Search Results (1,862)

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides (PCPs) are bioactive components with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, whether the polysaccharides derived from elder Polygonatum cyrtonema exhibit superior health benefits remains unclear. This study systematically compared the in vitro fermentation characteristics, gut microbiota-modulating effects, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production of PCPs extracted from three-year-old (TPP), five-year-old (FPP), and eight-year-old (EPP) plants using a human fecal fermentation model. The fermentation dynamics were evaluated by monitoring pH, OD₆₀₀, and the consumption of total and reducing sugars, while the structural degradation and compositional differences in PCPs were tracked via molecular weight distribution and monosaccharide composition analysis. The results showed that all three PCPs were degraded and utilized by gut microbiota, accompanied by decreased pH, increased OD₆₀₀, and enhanced antioxidant activities. High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that, at the phylum level, all PCPs increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. At the genus level, they reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Sutterella and increased beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera. Furthermore, gas chromatography (GC) analysis demonstrated that, compared with FPP, TPP and EPP significantly promoted the production of SCFAs. In summary, this study indicates that the in vitro fermentation characteristics and prebiotic properties of PCPs vary with growth years, and a comprehensive evaluation suggests that three-year-old Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua represents a promising raw material for the development of functional foods. Full article

Objectives: To assess differential exposure and differential vulnerability to frequency of unhealthy food consumption in relation to dental caries among 5-year-old children and 12-year-old adolescents in Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 836 participants, comprising 445 children and 391 adolescents from municipalities in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Dental caries experience was assessed using the decayed, missing and filled surfaces index for primary teeth among children (dmfs) and permanent teeth among adolescents (DMFS). Unhealthy food consumption was measured according to the weekly frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods and categorized as low, moderate or high. Socioeconomic position was assessed using equivalized per capita household income and parental schooling. Differential exposure was examined by assessing socioeconomic gradients in unhealthy food consumption. Differential vulnerability was assessed using interaction terms between socioeconomic position and unhealthy food consumption in negative binomial regression models. Absolute and relative inequalities were quantified using the Slope Index of Inequality and Relative Index of Inequality. Results: Adolescents from lower-income and lower-education households showed a higher frequency of unhealthy food consumption, whereas this pattern was not clearly observed among children. Socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries were evident in both age groups. However, evidence that socioeconomic position modified the association between frequency of unhealthy food consumption and caries was stronger and more consistent among adolescents. Sensitivity analyses using caries prevalence as a binary outcome supported this pattern. Inequality measures indicated stronger relative socioeconomic gradients among adolescents than among children. Conclusions: Socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries are shaped by unequal exposure to unhealthy food consumption and unequal vulnerability to its effects, particularly during adolescence. Full article

The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia among adults continues to rise. However, limited attention has been devoted to the association between free sugar intake and dyslipidemia. This study aimed to explore the association between free sugar intake and dyslipidemia, as well as its subtypes, in Chinese adults. A total of 38,656 adults from the Chinese Food Consumption Survey (CFCS) and 3974 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were included in the final analysis. Dietary intake data were collected by 24 h dietary recalls and the weighing of household foods and condiments. For the CHNS, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association between free sugar intake and the risk of dyslipidemia and its subtypes. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was used to evaluate the nonlinear relationship between free sugar intake and dyslipidemia. Stratified analyses and interaction tests were performed across key covariates to explore potential effect modifiers of the association between free sugar intake and dyslipidemia risk. For the CFCS, the mean free sugar intake among Chinese adults was 6.4 g/d. For the CHNS, a total of 1052 individuals were diagnosed with dyslipidemia, corresponding to an incidence rate of 26.5% during a total of 24,531 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up, 6.0 years) in the CHNS cohort. After multivariable adjustment, the risk of dyslipidemia was increased by 38% with >20 g/d free sugar intake (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.04–1.84, p for trend = 0.006), with <5 g/d free sugar intake as a reference. For different subtypes of dyslipidemia, with <5 g/d free sugar intake as a reference, the risk of hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia was increased by 91% (HR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.34–2.74, p for trend < 0.001) and 52% (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.29, p for trend = 0.004) with > 20g/d free sugar intake, respectively. Stratified analyses demonstrated that the impact of high free sugar intake on the development of hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia was significantly amplified among urban residents and those with insufficient physical activity. While linear dose–response associations were observed between free sugar intake and the risk of dyslipidemia (p for nonlinearity > 0.05), a nonlinear, inverted U-shaped association emerged for hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia (p for nonlinearity = 0.007). Our study demonstrates that free sugar intake levels in Chinese adults were relatively low compared to the recommended intake level (<50 g/d) in the Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022. Nevertheless, increased free sugar intake was positively associated with a higher risk of incident dyslipidemia, as well as incident hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia. Targeted nutrition education is recommended to promote balanced dietary patterns and enhance overall dietary quality, thereby effectively reducing the risk of dyslipidemia. Full article

