Search Results (2,430)

In high-performance sport, even small improvements in adaptation and recovery may influence competitive outcomes, increasing interest in molecular mechanisms that regulate training responses. Epigenetic processes represent a dynamic interface between exercise, nutrition, and long-term athletic adaptation. This narrative review summarizes current data on how dietary supplementation may modulate exercise-induced epigenetic remodeling and influence performance and recovery, focusing on mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, as well as key nutrient groups with potential epigenetic activity, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, methyl donors, and selected vitamins. Evidence identified through targeted literature searches across major scientific databases indicates that several bioactive compounds can affect epigenetic pathways relevant to exercise adaptation. These mechanisms appear to modulate processes central to performance and recovery, including inflammation control, mitochondrial function, metabolic regulation, and tissue repair. Available evidence from multi-nutrient and combined exercise–nutrition interventions suggests potentially complementary effects on epigenetic regulation; however, human evidence remains limited and mechanistic interpretations should be considered preliminary. Overall, epigenetically informed supplementation offers a promising yet still developing approach and should be considered an adjunct to evidence-based training programs, balanced nutrition, and adequate recovery rather than a standalone performance-enhancing strategy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition shaped by early-life biological and environmental factors. Emerging evidence highlights the role of nutrition in modulating key brain processes involved in ADHD, from gestational development through childhood. This review aims to examine how dietary interventions influence neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with ADHD, assessing whether nutritional approaches can modulate brain structure, function, or connectivity. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies examining the effects of dietary interventions on neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with ADHD. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, according to study design. Results: A total of 1059 records were identified, and 4 studies met the final inclusion criteria. The included studies suggest that prenatal vitamin D exposure, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients such as zinc may be associated with structural, functional, and neurometabolic brain characteristics relevant to ADHD. Reported findings included associations with brain volume, glutamatergic regulation, white matter organization, resting-state network integrity, and inattentive symptom. Conclusions: Current evidence supports the hypothesis that nutrition may influence neurodevelopmental processes involved in ADHD, including brain maturation and neural network organization. Although findings remain heterogeneous and limited in number, nutrition appears to represent a biologically plausible and potentially modifiable factor within the developmental framework of ADHD. Further longitudinal and multimodal neuroimaging studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms linking nutrition, brain development, and ADHD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which alterations in the gut microbiota and dietary lipid composition play a central role; this study aimed to evaluate the effects of synbiotics, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and their combination on clinical, macroscopic, microbiological, and histopathological outcomes in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in Wistar rats. Methods: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 18/group) and received 5% DSS in drinking water for eight days to induce colitis. Following DSS withdrawal and histological confirmation of colitis in sentinel animals, groups were treated for 8 days as follows: DSS (control), DSS-S (synbiotics, Ecologic^® 825), DSS-Ω3 (omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet, ProSure^®), or DSS-S&Ω3 (combined therapy). Eight rats per group were sacrificed on days 4 and 8 post-DSS. Body weight, Disease Activity Index (DAI), distal colon length, hematologic parameters, bacterial translocation to the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes, histological colitis score, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive cell counts were assessed. Results: DSS induced severe colitis characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and extensive mucosal erosions. After 8 days of treatment, the DSS-S&Ω3 group showed the greatest body-weight recovery (206.1→222.9 g, p < 0.05 vs. other groups), significantly preserved distal colon length, and the largest reduction in DAI (p < 0.05). Both the DSS-S and DSS-S&Ω3 groups demonstrated reduced bacterial translocation compared with DSS. The DSS-Ω3 group demonstrated persistent MPO-positive neutrophil infiltration compared with the DSS-S and DSS-S&Ω3 groups, whereas combined therapy was associated with lower MPO-positive cell counts. Histological colitis scores were significantly improved only in the DSS-S&Ω3 group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this DSS colitis model, the DSS-S&Ω3 group demonstrated superior clinical and histological outcomes compared with DSS-S or DSS-Ω3 alone, supporting further evaluation of combined synbiotic and omega-3 therapy as an adjunctive approach in ulcerative colitis. Full article

