Search Results (245)

Background: Saliva sampling is increasingly used for respiratory virus diagnostics in dentistry and oral medicine due to patient comfort and reduced exposure risk. How routine behaviors—mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing, and food intake—affect short-term SARS-CoV-2 detectability remains insufficiently characterized for clinical workflows. Methods: In this international two-center pilot study, twelve RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients provided paired mouth-rinse saliva samples and pharyngeal swabs at predefined time points. The study assessed (I) an intensified 3 min mechanical oral hygiene protocol (toothbrushing of teeth, gingiva, tongue, and palate, followed by toothpaste–saliva gargling); (II) repeated short mouth rinses; and (III) postprandial sampling. Viral RNA was quantified by RT-PCR; Ct-trajectories were analyzed intra-individually. Results: Cycle threshold (Ct) values from pharyngeal swabs remained relatively stable over time, whereas mouth-rinse samples exhibited notable fluctuations throughout the 24 h period. An average increase of 3 Ct units was observed three minutes after the final mouth rinse (T24+3). Meal ingestion was associated with increased Ct values, rising by 4–5 units for pharyngeal swabs and 3–11 units for mouth rinses immediately after eating. Conclusions: In clinical dental settings, saliva diagnostics are feasible but acutely modulated by common behaviors. Mechanical oral hygiene, brief rinsing, and food intake can transiently reduce detectable oral SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with potential implications for timing of sampling, chairside triage, and infection-control protocols. This pilot study provides initial evidence supporting the development of standardized pre-analytical instructions (e.g., fasting window, pre-rinse policy, and sampling timing relative to oral hygiene and meals) to enhance the reliability of saliva-based testing in dental care. Full article

Proteins elicit various metabolic and physiological functions that are related to physical performance. Due to increased need in athletes, protein supplementation has been widely used to support recovery and performance. However, the extent to which acute gains in muscle protein synthesis translate into measurable performance remains debated. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from trials on supplemental proteins across resistance, endurance, and mixed-modality training, comparing sources (whey, casein, soy, pea, and blends). Moreover, this review summarizes dosing and timing strategies, with notes for master, diabetic, and female athletes. It is well-established that supplemental protein enhances fat-free mass and, to a lesser extent, strength when baseline dietary protein is suboptimal. However, the effects are smaller when habitual intake already meets athletic targets. Whey, as a rapid protein and rich in leucine, reliably elicits an acute anabolic response, while casein provides prolonged elevated aminoacidemia. When total intake and leucine thresholds are matched, plant proteins and blends can yield comparable long-term adaptations. In addition, studies showed that the distribution and strategic timing around exercise (post-exercise first, with optional pre-sleep casein or blends) support recovery during high-frequency training or energy deficit. Protein co-ingested with carbohydrate in endurance and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) can also help glycogen restoration and attenuate muscle-damage markers, though effects on sport outcomes are inconsistent. The evidence in diabetic athletes is limited; guidance extrapolates from diabetes and athlete studies, with benefits apparent when intake, quality, or distribution are limited. Furthermore, evidence indicates that anabolic resistance in master athletes requires higher per-meal doses and distribution, with post-exercise and pre-sleep feedings valuable. Consistently, female athletes partaking in aerobic and resistance training while supplementing with protein demonstrate desired body composition adaptations. Overall, although supplemental protein helps close gaps between intake and physiological demand, various factors may influence its regimen. Protein source may help the kinetics balance, amino-acid profile, and dietary preferences. Alternatively, timing may influence the protein effects on training and recovery. Full article

Dumping Syndrome (DS) is a significant complication following bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This condition is characterised by gastrointestinal and vasomotor symptoms resulting from altered anatomy and hormonal dysregulation, notably accelerated gastric emptying and an exaggerated release of gut peptides. Based on the timing of symptom onset after food ingestion, DS is classified as early (EDS) or late (LDS). The critical roles of peptides such as GLP-1, GIP, insulin, and YY peptide are highlighted, along with the involvement of neuroendocrine pathways in symptom manifestation. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and dynamic testing, with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) often considered a key reference standard for diagnosis. Initial management involves dietary modifications, emphasising the glycaemic index of foods and meal distribution. In cases where nutritional interventions are insufficient, pharmacotherapy with agents such as acarbose, somatostatin analogues (octreotide and pasireotide), GLP-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide), calcium channel blockers (verapamil), and emerging therapies, including herbal medicine, may be considered. For refractory cases, surgical options like bypass reversal or partial pancreatectomy are reserved, although their efficacy can be variable. Despite advancements in understanding and treating DS, further large-scale, randomised controlled trials are essential to validate novel strategies and optimise long-term management. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the aetiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and current management strategies for DS. Full article

