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
Combined Effects of Physical Activity and Diet on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111749 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: The purpose of our systematic review was to examine the effects of any physical activity/exercise intervention combined with any diet/nutrition intervention on any biological/biochemical index, quality of life (QoL), and depression in breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate, stomach, and liver cancer
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Background: The purpose of our systematic review was to examine the effects of any physical activity/exercise intervention combined with any diet/nutrition intervention on any biological/biochemical index, quality of life (QoL), and depression in breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate, stomach, and liver cancer patients and/or cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken, using PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. The systematic review protocol can be found in the PROSPERO database; registration number: CRD42023481429. Results: We found moderate-quality evidence that a combined intervention of physical activity/exercise and nutrition/diet reduced body mass index, body weight, fat mass, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, and depression, while it increased high-density lipoprotein, the physical component of QoL, and general functional assessment of cancer therapy. Conclusions: We conclude that a combined intervention of physical activity/exercise and diet/nutrition may decrease body weight, fat mass, insulin levels, and inflammation, and improve lipidemic profile, the physical component of QoL, and depression in cancer patients and survivors. These outcomes indicate a lower risk for carcinogenesis; however, their applicability depends on the heterogeneity of the population and interventions, as well as the potential medical treatment of cancer patients and survivors.
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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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Multiple Infections, Nutrient Deficiencies, and Inflammation as Determinants of Anemia and Iron Status during Pregnancy: The MINDI Cohort
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Doris González-Fernández, Elizabeta Nemeth, Emérita del Carmen Pons, Delfina Rueda, Odalis T. Sinisterra, Enrique Murillo, Veena Sangkhae, Lisa Starr, Marilyn E. Scott and Kristine G. Koski
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111748 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
In pregnant women with multiple infections, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation (MINDI), the study of anemia and iron status is limited. For this cross-sectional study (n = 213 Panamanian indigenous women), we investigated if hemoglobin, anemia (Hb < 110 g/L), ferritin, serum iron,
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In pregnant women with multiple infections, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation (MINDI), the study of anemia and iron status is limited. For this cross-sectional study (n = 213 Panamanian indigenous women), we investigated if hemoglobin, anemia (Hb < 110 g/L), ferritin, serum iron, serum transferrin receptor, and hepcidin were associated with (1) maternal nutritional status and supplementation practices, (2) biomarkers of inflammation, and (3) presence/absence of infections. Hierarchical generalized linear and logistic regression models and dominance analyses identified the relative importance of these predictors. Anemia (38%), which was likely underestimated due to low plasma volume (95%), was associated with lower ferritin, vitamin A, and weight-for-height, suggesting anemia of undernutrition. Inflammation was not associated with Hb or anemia; nevertheless, higher CRP was associated with increased odds of low serum iron and higher ferritin and hepcidin, indicating iron restriction due to inflammation. The length of iron supplementation did not enter models for anemia or iron indicators, but a multiple nutrient supplement was associated with higher ferritin and hepcidin. Moreover, iron supplementation was associated with higher odds of vaginal trichomoniasis but lower odds of caries and bacterial vaginosis. The complex pathogenesis of anemia and iron deficiency in MINDI settings may require other interventions beyond iron supplementation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
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Open AccessArticle
Health Behaviours and the Quality of Life of Students of Medical Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Ewa Kupcewicz, Daria Schneider-Matyka, Kamila Rachubińska, Paweł Jastrzębski, Aleksandra Bentkowska and Elżbieta Grochans
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111747 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life
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(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life of individuals affected by the restrictions. The aim of this study was to identify the role of health behaviours in the perception of the quality of life of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This study was conducted among 796 students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in the first quarter of 2022. Subgroup 1 consisted of students at the Public Health School (n = 428; 53.8%) and subgroup 2 consisted of students belonging to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (n = 368; 46.2%). The diagnostic survey method was applied, and an original survey questionnaire, the Health Behaviour Inventory and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref version) were used. (3) Results: The largest contribution to the prediction of quality of life of students in subgroup 1 was made by a positive mental attitude related