Journal Description
Nutrients
Nutrients
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of human nutrition published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Asia Pacific Nutrigenomics Nutrigenetics Organisation (APNNO), Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP), Nutrition Society of New Zealand (NSNZ), Ocular Wellness & Nutrition Society (OWNS) and others are affiliated with Nutrients and their members receive a discount on article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Nutrition & Dietetics) / CiteScore - Q1 (Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journal: Dietetics
Impact Factor:
5.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
6.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
The Role of Fresh Beef Intake and Mediterranean Diet Adherence during Pregnancy in Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101436 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Beef is an excellent source of nutrients important for maternal health and fetal development. It is also true that the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for the health of both the mother and offspring; however, the relative value of fresh beef intake within Mediterranean
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Beef is an excellent source of nutrients important for maternal health and fetal development. It is also true that the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for the health of both the mother and offspring; however, the relative value of fresh beef intake within Mediterranean diet patterns during pregnancy is unknown. The objective of this project was two-fold: (1) assess the relationship between beef intake and nutrient intake in a pregnant population; (2) assess the relationship between maternal beef consumption among varying degrees of Mediterranean diet adherence with maternal risk of anemia and infant health outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of an existing cohort of pregnant women (n = 1076) who participated in one of two completed clinical trials examining the effect of a docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on birth and offspring outcomes. Women were enrolled between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation and were followed throughout their pregnancies to collect maternal and infant characteristics, food frequency questionnaires [providing beef intake and Mediterranean diet (MedD) adherence], and supplement intake. Women with the highest fresh beef intake had the highest intake of many micronutrients that are commonly deficient among pregnant women. Fresh beef intake alone was not related to any maternal or infant outcomes. There was a reduced risk of anemia among women with medium to high MedD quality and higher fresh beef intake. Women in the medium MedD group had 31% lower odds of anemia, and women in the high MedD group had 38% lower odds of anemia with every one-ounce increase in fresh beef intake, suggesting that diet quality indices may be misrepresenting the role of fresh beef within a healthy diet. These findings show that beef intake increases micronutrient intake and may be protective against maternal anemia when consumed within a healthy Mediterranean diet pattern.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Epidemiology)
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Pulse Consumption and Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review
by
Naisi Zhao, Keyi Jiao, Yu-Hsiang Chiu and Taylor C. Wallace
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101435 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Pulses—comprising the dry, edible seeds of leguminous plants—have long been lauded for their culinary flexibility and substantial nutritional advantages. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence on how pulses contribute to overall human health. Four electronic databases were searched for clinical and
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Pulses—comprising the dry, edible seeds of leguminous plants—have long been lauded for their culinary flexibility and substantial nutritional advantages. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence on how pulses contribute to overall human health. Four electronic databases were searched for clinical and observational studies in English. We identified 30 articles (3 cross-sectional studies, 1 federated meta-analysis, 8 prospective cohort studies, 1 before-and-after study, and 17 randomized controlled trials) that met our inclusion criteria. Predominant among the pulses studied were lentils, chickpeas, common bean varieties (e.g., pinto, black, navy, red, kidney), black-eyed peas, cowpeas, and split peas. Consumption modalities varied; most studies examined mixed pulses, while five isolated individual types. In intervention studies, pulses were incorporated into diets by allotting a fixed pulse serving on top of a regular diet or by substituting red meat with pulses, offering a comparative analysis of dietary effects. The health outcomes evaluated were multifaceted, ranging from lipid profiles to blood pressure, cardiovascular disease risk and mortality, type 2 diabetes and glycemic control, metabolic syndrome indicators, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress biomarkers, and hormonal profiles. The most frequently assessed study outcomes included changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. This review should serve as a call to action for the scientific community to build upon the existing evidence, enriching our understanding of the nutritional and health-promoting attributes of pulses.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Functional Strength Training Combined with Aerobic Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Movement Quality in Obese Adolescents
