Search Results (12,858)

Background: Globally, dietary patterns are shifting toward an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, raising the risk of some metabolic and nutritional diseases from a young age. This trend is now also affecting low- and middle-income countries. Considering this, we aimed to assess the contribution of ultra-processed foods to total energy intake and their association with the nutritional intake of children and adolescents in Cantagalo, São Tomé and Príncipe. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 546 households. Data were collected on anthropometrics, sociodemographic characteristics, and lifestyle, including 24 h food recall questionnaires for children and adolescents. The reported foods were nutritionally assessed and categorized according to the NOVA classification to estimate the contribution of ultra-processed foods. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the magnitude of the associations between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and nutritional intake, adjusting for confounders. Results: The contribution of ultra-processed foods to daily energy intake was 9.5% for girls and 8.5% for boys. Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was significantly associated with a lower intake of fiber (OR = 0.932; 95%CI, 0.872–0.996), vitamin B12 (OR = 0.812; 95%CI, 0.668–0.985), and zinc (OR = 0.443; 95%CI, 0.308–0.639) and a higher intake of iron (OR = 1.479; 95%CI, 1.065–2.055) and sodium (OR = 1.001; 95%CI, 1.000–1.001), after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was especially associated with a lower intake of fiber, vitamin B12, and zinc, and with a higher intake of iron. Full article

In three consecutive experiments, natural yogurt (NY) and fruit yogurt (FY) fortified with 5 and 10% skimmed milk powder (SMP) and 10% jam from black currant (BC), elderberry (EB), and their mixture of 1:1 (BCEB) were analyzed, and consumer acceptance was assessed. In Experiment 1, the effect of SMP (0, 5, and 10%) on selected physicochemical parameters of the NY was evaluated. With the increasing addition of SMP, a decrease in fat content (up to −19%) and, conversely, an increase in protein content (up to +82%) and viscosity were noted. Analyses of fruits and jams intended for yogurt fortification revealed a significantly higher vitamin C content in BC than in EB and higher anthocyanins in EB than in BC. In Experiment 2, NY with 5 and 10% SMP was fortified with 10% jams (BC or EB). A joint effect of SMP and the type of fruit jam was evaluated. The same trends in fat and protein contents as in Experiment 1 were detected. The sensory evaluation showed better acceptance of FY with 10% SMP and no differences between BC and EB perception. Thus, for Experiment 3, FY was prepared with only 10% SMP and 10% jam (BC, EB, BCEB). Significant differences were detected in active acidity and color measured in the CIELab system. These results were also confirmed in sensory evaluation. The overall acceptability showed that FY with different types of jam did not significantly differ. The launching of innovative fortified yogurt onto the market represents a promising way to increase the diversity of fermented dairy products with nutritionally desirable properties. Full article

Objective: In this study, we investigated 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D, vitamin D), inflammatory hematologic ratios such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), monocyte/HDL-C ratio (MHR) and plasma atherogenic index (PAI) and possible relationships with insulin resistance (IR) in children. Methods: A total of 210 individuals, including 96 children with IR and 114 children without IR, aged 6–18 years, who were admitted to the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic at Medicine Hospital, Istanbul Atlas University were included in our study. Result: Compared to patients without IR, NLR, PLR, SII, and MHR were significantly higher in patients with IR. Fasting insulin, PAI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and HOMA-β were significantly higher and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was considerably lower in patients with IR compared to those without IR. NLR, SII, and MHR were lower in normal vitamin D groups than the others (p < 0.001). PLR was lower in the group with normal vitamin D levels than the groups with insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D (D < 21). Conclusions: We found that vitamin D deficiency in childhood is related to increased levels of circulating inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, MHR, PAI), IR, and decreased insulin sensitivity. According to our results, supplementation of vitamin D may be beneficial in averting IR and enhanced systemic inflammation Full article

