Journal Description
Nutrients
Nutrients
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of human nutrition published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Asia Pacific Nutrigenomics Nutrigenetics Organisation (APNNO), Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP), Nutrition Society of New Zealand (NSNZ), Ocular Wellness & Nutrition Society (OWNS) and others are affiliated with Nutrients and their members receive a discount on article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Nutrition & Dietetics) / CiteScore - Q1 (Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journal: Dietetics
Impact Factor:
5.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
6.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101482 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Temporary employment is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. This study explored the association between temporary employment and dietary quality in middle-aged workers. This cross-sectional study included a nationwide sample of middle-aged Korean workers (n = 6467). Employment type
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Temporary employment is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. This study explored the association between temporary employment and dietary quality in middle-aged workers. This cross-sectional study included a nationwide sample of middle-aged Korean workers (n = 6467). Employment type was categorized into regular, fixed-term, and daily employment, based on labor contract duration. Dietary quality was assessed using the Korean Health Eating Index (KHEI), which ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating superior dietary quality. Linear regression was used to estimate beta coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The survey-weighted proportion of regular, fixed-term, and daily employment was 79.0%, 14.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. Fixed-term and daily employment were associated with a reduced KHEI compared with regular employment (β [95% CI]: −1.07 [−2.11, −0.04] for fixed-term and −2.46 [−3.89, −1.03] for daily employment). In sex-stratified analysis, the association between temporary employment and dietary quality was more pronounced in men (β [95% CI]: −1.69 [−3.71, 0.33] for fixed-term and −2.60 [−4.63, −0.53] for daily employment than in women. In conclusion, this study suggests that temporary employment is a social determinant of dietary quality in middle-aged workers.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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Biofortification of Plant- and Animal-Based Foods in Limiting the Problem of Microelement Deficiencies—A Narrative Review
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Wojciech Białowąs, Eliza Blicharska and Kamil Drabik
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101481 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
With a burgeoning global population, meeting the demand for increased food production presents challenges, particularly concerning mineral deficiencies in diets. Micronutrient shortages like iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium carry severe health implications, especially in developing nations. Biofortification of plants and plant products
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With a burgeoning global population, meeting the demand for increased food production presents challenges, particularly concerning mineral deficiencies in diets. Micronutrient shortages like iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium carry severe health implications, especially in developing nations. Biofortification of plants and plant products emerges as a promising remedy to enhance micronutrient levels in food. Utilizing agronomic biofortification, conventional plant breeding, and genetic engineering yields raw materials with heightened micronutrient contents and improved bioavailability. A similar strategy extends to animal-derived foods by fortifying eggs, meat, and dairy products with micronutrients. Employing “dual” biofortification, utilizing previously enriched plant materials as a micronutrient source for livestock, proves an innovative solution. Amid biofortification research, conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments is essential to assess the bioactivity of micronutrients from enriched materials, emphasizing digestibility, bioavailability, and safety. Mineral deficiencies in human diets present a significant health challenge. Biofortification of plants and animal products emerges as a promising approach to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, necessitating further research into the utilization of biofortified raw materials in the human diet, with a focus on bioavailability, digestibility, and safety.
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(This article belongs to the Section Micronutrients and Human Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Relationship between Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults: A Large Nationwide Longitudinal Study
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Mi Shu, Yue Xi, Jie Wu, Lai-Bao Zhuo, Yan Yan, Yi-Duo Yang, Yue-Yue Feng, Hua-Qiao Tan, Hui-Fang Yang and Yu-Ming Chen
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101480 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the association of circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adults. Methods: This nationwide cohort involved 23,810 Chinese adults attending annual health evaluations. Serum 25(OH)D levels, MetS status, and
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Objective: This study investigated the association of circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adults. Methods: This nationwide cohort involved 23,810 Chinese adults attending annual health evaluations. Serum 25(OH)D levels, MetS status, and covariates were determined at each examination. Among them, 8146, 3310, and 1971 completed two, three, and more than three evaluations, respectively. A hybrid mixed-effects and Cox regression model was employed to determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships. Results: The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MetS were significantly lower in individuals within quartile 4 (vs. 1) of serum 25(OH)D for both between-individual (0.43 [0.35, 0.52]) and within-individual comparisons (0.60 [0.50, 0.73]), respectively (all p-trends < 0.001). Among the MetS components, the corresponding ORs (95% CI) in between- and within-individual comparisons were 0.40 (0.29, 0.54) and 0.26 (0.19, 0.36) for abdominal obesity, 0.49 (0.41, 0.58) and 0.78 (0.66, 0.93) for high triglycerides, 0.70 (0.59, 0.82) and 0.75 (0.64, 0.87) for hypertriglyceridemia, 0.48 (0.39, 0.59) and 0.87 (0.71, 1.07) for low HDL cholesterol, and 0.92 (0.76, 1.12) and 0.49 (0.41, 0.59) for hypertension, respectively. Decreased hazard ratios (95% CIs) in quartile 4 (vs. 1) of 25(OH)D were found for MetS (0.80 [0.65, 1.00]), high triglycerides (0.76 [0.62, 0.92]), abdominal obesity (0.77 [0.63, 0.96]), and low HDL cholesterol (0.64 [0.50, 0.81]). Conclusions: Decreased concentrations of serum 25(OH)D correlate significantly to a heightened MetS risk and specific components. Our findings underscore the potential preventive function of circulating vitamin D concerning metabolic disorders.