Mechanical force offers a distinctive nonequilibrium mode of energy input for lignocellulosic biomass valorization through localized, transient action. This review systematically examines the multiscale physicochemical effects of mechanical force, its synergistic coupling with chemical pretreatments, and its role in enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis. The principal contribution of mechanical force is not merely particle-size reduction, but the exposure of active sites and improvement in substrate accessibility at the molecular level. Coupling mechanical force with chemical pretreatment enables the efficient component fractionation under mild conditions while mitigating irreversible lignin condensation. In high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis, a periodic mechanical energy input can tear fiber bundles, release constrained water, and renew reaction interfaces, thereby allowing enzymes to sustain a high catalytic efficiency at extremely low liquid-to-solid ratios and reducing the dependence on large amounts of free water. An economic analysis indicates that feedstock and enzyme costs dominate the overall process economics. Accordingly, mechanical-force strategies should prioritize the maximized sugar yield and reduced enzyme loading under a controlled energy input. Future research should focus on continuous operation, the balance between mechanical deconstruction and lignin structural integrity, and multidimensional evaluation frameworks that integrate the energy consumption, sugar yield, enzyme dosage, and full-process energy balance. Full article

Hanseniaspora uvarum is consistently observed as the dominant non-Saccharomyces species in grape juice leading to spontaneous fermentations and is often considered a detrimental factor due to the increased volatile acidity associated with its abundance. This study investigated how fermentation temperature affects the competitive interaction between H. uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and how these shifts influence microbial community structure during spontaneous grape juice fermentations. Defined single- and co-inoculated fermentations were conducted across a range of temperatures (17, 23, and 25 °C), and cell abundance was quantified by flow cytometry. In parallel, spontaneous fermentations were monitored using ITS metabarcoding to assess temperature-driven changes in fungal community composition. At 17 °C, H. uvarum dominated early fermentation due to its faster growth rate, resulting in slower sugar consumption and prolonged fermentations. Increasing fermentation temperature enhanced the early growth of S. cerevisiae. Consistent patterns were observed in spontaneous fermentations, where higher temperatures increased the relative abundance of S. cerevisiae and shortened fermentation time. These results demonstrate that fermentation temperature is a major driver of yeast competition and suggest that moderate increases in fermentation temperature may help limit excessive H. uvarum proliferation during spontaneous fermentations. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 589 million adults in 2024, with projections rising to 853 million by 2050. Dietary modification is a cornerstone of both T2D prevention and management. Among the various dietary approaches, plant-based dietary patterns have gained increasing attention; however, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal dietary composition and the contribution of specific food groups. Methods: This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on plant-based dietary patterns and their association with T2D prevention and metabolic control, with a particular focus on legumes, dietary fiber, and red and processed meat. Evidence from prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was evaluated. Results: Higher adherence to healthy plant-based dietary patterns was consistently associated with up to a 30% lower risk of developing T2D, improved insulin sensitivity, and approximately a 0.30–0.47 percentage-point reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c). Greater consumption of legumes and dietary fiber was linked to improved glycemic control, enhanced but heterogeneous modulation of gut microbiota composition, reduced low-grade inflammation, and beneficial effects on body weight and lipid metabolism. In contrast, higher intake of processed meat and unprocessed red meat was consistently associated with an increased risk of T2D. Importantly, unhealthy plant-based diets characterized by refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods provided little metabolic benefit and may even increase diabetes risk by up to 13%. The interpretation of the available evidence is limited by the predominance of observational studies, heterogeneous definitions of plant-based dietary patterns, self-reported dietary assessments, and the limited availability of long-term randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Current evidence supports healthy plant-based dietary patterns as an effective strategy for the prevention and management of T2D. Dietary patterns emphasizing whole plant foods, including legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while limiting processed and excessive red meat intake, are associated with improved metabolic health. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized dietary definitions are needed to further define the optimal composition of plant-based diets for diabetes prevention and treatment. Full article

