Search Results (136)

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is a globally important economic fruit with high nutritional value. Fruit peelability, defined as the mechanical ease of separating the peel from the fruit flesh, is a critical quality trait influencing consumer experience and market competitiveness and has emerged as a critical breeding target in fruit crop improvement programs. The present review systematically synthesized existing studies on kiwifruit peelability, and focused on its evolutionary trajectory, genotypic divergence, quantitative evaluation, possible underlying mechanisms, and artificial manipulation strategies. Kiwifruit peelability research has advanced from early exploratory studies in New Zealand (2010s) to systematic investigations in China (2020s), with milestones including the development of evaluation metrics and the identification of genetic resources. Genotypic variation exists among kiwifruit genera. Several Actinidia eriantha accessions and the novel Actinidia longicarpa cultivar ‘Guifei’ exhibit superior peelability, whereas most commercial Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa cultivars exhibit poor peelability. Quantitative evaluation highlights the need for standardized metrics, with “skin-flesh adhesion force” and “peel toughness” proposed as robust, instrument-quantifiable indicators to minimize operational variability. Mechanistically, peelability is speculated to be governed by cell wall polysaccharide metabolism and phytohormone signaling networks. Pectin degradation and differential distribution during fruit development form critical “peeling zones”, whereas ethylene, abscisic acid, and indoleacetic acid may regulate cell wall remodeling and softening, collectively influencing skin-flesh adhesion. Owing to the scarcity of easy-to-peel kiwifruit cultivars, artificial manipulation methods, including manual peeling benchmarking, lye treatment, and thermal peeling, can be employed to further optimize kiwifruit peelability. Currently, shortcomings include incomplete genotype-phenotype characterization, limited availability of easy-peeling germplasms, and a fragmented understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Future research should focus on methodological innovation, germplasm development, and the elucidation of relevant mechanisms. Full article

Food fermentation is driven by microbial interactions. This article reviews the types of microbial interactions during food fermentation, the research strategies employed, and their impacts on the quality of fermented foods. Microbial interactions primarily include mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, and competition. Based on these interaction patterns, the safety, nutritional composition, and flavor quality of food can be effectively improved. Achieving precise control of fermented foods’ qualities via microbial interaction remains a critical challenge. Emerging technologies such as high-throughput sequencing, cell sorting, and metabolomics enable the systematic analysis of core microbial interaction mechanisms in complex systems. Using synthetic microbial communities and genome-scale metabolic network models, complicated microbial communities can be effectively simplified. In addition, regulatory targets of food quality can be precisely identified. These strategies lay a solid foundation for the precise improvement of fermented food quality and functionality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sports tourism, particularly international running events such as half marathons and marathons, has rapidly grown due to rising health consciousness and active lifestyles. Runners competing abroad face unique nutritional challenges that extend beyond physiological needs, including adaptation to local food cultures and psychosocial factors. This study aims to explore the nutritional difficulties encountered by international runners during competitions abroad, using participants of the Poznan Half Marathon 2025 as a case example. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 international runners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. Participants had at least two years of experience competing internationally. Results: Four primary categories of nutritional challenges emerged: (1) quality and availability of food, (2) adaptation to local eating habits and physiological impacts, (3) hydration and access to appropriate fluids, and (4) logistical factors and the interactions between psychological stress, physical well-being, and nutritional choices. These factors influenced runners’ preparation, race-day performance, and recovery, highlighting the complexity of managing nutrition in unfamiliar environments. Conclusions: Nutritional challenges for international runners are multidimensional, requiring flexible and culturally sensitive nutritional strategies. Although these findings offer useful insights, they are based on a small, specific sample and should be generalized with caution. Further research is necessary to explore the broader applicability of the findings and their relevance to diverse athletic populations and contexts. Full article

Monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are the two most common planting methods, with mixed cropping generally demonstrating higher hay yield and superior nutritional quality compared to monoculture. However, research on legume–grass mixed cropping for establishing cultivated pastures in typical sand-fixing vegetation areas of the Mu Us Sandy Land remains scarce. These knowledge gaps have hindered the synergistic integration of forage production and ecological restoration in the region. This study conducted mixed cropping trials in the sand-fixing vegetation zone of the Mu Us Sandy Land using Dahurian wildrye (Elymus dahuricus), Mongolian wheatgrass (Agropyron mongolicum), and Standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) to investigate the effects of species combinations and planting ratios on forage productivity and nutritional quality, aiming to determine the optimal planting strategy. Results showed that in the first establishment year, the yield of all mixed cropping systems significantly exceeded that of monocultured Dahurian wildrye and Mongolian wheatgrass. All mixed cropping combinations exhibited land equivalent ratios (LER) and relative yield totals (RYT) below 1, indicating varying degrees of interspecific competition during the first year, with grass species generally demonstrating stronger competitive abilities than legumes. Mixed-cropped forages showed higher crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash content compared to monocultures, alongside lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels, suggesting improved relative feed value (RFV). Among the combinations, E₅A₅ and E₆A₄ (5:5 and 6:4 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) achieved higher RFV, with RFV gradually declining as the legume proportion decreased. In conclusion, both monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are viable in the Mu Us Sandy Land’s sand-fixing vegetation areas and the E₅A₅ combination (5:5 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) as having the highest overall score, demonstrating that this mixed cropping ratio optimally balances yield and nutritional quality, making it the recommended planting protocol for the region. This mixed cropping system offers a theoretical foundation for efficiently establishing artificial pastures in the Mu Us Sandy Land, supporting regional pastoral industry development and desertification mitigation. Full article

Lutein- and astaxanthin-fortified eggs can greatly improve both nutritional and economic values of eggs. High doses of lutein and astaxanthin are often supplemented in hen diets to rapidly accumulate lutein and astaxanthin in eggs. In this study, an additional 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg lutein and astaxanthin were added in hen diets to explore the effects of high-dose lutein and astaxanthin on egg quality, egg production, and carotenoid deposition in eggs, which remains unclear. The results showed that high-dose lutein and astaxanthin supplementation had no significant impact on laying rates and egg quality, except for markedly improving yolk color. Additionally, a quantitative profile of carotenoids in egg yolk was performed through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 26 carotenoids were detected including 14 whose concentrations exceed 0.1 µg/g. Notably, the zeaxanthin content in yolk decreased with the increase in levels of lutein supplementation. Conversely, the content of lutein, zeaxanthin, 5,6 epoxy-lutein-caprate-palmitate in yolk decreased as astaxanthin supplementation increased. These findings suggest that high doses of lutein and astaxanthin supplementation may competitively inhibit the deposition of other carotenoids in egg yolk. Overall, this study suggests that during the production of functional eggs enriched with lutein and astaxanthin, it is important to consider the interaction effects among different carotenoids. Full article

Algae-based supplements are gaining attention for their potential metabolic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in sports nutrition. Methods: A 30-day pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 healthy male athletes (mean age 25.4 ± 4.9 years) from competitive soccer and handball teams. Participants were randomly assigned to a supplementation group (6 g/day of Ulva-derived algae powder) or a control group. Both groups followed identical training routines and adhered to standardized nutritional recommendations, including macronutrient distribution and permitted supplements (e.g., isotonic drinks, protein shakes). Biochemical markers analyzed at baseline and post-intervention included HbA1c, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and cortisol. Genetic polymorphisms related to metabolic traits were also assessed. Results: Significant group × time interactions (p < 0.001) were observed for HbA1c, LDL, triglycerides, MDA, MPO, ESR, and cortisol, all of which improved in the algae-supplemented group. Correlation analysis revealed associations between HbA1c and LDL/TG as well as between cortisol and MPO. No significant genetic modulation of responses was detected, although a trend was noted for cortisol variation and insulin resistance risk. Conclusions: Algae-based supplementation led to favorable metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory changes. These findings suggest its potential utility as a nutritional strategy to support recovery in athletes during periods of high training load or competition. Full article