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Zhihai Wang, Huihui Ma, Weiwei Zhang, Yufeng Zhang, Layale Youssef, Marcelo A. S. Carneiro, Chao Chen, Dan Wang and Dexin Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101434 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training combined with aerobic training (TG) and traditional resistance training combined with aerobic training (CG) on the body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality of obese adolescents. Forty participants were
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This study aimed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training combined with aerobic training (TG) and traditional resistance training combined with aerobic training (CG) on the body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality of obese adolescents. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either the TG group (n = 20) or the CG group (n = 20). Each group underwent training five times per week, lasting 120 min each time, over a total period of 12 weeks. All participants followed a strict dietary program. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality were evaluated at baseline and after intervention. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA observed a significant interaction between time and group for body mass (p = 0.043), body fat percentage (p = 0.045), body mass index (p = 0.025), neck circumference (p = 0.01), chest circumference (p = 0.027), left-hand grip strength (p = 0.043), right-hand grip strength (p = 0.048), standing broad jump (p = 0.044), and total Functional Movement Screen score (p = 0.003), and the improvement was greater for TG in comparison to CG. TG was found to be more effective than CG in enhancing body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality in obese adolescents.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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Open AccessArticle
Na and K Intake from Lunches Served in a Japanese Company Cafeteria and the Estimated Improvement in the Dietary Na/K Ratio Using Low-Na/K Seasonings and Dairy to Prevent Hypertension
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Nagako Okuda, Aya Higashiyama, Kozo Tanno, Yuki Yonekura, Makoto Miura, Hiroshi Kuno, Toru Nakajima, Tomomi Nagahata, Hirokazu Taniguchi, Koki Kosami, Kyoko Kojima and Akira Okayama
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101433 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The excessive intake of sodium (Na) and insufficient intake of potassium (K) are major concerns in the prevention of hypertension. Using low-Na/K seasonings (reducing 25% of the NaCl and adding K salt) may improve the dietary Na/K ratio and help prevent hypertension. To
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The excessive intake of sodium (Na) and insufficient intake of potassium (K) are major concerns in the prevention of hypertension. Using low-Na/K seasonings (reducing 25% of the NaCl and adding K salt) may improve the dietary Na/K ratio and help prevent hypertension. To devise an intervention study using low-Na/K seasonings at a company cafeteria, we calculated the Na and K contents of the meals served at the cafeteria and estimated changes in the intakes when suitable low-Na/K seasonings were used. We also considered using milk as a good source of K. We used an ingredient list of a company cafeteria and calculated Na and K contents in each dish. The average amounts of NaCl and K per use were 5.04 g and 718 mg, respectively. Seasonings contributed 70.9% of the NaCl. With the use of low-Na/K seasonings, an estimated reduction in NaCl of 0.8 g/day and an estimated increase in K of 308 mg/day was achieved. With an additional serving (200 mL) of milk, NaCl was reduced by 0.57 g/day and K was increased by 610 mg/day, with an overall decrease in the dietary Na/K ratio from 3.20 to 2.40. The use of low-Na/K seasonings and dairy may improve the dietary Na/K ratio among cafeteria users and help prevent hypertension.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
Open AccessArticle
Development of the Food Acceptance Questionnaire for Thai Partial and Complete Edentulism
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Ketsupha Suwanarpa, Yoko Hasegawa, Jarin Paphangkorakit, Waranuch Pitiphat, Kazuhiro Hori and Takahiro Ono
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101432 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to develop the Food Acceptance Questionnaire (FAQ) to assess the masticatory ability of Thai older adults (≥60 years). Fifty participants were interviewed using open-ended questions about food they regularly consumed and avoided due to difficulty chewing. From a list of
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This study aimed to develop the Food Acceptance Questionnaire (FAQ) to assess the masticatory ability of Thai older adults (≥60 years). Fifty participants were interviewed using open-ended questions about food they regularly consumed and avoided due to difficulty chewing. From a list of 140 items, 100 were recruited for a trial version of the FAQ. A total of 154 participants responded to the 5-point Likert scale on their chewing perception of each food item (1, impossible to chew; 5, most easily eaten). The average response of each food item was used as the chewing index (CI). The 100 food items were ranked and divided into five grades based on their CIs. Masticatory performance (MP) was objectively assessed by a visual scoring method using gummy jelly (UHA Mikakuto). Two foods from each grade that demonstrated the highest correlation with MP were selected to form the final 10-item FAQ. The FAQ score was calculated by summarizing the responses of 10 items. MP correlated strongly with the FAQ score (r = 0.57, p < 0.001), indicating its predictive validity. Furthermore, the FAQ indicates strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.90), indicating high reliability. In conclusion, this newly developed 10-item FAQ is valid and reliable for assessing the masticatory ability of Thai older adults.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Link between Oral Health, Nutrition, and Health Outcomes in Older Adults)
