Search Results (281)

Background: Inadequate nutrition, poor health care, and limited stimulation constrain early childhood development and cognitive potential. Micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy and early life are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and may impair cognitive outcomes. Maternal multiple-micronutrient (MMN) and point-of-use micronutrient powder (MNP) supplements improve birth outcomes and iron status, but their long-term cognitive impact remains unclear. This systematic review assessed the long-term impact of maternal MMN and early-childhood MNP supplementation on cognitive development among children aged 4–14 years in LMICs. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42023459846), (cluster) randomized controlled trials were identified from six databases and gray literature (October 2023; updated July 2025). Records were managed in EndNote and screened in Covidence, and data were synthesized using Review Manager. Eligible studies examined MMN or MNP interventions during pregnancy, lactation, or early childhood, reporting cognitive, motor, or socio-emotional outcomes in children aged 4–14. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria: six on maternal supplementation, three on early childhood interventions, and one combining both. Most were conducted in Asia, with one in Tanzania and one in Peru. Although most findings were not statistically significant, two large UNIMMAP-based trials indicated modest long-term improvements in procedural memory and intelligence, while one early childhood point-of-use MNP trial suggested enhanced pre-academic skills. Conclusions: Maternal MMN supplementation may modestly enhance specific domains of cognitive development, whereas evidence on the long-term effects of MMN and point-of-use MNPs on cognitive development remain limited, highlighting the necessity for further research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Micronutrient deficiencies during infancy remain a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Although exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants up to six months of age, limited studies have simultaneously evaluated multiple micronutrient statuses in this population. This study aimed to assess the levels of vitamin D, iron, and other micronutrients—including vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper—in exclusively breastfed infants. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 at a university well-child clinic in İzmir, Turkey. A total of 132 healthy, exclusively breastfed six-month-old infants were included. Blood samples were analyzed for hemogram, serum iron, ferritin, 25(OH)D, vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper. Sociodemographic data and supplementation practices were recorded. Deficiency cut-offs were defined according to WHO and national guidelines. Results: Among the infants, 40.2% had iron deficiency or anemia, and 14.4% had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin B12, A, E, zinc, and copper deficiencies were identified in 29.5%, 2.4%, 4%, 7.4%, and 6.6% of infants, respectively. Regular vitamin D and iron supplementation were significantly associated with lower deficiency rates (p < 0.05). Maternal education level, dressing style, and smoking status were significantly related to infant vitamin D status. Conclusions: Despite national supplementation programs, iron and vitamin D deficiencies remain common in exclusively breastfed infants. Routine and regular supplementation should be emphasized, and subclinical deficiencies—particularly vitamin B12—should be considered. Broader studies evaluating maternal nutritional factors and socioeconomic determinants are warranted to guide preventive strategies. Full article

Background: Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain significant public health burdens among Indonesian children under five years of age. This study assessed the relationship between growth indicators and micronutrient status of children aged 0–59 months. Methods: A cross-sectional design was performed, utilizing the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data and biological specimens, including 550 samples from children aged between 0 and 59 months old. The Riskesdas data used in this study were demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and nutritional status. The biological samples were used to measure micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A (VA), and vitamin D (VD). Results: Overall, 23.1% of children were stunted, and 10.5% were wasted. This study also revealed that the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency was 34.2%, 38.7%, 8.2%, 7.8%, and 0.4% for ferritin, zinc, calcium, VA, and VD, respectively. Moreover, wasting was significantly higher in girls (13.5%) than in boys (8.2%, p = 0.044). Stunted children had significantly lower ferritin values, while wasted children had lower VA concentrations. In contrast, VD was lower in overweight children. Lastly, this study found that height for age Z-scores (HAZ score) and Body Mass Index (BMI) for age Z-scores (BAZ score) correlated positively with ferritin, zinc, and calcium levels. Conclusions: Stunting, wasting, and multiple micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent among Indonesian children under five years of age. Strengthening nutrition interventions, in particular for iron, zinc, VA, and VD, is essential to improve child growth and health outcomes in this population. Full article