to avoiding too strong emotions, which explained 19% of the result variability in the somatic domain (ßeta = 0.24; R2 = 0.21), 20% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.36; R2 = 0.20), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.52; R2 = 0.17) and 17% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.19; R2 = 0.19). Moreover, in subgroup 2, a predominantly positive mental attitude significantly predicted quality of life in the somatic domain, explaining 23% of the result variability (ßeta = 0.24; R2 = 0.26), while it explained 25% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.47; R2 = 0.25), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.46; R2 = 0.17) and 21% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.38; R2 = 0.23). (4) Conclusions: Positive correlations between health behaviours and the quality of life among the study participants were determined. Health-promoting behaviours had a beneficial impact on the respondents’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The category of health behaviours described as a positive mental attitude was an important predictor for the participants’ quality of life.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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The Role of Diet in Multiple Sclerosis Onset: A Prospective Study Using UK Biobank
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Camilla Barbero Mazzucca, Lorenza Scotti, Cristoforo Comi, Domizia Vecchio, Annalisa Chiocchetti and Giuseppe Cappellano
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111746 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune condition primarily affecting young adults, and its rise is evident globally. Despite this, its precise etiology remains elusive. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to MS susceptibility; however, the link between diet and MS lacks substantial
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune condition primarily affecting young adults, and its rise is evident globally. Despite this, its precise etiology remains elusive. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to MS susceptibility; however, the link between diet and MS lacks substantial evidence due to limited large-scale studies. We exploited the UK Biobank resources to explore the nexus between diet, lifestyle, and MS risk. The dietary and lifestyle habits of MS incident cases, derived from a general food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) completed by all participants at study enrollment, were compared to those of subjects who did not develop MS during the follow-up. Our findings suggest the protective role of moderate oily fish consumption and weekly alcohol intake. Furthermore, by analyzing food intake data obtained through 24 h recall, completed by a subset of participants, we found a protective, though non-significant, trend of an increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). These findings, derived from the analysis of the UK Biobank and representing an unprecedented approach for this inquiry, warrant further exploration and integration in future research.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Autoimmune Diseases)
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Design and Validation of MEDOC, a Tool to Assess the Combined Adherence to Mediterranean and Western Dietary Patterns
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Camilla Barbero Mazzucca, Lorenza Scotti, Davide Raineri, Giuseppe Cappellano and Annalisa Chiocchetti
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111745 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (MD) and Western diet (WD) are poles apart as dietary patterns. Despite the availability of epidemiological tools to estimate the adherence to MD, to date, there is a lack of combined scores. We developed MEDOC, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)
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The Mediterranean diet (MD) and Western diet (WD) are poles apart as dietary patterns. Despite the availability of epidemiological tools to estimate the adherence to MD, to date, there is a lack of combined scores. We developed MEDOC, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed to calculate a combined adherence score for both diets and validated it on 213 subjects. The test–retest reliability revealed all frequency questions falling within the acceptable range of 0.5 to 0.7 (Pearson correlation coefficient) in younger (<30 years old) subjects, while 1 question out of 39 fell below the range in older (>30 years old) participants. The reproducibility for portion size was less satisfying, with, respectively, 38.2% and 70.5% of questions falling below 0.5 (Cohen’s Kappa index) for younger and older subjects. The good correlation (R = 0.63, p < 0.0001 for subjects younger than 30 years and R = 0.54, p < 0.0001 for subjects older than 30 years, Pearson’s correlation coefficient) between the MEDOC score and the MediDietScore (MDS) confirmed the validity of the MEDOC score in identifying patients who adhere to the MD. Harnessing the capabilities of this innovative tool, we aim to broaden the existing perspective to study complex dietary patterns in nutritional epidemiology studies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Assessment and Nutritional Surveys in Human Health)
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Impact of High-Fat Diet and Exercise on Bone and Bile Acid Metabolism in Rats
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Nerea Alonso, Gunter Almer, Maria Donatella Semeraro, Giovanny Rodriguez-Blanco, Günter Fauler, Ines Anders, Gerald Ritter, Annika vom Scheidt, Niels Hammer, Hans-Jürgen Gruber and Markus Herrmann
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111744 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Bile acids help facilitate intestinal lipid absorption and have endocrine activity in glucose, lipid and bone metabolism. Obesity and exercise influence bile acid metabolism and have opposite effects in bone. This study investigates if regular exercise helps mitigate the adverse effects of obesity
