Search Results (5,053)

Background: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition. Full article

The market for plant-based alternatives to animal foods has increased rapidly in the past decade, mainly due to consumer demand. Little evidence is available regarding nutritional impacts, drivers, and barriers to using these products as substitutes for animal foods in real-life conditions. This pilot study followed 16 Danish adults (30 ± 11 years old; 11 females) for 4 weeks with substituting milk, cheese, and yogurt with plant-based analogues to dairy (PBADs) and assessed their drivers and barriers to applying the intervention with a mixed-method approach. PBADs are constantly compared to their animal counterparts, both regarding product characteristics, such as price and sensory properties, as well as cultural roles and subjective memories. The mixed methods showed dairy attachment, price, and taste were the main barriers to consuming PBAD, while changes in life and social circles were drivers (qualitative data). As for the liking of PBADs, plant-based yoghurt was the preferred intervention product (73.5/100, p < 0.05), followed by plant-based drinks (65.9/100), while plant-based cheese was the lowest rated (47.9/100, p < 0.05). As for dietary changes, a lower average intake of sugars, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc was observed after the intervention. Additionally, this study describes the attachment of the study population to milk and dairy products. It shows that choosing dairy is beyond nourishment but is connected to tradition, culture, pleasure, memories, and a sense of belonging. In contrast, there is no history or attachment to PBADs. Full article

The increase in the elderly population globally reflects a change in the population’s mindset regarding preventive health measures and necessitates a rethinking of healthcare strategies. The integration of machine learning (ML)-type algorithms in geriatrics represents a direction for optimizing prevention, diagnosis, prediction, monitoring, and treatment. This paper presents a systematic review of the scientific literature published between 1 January 2020 and 31 May 2025. The paper is based on the applicability of ML techniques in the field of geriatrics. The study is conducted using the Web of Science database for a detailed discussion. The most studied algorithms in research articles are Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and support vector machines. They are preferred due to their performance in processing incomplete clinical data. The performance metrics reported in the analyzed papers include the accuracy, sensitivity, F1-score, and Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve. Nine search categories are investigated through four databases: WOS, PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE. A comparative analysis shows that the field of geriatrics, through an ML approach in the context of elderly nutrition, is insufficiently explored, as evidenced by the 61 articles analyzed from the four databases. The analysis highlights gaps regarding the explainability of the models used, the transparency of cross-sectional datasets, and the validity of the data in real clinical contexts. The paper highlights the potential of ML models in transforming geriatrics within the context of personalized predictive care and outlines a series of future research directions, recommending the development of standardized databases, the integration of algorithmic explanations, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations, and the implementation of ethical norms of artificial intelligence in geriatric medical practice. Full article

Gaming has evolved into a cultural phenomenon with a global reach, captivating millions of individuals. Nevertheless, little is known about this population. We aim to physiologically characterise the Portuguese gamers, bearing in mind that phase angle (PhA) is a general indicator of health, to check possible correlations between body composition, strength, and nutrition. A sample of 35 male gamers (individuals who play video games) was evaluated for anthropometry; body composition through DXA for whole-body bone mineral content (BMC), fat-free mass (FFM, kg), fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue, and through BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) for total body water (TBW), water pools (extracellular water and intracellular water, ICW), and PhA; strength through maximal isometric handgrip strength using a dynamometer; and nutritional intake using a three-day food record. Results show that participants are within reference metrics for all the analysed variables except regarding protein and carbohydrate intake (all values are above and below the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between PhA and TBW, ICW, handgrip strength, BMC and FFM, and a negative correlation with fat mass (absolute, percentage and visceral). In conclusion, PhA correlates with body composition variables, which aligns with previous research as a predictor of health and performance. Full article