Hypertension frequently remains uncontrolled despite pharmacological therapy, supporting interest in complementary nutritional strategies. This narrative review evaluates human clinical evidence and mechanistic pathways for minerals, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, coenzyme Q10, and L-arginine in blood pressure regulation. Across these categories, antihypertensive effects appear to depend largely on post-ingestion metabolic biotransformation into bioactive metabolites that influence endothelial nitric oxide availability, vascular inflammation, renal sodium handling, and renin–angiotensin system activity. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses consistently demonstrate modest reductions in systolic blood pressure of approximately 2–8 mmHg, although most studies are short-term and frequently use supplementation models. The overall certainty of evidence is moderate due to consistent but heterogeneous randomized trials. Variability in response is partly explained by metabolic phenotype and gut microbiota composition, and combined dietary patterns targeting multiple mechanisms may produce additive effects. Overall, nutraceuticals function as adjunct physiological modulators that may contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction but are not intended to replace pharmacological therapy. The present review integrates post-ingestion metabolism, microbiota-derived mediators, and clinical trial evidence into a unified physiological framework explaining why consistent but modest blood pressure reductions occur across heterogeneous interventions. Nutritional strategies remain underutilized in routine clinical practice despite reproducible physiological effects. Incorporating evidence-based nutraceutical approaches alongside pharmacological management may facilitate patient engagement with lifestyle modification, as dietary interventions are often perceived as more achievable than isolated behavioral recommendations. A holistic management model integrating medical therapy, nutrition, and patient education may therefore enhance long-term adherence to cardiovascular prevention strategies and support sustained risk reduction. Full article

Raw rapeseed cake represents a viable alternative protein source for broiler diets, and its fermentation may reduce anti-nutritional factors while improving its feeding value. This 35-day study involved 300 one-day-old ROSS 308 chicks (three groups, four replicates/group, with 25 broilers/replicate) raised on wood shavings (16 broilers/m²). Broilers received either a control diet (corn–soybean meal) or diets supplemented with 200 g/kg of RRCs (raw rapeseed cakes) or fermented rapeseed cakes (FRCs). At the end of the trial, eight broilers per group were slaughtered, and breast and thigh samples were collected. The nutritional quality of the meat was assessed by proximate composition, fatty acid profile, and health-related lipid indices. In addition, oxidative status during shelf-life storage was evaluated based on myoglobin content (Mb), metmyoglobin concentration (metMb), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid peroxidation, determined as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The omega-3 fatty acid content in fresh breast and thigh samples was significantly higher in RRC and FRC groups compared to C (p = 0.014; p = 0.0001), which significantly decreased the omega-6/omega-3 ratio for both samples (p = 0.0001). The TBARS values exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) between groups for breast and thigh samples. The TAC values showed significantly higher antioxidant capacity in RRC and FRC breasts and thigh samples compared to C, considering both group differences (p < 0.0001) and shelf-life evaluation (p = 0.001). In thigh samples, the RRC group showed lower metMB values compared to the control group (p = 0.042), whereas differences in breast samples were not statistically significant (p = 0.054). Healthy lipid indexes registered significantly lower values for experimental groups, both for breast and thigh, and for linoleic/α-linolenic acid ratio (p = 0.0001), but for atherogenicity index (AI) (p = 0.0001) and thrombogenic index (TI) (p = 0.0001) only for the RRC group, while nutritive value index (NVI) significantly increased (p = 0.0001) on both groups. In conclusion, RRC and FRC may represent sustainable alternatives to soybean meal in broiler nutrition, supporting improvements in meat lipid profile and oxidative stability. Overall, the RRC group showed more significant effects on n-3 fatty acid enrichment and lipid quality indices, whereas the FRC mainly influenced proximate composition and selected color parameters. Full article

Background/Objectives: GLP-1-based obesity pharmacotherapy has shifted clinical attention from the magnitude of weight loss to the quality of weight loss. This review evaluates whether body composition changes during treatment with GLP-1-based agents represent clinically meaningful muscle loss and identifies nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and monitoring strategies that may help preserve lean mass, function, bone health, and nutritional adequacy. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was performed using focused searches of PubMed, publisher-hosted journal platforms, and reference lists of key primary studies and recent evidence syntheses through March and May 2026. Evidence was organized around body composition, muscle quality and function, dietary protein and micronutrient adequacy, exercise, supplementation, bioelectrical impedance analysis, imaging, and emerging biomarkers. Results: Semaglutide and tirzepatide preferentially reduce fat mass, including visceral and ectopic adiposity, while producing smaller but consistent reductions in lean mass or lean soft tissue. However, DXA-derived lean mass and BIA-derived fat-free mass are not equivalent to skeletal muscle, and lean tissue loss does not necessarily indicate impaired strength or physical performance. The most defensible supportive care model combines food-first nutritional counseling, adequate protein intake, structured resistance exercise, management of gastrointestinal adverse effects, and risk-based monitoring of micronutrient inadequacy. Protein supplementation and nutritionally complete meal replacements may be useful when intake is insufficient, whereas creatine, essential amino acids or leucine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, fiber, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and multi-ingredient products remain adjunctive options supported mainly by indirect or phenotype-specific evidence. Conclusions: Future GLP-1 trials and clinical care should move beyond body weight and total lean mass toward integrated assessment of muscle quantity, muscle quality, function, bone, and nutritional adequacy, and standardized BIA-based clinical monitoring where advanced imaging is not feasible. Full article

The phytopathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pcc) infects a wide range of crop plants and causes substantial economic losses. The authors of this study previously demonstrated that the selenium–arabinogalactan nanocomposite (Se/AG NC) is capable of mitigating the negative effects of infection of soybean seeds with Pcc during germination and can influence physiological and biochemical factors in the seedlings. This study investigated changes in the membrane fatty acid (FA) profile of soybean seedlings grown under different treatments and in control using chromatography–mass spectrometry (CMS). The soybean seed treatments included the following: (1) infection by Pcc alone; (2) nanopriming with Se/AG NC alone; and (3) infection by Pcc followed by nanopriming with Se/AG NC. The infection was performed by soaking seeds in a bacterial suspension. Nanopriming was performed by placing the seeds in an aqueous solution of Se/AG NC (6.25 µg/mL) with a Se concentration of 0.000625%. Then, the seeds were germinated over 5 days in the darkness at 25 °C. The FA profile of soybean seeds was characterized by 13 FAs dominated by linoleic (LA), linolenic (LNA), oleic (OA), palmitic (PA) and stearic (SA) acids. Se/AG NC nanopriming had no influence on the FA profile of soybean seeds. A unique FA profile of soybean seedlings was demonstrated. It consisted of 18 FAs containing 12 to 20 carbon atoms. The following FAs were dominant in the control samples: PA (28%), LA (32.8%), LNA (18.6%), and SA (7.5%). Pcc infection of the seeds amplified the content of unsaturated FAs. Nanopriming of the seeds with Se/AG NC had an obvious influence on the seedling FA profile. Treatment of soybean seeds infected with Pcc using Se/AG NC caused weakening of the detrimental effects of the pathogen, while giving the possibility to maintain soybean seedlings’ FA profile at the control level. Transcript levels of the GmFAD8-2 gene encoding the membrane-bound omega-3 FA desaturase (FAD) were elevated for soybean seedlings after both Pcc and Se/AG NC seed treatment processes. The FA double-bond index (DBI) grew under the influence of seed infection and dropped under other treatments. Nanopriming of the seeds with Se/AG NC effectively reduced stress in Pcc-infected plants, as evidenced by analysis of the abscisic acid (ABA) content. Variations in the membrane FA composition under nanopriming with Se/AG NC may be one of the forms of its phytoprotective effect. Full article

Cardiometabolic diseases are increasingly recognized as disorders of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction that mutually reinforce one another. Each condition amplifies the other through progressive injury to the intestinal epithelium. Compromise of the mucus layer, altered tight junction dynamics, dysbiosis, and impaired epithelial restitution promote intestinal permeability and enable the translocation of lipopolysaccharide and other microbial products into the circulation, thereby inducing metabolic endotoxemia. This gut derived inflammatory signal activates Toll like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B, and inflammasome associated pathways, linking barrier dysfunction to insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue inflammation, endothelial activation, and vascular injury. Here, we examine the gut barrier as an immunometabolic interface and synthesize current evidence connecting its disruption to endotoxin driven cardiometabolic pathology. We further evaluate selected natural bioactive compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, anthocyanins, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary polysaccharides, as gut targeted interventions capable of reinforcing junctional integrity, restoring mucus and microbial homeostasis, lowering endotoxin burden, and attenuating inflammatory signaling. Finally, we highlight the principal translational barriers that currently limit clinical implementation, including pharmacokinetic variability, microbiota dependent biotransformation, source standardization, and the lack of robust, standardized biomarkers of barrier restoration and metabolic endotoxemia. Full article

This narrative review presents examples of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in horse nutrition. Fats are essential in equine nutrition, serving not only as an energy source but also as functional components influencing health. Among them, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly EPA and DHA, play a key role in modulating inflammatory and metabolic processes. This review summarizes their effects on respiratory health, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), musculoskeletal function, reproduction, and early development. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to support airway inflammation in horses, especially when combined with low-dust management practices. In EMS, these fatty acids support insulin regulation and reduce systemic inflammation, although they are not curative. In the musculoskeletal system, omega-3s help limit inflammation and cartilage degradation. Their reproductive benefits include improved semen quality in stallions and enhanced fatty acid profiles in mare’s milk, supporting foal development. The proposed mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids’ effect are also provided. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are a valuable supplement in equine functional nutrition and disease management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Whether habitual dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake is reflected in circulating biomarkers of atrial fibrillation (AF)-related pathways is unclear. We assessed whether usual dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids—considered as total, marine-derived, or non-marine-derived—was associated with the trajectories of five serum markers that reflect AF-related mechanistic pathways [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), the C-terminal propeptide of type-I procollagen (PICP), and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT)] over 5 years of follow-up. Methods: In 510 participants of the PREDIMED-Plus trial (older Spanish adults with metabolic syndrome), we measured plasma NT-pro-BNP, hs-TnT, CRP, PICP, and 3-NT at baseline and after 3 and 5 years. Energy-adjusted omega-3 intake was assessed with a validated 143-item food-frequency questionnaire. Cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal associations according to tertiles of omega-3 fatty acid intake were estimated with linear regression and mixed-effects models. Results: Median total omega-3 intake was 2.0 g/day. Total omega-3 intake was not associated with any biomarker, neither cross-sectionally nor longitudinally. Marine omega-3 was directly associated cross-sectionally with 3-NT (highest vs. lowest tertile +28.4%, 95% CI 5.5 to 56.2; p-trend = 0.014) but not longitudinally. Moderate baseline non-marine omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with a decrease in PICP after 5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Overall, habitual total omega-3 fatty acid intake was not associated with circulating AF-related pathways. The sporadic association between marine omega-3 fatty acid intake and 3-NT in the cross-sectional assessment and the isolated non-linear association between baseline non-marine omega-3 fatty acid intake and PICP after 5 years warrant further investigation. Full article

The presented study aimed to fully characterise berry powders derived from raspberry, blackberry and strawberry (RB, BB, SB) as well as raspberry and blackberry seed powders (RBS, BBS) in terms of proximate composition, the individual profile of minerals, sugars, organic and fatty acids, and phenolic and volatile compounds. Additionally, testing of powders’ colour and antioxidant activity, as well as spectroscopic analysis, were also performed. Higher total and individual sugars, organic and phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins content distinguished berry powders from the seed powders. Individually, RB contained significant amounts of citric and chlorogenic acids, BB was superior in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside content, while SB was characterised by high sucrose, fructose, omega-3, and mineral (Ca, Mg, Fe) content. Berry seed powders exhibited remarkable TDF content, beneficial PUFA/SFA ratio, lighter colour, higher individual flavan-3-ols quantity, TPC and DPPH activity compared to berry powders. Mentioned discrepancies between berry and berry seed powders on a compositional level were also visible on ATR-FTIR spectra across all detected regions reflecting bonds attributed to cellulose, lipids, phenols and sugars. Pleasant, predominantly green, fruity and floral aromas were associated with berry powders, whilst additional herbal notes were characteristic of berry seed powders, all derived from the alcohols, aldehydes, esters and ketones as paramount volatile compounds. All examined powders can bear a nutritional claim of “high in” fibre (20.47–65.33%) and Mg (114.52–128.70 mg/100 g), enabling the design of food products packed with nutrients and bioactives while simultaneously reducing fresh fruit and fruit-processing waste. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthy longevity depends on not only lifespan but also the maintenance of physiological, metabolic, physical, and cognitive functions throughout aging. Identifying early determinants of health is crucial for preventing age-related decline. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on how diet and specific nutrients relate to these early risk factors and indicators of healthy longevity. Methods: A review was performed to identify the links between dietary factors, energy balance, and gut microbiota composition and normal body weight; blood cholesterol, pressure, and glucose; healthy sleep; an active lifestyle; and normal physical function and cognitive performance. Particular attention was given to Mediterranean and other plant-based dietary models as sources of key nutrients. Evidence from observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was considered. Results: Across all markers, dietary quality and nutrient adequacy emerged as consistent determinants of health outcomes. Key nutrients were associated with favorable cardiometabolic, cognitive, and musculoskeletal functions, such as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins D and B, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and polyphenols. Common nutrition gaps included insufficient intake of fiber, unsaturated fats, and micronutrients, which was often linked to a shift toward less plant-based diets. Gut microbiota diversity may mediate several of these associations, influencing metabolism, inflammation, sleep quality, and cognitive performance, although inter-individual variability and causal pathways remain incompletely understood. Conclusions: An integrated dietary approach emphasizing the consumption of whole and plant-rich foods, with moderate amounts of animal foods, supports multiple early markers, risk factors, and indicators of healthy longevity. The modulation of the gut microbiota through plant-based diets and fermented foods represents a promising strategy for maintaining health across aging trajectories. Full article