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are becoming an increasingly common environmental pollutant. They have been detected in fruit, vegetables, drinking water, seafood, meat, dairy products, and cereals, with particularly high levels often being found in processed foods. The presence of MNPs varies significantly depending on the type of food, geographical region, method of food preparation, and packaging materials used. Of the three main routes of human exposure to MNPs, ingestion is the most important. This article provides a comprehensive review of food contamination by MNPs, including an assessment of the impact of various factors on the MNP abundance. For the first time, it also evaluates the differences in MNP intake among individuals following three typical European dietary patterns: the Mediterranean, Western, and lacto-ovo-vegetarian. The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet was found to result in the highest MNP intake (69.1 × 10⁶ particles/day), almost doubling that of the other tested patterns. This is mainly due to the very high proportion of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts in daily meals. Taking into account both health concerns and MNP quantity consumed with meals (37.5 × 10⁶ particles/day), the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest. The review also highlights the need to raise awareness of food-related sources of MNPs. Full article

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an IgE-mediated allergy, triggered by a carbohydrate—galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). AGS is marked by a delayed onset of symptoms, typically occurring 3–8 h after the ingestion of red meat or other mammalian-derived products. The primary risk factor is believed to be tick bites, which sensitize individuals through the introduction of α-Gal via tick saliva. Diagnosis of AGS is based on a combination of anamnesis and detection of α-Gal-specific IgE antibodies. We evaluated 28 patients with a history of unexplained anaphylaxis, angioedema, and/or urticaria, in whom the diagnostic work-up included the assessment of serum IgE specific to alpha-gal. Elevated alpha-gal-specific IgE levels were detected in five patients. Among them, four reported anaphylactic episodes following meat consumption. In three cases, symptoms developed during the evening or nighttime, typically 3 to 6 h after the last meal. One patient experienced anaphylaxis within one hour after a meal. Another patient presented angioedema up to 24 h after meat consumption and was also tested positive for specific IgE against beef and pork allergens. The AGS case series showed variability in clinical picture and time to reaction. In patients presenting idiopathic anaphylaxis and nonspecific symptoms after red meat consumption, AGS should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Full article

Probiotics’ potential to enhance gut health is often limited by their poor survival during gastrointestinal (GI) transit, a challenge influenced by the composition and timing of co-ingested foods. Addressing the lack of dietary guidelines for optimal probiotic administration, this in vitro study examines how consuming Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) with different foods at varying timings affects bacterial survival during simulated digestion. The results showed that simultaneous intake with durum wheat pasta or soy milk improved bacterial viability compared to standalone probiotics. The pasta outperformed the soy milk, yielding higher viable counts (5.92–6.38 vs. 4.93–5.39 log CFU/g) due to greater buffering capacity. Timing of administration also played a critical role: consuming probiotics with (5.39–5.92 log CFU/g) or after a meal (5.19–6.38 log CFU/g) enhanced viability compared to an empty-stomach scenario (4.93–6.04 log CFU/g). Additionally, LGG co-ingestion facilitated starch and protein digestion, increasing the pasta starch digestibility from 84.80% to 89.00% and the soy milk protein digestibility from 78.00% to 80.00%, suggesting synergistic bacteria–food interactions between the probiotic and food matrix. These findings emphasize the importance of food matrix selection and administration timing in optimizing probiotic efficacy. The study provides practical insights for healthcare professionals and consumers, advocating for meal-aligned probiotic intake with buffering-rich foods like pasta to maximize viability. Full article

The high cost of commercial feed presents a major barrier to scaling environmentally responsible cricket (Acheta domesticus) farming, particularly in low-resource settings. We investigated the use of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly Larvae, BSFL) combined with locally available ingredients to develop affordable, nutritionally balanced feed for A. domesticus. A three-phase experimental approach was used: (i) feed preference assessment from six ingredients; (ii) performance evaluation of four BSFL-to-commercial feed ratios; and (iii) formulation and testing of three practical recipes using Pearson’s square method. Feed efficiency was measured via feed conversion ratio (FCR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), and yield. A recipe consisting of 20.6% BSFL, 14.6% soybean meal, 29.1% corn meal, 17.8% rice meal, and 17.8% commercial feed achieved the best performance with an FCR of 2.2, ECI of 44.4%, and juvenile larvae yield of 99.9%. This formulation also reduced feed cost by 33% compared to commercial feed. The study confirmed that integrating BSFL with regionally sourced materials using a simple feed design method can enhance food security, reduce input costs, and support the transition toward circular insect farming systems. 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