Wellington, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to disaster-induced food security crises due to its geography and geological characteristics, which can disrupt transportation and isolate the city following disasters. Urban agriculture (UA) has been proposed as a potential alternative food source for post-disaster scenarios. This study examined the potential of urban agriculture for enhancing post-disaster food security by calculating vegetable self-sufficiency rates. Specifically, it evaluated the capacity of current Wellington’s community gardens to meet post-disaster vegetable demand in terms of both weight and nutrient content. Data collection employed mixed methods with questionnaires, on-site observations and mapping, and collecting high-resolution aerial imagery. Garden yields were estimated using self-reported data supported by literature benchmarks, while cultivated areas were quantified through on-site mapping and aerial imagery analysis. Six post-disaster food demand scenarios were used based on different target populations to develop an understanding of the range of potential produce yields. Weight-based results show that community gardens currently supply only 0.42% of the vegetable demand for residents living within a five-minute walk. This rate increased to 2.07% when specifically targeting only vulnerable populations, and up to 10.41% when focusing on gardeners’ own households. However, at the city-wide level, the current capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed people remained limited. Nutrient-based self-sufficiency was lower than weight-based results; however, nutrient intake is particularly critical for vulnerable populations after disasters, underscoring the greater challenge of ensuring adequate nutrition through current urban food production. Beyond self-sufficiency, this study also addressed the role of UA in promoting food diversity and acceptability, as well as its social and psychological benefits based on the questionnaires and on-site observations. The findings indicate that community gardens contribute meaningfully to post-disaster food security for gardeners and nearby residents, particularly for vulnerable groups with elevated nutritional needs. Despite the current limited capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed residents, findings suggest that Wellington could enhance post-disaster food self-reliance by diversifying UA types and optimizing land-use to increase food production during and after a disaster. Realizing this potential will require strategic interventions, including supportive policies, a conducive social environment, and diversification—such as the including private yards—all aimed at improving food access, availability, and nutritional quality during crises. The primary limitation of this study is the lack of comprehensive data on urban agriculture in Wellington and the wider New Zealand context. Addressing this data gap should be a key focus for future research to enable more robust assessments and evidence-based planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns have changed over time, characterising a process of nutritional transition that reflects socioeconomic and demographic inequalities among different populations. This study assessed changes in dietary consumption patterns and the associated social determinants, comparing two time periods in a sample of individuals from a state in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Methods: Data from the 2008–2009 and 2017–2018 Household Budget Survey for the state of Paraíba were analysed, totalling 951 and 1456 individuals, respectively. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification and compared based on sociodemographic and economic variables. To determine the factors that most strongly explain the contribution of each NOVA food group to the diet, beta regression analysis was conducted. Results: Differences were observed between the two periods regarding the dietary contribution of the NOVA food groups, with a decrease in consumption of unprocessed foods and an increase in ultra-processed foods. Living in urban areas, being an adolescent, and having an income above the minimum wage were associated with reduced intake of unprocessed foods in both periods. Additionally, being an adolescent and having more than eight years of schooling were associated with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. Conclusions: The population under study showed changes in food consumption, reflecting a transition process that is occurring unevenly across socioeconomic and demographic groups, thereby reinforcing social inequalities. These findings can guide priorities in food and nutrition policies, highlighting the need for intervention studies to evaluate the effectiveness of such actions. Full article

Background: Current food systems contribute significantly to poor public health and environmental degradation. With increasing rates of chronic disease and undernutrition globally and in the United States of America (U.S.), transforming food systems toward sustainability is a critical public health priority. Objectives: This narrative review aimed to summarize U.S. policies from the past decade relevant to sustainable food systems, focusing on four domains—availability, accessibility, affordability, and desirability—proposed by the 22nd Annual Harvard Nutrition Obesity Symposium. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, U.S. Congress websites, and Google searches. Studies and policies published between 2013 and 2023 that addressed at least one of the four domains were included. Policies were reviewed according to their alignment with the policy lifecycle framework, encompassing formulation through implementation. Results: A review of the final 632 articles explained that, despite growing interest in sustainable food systems, there is a lack of comprehensive U.S. policies that address the four domains in an integrated manner. Most initiatives were limited in scope, often school-based, and not explicitly sustainability-focused. Food availability and accessibility policies exist but remain fragmented, while affordability and desirability domains are severely underrepresented. Few laws or bills have been enacted or evaluated for population-level or environmental outcomes. Conclusions: Transforming U.S. food systems requires more robust evidence-based policy development and evaluation. There is an urgent need for integrated multisectoral policy frameworks to ensure health, equity, and sustainability across all food system domains. Full article