Open AccessArticle
A Study of Vitamin D Status and Its Influencing Factors among Pregnant Women in Szeged, Hungary: A Secondary Outcome of a Case–Control Study
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Evelin Polanek, Anita Sisák, Regina Molnár, Zsuzsanna Máté, Edina Horváth, Gábor Németh, Hajnalka Orvos, Edit Paulik and Andrea Szabó
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101431 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Adequate vitamin D (VD) intake during pregnancy is needed for fetal development and maternal health maintenance. However, while there is no doubt regarding its importance, there is not a unified recommendation regarding adequate intake. The main aim of our study was to measure
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Adequate vitamin D (VD) intake during pregnancy is needed for fetal development and maternal health maintenance. However, while there is no doubt regarding its importance, there is not a unified recommendation regarding adequate intake. The main aim of our study was to measure the VD serum level of studied women, together with its potential influencing factors: demographic (i.e., age, level of education, relationship status and type of residence), conception and pregnancy related factors. Results are based on secondary data analyses of a retrospective case–control study of 100 preterm and 200 term pregnancies, where case and control groups were analyzed together. Data collection was based on a self-administered questionnaire, health documentation, and maternal serum VD laboratory tests. VD intake was evaluated by diet and dietary supplement consumption. According to our results, 68.1% of women took some kind of prenatal vitamin, and only 25.9% of them knew about its VD content. Only 12.1% of included women reached the optimal, 75 nmol/L serum VD level. Higher maternal serum levels were associated with early pregnancy care visits (p = 0.001), assisted reproductive therapy (p = 0.028) and advice from gynecologists (p = 0.049). A correlation was found between VD intake and serum levels (p < 0.001). Despite the compulsory pregnancy counselling in Hungary, health consciousness, VD intake and serum levels remain below the recommendations. The role of healthcare professionals is crucial during pregnancy regarding micronutrients intake and the appropriate supplementation dose.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Gastroprotective Activity of the Methanolic Extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae)
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Ismael Aureliano Rosa Júnior, Dionys de Souza Almeida, Hamilton Barbosa Napolitano, Josana de Castro Peixoto, Lucimar Pinheiro Rosseto, Emerith Mayra Hungria Pinto, Lucas Danilo Dias, James Oluwagbamigbe Fajemiroye, Elson Alves Costa, Rodolfo P. Vieira and José Luis Rodrigues Martins
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101430 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Justicia pectoralis Jacq. is traditionally applied in folk medicine in Brazil and in several Latin American countries. The leaves are used in tea form, especially in the treatment of respiratory disorders, acting as an expectorant. It also has activity in gastrointestinal disorders,
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Introduction: Justicia pectoralis Jacq. is traditionally applied in folk medicine in Brazil and in several Latin American countries. The leaves are used in tea form, especially in the treatment of respiratory disorders, acting as an expectorant. It also has activity in gastrointestinal disorders, and it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative, and estrogenic, among others. Aims: To investigate the gastroprotective activity of the methanol extract of the leaves of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (MEJP) in different experimental models of gastric ulcers. Materials and methods: The adult leaves of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. were collected and cultivated in beds, with an approximate spacing of 40 × 40 cm, organic fertilization, irrigation with potable water and without shelter from light. The MEJP was prepared from the dried and pulverized leaves and concentrated under reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator. For the experimental model of gastric ulcer, Swiss male albino mice were used. The inputs used in the experiment were MEJP at three different concentrations (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.), cimetidine (50 mg/kg p.o.), indomethacin (50 mg/kg s.c.) and vehicle (10 mL/kg p.o.). Results: MEJP (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) demonstrated gastroprotective activity, with levels of protection of 45.65%, 44.80% and 40.22%, respectively, compared to the control (vehicle). Compared with cimetidine (48.29%), MEJP showed similar gastroprotective activity. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the gastroprotective activity of MEJP and contributes to validate the traditional use the species for gastric disorders and provides a pharmacological basis for its clinical potential.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Nutrition on Gastrointestinal Health)