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Bile acids help facilitate intestinal lipid absorption and have endocrine activity in glucose, lipid and bone metabolism. Obesity and exercise influence bile acid metabolism and have opposite effects in bone. This study investigates if regular exercise helps mitigate the adverse effects of obesity on bone, potentially by reversing alterations in bile acid metabolism. Four-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats either received a high-fat diet (HFD) or a chow-based standard diet (lean controls). During the 10-month study period, half of the animals performed 30 min of running at moderate speed on five consecutive days followed by two days of rest. The other half was kept inactive (inactive controls). At the study’s end, bone quality was assessed by microcomputed tomography and biomechanical testing. Bile acids were measured in serum and stool. HFD feeding was related to reduced trabecular (−33%, p = 1.14 × 10−7) and cortical (−21%, p = 2.9 × 10−8) bone mass and lowered femoral stiffness (12–41%, p = 0.005). Furthermore, the HFD decreased total bile acids in serum (−37%, p = 1.0 × 10−6) but increased bile acids in stool (+2-fold, p = 7.3 × 10−9). These quantitative effects were accompanied by changes in the relative abundance of individual bile acids. The concentration of serum bile acids correlated positively with all cortical bone parameters (r = 0.593–0.708), whilst stool levels showed inverse correlations at the cortical (r = −0.651–−0.805) and trabecular level (r = −0.656–−0.750). Exercise improved some trabecular and cortical bone quality parameters (+11–31%, p = 0.043 to 0.001) in lean controls but failed to revert the bone loss related to the HFD. Similarly, changes in bile acid metabolism were not mitigated by exercise. Prolonged HFD consumption induced quantitative and qualitative alterations in bile acid metabolism, accompanied by bone loss. Tight correlations between bile acids and structural indices of bone quality support further functional analyses on the potential role of bile acids in bone metabolism. Regular moderate exercise improved trabecular and cortical bone quality in lean controls but failed in mitigating the effects related to the HFD in bone and bile acid metabolism.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)
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The Effects of Breastfeeding on Childhood Behavioral and Emotional Development: A Prospective Cohort Study in China
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Ying Meng, Hongzhao Yu, Mingxuan Zhang, Hongtian Li, Yubo Zhou and Jianmeng Liu
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111743 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding could improve a child’s health early on, but its long-term effects on childhood behavioral and emotional development remain inconclusive. We aimed to estimate the associations of feeding practice with childhood behavioral and emotional development. Methods: In this population-based birth cohort study,
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Background: Breastfeeding could improve a child’s health early on, but its long-term effects on childhood behavioral and emotional development remain inconclusive. We aimed to estimate the associations of feeding practice with childhood behavioral and emotional development. Methods: In this population-based birth cohort study, data on feeding patterns for the first 6 mo of life, the duration of breastfeeding, and children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes were prospectively collected from 2489 mother–child dyads. Feeding patterns for the first 6 mo included exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF, including mixed feeding or formula feeding), and the duration of breastfeeding (EBF or mixed feeding) was categorized into ≤6 mo, 7–12 mo, 13–18 mo, and >18 mo. Externalizing problems and internalizing problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and operationalized according to recommended clinical cutoffs, corresponding to T scores ≥64. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of feeding practice with CBCL outcomes. Results: The median (interquartile range) age of children at the outcome measurement was 32.0 (17.0) mo. Compared with non-EBF for the first 6 mo, EBF was associated with a lower T score of internalizing problems [adjusted mean difference (aMD): −1.31; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −2.53, −0.10], and it was marginally associated with T scores of externalizing problems (aMD: −0.88; 95% CI: −1.92, 0.15). When dichotomized, EBF versus non-EBF was associated with a lower risk of externalizing problems (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.87), and it was marginally associated with internalizing problems (aOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.06). Regarding the duration of breastfeeding, breastfeeding for 13–18 mo versus ≤6 mo was associated with lower T scores of internalizing problems (aMD: −2.50; 95% CI: −4.43, −0.56) and externalizing problems (aMD: −2.75; 95% CI: −4.40, −1.10), and breastfeeding for >18 mo versus ≤6 mo was associated with lower T scores of externalizing problems (aMD: −1.88; 95% CI: −3.68, −0.08). When dichotomized, breastfeeding for periods of 7–12 mo, 13–18 mo, and >18 mo was associated with lower risks of externalizing problems [aOR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.92, 0.99), 0.94 (0.91, 0.98), 0.96 (0.92, 0.99), respectively]. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 mo and a longer duration of breastfeeding, exclusively or partially, are beneficial for childhood behavioral and emotional development.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue What’s New in Breastfeeding?)