Understanding the components of the diet, food groups, and nutritional strategies that help prevent MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is essential for identifying dietary behaviors that can stop the progression of this condition, which currently affects over one-quarter of the global population. This review highlights the importance of including antioxidant nutrients in the diet, such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and polyphenolic compounds. It also emphasizes substances that support lipid metabolism, including choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and berberine. Among food groups, it is crucial to choose those that help prevent metabolic disturbances. Among carbohydrate-rich foods, vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber products are recommended. For protein sources, eggs, fish, and white meat are preferred. Among fat sources, plant oils and fatty fish are advised due to their content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Various dietary strategies aimed at preventing MASLD should include elements of the Mediterranean diet or be personalized to provide anti-inflammatory compounds and substances that inhibit fat accumulation in liver cells. Other recommended dietary models include the DASH diet, the flexitarian diet, intermittent fasting, and diets that limit fructose and simple sugars. Additionally, supplementing the diet with spirulina or chlorella, berberine, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids, as well as drinking several cups of coffee per day, may be beneficial. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pica, the compulsive ingestion of non-nutritive substances, has long been observed in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This behavior is particularly noted in adults, including pregnant women, and poses both diagnostic and management challenges. We conducted a review of studies from the past decade to evaluate the epidemiology and nature of pica in adult IDA patients and the outcome of various treatment strategies on anemia and pica behaviors. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed articles (including observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews) published in English between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria targeted studies of adult populations with IDA that reported on pica prevalence, characteristics, or treatment outcomes. We also reviewed clinical guidelines and meta-analyses on IDA treatment in adults for recommended management approaches. Results: Pica was found to be a prevalent symptom among individuals with IDA, but was readily treatable with appropriate iron deficiency treatment. Among treatment options, both oral and parenteral iron supplementation were found to be effective in resolving iron deficiency and pica. Choice of treatment depends on tolerance to oral iron, speed of resolution required, and comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Pica is closely intertwined with IDA; our review highlighted the prevalence of pica among individuals with IDA, which serves as both a clinical clue to underlying anemia and a potential source of complications. Crucially, the treatment of IDA is also effective for pica. We recommend oral iron therapy on alternate-day dosing as first-line therapy to minimize side effects, alongside dietary optimization. If IDA and pica are resistant to oral iron supplementation or oral iron cannot be tolerated, parenteral iron therapy can be considered. Full article

Background/Objectives: The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and body size phenotypes in metabolically diverse but apparently healthy adult populations remains inadequately understood. This study investigated the association between CKD and body size phenotypes in a nationally representative sample of healthy Korean adults. Methods: Data from 8227 participants in the 2019–2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Participants were categorized into four body size phenotypes by combining BMI status (normal weight or obese) with metabolic health status (healthy or abnormal)—MHNW (Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight), MANW (Metabolically Abnormal Normal Weight), MHO (Metabolically Healthy Obese), or MAO (Metabolically Abnormal Obese). CKD was defined based on the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). To assess the association between CKD and body size phenotypes, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: CKD prevalence was 4.4%. MANW and MAO made up 12.6% and 26.4% of the CKD group, compared to 5.0% and 13.2% of the non-CKD group. CKD prevalence by phenotype was observed as follows: MHNW, 3.2%; MANW, 10.5%; MHO, 4.0%; and MAO, 8.5%. CKD odds were highest in the MAO group (OR: 3.770, 95% CI: 2.648–5.367), followed by the MANW (OR: 2.492, 95% CI: 1.547–4.016) and MHO (OR: 1.974, 95% CI: 1.358–2.870) groups. MAO individuals carried a higher CKD risk than MHO individuals (OR: 1.897, 95% CI: 1.221–2.945). Conclusions: Among apparently healthy adults, body size phenotypes—particularly those with metabolic abnormalities—were significantly associated with the presence of CKD. These findings highlight the need to assess both metabolic health and body composition for effective CKD prevention and management. Full article

This study sought to quantify and characterize diverse rootstock scion interactions in cacao around graft compatibility, disease resistance, nutrient use efficiency, vigor traits, and translocation of nonstructural carbohydrates. In total, 106 grafts were performed with three scion cultivars (Matina 1/6, Criollo 22, Pound 7) and nine diverse open-pollinated seedling populations (BYNC, EQX 3348, GNV 360, IMC 14, PA 107, SCA 6, T 294, T 384, T 484). We found evidence for both local and translocated graft incompatibility. Cross sections and Micro-XCT imaging revealed anatomical anomalies, including necrosis and cavitation at the junction and accumulation of starch in the rootstock directly below the graft junction. Scion genetics were a significant factor in explaining differences in graft take, and graft take varied from 47% (Criollo 22) to 72% (Pound 7). Rootstock and scion identity both accounted for differences in survival over the course of the 30-month greenhouse study, with a low of 28.5% survival of Criollo 22 scions and a high of 72% for Pound 7 scions. Survival by rootstocks varied from 14.3% on GNV 360 to 100% survival on T 294 rootstock. A positive correlation of 0.34 (p = 0.098) was found between the graft success of different rootstock–scion combinations and their kinship coefficient, suggesting that relatedness of stock and scion could be a driver of incompatibility. Significant rootstock–scion effects were also observed for nutrient use efficiency, plant vigor, and resistance to Phytophthora palmivora. These findings, while preliminary in nature, highlight the potential of rootstock breeding to improve plant nutrition, resilience, and disease resistance in cacao. Full article

