Search Results (4,479)

Edible insects have emerged as a sustainable source of high-quality proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates (including chitin), as well as micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins, and diverse bioactive compounds, thereby making them promising ingredients for functional food applications. Their favourable nutritional profile and low environmental footprint make them attractive ingredients for next-generation food systems. However, processing and preservation remain critical challenges, particularly with respect to the stability of bioactive compounds, lipid oxidation, and protein functional properties such as solubility, emulsifying capacity, and water-holding capacity. This review critically examines recent advances in food processing technologies applied to edible insects, including drying, extraction, fermentation, and microencapsulation, with emphasis on their effects on bioactive compound retention and functional performance. The role of processing strategies in enhancing oxidative stability, protein solubility, emulsifying properties, and overall technological applicability is discussed, alongside safety, regulatory, and consumer acceptance considerations. Overall, this review highlights key technological pathways for the effective valorisation of insect-derived ingredients and outlines future directions for their integration into sustainable and functional food products. In contrast to previous reviews, this work provides a comparative and mechanism-oriented analysis of processing methods, highlighting inconsistencies across studies and identifying key technological trade-offs. Particular attention is given to the relationship between processing parameters and the stability of bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: Nutritional psychiatry increasingly links diet quality and specific bioactive nutrients to depression and anxiety outcomes. Mechanistic evidence implicates neuroimmune activation, inflammation, altered neurotransmitter synthesis, and microbiota-derived metabolites. Objective: The objective of this study is to synthesize evidence on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), the microbiota–gut–brain axis, and vitamins and minerals that influence neurotransmitter synthesis, inflammation, and brain function and to translate these findings into food-based strategies. Methods: This study consisted of a focused synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and systematic reviews indexed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, selected for relevance to omega-3s, probiotics/prebiotics, dietary patterns, and micronutrients (folate/B-vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C/copper pathways). Results: RCT and meta-analytic evidence suggest modest benefits of omega-3 supplementation for anxiety severity and depressive symptoms, with heterogeneity by dose, EPA: DHA composition, and baseline inflammatory status. The gut–brain axis literature supports bidirectional effects of stress and microbiota, and meta-analyses of probiotics/prebiotics show small improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, likely dependent on strain and host phenotype. Micronutrients serve as enzymatic cofactors for monoamine and GABA synthesis and modulate immune signaling; clinical effects are the most consistent when correcting insufficiency or in biomarker-defined subgroups. A whole-diet RCT demonstrates that structured dietary improvement can reduce depressive symptoms as adjunctive therapy. Conclusions: A food-first approach emphasizing Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, omega-3-rich seafood, a diverse array of fiber, and micronutrient density is the most defensible. Supplementation may be considered selectively, guided by clinical context and nutritional status. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease frequently associated with dysphagia, nutritional imbalances, and alterations in body composition. This study aims to describe the anthropometric profile and body composition in people with MS, estimate the risk and type of dysphagia, analyse dietary intake and habits, and evaluate the evolution of these parameters over six months. Methods: This descriptive analytical longitudinal study included 30 patients with MS (20 women, 10 men), with a median age of 53.3 years at baseline and 54.0 years at final assessment. The prevalence of dysphagia risk was determined, dietary patterns and body composition were characterised, and their interactions were explored through two assessments conducted six months apart. Results: Overall, 90% of the sample had relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). At both the initial and final assessments, the median BMI was above 25 kg/m² and a high prevalence of dysphagia risk (63.3% and 76.7%), particularly for liquids. Frequent inadequacies were observed in the intake of certain macronutrients and micronutrients, including energy, fibre, potassium and magnesium. Likewise, the analysis by food groups revealed low adherence to recommendations, particularly for fruits, cereals, legumes, fish and lean meats. No significant differences were detected between the two time points. Conclusions: Dysphagia, dietary intake, habits, and body composition are interconnected dimensions in MS; systematically integrating nutritional assessment and dysphagia screening into clinical practice would contribute to a more comprehensive management and to improvements in swallowing disorders and nutritional status in people with MS. Full article

