Search Results (180)

This study explored the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis CECT 8145 (B. animalis CECT 8145)—in both live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic form—on metabolic health and digestion in male and female Labrador Retrievers during weight gain and loss. The study consisted of two, seven-week phases: weight gain (200% maintenance energy intake; Phase (1) and weight loss (100% maintenance energy requirement for ideal weight; Phase (2), separated by a 2-week washout period. In each phase, forty-five adult Labrador Retrievers (1.6–12.5 years) were randomly assigned to daily supplementation with live B. animalis CECT 8145 probiotic (PRO, n = 15), heat-treated B. animalis CECT 8145 postbiotic (POST, n = 15), or placebo control (CON, n = 15). Body weight, body condition score, fecal quality and food consumption were monitored throughout the study, and body composition, fecal, and blood samples were analyzed at the beginning and end of each phase. Digestibility was evaluated at the end of each phase. Post-prandial glucose responses were affected by intervention during weight loss, with a 6% reduction in the area under the curve (AUC) in POST compared to CON dogs (p = 0.035). Glucagon was decreased in females supplemented with POST (p = 0.0014), while POST males showed increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) compared to CON (p = 0.016) during weight gain. Serum GGT levels decreased, within the normal reference range, in POST compared to CON dogs during weight gain (post hoc p = 0.041). Fecal isovalerate was also reduced and fat digestibility increased (p = 0.026) in POST compared to CON (p = 0.018) during weight gain. There was a significant association between the group and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), with a decrease in GIP in POST over time (p = 0.030), and glucagon tended to be decreased in POST compared to CON (p = 0.073). Overall, these findings suggest supplementation with postbiotic B. animalis CECT 8145 may improve certain markers of Labrador retrievers’ metabolic health. Full article

Background: Saliva sampling is increasingly used for respiratory virus diagnostics in dentistry and oral medicine due to patient comfort and reduced exposure risk. How routine behaviors—mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing, and food intake—affect short-term SARS-CoV-2 detectability remains insufficiently characterized for clinical workflows. Methods: In this international two-center pilot study, twelve RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients provided paired mouth-rinse saliva samples and pharyngeal swabs at predefined time points. The study assessed (I) an intensified 3 min mechanical oral hygiene protocol (toothbrushing of teeth, gingiva, tongue, and palate, followed by toothpaste–saliva gargling); (II) repeated short mouth rinses; and (III) postprandial sampling. Viral RNA was quantified by RT-PCR; Ct-trajectories were analyzed intra-individually. Results: Cycle threshold (Ct) values from pharyngeal swabs remained relatively stable over time, whereas mouth-rinse samples exhibited notable fluctuations throughout the 24 h period. An average increase of 3 Ct units was observed three minutes after the final mouth rinse (T24+3). Meal ingestion was associated with increased Ct values, rising by 4–5 units for pharyngeal swabs and 3–11 units for mouth rinses immediately after eating. Conclusions: In clinical dental settings, saliva diagnostics are feasible but acutely modulated by common behaviors. Mechanical oral hygiene, brief rinsing, and food intake can transiently reduce detectable oral SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with potential implications for timing of sampling, chairside triage, and infection-control protocols. This pilot study provides initial evidence supporting the development of standardized pre-analytical instructions (e.g., fasting window, pre-rinse policy, and sampling timing relative to oral hygiene and meals) to enhance the reliability of saliva-based testing in dental care. 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

