Search Results (1,697)

Background/Objectives: Poor dietary habits are a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of mortality worldwide. To promote healthier eating, governments and stakeholders have implemented various nutrition policies, including front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FOPNL). The Choices International Foundation (Choices), through its criteria, supports these efforts through its standardized nutrient profiling system (NPS). Originally developed to underpin a positive FOPNL logo, in 2021, the criteria were expanded into a globally oriented five-level profiling system covering 23 basic and 10 discretionary food groups, addressing key nutrients such as trans-fatty acids, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, fiber, and energy. To ensure continued scientific relevance, the Choices criteria are periodically reviewed by an independent International Scientific Committee (ISC). Methods: This paper presents the 2025 revision of the Choices criteria, focusing on priority areas identified through stakeholder consultation and recent scientific developments. Results: Key updates include the introduction of nutrient-based equivalence criteria for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy, based on protein and selected micronutrient thresholds. Non-sugar sweeteners (NSSs) were newly included as a factor that lowers a product’s health classification and makes it ineligible for a positive FOPNL. Additionally, the industrially produced trans-fatty acid (iTFA) criteria were revised and aligned with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, improving both technical feasibility and policy coherence. While options for incorporating whole-grain and micronutrient criteria were explored, these were not included in the current revision. Conclusions: The 2025 update system enhances the scientific rigor, policy alignment, and global applicability of the Choices system. By providing a harmonized and evidence-based tool, it aims to support national policies that foster healthier food environments and, ultimately, improve public health outcomes worldwide. Full article

Malting is a sustainable, low-cost, and adaptable technique that enhances the nutritional and functional value of cereals while contributing to waste reduction, improved food safety, and the valorization of brewing by-products such as brewers’ spent grain. It was originally developed for barley but is now used with a wide range of cereals. Malting, in its simplest form, involves controlled germination and drying, which enhance enzyme activity and improve grain nutritional quality. Our review introduces a broader perspective by addressing how malting can enhance health benefits through malted forms of both common and less prominent cereals such as sorghum, teff, millet, triticale, quinoa, and buckwheat. Nutritional enhancement takes place by increasing nutrient bioavailability, changing chemical composition, and reducing antinutrients, while inducing the production of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. This review examines brewers’ spent grain (BSG), a nutrient-dense brewing by-product that is widely recognized as a sustainable ingredient for food and nutrition applications. Full article

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume crop of nutritional and economic value across Africa. Genetic improvements of the crop to enhance productivity and resilience depend on understanding the diversity within the African germplasm. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the genetic diversity and population structure of common bean in Africa were reviewed systematically based on existing research. A protocol for conducting the systematic review was developed registered in OSF. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria after a comprehensive search in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, PubMed, AGRICOLA, Taylor & Francis, and SpringerLink. Data on molecular markers and diversity metrics, thus PIC, He, and AMOVA, were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. Results: Despite substantial heterogeneity in panel sizes, reporting completeness, and marker systems (SSR, SNP, POX, ISSR), consistent patterns emerged. Studies revealed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity. Population-structure analyses recovered the canonical Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools with extensive admixture and high gene flow. AMOVA results indicated that a substantial proportion of total genetic variation was attributed to within-population components. Conclusions: The results are consistent with previous studies, but the sample size and types of markers make direct comparisons impossible. More future studies should use standardized genotyping approaches to increase data consistency. These insights are useful for yield improvement under both non-stress and stress conditions and for developing Africa’s diverse environments. Full article

China annually produces around 20 million tons of distiller’s grains, whose utilization is important for resource efficiency. These grains are rich in crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and other nutrients, though their composition varies by grain type. This study applied a microbial–enzyme synergistic liquid fermentation process to two types—strong-aroma and soy-sauce-aroma grains—using a composite inoculant (Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus, each >1 × 10⁹ CFU/g) along with xylanase, cellulase, and protease. Optimal fermentation conditions were identified: for strong-aroma grains—water-to-grain material ratio 1.8, inoculum 0.25%, 25 °C, 16 h; for soy-sauce-aroma grains—ratio 1.8, inoculum 0.3%, 25.5 °C, 13 h. After fermentation, CP increased by 13.62% and CF decreased by 30.37% in strong-aroma grains, while in soy-sauce-aroma grains an 8.83% CP increase and 31.31% CF reduction were observed. Structural analysis of both grains showed looser fibrous formations and changes in protein secondary structure. Full article

