Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a Topic focusing on "Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders". This MDPI Topic aims to gather the latest research and developments in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and identifying future directions. The Topic focuses on the critical roles of nutrients, food bioactives, and functional foods in the prevention and management of digestive diseases and metabolic disorders, whose growing prevalence underscores the need for the analysis and identification of novel bioactive food-derived compounds and innovative dietary strategies to target the pathophysiology of these alterations. This Topic aims to gather cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that explore the mechanisms through which specific nutrients and bioactive compounds potentially influence gut health, metabolic pathways, molecular and cellular mediators, and, ultimately, overall disease outcomes. The topics of interest include but are not limited to the health impact of dietary components on inflammation, gut microbiota, metabolic regulation, glycemic and lipid disorders, along with the design, development, and application of functional foods. Through this collection, we seek to advance our understanding of the preventive potential and health benefits of food-based approaches in managing digestive and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Samuel Fernández-Tomé
Dr. Ortega Moreno Lorena
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Current Issues in Molecular Biology cimb	2.8	2.9	1999	15.8 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Foods foods	4.7	7.4	2012	14.5 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	8.1	2000	16.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Scientia Pharmaceutica scipharm	2.3	4.6	1930	26.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Antioxidants antioxidants	6.0	10.6	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Nutrients nutrients	4.8	9.2	2009	13.5 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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All CIMB Foods IJMS Sci. Pharm. Antioxidants Nutrients

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30 pages, 3020 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of a Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Outcomes: A Critical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Oleg Frumuzachi, Andrei Mocan, Sascha Rohn and Laura Gavrilaș

Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091488 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 13

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) is a (poly)phenol-rich fruit with purported cardiometabolic benefits. However, the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of chokeberry supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes, including [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) is a (poly)phenol-rich fruit with purported cardiometabolic benefits. However, the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of chokeberry supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes, including anthropometric parameters, glycemic control, lipid profile, and blood pressure in adults. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through January 2025. RCTs investigating chokeberry supplementation (≥2 weeks) in adults (≥18 years) with or without cardiometabolic risk factors were included. A random effects model was used to pool effect sizes, expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane risk of bias 1 (RoB 1) tool. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to assess the conclusiveness of the evidence. Certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE. Results: Ten RCTs (n = 666 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Chokeberry supplementation had no significant effects on cardiometabolic outcomes under evaluation. Subgroup analysis suggested that a chokeberry supplementation could reduce total cholesterol and LDL-C in individuals with a baseline total plasma cholesterol <200 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure with interventions, containing >50 mg/day anthocyanin, while increasing fasting blood glucose in individuals ≤50 years old. Risk of bias was unclear or high in several studies, TSA indicated inconclusive evidence for most outcomes, and the certainty of evidence was rated as very low across all cardiometabolic markers. Conclusions: Chokeberry supplementation did not significantly improve cardiometabolic outcomes in the general adult population. Limited evidence is given for potential lipid-lowering and blood pressure effects in specific subgroups. However, a high risk of bias accompanies these results. More robust RCTs with standardized interventions and dietary assessments are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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12 pages, 2553 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Perilla Seed Oil on Blood Lipids, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Hyperlipidemic Rats

by Suwajee Pothinam, Chaochetdhapada Putpim, Thanyaporn Siriwoharn and Wachira Jirarattanarangsri

Foods 2025, 14(8), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14081380 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 284

Abstract

A high-fat diet is a key factor contributing to hyperlipidemia. Perilla seed oil, a plant-based source of omega-3, has the potential to reduce this risk. However, its effects have not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of perilla seed [...] Read more.

