Search Results (551)

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and duckweed are potential alternative feed ingredients for sustainable poultry production. This study aimed to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs) in BSFL, Lemna, and Spirodela compared with soybean meal and rapeseed meal. Six cages of eighteen broiler chickens were allocated to each treatment. The crude protein (CP) content was highest in soybean meal (511 g/kg dry matter; DM), intermediate in BSFL (391 g/kg), and rapeseed meal (335 g/kg DM) and lowest in Lemna (185 g/kg DM) and Spirodela (145 g/kg DM). Ether extract was highest in BSFL (95 g/kg DM), whereas crude fiber was highest in Lemna (109 g/kg DM) and Spirodela (171 g/kg DM). The SID of CP was higher (p < 0.05) in BSFL (89.0%) than in soybean meal (82.3%), rapeseed meal (71.3%), Lemna (70.2%), and Spirodela (44.9%). The SID of all essential amino acids (AAs) was higher (p < 0.05) in Lemna than in Spirodela, but it did not differ from that in rapeseed meal. In conclusion, the high fat content in BSFL can enhance AA digestibility, whereas the use of duckweed may be limited by its fiber fractions, which negatively impact the SID of CP and AAs in broiler chickens. Full article

Background: Patterns of dysregulated eating, including overeating, frequent snacking, and heightened food cravings, are associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic disease. Eating behaviors are multidimensional and can influence many factors, including social, cultural, and biological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic variation may contribute to inter-individual differences in appetite regulation and reward-related eating, potentially influencing susceptibility to dysregulated eating patterns and behaviors. Objectives: This exploratory, secondary analysis investigated possible relationships between the genetic variants FTO rs9939609, CLOCK rs1801260, MC4R rs17782313, and CD36 rs1761667 and eating behavior traits and postprandial appetite regulation in healthy young males. Methods: Thirty healthy males (27.7 ± 3.6 y; BMI 24.5 ± 2.7 kg/m²) completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) and consumed a standardized burrito-style meal, with appetite tracked over four hours using visual analogue scales (VAS). VAS data were baseline-adjusted and summarized as incremental area under the curve (AUC) to generate two derived exploratory composites of appetite suppression and cravings suppression. Genotyping was performed using iPLEX MassARRAY, and associations were tested with ANOVA and linear regression models. Results: FTO rs9939609 was significantly associated with higher emotional eating scores (β = 11.67; 95% CI 3.50, 19.83; p = 0.007, unadjusted), and this association remained significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. CLOCK rs1801260 showed a nominal association with reduced postprandial cravings suppression (β = −59.17; 95% CI −104.98, −13.35; p = 0.013, unadjusted). No associations were observed for MC4R or CD36. Conclusions: This exploratory analysis found a strong association between FTO rs9939609 and emotional eating, as well as a nominal relationship between CLOCK rs1801260 and craving regulation. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in larger cohorts. Full article

Background: Seaweed consumption is a major source of dietary iodine in Korea, particularly among lactating women during the postpartum period. This practice raises concerns regarding short-term iodine excess and its potential effects on thyroid function. We examined the prevalence of thyroid disease and hormone abnormalities 1 year after childbirth among postpartum women with varying levels of seaweed-derived iodine intake. Methods: Between 17 July 2021 and 10 December 2021, 147 postpartum women were enrolled within two weeks after childbirth at postpartum care centers in Korea, which provide structured residential maternal and infant care, including standardized meals, during the early postpartum period. Participants provided informed consent and completed baseline questionnaires and dietary assessments. Iodine intake, including seaweed soup consumption during the 8-week postpartum period, and infant growth indicators were evaluated. A total of 81 participants completed the 1-year follow-up. At follow-up, dietary records, thyroid disease prevalence, hormone levels, urinary iodine concentration, and infant growth indicators were assessed. Results: At 1 year, none of the 81 participants had thyroid disease. The prevalence of abnormal triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was analyzed by iodine-intake quartiles, revealing no significant differences (T3: p = 0.4175; FT4: p = 0.1591; TSH: p = 0.9344). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the evidence regarding an association between short-term postpartum iodine intake and thyroid outcomes one year after childbirth remains inconclusive. Owing to the limited sample size, high attrition, and observational design, the study may have been underpowered to detect clinically meaningful differences, and potential effects cannot be excluded. Therefore, these results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger, well-designed longitudinal studies with repeated thyroid assessments are needed to better clarify the long-term implications of postpartum iodine exposure. Full article

