Search Results (1,057)

Nutrient intake is vital for human health, yet micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread despite sufficient calorie consumption. Biofortification is the process by which the nutrient density of food crops is increased through various strategies without altering key agronomic characteristics. This approach is widely recognised as a cost-effective method for addressing micronutrient malnutrition. When combined with the nutritional properties and inherent resilience of underutilised crops to harsh conditions, biofortification emerges as highly promising and sustainable solution. This study investigates the effects of selenium biofortification by adding different doses of SeO₂ (0, 1, 2, and 4 μM) in the nutrient solution in three underutilised leafy vegetables [Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane), Taraxacum officinale L. (dandelion), and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. (iceplant)] grown in an open soilless system. The addition of SeO₂ to the nutrient solution increased yield in all three species, although iceplant exhibited reduced yield at the highest SeO₂ dose. In particular, the total yield of purslane was enhanced by 14–19% when treated with 1, 2, and 4 doses of SeO₂, whilst the dandelion yield increased by 25% under 4 μM SeO₂. Furthermore, the yield of iceplant increased by 14.7–17.8% at 1 and 2 μM SeO₂. SeO₂ application led to a dose-dependent increase in selenium concentration in the shoot tissues while remaining within safe intake limits. More specifically, selenium concentration in purslane, dandelion, and iceplant tissues increased by 92%, 91%, and 89%, respectively, at the highest SeO₂ dose (4 μΜ) compared to untreated plants. Selenium treatment also influenced the nutritional profile of the examined plant species. With regard to the antioxidant activity, the highest recorded value was observed at 1 μM SeO₂ for purslane and iceplant, and at 4 μM SeO₂ for dandelion. These values were enhanced by 20%, 12%, and 27%, respectively, in comparison with 0 μM SeO₂. In conclusion, rootzone SeO₂ supplementation via a nutrient solution can be considered an effective biofortification strategy that enhances growth characteristics and antioxidant properties of the three investigated underutilised leafy vegetables without compromising their nutritional value. Full article

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for plants, playing a crucial role in various physiological and molecular processes. Excess Cu induces oxidative stress and disrupts cellular functions, while Cu deficiency causes chlorosis and poor pollen development, thereby reducing crop yields. However, the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of Cu tolerance and homeostasis remain unclear in the plant kingdom. In this review, we discuss the uptake, transport, and detoxification of Cu through high-affinity Cu transporters (COPTs). Additionally, we update recent studies on maintaining Cu balance by mediating the root exudation of organic acids (e.g., citrate and proline), xylem/phloem loading, cell wall binding, vacuolar sequestration, redistribution, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD, CAT, and APX). Furthermore, tissue-specific expression analyses reveal that COPT genes exhibit distinct spatial regulation in the roots and leaves, which are the primary sites of Cu transport and detoxification. Overall, our review highlights the critical roles of COPT gene families and detoxification pathways in maintaining Cu homeostasis in plants. Future research should focus on genetic engineering approaches to enhance Cu tolerance, optimize Cu distribution in grains, and mitigate soil contamination risks. By clarifying these mechanisms, we can develop strategies to sustain crop production under increasing Cu stress, thereby ensuring food security and human health. Full article

Background: Foods containing nutraceuticals from the mineral element group are being developed to compensate for the problem of deficiency in billions of people around the world. This research focuses on essential elements of patented cereal-based mixtures to complement the deficiencies of these elements and, at the same time, assesses their safety in terms of toxic elements in the human diet. Methods: The mineral and trace element contents in the mixtures were determined using the ICP-MS method with a subsequent evaluation of the contributions of the mixtures to the essential and toxic reference values based on dietary intakes and exposures for adults at 60, 80 and 100 kg of adult body weight and a portion size of 50 g. The potential health risk was evaluated using a metal pollution index. Results: The concentrations of minerals and trace elements in the cereal-based mixtures analyzed were as follows: K (up to 4150 µg/g) ≥ P > Mg > Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Al > Ba (up to 4.40 µg/g) > Sr (up to 480 ng/g) ≥ Ti ≥ Ni > Ce ≥ Co > As ≥ Cs > Ag ≥ Li > Se > Be > Cr > Tl > Pb ≥ Hg > Ho > Cd > Sn (up to 1.12 ng/g). The mixtures contribute significantly to the reference values for Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and P for adults. Individual dietary exposure values of toxic elements for adults weighing 60 kg decrease in this order: Al (10.1 µg/kg bw/day) > Ni (362 ng/kg bw/day) > As ≥ Pb > Ag > Hg > Cd > and Sn (0.93 ng/kg bw/day). Conclusions: In terms of Regulation (EU) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on nutrition and health claims made on foods, the cereal-based mixtures could be labelled “source of” Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and P when their contributions to the reference values exceeded 15%; in addition, “low sodium/salt” or “very low sodium/salt” can be applied. The mixtures contribute insignificantly to the toxic reference values of Al, Sn, Hg, Cd, Ni, and Ag, and the exposure values of Pb for developmental neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiovascular effects were considered safe. Regarding the metal pollution index of mixtures, there is no concern for potential health effects. Cereal-based mixtures are suitable for use in the food industry as a potential source of beneficial micronutrients for the human diet, although bioaccessible studies should not be neglected. Full article

Introduction: Consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) is associated with poor diet quality and a risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study explores the energy contribution of NOVA foods and the nutrient gaps. Methods: The study sourced data from the previous Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS). It covered 8254 households, 8254 women of reproductive age (15–45 years old), and 7272 children (6–45 months old). Results: The most consumed UPF in children were biscuits, cookies, soft drinks, and semi-solid palm oil; while cow and human milk, whole wheat bread, a range of legumes, tubers, and cereal-based foods were among NOVA1. In both children and women, the largest dietary energy intake was from NOVA1 (74.6% and 79.0%), processed culinary ingredients (18.3% and 14.0%), processed foods (1.9% and 3.5%), and UPF (5.1% and 3.5%), respectively. Higher intake of energy from UPF was found in urban residences, wealthier households, and women with higher education. However, NOVA1 was more dominantly consumed in rural than in urban areas. Micronutrient and macronutrient gaps were observed compared to the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). The intake of fruits and vegetables was also considerably low compared to the WHO recommendation (≥400 g/day for adults, and ≥250 g/day for children). Conclusions: Adequate intake of micronutrients, fruits, and vegetables is essential to meet the RNI and could have reduced existing body micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A, zinc, iodine, calcium, vitamin D, and selenium prevalence. Whether UPF intake in urban areas is associated with insufficient availability and access to NOVA1 foods or just due to the higher provision of UPF and gained popularity needs additional investigation. Further study is recommended to simulate the impact of increased fruits and vegetables and/or reduced intake of selected UPF, salts, and oils on NCD markers or mortality in the country. Full article

Adolescent athletes face unique nutritional challenges due to the simultaneous demands of growth, development, and athletic performance. This review synthesizes current evidence on energy and macronutrient requirements, hydration strategies, and key micronutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for supporting health and performance in youth sport. It explores the physiological risks associated with low energy availability (LEA), while emphasizing the importance of carbohydrate and protein timing, quality, and distribution. The review also evaluates the role of dietary supplements and ergogenic aids, including creatine and energy drinks, highlighting safety concerns and advocating for a food-first approach. Practical strategies for nutrition education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and individualized care are presented to guide healthcare professionals, coaches, and caregivers in fostering sustainable, performance-supportive eating habits. By aligning intake with training demands and developmental needs, adolescent athletes can optimize performance, recovery, and long-term well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is clear evidence that maternal micronutrient deficiencies result in adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes. Therefore, corrective supplementation should be considered when dietary intake is insufficient, particularly for vitamin D (VD), omega-3 fatty acids (O3), folic acid (FA), or prenatal multiple micronutrient products (PMM). Despite its significance, intake patterns in Hungary remain largely unexplored, and evaluating adherence to recommended intake levels would be of even greater importance. This is the first Hungarian study to provide a comprehensive overview of the frequency and adherence patterns of micronutrient supplementation among pregnant women, while also analyzing their association with predictors and outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 pregnant women who delivered in a university hospital. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire and clinical maternal and neonatal records. Results: The prevalence of FA, VD, O3, and PMM intake among the participants was 89.0%, 76.4%, 58.7%, and 67.6%, respectively. However, adherence to recommendations was notably lower: 41.1% for VD, 37.5% for O3, 36% for PMM, and 31% for FA. Higher adherence was associated with older maternal age, higher educational level, county town residence, planned pregnancy, primiparity, previous spontaneous abortion, and early initiation of antenatal care. Our findings refute concerns about the obesogenic effect of supplementation for both mothers and newborns. FA intake correlated with a lower likelihood of cesarean section, while O3 use was associated with improved uterine contractility and reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Our study underscores the need for individualized counselling on micronutrient supplementation, with particular emphasis on appropriate timing, dosage, and potential benefits. Full article

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), remains a major constraint to global banana (Musa spp.) production, especially in tropical regions. Although soil conditions are known to modulate disease expression, the specific physicochemical drivers of FOC prevalence under field conditions are not well understood. This study investigated the relationships between soil properties and the Fusarium wilt incidence across 47 banana farms on Hainan Island, China, a tropical region dominated by highly weathered tropical soil (latosols). The disease incidence (%PDI) and FOC abundance were quantified, alongside key soil parameters, including the pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and macro- and micronutrient availability. The soils were predominantly acidic (mean pH 4.93), with low levels of organic carbon and exchangeable calcium (Ca) and elevated levels of available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). The Fusarium wilt incidence ranged from 1% to 78%, with significantly higher levels observed in younger plantations (<5 years old). Statistical analyses revealed strong negative correlations between the PDI and the soil pH, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and available K. Principal component analysis further confirmed the suppressive role of the pH and base cations in the disease dynamics. Farms older than five years exhibited better soil fertility indices and lower disease pressure, suggesting a temporal improvement in soil-mediated disease suppression. These findings underscore the critical role of soil acidification and nutrient imbalances, particularly Ca, Mg, and K deficiencies, in promoting FOC pathogenicity. Enhancing soil health offers a promising and sustainable strategy for managing Fusarium wilt in tropical banana production systems. Full article

Boron (B) is a crucial micronutrient for the initial formation, development, and final quality of fruits, as it affects their physical and chemical properties and helps prevent various functional disorders. Recently, numerous physiological disorders in fruits have been reported, which have been linked to B deficiency. However, there is still uncertainty about whether these issues are directly related to B, other nutrients, their combinations, or environmental conditions. This review aims to compile current and accurate information on how B is absorbed by plants, its role in the cell wall and membrane, its impact on flowering and fruit set, and its influence on physical and chemical properties, as well as its role in preventing physiological disorders. This review examines the latest studies on B published in major scientific journals (Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, Frontiers, Hindawi, Wiley, and SciELO). Boron is mobile in the xylem and slightly mobile in the phloem, and it plays a crucial role in pollination and fruit set. It reduces mass loss, maintains firmness, improves color, and results in larger, heavier fruits. Also, boron increases soluble solids, regulates total titratable acidity and pH, decreases respiration rate, and stabilizes ascorbic acid by delaying its breakdown. It also helps prevent disorders such as splitting, cork spots, internal rot, shot berry in grapes, blossom end rot, and segment drying in citrus. Foliar or soil application of B enhances fruit yield and post-harvest quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor nutritional status and cachexia have been well-documented as predictors of adverse outcomes in individuals with chronic heart failure (HF). However, despite obesity being a common observation in this patient population, a growing body of evidence indicates that these individuals may still suffer from nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. This study aimed to characterize the food and nutrient intake of participants enrolled in the Pro-HEART clinical trial—a study evaluating dietary interventions in overweight and obese individuals with HF—and to compare their consumption patterns to national nutritional guidelines. Methods: A cohort of 92 overweight and obese individuals with chronic HF enrolled in the Pro-HEART trial. Baseline food consumption was assessed via a validated 3-day Food Record. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to evaluate adherence to recommended intake levels for energy, macronutrients (fat, carbohydrates, protein), and key micronutrients. Results: Among the 92 participants, 41% exceeded fat intake recommendations, 73% surpassed guidelines for saturated fat, and 95% consumed excessive sodium. Despite adequate caloric intake, many individuals failed to meet recommended levels for key micronutrients known to influence inflammation and metabolic regulation, including vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Conclusions: These findings suggest that overweight and obese individuals with HF, despite their excess body weight, exhibit dietary patterns that place them at risk of malnutrition. The results underscore the necessity of nutritional assessments and interventions in this population to address deficiencies that may contribute to the metabolic and inflammatory abnormalities associated with HF. Full article

