bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of prebiotic supplementation in markers of intestinal permeability, pH and mucosal immunity
Authors: Torquati L. , Batool M. , Bowtell J. 
Published: December 2024

Gut microbiome fermentation of prebiotic fibre increases short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can stimulate mucosal B-cells to express secretory IgA in distant tissues(1,2), and can support gut barrier function. Secretory IgA levels have been associated with reduced upper-respiratory tract infections incidence in immune-compromised populations(3,4). However, it is not known if prebiotic supplementation would be effective in healthy adults. This study investigated whether inulin can increase mucosal immunity (sIgA) and intestinal permeability markers, alongside acceptability of intervention.Healthy adults (n = 23, BMI: 23.85 ± 3.2 kg.m-2, age: 33.4 ± 10.1 years) took part in this randomisedcontrolled cross-over trial. Participants were randomly allocated to inulin syrup (12g/day) or placebo syrup (20% diluted honey) for 2-weeks. This was followed by 2-weeks wash-out, and then conditions were switched for a final 2-week supplementation. Before and after each supplementation, faecal pH was measured with glass probe, and salivary sIgA and plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP, marker of intestinal permeability) were measured with ELISA kits. Time to provide 2ml of saliva through passive drooling was recorded, and used to calculate saliva flow (ml/min) and thus IgA secretion rate (μg/min). Participants were asked to report on their diet intake (4-day food diary) before and after each supplementation phase, as well as reporting on any respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms using a validated questionnaire. Differences between groups were analysed with one-way ANOVA on post outcome values, adjusted for outcome baseline values, and chi-squared for categorical data (SPSS software).There was a significant reduction in LBP levels in inulin compared to placebo condition (-3.15, 95%CI -5.18, -1.12; p = 0.03). Mean differences between groups (inulin vs placebo) were not significant (p> 0.10) for pH (0.43 95%CI −0.32,0.41) and IgA secretion rate (31.80 μg/min 95%CI 150.90, 87.29). Gastrointestinal symptoms were not different between groups (p>0.05), except for mild bloating/rumbling (reported in 70.8% inulin vs 44.4% placebo, p = 0.01). Respiratory symptoms were lower in inulin compared to placebo (runny nose 19.2% inulin vs 38.2%, p = 0.03). Inulin condition resulted in higher fibre intake compared to placebo, with no other differences in dietary intake (+5.43 g/day 95%CI 0.09, 10.86 p = 0.05). 90% of participants reported the intervention as acceptable and easy to follow.Inulin was well tolerated with minimal side effects of gastrointestinal bloating and rumbling. While markers of mucosal immunity did not change, intestinal permeability markers improved suggesting that in healthy populations prebiotic supplements can support gastrointestinal health but not necessarily improve mucosal immunity.
The effect on habitual dietary vitamin D intake of changing to a plant-based diet
Authors: Robertson TM , Baldwin C , Green E , Hammond F , Darling AL , Hart K , Raats MM , Li J , Martin C , Lanham-New SA , Warren MJ 
Published: December 2024

The number of people following a plant-based (PB) diet has increased in recent years. This has led to concerns regarding vitamin D intake, as natural dietary sources of vitamin D are primarily animal based(1) and cross-sectional studies have reported lower intakes amongst vegetarians and vegans(2). Some PB foods, primarily dairy alternatives, are now fortified with vitamin D. Whilst vitamin D is synthesised in the skin following exposure to UV light, this does not happen in the autumn and winter months in areas of northern latitude (such as the UK). Hence, dietary supply of vitamin D becomes particularly important. This study aimed to investigate whether it is possible to maintain dietary vitamin D intake when transitioning to a PB diet, through careful choice of PB alternatives.A subset of 4-day diet diaries, from 81 women (72 Caucasian and 9 South Asian, mean age 52 ± 12y) living in South East England, was randomly selected from those collected for the D-FINES study (Vitamin D, Food Intake, Nutrition and Exposure to Sunlight in Southern England, 2006–2007; FSA funded Project N05064, NHS REC 06/Q1909/1)(3)and analysed for vitamin D intake. No subjects followed an entirely PB diet at baseline. Data modelling was carried out to substitute animal-based foods with equivalent amounts of