bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary intake of energy, nutrients and phenolic compounds in Italian primary school children and their environmental impact
Authors: Rosi Alice , Mena Pedro , Biasini Beatrice , Brighenti Furio , Del Rio Daniele , Scazzina Francesca
Published: June 2020

Data from observational and interventional studies demonstrate the key role of diet on both human health and environmental sustainability. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the environmental impact of children's dietary behavior. In this regard, detailed information on population-level intakes is required to translate these findings into possible recommendations.

The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition of the diet and its related environmental impact in a sample of Italian primary school children (n = 200, 8–11 years, 52% F - 48% M).

Children completed a 3-day food record twice, in winter and spring. Dietary records were processed to obtain mean daily data on food group intakes. Mean daily energy and nutrient intakes were computed applying the Italian food database of the European Institute of Oncology, while (poly)phenolic compound contents were estimated from the Phenol-Explorer or by specific searches in the most up to date scientific literature. The mean daily environmental impact was estimated through the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition environmental database taking into account the carbon footprint and ecological footprint. Children's BMI was calculated by measuring height and weight at the beginning of each assessment week.

No differences in children's BMI as well as in the consumption of food groups were found between the two seasons. The intra-individual variability was low but a high inter-individual variability was registered. Energy and nutrient intakes were similar between the two seasons and were found to be in line with national data referred to school age children. Adherence to the Italian nutritional recommendations (LARN) was not satisfied for total fats, sugars, and some vitamins and minerals. The main contributors to the phenolic intake were flavonoids and phenolic acids, while the most representative subclasses were flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids. Main dietary sources of (poly)phenolic compounds were fruit juices, apples, pears, potatoes, and tomatoes. Carbon and ecological footprints were higher during winter and the main dietary contributors were red meat; milk, yogurt and dairies; pizza and focaccia, for both indexes.

This study provided the first comprehensive analysis of the nutritional composition and the environmental impact of Italian primary school children diet. Further research is needed to evaluate children habitual diet for investigating a possible relationship between health and environmental sustainability. Moreover, school education programs have to be implemented for promoting healthy and sustainable dietary behaviors.
Implications of sleep quality and eating behavior in obesity prevention: A cross-sectional study in young adults.
Authors: Zeron-Rugerio Maria Fernanda , Schieren Alina , Diez-Noguera Antoni , Cambras Trinitat , Izquierdo-Pulido Maria
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Food intake behavior is implicated in many chronic health issues, including obesity. Thus, understanding the underlying factors that affect food intake is important. Several studies have associated sleep restriction to increased dietary intake and poor food choices, which can be driven by hedonic mechanisms, specially food palatability. Given that people eat for different reasons other than stress, including boredom, anxiety, sadness or joy, our aim was to study the potential association between sleep quality and the cognitive-behavioral nature of food intake (eating behaviors, EB), as well as their impact on body mass index in a population of young adults.

Materials and Methods

One thousand twenty eight young adults (78% females; 21.4 ± 4.1years) were included in a cross-sectional study. The following questionnaires were used: Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index to assess sleep quality (scores > 5 indicate poor sleep quality), the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire to assess the three dimensions of EB (emotional, uncontrolled and restraint eating) (Higher scores indicate higher EB). Additionally, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and the level of physical activity were evaluated. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS v24, and adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

Sixty one percent of the studied population had a poor sleep quality, whereas no significant associations were found between poor sleep quality, gender or age. Poor sleep quality was associated with uncontrolled (p < 0.001) and emotional (p < 0.001) eating, as well as with BMI (p < 0.001). In addition, emotional eating was associated to BMI (p < 0.001). Finally, linear regression model showed that BMI is associated with poor sleep quality (p < 0.01) and emotional eating (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that poor sleep quality is frequent among young adults. Furthermore, poor sleep quality is associated with higher emotional and uncontrolled eating, showing that poor sleep might be associated with a higher tendency to over eat when coping to emotionally negative emotions (sadness, anger, depression, anxiety), and a high tendency to lose control over food intake itself. Finally, the association between poor sleep quality and high emotional eating can have a negative impact over BMI, even in young adults. Hence, interventions designed to improve weight status would benefit from focusing on sleep quality in order to reduce emotional and uncontrolled eating.
Maternal perceptions of 5-year-old child weight status and factors influencing perceptions: Findings from the ROLO Kids Study
Authors: Gouldson Anna , Geraghty Aisling , O'Brien Eileen , Horan Mary , Donnelly Jean , Larkin Elizabeth , McAuliffe Fionnula
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Obesity is a global condition affecting both adults and children. Mothers play an important role in identifying problems with their child's weight. However, studies are limited on the accuracy of maternal perceptions of her child's weight status in early childhood. The aim of this study was to look at maternal perceptions of her child's weight status in 5-year-old children and to investigate factors influencing this.

