Search Results (2,470)

Background: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal development. However, general awareness of healthy eating may not translate into detailed nutritional knowledge or appropriate dietary practices. This study assessed nutritional knowledge and selected dietary behaviours among pregnant women from urban and rural areas of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, in two periods: 2008–2010 and 2017–2019. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 938 pregnant women, including 630 respondents surveyed in 2008–2010 and 308 in 2017–2019. The original questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge, dietary behaviours, sources of information, supplementation practices, and selected health-related behaviours. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88). Results: Most respondents were aged 25–34 years, married, and had normal pre-pregnancy or early-pregnancy BMI. Compared with 2008–2010, women surveyed in 2017–2019 more often had higher education and more frequently reported income above the predefined questionnaire threshold. Although general awareness of healthy nutrition during pregnancy was high, detailed knowledge of key nutrients remained insufficient. Correct knowledge of the role of folic acid was reported by 58% of respondents, iron by 36%, vitamin D by 29%, iodine by 21%, and calcium by 18%. Prenatal supplement use was common, but only 39% reported supplementation based on medical recommendations. Frequently reported dietary problems included irregular meals, low fish consumption, frequent sweets intake, insufficient water intake, and low vegetable and fruit consumption. Knowledge of selected nutrient-rich foods was higher in 2017–2019, particularly for omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D sources. Conclusions: Nutritional knowledge was heterogeneous, and practical gaps in dietary behaviours persisted, supporting the need for accessible and individualized prenatal nutrition education. Full article

Jasmonates are lipid-derived phytohormones that regulate plant development and defense across the green lineage. Thus, understanding the intricacies of jasmonate biosynthesis and signaling is of paramount importance to improve crop yields and food safety. For the last 40 years, the canonical jasmonate biosynthetic pathway has been thoroughly dissected in angiosperms; however, only recent efforts have started to decode the alternative jasmonate biosynthetic networks that operate in bryophytes. In the nonvascular model Marchantia polymorpha, a cis-to-iso isomerization constitutes a key step in the formation of dn-iso-OPDA and Δ⁴-dn-iso-OPDA, the bioactive jasmonates recognized by a conserved COI1/JAZ co-receptor complex. Their biosynthesis depends on a uniquely expanded fatty acid repertoire that includes, alongside the canonical C₁₆ and C₁₈ omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in angiosperms, substantial pools of eicosanoids such as arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, essentially absent from flowering plants. Here we trace the jasmonate biosynthetic pathway in bryophytes step-by-step, from PUFA precursors production through lipoxygenase oxygenation and downstream reactions to the processing and catabolic modifications of bioactive compounds. By integrating current knowledge across bryophyte lineages, we identify mechanistic parallels and divergences relative to angiosperms, highlight key unresolved questions, and propose future directions for the field. Deciphering jasmonate biosynthesis in bryophytes is essential for reconstructing the evolutionary origins of jasmonate signaling and understanding how this pathway contributed to the successful colonization of land by plants. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of evening primrose seed, cold-pressed oil, and defatted seed meal on the fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, physical properties, sensory acceptance, and oxidative stability of dark chocolate. Samples were prepared under controlled laboratory conditions with 2.5% or 5% of the tested ingredients and stored for 8 months. All ingredients introduced α-linolenic and γ-linolenic acids, and increased tocopherol content, with the strongest effect observed in the oil-fortified chocolate. After storage, moderate losses of tocopherols were detected, while oxidation indices confirmed acceptable oxidative stability of the fortified chocolates. Viscosity dependent on the type of added ingredient, with the oil-containing formulation showing the most favorable technological profile. Color parameters remained largely unchanged, except for the sample with added oil, and hardness was affected mainly by seed and meal additions. Sensory scores remained within the acceptable range for all samples (5–8.5 points on a 9-point hedonic scale). Overall, evening primrose ingredients can be successfully used as functional additives in dark chocolate. Among the tested formulations, evening primrose oil provided the greatest improvement in the lipid profile and maintained acceptable physical and sensory properties. However, the slightly greater changes observed in this formulation may be important when determining shelf life. Full article

Neuropathic pain (NP) arises from diverse conditions, including peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury (SCI), and painful diabetic neuropathy, yet these disorders share oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid dysregulation, and altered neuronal excitability. We investigated whether dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate ferroptotic stress-associated pathways, defined as lipid peroxidation susceptibility and impaired antioxidant defense rather than overt ferroptotic cell death. Female Sprague–Dawley rats received either a soy oil control diet (SOD) or fish oil omega-3-enriched diet (FOD) before chronic constriction injury (CCI). Behavioral outcomes were assessed using Hargreaves and CatWalk testing, followed by dorsal root ganglion (DRG) RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, and GPX4 ELISA. Previously generated SCI metabolomics and human diabetic serum metabolomic/lipidomic datasets were re-analyzed for shared pathways. FOD attenuated CCI-induced thermal hypersensitivity and improved gait parameters. DRG transcriptomics showed reduced injury-associated transcriptional disruption, enrichment of selenoamino acid metabolism, nonsense-mediated decay, and ribosomal quality-control pathways, and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction pathway activity. Omega-3 increased Gpx1/Gpx4 expression and GPX4 protein, reduced pain-associated genes including Scn10a, Piezo2, Trpa1, and Oprm1, and aligned with selenoamino acid enrichment in SCI and human datasets. Human lipidomics showed MG/DG/PC/PE pathway remodeling. These findings support ferroptotic stress as a plausible shared downstream mechanism modulated by omega-3 supplementation across NP models. Full article

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder associated with pain and immune dysregulation. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids and fish-derived bioactive lipids may modulate inflammation and metabolism. This study investigated whether adding fish-derived lipids (FDLs) to a Healthy Eating Plate diet improves inflammatory markers, gut inflammation, pain, and quality of life in women with endometriosis. Methods: In this 12-week randomized controlled trial, 46 women with confirmed endometriosis were assigned to either a Healthy Eating Plate diet alone (control group, CG) or the same diet plus FDLs (intervention group, IG). Primary outcomes included serum cytokine concentrations (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) and fecal calprotectin (CAL). Secondary outcomes included pain intensity measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and health-related quality of life assessed with the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30). Results: IL-10 levels (pg/mL) increased in the IG (32.5 ± 51.5 to 265 ± 508; p = 0.024) with a significant adjusted effect (ANCOVA: 5.07 [95% CI: 1.32–19.48], p = 0.019). Other cytokines showed heterogeneous responses, and CAL levels remained unchanged. EHP-30 Pain scores improved within both groups (CG p = 0.016; IG p = 0.002) without significant between-group change or adjusted effects (all p > 0.05). VAS scores decreased within the IG (5.0 ± 2.1 to 4.3 ± 2.1; p = 0.011), although there were no between-group differences in change and ANCOVA (all p > 0.05). However, ≥1-point responder rates were higher in the IG vs. CG (73.9% vs. 34.8%): adjusted RR = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.16; 3.89; p = 0.014). Conclusions: Overall, FDL supplementation was associated with a selected regulatory immune signal, reflected mainly by the IL-10 response, while most inflammatory, pain-related, and quality-of-life outcomes did not show consistent significant between-group effects. The observed greater likelihood of pain reduction in the FDL-supplemented group of women with endometriosis, along with the IL-10 response, should be interpreted with caution and confirmed in larger studies with longer follow-up/intervention time, taking into account the potential mechanisms of biological response. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of seven biochemical stimulants, ferulic acid, malic acid, L-carnitine, ergothioneine, magnesium sulfate, trehalose, and betaine, on biomass accumulation, total lipid content, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production in Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 under controlled fermentation conditions. The compounds were selected based on their reported roles in antioxidant defense, carbon flux regulation, osmoprotection, or methyl group donation, with the aim of assessing whether targeted, non-GMO supplementation could modestly enhance microbial productivity. Compared with the control, supplementation with L-carnitine and ferulic acid resulted in the greatest enhancement of DHA production, increasing DHA concentration by 31.7% and 29.2%, respectively. These treatments were also associated with statistically significant, albeit moderate, increases in total lipid accumulation and biomass production. These responses indicate correlated improvements in overall cellular productivity rather than isolated effects on lipid biosynthesis. DHA concentrations were quantified following lipid extraction and transesterification using GC-based analysis; however, comprehensive fatty acid compositional profiling (e.g., saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid distributions or DHA-to-total lipid ratios) was not performed. Although direct mechanistic assays were not performed, the observed trends are consistent with known biochemical functions related to redox balance, cofactor availability, and stress adaptation. A preliminary cost-efficiency analysis identified malic acid as the most economical stimulant for DHA enhancement, whereas ergothioneine was the least cost-effective despite measurable biological effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that biochemical stimulation can provide incremental yet reproducible gains in DHA production and lipid accumulation. This work supports the use of targeted biochemical supplementation as a scalable, non-GMO strategy for microbial omega-3 production and establishes a foundation for future optimization through combinatorial supplementation, multi-omics validation, and process engineering. Full article

Production system may affect meat quality and muscle metabolic characteristics in Tibetan sheep. In this study, the biceps femoris muscles of twelve 3-year-old Tibetan sheep with similar body weights were used as experimental materials during a 6-month experimental period. The housed group (n = 6) was defined as the control group (C group), whereas the grazing group (n = 6) was defined as the L group. Meat quality measurement, nutritional composition analysis, untargeted lipidomics, and amino acid metabolomics (AAM) were integrated to investigate the effects of contrasting grazing and house-feeding production systems on meat quality and metabolic characteristics in Tibetan sheep. The results showed that cooking loss and drip loss were significantly decreased, whereas water-holding capacity (WHC) was significantly increased in the L group. However, shear force was also increased, indicating that grazing and house-feeding systems were associated with differences in muscle WHC and shear force. The L group exhibited significant alterations in lipid composition and increased concentrations of several n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), including α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), suggesting that grazing and house-feeding systems were associated with differences in the lipid nutritional profile of muscle. Lipidomic analysis showed that the differential lipids were mainly enriched in triacylglycerols (TGs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and phosphatidylcholines (PCs), and several PUFA-containing TGs and membrane lipid molecules were closely associated with meat quality traits. AAM analysis showed that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including L-leucine and L-valine, as well as N,N-dimethylglycine, were upregulated in the L group, whereas kynurenine and 1-methyl-L-histidine were downregulated. These findings suggest that BCAA metabolism and tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism were associated with metabolic differences observed between production systems in muscle metabolic adaptation. However, amino acid metabolomics analysis revealed that no amino acid metabolites remained significant after FDR correction, and thus the observed pathway-level changes (e.g., BCAA metabolism and tryptophan–kynurenine pathway) should be interpreted as nominal and exploratory findings. Overall, the results indicate that feeding systems were associated with alterations in the lipid and amino acid metabolic profiles of the biceps femoris muscle in Tibetan sheep, which were further associated with differences in muscle WHC, shear force, lipid nutritional composition, and the profile of flavor precursors. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing plateau meat sheep production systems and developing high-quality Tibetan sheep meat products. Full article

Chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation of heart failure (HF) often result in sarcopenia. The combined effect of Mediterranean diet (MD) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the advanced lipidomic profile of HF patients remains poorly defined. Objective: Our objective was to analyze the specific effects of a MD plus omega-3-enriched oral nutritional supplements (MD+ONS) versus MD alone on the metabolic lipid profile of patients with HF, stratified by sarcopenia status. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial, 38 patients with HF were assigned to MD alone or MD+ONS (24 weeks). Advanced lipoprotein profiling (triglycerides, cholesterol, particle size, and concentration for VLDL, LDL, and HDL subclasses) was performed using 2D ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Results: At baseline, NT-proBNP levels correlated positively with ω6/ω7ω9 fatty acids and IDL-TG (p < 0.05). Over 24 weeks, VLDL-C, VLDL-TG, and VLDL-P significantly decreased in the whole cohort (p < 0.001). However, stratified analysis revealed that in patients with sarcopenia, these reductions were primarily driven in the MD group (p < 0.01). Conversely, in patients without sarcopenia, the MD+ONS group showed significant reductions in VLDL-TG, VLDL-P, and VLDL-Z (p < 0.05). Regarding intermediate lipoproteins, IDL-C significantly increased in the MD group (p < 0.05) but not in the MD+ONS group. In the LDL fraction, total LDL-P and small LDL-P decreased in the MD group (p < 0.05), while medium LDL-P increased across both groups (p < 0.01). Total HDL-P decreased (p < 0.05), yet large HDL-P significantly increased in the whole cohort and the MD group (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in structural lipids or total fatty acid families. Conclusions: MD+ONS induces lipidomic shifts that are significantly modulated by baseline sarcopenia. The intervention appears to stabilize VLDL and IDL levels in patients with sarcopenia compared to diet alone, while promoting a more favorable VLDL reduction in individuals without sarcopenia, suggesting that early nutritional support for improving body composition is a critical determinant of the metabolic response to specific interventions in patients with HF. Full article

Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Nutraceutical strategies targeting inflammatory pathways are of increasing interest, particularly those based on omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of two omega-3-based nutraceutical formulations, Omega 3 Plus and Omega 3 Orange, in primary human monocytes. Primary human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of a healthy donor and cultured under standardized conditions. Cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of the test formulations and subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/mL) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using the AlamarBlue assay. The release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, was quantified using ELISA. Both formulations were well tolerated at concentrations up to 2.5%, with no significant cytotoxic effects. LPS stimulation induced a robust increase in inflammatory mediator release. Pre-treatment with Omega 3 Plus and Omega 3 Orange resulted in a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (up to ~70% reduction). MCP-1 was moderately reduced, whereas IL-8 was only minimally affected. Notably, Omega 3 Orange exhibited a pronounced inhibition of PGE2 production (up to ~95%), while Omega 3 Plus reduced PGE2 levels by approximately 80%. Neither formulation induced IL-10 production in unstimulated cells. These findings demonstrate that both omega-3-based nutraceutical formulations exert potent anti-inflammatory effects in primary human monocytes, primarily through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE2. The strong suppression of PGE2 is consistent with a possible modulation of pathways involved in prostaglandin synthesis. These results support the potential application of such formulations in inflammation-associated conditions and warrant further mechanistic and clinical investigation. Full article

Lipids (sphingolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, and lipoproteins) are vital to intestinal barrier integrity, as precursors for pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators and undergo remodelling through host microbiome interactions. Accumulating evidence implicates the Western diet—high in long-chain saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in omega-3—in both the onset and progression of IBD. In contrast, microbiota derived lipid metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, contribute to mucosal homeostasis and immune regulation. This review is structured around three interconnected pillars. First, we classified lipidomic alterations in IBD across major lipid classes: sphingolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, and lipoproteins by integrating host, dietary, and microbiome contributions. Second, we examined the potential of lipidomics in IBD as a source of prognostic, diagnostic and therapy response biomarkers. Third, we critically assessed the challenges that currently limit clinical implementation including analytical variability, pre-analytical confounding, small cohort sizes, and the lack of prospective validation. Addressing these barriers will be essential to fully realise the potential of lipidomics in advancing personalised care for patients with IBD. Full article

Background/Objectives: The obesity epidemic coexists with the phenomenon of “hidden hunger” (Type B malnutrition)—a micronutrient deficiency amidst a caloric excess. Traditional dietary assessment methods often distort the actual picture by ignoring technological losses during cooking, which necessitates the use of digital tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study (N = 3267) was conducted using the digital platform “NIAP”. The analysis was based on valid 3–7-day dietary records with algorithmic accounting for nutrient retention factors during thermal processing. The nutrient profiles of individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were compared. Results: The epidemiology of intake shortfalls was highly prevalent and pronounced: 99.9% of the cohort had ≥1 inadequacy (with a mean negative deviation of −77.3% for vitamin D and −59.2% for Omega-3), and 61.5% exhibited ≥10 simultaneous multiple intake shortfalls. These inadequacy rates remained robust in a sensitivity analysis excluding under-reporters. The obesity group consumed significantly more energy, saturated fatty acids, added sugars, cholesterol, and sodium, but demonstrated a lower relative macronutrient intake (g/kg of body weight). Absolute fiber intake did not differ between the groups, indicating a decrease in its density per 1000 kcal in the diet of individuals with obesity; the intake of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed a downward trend. The Na:K ratio was significantly higher in the obesity group (1.19 vs. 1.04, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis confirmed an inverse relationship between BMI and the overall nutrient density of the diet. Conclusions: A high-energy diet does not compensate for systemic micronutrient inadequacy among the evaluated cohort. Obesity is associated with a dietary imbalance favoring “empty calories” and pro-inflammatory components against a background of severe multiple dietary inadequacies. The integration of algorithmic dietary assessment that accounts for cooking losses is critical for objective diagnosis and personalized nutritional intervention. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances, current therapies offer little benefit, and AD remains a significant challenge. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have attracted attention for their neuroprotective effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also for their ability to influence membrane fluidity and neuronal function. DHA is the predominant omega-3 PUFA in nerve cell membranes and is critical for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Some evidence has demonstrated that marine omega-3 supplementation reduces Aβ deposition, modulates microglial activation, and prevents cognitive decline in animal models. Even with heterogeneous results, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that long-term DHA/EPA supplementation can improve cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and reduce neuroinflammation markers. However, individual variability and brain bioavailability pose significant challenges. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the importance of PUFAs for human health, exploring novel mechanistic hypotheses, such as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain iron homeostasis, the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the glymphatic system, and miRNAs. Furthermore, it focuses on the therapeutic potential of PUFAs in the treatment of AD and proposes future directions for translational research. Full article