PB alternatives. For dairy products, the equivalent fortified PB alternatives were chosen. Meat, fish and eggs were replaced with equivalent amounts of protein from PB sources, such as lentils and tofu, as no fortified direct alternatives were found. The diaries were then re-analysed. Pre- and post-substitution intakes were compared by paired t test, and ethnic groups by independent t test.There were no differences in Vitamin D intake between ethnicities either at baseline (p = 0.087) or post-substitution (p = 0.361). Vitamin D intake increased in the South Asian group post-substitution (from 2.4 ± 1.3 to 4.3 ± 1.8 µg/day, p = 0.002), with no change observed in the Caucasian group (3.6 ± 2.0 to 3.7 ± 1.8 µg/day, p = 0.660). There was no difference between vitamin D intake pre- and post-substitution overall (3.5 ± 2.0 and 3.8 ± 1.8 µg/day respectively, p = 0.222). Twenty cases decreased by ≥1 µg/day, all in the Caucasian group, with the largest decrease being from 9.6 to 2.2 µg/day.This study demonstrates that it is possible to move to a PB diet, whilst maintaining existing dietary patterns, without a reduction in vitamin D intake, but it is largely dependent on dairy intake in the original diet, as no meat/fish substitutes in the UK are currently fortified. It also requires care when choosing PB dairy substitutions as many, including organic options, are not fortified. Mean daily intakes, both pre- and post-substitution, were substantially below the recommended intake of 10 µg/day(4), suggesting that supplementation may be necessary, particularly during winter months.
Comparison of mineral profiles between cows’ milk and plant-based beverages in the UK
Authors: Wall R.J. , Clegg M.E. , Smith L. , Cain L. M. , Stergiadis S. 
Published: December 2024

Cows’ milk (CM) and plant-based beverages (PBB), used as milk alternatives, are not nutritionally equivalent(1) and PBB composition is highly varied(2). However, assessing the potential nutritional risk for UK populations after dietary replacement of milk with PBB is challenging, because analytical determination of PBBs’ nutrient profiles is lacking(3). This study determined and compared the mineral concentrations of milk and PBB in the UK market.Ultra-heat treated and pasteurised samples (n = 178), including 20 brands of semi-skimmed milks and 69 brands of fortified PBBs (based on almond (17; ALMO), coconut (14; COCO), oat (19; OAT) and soya (20; SOYA)) were collected in summer 2023 and winter 2024. All PBB samples had added Ca and Na, but only 62 were fortified with I. Minerals concentration was determined using microwave assisted digestion, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (for microminerals) and inductively coupled plasma and mass spectrometry (for trace elements and heavy metals). Data were analysed using Minitab®22.1, with linear mixed effects models using ingredient, thermal treatment and season, and their interactions, as fixed factors, and brand ID as a random factor.The main ingredient affected all mineral concentrations (p<0.001), except Ca and Co. SOYA had more Mg than milk (+27.5mg/kg), and milk had more Mg than ALMO, COCO, and OAT (+41.783.3mg/kg). Milk and SOYA had more P and K than other PBB (P, +411 mg/kg and +381mg/kg; K, +920 mg/kg, and +631 mg/kg, respectively). Milk had less Na than PBB (-126-64 mg/kg) with the exception of COCO. Milk contained more I (+157-200.4 µg/kg) and Zn (+1.41-3.71 mg/kg) than PBB. SOYA contained more Cu, Mg, and Mo than other PBB (for Cu 65-70 mg/kg; for Mn +1.00-1.06 mg/kg; for Mo +46-93.5 µg/kg, respectively) and milk (Cu +0.77 mg/kg; Mn +1.44 mg/kg; Mo +84.1 µg/kg). Overall, SOYA contained the most Cd, Cr, and Ni (although difference to OAT was not significant for Cr and Ni), while milk had the lowest concentration of Cd. Concentrations of Mg, P, Cu, I, Mn, Mo, and Co varied according to season (P<0.05). When compared with summer, winter PBB and milk had more Mg (+4.4 mg/kg), Cu (+0.04 mg/kg), I (+41 µg/kg), and Mo (+9.8 µg/kg), but less P (-76 mg/kg), Mn (−0.08 mg/kg), Zn (−0.21 mg/kg), and Co (-5.21 μg/kg). There were no differences in mineral concentrations due to thermal processing (UHT, pasteurisation; P>0.05).The minerals composition of fortified PBB varied between main ingredient, and compared to milk, and seasonal variation was high. To prevent micronutrient inadequacies from the substitution of milk for PBB (in particular for I and Zn), consumers should be aware of differences in the intrinsic nutrient composition between PBB derived from different ingredients and milk, as this study showed and adopt suitable dietary and supplementation adjustments.