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of changes in the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index in predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission following bariatric surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed anthropometric, biochemical, and metabolic parameters from 66 T2DM patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2021 and 2024. Data from the preoperative and 6-month postoperative periods were classified for diabetes remission using American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) criteria. Results: The mean participant age was 49.9 ± 9.3 years; 72.7% were female. Post-surgery, 51.5% achieved complete remission, 24.25% partial remission, and 24.25% no remission. Only one patient continued insulin, and 83.8% discontinued oral antidiabetics. Significant postoperative improvements were observed in BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, VAI, and TyG indices, with increased HDL levels (p < 0.001). However, preoperative HOMA-IR, VAI, and TyG did not differ significantly across remission groups in univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression identified only younger age, higher preoperative BMI, and elevated postprandial insulin as independent predictors of complete remission. Other preoperative biochemical markers were not significantly related to remission outcomes. Conclusions: This study indicates that preoperative HOMA-IR, VAI, and TyG have limited standalone value for predicting diabetes remission after bariatric surgery. While they reflect postoperative metabolic improvements, their individual utility in pre-surgical risk stratification is insufficient. More large-scale, prospective studies are needed to determine if these markers could enhance future personalized predictive models. Full article

Background: Metabolic flexibility, the ability to efficiently switch between fuel sources in response to changing nutrient availability and energy demands, is recognized as a key determinant of metabolic health. In a recent randomized controlled human feeding trial, overweight individuals receiving American black elderberry juice (EBJ) demonstrated improvements in multiple clinical indices of metabolic flexibility, but the mechanisms of action were unexplored. The objective of this study was to utilize RNA sequencing to examine how EBJ modulates the transcriptional response to fasting and feeding, focusing on pathways related to metabolic flexibility. Methods: Overweight or obese adults (BMI > 25 kg/m²) without chronic illnesses were randomized to a 5-week crossover study protocol with two 1-week periods of twice-daily EBJ or placebo (PL) separated by a washout period. RNA sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 participants to assess transcriptomic responses collected at fasting (pre-meal) and postprandial (120 min post-meal) states during a meal-challenge test. Results: The fasted-to-fed transition for EBJ showed 234 differentially expressed genes following EBJ consumption compared to 59 genes following PL, with 44 genes shared between interventions. EBJ supplementation showed significantly higher enrichment of several metabolic pathways including insulin, FoxO, and PI3K–Akt signaling. KEGG pathway analysis showed 27 significant pathways related to metabolic flexibility compared to 7 for PL. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that short-term elderberry juice consumption may promote metabolic flexibility in overweight adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stroke survivors with dysphagia are usually fed with different feeding routes ranging from oral to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). However, the impact of the feeding route on the gastric myoelectric activity (GMA) is little-studied. This work examined the effect of feeding route on GMA changes in stroke survivors with dysphagia. Methods: This study included 50 patients (20% women) who were divided into three groups based on their feeding route: an oral group (n = 20), a nasogastric group (NGT) (n = 20), and a PEG group (n = 10). For all participants, a nutritional assessment was conducted, and the GMA was measured using a transcutaneous multichannel electrogastrogram (EGG) with a water load satiety test before and after water loading. The EGG-related parameters used in the analysis included the average power distribution by frequency region and the average dominant frequency (ADF). Results: The study sample experienced ischemic stroke (66%) or hemorrhagic stroke (34%). At the baseline phase, the PEG group exhibited significantly longer periods of normogastria compared to the NGT and oral groups. Moreover, protein intake was significantly higher in the PEG tube feeding group compared to the other groups. Based on the type of stroke, the ischemic stroke group showed significantly higher tachygastria periods during postprandial EGG recording (p = 0.022). The energy and protein consumptions were significantly higher in the hemorrhagic stroke group (p = 0.001, p = 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: The GMA pattern is distinctive for the type of stroke. The PEG feeding route showed more periods with normogastria and the best protein intake. Full article