Dairy products, a major source of calcium, demonstrate a number of beneficial effects, not only protecting against the development of osteoporosis (OP) but also suppressing the onset of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and improving bone mineral density (BMD). Dairy consumption is closely linked to lactose tolerance. One of the genetic factors predisposing individuals to lactose intolerance is rs4988235 polymorphism of the MCM6 gene. The aim of this reported study was to analyse the relationship between the rs4988235 variant of the MCM6 gene and bone mineral density and the risk of type-2 diabetes in women after menopause. Methods: The study was conducted among 607 female patients in the postmenopausal period in whom bone densitometry and vitamin-D3 levels were assayed and genotyping of the rs4988235 polymorphism of MCM6 gene was performed. The obtained results were analysed for the presence of T2DM, obesity surrogates, medical data, and past medical history. Results: The distribution of genotype frequencies was consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.050). Postmenopausal women with the GG homozygote of rs4988235 polymorphism consumed significantly less calcium (dairy), which was probably related to the observed lactose intolerance. The GG homozygote of women with rs4988235 polymorphism was significantly more likely to have T2DM relative to the A allele carriers (p = 0.023). GG homozygotes had significantly lower femoral–vertebral mineral density despite the significantly more frequent supplementation with calcium preparations (p = 0.010), vitamin D (p = 0.01), and anti-osteoporotic drugs (p = 0.040). The obtained results indicate a stronger loss of femoral-neck mineral density with age in the GG homozygotes relative to the A allele carriers (p = 0.038). Conclusions: In the population of women after menopause, the carriage of the G allele of rs4988235 polymorphism of the MCM6 gene, i.e., among the patients with lactose intolerance, significantly increased the risk of developing T2DM and the loss of BMD. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of harvesting stages (turning-color fruit and light red color) and postharvest treatments (distilled water, hot water at 35 °C, 10% Aloe vera, 2% CaCl₂, 5% Mint, and 5% Catnip) for 5 min on the quality and storability of tomato fruits cv. Sangaw stored at 10 ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 90%–95% for 20 days. Fruit harvested at the turning-color fruit stage presented significantly lower weight loss, greater firmness, and higher amounts of vitamin C, total phenol, and calcium (3.22%, 1118.31 g mm/s, 15.83 mg 100 g⁻¹, 95.49 mg 100 mL⁻¹ FW, and 0.14%, respectively). However, the tomatoes harvested from the light red color fruit stage presented the highest contents of total soluble sugars, total sugars, and lycopene (4.36%, 3.99%, and 41.49 mg kg⁻¹, respectively). Notably, the postharvest treatment of tomato fruits with 2% CaCl₂ significantly decreased weight loss and resulted in greater firmness, pH, total sugar, total phenol, and calcium contents (3.90%, 1212.39 g mm/s, 4.83, 3.85%, 95.60 mg 100 mL⁻¹ FW, and 0.18%, respectively) than the control. Hence, coating with 10% Aloe vera resulted in the highest amount of total soluble solids and the highest amount of vitamin C. Tomato picked at the turning-color fruit stage and immersed in 5% Mint significantly lowered the loss of fruit weight, increased the total titratable acidity, and had the lowest content of lycopene. Additionally, the fruits harvested at the same stage and immersed in 2% CaCl₂ retained greater firmness, total phenol content, and calcium content. On the other hand, fruits harvested in the light red stage and dipped in 5% Mint presented the highest total soluble sugars and total sugar contents. Finally, the harvested tomato fruits coated with 10% Aloe vera retained a relatively high level of vitamin C, indicating the storage life and quality of the tomato fruits. Full article

The extracellular matrix of cartilage primarily constitutes of collagen and aggrecan. Cartilage degradation starts with aggrecan loss in osteoarthritis (OA). Vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in several inflammation-related diseases and can protect the collagen in cartilage during OA. The present study focused on the role of VD in aggrecan turnover of human articular chondrocytes treated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and the possible mechanism. Treatment with different doses of VD and different periods of intervention with TNF-α and TGF-β1 receptor (TGFβR1) inhibitor SB525334 were investigated. The viability of human chondrocytes and extracellular secretion of TGF-β1 were measured. The expression of intracellular TGFβR1 and VD receptor was examined. Transcriptional and translational levels of aggrecan and the related metabolic factors were analyzed. The results showed that TNF-α markedly reduced the viability, TGFβR1 expressions and aggrecan levels of human chondrocytes, and increased disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs. The alterations were partially inhibited by VD treatment. Furthermore, the effects of VD were blocked by the TGFβR1 inhibitor SB525334 in TNF-α-treated cells. VD may prevent proteoglycan loss due to TNF-α via TGF-β1 signaling in human chondrocytes. Full article

