Search Results (5,393)

Saskatoon berry (SB), a traditional food of Indigenous people, has been associated with cardiometabolic benefits in animal models; however, its effects on humans remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of dried SB consumption on cardiometabolic outcomes, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles in healthy adults. In a 10-week, single-arm, and open-label trial, 20 healthy adults consumed 40 g/day of freeze-dried whole SB. Biochemical measures, physical exams, dietary records, participant feedback, and fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention. Gut microbiota composition and fecal SCFAs were profiled using 16S-rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. SB intake significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-c), systolic blood pressure, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while increasing dietary fiber intake. Fiber intake was negatively correlated with TC, LDL-c and non-HDL-c (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of fecal Prevotellaceae increased after SB consumption and was positively correlated with multiple fecal SCFAs (p < 0.05–0.0001), while being negatively associated with lipid profiles and blood pressure. No adverse cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal dysfunction were observed; however, the significant increase in sugar intake may pose a risk for elevated blood glucose. Therefore, limiting other high-sugar foods during SB supplementation may be advisable for individuals with glucose intolerance. Overall, SB intake improved glucose and lipid metabolism and lowered blood pressure and inflammatory markers in healthy adults. These cardiometabolic benefits may be mediated by fiber and anthocyanins in SB and through modulation of gut microbiota and SCFA production; however, further confirmation is needed in subsequent randomized controlled trials. Full article

This study investigated whether these contrasting environments are associated with the development of coherent, organism-wide phenotypic–physiological syndromes reflecting a fundamental life-history trade-off. A controlled 60-day trial was conducted comparing crayfish from a high-input pond system (fed to satiation) and a low-input rice paddy system (primarily natural diet). Pond crayfish were fed a commercial formulated feed twice daily to satiation (approximately 3% of biomass per day). Rice paddy crayfish primarily consumed natural food webs and received a once-daily supplement of 30% of the pond feed amount (approximately 0.9% of biomass per day). Results revealed two distinct syndromes. Pond-cultured crayfish exhibited a growth-oriented syndrome: they were 33% heavier with a compact, volumetrically enhanced body shape, coupled with elevated lipid-anabolic enzyme activities (lipase and ACC), higher hemolymph protein and cholesterol concentrations, but also significantly increased levels of a stress-related endocrine factor (cortisol-like immunoreactivity) and oxidative damage (MDA). Conversely, rice paddy-cultured crayfish displayed a stress-resistance-oriented syndrome: a streamlined, deeper-abdomen morphology, fortified antioxidant (SOD, CAT, and GST) and immune (lysozyme and phenoloxidase) capacities, enhanced carbohydrate digestion (amylase), and lower systemic stress. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the hepatopancreas of paddy-cultured crayfish was enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism, detoxification, and endocrine regulation, notably with upregulation of the SULT1E1 gene. Our findings demonstrate that the distinct environmental and nutritional conditions of each aquaculture system are linked to specific multi-level adaptation syndromes, presenting a clear trade-off between rapid biomass production and systemic stress resistance (within the 60-day trial period), providing a mechanistic basis for optimizing sustainable practices: integrated systems enhance stock robustness, while intensive systems require strategies to mitigate physiological load. Full article

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) of omega-3 family, particularly docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, are essential nutrients that play a critical role in children’s growth and health. This review examines the evidence on the effects of omega-3 supplements and omega-3-enhanced foods on children’s development, as well as on neurological and metabolic disorders. Research consistently highlights the importance of DHA in brain and visual development, especially during early childhood, when rapid neural growth occurs. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to January 2026. Adequate omega-3 intake has been associated with improvements in cognitive performance, attention, and learning outcomes. In children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, omega-3 supplementation shows modest but potential benefits in reducing behavioral symptoms and supporting executive function, although results remain mixed. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may positively influence metabolic health, including lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and obesity-related risk factors in children. Omega-3-enhanced foods provide an alternative to supplements and may improve adherence and overall dietary quality. However, variability in dosage, study design, and baseline nutritional status limits definitive conclusions. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids appear to support healthy development and may aid in managing certain neurological and metabolic disorders in children. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapidly expanding landscape of digital technologies is transforming innovation processes across industries, and the food sector is increasingly encouraged to adopt novel tools that can enhance development workflows and support competitive positioning. In the context of Industry 4.0, it is particularly important to examine open innovation approaches that may increase the efficiency of engineers and researchers involved in the research and development of food supplements. Such approaches enable broader access to relevant scientific information, including new bioactive ingredient research and their physiological implications, potentially contributing to the development of better-informed and higher-quality products. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the deep research capabilities of several popular large language models to assess their suitability for supporting the conceptual design of a blood glucose-optimizing food supplement intended for prediabetes management. The comparative analysis focused on the level of detail in the outputs generated by each model, the robustness of the conclusions drawn, and the capacity to produce formulation-oriented recommendations grounded in scientific literature and regulatory frameworks. Our evaluation was primarily qualitative and subjective, highlighting both the potential and limitations of these models. Moreover, the study outlines a forward-looking concept for product validation using wearable smart devices and medically certified wearable devices with continuous biometric monitoring, which could provide an innovative avenue for assessing supplement efficacy. Results: The findings indicate that large language models can support the collection, organization, and preliminary interpretation of complex scientific information. Conclusions: Nevertheless, expert input remains essential for accurate evaluation, scientific validation, and regulatory compliance, as these models cannot yet replace domain expertise or rigorous experimentation in food supplement development. Full article