A high-fat diet is a key factor contributing to hyperlipidemia. Perilla seed oil, a plant-based source of omega-3, has the potential to reduce this risk. However, its effects have not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of perilla seed oil on blood lipid levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats induced with hyperlipidemia through a high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were administered perilla seed oil at a dosage of 0.67 g/kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. The results showed that perilla seed oil significantly reduced triglyceride levels by 38.00% and 41.88% and total cholesterol levels by 17.16% and 15.91% in the high-fat diet and normal diet groups, respectively (p < 0.05). However, perilla seed oil had no significant effect on HDL and LDL levels. Additionally, perilla seed oil supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress, by 68.18% in the high-fat diet group and 29.72% in the normal diet group. Regarding its anti-inflammatory effects, perilla seed oil reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels by 15.21% and 64.27% in the high-fat diet and normal diet groups, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that perilla seed oil has the potential to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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30 pages, 5133 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Adipocytokine Protein Expression from Visceral Fat Differs Significantly Based on Diet, Sex, and Age in C3H/HeJ Mice Fed Long-Term, High-Fat Diets, ± Ammonium-Hydroxide-Supplemented Dietary Protein

by Caleb Boren, Benjamin Barr, Noshin Mubtasim and Lauren Gollahon

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(4), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47040218 - 23 Mar 2025

Viewed by 382

Abstract

(1) Background: Overconsumption of processed meats, fats, and carbohydrates drives the obesity epidemic in the USA. Associated with this epidemic are increases in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In this study, protein levels of adipocytokines isolated from [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Overconsumption of processed meats, fats, and carbohydrates drives the obesity epidemic in the USA. Associated with this epidemic are increases in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In this study, protein levels of adipocytokines isolated from visceral fat in mice fed high-fat diets with proteins modified through ammonium supplementation were analyzed to determine changes that occur as a result of dietary protein source and its modification based on age or sex. (2) Methods: Male and female C3H/HeJ mice were randomized into six customized diets—Group 1: CCN = Control Chow (CC) + Ammonium Hydroxide Enhancement (AHE); Group 2: CC = Control Chow; Group 3: HFBN = High Fat (HF) AHE Dietary Beef; Group 4: HFB = HF Beef; Group 5: HFCN = HF AHE Dietary Casein; Group 6: HFC = HF Dietary Casein. Mice were censored at six-month intervals, and visceral fat was collected for analysis. This study highlights sex- and age-related changes in cellular adipocytokine protein expression from 12 to 18 months. (3) Results: When compared to dietary casein, dietary-beef-fed mice showed increased expression of adiponectin, leptin, and MCP-1. In dietary casein protein diets, high fat content was correlated with the expression of pro-inflammatory adipocytokines leptin, MCP-1, resistin, VEGF-A, and TIMP-1. Sex-related differences were observed in adiponectin, leptin, and MCP-1 expression levels. AHE of dietary protein decreased the expression of adiponectin, leptin, MCP-1, and TIMP-1. Age-related changes in expression were observed in leptin, MCP-1, and VEGF-A. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicate that the source of dietary protein plays a critical role in determining adipocytokine expression in WAT. Furthermore, this study shows that in addition to dietary protein type (beef or casein), AHE and fat content also impact the relative expression of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipocytokines based on sex over time, with leptin and MCP-1 identified as the most frequently affected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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25 pages, 15123 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Chick Early Amniotic Fluid Alleviates Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice via T-Cell Receptor Pathway

by Fan Chen, Yining Zhao, Yanfa Dai, Ning Sun, Xuezheng Gao, Jiajun Yin, Zhenhe Zhou and Ke-jia Wu

Antioxidants 2025, 14(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14010051 - 4 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 920

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune disease that is difficult to cure. We recently found that chick early amniotic fluid (ceAF) has notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, through its active components. This study demonstrates the potential of ceAF as a protective agent [...] Read more.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune disease that is difficult to cure. We recently found that chick early amniotic fluid (ceAF) has notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, through its active components. This study demonstrates the potential of ceAF as a protective agent against UC. UPLC-MS mass spectrometry identified key components of ceAF, including various fatty acids and nucleosides. In vitro, ceAF improved viability in DSS-induced Caco-2 cells, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. It also upregulated the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. In DSS-induced UC mice, ceAF treatment alleviated weight loss, colon shortening, and disease activity, while improving histopathology, crypt depth, and colonic fibrosis. Mechanistically, ceAF’s anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by inhibiting the overactivation of TCR signaling through the LCK/ZAP70/LAT pathway. Our findings suggest that ceAF could be a valuable nutritional intervention for UC, potentially enhancing existing functional foods aimed at managing this condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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21 pages, 4182 KiB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Curcumin Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Quantitative Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

by Kabelo Mokgalaboni, Reneilwe G. Mashaba, Wendy N. Phoswa and Sogolo L. Lebelo

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4177; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234177 - 30 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3281