Selenium (Se) biofortification represents a critical strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiency while enhancing fruit nutritional quality. This study investigated foliar applications of Se and Si nanoparticles (NPs) for peach Se biofortification and quality enhancement. Se NPs (95.2 nm) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDS, and FTIR analyses. Six treatments were applied: control (Ck), SeNPs-5, SeNPs-10, SiNPs-10, Se5Si10, and Se10Si10. SeNPs-10 achieved maximum Se biofortification (0.47 mg kg⁻¹), representing 5.4-fold increases over controls, with 85% organic Se accumulation. Combined treatments demonstrated synergistic effects on multiple quality parameters. Se5Si10 led to the highest antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase: 2254 U g⁻¹, catalase: 61.7 U g⁻¹) and phenolic compound enhancement (chlorogenic acid: 267 mg kg⁻¹, total phenolics: 12.8 mg GAE g⁻¹). Flavonoid biosynthesis was optimized with Se10Si10 achieving maximum rutin accumulation (53.9 mg kg⁻¹) and ascorbic acid content (60.7 mg/100 g). Physical quality improvements included enhanced firmness (100.9 N cm⁻²) and sugar accumulation (14.1% soluble solids). Combined treatments reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA: 22.11 μmol g⁻¹) while enhancing protein metabolism. These findings demonstrate that Se-Si nanoparticle combinations showed optimal biofortification with synergistic quality enhancement, establishing effective strategies for nutritionally enriched peach production. Full article

In vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrates that EGT exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms: scavenging reactive oxygen species, suppressing neuroinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathways, and preserving mitochondrial integrity. Low blood EGT levels correlate with cognitive decline and dementia, supporting its role as a conditionally essential micronutrient for healthy aging. Mushroom by-products retain EGT concentrations comparable to commercial fruiting bodies, making them viable sources for dietary supplements and functional foods. Mushroom processing generates substantial residual biomass—including stems, culls, and spent substrate—that represents an underexploited dietary source of ergothioneine (EGT), a naturally occurring antioxidant with exceptional neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Since humans cannot synthesize EGT endogenously, dietary intake is essential for maintaining neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. This review examines sustainable extraction strategies—including hot-water, ultrasound-assisted, and high-hydrostatic-pressure methods—enabling integration into circular biorefinery systems. Applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals targeting oxidative stress-related neurodegeneration are highlighted. Despite challenges in standardization and regulatory approval, valorizing mushroom residuals offers a sustainable pathway to increase dietary availability of this neuroprotective antioxidant, supporting both environmental sustainability and therapeutic innovation for neurodegenerative disease prevention. Full article

Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and E, are essential micronutrients generally found in fruits, nuts, oils, and vegetables. These vitamins have better absorption and retention in the body when compared to water-soluble vitamins. They also play a significant role in cellular metabolism and the pathophysiology of human health and disease. Further, acting as coenzymes in several biochemical pathways, these vitamins also play a crucial role in immune regulation, vision, and oxidative stress responses. Further, these vitamins have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases. Recently, vitamins A and E have been shown to exert beneficial effects against various cancers. Further, these vitamins are actively involved in cancer progression or prevention by regulating oxidative, immune, and inflammatory responses, as well as epigenetic processes. This narrative review discusses how recent preclinical and clinical studies have identified multiple pathways through which these vitamins impact cancer prevention and therapy. Furthermore, it also analyzes the potential of vitamins A and E in cancer management and advocates for continued research to unlock their therapeutic potential. Full article

