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Nutrients and Non-nutrients in Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements That Regulate Metabolism and Improve Disease States

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2025 | Viewed by 7073

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Wojciech Koch

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: food chemistry and human nutrition, especially application of analytical techniques used in determination of various food components (nutrients and non-nutrients, including toxic heavy metals) in food rations and food products using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods (LC-MS, HPLC, AAS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, UV-VIS) and chemometric tools; studies on the bioavailability of nutrients and non-nutrients from dietary supplements and daily food rations using simulated in vitro digestion and analytical techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functional foods and dietary supplements are an important part of modern nutrition and may be very helpful in supplementing diets with important nutrients and non-nutrients, especially those that are bioactive and of plant origin. The aim of this Special Issue is to present the current state of knowledge and insight in this field. I invite researchers to contribute original research articles and reviews that will explore the newest findings in the field of functional foods and dietary supplements.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the application of modern analytical techniques used in the determination and study of various nutrients and non-nutrients in functional foods and dietary supplements, and their impact on human health, including regulation of metabolism, the prevention of disease and the improvement of disease states. Moreover, studies related to various aspects of bioavailability and practical application of functional foods and dietary supplements and their active ingredients are also of the highest interest.

Submissions that integrate interdisciplinary perspectives and present novel findings in the field of food chemistry, analytical chemistry, human nutrition, and public health are also highly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Wojciech Koch
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • functional foods
  • dietary supplements
  • metabolism
  • nutraceuticals
  • vitamins
  • minerals
  • natural products
  • human health
  • analytical techniques
  • bioavailability

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3462 KiB  
Article
Differential Enhancement of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption and Bioefficacy via Micellization in Combination with Selected Plant Extracts In Vitro
by Stefanie Steinbauer, Melanie Wallner, Lisa-Marie Karl, Theresa Gramatte, Katja Essl, Marcus Iken, Julian Weghuber, Bernhard Blank-Landeshammer and Clemens Röhrl
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020359 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Individuals with special metabolic demands are at risk of deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, which can be counteracted via supplementation. Here, we tested the ability of micellization alone or in combination with selected natural plant extracts to increase the intestinal absorption and bioefficacy [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Individuals with special metabolic demands are at risk of deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, which can be counteracted via supplementation. Here, we tested the ability of micellization alone or in combination with selected natural plant extracts to increase the intestinal absorption and bioefficacy of fat-soluble vitamins. Methods: Micellated and nonmicellated vitamins D3 (cholecalciferol), D2 (ergocalciferol), E (alpha tocopheryl acetate), and K2 (menaquionone-7) were tested in intestinal Caco-2 or buccal TR146 cells in combination with curcuma (Curcuma longa), black pepper (Piper nigrum), or ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) plant extracts. The vitamin uptake was quantified via HPLC-MS, and bioefficacy was assessed via gene expression analyses or the Griess assay for nitric oxide generation. Results: Micellization increased the uptake of vitamin D into buccal and intestinal cells, with vitamin D3 being more efficient than vitamin D2 in increasing the expression of genes involved in calcium transport. The micellization of vitamin E acetate increased its uptake and conversion into biologically active free vitamin E in intestinal cells only. The vitamin K2 uptake into buccal and intestinal cells was increased via micellization. Plant extracts increased the uptake of select micellated vitamins, with no plant extract being effective in combination with all vitamins. The curcuma extract increased the uptake of vitamins D2/D3 but not their bioefficacy. Black pepper and ginger extracts increased the uptake of vitamin E acetate into intestinal cells but failed to increase its conversion into free vitamin E. The ginger extract augmented the uptake of vitamin K2 and increased NO generation additively. Conclusions: Our data substantiate the positive effects of micellization on fat-soluble vitamin absorption and bioefficacy in vitro. While the application of plant extracts in addition to micellization to further increase bioefficacy is an interesting approach, further studies are warranted to understand vitamin-specific interactions and translation into increased bioefficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Non-nutrients in Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements That Regulate Metabolism and Improve Disease States)
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20 pages, 4037 KiB  
Article
Can Magnoflorine Improve Memory? Immunohistochemical Studies on Parvalbumin Immunoreactive Neurons and Fibers of Mice Hippocampus
by Radosław Szalak, Małgorzata Komar, Edyta Kowalczuk-Vasilev, Marta Kruk-Slomka, Justyna Zagórska, Marcin B. Arciszewski, Marcin Dziedzic, Wojciech Koch and Wirginia Kukula-Koch
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010137 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
Background/Objectives: We assessed the influence of long-term injection of magnoflorine (MAG) on memory acquisition in mice for the first time. Methods: This isoquinoline alkaloid that belongs to the aporphines was isolated from the roots of Berberis vulgaris by centrifugal partition chromatography [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: We assessed the influence of long-term injection of magnoflorine (MAG) on memory acquisition in mice for the first time. Methods: This isoquinoline alkaloid that belongs to the aporphines was isolated from the roots of Berberis vulgaris by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) using a biphasic solvent system composed of chloroform: methanol: water in the ratio 4:3:3 (v/v/v) with 20 mM of hydrochloric acid and triethylamine, within 64 min. Results: Our results indicated that long-term injection of MAG 20 mg/kg dose improve the long-term memory acquisition in mice that were evaluated in the passive avoidance (PA) test with no toxicity records. The analysis of brain lysates and animal plasma by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS showed the ability of the compound to cross the blood–brain barrier, and an elevated level of phosphatidylcholine PC (14:1(9Z)/14:1(9Z)) with the molecular formula of C36H69NO8P was observed in both treated groups with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg MAG in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: This phenomenon may explain MAG’s cognition-enhancing properties as the PC may induce the synthesis and strengthening of neuronal cells. Also, the 7-day-long administration of MAG at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg increased the mean number of parvalbumin (PV)-IR neurons in the hippocampus. Statistically, the largest PV-IR neurons were observed at the 20 mg/kg dose, which may indicate a potential effect of MAG on Ca2+ metabolism. However, no statistical differences were observed in the mean number of PV-IR nerve fibers in both doses of MAG, regardless of the hippocampal fields. This positive effect of MAG on hippocampal neurons provides further support for the neuroprotective effect of this alkaloid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Non-nutrients in Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements That Regulate Metabolism and Improve Disease States)
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Review

