Search Results (319)

Background/Objectives: Emotional dysregulation (ED) is emerging as a major contributor to functional impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although effective behavioral interventions exist, pharmacological treatments remain constrained by side effects and variable tolerability. Given their neurobiological roles that include neurotransmission, inflammation, and neuroplasticity, vitamin D and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been identified as promising candidates for modulating emotional and behavioral dysregulation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation in improving emotional and behavioral regulation in individuals with ASD. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Included studies were English peer-reviewed studies involving participants with ASD that assessed combined vitamin D and omega-3 suppleupplementation with outcomes related to emotional or behavioral dysregulation. The search was restricted to 2015–2025 to ensure inclusion of recent, methodologically consistent studies and to minimize heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and supplementation protocols. Results: Of 649 records initially screened, 3 studies met inclusion criteria: one randomized controlled trial, one observational study, and one case report, involving participants ranging from early childhood to young adulthood. Across studies, combined supplementation was associated with improvements in irritability, hyperactivity, agitation, and self-injurious behaviors. These clinical effects were accompanied by specific biochemical changes, including reductions in the AA/EPA ratio, increases in serum 25(OH)D and omega-3 indices, and decreased urinary levels of HVA and VMA. Conclusions: This review indicates that co-supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may exert preliminary beneficial effects on emotional and behavioral dysregulation in individuals with ASD, potentially through anti-inflammatory and neuroregulatory mechanisms. However, the available evidence remains limited due to a small number of studies, their modest sample size, and methodological heterogeneity. Further, biomarker-driven randomized studies are needed to confirm efficacy and delineate optimal dosing strategies for application in clinics. Full article

Background: Mood disturbances, often accompanied by cognitive deficits, represent a major public health challenge. Diet is increasingly recognized as a modifiable factor in mental health, with specific nutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showing therapeutic potential. This study investigated whether dietary omega-3 intake moderates variations in cognitive performance associated with psychological symptoms in non-clinical samples. Method: A total of 313 healthy adults completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary intake. Psychological symptoms were measured using the depression screening questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the stress assessment instrument (PSS-10), while cognitive performance, including short-term and episodic memory, was evaluated using Sternberg and Old/New recognition tests. A subgroup of 52 older adults completed a detailed in-person FFQ to enable the precise quantification of EPA, DHA, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) intake. Results: Diets rich in omega 3, particularly nuts, seeds, fish and seafood, were associated with lower depression and stress scores. EPA and DHA, but not ALA, were specifically linked to those mood benefits. However, dietary omega-3 intake was not significantly associated with cognitive performance and did not moderate the relationship between mood and memory. Self-reported omega-3 supplementation was linked to fewer depressive symptoms and better episodic memory. Conclusions: While dietary omega-3 is associated with improved well-being, its role in cognition in healthy adults is not well-established and warrants further investigation. Full article

An innovative approach to improving the quality of meat products is to change their recipe composition. The aim of the study was to improve the quality of poultry products with different proportions of plant components. The test groups consisted of paste products: P₁—with 50% slaughter turkey meat and 40% plant additives; P₂—with 30%, respectively. The control group consisted of classic poultry pâté in paste form. The assessment of paste quality considered the physical characteristics (pH, color), nutritional value (basic chemical composition, fatty acid profile, fiber content, vitamin E, cholesterol, minerals), microbiological quality (total number of aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas) and sensory quality of the samples. It was found that poultry products containing plant components had increased nutritional value, including reduced fat and cholesterol content, while maintaining a favorable fatty acid profile, increased fiber, vitamin E and mineral content (Mg, Mn, K, Na, Ca, Fe) as well as microbiological safety and acceptable sensory characteristics compared to the control group. Within the research groups, the product from group P2, with a 60% share of plant components, received a higher recommendation with regard to health-promoting properties (higher fiber, Mn, Mg, Na, Ca, Zn content, optimal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids) and sensory characteristics (tastiness, spreadability). Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet–microbiota interactions shape ageing; however, their sex-specific dimensions remain poorly defined. Human studies rarely stratify analyses by sex, while most evidence of sex-dependent microbial and metabolic responses comes from preclinical models. This review synthesizes current findings on the sex-specific pathways linking diet, microbiota, and healthy ageing. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by integrating human observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic animal research. Evidence was organized into four domains: (1) age-related changes in gut microbial composition; (2) microbiota-derived metabolites; (3) dietary patterns and functional nutrients; and (4) sex-specific endocrine and immunometabolism interactions influenced by the gut microbiota. Results: Ageing is characterized by dysbiosis, loss of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa, expansion of Proteobacteria, and reduced production of key metabolites including butyrate, indoles, and polyamines. Dietary fiber, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based proteins help restore these pathways and mitigate inflammaging. Sex differences persist into later life: women show reduced estrobolome activity and SCFA decline after menopause, whereas men display higher levels of pro-atherogenic metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Nutritional interventions, probiotics, and microbial metabolites exhibit sex-dependent responses in both human and animal studies. Conclusions: Diet–microbiota interactions shape ageing outcomes through sex-specific metabolic, hormonal, and immunological pathways. Incorporating sex as a biological variable is essential for developing personalized, nutrition-based strategies to support healthy ageing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the etiology of which remains partially unexplained, and environmental factors, including nutritional factors, may play an important role in its development and clinical course. The aim of this review was to examine the available literature on the impact of nutrition on the development and mortality of Hodgkin lymphoma. Methods: We conducted a literature review using databases, including publications from the last 10 years on nutrition and HL. Eventually, 3 publications were included in the review. Conclusions: Available data suggest that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids may have a protective effect, reducing the risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma and improving prognosis and survival through anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. On the other hand, excessive consumption of saturated fats, simple sugars and processed meat products can promote cancer transformation and worsen the course of the disease. Despite the promising results, further, well-designed prospective and interventional studies are needed to unequivocally determine the role of nutrition in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of HL. Full article