Intensive broiler chicken farming is one of the most important livestock sectors globally. However, intensive production systems raise concerns about farm sustainability, as well as ensuring animal welfare and product quality. For this reason, identifying novel, high-value-added feed ingredients is crucial. Winery by-products (WBPs) are a valuable source of bioactive compounds and can be utilized as functional feed ingredients. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with grape seed meal and grape pomace meal in diets for broilers up to 42 days of age. Three dietary treatments were formulated—grape seed meal (3% and 6%), grape pomace meal (3% and 6%), and a combination (3% seed meal + 3% pomace meal)—along with a standard diet (control). The proximal composition (moisture, protein, fatty acid profile, fats, ash), antioxidant parameters (ROS, GSH, NO, POV), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS^•+), and total phenolic content of the meat and physical characteristics (color) were assessed. While proximal composition of meat was not significantly influenced by the dietary treatment, some parameters, such as total phenolic content, PUFA levels, and antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, were improved. These results demonstrate enhanced favorable traits improving chicken meat quality and confirm the potential of WBPs as functional feed ingredients, promoting a more sustainable production model aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Laboratory maintenance of mosquitoes is important for studying vector biology and transmission of diseases, and for testing vector control tools. Standard operating procedures require feeding larvae with commercial fish meal. However, for many insectaries in sub-Saharan Africa, the commonly used feeds are imported and accompanied by procurement challenges. Changing the larval feed abruptly without allowing the larvae to adapt to new brands of feed also leads to a decrease in mosquito colonies in the laboratory. We investigated locally acquired beans, maize, and dried herrings as alternate feeds for mosquito larvae reared under laboratory conditions. Four replicates for each treatment were prepared, each containing 100 first instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae Tiassalé mosquitoes. The larvae were introduced into 500 mL of dechlorinated tap water and maintained under standard environmental insectary conditions. The larvae were provided with 40 mg of the designated powdered feed—beans, maize, and herring fish—in single and combined treatments. Tetra^® goldfish meal was included as a control. The larval mortality, developmental time, and number of pupae were recorded to evaluate the effectiveness of the feeds. Adult mosquitoes were weighed and measured to assess fitness, and females from each treatment were blood-fed and allowed to lay eggs to evaluate fertility. Larval survival differed significantly across diets (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.01), with maize-fed larvae showing the highest mortality (41.3%) and those with herring-based diets the lowest. Pupation and adult emergence were poorest in the maize and maize–bean groups, while the maize–herring combination achieved the highest emergence (92.6%, p = 0.03). Although overall differences were detected among the groups, conservative pairwise tests did not pinpoint specific group contrasts, but effect size estimates suggested biologically meaningful patterns. Generally, adult body weight and wing length did not differ by treatment except in maize-fed males (β = 0.371 mm, p = 0.022). Herring fish-based diets consistently supported larval survival, timely development, and robust fecundity, whereas maize-based diets were nutritionally inadequate. These findings highlight herring fish-based diets as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial feeds for maintaining Anopheles mosquito colonies, with potential to strengthen vector research capacity in resource-limited laboratories. Full article

Cardiac metabolic flexibility is a key determinant of myocardial energetic resilience. In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), intrinsic mitochondrial dysfunction and lipotoxicity compromise oxidative capacity. In contrast, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is orchestrated primarily by systemic comorbidities and coronary microvascular dysfunction, which decouple glycolysis from glucose oxidation. This review integrates these distinct pathophysiologies into a comprehensive biomarker framework. Beyond core hemodynamic markers, we detail indices of metabolic flux (ketones, acylcarnitines, branched-chain amino acids), endothelial injury, and fibrosis. We further prose a shift from static, isolated measurements to dynamic functional profiling using standardized challenges (e.g., mixed-meal or exercise tests) to quantify metabolic suppression and recovery kinetics. This structured hierarchy enables phenotype-tailored risk stratification and guides mechanism-based precision therapies in the era of personalized medicine. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary linseed cake on the fatty acid profile of meat and abdominal fat, and on growth performance in broiler chickens. A total of 198 birds were randomly allocated to three groups (66 birds/group). The control group (C) received a standard soybean meal-based feed, while the LIN6 and LIN12 groups were fed diets that were supplemented with 6% and 12% linseed cake, respectively. Linseed cake supplementation reduced saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat and abdominal fat, and lowered the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). The 12% inclusion resulted in a more pronounced accumulation of n-3 PUFAs—4.3–5.0 times higher than the control—while 6% inclusion increased n-3 PUFAs by 2.8–3.3 times (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). However, 12% inclusion negatively affected growth performance, reducing body weight by 9.9% and feed intake by 10.4% at 42 days (p < 0.05), whereas the 6% inclusion had no adverse impact (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 6% linseed cake represents the optimal practical inclusion level, effectively enhancing the n-3 PUFA profile of broiler meat and abdominal fat without compromising growth, while higher inclusion levels may impair production performance. Full article

