Search Results (181)

Eggs from ten Slovenian chicken genotypes—four layer-type purebreds, three meat-type purebreds, and three commercial F₁ crossbreds—were analysed at 50 weeks of age (n = 118). All hens were reared indoors in identical floor-barn systems and fed the same complete layer diet, with feed intake restricted only in meat-type hens. Cholesterol was determined spectrophotometrically, and results included cholesterol per yolk dry matter and fresh yolk, per whole egg and egg content, total cholesterol per egg, and the yolk-to-albumen ratio. Production type significantly affected all traits (p < 0.0001): meat-type hens had the highest cholesterol concentrations and totals, layer-type purebreds were intermediate, and crossbreds the lowest. The yolk-to-albumen ratio showed the same gradient (≈0.44 in crossbreds, ≈0.46 in layer purebreds, ≈0.50 in meat types; p = 0.004), indicating that a larger yolk fraction contributes to higher total cholesterol. Reciprocal crossbreds did not differ in cholesterol levels (p > 0.05), suggesting negligible maternal or sex-linked effects. Under standardised conditions, genotype and production orientation were the main determinants of egg cholesterol and yolk proportion. These results provide reference values for Slovenian breeding and conservation populations and confirm exploitable genetic variability for future selection aimed at improving egg composition. Full article

Taking into account both the health and environmental aspects of food, the EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a healthy reference diet (Planetary Health Diet—PHD). The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the results obtained in epidemiological studies on the association between the PHD and risk factors, non-communicable diseases, and cause-specific mortality. The literature search was conducted in February 2025 and was based on the PubMed electronic database. The results of this review are divided into four parts, which include the results of cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case–control studies, and meta-analyses. This review, showing what types of studies have been conducted so far, allows for a summary of the current knowledge of the relationship between the PHD and risk factors, non-communicable diseases, and cause-specific mortality. Cohort studies provided most of the results, which confirmed that higher adherence to the PHD has a beneficial effect on human health, especially taking into account the lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality, cancer and cancer mortality, as well as all-cause mortality. However, it is concluded that the association between the PHD and stroke, different types of stroke, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and some specific types of cancer must be confirmed. Specifically, randomized controlled trials should be conducted, as, to our knowledge, there is a lack of these types of studies to date. Such studies should be conducted in different regions using the Planetary Health Diet adapted to the local, cultural, geographical, and demographical aspects of a particular region. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for nearly 10% of global cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. While age and genetics are non-modifiable risk factors, nutrition and its impact on gut microbiota are emerging as key determinants in CRC prevention and management. We aimed to systematically evaluate recent evidence on the role of diet and microbiota-targeted interventions—including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics—in modulating CRC risk and therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A structured literature search was performed in PubMed, ResearchGate, Scopus, and ScienceDirect up to July of 2025. Reference lists of relevant reviews and clinical trials were also screened. A total of 36 studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted on dietary exposures, microbiota modulation, metabolite profiles, and CRC-related outcomes. Evidence quality was assessed using appropriate appraisal tools for observational and interventional designs. Results: Western-type diets were consistently associated with microbiota dysbiosis, the enrichment of pro-inflammatory and genotoxic taxa, and elevated CRC risk. Diets rich in fiber and polyphenols enhanced commensals producing short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate), with anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic effects. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics demonstrated potential to restore microbial balance, improve epithelial integrity, and enhance tolerance to conventional therapies. Conclusions: Current evidence supports a complex interplay between nutrition, the gut microbiota, and CRC, with strong translational potential. Microbiota-modulating nutritional strategies, particularly fiber-rich diets and synbiotics, show the most consistent microbiota-related benefits in CRC prevention and represent promising adjuncts to standard therapies. However, much of the available research is still based on preclinical models. Therefore, there is a pressing need for well-designed clinical studies in human populations to validate these findings and inform evidence-based guidelines. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most common chronic liver disorders worldwide and can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and liver cancer. To better understand the impact of an unbalanced hypercaloric diet on liver phenotype in impaired autophagy, the study compared C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and MAPK15-ERK8 knockout (KO) male mice with C57BL/6J background fed for 17 weeks with “Western-type” (WD) or standard diet (SD). Liver features were monitored in vivo by high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) using a semi-quantitative and parametric assessment of pathological changes in the parenchyma complemented by computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods. Liver histology was considered the reference standard. WD induced liver steatosis in both genotypes, although KO mice showed more pronounced dietary effects than WT mice. Overall, HFUS reliably detected steatosis-related parenchymal changes over time in the two mouse genotypes examined, consistent with histology. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of extracting quantitative features from conventional B-mode ultrasound images of the liver in murine models at early clinical stages of MASLD using a computationally efficient and vendor-independent CAD method. This approach may contribute to the non-invasive characterization of genetically engineered mouse models of MASLD according to the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs), with interesting translational implications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heat processing techniques can alter the energy and nutritional value of meat. This study examined the effect of various types of heat processing (water bath cooking WBC, oven convection roasting OCR, grilling G, and pan frying PF) on the content and retention of vitamins A, D, E, K, and cholesterol in White Kołuda^® goose breast meat without or with skin (n = 36). Methods: The contents of fat-soluble vitamins and cholesterol were determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Cooking loss (CL), retention, and the percentage coverage of the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for vitamins in adults by 100 g of meat were calculated. Results: The CL was higher (p ≤ 0.01) in goose breast meat with skin (43.2%) compared to skinless meat (37.1%). The contents of vitamins A, D, E, K, and cholesterol were also significantly greater (p ≤ 0.01) in meat with skin than in meat without skin. The G and PF resulted in the greatest reductions in A, D, E, and K compared with raw meat. The highest retention (>52%) was observed after WBC, whereas the lowest (<43.7%) occurred after PF, although the difference was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.01) only for vitamin D. While 100 g of raw goose breast meat provided the highest percentage of NRV for the analyzed components, WBC appeared to be the most favorable cooking method for consumers. Conclusions: Our research can help consumers choose goose meat as an alternative to red meat to diversify and balance their diet. WBC ensures the least loss of fat-soluble vitamins while ensuring the health safety of meat, which may be important information for consumers, the catering industry, and the poultry industry. Full article