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A Study on the Compatibility of a Food-Recording Application with Questionnaire-Based Methods in Healthy Japanese Individuals
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Katsumi Iizuka, Kanako Deguchi, Chihiro Ushiroda, Kotone Yanagi, Yusuke Seino, Atsushi Suzuki, Daisuke Yabe, Hitomi Sasaki, Satoshi Sasaki, Eiichi Saitoh and Hiroyuki Naruse
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111742 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
In Japan, nutritional guidance based on food-recording apps and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) is becoming popular. However, it is not always recognized that different dietary assessment methods have different nutritional values. Here, we compared the compatibility of dietary intake data obtained from an
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In Japan, nutritional guidance based on food-recording apps and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) is becoming popular. However, it is not always recognized that different dietary assessment methods have different nutritional values. Here, we compared the compatibility of dietary intake data obtained from an app with those obtained from FFQs in 59 healthy individuals who recorded information regarding their diet for at least 7 days per month using an app developed by Asken (Tokyo, Japan). The diurnal coefficient of variation in total energy and protein intake was 20%, but those for vitamins B12 and D were >80%, reflecting the importance of 7 days of recording rather than a single day of recording for dietary intake analyses. Then, we compared the results of two FFQs—one based on food groups and one based on a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire—for 7 days, as recorded by the app. There was a correlation coefficient of >0.4 for all the items except salt. Regarding the compatibility between the app and FFQs, the percentage errors for total energy and nutrients were >40–50%, suggesting no agreement between the app and the two FFQs. In conclusion, careful attention should be paid to the impact of different dietary assessment methods on nutrient assessment.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition Methodology & Assessment)
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Exercise and Nutrition in the Mental Health of the Older Adult Population: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
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María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile, Noelia del Pino Déniz-Ramírez, Jessica Sabina-Campos, Agustín Aibar-Almazán, Yulieth Rivas-Campo, Ana María González-Martín and Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111741 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Global population aging is changing demographic structures and presents significant challenges for health systems, which must adapt to an increasingly elderly population. (2) Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a total of 116 older adults aged 65
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(1) Background: Global population aging is changing demographic structures and presents significant challenges for health systems, which must adapt to an increasingly elderly population. (2) Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a total of 116 older adults aged 65 or older, randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 57) undergoing a combined resistance program and Mediterranean diet program and a control group (n = 59) who did not receive any intervention. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), sleep quality through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). (3) Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed both within and between groups in anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.38 and 0.78, respectively), depression (Cohen’s d = 0.56 and 0.18, respectively), perceived stress (Cohen’s d = 0.15 and 0.39, respectively), and in the PSQI domains: subjective sleep quality (Cohen’s d = 1.01 and 0.53, respectively), sleep duration (Cohen’s d = 01.12 and 0.53, respectively), sleep disturbances (Cohen’s d = 1.92 and 0.95, respectively), use of medications (Cohen’s d = 0.34 and 0.40, respectively), and the PSQI total score (Cohen’s d = 0.68 and 0.49, respectively). No significant differences were observed in sleep latency or daytime dysfunction. (4) Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that resistance intervention may be an effective therapeutic option to improve mental health and sleep quality in older adults aged 65 or older, offering a non-pharmacological approach to improving overall well-being in this demographic.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathways Linking Nutrition with Cognitive and Mental Health)
Open AccessEditorial
Healthy Diets to Prevent Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases in Adolescents
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Anastasia Z. Kalea and Efstathia Papada
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111740 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Since the 1980s, there has been a global increase, decade by decade, in the rates of overweight and obesity among children, both in developed and developing countries [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Diets to Prevent Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases in Adolescents)
Open AccessReview
Evaluating the Reliability of Health Portals’ Nutrition and Supplementation Advice for Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review
