Nutrients

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

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 - 1 Jun 2024

Viewed by 2439

Abstract

The concept of a healthy diet is not a static definition; over the years, it has been molded to scientific knowledge [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 1938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Provision, GLIM-Defined Malnutrition and Their Association with Clinical Outcome: Results from the First Decade of nutritionDay in China

by Bei Zhou, Yupeng Zhang, Michael Hiesmayr, Xuejin Gao, Yingchun Huang, Sitong Liu, Ruting Shen, Yang Zhao, Yao Cui, Li Zhang, Xinying Wang and on behalf of the nutritionDay Chinese Working Group

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040569 - 19 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1507

Abstract

Malnutrition is a common and serious issue that worsens patient outcomes. The effects of dietary provision on the clinical outcomes of patients of different nutritional status needs to be verified. This study aimed to identify dietary provision in patients with eaten quantities of [...] Read more.

Malnutrition is a common and serious issue that worsens patient outcomes. The effects of dietary provision on the clinical outcomes of patients of different nutritional status needs to be verified. This study aimed to identify dietary provision in patients with eaten quantities of meal consumption and investigate the effects of dietary provision and different nutritional statuses defined by the GLIM criteria on clinical outcomes based on data from the nutritionDay surveys in China. A total of 5821 adult in-patients from 2010 to 2020 were included in this study’s descriptive and Cox regression analyses. Rehabilitation and home discharge of 30-day outcomes were considered a good outcome. The prevalence of malnutrition defined by the GLIM criteria was 22.8%. On nutritionDay, 51.8% of all patients received dietary provisions, including hospital food and a special diet. In multivariable models adjusting for other variables, the patients receiving dietary provision had a nearly 1.5 higher chance of a good 30-day outcome than those who did not. Malnourished patients receiving dietary provision had a 1.58 (95% CI [1.36–1.83], p < 0.001) higher chance of having a good 30-day outcome and had a shortened length of hospital stay after nutritionDay (median: 7 days, 95% CI [6–8]) compared to those not receiving dietary provision (median: 11 days, 95% CI [10–13]). These results highlight the potential impacts of the dietary provision and nutritional status of in-patients on follow-up outcomes and provide knowledge on implementing targeted nutrition care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Different Dimensions of the Home Food Environment May Be Associated with the Body Mass Index of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey Conducted in Beijing, China

by Man Zhang, Ruixin Chi, Zhenhui Li, Yujie Fang, Na Zhang, Qiaoqin Wan and Guansheng Ma

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020289 - 18 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1480

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the home food environment of the elderly in Beijing and analyze its association with the body mass index (BMI) of the elderly, as well as to provide recommendations for improving the home food environment [...] Read more.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the home food environment of the elderly in Beijing and analyze its association with the body mass index (BMI) of the elderly, as well as to provide recommendations for improving the home food environment for the elderly. Methods: This study was conducted in Beijing, China, in 2019. The participants were 1764 elderly individuals aged 65 to 80, recruited from 12 communities through a multistage stratified random sampling method. The study involved the use of questionnaire surveys to gather data on participants’ demographics, the availability of various foods in their households, and their living conditions. Socioeconomic status (SES) was evaluated based on their educational level, occupation, and income level. Height and weight measurements were taken to calculate BMI. We conducted both univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the home food environment and BMI. Results: A total of 1800 questionnaires were distributed, of which 1775 were retrieved, resulting in a questionnaire recovery rate of 98.6%. Among these, 1764 questionnaires were deemed valid, corresponding to a questionnaire validity rate of 99.4%. The participants had a mean age of 69.7 ± 4.3 years old, over 40% of whom were overweight or obese. In terms of low-energy/high-nutrient-density foods, the most readily available items were fresh vegetables (95.6%), followed by coarse grains (94.1%), fresh fruits (90.4%), and dairy products (83.6%). Among high-energy/low-nutrient-density foods, preserved foods were the most available (51.9%), followed by salted snacks (40.6%), sugary beverages (28.2%), and fried foods (9.4%). Approximately 7.3% of participants lived alone. Elderly individuals with higher SES had a lower BMI compared to those with medium to low SES (25.9 vs. 26.5, 25.9 vs. 26.4, p < 0.05). Those living alone had a higher BMI than those who did not (27.2 vs. 26.2, p = 0.001). After controlling for potential confounding variables, older adults with high SES exhibited a BMI reduction of 0.356 kg/m² (p = 0.001), whereas those living alone exhibited an increase in BMI of 1.155 kg/m² (p < 0.001). The presence of preserved foods at home was linked to a BMI increase of 0.442 kg/m² (p = 0.008). Conclusion: This study underscores the significant impact of family SES, living conditions, and the availability of preserved foods on the BMI of elderly individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BMI and the Food Retail Environment in Melbourne, Australia: Associations and Temporal Trends