The European Union produces about 58 million tons of grain maize annually, and although Slovakia contributes only a small share, grain maize is an important crop occupying 10.6% of the country’s arable land. A two-year pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of vermicompost (Vc) dose and application timing, applied alone or in combination with mineral nitrogen fertilizer, on maize grain yield and selected grain-quality parameters. The spring pre-sowing Vc application at 170 kg ha⁻¹ total N proved appropriate. Increasing the Vc dose from 170 to 340 kg ha⁻¹ total N did not significantly influence grain yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), or the contents of crude protein and starch. When soil was fertilized with Vc in autumn, the spring application of mineral N at 60 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in higher grain yield compared with the spring application of Vc at 170 kg ha⁻¹ total N. Application of Vc alone, regardless of dose or timing, did not affect starch content or TKW. The combined use of mineral and organic nitrogen sources appears to be the most effective strategy for maize nitrogen nutrition. Applying Vc in autumn or spring at 170 kg ha⁻¹ total N, followed by 60 kg ha⁻¹ mineral N in spring, created favorable conditions for achieving high grain yield and quality. Full article

In order to achieve high-quality yields, it is essential to provide plants with the necessary nutrients, including selenium (Se) and sulphur (S), to meet their nutritional requirements. This study aimed to determine the effect of selenium (0, 10 and 20 g Se ha⁻¹) and the date of its application (in the tillering phase and in the stem elongation phase) and sulphur application (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha⁻¹) on the content of selenium and various forms of sulphur (total sulphur, sulphate sulphur and organic sulphur) and the N:S ratio in winter spelt wheat and winter common wheat. The research hypothesis assumed that different doses of selenium and sulphur and the timing of their application would have a beneficial effect on the Se and S content in the grain and straw of spelt wheat and common wheat. Selenium fertilisation significantly increased the content of this element in the grain of spelt wheat and common wheat. The concentration of selenium was also influenced by the timing of its application in the plant growth environment. However, the dose of selenium and the timing of its application were not associated with significant changes in the content of both forms of sulphur in the tested plants. The experimental factors used did not contribute to the achievement of selenium levels toxic to humans and animals. The presence of sulphur in the growth environment of spelt wheat and common wheat was associated with an increase in the content of both total sulphur, sulphate sulphur and organic sulphur in their grain and straw, especially in spelt wheat straw by an average of 17%, 29% and 23%, respectively, and in common wheat straw by 26%, 18% and 57%, respectively. The sulphur content in the plant growth environment was not associated with a change in the selenium content in the grain of the tested plants. The results of our study suggest that the optimal dose of selenium for biofortification of humans and animals is 20 mg Se ha⁻¹ on clay soil, applied during the stem elongation phase of spelt and common wheat. Biofortification of wheat with selenium and sulphur is a good method of supplementing deficiencies of this element in the human diet. Full article

The global demand for new ingredients and healthier food products is on the rise. Global challenges like rapid population growth, climate change, and emerging pandemics are putting a strain on food security for future generations. This makes it crucial to seek alternatives for producing nutrient-rich foods using more sustainable methods. In this context, proteins are an essential macronutrient for humanity. Plant-based proteins are becoming increasingly popular for the following reasons: their sustainability, as they have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based proteins, provided they are consumed locally; their nutritional value, since they contain all the essential nutrients when consumed in a varied way and do not contain limiting amino acids; their potential accessibility; and the health benefits they offer. Consequently, the food industry is developing an increasing market of protein concentrates and isolates from plant sources using wet or dry methods. In particular, dry fractionation is expected to play a key role in enhancing food sustainability, as it allows protein enrichment without the use of water or energy-consuming operations. This review provides a detailed description of the application of dry fractionation method to Andean grains, with quinoa, amaranth, and kañiwa as prominent examples. The narrative review covers the essential primary processing and pretreatments, assesses the properties of the resulting fractions, and discusses their applications and future trends. This work aims to promote the development of innovative and sustainable food solutions. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important staple crops in the world. Iron (Fe) plays a vital role in the growth and development of wheat as an essential nutrient. Meanwhile, Fe is closely associated with human health, as Fe deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, heart problems, and so on. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain Fe content (GFeC) were detected in two populations: a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 175 lines derived from a cross between Avocet and Huites (AH population) genotyped with diversity array technology (DArT) and a natural population of 243 varieties (CH population) genotyped by using the 660K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Three stable QTLs (QGFe.haust-AH-5B, QGFe.haust-AH-6A, and QGFe.haust-AH-7A.2) were identified through QTL mapping with phenotypic variations of 11.55–13.63%, 3.58–9.89%, and 4.81–11.12% in the AH population in four environments. Genetic effects of QGFe.haust-AH-5B, QGFe.haust-AH-6A, and QGFe.haust-AH-7A.2 were shown to significantly increase GFeC by 8.11%, 14.05%, and 5.25%, respectively. One hundred and thirty-three significant SNPs were identified (p < 0.001) through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for GFeC on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5D, and 7A with phenotypic variations of 5.26–9.88% in the CH population. A novel locus was co-located within the physical interval 689.86 Mb-690.01 Mb in five environments through QTL mapping and GWAS, with one high-confidence gene, TraesCS7A02G499500, which was temporarily designated as TaqFe-7A, involved in GFeC regulation. A Kompetitive allele-specific PCR, KAFe-7A-2, was developed, which was validated in 181 natural populations. Genetic effect analysis revealed that favorable haplotype AA significantly increased GFeC by 4.64% compared to an unfavorable haplotype (p < 0.05). Therefore, this study provides the theoretical basis for cloning the GFeC gene and nutritional fortification breeding. Full article

Small-grained rice varieties are highly valued in hybrid seed production and food markets because of their unique advantages in mechanized seed production and cooking qualities. Developing new varieties combining small grain size with high nutritional and cooking quality represents an important breeding objective. The OsVIN2 gene has been identified as a key regulator involved in carbohydrate metabolism and grain development in rice. In this study, a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing approach was employed to precisely modify the OsVIN2 gene in the restorer line MH86 of high-quality rice varieties. Compared with the wild-type plants, the frameshift mutant seeds showed a significant reduction in length and width by 19.9% and 15.2%, respectively, leading to a 39.2% decrease in thousand-grain weight. Notably, the mutant exhibited improved quality traits, including a decrease of 16.6% in amylose content, an increase of 11.0% protein, and a 77.5% and 84.7% decrease in chalkiness rate and chalkiness degree, respectively. These results demonstrate that targeted editing of OsVIN2 is a promising approach for creating novel small-grained rice germplasm with superior quality attributes. Full article

The morphology of rice grains represents one of the most vital agronomic characteristics, significantly impacting both grain productivity and the subsequent milling and nutritional quality of the crop. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis and molecular drivers of grain shape is vital for the targeted breeding of high-performance rice lines with consistent yield stability. To pinpoint the genomic regions influencing grain dimensions, we conducted a genome-wide association analysis across a panel of 231 distinct rice accessions, focusing on the discovery of loci associated with length and width. Our analysis revealed four consistent quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed across chromosomes 3, 4, and 11. Notably, grain length was associated with qGL3.1, qGL3.2, and qGL11. The first two were co-localized with GS3 and SMG3, respectively, whereas qGL11 likely constitutes a novel locus. One QTL, qGW4, which governs grain width, was found to co-localize with the gene OsOFP14. Haplotype analysis further revealed that the characteristic haplotypes of the candidate genes for qGL3.1, qGL3.2, and qGW4 were enriched in eight germplasm accessions (including Newbonnet, Skybonnet, and Lemont), all of which exhibit a slender-grain phenotype. This finding suggests that the specific combination of these characteristic haplotypes is a common genetic signature of slender-grain rice, serving as a potential gene combination for the targeted improvement of rice grain shape. Our results reveal valuable QTLs and candidate genes and highlight specific germplasm resources that can be readily applied in marker-assisted breeding to improve rice grain shape. Full article

Quinoa, in addition to its nutritional benefits, is adaptable to, and tolerant of, high-altitude and Mediterranean environmental conditions. However, its largely cross-compatible free-living ancestor, pitseed goosefoot, possesses expansive adaptive variation as its ecotypes are found on arid or well-drained soils throughout temperate and subtropical North America. In this context, the objective of this study was to characterize F7:10 lines from quinoa × pitseed goosefoot hybrids to identify promising lines with desirable agronomic traits and adaptation to hyper-arid production environments. The agro-morphological characterization of 14 interspecific experimental lines plus wild parents (5), checks (3, including one derived from a much earlier wide cross), and an F2 population was performed for 25 quantitative and 26 qualitative descriptors, along with calculation of the selection index. Among the morphological variables, the average number of primary branches per plant (NPB) was six (CV = 78%), the average plant height (PH) was 143.5 cm (CV = 40%), and the average panicle diameter (PDI) was 17.9 cm (CV = 62%). With regard to the yield component variables, the average harvest index (HI) was 39% (CV = 36%), the average weight of 1000 grains (W1000G) was 2.59 g (CV = 42%), and the average yield per hectare (HYP) was 4.68 t ha⁻¹ (CV = 65%). Regarding the correlations between variables, it was observed that all phenological phases showed positive correlations with plant height (PH) and negative correlations with yield components, specifically with DG, DT, HI, and W1000G. The highest-yielding lines were GR10 (8.16 t ha⁻¹), GR07 (7.53 t ha⁻¹), GR11 (7.27 t ha⁻¹), and GR01 (7.02 t ha⁻¹). Multivariate and cluster analyses identified four groups of lines, with groups II and IV standing out for their desirable agronomic traits. However, based on the selection index, lines RL08, RL07, ER06, GR03, and GR11 were identified as the most promising. In terms of quality, 18 out of the 23 lines were classified as sweet (<0.11% saponin) and 5 as bitter (>0.11 saponin). In conclusion, the selection index identified pitseed goosefoot cross-derived quinoa lines having superior yield potential, short plant height, large grain size, early maturity, and low saponin content. Full article

Background/Objectives: Within public health and preventive nutrition, food labeling plays a critical role in supporting healthier dietary behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the behaviors, perceptions, and nutritional literacy of young adults from Iași, Romania, regarding simple carbohydrates (SCHO) consumption and food label-reading habits. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May–June 2023 using 20-item Likert-scale questionnaire completed by 150 participants aged 18–30 years. Statistical analysis included descriptive metrics, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The cohort consisted of 72% females (N = 108) and 28% males (N = 42), with 42.7% (N = 64) holding university degrees. Although 22% (N = 33) considered SCHO consumption highly important, only 13.3% (N = 20) frequently read nutrition labels (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary patterns showed that 27.3% primarily consumed sweets, while others combined sweets with carbonated beverages, dairy products, or whole grains; overall, 44% (N = 66) reported frequent sweet consumption. Label reading was highest for sweets (40.7%), lower for dairy products (19.3%) and soft drinks (9.3%). Additionally, 30.7% (N = 46) checked only expiration dates, whereas just 11.3% (N = 17) reviewed nutritional content. Trust in label accuracy was low: 48% (N = 72) expressed neutrality and 14% (N = 21) disagreed. Although 77.3% (N = 116) recognized the link between sugar intake and dental caries, only 23.3% (N = 35) felt well informed about oral health risks. Taste dominated food selection (68.7%), while nutritional value was cited by 16.7% (N = 25). Conclusions: Young adults from Iași demonstrated notable gaps in nutritional literacy and suboptimal dietary behaviors, emphasizing the need for structured educational strategies to improve preventive practices relevant to systemic and oral health. Full article

Chinese Baijiu distiller’s grains are by-products of the Chinese Baijiu brewing process, characterized by high water content, high acidity, and high fiber content, which make them unsuitable for animal feed, especially for monogastric animals. This study investigated the possibility of increasing the feed value of Nong-flavor Baijiu distiller’s grains (NFBDGs) for monogastric animals via solid-state fermentation by microbial-enzyme synergy. Experiments evaluated microbial growth, pH variation, improvement of crude protein (CP), true protein (TP), and acid-soluble protein (ASP), degradation of crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The results indicated that Ligilactobacillus salivarius CRS23, Bacillus subtilis YLZ7, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CJM26, and xylanase were identified for the fermentation of NFBDGs. When the initial moisture content of NFBDGs was 60% and the initial pH was 3.4, under the conditions of aerobic fermentation at 37 °C for 4 days, the pH of NFBDGs increased from 3.49 to 6.04, the contents of CP and TP increased by 33.59% and 31.21%,,, respectively, while the contents of CF, ADF, and NDF decrease by 35.44%, 20.53%, and 25.02% respectively. The nutritional value of NFBDGs was significantly improved after microbial-enzyme synergistic fermentation, providing a new approach for their application as feed. Full article

Wheat productivity and seed quality are often constrained by nutrient imbalances and environmental stress, which can be mitigated through biostimulants and nanofertilisers. This study evaluated the effects of foliar applications of nanoparticulate sulphur (SNP) and hydrolysed amino acids (AAs) on wheat agronomic performance and seed quality under contrasting environmental conditions in Paraná, Brazil, during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The experiment was conducted in four environments, using a randomised block design, with a 5 × 2 factorial scheme and four replications. Parameters included grain yield, yield components, and physiological and nutritional seed traits. SNP positively influenced the number of grains per ear and spikes per metre, with quadratic responses peaking at 1.048 kg ha⁻¹ for SNP and 0.347 kg ha⁻¹ for S, respectively. However, AAs showed no significant effects, likely due to favourable climatic conditions and high soil fertility. Regarding seed quality, a positive response in seed vigour was observed at 2 kg ha⁻¹ SNP in one environment, while other parameters showed no consistent improvement. Principal component analysis indicated that environment and soil fertility were the main sources of variation in yield and seed quality. Overall, foliar SNP and AA applications did not markedly enhance wheat performance under non-stressful conditions. Full article

The quality of rice depends on physical, nutritional, and sensory attributes. However, in industrial practice, quality is predominantly based on physical characteristics evaluated by the conventional method for categorizing commercial atches. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize the physical quality and proximate composition and to classify commercial batches of polished white rice using machine learning (ML) algorithms based on spectral data. Individual samples (healthy grains and physical defects) and samples from commercial batches (Type 1 to Type 5 and Off-Type) were analyzed and prepared in accordance with current legislation. Spectral data were obtained using NIR and hyperspectral measurements covering the VIS/NIR/SWIR regions, and proximate composition was determined for moisture (MOI), starch (ST), protein (PRO), lipids (LIP), fiber (FIB), and ash (ASH). Multivariate analyses and ML classification models were applied to evaluate differences among grain types and commercial categories and to assess the discriminatory capacity of spectral information. The results showed that including physicochemical attributes to evaluate the quality of commercial batches simplifies the commercial categories currently used. For spectral behavior, batches classified as Type 1 and Type 2 showed low reflectance in the NIR and SWIR regions, suggesting greater interaction of radiant energy with compounds associated with nutritional and sensory quality. The MLP, LGBM, CAT, XGB and RF models performed best for the classification of commercial white polished rice batches, with metrics above 95%. The SWIR region, especially the 2173 nm spectral point, demonstrated high discriminatory power. In conclusion, the application of machine learning models based on VIS/NIR/SWIR spectroscopy proved highly efficient for classifying commercial batches of polished white rice, integrating physical and physicochemical attributes of the grains. Full article