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Magdalena Skowrońska, Michał Pawłowski and Robert Milewski
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111739 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
This article evaluates the reliability and consistency of nutrition- and supplementation-related advice for pregnant women provided by ten selected health-related Internet portals. The portals were chosen based on their perceived reliability and prominence in Google searches, with representation from both English and Polish
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This article evaluates the reliability and consistency of nutrition- and supplementation-related advice for pregnant women provided by ten selected health-related Internet portals. The portals were chosen based on their perceived reliability and prominence in Google searches, with representation from both English and Polish language sources. The evaluation criteria included the adherence of the presented information to official recommendations and its evidence-based character based on specific items representing dietary aspects important in pregnancy. While the overall reliability was deemed acceptable, significant variations existed both among the portals and specific evaluated items. Notably, HealthLine, Medline Plus, and NCEZ emerged as the most evidence-based, while WebMD and Medycyna Praktyczna were identified as less reliable. Despite a number of issues, the analysed portals remain valuable sources of nutritional information for pregnant women, offering user-friendly accessibility superior to alternatives such as social media on the one hand and scientific articles on the other. Improved consistency and attention to detail, especially in relation to vitamin intake and supplementation, would improve the overall quality of health portals.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Safety in Pregnancy)
Open AccessReview
Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods
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Allison L. Brichacek, Melanie Florkowski, Esther Abiona and Karen M. Frank
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111738 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that are industrially processed and are often pre-packaged, convenient, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor. UPFs are widespread in the current Western diet and their proposed contribution to non-communicable diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease is supported by numerous studies.
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Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that are industrially processed and are often pre-packaged, convenient, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor. UPFs are widespread in the current Western diet and their proposed contribution to non-communicable diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease is supported by numerous studies. UPFs are hypothesized to affect the body in multiple ways, including by inducing changes in the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the available research on the effect of UPFs on the gut microbiome. We also review current usage of the NOVA food classification system in randomized controlled trials and observational studies and how its implementation effects UPF research. Despite some differences in methodology between studies, results often associate UPF consumption with a number of negative health consequences. There are attempts to standardize a UPF classification system; however, reaching and implementing a consensus is difficult. Future studies focusing on the mechanisms by which UPFs effect the body, including through the microbiome and metabolome, will be essential to refine our understanding of the effects of UPFs on human health.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Relationship between Diet, Gut Microbes and Human Health)
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Docosahexaenoic Acid Coordinating with Sodium Selenite Promotes Paraptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Disrupting the Redox Homeostasis and Activating the MAPK Pathway
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Sheng Zhao, Yuzhou Meng, Wenxun Cai, Qiwen Luo, Hongyang Gao, Qiang Shen and Dongyun Shi
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111737 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Tumor cells are characterized by a delicate balance between elevated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant capacity. This intricate equilibrium, maintained within a threshold known as redox homeostasis, offers a unique perspective for cancer treatment by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels beyond cellular