This study investigated the quality evolution of soybean products (soymilk, tofu, dried bean curd) through mixed-strain fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CICC 6151 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae AS2.400 under optimized conditions (7% inoculum, pH of 5.2, 85 °C/50 min thermal treatment). Physicochemical, structural, and microbial dynamics were systematically analyzed. Key results demonstrated that probiotic tofu exhibited superior water-holding capacity (82% WHC vs. 65% in traditional variants) and enhanced protein retention (Δ + 2.4% during storage), linked to microbial-mediated structural stabilization. Mixed fermentation induced substrate competition (S. cerevisiae biomass: OD₅₆₀ of 1.2 at 10 h vs. L. rhamnosus OD₆₀₀ of 1.0 at 25 h; ANOVA p < 0.001), driving pH-dependent protein network formation (isoelectric precipitation at pH of 4.8 ± 0.1) and volatile profile divergence (PCA explained 82.2–89.1% of variance). Probiotic variants maintained chromatic stability (ΔE < 15 vs. traditional ΔE > 23) and textural integrity (23% lower deformation under compression), correlated with secondary structure preservation (β-sheet increased by 10% in FTIR analysis). These findings establish synergistic microbial–metabolic regulation as a strategy for developing functional bean products with enhanced nutritional and sensory properties. Full article

The avocado has gained worldwide relevance due to its nutritional benefits, and in the last two decades, its consumption has experienced remarkable growth, driven by changes in eating habits, especially during the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus. This boom has had a significant impact on exporting countries such as Peru, which stands out as a key driver of economic growth due to avocado exports. The present study aims to analyse the impact of avocado exports on Peru’s economic growth during the period 2005–2023, utilising a quantitative approach and a non-experimental design, employing the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model. The findings indicated that avocado exports and the gross domestic agricultural product exert a positive influence on economic growth, with a statistical significance of 97%. This suggests that a 1% rise in exports results in a 0.40% increase in GDP. Avocado exports have been instrumental in enhancing Peru’s economic competitiveness on the global stage, although challenges persist with regard to sustainability and the inclusion of small-scale producers. The study concluded with the assertion that avocado exports exert a positive effect on 0.40% of economic growth in per capita terms, with an overall significance of 97%. This finding allows us to infer, through the factors, that avocado exports play an important role in market dynamics and in contributing to Peru’s economic growth, as well as their important implications for sustainable development policies. Full article

Background: Body composition and hydration status, particularly the balance between intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) water compartments, are critical factors influencing performance and aesthetics in competitive bodybuilding. Despite their significance, limited research has explored sex-based differences in hydration strategies and their impact on competitive outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize and compare ICW and ECW distribution, as well as their relationship with key physiological parameters, between male and female elite bodybuilders during an international competition. Methods: A total of 34 elite bodybuilders (18 males and 16 females) participated in this cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The parameters evaluated included total body water, ICW, ECW, and phase angle (PhA). Differences between sexes were analyzed using Student’s t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant sex-based differences were observed in water compartment distribution. Male bodybuilders exhibited higher ICW values (33.1 ± 2.8 L vs. 25.7 ± 2.5 L; p < 0.001) and PhA (8.2 ± 0.7 vs. 7.0 ± 0.9; p < 0.05), indicating greater muscle mass and cell integrity. In contrast, females had a higher ECW-to-total body water ratio (42.7% vs. 39.5%; p < 0.05), likely influenced by hormonal and metabolic factors. These findings suggest that sex-specific physiological characteristics should be considered when developing hydration and competition strategies. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of sex-specific approaches to hydration and body composition management in bodybuilding. The observed differences in ICW and ECW distributions underscore the need for individualized training, nutrition, and hydration strategies to optimize competitive performance while maintaining athlete health. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessments to better understand hydration dynamics across different stages of competition preparation. Full article

Aedes albopictus is a mosquito that has spread rapidly in the United States and is considered an important vector for arbovirus transmission to humans in several countries. Larval interactions and environmental conditions can influence mosquitoes and their ability to transmit pathogens as adults. We investigated whether intraspecific larval competition among Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from Florida, combined with varying food availability, affects vector competence for Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). We reared larvae under four competition treatment densities and two food levels. Measurements were taken for larval development duration, survival rate, and female wing length. Mosquitoes from each treatment group were orally challenged with CHIKV. Our results showed that development time was longer for both female and male Ae. albopictus under high-competition conditions and appeared as the most important factor, followed by survivorship. Survival rates were highest under low-density conditions compared to those reared under high-density conditions. Mosquitoes reared with a low amount of food had the lowest survivorship and longest development times compared to those provided with high food levels. Our results also showed susceptibility infection and disseminated infection of CHIKV was influenced by an interaction of density and food availability. Mosquitoes from the high-food, high-density treatment group exhibited lower CHIKV infection and dissemination rates compared to other treatment combinations. These findings highlight the role of larval competition and nutritional stress during immature stages in shaping adult mosquito traits, with important epidemiological implications for CHIKV transmission. Full article