Background: There is a worldwide increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, and strategies for managing this condition include dietary interventions. These interventions include the use of a low-glycaemic index diet, high-fibre and prebiotic diets, and low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs), which improve glycaemic control, reduce the risk of diabetic complications, and promote health. However, the definition of LCDs varies across the literature, and the use of LCDs in managing people with diabetes is often seen as controversial. Therefore, the aim of this review is to examine current advances and future prospects in the use of LCDs in managing people with type 2 diabetes. Method: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials, which applied both the PRISMA and PICOS frameworks. Databases including MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, APA PsycArticles, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection were searched through EBSCOHost. The EMBASE database and reference list of articles were also searched for articles of interest. Two researchers conducted the searches independently from database inception to 28 August 2025. However, based on the inclusion criteria, the year of publication of studies was restricted to articles published from 2021. The search terms were combined using Boolean operators (AND/OR), and duplicates were removed in EndNote. The articles were screened for eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers. Results: The findings identified that an LCD is significantly (p < 0.05) more effective in reducing glycaemic parameters compared to a usual diet, standard care, or a control diet in people with type 2 diabetes. Similarly, the effect of LCD was significant (p < 0.05) in reducing BMI in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with the control diet. However, an LCD did not appear to have a significant (p > 0.05) effect on lipid parameters compared to a control diet. Conclusion: This systematic review found that LCDs are significantly (p < 0.05) more effective in promoting glycaemic control than a usual diet, standard care, or a control diet in people with type 2 diabetes. In addition, LCDs can be an effective strategy for reducing BMI in individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly when implemented as part of a structured, sustained dietary intervention. However, there was variability in the findings of the studies included with respect to glycaemic control and BMI. Furthermore, the impact of LCD on glycaemic control did not appear sustainable in the long term. LCDs did not have a significant (p > 0.05) effect on lipid parameters compared to a control diet. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health challenge. Aerobic exercise (AE) can be a key strategy for non-pharmacological intervention in T2DM through multi-targeted modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibition of chronic inflammation, and reduction of oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the current status of AE intervention in T2DM research and analyze its future evolution. Methods: Using the R-based bibliometric software package and the Java-based visualization software CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we analyzed the literature and cited references related to AE intervention in T2DM research included in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from 2014 to 2024. Results: This study included a total of 882 relevant literature sources (488 of which were indexed in WOSCC and 394 in CNKI). From the perspective of research trends, the number of literature sources on AE interventions for T2DM has shown fluctuating changes over time. In terms of research output, the United States, China, and Canada are at the forefront. It is worth noting that, although China has a relatively high number of published papers, there is still a significant gap in terms of the depth of international collaboration and the presentation of results in top-tier journals. Among researchers, Dai Xia (China) and Riddell MC (Canada) are the scholars with the highest number of published articles in this field. Keyword analysis indicates that mechanisms such as oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammatory responses, and glucose metabolism disorders remain core research hotspots. Time-series analysis reveals that the research paradigm in this field has evolved from single exercise methods to comprehensive exercise prescription studies, and multi-dimensional intervention studies combining exercise, diet, and pharmacological interventions are emerging as new research frontiers. Conclusions: This study uses bibliometric methods to visualize and analyze the progress of AE in T2DM intervention research from a broader perspective, providing a scientific overview and macro-level predictions for the research landscape in this field. Full article