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Tumor cells are characterized by a delicate balance between elevated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant capacity. This intricate equilibrium, maintained within a threshold known as redox homeostasis, offers a unique perspective for cancer treatment by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels beyond cellular tolerability, thereby disrupting this balance. However, currently used chemotherapy drugs require larger doses to increase ROS levels beyond the redox homeostasis threshold, which may cause serious side effects. How to disrupt redox homeostasis in cancer cells more effectively remains a challenge. In this study, we found that sodium selenite and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid extracted from marine fish, synergistically induced cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Physiological doses of DHA simultaneously upregulated oxidation and antioxidant levels within the threshold range without affecting cell viability. However, it rendered the cells more susceptible to reaching the upper limit of the threshold of redox homeostasis, facilitating the elevation of ROS levels beyond the threshold by combining with low doses of sodium selenite, thereby disrupting redox homeostasis and inducing MAPK-mediated paraptosis. This study highlights the synergistic anticancer effects of sodium selenite and DHA, which induce paraptosis by disrupting redox homeostasis in tumor cells. These findings offer a novel strategy for more targeted and less toxic cancer therapies for colorectal cancer treatment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Physical Activity in Oncological Patients: What We Know and What We Ignore)
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Dietary Patterns of Pregnant Women and Their Association with Diet Quality Measures: A Comparative Analysis
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Andreea-Maria Mitran, Alina Delia Popa, Andreea Gherasim, Otilia Nita, Laura Mihalache, Lidia Iuliana Arhire, Dumitru Gafitanu, Monica Hancianu and Oana Cioanca
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111736 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring maternal and foetal health outcomes. Numerous methodologies exist for assessing the diet of pregnant women, including dietary patterns and various appraisal tools of diet quality. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and
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Healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring maternal and foetal health outcomes. Numerous methodologies exist for assessing the diet of pregnant women, including dietary patterns and various appraisal tools of diet quality. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and diet quality of pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, diet quality estimators, and the adequacy of nutrient intake. EPIC FFQ was applied to a sample of 251 pregnant women, and questionnaires were interpreted with the FETA program. Dietary patterns were then determined by means of principal component analysis. Our results showed a substantial association between dietary patterns and total diet quality, as measured by the Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-Pc), PURE Healthy Diet Score, and FIGO Diet Quality Score. We also found correlations between certain dietary patterns and particular nutrient intakes recommended by the European Food Safety Authority during pregnancy. The most deficient intake was registered for iron (86.1%), zinc (87.3%) and magnesium (79.3%), posing a threat to normal bone development, anaemia prophylaxis, and immune status. These results highlight the importance of assessing and understanding eating habits during pregnancy in order to achieve optimal outcomes for both the mother and the foetus.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)
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An Intensive Culinary Intervention Programme to Promote Healthy Ageing: The SUKALMENA-InAge Feasibility Pilot Study
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Jara Domper, Lucía Gayoso, Leticia Goni, Laura Perezábad, Cristina Razquin, Victor de la O, Usune Etxeberria and Miguel Ruiz-Canela
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111735 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Dietary interventions are a key strategy to promote healthy ageing. Cooking skills training emerges as a promising approach to acquiring and maintaining healthy eating habits. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culinary programme to improve healthy eating habits among overweight/obese
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Dietary interventions are a key strategy to promote healthy ageing. Cooking skills training emerges as a promising approach to acquiring and maintaining healthy eating habits. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culinary programme to improve healthy eating habits among overweight/obese adults (55–70 years old). A total of 62 volunteers were randomly (1:1) assigned to an culinary intervention group (CIG) or a nutritional intervention group (NIG). Dietary, cooking, and health-related outcomes, including body advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels, were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks. Mixed-effects linear models were used to assess the effects of the interventions within and between groups. Among the 56 participants who completed the trial, CIG participants achieved a significant improvement in Mediterranean diet adherence (1.2; 95%CI, 0.2 to 2.2) and a reduction in the use of culinary techniques associated with a higher AGE formation in foods (−2.8; 95%CI, −5.6 to −0.2), weight (−1.5; 95%CI, −2.5 to −0.5), body mass index (−0.5; 95%CI, −0.8 to −0.2), waist circumference (−1.4; 95%CI, −2.6 to −0.2), and hip circumference (−1.4; 95%CI, −2.4 to −0.4) compared with the NIG participants. Although a greater confidence in cooking in the CIG was found, attitudes and cooking habits did not improve. No significant differences in biochemical parameters or AGEs were found between groups. In conclusion, a culinary intervention could be successful in promoting healthy eating and cooking habits compared to a programme based on nutrition education alone. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to strengthen attitudes and beliefs about home cooking, to address potential barriers and understand the impact of cooking interventions on biological parameters. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate the relationship between cooking, diet, and health.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Can Health and Wellness Promotion Strategies Which Include Nutrition Education alongside Hands-On Cooking Be Organized, Evaluated, and Optimized for Maximal Impact)