Objectives: Taekwondo performance is influenced by a complex and dynamic interplay of physical, nutritional, and psychological factors, all of which contribute to competitive success. However, the gender-specific relationships among these factors in young high-performance athletes remain understudied. This study aimed to fill in this knowledge gap. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 35 elite taekwondo athletes (male: n = 20, female: n = 15, age: 13 ± 1 years). Participants underwent anthropometric assessments, dietary evaluations, and psychological skill assessments during an 8-week training camp before the World Taekwondo Championships. Physical performance was assessed using the Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT_mult) and the Taekwondo-Specific Agility Test (TSAT). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, correlation analyses, and regression models. Results: Males exhibited significantly higher fat-free mass (FFM: 42.8 ± 2.9 kg vs. 36.3 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (SMM: 31.1 ± 2.2 kg vs. 28.2 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.001), and energy intake (32.4 ± 4.6 kcal/kg vs. 29.3 ± 3.1 kcal/kg, p = 0.032) than females. Males also had greater dietary intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron (all p < 0.05). There were no gender differences in any psychological attributes associated with emotional intelligence, sport success perception, and mental toughness. Although the total kick count in the FSKT_mult was similar for male and female taekwondo athletes (100.2 ± 4.6 vs. 97.5 ± 5.9 kicks, p = 0.139), males outperformed females in round 4 (19.4 ± 1.1 vs. 18.6 ± 1.4 kicks, p = 0.048) and round 5 (18.2 ± 1.0 vs. 17.2 ± 1.0 kicks, p = 0.007) of this test, suggesting higher physical performance maintenance during the test. Regression models indicated that body mass (β = 0.901, p < 0.001) and calcium intake (β = 0.284, p = 0.011) predicted performance in males, while body mass (β = 1.372, p < 0.001), protein intake (β = 0.171, p = 0.012), and emotional regulation (β = 0.174, p = 0.012) were key predictors in females. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to training, nutrition, and psychological preparation in optimizing taekwondo performance. While males and females demonstrated similar psychological resilience and total kick output in a taekwondo-specific test, males exhibited superior endurance in later test rounds of this test. Performance optimization in young elite taekwondo athletes may require the implementation of gender-specific training and nutrition strategies, emphasizing body weight control and calcium intake for males and protein intake for females. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hydration and nutrition are two key aspects of high-quality athletic performance. However, little is known about the potential beneficial effects of functional foods in sports. The present study investigates the hydration statuses of and knowledge, dietary habits, and consumption of functional foods among football athletes, both professional (n = 24) and non-professional (n = 20). Methods: The study sample had a mean age of 19.9 ± 4.9 years, a mean weight of 74.0 ± 6.0 kg, and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.0 ± 1.40 km/m². All the athletes filled out a questionnaire about their hydration knowledge regarding sports and a functional food consumption questionnaire. Hydration status was assessed through urine color (Ucol) before and after training. Results: The results of this study show that 65% of the non-professional and 59.1% of the professional football players started their training dehydrated, and this proportion increased to 73.7% at the end of the training. Moreover, >50% of athletes were poorly educated in hydration practices during and after exercise. In addition, nutritional habits differences were observed among the professional and non-professional athletes regarding alcohol consumption (p < 0.0001) and fries (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of and tailored approaches to nutrition and hydration need to be promoted among football athletes to realize the benefits of hydration and nutritional strategies that optimize their physiological resilience and competitive edges. Full article