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Plate Food Waste in Food Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães, Marcela Gomes Reis, Luciano de Alvarenga Fontes, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho, Hmidan A. Alturki, Ariana Saraiva and António Raposo
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101429 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Food waste is considered to be a social, environmental, administrative, and economic problem. Given the large-scale production and distribution of food, food waste in food services has been widely discussed by experts, professors, and scientists in the field. This systematic review aimed to
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Food waste is considered to be a social, environmental, administrative, and economic problem. Given the large-scale production and distribution of food, food waste in food services has been widely discussed by experts, professors, and scientists in the field. This systematic review aimed to understand which food service has the highest percentage of plate food waste. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted until January 2024 in ten electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, IBECS, BINACIS, BDENF, CUMED, BDNPAR, ARGMSAL, Cochrane Library, Sustainable Development Goals, and the gray literature. The protocol was previously registered with PROSPERO under the code CRD42024501971. Studies that have assessed plate food waste in food services were included. There were no restrictions on language, publication location, or date. The risk of bias analysis was carried out using the JBI instrument. A proportion meta-analysis was carried out using R software (version 4.2.1). This systematic review with meta-analysis showed that the type of distribution and the food service are the factors that have the greatest impact on the percentage and per capita of plate food waste. In the face of increased waste, interventions should be targeted by type and distribution system, diners, and meals in order to lessen the impact of these factors.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)
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The Influence of a Polyphenol-Rich Red Berry Fruit Juice on Recovery Process and Leg Strength Capacity after Six Days of Intensive Endurance Exercise in Recreational Endurance Athletes
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Sarah Valder, Elisabeth Habersatter, Tihomir Kostov, Sina Quenzer, Lukas Herzig, Jakob von Bernuth, Lynn Matits, Volker Herdegen, Patrick Diel and Eduard Isenmann
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101428 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data
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Background: Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. Methods: Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. Results: A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η2 = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η2 = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: −3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η2 = 0.000). Conclusion: Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Polyphenols and Sports Nutrition)
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Current Oncology Nutrition Care Practice in Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review
by
Choirun Nissa, Lauren Hanna and Judy Bauer
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101427 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Although evidence-based nutrition care is recommended for patients with cancer, current nutrition care practices provided by nutritionists and dietitians in Southeast Asian countries are not clearly reported. The aim of this scoping review was to describe nutritionists’ and dietitians’ current oncology nutrition care
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Although evidence-based nutrition care is recommended for patients with cancer, current nutrition care practices provided by nutritionists and dietitians in Southeast Asian countries are not clearly reported. The aim of this scoping review was to describe nutritionists’ and dietitians’ current oncology nutrition care practice within Southeast Asia by identifying access to dietetic services, tools or strategies used in providing care, and barriers and enablers to implementing nutrition care practices. Five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Global Health, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Proquest) were searched through structured search strategies, in addition to strategic searching of grey literature. A total of 4261 sources of evidence were retrieved. After full-text screening, 18 studies from Southeast Asian countries met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The provision and reporting of nutrition care practices provided by nutritionists and dietitians were limited. Access to dietetic services, including nutritional screening tools and reason to be referred, were varied within studies. Barriers and enablers to nutrition care provision were unique and related to each country’s specific resources and guidelines. In summary, there was varied reporting of nutrition care practices provided to patients with cancer in Southeast Asia and a lack of clarity on the actual standardized processes. Future research is warranted to further explore the barriers and enablers to providing nutrition care by local nutritionists and dietitians in Southeast Asia.