Materials and Methods

339 mother and child pairs were followed up from the ROLO Kids study in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Height and weight of the mother and the child were measured, and BMI was calculated. Demographic details were collected and questionnaires asked mothers to assign their child to a weight category and to give the reason they put their child in this particular category. KAPPA analysis and student t tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

In this cohort over 75% of the children were normal weight, 14.7% were in the overweight category, and 8.5% in the obese category. The KAPPA score for maternal-perceived category and actual weight status was 0.037 which is a low level of agreement. Mothers were more likely to underestimate their child's weight, with 28.5% underestimating the appropriate weight category for their child compared with 2.4% who overestimated. Maternal age, education, and child sex did not influence accurate weight assessments; however, mothers with a higher BMI were more likely to inaccurately assess their child's weight (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Maternal perception of their child's weight status is not an accurate indication of child weight, particularly for mothers with a raised BMI. This research highlights the important role of health care providers in assessing child weight status, rather than relying on parental reports alone, in order to appropriately intervene to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity.
The importance of patient and public involvement (PPI) in the design and delivery of maternal weight management advice.
Authors: Abayomi Julie , Charnley Margaret , McCann Mary , Cassidy Laura , Newson Lisa
Published: June 2020

Optimum gestational weight gain (GWG) is vital for successful pregnancy outcomes. However, pregnant women often feel misinformed or that interventions will not meet their needs; hence, many services report poor attendance and/or engagement [1]. PPI aims to empower those affected by an intervention, to participate in shaping the intervention [2,]. The aim of this study was to conduct PPI to gain insight into the experiences of weight management advice received during pregnancy - to inform future interventions.

We recruited two PPI representatives (PLRs) - former patients, who assisted in all aspects of the study: design, interview questions, recruitment of PPI participants and collection/analysis of feedback. The PLRs approached pregnant/postnatal women to participate. During the PPI workshop procedure, women gave verbal consent for their views and possible verbatim quotes to be used in publications/grant applications. Feedback was collected via notetaking during four group discussions (approximately 1 hour in duration), all held in community locations - two in Liverpool (n = 10 & 5), two in Derry (n = 7 & 9) and an interview (n = 1, in Derry). The research team collated the transcripts, subjected them to repeated reading and thematic analysis, informed by Braun and Clarke's step-by-step guide [3].

Three themes were identified: 1) Weight gain is inevitable in pregnancy; 2) Healthy eating advice is important but lacks consistency and depth; 3) Expectations regarding knowledge/support. Regarding theme 1: Most women viewed weight gain as an inevitable part of pregnancy, with variable amounts of weight gain being reported. Some women viewed pregnancy as an opportunity to ‘relax’ previous diets - using pregnancy as an excuse to gain weight ‘without feeling guilty’. Women were only weighed at their initial appointment but had no opposition to routine weighing throughout pregnancy or for research, providing they were informed about its significance and importance:

“It would be ok to be weighed if it is for baby's health.”

However, they were opposed to ‘weight watching’:

“We live in a society where weight is such a big issue. It can be difficult putting on weight and thinking about it too much and stressing yourself.”

Despite known risks associated with excess GWG, women considered weight gain ‘inevitable’, so deemed weight monitoring unnecessary. NICE guidance [4] advises against routine weighing which ‘may produce unnecessary anxiety with no added benefit’.However, regular weighing may help to avert excessive GWG, if conducted sensitively and with appropriate dietary/lifestyle support, versus weighing without intervention, which may cause ‘stress’.
Malnutrition and its risk among Portuguese older adults: Prevalence and underestimation using the short form of the Mini Nutritional Assessment
Authors: Poínhos Rui , Oliveira Bruno M. P. M. , Sorokina Anzhela , Franchini Bela , Afonso Cláudia , de Almeida Maria Daniel Vaz
Published: June 2020

