Search Results (357)

Surimi products are popular due to their high protein and low fat content. However, traditional processing methods rely on high concentrations of salt (2–3%) to maintain texture and stability, contributing to excessive sodium intake. As global health trends advance, developing green and low-salt technologies while maintaining product quality has become a research focus. Alkaline amino acids regulate protein conformation and intermolecular interactions through charge shielding, hydrogen bond topology, metal chelation, and hydration to compensate for the defects of solubility, gelation, and emulsification stability in the low-salt system. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms and applications of alkaline amino acids in reducing salt and maintaining quality in surimi. Research indicates that alkaline amino acids regulate the conformational changes of myofibrillar proteins through electrostatic shielding, hydrogen bond topology construction, and metal chelation, significantly improving gel strength, water retention, and emulsion stability in low-salt systems, with the results comparable to those in high-salt systems. Future research should optimize addition strategies using computational simulations technologies and establish a quality and safety evaluation system to promote industrial application. This review provides a theoretical basis for the green processing and functional enhancement of surimi products, which could have significant academic and industrial value. Full article

Acetate is naturally produced in the rumen through feed degradation and fermentation. It serves as a primary energy source for ruminants and as a key substrate for de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland. The interaction of exogenous acetate with different animal and dietary factors is an area of growing interest, as it may have significant implications for milk fat synthesis. This study aimed to assess the effect of two diet fermentability levels on the short-term response of lactation to acetate supplementation in dairy cows. Eight ruminally cannulated multiparous European Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatments in a crossover design that tested the effect of diet fermentability, acetate supply, and their interaction. Using corn silage as the only forage source and a constant forage-to-concentrate ratio, high-fermentability (HF) and low-fermentability (LF) diets were formulated. Acetate supply was investigated by infusing ruminally 10 moles of sodium acetate/d (ACE) or an equimolar infusion of control (CON). Therefore, the treatments were as follows: LF + CON; LF + ACE; HF + CON; and HF + ACE. No interactions between acetate and diet fermentability were found on performance variables. Acetate infusion decreased dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk protein yield and content but did not affect milk fat yield; however, it increased milk fat concentration, and this response tended to be more pronounced in the HF diet. Acetate infusions increased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate in the HF diet, but not in the LF diet, and increased plasma non-esterified fatty acid, which was likely a lipolysis response to reduced DMI and decreased energy balance. This study demonstrates that acetate availability can be a constraint on mammary lipogenesis, even with adequate dietary fiber. Full article

