Search Results (189)

Background/Objectives: Overtraining (OT) syndrome occurs when an athlete’s training load exceeds the athlete’s ability to recover, leading to a performance decrement. The use of nutritional interventions to increase resiliency to OT is a topic of interest for maximizing performance adaptations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation administered intraperitoneally and orally can mitigate performance decrements and inflammatory responses in an animal model of resistance training-induced overtraining. Methods: Thirty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 per group). One group served as a control (CTL), while the other three groups performed a 5-week resistance training ladder climb program. One group trained three days per week for the duration of the program (RT), while the training frequency of the other two groups doubled to six days per week to cause the OT stress. One group of animals were provided with EAA (RTOEAA), while the other received a sham (RTO). Changes (∆) in maximal carrying load (MCL) were assessed. Results: RTO experienced a greater decrease in ∆MCL than RT (p = 0.002) and RTOEAA (p = 0.029). No differences (p = 0.254) were noted between RT and RTOEAA. In addition, TNF-α expression within the plantaris muscle was significantly elevated in RTO compared to all other groups. Significant decreases in the androgen receptor were also noted for RTO in the soleus compared to RT and CTL. Conclusions: Results demonstrated that EAA supplementation was able to increase resiliency and reduce the inflammatory response to the volume overload stress. Full article

This study evaluated the environmental impact of milk production in Northern Italy using a nutrient life cycle assessment (nLCA) approach with different functional units (FUs) related to the nutritional value of whole milk at the farm gate. Data from 94 dairy farms in the production areas of two protected designations of origin (PDOs) were analyzed. The FUs considered were based on milk mass, protein, calcium, essential amino acids (EAA), portion size, and milk energy content. Climate change (CC) impact was assessed using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. The assessment estimated environmental impacts of 0.17, 4.78, 0.14, 1.06, 0.21, and 0.33 kg CO₂-eq for the FUs: 100 g of milk, 100 g of protein, 100 mg of calcium, 10 g of EAA, 125 mL portion size, and 100 kcal of milk, respectively. Results showed no significant differences in CC between PDOs and geographical areas (plain vs. mountain) for any selected FU. However, when comparing cow milk with plant-based alternatives, product ranking changed substantially depending on the selected FU: while milk showed the highest impact per 100 g product, its relative performance improved when expressed per 100 g protein. These findings demonstrate that FU choice influences the interpretation of environmental results. Full article

Background: Shifting toward more plant-based diets is promoted for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. However, the nutritional consequences of reducing animal-based foods, particularly across age groups with specific dietary needs, remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this simulation study, we used dietary intake data from 3570 participants in the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2019–2021) to evaluate how replacing animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives affects the intake of protein, essential amino acids (EAAs), vitamins, and minerals across different age groups. Two substitution scenarios were modeled: a nutritionally conscious and a less conscious plant-based dietary pattern. Results: Total protein intake decreased in both scenarios, with the strongest reductions observed in elderly individuals (71–79 years). Vitamin intake, particularly B vitamins and vitamin A, declined in most age groups, and vitamin D remained chronically low. Mineral intake also decreased, notably for calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, and zinc, especially among women and adolescents. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of dietary planning and targeted fortification when promoting plant-based eating patterns. Future research should refine bioavailability estimates and evaluate the long-term health effects of such dietary transitions across life stages. Full article

Declines of skeletal muscle mass and functions are implicated in the progression of various clinical conditions such as cancers, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and osteoporosis. While no effective and safe drugs against muscle wasting, such as sarcopenia and disease-associated cachexia, have been discovered, it is well documented that dietary essential amino acids (EAAs) or high-quality protein work synergistically to enhance the anabolic effect of resistance exercise training (RT), leading to gains in muscle mass, strength, and muscle quality. Dietary EAAs serve as precursors and signaling molecules for the synthesis of new muscle proteins (both contractile and mitochondrial) and stimulate neuromuscular junction remodeling. Furthermore, EAAs consumed in the post-absorptive state improve endurance capacity via stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis (independent of PGC1-α) and mitochondrial dynamics (mitochondrial protein synthesis and fission). Here, we discuss (1) traditional molecular mechanisms regulating the muscle proteome through constant turnover (synthesis and breakdown), (2) novel mechanisms by which dietary supplementation of EAAs during RT simultaneously improves muscle strength and endurance, (3) stable isotope tracer methodologies that enable understanding of the dynamic muscle proteome and accurate assessment of functional muscle mass, and finally, (4) clinical implications of combined EAA and RT interventions in the context of muscle and metabolic dysfunction, including sarcopenia, cachexia, obesity, and chronic disease. Collectively, current evidence underscores the potential of balanced EAAs, particularly when combined with resistance training, as a safe, effective, and translationally relevant nutritional strategy to preserve and enhance muscle and metabolic health across healthy and clinical populations. Full article