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Identification of Factors on Blood Selenium Levels in the US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
by
Ya-Zhi Bai, Yi-Xiong Gao and Shuang-Qing Zhang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111734 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and its low or high concentration in vivo is associated with the high risk of many diseases. It is important to identify influential factors of Se status. The present study aimed to explore the
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Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and its low or high concentration in vivo is associated with the high risk of many diseases. It is important to identify influential factors of Se status. The present study aimed to explore the association between several factors (Se intake, gender, age, race, education, body mass index (BMI), income, smoking and alcohol status) and blood Se concentration using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2020 data. Demographic characteristics, physical examination, health interviews and diets were compared among quartiles of blood Se concentration using the Rao-Scott χ2 test. Se levels were compared between the different groups of factors studied, measuring the strength of their association. A total of 6205 participants were finally included. The normal reference ranges of blood Se concentration were 142.3 (2.5th percentile) and 240.8 μg/L (97.5th percentile), respectively. The mean values of dietary Se intake, total Se intake and blood Se concentration of the participants were 111.5 μg/day, 122.7 μg/day and 188.7 μg/L, respectively, indicating they were in the normal range. Total Se intake was the most important contributor of blood Se concentration. Gender, race, education status, income, BMI, smoking and alcohol status were associated with blood Se concentration.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Selenium and Other Micronutrient Intake on Human Health)
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Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health
by
Alicia del Carmen Mondragon Portocarrero and Jose Manuel Miranda Lopez
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111733 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
The concept of a healthy diet is not a static definition; over the years, it has been molded to scientific knowledge [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)
Open AccessArticle
Body Mass Index Distribution in Female Child, Adolescent and Adult Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa—A Retrospective Chart Review
by
Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch, Triinu Peters, Adrian Meule, Johannes Hebebrand and Ulrich Voderholzer
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111732 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Background: The variation in body mass index (BMI) of inpatients with anorexia nervosa has not been analyzed across the age span. A positive correlation between BMI and age has been reported in adolescent inpatients aged 15 years and younger that levels off at
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Background: The variation in body mass index (BMI) of inpatients with anorexia nervosa has not been analyzed across the age span. A positive correlation between BMI and age has been reported in adolescent inpatients aged 15 years and younger that levels off at 15 to 18 years. BMIs standardized for age and sex (standard deviation scores, SDSs) were negatively correlated with age in these inpatients aged 8 to 18 years. Methods: The aims of the current retrospective study were threefold: first, to confirm the relationships of BMI, BMI-SDS and age in adolescent inpatients in a larger sample; second, to systematically assess the relationship of BMI, BMI-SDS, body height-SDS and age in adult inpatients at the time of referral; and third, to assess body height-SDSs and age to evaluate stunting. Results: We included 1001 girls (aged 12–17.9 years) and 1371 women (aged 18–73 years) admitted to inpatient treatment between 2014 and 2021. Mean BMI at admission was 14.95 kg/m2 (SD = 1.43; range 10.67–18.47) in adolescents and 14.63 kg/m2 (SD = 2.02; range 8.28–18.47) in adults. None of the adolescent patients but 20 adults had very low BMI values below 10 kg/m2. Adolescents showed a small but significant positive correlation between age and BMI (r = 0.12; p = 2.4 × 10−4). In adults, BMI was not correlated with age (r = −0.03; p = 0.3). BMI-SDSs was negatively correlated with age in adolescents and less so in adults (r = −0.35; p < 0.001 and r = −0.09; p = 0.001). Curve fit analyses for all patients indicated that there was a quadratic (age × age) relationship between age and BMI-SDS. Height correlated positively with BMI in adult (r = 0.1; p < 0.001) and adolescent (r = 0.09 p = 0.005) patients and we detected no evidence for stunting. Conclusions: In conclusion, the BMI of inpatients seems to be relatively stable across the age span with mean values between 14 and 15 kg/m2. BMI values initially increase with age in younger patients, drop between ages 18 and 23 and then slowly decline with age.