During the processing of marinated braised beef, excessive sodium intake is likely to occur, which can lead to various health issues. Exogenous L-lysine (L-Lys), as an essential amino acid for the human body, has the capability to enhance the quality of low-sodium meat products. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous L-Lys on the quality of low-sodium plain boiled beef and marinated braised beef, as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. Among them, the substitution rate of KCl was 60%. This study was conducted with three batches of experiments, each batch serving as an independent parallel. For low-sodium plain boiled beef, the optimal addition level of L-Lys was screened out through the research on the effects on meat quality indicators, water distribution, microstructure, and sensory evaluation. For the quality of low-sodium plain boiled beef, in terms of microstructure, the addition of L-Lys reduced muscle fiber breakage and voids, thereby improving its microstructural characteristics. Combined with quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), the optimal level of additional L-Lys was subsequently determined to be 0.6%. It was further processed into marinated braised beef in soy sauce, and a comparative analysis was conducted with low-sodium marinated braised beef in soy sauce without L-Lys addition for shear force, meat color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total viable count (TVC) during the storage periods of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 d. The results show that the redness (a*) value significantly increased within 0–12 d (p < 0.05), leading to a more stable meat color. Moreover, the addition of L-Lys significantly reduced the shear force and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) values in the marinated braised beef (p < 0.05), thereby optimizing the tenderness of the marinated braised beef and inhibiting lipid oxidation. Although the total viable count (TVC) of the L-Lys group was higher than that of conventional low-sodium marinated braised beef in soy sauce from 9 to 12 d, both groups of products had undergone spoilage by day 12; therefore, the addition of L-Lys had no effect on the shelf life of the products. Comprehensive analysis suggested that the addition of exogenous L-Lys could optimize beef quality by enhancing hydration, improving muscle structural properties, and exerting antioxidant synergistic effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: The urine sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio can potentially be used to detect dietary habits that contribute to hypertension. In this prospective cohort interventional trial, we aimed to verify whether private insurance sales staff can help clients change their lifestyle habits based on their urinalysis results. Methods: Clients of the life insurance company (20–65 years old) who were considered to have “high risk” lifestyle factors, which was defined as having high values for two or more of the following indicators: body mass index, blood pressure, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and glucose metabolism, were included. The clients were randomly assigned to three groups: a face-to-face (FF) intervention by sales staff (n = 83), non-FF (Non-FF) intervention via a social networking service (n = 87), and no intervention (Control) (n = 58). Urinalysis and surveys about diet and exercise habits were conducted before and after a 3-month interventional period in all groups. Three interventions were performed for the FF and Non-FF groups, including dietary advice based on urinalysis results, education encouraging reduced salt intake and increased locomotor activity, and viewing an educational video. The Control group only received their urinalysis results by mail. Results: The participants’ mean age was 44.0 years old. Significant improvements in estimated potassium intake were observed in the Non-FF group, and significant reductions in urine Na/K ratios were noted in both the FF and Non-FF groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that watching the video was the most effective factor for decreasing the urine Na/K ratio (odds ratio = 1.869). The total points for dietary behavior, based on the questionnaire, significantly improved among the individuals who watched the video. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential for private health insurance companies to contribute to health promotion and introduces a novel strategy for improving lifestyle habits among individuals at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are increasingly used in type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to their cardiorenal benefits and weight-lowering effects. However, concerns have emerged regarding their potential adverse impact on lean mass and muscle strength particularly in patients at risk for sarcopenia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin on skeletal muscle mass. Secondary objectives were to assess changes in glycemic control, body weight, fat mass and handgrip strength. Materials and Methods: In this 24-week real-world observational study, 31 adult patients with T2D were assigned to either empagliflozin or non-SGLT2i treatment groups. Patients did not receive a high-protein diet, a resistance exercise program or any other weight-reducing medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies. Anthropometric measurements, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and handgrip strength testing were performed at baseline and after 6 months. Sarcopenia was defined according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Results: The empagliflozin group showed significant improvements in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass (p < 0.05 for all). No significant changes were observed in the empagliflozin group after 6 months in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (from 7.81 ± 1.33 kg/m² to 7.84 ± 1.38 kg/m², p = 0.154). No statistically significant changes were observed in handgrip strength in either group. Conclusions: Empagliflozin treatment over six months led to favorable changes in metabolic parameters and fat mass without detrimental effects on skeletal muscle mass or muscle strength. In clinical practice, the selection of antidiabetic therapies should consider individual glycemic targets, cardiovascular and renal risks, weight management, comorbidities and sarcopenia risk. Resistance exercises and adequate dietary protein intake should be recommended to preserve muscle mass in at-risk patients. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the long-term effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on body composition particularly in older adults. Full article

Background: Although abnormal blood pressure is predominantly associated with hypertension, the issue of hypotension remains insufficiently explored. Chronic asymptomatic hypotension, in particular, is rarely addressed in clinical nutrition research. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of targeted dietary modifications on blood pressure as well as selected biochemical, anthropometric, and lifestyle parameters in an individual with low baseline blood pressure. Methods: A single-subject observational study was conducted on a 23-year-old woman with chronic hypotension. Following a 4-week baseline period, a 4-week dietary intervention was implemented involving increased sodium and fluid intake, the introduction of coffee, and overall caloric enhancement combined with increased physical activity. Blood pressure was measured three times daily; anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were recorded weekly. Results: The intervention resulted in an increase in both systolic (from 93.76 to 101.21 mmHg) and diastolic (from 57.51 to 59.43 mmHg) blood pressure. The subject also reported improved energy levels, longer sleep duration, and reduced daytime fatigue. However, changes in anthropometric parameters were minimal and biochemical outcomes remained inconclusive. Conclusions: The findings suggest that dietary and lifestyle modifications may positively influence blood pressure and subjective wellbeing in individuals with hypotension. There is a clear need for further research focussing on the effects of dietary modifications on blood pressure parameters in individuals with hypotension. Full article