Recent studies have indicated that microplastics (MPs) may accumulate in the human body, potentially posing health risks. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the effect of a food supplement (FS: 0.8 g of chitosan derived from Procambarus clarkii, PCC) on the fecal excretion of MPs (20–500 µm size) following ingestion of a standardized meal (SM). Ten healthy volunteers (non-smokers, non-drinkers, non-drug users) participated in a two-phase, crossover design conducted one week apart. In both phases, participants consumed an SM after overnight fasting, and fecal samples were collected the following morning (7–10 am). Phase 1 served as baseline (no PCC), while in Phase 2, PCC was administered immediately before the SM. Sixteen types of MPs were analyzed. A modest increase (5%) in fecal mass was observed after PCC intake. MP counts were 356 in the SM, 656 ± 110 in Phase 1 feces, and 965 ± 165 in Phase 2 feces. The excretion of nine MPs—PA, PAN, PAM, PE, PES, PET, PP, PS, and RA—was enhanced by PCC. These preliminary findings suggest that PCC promotes the fecal elimination of MPs. Further controlled studies are needed to validate these results and assess their potential relevance for dietary interventions. Full article

Tactical athletes and military personnel engaged in intense exercise need to consume enough quality protein in their diet to maintain protein balance and promote recovery. Plant-based protein sources contain fewer essential amino acids (EAAs), while pork loin contains a higher concentration of EAAs and creatine than most other animal protein sources. This study aimed to determine whether the ingestion of plant-based or pork-based military-style meals ready-to-eat (MREs) affects recovery from and subsequent Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) performance. Methods: Twenty-three (n = 23) University Corps of Cadets members participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover-designed study. Diets were prepared by a dietitian, food scientist, and chef to have similar taste, appearance, texture, and macronutrient content. The chef also labeled the meals for double-blind administration. Participants refrained from intense exercise for 48 h before reporting to the lab in a fasted condition with a 24 h urine sample. Participants donated a blood sample, completed questionnaires and cognitive function tests, and consumed a pre-exercise meal. After four hours, participants performed the ACFT according to military standards. Participants were fed three MREs daily while returning to the lab in a fasted condition at 0600 with 24 h urine samples after 24, 48, and 72 h of recovery. On day 3, participants repeated the ACFT four hours after consuming an MRE for breakfast. Participants resumed normal training and returned to the lab after 2–3 weeks to repeat the experiment while consuming the alternate diet. Data were analyzed using general linear model statistics with repeated measures and percent changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Results revealed that 3 days were sufficient for participants to replicate ACFT performance. However, those consuming the pork-based diet experienced less muscle soreness, urinary urea excretion, cortisol, inflammation, and depression scores while experiencing a higher testosterone/cortisol ratio and appetite satisfaction. There was also evidence of more favorable changes in red and white blood cells. Conversely, blood lipid profiles were more favorably changed when following a plant-based diet. Conclusions: These findings suggest that protein quality and the availability of creatine in the diet can affect recovery from intense military-style exercise. Minimally, plant-based MREs should include 6–10 g/d of EAA and 2–3 g/d of creatine monohydrate to offset dietary deficiencies, particularly in military personnel following a vegetarian diet. Registered clinical trial #ISRCTN47322504. Full article