Cider is a low-alcohol fruit wine produced by partial or complete fermentation of apple juice. In recent years, its consumption has grown significantly, especially in Asia. Its distinctive flavor profile reflects a complex interplay of aroma and non-volatile components. The composition of cider is mainly influenced by three factors: raw materials, starter cultures, and production process. This review begins by outlining the composition of cider, covering both its aromatic compounds and non-volatile components. The primary aroma profile is defined by higher alcohols, esters, fatty acids, and carbonyl compounds, while sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols are the key determinants of its taste. Subsequently, it provides a detailed analysis of how the raw material, the choice of starter cultures, and the applied production processes collectively shape the cider’s flavor. Research shows that apple variety and maturity influence the levels of sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols, shaping the flavor foundation of cider. To enhance flavor diversity, inoculation strategies have shifted from single-strain fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to mixed fermentations using non-Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, either simultaneously or sequentially. Currently, screening non-Saccharomyces strains has become a key strategy to increase cider flavor complexity. Precise micro-oxygenation and nutrient supply regulate microbial metabolism, thereby controlling the fermentation process and the production of specific flavor compounds. In the future, given the untapped diversity of non-Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria in winemaking traits, research in this direction may be key to improving cider quality. In addition, selecting apple cultivars tailored to specific cider styles and exploring pre-fermentation treatments such as cold maceration and enzymolysis may also contribute to enhancing the flavor diversity of cider. Full article

Background/Objectives: The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining oral health from early life, with childhood representing a critical period for its establishment and long-term stability. While many environmental factors influence this dynamic microbial ecosystem, diet is distinct in being both universal and highly modifiable. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current evidence regarding the impact and mechanisms of distinct dietary habits, food matrices, and nutritional components on the composition, diversity, and ecological resilience of the pediatric oral microbiome. Methods: A literature review aligned with PRISMA guidelines was conducted via digital searches on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases (January 2015–December 2025). Search strategies combined MeSH terms and keywords targeting “Microbiota”, “Mouth”, “Child”, “Diet”, and “Oral health”. Results: From 1068 records identified, 16 relevant articles met the inclusion criteria. Dietary habits may influence taxonomic and functional profiles. Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sucrose-rich sodas, and sweet treats induces notable dysbiosis and enriches acidogenic/aciduric taxa. Conversely, protective food matrices, including probiotic-fortified dairy products, polyol-based sugar-free chewing gums (xylitol and maltitol), bovine milk, and bioactive-rich agents like green tea, actively suppress cariogenic pathways (specifically Streptococcus mutans) and support commensal, health-associated genera without disrupting overall microbial structures. Conclusions: Diet represents an important modifiable factor shaping the pediatric oral microbiome, capable of either driving dysbiosis or reinforcing symbiosis. Cultivating a microbiome-informed dietary approach early in childhood supports a resilient microbial architecture, offering a non-invasive, public health framework for long-term oral and systemic disease prevention. Full article