Background: Indigenous African fruits, like the African horned cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus), are abundant in nutrients and serve as a source of food and raw materials for manufacturing value-added products in both rural and urban areas. This review presents a comparative analysis of selected fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family, specifically in terms of the phytochemical, biochemical and mineral constituents, as well as nutritional contribution, and aims to explore how the African horned cucumber measures up to its counterparts by comparing their nutritional content against the recommended daily intake (RDI). Material and Methods: A literature search—using the keywords ‘African horned cucumber’, ‘Cucurbitaceae fruits’, ‘biochemical constituents’, ‘indigenous fruits’ and ‘recommended daily intake’—was used to gather credible data suitable for this review paper. Findings and Conclusions: The published peer-reviewed literature reveals that the African horned cucumber—with its nutrient-rich profile boasting high levels of calcium (19%), potassium (28%), magnesium (78.1%), sodium (10.7%), zinc (12.7%), beta carotene (15.5%), vitamin C (4.1%), vitamin E (15.2%), total flavonoids (0.28%), and total phenols (0.7%)—holds the promise of contributing significantly to the human diet while aligning with the RDI and dietary guidelines, as documented in studies, further underscoring its potential to meet nutritional needs and enhance health, thus supporting its consideration for commercialisation. Full article

Background: School feeding programs aim to improve child nutrition, and they may influence weight outcomes insofar as program modalities and household responses alter children’s total energy intake. This is especially relevant in countries facing the double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist with rising overweight and obesity. This study estimates the effect of Peru’s former National School Feeding Program on obesity and excess weight among children aged 36 to 59 months under a selection-on-observables identification strategy and assesses whether impacts differ across operational modalities, particularly breakfast-only versus breakfast plus lunch and ready-to-eat rations versus foods delivered for preparation. Methods: We use repeated cross-sectional microdata from the Demographic and Health Survey (ENDES) pooled over 2014 to 2018 and link them to administrative information. The sample includes 18,959 children aged 36 to 59 months. To improve comparability, we estimate propensity score weights targeting the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) using a machine learning generalized boosted model (GBM), and assess covariate balance using standardized mean differences and Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics. Identification assumes conditional independence given observed covariates and overlap (common support). Main estimates rely on weighted probit models with fixed effects, progressively adding exposure duration, modality indicators, and controls. Distributional effects are examined using quantile regression on the continuous weight-for-height z-score. Results: Without differentiating modalities, beneficiary status is not associated with a statistically significant change in obesity, while pooled baseline estimates indicate a statistically significant higher probability of excess weight. Modality-specific results show that obesity declines only when Qali Warma is delivered as breakfast plus lunch through products to be prepared (approximately −1.0 percentage point in parsimonious models and −0.4 percentage points after controls). Evidence for excess weight is directionally consistent by modality but less conclusive once controls are included. Conclusions: Qali Warma’s effects on early-childhood weight outcomes depend on implementation modality. Evaluations of school feeding programs should incorporate operational heterogeneity, particularly during program redesign. Full article

Background: Risk of malnutrition among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can reach up to 60%, with prevalence rates as high as 24%. Dietary management for PD patients is a promising adjuvant therapy that may improve some motor and non-motor symptoms. However, there is limited information regarding nutrient intake and adherence to recommended dietary requirements in this population in Lithuania. Methods: In this case–control study conducted at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (2023–2025), usual dietary intake was assessed using two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Intake was compared with Lithuanian Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) values. Associations between nutrient intake and selected non-motor symptoms were analyzed. Results: Fifty-nine patients with PD and 54 controls were included and compared with RDI; patients with PD had lower intakes of dietary fiber (20.63 g/day), vitamin A (627.15 μgRE/day), and vitamin D (3.18 μg/day), alongside a higher energy contribution from total sugars (11.31 E%). Less than half met RDI for protein, fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) energy contribution, vitamins E and C, calcium, and zinc. Compared with controls, PD patients consumed more dietary fiber, plant protein, and total carbohydrate and had a higher carbohydrate-derived energy contribution. PD patients with depressive mood consumed fewer carbohydrate, dietary fiber, plant protein, and some vitamins and minerals compared to those without. Conclusions: Patients with PD had higher total sugar-derived energy consumption and lower dietary fiber and vitamin D intake than the RDI. There were differences in dietary intake among PD patients with and without specific non-motor functions. Full article