Adolescent obesity is a growing public health concern, as poor dietary patterns contribute to nutrient deficiencies. In particular, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids are underconsumed yet critical for cardiometabolic and mental health. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess high school students’ knowledge of (1) obesity as a disease, (2) the role of fiber, and (3) omega-3 fatty acids, and to identify sociodemographic predictors of this knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January–March 2024 among 205 students (aged 14–19) from public high schools in Tri-City, Poland. Knowledge was assessed using an adapted part of the KomPAN questionnaire. Logistic regression models examined associations between knowledge and demographic variables (age, gender, academic profile). Results: Overall, 66.8% of students recognized obesity as a disease, 27% correctly identified omega-3 sources, and 60% demonstrated accurate knowledge regarding dietary fiber. The academic profile was the strongest predictor. Compared with students in Natural Sciences tracks, those in other educational tracks demonstrated significantly lower probabilities of providing correct responses (fiber: OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21–0.71; omega-3: OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.23–0.76; obesity: OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25–0.90). Age and gender were not significant predictors. Conclusions: Nutrition knowledge among adolescents is moderate, with notable gaps in understanding the specific components of a healthy diet such as dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Tailored educational interventions, combined with supportive school environments, may improve knowledge and promote healthier dietary behaviors. Full article

Nutritional supplementation is widely used in resistance training, yet assessment of “hypertrophy” is often confounded by body-composition surrogates. This narrative review, anchored in mechanistic plausibility, integrates trials reporting morphology-direct outcomes (ultrasound/MRI). Across 46 eligible trials, protein/essential amino acids (EAA) showed consistent benefits when daily intake was <1.6 g·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ or when per-meal leucine provision was <2–3 g; effects plateaued once intakes exceeded ~2.0 g·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹. Creatine monohydrate (3–5 g·day⁻¹, with or without loading) produced measurable increases in muscle thickness or cross-sectional area in interventions lasting ≥8–12 weeks, mediated by enhanced training volume and quality. β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB, 3 g·day⁻¹) demonstrated conditional utility during high training stress or caloric deficit, but was largely neutral in well-fed, resistance-trained cohorts. Adjuncts such as omega-3 fatty acids (1–2 g·day⁻¹), citrulline (6–8 g pre-exercise), and collagen (10–15 g·day⁻¹ plus vitamin C) primarily facilitated training tolerance, recovery, or connective-tissue adaptation, rather than driving hypertrophy directly. A tiered model is proposed: protein/EAA as the foundation, creatine as amplifier, HMB as conditional agent, and adjuncts as facilitators. Methodological heterogeneity, short intervention length, and inconsistent imaging protocols remain limiting factors, underscoring the need for standardized ultrasound/MRI and adequately powered, preregistered trials. Full article

Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation that disrupts metabolic homeostasis and increases cardiometabolic risk. The postprandial period, during which individuals spend much of the day, is a critical window when nutrient absorption, lipid metabolism, and immune activation intersect. In obesity, dysfunctional adipose tissue and impaired gut barrier integrity amplify postprandial inflammatory responses through increased translocation of lipopolysaccharides and altered adipokine secretion. These processes converge on signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB, c-Jun n-terminal kinase, and the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, leading to insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and atherogenesis. This review synthesizes evidence on the interplay between gut-derived endotoxemia and adipose tissue dysfunction in postprandial inflammation. We further highlight the modulatory roles of dietary fat quality, plant-based dietary patterns, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and nuclear receptor activation, particularly through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Emerging evidence indicates that nutritional and pharmacological strategies targeting these mechanisms can attenuate postprandial inflammation and improve metabolic outcomes. A combined approach integrating personalized nutrition, functional foods, and therapies targeting PPAR isoforms may represent a promising avenue for mitigating obesity-associated postprandial inflammation and long-term cardiometabolic complications. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of cardiometabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, that substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may improve MetS components through triglyceride-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing effects; however, randomized controlled trial (RCT) results remain inconsistent, and the influence of dose and intervention duration is unclear. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to June 2024 for RCTs in adults with MetS or its components. Eligible trials assessed marine-derived omega-3 supplementation (EPA/DHA) versus placebo or control and reported at least one MetS diagnostic criterion (triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, or waist circumference) or related parameter (LDL cholesterol, HOMA-IR, or HbA1c). Data were extracted in duplicate and quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool. Trials were categorized by dose—low (<1000 mg/day), medium (1000–2000 mg/day), and high (>2000 mg/day)—and duration: short-term (ST; ≤8 weeks), medium-term (MT; >8–12 weeks), and long-term (LT; >12 weeks). Meta-regression using ordinary least squares estimated dose–duration effects. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots and Egger’s test for outcomes with ≥3 studies. Results: Twenty-one RCTs (n ≈ 1950) were included. For triglycerides, the largest reductions occurred in the high-dose LT (−56.78 mg/dL ± 3.44) and ST (−50.873 mg/dL ± 3.04) groups, and MT duration (−41.536 mg/dL ± 4.12), showing that in high doses of omega-3, the beneficial effect of reducing TGs was more prominent in long-term and short-term treatment other than with medium-term duration of treatment. In comparison, the result for medium-dose with MT duration was (−24.93 mg/dL ± 0.464) and for LT duration was (−31.843 mg/dL ± 0.46), all p < 0.001. In LDL cholesterol, an increase in the low-dose ST group (+7.04 mg/dL ± 4, p < 0.001) and low-dose LT group (+35.525 mg/dL ± 4.33, p < 0.001) was observed. In other subgroups, either there were no data available or the number of studies was limited and could not be considered as statistically significant in meta-analysis due to low power. As for HDL cholesterol, FBS, SBP, DBP, waist circumference, BMI, and HOMA-IR, the data extracted from the included studies were not sufficient to be eligible for the meta-analysis. Conclusions: Marine-derived omega-3 supplementation produces substantial triglyceride reductions, especially at doses >2000 mg/day for ≥8 weeks. HDL cholesterol and blood pressure benefits are not consistent, fasting glycemia is largely unaffected, and LDL cholesterol may increase, especially in low doses. High-dose marine omega-3s can be considered as part of dietary strategies for MetS management, with monitoring for LDL changes. Standardized intervention protocols and long-term RCTs are needed to clarify dose and duration–response relationships. Full article

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) protect against atherosclerosis through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial properties. Although interest is increasing in uncovering both physiological and external factors that influence these functions, definitive evidence remains lacking in this area. To fill this gap, we assessed for the first time how intake of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and dietary antioxidants affects key HDL-associated proteins. We observed that myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of HDL oxidation, was inversely correlated with total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 intake (p < 0.05), polyphenols (p < 0.001), and overall antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). Levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 also decreased with higher antioxidant consumption (p < 0.05). By contrast, glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3) activity, a protective HDL enzyme, increased in tandem with omega-3 and antioxidant intake. Finally, a composite HDL-antioxidant/anti-inflammatory score integrating all measured proteins rose in association with total PUFAs (p < 0.001), omega-6 (p < 0.001), omega-3 (p < 0.01), polyphenols, and total antioxidants (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that higher dietary PUFA, especially omega-6, and antioxidant intake may enhance HDL’s atheroprotective properties. Full article

Cheese products worldwide have gained protected designation of origin status in many instances, yet this food group also has the highest reported fraud rates. Quesillo Caquetá is the first Colombian cheese to acquire a protected designation of origin, but still there is a lack of information regarding its composition. In this study, a compositional analysis was performed to establish a set of characteristic parameters to aid the identification of the authenticity of Quesillo Caquetá. Physicochemical analysis, mineral composition determination, carbohydrate, fatty acid, and peptide profiles were conducted on 29 samples of Quesillo Caquetá made with milk from the northern, southern, and central regions of the province of Caquetá. The results revealed 7 minerals, 3 carbohydrates, 19 fatty acids, and 45 peptides (21 peptides from bovine αs1-casein and 24 peptides from bovine β-casein). This suggests that Quesillo Caquetá is a significant source of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, omega-3, and omega-6, as well as some peptides that match sequences with antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity reported in the literature. The specificity of the fatty acid and peptide profiles can become a valuable tool for identifying the authenticity of Quesillo Caquetá against possible imitations in the market. Full article

Lipids are structurally diverse biomolecules that play essential roles in cellular function, energy storage, and signaling. The human lipidome, a dynamic and complex subset of the metabolome, is shaped by both endogenous factors, such as genetics, sex, age, and metabolic health, and exogenous influences like lifestyle, diet, and microbiota. Among these, diet stands out as one of the most modifiable and impactful determinants, influencing lipid composition across plasma, serum, and lipoprotein fractions. While traditional lipid profiling provides limited insight, lipidomics enables comprehensive characterization of lipid species, revealing mechanistic links between lipid metabolism and diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and inflammatory disorders. This review explores: (1) the relationship between lipid profiles and CVD risk, (2) the internal and external modulators of the lipidome, and (3) current evidence on how specific dietary patterns, including Mediterranean, Nordic, low glycemic, and vegetarian diets, and individual nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), plant sterols, and mycoprotein, influence lipidomic profiles. Advances in lipidomics highlight that dietary fat quality, food matrix, and eating patterns can significantly modulate lipid species such as triacylglycerols (TAGs), ceramides (Cers), and phospholipids, with implications for cardiometabolic health. Notably, distinct responses are observed across plasma High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) lipidomes, emphasizing the need for compartment-specific analyses. Understanding these diet-lipidome interactions offers promising avenues for precision nutrition and the development of lipid-based biomarkers for disease prevention and management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common multifactorial metabolic disorder often with genetic predisposition. Multiple lines of evidence support a causal role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with severe HTG leading to pancreatitis and hepatic steatosis. This review covers TRL metabolism, causes and consequences of HTG, current management, and emerging TRL-targeted therapies. Methods: A narrative review was conducted. Results: Pharmacologic therapy with fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids remains the standard treatment for HTG but its efficacy in preventing pancreatitis and ASCVD is limited. Genetic studies have identified apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) and angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), both inhibitors of lipoprotein lipase, as potential therapeutic targets for reducing TG levels and ASCVD risk. Monoclonal antibodies and RNA-based therapies have enabled the development of inhibitors of ApoC-III and ANGPTL3, with promising results in phase 2 and small phase 3 trials. Angiopoietin-like 4 inhibitors and Fibroblast growth factor 21 analogs are in early-stage clinical development. Conclusions: Current pharmacologic therapies exhibit notable limitations in effectively managing severe HTG and in reducing the risk of ASCVD. Emerging therapies targeting TRLs metabolism showed favourable results in initial clinical trials. Full article

Capsaicin, the main pungent component of chili peppers, exhibits several bioactive properties, such as modulation of adipogenesis and inhibition of liver steatosis by reducing cytoplasmic lipid accumulation. However, no evidence is currently available regarding its effect on the membrane fatty acid remodeling. In this work, we focused on the HepG2 cell model, commonly employed for hepatotoxicity, to examine the lipidome changes after treatment with capsaicin (10 µM), and its combination with oleic acid (100 µM), following the effects after 1.5, 3, and 24 h. In addition, cell viability, lipid accumulation, and secretion of inflammatory mediators were assessed. Notably, the combination of capsaicin with oleic acid completely reverted the correlation between cytokine/chemokine levels and omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids compared to capsaicin alone. Additionally, the combined treatment influenced the protective effect of capsaicin against polyunsaturated fatty acids, as investigated through biomimetic experiments. Full article

(1) Background: Over the years, technology and space missions have advanced, although the development of potential functional food and food supplements must be improved for maintaining astronauts’ health and helping them overcome space-specific challenges during long missions. (2) Scope and approach: Using a review approach, this study aimed to investigate the potential of functional food to counteract radiation and microgravity spaceflight-related health problems. (3) Results: Microgravity and space radiation affect the body’s biochemical processes and increase levels of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to health problems, including musculoskeletal deconditioning, cardiovascular degeneration, disruptions in gastrointestinal health, ocular problems, alterations to the immune system, and hormonal imbalances, among others. In addition to medical care, functional food plays a key role as a countermeasure against space-induced physiological issues. Previous research showed that functional food rich in flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidant compounds, proteins, probiotics, or prebiotics strengthens the immune system and reduces risks associated with long spaceflights, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, oxidative stress, and other health alterations. (4) Conclusions: Despite the fundamental role of functional food in spaceflights, the main challenges remain in preserving and packaging these foods to ensure their safety on long space missions. Future innovations include 3D food printing, space algae cultivation, and novel preservation technologies. Full article