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17 pages, 5575 KiB  
Review
Vitamin D in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Exploring Its Role in Symptom Relief and Pathophysiology
by Ioanna Aggeletopoulou, Georgios Geramoutsos, Ploutarchos Pastras and Christos Triantos
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061028 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 917
Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. Despite its common occurrence, the pathophysiology of IBS remains not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that IBS is a multifactorial condition characterized by low-grade inflammation, immune system activation, impaired gut permeability, intestinal hypersensitivity, [...] Read more.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. Despite its common occurrence, the pathophysiology of IBS remains not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that IBS is a multifactorial condition characterized by low-grade inflammation, immune system activation, impaired gut permeability, intestinal hypersensitivity, and alterations in intestinal microbiota. Recent data have highlighted the potential role of vitamin D in modulating these underlying mechanisms. Vitamin D is known to influence various cellular processes, including the regulation of the gut microbiome, immune response modulation, and anti-inflammatory effects, which may alleviate the altered gut function observed in IBS. Research indicates that individuals with IBS often have lower levels of vitamin D compared to healthy controls, suggesting a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and IBS. Vitamin D supplementation has been associated with improvements in IBS symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, and overall quality of life. The mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts these effects may involve direct or indirect modulation of immune responses, the production of antimicrobial peptides, and the regulation of gene expression related to serotonergic metabolism. Despite these promising findings, the exact pathways through which vitamin D affects IBS pathophysiology remain unclear. The aim of this review is to outline the current knowledge and evidence regarding these mechanisms, as well as the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in IBS patients. Exploring the connection between vitamin D and IBS may pave the way for innovative interventions, enhancing both management strategies and the quality of life for those affected by the disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Non-nutrients in Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements That Regulate Metabolism and Improve Disease States)
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Other

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9 pages, 921 KiB  
Brief Report
The Incretin Effect of Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Is Partially Dependent on Gut-Mediated Metabolism of Ferulic Acid
by Elijah T. Cooper-Leavitt, Marley J. Shin, Colson G. Beus, Alden T. Chiu, Genevieve Parker, Jack H. Radford, Ethan P. Evans, Isaac T. Edwards, Juan A. Arroyo, Paul R. Reynolds and Benjamin T. Bikman
Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040625 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 3447
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Yerba maté (YM), a traditional herbal beverage made from Ilex paraguariensis, contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols and alkaloids known for their metabolic benefits. This study investigates YM’s incretin effects, focusing on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Yerba maté (YM), a traditional herbal beverage made from Ilex paraguariensis, contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols and alkaloids known for their metabolic benefits. This study investigates YM’s incretin effects, focusing on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Methods: Male and female C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with YM for four weeks. Post-supplementation, GLP-1 and GIP gene expression levels were analyzed in jejunal mucosa, and plasma hormone concentrations were measured. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted using GLUTag L-cells to evaluate the direct effects of YM and its metabolites, including ferulic acid and dihydroferulic acid, on GLP-1 secretion. Gene expression analysis involved quantitative real-time PCR, while hormone levels were assessed via ELISA. Results: YM supplementation significantly increased GLP-1 gene expression and plasma GLP-1 levels compared to controls, with no changes observed in GIP expression or plasma levels. Direct treatment of GLUTag L-cells with YM did not enhance GLP-1 secretion. However, dihydroferulic acid, a microbial metabolite of ferulic acid, markedly stimulated GLP-1 production in L-cells, highlighting a role of gut-mediated metabolism in YM’s incretin effects. Conclusions: YM selectively upregulates GLP-1 pathways without affecting GIP, likely through gut-mediated mechanisms. These findings suggest YM as a promising nutraceutical for incretin modulation and metabolic disorder management. Further studies should explore the interplay between YM, the gut microbiota, and incretin pathways to fully realize its therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Non-nutrients in Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements That Regulate Metabolism and Improve Disease States)
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