One of the challenges in the drying process is decreasing the drying time while preserving the product quality. This work aimed to assess the impact of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment with varying specific energy levels (15.2–26.8 kJ/kg) in conjunction with a microwave vacuum dryer (operating at energy levels of 100, 200 and 300 W) on the kinetics of drying apple slices (cv. Gravenstein). The findings demonstrated a notable reduction in the moisture ratio with the application of pulsed electric field treatment. Based on the findings, implementing PEF reduced the drying time from 4.2 to 31.4% compared to the untreated sample. Moreover, two mathematical models (viz. Page and Weibull) and two machine learning techniques (viz. artificial neural network and support vector regression) were used to predict the moisture ratio of the dried samples. Page’s and Weibull’s models predicted the moisture ratios with R² = 0.958 and 0.970, respectively. The optimal topology of machine learning to predict the moisture ratio was derived based on the influential parameters within the artificial neural network (i.e., training algorithm, transfer function and hidden layer neurons) and support vector regression (kernel function). The performance of the artificial neural network (R² = 0.998, RMSE = 0.038 and MAE = 0.024) surpassed that of support vector regression (R² = 0.994, RMSE = 0.012 and MAE = 0.009). Overall, the machine learning approach outperformed the mathematical models in terms of performance. Hence, machine learning can be used effectively for both predicting the moisture ratio and facilitating online monitoring and control of the drying processes. Lastly, the attributes of the dried apple slices, including color, mechanical properties and sensory analysis, were evaluated. Drying apple slices using PEF treatment and 100 W of microwave energy not only reduces drying time but also maintains the chemical properties such as the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity), vitamin C, color and sensory qualities of the product. Full article

Nutrient profiling (NP) models that assess nutrient density of foods can help remedy micronutrient deficiencies. We used NP methods to identify the most nutrient-rich foods in the 2019 FAO/INFOODS Western Africa Food Composition Table (WAFCT). The WAFCT had complete data for 909 foods. Three versions of the well-established Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) model were used: (1) the original NRF9.3 based on 9 micronutrients (protein, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D); (2) a new NRF6.3 based on 6 priority micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12); and (3) NRF 15.3, based on 15 nutrients to encourage (NRF6.3 nutrients + vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, copper, and magnesium). Data analyses used one-way ANOVAs and independent t-tests, with significance at α = 0.05. Animal-source foods were rated higher by NRF6.3 priority micronutrient and NRF15.3 NP models than by the NRF9.3 model. African indigenous vegetables had higher protein content and higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous vegetables, and African indigenous grains had higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous grains. Though animal-source foods received some of the highest scores, NP models adapted to the West African context showed that African indigenous vegetables and grains were also nutrient rich. Indigenous foods could be important sources of priority micronutrients for the region. Full article

Background: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition characterized by an intractable burning sensation in the oral cavity without visible mucosal lesions. Current treatment options are diverse but often limited by variable efficacy and patient tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric combined with vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine HCl) in treating BMS. Methods: In this retrospective, single-arm study, 28 non-smoking female patients with BMS were treated with a daily regimen of turmeric and vitamin B₆ for 60 days. The pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment initiation (baseline VAS, BVAS) and after the treatment period (final VAS, FVAS). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to analyze changes in the VAS scores. Results: The mean BVAS score was 5.61 (SD = 1.87), indicating moderate pain at baseline. Post-treatment, the mean FVAS score significantly decreased to 2.14 (SD = 1.35). The median delta in the VAS scores demonstrated a substantial reduction in pain intensity (median delta = 4.0; mean delta = 3.46; SD = 2.05). Statistical analyses revealed a significant reduction in the VAS scores (W = 0.0, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The combination of turmeric and vitamin B₆ was found to significantly reduce pain scores in patients with BMS, indicating this therapeutic approach may be a promising alternative for BMS management. Larger-scale clinical trials are warranted to further validate these findings. Full article

Botanical varieties of hemp differ in chemical composition, plant morphology, agronomy, and industrial suitability. Hemp is popular for cultivation for the production of cannabinoid oil, fiber production, biomass, etc. The fertilization process is one of the most important factors affecting the plant, both its condition and chemical composition. So far, research has been carried out proving that hemp is a valuable source of, among others: fatty acids, amino acids, acids, vitamins, numerous micro- and macroelements, and antioxidant compounds. In this experiment, it was decided to check the possibility of harvesting hemp panicles twice in one year. The purpose of this treatment is to use one plant to produce cannabidiol oil and grain. The main aim of the research was to determine bioactive compounds in hemp seeds and to determine whether the cultivation method affects their content and quantity. Based on the research conducted, it was observed that hemp can be grown in two directions at the same time and harvested twice because its health-promoting properties do not lose their value. It was found that regardless of whether hemp is grown solely for seeds or to obtain essential oils and then seeds, the type of fertilization does not affect the content of phenolic acids (e.g., syringic acid: 69.69–75.14 μg/100 g, vanillic acid: 1.47–1.63 μg/100 g). Based on the conducted research, it was found that essential oils can be obtained from one plant in the summer and seeds from Henola hemp cultivation in the autumn, because such a treatment does not affect the content of the discussed compounds. Full article