Sexual maturity in tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) consumes substantial metabolic energy, constraining somatic growth and limiting meat yield. Artificial triploid induction (sterility) may redirect energy toward somatic growth. Cold-shock induced triploids were compared with diploid controls using muscle and liver tissues, and the phenotype, histology, nutritional composition, hormone levels, as well as transcriptome profiles were assessed. After 5 months, triploids attained significantly greater body length and body weight, with larger muscle fiber diameter but lower fiber density. The triploids yielded lower ash content and higher amounts of total (TAA), essential (EAA), non-essential (NEAA), and delicious amino acids (DAA), as well as higher total fatty acids (TFA), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). Growth-related hormones were elevated, including growth hormone (GH), testosterone (T), triiodothyronine (T₃), and thyroxine (T₄). Muscle transcriptome sequencing identified 231 differentially expressed genes, predominantly enriched in pathways related to cell growth regulation, metabolic processes, and energy conversion. These results provide reference data for breeding programs. Full article

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality and flavor of meat from four categories of Mongolian horses (Wushen, Baicha, Barhu, and Ujimqin). Physicochemical indicators, electronic nose, electronic tongue, and lipidomics were used to characterize meat quality and flavor and to screen for differential markers. Results showed that Wushen Horses had the highest pH_45min, serine, glutamic acid, total free amino acids (∑FAA), total non-essential amino acids (∑NEAA), total amino acids (∑TAA), NEAA/TAA, W2S sensor response, umami and richness values, and had the lowest cooking loss, EAA/TAA, EAA/NEAA, sourness, bitterness and aftertaste B values (p < 0.01). In contrast, Barhu Horses had the highest b*_45min, C20:2 and saltiness values, and had the lowest W5S, W1S and W2W sensor responses (p < 0.01). Lipidomics identified 163 differential lipids (DELs) as potential markers, including LPC (18:2/0:0) and PC (16:0_16:0). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed DELs were significantly enriched in glycerolipid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Correlation analysis indicated 23 DELs (e.g., carnitine C20:4) correlated positively with umami, W2S and richness, but negatively with shear force and cooking loss. In summary, our data show that among the four categories of Mongolian horses, Wushen Horses exhibited the best meat quality and flavor, while Barhu Horses showed the poorest. The differences in meat quality and flavor were closely associated with changes in lipid composition. This study provides direct molecular evidence from lipids for the variation in meat quality among Mongolian horses. Full article

The clinical management of nutrition in acute and chronic diseases requires an integrated understanding of the interactions between energy intake, dietary protein, and amino acids (AAs). Many conditions (including sepsis, major trauma, cancer cachexia, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal and liver failure, autoimmune diseases, and aging) share a common pathophysiological feature: the hypercatabolic state (HCS). HCS is characterized by systemic inflammation and neuroendocrine activation that increase basal metabolic rate, induce insulin resistance, and accelerate skeletal muscle proteolysis, leading to negative nitrogen balance, sarcopenia, and cachexia. Under these conditions, skeletal muscle acts as a metabolic reservoir of AAs mobilized to support energy production, gluconeogenesis, immune function, and vital organ metabolism, often at the expense of lean body mass and clinical outcomes. This narrative review examines the distinct and non-overlapping roles of calories, proteins, and AAs in metabolic regulation, with a particular focus on HCS. Calories primarily act as a permissive factor for protein utilization, whereas proteins and especially essential amino acids (EAAs) function not only as substrates for protein synthesis but also as signaling molecules (metabokines) regulating anabolic and catabolic pathways, including mTORC1 and AMPK. Energy provision alone is insufficient to prevent muscle loss when EAA availability is inadequate, while high protein intake without sufficient energy fails to sustain anabolism due to anabolic resistance. Evidence indicates that protein quality and the balanced availability of all EAAs are more critical for lean mass preservation than total caloric intake alone. Strategies based solely on calorie provision or protein quantity are therefore limited, whereas targeted EAA supplementation may partially overcome anabolic resistance in selected hypercatabolic conditions. Overall, this review supports a shift from calorie-centered nutrition toward a signal-based, quality-oriented approach, based on personalized needs, that integrates metabolic status, protein quality, and AA signaling to preserve lean body mass and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