Background: Low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates like isomaltulose (ISO) are known to enhance incretin release and to improve postprandial glucose control at the following meal (an effect known as second meal effect, or SME), which is particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the most effective preprandial interval of ISO- or saccharose (SUC) snacks (1 h vs. 3 h preload) to enhance prandial incretin responses to a subsequent meal. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, 15 participants with MetS completed four experimental conditions on four non-consecutive days, combining two preload types (ISO or SUC) and two preload timings (Intervention A: 3 h preload; Intervention B: 1 h preload). Specifically, the four conditions were (1) ISO + Intervention A, (2) SUC + Intervention A, (3) ISO + Intervention B, and (4) SUC + Intervention B. The order of conditions was randomized and separated by a 3–7-day washout period to minimize carryover effects. On each study day, participants consumed two mixed meal tests (MMT-1 and MMT-2) with a standardized preload (50 g ISO or SUC) administered either 3 h or 1 h prior to MMT-2. Blood samples were collected over 9 h at 15 predefined time points for analysis of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP, and PYY). Results: The unique digestion profile of ISO resulted in a blunted glucose ascent rate (ΔG/Δt: 0.28 vs. 0.53 mmol/L/min for SUC, p < 0.01), paralleled by synonyms PYY elevation over 540 min monitoring, compared with SUC. ISO also led to higher and more sustained GLP-1 and PYY levels, while SUC induced a stronger GIP response. Notably, the timing of ISO consumption significantly influenced PYY secretion, with the 3 h preload showing enhanced PYY responses and a more favorable SME compared to the 1 h preload. Conclusions: ISO, particularly when consumed 3 h before a meal (vs. 1 h), offers significant advantages over SUC by elevating PYY levels, blunting the glucose ascent rate, and sustaining GLP-1 release. This synergy enhances the second meal effect, suggesting ISO’s potential for managing postprandial glycemic excursions in MetS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postprandial hyperglycemia is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, even in healthy individuals. Kanzaki mulberry leaf and water chestnut tea (MW tea), a blend of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves and water chestnut (Trapa japonica) leaves and husks, is rich in polyphenols and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and may suppress postprandial glucose spikes, but evidence regarding its short-term daily intake is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the postprandial glycemic response and safety of two-week MW tea consumption using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial involving 31 participants. Each intervention period lasted two weeks, separated by a one-week washout. Participants consumed either MW tea or a placebo before meals. Interstitial glucose levels were measured every 15 min using CGM. Postprandial glucose responses were recorded every 15 min for 180 min after a standardized meal on the first day of each period. The primary outcome was the coefficient of variation (CV) in glucose levels, calculated using data from the central 10 days of each intervention period. Safety was assessed using CGM-derived hypoglycemia metrics and blood test results. Results: The CV of glucose levels during the MW tea period was significantly lower than during the placebo period (mean difference: 0.02, p = 0.0006). A significant reduction in 1 h postprandial glucose area under the curve was also observed. No significant differences were found in hypoglycemia occurrence, liver/renal/inflammatory markers, or self-reported adverse symptoms. Notably, 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) levels significantly increased during MW tea intake, suggesting improved glycemic control. Conclusions: Short-term consumption of Kanzaki MW tea effectively suppressed postprandial glucose variability without safety concerns. These findings support MW tea as a promising natural supplement for glycemic management and the prevention of diabetes. Full article

