Search Results (3,711)

This study aimed to determine the impact of supplementations of copper, vitamins A and D (ADCU), and a bovine colostrum extract (BC) on the micronutrient status, antioxidant status, and intestinal microbiota of piglets until the post-weaning period. Twenty-three sows were fed conventional gestation and lactation diets, and twenty-four sows were fed conventional diets supplemented with ADCU. For each litter, all piglets received one of four treatments during lactation: no supplementation; ADCU; BC; and ADCU + BC. Within each litter, one low (LW) and one high birth weight (HW) piglet were euthanized before and after weaning to collect liver and intestinal samples. Serum vitamin D, liver retinol, and liver Cu were greater in ADCU piglets (p < 0.01), mostly before weaning. After weaning, liver Cu decreased markedly with a drop of 75% in all treatments, despite high levels of Cu in their post-weaning diets. The antioxidant status of piglets was not globally altered by treatments (p > 0.05). For microbiota composition, sow supplementation increased (p < 0.01) richness in bacterial species in the piglet colon, either before or shortly after weaning. Short-chain fatty acids in caecal digesta were increased by sow supplementation in LW piglets before weaning at 16 days of age (p < 0.05). In conclusion, oral supplementations to piglets increased postnatal micronutrient statuses during lactation, but this did not generally persist after weaning. Treatments to sows or piglets did not improve the response of piglets to oxidative stress, but supplementation to sows favoured gut microbiota diversity, particularly in LW piglets. Full article

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has a wide range of applications. For over 25 years, it has primarily been utilized for assessing body composition. This method is non-invasive, portable, widely available, cost-effective, and user-friendly, offering the advantage of repeatability and minimal dependence on patient cooperation. BIA measures the impedance of the whole body, specifically the body’s resistance to alternating current. In postpartum women, who undergo significant physiological changes following childbirth, BIA can serve as a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool. It is commonly employed to track body weight and fat reduction, and it facilitates the differentiation of fat mass, muscle mass, and body water content. This enables the customization of nutritional plans and the development of individualized training regimens tailored to the patient’s health status. Additionally, BIA aids in the assessment of hydration status, which is particularly critical during the postpartum period when women often experience fluid retention. Furthermore, optimal hydration is essential for lactation and maintaining favorable conditions for breastfeeding. BIA is also invaluable for evaluating nutritional status, micronutrient balance, and preventing both overweight and malnutrition. Moreover, BIA supports physical recovery by monitoring muscle mass, thereby assisting in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle regeneration following childbirth. Full article

Microgreens are tender, edible seedlings harvested 7–21 days after germination containing a central stem, cotyledons, and true leaves. Known as a fresh, ready-to-eat functional food, they are mostly rich in vitamins, antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and minerals, with distinctive flavors, colors, and textures. These attributes make microgreens a valuable component in nutrition and health research. In countries like India, where low-income households spend 50–80% of their income on food, micronutrient deficiencies are common, particularly among women. Indian women, facing a double burden of malnutrition, experience both underweight (18.7%) and obesity (24.0%) issues, with 57% suffering from anemia. Women’s unique health requirements vary across life stages, from infancy to their elderly years, and they require diets rich in vitamins and minerals to ensure micronutrient adequacy. Microgreens, with their high nutrient density, hold promise in addressing these deficiencies. Fresh and processed microgreens based products can enhance food variety, nutritive value, and appeal. Rethinking agriculture and horticulture as tools to combat malnutrition and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is vital for achieving nutritional security and poverty reduction. This review compiles recent research on microgreens, focusing on their nutrient profiles, health benefits, suitable crops, substrates, seed density, growing methods, sensory characteristics, and applications as fresh and value-added products. It offers valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and the role of microgreens in enhancing human nutrition and health. Full article