To clarify nutritional characteristic differences in mature seeds among flax germplasm resources, 30 accessions (YY01–YY30) were used as materials. Crude protein, 17 hydrolyzed amino acids, 37 fatty acids, crude fat, and mineral elements (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg) were determined via the Kjeldahl method, amino acid analyzer, gas chromatograph, Soxhlet extraction, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, followed by statistical analysis. Results showed crude protein ranged 12.07–23.97 g/100 g (coefficient of variation, CV = 10.41%), with YY-30, YY-02, and YY-05 as high-protein germplasm (>23 g/100 g); lysine had the highest CV (28.57%) among essential amino acids, EAA, and YY-26’s EAA/total amino acid, TAA, (41.59%) met Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, FAO/WHO standards. α-Linolenic acid (average 33.6%, max 40.3% in YY-15) was the main functional fatty acid, strongly positively correlated with linoleic acid (R² = 0.9983, p < 0.0001). Crude fat ranged 28.49–40.22% (CV = 7.26%), with YY-26, YY-22, and YY-27 as high-oil germplasm. Fe had the largest CV (16.68%) among the four mineral elements, with YY-30 having the highest Fe content (58.94 mg/kg); in addition, Ca was weakly positively correlated with Mg (p = 0.02). The screened high-quality germplasm and the clarified nutritional differences among flax germplasm resources provide a scientific basis for flax breeding and the development of flax-based functional foods. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary protein levels during late gestation on nutrient digestibility, plasma amino acid profiles in jennies, and donkey foal growth performance. Twenty-four pregnant jennies were randomly assigned to one of three diets with different crude protein (CP) contents during late gestation: 12.48% (HP), 11.52% (MP), and 10.54% (LP) on a dry matter basis. All animals received the same diet immediately after parturition for a duration of 30 days. During the trial, two digestion experiments were conducted, blood samples were collected at 28 and 7 days prepartum, and weekly weight measurements of jennies and foals were recorded. The results indicated that the dietary protein level did not significantly affect feed intake in late gestation. However, apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) was generally higher in the MP and LP groups than in the HP group, with MP showing the most consistent improvements across nutrients and timepoints (p < 0.05). Although the HP diet increased plasma concentrations of certain amino acids, including glutamic acid (Glu), valine (Val), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), essential amino acids (EAAs), functional amino acids (FAAs), and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), and elevated serum levels of glucose (GLU), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE), it failed to improve postpartum weight recovery in jennies, highlighting that weight dynamics during this period are governed by factors beyond dietary protein content alone. Specifically, the LP group exhibited significantly higher cumulative postpartum weight loss over weeks 1–4 than the HP group (p = 0.004). Regarding offspring performance, both HP and MP diets improved foal birth weight, weekly body weight up to 4 weeks, average daily gain, and body height compared to the LP group (p < 0.05), with no significant differences observed between the HP and MP groups. In conclusion, for jennies under the current confined feeding system, a late-gestation diet containing 11.52% CP was adequate to support higher nutrient digestibility in the jennies and better growth performance in their foals, compared to a lower protein level (10.54% CP). However, increasing the dietary CP to 12.48% provided no additional benefits in nutrient utilization or overall productivity. Full article

Performance of Osmia bicornis larvae fed on six diets with different pollen species composition (one wild collected by foraging adults), each with known levels of nine essential amino acids (EAA; leucine, lysine, valine, arginine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, histidine, methionine), was investigated. Four of the pollen diets consisted of individual pollen species and two were mixtures of either four or five species (including one naturally foraged by adult O. bicornis). The diets fell into four statistically distinct groups with different EAA contents (ranked from Group I (highest EAA) to Group IV (lowest EAA; pine pollen). The highest larval survival rate was recorded with the wild-foraged diet (Group III) with no survival in Group IV. Similar survival occurred for all other diets. Where larvae survived (Group I–III), there was no effect of diet on the time to commencement of larval stages, cocoon completion or larval development time (egg hatch to pupation), or on pupal weight. The findings provide corroborative evidence of the existence of amino acid thresholds for larval success, but the need for further work is discussed in relation to their multidimensional nutritional requirements and variation of the nutritional content of pollen. Full article