This study first adopted a liquid microbial-enzymatic co-fermentation process to enhance the nutritional value of walnut meal (WM) and sesame meal (SM), and systematically evaluated its effect on the nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. WM and SM are two underutilized high-protein by-products, whose application is hindered by anti-nutritional tannin and fiber. Optimal fermentation parameters were determined via single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, utilizing a consortium of Lactobacillus I, Candida utilis, and protease. Fermentation significantly reduced tannin (39.41% in WM) and crude fibre (28.79% in WM), reduced tannin (18.67% in SM) and crude fibre (4.00% in SM), while elevating crude protein (10.63% in WM, 7.47% in SM) and acid-soluble protein in both WM and SM. Results of the microstructure of fermented WM and SM revealed structural loosening, surface porosity, and polysaccharide degradation. Microbial community shifts highlighted the dominance of Lactobacillus and Bacillus in fermented substrates. In growing pigs, fermented WM and SM exhibited improved standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of key amino acids (threonine, tryptophan, valine; p < 0.05), alongside enhanced digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) for SM (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that liquid co-fermentation effectively degrades anti-nutritional factors, enhances nutrient bio-availability, and positions WM and SM as viable alternatives to conventional protein sources in swine diets, supporting strategies to reduce reliance on soybean meal. Full article

Background: Childhood undernutrition and overnutrition continue to be major public health challenges in South Africa. There is limited evidence on how socio-economic factors and dietary behaviors influence nutritional outcomes among school-aged children, particularly in rural areas such as Thulamela Municipality. Objective: This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic determinants, dietary patterns, and nutritional status among school-aged children in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 347 children aged 8–12 years. Simple random sampling was used to select eight villages from a total of 227 within the municipality. A snowball sampling method was used to recruit eligible children. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, including the child’s sex, parental education level, marital status, and employment status, were collected. Additionally, their dietary habits and meal frequency patterns were collected using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and BMI-for-age were obtained following WHO growth standards. Associations between variables were assessed using chi-square tests, with p-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of severe and moderate stunting was 20.5% and 21.0%, respectively. Overweight conditions and obesity affected 32.6% and 16.2% of participants, respectively. Parental education (p = 0.027), marital status (p = 0.001), and household income (p = 0.043) showed significant associations with height-for-age and BMI-for-age Z-scores. Additionally, regular breakfast consumption and the frequent intake of vegetables and dairy products were positively associated with improved nutritional outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The nutritional profile of school-aged children in Thulamela Municipality reflects a double burden of malnutrition, with concurrent high rates of stunting, overweight conditions, and obesity. Interventions that promote balanced diets and address socio-economic disparities are crucial for improving child growth and overall health. Socio-economic factors, including parental education, marital status, and household income, were significantly associated with children’s height-for-age and BMI-for-age. Furthermore, the regular consumption of breakfast, vegetables, and dairy products was associated with better nutritional outcomes, highlighting the influence of both dietary behaviors and socio-demographic determinants on child growth and health. Implementing nutrition education programs within schools that emphasize the value of balanced diets and highlighting the significance of eating breakfast regularly and incorporating vegetables and dairy products into daily meals is important. These programs should include both children and their caregivers to support regular healthy eating behaviors at home and in school. Additionally, schools should carry out regular growth monitoring and nutritional assessments to identify early indications of undernutrition or overnutrition, enabling prompt referrals and interventions for children who may be at risk. Full article