by Cindy Needham, Claudia Strugnell, Steven Allender, Laura Alston and Liliana Orellana

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4503; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214503 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

Research into the link between food environments and health is scarce. Research in this field has progressed, and new comprehensive methods (i.e., incorporating all food retail outlets) for classifying food retail environments have been developed and are yet to be examined alongside measures [...] Read more.

Research into the link between food environments and health is scarce. Research in this field has progressed, and new comprehensive methods (i.e., incorporating all food retail outlets) for classifying food retail environments have been developed and are yet to be examined alongside measures of obesity. In this study, we examine the association and temporal trends between the food environment and BMI of a repeated cross-sectional sample of the adult population between 2008 and 2016. Methods: Food retail data for 264 postal areas of Greater Melbourne was collected for the years 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2016, and a container-based approach was used to estimate accessibility to supermarkets, healthy and unhealthy outlets. Data on BMI for postal areas was obtained from the Victorian Population Health Survey (n = 47,245). We estimated the association between the food environment and BMI using linear mixed models. Results indicated that BMI increased as accessibility to healthy outlets decreased by up to −0.69 kg/m² (95%CI: −0.95, −0.44). BMI was lower with high and moderate access to supermarkets compared to low access by −0.33 kg/m² (−0.63, −0.04) and −0.32 kg/m² (−0.56, −0.07), and with high access to unhealthy outlets compared to low access (−0.38 kg/m²: −0.64, −0.12) and moderate access (−0.54 kg/m²: −0.78, −0.30). Conclusion: Our results show that increasing access and availability to a diverse range of food outlets, particularly healthy food outlets, should be an important consideration for efforts to support good health. This research provides evidence that Australia needs to follow suit with other countries that have adopted policies giving local governments the power to encourage healthier food environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing Edible Bird Nest as Novel Functional Foods in Combating Metabolic Syndrome: Comprehensive In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies

by Happy Kurnia Permatasari, Queen Intan Permatasari, Nurpudji Astuti Taslim, Dionysius Subali, Rudy Kurniawan, Reggie Surya, Faqrizal Ria Qhabibi, Melvin Junior Tanner, Siti Chairiyah Batubara, Nelly Mayulu, William Ben Gunawan, Andi Yasmin Syauki, Netty Salindeho, Moon Nyeo Park, Juan Alessandro Jeremis Maruli Nura Lele, Raymond R. Tjandrawinata, Bonglee Kim and Fahrul Nurkolis

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3886; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183886 - 6 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3106

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction, which includes intra-abdominal adiposity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, manifests into metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Therefore, the discovery of new therapies in the fight against metabolic syndrome is very challenging. This study aims to reveal the existence of [...] Read more.

