Search Results (4,487)

Objectives: The main goals of this study were to describe the nutritional habits of 8–11-year-old children and to analyze the differences in nutritional habits according to their gender. Methods: A total of 240 children (114 boys and 126 girls) from a Spanish primary education state school completed the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire. Results: The average score obtained on the KIDMED questionnaire for all participants was 7.16 ± 2.06 points, and only the 45.4% of the participants showed optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet. No differences between boys and girls were found in their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (boys: 7.38 ± 1.95 vs. girls: 6.97 ± 2.14, p = 0.648). However, in the 10-year-old group, significant differences according to gender were found for some specific consumptions (i.e., olive oil, nuts, yogurts and cheese) and habits (i.e., skipping breakfast). Conclusions: The results obtained in this study seem to indicate that only half of the children have optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet, so their dietary patterns should be strengthened. Moreover, some differences were found for some specific consumptions and habits in children older than 10 years old. These results could have important implications for families, schools and health promoters, since they have the potential to foster healthy nutritional habits. Furthermore, they underline the importance of gender-sensitive nutritional interventions in children older than 10 years old. Full article

Objectives: Dietary habits are identified as a potential factor influencing the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease (HAT). The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between quality of diet and selected parameters of nutritional status, and quality of life in female patients with HAT. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 women aged 39.9 ± 10.39 years. Diet quality was determined with the Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10), quality of life with a thyroid-specific questionnaire (ThyPROpl), and gastrointestinal symptoms with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Results: The mean pHDI-10 score was 25.5 ± 9.59; 80% of women had a low pro-healthy diet quality (LQD group, 21.9 ± 6,89 pts.) and 20% had a medium pro-healthy diet quality (MQD group, 39.7 ± 4.69 pts.). Nutritional status and anthropometric and health risk parameters did not differ between the groups. The ThyPROpl score was 49.15 ± 31.16 (LQD: 49.58 ± 31.01, MQD: 47.41 ± 32.28, p = 0.73). Conclusions: Quality of diet was not associated with the quality of life or nutritional status of HAT patients. However, the majority of participants showed poor healthy eating habits, elevated body mass index and unsatisfactory quality of life in areas, such as tiredness, hypothyroid symptoms, depression, emotional vulnerability, and anxiety. Full article

Background: Equations for estimating energy expenditure are developed for specific populations and contexts, including clinical settings, body composition variations, and age groups, to enhance precision in nutritional planning and health promotion. Objective: To compare the estimated daily energy requirements using the equations from the 2005 and 2023 Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy in sedentary adults and elderly individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study analyzed data from records at a university outpatient clinic using convenience sampling. Participants included sedentary individuals aged 20 years or older of both sexes. The comparison was conducted using repeated measures Analysis of Variance (rmANOVA). Results: Data from 431 individuals (80% female, mean age 43.57 ± 17.30 years) were analyzed. The 2023 equations provided higher energy estimates compared to the 2005 equations. The rmANOVA revealed a significant difference between the energy estimates (F(1, 429) = 1567.24, p < 0.001, η² = 0.02), with the 2023 equations consistently yielding higher values. Conclusions: The results indicate that the estimated energy requirements significantly increased in the 2023 equations compared with those of 2005, highlighting their relevance to clinical practice. Full article

In the food market, significant changes have been observed in recent years, and what is more, they are associated with an increased “nutritional awareness” among consumers. The role of food producers is no longer limited to presenting consumers with a rich range of products; their composition is also not without significance. There is an increase in interest in the so-called “functional food”, which, in addition to traditional nutrients, also provides ingredients with specific properties that have a beneficial effect on human health. One of the types of such food is the so-called “probiotic food”. Probiotics play a key role in the design of functional foods of plant origin, as they can contribute to improving the health of the digestive system, strengthen immunity, and prophylactically act in the case of many civilization diseases. In the context of plant-based foods, particular attention is paid to the development of products that support the balance of the intestinal microbiota while providing the health benefits typical of plant-based products such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It should also be mentioned that the functional food segment in question shows not only a high trend in development in terms of the diversity of the products offered but also fits into the trend of environmentally friendly production in line with sustainable development trends. This article aimed to present the possibility of using probiotics and prebiotics in the functional innovative development of plant products. The impact of the fermentation process on the health value of the plant-derived food matrix will be discussed, as well as the technological challenges associated with this issue. This article analyzes the potential health benefits resulting from the consumption of fermented plant products and the hygiene aspects of the production process with examples of innovative probiotic plant products. It should be recognized that plant food is a promising option to deliver probiotics, paraprobiotics, and prebiotics, providing health benefits to consumers. Full article

This study aimed to investigate diet quality in a population of male competitive athletes by comparing their total energy and macro- and micronutrients intake assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to current nutritional recommendations for this specific population. An additional goal was to assess athletes’ sodium-to-potassium (Na-to-K) ratio. This cross-sectional study involved 31 healthy competitive male athletes. Subjects’ body mass index, body composition, arterial blood pressure, as well as red blood count (RBC) and serum lipid profile measurements showed that all subjects were lean and normotensive and had normal RBC and serum lipid levels. All subjects completed a cross-culturally adapted, translated, and validated EPIC–Norfolk FFQ. The total energy intake reported in the FFQ was below the recommended values; however, 71% of subjects were classified as low energy reporters (LERs). Energy intake from proteins was within and from carbohydrates was below the recommended interval, while the total energy intake from fats (and also saturated fatty acids) exceeded the recommendations. Suboptimal intakes of vitamin D and folate were observed, indicating the necessity for monitoring (and supplementing) in this population. High Na intake, which despite adequate K intake resulted in a higher Na-to-K ratio, highlighted concerns over excessive salt consumption, but also accentuated the need for monitoring sodium (and potassium) intake in competitive athletes with consideration for sweat-related losses. Full article

Dystocia, or difficult labor, is a common complication during parturition in cattle that poses substantial risks to both dam and fetus. When the incidence is high on a farm level, it is a significant economic burden for dairy and beef enterprises. This review paper presents a comprehensive roadmap strategy to enhance decision-making in the management of dystocia in cows. The strategy encompasses early recognition and assessment, utilization of advanced diagnostic tools, and a range of medical and surgical interventions tailored to specific maternal and fetal causes of dystocia. The roadmap also integrates preventive measures to reduce the incidence of dystocia through genetic selection and optimized nutrition. By addressing the key challenges in dystocia management, such as resource constraints, timely intervention, and the need for continuous education, this strategy aims to improve health outcomes for cows and calves and reduce economic losses. Implementing this structured approach can facilitate better preparedness, efficient resource utilization, and improved overall livestock management, thereby promoting the sustainability and productivity of the cattle industry and addressing animal welfare aspects. Full article

Background: Elemental or amino-acid-based formulas play a crucial role in pediatric nutrition, offering a therapeutic alternative when human milk is poorly tolerated or in specific disease states. Mostly used in various cases of allergy, maldigestion, or malnutrition, elemental formulas serve as a special therapeutic regimen in clinical practice to promote growth and development. Methods: This narrative review briefly surveys the literature of the past decade available on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, encompassing original research, review articles, and position papers. Results: The indications for using elemental formulas in pediatric clinical practice extend beyond cow’s milk allergy to conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, intestinal failure, Crohn’s disease, hepatic failure, chronic pancreatitis, and various neurological and other malnutrition-related disorders. Conclusions: Elemental formulas are associated with potential health benefits for pediatric patients in certain conditions, either as a first-line feeding option or under conditional use. Despite their drawbacks, they are regarded as a therapeutic tool with numerous indications, requiring careful implementation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare experts. Future expert guidelines, including dosage, timing, and long-term effects of elemental diets, are needed for pediatric clinical practice. Full article

The main objective of this study was to provide an overview of the potential health-promoting properties of honeys collected at specific apiary locations from the protected area of Montesinho Natural Park (MNP), by analyzing their amino acid and polyphenolic profiles, and their biological properties, and comparing them with the renowned Manuka honey. The results revealed differences in total phenolic content among the samples examined and between sampling campaigns, with values ranging from 55.6 to 225 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g of honey, compared to 57.2 mg GAE/100 g for Manuka honey. Gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and catechin were the key phenolics of MNP honey samples. MNP honey exhibited high levels of essential amino acids (phenylalanine, lysine, and valine), strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, moderate enzyme inhibition, and high proline content in some locations. These results highlight the exceptional nutritional and therapeutic potential of MNP honey. Full article

Background: Maternal overnutrition critically influences offspring’s long-term metabolic and cognitive health. While prior research indicates maternal diet can disrupt hippocampal function, the specific impact on spatial memory remains unclear. Methods: Female mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for nine weeks before and during pregnancy. Offspring were weaned onto a standard diet and tested at postnatal day 90 using the dry maze, a spatial reference memory task. Results: HFD-exposed offspring exhibited significant learning acquisition impairments, with prolonged latencies in locating hidden rewards and diminished within-session improvements compared to controls. During the probe trial, they spent significantly less time in the target quadrant, indicating long-term spatial memory retention deficits. Notably, these cognitive impairments occurred independently of body weight differences at testing. Discussion: This study uniquely demonstrates that maternal HFD exposure induces specific spatial memory deficits in adult offspring, potentially through neurodevelopmental alterations preceding metabolic dysfunction. The results highlight the importance of prenatal nutrition in shaping cognitive outcomes later in life. Conclusions: These findings extend our understanding of how prenatal nutrition impacts cognitive aging and disease susceptibility. Given rising obesity rates among women of reproductive age, this research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the intergenerational effects of maternal overnutrition on brain function. Full article

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in the gene regulation of processes related to the response to different types of stress in fungi. These receptors act as sensors of extracellular signals and transmit the information to the interior of the cell through G-proteins. In the presence of different and specific types of stresses, GPCRs activate signaling cascades that culminate in the activation of transcription factors, which regulate the expression of genes associated with the stress response, including those induced by changes in environmental pH. GPCR-mediated gene regulation allows fungi to adapt to adverse conditions such as osmotic, thermal, oxidative, or nutritional stress, as well as fluctuations in environmental pH. This review focuses on the understanding of how GPCRs modulate the stress response in fungi and their crucial role in advancing our knowledge of the physiology and adaptability of these microorganisms in their changing environment. Full article