Maternal nutrition during critical windows of development plays a pivotal role in shaping long-term disease susceptibility, including cancer risk. This study investigated whether maternal exposure to lipotropes (methyl donor nutrients) during pregnancy and lactation modulates gene expression in 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in adult female offspring. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with either a control or lipotrope-supplemented diet, with or without vitamin B6. Female offspring were exposed to DMBA at puberty, and mammary tumors were evaluated histologically and molecularly. DMBA-induced tumors displayed ductal carcinoma in situ-like morphology and significant upregulation of fetal mammary developmental genes (Tbx2 and Tbx3), the tumorigenesis-associated gene Tp53, and key epigenetic regulators (Hdac1, Dnmt1, and Mthfr). Estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1) mRNA expression also showed a significant increase. Maternal lipotropes supplementation significantly attenuated the expression of these genes in offspring tumors. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that maternal methyl donor nutrition modulates tumor-associated gene expression patterns, potentially by limiting the reactivation of developmental and epigenetic pathways in adulthood. This study highlights maternal nutrition as a modifiable early-life factor with important implications for long-term health programming. Full article

Hydroponic cultivation is expanding rapidly as a resource-efficient alternative to soil-based farming, but challenges related to nutrient management, abiotic or biotic stresses, and organic production still limit the system’s performance and efficiency. Biostimulants are increasingly being explored as a promising strategy to support productivity and sustainability in soilless systems. This review summarizes the current evidence on the use of plant biostimulants to support crop performance in hydroponic systems. Microbial biostimulants, such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Trichoderma spp., have been reported to promote root growth by synthesizing phytohormones, enhance nutrient uptake, and reduce the impacts of salt and heat stress, with reported improvements in biomass and nutrient use efficiency. Seaweed extracts and protein hydrolysates modulate plant hormonal balance, improve antioxidant defense, and have been associated with improvements in yield and quality. Humic and fulvic acids increase micronutrient bioavailability through chelation and stimulate root activity through auxin-like effects. In organic hydroponics, biostimulants may help address the nutrient gap by accelerating organic matter mineralization. Existing key challenges include the lack of hydroponic-specific dosage guidelines and high commercialization costs. Future efforts should further evaluate system-specific strategies, including emerging tools such as artificial intelligence-optimized strategies and the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-edited microbes to support the long-term sustainability of controlled environment agriculture. Full article

The conversion of livestock manure, including poultry waste (PW), into biochar represents a sustainable strategy to recycle nutrients while reducing environmental risks. This study evaluated how pyrolysis temperature regulates physicochemical properties, carbon structure, and nutrient dynamics in biochars produced from PW. Raw PW and biochars generated at 300 and 600 °C were characterized through proximate and elemental analyses, Fourrier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), soil nutrient assessment, and germination bioassays. A multivariate approach was used to analyze the experimental data sets. Increasing pyrolysis temperature significantly reduced biochar yield (83.62% to 64.36%), while promoting carbon condensation and mineral enrichment, as indicated by the decline in H/C ratio from 1.02 to 0.22 and the increase in ash content from 41.47% to 56.77%. FTIR analysis revealed a progressive attenuation of O–H and aliphatic C–H functional groups and a relative increase in aromatic structures with increasing temperature, indicating structural reorganization of the carbon matrix. Total concentrations of macro- and micronutrients generally increased with temperature; for example, total Cu increased from 78.62 to 114.17 mg kg⁻¹, while Zn increased from 557.03 to 819.66 mg kg⁻¹ between 300 and 600 °C. In contrast, the bioavailable fractions of Fe, Cu, and Zn determined using the chelating agent DTPA declined, although not significantly (p < 0.05), with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Principal component analysis clearly distinguished raw PW from pyrolyzed materials, confirming pyrolysis temperature as the main factor dictating biochar properties. PW exhibited severe phytotoxicity, which was partially mitigated with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Overall, pyrolysis enhanced carbon stabilization and micronutrient immobilization, highlighting PW-derived biochars as promising soil amendments for improving nutrient management and reducing the environmental risks associated with raw PW application. Full article

Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the maintenance of metabolic, neurodevelopmental and immune function. As iodine cannot be synthesized endogenously, adequate intake depends on dietary sources and environmental availability. Despite decades of progress in improving iodine supply, both iodine deficiency and excess remain significant global public health challenges. This review summarizes iodine physiology, covering both its role in thyroid hormone synthesis and emerging evidence for extrathyroidal immunomodulatory and antioxidant actions. It summarizes major dietary sources, global intake patterns and current approaches to iodine status assessment, including urinary biomarkers, salivary iodide measurement and dietary screening tools. The clinical consequences of iodine imbalance are examined, ranging from goiter, hypothyroidism and impaired neurocognitive development associated with deficiency, to iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction, autoimmunity and adverse systemic effects linked to excess intake. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and infants. This review further evaluates public health strategies, including salt iodization and targeted supplementation, while addressing the emerging challenge posed by salt-reduction initiatives. Achieving optimal iodine intake remains essential for thyroid health and population well-being, underscoring the need for coordinated monitoring and policy adaptation. Full article

Brazilian soils are prone to a gradual decline in fertility due to intensive agricultural activity combined with natural weathering, which increases the demand for chemical fertilizers. Among potential alternatives, soil remineralization using crushed rock is a promising strategy. Silicate agrominerals (SAs) applied as soil remineralizers have attracted attention due to their ability to supply plant-available nutrients while reducing dependence on conventional mineral fertilizers. This study evaluated the potential of residues from six quarries in Brazil as soil remineralizers as a regulatory screening assessment. Samples were subjected to mineralogical, petrological, and chemical characterization using an integrated approach, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and leaching experiments. XRD analysis revealed that anorthite and augite were the major minerals present in the mining waste. These minerals are less resistant to weathering, which enhances the release of macro- and micronutrients, essential for the development of various crops. Chemically, the samples were dominated by SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, and Al₂O₃, with the sum of bases (K₂O + CaO + MgO) ranging from 11.92% to 16.85%, meeting Brazilian standards for use as a soil remineralizer. Leaching results revealed that pH responses varied significantly among the studied samples for the filler particles, with an alkaline shift reaching values above 9.0 after 72 h. In contrast, the powder particle size samples showed no significant variation between the different materials tested, maintaining nearly constant pH levels throughout the period. This preliminary evaluation demonstrates that mining tailings from Brazilian quarries have potential as a sustainable soil remineralizer. This approach not only offers an alternative for soil fertilization but also promotes waste management and circular economy practices, although further studies are needed to assess long-term effectiveness and safety. Full article

Phosphorus (P) availability is currently a limiting factor for agricultural production, especially in tropical soils, and its interaction with cationic micronutrients can significantly affect physiological efficiency and nutrient uptake by plants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the uptake kinetic parameters described by the Michaelis–Menten model (Vmax, Km, and Cmin) for P as a function of the supply of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, as well as the kinetic parameters of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn as a function of P supply in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the experimental unit of CENA, in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, using individual pots. Phosphorus concentration and accumulation were reduced only under Fe and Zn deficiency, with reductions of up to 60% in the shoots and 85% in the roots. Zn deficiency caused a drastic reduction in P uptake capacity, with Vmax decreasing from 590 to 50.85 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (approximately a 12-fold reduction), accompanied by an increase in Cmin (from 269 to 1508 µmol L⁻¹). In terms of micronutrient kinetics, P omission reduced plant growth and affected only Fe and Zn uptake. For Fe, Km increased from 12.82 to 27.31 µmol L⁻¹ and Cmin from 1.03 to 20.51 µmol L⁻¹. For Zn, and Vmax decreased from 0.16 to 0.02 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (approximately 8-fold), while Cmin increased from 0.08 to 1.56 µmol L⁻¹. These results demonstrate a strong interaction between P, Fe, and Zn, highlighting their regulatory roles in nutrient uptake and providing mechanistic insights into plant nutritional efficiency. Full article