Climate change exacerbates water scarcity in semi-arid and arid regions, particularly across the Mediterranean Basin, posing severe challenges to food security and freshwater availability. Non-conventional water resources, such as desalinated seawater, are increasingly considered for supplementing irrigation; however, their exclusive use can induce osmotic stress, nutrient imbalances, and soil alkalinity, thereby limiting crop performance. This study evaluated the agronomic, and physiological impacts of blending freshwater (FW) and desalinated seawater (DSW) for two zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivars, Radia and Kayssar, under greenhouse conditions. Five irrigation regimes were tested: T1 (FW^100%), T2 (FW^75%-DSW^25%), T3 (FW^50%-DSW^50%), T4 (FW^25%-DSW^75%), and T5 (DSW^100%). Moderate blending, particularly T2 and T3, optimized vegetative growth, biomass accumulation, and reproductive performance, maximum yields were obtained under T3, reaching 6.65 kg/plant for Radia and 5.49 kg/plant for Kayssar, while fruit quality, including caliber and soluble solids content (°Brix), was also highest under this regime. These findings support the suggestion that implementing such combined/blended irrigation regimes can enhance vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality in the face of increasing water scarcity and energy constraints. Full article

Background/Objective: Delaying muscle fatigue could alleviate economic and food security, and welfare concerns associated with transporting market-weight pigs to harvest. Previous research demonstrates barrow nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation at varying doses during the last 10 d of finishing shows to be a countermeasure to muscle fatigue by reducing muscle fiber recruitment and increasing mitochondrial DNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, this study aims to determine if a greater NR dose further enhances barrow fatigue resistance and characterize muscle mitochondria content and efficiency. Methods: Barrows (N = 87) were assigned to one of two dietary NR supplementation doses (TRT): 0 (0NR) or 150 (150NR) mg/kg body weigh NR administered during the last 14 d of finishing. Muscle (MUS) biopsies were collected on supplementation d (DAY) 0, 7 and 14 from three hind-leg muscles for NAD+ quantification and mitochondrial DNA expression and efficiency. On days 15 and 16, barrows were subjected to a performance test until they were subjectively exhausted. Electromyography data collection during the performance test were divided into five periods (PER) and included normalized root mean square (nRMS) from the same muscles. Results: There were no three-way interaction for nRMS (p > 0.83), but there were MUS × TRT and PER × TRT interactions (p < 0.05). During performance testing, 150NR had greater nRMS than 0NR in the bicep femoris (BF) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL; p < 0.01), but there were no differences in the semitendinosus (ST; p = 0.77). Treatments did not differ during PER 1 and 2 (p > 0.14) but 150NR had greater nRMS than 0NR during PER 3, 4 and 5 (p < 0.01) across all muscles. There was no three-way interaction for normalized (nNAD+; p = 0.14), but there was a DAY × TRT interaction (p < 0.05). There were no differences between 0NR and 150NR at d 0 (p = 0.95); however, by d 7 and 14, 150NR muscles had greater nNAD+ than 0NR muscles (p < 0.01). There tended to be a three-way interaction for mitochondrial DNA expression (p = 0.09). At supplementation d 14, all 150NR muscles had greater mitochondrial DNA expression and electron transport chain complex I and II activities (p < 0.01). When normalized to citrate synthase activity, electron transport chain complex I and II activity did not differ (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Large-dose NR supplementation appears to support sustained muscle fiber recruitment during prolonged activity and enhance fatigue resilience, primarily through increased NAD+ and mitochondrial biomarkers abundance and not through mitochondrial efficiency. Full article

This study evaluated how a partial substitution of pea protein isolate (PPI) with brewer’s spent grain (BSG) or barley rootlets (BRs) affects high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). PPI was substituted with 10% and 20% with BSG or BRs, respectively. Extrudates were produced on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder at maximum temperatures of 140 °C and 160 °C. Extrudates were assessed for colour, moisture, firmness and fibre morphology. Furthermore, the technofunctional and nutritional properties of the raw materials were determined. Extrudates with BSG produced the darkest colour, whereas PPI and BR formulations exhibited the lightest. A stronger reddish tint was observed at 160 °C, while the colour within the yellow–blue spectrum was largely temperature-independent. Firmness was generally higher at 160 °C, consistent with lower end-product moisture. Side stream addition lowered protein content and weakened fibre formation, with the effect most pronounced for BRs. Overall, formulation was the dominant factor influencing lightness, while temperature modestly increased redness and firmness. Preliminary sensory evaluation supported these trends. Extrudates produced at 140 °C were perceived as having a more fibrous structure. Higher substitution levels resulted in a weaker, more crumbly texture. With respect to the environmental assessment, a 20% replacement of PPI with BRs or BSG reduced overall environmental impacts by up to 19% and climate impacts by up to 16%. With regard to the novel food status, the EU Novel Food Status Catalogue classifies BSG as not novel, whereas BRs are not novel only when used in food supplements. Any other food uses, other than as, or in, food supplements, might considered to be novel and consequently might need to be authorised under the novel food regulation framework prior to market placement. Full article

Dietary supplementation with functional nutrients is a safe strategy to improve bone health. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Berberine (BBR) on dexamethasone-induced bone loss in mice and its potential mechanisms. Micro-CT, histological staining, ELISA and Western blot were employed to evaluate BBR’s skeletal benefits; 16S rRNA sequencing, serum metabolomics and correlation analysis were used to explore its regulatory mechanisms. In vivo experiments showed that BBR improved bone mineral density and trabecular microarchitecture, and upregulated osteogenic markers (COL1 and BMP2). Intestinal bacterial sequencing showed that BBR altered gut bacterial composition, increasing the abundance of Desulfovibrio and Bacteroides while decreasing opportunistic pathogens. BBR also modulated bacterial richness, evenness, and community stability. Serum metabolomics identified 107 BBR-reversed differential metabolites; of these, 33.64% were lipids and lipid-like molecules, which were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism. Further correlation analysis revealed that BBR-enriched Desulfovibrio was linked to pathway R04864, producing a key glycerophospholipid metabolite positively correlated with bone mass parameters. Overall, these findings suggest that the attenuation of bone loss by BBR may be associated with alterations in the gut microbiota–glycerophospholipid metabolic axis, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for bone health. Full article

European pork production pursues traceability and authenticity to ensure animal welfare, food safety, and support products with geographical indications. This study reports a European survey integrating stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S, δ¹⁸O, δ²H) and multi-element profiling using IRMS and ICP-MS, on 612 samples collected across Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Spain, with diverse production systems, breeds, feeding, and slaughter ages. Geographical and climatic gradients influenced δ²H and δ¹⁸O, which ranged from −111‰ to −89‰ in samples from Denmark and Spain and from 13.3‰ to 16.0‰ in samples from Italy and Spain, respectively. In selected farms, δ¹³C ranged from −22.7‰ to −17.0‰ depending on diet composition based on C₃ and C₄ plants. The wide variability in pig management practices suggested that δ¹⁵N (2.50 ÷ 4.96‰) increased with slaughter age and was positively correlated with Fe (3.38 ÷ 8.39 mg/kg) and Zn (9.39 ÷ 23.6 mg/kg). Most mineral components were mainly driven by feed formulation and supplementation. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that samples were grouped based on their origin and husbandry system, confirming the key role of isotopic and elemental markers for the development of a database supporting the pork supply chains across Europe. Full article