An evaluation of the safety profile of palatinose/fructooligosaccharide (P/FOS) and palatinose/invert sugar (P/IS), as novel low-glycemic and functional sweetener combinations, is essential for their application. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of 1000 mg/kg/day of P/FOS and 1000 mg/kg/day of P/IS through a 14-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study using male and female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Clinical signs, such as body weight and organ weights, food/water consumption, hematology results, blood biochemical analysis results, urinalysis results, and histological changes in the liver and kidneys, were recorded in all SD rats. Barely any significant changes in food/water consumption, body weight, and organ weight were observed during the experimental period. Although there were some alterations in the results of hematological analysis, serum biochemical analysis, and urinalysis, these changes were not considered toxicologically significant within the normal ranges in both male and female SD rats administered with P/FOS and P/IS at 1000 mg/kg/day. Additionally, a histopathological analysis of the liver and kidneys showed no toxicological changes in P/FOS- and P/IS-treated SD rats of both sexes at the tested dose. Collectively, the above results confirmed that no overt treatment-related adverse effects of P/FOS and P/IS were observed under the tested conditions. Full article

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Coffee and its bioactive compounds, including caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, have attracted increasing attention because of their potential health benefits. Evidence from pediatric and adult populations supports a positive association between fructose intake from sugar-sweetened beverages and the increasing prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases. In this context, coffee consumption may represent a potential protective dietary factor against high fructose intake-induced metabolic alterations, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. Therefore, this review summarizes current evidence on the potential role of coffee consumption and coffee-derived bioactive compounds in modulating fructose-induced metabolic alterations and discusses the mechanisms involved. However, current evidence from human studies remains limited, and the clinical relevance of the beneficial effects observed in experimental models requires confirmation through well-designed clinical trials. Full article

Recent research establishes carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) as a central regulator of fructose-induced hepatic lipogenesis, underscoring its critical role in mediating the effects of excessive sugar intake on liver metabolism. Consequently, this narrative review presents a perspective of hepatic sugar metabolism and ChREBP signaling, highlighting areas for further exploration to better understand and address the metabolic consequences of fructose-driven activation of ChREBP. The discussion encompasses five principal domains: (1) fructose metabolism; (2) the structure and function of ChREBP; (3) interactions between glucose and fructose metabolism with ChREBP activity; (4) mechanisms that intensify fructose’s influence on ChREBP pathways; and (5) future research opportunities. Under physiological conditions, ChREBP mitigates accumulation of glycolytic intermediates; however, excessive sugar consumption overwhelms these capacities, thereby increasing lipogenesis. Fructose demonstrates notably stronger activation of ChREBP in vivo relative to glucose. Given ChREBP’s dual role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and promoting insulin resistance under high fructose intake, therapeutic targeting poses considerable challenges. We propose the testable hypothesis that the MG generated from excessive fructose metabolism may bind to ChREBP’s lysine residues, stabilizing the protein and reducing degradation by impeding ubiquitination. This stabilization of ChREBP would prolong its activity, thereby further promoting sustained hepatic lipogenesis and exacerbating the risk of MASLD. Experimental and clinical research is needed to confirm its validity and define the molecular pathways involved. Future studies should aim to identify glucose metabolites involved in ChREBP regulation and clarify its beneficial versus adverse effects. The specific functions and regulation of ChREBPβ vs. ChREBPα remain to be elucidated. Full article

Yeast-assisted mixed-culture fermentations have gained attention for their ability to enhance fermentation efficiency and modulate metabolite production. There is little knowledge on the impact of magnetic nanoparticle-assisted immobilization on yeast–yeast interactions during alcoholic fermentation. The co-culture platforms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus, immobilized on chitosan-coated manganese ferrite nanoparticles, were applied in the fermentation of sugarcane molasses and sugarcane juice in the present study. The chitosan-coated MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were prepared using a one-step coprecipitation reaction followed by hydrothermal treatment and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. An immobilized co-culture system has been shown to provide faster sugar consumption and higher ethanol production than non-immobilized-cell fermentations. Operational stability of the immobilized biomass and higher ethanol production by reuse were confirmed by repeated fermentation cycles. Bioproduction of volatile metabolites varies among monoculture, co-culture, non-immobilized-cell, and immobilized systems, with yeast interactions and magnetic immobilization also affecting secondary metabolite production during fermentation. The findings confirm that magnetic nanoparticle-assisted co-culture fermentation would be an attractive nanobiotechnological tool for enhancing alcoholic fermentation and shed new light on yeast interactions with the nanostructured system when combined with the immobilized solution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Zero-calorie beverages (ZCB) are increasingly consumed by adolescents, yet their relationship with mental health remains unclear, and whether any association differs by sex has not been established. We examined the association between ZCB consumption and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents, with sex as a prespecified effect modifier. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 50,972 adolescents aged 12–18 years (50.9% male; mean age, 15.0 years) from the 2025 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Self-reported ZCB consumption during the previous 7 days and depressive symptoms during the previous 12 months were assessed. ZCB consumption was categorized as none, ≤2/week, 3–6/week, or ≥1/day. Survey-weighted logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with non-consumers as the reference. Effect modification by sex was assessed using interaction terms. Results: Depressive symptoms were reported by 12,954 adolescents (25.4%). ZCB consumption was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms across consumption categories (aOR for ≥1/day 1.76, 95% CI 1.45–2.13; p for trend < 0.001), after adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle covariates. The association appeared stronger among females than among males (aOR 1.14 [95% CI 1.11–1.18] vs. 1.05 [1.02–1.08]; p for interaction < 0.001), though significant in both sexes, and persisted after additional adjustment for co-consumed sugar-sweetened and high-caffeine beverages. Conclusions: In this nationally representative sample, daily ZCB consumption was associated with depressive symptoms, with a stronger association observed among females. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify temporality and underlying mechanisms. Full article

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plays a vital agronomic and nutritional role in arid regions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where sustainable crop improvement is essential. Among the many cultivars, Sukkary, Mejhoul, and Khlass stand out for their commercial importance, adaptability, and distinctive fruit characteristics. This study investigated their metabolomic profiles during fruit development, focusing on sugars, amino acids, polyphenols, and organic acids. Distinct biochemical signatures were identified among cultivars. Mejhoul exhibited the highest Brix (~79), reflecting elevated glucose and fructose, while Sukkary and Khlass (~72) showed sucrose predominance. Sugar profiles revealed cultivar-specific patterns: Sukkary accumulated more sucrose, whereas Mejhoul and Khlass had higher invert sugars, with inositol uniquely abundant in Khlass. Amino acid analysis showed Sukkary enriched in glutamine, valine, and GABA—metabolites linked to nitrogen metabolism and stress tolerance. Mejhoul contained more tyrosine and glutamine, and Khlass was rich in methionine and urea. Organic acid profiling highlighted Sukkary’s dominance in TCA intermediates (fumaric, succinic, and malic acids), Khlass in citric and citraconic acids, and lower organic acid levels in Mejhoul. Sukkary also exhibited the highest polyphenol content, consistent with elevated phenylalanine and activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. These metabolomic distinctions reflect cultivar-specific physiological and nutritional traits: Mejhoul suits fresh consumption and fermentation, Sukkary favors functional food and storage potential, and Khlass offers balanced sugar-acid and inositol profiles. The findings provide a biochemical basis for cultivar-specific breeding, postharvest optimization, and enhanced nutritional value under climate stress. Full article

Obesity is currently recognized as a global epidemic and contributes to numerous health complications. It is strongly associated with poor dietary habits, including the widespread availability and consumption of high-calorie foods. We conducted a narrative review of publications from major biomedical databases addressing obesity treatment and public-health interventions. One of the strategies for managing obesity is lifestyle modification—balanced diet and regular physical activity—supported by pharmacological and psychological treatment, and, in selected patients, metabolic and bariatric surgery. Beyond patient-level care, public-health-oriented measures should be considered, including taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages, restriction on advertising of unhealthy foods, regulation of the school food environment, front-of-pack nutrition labelling, mandatory food reformulation, subsidies and incentives for healthy foods, urban-planning policies that promote physical activity, and policies that expand access to bariatric surgery. A comprehensive approach integrating clinical care with public-health policy is likely to yield more effective outcomes than either alone. Full article