Background and aim: Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, and the only effective treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Many factors, including limited dietary diversity and poor adherence, are associated with an increased risk of specific micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between adherence to GFD, celiac antibody levels, micronutrient levels, and nutritional status in children with CD. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 402 children aged 2–18 years with a diagnosis of CD confirmed positive by anti-tTG IgA and duodenal biopsy, all of whom had been on GFD for at least six months. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, serological, and biochemical data (including hemogram, serum iron, ferritin, vitamin D, folate, and B12 levels), and GFD adherence were collected from medical records. Results: Most individuals are girls (64.9%), with a mean age of 10.6 ± 4.20 years. Chronic malnutrition was observed in 29.4% of patients. Acute malnutrition was identified in 27.8% of children, and wasting was observed in 6.7%. Iron deficiency anemia was the most frequently encountered micronutrient deficiency among the patients (23.9%). The prevalence of stunting was significantly higher among individuals with positive tTG-IgA levels and poor adherence to the GFD. Conclusions: Poor adherence to the GFD and positive tTG-IgA levels were associated with higher rates of stunting, underlining the need for individualized dietary follow-up and regular monitoring of both nutritional status and serological response in children with CD. Full article

Adolescence is a metabolically vulnerable period, during which rapid physiological maturation coincides with the dynamic remodelling of the gut microbiome. This narrative review summarises evidence from 2015 to 2025 to clarify how disturbances to the gut–liver axis driven by dysbiosis contribute to the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in young people. Based on a systematic search of the databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, we outline the basis of bidirectional communication between the gut and liver and emphasise how microbial imbalance alters the handling of lipids in the liver by enhancing de novo lipogenesis, impairing fatty acid oxidation and disrupting AMPK signalling and mitochondrial function. Consistent findings from clinical and experimental studies show that adolescents with NAFLD exhibit reduced microbial diversity, the enrichment of ethanol- and LPS-producing taxa, and altered short-chain fatty acid profiles. Each of these is associated with hepatic inflammation and metabolic reprogramming. Microbial molecules, including LPS, secondary bile acids and branched-chain amino acid metabolites, activate TLR4–NF-κB pathways, promote Kupffer cell activation and intensify oxidative stress. These mechanisms intersect with factors specific to adolescence, such as increased adiposity, hormonal shifts and diet-induced metabolic strain. Dietary patterns emerge as key modulators of these processes. Westernised diets promote dysbiosis and endotoxemia, whereas Mediterranean, fibre-rich and plant-based diets enhance SCFA production, strengthen epithelial integrity and modulate adiponectin-dependent hepatic metabolism. Micronutrient-sensitive epigenetic regulation, particularly that involving folate, choline and polyphenols, also plays a role in shaping lipid homeostasis and inflammatory tone. We also highlight emerging evidence that the activation of cytoprotective pathways, especially Nrf2, is dependent on lifestyle factors and links antioxidant-rich functional foods and physical activity to improved mitochondrial resilience and microbiome stability. We evaluate therapies targeting the microbiome, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics, which reduce endotoxemia, restore microbial balance and complement dietary strategies. Thus, these findings emphasise the importance of age-specific, mechanistically informed interventions that integrate diet quality, microbial ecology, and the molecular pathways that govern metabolic health in adolescents with NAFLD. 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