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(This article belongs to the Section Micronutrients and Human Health)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Do Precision and Personalised Nutrition Interventions Improve Risk Factors in Adults with Prediabetes or Metabolic Syndrome? A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
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Seaton Robertson, Erin D. Clarke, María Gómez-Martín, Victoria Cross, Clare E. Collins and Jordan Stanford
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101479 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
This review aimed to synthesise existing literature on the efficacy of personalised or precision nutrition (PPN) interventions, including medical nutrition therapy (MNT), in improving outcomes related to glycaemic control (HbA1c, post-prandial glucose [PPG], and fasting blood glucose), anthropometry (weight, BMI, and waist circumference
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This review aimed to synthesise existing literature on the efficacy of personalised or precision nutrition (PPN) interventions, including medical nutrition therapy (MNT), in improving outcomes related to glycaemic control (HbA1c, post-prandial glucose [PPG], and fasting blood glucose), anthropometry (weight, BMI, and waist circumference [WC]), blood lipids, blood pressure (BP), and dietary intake among adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome (MetS). Six databases were systematically searched (Scopus, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane) for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from January 2000 to 16 April 2023. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. Seven RCTs (n = 873), comprising five PPN and two MNT interventions, lasting 3–24 months were included. Consistent and significant improvements favouring PPN and MNT interventions were reported across studies that examined outcomes like HbA1c, PPG, and waist circumference. Results for other measures, including fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, blood lipids, BP, and diet, were inconsistent. Longer, more frequent interventions yielded greater improvements, especially for HbA1c and WC. However, more research in studies with larger sample sizes and standardised PPN definitions is needed. Future studies should also investigate combining MNT with contemporary PPN factors, including genetic, epigenetic, metabolomic, and metagenomic data.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
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Open AccessProtocol
Effect of Intermittent vs. Continuous Energy Restriction on Visceral Fat: Protocol for The Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study 2 (HDLS2)
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Michelle Y. Lewis, Kim Yonemori, Alison Ross, Lynne R. Wilkens, John Shepherd, Kevin Cassel, Andrew Stenger, Christoph Rettenmeier, Unhee Lim, Carol Boushey and Loïc Le Marchand
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101478 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Obesity in the United States and Western countries represents a major health challenge associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. Our past work revealed a more pronounced obesity–cancer link in certain ethnic groups, motivating
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Obesity in the United States and Western countries represents a major health challenge associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. Our past work revealed a more pronounced obesity–cancer link in certain ethnic groups, motivating us to develop a tailored dietary intervention called the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle 2 (HDLS2). The study protocol is described herein for this randomized six-month trial examining the effects of intermittent energy restriction (5:2 Diet) plus the Mediterranean dietary pattern (IER + MED) on visceral adipose tissue (VAT), liver fat, and metabolic biomarkers, compared to a standard MED with daily energy restriction (DER + MED), in a diverse participant group. Using MRI and DXA scans for body composition analysis, as well as metabolic profiling, this research aims to contribute to nutritional guidelines and strategies for visceral obesity reduction. The potential benefits of IER + MED, particularly regarding VAT reduction and metabolic health improvement, could be pivotal in mitigating the obesity epidemic and its metabolic sequelae. The ongoing study will provide essential insights into the efficacy of these energy restriction approaches across varied racial/ethnic backgrounds, addressing an urgent need in nutrition and metabolic health research. Registered Trial, National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05132686).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intermittent Fasting on Human Health and Disease)
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Open AccessArticle
Exogenous Ketone Supplement Administration Abrogated Isoflurane-Anesthesia-Induced Increase in Blood Glucose Level in Female WAG/Rij Rats
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Enikő Rauch, Csilla Ari, Dominic P. D’Agostino and Zsolt Kovács
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101477 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that isoflurane-induced anesthesia can increase the blood glucose level, leading to hyperglycemia and several adverse effects. The administration of a mix of ketone diester (KE) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, named KEMCT, abolished the isoflurane-anesthesia-induced increase in blood glucose
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It has been demonstrated that isoflurane-induced anesthesia can increase the blood glucose level, leading to hyperglycemia and several adverse effects. The administration of a mix of ketone diester (KE) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, named KEMCT, abolished the isoflurane-anesthesia-induced increase in blood glucose level and prolonged the recovery time from isoflurane anesthesia in a male preclinical rodent model, Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats. While most preclinical studies use exclusively male animals, our previous study on blood glucose changes in response to KEMCT administration showed that the results can be sex-dependent. Thus, in this study, we investigated female WAG/Rij rats, whether KEMCT gavage (3 g/kg/day for 7 days) can change the isoflurane (3%)-anesthesia-induced increase in blood glucose level and the recovery time from isoflurane-evoked anesthesia using the righting reflex. Moreover, KEMCT-induced ketosis may enhance both the extracellular level of adenosine and the activity of adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs). To obtain information on the putative A1R mechanism of action, the effects of an A1R antagonist, DPCPX (1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine; intraperitoneal/i.p. 0.2 mg/kg), on KEMCT-generated influences were also investigated. Our results show that KEMCT supplementation abolished the isoflurane-anesthesia-induced increase in blood glucose level, and this was abrogated by the co-administration of DPCPX. Nevertheless, KEMCT gavage did not change the recovery time from isoflurane-induced anesthesia. We can conclude that intragastric gavage of exogenous ketone supplements (EKSs), such as KEMCT, can abolish the isoflurane-anesthesia-induced increase in blood glucose level in both sexes likely through A1Rs in WAG/Rij rats, while recovery time was not affected in females, unlike in males. These results suggest that the administration of EKSs as an adjuvant therapy may be effective in mitigating metabolic side effects of isoflurane, such as hyperglycemia, in both sexes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases)
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Open AccessReview
Impact of Diet and Nutrition in Patients with Acne Vulgaris
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Izabella Ryguła, Wojciech Pikiewicz and Konrad Kaminiów
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101476 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a widespread a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that affects millions of people around the world, which has a significant influence on patients’ standard of living. The progression of this dermatosis results in the appearance of inflammatory and non-inflammatory changes, and, in
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Acne vulgaris is a widespread a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that affects millions of people around the world, which has a significant influence on patients’ standard of living. The progression of this dermatosis results in the appearance of inflammatory and non-inflammatory changes, and, in severe cases, disfiguring scars and hyperpigmentation. The aetiopathogenesis of acne is complex. It involves a complex interaction of many different factors, both endo- and exogenous in their effect on the hair and sebaceous unit. Genetic predisposition, hormones, the skin and gut microbiome, psychological stress, air pollutants, aggressive facial products, and certain medications are cited as factors influencing acne formation. The link between nutrition and acne is extensively debated for many years and is still relatively controversial. Diet is commonly recognised to have a direct relationship with certain biochemical markers and the transcription of genes related to sebaceous gland function, and the proliferation of bacteria and inflammation that encourage the progression of the disease. In this review, the authors take a closer look at the existing scientific reports on the involvement of nutrition in the development of acne vulgaris.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Dermatology—How Much Are They Related?)
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Open AccessReview
The Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway: Potential Role in Mitigating Oxidative Stress in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
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Priscila Oliveira Barbosa, José E. Tanus-Santos, Ricardo de Carvalho Cavalli, Tore Bengtsson, Marcelo F. Montenegro and Valéria Cristina Sandrim
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101475 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (HDPs) represent a global clinical challenge, affecting 5–10% of women and leading to complications for both maternal well-being and fetal development. At the heart of these complications is endothelial dysfunction, with oxidative stress emerging as a pivotal causative factor.
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Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (HDPs) represent a global clinical challenge, affecting 5–10% of women and leading to complications for both maternal well-being and fetal development. At the heart of these complications is endothelial dysfunction, with oxidative stress emerging as a pivotal causative factor. The reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is a vital indicator of this dysfunction, culminating in blood pressure dysregulation. In the therapeutic context, although antihypertensive medications are commonly used, they come with inherent concerns related to maternal–fetal safety, and a percentage of women do not respond to these therapies. Therefore, alternative strategies that directly address the pathophysiology of HDPs are required. This article focuses on the potential of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, abundantly present in dark leafy greens and beetroot, as an alternative approach to treating HDPs. The objective of this review is to discuss the prospective antioxidant role of nitrate. We hope our discussion paves the way for using nitrate to improve endothelial dysfunction and control oxidative stress, offering a potential therapy for managing HDPs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Nitrate in Health and Diseases: Pathways from Nitrate and NOS to Nitric Oxide and Beyond)
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Open AccessReview
1-Acetoxypinoresinol, a Lignan from Olives: Insight into Its Characterization, Identification, and Nutraceutical Properties
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Ganesha Yanuar Arief Wijaya, Doretta Cuffaro, Simone Bertini, Maria Digiacomo and Marco Macchia
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101474 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a symbol of the Mediterranean diet, constituting its primary source of fat. The beneficial effect of EVOO is strictly related to the presence of fatty acids and polyphenols, bioactive compounds endowed with nutraceutical properties. Among EVOO polyphenols,
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Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a symbol of the Mediterranean diet, constituting its primary source of fat. The beneficial effect of EVOO is strictly related to the presence of fatty acids and polyphenols, bioactive compounds endowed with nutraceutical properties. Among EVOO polyphenols, lignans possess a steroid-like chemical structure and are part of the phytoestrogen family, which is renowned for its health properties. The natural lignans (+)-pinoresinol and 1-acetoxypinoresinol (1-AP) are commonly present in olives and in EVOO. Although (+)-pinoresinol is found in different edible plants, such as flaxseed, beans, whole-grain cereals, sesame seeds, and certain vegetables and fruit, 1-AP was exclusively identified in olives in 2000. So far, the scientific literature has extensively covered different aspects of (+)-pinoresinol, including its isolation and nutraceutical properties. In contrast, less is known about the olive lignan 1-AP. Therefore, this review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the more important aspects of 1-AP, collecting all the literature from 2016 to the present, exploring its distribution in different cultivars, analytical isolation and purification, and nutraceutical properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation–2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Trends and Characteristics of Brown Rice Consumption among Adults in Japan: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Surveys, 2012–2019
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Nayu Ikeda, Miwa Yamaguchi and Nobuo Nishi
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101473 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Brown rice is a familiar whole grain in Japan. We examined national trends in brown rice consumption among Japanese adults aged ≥20 years old, using individual-level data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys conducted between 2012 and 2019. We employed multivariable logistic
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Brown rice is a familiar whole grain in Japan. We examined national trends in brown rice consumption among Japanese adults aged ≥20 years old, using individual-level data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys conducted between 2012 and 2019. We employed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with brown rice consumption. The 95th percentile of daily brown rice intake remained at 0.0 g throughout the study period. The percentage of brown rice consumers increased from 1.8% (95% confidence interval: 1.6–2.1) in 2012 to 2.6% (95% confidence interval: 2.0–3.4) in 2019. Compared with individuals who consumed only white rice, brown rice consumers had significantly higher mean intake levels of macronutrients, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Brown rice consumption was positively associated with certain sociodemographic characteristics (being female, older age, residing in a major city, living without very young children, and having higher education levels) and health behaviors (lower body mass index, engaging in regular exercise, and being a former or never smoker). Despite its potential nutritional benefits in balanced diets, only a small fraction of adults in Japan consume brown rice, indicating a need for further promotion, particularly among individuals with characteristics associated with brown rice consumption.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Whole Grain and Dietary Fiber on Cardiometabolic Health)
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Open AccessReview
What Do We Know about the Diets of Pacific Islander Adults in Papua New Guinea? A Scoping Review
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Alyse Davies, Juliana Chen, Hannah Peters, Alex Lamond, Anna Rangan, Margaret Allman-Farinelli, Shelina Porykali, Robin Oge, Hans Nogua and Bobby Porykali
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101472 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
While a large proportion of the population in Papua New Guinea (PNG) maintain a subsistence lifestyle, exposure to modernisation and industrialisation since European contact has influenced a transition towards Western diets. This review aimed to scope and summarise the published research on dietary
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While a large proportion of the population in Papua New Guinea (PNG) maintain a subsistence lifestyle, exposure to modernisation and industrialisation since European contact has influenced a transition towards Western diets. This review aimed to scope and summarise the published research on dietary intake among Pacific Islander adults in PNG. Four electronic databases and grey literature were searched. Two reviewers completed the screening and data extraction. Fourteen studies were included from the Highlands (n = 7), Southern (n = 5), Momase (n = 1) and both the Highlands/Southern region (n = 1). No studies were from the Islands region. The majority of the studies were published prior to the year 2000 (n = 9). Geographical region and degree of urbanisation had an impact on dietary intake. Urban areas reported higher intakes of energy, protein and fat compared to rural areas. In the Southern region, a variety of foods, including sago, taro, kaukau, cooked banana, coconut and cassava contributed to energy intake, while kaukau was the main energy and protein source in the Highlands. The main foods contributing to protein in the Southern region were fresh fish, land animals and purchased animals. This review highlights an evidence gap regarding dietary intake research. Within the context of international initiatives, there is an urgent call for research aimed at understanding the social and cultural contextualisation of dietary behaviours in PNG.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Systems for Health in the Pacific: Towards Healthy Islands)
Open AccessReview
Standard and New Echocardio Techniques, Such as Global Longitudinal Strain, to Monitor the Impact of Diets on Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Function
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Andrea Sartorio, Chiara Dal Pont and Simone Romano
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101471 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
“The Seven Countries Study”, published in 1984, was the first study to find a correlation between diet and mortality related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Since then, many investigations have addressed the relationship between type of diet, or specific nutrients, and CVDs.
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“The Seven Countries Study”, published in 1984, was the first study to find a correlation between diet and mortality related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Since then, many investigations have addressed the relationship between type of diet, or specific nutrients, and CVDs. Based on these findings, some traditional dietary models, such as the Mediterranean or Nordic diet, are recommended to prevent CVDs. Meanwhile, new diets have been proposed for optimal nutrition therapy, for example, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean–DASH Intervention Diet for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND). The main outcomes evaluated after implementing these dietary models are as follows: CVD-related death; the development of specific CVDs, such as myocardial infarction and hypertension; or biochemical parameters related to CVDs, i.e., non-HDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CPR) and homocysteine. However, the early impact of diet on heart functionality is less evaluated. Recently, the echographic measurement of left ventricle (LV) deformation by global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been introduced as a novel marker of clinical and subclinical cardiac dysfunction. This technology allows a subclinical evaluation of heart functionality since, differently from the traditional evaluation of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), it is capable of detecting early myocardial dysfunction. In this review, we analyzed the available studies that correlate dietetic regimens to cardiovascular diseases, focusing on the relevance of LV strain to detect subclinical myocardial alteration related to diet. Evidence is presented that DASH and MIND can have a positive impact on heart functionality and that myocardial strain is useful for early detection of diet-related changes in cardiac function.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews on Nutrition to Optimise Human Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Examining the Effects of Nutrient Supplementation on Metabolic Pathways via Mitochondrial Ferredoxin in Aging Ovaries
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Chia-Chun Wu, Chia-Jung Li, Li-Te Lin, Zhi-Hong Wen, Jiin-Tsuey Cheng and Kuan-Hao Tsui
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101470 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
As women age, oocytes are susceptible to a myriad of dysfunctions, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair mechanisms, epigenetic alterations, and metabolic disturbances, culminating in reduced fertility rates among older individuals. Ferredoxin (FDX) represents a highly conserved iron–sulfur (Fe–S) protein essential for electron
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As women age, oocytes are susceptible to a myriad of dysfunctions, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair mechanisms, epigenetic alterations, and metabolic disturbances, culminating in reduced fertility rates among older individuals. Ferredoxin (FDX) represents a highly conserved iron–sulfur (Fe–S) protein essential for electron transport across multiple metabolic pathways. Mammalian mitochondria house two distinct ferredoxins, FDX1 and FDX2, which share structural similarities and yet perform unique functions. In our investigation into the regulatory mechanisms governing ovarian aging, we employed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis approach, integrating spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, human ovarian pathology, and clinical biopsy data. Previous studies have highlighted intricate interactions involving excessive lipid peroxide accumulation, redox-induced metal ion buildup, and alterations in cellular energy metabolism observed in aging cells. Through a multi-omics analysis, we observed a notable decline in the expression of the critical gene FDX1 as ovarian age progressed. This observation prompted speculation regarding FDX1’s potential as a promising biomarker for ovarian aging. Following this, we initiated a clinical trial involving 70 patients with aging ovaries. These patients were administered oral nutritional supplements consisting of DHEA, ubiquinol CoQ10, and Cleo-20 T3 for a period of two months to evaluate alterations in energy metabolism regulated by FDX1. Our results demonstrated a significant elevation in FDX1 levels among participants receiving nutritional supplementation. We hypothesize that these nutrients potentiate mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) activity or electron transport chain (ETC) efficiency, thereby augmenting FDX1 expression, an essential electron carrier in metabolic pathways, while concurrently mitigating lipid peroxide accumulation and cellular apoptosis. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of nutritional intervention to enhance in vitro fertilization outcomes in senescent cells by bolstering electron transport proteins, thus optimizing energy metabolism and improving oocyte quality in aging women.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics)
Open AccessCommunication
The Paradox of Alcohol and Food Affordability: Minimal Impact of Leading Beer and Cachaça Brands on Brazilian Household Income Amid Hazardous Drinking Patterns
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Ian C. C. Nóbrega, Rhennan V. L. Marques, Matheus A. Ferreira and Dirk W. Lachenmeier
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101469 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Alcohol consumption, associated with various cancers, mental disorders, and aggressive behavior, leads to three million deaths globally each year. In Brazil, the alcohol per capita consumption among drinkers aged 15 and over is 41.7 g of pure alcohol/day (~1 L beer/day), which falls
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Alcohol consumption, associated with various cancers, mental disorders, and aggressive behavior, leads to three million deaths globally each year. In Brazil, the alcohol per capita consumption among drinkers aged 15 and over is 41.7 g of pure alcohol/day (~1 L beer/day), which falls into the risky consumption category and exceeds the global average by almost 30%. An effective way to mitigate alcohol-related harm is to increase its retail price. This study assesses the costs of consuming leading brands of beer and sugarcane spirit cachaça (Brazil’s most popular alcoholic beverages) against the expenditure on staple foods. Data on food and alcoholic beverage prices were collected in João Pessoa, Brazil, for 2020 and 2021. The cost per gram of pure alcohol and food were considered to establish consumption patterns of 16.8 g/day (moderate), 41.7 g/day, and 83.4 g/day (heavy), distributed in three scenarios involving the beverages alone or combined (64% beer and 36% cachaça), and a balanced 2000 kcal/day staple diet. The study finds that all heavy consumption scenarios cost less or significantly less (cachaça alone) than a 2000 kcal/day staple diet, highlighting an urgent need for fiscal policies, such as a minimum unit pricing for alcohol, to address public health concerns.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)
Open AccessArticle
The Next-Generation Probiotic E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Liver Injury by Surface Display of Metallothionein and Modulation of Gut Microbiota
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Yan Zhang, Hong Huang, Chuanlin Luo, Xinfeng Zhang, Yanjing Chen, Fenfang Yue, Bingqing Xie, Tingtao Chen and Changwei Zou
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101468 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is recognized as being linked to several liver diseases. Currently, due to the limited spectrum of drugs available for the treatment of Cd intoxication, developing and designing antidotes with superior detoxification capacity and revealing their underlying mechanisms remains a major challenge.
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Cadmium (Cd) is recognized as being linked to several liver diseases. Currently, due to the limited spectrum of drugs available for the treatment of Cd intoxication, developing and designing antidotes with superior detoxification capacity and revealing their underlying mechanisms remains a major challenge. Therefore, we developed the first next-generation probiotic E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT that delivers metallothionein (MT) to overcome Cd-induced liver injury in C57BL/6 mice by utilizing bacterial surface display technology. The results demonstrate that E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT could efficiently express MT without altering the growth and probiotic properties of the strain. Moreover, we found that E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT ameliorated Cd contamination-induced hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and liver fibrosis by decreasing the expression of aminotransferases along with inflammatory factors. Activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway also further illustrated the hepatoprotective effects of the engineered bacteria. Finally, we showed that E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT improved the colonic barrier function impaired by Cd induction and ameliorated intestinal flora dysbiosis in Cd-poisoned mice by increasing the relative abundance of the Verrucomicrobiota. These data revealed that the combination of E. coli 1917 and MT both alleviated Cd-induced liver injury to a greater extent and restored the integrity of colonic epithelial tissues and bacterial dysbiosis.
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(This article belongs to the Section Prebiotics and Probiotics)
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Gender Differences in the Impact of a High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet in Skeletal Muscles of Young Female and Male Mice
by
Luana Toniolo, Silvia Gazzin, Natalia Rosso, Pablo Giraudi, Deborah Bonazza, Monica Concato, Fabrizio Zanconati, Claudio Tiribelli and Emiliana Giacomello
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101467 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In the context of the increasing number of obese individuals, a major problem is represented by obesity and malnutrition in children. This condition is mainly ascribable to unbalanced diets characterized by high intakes of fat and sugar. Childhood obesity and malnutrition are not
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In the context of the increasing number of obese individuals, a major problem is represented by obesity and malnutrition in children. This condition is mainly ascribable to unbalanced diets characterized by high intakes of fat and sugar. Childhood obesity and malnutrition are not only associated with concurrent pathologies but potentially compromise adult life. Considering the strict correlation among systemic metabolism, obesity, and skeletal muscle health, we wanted to study the impact of juvenile malnutrition on the adult skeletal muscle. To this aim, 3-week-old C56BL/6 female and male mice were fed for 20 weeks on a high-fat. high-sugar diet, and their muscles were subjected to a histological evaluation. MyHCs expression, glycogen content, intramyocellular lipids, mitochondrial activity, and capillary density were analyzed on serial sections to obtain the metabolic profile. Our observations indicate that a high-fat, high-sugar diet alters the metabolic profile of skeletal muscles in a sex-dependent way and induces the increase in type II fibers, mitochondrial activity, and lipid content in males, while reducing the capillary density in females. These data highlight the sex-dependent response to nutrition, calling for the development of specific strategies and for a systematic inclusion of female subjects in basic and applied research in this field.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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Bariatric Surgery: An Opportunity to Improve Quality of Life and Healthy Habits
by
Beatriz Vanessa Díaz-González, Inmaculada Bautista-Castaño, Elisabeth Hernández García, Judith Cornejo Torre, Juan Ramón Hernández Hernández and Lluis Serra-Majem
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101466 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Bariatric surgery therapy (BST) is an effective treatment for obesity; however, little is known about its impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in HRQoL and its relationship with weight loss, depression status, physical
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Bariatric surgery therapy (BST) is an effective treatment for obesity; however, little is known about its impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in HRQoL and its relationship with weight loss, depression status, physical activity (PA), and nutritional habits after BST. Data were obtained before and 18 months postprocedure from 56 obese patients who underwent BST. We administered four questionnaires: Short Form-36 health survey for HRQoL, 14-item MedDiet adherence questionnaire, Rapid Assessment of PA (RAPA) questionnaire, and Beck’s Depression Inventory-II. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with improvement in HRQoL. After the surgery, MedDiet adherence and HRQoL improved significantly, especially in the physical component. No changes in PA were found. Patients without previous depression have better mental quality of life, and patients who lost more than 25% of %TBWL have better results in physical and mental quality of life. In the multivariable analysis, we found that %TBWL and initial PCS (inversely) were related to the improvement in PCS and initial MCS (inversely) with the MCS change. In conclusion, BST is an effective intervention for obesity, resulting in significant weight loss and improvements in HRQoL and nutritional habits.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)
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Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Alleviates Acute Injury in Hypoxic Mice
by
Ke Song, Hui Ling, Linlin Wang, Peijun Tian, Xing Jin, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Gang Wang and Yujing Bi
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101465 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common ailment in high-altitude areas caused by the body’s inadequate adaptation to low-pressure, low-oxygen environments, leading to organ edema, oxidative stress, and impaired intestinal barrier function. The gastrointestinal tract, being the first to be affected by ischemia
