**2. Gut Health**

Ojo et al. [6] conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effects of almonds on gut microbiota, glycometabolism, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. This review was conducted against the backdrop of rising global prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the recognition that nutritional interventions, including the use of almonds, which are rich sources of dietary fibre, essential minerals, protein, and monounsaturated fatty acids, may be effective in managing symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Ojo et al. [6] found that an almond-based diet was effective in promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and lowering glycated haemoglobin and body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes. The nutrient composition of almond, such as high fibre content and low glycemic index, may be involved in the biological mechanism of its effect. However, almonds did not appear to have a significant effect (*p* > 0.05) on fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, inflammatory parameters, glucagon-like peptide 1, and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [6].

In a separate systematic review, Ojo et al. [7] carried out a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. This review aimed to evaluate the effect of prebiotics and oral antidiabetic agents on the gut microbiome in patients with type 2 diabetes. Prebiotics are substrates (non-viable) that are resistant to gastric acid and intestinal absorption and are used selectively by host microorganisms, which leads to benefits [7]. Prebiotics may promote eubiosis of the gut microbiome and ensure glucose homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes. The network meta-analysis found that prebiotics significantly reduced (*p* < 0.05) glycated haemoglobin, compared to the control, in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, prebiotics and oral antidiabetic agents did not have a significant effect (*p* > 0.05) on the gut microbiome, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, and postprandial blood glucose [7].

#### **3. Brain and Cognitive Impairment**

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a prevalent condition worldwide and is characterised by a cluster of conditions, including central obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance, believed to be a key underlying mechanism responsible for MS, affects multiple tissues and organs, including the central nervous system, leading to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the inverse relationship between MS and cognitive impairment has not been fully explored. Rojas et al. [8] reviewed studies investigating a new hypothesis suggesting that cognitive impairment plays a role in the development of insulin resistance and, consequently, the appearance of MS. The authors concluded that a bidirectional relationship between MS and cognitive impairment seems to exist. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are still required to establish a causal relationship between these two factors [8].

In another study, Sochocka et al. [9] investigated the effect of *Ginkgo biloba* extract (Egb) as an alternative therapy on the mechanisms of innate immune response of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in patients with AD. The authors found that EGb has advantageous

properties for health management in older adults and AD sufferers, especially in women with AD [9].

### **4. Infections, Chronic Conditions, Malnutrition, and All-Cause Mortality**

*Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)* infection is the most common cause of gastritis and other gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Habbash et al. [10] investigated whether there is an association between dietary habits and *H. pylori* infections among 200 Bahraini adults. The authors found that among *H. pylori*-infected individuals, the consumption of coffee, green tea, and honey was significantly lower compared to non-infected individuals. They also found that vitamin D deficiency was a risk factor for *H. pylori* infection (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18; *p* < 0.001). The authors suggested that coffee, green tea, and honey intake might be protective against *H. pylori* infection [10]. However, given the retrospective, cross-sectional study design, no causal relationship between dietary factors and *H. pylori* infection could be inferred.

Zupo et al. [11] conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of zinc deficiency among patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Zinc is essential for cell growth, tissue repair, and immune function. The authors included 17 studies and estimated an overall pooled prevalence of 50% (95% CI 0.48–0.52). However, the reviewed studies showed high heterogeneity, *I* <sup>2</sup> = 96% [11]. These studies were further divided into two groups: Crohn's disease (CD) (*n* = 9) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (*n* = 8). The prevalence of zinc deficiency was higher in patients with CD (54%) compared to those with UC (41%). The results point out that one in two patients with IBD has zinc deficiency, which can play a role in the severity of the disease. Therefore, clinicians should monitor zinc levels and other trace elements in patients with IBD.

Naber and Purohit [12] conducted a review to explore the role of diet in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors focused on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, the Mediterranean diet, and the whole-food, plant-based diet for their potential role in delaying CKD progression. They found strong evidence supporting the relevance of diets, which meet the daily nutritional requirement of patients, in the prevention and progression of CKD, particularly the whole-food, plant-based diet without the inclusion of animal products.

Malnutrition is prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) due to the lack of appetite, unintentional weight loss, impaired intestinal function, catabolic metabolism, and other comorbidities. Schuetz et al. [13] investigated the cost-effectiveness of an individualised nutritional therapy in 645 hospitalised patients with CHF. The authors found that the overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the individualised nutritional therapy vs. no nutritional therapy was 2625 Swiss Francs per life day gained. They concluded that the intervention increased life expectancy at an acceptable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [13].

Malnutrition and loss of muscle mass are also prevalent among patients with cancer. In clinical assessments, handgrip strength (HGS) is used as a proxy of overall muscle strength. However, there are no population-specific values for HGS, particularly among oncology patients. Tribolet et al. [14] proposed sex-specific values for HGS stratified by age and tumour entity and tested their prognostic ability. The authors validated the prognostic value of HGS with respect to long-term mortality in hospitalised undernourished patients with cancer [14], which might aid clinical decisions.

Kwon et al. [15] examined the association between the intake of dietary fibres and CVD and all-cause mortality in the general population and among those with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in a 10-year longitudinal study. After adjustments for confounders, the authors found that a higher intake of fibres reduced the risk of both all-cause mortality and CVD mortality [15].

#### **5. Obesity and Dietary Variables in Postmenopausal Women**

There are controversial results regarding the relationship between obesity and bone metabolism. López-Gómez et al. [16] investigated the differences in bone turnover among 250 postmenopausal women with and without obesity and compared their risk of fracture at five years of follow-up. The authors found that a bone formation marker (P1NP) was higher in women without obesity compared to women with obesity. However, postmenopausal women with obesity showed lower marker levels of bone formation, especially at younger ages. On the other hand, older women with obesity showed higher markers of bone resorption. This might be due to a decrease in vitamin D levels in women with obesity irrespective of age, which is associated with a high parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. However, no significant difference in the risk of fracture based on BMI was observed (OR = 0.90; 95% CI 0.30–2.72; *p* = 0.85). The authors concluded that the potential protective effect of obesity on bone mass and osteoporosis needs to be further investigated in other studies [16].

#### **6. The Influence of Coffee Consumption on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice**

Di Mauro et al. [17] examined the effect of coffee consumption on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. In particular, this study aimed to establish if the intake of coffee might influence the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (IncRNAs) in the liver. In this study, 24 four-week-old male mice were housed randomly in cages. Following one week of acclimation, the mice were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 diets for 12 weeks, including a standard diet, a high-fat diet, and a high-fat diet plus decaffeinated coffee solution. This study found that decaffeinated coffee was effective in modulating the expression of IncRNAs, which are involved in the key pathways in the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [17].