Vitamin C, a water-soluble micronutrient, is one of the most widely used dietary supplements pertaining to its vital role in maintaining overall human health, particularly through its potent antioxidant and immune-supportive functions. This mini review summarizes key pharmacokinetic constraints of vitamin C and evaluates formulation strategies aimed at improving its systemic availability. Achieving sustained optimal plasma levels of vitamin C remains challenging due to its dose-dependent absorption, tissue saturation, rapid renal clearance, and short half-life. These pharmacokinetic limitations restrict systemic retention, with high oral doses providing only marginal increases in plasma concentrations and necessitating multiple daily administrations. Conventional vitamin C supplements show efficient absorption only at low to moderate doses, while higher intakes are restricted by transporter saturation and increased renal excretion. Alternative delivery systems such as liposomal encapsulation, esterified derivatives, nano-emulsions, and co-formulations with bioenhancers have been examined; however, evidence for prolonged systemic retention remains inconsistent. The sustained-release formulation of vitamin C shows more reliable outcomes, demonstrating prolonged plasma exposure, higher steady-state concentrations, and potential for improved compliance through reduced dosing frequency. While further robust comparative studies are needed, current evidence suggest that advanced formulation approaches, particularly sustained-release delivery, may help overcome these pharmacokinetic limitations, thereby supporting improved clinical utility of vitamin C supplementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Zinc deficiency remains a public health concern in South Asia but is rarely studied through gestation to infancy. Methods: We identified maternal and infant factors related to plasma zinc of 3 mo old Bangladeshi infants (n = 317) in the context of a trial of a daily antenatal to 3 mo postpartum multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) with 15 vitamins and minerals, including 12 mg zinc, versus iron–folic acid (IFA). Factors explored included maternal age, parity, and plasma zinc in early (pre-supplementation) and late pregnancy, at 3 months postpartum, and in milk; cord blood zinc (n = 83); birth outcomes; and infant feeding and biomarkers. Consequently, infant zinc was explored with 3 mo anthropometry and growth rates. Results: Mean ± SD infant plasma zinc was 15.63 ± 6.65 µmol/L, with 10.1% deficiency (<9.9 µmol/L). In adjusted analyses, infant zinc was positively associated with maternal age [20–30 years +0.11 µmol/L (p = 0.018) and ≥30 years +0.28 µmol/L (p = 0.003) relative to <20 years], maternal early pregnancy zinc (+0.01 µmol/L per 1 µmol/L maternal zinc, p = 0.011), and infant ferritin (+0.001 µmol/L per 1 µg/L, p = 0.007); conversely, infant zinc was −0.13 µmol/L lower (p = 0.013) with maternal parity ≥2 versus 0–1 and with partial versus exclusive breastfeeding (−0.15 µmol/L, p = 0.038). Relationships with MMS, maternal later pregnancy, postpartum, milk, and cord blood zinc were absent. Length-for-age (+0.02 per µmol/L, p = 0.047) but not weight-for-length Z-scores at 3 months were associated with infant zinc. Conclusions: Thus, infant zinc was associated with pre- but not post-MMS maternal zinc, age and parity, feeding style, and infant iron status. Infant length but not weight was associated with plasma zinc. Full article