Blood pressure by age group in type 2 diabetics mellitus users of primary health care centres in Copiapó (Chile): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rojas J , Fernández-Cao JC. , Doepking C. , Aguirre C , Fernández G. , Trigo D. , Cremer K. , Vergara G. , Varas N. , Cuadra C. , Garrido V. , Quinteros M , Rojas C 
Published: December 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a serious worldwide public health problem due to its high prevalence. In Chile, 1.7 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, of which 90% are type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases(1). It is well known that blood pressure (BP) control is essential to prevent future complications and to ensure a positive prognosis for this disease (2). Moreover, studies in Chile have shown a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) levels in T2DM subjects compared to the non-diabetic Chilean population (3). Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare SBP and DBP levels according to age group in T2DM patients of primary health care centres (PHCC) in Copiapó, Chile.Cross-sectional study within the CODIACO cohort. Data were collected from April to August 2023 on 161 patients with T2DM from eight PHCCs of Copiapó. Patients diagnosed with T2DM, of both sexes and aged between 30 and 65 years were included. Pregnant and lactating women, patients with diabetic neuropathy or nephropathy, cancer and severe inflammatory or infectious diseases were excluded. To estimate BP, three measurements were taken every five minutes. Three age groups were established: ≤ 50 (n = 36), 50-60 (n = 74) and ≥ 60 years old (n = 51). Blood pressure results were expressed as mean and standard deviation of mmHg unit. Normal distribution was analysed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test corrected for Lilliefors. In addition, the one-way ANOVA test was used to compare SBP and DBP between age groups. Bonferroni was used for post hoc testing. A P-value < 0.050 was considered statistically significant. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The study was conducted according to the ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent modifications. The CODIACO study was approved by the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of the University of Atacama. The project was funded by FONDECYT N° 11180794The mean of systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the ≤ 50, 50-60 and ≥ 60 year groups, was 123.92 ± 14.38; 133.23 ± 18.36; 135.88 ± 15.02 mmHg (p = 0.003); respectively. Bonferroni test indicated a significant difference in SBP between the group ≤50 and 50-60 (p = 0.019) and ≥60 year groups (p = 0.003), but not between 50-60 and ≥60 year groups (p = 1.000). The ANOVA did not show a significant difference in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between groups (p = 1.000).The results suggest that SBP levels of T2DM patients in PHCCs of Copiapó are higher in older age groups (50-60 and ≥60y) compared to the younger age group ≤50y). No significant differences were found in DBP.
Understanding Searches for ‘Weight Loss’ Using Google Trends
Authors: Iqbal M. , Morris M.A. , Cade J.E. 
Published: December 2024

It is common for individuals to seek information online when facing health and nutritional problems, particularly those with lower education level and nutritional knowledge(1). One way to access such information is through search engines, with Google being the most popular, currently used by 92% of the world’s population, with an average of 85.59 billion monthly visits(2). Google Trends is a tool provided by Google, freely accessible, allowing users to observe patterns in internet searches(3). The aim of this study is to identify patterns to predict trends related to weight loss at specific times.Data were extracted from Google Trends over the past 20 years, from 2004 to 2024, using the keywords “weight loss” and “diet.” In Google Trends, users may input a keyword consisting of words or phrases that are relevant to the chosen issue or cases. The duration of time that users wish to examine can be specified. Furthermore, users can explore geographical regions or search worldwide. Figures generated represent search interest based on the highest points on the graph for specific regions and times. The popularity of search terms is relative and depends on the category: search term or topic. Data is normalised and presented on a scale from 0-100, where each point on the graph is divided by the highest point, or 100. A value of 100 indicates peak popularity, 50 indicates half popularity, and 0 indicates insufficient data for the term.Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing trend in searches for websites using the keyword “weight loss,” with an average interest score of 31. This differs from the keyword “diet,” which has shown a tendency towards stagnation in popularity, although it briefly peaked with a score of 100 in early 2014 and has an average interest score of 53. Both keywords exhibit similar search patterns, reaching their highest peaks each year in January and lowest points in December.For the keyword “weight loss,” the most searches were from South Africa (100), Romania (96), and Vietnam (91), while the lowest were from Italy (4), Japan (5), and the Netherlands (9). For the keyword “diet,” the most searches were from Poland (100), Kuwait (87), and Greece (85), while the lowest were from Japan (2), Thailand (7), and France (11). Users also searched for other related topics or queries including ozempic and intermitten fasting.Our data indicates a consistent increasing trend in searches for weight loss over the last 20 years via Google Trends. New Year resolutions may be linked to peak searches which occur in January. While this data may prove useful for researchers and policymakers, further validation of its validity and reliability is necessary.
