separate binary logistic regression models were performed as sensitivity analyses. ANCOVA was used for adjusted comparisons of continuous outcomes. Results: In the primary multinomial analysis, none of the combined food insecurity–MDA patterns were significantly associated with the intermediate or highest HbA1c tertiles after multivariable adjustment. However, point estimates suggested higher odds of the intermediate HbA1c tertile among participants with food insecurity and high MDA adherence (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 0.76–15.25) and of the highest HbA1c tertile among those with food insecurity and low MDA adherence (AOR = 4.74, 95% CI: 0.66–34.16); these estimates were imprecise. Sensitivity analyses using separate binary logistic regression models yielded stronger associations, but these findings should also be interpreted cautiously. Participants with macrovascular complications exhibited significantly higher serum TMAO and L-carnitine concentrations (p = 0.026 and p = 0.039, respectively), whereas food-insecure participants had significantly lower concentrations of both metabolites (p = 0.009 and p = 0.018, respectively). Higher dietary fiber and plant protein intakes were cross-sectionally associated with lower TMAO concentrations, while L-carnitine concentrations were positively associated with dietary fiber intake and inversely associated with plant protein intake. Conclusions: Combined food insecurity–MDA patterns showed suggestive but imprecise differences in HbA1c category membership that require confirmation in larger prospective studies. Serum TMAO and L-carnitine concentrations differed according to food insecurity and macrovascular complication status and were associated with selected dietary components. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory cross-sectional associations rather than evidence of causal or mechanistic effects. Full article

Shifting dietary patterns is necessary to meet global environmental and health targets. Legumes represent a nutritious and viable protein source. Yet, consumption remains low among consumer groups due to low familiarity and inferior sensory perceptions. Sensory conditioning has proven effective in increasing acceptance of unfamiliar foods and may have applicability in shaping future legume preferences. The study compared Mere-Exposure, Flavor–Flavor and Flavor–Nutrient learning strategies in their effectiveness in increasing consumer preferences for legumes in a Danish adult sample (N = 70). Participants filled out a questionnaire before and after a three-week at-home meal intervention. Fava beans were used as the legume case, and all participants, were exposed to 12 fava bean test stimuli. Participants in the Mere-Exposure group experienced a significant increase in preferences, while the Flavor–Flavor and Flavor–Nutrient groups did not. The Mere-Exposure group also experienced an increase in liking of the appearance and flavor of fava beans. By showcasing the potential of a widely applicable sensory strategy, the study highlights how sensory conditioned learning might support the adoption of more sustainable foods in an adult sample. The results provide insights for health and nutritional personnel, researchers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable diets. Full article

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) account for a substantial proportion of energy intake and are commonly characterized by being low in protein. The growing availability of protein-fortified UPFs may contribute considerably to dietary protein intake. This study examined associations between UPF consumption and protein intake and evaluated the effects of UPF reduction on protein intake. Fifty-two healthy adults were randomized to either minimize UPF consumption (MPF; n = 25) or maintain typical dietary patterns (UPF; n = 27) for six months. Dietary intake was assessed using three-day diet records at baseline and post-intervention, and foods were classified by the Nova Food Classification System. At baseline, UPF consumption was positively associated with UPF-derived protein intake and the proportion of protein obtained from UPFs (p’s < 0.0001), while demonstrating inverse associations with protein intake relative to body mass and the percentage of calories derived from protein. The MPF group significantly reduced UPF consumption and UPF-derived protein intake (p’s < 0.0001). Despite this, total protein intake, protein intake relative to body mass, and percentage of calories derived from protein were maintained. These findings suggest that dietary protein adequacy can be preserved during UPF reduction while decreasing reliance on UPF-derived protein sources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet induces distinct metabolic adaptations, yet the acute endocrine responses to individual macronutrients within this adapted state remain incompletely characterized. This study aimed to determine the acute, postprandial endocrine and glycemic kinetics following isolated isocaloric carbohydrate, protein, and fat boluses in healthy adults adapted to a low-carbohydrate diet. Methods: Participants (13 female, 11 male) completed three interventions which consisted of consuming an isovolumetric 300 kcal drink of either whey protein (PRO), dextrose (CHO), or olive oil (FAT) mixed with water. Blood was taken immediately prior to drink consumption and then every 30 min afterwards for 2 h in each condition. Continuous glucose monitoring occurred during each intervention. Results: Postprandial glucose remained stable following the FAT and PRO conditions, whereas the CHO condition significantly increased glucose concentrations over time (p < 0.01). Glucagon did not differ between FAT and CHO (p = 0.28) but increased following PRO compared to both FAT and CHO (p < 0.01). Insulin, C-peptide and amylin rose in the CHO condition, with smaller increases in PRO and minimal changes in FAT (p < 0.01). GLP-1 was elevated in the PRO condition compared to both FAT and CHO (p < 0.01), while GIP increased most in the CHO condition and differed across all treatments (p < 0.01). Ghrelin decreased after CHO and PRO, leptin did not significantly change across conditions, and both PP and PYY were lower in the CHO condition at later time points relative to FAT and PRO. Inflammatory markers showed minimal acute changes across conditions, although MCP-1 increased over time following PRO. Conclusions: In low-carbohydrate-adapted individuals, isolated macronutrient boluses elicit highly distinct, divergent endocrine signatures. The robust, acute glucagon response to pure protein does not cause short-term glycemic excursions, indicating that counter-regulatory incretin and insulinotropic pathways remain highly capable of preserving immediate glucose homeostasis. Full article