Metabolic dysfunction, which includes intra-abdominal adiposity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, manifests into metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Therefore, the discovery of new therapies in the fight against metabolic syndrome is very challenging. This study aims to reveal the existence of an edible bird nest (EBN) as a functional food candidate that may be a new alternative in fighting metabolic syndrome. The study included three approaches: in silico molecular docking simulation, in vitro, and in vivo in rats fed on cholesterol- and fat-enriched diets. Four terpenoids of Bakuchiol, Curculigosaponin A, Dehydrolindestrenolide, and 1-methyl-3-(1-methyl-ethyl)-benzene in EBN have been identified through LCMS/MS-QTOF. In molecular docking simulations, Bakuchiol and Dehydrolindestrenolide are considered very potent because they have higher inhibitory power on the four receptors (iNOS, ROS1 kinase, FTO, and lipase) than standard drugs. In vitro tests also provide insight into the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities of EBN, which is quite feasible due to the smaller EC₅₀ value of EBN compared to standard drugs. Interestingly, in vivo studies also showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the lipid profile, blood glucose, enzymatic levels, and inflammatory biomarkers in rats given high-dose dietary supplementation of EBN. More interestingly, high-dose dietary supplementation of EBN upregulates PGC-1α and downregulates HMG-CoA reductase. Comprehensively, it has been revealed that EBN can be novel functional foods for combating metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 1704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compliance with Nutritional Recommendations and Gut Microbiota Profile in Galician Overweight/Obese and Normal-Weight Individuals

by Laura Sinisterra-Loaiza, Patricia Alonso-Lovera, Alejandra Cardelle-Cobas, Jose Manuel Miranda, Beatriz I. Vázquez and Alberto Cepeda

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3418; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153418 - 1 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1552

Abstract

Different research studies have identified specific groups or certain dietary compounds as the onset and progression of obesity and suggested that gut microbiota is a mediator between these compounds and the inflammation associated with pathology. In this study, the objective was to evaluate [...] Read more.

Different research studies have identified specific groups or certain dietary compounds as the onset and progression of obesity and suggested that gut microbiota is a mediator between these compounds and the inflammation associated with pathology. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the dietary intake of 108 overweight (OW), obese (OB), and normal-weight (NW) individuals and to analyze their gut microbiota profile to determine changes and associations with Body Mass Index (BMI) and diet. When individuals were compared by BMI, significant differences in fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) intake were observed, showing higher adequacy for the NW group. The analysis of gut microbiota showed statistical differences for 18 ASVs; Anaerostipes and Faecalibacterium decreased in the OW/OB group, whereas the genus Oscillospira increased; the genus was also found in the LEFSe analysis as a biomarker for OW/OB. Roseburia faecis was found in a significantly higher proportion of NW individuals and identified as a biomarker for the NW group. Correlation analysis showed that adequation to nutritional recommendation for fiber indicated a higher abundance of Prevotella copri, linearly correlated with F. prausnitzii, Bacteroides caccae, and R. faecis. The same correlation was found for the adequation for MUFAs, with these bacteria being more abundant when the intake was adjusted to or below the recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tartrazine Modifies the Activity of DNMT and HDAC Genes—Is This a Link between Cancer and Neurological Disorders?

by Afshin Zand, Sodbuyan Enkhbilguun, John M. Macharia, Ferenc Budán, Zoltán Gyöngyi and Timea Varjas

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2946; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132946 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2882

Abstract

In recent years, artificial additives, especially synthetic food colorants, were found to demonstrate wider properties compared to their natural equivalents; however, their health impact is still not totally mapped. Our study aimed to determine the long-term (30 and 90 days) exposure effect of [...] Read more.

In recent years, artificial additives, especially synthetic food colorants, were found to demonstrate wider properties compared to their natural equivalents; however, their health impact is still not totally mapped. Our study aimed to determine the long-term (30 and 90 days) exposure effect of one of the commonly used artificial food colorants, tartrazine, on NMRI mice. The applied dose of tartrazine referred to the human equivalent dose for acceptable daily intake (ADI). Further, we evaluated its impact on the transcription of a range of epigenetic effectors, members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) as well as histone deacetylase (HDAC) families. Following the exposure, organ biopsies were collected from the lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen, and the gene expression levels were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Our results demonstrated significant upregulation of genes in the tested organs in various patterns followed by the intake of tartrazine on ADI. Since DNMT and HDAC genes are involved in different steps of carcinogenesis, have roles in the development of neurological disorders and the effect of dose of everyday exposure is rarely studied, further investigation is warranted to study these possible associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Positive Causal Relationship between Noodle Intake and Metabolic Syndrome: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

by Sunmin Park and Meiling Liu

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092091 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4142

Abstract

The controversy over the link between noodle consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetS) persists. Using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we aimed to examine the potential causal relationship between noodle consumption and the risk of MetS and its components in adult populations of [...] Read more.