Sarcopenia is an age-related syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, significantly impairing older adults’ independence and quality of life. Given their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory properties, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have emerged as a promising nutritional strategy to mitigate this muscle degeneration. This review systematically synthesizes existing evidence regarding the association between n-3 PUFAs and sarcopenia. To capture the relevant literature, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data using a combination of subject headings and free-text terms. We supplemented primary search terms—such as “n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,” “omega-3 fatty acids,” “sarcopenia,” and “muscle mass”—with mechanism-related keywords like “inflammation,” “muscle satellite cells,” and “oxidative stress.” We also manually screened the reference lists of the included literature. Our inclusion criteria encompassed interventional studies, observational studies, and high-quality reviews, while excluding conference abstracts, duplicate publications, and studies with incomplete data. This review first outlines the established biological mechanisms linking n-3 PUFAs to the pathological progression of sarcopenia, specifically detailing how these fatty acids improve muscle satellite cell function, suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, and ameliorate metabolic disorders. Next, we critically evaluate recent clinical studies and reviews, analyzing sources of study heterogeneity such as variations in sample size, intervention dose and duration, outcome measures, and baseline participant characteristics. We also highlight current research hotspots—including specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), the gut–organ axis, combined interventions, and precision nutrition strategies—while emphasizing the functional differences between EPA and DHA to guide future intervention designs. Current evidence indicates that while n-3 PUFA supplementation can improve muscle strength and physical performance in older adults, its effects on muscle mass remain inconsistent. Addressing key research gaps, particularly the lack of standardized core outcome measures and unclear dose–response relationships, is critical. Ultimately, future research must prioritize developing high-bioavailability formulations, conducting personalized trials based on baseline n-3 PUFA status, and deepening investigations into inter-organ networks to translate these nutritional insights into effective sarcopenia prevention and management strategies. Full article

Ocular diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma and cataracts are major causes of visual impairment all over the world and are closely linked to oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. This narrative review critically summarizes the available evidence on how various natural bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids and botanical extracts, can affect important molecular pathways associated with ocular degeneration. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and neuroprotective properties are given particular emphasis, especially regarding the Nrf2, NF-κB and VEGF signaling pathways. This review is different from past reviews that simply discuss the potential of bioactives in the general nutritional context; rather, it unfolds the disease-specific mechanisms and compound-specific molecular actions and gives special attention to recent advances in nano-delivery systems and precision nutrition strategies to increase the bioavailability and therapeutic targeting of these nutrients in the eyes. Moreover, it offers a framework for a comparison of evidence between preclinical and clinical studies, as well as identifying current translational gaps, including limited bioavailability and a lack of long-term clinical trials, and suggesting future directions such as genotype-guided nutrition and microbiome-informed interventions. In general, this review provides a mechanistic and translational overview of how dietary bioactive compounds relate to eye health and offers the perspective of their possible use in prevention and complementary treatment for vision-related diseases. Full article

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in modern society, and it has become a serious threat to human health. The limitations of existing antidepressant drugs have prompted people to turn to the multi-target, low-toxic side effects of natural products. This article reviews the conventional nutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and mineral elements) and functional active ingredients (flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, and terpenoids) in medicinal and food homologous substances (MFHs). They show antidepressant potential by regulating neurotransmitters, improving hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, promoting neuroplasticity, inhibiting neuroinflammation, regulating ferroptosis, and interfering with the gut–brain axis. In addition, this paper discusses the application prospects of modern technologies such as microbial fermentation and nano-delivery in improving the bioavailability of MFHs and product development. In summary, MFHs have potential application value in dietary intervention and adjuvant therapies for depression; in the future, randomized controlled clinical trials should be strengthened, and multi-omics technology should be combined to promote the development of precision products so as to provide a new perspective for the development of new antidepressant drugs. Full article