Pulse-rich diets and risk of cardiovascular diseases: findings from the UK Biobank prospective study
Authors: Olotu O.A , Kaimila Y , Clegg M.E , Jackson K.G , Lovegrove J.A 
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and stroke, are a leading cause of death globally and significantly impact quality of life(1). Current guidance suggests increasing the consumption of pulses rich in fibre and iron, to reduce CVD risk(2). However, longterm observational studies investigating pulse consumption and CVD incidence are limited(3). In the current analysis, the UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study of over 500,000 UK adults was used to investigate the association between pulse consumption and CVD incidence(4).A total of 119,914 (males: 51,540 and females: 68,374) participants with ≥ two 24-hour dietary recalls, not pregnant and free from CVD at baseline were included. Total CVD was defined as IHD and cerebrovascular diseases. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the incidence of CVD by pulse consumption, reported as hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pulse consumption was modelled as a categorical variable with non-consumers (0g/day, n = 76,531) and 3 tertiles (T) of pulse intake T1 (1-20.4g/day, n = 14,785); T2 (20.5-40g/day, n = 14,015); T3 (40.5-360g/day, n = 14,583). The fully adjusted model was controlled for sex, age, dietary energy, region, ethnicity, smoking status, physical activity level, education, income, employment, body mass index (BMI), alcohol intake, supplement use, processed red meat intake, sodium intake and trans-fatty acids intake, family history of stroke, heart disease and diabetes, insulin use, blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medication use. The analysis was performed in STATA 18.The cohort had a mean ± SD age of 55.9 ± 7.8 years, BMI of 26.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and pulse intake of 13.2 ± 24.3 g/day. There were 8,937 incidences of CVD after a mean follow-up of 12.4 years. Compared with non-consumers, pulse intake was not significantly associated with the incidence of total CVD, T1 (HR: 0.95, CI: 0.89–1.01),T2 (HR: 0.98, CI: 0.92–1.05), T3 (HR: 0.97; CI: 0.91–1.04).In conclusion, pulse-rich diets were not significantly associated with a lower total CVD incidence in middle-aged adults participating in the UK Biobank compared to non-consumers. Further work will model the replacement of red and processed meat with pulses on CVD incidence and mortality.Funding was received from BBSRC (BB/W017946) for the project “Raising the Pulse: Systems analysis of the environmental, nutritional and health balance of staple foods”. This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource under application number [101928].
