Search Results (515)

Background/Objectives: Functional foods are widely discussed in nutrition research, yet their consumption is rarely quantified using a standardized, food-based metric. We developed the Functional Food Consumption Index (FunFoCI) and conducted an initial evaluation of its performance in adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 500 adults (≥18 years, 286 women, 214 men) were assessed using a 210-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 3 day food record (FR). Candidate index foods were evaluated by five experts, using a 4-point Likert scale to establish content validity, and the finalized FunFoCI comprised 100 foods across nine groups: fruits; vegetables; whole grains; legumes; nuts and oilseeds; fermented foods and products; animal-based foods; functional oils; and spices, herbal teas, and functional beverages. FunFoCI scoring used a sample distribution-based percentile approach, including modifications for zero-inflated or sparsely consumed items, followed by group-level normalization (0–1), equal weighting across nine groups, and rescaling to 0–100. FR data were used to examine the between-method feasibility of the scoring approach. The convergent validity was assessed via correlation analyses, with the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) derived from both FFQ and FR data, and additional correlation analyses and robustness checks were conducted to examine associations among key study variables. Known group patterns were examined across sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric characteristics. Results: Content evaluation supported index coverage (S-CVI/Ave = 0.912; S-CVI/UA = 0.877; mean modified kappa = 0.899). The mean FunFoCI total scores were 32.68 ± 11.92 (FFQ) and 13.29 ± 4.65 (FR). Participants were classified into low (32.8%, n = 164), moderate (33.0%, n = 165), and high (34.2%, n = 171) FunFoCI categories. FunFoCI correlated with FFQ-derived DQI-I and HEI-2015 (r = 0.367 and r = 0.368; both p < 0.001), and both indices increased across ascending FunFoCI total scores (p < 0.001). The FFQ-derived FunFoCI total score was correlated with the FR-derived FunFoCI score (r = 0.294; p < 0.001). FunFoCI scores showed differences across participant sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric characteristics. Conclusions: FunFoCI is a newly developed, expert-reviewed, food-based index with transparent, sample distribution-based scoring and normalized aggregation. Its initial evaluation supports its use for the standardized quantification of relative functional food consumption in adults, while further studies should assess the reliability and external validation criteria in other populations and study designs. Full article

Background: Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade systemic inflammation that contributes to metabolic dysfunction. Diet is a modifiable factor that can help reduce this inflammation. Nuts such as almonds are rich in unsaturated fats, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory micronutrients, which may work synergistically to attenuate obesity-related inflammation. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate whether daily almond consumption improves systemic inflammatory and immune markers in adults with obesity. Methods: In this randomized controlled parallel-arm trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05530499), 69 adults (age 30–45 years) with obesity (BMI 30–45 kg/m²) were assigned to consume either 57 g/day of almonds (n = 38) or an isocaloric snack (cookie; n = 31) for six weeks. Fasting serum inflammatory cytokines, innate immune cell counts, body weight, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and alpha-tocopherol were measured at baseline and week six. Dietary intake, compliance, palatability, acceptance, and appetite ratings were also assessed. Primary outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed models and baseline-adjusted linear models. Results: Subjective compliance was high in both groups, with greater acceptance of almonds (p < 0.05); however, serum alpha-tocopherol did not change. Almond consumption significantly decreased serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ over 6 weeks compared with the cookie group (p < 0.05). No significant group differences were observed for innate immune cell counts, body weight, appetite ratings, blood pressure, or serum fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (C), LDL-C, and triglycerides over six weeks. The almond group also increased intakes of monounsaturated fat, fiber, alpha-tocopherol, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, and improved diet quality indices relative to the cookie group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Daily almond consumption for six weeks improved inflammatory cytokine profiles in adults with obesity, without changes in body weight under free-living conditions. These findings support recommending almonds as part of healthy dietary patterns to help attenuate obesity-related inflammation. Full article