Malnutrition is a serious health problem among older adults. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is the most used tool to assess malnutrition among older adults. It was proposed that the Screening section could be used as a short form of the MNA (MNA-SF), but the study of the two forms show a wide range of agreement (71.8 to 93.3% and Cohen's kappa from 0.52 to 0.78). Nevertheless, most of the studies recommend the use of the MNA-SF, but in some this conclusion is not completely congruent with the results. The aims of this work were to study the agreement between the nutritional status classification using the MNA-SF and the MNA-FF among Portuguese older adults living in the community, to compare the scores in each question of the MNA-FF between participants correctly or incorrectly classified using the MNA-SF, and to develop a more sensible version of the MNA-SF. The current study is part of the PRONUTRISENIOR project. Data from 456 older adults (54.2% females) aged 65 to 92 years (mean = 73; SD = 6) living in the community (Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal) were analyzed. The agreement between the two classifications is 82.7%, but Cohen's k shows a weak agreement (weighted k = 0.497; p < 0,001). MNA-SF showed a very low sensitivity (42.6%) detecting participants malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Participants classified as normal using the MNA-SF despite at risk using the MNA-SF presented lower scores in two items from the Assessment section: number of full meals eaten daily and amount of fluid consumed per day. These two items were included in MNA-SF to obtain an extended short-version (MNA-SF8), which presented a sensitivity of 91.8% (and a specificity of 79.9%). The areas under the ROC curves were 0.858 and 0.929, respectively for MNA-SF and MNA-SF8. The addition of two items to the MNA-SF provides a more sensible tool to detect risk of malnutrition among elderly. These findings suggest that, among the studied population, general eating-related questions regarding (full meals and fluid intake) are relevant to assess malnutrition. Similar studies should be carried out among other populations in order to verify the possibility of their generalization. [The PRONUTRISENIOR project was financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants (PT06 – Public Health Initiatives, reference 81NU5).]
DNA methylation of hypertension-related genes is influenced by the MTHFR 677TT genotype and riboflavin supplementation
Authors: Amenyah Sophia , Ward Mary , McMahon Amy , Deane Jennifer , McNulty Helene , Hughes Catherine F. , Strain J.J. , Horigan Geraldine , Purvis John , Walsh Colum P. , Lees-Murdock Diane J.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

The C677T polymorphism in the folate metabolising enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is associated with hypertension. Riboflavin acts as a cofactor for MTHFR in one-carbon metabolism which generates methyl groups for utilisation in important biological reactions such as DNA methylation. Supplementation with riboflavin has previously been shown to lower blood pressure in individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype. The mechanism regulating this gene-nutrient interaction is currently unknown but may involve aberrant DNA methylation which has been implicated hypertension.

Objectives:

The aims of this study were to examine DNA methylation of hypertension-related genes in adults stratified by MTHFR C677T genotype and the effect of riboflavin supplementation on DNA methylation of these genes in individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype.

Materials and Methods:

We measured DNA methylation using pyrosequencing in a set of candidate genes associated with hypertension including angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1), G nucleotide binding protein subunit alpha 12 (GNA12), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3). Stored peripheral blood leukocyte samples from participants previously screened for the MTHFR C677T genotype who participated in targeted randomised controlled trials (1.6mg/d riboflavin or placebo for 16 weeks) at Ulster University were accessed for this analysis (n = 120).

Results:

There were significant differences in baseline average methylation between MTHFR CC and TT genotypes at NOS3 (p = 0.026) and AGTR1 (p = 0.045) loci. Riboflavin supplementation in the TT genotype group resulted in altered average methylation at IGF2 (p = 0.025) and CpG site-specific alterations at the AGTR1 and GNA12 loci.

Conclusion:

DNA methylation at genes related to hypertension were significantly different in individuals stratified by MTHFR genotype group. Furthermore, in MTHFR 677TT genotype individuals, there were concurrent alterations in DNA methylation at genes linked to hypertension in response to riboflavin supplementation. This is the largest study to date to demonstrate an interaction between DNA methylation of hypertension-related genes and riboflavin supplementation in adults with the MTHFR 677TT genotype. Further work using a genome-wide approach is required to better understand the role of riboflavin in altering DNA methylation in these genetically at-risk individuals.
Oral preload of calcium reduces food intake via enhanced PYY secretion in rats
Authors: Hira Tohru , Ogasawara Shono , Hara Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Dietary calcium has been proposed to reduce appetite (or to enhance satiety) in human studies. However, underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In animal and cell studies, it has been demonstrated that activation of the calcium-sensing receptor induced secretion of anorexic gut hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from enteroendocrine cells. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that calcium suppresses appetite thorough enhanced gut hormone secretion, by using rats.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were maintained by feeding a standard diet (AIN-93G, n = 6–8 per group). As calcium sources, calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, and calcium lactate were tested. These calcium salts were orally preloaded in fasted rats by using a feeding tube, and subsequent food intake was monitored until 24 hours. To assess conditioned taste aversion, saccharin preference test was conducted after conditioning with calcium or lithium chloride. To investigate involvements of gut hormones such as CCK, GLP-1, and peptide-YY (PYY), specific receptor antagonists for respective gut hormones were intraperitoneally injected just after oral preload of calcium, and then food intake was monitored. Portal blood samples were collected 15 or 30 min after oral preload of calcium for measurement of gut hormones by ELISA.

Results and discussion

At the same dose of calcium (150 mg/kg), preload of calcium chloride reduced food intake for 4 hours compared to preload of the control solution (P < 0.05), while other compounds had minor effects on food intake. Saccharin preference ratio was only reduced by conditioning with lithium chloride (P < 0.01), but not by that with calcium compounds, indicating no conditional taste aversion was occurred by calcium. Suppressive effect of calcium chloride on food intake was partially reversed by pretreatment with a PYY receptor antagonist (BIIE0246) but not by that with a CCK- or a GLP-1 receptor antagonist. Portal PYY concentrations were higher in calcium chloride-treated rats than in the control rats (P < 0.05), 15 min after the preload and re-feeding. Changes in serum calcium concentrations were not observed by preload of calcium.