Royal jelly (RJ) has long been considered a crucial dietary component in dictating caste differentiation in honeybees. As a nutritional additive, royal jelly imparts a broad range of benefits to mammals and humans; however, its precise impact on the social hierarchy of these advanced animals is not yet fully understood. This study aims to determine whether the benefits of royal jelly can be transferred to rats to alter their social ranks and uncover the underlying mechanisms. A submissive model was established by inducing dysbiosis in rats, via the persistent exposure of vancomycin. Royal jelly at a dose of 2.5 g/kg was daily administered to the subject rats during postnatal weeks (PNW) 6 and 7. At the end of the intervention, animals were subjected to agonistic, water and tube competition tests, in order to assess their dominance status. As revealed by the results, the RJ treatment significantly improved the social rank of the dysbiotic rats, demonstrating that RJ can elicit positive effect on the social behaviors (caused by dysbiosis) of rats. All behavioral paradigms yielded consistent results, with no notable differences in body weight or anxiety levels. Regarding gut microbiome, vancomycin exposure caused the dysbiosis of the subject rats, which was partially reversed by treatment with royal jelly. Specifically, the intestinal presence of Proteobacteria was profoundly attenuated by the RJ supplementation, resulting in a comparable level with the intact/dominant rats. At the genus level, both Escherichia and Clostridium displayed similar dynamics in relation to Proteobacteria, implying their involvement with the RJ-mediated dominance switching. Transcriptomic analysis in the medial prefrontal context showed that the expression of a broad range of genes was influenced by RJ intake, embodying various pathways related to neuronal transmission such as neuroactive ligan–receptor interaction, the synaptic vesicle cycle, etc. By virtue of correlation analysis, Escherichia, Akkermansia and Clostridium were strongly associated with a set of gene modules around gastrin releasing peptide (Grp) and signaling pathways around Rps6ka3, establishing an intrinsic gut–brain communication. Furthermore, the infection trials of Escherichia significantly degraded the social ranks of the RJ-remedied rats in tube tests, while a series of cerebral genes like Grpr and Grpel1, as well as prefrontal spine density, were concordantly altered, underscoring the critical role of the gut–brain link in deciding the outcomes of the dyadic contests. In summary, this is an intriguing example of how royal jelly can influence the social ranks of mammals, emphasizing the importance of microbe–host interaction in mediating this species-spanning function of royal jelly in shaping social hierarchy. Full article

Monitoring physiological parameters is vital for tracking swimmers’ progress and performance. This study examines an elite male swimmer’s nutrition during his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, considering his metabolic rate and body composition. His resting energy needs (2905 ± 407.99 kcal/day) were measured using indirect Cosmed K5, calorimetry, and body composition determined through skinfold measurements. Nutrition plans were developed using software, varying with his training intensity—providing 2910 ± 379 kcal/day on rest days, and 4238 ± 562 kcal/day on intense days. The analysis of the correlations between key variables revealed strong and diverse interactions among anthropometric, metabolic data, and energy substrates. Thus, weight exhibited a very strong positive correlation with lean mass (FFM), indicating that higher weight is associated with increased lean mass. Conversely, the moderate correlation between weight and body fat percentage suggests a weaker association. The amount of skin folds accurately reflects the body fat percentage. Ensuring that a high-energy dietary intake aligned with his actual needs throughout the season was crucial for sustaining performance. Experimenting with fueling and recovery tactics during smaller competitions enabled the athlete to meet energy and nutrient demands at the elite level. Full article

Weightlifting demands explosive power and neuromuscular coordination in brief, repeated intervals. These physiological demands underscore the critical role of nutrition, not only in optimizing performance during competitions but also in supporting athletes’ rigorous training adaptations and ensuring effective recovery between sessions. As weightlifters strive to enhance their performance, well-structured nutritional strategies are indispensable. In this comprehensive review, we explored how weightlifters can optimize their performance through targeted nutritional strategies, including carbohydrate intake for glycogen replenishment and proteins for muscle growth and recovery. Additionally, the roles of key supplements, such as creatine, beta-alanine, and branch-chained amino acids in enhancing strength, delaying fatigue, and supporting muscle repair were discussed. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to gather studies on nutritional strategies for weightlifting performance and training adaptation. The review focused on English-language articles relevant to weightlifters, including studies on powerlifting, while excluding those involving non-human subjects. Weightlifting requires explosive power, and proper nutrition is vital for performance and recovery, emphasizing the role of carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake. Nutrient timing and personalized strategies, informed by genetic and metabolomic analyses, enhance recovery and performance, while supplements like creatine, caffeine, and beta-alanine can significantly improve results when used correctly. Sustainable nutritional strategies are essential for enhancing weightlifter performance, emphasizing a balanced approach over extreme diets or excessive supplements. Further research is needed to refine these strategies based on individual athlete characteristics, ensuring consistent top-level performance throughout competitive seasons. Full article