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Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common ailment in high-altitude areas caused by the body’s inadequate adaptation to low-pressure, low-oxygen environments, leading to organ edema, oxidative stress, and impaired intestinal barrier function. The gastrointestinal tract, being the first to be affected by ischemia and hypoxia, is highly susceptible to injury. This study investigates the role of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in alleviating acute hypoxic-induced intestinal and tissue damage from the perspective of daily consumed lactic acid bacteria. An acute hypoxia mouse model was established to evaluate tissue injury, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and intestinal barrier function in various groups of mice. The results indicate that strain 4L3 significantly mitigated brain and lung edema caused by hypoxia, improved colonic tissue damage, and effectively increased the content of tight junction proteins in the ileum, reducing ileal permeability and alleviating mechanical barrier damage in the intestines due to acute hypoxia. Additionally, 4L3 helped to rebalance the intestinal microbiota. In summary, this study found that Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strain 4L3 could alleviate acute intestinal damage caused by hypoxia, thereby reducing hypoxic stress. This suggests that probiotic lactic acid bacteria that exert beneficial effects in the intestines may alleviate acute injury under hypoxic conditions in mice, offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of AMS.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Microbiota in Nutrition and Diet: An Ever-Evolving Relationship)
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GHSR Deletion in β-Cells of Male Mice: Ineffective in Obesity, but Effective in Protecting against Streptozotocin-Induced β-Cell Injury in Aging
by
Hye Won Han, Geetali Pradhan, Daniel Villarreal, Da Mi Kim, Abhishek Jain, Akhilesh Gaharwar, Yanan Tian, Shaodong Guo and Yuxiang Sun
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101464 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells is a key pillar of glucose homeostasis, which is impaired under obesity and aging. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is the receptor of nutrient-sensing hormone ghrelin. Previously, we showed that β-cell GHSR regulated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS)
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Insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells is a key pillar of glucose homeostasis, which is impaired under obesity and aging. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is the receptor of nutrient-sensing hormone ghrelin. Previously, we showed that β-cell GHSR regulated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in young mice. In the current study, we further investigated the effects of GHSR on insulin secretion in male mice under diet-induced obesity (DIO) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced β-cell injury in aging. β-cell-specific-Ghsr-deficient (Ghsr-βKO) mice exhibited no glycemic phenotype under DIO but showed significantly improved ex vivo GSIS in aging. We also detected reduced insulin sensitivity and impaired insulin secretion during aging both in vivo and ex vivo. Accordingly, there were age-related alterations in expression of glucose transporter, insulin signaling pathway, and inflammatory genes. To further determine whether GHSR deficiency affected β-cell susceptibility to acute injury, young, middle-aged, and old Ghsr-βKO mice were subjected to STZ. We found that middle-aged and old Ghsr-βKO mice were protected from STZ-induced hyperglycemia and impaired insulin secretion, correlated with increased expression of insulin signaling regulators but decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in pancreatic islets. Collectively, our findings indicate that β-cell GHSR has a major impact on insulin secretion in aging but not obesity, and GHSR deficiency protects against STZ-induced β-cell injury in aging.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutritional Regulation on the Control of Glucose Homeostasis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)
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The Potential Systemic Role of Diet in Dental Caries Development and Arrest: A Narrative Review
by
Ashley J. Malin, Zhilin Wang, Durdana Khan and Sarah L. McKune
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101463 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology center primarily on the local role of sugar, starch, or other fermentable carbohydrates on tooth enamel demineralization—a well-established and empirically supported mechanism. However, in addition to this mechanism, studies dating back to the early 1900s point to
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Current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology center primarily on the local role of sugar, starch, or other fermentable carbohydrates on tooth enamel demineralization—a well-established and empirically supported mechanism. However, in addition to this mechanism, studies dating back to the early 1900s point to an important systemic role of diet and nutrition, particularly from pasture-raised animal-source foods (ASF), in dental caries etiology and arrest. Findings from animal and human studies suggest that adherence to a diet high in calcium, phosphorus, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and antioxidant vitamin C, as well as low in phytates, may contribute to arrest and reversal of dental caries, particularly among children. Furthermore, findings from observational and experimental studies of humans across the life-course suggest that fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 may interact to protect against dental caries progression, even within a diet that regularly contains sugar. While these historic studies have not been revisited in decades, we emphasize the need for them to be reinvestigated and contextualized in the 21st century. Specifically, methodologically rigorous studies are needed to reinvestigate whether historical knowledge of systemic impacts of nutrition on dental health can help to inform current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology, prevention, and arrest.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management for Children, Adolescents, and Adults, 2nd Volume)
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