These results suggest that oral preload of calcium chloride reduces subsequent food intake via enhanced PYY secretion in rats.
Stability of blueberry polyphenols subjected to in vitro digestion with human gastrointestinal enzymes
Authors: Liović Nikolina , Bilušić Tea , Režek Jambrak Anet , Krešić Greta , Markić Joško
Published: June 2020

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, L.) are a valuable source of health-promoting bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols. The beneficial effects of polyphenols on health depend not only on food sources but also on their stability, which can vary depending on the post-harvest processing methods, the matrix in which they are incorporated, and endogenous factors such as microbiota and digestive enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of high-intensity ultrasound treatment on in vitro gastrointestinal stability of the total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of blueberries. Blueberry puree was treated with high-intensity ultrasound using different amplitudes (30, 45 and 60μm) and treatment times (3, 6 and 9 min), and a part of sample was used as a control (untreated sample). Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (by DPPH and FRAP methods) were determined prior to and after two-phase in vitro digestion process (gastric and duodenal) using human gastrointestinal enzymes. The results showed a high stability of total blueberry polyphenols and antioxidant activity during simulated gastric digestion step, both in untreated and ultrasound treated samples. The use of high-intensity ultrasound had a significant effect on the stability of polyphenols and their antioxidant activity after simulated digestion in duodenum. Significant increase in polyphenol content after duodenal digestion step was determined in three ultrasound treated samples with longer treatment time (6 and 9 minutes), and only sample with significant reduction of TPC was untreated sample. Modification of the food matrix as a result of cavitation from ultrasound treatment may be the reason for higher stability of polyphenol during in vitro digestion. After in vitro digestion blueberry polyphenols still possessed antioxidant activity that may be directly related to their beneficial effects on health. The highest antioxidant activity measured with DPPH and FRAP method was determined for sample treated with maximum amplitude (60μm) and longest time (9 minutes). Determination of the stability of phenolic compounds is important as it affects their bioavailability for uptake as well as their possible beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial tissue such as reduction of oxidative stress and cancer prevention. Our results showed that ultrasound treatment can preserve the blueberry phenolics and their antioxidant characteristics after in vitro digestion.
Effect of dietary modifications on the cholesterol level and selected indicators of oxidative processes in rats with mammary cancer
Authors: Lepionka Tomasz , Bialek Agnieszka , Bialek Malgorzata , Czauderna Marian , Bertrandt Jerzy , Anyzewska Anna , Lakomy Roman , Bobrowska-Korczak Barbara
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Pomegranate (Punica granatum, Punicaceae) seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon (Momordica charantia, Cucurbitaceae) water extract (BME), used for centuries in folk medicine, are now available as popular dietary supplements, used i.e. in prevention of diet-related metabolic diseases and cancer. It is suggested that their mechanism of action may involve modifications of oxidative processes. However, information regarding these effects is inadequate.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of supplementation of rats’ diet with PSO and BME, administered separately or jointly, on cholesterol and its oxidative derivatives, malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and tocopherols content in livers, in terms of cancerous process. Sprague-Dawley female rats (n = 96) were fed control diet (CON and CONplus) or experimental diets supplemented with 0.15 ml PSO/day (G and Gplus), 1% BME ad libitum (M and Mplus) and PSO and BME jointly (GM and GMplus). Breast cancer was induced by administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in the amount of 80 mg/kg body weight in the 50th day of life. After 21 weeks of supplementation livers, as main organs responsible for lipids metabolism, were subjected to either GC-TOFMS (cholesterol and oxysterols) or UPLC-PDA (tocopherols and MDA) chromatographic analyzes.

Results and discussion

Both dietary supplements and DMBA administration resulted in significant increase of total cholesterol content. In contrast, levels of two of four determined oxysterols: 7α - hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol β-epoxide were the lowest in groups supplemented with PSO and exposed to DMBA. Significant differences in tocopherol content were demonstrated for two of four detected compounds: g-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl acetate. The level of g-tocopherol in G group was significantly higher in relation to Mplus and Gplus groups. In case of α -tocopheryl acetate, differences were observed between two control groups (CON and CONplus), but its content in CONplus group was significantly higher. In physiological state applied supplements reduced MDA levels in livers, whereas in pathological conditions PSO significantly increased MDA content in hepatic tissue of Gplus and GMplus groups.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate that applied dietary supplementation, as well as cancerous process, can modify the levels of cholesterol and intensity of oxidative processes. It seems, that oxidative stress, associated with cancer development, modifies the intensity of oxidative processes in livers to a greater extent than examined dietary supplements.