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the role of Multivitamin and Mineral supplements (MVMs) in promoting cognitive healthy aging among older adults in Latin America. Methods: A panel of nine experts in geriatrics, neurology, and nutrition applied a modified Delphi methodology to generate consensus statements. The panel reviewed the literature, engaged in expert discussions, and used structured voting to develop consensus statements. Results: Consensus was reached on 14 statements. Experts agreed that cognitive aging in Latin America is influenced by neurobiological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, including widespread micronutrient inadequacies (vitamins B-complex, C, D, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron and selenium), which were identified as critical for global cognitive function and brain structures, yet commonly inadequate in the elderly. While a balanced diet remains essential, MVMs can be recommended as a complementary strategy to bridge nutritional gaps. Supporting evidence, including the COSMOS-Mind trials, demonstrate that MVM use improves memory and global cognition, and reduces cognitive aging by up to 2 years in older adults. Conclusions: MVMs offer a promising, accessible adjunct for cognitive healthy aging in Latin America’s elderly population, particularly where dietary challenges persist. Region-specific guidelines, public health initiatives, and targeted research are warranted to optimize outcomes and reduce health inequities. Full article

Childhood obesity increases chronic disease risk, but no comprehensive synthesis has evaluated the impact of school-based combined nutrition education and physical activity interventions on cardiometabolic biomarkers in children aged 3 to 12 years. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251085194). Five databases were systematically searched through June 2025. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 18,231 children were included and assessed using the PEDro scale. Ten trials demonstrated significant improvements in at least one cardiometabolic biomarker. Blood pressure (8 studies) outcomes showed systolic reductions of 1.41–6.0 mmHg in six studies. Glucose metabolism (5 studies) improved in two studies with reductions of 0.20–0.22 mmol/L. Lipid profiles (7 studies) improved in three studies, including total cholesterol (−0.32 mmol/L). Insulin levels (5 studies) decreased significantly in two investigations. Anthropometric improvements included BMI and body fat. Physical activity increased by >45 min/week and dietary habits improved significantly. Programs with daily implementation (90-min sessions 4x/week), longer duration (≥12 months), family involvement (parent education), and curriculum integration (classroom lessons) showed superior effectiveness. Interventions targeting children with overweight/obesity demonstrated higher changes compared to the general population. However, methodological limitations included a lack of assessor blinding, absence of subject/therapist blinding, and inadequate retention rates. School-based interventions combining nutrition and physical activity can produce significant improvements in cardiometabolic biomarkers, supporting comprehensive, sustained multicomponent programs for early chronic disease prevention. Full article

Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive skeletal muscle loss and functional decline, represents a major public heath challenge in aging populations. Despite increasing awareness, current management strategies—primarily resistance exercise and nutritional support—remain limited by accessibility, adherence, and inconsistent outcomes. This underscores the urgent need for novel, effective, and scalable therapeutics. Flavonoids, a diverse class of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds, have attracted attention for their muti-targeted biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, metabolic, and myogenic effects. This review aims to evaluate the anti-sarcopenic potential of selected flavonoids—quercetin, rutin, kaempferol glycosides, baicalin, genkwanin, isoschaftoside, naringin, eriocitrin, and puerarin—based on recent preclinical findings and mechanistic insights. These compounds modulate key pathways involved in muscle homeostasis, such as NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling, AMPK and PI3K/Akt activation, mitochondrial biogenesis, proteosomal degradation, and satellite cell function. Importantly, since muscle wasting also features prominently in cancer cachexia—a distinct but overlapping syndrome—understanding flavonoid action may offer broader therapeutic relevance. By targeting shared molecular axes, flavonoids may provide a promising, biologically grounded approach to mitigating sarcopenia and the related muscle-wasting conditions. Further translational studies and clinical trials are warranted to assess their efficacy and safety in human populations. Full article