Search Results (2,061)

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that can greatly affect quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Nutritional supplements are increasingly used for KOA due to their low risk, but direct comparative evidence on their efficacy and safety remains scarce. This study aimed to systematically compare the effectiveness and safety of seven common nutritional supplements for KOA. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating use of eggshell membrane, vitamin D, Boswellia, curcumin, ginger, krill oil, or collagen, versus placebo, in adults with KOA. Primary outcomes included changes in scores for WOMAC pain, stiffness and function, and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Adverse events were also assessed. Bayesian network meta-analyses estimated ranking probabilities for each intervention. Results: In total, 39 RCTs (42 studies; 4599 patients) were included. Compared with placebo, Boswellia showed significant improvements in WOMAC pain (mean difference [MD] = 10.58, 95% CI: 6.45 to 14.78, p < 0.05), stiffness (MD = 9.47, 95% CI: 6.39 254 to 12.74, p < 0.05), function (MD = 14.00, 95% CI: 7.74 to 20.21, p < 0.05), and VAS pain (MD = 17.26, 95% CI: 8.06 to 26.52, p < 0.05). Curcumin, collagen, ginger, and krill oil also demonstrated benefits in some outcomes. No supplement was associated with increased adverse events compared to placebo. Bayesian rankings indicated Boswellia had the highest probability of being most effective for pain and stiffness, with krill oil and curcumin showing potential for function improvement. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements, particularly Boswellia, appear to be effective and well-tolerated for improving KOA symptoms and function. These results suggest that certain supplements may be useful as part of non-pharmacological KOA management. However, further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm these findings, particularly those that include more standardized dosages and formulations, as well as to evaluate their long-term efficacy. Full article

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the role of Multivitamin and Mineral supplements (MVMs) in promoting cognitive healthy aging among older adults in Latin America. Methods: A panel of nine experts in geriatrics, neurology, and nutrition applied a modified Delphi methodology to generate consensus statements. The panel reviewed the literature, engaged in expert discussions, and used structured voting to develop consensus statements. Results: Consensus was reached on 14 statements. Experts agreed that cognitive aging in Latin America is influenced by neurobiological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, including widespread micronutrient inadequacies (vitamins B-complex, C, D, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron and selenium), which were identified as critical for global cognitive function and brain structures, yet commonly inadequate in the elderly. While a balanced diet remains essential, MVMs can be recommended as a complementary strategy to bridge nutritional gaps. Supporting evidence, including the COSMOS-Mind trials, demonstrate that MVM use improves memory and global cognition, and reduces cognitive aging by up to 2 years in older adults. Conclusions: MVMs offer a promising, accessible adjunct for cognitive healthy aging in Latin America’s elderly population, particularly where dietary challenges persist. Region-specific guidelines, public health initiatives, and targeted research are warranted to optimize outcomes and reduce health inequities. Full article

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is conditionally essential, as it is synthesized from precursors after UV light exposure, whilst also being obtained from the diet. It has numerous health benefits, with deficiency becoming a major concern globally, such that dietary supplementation has more recently achieved vital importance to maintain satisfactory levels. In recent years, measurements made from blood have, therefore, become critical to determine the status of vitamin D levels in individuals and the larger population. Tests for vitamin D have routinely relied on laboratory analysis with sophisticated equipment, often being slow and costly, whilst rapid immunoassays have suffered from poor specificity and sensitivity. Here, we have evaluated a new rapid immunoassay test on the market (Rapi-D & IgLoo) to quickly and accurately measure vitamin D levels in small capillary blood specimens and compared this to measurements made using the standard laboratory method of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Our results show that vitamin D can be measured very quickly and over a broad range using the new method, as well as correlate relatively well with standard laboratory testing; however, it cannot be fully relied upon currently to accurately diagnose deficiency or sufficiency in individuals. Our statistical and comparative analyses find that the rapid immunoassay with digital quantification significantly overestimates vitamin D levels, leading to diminished diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency. The speed and simplicity of the rapid method will likely provide advantages in various healthcare settings; however, further calibration of this rapid method and testing parameters for improving quantification of vitamin D from capillary blood specimens is required before integration of it into clinical decision-making pathways. Full article