The controversy over the link between noodle consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetS) persists. Using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we aimed to examine the potential causal relationship between noodle consumption and the risk of MetS and its components in adult populations of city hospital-based (n = 58,701) and Ansan/Ansung plus rural (AAR; n = 13,598) cohorts. The instrumental variables were assigned with genetic variants associated with low- and high-noodle intake (cutoff: 130 g/day) by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with p < 5 × 10⁻⁵ and linkage disequilibrium (r² = 0.001), following adjustment for covariates related to MetS, in the city cohort. MR-Egger, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), and weighted median were applied to investigate the causal association of noodle intake with MetS risk in the AAR. The quality of the MR results was checked with leave-one-out sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses. A higher energy intake with lower carbohydrates and higher fats, proteins, and higher sodium and a lower intake of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and flavonoids were shown in the high-noodle group, indicating poor diet quality. The glycemic index and glycemic load of daily meals were much higher in the high-noodle intake group than in the low-noodle intake group. In the observational studies, not only the total noodle intake but also the different types of noodle intake were also positively associated with MetS risk. In the MR analysis, high-noodle intake elevated MetS, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and abdominal obesity in an IVW model (p < 0.05) but not the MR-Egger model. No single genetic variant among the instrumental variables changed their relationship in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. No likelihood of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity was exhibited in the association between noodle intake and MetS. In conclusion, noddle intake had a positive causal association with MetS and its components in Asian adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplementation of Caulerpa racemosa Ameliorates Cardiometabolic Syndrome via Regulation of PRMT-1/DDAH/ADMA Pathway and Gut Microbiome in Mice

by Fahrul Nurkolis, Nurpudji Astuti Taslim, Dionysius Subali, Rudy Kurniawan, Hardinsyah Hardinsyah, William Ben Gunawan, Rio Jati Kusuma, Vincentius Mario Yusuf, Adriyan Pramono, Sojin Kang, Nelly Mayulu, Andi Yasmin Syauki, Trina Ekawati Tallei, Apollinaire Tsopmo and Bonglee Kim

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040909 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3967

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of an aqueous extract of Caulerpa racemosa (AEC) on cardiometabolic syndrome markers, and the modulation of the gut microbiome in mice administered a cholesterol- and fat-enriched diet (CFED). Four groups of mice received different treatments: normal diet, CFED, [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of an aqueous extract of Caulerpa racemosa (AEC) on cardiometabolic syndrome markers, and the modulation of the gut microbiome in mice administered a cholesterol- and fat-enriched diet (CFED). Four groups of mice received different treatments: normal diet, CFED, and CFED added with AEC extract at 65 and 130 mg/kg body weight (BW). The effective concentration (EC₅₀) values of AEC for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and lipase inhibition were lower than those of the controls in vitro. In the mice model, the administration of high-dose AEC showed improved lipid and blood glucose profiles and a reduction in endothelial dysfunction markers (PRMT-1 and ADMA). Furthermore, a correlation between specific gut microbiomes and biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic diseases was also observed. In vitro studies highlighted the antioxidant properties of AEC, while in vivo data demonstrated that AEC plays a role in the management of cardiometabolic syndrome via regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function (PRMT-1/DDAH/ADMA pathway), and gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SnackTrack—An App-Based Tool to Assess the Influence of Digital and Physical Environments on Snack Choice

by Eva Valenčič, Emma Beckett, Clare E. Collins, Barbara Koroušić Seljak and Tamara Bucher

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020349 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2686

Abstract

As food choices are usually processed subconsciously, both situational and food environment cues influence choice. This study developed and tested a mobile app to investigate the association between physical and digital environments on snack choices. SnackTrack was designed and used to collect data [...] Read more.