Background and aim: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. The chronic inflammatory state promotes a catabolic environment that contributes to undernutrition, while mucosal damage often impairs nutrient absorption. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status—including micronutrient deficiencies—and clinical as well as laboratoristics disease activity in a cohort of patients with IBD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted across three care centers in Italy. Baseline data, clinical disease activity, and laboratory test results were collected. Micronutrient evaluation included measurements of iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate. In addition, hemoglobin and albumin levels were assessed. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between disease activity and nutritional status. Additionally, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were performed to identify patients with active diseases. Results: 110 IBD patients (40 Crohn Disease; 70 Ulcerative Colitis) were included. The serum level of Hb, iron, ferritin and vitamin D was different among the active and inactive group (p: 0.007; p: 0.001; p: 0.005; p: 0.003) while no difference was found among the other micronutrients evaluated (folic acid, vitamin B12) and albumin. Iron and vitamin D levels demonstrated the highest accuracy in the ROC analysis, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.76 (p < 0.001) and 0.68 (p = 0.013), respectively. Vitamin D and Ferritin showed the better performance (based on calprotectin levels). However, their AUC were sub-optimal (AUC 0.68; p < 0.001; AUC 0.66; p = 0.19. Conclusions: Hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and vitamin D were associated with disease activity status. However, despite this correlation, their accuracy in discriminating between active and inactive disease appeared to be suboptimal. Folic acid, vitamin B12, and albumin showed poor concordance with disease activity status. Full article

This study presents a terrain-integrated Soil Management Unit (SMU) framework for precision agriculture in semi-arid tropical basaltic soils. Using high resolution (10-ha grid) sampling across 4627 geo-referenced locations and machine learning-enhanced integration of terrain attributes with legacy soil maps, and (3) quantitative validation of intra-SMU homogeneity, 15 SMUs were delineated based on landform, soil depth, texture, and slope. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed SMU11 as the most heterogeneous (68.8%). Geo-statistical analysis revealed structured variability in soil pH (range = 1173 m) and nutrients availability with micronutrient sufficiency following Mn > Fe > Cu > Zn, (Zn deficient in SMU13). Organic carbon strongly correlated with key nutrients (AvK, r = 0.83 and Zn, r = 0.86). This represents the first systematic implementation of terrain-integrated SMU delineation in India’s basaltic landscapes, demonstrating a potential for 20–25% input savings. The spatially explicit fertility-integrated SMU framework provides a robust basis for developing decision support systems aimed at optimizing location-specific nutrient and land management strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies assessing dietary intake have used self-report methods, prone to misreporting. Using researcher-conducted weighed food records, we assessed rural and urban mothers’ energy and nutrient intakes of concern and compared them to recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural (Asaase Kokoo) and urban (University of Ghana Staff Village) communities. Dietary data were collected from fifty-four mothers (26 rural, 28 urban) on 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day, analyzed with software, and programmed with West African, FNDDS, Kenyan, Ugandan, and USDA food composition databases. Results: Mean (SD) ages (years) were 35.8 (11.6) and 44.4 (7.6), and mean energy intakes (kcal) were 2026 (461) and 1669 (385) for rural and urban mothers, respectively. Mean percentage contributions of macronutrients to energy intake were within recommended ranges for rural and urban mothers. All participants met or exceeded vitamin A RNI, irrespective of location. While all rural mothers met or exceeded iron RNI, some urban mothers (14.3%) did not. Few rural (7.7%) and urban mothers (10.7%) did not meet zinc RNI. About half of rural (46.2%) and urban mothers (53.6%) did not meet folate RNI. Most rural (96.1%) and urban mothers (92.8%) met or exceeded fiber RNI. Conclusions: Overall, rural mothers had higher energy and nutrient intakes than urban mothers. While most met RNIs, there were some micronutrient inadequacies, particularly folate, where almost half of rural and urban mothers consumed below RNI. Our findings indicate the need for tailored interventions to prevent nutrient deficiencies or excesses in Ghanaian mothers. Full article

Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting black gram (Vigna mungo) productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Saline soils negatively impact plant growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and yield. This study evaluated the efficacy of co-inoculating salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria Paenibacillus sp. SPR11 and Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense PR3 on black gram performance under saline field conditions (EC: 8.87 dS m⁻¹; pH: 8.37) with low organic carbon (0.6%) and nutrient deficiencies. In vitro assays demonstrated the biocontrol potential of SPR11, inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina by 76% and 62%, respectively. Germination assays and net house experiments under 300 mM NaCl stress showed that co-inoculation significantly improved physiological traits, including germination rate, root length (61.39%), shoot biomass (59.95%), and nitrogen fixation (52.4%) in nitrogen-free media. Field trials further revealed enhanced stress tolerance markers: chlorophyll content increased by 54.74%, proline by 50.89%, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, PAL) were significantly upregulated. Electrolyte leakage was reduced by 55.77%, indicating improved membrane stability. Agronomic performance also improved, with co-inoculated plants showing increased root length (7.19%), grain yield (15.55 q ha⁻¹; 77.04% over control), total biomass (26.73 q ha⁻¹; 57.06%), and straw yield (8.18 q ha⁻¹). Pod number, seed count, and seed weight were also enhanced. Nutrient analysis showed elevated uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and key micronutrients (Zn, Fe) in both grain and straw. To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first field-based report demonstrating the synergistic benefits of co-inoculating Paenibacillus sp. SPR11 and Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense PR3 in black gram under saline, nutrient-poor conditions without external nitrogen inputs. The results highlight a sustainable strategy to enhance legume productivity and resilience in salt-affected soils. Full article

Micronutrients play a prominent role in plant growth and development, and their bioavailability is a growing global concern. Zinc is one of the most important micronutrients in the plant life cycle, acting as a metallic cofactor for numerous biochemical reactions within plant cells. Zinc deficiency in plants leads to various physiological abnormalities, ultimately affecting nutritional quality and posing challenges to food security. Biofortification methods have been adopted by agronomists to increase Zn concentrations in crops through optimal foliar and soil applications. Changing climatic conditions and conventional agricultural practices alter edaphic factors, reducing zinc bioavailability in soils due to abrupt weather changes. Precision agriculture emphasizes need-based and site-specific technologies to address these nutritional deficiencies. Nanoscience, a multidimensional approach, reduces particle size to the nanometer (nm) scale to enhance their efficiency in precise amounts. Nanoscale forms of Zn⁺² and their broad applications across crops are gaining attention in agriculture under varied application methods. This review focuses on the significance of Zn oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and their extensive application in crop production. We also discuss optimum dosage levels, ZnONPs synthesis, application methods, toxicity, and promising future strategies in this field. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the bidirectional deterioration of cardiac and renal function, driven by mechanisms such as renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the key molecular pathways involved in CRS and to highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, with a special emphasis on nutritional interventions. We examined recent evidence on the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction, uremic toxins, and immune activation to CRS progression and assessed the role of dietary and micronutrient factors. Results indicate that a high dietary intake of sodium, phosphorus additives, and processed foods is associated with volume overload, vascular damage, and inflammation, whereas deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D correlate with worse clinical outcomes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactives, such as omega-3 PUFAs, curcumin, and anthocyanins from maqui, demonstrate potential to modulate key CRS mechanisms, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Gene therapy approaches targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling are also discussed. An integrative approach combining pharmacological RAAS modulation with personalized medical nutrition therapy and anti-inflammatory nutrients may offer a promising strategy to prevent or delay CRS progression and improve patient outcomes. Full article