Background: Dyspeptic symptoms are very common in the general population, with an estimated prevalence of 14% to 41%, and the majority of patients experience symptoms without an organic cause for them (so-called functional dyspepsia). While the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia remains elusive, the impact of functional dyspepsia on quality of life is detrimental. The treatment involves a change in lifestyle—a healthy diet and physical activity—in combination with pharmacological treatments. However, currently, there is no standard therapy for this condition, although a nutritional approach appears to be feasible and well accepted by patients. In this context, the intake of some mineral water types might be able to play an important role. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the regular intake of bicarbonate natural mineral water (Aqua Carpatica from source “F2 Păltiniș”) is able to positively influence the symptomatic process of dyspepsia, promoting digestion and improving the quality of life of patients. Methods: The patients enrolled in this open-label study had diagnosis of functional dyspepsia formulated in accordance with the Rome III criteria. During the 4-week study, patients had to ingest tap water at 1.5 L/day (wash-out period: 2 weeks), and in the 2-week subsequent period, they had to ingest alkaline natural mineral water at 1.5 L/day. The primary efficacy endpoint of this study includes a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the “heartburn”, “regurgitation”, and “dyspepsia” subscales and the total Reflux Disease Questionnaire’s (RDQ) score with respect to the effects of alkaline natural mineral water. As secondary endpoints, we considered statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in quality-of-life scores (Psychological General Well-Being Index—Short form; PGWB-S), the patient’s self-assessment of the state of efficiency of their digestion, and their sense of post-prandial fullness, as well as the use of antacids. Results: Forty-five patients were enrolled: all were Caucasian and mostly women (25, 55.6% vs. 20 men, 44.4%), and they were aged between 25 and 75 years (50.6 ± 13.5 years; mean ± SD). The results of this preliminary study show a significant improvement in functional dyspepsia symptoms—as assessed via the RDQ—and an improvement in quality of life—as assessed using the PGWB-S score—after the intake of alkaline natural mineral water. Conclusions: This preliminary study provides clinical evidence for a recommendation of alkaline natural mineral water as a symptomatic treatment of dyspepsia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nocturnal glucose regulation is a critical but underexplored determinant of next-day fasting glucose (FG), particularly in individuals with dysglycemia. This study examined the role of glucose levels after the last eating occasion (LEO) and during the overnight fast in predicting FG, considering the potential influence of carbohydrate content in LEO and insulin sensitivity. Methods: In a controlled 24 h protocol, 33 adults (50–75 years) with prediabetes or diet-controlled type 2 diabetes followed a standardized feeding schedule with meals at fixed times, including a LEO at 10:00 p.m. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to assess glucose during the 3 h postprandial period (LEO-PPGR) and two fasting intervals: chronological overnight fast (COF) and biological overnight fast (BOF). Associations with FG were tested using general linear models, adjusting for carbohydrate intake and insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index). Results: Glucose responses during LEO-PPGR—assessed by mean glucose, peak, and AUC—were strongly correlated with FG the next morning (r = 0.704, 0.535, and 0.708, p < 0.001). Similarly, glucose levels during COF and BOF were also correlated with FG (r = 0.878, p < 0.001 for both), but these associations weakened after adjustment for LEO carbohydrate content. The Matsuda index was positively correlated with glucose in all three periods (p < 0.05), yet its inclusion in the model attenuated all previously significant associations with FG. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the glycemic response to the last meal and subsequent overnight glucose levels contribute to next-day FG, but their impact is modulated by carbohydrate content and individual insulin sensitivity. Understanding nocturnal glycemic dynamics may inform strategies for improving metabolic outcomes in dysglycemia. Full article

Pea and lentil flours are added to baked foods, pastas, and snacks to improve nutritional quality and functionality compared to products made solely with refined wheat flour. However, the effect of whole pulses versus their serving size equivalent of flour on blood glucose has not been investigated in persons with altered glycemic response. Health claims for whole pulses are based on a ½ cup amount whereas commercial pulse flour servings are typically a smaller size. The glycemic responses of four treatment meals containing 50 g available carbohydrate as ½ cup whole pulse or the dry weight equivalent of pulse flour were compared with a control beverage (Glucola^®). Eleven adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and eight adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) completed the study. Venous blood samples were collected at fasting and at 30 min intervals postprandial for three hours. Changes in net difference in plasma glucose over time from baseline and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) segments were analyzed. All four pulse meals attenuated the iAUC compared to the control from 0 to 120 min for T2DM participants and 0–180 min for MetS participants. Whole pulses produced a lower glycemic response than pulse flours in the early postprandial period for persons with T2DM and during the overall test period for those with MetS. Full article