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(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
Open AccessArticle
Correlations between Gustatory, Olfactory, Cognitive Function, and Age in Healthy Women
by
Fabrizio Sanna, M. Paola Castelli, Rafaela Mostallino, Francesco Loy and Carla Masala
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111731 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Aging is a progressive physiological degeneration associated with a decline in chemosensory processes and cognitive abilities and a reduction in synaptic plasticity. The biological bases of ageing are still not completely understood, and many theories have been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate
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Aging is a progressive physiological degeneration associated with a decline in chemosensory processes and cognitive abilities and a reduction in synaptic plasticity. The biological bases of ageing are still not completely understood, and many theories have been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of age-related changes affecting the chemosensory function (gustatory and olfactory) and general cognitive abilities and their potential associations in women. To this aim, 319 women (the age ranging from 18 to 92 years) were recruited and divided into four different age groups: 18–34 years, 35–49 years, 50–64 years, and ≥65 years. Our results confirmed that in women, gustatory, olfactory, and cognitive functions decline, though in a different manner during aging. Olfactory and cognitive function showed a slight decline along the first three age classes, with a dramatic decrease after age 65 years, while gustatory function decreased more gradually. Olfactory and gustatory deficits may have a high degree of predictivity for general cognitive function as well as for specific cognitive subdomains such as visuospatial/executive abilities, language, memory, and attention. Our study highlighted the importance of using chemosensory assessments for the early diagnosis of cognitive decline and for the development of appropriate personalized risk prevention strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
Open AccessReview
Childhood Obesity and Its Comorbidities in High-Risk Minority Populations: Prevalence, Prevention and Lifestyle Intervention Guidelines
by
Ahmad Alkhatib and George Obita
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111730 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated comorbidities is a growing global health problem that disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and minority ethnicities in high-income countries (HICs). The increased childhood obesity disparities among populations reflect two concerns: one
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The prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated comorbidities is a growing global health problem that disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and minority ethnicities in high-income countries (HICs). The increased childhood obesity disparities among populations reflect two concerns: one is HICs’ ineffective intervention approaches in terms of lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity in minority populations, and the second is the virtually non-existent lifestyle obesity interventions in LMICs. This article provides guidelines on childhood obesity and its comorbidities in high-risk minority populations based on understanding the prevalence and effectiveness of preventative lifestyle interventions. First, we highlight how inadequate obesity screening by body mass index (BMI) can be resolved by using objective adiposity fat percentage measurements alongside anthropometric and physiological components, including lean tissue and bone density. National healthcare childhood obesity prevention initiatives should embed obesity cut-off points for minority ethnicities, especially Asian and South Asian ethnicities within UK and USA populations, whose obesity-related metabolic risks are often underestimated. Secondly, lifestyle interventions are underutilised in children and adolescents with obesity and its comorbidities, especially in minority ethnicity population groups. The overwhelming evidence on lifestyle interventions involving children with obesity comorbidities from ethnic minority populations shows that personalised physical activity and nutrition interventions are successful in reversing obesity and its secondary cardiometabolic disease risks, including those related to cardiorespiratory capacity, blood pressure and glucose/insulin levels. Interventions combining cultural contextualisation and better engagement with families are the most effective in high-risk paediatric minority populations but are non-uniform amongst different minority communities. A sustained preventative health impact can be achieved through the involvement of the community, with stakeholders comprising healthcare professionals, nutritionists, exercise science specialists and policy makers. Our guidelines for obesity assessment and primary and secondary prevention of childhood obesity and associated comorbidities in minority populations are fundamental to reducing global and local health disparities and improving quality of life.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Eating Habits and Physical Activity on Childhood Obesity)
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