This study aimed to test the additivity of digestible phosphorus (P) in mixed diets fed to pigs and to investigate the effects of P expressions in diet formulations on P excretion from pigs. In experiment 1, eight castrated male pigs (30.5 ± 1.5 kg) were allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Three experimental diets contained wheat, soybean meal, or both as the sole P source, and a P-free diet was prepared to determine the basal endogenous losses of P. In experiment 2, twenty-four castrated male pigs (18.1 ± 0.7 kg) were allotted to a completely randomized design. Three experimental diets were prepared based on the total, apparent total tract digestible (ATTD), or standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P. In experiment 1, the measured ATTD of P in the mixed diet was greater (p < 0.05) than the predicted values, but no difference was observed in the STTD of P in the mixed diet. In experiment 2, the daily P output of the pigs fed the diet based on ATTD P was greater (p < 0.05) than that based on the total or STTD P. Overall, the STTD P provides a more accurate and additive measure of biologically available P in mixed diets for pigs, and the use of STTD P in formulations may reduce P excretions. Full article

Background & Aim: Sweets and appetizers are an integral part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s cultural heritage but are often high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, contributing to the rising burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Qatar, as one of the fastest-developing GCC nations, exemplifies these nutrition-related challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically develop a culturally adapted meal-planning exchange list for 34 commonly consumed Qatari and GCC sweets and appetizers to support nutrition counseling and diabetes management. Methods: This study is primarily methodological and developmental in scope, employing a descriptive observational design in which the units of analysis were the 34 selected traditional dishes. Standardized recipes were compiled for each dish, and serving sizes were determined. Macronutrient content (carbohydrates, protein, fat) was analyzed, variability across dishes was assessed, and nutrient data were validated against food processor software data. Results: The nutrient comparison analysis revealed strong correlations between collected nutrient data sources (r = 0.81–0.85, p < 0.05) and significant variability in macronutrient profiles. Fried and sugar-syrup-based items presented higher fat and carbohydrate content, while legume- and vegetable-based dishes contributed additional protein and fiber, demonstrating the dual role of traditional foods as both nutrient rich and energy dense. Conclusions: The developed exchange list provides a practical tool for culturally relevant nutrition guidance. It enables dietitians to plan individualized meals, promoting moderation, portion control, and adherence to dietary recommendations, thereby supporting diabetes and weight management initiatives across the GCC. Full article

Currently, there is no report on prediction models of standardized ileal amino acid digestibilities (SIAADs) in soybean meals (SBMs) for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. This study firstly analyzed the chemical compositions of 10 SBMs, then determined their SIAADs in chickens, and finally established and verified prediction models for SBM SIAADs based on their chemical compositions and amino acid (AA) profiles. A total of 276 55 d-old Tianluma roosters were selected and randomly divided by body weight into 11 treatment groups. On d 63, chickens were fed either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or one of 10 SBM diets for 5 d. On d 67, ileal chyme samples were collected to determine SIAADs. Data from nine SBM samples and stepwise regressions were employed to build prediction models, while one SBM sample was randomly selected to validate model accuracy. Different SBM sources affected (p ≤ 0.007) SIAADs in medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of glutamic acid (Glu) was the highest (93.9%), whereas that of cysteine (Cys) was the lowest (81.7%). Fifteen prediction models (R² = 0.567–0.993, p < 0.03) for the SIDs of methionine (Met), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), Glu, glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), Cys, tyrosine (Tyr), and proline (Pro) in SBMs for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens were effectively established based on chemical compositions and AA profiles. Among them, the prediction model for the SID of Cys showed the best fit (R² = 0.993, p = 0.002), while the model for the SID of Ala had the lowest fit (R² = 0.567, p = 0.019). Except for His and Pro, which exhibited poor predictive accuracy, all other models showed good accuracy. These prediction models thus provide a valuable reference for rapidly estimating the SIDs of key AAs in SBMs for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet and physical activity are key lifestyle behaviours associated with sleep quality, yet their combined and sex-specific associations remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the associations between dietary behaviours and sleep quality among university students and assessed whether physical activity formed part of an indirect statistical association between these variables, with sex considered as a moderator. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 students (199 males, 219 females) from the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences. Body height and body mass were measured using standard anthropometric procedures. Sleep quality (SQ) was registered with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), dietary habits were assessed with the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviours (QEB) and physical activity (PA) was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data-driven feature-selection methods were applied to identify dietary behaviours associated with sleep quality, which were combined into a Synthetic Dietary Behaviour Index (SDBI). A moderated mediation model, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), was then used to examine the statistical associations between dietary behaviours, physical activity, sleep quality, and sex. Sleep quality was modelled as a continuous PSQI score in mediation analyses, while the dichotomised PSQI category was used only for feature selection. Results: Machine-learning feature selection identified nine dietary behaviours statistically associated with sleep quality. Unfavourable behaviours—fast food, fried meals, sweetened beverages, energy drinks and alcohol—were linked to poorer sleep, whereas vegetables, curd cheese and wholegrain bread were associated with better sleep. Poor sleep was more prevalent among females (45.2% vs. 14.6%, χ² (1) = 65.4, p < 0.001). The mediation model indicated that physical activity formed part of a statistically significant but modest indirect association between dietary behaviour and sleep quality, with sex moderating the IPAQ → PSQI path (β = −0.45, p = 0.006). Indirect associations were significant for both sexes but stronger among females (males: β = 0.032, p = 0.021; females: β = 0.102, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Unfavourable dietary patterns and lower physical activity were statistically associated with poorer sleep quality, with a stronger indirect statistical effect observed among females. These findings support the relevance of integrated, sex-sensitive lifestyle approaches addressing both dietary behaviours and physical activity, while acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of the data. Full article