Sarcopenia is a progressive age-related musculoskeletal disorder characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, contributing to functional decline and increased risk of disability. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D (Vit D) plays a pivotal role in skeletal muscle physiology beyond its classical functions in bone metabolism. This review aims to critically analyze the relationship between serum Vit D levels and sarcopenia in older adults, focusing on pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, clinical evidence, and preventive strategies. An integrative narrative review of observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses published in the last decade was conducted. The analysis incorporated international diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia (EWGSOP2, AWGS, FNIH, IWGS), current guidelines for Vit D sufficiency, and molecular mechanisms related to Vit D receptor (VDR) signaling in muscle tissue. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are consistently associated with decreased muscle strength, reduced physical performance, and increased prevalence of sarcopenia. Although interventional trials using Vit D supplementation report variable results, benefits are more evident in individuals with baseline deficiency and when combined with protein intake and resistance training. Mechanistically, Vit D influences muscle health via genomic and non-genomic pathways, regulating calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling. Vit D deficiency represents a modifiable risk factor for sarcopenia and functional impairment in older adults. While current evidence supports its role in muscular health, future high-quality trials are needed to establish optimal serum thresholds and dosing strategies for prevention and treatment. An individualized, multimodal approach involving supplementation, exercise, and nutritional optimization appears most promising. Full article

Background/Objective: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it has been demonstrated that the treatment has a negative effect on bone health. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs-ω3) may attenuate bone resorption. We evaluated the effects of LCPUFAs-ω3, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation on bone turnover markers and changes in vitamin D concentrations during 6 weeks of supplementation and during 6 weeks of post-intervention follow-up in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with ALL were randomly assigned to the ω-3VDCa group (100 mg/kg/d LCPUFAs-ω3 + 4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) or the VDCa group (4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine 25(OH)D, PTH, ICTP, and TRAP-5b (biomarkers of bone resorption) and osteocalcin (OC, a biomarker of bone production) levels at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after supplementation. The 25(OH)D analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, and PTH and bone turnover markers were measured by ELISA. Results: The 25(OH)D concentration increased in both groups (ω3VDCa group: 19.4 ng/mL vs. 44.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001; VDCa group: 15.3 ng/mL vs. 42.8 ng/mL, p = 0.018) and remained significantly higher at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, ICTP showed lower concentrations in the ω-3VDCa group than in the VDCa group (0.74 ng/mL vs. 1.05 ng/mL, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Combined omega-3 and 4000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 6 weeks had a positive effect on bone health, as indicated by serum ICTP, with no effect on serum 25(OH)D levels over vitamin D supplementation alone. Full article