Objective: To explore recent findings on how nutritional, gastrointestinal, social, and epigenetic factors interact in autism spectrum disorder, highlighting their implications for clinical management and intervention strategies that could improve development and quality of life of affected children. Sources: Studies published from 2000 to 2024 in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases were collected. The process for the review adhered to the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis framework. Summary of the findings: Children with autism spectrum disorder have restrictive eating habits and often exhibit food selectivity with either hyper- or hypo-sensory characteristics. This review provides an overview of the literature on diagnosis and intervention strategies for selectivity in autism spectrum disorder, including the involvement of family members in meals, sharing a healthy diet and positive relationship with food, and the importance of exploring visual, olfactory, and tactile experiences of food and introducing new foods through play activities to expand the food repertoire. Modifications in the microbiota and gastrointestinal disorders may also be present in autism spectrum disorder and are presented due to their frequent nutritional repercussions. The medium and long-term implications of food preferences and behavior issues for nutritional status are also discussed, given the tendency for children with autism spectrum disorder to consume low-quality and energy-dense foods, leading to nutritional problems. Conclusions: Children with autism spectrum disorder have feeding difficulties, especially selectivity, gastrointestinal problems, changes in the microbiota and can evolve with micronutrient deficiencies, malnutrition and obesity. This review describes the evidence for possible targets for interventions aiming to improve nutritional health for children with autism spectrum disorder. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the acute effects of two isoenergetic but micronutrient-diverse meals—a Mediterranean-like meal (MdM) and a fast food-like meal (FFM)—on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), lung function, and airway inflammation response. Methods: Forty-six participants were enrolled in a randomized crossover clinical trial, consuming two isoenergetic meals: FFM (burger, fries, and sugar-sweetened drink) and MdM (vegetable soup, whole-wheat pasta, salad, olive oil, sardines, fruit, and water). Pupillometry assessed parasympathetic (MaxD, MinD, Con, ACV, MCV) and sympathetic (ADV, T75) nervous system outcomes. Lung function and airway inflammation were measured before and after each meal through spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respectively. Results: Mixed-effects model analysis showed that the MdM was associated with a hegemony of parasympathetic responses, with a significant increase of MaxD associated with a faster constriction velocity (ACV and MCV); on the other side, the FFM was associated with changes in the sympathetic response, showing a quicker redilation velocity (a decrease in T75). After adjusting for confounders, the mixed-effects models revealed that the FFM significantly decreased T75. Regarding lung function, a meal negatively impacted FVC (ae = −0.079, p < 0.001) and FEV1 (ae = −0.04, p = 0.017); however, FeNO increased, although after adjusting, no difference between meals was seen. Conclusions: Our study showed that the FFM counteracted the parasympathetic activity of a meal, while a meal, irrespective of the type, decreased lung function and increased airway inflammation. Full article

Background/Objective: Adequate nutrition is essential for patient recovery and overall health, yet hospital food services often fail to meet dietary guidelines. This study aimed to catch the gap between the dietary recommendation and the real intake. Methods: A total of 300 inpatients (100 per hospital type) were included in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted over two months. Nutritional intake was measured via weighed food records and actual intake was analyzed to calculate actual nutrient intake. Data were evaluated against dietary reference intakes (DRIs) and analyzed statistically via SPSS. One-way ANOVA and paired-sample t tests were used to identify significant differences between hospital categories and meal components. Results: The results revealed that private hospitals provided energy and macronutrient intakes closer to the recommended levels, with the total energy intake (2098.54 ± 97.33 kcal) exceeding the recommended level. Governmental and educational hospitals fell short, providing 1118.59 ± 68.21 kcal and 1285.91 ± 78.42 kcal, respectively. All hospital types served inadequate fiber, but private hospitals (23.18 ± 1.14 g) were closer to the recommendations. Micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent, particularly for vitamin D, vitamin E, and iron, across all hospital types. Conclusions: Nutritional intake varies significantly across Jordanian hospital categories, with private hospitals performing better than governmental and educational facilities do. Addressing these disparities through enhanced meal planning and monitoring is essential to improve patient health outcomes and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Full article