* This work was partially supported by National Science Centre, Poland (grant number 2018/02/X/NZ9/01770)
Consuming coffee with milk and sugar added before a high glycemic index meal improves postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses
Authors: Wong Tommy Hon Ting , Wan Jennifer Man Fan , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu
Published: June 2020

Literature regarding the health effect of coffee consumption was contradicting, whereby it was found to protect against type 2 diabetes while inducing acute glucose intolerance. Previous studies suggested that adding sugar and milk into coffee may alter the effect of its consumption on glucose metabolism, potentially explaining the contradiction, but this is seldom investigated. This study aimed at assessing the effect of adding milk and sugar into coffee on the postprandial glycemic metabolism after a subsequent, high glycemic index (GI) meal. A total of 11 apparently healthy adults were recruited for this randomized, cross-over acute feeding study. In each experimental session, overnight-fasted participants consumed one cup of the following drinks: espresso (35 ml), instant, boiled, and decaffeinated coffee (all 150 ml). Then they consumed a high GI meal and blood samples were collected every 15–30 minutes in the subsequent two hours. Each type of coffee was tested for 3 times, twice with 50 g low-fat milk and 7.5 g white sugar added (i.e. white coffee) and once without (i.e. black coffee). Postprandial levels of glucose, insulin, and active GLP-1, as well as the incremental area-under-curve (iAUC) of the biomarkers, were compared between black and white coffee, with baseline measurements as a covariate. Results showed that the peak glucose level after the meal was lower in white coffee sessions than black coffee sessions, regardless of coffee types. The difference was the greatest between black and white decaffeinated coffee (mean difference from baseline ± SEM, white coffee: 2.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L; black coffee: 3.3 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.019). The mean glucose iAUC of white coffee sessions was significantly smaller than black coffee sessions for all coffee types except for instant coffee (all p < 0.05). The peak insulin levels between black and white coffees were not significantly different, yet white decaffeinated coffee had a 35% smaller mean insulin iAUC than black decaffeinated coffee (p = 0.025). The active GLP-1 levels were not significantly different between black and white coffee sessions. These results showed that prior ingestion of coffee with milk and sugar added attenuated the glucose response after the subsequent meal, compared with drinking black coffee beforehand. Our results may provide an explanation for the conflicting literature regarding the protective effects of coffee consumption against type 2 diabetes.
NUTRIOSE® fibre is fermented in the colon inducing a modulation of genes expression involved in glucose metabolism and membrane integrity
Authors: Perreau Caroline , Albert Marie , Sergent Julie , Bitane Vincent , Scotte Aimée , Vazhappilly Rema , Desailly Fabrice , Ringard Florence , Herbomez Anne-Charlotte , Guérin-Deremaux Laetitia , Thabuis Clémentine
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Resistant dextrins are glucose polymers with atypical linkages making them non-digestible in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. NUTRIOSE® is slightly digested in the small intestine and then, progressively fermented in the colon. The objective of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects resulting from the colonic fermentation of NUTRIOSE® and the underlying mechanism of action in rats.

Materials & Methods:

This experiment was conducted according to the French Regulations for Animal Experimentation and authorized under the project Number 00619.01. After acclimatisation on maintaining diet, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats were blocked by body weight and randomly split into 2 groups. The control group was given a fibre-free diet where corn starch was used to replace fibre and the experimental group was supplemented with 10% NUTRIOSE®. Feces were collected for enzymatic activities measurement. Caecal contents were collected so as caecal cell walls and colon biopsies for gene expression analysis.

Results:

The significant increases in caecal content weight (p < 0.001) fecal activity of saccharolytic enzymes (p < 0.05) and the decrease in caecal pH (p < 0.001) after the supplementation of NUTRIOSE® suggested its fermentation in the colon and caecum. It is also known from literature that NUTRIOSE® fermentation leads to higher levels of short chain fatty acids including higher levels of propionate and butyrate. This enhanced fermentation induced several positive impacts in the colon such as an increased caecal wall weight (p < 0.001) demonstrating beneficial effect on colon epithelial cells, an up-regulation of genes involved in membrane integrity (occludin (p = 0.01), ZO-1(p = 0.01)), and a positive impact on genes involved in inflammation (Tnf-α (p = 0.03), FOXP3 (p = 0.01)). The present study demonstrated the positive effects of NUTRIOSE® supplementation on glucose metabolism through the up-regulation of PEPCK in the colon (p < 0.001). This effect may also be mediated by the up-regulation of the GPR41 receptor in the colon (p < 0.001) and probably activated by butyrate.