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a significant cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with ocular surface changes representing early manifestations that require prompt recognition and treatment. Conventional examination methods are capable of detecting advanced changes; however, subtle conjunctival abnormalities may be overlooked, potentially delaying the administration of appropriate interventions. We herein present the case of a 5-year-old Japanese boy with severe VAD due to selective eating patterns. This case demonstrates the utility of infrared photography as a novel diagnostic approach for detecting and monitoring conjunctival surface abnormalities. The patient exhibited symptoms including corneal ulcers, night blindness, and reduced visual acuity. Furthermore, blood tests revealed undetectable levels of vitamin A (5 IU/dL), despite relatively normal physical growth parameters. Conventional slit-lamp examination revealed characteristic sandpaper-like conjunctival changes. However, infrared photography (700–900 nm wavelength) revealed distinct abnormal patterns of conjunctival surface folds and keratinization that were not fully appreciated on a routine examination. Following high-dose vitamin A supplementation (4000 IU/day), complete resolution of ocular abnormalities was achieved within 2 months, with infrared imaging objectively documenting treatment response and normalization of conjunctival surface patterns. This case underscores the potential for severe VAD in developed countries, particularly in the context of dietary restrictions, thereby underscoring the significance of a comprehensive dietary history and a meticulous ocular examination. Infrared photography provides a number of advantages, including the capacity for non-invasive assessment, enhanced visualization of subtle changes, objective monitoring of treatment response, and cost-effectiveness due to the use of readily available equipment. This technique represents an underutilized diagnostic modality with particular promise for screening programs and clinical monitoring of VAD-related ocular manifestations, potentially preventing irreversible visual loss through early detection and intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D supplementation has shown promise in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while the simultaneous impact on glycemic control and inflammation in T2DM remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of vitamin D supplementation in managing T2DM using fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin levels, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, HbA1c, and Hs-CRP as the biomarkers. Methods: Original articles from Scopus, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, and ScienceDirect published between 2014 and 2024 were the sources. Inclusion criteria included studies conducted as clinical trials or randomized controlled trials involving adult patients diagnosed with T2DM undergoing treatment with vitamin D. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROB-2 tool and meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively synthesize the results across the studies using pooled effect sizes and confidence intervals. Results: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Significant differences were found at 12-week follow-up in insulin level (MD(−3.59) [95% CI: −6.93, −0.25]), HOMA-B (MD(−50.35) [95% CI: −92.29, −8.41]), hs-CRP (−2.51 [95% CI: −3.45, −1.57]), and HbA1c level (MD(−0.30) [95% CI: −0.54, −0.06]) and at 24-week follow-up in HOMA-IR (MD(−0.38) [CI: −0.53, −0.24]). The quality of the included studies was generally moderate, with three showing a potential risk of bias. Conclusions: The observed trends in FPG, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, HbA1c, and hs-CRP indicate that vitamin D may influence glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation, but these effects are often modest and may diminish over time. Future studies should explore longer duration randomized trials with standardized dosing and baseline vitamin D status stratification. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two limestone granulometries (0.568 and 1.943 mm) and different levels of vitamin D3 (12.5 g and 25 g) on the thermoregulatory and behavioral responses of replacement pullets. Lohman brown lineage pullets (270 birds), with an average weight of 639.60 g ± 6.05 and an initial age of eight weeks, were used in this study. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized in a 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement (2 limestone granulometries × 2 levels of vitamin D3 × 2 shifts). The respiratory rate (RR), cloaca temperature (CT), feather surface temperature (FST) and featherless surface temperature (FLST) were higher in the afternoon (p < 0.05), while the thermal gradient (TG) was higher in the morning (p < 0.05). Birds supplemented with different limestone granulometries and different levels of vitamin D3 showed similar thermoregulatory and behavioral responses. The “eating” activity was more frequent in the morning, while in the afternoon, the birds remained seated for longer (p < 0.05). The dietary supplementation with different limestone granulometries and vitamin levels did not impair thermoregulation even at higher temperatures. Regardless of the level of vitamin D3, they showed a better expression of welfare-related behavioral activities in the morning in the semiarid region. Full article

To ensure the year-round efficient production of high-quality cherry tomatoes, this study evaluated how four cherry tomato cultivars can enhance yield and quality through optimized nutrient solution and supplementary lighting. Nutrient solutions (N1 and N2) were adjusted, with EC at 1.6 dS/m (N1: nitrogen 10.7 me/L, phosphorus 2.7 me/L, potassium 5.3 me/L) during flowering stage, and 2.4 dS/m (N1: nitrogen 16 me/L, phosphorus 4 me/L, potassium 8 me/L; N2: nitrogen 10.7 me/L, phosphorus 5.4 me/L, potassium 10.8 me/L) from fruit setting to harvest. N1 used standard adjustments, while N2 was optimized by adding solely with KCl and KH₂PO₄. Lighting treatments included L1 (natural light) and L2 (supplemental red/blue light). The application of N2 effectively decreased nitrate levels while it significantly enhanced the content of soluble sugars, flavor, and overall palatability, especially fruit coloring in cherry tomatoes, irrespective of supplementary lighting conditions. However, such optimization also increased sourness or altered the sugar–acid ratio. Supplementary lighting generally promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars, sweetness, and tomato flavor, although its effects varied markedly among different fruit clusters. The combination of optimized nutrient solutions and supplementary lighting exhibited synergistic effects, improving the content of soluble sugars, vitamin C, proteins, and flavor. N1 combined with L2 achieved the highest plant yield. Among the cultivars, ‘Linglong’ showed the greatest overall quality improvement, followed by ‘Baiyu’, ‘Miying’, and ‘Moka’. In conclusion, supplementary lighting can enhance the effect of nitrogen on yield and amplify the influence of phosphorus and potassium on fruit quality improvement in cherry tomatoes. The findings of this study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of year-round production techniques for high-quality cherry tomatoes. Full article