Background: Graves–Basedow disease (GBD) is an autoimmune thyroid disorder characterized by loss of tolerance to the thyrotropin receptor, with clinical manifestations such as a hyperadrenergic state, goiter, orbitopathy, and myxedema, inter alia. Selenium is a micronutrient, essential for the synthesis of selenoproteins. Selenium deficiency has been linked to an increased risk and exacerbation of GBD and GBD orbitopathy; therefore, it has been suggested that supplementation with this micronutrient could modify some outcomes associated with both conditions. Objectives: The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize and analyze the clinical trials that have evaluated the effectiveness of selenium on different outcomes in patients with GBD or GBD orbitopathy. Methods: The following databases were consulted: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Biosis, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar; and the search terms ‘Graves-Basedow disease’ or ‘Graves’ disease’ or ‘hyperthyroidism’ or ‘Graves’ hyperthyroidism’ or ‘selenium or selenium supplementation’ and ‘effectiveness’ were used. The search was limited to articles published in English between January 2000 and March 2025. To reduce selection bias, each article was reviewed independently by three authors using the Rayyan web tool and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: A total of 15 studies were identified (11 on patients with GBD and 4 on patients with GBD orbitopathy). In GBD, selenium supplementation was associated with significant improvements in TSH, FT4, FT3, TPOAb, TgAb, and TRAb levels; while in GBD orbitopathy, a positive effect of selenium supplementation was found on multiple clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Selenium supplementation in patients with GBD or GBD orbitopathy is associated with favorable biochemical and clinical outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal well-being is critical for athletic performance, yet nutritional intake among athletes is frequently inadequate. Although subjective tools such as the Hooper Index are widely used to monitor athlete condition, their relationship with routine eating behaviors remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to characterize the nutritional intake of Japanese male collegiate handball players and to identify eating behaviors associated with their subjective well-being, as measured by the Hooper Score. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 64 male collegiate handball players completed a 3-day dietary record and a web-based questionnaire assessing eating habits, training load, and the Hooper Index (sleep, muscle soreness, stress, fatigue). Associations between dietary factors and the Hooper Score were examined using partial correlation and multiple regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Mean energy intake (30.1 ± 10.7 kcal/kg/day) and several micronutrient intakes were below recommended levels. Partial correlation analysis revealed that lower intakes of energy and multiple nutrients were significantly associated with poorer well-being (higher Hooper Scores) and more Subjective Health Complaints (SHC). Multiple regression analysis identified consistent dinner timing, greater protein intake (g/kg), more frequent consumption of nutrient-dense snacks, and less frequent consumption of unhealthy snacks as significant independent predictors of better Hooper Scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Suboptimal energy and nutrient intakes were common and associated with poorer subjective well-being. Specific eating behaviors, particularly meal regularity, snack quality, and adequate protein intake, emerged as independent predictors of the Hooper Score, offering practical indicators for nutritional assessment and athlete condition monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: As convenience store meals become a major dietary source for modern society, the reliability of their nutrition labels is increasingly scrutinized. With advances in artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs) have been explored for automated nutrition estimation. Aim: To evaluate the accuracy and clinical applicability of AI-assessed nutrition data by comparing outputs from five AI models with professional dietitian estimations and labeled nutrition facts. Methods: Eight ready-to-eat convenience store meals were analyzed. Four experienced dietitians independently estimated the meals’ calories, macronutrients, and sodium content based on measured food weights. Five AI chatbots were queried multiple times with identical input prompts to assess intra- and inter-assay variability. All results were compared to the official nutrition labels to quantify discrepancies and cross-model consistency. Results: Dietitian estimations showed strong internal consistency (CV < 15%), except for fat, saturated fat and sodium (CVs up to 33.3 ± 37.6%, 24.5 ± 11.7%, and 40.2 ± 30.3%, respectively). Among AI models, ChatGPT4.o showed relatively consistent calory, protein, fat, saturated fat and carbohydrate estimates (CV < 15%), and Claude3.7, Grok3, Gemini, and Copilot showed caloric and protein content as consistent (CV < 15%). Sodium values were consistently underestimated across all AI models, with CVs ranging from 20% to 70%. The accuracy of nutritional fact estimation over the five AI models for calories, protein, fat, saturated fat and carbohydrates was between 70 and 90%; when compared to the nutritional labels of RTE, the sodium content and saturated fat estimated were severely underestimated. Conclusions: Current AI chat models provide rapid estimates for basic nutrients and can aid public education or preliminary assessment; GPT-4 outperforms peers in calorie and potassium-related estimations but remains suboptimal in micronutrient prediction. Professional dietitian oversight remains essential for safe and personalized dietary planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) improves birth outcomes more effectively than iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation alone. However, the acceptability of MMS among pregnant individuals, a critical factor for adherence and program success, remains poorly defined and inconsistently assessed. This narrative review proposes a comprehensive definition of “acceptability” in the context of nutritional supplementation and evaluates the evidence on the acceptability of MMS compared to IFA in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search across Embase, Medline, and Scopus to identify studies (including grey literature) reporting on acceptability-related outcomes for MMS versus IFA among pregnant individuals. Studies exploring dimensions such as organoleptic properties, ease of consumption, side effects, cultural appropriateness, and socioeconomic factors were included. Results: Out of 1056 screened studies, five informed a novel multi-dimensional definition of acceptability. Six studies assessed acceptability-related characteristics. MMS was generally accepted across most organoleptic domains. Most studies reported fewer or comparable adverse side effects for MMS as compared to IFA. Studies consistently reported more perceived benefits for MMS than IFA. Facilitating factors included trust in health professionals, free provision, and family support. Barriers included poor taste or smell, fear of side effects, misconceptions, cost, and lack of family support. Conclusions: Antenatal MMS is widely acceptable in LMICs. Addressing socio-cultural, sensory, and socioeconomic factors is essential to increase uptake and adherence. This review provides a clear, standardized definition of acceptability to guide future research and inform effective program design. Full article