Elevated carbon dioxide (eCO₂) levels can enhance crop yields but may simultaneously reduce quality, impacting both macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations, and potentially decreasing protein content in cereal grains. This study examined the effects of elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) and nitrogen (N) fertilization on crop growth, yield, and soil nitrogen cycling through a glass greenhouse experiment using Eutric Regosol soil. The experimental design incorporated two CO₂ gradients: ambient CO₂ (aCO₂) at approximately 410 ppm during the day and 460 ppm at night, and eCO₂ at approximately 550 ppm during the day and 610 ppm at night. Additionally, two nitrogen fertilization treatments were applied: no fertilizer (N0) and 100 mg N kg⁻¹ dry weight (DW) soil (N100). Crops were cultivated under two cropping systems: the monoculturing of fababean (Vicia faba L.) or wheat (Triticum aestivum Yunmai) and the intercropping of both species. The results demonstrated that eCO₂ significantly enhanced the growth and yield of both fababean and wheat, particularly when nitrogen fertilization was applied. Nitrogen fertilizer application did not always enhance crop yield, considering the complexity of nitrogen management under elevated CO₂ conditions. Furthermore, the intercropping of fababean and wheat presented multiple advantages, including improved crop yields, enhanced soil health, and increased ecosystem services. These findings suggest that intercropping can serve as a sustainable strategy to boost productivity and ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. The changes in nitrogen application and CO₂ concentration affect the gene copy number of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea, which may affect the nitrogen cycling process in soil. There are complex interactions between crop biomass, nitrogen accumulation, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance with soil properties (e.g., pH, organic matter, nitrogen content) and microbial community structure. The interaction between CO₂ concentration, nitrogen application level and crop intercropping pattern had significant effects on crop growth, soil properties and microbial communities. Future research should prioritize investigating the long-term effects of intercropping on soil productivity and the development of management strategies that optimize the benefits of this cropping system. Full article

Background and aims: Osseointegration (OI) surgery of the appendicular skeleton for repair in amputees is a treatment in which a metal implant is directly fixed to the residual bone and subsequently connected to a prosthetic limb via a transcutaneous connector through a small incision in the skin. Current treatment does not consider nutritional advice for patients undergoing the OI procedure. However, since the group of patients is very heterogeneous, the results may not be always satisfactory for patients and clinicians. Furthermore, in some individuals, incorrect nutrition and diet habits may lead to complications and rejection of the implant. Methods: We created an extensive narrative evaluation by conducting a methodical search. A comprehensive search was conducted across three major databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The search was carried out in October 2024 with no time limit specified. The approach involved using specific, pre-defined search terms, which were first applied in PubMed, followed by Embase and Scopus to ensure a broad and diverse range of articles was captured. The search process was refined by considering studies published in high-impact journals, as identified based on impact factors and subject relevance. To ensure consistency and rigor, the selection criteria were applied uniformly across all databases, and irrelevant or incomplete articles were excluded. Results: Based on the specific nature of the OI procedure, it is crucial to adapt patients’ diets and nutrition after the process. To translate the findings from the reviewed literature into practical clinical guidance for osseointegration (OI) procedures, we developed dietary recommendations for both patients and clinicians, presented as proposed dietary plans and summarized in tables. These recommendations were informed by evidence from various studies, highlighting findings that were supported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as areas where the evidence remains inconclusive or unsupported by RCTs. Major vitamins and micro- and macroelements were distinguished and presented as guidelines for clinicians. Conclusions: OI is currently the most promising therapeutic options for amputees. To promote efficient tissue healing and provide energy for rehabilitation, it is recommended to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet that contains all the essential micronutrients, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. We also provide suggestions for future studies. Full article