(1) Background: Nutrition research in cancer care has largely focused on disease prevention and management, overlooking the importance of food literacy. Culinary cancer care programs may address this gap by facilitating the practical application of nutrition through culinary skills, fostering social connections over nutrient-dense meals, and supporting individuals during periods of physical and social vulnerability. The Not-Just-Supper Club (NJSC) at Gilda’s Club Toronto (GT) is a community-based culinary cancer care program delivering evidence-based, plant-forward meals. The objectives of this study were to examine how NJSC supports its members and to provide recommendations to inform future models of culinary cancer care programs. (2) Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. Participants completed a modified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing major protein food groups since joining NJSC. Semi-structured interviews explored perceived dietary changes, food literacy, and social engagement. Associations between duration of participation and protein food intake were examined using multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. Interview field notes and transcripts were coded in NVivo 12 and thematically analyzed. (3) Results: Among 41 participants, 36 (88%) were female and 17 (41%) were of White ethnicity. A total of 38 (93%) participants reported that NJSC had a positive impact on their lives, and 27 (66%) reported positive changes in eating habits. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, longer participation in NJSC was associated with higher nut consumption (β = 0.49 servings/day per year; 95% CI, 0.02–0.96). Interviews were completed by 40 participants. Seven themes described program support across psychosocial domains (social network; social support; emotional support and mental health; impact on health) and practical nutritional domains (improved food literacy and skills; food decisions; inclusion of plant-based foods). Participants described applying program knowledge at home and perceived improvements in well-being and cancer-related symptoms. (4) Conclusions: NJSC was perceived by members as beneficial across psychosocial and nutritional domains and supported food literacy and plant-forward dietary choices. These findings contribute to our understanding of how culinary cancer care programs can complement existing cancer support services and provide insights for designing future programs for cancer survivors and their support networks. Full article

Background: Food-related reactions can significantly impact children’s dietary choices, health, and nutritional status. This study evaluated adherence to the Mediterranean diet and explored its associations with regional and family socioeconomic status among Croatian children whose parents reported adverse food-related reactions. Methods: The cross-sectional study analyzed data on 193 children aged 2–9 years with parent-reported food-related reactions, collected from the Croatian National Food Consumption Survey, which included 1820 children aged 3 months to 9 years, based on the EU Menu methodology (OC/EFSA/DATA/2016/02 CT3). Parents completed standardized questionnaires on food-related reactions, lifestyle, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic indicators. Regional differences were assessed, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the KIDMED index. Results: This survey found an 11% prevalence of parent-reported adverse food-related reactions among children aged 2 to 9 years. Milk, eggs, and tree nuts were the most commonly reported allergens. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was moderate (36%) to low (41%; p = 0.011), with higher KIDMED scores associated with greater fruit, vegetable, legume, fish, and olive oil intake and lower adherence associated with more ultra-processed foods and obesity. Children from coastal and urban areas had better diet quality and socioeconomic indicators. Maternal education was strongly associated with Mediterranean diet adherence (OR = 1.88, p < 0.001), while maternal employment and household income showed no significant relationship. Conclusions: The findings highlight significant nutritional challenges among Croatian children with adverse food-related reactions, driven by regional and socioeconomic disparities. An adherence to a low Mediterranean diet indicates a need for a personalized approach to the diet management of children with food-related reactions. Addressing these through targeted, equitable public health strategies may improve outcomes for affected children. Full article