As food choices are usually processed subconsciously, both situational and food environment cues influence choice. This study developed and tested a mobile app to investigate the association between physical and digital environments on snack choices. SnackTrack was designed and used to collect data on the snack choices of 188 users in real-life settings during an 8-week feasibility trial. The app asks users to take a photo of the food they are planning to consume and to provide additional information regarding the physical environment and context in which this food was eaten. The app also displayed various user interface designs (i.e., different background images) to investigate the potential effects of images on snack choice. Preliminary results suggest that the time of snack obtainment did not have a significant effect on the healthfulness of the snacks chosen. Conversely, it was found that unhealthy background images appeared to encourage healthier snack choices. In conclusion, despite consumers having the knowledge to make healthy choices, environmental cues can alter food choices. SnackTrack, a novel tool to investigate the influence of physical and digital environments on consumers’ food choices, provides possibilities for exploring what encourages (un)healthy eating behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

22 pages, 4641 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Epigenetic Modulators: Unravelling the Still-Controversial Benefits of miRNAs in Nutrition and Disease

by Elisa Martino, Nunzia D’Onofrio, Anna Balestrieri, Antonino Colloca, Camilla Anastasio, Celestino Sardu, Raffaele Marfella, Giuseppe Campanile and Maria Luisa Balestrieri

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010160 - 3 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3386

Abstract

In the context of nutrient-driven epigenetic alterations, food-derived miRNAs can be absorbed into the circulatory system and organs of recipients, especially humans, and potentially contribute to modulating health and diseases. Evidence suggests that food uptake, by carrying exogenous miRNAs (xenomiRNAs), regulates the individual [...] Read more.

In the context of nutrient-driven epigenetic alterations, food-derived miRNAs can be absorbed into the circulatory system and organs of recipients, especially humans, and potentially contribute to modulating health and diseases. Evidence suggests that food uptake, by carrying exogenous miRNAs (xenomiRNAs), regulates the individual miRNA profile, modifying the redox homeostasis and inflammatory conditions underlying pathological processes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. The capacity of diet to control miRNA levels and the comprehension of the unique characteristics of dietary miRNAs in terms of gene expression regulation show important perspectives as a strategy to control disease susceptibility via epigenetic modifications and refine the clinical outcomes. However, the absorption, stability, availability, and epigenetic roles of dietary miRNAs are intriguing and currently the subject of intense debate; additionally, there is restricted knowledge of their physiological and potential side effects. Within this framework, we provided up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge on dietary miRNAs’ potential, discussing the latest advances and controversial issues related to the role of miRNAs in human health and disease as modulators of chronic syndromes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1432 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review of Management of Moderate Wasting in Children over 6 Months of Age

by Zahra A. Padhani, Bernardette Cichon, Jai K. Das, Rehana A. Salam, Heather C. Stobaugh, Muzna Mughal, Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera, Robert E. Black and Zulfiqar A. Bhutta

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3781; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173781 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2168

Abstract

The effective management of the 33 million children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is key to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In this review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of specially formulated foods (SFFs) compared to non-food-based approaches to manage MAM in [...] Read more.

The effective management of the 33 million children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is key to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In this review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of specially formulated foods (SFFs) compared to non-food-based approaches to manage MAM in children >6 months old. We conducted a search on ten databases until 23 August 2021 and included five studies, covering 3387 participants. Meta-analysis of four studies comparing SFFs to counselling or standard of care showed that SFFs likely increase recovery rate, reduce non-response, and may improve weight-for-height z-score, weight-for-age z-score and time to recovery, but have little or no effect on MUAC gain. One study on a multicomponent intervention (SFFs, antibiotics and counselling provided to high-risk MAM) compared to counselling only was reported narratively. The intervention may increase weight gain after 24 weeks but may have little or no effect on weight gain after 12 weeks and on non-response and mortality after 12 and 24 weeks of enrollment. The effect of this intervention on recovery was uncertain. In conclusion, SFFs may be beneficial for children with moderate wasting in humanitarian contexts. Programmatic recommendations should consider context and cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1012 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Unconventional Work and Shift Work on the Human Gut Microbiota and the Potential of Probiotics to Restore Dysbiosis

by Aroa Lopez-Santamarina, Alicia del Carmen Mondragon, Alejandra Cardelle-Cobas, Eva Maria Santos, Jose Julio Porto-Arias, Alberto Cepeda and Jose Manuel Miranda

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3070; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15133070 - 7 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4250

Abstract

The work environment is a factor that can significantly influence the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota of workers, in many cases leading to gut dysbiosis that will result in serious health problems. The aim of this paper was to provide a [...] Read more.