This study evaluated whether body size could serve as a quality and traceability marker for cage-reared butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) from the Pak Phanang Basin, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, in support of Geographical Indication (GI) certification. Fish were classified into three commercial size grades—small (12–15 fish/kg), medium (6–10 fish/kg), and large (3–5 fish/kg)—corresponding to fish harvested after 6, 8, and 12 months of rearing, respectively, with mean body weight and total length of 75 ± 7 g and 19.8 ± 1.1 cm (small), 120 ± 9 g and 25.8 ± 2.1 cm (medium), and 260 ± 10 g and 32.2 ± 2.8 cm (large). Dorsal muscle samples were comparatively analyzed to assess size-related differences in physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and microbiological quality. Proximate analysis showed that moisture, lipid, ash, and total energy contents increased significantly with fish size (p < 0.05), whereas protein and carbohydrate contents did not differ significantly among size groups (p > 0.05). Small fish exhibited slightly higher muscle pH (7.02 ± 0.18) than medium and large fish (6.65 ± 0.11 to 6.66 ± 0.25) (p < 0.05). Flesh color was characterized by a pale whitish to slightly yellow appearance with high lightness (L*; p < 0.05), while redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) did not differ significantly among size groups (p > 0.05). Mineral composition varied with size, with large fish containing significantly higher levels of calcium and magnesium (p < 0.05). Amino acid profiling identified 17 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids (EAA) and nine non-essential amino acids (NEAA), with EAA being more abundant in large fish—particularly leucine and lysine—indicating improved protein quality, while NEAA were dominated by glutamic and aspartic acids across all size groups. Fatty acid analysis revealed higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and greater unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid (UFA/SFA) ratios (1.7–1.8) in medium and large fish. Microbiological assessment showed a decrease in total viable counts with increasing fish size, while Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. were not detected in any size group, as these microorganisms are commonly used as key hygiene and food-safety indicators in fish products (E. coli for fecal/handling hygiene, S. aureus for human-handling contamination, and Salmonella spp. as a major foodborne pathogen). Overall, body size was associated with consistent variations in physicochemical characteristics, nutritional composition, and microbial quality of Pak Phanang Basin butter catfish. These findings provide baseline compositional and safety markers that can support product specification development and GI documentation. Full article

The extent of consumer approval for lamb is intimately connected to meat quality standards. Within this context, the distinctive ‘mutton taint’ serves as a critical benchmark for assessment, a characteristic that is largely governed by the concentrations of three fundamental branched-chain fatty acids (KBCFA), specifically 4-methyloctanoic acid (MOA), 4-ethyloctanoic acid (EOA), and 4-methylnonanoic acid (MNA). While Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR)—an Allium species prevalent in arid Asian regions known for its abundant bioactive constituents—is known to improve meat quality and mitigate these off-flavors, the potential mediating role of the rumen fluid in this process remains unclear. This study investigated whether rumen fluid transplantation (RFT) from AMR-fed donors could mimic the impacts of directly adding AMR to the diet on KBCFA accumulation and meat attributes. Thirty male lambs (23 ± 2 kg BW) were allocated at random into three distinct treatments (n = 10): a control set (CON), a dietary supplementation group administered 15 g/d of AMR (AMG), along with a rumen fluid transplantation treatment (RTG) inoculated with rumen fluid from AMR-fed donors. The carcass traits, physicochemical properties, and makeup of amino acids, as well as the fatty acid constitution of the longissimus thoracis muscle, were subjected to analysis. Data revealed that the levels of KBCFAs associated with off-flavors were markedly lowered in both the AMG and RTG. Specifically, decreases ranging from 49% to 64% were observed in MOA, EOA, and MNA concentrations (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, drip loss and cooking loss were reduced in the treatment groups (p < 0.05), whereas ash (p = 0.047) and crude protein (p = 0.001) were increased. Moreover, the interventions improved the composition of essential amino acids (EAA), flavor-enhancing amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In conclusion, rumen fluid transplantation effectively replicates the beneficial effects of dietary AMR on meat quality, particularly in reducing taint-related KBCFA. Such outcomes imply that rumen microbial communities likely act as a crucial mediator in controlling meat flavor. Full article