Background: Refractory epilepsy refers to a type of epilepsy in which anti-epileptic medications do not yield results, necessitating alternative medical interventions. The ketogenic diet (KD) is utilized as a non-pharmacologic treatment for refractory epilepsy. This study aims to assess details regarding caregivers’ awareness and practices, challenges faced, and other details regarding the KD as a treatment option for children with refractory epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 15 caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy who adhere to the KD. Data were collected using an online, self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics and descriptive aspects of KD on 15 caregivers. Results: Caregivers’ awareness scores varied, over half of the caregivers (53.3%) demonstrated low awareness levels, scoring below the midpoint on the awareness scale, while both caregivers’ adherence (t value = 31.5; p < 0.001) and patients’ adherence levels (t value = 26.1; p < 0.001) significantly exceeded the minimum expected thresholds, indicating effective implementation of the diet protocols. Challenges faced by caregivers were categorized as follow: logistical challenges (e.g., issues related to KD availability, cost, and weighing (15.6%)), behavioral challenges (e.g., avoiding prohibited foods (18.8%), feelings of hunger, the social environment, and never eating without caregivers), and medical challenges (e.g., frequent blood glucose monitoring (25%)). The most common side effects of the KD were gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation (33.3%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Physical symptoms such as dyslipidemia were also reported by 13.3% of participants. In terms of neurological and behavioral improvements, the three most reduced symptoms following KD adoption were hyperactive attention deficit (25%), tremors (20%), and insomnia (20%). Conclusions: This study reveals a significant gap between high adherence and low awareness of the KD among caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy. While adherence is crucial for the success of KD, this discrepancy highlights the need for comprehensive caregiver education that not only focuses on practical implementation but also on the underlying rationale of the diet. This study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary support, by including dietitians, to bridge the knowledge gap. These findings suggest that dietary education programs should aim to improve caregivers’ understanding, ultimately enhancing adherence and long-term outcomes. Future research should explore the psychosocial factors influencing adherence and the role of trust in healthcare professionals in shaping caregiver behaviors. The findings also call for further exploration into the impact of caregiver education on child health outcomes in the long term. The varied knowledge among caregivers indicates a need for further educational interventions or increased visits from dietitians. Strategies need to be framed to overcome the challenges faced and improve adherence. Full article

Background: The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) was a 3-year, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to test the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive decline in 604 individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia. Here, we describe the genotyping, imputation, and quality control (QC) procedures for the genetic data of trial participants. Methods: DNA was extracted from either whole blood or serum, and genotyping was performed using the Infinium Global Diversity Array. Established sample and SNP QC procedures were applied to the genotyping data, followed by imputation using the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 v5 reference panel. Results: Significant study-site, specimen type, and batch effects were observed. A total of 494 individuals of inferred European ancestry and 58 individuals of inferred African ancestry were included in the final imputed dataset. Evaluation of the imputed APOE genotype against gold-standard sequencing data showed high concordance (98.2%). We replicated several known genetic associations identified from previous genome-wide association studies, including SNPs previously linked to adiponectin (rs16861209, p = 1.5 × 10⁻⁵), alpha-linolenic acid (rs174547, p = 1.3 × 10⁻⁷), and alpha-tocopherol (rs964184, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This dataset represents the first genetic resource derived from a dietary intervention trial focused on cognitive outcomes. It enables investigation of genetic contributions to variability in cognitive response to the MIND diet and supports integrative analyses with other omics data types to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying cognitive decline. These efforts may ultimately inform precision nutrition strategies to promote cognitive health. Full article