Conclusions:

All together, these results confirmed that NUTRIOSE® is well fermented in the colon and that these fermentations may be associated with beneficial impacts on colonic epithelial integrity, inflammation and neoglucogenesis. Here we demonstrate a putative mechanism of action of NUTRIOSE® to improve the colonic health which is through the production of butyrate and the resulting activation of GPR41 receptor. Thus, this study helps us to understand the physiological impact of NUTRIOSE® fermentation in colon to produce several health benefits as observed in clinical studies.
Multivitamins and Nutritional Adequacy in Middle-Aged to Older Americans by Obesity Status
Authors: Frankenfeld Cara L. , Wallace Taylor C.
Published: June 2020

Multivitamins are the most commonly consumed dietary supplement in the United States and worldwide. Micronutrient insufficiency and clinical deficiency are more common in middle-aged to older adults, and multivitamin use has been shown to improve status in this population. This analysis aimed to assess contributions of sporadic and consistent multivitamin use to total usual micronutrient intakes and associated nutritional biomarkers among middle-aged to older U.S. adults age 351 years, stratified by obesity status. Self-reported dietary intake and laboratory measures from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in these analyses. The National Cancer Institute method was used to assess usual intakes of 18 micronutrients. Compared with food alone, multivitamin use was associated with a lower prevalence of inadequacies and improved nutritional biomarker status for folate, iodine, selenium, and vitamins B6, B12, and D. Consistent use decreased the prevalence of inadequacy for most micronutrients assessed, except for those micronutrients typically not found (or in miniscule amounts) in standard multivitamin products. In addition to a lower prevalence of inadequacy for many micronutrients associated with consistent use of multivitamins, sporadic use decreased the prevalence of inadequacy for a greater number of micronutrients in obese versus nonobese individuals. Multivitamin use (sporadic and consistent) also increased the proportion of individuals who exceeded the tolerable upper intake level for folic acid to 8–10%. Nutritional biomarker data indicate that obese individuals may be at greater risk of clinical deficiency in vitamins B6and D. Use of gender- and age-specific multivitamins may serve as a practical means to increase micronutrient status and decrease prevalences of clinical deficiency in the middle-aged to older population, particularly in those who are obese.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Effect on Body Weight and Body Composition in Women (Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis).
Authors: Hamdallah Hanady , Elyse Ireland H. , Williams John
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a food supplement that is proposed as an anti-obesity supplement in animal and human studies. Animal studies have shown a significant anti-obesity effect of CLA, but results in humans were inconsistent, where some of the studies found an anti-obesity effect while other studies failed to find any decline in obesity markers after CLA supplementation. This meta-analysis aimed to determine if oral CLA supplementation has been shown to reduce obesity-related markers in women.

Method:

Pub Med, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were used to identify the eligible trials using two main searching strategies: the first one was to search eligible trials using keywords “Conjugated linoleic acid”, “CLA”, “Women”, and the second strategy was to extract the eligible trials from previously published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The eligible trials were placebo control trials where women supplemented with CLA mixture in the form of oral capsules for 6 months or less. Furthermore, eligible trials reported body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), total body fat (TBF), percentage body fat (BF%), and/ or lean body mass (LBM). The quality of each included study was assessed using both JADAD scale and an adapted CONSERT checklist.

Results:

Meta-analysis of 8 eligible trials showed that CLA supplementation was significantly associated with reduced BW (Mean ± SD, 1.2 ± 0.26 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (0.6 ± 0.13kg/m2, p < 0.001) and TBF (0.76 ± 0.26 kg, p = 0.003) in women, when supplemented over 6–16 weeks. Subgroup meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in BW (1.29 ± 0.31 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (0.60 ± 0.14 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and TBF (0.82 ± 0.28 kg, p = 0.003) in the trials that had recruited overweight-obese women. The second subgroup meta-analysis, that considered the menopausal status of the participants, found that CLA was significantly associated with reduced BW (1.35 ± 0.37 kg, p < 0.001; 1.05 ± 0.36 kg, p = 0.003) and BMI (0.50 ± 0.17 kg/m2, p = 0.003; 0.75 ± 0.2 kg/m2, p < 0.001) in both pre and post-menopausal age women, respectively. A reduction in TBF (1.09 ± 0.37 kg, p = 0.003) was only significant in post-menopausal women.

Discussion:

This meta-analysis suggests a moderate anti-obesity effect of CLA on BW, BMI and TBF reduction in women, when supplemented over 6–16 weeks, particularly in overweight-obese women and post-menopausal women. More well-designed trials are required to confirm this meta-analysis results.
Development of novel Vitamin B12 fortified yogurts using isolated and microencapsulated Vitamin B12
Authors: Melo Larisse , Ng Clementine , Tsang Ricky , Singh Anubhav Pratap , Kitts David , Lamers Yvonne
Published: June 2020