A conventional questionnaire-based assessment of acetic acid intake is based on the intake of seasonings such as mayonnaise, which could thereby lead to an underestimation. We here determine the relationships of acetic acid intake with nutrient intake estimated using a food recording app (Asken) based on meal recipes. A total of 141 individuals (48 men and 93 women) used the app for at least 7 days per month. The mean daily intake of acetic acid was 0.16 ± 0.19 g and the mean frequency of acetic acid intake was 2.77 ± 1.66 days per week. A multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and energy intake revealed that the amount of acetic acid consumed was significantly and positively associated with the intake of protein (11.9 (5.1, 18.6), p < 0.001), cholesterol (80.7 (4.5, 156.9), p = 0.04), and all vitamins except vitamin K. The frequency of acetic acid intake was significantly and positively associated with protein (1.04 (0.20, 1.87), p = 0.015), vitamin B1 (0.3 (0.02,0.5), p = 0.031), niacin (0.5 (0.04,1.0), p = 0.032), and vitamin B12 (0.4 (0.1,0.7), p = 0.002) intake, suggesting that individuals who frequently consume acetic acid tend to consume more protein and some vitamins. Thus, the amount and frequency of acetic acid may reflect protein and vitamin intake. Full article

Pomegranate is a notable source of nutrients, containing a considerable proportion of organic acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, fatty acids, and polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. It is also rich in nutritionally important minerals and chemical elements such as K, P, Na, Ca, Mg, and N. The presence of several bioactive compounds and metabolites in pomegranate has led to its incorporation into the functional food category, where it is used for its numerous therapeutic properties. Pomegranate’s bioactive compounds have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Aging is a process characterized by the chronic accumulation of damages, progressively compromising cells, tissues, and organs over time. Inflammaging is a chronic, subclinical, low-grade inflammation that occurs during the aging process and is linked to many age-related diseases. This review aims to summarize and discuss the evidence of the benefits of pomegranate extract and its compounds to slow the aging processes by intervening in the mechanisms underlying inflammaging. These studies mainly concern neurodegenerative and skin diseases, while studies in other fields of application need to be more practical. Furthermore, no human studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammaging effects of pomegranate. In the future, supplementation with pomegranate extracts, polyphenols, or urolithins could represent a valuable low-risk complementary therapy for patients with difficult-to-manage diseases, as well as a valid therapeutic alternative for the topical or systemic treatment of skin pathologies. Full article

The market value of sea urchin gonads is determined by the specific characteristics associated with gonad size and texture. Formulated feeds can effectively promote the gonad growth of sea urchins but cannot assure essential gonad texture traits. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitamin C (VC) on the gonad growth, texture, collagen content, and the expression of genes involved in the collagen synthesis of sea urchins (Mesocentrotus nudus). Graded amounts of VC (0, 3000 and 6000 mg/kg) were supplemented to make three formulated feeds. Fresh kelp (Saccharina japonica) was used as the control diet. Each diet was randomly distributed to three tanks of M. nudus. The results indicated that the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and texture traits of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly greater than those fed C0 and C6000. Collagen type I (Col I) in the gonads of M. nudus fed C3000 showed significantly greater areas than those fed C0 and C6000. Consistently, the expression levels of collagen alpha-1 (colp1α) of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly higher than those fed C0 and C6000. As for the transforming growth factor beta (tgf-β)/Smads pathway, the expression levels of collagen synthesis genes (tgf-β receptor 1 and 2, smad nuclear-interacting protein 1 (snip1) and prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (p4hβ)) in the C3000 group were significantly greater than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. On the contrary, the expression levels of collagen degradation genes (lysyl oxidase-like 2 (loxl2) and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (mmp14)) in the C3000 group were significantly lower than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. In conclusion, VC at an addition level of 3000 mg/kg significantly increased the gonad texture and collagen contents of M. nudus, which could be accomplished by increasing collagen synthesis and inhibiting collagen degradation through the tgf-β/Smads pathway. These results could contribute to better understanding the beneficial effects of VC addition on the gonad texture quality of M. nudus. Full article

Introduction/Aim: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune modulation, which may influence the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin D levels and supplementation on the incidence of GvHD in HSCT patients. Methods: A narrative review was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Embase databases. Results: The reviewed studies indicated widespread vitamin D deficiency among HSCT patients, with baseline levels ranging from 12.8 to 29.2 ng/mL. Supplementation protocols varied significantly, with dosages ranging from 1000 IU/day to 60,000 IU/week. Post-supplementation levels improved in some studies. Studies exploring the relationship between vitamin D and GvHD showed mixed results. Lower baseline vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of acute GvHD in some studies, while others found no significant correlation. However, a significant association between low levels of vitamin D and the incidence of chronic GvHD was observed. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in HSCT patients and may influence the risk of developing chronic GvHD. Future research should focus on larger and more rigorous studies to determine the optimal role of vitamin D as an adjuvant therapy in the context of HSCT. Full article