Background: Calorie restriction is increasingly recognized as a strategy for glycemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by promoting weight loss and potentially achieving diabetes remission. This study evaluated the feasibility of a 12-week structured calorie-restricted dietary intervention based on healthy Korean dietary patterns for adults with early type 2 DM. Methods: Adults aged 18–60 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m² and a short duration of diabetes were recruited. The intervention comprised two phases: a 6-week weight loss phase, targeting a 3% reduction every two weeks, starting with an 800 kcal/day diet and increasing by 200 kcal per phase, with all meals provided via home delivery, followed by a 6-week self-managed weight maintenance period, preceded by a one-week reintroduction phase with meals provided. Results: Among 27 participants, 24 completed the intervention (89% retention). Mean weight reduction at 6 weeks was 6.4 kg (7.6%), primarily achieved during Phase 1 (5.1%). By 12 weeks, the average weight reduction further improved to 7.4 kg (8.7%). Dietary adherence ranged from 80% to 90%, with energy intake closely aligning with the prescribed targets. Non-achievers exhibited a smaller initial reduction (2.5 kg vs. 3.9 kg), with the gap persisting throughout the study. Postprandial glycemic response to a mixed meal (65% carbohydrate) significantly improved from baseline to week 5. Conclusions: This structured dietary intervention demonstrated substantial weight reduction and improved glycemic response in adults with type 2 DM, highlighting its feasibility and effectiveness as a guided strategy for weight management. Full article

An upward trend has been observed in recent years in which consumers are actively more conscious about finding healthier food alternatives to purchase. Based on the constantly increasing demands of the diabetes food market, a new product of canned peach halves was designed at the Laboratory of Technology & Food Quality & Food Safety of the University of Thessaly through the substitution of sugar with sweetening agents coming from the Stevia plant and Agave syrup. For the production process of the samples the ingredients were carefully selected. Then, the recipes were designed along with the determination of the all the parameters that should be taken into account according to the thermal processing of previous studies. After the completion of the production process, the samples were stored in a dark and cold environment for a 6-month period. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed before and after simulated digestion (INFOGEST protocol) to determine their nutritional characteristics and their microbiological safety. The samples were then given to consumers to test the organoleptic characteristics of the new products. The results of the microbiological, nutritional, organoleptic, and meal tests were analyzed in order to assess the quality of samples. The canned peaches with Stevia had higher bio-availability and liking scores, and resulted in lower post-prandial glucose levels. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of consuming in a full-course meal manner over one hour, with intervals between courses, on glycemic and insulin parameters in young healthy women, with a randomized controlled crossover study design. Experiment 1: Fifteen participants consumed a test meal under two eating conditions: fast eating manner for 10 min, and eating in a full-course meal manner for 60 min. In both conditions, the food order was standardized: vegetables first, followed by the main dish, and carbohydrates last. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at 0, 40, 80, 120, and 180 min on two separate days. Postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels at 40 min, as well as the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) at 40 min for glucose and the IAUC at both 40 and 80 min for insulin, were significantly lower for the full-course meal manner compared to the fast eating manner, due to delayed consumption of the carbohydrate dish in the former condition at these time points. To continuously monitor postprandial blood glucose responses over a 24 h period, Experiment 2 was conducted using an intermittent continuous glucose monitoring system (isCGM). Eighteen participants wore isCGM devices and consumed the same test meals under the two different eating conditions as in Experiment 1. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE; p < 0.05) and IAUC for glucose were significantly lower for the full-course meal manner compared to the fast eating manner. These findings suggest that consuming meals in a full-course meal manner, with intervals between courses, is associated with a reduced MAGE in young healthy women. Full article

Background: The meal sequencing of macronutrients has been shown to ameliorate postprandial glucose excursion, but its effects in daily meals has not been investigated. We examined the impact on the glucose response to meal sequencing in healthy Japanese adults using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during a typical lunch meal. Methods: The test meal was a Japanese set meal or a beef and rice bowl, the contents of which were categorized as “rice” or “non-rice”. In the meal experiments, the subjects ingested the two categories of food in one of three orders: non-rice before rice, non-rice and rice together, and non-rice after rice. In the beef and rice bowl experiments, the subjects ingested either non-rice 15 min before rice or the two foods together. Results: The postprandial glucose level was measured over a 4 h period and the mean level of postprandial glucose was significantly lower than that when eating rice before non-rice or both together. Consuming non-rice before rice significantly reduced postprandial glycemic excursions in healthy adults in both experiments. Conclusions: Meal-sequencing by “eat carbs last” is a feasible dietary strategy for the better prevention and management of diabetes. Full article