Abstract

Controlling hyperglycemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important approach to control diabetes. The use of phytochemicals found in natural herbs has been investigated widely, and there are inconsistent findings in clinical trials, likely associated with a small sample size. [...] Read more.

Controlling hyperglycemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important approach to control diabetes. The use of phytochemicals found in natural herbs has been investigated widely, and there are inconsistent findings in clinical trials, likely associated with a small sample size. A meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed by conducting a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost, and Web of Sciences. The search terms included Curcumin longa, turmeric, curcumin, curcuma xanthorrhiza, diferuloylmethane, and type 2 diabetes. Data were analyzed using an online meta-analysis tool, Jamovi version 2.4.8 and IBM SPSS statistics version 29. The data were reported as either mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals. The evidence from 18 trials with 1382 T2D with a mean age of 55.9 years was analyzed. Supplementation with curcumin led to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, MD = −11.48 mg/dL, 95%CI (−14.26, −8.70), p < 0.01 and glycated hemoglobin, MD = −0.54%, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.35), p < 0.01. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in C-Reactive Protein in curcumin compared to a placebo, SMD = −0.59, 95%CI (−1.11, −0.07), p = 0.03. The findings observed in this study suggest that curcumin can ameliorate hyperglycemia and inflammation in T2D compared to a placebo. While the potential benefits were observed, it is recommended that future trials focus on finding a suitable dose and duration of intervention and incorporate formulation in curcumin to enhance its absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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19 pages, 2976 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

New Pipeline for Analysing Fruit Proteolytic Products Used as Digestive Health Nutraceuticals

by Iván Benito-Vázquez, Ana Muñoz-Labrador, Manuel Garrido-Romero, Gema Hontoria-Caballo, Carlos García-García, Marina Diez-Municio and F. Javier Moreno

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910315 - 25 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Proteolytic products are extensively used in the nutraceutical sector to improve protein digestion and muscle quality in target populations (e.g., athletes or elderly). These products are processed using techniques that often lead to low purity but competitive pricing. Despite their widespread use and [...] Read more.

Proteolytic products are extensively used in the nutraceutical sector to improve protein digestion and muscle quality in target populations (e.g., athletes or elderly). These products are processed using techniques that often lead to low purity but competitive pricing. Despite their widespread use and well-established production methods, the industry lacks standardized analytical methods for assessing these products and detecting potential fraud. This study proposes a comprehensive and harmonized pipeline for their analysis, which includes quantifying total soluble protein and proteolytic activity, as well as the determination of product stability and protein profile using SDS-PAGE and proteomic techniques. Despite the fact that protease extracts from pineapple had the highest protein content, most of the bromelain remained inactive, unlike in kiwi and papaya. SDS-PAGE revealed partial protein degradation of pineapple extracts, whereas kiwi extracts reflected a lower purification level but a higher protein integrity. The application of proteomic approaches strengthened the identification and origin tracing of the proteases. This study contributes to the development of a robust framework for analyzing proteolytic extracts, spanning from soluble protein quantification to protein profiling and activity determination. It may also ensure reliable supplier selection, high-quality manufacturing practices, and the implementation of optimal storage and formulation strategies in the nutraceutical industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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8 pages, 4098 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Isoflavones Intake and Gastric Cancer

by Arianna Natale, Federica Fiori, Maria Parpinel, Claudio Pelucchi, Eva Negri, Carlo La Vecchia and Marta Rossi

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162771 - 20 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1392

Abstract

Dietary isoflavones have been associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the evidence for this association is still limited. We investigated the association between isoflavone intake and GC risk using data from a case–control study including 230 incident, histologically confirmed [...] Read more.