This study investigated whether cooked green beans, a discarded agro-industrial material, can partially replace commercial chicken feed to improve the performance of the edible cricket Gryllus madagascarensis, while accounting for the strong effects of rearing density. A two-by-two factorial experiment was conducted in which crickets were reared at low (500 individuals per box) or high density (2500 individuals per box) and fed either standard chicken feed or the same feed supplemented with cooked green beans, with twenty replicates per treatment. Survival, chicken feed consumption, biomass yield, frass production, efficiency of conversion of ingested feed, and approximate digestibility were measured over the rearing period. Survival increased from 30.0% to 32.9% at low density and from 11.7% to 13.2% at high density, while biomass yield increased from 117.2 g to 129.7 g and from 194.4 g to 231.2 g, respectively. Frass production also increased under supplementation. In contrast, individual body weight was not improved, indicating that higher biomass production resulted mainly from increased survival rather than faster growth. Rearing density remained a major determinant of performance, with low density favoring individual size and survival, and high density maximizing total biomass. Overall, partial replacement of commercial feed with cooked green beans improved survival, biomass yield, and frass production, supporting the use of plant-based wastes to enhance the sustainability of cricket farming. Full article

Background: Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health issue in Europe, despite the availability of sunlight, dietary sources, supplements, and food fortification. National fortification strategies differ substantially in their regulatory approaches, food vehicles, and fortification levels, influencing the population’s vitamin D intake and status. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to map vitamin D food fortification policies across European Union (EU) Member States, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on regulatory frameworks, eligible food categories, and implementation models. Methods: A structured review of national legislation and official guidance on vitamin D food fortification was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 across EU Member States (n = 27), EFTA countries (n = 4), and the UK. For EU Member States, the framework established by Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 was examined alongside national implementation measures. For EFTA countries and the UK, corresponding national legislation and official regulatory guidance were reviewed. Data were extracted on fortification policy status, eligible food categories, legal basis, and fortification levels. Targeted searches of PubMed and Scopus were performed to identify modeling studies and policy analyses supporting the interpretation of the findings. Results: Fortification policies show marked heterogeneity. Mandatory fortification is limited to a few countries and specific foods: Finland (homogenized skim milk), Sweden (low-fat milk, fermented dairy, plant-based alternatives, and fat spreads), Belgium (margarine and selected fats), and Poland (margarine and fat spreads). In most other European countries, vitamin D fortification is voluntary under EU legislation or equivalent national legislation, depending on market uptake. Food vehicles vary regionally, with Northern Europe extending fortification beyond fats to include fluid milk and plant-based drinks, whereas other regions mainly fortify margarines, cereals, dairy products, and plant-based beverages. Fortification levels also differ, with some countries specifying maximal or exact levels, while others lack national standards. Data on fortified foods are limited in several Central and Southern European countries. Modeling indicates that multi-vehicle fortification is more effective than single-vehicle approaches, safely increasing population intakes while reducing deficiency prevalence. Conclusions: Vitamin D fortification policies across Europe are highly heterogeneous. Most countries rely on voluntary approaches, which provide limited coverage. Strengthening policy through mandatory and well-coordinated multi-vehicle strategies, informed by modeling and population-based studies, can improve vitamin D intake, reduce deficiency prevalence, and enhance health equity. Full article

A high-fat (HF) diet disrupts metabolic homeostasis and impairs peripheral circadian rhythms in key metabolic tissues. β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a major circulating ketone body, functions not only as an energy substrate but also as a signaling metabolite regulating nutrient-sensing and inflammatory pathways. However, its role in modulating metabolic–circadian interactions under conditions of nutrient excess remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether BHB supplementation influences metabolic signaling and circadian clock oscillations in liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue under chow and HF conditions. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed chow or HF with or without BHB supplementation (500 mg/kg body weight in the diet) for 7 weeks. Metabolic parameters were assessed by indirect calorimetry, and tissues were collected every 4 h across the circadian cycle. HF feeding increased body weight and adiposity (p < 0.01), reduced AMPK activation, enhanced AKT/mTOR signaling, elevated NF-κB levels and dampened clock gene rhythmicity. BHB supplementation significantly decreased food intake in HF-fed mice (p < 0.01) and partially reversed several molecular alterations in a tissue-specific manner. In skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, BHB increased AMPK activation and reduced mTOR and NF-κB signaling (p < 0.05), whereas hepatic effects were more modest. Notably, BHB modulated circadian gene expression, restoring aspects of rhythmic amplitude and/or phase, particularly in adipose tissue. These findings may indicate that BHB supplementation modulates nutrient-sensing pathways and partially restores peripheral circadian rhythms under HF conditions. While some effects may be influenced by reduced energy intake, BHB may serve as a metabolic signal linking nutrient status to circadian regulation. Full article