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(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Assessing the Healthfulness of University Food Environments: A Systematic Review of Methods and Tools
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Alicia Anne Dahl, Stacy M. Fandetti, Lilian O. Ademu, Ryan Harris and Elizabeth F. Racine
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101426 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The availability, promotion, and price of healthy foods within the university food environment may impact students’ dietary choices. This systematic review summarizes the tools and methods used to assess the healthfulness of university food environments where many students spend a significant portion of
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The availability, promotion, and price of healthy foods within the university food environment may impact students’ dietary choices. This systematic review summarizes the tools and methods used to assess the healthfulness of university food environments where many students spend a significant portion of their emerging adulthood. Thirty-six global studies published between 2012 and 2022 were sourced from PubMed (NNLM), Cochrane Library (Wiley), Web of Science (Clarivate), APA PsycInfo (EBSCO), CINHAL Complete (EBSCO), ProQuest Nursing, and Allied Health, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Of the included studies, 58% were institutional-level audits, 17% examined individual-level perceptions, and 25% combined both. Most institutional-level audits focused on one aspect of the food environment (e.g., eateries, vending machines). For studies examining multiple spaces within the campus environment (38%), comprehensive assessments were limited, and most studies had to employ a combination of assessment tools. Surveys were most often used to gather individual perceptions about the food environment. The Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS) was the most commonly used tool across all studies. This review highlights the need for a standardized tool, method, or a “healthy” benchmark for specific use at universities to improve methodological rigor and comparability of findings across institutions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Based Strategies for Obesity Prevention: A Nutritional Perspective)
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Open AccessReply
Reply to Palumbo et al. Comment on “Flatscher et al. Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Lipid Composition in the Colaus-PsyColaus Study. Nutrients 2023, 15, 4659”
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Mélisande Flatscher, Antoine Garnier, Pedro Marques-Vidal and Vanessa Kraege
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101425 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
We thank the authors of the commentary [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Diet, Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Foods: An Innovative and Sustainable Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Noncommunicable Diseases)
Open AccessComment
Comment on Flatscher et al. Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Lipid Composition in the Colaus-PsyColaus Study. Nutrients 2023, 15, 4659
by
Patrizia Palumbo, Elena Buzzetti and Ger H. Koek
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101424 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
With great interest, we read the article by Flatscher et al [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Diet, Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Foods: An Innovative and Sustainable Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Noncommunicable Diseases)
Open AccessArticle
Carbohydrate Ingestion before Exercise for Individuals with McArdle Disease: Survey Evidence of Implementation and Perception in Real-World Settings
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Sam L. Torrens, Evelyn B. Parr, Craig McNulty, Lynda Ross, Helen MacLaughlin and Robert A. Robergs
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101423 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In individuals with McArdle disease (IWMD), the ingestion of carbohydrates before exercise has previously been shown in laboratory studies to significantly decrease the exercising symptoms of the condition and increase exercise tolerance during the early stages of exercise. As a result, carbohydrate ingestion
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In individuals with McArdle disease (IWMD), the ingestion of carbohydrates before exercise has previously been shown in laboratory studies to significantly decrease the exercising symptoms of the condition and increase exercise tolerance during the early stages of exercise. As a result, carbohydrate ingestion pre-exercise is currently included in management guidelines, and often advised by medical professionals treating the condition. The aim of the current study was to determine whether positive lab-based results for the ingestion of carbohydrate before exercise in laboratory studies are being effectively translated into practice and produce perceptions of the same positive outcomes in real-world settings (RWS). An online survey method was used to collect responses from 108 IWMD. Data collected on the amount and type of carbohydrate consumed prior to exercise found that most surveyed participants (69.6%) who supplied qualitative data (n = 45) consumed less than the 37 g currently recommended in management guidelines. Survey data also revealed a large variation in the type and amount of carbohydrate ingested when IWMDs are applying carbohydrate ingestion before exercise in RWS. Consistent with these findings, only 17.5% of participants stated that they found carbohydrate ingestion before exercise relieved or minimised their MD symptoms. Results suggest that positive lab-based findings (increased exercise tolerance) of carbohydrate ingestion before exercise are not being effectively translated to RWS for many IWMD. There is a need for improved patient education of IWMD on the application of carbohydrate ingestion before exercise in RWS.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases)
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Open AccessReview
Melatonin in Human Breast Milk and Its Potential Role in Circadian Entrainment: A Nod towards Chrononutrition?