The progressive failure of pancreatic beta-cells under chronic glucolipotoxicity drives the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This metabolic stress overwhelms the folding capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), hyperactivates the unfolded protein response (UPR), engages terminal pro-apoptotic signaling through C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), and promotes beta-cell dedifferentiation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261370436), we evaluated the preclinical efficacy of the low-molecular-weight chemical chaperones tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) in preserving beta-cell exocytotic identity and mitigating ER stress. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2016–May 2026) identified four eligible experimental studies. Preclinical models (INS-1 and βTC-6 cell lines, Wistar rats, and C57BL/6 mice) exposed to a high-fat diet (HFD), a high-fat/high-fructose diet (HFHFD), cholesterol loading, or protein restriction followed by high-fat feeding showed impaired or dysregulated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and upregulated ER-stress markers. Co-administration of TUDCA or 4-PBA moved secretory output toward the healthy-control phenotype in every model and reduced pro-apoptotic markers in the three models in which they were measured. A hierarchical Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis of the between-arm GSIS restoration ratio at stimulatory glucose yielded a pooled ratio of 1.85 (95% credible interval [CrI] 1.38 to 2.43), with the entire credible mass above the null (posterior probability of benefit 0.996). This estimate was stable across nine prior specifications for the between-study standard deviation and in every leave-one-out analysis, including exclusion of the single hypersecretion model (1.98, 95% CrI 1.09 to 3.18). Between-study variance was small but weakly identified from only four studies and is reported as exploratory. Pooling instead on the registered within-arm stimulation-index scale, a change in metric declared as a protocol deviation, gave 1.46 (95% CrI 0.73 to 2.58) with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 89.3%), so the evidence supports restoration of absolute glucose-stimulated insulin output rather than of fold glucose responsiveness. Because no source report documents blinding of outcome assessment, the pooled estimate should be read as an upper bound. In conclusion, TUDCA and 4-PBA act as chemical chaperones that alleviate ER stress and may prevent terminal UPR activation and preserve the beta-cell exocytotic machinery, positioning them as candidate disease-modifying agents that merit confirmatory clinical evaluation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low-protein diets (LPD) and very-low-protein diets supplemented with Ketoanalogues (sVLPD) delay initiation of dialysis in non-diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). sVLPD is not recommended in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and information about LPD supplemented with Ketoanalogues (LPD + KA) is scarce or inconclusive. The objective of this study is to provide further evidence on the benefits and safety of LPD supplemented with KA (LPD + KA) compared with LPD alone in reducing CKD progression in patients with T2DM. Methods: T2DM patients in stages 3b-4 of CKD (n = 149) were included in a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial and received LPD + KA or LPD, 1 year follow-up. Evaluations were carried out bimonthly. In both groups, protein intake was 0.6 g/kg/day, and the LPD + KA group received KA at the recommended dose. The primary outcome was a decline in eGFR, calculated with Creatinine and with Cystatin C. Secondary outcomes were dialysis requirement, deterioration in nutritional status, hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Results: During follow-up, protein nitrogen appearance was 0.556 ± 0.119 and 0.576 ± 0.134 g/kg/day in LPD + KA and LPD, respectively (p = 0.002). The decrease in eGFR_CysC from the baseline was −4.29 ± 0.96 mL/min in LPD + KA and −8.54 ± 2.19 mL/min in LPD (using linear mixed-effects model, p = 0.012). eGFR_Cr did not show differences. There were no differences in nutrition status, metabolic control, adverse events, hospitalizations, or hospital days. Conclusions: Ketoanalogues slow the decline in eGFR_CyC but not eGFR_Cr in T2DM patients, even without differences in protein intake. LPD + KA may be considered useful and safe; however, due to limitations in sample size and follow-up, as well as observed changes in Cr metabolism, the results warrant confirmation with a more robust design and a longer follow-up period. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently experience food-related symptoms and express a strong need for dietary guidance, yet evidence-based recommendations remain limited. This often leads to self-imposed dietary restrictions, potentially compromising nutritional intake and food-related quality of life (Fr-QoL). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate changes in Fr-QoL, following personalized feedback on an IBD-specific food frequency questionnaire and access to an online nutritional knowledge portal over a 6-month period. Secondary exploratory outcomes included changes in dietary intake and diet quality. Methods: In this nationwide pre–post study, 108 patients with IBD completed baseline and 6-month assessments. Dietary intake was measured using the validated GINQ-FFQ and Fr-QoL using a 29-item questionnaire. Nutrient intake was compared with EFSA reference values. Participants received automated personalized feedback and had access to educational tools and dietitian resources. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests. Results: A significant improvement in Fr-QoL was observed (mean difference 8.1 points, 95% CI 5.5–10.7; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.39). Baseline intake was characterized by high fat and low fiber consumption. After 6 months, total energy intake decreased (p < 0.001), along with reductions in protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and several micronutrients, including iron, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Diet quality did not improve, and adherence to EFSA guidelines remained suboptimal. The digital tools were positively evaluated. Conclusions: In this single-arm pre–post study, Fr-QoL scores were higher at follow-up than at baseline among participants who completed both assessments, whereas dietary intake and overall diet quality did not improve. The findings support the feasibility and acceptability of the developed digital tools for dietary assessment and nutrition education, although their effectiveness requires further evaluation in controlled studies. Additional strategies, including structured dietitian-led support combined with digital resources, may be required to optimize nutritional outcomes in patients with IBD. Full article