This study investigated the biosynthesis of magnetite nanoparticles mediated by chia mucilage (CM-Fe₃O₄ NPs) and their application in the co-encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) using spray drying. CM-Fe₃O₄ NPs were synthesized by combining CM extract with iron salts, in which hydroxyl and carbonyl groups of CM acted as natural ligands for Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ ions. A response surface design was applied to optimize synthesis parameters, focusing on size distribution and zeta potential, and confirming the influence of pH on colloidal stability. Characterization by FE-SEM, DLS, XRD, UV-Vis, and FTIR revealed spherical particles with an inorganic core (50–300 nm) and a hydrated organic coating (600–900 nm), consistent with a spinel structure functionalized by CM. Spray-drying encapsulation tests showed that incorporating CM-Fe₃O₄ NPs did not compromise bacterial viability, maintaining optimal moisture content and survival. Growth curves and confocal microscopy corroborated the physiological compatibility of the nanoparticles, with no alterations in LGG morphology or growth dynamics. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, co-encapsulated microcapsules exhibited slightly improved survival in the gastric phase and significantly greater viability in the initial intestinal phase. These results suggest that CM-Fe₃O₄ NPs modulate matrix degradation and promote controlled release, ensuring therapeutic concentrations of LGG in the intestine. Overall, the CM-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite system integrates the protective properties of biopolymers with the functional advantages of iron nanoparticles, offering dual functionality: probiotic stabilization and potential iron supplementation. This innovative, food-grade approach supports the development of next-generation functional foods with combined therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Full article

A structural analysis of phenylpropanoids demonstrates that the benzene ring and the propenoic fragment act as two largely independent π-electron systems. This distinctive feature provides a theoretical basis for the rational design of novel compounds obtained through the structural integration of phenylpropanoids with polyene aldehydes and acids. These classes may be combined by elongating the carbon backbone via iterative vinyl group extension, thereby generating an expanded conjugated double-bond system. Alternatively, the structure of polyene aldehydes may be modified by replacing the unreactive methyl group with a benzene ring bearing suitable functional substituents. DFT computational studies performed at the B3LYP/QZVP level of theory indicate that the designed analogs predominantly scavenge radicals through the sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) mechanism in aqueous environments. This pathway involves the initial deprotonation of carboxyl, aldehyde, or phenolic groups, with the hydroxyl moiety exhibiting the greatest propensity for proton dissociation. Carbon chain extension exerts only a minor influence on proton affinity (PA) values but significantly affects electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) parameters. Consequently, increasing the number of conjugated double bonds enhances activation of the second step of the SPLET mechanism, thereby improving overall radical-scavenging activity. Comparison of the calculated chemical reactivity parameters substantiates the conclusions drawn from the thermodynamic analysis. A pronounced enhancement in the reactivity of the modeled compounds, relative to the parent constituents, is observed. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations further predict absorption in the visible region, indicating potential applications of the modeled compounds as radical-scavenging dyes in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and dietary supplement formulations. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a potentially toxic element that impairs plant growth and threatens food safety and human health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sulfur (S) supplementation on Cd uptake and tolerance in rice under hydroponic conditions. Rice seedlings were exposed to Cd stress and treated with S at different concentrations. Physiological traits, oxidative damage markers, thiol compounds, and ionomic profiles in rice plants were assessed. S supplementation reduced Cd-induced growth inhibition, restoring plant biomass. Although Cd accumulation increased with S treatment, it was accompanied by enhanced antioxidant responses, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. S application increased the production of thiol-containing compounds, including γ-glutamylcysteine, glutathione, and phytochelatins, which helped chelate Cd and sequester it in vacuoles, particularly in roots. Additionally, S supplementation altered the essential nutrient composition in rice tissues, particularly the uptake of N, P, and K, while influencing levels of Ca, Mg, and other essential elements. S supplementation enhanced rice tolerance to Cd stress by reestablishing ROS balance, activating thiol-based detoxification pathways, and regulating mineral nutrient balance. Furthermore, sulfur (S) exhibited a dual effect in plants, enhancing cadmium (Cd) uptake while also promoting its detoxification, underscoring its role in improving crop resilience in contaminated soils. Full article