Background: Dysphagia negatively impacts quality of life and requires diets with specifically modified textures. The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) scale provides standardized criteria to ensure food safety. This research aims to explore and validate the IDDSI scale adapted to the consumption of foods developed with 3D printing in patients with dysphagia. Methodology: Different dishes were designed and validated using 3D printing and were evaluated by both healthcare professionals and people with dysphagia. In the second phase, participants analyzed their texture using the IDDSI scale. A mixed methodological approach was applied, combining quantitative data (from validated scales) and qualitative data (obtained through interviews and focus groups), ensuring methodological triangulation. Methods: In the first phase of the study, different dishes were cooked and designed using 3D printing technology and were previously evaluated by both healthcare professionals and people with dysphagia. In the second phase, all the dishes validated in the first phase were analyzed and classified according to their texture using the IDDSI. Results: A total of 24 dishes, backed by 204 validations, were determined to be suitable for people with dysphagia and compatible with 3D printing. According to the IDDSI analysis, 36% of these dishes were classified as level 3 (soft texture) and 64% as level 4 (thick purée), levels internationally recognized as safe and suitable for people with dysphagia and suitable for 3D printing. The application of the IDDSI scale eliminated ambiguities in the description of textures, facilitating clear communication between healthcare professionals, caregivers, people with dysphagia, and companies that produce 3D-printed foods, as well as the standardization of 3D food printing processes related to textures. The application of the IDDSI scale eliminated ambiguities in the description of textures, facilitating clear communication between healthcare professionals, caregivers, people with dysphagia, and companies producing 3D-printed food products. This enabled the standardization of 3D food printing processes and the definition of their textures. At the same time, 3D printing proved to be a viable and effective tool for customizing meals that are safe, appropriate, and sensorially appealing. Conclusions: The feasibility of combining the IDDSI scale with 3D printing to develop diets tailored to the needs of people with dysphagia is confirmed. This integrative approach represents an innovation in the field of nutrition for people with swallowing problems, especially in contexts with limited scientific evidence, combining the validation of modified textures with 3D printing technology. There are effective tools for producing safe, suitable and sensorially appealing meals. Full article

Time-qualified dietary interventions, including time-restricted eating (TRE), intermittent fasting (IF), and periodic fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs), have emerged as strategies to improve metabolic health. While preclinical studies consistently demonstrate robust effects on energy metabolism, cardiometabolic function, and longevity, translation to humans remains heterogeneous. In free-living settings, most metabolic improvements observed with TRE and IF appear primarily driven by spontaneous caloric restriction rather than meal timing per se, and isocaloric randomized controlled trials generally show no additional benefits compared to standard calorie restriction. Evidence supporting circadian-specific advantages, particularly for early TRE, is promising but inconsistent and often context-dependent. Important uncertainties also persist regarding long-term efficacy, lean mass preservation, safety in specific populations, and the physiological impact of extended fasting windows. Despite these controversies, time-qualified diets represent a paradigm shift in nutritional science by integrating chronobiology with dietary patterns. Future directions include tailoring eating windows to individual chronotypes, combining fasting regimens with high-quality dietary patterns and structured physical activity, and clarifying the molecular mechanisms that may mediate calorie-independent benefits. Large, long-term, mechanistically informed human trials are essential to determine whether aligning eating behaviors with circadian biology can produce durable clinical improvements. Such work will ultimately shape the role of personalized chrononutrition in preventive and therapeutic nutrition. Full article