Adults aged > 50 years, which make up to 40% of the European population, are vulnerable to low vitamin B12 (B12) status due to age-related factors that impair digestion and absorption of protein-bound B12 from natural food sources. Older adults are recommended to meeting their dietary B12 intake through the consumption of B12-fortified foods or supplements because these products contain free B12. B12 seems most bioavailable from milk products compared to other food sources, showcasing dairy as a potential vehicle for B12 food fortification. Yogurt is a versatile, popular dairy product, making it a promising food vehicle for B12 fortification to enhance the availability of B12-fortified foods for population groups at risk of B12 deficiency. With the overall goal to develop a novel, B12-fortified dairy product, the objective of this project was to compare the shelf-life stability of different chemical forms of B12 added to yogurt either in isolated or in encapsulated form. For both fortification strategies, we compared methylcobalamin (MeCB), a naturally-occurring B12 form, and cyanocobalamin (CnCB), the synthetic form of B12. Encapsulated microparticles were created by spray-drying a maize starch-derived polymeric material (EUDRAGUARD Natural®) with 1% (w/V) MeCB or CnCB. The release of B12 from encapsulated microparticles was confirmed by in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion; maximum B12 release (103% recovery) was achieved under conditions simulating the small intestine, where B12 is absorbed in the human body. Yogurts were produced by incubating whole milk (3.25% milk fat) with yogurt starter bacteria at 43°C overnight; after fermentation and cooling down, isolated (I-MeCB or I-CnCB) or encapsulated B12 powders (E-MeCB or E-CnCB) in the concentration of 50μg of B12/175 g of yogurt were added, creating stirred yogurt. Yogurts were stored at 4°C for eight weeks, with intermittent sampling for B12 stability testing using RIDASCREEN immunoassay. For CnCB-fortified yogurts, I-CnCB and E-CnCB had similar B12 concentrations at baseline (48.3μg and 48.2μg, respectively) and week 8 (53.9μg and 51.4μg, respectively). Difference in B12 content between I-CnCB and E-CnCB was < 5% for both time-points. For MeCB, similar concentrations were found for I-MeCB (64.1μg) and E-MeCB (65.0μg) at baseline; however, at week 8, E-MeCB remained stable (69.8μg) while a pronounced decrease in B12 was observed with I-MeCB (33.3μg). At week 8, I-MeCB B12 concentrations were 52% lower than E-MeCB. In conclusion, CnCB was shown to be the more stable fortificant throughout shelf-life. Encapsulation techniques are a viable option to increase MeCB stability in fortified yogurts.
Dietary carbohydrates as a means to prevent obesity and adipose tissue inflammation
Authors: Vercalsteren Ellen , Vranckx Christine , Frederix Liesbeth , Gooijen Max , Scroyen Ilse
Published: June 2020

When obesity arises, adipose tissue (AT) expands and shifts to an influx of pro-inflammatory cells, leading to a state of chronic AT-inflammation.Furthermore, a western diet (WD) modulates the gut microbiome, increasing intestinal permeability. This facilitates the translocation of endotoxins and even entire bacteria into the blood stream, further contributing to the pro-inflammatory state. Even though it is evident a WD, high in fat and carbohydrates (CHO), can cause AT-inflammation, it is still unclear if fat or CHO is the main inducer. Therefore, we are currently investigating the effect of different CHO-types on AT-inflammation.

During 15 weeks, male C57BL/6JRj mice were kept on several diets, consisting of high-fructose (HFRD), high-sucrose-high-fructose (HCFD), high-starch (HSTD) or a WD (n = 10 per group). Weekly monitoring of body weight and food intake was followed by analyses of visceral AT-inflammation. Kruskal-wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.

Mice on HSTD and HCD had gained significantly less body weight compared to mice on WD after 15 weeks of diet. Mice on HSTD also gained significantly less body weight compared to mice on HFRD and HCFD. Moreover, mice on HSTD and HCD also had significantly smaller AT-depots as compared to mice on WD. Total plasma cholesterol as well as HDL and LDL levels were significantly lower in mice on HSTD and on HCD as compared to mice on WD. Gene expression analysis revealed a significantly lower expression of several pro-inflammatory markers (F4/80, Arg1, Mannose receptor, TNF, MCP1 and Saa3) in AT of mice on HSTD and on HCD compared to a WD. A HSTD also induced lower AT-expression of MCP1 and Saa3 than a HCFD and Saa3 expression was also significantly lower in the HSTD-group compared to the HFRD-group. Furthermore, Foxp3 expression, a marker for anti-inflammatory Treg cells, was significantly increased in AT of all CHO-diet fed mice as compared to the WD-group.