Xanthophylls are carotenoids with diverse roles in stress protection across all taxa of life. This review highlights chloroplast-localized xanthophylls (with a focus on zeaxanthin) of plants by presenting an overview of the protective effects of xanthophylls as well as the role of carotenoids as precursors of multiple plant stress hormones. It also examines the roles of xanthophylls and stress hormones in signaling cascades between the chloroplast and nuclear genes that control plant growth, development, and stress defenses. This overview addresses the biosynthetic pathways of xanthophylls and carotenoid-derived plant stress hormones, functions of xanthophylls in photoprotection of photosynthesis, carotenoids as essential human micronutrients, and roles of xanthophylls in membrane integrity. Attention is given to the involvement of zeaxanthin in both abiotic and biotic defense as well as its impact on components of the biotic defense system with contrasting targets. Examples for the multiple principal loops of signaling cascades between the chloroplast and nucleus, which are based on chloroplast redox state and modulated by xanthophylls, are summarized. This review integrates the role of chloroplast carotenoids in controlling light-use efficiency and providing photoprotection with their system-wide regulatory effects as precursors of carotenoid-derived plant stress hormones and modulators of chloroplast redox state. A better understanding of these connections is needed to guide development of plant lines with improved resilience and productivity in complex, changing, and challenging environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is clear evidence that maternal micronutrient deficiencies result in adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes. Therefore, corrective supplementation should be considered when dietary intake is insufficient, particularly for vitamin D (VD), omega-3 fatty acids (O3), folic acid (FA), or prenatal multiple micronutrient products (PMM). Despite its significance, intake patterns in Hungary remain largely unexplored, and evaluating adherence to recommended intake levels would be of even greater importance. This is the first Hungarian study to provide a comprehensive overview of the frequency and adherence patterns of micronutrient supplementation among pregnant women, while also analyzing their association with predictors and outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 pregnant women who delivered in a university hospital. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire and clinical maternal and neonatal records. Results: The prevalence of FA, VD, O3, and PMM intake among the participants was 89.0%, 76.4%, 58.7%, and 67.6%, respectively. However, adherence to recommendations was notably lower: 41.1% for VD, 37.5% for O3, 36% for PMM, and 31% for FA. Higher adherence was associated with older maternal age, higher educational level, county town residence, planned pregnancy, primiparity, previous spontaneous abortion, and early initiation of antenatal care. Our findings refute concerns about the obesogenic effect of supplementation for both mothers and newborns. FA intake correlated with a lower likelihood of cesarean section, while O3 use was associated with improved uterine contractility and reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Our study underscores the need for individualized counselling on micronutrient supplementation, with particular emphasis on appropriate timing, dosage, and potential benefits. Full article

Background and Objectives: Anemia and stunting are major public health concerns for young Indonesian children. Limited information is available from studies on multi-micronutrient supplements in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-month multi-micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation on serum hemoglobin levels, anemia, and growth. Methods: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study was performed, including 232 eligible children aged 8–10 months old. Children with severe anemia or stunting/those classed as underweight were not included as subjects. The study was performed in a low-socioeconomic-status community in Jakarta. With an active-to-placebo ratio of 60:40, 139 subjects received MNP sachets twice/day, and 93 subjects received placebo sachets, mixed with complementary food. The outcome parameters were hemoglobin level, anemia, and growth indicators. Per-protocol analysis was performed for 179 (intervention: 110; control: 69) subjects. Results: There were no differences at baseline between the groups, except for the weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ). Upon intervention, the serum hemoglobin level and anemia proportion did not change significantly within the group, and no significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). However, subgroup analysis of non-anemic children at baseline showed a significant increase in hemoglobin levels in the youngest age group (8.0–8.9 months old) receiving MNP compared to placebo (0.13 vs. −0.79, p = 0.031). Iron deficiency anemia proportion showed a similar upward trend upon intervention in both groups. No significant differences in growth were found between both groups. Conclusions: This study failed to find a significant effect of 12-month MNP supplementation on serum hemoglobin level, anemia, and growth. Full article