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Silke Häusler, Emma Lanzinger, Elke Sams, Claudius Fazelnia, Kevin Allmer, Christoph Binder, Russel J. Reiter and Thomas K. Felder
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1422; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101422 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Breastfeeding is the most appropriate source of a newborn’s nutrition; among the plethora of its benefits, its modulation of circadian rhythmicity with melatonin as a potential neuroendocrine transducer has gained increasing interest. Transplacental transfer assures melatonin provision for the fetus, who is devoid
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Breastfeeding is the most appropriate source of a newborn’s nutrition; among the plethora of its benefits, its modulation of circadian rhythmicity with melatonin as a potential neuroendocrine transducer has gained increasing interest. Transplacental transfer assures melatonin provision for the fetus, who is devoid of melatonin secretion. Even after birth, the neonatal pineal gland is not able to produce melatonin rhythmically for several months (with an even more prolonged deficiency following preterm birth). In this context, human breast milk constitutes the main natural source of melatonin: diurnal dynamic changes, an acrophase early after midnight, and changes in melatonin concentrations according to gestational age and during the different stages of lactation have been reported. Understudied thus far are the factors impacting on (changes in) melatonin content in human breast milk and their clinical significance in chronobiological adherence in the neonate: maternal as well as environmental aspects have to be investigated in more detail to guide nursing mothers in optimal feeding schedules which probably means a synchronized instead of mistimed feeding practice. This review aims to be thought-provoking regarding the critical role of melatonin in chrononutrition during breastfeeding, highlighting its potential in circadian entrainment and therefore optimizing (neuro)developmental outcomes in the neonatal setting.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastmilk for Healthy Development)
Open AccessReview
Timing Matters: Time of Day Impacts the Ergogenic Effects of Caffeine—A Narrative Review
by
Ye Zhang, Weijun Yang, Yizhang Xue, Dingchun Hou, Songyue Chen, Zhiqin Xu, Sijia Peng, Haotian Zhao, Can Wang and Chang Liu
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101421 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Caffeine has attracted significant attention from researchers in the sports field due to its well-documented ergogenic effects across various athletic disciplines. As research on caffeine continues to progress, there has been a growing emphasis on evaluating caffeine dosage and administration methods. However, investigations
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Caffeine has attracted significant attention from researchers in the sports field due to its well-documented ergogenic effects across various athletic disciplines. As research on caffeine continues to progress, there has been a growing emphasis on evaluating caffeine dosage and administration methods. However, investigations into the optimal timing of caffeine intake remain limited. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to assess the ergogenic effects of caffeine administration at different times during the morning (06:00 to 10:00) and evening (16:00 to 21:00). The review findings suggest that circadian rhythms play a substantial role in influencing sports performance, potentially contributing to a decline in morning performance. Caffeine administration has demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating this phenomenon, resulting in ergogenic effects and performance enhancement, even comparable to nighttime levels. While the specific mechanisms by which caffeine regulates circadian rhythms and influences sports performance remain unclear, this review also explores the mechanisms underlying caffeine’s ergogenic effects, including the adenosine receptor blockade, increased muscle calcium release, and modulation of catecholamines. Additionally, the narrative review underscores caffeine’s indirect impact on circadian rhythms by enhancing responsiveness to light-induced phase shifts. Although the precise mechanisms through which caffeine improves morning performance declines via circadian rhythm regulation necessitate further investigations, it is noteworthy that the timing of caffeine administration significantly affects its ergogenic effects during exercise. This emphasizes the importance of considering caffeine intake timing in future research endeavors to optimize its ergogenic potential and elucidate its mechanisms.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
Open AccessReview
Human Milk Microbiome—A Review of Scientific Reports
by
Agnieszka Dombrowska-Pali, Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke, Agnieszka Chrustek, Dorota Olszewska-Słonina, Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska and Maciej W. Socha
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101420 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
One of the most important bioactive components of breast milk are free breast milk oligosaccharides, which are a source of energy for commensal intestinal microorganisms, stimulating the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides in a child’s digestive tract. There is some
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One of the most important bioactive components of breast milk are free breast milk oligosaccharides, which are a source of energy for commensal intestinal microorganisms, stimulating the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides in a child’s digestive tract. There is some evidence that maternal, perinatal, and environmental-cultural factors influence the modulation of the breast milk microbiome. This review summarizes research that has examined the composition of the breast milk microbiome and the factors that may influence it. The manuscript highlights the potential importance of the breast milk microbiome for the future development and health of children. The origin of bacteria in breast milk is thought to include the mother’s digestive tract (entero-mammary tract), bacterial exposure to the breast during breastfeeding, and the retrograde flow of breast milk from the infant’s mouth to the woman’s milk ducts. Unfortunately, despite increasingly more precise methods for assessing microorganisms in human milk, the topic of the human milk microbiome is still quite limited and requires scientific research that takes into account various conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastmilk for Healthy Development)