Background: Compared to omnivorous diets, vegetarian diets are generally linked to improved body weight, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic control. Despite having the highest global prevalence of vegetarianism, South Asians in Canada exhibit disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. This study examines the usual dietary intake and CVD risk factors among South Asian vegetarians and omnivores at risk of diabetes in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Of a community sample of 100 South Asian adults at high risk of diabetes and recruited from 12 faith-based centers across the Metro Vancouver area, 96 completed the culturally adapted 163-item SHARE Food Frequency Questionnaire to determine their dietary status. CVD risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were also assessed. The usual dietary intake metrics, including the total energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient consumption, were compared between vegetarians and omnivores. The associations between diet type, BMI, and WC were analyzed. Results: Of the 96 participants, 50 identified as vegetarians and 46 as omnivores. The mean age was similar between groups: 64.9 (±9.0) years for vegetarians and 65.6 (±10.5) years for omnivores. Females comprised a higher proportion of vegetarians (54.0% vs. 34.8%). Vegetarians reported a greater intake of carbohydrates and foods with a higher glycemic index and glycemic load. The fat intake was comparable between groups. Omnivores had a significantly higher intake of niacin, vitamin B-12, potassium, and zinc. Both groups exceeded the recommended sodium intake. Overall, 90.6% of the participants were classified as overweight or obese, with no significant association between vegetarianism and reduced adiposity. Conclusions: Both dietary groups exhibited an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity and had nutritional profiles that may be associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk. Factors such as dietary acculturation and a suboptimal diet quality may underlie these findings. Culturally tailored nutritional interventions are warranted to address the specific needs of South Asian Canadian communities. Full article

Recent evidence suggests a high-sodium microenvironment in breast tumors. However, the exact role of this high-sodium microenvironment on tumorigenesis is unknown. Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is a well-known inflammatory molecule playing a significant role in various chronic ailments like cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Importantly, chronic inflammation is recognized as one of the major hallmarks of carcinogenesis. Breast cancer cell culture-based studies demonstrated that high-salt (HS) treatment (Δ35–50 mM NaCl) induced cancer cell proliferation. However, preclinical murine research showed reduced tumor progression kinetics in mice fed a short-term HS diet (4% NaCl diet, 0–2 weeks prior to the injection of tumor cells). Molecular studies demonstrated that the short-term HS diet induced the inflammatory activation of naïve CD4+ T cells to the Th17/Th1 anti-tumor phenotype. As human health-related adverse outcomes from HS diets usually occur as a consequence of prolonged HS intake over a period of several years, we have developed a novel chronic HS dietary murine tumor model. In this model, tumor cells are sequentially passaged (four cycles) in vivo under high-salt conditions, and tumor kinetics were analyzed in the passage-4 mice. These studies demonstrated enhanced tumor progression (pro-tumor) under chronic HS dietary conditions through the activation of tumor-initiating stem cells, along with the exhaustion of immune cells. Based on the, apparently paradoxical, evidence, we propose a comprehensive unifying hypothesis to elucidate the complex role of a high-sodium microenvironment towards tumor immune sculpting. This understanding will enable novel drug repositioning strategies, the development of unique ion channel-based anti-cancer therapeutics and promote low-salt diet intake in breast cancer patients on immunotherapy. Full article

Background: Alcohol use disorder in the context of heroin addiction presents a significant challenge for clinicians, particularly in selecting the most appropriate pharmacological treatment. Methods: The present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a six-month methadone maintenance (MM)/sodium oxybate (SMO) combination treatment in reducing ethanol intake among chronic alcohol-dependent patients with heroin use disorder (HUD). Specifically, we compared outcomes between those who continued SMO treatment after alcohol detoxification (MM/SMO-Maintained) and those who discontinued it (MM/SMO-Detoxified). Data were recruited using the ‘Pisa Addiction Database’ through a retrospective, naturalistic, cross-sectional comparative design involving a single patient assessment. Results: Our results indicate that treatment retention was higher in the MM/SMO-Maintained group. Conversely, discontinuing SMO treatment after alcohol detoxification was associated with a higher likelihood of dropout. At the endpoint, the MM/SMO-Maintained group showed significant improvement and was considered less severely ill. Conclusions: Long-term SMO treatment has proven to be well tolerated and effective in preventing relapse in individuals with both alcohol and HUD undergoing agonist opioid treatment. SMO may be considered the closest pharmacological option to substitution therapy for alcohol use disorder, and ongoing agonist opioid treatment should not preclude its co-administration. Full article

Long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been the standard active chemicals in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs or firefighting foams) since the mid-1960s. Some characteristics of PFASs are environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. Non-fluorinated firefighting foams are an alternative to potentially reducing the ecological/environmental impact of PFAS-based AFFF. We used northern bobwhite (NOBO, Colinus virginianus) to test the ecotoxicity of one candidate (non-fluorinated) foam. Fomtec Enviro USP is a fluorine-free commercial AFFF used primarily for extinguishing Class B hydrocarbon fuel fires. Following a photostimulation phase to initiate egg laying, breeding pairs were exposed for 60+ days to 0.01%, 0.1%, and 0.25% Fomtec in drinking water. The endpoints of the study included survival, growth, and reproductive output. Water consumption was evaluated and used to determine the average daily intake (ADI) based on Fomtec components: sodium dodecyl sulfate or SDS (0.05, 0.15, and 0.32 mg/kg/day for the 0.01%, 0.1%, and 0.25% Fomtec exposures, respectively) and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether or DGMBE (0.49, 6.54, and 18.37 mg/kg/day for the 0.01%, 0.1%, and 0.25% Fomtec exposures, respectively). Over the 60 days, control females laid an average of 59 ± 0.8 eggs compared to 28 ± 9 (0.01% Fomtec exposure), 51 ± 4 (0.1% Fomtec exposure), and 56 ± 2 (0.25% Fomtec exposure); the number of eggs produced per hen was affected by exposure to the lowest Fomtec concentration. Hatching success was not significantly different among treatment groups, and it was within normal reproduction parameters for quail. Our findings in this avian model help to fill data gaps for non-fluorinated foam products, many of which have little toxicological information. Full article

Salt intake, specifically NaCl, should be reduced to prevent hypertension. Ramen often contains high-NaCl soup in Japan, but there are no reports of the actual sodium (Na) or potassium (K) contents. We visited ramen restaurants in Kyoto that had received high ratings on review sites and sampled the soups and toppings (n = 52). The Na and K concentrations were measured using ion electrodes, and the NaCl and K contents per serving and Na/K ratio were calculated. The results were compared among different types of “tare” (thick seasonings) (salt, soy sauce, and miso) and different types of broth (chicken, pork bone, and fish). The average NaCl and K contents per serving were 6.53 ± 1.48 g and 448 ± 141 mg, respectively, and Na/K was 10.7 ± 4.3 mmol/mmol. Considering the different broths, the Na/K ratio was the lowest for fish (9.6 ± 5.2), followed by chicken (10.0 ± 3.1) and pork bone (13.2 ± 4.8). Ramen dishes were high in both Na and the Na/K ratio. The low Na/K of fish soup ramen was thought to be due to the higher K content extracted from dried fish. Depending on the broth, it is possible to reduce the Na/K ratio. Full article

Sodium consumption is a well-established risk factor for the development of hypertension. Nevertheless, current recommendations for reducing dietary sodium intake are challenging to implement. Consequently, alternative approaches that would reduce the harmful health effects of excessive sodium consumption on blood pressure are highly desirable. The scientific evidence suggests that dietary fibre intake and human intestinal microbiota may affect blood pressure regulation, potentially through interactions with sodium. This narrative review aims to explore the complex interactions between microbiota, fibre, and the fate of sodium in the human body, as well as the implications of these interactions in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The relevant literature, published up to March 2025, was searched across databases including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. A total of 160 most relevant references were included. Gathered evidence suggests that while dietary fibre may reduce sodium uptake into the bloodstream by binding sodium ions and bile salts, microbiota may also contribute to lowering sodium bioavailability thanks to multiple metabolites with anti-inflammatory and intestinal sodium transporter-modulating properties. Despite these promising findings, further work is needed to allow the translation of these insights into effective therapeutic approaches, particularly for salt-sensitive, hypertensive individuals. Full article