The most frequently used laboratory animals for studies on adipose tissue properties and obesity are rodents. However, there are significant differences in the types of visceral fat depots between rodents and humans, including fat depots in the heart area. The large human fat depot of greatest interest in cardiac research is the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). Its properties are widely investigated, because the EAT lies directly on the heart’s surface and can easily affect myocardial physiology. The major fat depot in rodents‘ chest—pericardial fat—is located on the ventral surface of the parietal lamina of the pericardium and is often incorrectly referred to as the EAT. Further confusion arises from reports claiming that rodents are entirely devoid of the EAT. We decided to verify adipose tissues in the heart area of 16 male Sprague Dawley rats under physiological conditions and in obesity. The animals in the NFD group (n = 8) were fed with a standard diet while these in the HFD group (n = 8) were fed with a high-fat diet (31% fat) starting from 4 weeks after birth. When the animals reached 12 weeks, the presence of fat deposits was verified. Additionally, their blood was collected to characterize carbohydrate and lipid metabolism changes, adipokine profile alterations, and their systemic inflammation status. The obesogenic diet caused significant disturbances in their carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as hyperleptinemia. A high-fat diet primarily promoted the accumulation of pericardial fat, which was absent in the NFD rats and observed in 6 out of the 8 HFD animals. In both groups, adipocytes were also found directly on the hearts’ surfaces (EAT), albeit in very small numbers and limited to the atrioventricular groove on the dorsal side of the hearts. These adipocytes were dispersed among the vessels, making quantitative assessment and separation difficult, however, macroscopic evaluation revealed no noticeable differences in its extent. In conclusion, although rats are not entirely devoid of the EAT, their suitability for studying the properties of the EAT appears to be considerably limited. Full article

Background/Objectives: Effective diabetes self-management is critical for glycemic management and well-being, yet Latino youth face unique cultural and socioeconomic barriers that are insufficiently explored in the literature. This review mapped existing evidence on diabetes self-management for Latino youth. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, ERIC, and The Cochrane Library, using the gray literature and reference lists, in September 2024, following JBI guidelines. The included studies were qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies and reviews on diabetes self-management for Latinos aged 0–30 with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Studies including participants over 30 or with gestational diabetes were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardized table and analyzed findings using the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists framework (ADCES7) for self-care behaviors: healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medication, problem-solving, reducing risks, and healthy coping. Results: Forty-five studies (forty from the United States) were included from 860 citations. The findings highlighted challenges in adopting diabetes-friendly diets, including cultural preferences, food insecurity, and limited resources. Physical activity improved glycemic control but was hindered by family and school obligations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enhanced outcomes, though economic barriers limited access. Family-centered education improved medication adherence, while family support strengthened problem-solving. CGMs and insulin pumps reduced complications, and culturally adapted psychological support enhanced emotional well-being and glycemic management. Conclusions: This review underscores persistent disparities in diabetes self-management among Latino youth. While the study designs and settings were heterogeneous, the findings highlight the need for culturally tailored, family-centered interventions that address structural barriers and psychosocial needs to improve care. Full article