In conclusion, these data suggest that certain dietary carbohydrates, in contrast to a WD, do not induce obesity or AT-inflammation, including lower gene expression of Saa3. It is stated that a WD induces Saa3 expression not only in AT, but also in the colon. Furthermore, since Saa3 is able to bind bacteria and is associated with inflammation, further research is necessary to investigate Saa3 as a possible link between disturbances in the gut microbiota and AT-inflammation.
Effects of a multivitamin/mineral supplement on subjective energy ratings and substrate metabolism during demanding exercise and cognitive tasks
Authors: Dodd Fiona , Kennedy David , Stevenson Emma , Veasey Rachel , Walker Karen , Reed Stephen , Jackson Philippa , Haskell-Ramsay Crystal
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Vitamins and minerals play an essential role within many cellular processes including energy production and metabolism. Biochemical changes and heightened metabolic demands lead to increases in the requirement for certain micronutrients alongside higher excretion of micronutrients through waste products, such as sweat and urine. Previously, supplementation with a multivitamin/mineral (MVM) for ≥ 28 days resulted in improvements to cognition and subjective state. Shifts in metabolism have also been demonstrated during cognitively demanding tasks following MVM in females, both acutely and following 8-week supplementation, suggesting that enhanced recovery is possible following MVM supplementation. The current study aimed to assess these effects further in males and females using metabolically challenging exercise and cognitive tasks.

Materials and Methods

This randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel groups study investigated the effects of a MVM complex in 82 healthy young (18–35y) exercisers. Subjective ratings and substrate metabolism were assessed during 30 minutes each of increasingly effortful incremental exercise and demanding cognitive tasks. Assessments took place on acute study days following a single dose (Day 1) of MVM, containing 3 times recommended daily allowance of water-soluble vitamins plus CoQ10, and following 4-week supplementation (Day 28).

Results

Energy expenditure (EE) was increased during cognitive tasks following MVM across Day 1 and Day 28, with greater effects in males. In males, MVM also increased carbohydrate oxidation and EE during exercise across Day 1 and Day 28. In females, mental tiredness was lower during exercise; increases in physical tiredness following 30 minutes of exercise were attenuated; and stress ratings following cognitive tasks were reduced following MVM. In males, MVM only lowered mental tiredness following 10 minutes of exercise. Those receiving MVM also reported lower ratings of perceived exertion following 10 minutes of exercise. These effects were apparent irrespective of day, but effects on mental tiredness were greater on Day 28. Ferritin levels were also higher on Day 28 in those receiving MVM.

Discussion

These findings extend on existing knowledge, demonstrating increased carbohydrate oxidation and EE in males following MVM supplementation for the first time. Importantly, they show modulation of EE and subjective tiredness following a single dose, providing further evidence for acute effects of MVM. Differential effects in men and women suggest that whilst males expend more energy, females may conserve their energy but report lower tiredness instead, demonstrating that sex may play an important role in the effects of MVM on energy metabolism and should be considered in future research.
Obesity on the wards, much more than weight management: descriptive characteristics of an obese cohort in a Dublin teaching hospital
Authors: Loughnane Teresa , McKiernan Mary
Published: June 2020

A study by Kent et al (Lancet Public Health, 2017), found a clear relationship between body weight and hospital admissions. In a recent observational study by Agarwal et al (Clinical Nutrition, 2018), one-in-three non-critically ill malnourished obese adults had poor food intake in hospital, and malnourished obese were least likely to receive nutrition support. The aim of this review was to describe the characteristics of obese inpatients referred to the dietitian and the range of nutritional care plans required. Data was collected retrospectively from dietetic records of inpatients with Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) > 35 kg / m2, who were nutritionally assessed by the registered dietitian, in a 12 month period. Data included age, sex, weight, height, B.M.I. and length of stay, as well as diagnosis, comorbidities and their nutritional management. Institutional approval was obtained for this data review. 45 patients with B.M.I. > 35 kg / m2 (30 men and 15 women) were referred to the dietitian during the time period, admitted under both medical (78%) and surgical (22%) specialities. Mean age was 58yrs (range 27–83yrs), mean BMI was 43 kg / m2 (range 35–59.4 kg / m2), 55% were morbidly obese (BMI > 40 kg / m2). Patients had multiple comorbidities requiring nutritional intervention to optimise management. 78% had Diabetes Mellitus: 57 % were on insulin. One third had renal impairment. One third had Congestive Cardiac Failure. 62% had respiratory complications, with 22% having spent time in intensive care. Following nutritional assessment, 78% required nutrition support to meet their nutritional requirements, of which 51 % required nasogastric feeding and 86% were on oral nutritional supplements. Of patients requiring nutrition support, 63% (22 patients) were also on a therapeutic diet, and 18% (8 patients) required texture modified diets. Of the patients not requiring nutrition support, 22% (n = 10):15% received nutritional education regarding diabetes and only 7% received weight management advice as inpatients. Median length of stay was 14.5 days (range 4–193 days), compared to a mean length of stay for medical and surgical patients of 10 days and 7.1 days respectively. Obese inpatients are a complicated cohort, who typically present with multiple comorbidities. They can have complex, multifocal nutritional needs and may struggle to meet their nutritional requirements as inpatients, leading to unintentional weight loss in the acute setting. This review highlights the importance of screening obese patients for malnutrition risk, and the need for early referral to the dietitian for nutritional assessment and individualised nutrition care plans.