Open AccessArticle
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Sodium and Potassium Intake in People at a High Risk of Dementia
by
Joana Rodrigues, Mariana Costa, Daniela de Sousa, Ana Rute Costa, Nuno Lunet, Vítor Tedim Cruz and Patrícia Padrão
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101419 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Adequate sodium and potassium intake, along with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), are key factors for preventing hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases. However, data on the consumption of these nutrients within the MedDiet are scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the association
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Adequate sodium and potassium intake, along with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), are key factors for preventing hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases. However, data on the consumption of these nutrients within the MedDiet are scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the association between MedDiet adherence and sodium/potassium intake in the MIND-Matosinhos randomized controlled trial, targeting Portuguese adults at a high risk of dementia. Good adherence to the MedDiet was defined using the Portuguese Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire (≥10 points), and both sodium/potassium intakes were estimated from 24 hour urine collections. The association between MedDiet adherence and these nutrients’ intake (dichotomized by the median) was quantified by calculating odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using a logistic regression. A total of 169 individuals (60.9% female; median age: 70 years; range: 36–85 years) were included. Good adherence to the MedDiet was observed among 18.3% of the sample. After adjusting for sex, age, education and using antihypertensive drugs, good MedDiet adherence was associated with higher sodium (OR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.27–7.65) and potassium intake (OR = 9.74; 95% CI: 3.14–30.26). Increased adherence to the MedDiet may contribute to a higher potassium intake but seems to have limited effects on the adequacy of sodium levels.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reducing Dietary Sodium and Improving Human Health 2.0)
Open AccessEditorial
Dietary Supplements in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
by
Bruno Trimarco and Gaetano Santulli
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101418 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Recent research has sparked increasing interest in the effects of dietary supplements on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Causal Effects of Mineral Metabolism Disorders on Telomere and Mitochondrial DNA: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
by
Zhijun Feng, Yinghui Wang, Zhengzheng Fu, Jing Liao, Hui Liu and Meijuan Zhou
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101417 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationships between mineral metabolism disorders, representative of trace elements, and key aging biomarkers: telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN). Utilizing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in combination with the two-stage
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The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationships between mineral metabolism disorders, representative of trace elements, and key aging biomarkers: telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN). Utilizing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in combination with the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method, we explored the causal relationships between mineral metabolism disorders and these aging indicators. Sensitivity analysis can be used to determine the reliability and robustness of the research results. The results confirmed that a positive causal relationship was observed between mineral metabolism disorders and TL (p < 0.05), while the causal relationship with mtDNA-CN was not significant (p > 0.05). Focusing on subgroup analyses of specific minerals, our findings indicated a distinct positive causal relationship between iron metabolism disorders and both TL and mtDNA-CN (p < 0.05). In contrast, disorders in magnesium and phosphorus metabolism did not exhibit significant causal effects on either aging biomarker (p > 0.05). Moreover, reverse MR analysis did not reveal any significant causal effects of TL and mtDNA-CN on mineral metabolism disorders (p > 0.05). The combination of 2SLS with MR analysis further reinforced the positive causal relationship between iron levels and both TL and mtDNA-CN (p < 0.05). Notably, the sensitivity analysis did not indicate significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity within these causal relationships (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the pivotal role of iron metabolism in cellular aging, particularly in regulating TL and sustaining mtDNA-CN, offering new insights into how mineral metabolism disorders influence aging biomarkers. Our research underscores the importance of trace element balance, especially regarding iron intake, in combating the aging process. This provides a potential strategy for slowing aging through the adjustment of trace element intake, laying the groundwork for future research into the relationship between trace elements and healthy aging.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Molecular Mechanism of Micronutrients Metabolism)
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Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081157
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