Stropharia rugosoannulata is efficiently cultivated using agricultural and forestry wastes, such as sawdust and straw, and has gained popularity in China for its rich nutrition and excellent taste. However, traditional cultivation methods, which lack nitrogen supplementation, often result in low yields and poor fruiting body quality. This study evaluated the effects of protein-rich supplements (PRSs)—feather meal (FM), soybean meal (SM), and their mixture (FS)—on substrate properties, yield, and nutritional quality. PRS significantly increased substrate total nitrogen (TN), reduced the C/N ratio, and improved fruiting body yield, with FM achieving the highest yield (6.80 kg·m⁻²). Moreover, FM and FS significantly enhanced the contents of crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, crude polysaccharides, total amino acids (TAAs), essential amino acids (EAAs), and umami amino acids (p < 0.05). Additionally, FS significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity of crude polysaccharides (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the potential of PRS to optimize S. rugosoannulata cultivation, offering a cost-effective strategy to improve commercial production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Essential amino acids’ (EAAs) biological effects depend on both gastrointestinal stability and intestinal bioavailability. A commercially available EAA blend has previously shown to be highly bioaccessible and able to inhibit the DPP-IV enzyme both directly and at a cellular level following simulated digestion in vitro. In light with this consideration, the present study aimed to evaluate the intestinal in vitro bioavailability of GAF subjected to INFOGEST digestion (iGAF) and to investigate the metabolic effects of its bioavailable fraction on muscle cells using an integrated Caco-2/C2C12 co-culture model. Methods: Differentiated Caco-2 cell lines were treated with iGAF, and amino acid transport was quantified by ion-exchange chromatography. The basolateral fraction containing bioavailable EAAs was used to treat differentiated C2C12 myotubes for 24 h. Western blot analyses were performed to assess the activation of anabolic and metabolic pathways, including mTOR, Akt, GSK3, AMPK and GLUT-4. Results: More than 50% of each EAA present in iGAF crossed the Caco-2 monolayer, with BCAAs and phenylalanine particularly enriched in the basolateral fraction. Exposure of C2C12 myotubes to the bioavailable iGAF stimulated mTORC1 activation and increased the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3, indicating an enhanced anabolic response. At a cellular level, iGAF also elevated the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio, suggesting activation of energy-sensing pathways. Moreover, GLUT4 protein levels and glucose uptake were significantly increased. Conclusions: The study focuses exclusively on a cellular model, and results suggested that iGAF is highly bioavailable in vitro and that its absorbed fraction activates key anabolic and metabolic pathways of skeletal muscle cells, enhancing both protein synthesis signaling and glucose utilization in vitro. Full article

Compositional heterogeneity of oil bodies (OB) from nine high-oleic peanut (HOP) cultivars was systematically characterized. The results demonstrated that nine OB samples exhibited variability in R, G, and B values (red, green, and blue color channels), with the B channel values significantly differing among cultivars, while no significant color variation was observed in their overall appearance. Fats and proteins dominated the dry matter composition of OB, consistent with typical plant OB structural profiles. The high-fat OB of cultivars J572-O, J6-O, Z215-O, and H985-O exhibited outstanding efficiency in loading lipophilic bioactive compounds. OBs from J16-O, G37-O, Z215-O, J572-O, Y37-O, and Y65-O had a distinctive fatty acid profile: high-oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), with reduced linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). All OB samples contained four tocopherol isomers (α-, β-, γ-, δ-), with α-tocopherol (5.07–12.59 mg/100 g) and γ-tocopherol (6.36–14.81 mg/100 g) as the predominant forms. Essential amino acids (EAAs) and hydrophobic amino acids were detected, with leucine, phenylalanine, and valine being highly abundant. TEAA/TAA and TEAA/TNEAA ratios complied with FAO/WHO standards. J16-O stood out with a balanced fatty acid profile, high tocopherols, and quality protein, making it a promising candidate for functional foods. Full article