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy complication globally. Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the risk of GDM. The aim of this study was to explore and synthesise current evidence on the association between vitamin D deficiency and the development of gestational diabetes in Western countries. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological framework. Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive search across seven databases: ProQuest Public Health, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, The Lancet, BMC Public Health, the International Journal of Women’s Health, and Scopus. Studies were included based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria relevant to the research question. The review followed the JBI protocol, and the PRISMA flowchart was used to guide and visualise the study selection process. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the final analysis, comprising research predominantly from Australia (5), the United States (5), and Canada (4). The findings indicate a notable association between vitamin D deficiency and GDM risk, moderated by factors such as maternal age, ethnicity, seasonal variation, and body mass index (BMI). Older maternal age and higher BMI were linked with lower vitamin D levels and a higher incidence of GDM. Ethnic groups with darker skin tones showed higher rates of vitamin D deficiency, increasing vulnerability to GDM. Seasonal patterns revealed lower vitamin D levels during winter months, correlating with greater GDM risk. These patterns underscore the need for targeted preventive strategies, including the potential role of vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This review supports an observed association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and increased GDM risk, influenced by demographic and environmental factors. While the evidence points to a potential preventative role for vitamin D, further high-quality research, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, is essential to establish causality and inform clinical guidelines. The review identifies knowledge gaps and suggests directions for future research and clinical practice. Full article

Cognitive function is critical for overall health, with vitamin D’s impact under extensive investigation. This review explores the association between vitamin D and cognitive health, its neuroprotective mechanisms, and the therapeutic potential of supplementation in cognitive decline. Observational studies link low vitamin D levels to increased cognitive deterioration risk, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. Clinical trial results on vitamin D supplementation’s cognitive benefits are inconclusive. Vitamin D’s neuroprotective effects are complex, influencing cognitive abilities by interacting with neuronal and glial cells, modulating immune responses, and regulating key molecular pathways. Challenges remain in clinical applications, including determining optimal vitamin D levels, effective supplementation forms and doses, and identifying responsive populations. The review advocates for robust clinical trials to address these gaps, facilitating informed use of vitamin D in cognitive health. Future research should focus on the optimal timing, duration, and target groups for supplementation to enhance cognitive outcomes and reduce risks. Full article

Background and Objectives: Research on the impact of leucine on older sarcopenic patients is scarce, and investigations on this subject have led to contradictory findings in the literature. Our goal was to compile data from the available studies in the literature to explore the effect of leucine supplementation on parameters associated with sarcopenia in elderly individuals. Methods: The meta-analysis included older persons over 65 years of age who were recruited on the basis of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People sarcopenia criteria. Studies that were included were those in which at least one sarcopenia criterion was measured, including grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height², gait speed, and the short physical performance battery index. Results: The meta-analysis included ten randomized controlled trials and one prospective study. The leucine group included 566 participants, whereas the placebo group included 567 patients. Patients receiving leucine and patients receiving a placebo had significantly different handgrip (p = 0.03), appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (p = 0.0.2), and gait speed (p = 0.008). Patients received a high dosage of leucine, and there was a significant difference in the appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (p = 0.02) and gait speed (p = 0.01) between the high dosage of the leucine group and the control group. When vitamin D was combined with leucine, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (p = 0.03) significantly differed between the leucine group receiving vitamin D and the control group. Conclusions: Low-quality evidence was found that older sarcopenic patients receiving leucine may show trends toward improved skeletal muscle strength, skeletal muscle quality, and physical performance. The capacity of leucine supplementation to have a beneficial therapeutic impact in older sarcopenic individuals is restricted when it is used alone without concurrent additional therapy. Full article