Hyperlipidemia (HL) is a major metabolic disorder and a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, closely associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. Freeze-dried Poecilobdella manillensis powder (FDPMP), a traditional medicinal product, has shown therapeutic potential against hyperlipidemia; however, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, HL was induced in ApoE^−/− mice by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks, during which FDPMP or simvastatin (positive control) was orally administered daily. Concurrently, an in vitro foam cell model was established by exposing RAW264.7 macrophages to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 80 μg/mL) for 24 h, with FDPMP pretreatment applied 30 min prior to ox-LDL stimulation. Following intervention, serum lipid profiles, hepatic oxidative stress markers, histopathological changes, and cholesterol metabolism-related gene and protein expression were systematically evaluated. FDPMP administration significantly improved serum lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, FDPMP alleviated histopathological damage in the liver, kidney, and heart, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and attenuated oxidative stress. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that FDPMP markedly modulated key metabolic pathways, including choline metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Mechanistically, FDPMP restored cholesterol homeostasis through dual regulation of cholesterol metabolism, characterized by upregulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) to promote bile acid-mediated cholesterol excretion, alongside downregulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and synthase (HMGCS1) to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. In vitro, FDPMP effectively suppressed ox-LDL-induced foam cell formation, reduced intracellular lipid accumulation, and mitigated oxidative stress in macrophages. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FDPMP ameliorates hyperlipidemia through coordinated regulation of cholesterol synthesis and excretion, coupled with systemic metabolic reprogramming and antioxidative effects. This study provides mechanistic insights supporting FDPMP as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders. Full article

This study examined the effects of replacing 25% (P25) or 50% (P50) of concentrate dry matter (DM) with sun-dried carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pods on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality, serum biochemistry, and rumen microbiology in growing Assaf lambs. Twenty-four weaned male Assaf lambs (initial body weight [BW] 27.0 ± 0.5 kg; 2.5 months of age) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 8 per group) in a completely randomized design and fed for 16 weeks. P50 achieved the highest ANCOVA-adjusted least squares mean final BW (53.0 kg) and average daily gain (ADG) (220.8 g/d), followed by P25 (51.1 kg; 203.3 g/d) and the control (46.2 kg; 160.2 g/d) (p < 0.001). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved from 8.99 in the control to 6.16 and 6.11 in P25 and P50, respectively, with no significant difference between the two carob-supplemented groups (p < 0.001). Apparent DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility increased with carob inclusion at both 3 and 6 months of age (p ≤ 0.0001). Cold carcass weight (CCW) was higher in carob-supplemented lambs (p < 0.001), whereas carcass muscle proportion did not differ among treatments (p = 0.688), and carcass fat proportion was higher in P25 than in the control (p = 0.039). Warner–Bratzler shear force declined progressively with carob inclusion (p < 0.001), indicating improved meat tenderness. Serum total protein was highest in P25, whereas blood urea nitrogen (BUN), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) decreased with carob inclusion (p < 0.001). Rumen pH was highest in P25 (6.40), total bacterial and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts increased, and protozoa counts declined (p < 0.001). Because carob pods replaced concentrate, rather than being added to an isonitrogenous diet, the combined effects of pods per se, reduced crude protein supply, and altered energy density must all be considered when interpreting the results. These findings support carob pods as a practical, locally available partial substitute for concentrate feed in Assaf lamb production under Mediterranean and Near Eastern conditions. Full article

This experiment was performed to investigate the effect of two different CP levels, with or without NCG supplementation, on finishing pigs’ performance and meat quality. A total of 200 pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an initial average body weight (BW) of 50.06 ± 1.34 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for 70 days. There were four treatment groups with ten replicates and five pigs (three males and two females) per pen. The dietary treatment includes low-protein NCG−, 13% CP (LP NCG−); low-protein NCG +, 13% CP + NCG 0.1% (1 kgton) (LP NCG+); high-protein NCG−, 15% CP (HP NCG−); high-protein NCG+, 15% CP + NCG 0.1% (1 kg/ton) (HP NCG+). After 6 weeks of experimentation on CP effect, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, glucose, and albumin levels in pigs fed LP NCG− diets were significantly lower (p < 0.05), while in terms of the effect of NCG on creatinine level, the levels in the HP NCG+ diet were significantly lower than those in LP NCG+. Dry matter intake and nitrogen intake in HP NCG− diets were significantly higher than in LP NCG−. Loin muscle area (LMA) and cooking loss in LP NCG+ diets were significantly higher than in HP NCG+. Isoleucine, histidine, lysine, alanine, and tyrosine showed higher values in HP NCG−diets than in LP NCG−. LP NCG+ feeds improved species diversity and abundance of Firmicutes, LP NCG− of Lactobacillus, and HP NCG+ of Bacilli. Thus, low dietary protein can be beneficial for nitrogen retention, blood profile, and carcass amino acids, and NCG supplementation at 0.1% for gut health and meat quality. Full article

Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) offers a sustainable fishmeal alternative, but high inclusion may impair shrimp growth and health. This study evaluated the responses associated with dietary curcumin (CUR) supplementation in Penaeus vannamei fed a diet in which 50% of the fishmeal was replaced with CAP. Three diets were formulated: a fishmeal-based control diet (FM), a low-fishmeal diet in which 50% of the fishmeal was replaced with CAP (CAP), and the CAP diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg CUR (CTER). After an 8-week feeding trial, P. vannamei fed the CAP diet exhibited significantly lower final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate, accompanied by adverse histological changes in the intestine and hepatopancreas, reduced hepatopancreatic immune enzyme activities, and alterations in the intestinal microbiota. Compared with the CAP group, CUR supplementation was associated with improved growth performance, higher survival following WSSV exposure, improved hepatopancreatic and intestinal morphology, increased immune enzyme activities, greater microbial richness, and shifts in the relative abundance of several dominant bacterial taxa. Transcriptomic analysis further suggested that the beneficial effects of CUR may be partly associated with differential expression of genes enriched in metabolism- and immunity-related pathways. Overall, dietary CUR supplementation was associated with broad improvements in growth, tissue condition, nonspecific immune responses, intestinal microbial profiles, and post-challenge survival under the high-CAP dietary condition. These findings support the potential application of CUR as a functional additive in CAP-based, low-fishmeal diets for P. vannamei. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary betaine on the growth, glucose and lipid metabolism, and bile acid (BA) metabolism in Micropterus salmoides fed high-cottonseed concentrated protein (CPC) diets. In this study, Micropterus salmoides were fed six experimental diets: the basal diet (BD diet; high fish meal), the low-fish meal diet (LF diet; 75% of the fish meal protein in the BD diet was substituted with CPC), and four betaine-supplemented diets (1.0 g/kg, 2.0 g/kg, 4.0 g/kg, and 8.0 g/kg of betaine were added to the LF diet, designated as LFB1.0, LFB2.0, LFB4.0, and LFB8.0, respectively). After an 8-week feeding trial, compared with the BD diet, fish fed the LF diet had decreased weight gain rate, reduced feed utilization efficiency, and poor liver health and impaired metabolic function. Conversely, fish fed the LFB4.0 diet showed an increased weight gain rate and feeding rate, improved liver antioxidant capacity, and decreased hepatic lipid droplets and glycogen content. Non-targeted metabolomics of the liver revealed that betaine regulated carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and was associated with primary bile acid metabolism. Moreover, the hepatic levels of the BA regulatory factors short heterodimer partner and farnesoid-X-receptor, as well as the gene expression of BA transporter bile salt export pump, were increased in fish fed the LFB4.0 diet. Supplementing the LF diet (high CPC levels) with 4.0 g/kg betaine improves fish growth performance and enhances hepatic carbohydrate and lipid metabolism via the positive regulation of BA metabolism by betaine. Full article

