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According to the scientific literature, alcohol effects on health are dose-dependent, since beneficial effects have been observed when consumed at moderate level compared to abstinence or excessive consumption, in both observational and interventional studies. There are specifically two components in fermented beverages, mainly related to the beneficial effects on health when consumed in a moderate amount, namely polyphenolic compounds and ethanol. Indeed, a higher bone density has been reported in several studies, which has been associated to its polyphenolic compounds. Regarding cardiovascular and immunological effects, both polyphenols and ethanol seem to account for the anti-inflammatory andantioxidant functions.Promising research in the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages have reported that the polyphenolic fraction of fermented drinks could benefit the gut microbiota composition and thus, host metabolism and health, suggesting that particularly, beer could be a new target for microbiome-based studies.However, it is very important to highlight that the moderate amount of beer must be consumed within an adequate lifestyle in order to avoid possible risks to develop non-communicable diseases, which are more and more frequent during the last three decades. And finally, the last message, albeit the possible benefits of the moderate consumption of fermented alcohol beverages, there are no recommendations to consume alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is currently a great controversy about the lack of definition regarding the concept of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages from the point of view of health, since, in turn, it should be a socially accepted consumption. Although still there is not a global agreement about the definition of "moderate consumption", it is considered as such the amount below 10-12 g alcohol/day for women and no more than 20-24g alcohol/day for men. These differences are because that women are not capable as men to metabolise alcohol. According to the scientific evidence, moderate consumption of beer seems to be accepted to maintain an adequate quality of the diet, as it provides vitamins B (vitamin B6, B12 and folates) and minerals (magnesium) among other nutrients, as well as poliphenols and complex carbohydrates. In terms of health, a moderate beer consumption may play a protective role at cardiovascular levels, associated with an enhanced lipid profile. It should be highlighted the possible beneficial effects of a moderate consumption of fermented beverages (such as beer) is associated with other factors, such as gender, age, as well as the pattern of consumption throughout life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a major public health issue as it is related to several chronic disorders, including type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipemia, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, among others. Novel research shows that the gut microbiota is involved in obesity and metabolic disorders, revealing that obese animal and human subjects have alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota compared to their lean counterparts. Moreover, it has been observed in germ-free mice that transplantation of the microbiota of either obese or lean mice influences body weight, suggesting that the gut ecosystem is a relevant target for weight management. Certain strains of probiotics may regulate body weight by influencing the host's metabolic, neuroendocrine and immune functions. Taken together, our knowledge about the influence of gut microbiota on obesity is progressing. Therefore, modulation of its composition through probiotics may provide new opportunities to manage overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: It is known that the HLA genotype can explain about a 40% of the genetic risk of celiac disease (CD), thus, other genetic predisposing factors as well as factors that subtly modulate T cell activation and differentiation need to be studied. This includes environmental factors that are currently believed to impact on the immune system and gut microbiota development. AIM: To assess the associations between early environmental factors (EEF), lymphocyte subsets, and intestinal microbiota composition in infants at familial risk for CD. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SUBJECTS: Fifty-five 4 month-old infants with at least a first-degree relative suffering CD. Infants were classified according to type of delivery, mother's antibiotic intake during pregnancy and during labor, milk-feeding practices, early infections and antibiotic intake, rotavirus vaccine administration, and allergy incidence within the first 18 months of life. METHODS: Lymphocyte subsets and gut microbiota composition were studied at the age of 4 months. RESULTS: Formula feeding and infant's infections were associated with higher CD3+, CD4+, CD4+CD38+, CD4+CD28+ and CD3+CD4+CD45RO+ counts (P0.01). Infant s infections were also associated with higher CD4+CD25+, CD4+HLA-DR+ and NK cell counts (P0.01). Cesarean delivery and rotavirus vaccine administration were associated with lower percentage of CD4+CD25+ cells. Infant's antibiotic intake was associated and correlated with lower counts of Bifidobacterium longum and higher counts of Bacteroides fragilis group. CONCLUSIONS: Infant s infections and antibiotic intake in the first 4 months of life are the EEF more strongly and/or frequently associated to lymphocyte subpopulations and microbiota composition, respectively, in infants at risk of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]