Considering the fact that even today in the 21st century, diet is the basis of the treatment in phenylketonuria (PKU), this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing current data from the last 15 years on dietary treatment and its impact on nutritional status and quality of life to identify gaps in knowledge and offer insights into future directions for optimizing nutritional care in PKU. Dietary treatment for PKU has evolved over the years, and in order to optimize and standardize the care, European PKU experts developed guidelines useful for both professionals and patients and their parents. The current literature underscores the essential role of diet in both managing PKU and preventing obesity, but malnutrition in these children is a complex issue that necessitates a multifaceted approach. The literature emphasizes the crucial role of dietary adherence in managing PKU. Advancements in therapy offer the potential to reduce the challenges associated with dietary phenylalanine (Phe) restrictions. Maintaining adequate levels of essential nutrients in children with PKU and monitoring trace element intake and micronutrient levels are vital for preventing deficiencies and ensuring optimal growth and development. Overall, the literature highlights the importance of personalized treatment strategies. Conclusions. Effective management of PKU necessitates strict dietary control and personalized treatment to maintain optimal blood Phe levels. Continuous monito-ring, nutritional education, and adherence to dietary recommendations are critical components in achieving the best patient outcomes. Future studies should also explore innovative therapeutic modalities, including gene therapy and novel dietary strategies that consider the gut–brain axis, to enhance the quality of life and mental health for individuals with PKU. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns are able to capture the complexity of the diet. The present study aimed to compare the nutrient intake across different dietary patterns in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Dietary patterns from 295 (predominantly women, 85%) of Brazilian community-dwelling older adults were identified using principal component analysis, based on a 24 h dietary recall (24HR). The following patterns were identified: the “traditional” pattern (consisting of in natura or minimally processed food); the “modified” pattern (consisting of processed foods, confectionery), and the “snack” pattern (composed of coffee, whole milk, bread, toast, butter, or margarine). Participants were divided into three tertiles according to their scores in each pattern. A comparison of energy and nutrient intake across the tertiles of the three patterns was analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test. Then, the intake of energy and macro and micronutrients were analyzed. Results: Older adults with higher scores for the “traditional” pattern had significantly higher intakes of total energy, all macronutrients, beta-carotene, vitamin C, E and K, thiamine, pyridoxine, and total folate (p < 0.05). Participants with higher scores for the “modified” pattern had significantly higher intakes of total energy, added sugar, total and animal protein, leucine, arginine, monounsaturated fat, cholesterol, niacin, and pyridoxine; the second tertile had lower vitamin A than the first tertile (p < 0.05). Finally, older adults with higher scores for the “snack” pattern had significantly lower intakes of total and insoluble fiber, animal and vegetable proteins, vitamins (A, E, and K), niacin, and pyridoxine (p < 0.05). The “Traditional” pattern exhibited the most appropriate dietary pattern regarding the availability of essential nutrients, resulting in a better quality of habitual intake and outcomes that are related to health promotion and reduction in the risk of non-chronic issues. Conclusions: The results reinforce the importance of public policies that encourage the maintenance of the traditional Brazilian dietary pattern, which is in alignment with Brazilian Dietary Guidelines, especially in the older population. Full article

Coffee intercropped with Urochloa decumbens modifies nutrient uptake, and consequently the yield and quality of coffee, by the greater release of nutrients and efficient nutrient cycling. There is little information about the increasing nutrient content in Arabica coffee plants intercropped with Urochloa decumbens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Urochloa decumbens intercropped with two coffee cultivars (Coffea arabica L.) on the levels of macro- and micronutrients and coffee crop yield. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina-DF, and was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications, in a factorial design. The first factor consists of two management systems: with (WB) and without (NB) Urochloa decumbens intercropped; the second factor is composed of Arabica coffee cultivars ‘IPR-103’ and ‘IPR-99’. There was no significant difference in yield of the coffee cultivars with and without Urochloa decumbens intercropped between the rows. The treatment with ‘IPR-99’ coffee cultivar intercropped with Urochloa decumbens achieved 400 kg ha⁻¹ (8 bags) more than the other treatments. The presence of Urochloa decumbens increased leaf nutrient contents of the macronutrients Ca and Mg and micronutrients Mn and Fe. Thus, the coffee–Urochloa decumbens intercropping system is an efficiency management strategy which improves nutrient content for the main crop with consequent yield gains. Full article