Dietary isoflavones have been associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the evidence for this association is still limited. We investigated the association between isoflavone intake and GC risk using data from a case–control study including 230 incident, histologically confirmed GC cases and 547 controls with acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Dietary information was collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and isoflavone intake was estimated using ad hoc databases. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of GC using logistic regression models, including terms for total energy intake and other major confounders. The OR for the highest versus the lowest tertile of intake was 0.65 (95%CI = 0.44–0.97, p for trend = 0.04) for daidzein, 0.75 (95%CI = 0.54–1.11, p for trend = 0.15) for genistein, and 0.66 (95%CI = 0.45–0.99, p for trend = 0.05) for total isoflavones. Stratified analyses by sex, age, education, and smoking showed no heterogeneity. These findings indicate a favorable effect of dietary isoflavones on GC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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13 pages, 1661 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Pectin Extraction from Melon Peel as a New Source of Pectin and Pectin Hydrolysate with Prebiotic Potential

by Saroya Bilraheem, Sirasit Srinuanpan, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Apichat Upaichit, Fusako Kawai and Uschara Thumarat

Foods 2024, 13(16), 2554; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162554 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1741

Abstract

Food wastes have a large number of functional ingredients that have potential for valorization. Melon peels are increasingly produced as waste in food industries in Thailand. This study aimed to optimize pectin extraction conditions from melon peel for its prebiotic potential. Optimization was [...] Read more.

Food wastes have a large number of functional ingredients that have potential for valorization. Melon peels are increasingly produced as waste in food industries in Thailand. This study aimed to optimize pectin extraction conditions from melon peel for its prebiotic potential. Optimization was conducted using a response surface methodology and Box–Behnken experimental design. An analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between the extraction conditions on extraction yield and degree of esterification (DE). These include pH and solvent-to-sample ratio. The conditions for the extraction of pectin with low DE (LDP), medium DE (MDP) and high DE (HDP) were optimized. Pectin hydrolysate from LDP, MDP and HDP was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis into LPEH, MPEH and HPEH, respectively. LDP, MDP, HDP, LPEH, MPEH and HPEH were compared for their efficiency in terms of the growth of three probiotic strains, namely Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 877, Lactobacillus casei TISTR 390 and Enterococcus faecium TISTR 1027. Among the samples tested, HPEH showed the highest ability as a carbon source to promote the growth and prebiotic activity score for these three probiotic strains. This study suggests that melon peel waste from agro-industry can be a novel source for prebiotic production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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13 pages, 5475 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Naringenin Promotes Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice by Impacting the SCF/c-Kit Pathway and Gut Microbiota

by Lei Wu, Yao Niu, Boyang Ren, Shengyu Wang, Yuhong Song, Xingyu Wang, Kai Zhao, Zhao Yue, Yaru Li and Jianhua Gao

Foods 2024, 13(16), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162520 - 12 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1939

Abstract

Naringenin (NRG) is widely found in citrus fruits and has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Previous studies have shown that NRG promotes gastrointestinal motility in mice constipation models, but there are few systematic evaluations of its effects on normal animals. This study first [...] Read more.

Naringenin (NRG) is widely found in citrus fruits and has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Previous studies have shown that NRG promotes gastrointestinal motility in mice constipation models, but there are few systematic evaluations of its effects on normal animals. This study first clarified the promotive effects of NRG on gastric emptying and small intestine propulsion (p < 0.01). NRG can also regulate the release of gastrointestinal hormones, including enhancing gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) (p < 0.01), while reducing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) secretion (p < 0.01). Using NRG to stimulate the isolated stomach, duodenum, and colon showed similar promotive effects to those observed in vivo (p < 0.01). A Western blot analysis indicated that this effect may be mediated by increasing the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor (c-Kit) in these three segments, thus regulating their downstream pathways. It is worth noting that NRG can also increase the proportion of beneficial bacteria (Planococcaceae, Bacteroides acidifaciens, Clostridia_UCG-014) in the intestine and reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus). These findings provide a new basis for the application of NRG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders)

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