Background: While the mHealth and school-based scale-up intervention for salt reduction (EduSaltS) effectively reduced salt intake and blood pressure among adults living with participating schoolchildren, the sustainability of these effects remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate whether these effects persisted one year post intervention. Methods: A one-year follow-up of a cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 524 children and their 524 adult family members from 20 primary schools. At 24 months, 509 children (97.1%) and 486 adults (92.7%) completed the assessment. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the difference in changes in salt intake between the intervention and control groups at 24 months, compared to baseline and 12 months, as measured by consecutive 24 h urinary sodium excretions. Secondary outcomes included the differences in changes in blood pressure and salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) scores. Results: The adjusted mean difference in changes in salt intake between groups was −0.34 g/24 h (95% CI: −0.94 to 0.26, p = 0.265) for children and −0.72 g/24 h (95% CI: −1.48 to 0.05, p = 0.065) for adults at 24 months versus baseline. The corresponding differences from 12 to 24 months were −0.09 g/24 h (95% CI: −0.69 to 0.51, p = 0.775) for children and 0.29 g/24 h (95% CI: −0.50 to 1.08, p = 0.468) for adults. The adjusted difference in changes in adult blood pressure showed a slight, nonsignificant rebound at 24 months. The intervention group maintained significantly higher KAP scores than the control group at both 12 and 24 months. Conclusions: The effects of EduSaltS on reducing salt intake and blood pressure in adults diminished slightly one year after the intervention ended. However, sustained improvements in salt-related KAP were observed in both children and adults. Ongoing support is vital to sustain long-term salt-reduction behaviors. Full article

Salt as sodium chloride is an essential mineral present in food which is involved in physiological functions such as nutrient intestinal absorption, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. It plays a critical role in food flavoring and ingestive behavior, serving as the basis of one of the five basic tastes. However, excessive salt intake is widely recognized as a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, such as hypertension, making salt reduction a key strategy in terms of public health. In that overall context, the aim of this review is to recapitulate the various approaches for salt intake reduction which have been implemented, with a focus on the use of L-glutamate in umami as a sodium substitute. Umami substances, like salt, are one of the five basic tastes and have the potential to enhance the flavor of food while simultaneously reducing salt intake. Several clinical trials have shown that L-glutamate can compensate for the reduction in saltiness while improving the overall palatability of food. This characteristic makes umami substances a valuable element in the context of salt reduction. By incorporating L-glutamate into the diet, it becomes possible to maintain a balanced nutritional intake while reducing salt, making it an effective approach toward a healthier diet. At the same time, L-glutamate-induced salt intake reduction potentially alleviates stress-related indicators associated with salt reduction. Thus, the strategic use of L-glutamate as compound involved in umami taste can help compensate for changes in taste perception due to salt reduction, enabling individuals to maintain meal satisfaction while transitioning to healthier dietary habits with lower salt. Full article

In a global context marked by food insecurity and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, this study proposes a healthy food basket (HFB) model tailored to the demographic, cultural, and economic specificities of the Republic of Moldova which is aligned with international standards. The research employed a comprehensive methodology, including estimations of daily energy requirements using revised Harris–Benedict equations, food selection based on nutritional value, economic availability, and cultural relevance, and nutritional validation through the mean adequacy ratio (MAR), which was derived from nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) and dietary reference values (DRVs) established by the EFSA. Nutrient intake calculations were based on food composition data and not population-level dietary surveys. Fat-soluble vitamins were excluded due to insufficient available data. The results indicate adequate intake levels of vitamins (B₁, B₂, B₃, and C) and minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium) while highlighting deficiencies in calcium and sodium that require dietary adjustments. The inclusion of traditional foods, such as kefir and salted or raw pork fat, underscores the model’s cultural acceptability and economic relevance, strengthening the integration of global nutritional principles with regional dietary habits. This study’s limitations, including the use of secondary data and the lack of empirical validation, highlight the need for longitudinal studies. The HFB model offers a replicable solution for other regions facing similar challenges, contributing to global efforts to reduce malnutrition and promote sustainable diets. Full article