Background: Type 2 inflammatory diseases are among the most common chronic inflammatory conditions in childhood and represent a growing global health burden. Increasing evidence suggests that early-life nutritional exposures may influence immune programming and allergic disease development. This Position Paper aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 long-chain fatty acids, in the prevention of allergic diseases during early life. Methods: A scoping literature review and consensus process were conducted to map biological mechanisms and clinical evidence linking omega-3 PUFAs with allergic disease prevention. This document analyzed experimental, observational, and randomized controlled studies evaluating maternal prenatal/lactational omega-3 exposure. The clinical evidence was qualitatively appraised using study-design-specific Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Particular attention was given to immune modulation, inflammatory pathways, epithelial barrier function, gut microbiota interactions, and the ferroptosis–immune–metabolic axis. Results: Omega-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms, including specialized pro-resolving mediator production, regulation of T-helper cell responses, cytokine modulation, maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota interaction. Emerging evidence also supports their involvement in oxidative stress and ferroptosis regulation. Current clinical evidence, particularly from higher-quality prenatal randomized trials and evidence syntheses, suggests that adequate maternal omega-3 intake during pregnancy and lactation may reduce the risk of respiratory allergic outcomes, especially wheezing and asthma, in selected offspring. Conclusions: Adequate omega-3 PUFA intake, such as 2 g/die, during critical windows of immune maturation may represent a valuable strategy for the primary prevention of allergic diseases. Current evidence most strongly supports supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, particularly in populations with low dietary omega-3 intake or increased allergic risk. Omega-3 supplementation should be considered within a broader multifactorial preventive approach aimed at promoting immune tolerance and reducing the future burden of allergic diseases. Full article

Excessive concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere lead to adverse environmental effects. Biologically assisted processes that rely on organisms such as microalgae (i.e., Chlorella vulgaris) are common in capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Microalgae are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, microalgae production serves both health and environmental sectors. Varying light intensity and temperature are shown to influence algae growth. To quantify algae production under different light intensity and temperature conditions, and monitoring or scaling-up of biological reactors, reliable mathematical models are required. In this work, mathematical models that incorporate light intensity and temperature effects on algae growth in batch and continuous bioreactors are developed. Based on the modeling, the growth rate is maximum at T_opt = 25 °C, reaching the value of μ_max = 0.14 day⁻¹. The growth rate exponentially increases until light intensity (I) reaches around 150 ${\displaystyle \frac{\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{l}}{{\mathrm{m}}^2\mathrm{s}}}$, which is approximately the optimal light intensity for Chlorella vulgaris. The effect of T on growth rate is found to be more sensitive than light intensity (I) in both batch and continuous reactor systems. When there are too many parameters in models, uncertainties exist and parameter estimation and model predictions become cumbersome. For these reasons analytical solutions to the models are presented in simplified forms and these models are more practical and easier to implement. The novelty of the work is also the presentation of the models in analytical forms. Analytical solutions to the two reactor models (batch and continuous) will help quantify biomass production as a function of time under the varying light intensity and temperature conditions encountered. Full article