Background: Peanuts and tree nuts are nutrient-dense foods associated with improved diet quality and reduced chronic disease risk. Diet quality and sleep are interrelated, but the relationship between nut consumption and sleep quality remains understudied, particularly among young adults. Objective: This study examined peanut and tree nut consumption, diet quality, and sleep quality in undergraduate students. Existing clinical trials on nut intake and sleep outcomes in healthy adults were reviewed. Methods: A pilot study recruited 46 undergraduates to complete three 24 h dietary recalls and self-report sleep quality. Recall days were categorized as containing nuts or no nuts. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI). A literature search of PubMed identified human clinical trials testing nut intake with sleep-related outcomes. Results: Sixteen percent of the 139 recall days contained nuts. Mean HEI scores were greater on days that contained nuts (64.9 ± 2.3) versus nut-free days (45.4 ± 1.1; p < 0.0001). Scores for total fruit, whole fruit, total protein, sea and plant protein, sodium, and refined grains were greater on nut-containing days (p < 0.05 for all). Participants reported better sleep on days following nut consumption (p = 0.04). From the literature search, four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified with results varying by nut type, dosage, timing, and participants. Conclusions: The positive association observed in this pilot study between nut intake and improved diet quality, along with a modest link to better sleep quality, suggests that incorporating nuts regularly into the diet may help enhance overall dietary habits and contribute to improved sleep. The present trials suggest nut intake may improve sleep quality, but significant heterogeneity highlights the need for RCTs with objective sleep outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Mental disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, represent a leading source of morbidity and disability in young adults, a group increasingly exposed to cumulative psychological processes and environmental stressors. Although evidence links healthy dietary patterns with improved mental health symptoms, the specific contribution of nut consumption (rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective compounds) remains insufficiently examined in this population. Current evidence also lacks robust data on the dose–response effects of nut consumption and mechanistic pathways involving biomarkers relevant to brain function and mental health. The Nuts4Brain-RCT will investigate the impact of a 6-month mixed-nut consumption intervention on mental health symptoms, cognitive functioning, sleep quality, overall well-being, health-related quality of life, and biochemical brain function mediators in young adults. Methods and analysis: A 6-month, randomized, single-blinded, three-arm, dose–response, parallel-group clinical trial will be conducted with 135 university students aged 18–24 years from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain. The participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: (1) a control group maintaining their habitual diet while avoiding nut consumption; (2) a 30 g/day mixed-nut consumption group; or (3) a 60 g/day mixed-nut consumption group. The nut consumption intervention will include unsalted, unroasted walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios. The primary outcomes will include depressive (BDI-II) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms, perceived stress (PSS-10), cognitive performance (NIH Toolbox), and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Assessments will take place at baseline and at 3 (intermediate), 6 (end of intervention) and 12 months (follow-up). Repeated-measures mixed-effects models will be applied to estimate the effects of nut consumption and dosage on mental health outcomes. Ethics and dissemination: The study adheres to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity and obtained approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Virgen de la Luz Hospital, Cuenca, Spain (REG: 2025/E0125). The findings will be disseminated through high-impact open-access peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific conferences, and social media platforms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT07292610. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of overweight and obesity among young adults has doubled since 1975, primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Understanding dietary patterns (DPs) in this population is essential for designing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to characterize the dietary patterns and diet quality of university students and to examine their physical activity and associated health risks. Methods: A convenience sample of 136 participants (77.9% females, 22.1% males) was recruited. Data on clinical history, lifestyle behaviors, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls. Intake was analyzed by food groups, total energy, and macronutrient and fiber composition. Principal component analysis was applied to identify DPs. Results: Three major DPs were identified: Ultra-Processed Foods, Variety Foods, and Traditional Mixed Mexican. Overall, participants showed low consumption of fiber, legumes, and nuts, coupled with high intake of animal-based foods. The mean daily energy intake was 2278 kcal for men and 2008 kcal for women. Although participants demonstrated higher adherence to the Traditional Mixed Mexican pattern, a strong tendency toward the Ultra-Processed Foods pattern was observed, which is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases and poor nutritional outcomes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted dietary interventions among university students. Strategies should emphasize increased intake of fiber-rich plant foods, moderation of protein consumption, and reduction in refined carbohydrates and added sugars to promote healthier dietary habits and prevent chronic disease development. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical stage for establishing lifelong dietary habits and preventing non-communicable diseases through adequate intake of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have thoroughly examined the antioxidant profile of traditional diets such as the Mediterranean diet. In contrast, current research provides limited insights into the antioxidant properties of foods typically consumed by Mexican adolescents. Objective: So, this study aimed to quantify the total phenolic compound (TPC) content and antioxidant capacity (AC) of frequently consumed foods and to estimate dietary intake in Mexican adolescents. Methodology: The selected food groups were identified based on their frequency of consumption by 15% or more of the adolescent population, considering those that have demonstrated a sufficient quantity of antioxidants. It was analyzed TPC and ABTS•⁺ and DPPH• to determine the antiradical activity of the analyzed samples. Results: The estimated daily intake of TPC was 1484.01 mg GAE/person, while AC intake was 345.67 mg AAE/person (ABTS•⁺) and 5399.14 µmol TE/person (DPPH•). Cereals and fruits were the major contributors to total antioxidant intake, while the contribution of leafy vegetables and nuts was relatively low. The statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between TPC and AC. The results of the study indicate the antioxidant potential of the adolescent diet. Conclusions: Despite certain limitations, the values obtained from the study are comparable to those of other studies that employed similar methodologies. Consequently, promoting the early consumption of fresh plant-based foods rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can enhance the dietary profile and contribute to adolescents’ long-term health, constitutes a significant area of research. Full article

Background: The Slovenian Nutrition Guidelines 2025 (SNG2025) provide a quantified, plant-forward framework aligned with the EAT–Lancet diet, whereas previous Slovenian FBDGs were qualitative. Objectives: (i) To compare SNG2025 with the EAT–Lancet diet and previous Slovenian FBDGs and (ii) to assess the alignment of food intake among Slovenian adults with the SNG2025. Methods: The SNG2025 food group targets were mapped to the EAT–Lancet diet and previous Slovenian FBDGs and evaluated against a nationally representative intake (Si. Menu 2017/18; 18–64 years; sex-specific). Sodium intake was corroborated by 24-h urinary sodium levels (2022). Results: The SNG2025 introduces numeric targets across more than 16 food groups, with national adaptations (e.g., potatoes, oils and fats from foods, and dairy being optional via milk-calcium equivalents and beverage specifications). The alignment reveals very low consumption of legumes; limited consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and nuts/seeds (and fruit in men); and excess consumption of total and red/processed meat, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), free sugars/sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium, and alcohol. Biomarkers indicate a mean salt intake approximately two times the <5 g/day limit. Trans fatty acid (TFA) levels ≥ 0.5% persist in a substantial percentage of adults, predominantly from ruminant-derived TFAs. Sex-specific patterns are more adverse for men (e.g., meat, SSBs, alcohol, and sodium), whereas women have a higher intake of sweet UPFs. Conclusions: Slovenian diets are misaligned with the SNG2025. Priorities include increasing the intake of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and nuts/seeds, while shifting protein sources away from red and processed meat. Additional priorities include reducing the intake of alcohol, sodium, free sugars, and UPFs through reformulation, procurement, and pricing/marketing measures, alongside routine biomarker and UPF surveillance. The SNG2025 enable monitoring and targeted implementation. Considering the limitations of the Si. Menu 2017/18 dataset, which includes food-group aggregation and limited information on food preparation, the results should be interpreted with caution with respect to the magnitude of deviations from SNG2025 targets, while the overall direction of misalignment remains robust. Full article

A mixed functional beverage was developed using mango, pineapple, and acerola pulps combined with Brazil nut extract, targeting the nutritional and physiological needs of the elderly. The formulation was designed to deliver vitamin C and carotenoids, while maintaining viscosity compatible with level 3 of the IDDSI scale, ensuring safe consumption for individuals with dysphagia. The product underwent different processing treatments, including thermal pasteurization, sterilization, and non-thermal ultrasound processing, to evaluate their effects on bioactive compounds and in vitro bioaccessibility. Vitamin C content and total phenolic compounds decreased by 15.4% and 12.7% after pasteurization, respectively, and by 41.6% and 79.1% after ultrasound treatment. In contrast, sterilization did not result in a significant difference in vitamin C content compared with the control. Conversely, total carotenoid content increased significantly across all processing treatments, while antioxidant capacity remained stable across the different processing conditions evaluated. In addition, a 95% increase in selenium content was observed after pasteurization, indicating enhanced solubilization of mineral fractions in the Brazil nut extract. Vitamin C bioaccessibility reached 53.24% after ultrasound treatment and 38.58% after sterilization, outperforming the control (34.59%). For carotenoids, sterilization resulted in the highest bioaccessibility (28.33%), followed by ultrasound (17.21%) and pasteurization (15.24%). The beverage also showed good sensory acceptance among elderly consumers, demonstrating that the formulation successfully combines nutritional adequacy and acceptance. These findings support its potential as a functional beverage that promotes safe nutrition and hydration in older adults, including those with dysphagia. Full article

Almonds are a highly valued nut due to their rich protein and nutritional content. However, they are vulnerable to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in warm and humid environments. Consumption of AFB1-contaminated almonds can pose serious health risks, including kidney damage, and may lead to significant economic losses. Consequently, a rapid and non-destructive detection method is essential to ensure food safety by identifying and removing contaminated almonds from the supply chain. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and 3D deep learning provide a non-destructive, efficient alternative to current AFB1 detection methods. This study presents an attention-guided Inception ResNet 3D Network (AGIR-3DNet) for fast and precise detection of AFB1 contamination in almonds utilizing HSI. The proposed model integrates multi-scale feature extraction, residual learning, and attention mechanisms to enhance spatial-spectral feature representation, enabling more precise classification. The proposed 3D model was rigorously tested, and its performance was compared against 3D Inception and various conventional machine learning models. Compared to conventional machine learning models and deep learning architectures, AGIR-3DNet outperformed and achieved superior validation accuracy of 93.30%, an F1-score (harmonic mean of precision and recall) of 0.94, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.98. Furthermore, the model enhances processing efficiency, making it faster and more suitable for real-time industrial applications. Full article

Purpose: A growing body of evidence has emerged on the role of diet for health outcomes in cancer survivors. Patients transitioning to post-treatment care may seek guidance on dietary changes, and summaries of the evidence for dietary patterns recommended by guidelines can support providers in effectively answering questions. Increasing evidence suggests that food choices impact planetary health. Plant-based diets are one eating pattern that may improve patient outcomes and planetary health. Methods: We performed a literature review and used narrative reporting to summarize evidence for plant-based diets and offer specific guidance for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients who are post-diagnosis. Specifically, we reviewed impacts on recurrence, all-cause, and cancer-specific mortality. Results: Increased fibre intake by consuming foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, as well as reduced colon cancer-specific mortality. Replacing refined grains with whole grains is associated with improved disease-free survival for colon cancer survivors. Higher tree nut consumption is associated with improved disease-free survival for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors. Soy is safe to consume for breast cancer survivors and is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence. Conversely, more Western dietary patterns high in processed meat intake are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer recurrence and prostate cancer mortality. There are also environmental benefits of a shift towards plant-based diets to address the adverse health outcomes associated with climate change and its potential impact on cancer care delivery as previously outlined in a 2024 ASCO policy statement. Conclusions: Based on the best existing evidence, providers can suggest that patients consider plant-based dietary patterns in the post-treatment phase of their cancer care to support health outcomes and planetary health. Full article

Background & Objectives: Periodontal disease (PD) is a common oral disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth and is a leading cause of tooth loss worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PD among 9th-grade teachers in the northern West Bank and examine its association with key behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 920 teachers selected through proportional stratified random sampling from governmental and private schools. Periodontal health was assessed using the WHO Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN), and oral hygiene status was measured with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (S-OHI). A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and smoking behaviours. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Only 11.8% of participants exhibited completely healthy gingiva, with the mean condition ranging between calculus and shallow pockets. Oral hygiene practices were the strongest predictors of periodontal outcomes: frequent tooth brushing (Adjusted Odds Ratio: AOR = 0.015), morning brushing (AOR = 0.015), and regular toothbrush replacement (AOR = 2.514) were protective. Higher red meat intake was negatively associated with periodontal health (AOR = 0.032), while frequent nut consumption was protective (AOR = 0.227). The number of cigarettes smoked per week was positively associated with PD (AOR = 1.085). Conclusions: PD is highly prevalent among Palestinian adults, with significant behavioural and lifestyle-related determinants. Targeted oral health interventions are urgently needed to improve adults’ oral health. Full article

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a relatively neglected tuber crop with notable nutritional, functional, and ecological value. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the biological properties and selected nutritional parameters of tiger nut tubers and oil, including antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), fatty acid (FA) profile, health-related lipid indices, and mineral composition. Methods: Natural and peeled tiger nut tubers, as well as commercially available tiger nut oil (yellow variety, Valencia, Spain), were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was measured spectrophotometrically using the DPPH method. The content of TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection, and these data were used to calculate the PUFA/SFA (P/S) ratio, atherogenicity (AI), thrombogenicity (TI) index, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio. Macro- and microelement contents were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total THQ (TTHQ) were calculated to assess potential health risks. Results: Natural tiger nut tubers exhibited substantially higher antioxidant activity and TPC compared to peeled tubers, suggesting that the peel is the primary reservoir of phenolic compounds. Strong antioxidant activity was observed in tiger nut oil (64.82 ± 2.59 mg TEAC/L). Oleic acid (C18:1cis n-9) was identified as the predominant FA across all samples, thus contributing positively to favorable health lipid indices (P/S > 0.50, low AI and TI, high h/H ratio). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement in natural and peeled tiger nut tubers. The overall trend of microelement levels in these samples was as follows: Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Sr > Mn > Li > Ba > Se > As > Cr. All THQ and TTHQ values were below 1, indicating no appreciable health risk associated with consumption. Conclusions: These findings support the use of tiger nuts as a functionally valuable ingredient in health-oriented food products. Full article

The consumption of nuts is widespread globally and constitutes a significant component of the human diet due to its nutritional value. However, the presence of mycotoxins in food products, including nuts, is a global public health concern. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by contaminating fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp., which can contaminate crops during growth, harvesting, storage, or transport. The aim of this study was to conduct monitoring for the presence of mycotoxins in nuts already on the market. Specifically, secondary metabolites produced by Penicillium spp., including ochratoxin A, patulin, citrinin, cyclopiazonic acid, citreoviridin, griseofulvin, meleagrin, mycophenolic acid, penitrem A, roquefortine C, penicillins G and V, sulochrin, andrastin A, asterriquinone, chaetoglobosin A, cyclopenin, cyclopenol, and viridicatin, were investigated. Commercial products were purchased from various retail outlets in different formats, origins, and cultivation methods to assess potential influences of these factors on mycotoxin presence. Regarding Penicillium-toxins, 37% of the samples showed the presence of at least one of them, and 9% showed the simultaneous presence of two or more Penicillium-toxins. Peanuts had the highest incidence of Penicillium-toxin contamination, with at least one metabolite detected in 60% of the analyzed samples. The most common secondary metabolite among the samples was patulin (14%), while the secondary metabolite with the highest concentration was viridicatin in a walnut sample (151.40 ± 64.30 µg/kg). Besides Penicillium-toxins, aflatoxins were also analyzed with another validated LC-MS/MS method, but they were not detected in any sample. Although most Penicillium-toxins, and in particular patulin in nuts, are not currently regulated in the international legislation, they exert toxic effects on humans and animals, and their occurrence can represent a food safety risk. Full article