The work environment is a factor that can significantly influence the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota of workers, in many cases leading to gut dysbiosis that will result in serious health problems. The aim of this paper was to provide a compilation of the different studies that have examined the influence of jobs with unconventional work schedules and environments on the gut microbiota of workers performing such work. As a possible solution, probiotic supplements, via modulation of the gut microbiota, can moderate the effects of sleep disturbance on the immune system, as well as restore the dysbiosis produced. Rotating shift work has been found to be associated with an increase in the risk of various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Sleep disturbance or lack of sleep due to night work is also associated with metabolic diseases. In addition, sleep disturbance induces a stress response, both physiologically and psychologically, and disrupts the healthy functioning of the gut microbiota, thus triggering an inflammatory state. Other workers, including military, healthcare, or metallurgy workers, as well as livestock farmers or long-travel seamen, work in environments and schedules that can significantly affect their gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contextualizing the Neural Vulnerabilities Model of Obesity

by Timothy D. Nelson and Eric Stice

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2988; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132988 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

In recent years, investigators have focused on neural vulnerability factors that increase the risk of unhealthy weight gain, which has provided a useful organizing structure for obesity neuroscience research. However, this framework, and much of the research it has informed, has given limited [...] Read more.

In recent years, investigators have focused on neural vulnerability factors that increase the risk of unhealthy weight gain, which has provided a useful organizing structure for obesity neuroscience research. However, this framework, and much of the research it has informed, has given limited attention to contextual factors that may interact with key vulnerabilities to impact eating behaviors and weight gain. To fill this gap, we propose a Contextualized Neural Vulnerabilities Model of Obesity, extending the existing theory to more intentionally incorporate contextual factors that are hypothesized to interact with neural vulnerabilities in shaping eating behaviors and weight trajectories. We begin by providing an overview of the Neural Vulnerabilities Model of Obesity, and briefly review supporting evidence. Next, we suggest opportunities to add contextual considerations to the model, including incorporating environmental and developmental context, emphasizing how contextual factors may interact with neural vulnerabilities to impact eating and weight. We then synthesize earlier models and new extensions to describe a Contextualized Neural Vulnerabilities Model of Obesity with three interacting components—food reward sensitivity, top-down regulation, and environmental factors—all within a developmental framework that highlights adolescence as a key period. Finally, we propose critical research questions arising from the framework, as well as opportunities to inform novel interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1279 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Human Gut Virome and Its Relationship with Nontransmissible Chronic Diseases

by Shahrzad Ezzatpour, Alicia del Carmen Mondragon Portocarrero, Alejandra Cardelle-Cobas, Alexandre Lamas, Aroa López-Santamarina, José Manuel Miranda and Hector C. Aguilar

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040977 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3464

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal tract contains large communities of microorganisms that are in constant interaction with the host, playing an essential role in the regulation of several metabolic processes. Among the gut microbial communities, the gut bacteriome has been most widely studied in recent [...] Read more.

The human gastrointestinal tract contains large communities of microorganisms that are in constant interaction with the host, playing an essential role in the regulation of several metabolic processes. Among the gut microbial communities, the gut bacteriome has been most widely studied in recent decades. However, in recent years, there has been increasing interest in studying the influences that other microbial groups can exert on the host. Among them, the gut virome is attracting great interest because viruses can interact with the host immune system and metabolic functions; this is also the case for phages, which interact with the bacterial microbiota. The antecedents of virome-rectification-based therapies among various diseases were also investigated. In the near future, stool metagenomic investigation should include the identification of bacteria and phages, as well as their correlation networks, to better understand gut microbiota activity in metabolic disease progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI