Search Results (1,095)

Background: Although the micronutrients (vitamins and trace minerals) essential for growth and normal physiological function are obtained from the diet, a substantial fraction of the human population is deficient in one or more micronutrients due to inadequate nutrition and/or malabsorption. Methods: This narrative review examines evidence that airborne micronutrients (‘aeronutrients’) are readily absorbed by the lungs, and preclinical and clinical evidence that inhaled iodine and vitamins A, B12 and D can enter the bloodstream. Results: Inhaled vitamin B12 resolves the symptoms and haematological features of pernicious anaemia with a bioavailability comparable to intramuscular injections and superior to oral formulations. Inhaled nebulised vitamin A restores serum levels in children with retinol deficiency. Randomised controlled trials have reported that inhalation of nebulised preparations of vitamins A, B12, magnesium and zinc are well tolerated and not associated with adverse health effects. Aeronutrient formulations have untapped potential for the therapeutic treatment of nutritional deficits, particularly in individuals with malabsorption or a low tolerance of injections. Aeronutrient therapy should be regarded as a medical intervention and be regulated accordingly, with efficacy and safety supported by scientific evidence, unlike the ‘vitamin vapes’ marketed by the wellness industry. Conclusions: Before this potential can be realised, a regulatory framework will need to be developed for aeronutrients. The high effectiveness of the pulmonary route introduces concerns regarding overdosing and toxicity which can best be addressed by categorising these formulations as prescription drugs that require regular monitoring of nutritional and health status. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types, which play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and tissue regeneration in humans. The effectiveness of MSCs depends largely on their immunomodulatory properties and ability to regenerate damaged tissues. Biological activity of MSCs is modulated by environmental factors, including dietary components such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals which influence their proliferation, aging, inflammatory response and resistance to oxidative stress. The article aims to highlight the importance of micronutrients and phytochemicals in modulating the MSCs’ performance and therapeutic potential, with a focus on the role of bioactive food components in regulating metabolism, regenerative efficacy and protective mechanisms of stem cells. Vitamins and trace elements are essential for antioxidant protection by eliminating reactive oxygen species, maintaining mitochondrial function and preserving cell viability under stressful conditions. Micronutrients and phytochemicals can modulate the immunomodulatory activity of MSCs by altering the cytokine secretion profile, reducing pro-inflammatory mediators while enhancing anti-inflammatory factors. However, both deficiency and excessively high concentrations of natural compounds can impair stem cell function. Interdisciplinary knowledge about the impact of micronutrients on the functioning of mesenchymal stem cells creates new opportunities in personalized medicine and nutrition. Understanding the mechanisms regulating MSCs activity under the influence of diet components may contribute to the development of individualized therapeutic strategies aimed at supporting tissue regeneration, delaying aging processes, and improving the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. This knowledge is applicable in the design of functional foods and dietary supplements, making it particularly valuable for specialists in personalized nutrition and functional food development. Full article

Background: Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic, immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. While a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the cornerstone of treatment, inadequate follow-up can lead to persistent symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, and long-term complications. Aim: This narrative review summarizes best practices in celiac disease follow-up, with emphasis on multidisciplinary, nutritional, clinical, and preventive care strategies to optimize long-term outcomes. Main Findings: High-quality follow-up requires coordinated care involving gastroenterologists, dietitians, primary care providers, and other specialists. Nutritional challenges of the GFD include high cost, limited fortification, suboptimal nutrient content, and increased risk of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Patients also face psychosocial and behavioral burdens such as anxiety, social isolation, and disordered eating. Evidence-based strategies for follow-up include structured clinical and serologic monitoring, laboratory assessments, bone health evaluation, cancer risk reduction, and preventive care. Novel tools such as gluten immunogenic peptide testing, digital health platforms, and artificial intelligence are emerging as adjuncts to clinical management. Implications: Structured, patient-centered follow-up that integrates medical, nutritional, and psychosocial dimensions is essential to achieving mucosal healing, maintaining long-term health, and improving quality of life in individuals with CeD. Full article

Hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are significant global health burdens, with microalbuminuria (MA) serving as a key early marker of renal damage and cardiovascular risk. While nutritional interventions are pivotal for management, the evidence for specific nutrients is often complex and inconsistent, creating challenges for clinical guidance. This review critically evaluates current evidence on the interaction among macronutrients, micronutrients, and established dietary approaches and their influence on the development and course of HTN and MA. Strong consensus is present regarding sodium restriction, increased intakes of potassium, and the implementation of dietary patterns like Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean diet to improve blood pressure and renal outcomes. Evidence favors protein moderation (approximately 0.8 g/kg/day), especially from plant sources, and emphasizes carbohydrate quality (e.g., high fiber, low glycemic index) over absolute quantity. The role of micronutrients is more nuanced; maintaining vitamin D sufficiency is protective, but intervention trials for many supplements, including B vitamins and antioxidant vitamins (C and E), have yielded inconsistent results. Several minerals, such as iron and selenium, exhibit a U-shaped risk curve where both deficiency and excess are detrimental, highlighting the risks of unselective supplementation. Ideal nutrition care prioritizes holistic dietary patterns over a focus on single nutrients. Clinical guidance should be founded on sodium reduction and potassium-rich foods, with personalized recommendations for protein and micronutrient supplementation based on an individual’s specific cardiovascular and renal profile. Future research must target nutrients with conflicting evidence to establish clear, evidence-based intake guidelines. Full article

Diet influences brain health through many connected metabolic and molecular pathways, and these effects are stronger in obesity. This review links diet quality with cognitive decline and dementia risk. Ultra-processed, high-fat, high-sugar diets drive weight gain, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. These changes trigger brain oxidative stress, reduce DNA repair, deplete NAD⁺, disturb sirtuin/PARP balance, and alter epigenetic marks. Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut add inflammatory signals, weaken the blood–brain barrier, and disrupt microglia. Mediterranean and MIND diets, rich in plants, fiber, polyphenols, and omega-3 fats, slow cognitive decline and lower dementia risk. Trials show extra benefit when diet improves alongside exercise and vascular risk control. Specific nutrients can help in certain settings. DHA and EPA support brain health in people with low omega-3 status or early disease. B-vitamins slow brain shrinkage in mild cognitive impairment when homocysteine is high. Vitamin D correction is beneficial when levels are low. A practical plan emphasizes healthy eating and good metabolic control. It includes screening for deficiencies and supporting the microbiome with fiber and fermented foods. Mechanism-based add-ons, such as NAD⁺ boosters, deserve testing in lifestyle-focused trials. Together, these measures may reduce diet-related brain risk across the life span. At the same time, artificial intelligence can integrate diet exposures, adiposity, metabolic markers, multi-omics, neuroimaging, and digital phenotyping. This can identify high-risk phenotypes, refine causal links along the diet–obesity–brain axis, and personalize nutrition-plus-lifestyle interventions. It can also highlight safety, equity, and privacy considerations. Translationally, a pattern-first strategy can support early screening and personalized risk reduction by integrating diet quality, adiposity, vascular risk, micronutrient status, and microbiome-responsive behaviors. AI can aid measurement and risk stratification when developed with privacy, equity, and interpretability safeguards, but clinical decisions should remain mechanism-aligned and trial-anchored. Full article

Background: Depression is a significant complication of the peripartum period that can result in profound long-term detrimental implications for the affected woman, her child, and her family. It is possible that micronutrient imbalances could contribute to the development of perinatal depression through their roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and neuroendocrine and neuroimmune pathways. Micronutrient imbalances are more likely during the perinatal period due to the additional physiological demands on the body during this time. The objective of this systematic review was to review and summarise the existing evidence regarding the association between micronutrient levels and perinatal depression. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies examining blood levels of micronutrients and assessment of depression within the peripartum period using validated rating tools. Results: A total of 58 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Of these, 31 studies reported a significant inverse association between perinatal depression and at least one of the following: vitamin D, iron status, vitamin B12, folate, or zinc. Vitamin D was the most frequently investigated nutrient, examined in 28 of the 58 articles. The remaining 27 did not demonstrate a significant association. Conclusion: This review found that vitamin D deficiency has the greatest evidence of an association with perinatal depression. The evidence for other micronutrients is mixed, inconclusive, or limited. Further research is required to determine the significance of these micronutrients in the development of perinatal depression. Full article

Background/Objectives: People in the developed world tend to consume food that is rich in calories but lacks sufficient nutrients such as essential minerals, vitamins, and other health-promoting metabolites. At the same time, hunger and malnutrition are still problems in other countries. Therefore, various forms of micronutrient deficiencies and diseases caused by unbalanced nutrition are global issues. Methods: In order to elucidate the beneficial potential of alternative food sources, we employed state-of-the-art UHPLC-MS and ICP-MS technologies to perform comprehensive metabolome and metallome analyses of five edible European plants, some of which are known as underutilized crops: Achillea millefolium, Agastache rugosa, Cercis siliquastrum, Crithmum maritimum, and Mespilus germanica. Results: This study reveals valuable nutritional properties such as high levels of essential amino acids, sugars, organic acids, health-promoting secondary metabolites, and essential microelements that are important for human diet. The analyzed samples indicate that A. millefolium, C. siliquastrum, and M. germanica could be marked as a viable source of beneficial flavonoids. In turn, both leaves and fruits of A. rugosa had elevated abundances of organic acids, along with A. millefolium and C. siliquastrum. Similar results were observed for amino acids. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, the fruits of C. siliquastrum could be described as the best source for most of the identified compounds. The M. germanica samples were rich in mineral contents, with indications that they can supply 26% of the recommended daily intake per 100 g for K, 16% for Mg, 26% for Fe, 63% for Mn, and 89% for B. The leaves of C. maritimum and A. millefolium are also a good source of K and Mn. Interestingly, the sampled leaves of C. maritimum contained a very high amount of B, representing more than three times the reference nutrient value for 100 g of plant material. In conclusion, these underutilized species can be used to diversify the European food systems by enriching our diets with essential nutrients and health-promoting metabolites. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies are not always present in individuals independently and may occur in association with other deficiency processes. Objective: Verify the association between the nutritional status of iodine and that of iron, selenium, and zinc in population studies. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in Medline, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases, without date and language restrictions, using English search terms and their synonyms. The search terms were joined by the Boolean operator AND while the respective synonyms were connected by OR following the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 40 articles were included. The studies were published between 1993 and 2025, mostly involving both sexes and the main age groups were children and adolescents. Among the micronutrients analyzed, selenium stood out, being evaluated in 55.0% (n = 22) of the studies, followed by iron in 37.5% (n = 15) and zinc in 27.5% (n = 11). The most commonly used methods for assessing nutritional status were serum selenium, followed by urinary selenium. For iron, hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum iron were used in 73.3% (n = 11), 60.0% (n = 9), and 46.7% (n = 7) of the studies, respectively. For zinc, serum concentration was the most frequently used method; however, in one study, urinary zinc was evaluated. Overall, the nutritional status of iodine was associated with that of selenium, iron, and zinc, although this trend was not observed in some studies. Conclusions: The coexistence of deficiency processes in an individual still needs to be further elucidated. Combined strategies that effectively combat, prevent, and treat these micronutrient deficiencies must consider the possible interactions between them. Full article

Background/Objectives: Zinc deficiency remains a public health concern in South Asia but is rarely studied through gestation to infancy. Methods: We identified maternal and infant factors related to plasma zinc of 3 mo old Bangladeshi infants (n = 317) in the context of a trial of a daily antenatal to 3 mo postpartum multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) with 15 vitamins and minerals, including 12 mg zinc, versus iron–folic acid (IFA). Factors explored included maternal age, parity, and plasma zinc in early (pre-supplementation) and late pregnancy, at 3 months postpartum, and in milk; cord blood zinc (n = 83); birth outcomes; and infant feeding and biomarkers. Consequently, infant zinc was explored with 3 mo anthropometry and growth rates. Results: Mean ± SD infant plasma zinc was 15.63 ± 6.65 µmol/L, with 10.1% deficiency (<9.9 µmol/L). In adjusted analyses, infant zinc was positively associated with maternal age [20–30 years +0.11 µmol/L (p = 0.018) and ≥30 years +0.28 µmol/L (p = 0.003) relative to <20 years], maternal early pregnancy zinc (+0.01 µmol/L per 1 µmol/L maternal zinc, p = 0.011), and infant ferritin (+0.001 µmol/L per 1 µg/L, p = 0.007); conversely, infant zinc was −0.13 µmol/L lower (p = 0.013) with maternal parity ≥2 versus 0–1 and with partial versus exclusive breastfeeding (−0.15 µmol/L, p = 0.038). Relationships with MMS, maternal later pregnancy, postpartum, milk, and cord blood zinc were absent. Length-for-age (+0.02 per µmol/L, p = 0.047) but not weight-for-length Z-scores at 3 months were associated with infant zinc. Conclusions: Thus, infant zinc was associated with pre- but not post-MMS maternal zinc, age and parity, feeding style, and infant iron status. Infant length but not weight was associated with plasma zinc. Full article

Biathlon is a winter Olympic sport that combines high-intensity cross-country skiing with precise rifle shooting. These dual demands require athletes to develop exceptional aerobic capacity while maintaining fine motor accuracy under physiological stress. Despite its complexity, nutritional strategies in biathlon remain under-explored and recommendations are often extrapolated from related endurance sports. This narrative review aims to summarise existing knowledge on nutrition in biathlon, highlight sport-specific challenges and identify areas for future research. The main findings indicate that biathletes face very high energy demands, with daily expenditure exceeding 7000 kcal during intensive training. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source, with intake recommendations based on training intensity and duration (6–12 g/kg/d). Furthermore, protein is essential for muscle repair, recovery and adaptation. To achieve the recommended intake of 1.6 g/kg/day, it is advisable to consume meals containing approximately 0.3 g/kg of high-quality protein every three to four hours. Given the frequency of training sessions, effective recovery strategies are important in biathlon. When recovery is a priority, biathletes should consume a meal comprising protein (approximately 0.3 g/kg) and carbohydrates (approximately 1.2 g/kg) before key training sessions. Micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies are not commonly observed in biathletes due to their high calorie intake. However, concerns regarding iron and vitamin D are common among endurance athletes due to the high risk of low energy intake, diets lacking in iron, and insufficient exposure to sunlight. On the day of the race, it is recommended that biathletes plan their meals to ensure that they meet their nutritional needs and begin recovery as soon as possible after the race is over. Biathletes may use specific supplements to enhance performance and health during preparation and competition. However, it is important to note that some supplements that improve performance may harm shooting accuracy. Current guidance is provisional, and future research should adopt a dual-performance framework that evaluates both endurance output and shooting precision under realistic competition conditions. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern with high morbidity and mortality, particularly complicated by postoperative complications. This narrative review explores the interplay between cancer-related malnutrition (CRM) and oxidative stress (OS) as key modifiable risk factors influencing surgical outcomes in CRC patients. Drawing on the recent literature, the article analyzes the multifactorial pathophysiology of CRM, including systemic inflammation, micronutrient deficiency, and metabolic derangements, and its role in weakening antioxidant defenses. Concurrently, oxidative stress, marked by elevated reactive oxygen species and impaired redox homeostasis, is linked to impaired wound healing, infection susceptibility, and anastomotic complications. The review highlights that CRM and OS are interdependent, synergistically exacerbating postoperative morbidity. It also emphasizes the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of integrating nutritional screening tools with oxidative biomarkers to optimize perioperative care. Current evidence suggests that early immunonutrition- and redox-modulating strategies may improve surgical resilience, though standardization of biomarkers and intervention protocols remains a challenge. This article underscores the need for individualized, integrated approaches to perioperative management and proposes CRM–OS interaction as a potential predictive model for surgical risk in CRC. The findings advocate for future clinical trials targeting both nutrition and oxidative status to enhance recovery and long-term prognosis. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder influenced not only by excessive caloric intake but also by micronutrient imbalances such as zinc deficiency. Emerging evidence suggests that zinc regulates microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and expression, linking nutritional status to metabolic regulation. Objective: This review delineates the molecular interplay between zinc and miRNAs in obesity, emphasizing the mechanistic, clinical, and translational relevance of zinc-sensitive miRNAs in adipogenesis, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Results: Zinc deficiency alters miRNA expression profiles associated with metabolic dysregulation. Key miRNAs—miR-21, miR-34a, miR-122, and miR-144-3p—are consistently modulated by zinc status, influencing inflammation, lipid metabolism, and insulin signaling. Zinc repletion restores several miRNAs (e.g., miR-10b, miR-155, miR-145), suggesting reversibility, while excessive zinc may upregulate miR-144-3p and exacerbate oxidative stress. Circulating and exosomal miRNAs show promise as dynamic biomarkers for zinc intervention efficacy. Methods: A literature search was performed in 4 databases up to August 2025 using keywords related to zinc, miRNAs, and obesity. Eligible studies included both preclinical and human research evaluating zinc status or supplementation and miRNA expression in metabolic contexts. Conclusion: Maintaining optimal zinc levels may normalize miRNA expression and improve insulin sensitivity. The “zinc–miRNA axis” represents a novel frontier for precision nutrition in obesity management. Full article

Background: Graves–Basedow disease (GBD) is an autoimmune thyroid disorder characterized by loss of tolerance to the thyrotropin receptor, with clinical manifestations such as a hyperadrenergic state, goiter, orbitopathy, and myxedema, inter alia. Selenium is a micronutrient, essential for the synthesis of selenoproteins. Selenium deficiency has been linked to an increased risk and exacerbation of GBD and GBD orbitopathy; therefore, it has been suggested that supplementation with this micronutrient could modify some outcomes associated with both conditions. Objectives: The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize and analyze the clinical trials that have evaluated the effectiveness of selenium on different outcomes in patients with GBD or GBD orbitopathy. Methods: The following databases were consulted: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Biosis, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar; and the search terms ‘Graves-Basedow disease’ or ‘Graves’ disease’ or ‘hyperthyroidism’ or ‘Graves’ hyperthyroidism’ or ‘selenium or selenium supplementation’ and ‘effectiveness’ were used. The search was limited to articles published in English between January 2000 and March 2025. To reduce selection bias, each article was reviewed independently by three authors using the Rayyan web tool and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: A total of 15 studies were identified (11 on patients with GBD and 4 on patients with GBD orbitopathy). In GBD, selenium supplementation was associated with significant improvements in TSH, FT4, FT3, TPOAb, TgAb, and TRAb levels; while in GBD orbitopathy, a positive effect of selenium supplementation was found on multiple clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Selenium supplementation in patients with GBD or GBD orbitopathy is associated with favorable biochemical and clinical outcomes. Full article

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM)—the coexistence of overweight/obesity and micronutrient deficiency—is an emerging public health concern among school-aged children. Using data from 6063 participants in Colombia’s 2015 National Survey of Nutritional Status (ENSIN), this study estimated DBM prevalence and identified factors associated with its occurrence among children aged 5–12 years. DBM was defined as concurrent overweight/obesity (BMI-for-age z-score > 1) and vitamin D deficiency, applying thresholds of <30, <37.5, and <50 nmol/L. The prevalence of DBM ranged from 0.7% to 6.9%. Firth’s penalized logistic regression models were conducted separately for (1) overweight/obese combined, (2) overweight-only, and (3) obesity-only groups. For DBM1, insufficient physical activity was linked to higher odds across all three models. For DBM2, smaller household size and higher maternal education were associated with greater odds in the combined model. Living in large urban areas was related to lower odds compared with major metropolitan areas, a pattern also observed in the overweight-only model. For DBM3, children from the second wealth quartile (Q2) showed higher odds than those from the poorest (Q1), with a similar pattern in the overweight-only analysis. Stricter DBM definitions tended to capture behavioral and household characteristics, whereas broader thresholds reflected structural and contextual conditions. Despite its relatively low prevalence, DBM remains a relevant public health issue among Colombian schoolchildren. Full article

Iodine is an essential micronutrient that is required for thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis. However, adequate maternal thyroid function is critical for fetal growth and neurodevelopment. Pregnancy increases iodine requirements due to enhanced renal clearance, higher maternal TH production, and transplacental transfer, making pregnant women especially vulnerable to iodine deficiency. In this review, we examine the molecular mechanisms of TH synthesis and regulation, placental transport and metabolism, and the physiological adaptations of thyroid function during gestation. We also analyze the clinical and public health consequences of iodine imbalances, ranging from deficiency to excess. Evidence indicates that mild iodine deficiency—which is common even in developed countries—can lead to maternal thyroid overstimulation, increased thyroglobulin levels, altered T3/T4 ratios, and enlarged thyroid volume, while severe deficiency results in maternal and fetal hypothyroidism with irreversible neurocognitive impairment in the offspring. Conversely, excessive iodine intake may impair fetal thyroid function through mechanisms such as the Wolff–Chaikoff effect. In conclusion, ensuring balanced iodine intake through iodized salt, supplementation, and routine thyroid monitoring during pregnancy is essential to protect maternal health and optimize early neurodevelopment. Full article