Garlic, an asexually propagated crop, exhibits significant variation in its commercial traits and bioactive compounds. Despite its horticultural significance, the genetic pool available for breeding strategies is limited. This study aimed to assess the existing diversity within a popular garlic landrace from the region of “Nea Vissa”, Evros, Greece, focusing on phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular variation. In particular, bulb morphology, nutritional content, and organosulfur profiles were evaluated, along with genetic characterization using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to analyze intra-specific genetic variation. Our results revealed three distinct genetic clusters with moderate to low intra-varietal diversity. Morphological and biochemical characterization showed significant intra-specific diversity in both bulb morphology and nutritional content. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified key volatile compounds, including allyl methyl disulfide and trisulfide, 1,2-dithiacyclopentene, cis-1-propenyl propyl disulfide, and cis-1-propenyl methyl disulfide in high abundances, suggesting that these were the predominant compounds characterizing the population. Our findings could be implemented to further enhance key phytonutrients in the local garlic population through breeding programs, targeting clones with high nutritional value and improved flavor and supporting germplasm conservation and utilization. Full article

We aimed to develop a multiple logistic regression model for predicting the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels, gender, age, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) status, and to evaluate its predictive accuracy. Data from 6134 participants in the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. MetS was diagnosed using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. A logistic regression model was developed based on the regression coefficients of each variable. Model performance was evaluated through a receiver operating characteristic analysis, revealing an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.819, a sensitivity of 80%, and a specificity of 68.9%. Age-specific analysis showed that the model’s predictive power was highest among those aged 20–29 years (AUC: 0.864). Conversely, the AUC progressively decreased in individuals aged ≥50 years, indicating reduced predictive power in older adults. These findings suggest the importance of adopting a multidimensional approach that considers HOMA-IR, age, gender, and DM status for predicting MetS. The developed prediction model can be used as a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of MetS and the development of tailored MetS prevention programs. It also provides foundational data for shaping public health policies related to MetS. Full article

The objective of this study is to explore the relationships among four key attributes—nutritional value, attitude, repurchase intention, and price fairness—in the context of the cereal product market. Additionally, the research investigates the moderating effect of price fairness on the relationship between nutritional value and consumer attitude using the low involvement theory as a theoretical underpinning. The study utilized the Clickworker platform to recruit 414 survey participants using an online survey, whose responses were analyzed using Hayes’ Process Macro Model 7. The findings reveal that nutritional value positively affects both consumer attitude and repurchase intention. Moreover, a significant positive relationship between attitude and repurchase intention was found. Importantly, price fairness was found to significantly moderate the relationship between nutritional value and consumer attitude, highlighting the role of perceived fairness in shaping consumer behavior. This research contributes to the literature by examining these relationships in the specific context of cereal products. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Rapid Geriatric Assessment (RGA) is a tool designed to screen for frailty, sarcopenia, anorexia related to aging, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to translate and validate the RGA for use among Italian community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This cross-cultural study involved 100 community-dwelling older adults randomly recruited through convenience sampling from general practitioner offices in Genoa (Italy), between January and June 2019. The RGA includes the Simple FRAIL Questionnaire Screening Tool, SARC-F Screening for Sarcopenia, Simplified Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ), and Rapid Cognitive Screening (RCS). These were validated against gold-standard tools: the Abbreviated Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (aCGA) and Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI). Additional assessments included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Handgrip test. The validation process included forward–backward translation, synthesis, and consensus by independent reviewers. Psychometric properties, internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), and validity correlations were analyzed. Results: The RGA demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, with internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.59) and significant validity correlations (RGA and aCGA, rho = 0.34, p = 0.001; RGA and MPI, rho = 0.49, p < 0.001). Discriminant validity was confirmed by significant correlations between specific subitems and reference measures: FRAIL with TUG (p < 0.05), SARC-F with Handgrip strength (p = 0.013), SNAQ with BMI, and RCS with MMSE (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Italian version of the RGA is a reliable screening tool for geriatric syndromes in community-dwelling older adults. While it does not replace a CGA, the RGA may identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation using a complete CGA. Full article

Short bowel syndrome (SBS), usually resulting from massive small bowel resections or congenital defects, may lead to intestinal failure (IF), requiring intravenous fluids and parenteral nutrition to preserve patients’ nutritional status. Approximately 15% to 40% of subjects with SBS and IF develop chronic hepatic damage during their life, a condition referred to as intestinal-failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), which ranges from steatosis to fibrosis or end-stage liver disease. Parenteral nutrition has been largely pointed out as the main pathogenetic factor for IFALD. However, other elements, such as inflammation, bile acid metabolism, bacterial overgrowth and gut dysbiosis also contribute to the development of liver damage and may deserve specific treatment strategies. Indeed, in our review, we aim to explore IFALD pathogenesis beyond parenteral nutrition. By critically analyzing recent literature, we seek to delve with molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways underlying liver damage in such a complex set of patients. Full article