Diet quality according to age group of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus from primary health care centres in Copiapó (Chile)
Authors: Fernández-Cao JC , Doepking C , Rojas Calisto J , Aguirre C , Vigorena A , Quinteros M , Vergara G , Varas N , Cuadra C , Garrido V , Bustos M , Rojas C 
Published: December 2024

Globally, 537 million adults (20-79 years) had diabetes mellitus in 2021 (10.5%), and the estimate is projected to rise to over 643 million (11.3%) by 2030 (1). The estimated prevalence for Chile was 12.7%, 90–95% of which were type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases (1). In the last decades, it has been shown the importance of diet quality in the management and prognosis of T2DM (2). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate diet quality in subjects with T2DM from primary health care centres (PHCC) in Copiapo according to age group.A cross-sectional study was performed within the CODIACO cohort, with data collected on 160 participants during 2023. This population-based study involved women and men from 30 to 65 years, with T2DM, and users of PHCCs of Copiapo. Pregnant and lactating women, patients with diabetic neuropathy or nephropathy, cancer, and severe infectious or inflammatory diseases were excluded. Sociodemographic data were recorded, and diet quality was measured through a Mediterranean dietary index (MDI) validated in the Chilean population (3). Participants were categorised by age (≤ 50 years, 50-60 years, ≥ 60 years). The following categories were considered for MDI score: high (9-14 points), moderate (5-8.5 points), and low (<5 points) adherence. One-factor analysis of variance with the Bonferroni correction test and Chi-square test were used to assess differences in MDI according to age groups. The results were expressed as percentages or mean and standard deviation. A p-value of less than 0.050 was considered statistically significant. The CODIACO study was approved by the Scientific Ethics Committee of the University de Atacama. The project was funded by FONDECYT (N° 11180794).The mean age of the participants was 55.64 ± 7.48 years, and the MDI score was 6.28 (moderate diet quality). 19.4% of subjects (≤ 50 years, 13.7% of those aged 50-60 years, and 27.5% of those ≥ 60 years had low diet quality. Moderate diet quality was found in the majority of individuals from the three groups, with 72.2%, 78.1%, and 60.8%, respectively. Only 8.3% of the subjects ≤ 50 years, 8.2% of those aged 50-60 years, and 11.8% of those ≥ 60 years had high diet quality. No significant differences were observed between the means of the MDI scores of each group (p = 0.578), nor in the proportion of subjects with low, medium or high diet quality in each group (p = 0.325).The findings of the present study showed subjects with T2DM and users of the PHCCs of Copiapo (Chile) had a moderate diet quality, mainly. The proportion of patients with low, moderate, and high diet quality was similar among those ≤ 50 years, those 50-60 years, and those ≥ 60 years. Further investigations are needed to evaluate in depth the diet in this population.
Food consumption frequency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus users from primary health care centres of Copiapo (Chile)
Authors: Fernández-Cao JC , Doepking C , Rojas J , Cayo V , Barraza A , Vigorena A , Correa G , Cremer K , Aguirre C , Rojas C 
Published: December 2024

Currently, diabetes mellitus is a major health problem affecting 12.7% of people between ages 20 and 79 years in Chile, 90-95% of whom have type 2 diabetes mellitus(1). Diet is a cornerstone in the management of this pathology(2). Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the food consumption frequency in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and users of primary health care centres in Copiapo (Chile).A cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 participants of the control of diabetes cohort (CODIACO) study in 2023. Women and men from 30 to 65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and users of primary health care centres of Copiapo were selected for the investigation. Pregnant and lactating women, and patients with diabetic neuropathy/nephropathy, cancer, and severe infectious or inflammatory diseases were excluded. It was administered a questionnaire about the frequency of consumption of certain food groups (fresh fruits; raw, cooked, precooked and frozen vegetables; nuts; legumes; blue and white fish; seafood; red and white meats; viscera; sausages; sweet ultra-processed foods; water; juices; carbonated drinks; coffee and tea), recording the frequency with which they were consumed (never, seldom, occasionally and usually). The results were expressed as mean and standard deviation or percentages. The CODIACO study was approved by the Scientific Ethics Committee of the University de Atacama. The project was funded by FONDECYT (N° 11180794).The age of the 160 participants was 55.64 ± 7.48 years. Usual consumption of raw or cooked vegetables (80.0%), fresh fruit (71.3%), legumes (55.6%), and white meat (75.0%) was reported by the great majority of the individuals. To a lesser extent, nuts (36.3%), white fish (31.9%), blue fish (30.6%), and red meat (30.0%) were also widely consumed on a regular way in these subjects. In contrast, pre-cooked (66.9%), frozen vegetables (57.6%), seafood (55.0%), sausages (65.7%), offal (84.4%), juices (55.7%), carbonated beverages (65.0%) and coffee (57.2%) were seldom or never consumed, mostly.The results suggest relatively regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and white meats in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, users of primary health care centres in Copiapo (Chile). Otherwise, viscera, sausages, and precooked and frozen vegetables, as well as juices and carbonated beverages seem to be relatively little consumed in this population. Additional studies are required to know in depth the dietary habits of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the north of Chile.