The 4Rs of sports nutrition were proposed in recent years as an evidence-based framework to optimize post-exercise recovery within the context of allostasis. Under this paradigm, it is important to consider that each R represents a factor with a tremendous influence on the allostatic response and improves individual components of the allostatic load (AL), which will positively impact the exercise-induced adaptations and the athlete’s recovery. The 4Rs correspond to the following. (i) Rehydration—This is necessary to guarantee the post-exercise consumption of at least 150% of the body mass lost during the exercise accompanied by sodium (if faster replacement is required). (ii) Refuel—Carbohydrate intake (~1.2 g/kg body mass per hour for up to 4 h post-exercise) is essential not only in restoring glycogen reserves but also in supporting the energy needs of the immune system and facilitating tissue repair. Despite changes in substrate utilization, a ketogenic diet generally has neutral or negative effects on athletic performance compared to carbohydrate-rich diets. (iii) Repair—The ingestion of high-quality protein stimulates post-exercise net muscle protein anabolism and might contribute to faster tissue growth and repair. The use of certain supplements, such as creatine monohydrate, might help to enhance recovery, while tart cherry, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary nitrate (e.g., Beta vulgaris, Amaranthus L.), as well as other herbal extracts containing flavonoid-rich polyphenols, deserve further clinical research. (iv) Recuperate—Pre-sleep nutrition (casein- or protein-rich meal with slow digestion rate) has a restorative effect, facilitating the recovery of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In this article, we update the 4Rs framework, delve deeper into the allostasis paradigm, and offer theoretical foundations and practical recommendations (the 4Rs app) for the assessment of AL in athletes. We cautiously propose an AL index (AL_index) for physique competitors and elite athletes to evaluate the cumulative physiological stress induced by exercise and, thereby, to adjust exercise and nutrition interventions. Full article

Salt as sodium chloride is an essential mineral present in food which is involved in physiological functions such as nutrient intestinal absorption, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. It plays a critical role in food flavoring and ingestive behavior, serving as the basis of one of the five basic tastes. However, excessive salt intake is widely recognized as a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, such as hypertension, making salt reduction a key strategy in terms of public health. In that overall context, the aim of this review is to recapitulate the various approaches for salt intake reduction which have been implemented, with a focus on the use of L-glutamate in umami as a sodium substitute. Umami substances, like salt, are one of the five basic tastes and have the potential to enhance the flavor of food while simultaneously reducing salt intake. Several clinical trials have shown that L-glutamate can compensate for the reduction in saltiness while improving the overall palatability of food. This characteristic makes umami substances a valuable element in the context of salt reduction. By incorporating L-glutamate into the diet, it becomes possible to maintain a balanced nutritional intake while reducing salt, making it an effective approach toward a healthier diet. At the same time, L-glutamate-induced salt intake reduction potentially alleviates stress-related indicators associated with salt reduction. Thus, the strategic use of L-glutamate as compound involved in umami taste can help compensate for changes in taste perception due to salt reduction, enabling individuals to maintain meal satisfaction while transitioning to healthier dietary habits with lower salt. 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

Randomised controlled trials involving healthy participants were conducted to investigate the impact of cooking and ingestion patterns on the physiological response and preloading effect of air-dried jujube (AJ). The participants’ postprandial glycaemic and insulinemic responses were tested after ingestion of cooked or uncooked air-dried jujube containing 50 g (as a sole food source) or 15 g (as a preload food prior to a rice meal) of available carbohydrates. Compared with the uncooked AJ, the cooked air-dried jujube (CAJ) induced a 34.5% higher glycaemic peak, 57.1% greater glycaemic variability, and a 159.1% larger negative area under the glycaemic response curve when ingested as the only food in a meal. When eaten as a preload prior to a rice meal, the CAJ reduced the postprandial glycaemic peak by 25.17%. The CAJ preload enhanced insulin production in the 15 min after preloading but did not increase the total amount of postprandial insulin secretion. The result suggests that when taken as preload, the loose matrix of cooked fruits may exhibit glycaemic benefits by eliciting early insulin production and may therefore be conducive to the blood glucose management of a carbohydrate-laden meal. Full article

Background: The meal sequencing of macronutrients has been shown to ameliorate postprandial glucose excursion, but its effects in daily meals has not been investigated. We examined the impact on the glucose response to meal sequencing in healthy Japanese adults using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during a typical lunch meal. Methods: The test meal was a Japanese set meal or a beef and rice bowl, the contents of which were categorized as “rice” or “non-rice”. In the meal experiments, the subjects ingested the two categories of food in one of three orders: non-rice before rice, non-rice and rice together, and non-rice after rice. In the beef and rice bowl experiments, the subjects ingested either non-rice 15 min before rice or the two foods together. Results: The postprandial glucose level was measured over a 4 h period and the mean level of postprandial glucose was significantly lower than that when eating rice before non-rice or both together. Consuming non-rice before rice significantly reduced postprandial glycemic excursions in healthy adults in both experiments. Conclusions: Meal-sequencing by “eat carbs last” is a feasible dietary strategy for the better prevention and management of diabetes. Full article