Background: The most common female endocrinopathy is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting 10–20% of women of reproductive age. It is associated with a wide range of hormonal and biochemical abnormalities and long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks. It is characterized by infertility due to chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology, and is often associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. Hyperinsulinemia further increases androgen production and reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, thereby aggravating symptoms. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is often present in PCOS patients, and increasing evidence suggests that it may also be associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, body mass index (BMI), and androgen levels in women with PCOS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data from 195 women diagnosed with PCOS and not yet receiving therapy at a gynecologic endocrinology unit of a university-based tertiary clinical center, between 2019 and 2024, were analyzed. The parameters recorded were age, body mass index (BMI), 25(OH) vitamin D levels, androgen hormone levels (testosterone, androstenedione), glucose-insulin responses during a 3-point oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Statistical analyses, including linear regression, Pearson, and Spearman correlation tests were used to assess associations between variables. Results: The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (18–42), and the mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m² (17–51). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 84.1% of patients, hyperandrogenism in 45.8%, and insulin resistance in 44.5%. A significant inverse correlation was found between BMI and vitamin D levels (r = −0.31, p =< 0.01) indicating that higher BMI is associated with lower vitamin D status. Similarly, BMI also showed a significant negative correlation with SHBG levels (r = –0.45, p < 0.01), suggesting that increasing body weight is linked to reduced SHBG concentrations. In addition, BMI was significantly positively correlated with 2 h insulin levels (r = 0.43, p =< 0.01) and with testosterone levels (r = 0.21, p = 0.01). These findings suggest that increased adiposity intensifies insulin resistance and is linked to both vitamin D deficiency and elevated androgen levels. Moreover, the combination of hyperinsulinemia and low vitamin D further disrupts hormonal balance by promoting ovarian androgen production and decreasing SHBG levels, thereby increasing the bioavailability of testosterone. A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin D levels and 2 h insulin levels (r = −0.28, p =< 0.01), indicating that lower vitamin D status is associated with increased insulin resistance. Furthermore, 2 h insulin levels showed a significant positive correlation with testosterone levels (r = 0.32, p =< 0.01), suggesting that greater insulin resistance is linked to higher androgen production. Additionally, vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with testosterone (r = −0.18, p = 0.02), demonstrating that a lower vitamin D status may further contribute to the hyperandrogenic environment. Vitamin D levels also showed a significant positive correlation with SHBG concentrations (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), indicating that a higher vitamin D status may be associated with increased SHBG levels. In contrast, 2 h insulin levels were inversely correlated with SHBG (r = −0.43, p < 0.01), reflecting the suppressive effect of hyperinsulinemia on SHBG production. Conclusions: Insulin resistance, BMI, and vitamin D deficiency are closely related to each other and to the severity of PCOS, which is confirmed by the correlations with androgen levels. The revealed relationships draw attention to the special importance of vitamin D supplementation and the correction of carbohydrate metabolism in alleviating the symptoms of the disease and reducing long-term health risks. Full article

Tailoring culture media and supplementation strategies to the specific requirements of a target product is essential for enhancing microbial production efficiency. This work addresses an unexplored aspect of K. phaffii cultivation: optimizing culture media for metabolite production from xylose, diverging from the conventional focus on recombinant protein expression and the use of glycerol or methanol as primary substrates. Ethylene glycol biosynthesis in an engineered K. phaffii strain was improved by evaluating media and nutrient supplementation. Among the seven evaluated formulations, FM22 and d’Anjou were the most effective, with inositol and thiamine dichloride playing key roles in enhancing production. Salt concentrations in both media were optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD), reducing complexity while increasing yields. Ethylene glycol production increased by 54% in FM22 and 21% in d’Anjou, accompanied by a threefold and 26% reduction in the total salt content, respectively. The vitamin solution was streamlined from seven to two components, each at half the standard concentration. Trace element solutions were reduced to 25% of the original volume without compromising productivity. These findings underscore the dual benefit of culture medium optimization: improved ethylene glycol yields and simplified formulations, establishing a foundation for the development of more efficient and cost-effective bioprocesses using K. phaffii. Full article