Poultry nutrition simultaneously affects animal health, productive efficiency, product quality and the environmental burdens associated with feed production and manure management. Nutritional interventions may generate synergies among these outcomes, but they can also shift costs or environmental impacts across biological and supply-chain boundaries. This review critically evaluates low-protein diets, functional additives, feed enzymes, alternative protein sources, precision-feeding technologies and nutritional approaches to manure-emission mitigation. The evidence indicates that improved intestinal function and nutrient retention can reduce feed requirements and nutrient excretion, whereas excessive protein restriction, unstable additive responses, limited alternative-ingredient supply and poorly validated digital systems may compromise performance, product quality or economic feasibility. Environmental benefits are also sensitive to ingredient origin, processing, transport, crystalline amino acid and additive manufacture, coproduct allocation and life cycle assessment assumptions. To integrate these considerations, we propose a four-level conceptual decision framework comprising physiological adequacy, precision nutrient supply, constraint-specific functional intervention and whole-chain verification. The framework treats health, productive performance, product quality, economic feasibility and environmental impact as simultaneous decision criteria, while genotype, production stage, disease pressure, climate, ingredient availability and market objectives define the conditions of application. Standardized life cycle assessment and commercial validation are required to distinguish reproducible net benefits from improvements confined to individual indicators. This approach provides a structured basis for selecting poultry nutritional strategies that remain biologically effective, economically accessible and environmentally beneficial under practical production conditions. Full article

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder closely associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Mulberry leaves are rich in bioactive proteins, but whether mulberry leaf albumin-type protein can improve diet-induced obesity remains unclear. In this study, ultrafiltered mulberry leaf albumin-type protein (UMP) was prepared and its anti-obesity effects were evaluated in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice. UMP contained 87.12 ± 0.52 g/100 g protein, 2.52 ± 0.00 g/100 g polyphenols, and 8.21 ± 1.49 g/100 g polysaccharides, with two major albumin-type protein bands of approximately 14 and 52 kDa. Structural analysis showed that UMP was mainly composed of β-turns and α-helices. In HFD-fed mice, daily administration of UMP for 16 weeks reduced body weight gain by 3.85 g and 5.63 g in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively, without affecting food intake. Biochemical assays, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and histological analysis showed that UMP improved insulin responsiveness, alleviated serum dyslipidemia, reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, and decreased circulating alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lipopolysaccharide levels. Histological analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance-based short-chain fatty acid quantification further showed that UMP protected colonic morphology and increased colonic short-chain fatty acid levels. Gut microbiota analysis showed that UMP restored microbial diversity, reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, and enriched potentially beneficial genera, including Ileibacterium and norank_f_Muribaculaceae. Fecal biochemical assays suggested that UMP promoted fecal free fatty acid excretion and partially improved bile acid-related metabolic alterations. Untargeted serum metabolomics revealed that UMP reshaped metabolic pathways related to lipid turnover, bile acid signaling, glucose utilization, and glucuronidation. Correlation analysis linked UMP-enriched bacterial taxa with key metabolites involved in fatty acid and energy metabolism. Together, these findings indicate that UMP attenuates HFD-induced obesity through coordinated regulation of gut microbiota, intestinal metabolites, and systemic metabolic homeostasis. UMP may therefore represent a promising functional dietary protein for the prevention of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Full article