Clinical trials consistently demonstrate an inverse correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; calcifediol] levels and the risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 disease, complications, and mortality. This systematic review (SR), guided by Bradford Hill’s causality criteria, analyzed 294 peer-reviewed manuscripts published between December 2019 and November 2024, focusing on plausibility, consistency, and biological gradient. Evidence confirms that cholecalciferol (D₃) and calcifediol significantly reduce symptomatic disease, complications, hospitalizations, and mortality, with optimal effects above 50 ng/mL. While vitamin D requires 3–4 days to act, calcifediol shows effects within 24 h. Among 329 trials, only 11 (3%) showed no benefit due to flawed designs. At USD 2/patient, D₃ supplementation is far cheaper than hospitalization costs and more effective than standard interventions. This SR establishes a strong inverse relationship between 25(OH)D levels and SARS-CoV-2 vulnerability, meeting Hill’s criteria. Vitamin D₃ and calcifediol reduce infections, complications, hospitalizations, and deaths by ~50%, outperforming all patented, FDA-approved COVID-19 therapies. With over 300 trials confirming these findings, waiting for further studies is unnecessary before incorporating them into clinical protocols. Health agencies and scientific societies must recognize the significance of these results and incorporate D₃ and calcifediol for prophylaxis and early treatment protocols of SARS-CoV-2 and similar viral infections. Promoting safe sun exposure and adequate vitamin D₃ supplementation within communities to maintain 25(OH)D levels above 40 ng/mL (therapeutic range: 40–80 ng/mL) strengthens immune systems, reduces hospitalizations and deaths, and significantly lowers healthcare costs. When serum 25(OH)D levels exceed 70 ng/mL, taking vitamin K₂ (100 µg/day or 800 µg/week) alongside vitamin D helps direct any excess calcium to bones. The recommended vitamin D dosage (approximately 70 IU/kg of body weight for a non-obese adult) to maintain 25(OH)D levels between 50–100 ng/mL is safe and cost-effective for disease prevention, ensuring optimal health outcomes. Full article

Nutrition and exercise play a pivotal role in counteracting the effects of aging, promoting health, and improving physical fitness in older adults. This perspective study examines their interplay, highlighting their combined potential to preserve muscle mass, cognitive function, and quality of life. The objective is to address gaps in the current understanding, such as the frequent neglect of dietary intake in exercise interventions and vice versa, which can limit their effectiveness. Through a synthesis of the existing literature, we identify key findings, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutritional intake—particularly protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients—in supporting exercise benefits and preventing sarcopenia and malnutrition. Additionally, supplementation strategies, such as omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, and essential amino acids, are explored alongside the emerging role of the gut microbiota in mediating the benefits of nutrition and exercise. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including determining optimal dosages and timing and addressing individual variability in responses. Personalized approaches tailored to sex differences, gut microbiota diversity, and baseline health conditions are critical for maximizing intervention outcomes. Our conclusions underscore the necessity of integrated strategies that align dietary and exercise interventions to support healthy and active aging. By addressing these gaps, future research can provide actionable insights to optimize health and quality of life in older populations. Full article

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) have gained significant attention in food science and nutrition due to their exceptional nutritional and functional properties. This review examines various oyster mushroom species’ comprehensive physicochemical characteristics, functional attributes, and antioxidative properties. Through analysis of current literature, we establish that oyster mushrooms contain substantial amounts of protein (15–30%), carbohydrates (43–60%), dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients while maintaining low-fat content (~1.2%). The mushrooms demonstrate significant antioxidant activity through compounds such as ergothioneine, phenolics, and flavonoids, with different species showing varying levels of bioactive compounds. Scientific studies reveal that processing methods, particularly different drying techniques, significantly impact their nutritional composition and functional properties. Notable findings include the identification of specific compounds in coloured varieties, such as pink chromoprotein in Pleurotus djamor and various melanin types, which contribute to both aesthetic and functional properties. Full article

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects physiological and biochemical processes in plants, reducing the growth, yield, and quality of crops. This problem has been intensified with the reduction of the cultivated area. This study evaluated the response of hydroponically grown tomato plants under salt stress to foliar applications of E. arvense extracts. Macro- and micronutrients, as well as silicon and phenolic compounds, were extracted using magnetic stirring and water reflux methods, the latter being the most effective. To evaluate the efficacy of E. arvense extracts, spraying was applied at two different doses: EQ-R-1 (23.6 mg·L⁻¹ Si and 0.5 mM phenolic compounds) and EQ-R-2 (5.9 mg·L⁻¹ Si and 0.125 mM phenolic compounds). Foliar application of both extracts alleviated salinity effects by reducing sodium uptake. E. arvense extracts mitigated oxidative stress by a decrease in electrolyte leakage by 29% and malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ concentrations by 69% and 39%, respectively, for the extract with the lowest dose. In addition, EQ-R-2 was also more effective by reducing 51.5% proline accumulation. These findings showed the potential use of E. arvense extracts as biostimulants to enhance plant tolerance to salinity providing new perspectives in agricultural systems. Full article