Amidst a period of sustained inflation and rising living costs, food insecurity is a growing concern in Australia and is correlated with poor diet quality and increased rates of non-communicable diseases. Currently there is a gap in knowledge of the impact of increasing cost-of-living pressures on the affordability of a healthy diet. As affordability plays a key role in food security, this cross-sectional study aimed to examine the costs, affordability, and differential of habitual (unhealthy) and recommended (healthy) diets within the Illawarra region of Australia and compare results to 2022 findings. The Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing tool was applied in six locations in the Illawarra, with two randomly selected each from a low, moderate, and high socioeconomically disadvantaged area. Costs were determined for three reference households: a family of four, a single parent family, and a single male. Affordability was determined for the reference households at three levels of income: median gross, minimum-wage, and welfare dependent. Data was compared to data collected in 2022 using the same methods and locations. Recommended diets cost 10.3–36% less than habitual diets depending on household type, but remained unaffordable for welfare dependant households and family households from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, where diets required 25.5–45.9% of household income. Due to income increases, affordability of both diets has marginally improved since 2022, requiring 0.5–4.8% less household income. This study provides updated evidence that supports the urgent need for policies, interventions, and monitoring to widely assess and improve healthy diet affordability and decrease food insecurity rates. Possible solutions include increasing welfare rates above the poverty line and utilising nudge theory in grocery stores. Full article

Background: The interaction and co-evolution between the gut microbiome and the host play important roles in the host’s physiology, nutrition, and health. Diet is considered an important driver of differences in the gut microbiota; however, research on the relationship between the gut microbiota and diet in Asian elephants remains limited. Methods: In this study, we explored the gut microbiota structure and its relationship with diet in different populations of Asian elephants through metagenomic sequencing, combined with previously published dietary data. Results: This study found that the dominant gut microbiota of Asian elephants includes the phyla Bacillota (29.85% in BP, 22.79% in RC, 21.89% in SM, 31.67% in ML, and 33.00% in NGH), Bacteroidota (25.25% in BP, 31.44% in RC, 16.44% in SM, 25.73% in ML, and 23.74% in NGH), and Spirochaetota (3.49% in BP, 6.18% in RC, 1.71% in SM, 2.69% in ML, and 3.52% in NGH), with significant differences in the gut microbiota among different populations. Correlation analysis between the gut microbiota and diet revealed that dietary diversity did not directly affect the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota. However, specific food types might play a key role in shaping the gut microbiota structure by regulating the abundance of certain microbiota. Conclusions: This study reveals significant differences in the gut microbiota structure among different populations of Asian elephants and explores the impact of diet on the structure. The results provide foundational data for a deeper understanding of the gut microbiota structure of Asian elephants and offer important references for the scientific conservation and precise management strategies of this species. Full article

In recent years, the rapid development of the ruminant feeding industry and the limited availability and rising prices of traditional protein feed ingredients have renewed the focus on protein feeds in ruminant diets. Plant protein feeds are a core component of protein feeds for ruminants; however, the utilisation of both conventional and non-conventional plant protein feeds is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). In order to maximise the use of plant protein feeds and to promote their application in ruminant production, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the types and nature of their ANFs, their anti-nutritional mechanisms, and current effective methods of eliminating ANFs. Therefore, the types, anti-nutritional mechanisms, and elimination methods of ANFs in major plant protein feeds for ruminants are initially summarised in this review, which provides a reference for anti-nutritional factor elimination and the production of full-price compound feeds for ruminants. Full article

Climate change is a global priority requiring immediate action. A thorough understanding of the source of greenhouse gas emissions is essential to inform reduction strategies. This study aimed to quantify the climate footprint of two therapeutic diets—one diet for an adult with coeliac disease and one diet for an adult with type 2 diabetes—and then compare the climate footprint of these diets with the standard Australian diet and the Australian adapted EAT Lancet Planetary Health Diet. In addition, potential areas for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions were explored. All diets were developed for a 71-year-old male reference person. The amount of carbon dioxide produced by each diet was determined using the GWP* calculator for the reference person. Both the gluten-free and diabetic diet had a measurable climate footprint and were not considered climate-neutral. The diabetic diet produced 1.35 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents [CO₂e] per day, and the gluten-free diet produced 2.51 kg of CO₂e per day. Meat, dairy, and discretionary foods were the major contributors to the climate footprint of the two therapeutic diets. Substituting lamb for beef and soy milk for cow milk in the Australian context resulted in a 25% reduction in the climate footprint for the diabetic diet and 29% reduction for the gluten-free diet. Dietetic advice to reduce the climate footprint of therapeutic diets for coeliac disease and type 2 diabetes should focus on adapting diets to reduce animal-based products. Full article